Braves

By wiki

January 23, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

1st?

By PABravefan

January 23, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Yes a new post!!! I sit her in Central PA searching the internet everyday for new info, and this site is my starting point! I can’t wait until this season starts!

By Land-Man

January 23, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore smells.

By mike

January 23, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I really like what Frank Wren has done. I don’t see any weaknesses at all on this team but there are two question marks for me. Can Mark Kostsay bounce back and can Will Ohman be effective at least until Gonzalez comes back? If those two things happen in addition to good starting pitching it will be a great year for Braves fans. I honestly believe that Kelly Johnson and Escobar are going to be good table setters and that Mccann and Francoeur are going to blossom into big stars. I also expect Chipper Jones to play at least 140 games and have a monster year with Texeira and him having runners on base all year long. Should be fun, can’t wait

By Lee in S. GA

January 23, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Thanks a new blog. I would also not put much faith in Hampton contributing much to the 08 Braves. Just consider it a bonus if he pitches around 10 games.

By Mike

January 23, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Good call on the Whigs, just previewed it. Nothing like indulging two great passions, baseball and music at the same time. Thanks for the updated post.

By 22oz

January 23, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

What angers me about American Idol is the fact that the judges seem surprised when somebody is terrible. Its called a filter! Have somebody stand at the door, asking people to sing a line. You’d have about 98% turned away, and save a heck of alot of time. What angers me even more is that my wife likes it.

I do like the Braves chances this year too, but i’m a blindly loyal fan who says that every January!

By Ron Roberts

January 23, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Been away from the blog a good bit over the offseason, Dave, but good stuff, as usual. What is the latest on Mike Hampton, anyhow? Is there a best-case scenario for his return? Will he pitch spring training ball?

By RichmondDawg

January 23, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I am really excited about the potential of this season, but that is what every February holds. I am hoping that they can all play to their potential and the season will last into October. The 3 “old men” need to bring all they have, and the young guys need to learn all they can from Smolts and Glavine one last time around. Our offence will be fine if Chipper can stay healthy. Lets get football finished so my favorite sport can start. Play Ball!!!

Does anyone know how many Braves games will be on TBS this year, if any. Living in the city that just lost the R-braves, I don’t get Sports South, so I will be watching the games on my computer.

By John

January 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I saw the Black Lips yesterday at GSU. They were very impressive. I feel like this should be the best Braves team in the past couple years.

By flange1

January 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new blog!

I think the thing the Braves need to finish off the first winter of the Frank Wren regime is another experienced reliever. I would like to see us pick up Brian Fuentes from the Rockies.

I know that there has been discussions about trading for him, (mainly Chuck James straight up) but how about this proposal:

Fuentes to the Braves for Tyler Yates, Will Ohman and B. Pena.

The Rockies get 2 guys to help there pen NOW and a good accessory player that can also help.

I can see Soriano in the 9th, Fuentes in the 8th, Moylan and Acosta in the 7th, keep Bennett as long relief, and keep Boyer and the better of the 2 lefties or Resop as the last man.

This pen would be powerful and deep and would get even better when Gonzo returns.

If we are not giving enough, then take out Pena, and throw in Dan Smith or heck throw him in anyway…

Thoughts?

By N8

January 23, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I know I’m gonna get flack from you on this DOB, and normally I stay out of the music conversations, since I feel that music (unlike sports), is a much more based on personal taste and opinion, rather than stats and history to back up who’s “good” or not. Unless of course you consider Milli Vanili winning a grammy a “stat” in their favor. :-)

But I’m gonna disagree with you on Amrican Idol. While sappy and a bit overdone for TV, Simon Fuller (the show’s creator and record label owner - NOT the witty English Judge), has struck gold with these shows across the world.

All they really are doing, is televising, what most record labels do to begin with. Except instead of talent scouts and record execs “stumbling” upon a great talent in a hotel lounge, or being sent out to “find” talent, they’ve found a way to not only have all the talent come to them, but have found a way to make a MINT on the not-so talented artists that make up the silliness portion of the show.

As a musician, it is easy to see who is truely gifted, and who just has decent voices. Most if not all of the winners, infact in the past 2 or 3 seasons MOST of the top 5 finishing contestants have jumpstarted a career that might have taken YEARS to get where they got, if they ever got the opportunity at all.

Sure the show is a bit “pop” for me. But my kids like it, my wife likes it, and I actually like it as well. I actually love the two Karaoke shows that are on the networks these day as well. Not for the singers (and there has been a few good ones), but because I consider myself a lyric buff, and it’s fun to try and play along.

I’ve never called you on this before, and believe me, I’m not trying to start a war. But are you a musician? Do you play an instrument, and if so, have you ever tried to play in a band, or even further than that, recorded any of your own music, and tried to not only sell it at gigs, but go through the long road of “shopping” it to recording studios while spending umpteen hundreds of dollars sending them to ANY and EVERY connection you can find, as to try and “make it”??

I have. It’s hard work. You not only have to be talented to get signed and fullfill your dream, you need to be in the right place at the right time.

So if your answer to the above question is no, don’t take offense to me not neccesarily taking your musical “opinions” with nothing more than a grain of salt. As I’ve stated MANY times, I feel music is in the ear of the listener. Whatever makes you enjoy listening is what is good to you.

Nothing that you, or any other person with an opinion (including the music “critics” at certain magazines or online sites), should matter if YOU like something. What makes music “good”?

The early beatles stuff is great, yet tacky. From a marketing standpoint (in America), they were essentially the first of the “boy bands”. They grew into the musicians and songwriters they were later in their careers, but they were no less puppets of their record label, then the Backstreet Boys or N-Sync are today. EVERYTHING about them was marketing and timing.

So, IMO, unless you’ve grinded it out in sh!tty clubs with 15 people there playing your original music, and tried to pay bills and put food in your mouth, you “judging” what music is good, who is talented and who SUCKS (a term you throw out a lot - which bugs me to no end. I would prefer you, or anybody, say “Not my bag, or I don’t like that” - but saying something sucks, is not right, IMO), that’s no more assinine then me (or Robert) trying to judge what goes on in the Braves clubhouse or how talented or not Bobby is as a manager.

It’s all opinion.

I hope I haven’t alienated what online “friendship” you and I have (I’ve held this in for a long time), because as a baseball man, I have a GREAT deal of respect for you.

But if your not a musician, then your musical opinions (whether it’s your blog or not), are nothing more than that of a FAN of music. Which in that case EVERYBODY is entitled to their opinion.

Sorry for the long post. This post is probably more words on the music subject, than I’ve typed on the topic in two years of blogging.

Just couldn’t sit quiet any longer.

By JerseyGil

January 23, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I said it again….this will Chipper year(MVP) year…last year he was stolen the Golden Glove from that promise young kid from the Mets. He is good but not so good like chipper. Mr Wren address all the last year disapoint areas(Bullpen,Bench, etc) good job..but like DOB said, this will be a perfect year so we can win the east….Jimmy Rollins said yesterday that the Phillis will win 100 games Guarantee….so the braves with the perfect year will win 105… Keep the eyes this year on that Kid Jurrjens, he will save the Braves Rotation.

By John Adcox

January 23, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Personally, I am thrilled with this team, far more so than I would have been even with one of those money pit Yankee teams. This is a team that is in an excellent position to win from day one, has the flexibility to make moves at mid-season, and has enough unanswered questions to make watching fascinating through the long summer months. Say what you will: this team isn’t boring.

I think most of all, this is a team that I WANT to root for. Atlanta’s my home town, and I am proud of how this bunch represents it. This is going to be fun.

That Edwin Pope quote was brilliant. Like something Tom Boswell would write. I’ll be adding that to the collection.

John

By Efrim

January 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Daybed Wagmoe

Maybe, but they both have to pay luxury taxes, so what else is there to do? Force them to trade away their minor league talent to level the playing field?

I agree, there is nothing we can do. The two financial power houses in Baseball have finally figured it out. Pay above slot in the draft and you will find jewels. It pains me to think of Tex in a Yankee uniform. Hopefully the Braves can get him for a discount of 6 years and 120 million.

By N8

January 23, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

22oz

That is the biggest “knock” on American Idol, but you unlike most aren’t getting the big picture.

Until they narrow it down to the final 24 (or whatever the “final” number is), the BIGGEST draw of the show is the BAD auditions. I know plenty of people that stop watching after the crappy people are gone, becuase it’s funny.

When has the Fox network ever done anything that isn’t “over the top”?

Being a fan of music in general, and liking “competitions” like that (LOVED Star Search as a kid), I would prefer more “good” people in the begining, but hey “disasters” make for good television, and unfortunately the execs at Fox know this too well.

I’ve read (and always assumed), that like any other reality show, there is much more “writing” and editing, going on than what they want the average viewer to believe. I would venture to guess, that some of those facial expressions and comments of the judges are edited in after wards, and quite simply, I doubt that half of those “auditions” are actually done in front of THE three judges. But make no mistake, the cameras are rolling.

I don’t tulely enjoy the show, until it gets to the “live” shows, where it pretty much just the singing, and the judges comments, and not so much of the BS, and back stories (which are surely done to sway voting). I don’t care about who’s dad beat them, or who’s in jail, or who’s a single mom. JUST SING.

I will state for the record, that I have NEVER voted while watching the show, and the only season I didn’t watch was season one.

If I’m gonna participate in something, it’s gonna be this blog, or my Chiefs’ message board. LOL!

By flange1

January 23, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

n8,

Very well said at 3:54. Aren’t you a guitar player?

By JerseyGil

January 23, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

That why i don’t blog so offen lately…if this a blog about the Braves or Music…i’m out of here…bye…see ya in spring training.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

N8, appreciate the honesty, my man.

But American Idol still stinks. And selling a ton of records or getting high ratings just doesn’t impress me. But hey, different views.

By Jared

January 23, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

O’Brien is looking forward to his upcoming long vacation at mouseland.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

JerseyGil, see ya in spring. Sorry to have wasted so much of your time by including two graphs about music at the end of a blog about the Braves.

By Lew

January 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

JerseyGil summed up well about Chipper/Wright that I was trying to say on the last blog which Shaun couldn’t see-“He is good but not so,good like chipper.” Couldn’t have said it any better, myself.

Cool, quoting Edwin Pope. A great sportswriter. His niece was a good friend of mine at UGA.

By flange1

January 23, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

JerseyGil,

We will miss your input. I hope you understand there is not a lot of Braves baseball happening right now.

Like you last post, you say you think Chipper will have an MVP season and JJJ will be the rotation savior.

Great! I hope you are right. But I don’t see anything to discuss about your post, I read it and agree, but ???

Why not have something to talk about? N8 just spent alot of time on a long post about the music business. I found it interesting in learning more about a guy that has been a major contributor to this blog for awhile.

Is that a bad thing???

I don’t think so..

See you in the spring

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

January 23, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Lets not forget about Chris Resop and Manny Acosta , they figure into the bullpen mix.

Again , I must ask , why is Buddy Carlyle still on the roster ?

By JC FROM UT

January 23, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

DOB: I read something about the Red Sox looking for a left handed bat off the bench, would Scott Thorman interest them at all?

By Braveheart

January 23, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

N8 I understand what you are saying about the musician angle but, without your wife and kids, would you be into American Idol? My father has been trapped into the Dancing With Stars and the American Idol thing because of my mother and sisters. I got trapped watching it one year because of a girl I was dating - she also got me trapped into watching Project Runway.

Almost every man I know who watches these reality shows does so because they get trapped into it by a girlfriend, wife, or kids. Most of the men I know will actually admit to liking these shows but they seem to like it more because they get swept up in the joy it brings to their wife and kids or their girlfriend and the fun they all have together watching it than actually liking what they watch.

It’s no different than the girls we date or wives we have or children we have who get swept up in the teams we love watching. They seem to love the Braves, Dawgs, and so on when we are with them but once we break up, they don’t watch or enjoy our teams so much. I think alot of them realize they don’t give 2 sh!ts about baseball the way they did when we forced them to watch every night and we were all nutty about every pitch and every player and we were happy, so that made them happy and they got so wrapped up in our enthusiasm.

I think if you stepped away from your marriage, you would realize you really don’t like the show itself - you just enjoy the mindless fun and quality family time it affords you after dealing with crap all day at work.

By N8

January 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Flange

Yes, been playing guitar for about 21 years.

DOB

Like I said. I’ve laid low on the subject because there’s a time and a place for every conversation. And quite honestly, it’s a conversation I’d rather have with somebody in person or via phone call. (no I’m not asking for your number LOL!).

Most of the time, I agree with your musical tastes. Also, I agree, selling a bunch of records doesn’t mean that you are great, on the flipside NOT selling records is no indicator of talent, only popularity (I know…common sense).

As for American Idol? I can totally see why somebody wouldn’t (and doesn’t) like the show. Don’t take that epic post as an American Idol rant. I would NEVER get that worked up about somebody raggin on that show (though it fueld my post).

My biggest pet pieve (sp?), is when somebody says somebody “sucks”. It’s just merely opinion.

Having said that, I realize that I often have said that somebody on the Braves (or my Chiefs) suck.

Not to stick up for myself, but I think the two are different. For instance, if I said Chris Woodward “sucked” last year, not too many people would disagree with that, where if you say that American Idol sucks, there’s about 30 some million people that disagree with you. You’d be hard pressed to find 30 million people to disagree with the statement about Woodward (unless he has a BIG family).

Same with you and your job. Even if I thought you “sucked” at it, which I don’t (not to go all Eddie Haskell on you), but even if I thought you sucked at your job, I’m not sure I would say that about you, or anybody that has a skilled, shooled profession, that is more style than “athletic skill” or say a surgeon, or a tax preparer. Does that make any sense.

I had an ex-bandmate that ALWAYS threw the “suck” word around about others, and it bugged the hell out of me. I think it’s rude to voice your OPINION on somebody else’s “artwork” that is personal (no matter how cheesey and commercial it is), to say it sucked.

I remember seeing an interview with Bret Michaels (of Poison), wonder why when Michael Stipe writes a song that’s from his heart and means something to HIM, that it’s brilliant and artistic, yet because he’s a hair metal guy, they same “rules” or opinions can’t/don’t apply.

The question makes sense to me. Especially since I’m not an REM fan. LOL!

Don’t get me wrong, I know some of the 80’s bands, and artist that gain commercial success off of shows like American Idol, might be cheesey and cookie cutter, but that does NOT mean that they are not talented.

Hell, Kip Winger is one of the cheesiest artist of all time (and he brought it upon himself by the way they marketed themselves, and their appearance in the 80’s), but the guy is a seasoned studio musician with chops from hell, and if you’ve ever listened to some of his post-winger solo work (which I’m quite certain you haven’t), he is a FANTASTIC player and songwriter. He just sold out and took the easy path.

But he will go down in history in three memories. (1) wearing hot pink spandex in the ever creapy “seventeen” video, (2) Having the name of his band be on “Stuart’s T-shirt” on Beavis and Butthead, and the Metallica guys throwing darts at his photo in the Nothing Else Matters video. Is that “fair”? I don’t know. But to say the guys sucks, is just ignorant to what it takes to play many musical instruments very well, which he can do.

Long story short. I have ZERO problem with people not liking the same kind of music as me. But when people say things suck or other people’s taste in music suck, I don’t care for that.

Sorry, again to ramble. Just didn’t want you to think it wasn’t well thought out.

By stamper

January 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

N8…not meaning to start anything but…

don’t be so defensive on American Idol. It’s a crap program. And, you don’t have to be a musician to really see artistic value or not… that’s just arrogant.

by that logic, only a filmmaker is capable of determining what a ‘quality’ film is… how stupid is that???

and don’t use the success of a producer and how many albums he’s gone on to promote across the world. whoopie… people are stupid. we’ll buy anything if it’s packaged effectively.

once again… look at cinema. by your logic, michael bay would be regarded as a truly innovative filmmaker. why? because he puts people in the seats? that’s just silly.

the name of the game for hollywood is to sell advertising.

for the case of AI… it’s not really about finding a true talent… if that were the case we wouldn’t be bombarded with coca-cola and ford adverts the entire program. its primary job is to sell advertising. entertainment is second. talent falls third.

the above rant was made with the best possible intentions… go braves!

By ContactBuzz

January 23, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

DO’B - don’t worry about the haters. I don’t post much but I check the site daily for updates. And I’m just as interested in your music and pop culture refernces as I am in your Braves updates. For example, I’ve added The Wire to my online rental queue (good show so far - about midway through season 1).

I downloaded DBT yesterday and like what I hear so far although I haven’t had a chance to listen to the full album. Cooley is a heckuva songwriter.

By Shaun

January 23, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Lew, nice but I wasn’t comparing Wright and Chipper. I was simply disagreeing with your statement that Wright wouldn’t be considered elite if Chipper had been more healthy the past few seasons.

By Alan

January 23, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Great blog, DOB, as always. Just as last year, starting pitching is the key, without doubt. No way are the Braves counting on anything from Hampton, nor should they. Even without him, “on paper” the Braves’ rotation is better than either the Phils or the Mets. For that reason, I like our chances. If the Mets get J. Santana, that might change things, but I still like our chances. All in all, I like what Frank Wren has done - although I’m a bit perplexed that he gave up Aybar and Fontaine for a 27-year-old LH reliever with almost no ML experience. I’m also not totally sold on Kotsay - he’s a bit of a gamble considering his recent history. He says he “feels great” - let’s hope it’s true. I know you’re a big movie buff, DOB. How do you - and everyone else - feel about the Oscar nominations? I, for one, am delighted with the nods to “Michael Clayton” - my runaway choice for Best Picture. Clooney, Wilkenson and Swinton (rolls off the tongue like Tinker, Evers and Chance) all were amazing. Clooney probably doesn’t have a chance to win Best Actor; the others have a very good shot for Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. I’d love to get others’ thoughts. Thanks.

By cricket

January 23, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Please, I beg you all - stop talking about american idol. I can understand all different point of views, but please let the discussions about it be confined only to other million or so sites.

By N8

January 23, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Nope. I appreciate you trying to find an “out” for me though? LOL!

But, my wife and I often wonder what it is that drew us to eachother, because our musical tastes couldn’t be farther apart, and most of our movie and TV show tastes are that far apart as well.

The ONLY shows we watch together are Idol, House, Boston Legal, Rescue Me, Law & Order (SVU), and I got suckered into watching Celebrity Apprentice this year because Gene Simmons was on.

She has ZERO interest in watching sports on TV. Though she will go to basebal games with me when I go.

As for movies, my wife refuses to watch (or go) to commedies with me. Because I “laugh to loud” and she has to rewind so she can here what she missed after the funny parts. It all started with Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison. The scene where he pulled up to the High School with the Trans Am (T-Tops off of course), with Billy Squier cranking on the stereo and the REO Speedwagon jersey on with the jean jacket. I about pizzed myself (hit WAY to close to home), and she about left the theatre because NOBODY else was laughing as hard as me (too many young pups I guess). From that point on she avoids the comedies with me.

As for Idol, I just like watching people sing. Nothing more, nothing less.

Hell, owning my own photo studio, I even forced myself to watch VH1’s reality show “The Shot”. BAD TV, btw. But I had a vested interest. Not to many TV shows about what I do, so I had to, right?

By McFann

January 23, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Gee wiz, JerseyGil, get over it! It’s DOB’s blog, and he cann write about whatever he wants, be it the Braves or music. That’s what his blog is, in case you haven’t noticed.

Personally, I thought his things about American Idol and Hanna Montana were funny. American Idol is pretty lame (never seen it, but hear about it way too often), and I don’t care for Hanna Montana, so that made me laugh.

By cricket

January 23, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB or anyone else, I think this was covered in past blogs and I am sorry to bring it up again. I live in Tampa and would like to attend some of the spring games (have to depend on MLB.com for the regular season). Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions about how to plan this or where I can find some information / resources about this.

By Nelson

January 23, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

I say it again and again, this team (like any other) needs more pitching.Why don’t get Livan Hernandez, somebody made fun on me when I said that last time, I don’t know why because he is a huge competitor, specially in difficult situations, when this team tends to fail.

By 3trees

January 23, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Great update, DOB.

N8 - Well put and I agree that music is intensely personal, but as musician who has done all you asked of DOB, I still dislike AmIdol. I harbor no ill feelings towards those giving it a go, but I always wonder if the setting was 1960 and Dylan gave it a shot, what would (the Paula Abdula of her day) say? I know, maybe you don’t dig Bob, but fill in the blank… Townes VanZandt, Willy, Nick Cave, The Sex Pistols, etc…

Too much of what I dislike about what I hear on the airwaves - you’ve got 60 seconds to hit the high C or you’re outta here.

Braves - Hey, its late January, why not be optimistic?

Go Braves!

By Braveheart

January 23, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

N8 Maybe you need to stop laughing in the movie theater like Robert Deniro in Cape Fear.

By Tomahawkin

January 23, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Cricket Here in about 10 days or so you can get reviews on the spring training facilities at Ballparksofbaseball.com, there is a spring Training link that you can check on the reviews of the respected Ballparks in both the Grapefruit and Catus leagues, as well as any other current Present/future ballpark, for pricing you would prolly have to check the teams websites…

By McFann

January 23, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Neight

I agree with you on that s-word. I hate that word. But I don’t think there’s ever a time when that word should be used. I have a cousin who threw that word at me about the Braves. I’m sorry, but that word is simply offensive, for lack of another word.

But yet, why is it more tolerable to use the word “stinks” about something—“His voice stinks,” “His defense stinks.” Is that any less offensive? Maybe not, but at least it’s not obscene. I don’t know, I just hate that other word no matter what someone is talking about.

(not to go all Eddie Haskell on you)

That’s funny! I love Leave it to Beaver!!

By N8

January 23, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Stamper

You missed my point. Wasn’t trying to be pompous. I think EVERYBODY is entitled to an opinion. I just take offense to the word “suck”.

If you think Idol is a crappy program, that is fine. I like it. You don’t have to. I understand that the format of the show, along with Fox looking to make money off of it, is what fuels the program.

I don’t like that part of it either. But the point you are making can be made for any sporting event. Did you ever think you’d see the day that major league parks would have as much advertising on their outfield wall as the minor league parks do?

Or that Jack Del Rio would have to have CUSTOM suits made by Rebok, so he isn’t breaking the sideline wardrobe rule? Come on! It’s all corporate out there. That doesn’t mean that the PRODUCT still can’t be good.

If you think Idol is a lame show, that’s cool, but don’t say that there hasn’t been some incredibly talented people on there. There has.

As far as the “having to be able to do it before judging it” take I had with DOB. That stems from him making comments towards people ragging on Braves players or Bobby.

DOB has said something along the line of “well all of his peers and the other managers in baseball think he’s great”. (that’s not a direct quote, just paraphrasing).

What about Carrie Underwood? She’s not my cup of tea, but you’re not gonna find a “peer” of hers in the Country Music industry that don’t have respect for her ability.

So what if she got her “big break” on a reality show?

It doesn’t matter HOW you got there, it’s what you do ONCE your there, IMO.

Now, having said that, I can see why if somebody likes Bobby Cox, they would be offened at Robert saying he SUCKS. However, if somebody would say that they don’t like his “style” of managing games, or his use of platoons, blah, blah, blah… You get the picture.

“and don’t use the success of a producer and how many albums he’s gone on to promote across the world. whoopie… people are stupid. we’ll buy anything if it’s packaged effectively.”

That comment I take a little offense to. That isn’t the point I was trying to make. Yes the American public is pretty generic and will follow along like sheep if there buddy likes something. Don’t mistake my rant(s) for me sticking up for popular music. I’m not. I have different reasons for liking different artists.

Two of my favorite bands are bands that have NEVER gained much commercial success. Those bands are Kings X and Cry of Love.

I just don’t think because something happens to “catch on” that it is instantly sh!tty, because the masses like it.

Take Blues Traveler for example. Those guys were around for EVER. Again, not my bag, but they worked their azzes off, and were very unique. Then all of the sudden their on everybody’s TV and radio every 10 seconds, and they all of the sudden are “sellouts”.

How about Metallica. I was a HUGE Metallica fan throughout the 80’s. Let’s just say, I fit the “angry young teenage boy” market the were gunning for. But I have NO PROBLEM admitting that the Black Album is, IMO, their best effort when it comes to songwriting and over all playing. Though many die-hard Metallica fans, consider that album the day Metallica died. Why? Because the “secret” got out and everybody liked Metallica? Whatever happened to fans of the band being exicited that they achieved some success? Just be glad they made enough money on that album and tour to continue making music for as long as they so choose.

How about Guns n Roses? It doesn’t get much more “commercial” than that, does it? Yet Appetite for Destruction is considered by most people (myself included - and I bought it two weeks after it came out - some 12 months before Sweet Child O Mine and Paradise City hit the airwaves - most critics said they will NEVER get any airplay because of the lyrical conten), that to be the greatest hard rock album of the 80’s if not ever?

To me, greatness has NOTHING to do with album sales, it’s how it moves YOU.

I don’t get Johnny Cash. Never have like him, probably never will. Do I think he sucks? Nope. Would never say that in a million years. I have the utmost respect for him. Just don’t like him, nor would I ridcule anybody who does.

By Tomahawkin

January 23, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Gotta Co-Sign on your views of “American Idiot” Dave

I can’t tolerate that crap unless I’ve got a decent buzz, but I’m not gonna go outta my way to watch it, I’d rather be watching Niptuck on Tuesday nites…

And D.O.B. You wanna talk about “vapid mediocrity (or worse) and pure hype”

Look none other that the Romper Room Rap/Rock that is played on BET and MTV, I can’t tolerate to hear 30 seconds of that crap without changing the Channel, Gawd I long for the days of Beavis and Butthead. They wouldn’t put up with this crap that’s hot right now…

3 More Weeks! Go Braves!

By Lew

January 23, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun-One could well believe that if Chipper had not been injured the past several years, he would have put up even better numbers than what he did-which were pretty damned good to begin with. Had Chipper added to his numbers, Wright would not have been voted to the All Star Team. Wright would not have won the Gold Glove. Wright would not have won the Silver Slugger. Wright probably would not be headed on the road to World Conquest. Hence, he would NOT be considered the best third baseman in the NL. I don’t think he is, anyway.

But all of that is not even peripheral to the point that I was making to Anders-You could claim the same for any player who had missed significant time due to injuries that Anders made in regard to Moises Alou. Wright really wasn’t even part of the equation to the point I was making. You picked up on the one most meaningless segment of my post and made it a subject in itself.

By N8

January 23, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

DeNero in Cape Fear. LOL! Good one.

McFann

I agree, maybe I’m double standarding between sports and art.

But, let’s say Whitesnake (DOB’s favorite). Somebody might not like them and think that they “suck”. That’s their opinion. However, I find using the suck word, on any album that Steve Vai has played on to be silly.

On the other hand, if one were to say that Kelly Johns “sucks” at going to his right, is that too far from the truth?

To me, with sports, the results speak for themselves. Tom Glavine SUCKED in his last three starts for the Mets last year. But that surely doesn’t mean that HE sucks. Understand, where I’m coming from?

By cricket

January 23, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info Tomahawkin

By Tomahawkin

January 23, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I kinda think that when people say that (Sucks) Its usually out of anger while watching the games, or maybe its the competitive fire in us but, its the word that everyone prefers to say, other than blows, event the media says it so its just a part of society I think…

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Alan, I seriously thought this list of Oscar nominations in the main categories (movie, director, actor/actress and supporting actor/actress is the best I can remember. Ever. I mean, the five best-picture nominations are all terrific, as are the acting nominations. Just watched that Away From Her on DVD last week, and Julie Christie was superb. I think Day-Lewis (obviously) and her are most deserving, even though I loved Tommy Lee Jones in Valley of Elah.

I think Javier Bardem and Philip Seymour Hoffman should share the best supporting actor, but obviously they won’t. Bardem will win, and certainly is deserving. It’s just that Hoffman was so great in three movies this year, hate to see him not get honored.

As long as either No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood wins for Best Picture, it’ll be righteous with me. Both were sensational. I think No Country will win, however.

By McFann

January 23, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I understand what you’re typing, Neight, but I still think people should refrain from using that word. Why not just say “stinks”? But I guess we who get offended by it should just try to ignore it and keep our chins up. Somebody’s always gonna use that word about something. With my cousin, I think it was that whole “They like it, so we don’t” thing. That’s the way a lot of people are: If somebody likes something, the other person might say it [stinks]. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion…as long as it’s a true opinion.

By Tomahawkin

January 23, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

No Prob Bob…That website is where I get my 411 about every new stadium that is being constructed…(I Like to look at the renderings and construction photos, so that I will know what it will look like before they open…)

Its a good website brah…, and check out the reviews of each stadium. the people who have visited the sites will give you the pros and cons of each facility, including food and beverage prices in many cases….

By Bryan

January 23, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Dave - The Album by Black Mountain - In the Future is pretty good … really really good - its picking up 4 stars and A reviews on some pretty stingy sites … check it out.

Ween - Tuesday - still tickets available.

By Tomahawkin

January 23, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

We’ll I guess everyone up in here can all co-sign to this and that definitely all braves fans know that TBS And A.O.L./T.W. SUCKS! for taking “America’s” team off the air…

I just went to their website and there was no mention at all on if they are gonna do a game of the week, I maybe blinb but I didn’t even see a TBS/Sports like, What a Joke!

By Saltywoody

January 23, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

N8 Gotta chime in on this discussion.

American Idol, in every way shape and form, sucks. I also don’t particularly like that word, but I think it’s 100 percent applicable as applied to this horrific show.

American Idol is a microcosmic snapshot of what is going on in our culture at large…namely, mediocre talent being pumped up by certain media conglomerates with particular agendas and promoted as outstanding- and everyone else buying into it. Incidentally, I think this is also what DOB’s getting at. And I agree.

Shows like Hannah Montana and whatever the heck Britney Spears’ little sister is on and American Idol and all similar pop-culture nonsense teaches kids that acting talented and overly mature and sexy MAKES you so…which is decidedly not the case. And it’s an awful message to send to kids at impressionable ages, which is exactly what the bulk of these shows audiences consist of.

American Idol, and shows like it, celebrate mediocrity and denegrate real talent. Outside of Kelly Clarkson (whose music I don’t like but who I think has a truly outstanding voice) and Carrie Underwood (same, with slightly less talent), the show has not produced a single star-caliber singer. It is the equivalent, for me, of the Real World…where average people are put on TV, we’re told they’re famous and important and, because of this, they kind of end up being so despite being completely mediocre and, in some cases, way below that.

The contestants don’t write their own songs. They don’t play their own instruments. In most cases, they’re not even in charge of how they look and or what they wear. They stand on a stage, dolled up by others, and sing other people’s songs. How does that qualify as talent?

I’d define talent, in large part, as displaying originality in some form. That’s why a guy like Hendrix is considered by so many to be talented…because he did things no one ever had before.

American Idol is not talent, it’s recycled mediocrity airbrushed into looking somewhat spectacular. And even the name of the show itself, “AMERICAN IDOL,” suggests that these are all people we should idolize. And they’re not. They’re far from it.

So, sorry for the vent. But, for me at least, American Idol is everything that’s wrong with our culture right now. By and large, we don’t read good novels anymore, we don’t strive to find unique and good music, and we don’t have attention spans that make these kinds of high-brow and stimulating activities possible.

Instead, we’re content to sit on our butts and be spoon fed garbage. And the more we’re told this garbage tastes like cake, the more we become inclined to believe it.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

January 23, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

American Idol is to music as the NBA is to sports and only to be watched during the playoffs.

By OrlandoFan

January 23, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Excited to see a new blog and to be excited about being so close to the opening of camp. That’s a great time to read this blog and be a fan. Already have tickets to the first Saturday game and am looking forward to that (at least I’ll get to see some of the younger players then for sure).

By Lew

January 23, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I saw Whitesnake twice while working with a radio station in Tampa/St.Pete. The first time they sucked-very, very badly. The second time with Steve Vai they Did NOT suck. Steve Vai kicks a$$ and apparently taught Adrian Vandenberg quite a bit while he was at it. Kitten’s got claws, apparently.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Saltywood, thank you. And I concur wholeheartedly.

By the way, I’m gonna pretend I never saw, in any way, the words Beatles and Backstreet Boys in the same sentence or thought earlier in a comment.

By McFann

January 23, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody, I agree with every word of your post.

But let me just re-phrase the beginning: American Idol, in every way shape and form, is a lame show. The third definition of “lame” fits it well. This does not necessarily mean that I hold anything against those who like it, i just think it’s lame-o!!

You have a lot of smarts on this subject, Saltywoody. Laura Ingraham talks about this a lot. Our music/TV culture is goin’ sour. That’s why at our house we watch the likes of Leave it to Beaver and I Love Lucy and listen to groups like the Eagles, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, the Monkeys, the Carpenters, and so forth. (My favorite might have to be Amy Grant.)

And with me and my music, I just listen to a song if I like the words or whatever, and make it a point not to care much about who the singer is, or what’s up with their life. (Course, most of the people I listen to are dead.) But if I already know that someone’s a real creep, I’ll steer clear of their stuff. And if I know that someone is a fairly good person, then I’ll like their songs all the more.

Like with the Braves, I liked McCann OK after 2005. Then on March 5, 2006, I read an article about him in the AJC, and I thought, “He’s a pretty good dude.” Then, well, one thing led to another, and I became the way I am today.

Anyway, I guess my point is, people make too big a deal about these creepy guys and gals in the pop-culture. Parents should be more responsible with what their kids watch on TV. And if kids really need an “idol”, they should look up to someone who stands for something decent and has real virtues.

By Alan

January 23, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m with you on Philip Seymour Hoffman (no relation to Trevor or Dustin, near as I can tell) - he’s a fabulous actor. Speaking of which, “Charlie Wilson’s War” was another really good movie. And it’s a true story. I’m reading the book now. Congressman Wilson (D-Texas) was a hoot. Still is - he and other “characters” were at the premiere of the movie. Only in America, as they say. Go, Braves!

By N8

January 23, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody

Totally understand where you are coming from, with the American Idol thing. Totally respect your opinion.

“The contestants don’t write their own songs. They don’t play their own instruments. In most cases, they’re not even in charge of how they look and or what they wear. They stand on a stage, dolled up by others, and sing other people’s songs. How does that qualify as talent?”

Blind faith, my man, in what the Music industry has been for YEARS. Elis didn’t write a lot of his songs. I’d consider him original. Guys like Meatloaf and Elton John (truely talented guys - though I can’t really stand to look at either of them), neither of which have written many of their own songs.

As for the look? Do you think the Beatles designed their own “look”? Are you kidding me? Wake up. Do you think the guys from REM walked into their video and photo shoots with clothes the just threw on in the morning?

Find me one band that hasn’t had HIGH DOLLAR photo shoots to make them look larger than life, and as “marketable” as they can be?

“Instead, we’re content to sit on our butts and be spoon fed garbage. And the more we’re told this garbage tastes like cake, the more we become inclined to believe it.”

Judging from your post you’re and old school guy who’s seen it all, that’s cool. How about this next old school word (along with the wikipedia “definition” of it):

Payola:

In the American music industry, is the illegal practice of payment or other inducement by record companies for the broadcast of recordings on music radio, in which the song is presented as being part of the normal day’s broadcast.

Seems to me, that the record industry FOR YEARS has been shoving down our throats many artists, that have now gone on to become legends, with numerous hits and the “credibility” to get enshrined into the R&R HOF.

The idea that TODAY’S media is any more guilty of shoving crap down our throats is silly, and misinformed. The only difference, is that in today’s world, if Brittney Spears shows her underwear, EVERYBODY has instant access to it on youtube.

Just the same that some music that might be considered “not very good”, gets over exposed, some wonderful musicians are getting MUCHO recognition through the multi-media outlets of sites like I-tunes, and what not.

In my neck of the woods, certain albums in years past would have had to be special orders or imports, or I would have to wait until I hit a major market to find some of the underground stuff that was out there. Today you just have to look for it online and click “buy”.

But like I said. I respect your opinion on Idol. Like I don’t expect to understand why some don’t like certain artists, shows, songs, etc… I’ve never gotten into the business of trying to convince somebody about what I think is good.

To each his own, and I truly mean that.

DOB

Sorry to use both of those bands in the same sentence before. I am a huge fan of one of them, and not so much of the other. Let’s just say the band with only two living members remaining is the one I like.

In no way, shape or form, was I intending on comparing their musical integrity, talent or relevance.

But for you to deny that they were the “original” boy band (especially when McCartney has said so himself), with all the hype, hoopla, and screaming chicks and frenzy that followed, is odd.

Let me ask you. When you first heard of them (or heard them) what did you think? I wasn’t alive. But I’m history of music buff, so I’ve watched many documentaries, read a tone of interviews with both Lennon and McCartney, and of course as a musician (or anybody with a set of working ears), am a fan.

I know the girlies liked them, but in the day and age of buzz-cuts, what did the American male think of them from the get go?

Anybody alive, when beatle-mania hit, feel free to answer.

By MetsFan1009

January 23, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Dave…face it The Beatles were the first Backstreet Boys. Just because you don’t think so means nothing…..

and N8….your opinions suck.

By Chopdawg

January 23, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Congrats DOB on winning the alliteration award of the offseason: “copious quantities of coffee.” Here’s hoping a hugely heroic Hampton and an egregiously gregarious Gonzalez can generate goodtimes for tens of thousands of tomahawkers at the Ted.

By BosnianBaller

January 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

At least the cardinals have a ring and pujols

By Phil in GA

January 23, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

DOB - hey, avid reader here for past couple years, rare poster. But for some reason, I felt compelled to post today. Maybe it was The Whigs reference (that made me go search for their CD this evening - Give ‘em a Big Fat Lip has been in my cd player all week along with Tony Trischka and Band of Horses’ most recent. ‘Bout time for a new one from The Whigs).

Agree with you on Hampton not needing to be counted on - in fact, I feel pretty OK with pitching both starting and in the ‘pen. The thing I just can’t get over right now is how little folks seem to be missing Renteria.

The last time I posted was at the end of the season and I talked about how much I think Atlanta fans will appreciate Andruw, in sum, much more after we have some time without him - out there everyday, defense, power, etc. I think the same with Renteria, too - except that I feel it will be a much more immediate pain.

Like I think you have even said before, I can’t think of a better two-hitter. Especially now, to let him go with the likes of Chipper and Tex behind him in the order…. Man, I know K.J. and Escobar had good years last year, but just knowing what you will get out of a player is so rare. I think the last two years, by far, Renteria was the most consistently solid player the Braves had.

Less splashy, sure, but that’s part of his appeal. He FIT the two-spot in the lineup. I really don’t think K.J. or Escobar - or anybody else for that matter - really fits it like Renteria did.

One unrelated question: What do you think the likelihood is of the Braves trading away one of their plethora of possible centerfielders before spring training concludes?

Seems instead of either getting a proven guy or just letting Schaefer take over, Wren split the difference and just took whatever he could get in sheer quantity - especially when you add the minor league help already there to the offseason CF pickups

(And I know, I know, Kotsay’s had good years in the past - not debating that - just in my opinion I don’t think you can say he’s the guy. of course, I also am biased against the one-year rentals. If you’re only willing to pay to bring in a mid-level guy, come on, just let the young kid in your system have at it right away….but I digress…)

Think the Braves would be confident enough at some point before the season starts to trade one or two away for to bolster the team somewhere else?

Oh, I lied - one more thing. This IS the last year for Dodgertown, right? Think I may try to hit up the Braves-Dodgers game in Vero Beach this spring.

Bring on the pitchers and catchers!

By BosnianBaller

January 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

This is the least exited I have ever been for a Braves season.we had a chance to be an elite team in the NL and wren played it safe.If you look at who we brought in and who left it’s tough to say we had a good offseason.I understand edgar had to be moved b/c of his salary,but getting jair and gorkeys is simply not enough.Our core players are a year older and if one goes down especially a pitcher we are screwed.

By Wayne in Utah

January 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Lets hope the writers stay on strike longer, so we can get more reality TV!

By Alan

January 23, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

N8, I was a teenager when the Beatles came to America, and I was not a fan of theirs. (I am now, incidentally.) In those days, I liked classic rock-and-roll and R & B, and the Beatles were obviously neither, although their music was influenced by both. Teenage girls loved the Beatles; I’d say it was 50/50 with boys, maybe lower than that. I think it’s fair to compare them with the Backstreet Boys vis a vis their relative effect on young girls - no one dares to compare the two groups musically. The Beatles were a cultural phenomenon - probably no more so than Frank Sinatra in the ’40s and Elvis Presley in the ’50s - except they were four mop-heads from England. America hadn’t seen - or heard - anything like them before. “British Invasion” indeed. And then came the onslaught. Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, Herman’s Hermits, Jerry and the Pacemakers. And many, many more.

By N8

January 23, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

MetsFan1009

Just because the Beatles were the last relevant event at Shea Stadium, doesn’t mean you have to be so negative.

:-)

Smile, god loves you.

By Thrillhouse44

January 23, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Great blog, once again, DOB. I’m getting amped up for the 2008 season! I love this subtle dig at Anders, Metro Man, and the rest of that crew: which is presently held by Philly after the Mets’ Great September Collapse of ’07..

If things fall into place, this is going to be an exciting season. It’s just too bad I won’t be able to watch as many games since TBS has changed their lineup.

By Lew

January 23, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I was twelve when Meet The Beatles came out. I saw all the Ed Sullivan shows they appeared on. The first album I ever owned was the Beatles Second (had all the old standards like Roll Over Beethoven, Long Tall Sally, Til There Was You, etc) and the first 45 I ever owned (damn does THAT date me) was I Want To Hold Your Hand. They were the absolute cutting edge of music at the time. They took old rock and roll standards and introduced them to an entire new audience. They were also prolific songwriters that were at the forefront of musical change during an era of change. Almost everything they ever did was a sure hit before it was even released.

It is really difficult to explain their impact to anyone into music since then, because NO ONE has had that kind of impact on the music industry since then. Yes, there are plenty of good, original and excellent bands since the Beatles, no doubt-many of them much more musically competent and better musicians than the Fab Four (eg. Hendrix and Zeppelin may have done more to change musical direction and DOB will tell you the Clash was up there, too, though they were after my time and I missed their impact).

However, no one affected an entire generation of music listeners the way they did. While they were recording, no one anywhere would argue that they were THE number one band around, hands down. They influenced music, fashion, morality and social convention, like nobody has since them. Their impact is much more easily compared to legends like Sinatra, Elvis were to pop music and Hank Williams, Sr. was to Country. The Rolling Stones were close in their impact and without the Beatles coming first, may have been that influential, but didn’t quite make it-they were a bit more than a year late.

By brian

January 23, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

compare this team to the previous 2 teams and I think Wrenn has made significant strides. Yes there are question marks and an injury or two will kill us.

We are much deeper in starting pitching - both with experience and young arms (Jurgens, JoJo, and James). Bullpen is much stronger and if Gonzalez comes back pretty strong, it will be like a July trade. Lineup is still potent and probably has better overall hitters (less strikeouts please!).

Cannot wait until the start of this season. Braves win the World Series then Glavine and Smoltz ride off in the sunset

By jay

January 23, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB What is going on in this blog? Why in the world would anyone take the time to write a complete essay on American Idol. (N8) I can not believe that some off these folks are trying to take over your blog. I mean it is your blog right? Seems to me your a pretty popular guy around here. I think you have all the right in the world to have an opinion on everything under the sun. As for me a restless braves fan that can’t hardly wait for the season to start. I look forward to your blog whenever I can. So keep it up don’t change a thing. And for the retards who like some boring crap like American Idol your gay. If you don’t like it don’t read it, don’t even come here complaining because DOB is tha man. GOT IT!! Go Braves

By Braveheart

January 23, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

After all that American Idol talk, N8 needs to go Seacrest tonight when he signs off.

“Nathan. Out.”

By Chopdawg

January 23, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

1st Beatles 45 released in the US was “I Want To Hold Your Hand”/”I Saw Her Standing There.” Two great songs on one record; that hadn’t been done before. The energy was incredible. Lennon/McCartney were great songwriters from the beginning; on top of the energy and the talent was the group’s ability to change. I remember all through the 60’s, hearing a new song on the radio & wondering wow, who’s the new group—& finding out I was listening to the new Beatles song ((I remember this especially with McCartney’s song “Lady Madonna”—thought it was Elvis, first time I heard it (keep in mind there were only AM stations then & the quality of the sound you heard over your car radio wasn’t nearly as strong as it is today))

By David-ATL14

January 23, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Solid blog DOB and to you saltwoody, an OUTSTANDING POST at 5:51PM.

Couldn’t have said it any better or any more eloquently.

AI is garbage, we are all worse off wheter we watch it or not for it gracing the television set.

The dumbing down of American TV for all to see. A sad pathetic sight in actuality.

By Shaun

January 23, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Lew, you’re right. There is only room for one “elite” thirdbaseman in the NL. No matter how great one is before age 25, there’s only room for one.

By MetsFan1009

January 23, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Where’s the Fatty Mccann going to play when he can’t squat anymore?

What do you call a .290 hitter with 19 homers and a gold glove, but for his arm? A average RF. Not elite.

too bad. just, way too bad. oh what could have been if we had just kept andruw and salty.

By Lew

January 23, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Excuse me, but your still And Idiot. Good night.

By Saltywoody

January 23, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

N8 Judging from your post you’re and old school guy who’s seen it all, that’s cool.

Funny part about that is that I’m actually 25. The sad part about that is so many people today would qualify not liking American Idol because it’s crass and preferring to read as “old school.”

I’m not saying that as an attack on your assertion that you like AI. I, like you, respect everyone’s likes and dislikes.

What I will say is that it’s difficult for me to grasp how being intellectual and discriminating in one’s tastes means that they’re “old school.” If anything, shouldn’t this be something we all aspire to? Shouldn’t we strive to be as bright and as discerning as possible? Shouldn’t that be every young, up-and-coming generation’s ideal: to be even more progressive and unique and inventive than the last?

Instead, it’s like my generation has taken a step or four backwards. We’re less inventive than ever. We have less imagination than any generation previous. Almost everything we consume, from music to television, is recycled and unoriginal. To find truly great and inspiring materials nowadays, we have to dig deeper than ever.

The reward, though, for all the digging is very gratifying. Kind of like stumbling around your favorite sports team’s website, finding a beat writer whose writing you like, and then discovering he’s got a blog where good music, good movies, and good opinions are tossed around on a readily accessible basis.

Which reminds me: I saw Juno last night. I’d been meaning to see it for some time, considering how much it had been bandied about here. And I was very impressed. Great dry, sarcastic wit throughout. Excellent treatment of tough subject matter in that teen pregnancy isn’t something I think should be glorified, but Juno touches it in such a way as to condemn abortion without making young pregnancy seem heroic. Michael Cera is awesome in it (quickly becoming a comedic genius), and he’s got a particularly great line I think applies here.

Juno says towards the end of the flick that she likes Bleeker because he doesn’t try too hard at being cool. And Bleeker responds “Actually, I try REALLY hard.”

Thing is, I think being cool and original and inventive is all about trying and working so hard at something that you get to a point where you don’t appear to be trying at all. But, this is where my generation and many others get confused. The truly great actors and musicians and writers didn’t get where they are by magic. They worked their butts off to hone their craft and the end result (which is almost all you and I see) appears to be them just standing up and rocking out.

American Idol is that standing up and rocking out without the initial work put in behind the scenes. No craft has been honed there…it’s focused on almost instant gratification, which is mostly why it’s not very good.

It’s like sober, televised karaoke taken seriously. Yikes.

By Efrim

January 23, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

On this whole Wright/Chipper thing, I understand Wright is a Met, and we all know that Braves fans are suppose to hate the Mets, but Wright is a f*** stud. If offensive numbers Wright is putting up are ridiculous. Chipper is a Hall of Famer, Wright will be too. Both players are elite. They are the two best third baseman in the National League, especially now that Cabrera is gone.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Phil in GA, it is the last year at Dodgertown, so you and everyone else who hasn’t (or has) been there should try to make it back once more. There will never be another spring training site like it. I love that place, even though the pressbox is a bit sparse. Who cares? It’s spring training. (And besides, I have the broadband card to work with on the laptop.)

As for CFs, I don’t think they will trade one before spring training’s over for two reasons: Kotsay’s health issues and the fact that all of the kid CFs have options. So they don’t need to trade any of them.

Oh, and the new Whigs CD is as good as Give ‘Em All a Big Fat Lip, and you know how great that CD is….

By the way, glad to see most of our crowd seems a bit more selective and demanding than the masses who’ve given that awful show such huge ratings. Good stuff from you folks regarding the Beatles.

N8, Beatles weren’t last great act to play Shea — the Clash later played there. Oh, yeah. The video from that show is amazing.

By GeorgetownKid

January 23, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

I think that am the only person in America that has never seen a single episode of American Idol, so I can’t jump into that debate. But I’m not suprised that David O’Brien doesn’t like it, as he seems to be a real purist when it comes to his music. So plastic reality shows that glorify the quest to become a pop-star probably aren’t his cup of tea.

Anyway, regarding the Braves, one thing that I believe is unequivocal is the fact that the Braves get amazing value for their payroll dollar. When you consider that we are paying almost half of our roster, including half of our key players, $2 million or less, and (other than Hampton) we don’t have a single bad contract on our books, you cannot help but be impressed.

Octavio Dotel recieved a pay raise from Chicago based on his performance and reliability last year. Countless .500 pitchers make $10 million a year or more, and we routinely read about contract signings that we immediately know the team will regret in the very near future.

If Kotsay stays healthy, we could receive improved offensive production from CF for one-seventh the price!

You can’t help but be impressed with the fact that the Braves have a roster that is as good, if not better than the Mets, despite the fact that they spend countless millions more.

If Wren and JS are as savvy with financial investments as they are with payroll investments, they must be friggin’ loaded!

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Alan, PSH’s performance in Charlie Wilson’s War might be my favorite of the year. Not quite the towering performance of Day-Lewis, but every bit as entertaining. I mean, he sizzled in every one of his scenes in Charlie Wilson’s War, which I thought was one of the best dozen movies of the year.

By TommyP

January 23, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

N8: I couldn’t agree with anything anyone has ever said on this blog moreso than I agree with your first post.

I always wonder why people don’t consider “singing” a talent. It’s amazing that the ones that dismiss singing in favor of songwriting and playing an instrument all listen to generally the same genre: rock.

A friend of mine from years ago was in a rock group and I believe still is. Did they write their own music? Yes. Do they play instruments? Yes. Can he sing? Absolutely not but he’s one of these music snobs as well. He feels it’s so overrated. LOL Again, always amazing how the people that criticize singing competitions and certain musical genres have absolutely no singing talent themselves.

If the lead singer can’t sing, I absolutely don’t want to hear it. But that’s just my opinion.

I mean, say what you want, but the movie “Walk The Line” had an actor singing the legend’s songs and the actor undoubtedly sounds better. Of course, I’m sure I’ll be bashed for that but I expect that here.

Again, N8, GREAT post and tactfully done.

By Lew

January 23, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun-I apologize. No matter how true that last statement was, it was unworthy of me.

You still refuse to see that I was making a point that had nothing whatsoever to do with David Wright. I was answering Anders’ remark concerning Alou’s injury propensities and trying to point out to him that had Chipper not undergone his own injuries, his increased playing time would have added to his numbers significantly enough that he would still be viewed as THE premier 3B in the NL as opposed to the common consensus that Wright now holds that position.

I did not say Wright was not good or even elite, if that is your preferred terminology. I did not say that there was no room for more than one good 3b in the league (was not Cabrera there until recently? Or how about Scott Rolen when not injured?) Nowhere did I state that Wright was not Man Of the Year for Esquire Magazine, or People Magazine’s Most Sexy Human. Or the greatest third base prospect since Mike Schmidt. Or that he was the most charitable person in all of baseball today. Or that he would not make a good President. Or that he should not rule the Known Universe as Supreme Dictator.

Quite honestly, if I had known it would have thrown you into a frenetic, mouth foaming, seizure inducing episode such as it has, I would have just drawn a picture instead and not even bothered blogging today, or at the very least, not answered Anders. Please, for the Love of David Wright-shut up about it.

By David O'Brien

January 23, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

By the way, Phil, the Earl has two great shows this weekend — Whigs on Friday, Selmanaires on Saturday.

By McFann

January 23, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

MetsFan1009

Your and idiot.

What do you mean “we”, dummy? Aren’t you a Mets fan? Strange as it may be coming form me, but I’d rather have Francoeur’s bat than AJ’s at this point.

As for the beginning of your post…grow up, dude!! This whole thing about McCann being too fat is getting old, and I think it’s time to move on from that.

Better off with Salty? Yeah, sure.

By Saltywoody

January 23, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Ohhh, and we also need to talk about how far that $2 milllion is going towards center field. Not only do we get Mark Kotsay who, if he stays healthy, will be a great guy on the field AND in the clubhouse.

But we get JAMIE KOTSAY who might just be worth the $2 million by herself. Maybe she’s been talked about here already and I glossed over it. But, holy smokes. She and Mrs. Glavine are worth their husbands’ salaries on their own.

By Steve McP

January 23, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

N8 - Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote almost his entire catalogue - in fact apart from duets with John Lennon and George Michael I don’t recall Elton doing a cover of anyone’s music, as for Meatloaf, his success came in joint collaborations with Jim Steinman, and the albums were all original pieces.

Not all like the covering of songs that occurs in AI - the show looks only for a vocalist and is not at all about musical skill and gives no credit for musicians.

Interestingly the UK version had an opera singing phone salesman who was a huge hit, he looked like a dork but won everyone over - I will try to attach the link, it’s worth a view.

Singer

By Steve McP

January 23, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

That shoud be Jim Steinman of course

By Shaun

January 23, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Going back to the RBI discussion some of us had last week, here is an excellent discussion on Jim Rice’s HOF candidacy and related to the topic of RBI:

http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2008/01/thesearchfor.php

Here are a couple of paragraphs that help to point out that RBI is not a reliable indicator of greatness. This even surprised me:

If RBI is an indicator of greatness, why is it that only nine leaders (covering 11 seasons) from 1950 to 1994 (chosen to accommodate eligible candidates) have been inducted into the Hall of Fame? Sure, Jim Rice led the AL in RBI twice. But so did Al Rosen, Jackie Jensen, Roger Maris, and Cecil Cooper (as well as Vern Stephens if we also include 1949). Moreover, Cecil Fielder and Albert Belle each led the league three times. None of these players are in the Hall of Fame. In fact, other than Maris, not a single one of these players ever received even 10% of the vote. Cooper failed to get any votes at all, while Fielder was named on just one ballot.

The most damning evidence against Rice in the case of RBI is the fact that Eddie Murray is the only player who ever led the league during Rice’s 14 full seasons and was later elected to the Hall of Fame. George Scott, Lee May, Larry Hisle, Don Baylor, Hal McRae, Tony Armas, Don Mattingly, Joe Carter, George Bell, Jose Canseco, and Cooper all led the league in RBI and only Donnie Baseball ever picked up 5% or more of the vote.

By DAP

January 23, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

N8 ditto on your 3:5somthing post. ive been down that road of trying to “make it” as well, and im kinda still on that road… but yeah, many of the things you said ive often wondered myself.

By Braveheart

January 23, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Instead, it’s like my generation has taken a step or four backwards. We’re less inventive than ever. We have less imagination than any generation previous. Almost everything we consume, from music to television, is recycled and unoriginal. To find truly great and inspiring materials nowadays, we have to dig deeper than ever.

Saltywoody I mostly agree with your views on American Idol but I completely disagree with this paragraph.

Look at all the new technology, look at the sabermetric revolution, and so on. And I don’t think you have to dig anywhere near as deep these days with the Internet. Unless you were a music nut like DOB and Lew apparently were back in the day, where were you gonna find out about these acts that weren’t really being played on the radio? In specialty magazines? Today, you can spend a good hour on the Internet and find what had been previously impossible to find just a few decades ago.

And you most likely will find like minded nuts who love that kind of music as passionately as you do and you can chat and blog with them and find out about upcoming concerts or what the best songs are and who the up and coming obscure artists are. A few decades ago what would you really have done if you were some high school kid stuck in some remote town with a bunch of dorks who loved disco or pop rock or the freaking Carpenters?

Just look at Bill James for example. When he was putting his sabermetric theories out in the 80s, he was mostly ignored except for a small fanatic base. But the internet came, and there was an explosion of interest in his previously ignored work.

Disco was widly popular at one time. Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas, and American Idol are nothing more than extensions of disco despite people thinking disco died years ago. People were not any deeper then than they are now. The hardcore nuts found what they were looking for.

Elvis couldn’t shake his pelvis on Ed Sullivan. Jim Morrison couldn’t say much higher on Ed Sullivan. Songs were mostly restricted to 2, 3 minutes at the most - even classic rock songs had to be heavily edited down to get any airplay.

Don’t let the old folks fool ya. They didn’t have it any better. That Sonny and Cher show didn’t look much deeper than American Idol. It was Nick and Jessica looking to be honest with ya.

I will say this though: It is much harder to write a hit song or make a hit movie than it is to write a pretty song or make a respected low budget movie. Kinda like winning the World Series. It’s much easier to be Billy Beane or Terry Ryan than it is to be John Scheurholz or Omar Minaya.

That’s why I’ll give Theo Epstein more props than any of them. Young Theo is making prettier music than all of them. (pretty darn good and imaginative for OUR generation). And yeah, Theo’s label is giving him more money but since when is that something to be ashamed of? The name of the game is making money, making hit records, making hit movies, and winning the World Series. Billy Beane can keep portraying himself as the struggling, starving artist while Cashman/Steinbrenner make the Michael Bay high budget pics that bomb at the box office, Theo just keeps making the hits.

Somebody said to me, “But the Beatles were anti-materialistic.” That’s a huge myth. John and I literally used to sit down and say, “Now, let’s write a swimming pool.” — Paul McCartney

By mp

January 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

the new drive-by truckers is a classic. they’re the real deal.

but, seriously, have you ever watched hannah montana? the girl is sassy, and is hugely popular for a reason.

By jed

January 23, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Regarding N8’s 3:54 post:

“But are you a musician? Do you play an instrument, and if so, have you ever tried to play in a band, or even further than that, recorded any of your own music, and tried to not only sell it at gigs, but go through the long road of “shopping” it to recording studios while spending umpteen hundreds of dollars sending them to ANY and EVERY connection you can find, as to try and “make it”??”

I meet all your criteria, N8, and I think your post is total b******. Also think it’s lame and bullying of you try to and marginalize nonmusicians’ views on music just because they dont play an instrument. And all of this to support American Idol?

That’s kind of scary, actually. You’re like a pinhead on steroids.

By jed

January 23, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

And what exactly do you mean by “shopping [your music] to recording studios”? That makes no sense. You dont have to sell a studio on the prospect of recording your music. Did you mean shopping it to record labels? If so, that may well have been your trouble right there.

By N8

January 23, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Jed

“And all of this to support American Idol?”

You’re missing the point, if you think the initial rant was to purely “stick up” for american idol. It wasn’t.

I stated to DOB, that I had been holding it in for a while the way he (and many others), are quick to use the word “suck” when referring to any music.

As for the record “studio/label” question. No. It’s not a mistake. In the upper midwest, many of the independent “labels” own there own studios. Thus you need to “sell” yourself to those labels.

Only a complete moron would attempt to solicit any of the Big Boys, when shopping your demo. If you don’t know somebody that can DIRECTLY put it in the hand of who needs to listen to it, or have them drag that person to see you live….good luck.

Do you know how may THOUSANDS of demos show up in the mail daily at some of these places? The place they get “put” is called the dumpster.

I’d love to tell you stories of going to Paisley Park and “running into Prince” in the parking lot, and saying…..Hey dude…While you’re hear, you wanna give my demo a listen? Those people are called stockers and usually end up with mug-shots, not “a” shot.

For one, most labels can’t “trust” where and who the tapes are coming from. So if you can’t get your booking agent to get you a “show case”, you’re pretty much SOL.

“Also think it’s lame and bullying of you try to and marginalize nonmusicians’ views on music just because they dont play an instrument. “

Again. You missed the point of the post that was DIRECTED at DOB. He often (to me, and others) has used the “I’m in the clubhouse and have been around the game” routine (and rightfully so), when essentially telling us that we don’t know what we’re talking about, when being JUDGMENTAL on a decision or policy, mostly when discussing Bobby.

Again, the point of my using the “musician status” angle to “bully” him or anybody, wasn’t to judge ones opinion.

It saddens me that I typed that much, and all you got out of it, was that I am judgmental. What I’m trying to do is stick up for the musicians that work their AZZ off at their craft, their art, and for many people, their soul, only to have a guy say “That sucks”.

It’s not right, and if you are the musician that you say you are, you not only will appreciate my outlook, but agree with it. Otherwise, I’ll assume you are one of those musicians that stands in the back of the club and mocks whoever is on stage, leaning over to your buddy and whispering and giggling every 10 seconds. Believe me. I’ve been there, done that…….when I was 17.

Would you walk into an art gallery and say…..Man, that painting SUCKS!?

This WHOLE rant has been about the lack of respect of using the word SUCK. Nothing more. Nothing less.

As for the American Idol crap? I could care less who likes it, hates it, watches every episode, has NEVER seen an episode, thinks Seacrest is the devil, thinks Paula Abdul has no business “judging” anybody, thinks Randy Jackson is Michael’s brother…..whatever.

It just fueled me opening my mouth. If you think it was all about American Idol, you’re wasting your keystrokes debating that show with me.

However, if you wanna talk about the other stuff, I’ll gladly chime in back and forth with you.

By N8

January 24, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Jed

I’ve been in 3 bands that have recorded in way shape or form.

The first band we recorded (at our cost), basically doing what they called a “demo package”. What it consisted of, was getting the 3rd or 4th best engineer at the studio (in other words…the coffee boy), from about 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM.

Those “hours” were at a discount, because it was NOT with the local guru, and obviously not during local business hours (the studio pretty much did all of the local radio commercials in the region).

If I recall, it was about 900 bucks for those 8 hours which turned into 6 hours after all the gear was set up, and everything was ready to go.

We paid for 2 nights. Recorded EVERYTHING live (meaning we played all parts at the same time), and then basically did a few vocal, and guitar overdubs.

I was 19 at the time, literally had no money, none of us did for the project. We never packaged or sold it. Ironically the drummer of that band, ended up working at that studio many years later and got his hands on the masters and for a Christmas gift to all of us did some “touch up work” on the 5 tracks and gave us each a better copy of them than we already had.

The next band, used the same studio. We were gigging more, so had money to put in. We spent about 3500 bucks in recording time, and about 2500 in printing and packaging 1000 CD’s from one of these fly by night mail order companies.

We sold most of them, but gave more away than we sold. When it was all said and done, we probably broke even on it (T-shirts make more money in my region).

The last band that I’ve been with for about 2 years, has been writing and recording at the drummers house. The cost that he has into all the gear (computer, software, condenser mic for vocals, the whole nine yards, cost him less than we spent on that first demo years ago.

The room his crap is set up in, obviously don’t sound as good as the booths in the studios, but it works none the less.

Many of the agents/studios/labels in this area work in unison with each other. You sign on to be booked by them (many acts do ONLY that), as an “insider” you can get discounted time at the studios. If you’re not signed with them for booking purposes, you pay full price for the studio time.

The really good acts that they KNOW they can make money on, they will “front” the money for the album (meaning NOTHING to them, because all they are giving away is time), then if it comes out the way THEY want it to, they will also pay for packaging, and go from there.

So while, it’s NOT a major record deal, it operates in the same fashion, the artist puts little to nothing up front, however if they’ve got their claws into you (meaning your signed for the booking and you did the record on their tab), and a major label wants you for some reason, their gonna make their dough by having the label buy out the deal.

Of course in this area that doesn’t happen too often. They use the local bands for “cheap” commissions on discs. The bands use them to get the CD’s out at no out of pocket cost, and EVERYBODY involved crosses their fingers that the right person sees you at the right time.

That hasn’t changed for decades, I imagine.

I’ve long ago given up on the dream of “making it”, yet continue to write, record and gig in mostly local cover bands. It’s fun. What can I say.

Fortunately, I’m a better photographer, than I am a guitar player. LOL!

By N8

January 24, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

“I’d love to tell you stories of going to Paisley Park and “running into Prince” in the parking lot, and saying…..Hey dude…While you’re hear, you wanna give my demo a listen? Those people are called stockers and usually end up with mug-shots, not “a” shot.”

Apparently, when you type 2000 word essays without spell check, things go badly. Obviously I meant “here”, and “stalker”, not to be confused with Kevin Stocker. :-)

Sorry for boring everybody with my “Behind the music”.

Just don’t like being called a bullsh!ter when, there’s nothing BS about what I said.

Disagree if you may, but…..

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

January 24, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Man in Black bloggers, put the 2-DVD set “The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show” at the top of your must-buy list. It offers hours of mesmerizing musical entertainment. And it’s quite a nostalgia rush for those of us who are old enough to remember the show.

See Dylan looking impossibly young again! See Neil Young before he became Real Old! See Eric Clapton jam back in his Derek and the Dominoes days! See great artists who are no longer with us (JC included) when they were in their primes!

Boy, that was a long time ago.

I’m gonna go watch Disc 2 now.

By uga-brave

January 24, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

there are a couple of times when the word “sucks” actually conveys the right meaning. just a few,

Eric greggs strike zone. lonnie smith’s base running gaff in game 7. mark wohlers slider to leyritz. the 1994 baseball strike. scott boras. last but not least, MLB’S handling of the whole steriod mess.

By Bubdylan

January 24, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

I freaking LOVE “Wonderful Remark.” One of the many spots where Van takes a phrase that doesn’t seem lyrical on the surface and makes it sound so natural. Not unlike “I was flabbergasted by the headlines” from “Rough God Goes Riding.” Nice blog, as per usual.

By Nolie

January 24, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

How do you - and everyone else - feel about the Oscar nominations? I, for one, am delighted with the nods to “Michael Clayton” - my runaway choice for Best Picture. Clooney, Wilkenson and Swinton (rolls off the tongue like Tinker, Evers and Chance) all were amazing. Clooney probably doesn’t have a chance to win Best Actor; the others have a very good shot for Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. I’d love to get others’ thoughts. Thanks.

I loved Michael Clayton. It kinda reminded me of some of those ’70s political thrillers like The Parallax View. However I don’t think it was quite in the same class as No Country For Old Men or There Will Be Blood

By Nolie

January 24, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

Anybody alive, when beatle-mania hit, feel free to answer.N8

didn’t like them at all. too precious. Gimme the Stones and The Yardbirds. Fact is I never really cottoned to the Beatles though there are a coupla songs that are ok

By Metropolitan Man

January 24, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

Heres your 5th starter. Better snag him before Pitts makes him an ace:

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Oft-injured pitcher Jaret Wright and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed on a minor league contract Wednesday with an invitation to spring training.

Wright, a 15-game winner for Atlanta in 2004, had a 6.97 ERA while losing all three games he started for Baltimore last season. The right-hander pitched only in rehabilitation games after that because of a sore shoulder, but did not undergo surgery.

The 32-year-old Wright is 68-60 with a 5.09 ERA while pitching for the Indians, Padres, Braves, Yankees and Orioles since 1997. He started Game 7 of the 1997 World Series for Cleveland.

He cant be any worse than Hampton….or Galvine for that matter.

By Serbok

January 24, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

LOL

By the way, I’m gonna pretend I never saw, in any way, the words Beatles and Backstreet Boys in the same sentence or thought earlier in a comment.

Touche!

By Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008)

January 24, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this

uga-brave , Lonnie Smith getting deeked by Knoblauch in 91 and leaving the Braves sixty feet short of a World Championship still stings to this day. Of course , it wasn’t all his fault. Otis Nixon was suspended and it changed the Braves offense in the playoffs.

Lonnie was standing on third base with nobody out in a tie game. Tom Kelly brought his infield in and took the bunt away , leaving the Braves at the mercy of Jack Morris and the Braves simply failed to execute.

Then witnessing Mark Wohlers eighth inning meltdown in game four of the 96 World Series after Bobby Cox inexplicably took Mike Bielecki out of the game still leaves me shaking my head in disbelief.

If not for that critical mistake , the Braves would have been up three games to one and the series would have been all but over.

We now know about the Twins less than honest manipulation of the indoor playing conditions at the Metrodome.

The Yankees 1999 steroid juiced team that unfairly swept the Braves from that WS.

All in all , it hurts. But , it’s water under the bridge. We still have the 95 World Championship trophy , the five N.L. championships and of course the unprecedented fourteen straight division streak from 1991-2005.

Which leaves me really looking forward to this season. The 2008 squad is deep , talented and built to withstand the rigors of the 162 game marathon schedule.

The Braves have quality and depth in both the rotation and bullpen. They have an excellent defense and a more than adequate offense.

I have been predicting playoffs ever since the Tom Glavine signing and am even more sure of this right now since the additional moves that Frank Wren has made.

Three more weeks and the arse kicking begins. :>)

By Metropolitan Man

January 24, 2008 4:15 AM | Link to this

Once written off as an extreme long shot in the long-running Johan Santana drama, the Mets may actually be the favorite now. At the very least, there are indications now that they are engaging in more regular dialogue with the Twins in recent days than either the Red Sox or Yankees. And Mets general manager Omar Minaya, who loves a big deal but hasn’t made one since the winter before last, has told some people in the business, “We have a shot.”

Minaya declined to comment when I reached him on Tuesday. But there are some definite signs that the Twins may be warming to the idea of taking a package of projects and prospects with high ceilings while not insisting on much in the way of major-league help. Which, if true, would give the Mets a real shot.

When Minnesota began shopping Santana in early December, I was told the Twins would have to get Jose Reyes back in a Mets deal, a non-starter for the Mets who understandably consider Reyes a cornerstone player and aren’t about to deal him for a pitcher — even a great pitcher — who’s a year away from free agency and would require an extension at $22-to-$25 million. But in recent weeks I was told that there was indeed a Mets deal to be made, even without Reyes or David Wright or someone of that ilk. That the Twins and Mets continue to talk seems to support that assertion.

Entire link:http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/01/23/scoop.Jan23/index.html

I’m with Wright, lets go with what we have. Let the guys who caused the choke own up to it and make things right.

By jed

January 24, 2008 4:45 AM | Link to this

N8—

Some music does indeed suck. As does your “music is a subjective experience” theory.

By your line of reasoning, there’s no discernible difference in the quality of Bach and Air Supply. Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is, in your view, no better than an Ace Frehley album.

Would you really like to support such a premise?

By jon

January 24, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this

DOB, if you were manager, who is the leading candidate to pitch the 7th inning out of the bullpen????

By 22oz

January 24, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Good bit on XM this morning about Francoeur, they had read the AJC column and were poking fun at Jeff and Catie, saying his life was over if he already was getting bossed around and hearing all the cliches’ involving married life. They were predicting a career year from Jeff since he’d be leaving to get to the ballpark at 1pm everyday! They also picked the Mets as a team to fall flat on their face this year, with or without Santana, but thats just their opinion. I like it though!

By DAP

January 24, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

saltywoody having vocal talent alone doesnt mean a person isnt talented at all.

its kinda proves N8’s point about everyone having different tastes. every one also has differnt things they appreciate as talent. i dont like all of the american idol winners, but all of them can sing well enough to be considered unique, because not many people can sing like they can.

im like you, i perfer musicians who write their own music and play their own instruments, but that doesnt mean someone who just has an amazong voice isnt talented. also, just because they dont play their own instruments during the show doesnt mean they cant play. many of them do play instruments as well.

By richbrave

January 24, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

BROTHER DAVE:

Another pearl Dave. A post to your closing comment on this blog. Wasn’t it someone’s observation that doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result was akin to insanity? In this case are we supposed to assume human nature is the exception to the rule?

By Salty

January 24, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Stinks, sucks, lame, a pile of crap. Wow, what a discussion of late. Unless the intent is to mold the blog into a mine of like-minded thinkers, and DO’B’s never given that indication, why not just say, “personally, I don’t like it”, and move on?

By Salty

January 24, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

jed Your 4:45…how did you come to that conclusion from all that N8 posted? Personally, that wasn’t my take away at all.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

saltywoody American Idol is that standing up and rocking out without the initial work put in behind the scenes.

a singing voice is like any other instrument. you have to practice and work on it alot before its ready. dont make the mistake of thinking the singers on american idol havent worked very hard to be there.

i agree with you about our generation taking some steps backwards as far as creativity. all we can do is buck the trend, and hope it turns around.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

SteveMcP the show looks only for a vocalist and is not at all about musical skill and gives no credit for musicians.

singers ARE musicians.

By N8

January 24, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Jed

“By your line of reasoning, there’s no discernible difference in the quality of Bach and Air Supply. Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is, in your view, no better than an Ace Frehley album.”

I find it amusing. You still don’t get it, do you?

Even the above statement, where you tried to give a hypothetical example, all you’ve done is merely state your opinion.

Period.

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

*By Salty

January 24, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Stinks, sucks, lame, a pile of crap. Wow, what a discussion of late. Unless the intent is to mold the blog into a mine of like-minded thinkers, and DO’B’s never given that indication, why not just say, “personally, I don’t like it”, and move on?*

Exactly why I left the blog… Out of 300 posts, 250 are of some personal argument. Just get the guy’s email or IM and take the personal jabs off the public forum. I stopped posting a couple of months ago because most of the debate simply turned to dispute and dissention. Next thing you know, somebody hurls a cruise missile then a whole flock of ICBMs are raining down on us all. It’s the end of the world as we know it. And with just a couple of weeks before spring training, too. But, I digress…

Oh, and hello again, DOB…

By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)

January 24, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

DOB:

I’m betting that Daniel Gibson was serious, but just a little confused.

He was probably thinking of Kim Possible, who IS awesome.

By Shaun

January 24, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008), you want to narrow that series down to one play when five of its games were decided by a single run, four games decided in the final at-bat and three extra-inning games? Yes, you can point to that one play…and about a million other things. I’m sure every player that appeared in that series for the Braves continues to this day to think “what if I had just done this differently or that differently.”

You mentioned the Otis Nixon suspension, what if Hrbek’s move isn’t allowed, if Juan Berenguer isn’t injured, if Schuerholz makes just one more minor move, if Kirby Puckett doesn’t make a catch no human should make…

By DAP

January 24, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

by the way, i dont mind saying something sucks, or having someone else say it…to me, its understood that its their opinion, which they have a right to. obviously its rude to say if your evaluating someone’s art with them standing right there and talking to someone who really really likes it, but whatever.

By Buck Naked

January 24, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I always thought Betty Rubble was pretty hot.

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 24, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

MetMan: *Heres your 5th starter. Better snag him before Pitts makes him an ace:

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Oft-injured pitcher Jaret Wright…*

Dude, we’ve got 8-9 pitchers for our 5-man starting rotation. Remind us who your 5th starter is?

By Buck Naked

January 24, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

MetMan: I hear that elephant from the LooneyTunes cartoon is available as a 5th starter. And he plays for peanuts!

By ncscoots

January 24, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

VOR, man, you gotta come here more often. The contributions of guys such as MBATL, you, and some of the other MIAs, keep some of the very trash you deplore from occurring. Preventive blogging, if you will, LOL.

Besides, I miss your always-well-“reasoned” posts. :-)

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Thanks, nscoots… very kind words indeed.

By Dick Enberg

January 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Exactly why I left the blog… Out of 300 posts, 250 are of some personal argument.

Oh My…

By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)

January 24, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Shaun—

Your link didn’t work. Maybe this one will.

You’re right — good discussion. Thanks.

By Beavis

January 24, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Are not!

By jb

January 24, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Long posts about American Idol. This is exactly why we have to put up with it. Whether we like it or not, people want to talk about it. It’s losing its luster. Where is last year’s winner on the charts? I don’t watch the show. I am too turned off by the fact that some singers were turned away from the start because they were “too polished.” The Prince protege Tamar was one who never appeared on the show because she was “too polished.” The producers of the show only let us see the ones they want us to see. American’s really don’t pick their “idol,” the producers do. It’s kind of like voting for a President, we can vote, but the Candidates are practically picked for us ahead of time and the electoral college ultimately has the say so. As American’s, we are too easily dooped. I do agree singing is an art, but you can go to many church choirs and find a great singing voice. The problem is they may not look good on video, just ask C.C music factory’s Martha Washington.

By Butthead

January 24, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Is too!

By Beavis

January 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Are not!

By Butthead

January 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Is too!

By cityofdecatur

January 24, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

N8 u may not have meant to be pompous but you sure came off as such. Can’t wait for Pitchers and Catcher to report and we can start bloggin’ mainly baseball. Enjoy the music (i don’t particularily enjoy the movie discussions but i do know how to scroll past) talk as it’s got me to look and listen to music i would not have been exposed to. Pop culture (music movies t v )is marketed to the lowest common denominator. PS N8 you part of the speach police on the word SUCk

By Alan

January 24, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Coach, you really should try to forget the past - as Mark McGwire has suggested so eloquently. Still, I can’t resist commenting. You said if the Braves won Game 4 of the ‘96 WS, the Series would have been “all but over” because they’d have had a 3-1 lead. Hold on. That same year in the NLCS immediately preceding the WS, the Braves came back from a 3-1 deficit to obliterate the Cardinals. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

MetMan, seriously: You could criticize the Braves for missing the postseason for two years, for not re-signing Andruw, etc, but to insinuate that they’re desperate for a fifth starter? This from a Mets fan? I mean, are you even keeping up with baseball’s offseason dealings and the stories/questions that teams have? Even giving it a cursory glance now and then? Because your point is so completely from another offseason that I’m wondering where you’re getting your info.

My man, the Mets have some serious, and I mean serious, questions about their starting rotation. Maybe they’ll get Santana. If they do, that’d obviously make a very big difference. But even then, they’d have major questions in terms of depth.

This is not even in the Braves’ top three issues, not this winter. Good point by you — just the wrong year to make it.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

N8,

Interesting responses to your music and AI posts. I tend to agree with you on the “sucks” part. I have been involved in the music “biz” a bit myself and understand your perspective.I have played a bit and still mess around a little.

I have also tried to manage bands, book bands and have owned a couple bars that booked live shows.

I am not an AI fan mainly because I really don’t like that kind of singing. Give me Joe Strummer or Mick Jagger over ANY of the AI competitors and I will be happy.

As you say that is my personal opinion and it really means nothing to anyone else.

You are very correct about Kip Winger and some of the other members of 80’s hair band, they are and were talented guys that were playing the music they thought would get them signed and paid. Nothing wrong with that.

I personally despise the guitar playing of Edward Van Halen. I think his multi non-melodic playing including his tapping created an entire era of guitar gun slingers that could play fast, but had no soul at all. I know Eddie is talented but I still don’t like his style or his playing.

It would be easy to say Van Halen sucks, but I agree with you a better way to put it is I don’t LIKE Van Halen.

Anyway, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the subject.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ned, great point at 4:45 a.m. (and I like a person who makes great points at 4:45 a.m.)

By the way, the Whigs show at the Earl is SOLD OUT (and I didn’t get tickets, thanks to someone who wanted to wait and decide whether she wanted to go; but I’ll try not bring that point up anywhere but here.)

By TennesseePaul

January 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

DOB: So, Greenwoods music borrowed more heavily from other composers than I originally thought… I was hearing Ennio Morricone, but it looks like it was others. What reminded me of Ennio from Greenwood was the delievery, or spacing of the music. The way he laid it out on top of the visuals. Looks like he borrowed from others as well.

It looked like a glaring snub when Jonny Greenwood’s music for “There Will Be Blood” wasn’t among the five Academy Award nominees for best original score.

Daniel Day-Lewis gives a towering performance as an oilman in “There Will Be Blood.” Turns out it wasn’t eligible — because it wasn’t entirely original.

Much of the searing music from the Radiohead guitarist had appeared elsewhere previously, said Charles Bernstein, chairman of the music branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which chooses the nominees.

Some of the score came from a performance Greenwood had done for the BBC, titled “Popcorn Superhet Receiver.” Some of it came from Estonian composer Arvo Part; still other parts came from a Brahms violin concerto.
—Associated Press

By Lew

January 24, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Daybed-I’m with you, Dude. I’m more inclined to think the Mets will end up with Jared Wright. There’s no way the Braves would sign him, nor do they even vaguely need him. As usual, MetroDude’s septic tank runneth over.

By StingerSplash

January 24, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

what will be higher — beer prices at Turner Field or the St. Louis Cardinals starting rotation’s cumulative earned run average? I think I just channeled my inner Jeff Schultz. I will now gouge my eyes out. DOB, consider this — other than Kelly what’shername, what American Idol finalist, not even a winner, but a finalist, has sold anything remotely close to the number of records total to qualify for a gold record? That show’s not about the winners, it’s about the losers. In. Oh. So. Many. Ways. And then there is greatness on TV, like when AMC decides to show “Cool Hand Luke” as I’m trying to get ready to go to work.

By kdbanks

January 24, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

DOB or anyone else -

Anyone planning on going to the Manchester Orchestra show Friday night? I can’t make it as I’m going to see Tom Rhodes at the Punchline, but I would love to hear how the show is.

If anyone goes, please post about it.

KDB

By N8

January 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Flange1

“I personally despise the guitar playing of Edward Van Halen…I know Eddie is talented but I still don’t like his style or his playing….It would be easy to say Van Halen sucks, but I agree with you a better way to put it is I don’t LIKE Van Halen.”

First off, I too appreciate you “appreciating” my view. Second of all, you nailed it on the head.

I personally don’t agree with you, yet I’ve talked to many who DO agree with you. That’s the magic of it all.

Everybody is moved by different music for different reasons.

Nothing wrong with that. It’s clear that the only people that think I’m being pompous on this subject are the ones that are pompous enough to think the music THEY LIKE, is “better” than the music you may like.

I hope everybody sees the hypocrocy in that.

Props to you for owning a bar where (even if in the past), where having live entertainment is wanted. They’re becoming an endangered species, in the upper mid-west.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

N8, unless you want to go back and find some recent instances where I used the term “suck,” please stop saying that I’ve used it to describe music or anything else. Because I haven’t. Got it? Have not used it.

Do I care if others do? No. I’m only offended by a few words, and that’s sure not one of them. Some are too easily offended, but that’s another discussion I’m not going to get into.

I don’t use it, because the paper would ask me not to if I started using it with any frequency on the blog, I’m sure. We can’t use it at all in the newspaper, unless it’s a direct quote, and even then it’s sometimes changed.

Again, don’t say I’m using a word that I’m not. I might have used it once in the past year on this blog, though i can’t recall the specific instance, if I did. I’ve used “stink” many times, and will continue to do so.

And you can write 1,000-word essays or arguments on the subject until the cows (or diminshing ratings) come home, but it’s not gonna change my opinion: American Idol, and 98 percent (or so) of the talent that comes out of that show, stinks. Awful. Pablum.

Just like most of what occupies the top of the Top 40 chart. Sorry if that offends you, but it’s my opinion. I pay no mind to record sales or box office figures. Sometimes, but not often, one of my favorites will be a big seller (U2 comes to mind). Other times, most times, it will not.

I really don’t care. I like what I like. And I hate the soul-less garbage that comes out of that show. And I honestly never watch the show, but am exposed to what are supposedly its best acts, the ones that win, because they show up everywhere, truly ubiquitous, for the year or so after they’ve won on that show, as labels promote them as if they are extremely talented “discovered” artists, and newspapers and magazines do cover stories on them. It’s insipid and aggravating. But hey, it’s what a lot of people like for their entertainment. And that’s fine.

Most of those folks would opine that the stuff I like is garbage. Different tastes.

By FJR

January 24, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Nice to see a shoutout to the dead confederate boys. I grew up with these guys in augusta, back when they were the redbelly band (not so long ago) and hardy’s older brother dawson was the singer (a long time ago). Jason Scarborough is an immensely talented drummer. Its been awesome to see Hardy turn into such a ridiculously talented songwriter. Saw them with the whigs over winter break at the sould bar in augusta, great show although the sound there sucks (but its made up for by the small bar atmosphere).

N8, I tend to agree with you to a point. Too many people take their own personal tastes, compare musicians to that, and to the degree that they don’t align is the degree that they are viewed to suck.

For instance, I don’t particularly care for Christina Aguilera and I love the band Jet. However, I spent a good deal of time around the music business and I recognize that Christina is more talented than the members of Jet. I don’t like it all that much, but geenie in a bottle is a genius song. I love it, but Be My Girl is pretty much a ripoff and likely didn’t take a ton of talent to pull off.

However, I disagree with you about your point of “if you are a musician, you shouldn’t judge.” Musicians are just like me and DOB, they just are able to play an instrument. Many are much more closeminded and say people suck simply based on taste than DOB ever thought about being. My best friend is a ridiculously good guitarist, however he loves The Darkness and thinks that Of Montreal sucks.

Music isn’t all that subjective in a lot of ways, there are people who do legitimately suck, they can’t sing (most of the popstar dont fall into this category though, contrary to popular myth, almost all the huge popstar are actually fantastic singers, its too expensive, even these days, to mess with somebody who can’t sing, unless they were already a celebrity to begin with, the labels aren’t going to pick unknowns who cant sing just because they look a certain way). However, if you actually suck at everything musical, you likely aren’t going to make it at all. There are too many people out there who are just as good looking who actually don’t suck to have to spend millions in the studio covering up the fact that you suck. So when people today say somebody sucks, they really usually just mean that “this person’s style deviates from the style I prefer and isn’t SOOOOOOO talented that it makes up the difference.

By N8

January 24, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

flange1

I am confused though. How could somebody with the word flange in their moniker, despise EDV’s playing?

LOL!

Just giving you grief.

By Zac

January 24, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, any word on what Leo Mazzone is gonna be doing this upcoming season? Amazing how someone that was once mentioned as a hall of fame caliber pitching coach, can’t even find a job 2 years later.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

I’m not really sure why a Denver newspaper wrote that Tulowitzki’s new six-year, $31 mill deal eclipsed Cleveland CF Grady Sizemore’s $23.45 mill deal as the largest ever for a player with under two years’ experience, other than the paper simply overlooked Brian McCann’s deal.

Last spring training, McCann signed a six-year deal worth a minimum of $26.8 mill. He had fewer than two years’ experience at the time, and that was the largest contract for a player with so little major league service — until Tulowitzki’s deal.

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

If I may elbow my way into the discussion ever so deftly…

I have been in and around the music business for 25 or so years on many levels and to varying degrees of success. (Defining musical success could open up a whole big ol’ can in and of itself…) I do not currently make my living as a musician, but I still play on a much smaller, more local and specific scene. In much the same way that my passion for Los Bravos keeps me eyes on the baseball scene, my passion for music keeps my eyes on that scene as well.

As a youngster, I would have argued you down for hours as to who was talented and who “sucked”. As a grizzled veteran, I have come to appreciate and respect most, read most, music and musicians. What is real music to you or to me, not so much for somebody else. We are all products of our environment and age. I could listen for hours to Grand Funk Railroad’s 1970 Live Album, but that would make most of you cringe. By the same token, I can watch AI without either passing out or throwing up. It’s all a matter of personal preference, however wide or narrow. And there’s nothing wrong with either wide or narrow. Beauty really is in the eye, or ear, of the beholder. And some be holdin’ more than others…

By Lew

January 24, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

There is a difference between DOB’s Wurlitzer portraits and everyone else’s. His are portraits of musicians, as opposed to Braves’ players. When I met him in Boston, he wondered why I had awarded them to him. What I told him was something I truly believe-It’s all about the music and he gets it.

This is quite true. He does get it. It has nothing whatsoever with what type of music he listens to. He’s heavily into older country-the legends like Hank Williams, Sr.. He does not care for the Hair Bands and Prog Rock from the 70’s and 80’s. I, on the other hand, could care less if I ever heard Hank Sr., I really like some of the Hair Bands and grew up with Prog Rock-even got to talk to Keith Emerson.

The point is that DOB, Myself, Nathan (and many others here) get it. It’s all about the music. What would life be without it? Could life possibly be as enjoyable without our tunes to see us through the hard times (in the Immortal words of Foghat- When I was stone blue, Rock and Roll sure helped me through)? Could we celebrate the good times without more music?

No, it doesn’t much matter if you like Johnny Cash, The Beatles or Madonna. It’s all about the music. Always has been and always will be. And THAT is how it should be.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

By the way, Tulowitzki has a seventh-year option at $15 mill in 2014, and McCann a seventh-year option at $12 mill in 2013 (with a $500,000 buyout).

By Anders

January 24, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

*DOB

Maybe they’ll get Santana. If they do, that’d obviously make a very big difference. But even then, they’d have major questions in terms of depth

Glad to see you coming around to the possiblity I outlined back around Thanksgiving. Maybe you can convince Big Lew that it’s not a mortal impossibility for this to happen? Although he seems more bent on convincing all that if it wasn’t for Chippers injuries the last few years David Wright would playing in the Witness Protection Plan somewhere in Arizona completely unnoticed. ooookaaay. Anyway, it’s just a matter of time before Santana’s agent demands that the Twins trade him soon or he won’t waive his no trade. Santana won’t want to risk injury or a sub par performance in 2008 getting in the way of the montsrous contract he now has coming. No way next years price for him is much higher, if at all. At any rate the risk/reward is not in his favor to wait. At what point does Santana feel slighted by the Yanks and Red Sox who both have gone from a high stakes chess match to the point of appearing almost disinterested? Can’t be feeding his ego too much. As for the Mets depth I’ll take my chances with two 15 game winners (Perez and Maine) and Santana to start my rotation. I’ll be happy to cobble together a 4th and 5th guy with that three on top.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

anybody like mute math? im listening to the reset EP right now. good band.

i almost hope hampton doenst pitch this season. i really am excited to see this jurrjens kid, and i know he wont beat james as the 5th starter. my bet is he will pitch in AAA, but im excited to see this kid pitch in a braves uni. if hampton does come back, i just hope he pitches real well, so i dont wish the whole time it was jurrjens instead.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

N8,

Great point, I get that all the time! When I started on eBay I needed a name and I had just bought an ADA flanger so a friend said why not be flangebox? SO from there I have been Flangebox or Flange1.

I do like EVH’s equipment though, the 5150 is a really decent amp and the Ernie Ball guitars were and are incredible. I even don’t hate the Peavey guitars and I am not a fan of Hartley Peavey AT ALL.

The new Fender made Frankenstein’s are also pretty cool, but not being a Floyd fan (I love Bigsbies) I doubt I will ever get one.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

FJR, that would’ve been a great show to see. I’m thinking of going and trying to scalp a ticket to Whigs show, because I really have a feeling they’re not going to be playing such small venues for too much longer.

By the way, agree with you on Aguilera — don’t like her music, but she can flat-out sing. And she sat in the row behind me in first-class on a flight once, and I tell you what — not bad. To say the least.

(We were in first class, but I was just using an upgrade from schlepping around the country so much on Delta; I’m quite sure she paid full price for her ticket.)

By flange1

January 24, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

DAP,

I agree to a certain extent with your 12:29 post. I too want to see JJJ in the rotation. I would like to also have Hampton in the rotation and Chuckie on the team.

I know it is early and we need to see performance, but I would like to have both Bennett and Chuckie in the pen as long relievers and spot starters. Let them both learn from Hampton, Glavine and Smoltz and then move into the rotation NEXT (2009) season.

I know people are going to jump on the Chuckie to the pen, but use him in situations where he starts an inning and will go a couple of innings not to be brought in after the inning has started.

By FJR

January 24, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I guess part of it comes out of what you mean by “stink”. If it means that you just don’t think that the music they put out is “good”, that is one thing, and is totally subjective. If it means that you think they are devoid of musical talent, that’s quite another and much much less subjective.

I’ll start this by saying that I LOVE the whigs, their last album was one of my favorite debut albums of the last 10 years. However, I’d be an idiot to say that everybody who makes it to the live portion of AI can’t sing rings around their lead singer. They’re all fantastically talented singers when they get that far. For many of them, if you were to put them in a rock band with say Michael Stipe or Noel Gallagher or Rich Robinson as the main songwriter, I think you and many of us would view them to be awesomely talented.

TO say that they don’t have talent is borderline ridiculous. To say that they don’t put out good music is quite another thing entirely.

By Hammy the Brave

January 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I do think FW has done a good job of generally addressing the Braves issues this offseason. However, I’m still interested in the Braves having a deeper, more versatile bench, with power.

How about them signing Morgan Ensberg, to back up at 3B/1B? Now remember, before you find fault with this guy, bench players inherently have flaws that usually prevent them from being regulars. Also, I’d like to hear your input on the bench, specifically what power guy(s) you’d like to add, who aren’t already on the team(that the Braves can afford). Also,are you saying the Braves’ budget may be so tight that they can’t afford a better bench option, say for 1.5-2 mill?

On a related note, I’ve wondered if the SF Giants might be a possibility to trade Thorman and Prado to(they have a gaping hole at 1B). They seem to have about 4 lefty relievers, at least 2 are power arms(Sanchez and Threets)and maybe 3 other older “prospects” I think they have devalued. I still consider him someone the Braves are keeping around because he’s out of options, and in case they can’t resign Tex longterm. I don’t consider him a good bench player at this point because of: his youth, holes in his swing, and I doubt Bobby will play him as a backup at LF/RF. I feel the same about Prado: he can’t play SS, doesn’t have basestealing speed or power.

I keep hearing that we may be close to signing Soriano to a 2yr deal(which I’d like because I doubt M. Gonzalez will be 100% whenever he comes back in 2008). The sources for this are Bill Shanks ,and a radio show that Bobby Cox was interviewed on recently(don’t remeber the show details). Do you know anything about how legitimate this rumour is?

Love to get your input,

Hammy the Brave

By i can't take it anymore

January 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

oh nooooooo!metroman is reporting mets-santana deal may still be in the works. if the mets get johan santana, it’s all going to be over! like dennis said, crown’em… they are who we thought they were. good googly moogly what a team of davy wright and johan. the rumor mill is also reporting davy wright has been working on his curve ball. with him at the bottom of the rotation, its a lock for the east, braves fans!

hey david, how was your trip to GSU?

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

flange1: EVH’s Peavey isn’t that much different from the Ernie Ball. Same compound radius on the neck, same material specs, same custom wiring and electronics… just more money from Peavey. Did you know that the 5150 has 5 gain stages in the preamp? Insane…

By Ramblin Wrecker

January 24, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Have you seen “Juno”? I think you’d enjoy it. Ellen Page delivers a memorable performance that I think is Oscar worthy. She isn’t likely to win, but she was brilliant. It was by far the funniest movie I’ve seen in sometime (and not in the vulgar Knocked Up kind of way, which I like too).

By AJC Editor

January 24, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

DOB

We were in first class, but I was just using an upgrade from schlepping around the country so much on Delta;

Mr O’Brien. Please be aware that all perks and benefits received as a direct result of AJC business matters are the exclusive property of AJC and are not to be used at your discretion for your sole benefit. Please report to my office immeditaly so we can frame out your reimbursement plan for said infraction.

By Arnold Drummond

January 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

What you talking about DOB? This is what I think about music and American Idol:

Now, the world don’t move to the beat of just one drum, What might be right for you, may not be right for some. A man is born, he’s a man of means. Then along come two, they got nothing but their jeans.

But they got, Diff’rent Strokes. It takes, Diff’rent Strokes. It takes, Diff’rent Strokes to move the world.

Everybody’s got a special kind of story Everybody finds a way to shine, It don’t matter that you got not alot So what, They’ll have theirs, and you’ll have yours, and I’ll have mine. And together we’ll be fine….

Because it takes, Diff’rent Strokes to move the world. Yes it does. It takes, Diff’rent Strokes to move the world.

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

FJR

Nice post. I can live with that view.

Voice of Reason

Also, a well stated POV.

Lew

You too, fall into the good post category. We’re on a roll, people.

You said:

“The point is that DOB, Myself, Nathan (and many others here) get it. It’s all about the music. What would life be without it?”

Pretty quiet, and boring. Well said.

Flange1

I have a buddy who SWEARS by the 5150 Amps. For years, I had a Peavey Rockmaster and a Classic 60 amp. Had to “follow the trend” and go with the all rack-mounted stuff in the 90’s. LOVED LOVED LOVED that amp. But it crashed on me (after about 12 years), I had it fix, it crashed again. I bought another used one on Ebay, IT crashed. Never did find out what, in my rig was causing the issue.

So I sold it all (seperately of course) on Ebay, and bought a Crate V Series 5212 Combo amp. The thing is so warm, yet has the attack of the rockmaster. Love it. Though I miss my Fender 4x12 cab I had with the rack stuff. Not nearly as much “ummph” once you step a few feet away from this amp (it’s an open back casing), compared to the closed back 4x12 cab.

I’ve got a 1994 PRS CE-24 for that I bought new in 94, in Chicago. Love that guitar.

The other guitar player I’m currently playing with has one of those Peavey Triple X heads. That thing is so RIDICULOUSLY loud for small clubs, it’s sick. A little too “heavy metal’ for me, but to each his own.

DOB

“By the way, agree with you on Aguilera — don’t like her music, but she can flat-out sing.”

See….I knew you had it in you! LOL! (wink).

Just kidding.

By brent a.

January 24, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know what the MLB on TV schedule will be this year?

What will TBS do during the regular season? I had thought it was supposed to be a Sunday game, but does that mean Sunday night, or Sunday afternoon? If Sunday night, does that mean “good-bye” to ESPN on Sunday night?

Alas, I am happy that I finally live in Atlanta, and do not have to pay extra to see the Braves games on TV, after seeing them for “free” every year since 1981.

By Braves20

January 24, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

All good comments above on the Brave’s ‘08 prospects. Agreed, each win from Hampton will be a bonus as will everything we get out of Kotsey.

Biggest key to success? How will our first baseman/clean-up hitter perform on the big stage of a real pennant race for a full year?

By flange1

January 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

VOR,

You are right, they are similar, the Peaveys always seemed heavier to me and I do not like the pickups in the Peavey. Again personal taste!

The gain stages in the 5150 are amazing. I prefer the combo to the half stack.

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

“I do think FW has done a good job of generally addressing the Braves issues this offseason.”

Is anybody else out there having a hard time typing FW instead of JS.

This is a hard transition for me, with how much I type.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

By the way, I haven’t mentioned it yet, but if Javy wins the backup catcher job, he’ll likely be assigned to catch one of the five starters. Braves are expected to go with that arrangment, which Cox has preferred in the past….

Just saw that Dan Kolb signed a minor league contract with Boston. That means three of the Braves’ most recent closers are either unsigned and maybe retired (Bob Wickman) or signed to minor league contracts (Kolb, Chris Reitsma with Seattle)….

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

By the way, I haven’t mentioned it yet, but if Javy wins the backup catcher job, he’ll likely be assigned to catch one of the five starters. Braves are expected to go with that arrangment, which Cox has preferred in the past….

Just saw that Dan Kolb signed a minor league contract with Boston. That means three of the Braves’ most recent closers are either unsigned and maybe retired (Bob Wickman) or signed to minor league contracts (Kolb, Chris Reitsma with Seattle)….

By Lew

January 24, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

No Anders-As usual your head is up-no I won’t go there. It’s a new year and I’m kinder and gentler, right? Well, maybe.

If the Mets pull off a deal and pick up Santana, it surely WILL improve their pitching staff. I do not need to be convinced of this-I’m already well aware of the fact. However……..

It isn’t just a matter of picking up Santana. I’m with DOB on this one-just like I have been all along. The Mets (and this is an honest evaluation-it has nothing at all to do with what I think of the Mets personally) have many holes and very little depth in a number of areas and you Anders, and Metro Dude, seemingly refuse to acknowledge this fact.

Go ahead and get Santana. In a way, I almost hope you do, because it still won’t come close to guaranteeing you a playoff berth in 08 and will totally destroy your chances long term.

The reasons for this are simple. You have a VERY old team, overall and you have very little roster depth-both at the ML level and in the minors. Your farm system is extremely weak-has been for many, many years. The Twins are asking for ALL of your ML ready or almost ready talent.

If you trade all this young talent, how do you replace Alou, DelGado, ElDuque, Pedro or Castillo? How do you replace any of them THIS year when they go down to their inevitable injuries (and I say inevitable because that is their track record-just like Chipper)? You have no bench depth. Do you seriously think Chavez (who you, yourself acknowledged recently was NOT a full time player) can fill in and provide Moises bat? What do you do (even with Santana) if Pedro goes down? He has, after all, only pitched 80 something innings in 22 months, by season’s start? Who replaces El Duque, who is 42 and only pitched 140 something innings last year, spending considerable time on the DL? What about Pelfrey, who at best, was quite disappointing last year?

How will your replacements for Shaun Green and Paul LoDuca work out? Is either replacement anywhere near the player those two were? I sure don’t think so. What do you do about clubhouse dissension with a totally unhappy closer fueling the fire?

As if this year were not an issue, Anders, what about the future? It is widely speculated that this is Alou’s, Pedro’s and El Duque’s last season. How do you replace almost half of your starting rotation NEXT year? How do you do this and replace your first baseman (Del Gado will not be a Met for much longer) and left fielder as well? Seems you will have EXACTLY the same problems next year as you do now, but with the trade for Santana, you will have ZERO help coming from New Orleans. As for all this $$$$$ we keep hearing about, where is it? Why was it not spent last offseason? Why was it not spent at the trade deadline last year? Would not another piece or two helped you to the playoffs? Why hasn’t any of it been spent THIS offseason? We won’t even get into the bullpen where you will count heavily on Sanchez, another pitcher coming back from missing an entire season, plus.

No Anders, this is an honest evaluation. David Wright and Jose Reyes (Santana, too, should you land him), good as they are, are not enough to pull the Mets through. You have WAY too many other issues. You still have the Phillies (who in case you weren’t aware, won the Division over you last year) and the Braves (who HAVE improved themselves during the offseason) to contend with in addition to all your holes. I wish you luck. You will need it and a couple more pitchers, a few relievers and a bench as well.

Yes, I hate the Mets as the rivals they are, but please, as I’ve asked before, dispute me on any of this. For some odd reason, you never have. You just keep telling me it’s because I hate the Mets. So go ahead and tell me exactly where I miscalculated in this entire situation. I bet you can’t, because I think I nailed the evaluation right on the head.

By Jeff R

January 24, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

It surprises me that Buster Olney is so behind the curve on Hampton. DOB is right on target: Hampton can’t be counted on, and if he delivers anything, consider it a bonus.

I would expect Smoltz and Hudson to each deliver the required 15 wins and 200 innings. Glavine is a probable, though I think it remains to be seen if he still has adequate velocity and the stamina to produce as the season wears on. James needs to rebound from arm fatigue and a mediocre sophomore campaign. Jurrjens seems to be the real deal. Soriano needs to stay healthy, as DOB mentions, but he also needs to keep his head in games. I think he got tagged last year when he suffered mental lapses.

The regulars are solid, though health is always an issue with Chipper and now Kotsay.

The defense will be there, and so should the hitting. So it’s all about the pitching.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Zac, I heard that Leo might have hooked on as a roadie for the upcoming Mute Math tour….

Ramblin Wrecker, I’d put Juno in my top 10 for the year, for sure. Loved it. Even more than Superbad, which was also hilarious.

If it weren’t for Julie Christie’s performance in Away From Her, I’d say the young Ms. Paige’s work in Juno should win her the Oscar. But Christie was incredible in that heartbreaking movie. And Laura Linney is also great in The Savages (I think she was nominated for best actress, but not sure)….

Leo, if you’re reading, I was kidding. And Notre Dame will rise again (someday … surely they will … right?)

By David-ATL14

January 24, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Hammy I saw Thorman’s name mentioned in one of the SF Giants blog/columns also.

Would be a good place for him especially if Braves could include some other parts and take a run at Sanchez a power arm lefty who is both cheap and under control for several years.

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Arnold Drummond

LOL! Nice job.

btw: One of the greatest tv theme songs of all time.

Let the “arguing” begin….er….continue.

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

flange1: In the late 80’s, I owned a Peavey Vandenberg. It was the first signature Peavey and their intro into the super-strat market. It was nothing like any other Peavey at the time. I was on the receiving end of alot of trash talk beacause of the “Peavey stigma”. The Vandenberg, though, was a beast - super fast neck, custom p/u’s, locking trem, etc. I sold it only a couple of years ago…

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I think this whole Buster Onlney thing might be a little misread, maybe not.

But the one player he fails to mention, is Hudson.

Is this because Hudson isn’t a “question mark”? If that is the case, maybe he assumes that Hudson will anchor the rotation, with Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton to follow (based on health). Because I think it’s reasonable to assume that if all of those 3 are healthy, they will be effective, more often than not.

Now, the fact that he “singled” Hampton out, does make it seem as though he hasn’t been paying attention.

But lets just say that he isn’t too far off. If Smoltz or Glavine remotely show their age this year, WHOEVER is the 4th starter (possibly not Hampton), will become VERY important.

Of course the 4th and 5th starter (regardless of Smoltz’ and Glavine’s health), are VERY important 2 out of ever 5 days. :-)

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I was already expecting to see Jordan Schafer basically attached to the hip of Mark Kotsay during spring training.

Then I read this quote from A’s manager Bob Geren in a story today by the Oakland MLB.com writer, talking about the team’s revamped outfield and the loss of Mark Kotsay:

“Losing Mark, you lose a fundamentally sound outfielder who’s a good teacher who helped a lot of young guys,” Geren said. “He really helped Swish [Nick Swisher] a lot, and he took [Travis] Buck aside and showed him some things, too. Mark had a lot of influence here.”

By Braveheart

January 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

When is Laura Linney not great?

I saw Eastern Promises the other night. I was disappointed. There was absolutely no need for Naomi Watts and the baby in that movie. That just seemed liked a lazy plot trick device meant to suck the audience into that underworld almost as if they did not trust the audience to care enough about a Russian Mafia movie. I like looking at Naomi but she wasn’t needed at all.

Viggo and that Russian underworld was compelling enough to carry the movie. Viggo was awesome. Wish they would have just focused on Viggo and the Russians. That would have made a good movie great. Maybe the creators of that movie were just too scared to get in over their heads. It seemed that way to me. The storytelling was too conventional and the ending was so pathetically cliched.

As it was, it was worth it just to see Viggo’s out of this world performance.

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Lew

Tone it back a bit. There’s only so much space on this blog for my 3000 word, 28 paragraph epic posts.

See, now I absolutely LOVE watching you and the Mets trolls having it out, no matter how long the posts are.

Keep up the good work.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

i can’t take it anymore (I’m addressing the poster who goes by this screen name, not making a personal statement): the GSU thing is tonight.

By Lew

January 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Nathan-But was I wrong?

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

FJR, agreed: Some on the show that will go nameless obviously have plenty of talent, in terms of singing (and I guess some on there can play, though I haven’t watched the show to see if they have many actual bands).

It’s the soulless, overwrought schlock that most of the “winners” produce that makes me cringe and throw things.

By N8

January 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Voice of Reason

Be careful. Mentioning the Peavey Vandenberg, could be thought of as making a reference (even if it’s not directly made), to Whitesnake. LOL!

DOB

That is more than likely, was just as important to the Braves as Kotsay’s play on the field.

A) He will lead by example, from what I’ve read of what you have said about him.

B) If he is injured and can’t go, it appears as though he would be whoever takes his spots’ biggest fan, and menor.

That’s why all of the people that say this was a wasted move, and a “one year bandaid”, aren’t looking at the big picture, when it comes to what impact he’ll have on Schafer for the REST OF HIS CAREER.

I’ve often read athletes talking about who “took them under their wing”, when they came up.

Not that Andruw couldn’t have done the same thing. But it appears, that Kotsay has the same qualities that TP had when he played, which is what’s made him a decent hitting coach, and more than likely Bobby’s successor when he’s done.

Kind of reminds me of how Grissom took Dye under his wing. If I remember correctly, Dye lived with him, diidn’t he?

A team can NEVER have too many of these guys around, IMO.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

**On this day in baseball history:

1973: In his first year of eligibility, Warren Spahn receives 316 of the 380 votes cast to become a member of the Hall of Fame. The southpaw, who recorded thirteen 20-win seasons, retired as the winningest left-handed pitcher in big league history with 363 victories.

COMMENT: Would those 64 of you dissenting voters who are still alive, please explain yourselves. I’d love to hear it.

1980: Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon purchase the Mets for an estimated $21.1 million. The price tag is the highest amount ever paid for a baseball franchise.

COMMENT: Without crunching numbers, that investment seems to represent a potentially bigger rate of return than those in my 401K or my Roth IRA would appear to have, at this point.

By Salty

January 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

VOR It’s the end of the world as we know it. REM fan, huh? I’m with ya! :-)

Scoots preventive blogging You kill me!

DO’B young Miss Paige…as in ‘Hard Candy’? Oh…very distrubing…heckuva a young actress!

By Shaun

January 24, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Ken (Bridgewater, NJ): Do you think the Braves have given up too many prospects the last year? They’ve given up Salty, Andrus, Harrison (who I’ve heard about forever but still haven’t seen), Devine, Aybar, and Fontaine. Seems like they’ve given up a ton for not so much.

Keith Law: I think the only two guys there who come back to haunt them are the first two. And even Andrus is a ways off - there’s a time-value involved here, where Atlanta gave away Andrus’ potential stardom in 2010+ for Teixeira’s stardom today.

By Salty

January 24, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

DO’B Good point on the investment. It won’t be long before some professional franchise is sold as a REIT. Question: would you buy into a team you hate?

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

N8: Adrian Vandenberg a/k/a The Flying Dutchman. I didn’t care much for Whitesnake, but his band Vandenberg and self-titled album (1982) was kickin’. That was before the Whitesnake thing. I did like alot of the “hair bands” though, including the aforementioned Winger with former Dreg Rockin’ Rod Morgenstern on drums. They were a really talented 4-some…

By flange1

January 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

VOR,

The AV model Peavey was a very high quality instrument. The folks at Peavey do make quality products, the Steve Cropper tele is pretty good too.

I don’t have a real problem with Peavey, I just had the unfortunate opportunity to meet and have interaction with Hartley. He is not my favorite guy. I have met alot of the owners of companies that make musical equipment and most are great, a little ego oriented, but nice guys and gals who love their products and their business. But Hartley, not so much…

By Braveheart

January 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I would love to buy the Cubs. With that ballpark, the day games, cool logo and gear, the huge national popularity, there is no excuse for that team to not have won at least a handful of World Series in the last century or so while raking in millions. A creative owner could do wondrous things with that team.

By Randy S

January 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

DOB - Of course, you know that the Whigs are playing the Fabulous Forty Watt on Saturday. There are worse things than Athens on a Saturday night……While I agree that they may not be playing places like the EARL much longer, I think they’ll be at the 40 Watt for years to come. Bands are very loyal to that room.

For anyone wondering what all the buzz is about, the Whigs will be on Letterman Monday (January 28th). Check them out.

By Mitchie-san

January 24, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Calll me crazy or just optimistic, but I have a feeling that Hampton might just win the “comback player of the year”. He was doing pretty darn good before he hurt his elbow again. Plus, if I remember right, this injury wasnt as severe as the Tommy John issue. Am I a day dreamer, or do I just want to wear that old Hampton jersey in my closest again….hmmm.

By BB FAN

January 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008),

I too remember hearing about the “Twins less than honest manipulation of the indoor playing conditions at the Metrodome.”

However, I forget where I read or heard that from. Do you remember?

Does anybody else know where that came from?

By Voice of Reason

January 24, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Gotta jet. Later all…

By BB FAN

January 24, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Anders,

You do realize that in November the Mets had absolutely no chance at Santana, right? It wasn’t until recently when the Yankees and Red Sox backed off a little as well as the fact that the mets are supposedly willing to include Martinez now.

Anyway, I really would not mind the mets getting Santana because that would completely deplete the Mets already weak organization. This would in turn pretty much guarantee the Mets demise for about 5 years.

Lew and DOB are absolutely right when they say that the Mets have no depth. Of course, they will try to “buy” themselves a team again. I mean they will have to replace Hernandez, Martinez, Delgado, Schneider and Alou somehow. It definitey would not come from the minor leagues if they include 5 or 6 guys for Santana. Each of those guys only have a year or two left of quality skills.

By Shaun

January 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I agree. Cubs ownership has been pathetic, to state the obvious. Of course, look how long it took the Red Sox to get the right group in place. I guess when you have an old franchise in an old park, you have a hard time with innovation.

By N8

January 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Voice of Reason

I had a Vandenberg recording on tape. I since have not replaced it on CD.

You are correct. Morgentstein is on helluva drummer.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

LEW if the mets land santana, or even if they dont, they just have to hope that they can sign guys to fill every need they will have coming up. after this year, they are going to have to sign at least one pitcher (weather they get santana or not) a 1st baseman, and a left fielder, and try not to take any steps back. and thats the minimum they need. i think its virtually impossible for them to fill all the holes they have, there are just too many. if i were the mets, i would trade some guys off for minor leaguers. anybody 35 or over should be up for grabs.

By DonCoburleone

January 24, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve been hearing alot of fellow Braves fans saying that if the Mets get Johan Santana that it still doesn’t mean they are the best team in the NL East. I would have to disagree with that. The Mets would be acquiring 215+ innings of the best (or at worst 2nd best) pitcher in all of baseball without affecting the major league roster whatsoever! Now I think we can all agree that right now, as the teams stack up on paper, the Mets, Braves and Phillies stand to win somewhere between 85-92 games (depending on which way the cookie crumbles). If any of these teams were to replace their 5th starter with freakin’ Johan Santana it would make them the clear favorite in my book, hands down.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Hard Candy … good flick. I’d never heard of it until I saw the box and read the review. Glad I rented it.

By Ramblin' Man

January 24, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Call me crazy or just optimistic, but I have a feeling that Hampton might just win the “comback player of the year”.

Mitchie-san - I’ll call you optimistic.

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man,

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can.

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand,

That I was born a ramblin’ man.

By Efrim

January 24, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Do you ever participate on those KLAW chats?

By McFann

January 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

DOB

I saw that on MLB.com where it said that Troy’s deal was the biggest since Sizemore’s. Obviously, that is inaccurate. McCann’s contract was about $4 million bigger than Sizemore’s, but whatever.

And what did you mean that Javy being assigned to one of the five starters? I’m not angry, I just want to know.

By HUH?!?!?

January 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

FJR: “I’ll start this by saying that I LOVE the whigs, their last album was one of my favorite debut albums of the last 10 years.”

By Mitchie-san

January 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

At least you didnt call me crazy….thanks!

By McFann

January 24, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

McCann’s deal is $4.35 million bigger than Sizemore’s, to be exact.

By Scuba-Steve

January 24, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, what is Hard Candy about?

By flange1

January 24, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

N8,

Sorry just caught your PRS post.. Those are really quality guitars. I have not found the right one for me yet, but still looking!

I am more of a comb fan than a 1/2 stack fan. I have lots of “vintage” Fenders and I have a friend that is big into new age pedals so I have lots of those to front end the non-master volume amps. Lots of fun!

I too believe that Hampton is going to come back with a vengeance. That is why I am pushing for Bennett and Chuckie in the pen.

By Gsu-Lee

January 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

DOB “I can’t take it anymore, the GSU thing is tonight.” What do you mean by that? Are you really excited to be here? Because I’m only here out of necessity….see you later…

By Roadrunner

January 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I’m optimistic about Hampton - Clearly he will be rusty at first, but hopefully he contribute this year.

My gripe of the day has to do with Mr Bonds. He has stated for some time that he told the truth during the Grand Jury investigation, but now he’s saying HE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND THE QUESTIONS - Come on Mr Bonds - You’re only sinking even lower on my list. Unbelievable!

Go BRAVES - Let’s hope we have the Big 4 instead of the Big 3 - C’mon Mike, we’re with ya.

By Shaun

January 24, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I’ve asked some questions but never broke through.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Lew

It isn’t just a matter of picking up Santana. I’m with DOB on this one-just like I have been all along.

This has not been your stance all along. Your stance was that the Mets don’t have anything of value that could bring a player like Santana back. Apparently others (including DOB) don’t feel as strongly as you do on this. Please don’t do a Mike Fransesca revisionist history on us now.

Go ahead and get Santana. In a way, I almost hope you do,

Wow! Now I know you’re worried they’ll actually get him. I’ll alert Omar that you’re on board now.

If you trade all this young talent, how do you replace Alou, DelGado, ElDuque, Pedro or Castillo?

We buy Tex with Delgado’s money(14.5 mil) plus some, I believe Castillo got a two year deal, and according to you Pedro and El Duque are old crap anyway - how hard would they be to replace?

You have no bench depth

Endy Chavez, Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley, Anderson Hernandez, Ramon Castro. I think you misfired on this one.These guys are all contributors from the bench.

How do you replace any of them THIS year when they go down to their inevitable injuries

I agree some injuries are inevatable and the players I just mentioned can bridge some of that gap. If the Mets have too many like any team they won’t overcome it. But keeping a bunch of prospects around with no top flight ace doesn’t help that either? At least for next season.

As for all this $$$$$ we keep hearing about, where is it? Why was it not spent last offseason?

On who exactly? What MLB player that would help the Mets should they have purchased? Although they still might overpay for a 4th or 5th starter off the scrap heap (Lohse) not sure where you wanted them to go. They offered Glavine $13 mil and he left. Everyone scoffed when they gave Castillo his contract and now you’re asking why they don’t spend.

We won’t even get into the bullpen where you will count heavily on Sanchez, another pitcher coming back from missing an entire season, plus.

As I’ve said all along bullpens are a year to year thing. That’s why those guys are relievers to begin with, inconsistency. I expect Schoenweis to pitch better, Heilman’s Heilman, hopefully Sanchez is effective, Feliciano is effective when not over used and at the end of the day we still have Wagner. Not perfect but he gets the job done a lot more than most.

How will your replacements for Shaun Green and Paul LoDuca work out? Is either replacement anywhere near the player those two were? I sure don’t think so.

Have you looked at Shaun Green’s numbers versus Church’s from last year? Please do so. I view Church as an upgrade over the 2008 Green. As for the catching, I’ve said repeatedly that Schneider is a pro receiver that teams who win playoff series have. Girardi, O’Brien, Charles Johnson, Any Molina, Damian Miller etc.. While LoDuca could be clutch at the plate, let’s be honest that wasn’t Johnny Bench we shipped out of town. I’ll take the D every time behind the plate. Especially with next year’s running NL East. If you don’t see that coming between the Mets, Phils, and even the Nats your blind. All kidding aside, McCann is gonna have his work cut out for him behind the plate next year IMO.

What do you do about clubhouse dissension with a totally unhappy closer fueling the fire?

Loduca and Milledge are gone. Pretty sure they were who most talked about as clubhouse issues. I never put much stock in that stuff but I think the Mets at least addressed it. As for Wagner - I’m pretty sure his issue was with Milledge and he likes to shoot his mouth off about MGT. Big deal.

I don’t see the gap between the Mets, Braves and Phillies as vast as you do. Remember, the Mets were in first place all but one day in 2006 and almost all of last year. You can believe they’re going to fall off the face of the earth from there because Glavine, LoDuca and Milledge are gone. I think that’s a little extreme.

Sorry to all for this long post which is not my style but I was trying to answer Lew once and for all as he’s accused me of ducking the issues he’s raised.

By roadrunner

January 24, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Hard Candy - Great movie with Ellen page playing a girl you “punishes” a man that was setting her up to “have his way with her”. She turns the tables - Maybe that’s an understatement - what she does to that man.

By Scuba-Steve

January 24, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks roadrunner!

By DAP

January 24, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

anders if the the mets DONT land santana….do you think the mets might “fall off the face of the earth”? seriously, how do you like your chances with your team the way it is now?

By Efrim

January 24, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Shaun

I have broken through a few times when I ask about certain Braves prospects. Once about Jordan Schafer and his dislike for people’s comparisons of him to Grady Sizemore. The other was about Jason Heyward and how he believes he will be the best Brave player since Chipper.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

BB Fan

You do realize that in November the Mets had absolutely no chance at Santana, right? It wasn’t until recently when the Yankees and Red Sox backed off a little as well as the fact that the mets are supposedly willing to include Martinez now.

You do realize that back in November this was the exact scenario I said would and could happen for the Mets to have a shot. I put it at about 5% back then. But as I saw the Yanks and Red Sox stand around with their hands in their pockets kicking at the dirt it became apparent to me in December that they really aren’t that hot for Johan. I was ridiculed by many on here especially Big Lew. Not saying it’s a lock but I certainly hear more people giving it a chance than ever - even the supposed experts in the game.

*Anyway, I really would not mind the mets getting Santana because that would completely deplete the Mets already weak organization. This would in turn pretty much guarantee the Mets demise for about 5 years. *

Sorry, that’s a cop out. All I heard on here was the Mets have no farm system and can’t develop players. they have no one of value to trade, blah, blah, blah. Now if they trade these guys it puts them back 5 years? I would think based on the assessment you and most on this blog have of the Mets system Omar would be a genius if he could turn all that crap into Santana -no?

they will have to replace Hernandez, Martinez, Delgado, Schneider and Alou somehow.

If these guys are that good then the Mets should have a shot next year -right? If not, what’s the big deal about replacing them?

Can’t have it both ways guys.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

McFann,

What DOB was saying about assigning Lopez to a pitcher is what Bobby Cox does almost every year, let the back up catcher catch a certain starter every time he starts.

When Maddox was on the team, the back-up catcher caught Maddox not Javy.

This is the way Bobby likes to handle his catchers.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

January 24, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

BB FAN While I cannot remember the magazine or newspaper where I first read the story, it was widely reported that the fellow who was in charge of air conditioning at the Metrodome came forward when asked about the strange phenomena of the (wind) always blowing out whenever the Twins came to bat.

He said he would turn the ventilation fans on when the visiting team was at bat and turn them off when the home team was up. He stated that the Twins were well aware of this practice but never commented on it or told him to stop.

By MGL

January 24, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

There is no reason to panic if the Mutts get Santana. No doubt he is an excellent pitcher (best in the game is a stretch in my opinion). Comparing 2007 quality start %, Santana, 64%, Glavine 68%, Hudson 74%, Smoltz 81%

The Mets gain should e looked at as replacement value over Glavine. They are simply not going to win 10 more games than last year merely by adding Santana.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

January 24, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Anders No one was happier to see Shaun Green leave the Mets than John Smoltz….

By Lew

January 24, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Anders-Oh Please, give me a flipping break. I’ve changed my stance? Not hardly, the Twins have just gone off the deep end when they couldn’t entice the Yankees and Red Sox to part with their truly desirable prospects, and now are considering their third or fourth option (if that)-the Mets. Besides, just who cares what my opinion on the Mets prospect package is? Am I going to influence the trade one way or another? Damn, Dude, I know an Asst. GM, but I assure you that neither he nor any other front office personnel seek my advice when making a trade. Besides, the trade has not gone down and there is no indication that it ever will.

So you replaced Shaun Green with someone you think is as good. Well wow. What can I say to that? I do know that LoDuca was an All Star catcher within recent years, that was quite capable of providing offense and you replaced him with a guy that hit .235. Again. Wow. I’m overwhelmed.

Now as for picking up a player at the deadline last year-Do you seriously believe that if you had gotten a pitcher-damn near any pitcher-that you might not have won one or two more games? What would THAT have done to your season. You do remember that the Mets missed the playoffs, don’t you? Besides, if you have all of that money, what’s the big deal? The Yankees do it, right?

LoDuca and Milledge may be gone, but Billy Wagner made his comments well after they were no longer with the Mets, so there will be clubhouse dissension-not to mention that Wagner said many of the same things about the construction of your team that I have. What do you think about that?

Bullpens may well be a year to year thing, but so far, the Mets’ is essentially the same as last year, and that was not all that great if memory serves me right (and I damn well know it does). The only changes I’m aware of are that Mota the Juicer is gone and Duaner (I missed more than a year) Sanchez has returned. Maybe he will be your savior-maybe not. I wouldn’t count on him until I saw how he pitched, though.

Pedro and ElDuque won’t be hard to replace because they are not that good, anyway? That is one of the absolutely most moronic statements I have ever hear and if you can’t figure out why, then an explanation wouldn’t help. Who will they be replaced with? Who will be left in your high minors after a trade for Santana? How about the extremely thin free agent pitching market of the past two years that values scrub relievers at $6 mill per? Oh well, I guess there’s always Jared Wright. I suppose you could try to convince the Mets’ masses he was David’s brother and at least fit for VP or Co-Dictator, right?

As for Tex-dream on. He will be signed long term by the Braves. Besides-aren’t the Yankees looking for a first baseman, too? The Mets don’t stand a chance.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

January 24, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

flange1 Depending on how well Javy plays, I would not be surprised to see him play more than once every five days. Of course a lot depends on if Javy makes the team or if he still can hit. We will all know by March 31st.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

DAP

No I don’t the Mets will fall off the face of the earth as presently constituted. I’ve acknowledged that the Braves have a distinct advantage in starting pitching, but I don’t think the on field teams and bullpens are that far apart. I’ve said repeatedly, three team race as it stands now. All have their issues. IMO, for the two cents it’s worth (if that).

By Efrim

January 24, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Anders

I must say, I was one of the Braves fans that said that the Mets had no shot of getting Santana. But it looks like they are the current leaders with the talks picking up a lot of steam.

I’m hoping they trade Fernando Martinez, Deolis Guerra, Pelfrey and Mulvey to get the deal done. That would weaken there farm quite a bit.

Santana, Maine, Perez, Martinez and El Duque with Humber as back up when one of them goes down. Pretty good. The back end is old and probably won’t get you more than 300 innings, but the Mets would be in a much better position.

I can’t imagine why any Braves fan would think that adding Santana wouldn’t be a big deal for the Mets. I really don’t get that.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Gil,

You might be right about Javy playing more. What are your thoughts on B. Pena? Do you think he has a shot to make the team as the backup C or as a backup at 1B,3B and OF?

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Soriano signed a two-year contract. No arb-eligibles left unsigned, and no closer concerns a year from now, provided he stays healthy.

Braves bought out a year of Soriano’s free agency, and they’ll have Gonzalez under control in 2009, too. It’ll be Gonzalez’s last year of arbitration in ‘09.

By Salty

January 24, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

roadrunner…scuba-steve

Yep, ‘Hard Candy’…Lolita turnabout.

By Efrim

January 24, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

DOB

Good stuff. That is a smart baseball move by FW.

By JT

January 24, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Great News DOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

So are we all set for the 2008 season??

By Salty

January 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Francouer is next to lock down. McCann and Tulowitzki’s contracts set the market, in my view.

By Josh H

January 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Javy Lopez, on the downside of his career (that’s if he even makes the team) will be taking playing days away from a two-time All Star in Brian McCann.

McCann will play, unless he needs a day off…

By flange1

January 24, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Well you have to give Frank W credit, he sure gets things done!

Thanks for the Soriano info DOB!

By Desert Brave

January 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

DOB - Any way you could write a little explaining arbitration? How and when players become eligible and etc.

By Braveheart

January 24, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

I like the Big Daddy/Adam Sandler reference from Scuba Steve

By Anders

January 24, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

LEW

Now as for picking up a player at the deadline last year-Do you seriously believe that if you had gotten a pitcher-damn near any pitcher-that you might not have won one or two more games?

The Mets didn’t need a pitcher at the deadline last year. Remember, they were in first by a comfortable margin and Tom Glavine was humming along. DOB has provided those deatils to us numerous times. Nobody foresaw the September collapse to come. What pitcher should they have picked up? Who would you have sat in September when we need just one more win? Hmmm.

Bullpens may well be a year to year thing, but so far, the Mets’ is essentially the same as last year, and that was not all that great if memory serves me right (and I damn well know it does).

That’s my point. Last years struggling reliever is this years hot guy. See it all the time. They’re a crapshoot.

Didn’t realize what a LoDuca fan you were. Somehow that didn’t translate in your Met posts last season. Must have been lost in the blood spatter. As for Green - he had 46 RBI. Marlon Anderson could play everyday and give the Mets more than that. And still it took a historic collapse for the Mets to fall from first with Green in right.

As for Tex-dream on. He will be signed long term by the Braves. Besides-aren’t the Yankees looking for a first baseman, too? The Mets don’t stand a chance.

This is the same argument you used for Santana just two months ago. I suppose you’ll revise your take on this next off season as well?

And with the Mets Tex gets to visit with the family in Atlanta a few times a year when the Mets are in town. If the local club can’t afford you at least you can play with a team that comes to town a few times a year -no?

By DAP

January 24, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

good move locking up soriano for two. who knows how gonzalez will be when he gets back? i think soriano will thrive in the closers role…he’ll be one of the top closers in the NL this year.

By AdirondackDave

January 24, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Soriano locked in for two more years. Whether he closes as he is slated for, or sets up, I want him on my team. If Gonzalez comes back healthy and strong in July the pen looks really good to me.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Anders thanx for the response. personally i dont think the mets have much to look forward tot his year unless they get santana.

Josh H i agree with you on mccann, but he needs days off alot more than he got them last year. i think once every five days (thats like once a week) is a good time off for a catcher. if we have a decent offensive cathcer, i think it would be prudent to limit mccann to 135-140 games or so.

lets hope francouer gets a contract before the season starts.

By jed

January 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

N8—

Wow. Nice job of ducking the question. Did you think I wouldnt notice?

By JC FROM UT

January 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Great news about Soriano. FW is really doing a great job of traking care of business quickly.Now if he can only get Tex to sign long term.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Anders,

Here we go with the Glavine thing again! Your 4:33 post clearly indicates that Glavine was the reason the Mets collapsed from the end of the trade deadline to the end of the season.

How many times does DOB have to tell you it was only his last 3 starts that were bad.

The collapse was not 100% Glavine’s fault.

If you can’t believe that, you DO have a problem.

By McFann

January 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Javy Lopez, on the downside of his career (that’s if he even makes the team) will be taking playing days away from a two-time All Star in Brian McCann.

Totally good point. Another good point is that Javy may not even make the team out of Spring Training. But I know how Bobby is with his backup catchers. But McCann played almost every game in April. (Then Padro Feliciano nailed him in the finger with a pitch, blah blah blah…)

All kidding aside, McCann is gonna have his work cut out for him behind the plate next year IMO.

For once in my life, I have to agree with ya, Anders.

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 24, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

DOB,

any word on how much Soriano will be earning in 2008 and 2009?

great to see that Wren is thinking about the future…next on his to-do list: Francoeur and Teixeira to extensions!

By Anders

January 24, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Soriano signed a two-year contract. No arb-eligibles left unsigned, and no closer concerns a year from now, provided he stays healthy.

Except for the fact that your closer has 13 career saves. Sorry guys, but closing night in and night out takes more than just good health. Lot’s of head games and stamina. It’s not just about stuff. Not saying Soriano won’t succeed, but with 13 career saves and not one of any significance there’s no way you can say the closer issue is put to bed as long as he stays healthy and has a contract IMO.

By Gsu-Lee

January 24, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Remember Todd Pratt and Corky Miller? And Paul bako? Can an aged Javy Lopez really be any worse than those guys? He will play if he makes the team.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Flange 1

The collapse was not 100% Glavine’s fault

I agree 100%.

I also think the Mets should have won even with his last three bad starts. All I’ve said is he didn’t step up like an ACE HOF’er is supposed to in crunch time. He was responsible for his part - that’s all. I expected more out of him than the younger starters at the end and didn’t get it. That’s all. My point to Lew was if the Mets picked up some slug at the deadline - who do you sit? Maine, Perez Glavine etc.. Come on. It’s revisionist to think they could have picked up some guy to win a game or two.

By Edgar( Next on line please...Mr. Teixeira)

January 24, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

DOB

Does the deal comes with an option year??? or it just two year and period. Do you think he got his 3.4 M he was asking???

By Lew

January 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Anders-If I recall correctly-and as usual, I do-No Brain Zone gave me bushels of crap all season long because I swore that the Mets’ rotation was old an would end up injured-that in the long run you would have problems. Guess what? You did. The Mets had a sub .500 record last season from the end of May until the end of the season. Go look it up. It is a fact. They needed pitching help several times during the course of the season, what with ElDuque missing at least one and maybe two stints on the DL. Your bullpen was less than effective for a good bit of the season, as well. Now if I saw it coming and claimed it would happen from last offseason all the way through the year, then why didn’t Omar see it coming?

Or here’s something else to think about-Moises missed almost half a season. Why didn’t Omar take some of all that money and get a suitable replacement for him? It’s one thing being DL’ed for two weeks, but for three months and he does nothing about it? Not to mention that for a couple of weeks, Beltran was gone, too.

By Braint

January 24, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I couldn’t agree more with you about Eastern Promises. I was really interested in their world and wished it was a 3 hour long journey following Viggo’s character. (Like Goodfellas). I was left thinking, who was he? Why did he get involved with Scotland Yard? Would have loved to have seen him run the Mob to see how much deeper he got in and how many people he would have to bust, etc. Did you like Cronenberg’s other film with Viggo? “History of Violence?” DOB, what did you think of Eartern Promises?

By Braint

January 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I couldn’t agree more with you about Eastern Promises. I was really interested in their world and wished it was a 3 hour long journey following Viggo’s character. (Like Goodfellas). I was left thinking, who was he? Why did he get involved with Scotland Yard? Would have loved to have seen him run the Mob to see how much deeper he got in and how many people he would have to bust, etc. Did you like Cronenberg’s other film with Viggo? “History of Violence?” DOB, what did you think of Eartern Promises?

By Robert

January 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

“But the Braves did address every need”

Except the need to rid themselves of their idiot manager

Like I said in the previous blog - This is a 90-93 win roster that will struggle to win 80 games due to mismanagement on the field

By Anders

January 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Anyone have a chance to read Rob Neyer’s article on ESPN.com? Interesting stuff. Suprised more haven’t referenced it on here.

By Robert (Anders Is The Best)

January 24, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Anders, the closer situation is just fine. Don’t sweat us because you fear your fine closer is getting old and showed signs of cracking last year. Soriano will be just fine. Hey, how many career saves did Mariano Rivera have when he took over the role for the Yanks? Just wondering.

By DonCoburleone

January 24, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Good news on Soriano DOB. I know you are probably working diligently to find this out, but any idea on the terms of the contract? Seems strange that a guy 1 year away from a huge payday would sign a 2 year deal. I’d say it would have to be at least 2 year, $13 or $14 million…

By Robert

January 24, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

“Now, having said that, I can see why if somebody likes Bobby Cox, they would be offened at Robert saying he SUCKS. “

They wouldnt have to like it, but since his track record proves it true, they couldnt deny it either.

By Lew

January 24, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Anders-One thing I know for certain-two actually. If the situation had been with the Braves, where we lost the Division by one game and they had done nothing at all at the trade deadline to improve their team, every Braves’ fan would be highly p!$$ed and would be quite vocal about it. Then MetroDude and every other Mets’ slug that comes here to argue their inanities would be yelling about what a bunch of screw ups and losers we were to come that close and to have not done anything proactive.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

DAP

Fair enough. That’s why they play the games -right?

By Robert

January 24, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

“If RBI is an indicator of greatness, why is it that only nine leaders (covering 11 seasons) from 1950 to 1994 ….”

The number of rbi a player accumulates depends on a number of factors, only one of which is that player’s ability

Jim Rice doesnt belong in the HOF because he was not great for an extended period of time. He was great for a brief period, no doubt, but this is the HOF, not an AS team.

No numerical stat or rating as a single piece of information validates or invaldiates his HOF candidacy. It’s his whole body of work that falls short

The fact that only one of however many rbi leaders made the HOF for some period has zero bearing on Rice’s (or any other player’s) candidacy

As usual, Shaun, you toss around a lot of statistics, but your understanding of them is minimal

By flange1

January 24, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Anders,

What to say about Neyer’s column? He said Chipper was too old to be in the 5 year comparison for 3B.

He said Wright was number 1.

So what?

This is a Braves blog. If it wasn’t for all of you Mets trolls, we would rarely mention the Mets at all.

There, satisfied?

And by the way, Lew is right on the trade deadline. ANY one could have helped the Mets but they got no one.

Like this off season so far….

By Robert

January 24, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

“When Maddox was on the team, the back-up catcher caught Maddox not Javy.

This is the way Bobby likes to handle his catchers.”

Maddux didnt use Javy because he didnt like the way he caught a game. He basically didnt think Javy offered him a consistant target in the way he wanted it presented.

The relationship between Javy and Maddux (or lack of one) had zero to do with Bobby Cox

Cox wouldnt even begin to understand Maddux’s reasoning.

By Efrim

January 24, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Anders

How many career saves did Joe Nathan have before the Twins traded for him? Not many. Less than 13. I think that turned out all right for them. Soriano will be more than fine. How many saves did Bob Wickman have? If you are as dominant as Soriano has been the last two seasons, sooner or later you’re going to get a shot to close full time.

By Anders

January 24, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Lew

Honestly I don’t remember but I only started blogging here right about the deadline. I do take your word though.

What pitcher should they have acquired? My recollection is that there wasn’t anyone available?

Alou came back and had his 30 game hitting streak. Omar’s faith in him paid off. Alou was the one shining light in the second half. What they didn’t plan for nor could you was Chavez and Alou going down. They fully expect Alou to miss some time.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

January 24, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

BB Fan , here is an excerpt from an ESPN article :

Some of sport’s most creative and crafty thinking has gone into boosting home-field advantage. A retired Metrodome building superintendent admitted in 2003 that he used to turn on air-conditioning fans behind home plate in the bottom of late innings of close games, giving the Twins’ fly balls more carry. The superintendent, Dick Ericson, said the phantom wind was blowing out when Kirby Puckett hit an 11th-inning home run to beat the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.

The Twins have denied any knowledge of this — of course.

In Game 2 of the ‘91 World Series, Kent Hrbek blatantly pulls Ron Gant off first base and applies the tag, while first base umpire Vince McMahon calls Gant out. Hrbek, with his back to the ump, used an elegant maneuver involving his hip, thigh and glove to get sufficient leverage to pull Gant off, making it appear to the ump behind him that Gant’s momentum carried him off, but making his intentions obvious to viewers who got a perfect angle from the third base line camera.

The cheat proved costly for the Braves, who lost the game by one run and lost the series in seven games.

Of course , what is lost in translation is the fact that the Twins teach their players to play hard , aggressive baseball.

Hrbek did what he was taught to , Knoblauch deeking Lonnie Smith off second is another example of this. It’s the Twins way , like it or not.

By i can't take it anymore

January 24, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

thanks david. I hope it goes well. good luck finding a nice place to eat. i would try holiday pizza. they have excelent grape leaves and calzones. vandys has the best bbq by far.

anders,thanks for explaining what it takes to be a closer in the majors. ill take the closer issue out of bed.

By The Evil Genius

January 24, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Finally, the time had arrived. Bobby Cox took over as Braves manager in 1980 and moved Dale Murphy from catcher and first base to the outfield. Murphy responded immediately by gunning out numerous runners at the plate and being named a NL All-Star. He finished third in the NL with 33 home runs. Dale went on to win two MVP awards and five gold gloves while playing center field for the Braves.

This is just one of the many brilliant moves made by Bobby Cox. It is why Cox is regarded by his peers as one of the best managers of all time and a surefire first ballot Hall of Fame inductee.

By The Evil Genius

January 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

What’s harder, winning a World Series or winning your division 14 straight times — Bobby Cox is the only one that’s done both.

By JerseyGil

January 24, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

For all the METS fan in this blog… You going to lose the season the first month of the season….How? Playing 8 Games again the Braves & 6 Games again the Phillis….you will out of constention from the start…Will be difficult to react to that.Not even SANTANA will saved you.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

January 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Braveheart First thing I would do if I owned the Cubs would be to buy a goat and tie him up in the bleachers. ….

By Ricardo

January 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Braves sign Soriano to a 2 yr deal today. Anyone know the terms?

By Lew

January 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Anders-It’s not a matter of having faith in Moises or the fact he came back strong. If you’d noticed, I’ve said all along that Alou kept you in the race as much as any Met did.

The point was that he missed 75 games. Omar could have taken the initiative to make a stop gap deal with someone to pick up a temporary replacement. You didn’t even have someone as good as Endy Chavez. A replacement for Moises would have helped, but Omar did nothing.

I have no idea what pitcher or what player may have been available that would have made a difference. In the past for the Braves, it’s been such stalwarts as Alejandro Pena and Mike Devereux. You never know. My whole beef with any GM is why didn’t they at least try? Like I said, the Mets played sub .500 for over three months- Plenty of time to do something. I’m quite surprised they didn’t. If I were you, I would be mad as hell. Most Braves fans would be.

By N8

January 24, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Jed

Please ask the “question” again. I looked at your post two more times (and read my response two more times as well).

Which question didn’t I answer. I’ll GLADLY bog down the blog with another epic post, on a topic, that I’m sure everybody is tired of.

Please sir…..enlighten me, for I am blind to your desire.

By Bryan from Kansas( Go KU )

January 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

David…

Remember on the last blog I asked you about the 2 year deal that I heard Bobby talking about on XM wih Buck and Charley.I messed up the first post and left Soriano’s name out. I did correct it, but you must have not seen it. That is what I meant when I asked you about the 2 year deal that Bobby was talking about… I messed up the post and you thought I was talking about Bobby, but I meant Soriano… Sorry about that.. I might have given you a scoop if I hadnt messed it up…

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))

January 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien , any word on the financial terms of Soriano’s new contract ?

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

DonC - 2 years at $13-14 million??? no way. i’d say 2 years at $7-8.5 million, tops.

By Shaun

January 24, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Robert, maybe if you had a clue you’d realize that the Jim Rice post was an excerpt from a piece on another website. And I actually agree that Rice isn’t a HOFer. And if you paid attention at all, you would know that I’m that last person who would rely on RBI to judge a player’s value and abilities. But I suppose you are busy coming up with bogus arguments to support that Bobby Cox is the worst manager of all time to realize that I actually agree with you on this.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

January 24, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

A reduction in McCann”s playing time is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as he is getting 3 out of every five starts I think it would allow for him to actually play better for a longer period of time. Catching is tough on any player.Like I said, I think a lot of what happens depends on Javy.

McCann does not have to worry about Javy taking his position away from him like he did with Salty. It is a totally different circumstance.

flange Unless Pena has a totally outstanding spring, I would predict that he will be traded for some lower level talent who still have options. There are several on the Braves roster in this position. They will not clear waivers but they are blocked by guys already in Atlanta. Scot Thorman and Blaine Boyer are in the same boat.

Atlanta might keep one of them but not all three and a team like the Marlins, Pirates or Nationals could take a flier on any of them and not risk much.

$50,000 is chump change to MLB now when you have marginal guys signing contracts for $1 million or middle relievers signing for 5 and 6 Mil.

By Braveheart

January 24, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Gil, I agree about McCann. 130 games of McCann playing 4 out of 5 days will keep him fresher for those games and will be better than 130 games of McCann where he is dog tired and has to spend a week or two on the DL because he is trying to gut it out everyday.

By PA Bravefan

January 24, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Soriano’s deal is reported as 2.4 mill in’08 and 6.1 mill in ‘09. He got 500K signing bonus. I think this is a great deal!!! I agree with earlier posts, GET FRENCHY DONE NOW!! He won’t get what Tulo got, because Tolu won ROY. I would say between he and McCann. He deserves more than McCann in my opinion because he will play everyday and his defense is far superior based on his position. What do you think DOB?

By Braveheart

January 24, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Braint I thought History of Violence was a better movie than Eastern Promises but I like Eastern Promises more than History of Violence, if that makes any sense. Viggo’s masterful performance and that glimpse of the Russian underworld left me more wowed more than I was with History of Violence. But, like you, the glimpse was far too brief and left me very frustrated for the reasons you cited (although I don’t want to ruin the movie for people by discussing the specifics of why). They realy could have made a movie with the promise to rival Goodfellas. They instead took the easy way out. The critics love Cronenberg but I have been underwhelmed by him. I can’t tell if his unwillingness to dig deeper into the material he is working with is because he doesn’t trust himself or the audience. I watched the behind the scenes bonus features where he discusses that but I believe his answers to be a copout.

By DAP

January 24, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

PA Bravesfan ryan braun won the ROY award, not tulo. id bet fenchy would get as much as him.

By DonCoburleone

January 24, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

2 year $9mil, NICE! If he produces all year and ends up around the 30-40 save number he would have set himself up for a 4 year, $40mil type contract after this season (or $10 mil per) and we got him for $6 mil next season, great signing…

By BB FAN

January 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Anders,

My saying that I hope the Mets do mortgage the future for Santana is no way a cop out. If they give up as much as 5 or 6 players including possibly Ryan Church. At least that’s the latest rumor.

The Mets getting Santana would be good for them this year. It would put in position to make a run at the playoffs…like the Braves and Phillies in the NL East.

Anyway, it is true that the Mets have not developed many good players over the years. However, Fernando Martinez is one that is supposed to be a star. Mulvey, Pelfrey and Humber are not future stars but they are a nice core of young pitchers to fill out the 4 and 5 spots in a rotation. Gomez is questionable, but still a young prospect with potential. The Guerra kid is supposed to be real good as well but he is a few years away. Anyway, trading that much pitching can hurt a franchise.

By trading that much pitching, the Mets will end up having to sign a Kyle Lohse and Livan Hernadez type pitchers for 4 years/ 40 million each.

But that’s about all the Mets have for good young talent. It would be crazy for them to trade all of it to the Twins for Santana. You and I and the rest of the world know that Santana will want 23-25 million per year for at least 5 years, probably 6 or 7.

That is a lot of money for a guy who’s 29 years old and has pitched about 950 innings in the last 4 years including playoffs.

That kind of thought process has gotten Minaya in trouble before. He was the one that gave up Sizemore, Brandon Phillips and Cliff Lee for Colon. Look where Washington is now.

By McFann

January 24, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Gil

I don’t think McCann did worry about Salty taking his position away from him. He’s not that kind of guy. But I do agree that a few more days off here and there might be a good thing, especially because it would prob’ly help his production.

PA Bravefan

I would say between he and McCann.

That’s not a sentence, dude.

He deserves more than McCann in my opinion because he will play everyday and his defense is far superior based on his position.

OK, yeah, Francoeur’s defense may be “superior”, but the reason he cann play everyday and McCann can’t is because Francoeur’s position isn’t as physically demanding.

He deserves more money than McCann? Well, I don’t know about that, but I think he’ll get more. Francoeur seems like one of those guys who’s gonna make big dough, partly because he does play everyday. He also gets those clutch hits and whatnot…and I think he and his agent will ask for a lot of money. Yeah, he’ll prob’ly get some kinda deal like Tulo’s if/when he gets a contract.

By BB FAN

January 24, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008),

Thanks. Would you happen to have the link to the ESPN article about the “Home Field Advantage” the Twins received in 1991 WS? A few buddies think I’m making it up so I want to show them the link. Thanks again.

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 24, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

I would say between he and McCann.

McFann: That’s not a sentence, dude.

Um, yes it is. A sentence must have a subject and a verb, which it has. “I” is the subject, “say” is the verb.

By Lew

January 24, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

BBFan-That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to tell Anders all along, but he thinks I say it because I hate the Mets (which I do, but that is beside the point). If you have a Farm System like the Braves’ do, you can trade five prospects for a guy like Tex (or Santana as the case may be). When you have a farm system like the Mets have, it’s not such an intelligent proposition. Shortsighted in the extreme-especially after dumping Milledge for not much of anything. What happened to trading him almost straight up for Santana like some Mets’ fans though would happen, I wonder?

By McFann

January 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

A sentence must have a subject and a verb, which it has. “I” is the subject, “say” is the verb. Daybed Wagmoe

Yes, but that sentence doesn’t explain anything.

“I would say what?”

True, it has a verb and a subject, but it makes no sense. You are not explaining anything if all you say is, “I would say between he and McCann.”

“Between he and McCann” is the prepositional phrase. You aren’t explaining exactly what you would say. What you would say is “Francoeur deserves more money.”

The sentence should properly be typed, “I would say, between he and McCann, Francoeur deserves more money.” The subject is actually “Francouer”, but that part of the sentence—which could stand alone—was made into its own sentence.

“I would say” could be taken out and it would still work: Between he and McCann, Francoeur deserves more money.

But proper grammar has never been a requirement on a blog, really. We all know what he meant, it just wasn’t typed properly.

By jed

January 24, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

N8—

Just answer the question. Is Air Supply every bit as valid an art form as Bach?

My original post:

“Some music does indeed suck. As does your “music is a subjective experience” theory. By your line of reasoning, there’s no discernible difference in the quality of Bach and Air Supply. Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is, in your view, no better than an Ace Frehley album.

Would you really like to support such a premise?”

By SNIPER-69

January 24, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

LEW, If I were you I’d be wondering if the braves are going to finish 3rd again. As for your theory about prospects and all, small market teams need to focus more heavily on their farm sytem. Big market teams have the money to spend on free agents. Look at all the small market teams that lose their good players from their farm system to the Yankee’s, Red Sox, Mets ect ect.

By Gsu-Lee

January 24, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for everything man. We know you are busy but the conversation was helpful and enjoyable. We all appreciated the time you took out of your busy schedule to come see us, plus we are huge fans of the blog and of you. Thanks again, hope to see you again.

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 24, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

McFann — when you take it out of context like that, of course it doesn’t make sense. reading it in the post, it does.

By N8

January 24, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Jed

Sorry. Didn’t realize, that I hadn’t answered that one. I surely would have. It’s not like I don’t like to type.

“Is Air Supply every bit as valid an art form as Bach?”

You’re asking a question that isn’t even along the topic at hand? Is Air supply “valid” at all?

It brings back memories of roller rink “puppy love”, that’s valid for something, isn’t it?

Of course Air Supply shouldn’t be held in the same regards as Bach.

My question, is should ANYBODY refer to Air Supply as “sucking”?

Last time I checked, they could all sing. They could play their instruments just fine. And a whole bunch of people at one point or another LIKED THEM.

I don’t happen to be one of them. But you can try and ask the questions from any angle you want by using “trick” words like valid, or important, and you’re NOT gonna get me to say they suck.

As for Bach or any other classical music, it’s never been my bag. The closes I’ve gotten to getting into it, are some of the shred guitarists of the 80’s (Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, if I recall correctly EVH, was classically trained on piano, so does that count as me being classically influenced?).

So am I gonna be naive enough to knock it because it’s not my thing. That would make me look pretty ignorant, huh? It’s not gonna happen.

So unfortunately, I’d probably listen to Air Supply before I would listen to Bach. That doesn’t mean I like either of them. Give me some Hendrix or Clapton any day of the week over either of them. (whispering…but they still don’t suck)

Last time I checked their are 12 notes to music. Guitars (until recent years) all had 6 strings. You guys keep talking about artists being original, and innovative and one of a kind.

Really? With 12 notes I think it’s all been done musically WAY before even the Beatles or Elvis (or any other artist that you want to call “ground breaking”.

You wanna know what’s “changed” to make these artists appear to be original?

The technology. That’s what changed.

Now some guys harnessed that equipment like nobody DURING THEIR TIME did, but make no mistake about it, somebody else would have done it.

Don’t take this for me NOT appreciating those artists that everybody consider ground breaking.

But think about it. Before the organ’s came around what did people use? It’s called a piano.

Distortion and overdriven guitars? You can pretty much go back to about the time that Marshall created his first amp. Had he made those Amps 20 years earlier, somebody else would be considered “ground breaking” on the electric guitar.

Oh, speaking of electric guitars? See where I’m going?

How about Trent Reznor (if you’d choose to stay a little more current). I wonder how his “sound” would have been in 1960?

It’s like that song “Believe” by Cher. Not my cup of tea, but how could you have been alive a few years ago and NOT heard it. Anyhow, some engineer decided (probably by accident), that if you use the pitch correction effect you get that little warble effect on the chorus.

Next thing you know, EVERYBODY and their mother are using it. We even did it on one song in the studio.

Is Cher “innovative” for that?

I don’t often search for “originality” when I’m looking for new bands. Since a lot of the bands that I like aren’t making records (or ones I care for), anymore, I often look for younger newer bands that remind me of what I like (or used to like). But that’s just me.

But ultimately, since I like loud, overdriven guitar tones, there are only so many things that can be done differently with the damn thing. So my next criteria, are the vocals. 3rd on my list is lyrical content.

I could care less if the band is singing about calk snot. If it’s being sung well, and played well, and it moves me. Sing about doin’ a donkey in Mexico, for all I’m concerned.

That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate strong lyrics, or concept albums. It just doesn’t dictate WHY it is that I listen to something.

Who really decides what’s relevant or valid? Is it the same people that gave Milli Vanilli Grammy’s???

Thank you very much, but I’ll form my own opinion.

By flange1

January 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Gil,

Thanks for your thoughts! I happen to agree, but you have seen Boyer and B. Pena and I have just read about them.

I also agree that giving McCann more than 1 night a week off might benefit both McCann and the backup. In fact, it would benefit McCann more in the short and long run.

McFann,

Sorry dudette, but after Salty came up, McCann played poorly for awhile. Yea, he was hurt. But, unlike you, I can’t read his mind. I think he IS the kind of guy that would worry about the Braves bringing up Salty. He WORRIES more about helping the team than himself, and if the team brings up a new hotshot catcher, he WILL worry, just because he that is his nature.

So sorry, I disagree. You harp on McCann so much that I forget how great a guy he really seems to be. You need to chill out a bit.

Robert,

Sorry sir, I choose not o respond to you.

Jed,

You are totally missing the point….

By N8

January 24, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Flange1

Thanks.

By uga-brave

January 24, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

still would like to see the braves make tex priority #1. i know every one wants to see the braves wrap up francoeur but they still have a couple or years.

as far as contracts go mccann and tultowiski play positions where great offensive players are at a premium.

francouer, at the present moment is a good offensive player. i fully expect the braves to lock him up, but i dont think he should get any more money the b’maac.

fact is francoeur could go either way this year. the braves love everything about francoeur, they want him to be the next face of the braves. all he has to do is put it all to together. easier said then done, we all know the effort will be there but that swing sure does have some holes.

By uga-brave

January 24, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

n8,

your air supply comment about going roller skating back in the day was right on.

dude do you remember during couple skate if you could not skate backwards you were a loser. there was only so much pat benatar and blondie a 7th grader could listen to.

By Thrillhouse44

January 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Never thought I’d be blogging about roller skating on here, but I actually have something to contribute: I went roller skating last weekend for my niece’s birthday, and that is a LOT harder than I remember! (Oh well, maybe I didn’t contribute a lot, but it’s all I got.)

By uga-brave

January 24, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

the best roller skating band of all time ac/dc. best song- shook me all night long.

remember when the thing you looked forward to the most was going roller skating on friday nights when you were a kid. if you were really lucky you would get to stay for late skate.

By Cleanuphitter16

January 24, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

In case anyone missed it, final payroll numbers for last year. We are officially middle-of-the-pack. Mets are no suprise, but the Phillies kind of surprised me. (Source: ESPN.com)

1. New York Yankees $218,311,394

2. Boston Red Sox $155,402,595

3. Los Angeles Dodgers $125,581,316

4. New York Mets $120,927,727

1. Chicago Cubs $115,943,318

2. Seattle Mariners $114,367,309

3. Los Angeles Angels $111,038,577

8. Philadelphia Phillies $101,823,122

1. San Francisco Giants $101,539,796

2. Chicago White Sox $100,189,832

3. St. Louis Cardinals $99,329,875

4. Detroit Tigers $98,519,780

5. Houston Astros $97,213,020

6. Baltimore Orioles $95,269,977

7. Toronto Blue Jays $95,069,351

16. Atlanta Braves $92,634,468

1. Texas Rangers $78,923,435

2. Oakland Athletics $78,482,125

3. Cincinnati Reds $73,072,635

4. Milwaukee Brewers $72,751,641

5. Minnesota Twins $71,938,505

6. Cleveland Indians $71,887,236

7. Arizona Diamondbacks $70,448,367

8. San Diego Padres $67,490,967

9. Kansas City Royals $62,264,855

10. Colorado Rockies $61,348,681

11. Pittsburgh Pirates $51,360,907

12. Washington Nationals
    $43,254,278

13. Florida Marlins $33,072,472

14. Tampa Bay Devil Rays $31,817,020

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, I trust you saw the financial figures in the story I posted earlier tonight. I was literally on the way out the door when the announcement was made, and ended up scrambling to get the dollar figure and write a story before I had to speed downtown to talk to the GSU students.

Anyway, just got home after doing that thing and going to the gym, etc.

Yes, it was $2.4 mill this year (that was exactly what Braves proposed when figures were arb figures were exchanged last week, when Soriano asked for $3.4 mill) and $6.1 mill in 2009, with half-mill signing bonus.

If Soriano has a good year, that $6.1 in 2009 will be a bargain price well below that of an accomplished free-agent closer. In this market, that’s actually about what top setup men are getting.

But Soriano gets security in exchange for giving up a bit of potential salary in ‘09. Good deal for both sides.

And if for some reason the Braves decided to go with Gonzalez as closer in ‘09, they’d have him at a much cheaper price than Soriano, probably pay the two of them a combined $10-11 mill, still less than almost every contending team will pay its closer and top setup man. So either way it’d work.

But if Soriano is great in the closer role this season, I don’t see them moving him from it in ‘09.

By David O'Brien

January 24, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee, you’re welcome. Good group of folks up there. Was that a journalism class, club, or what?

By N8

January 24, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Cleanuphitter16

Even though the Red Sox won the WS, with the 2nd highest payroll, it just goes to show with how competitive many of the low-to-mid range payrolls were, that it’s WHO you spend the money on, not how much of it you spend.

Of course spending more gives you a better “shot” or better odds at winning (in the same fashion that buying 4 bingo tickets or playing 3 hands of black jack does), but in the end, I’m not sure if the Red Sox got good “return” on their investment, since that place is always sold out - like Wrigley - but if winning the WS was their legitimate goal at the beginning of the year, then they succeeded.

Don’t forget to “add” the 30 million the Sox paid just to “negotiate” with Dice K. Or is that already calculated into their number?

By uga-brave

January 24, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

dob,

why do i get this picture of you standing up in that classroom like dean wormer from ANIMAL HOUSE.

By Zac

January 24, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Genius move. Having a cheap, club controlled, dominant bullpen consisting of Soriano, Gonzalez, and Moylan locked in through ‘09 at the least gives us a formidable pen at low cost, regardless of the other interchangable parts (which can all be cheap.) Genius reworking of a crucial section of the team that two years ago was a disaster.

By Zac

January 24, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Genius move. Having a cheap, club controlled, dominant bullpen consisting of Soriano, Gonzalez, and Moylan locked in through ‘09 at the least gives us a formidable pen at low cost, regardless of the other interchangable parts (which can all be cheap.) Genius reworking of a crucial section of the team that two years ago was a disaster.

By Steve McP

January 24, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Sorry UGA but best roller skating song was Gloria Gaynor by a mile!

How was DOB in his address to the university by the way?

By uga-brave

January 25, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

as a fan why should we care how much money our team spends. thats not our concern. for years we were one of the top spenders, and we loved it. now that the shoe is on the other foot, we complain about how much the other guys spend.

there is no coincidence that the braves slip into mediocrity coincides with their slip into the middle of the payroll pack.

for us to scorn the yankees or the red sox is wrong. they are operating under the same system as everyone else. scorn the system dont scorn the teams that want to win championships.

we were once those guys. face the facts in order to win, AND WIN CONSISTENTLY, in the current system you must have 100% commited ownership.

last time i checked ownership did not pass on their thrifty ways in the beer or concession lines.

By uga-brave

January 25, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

DOB’S worst fear looking into the crowd and seeing a co-ed dressed up like a certain catcher with his or her hand raised.

By N8

January 25, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

uga

I had another post that disappeared (apparently I didn’t hit post again, and backed out of the screen), in response to your roller skating comment.

I listed some of the “classic” roller rink bands:

REO speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Madonna, Billy Squier, Styx, Men at Work, Huey Lewis, The Police, and of course you couldn’t go skating without your Kenny Loggins fix. Nothing like a Triple shot of rock like Footloose, Danger Zone and I’m Alright back to back to back!! Maybe a little Eddie Grant’s Electric Avenue would really get the girls “revved up”! LOL! Yikes. Or maybe your girl like to speed skate to Eye of the Tiger. If Air Supply was the couples skate theme band, then Chicago (or Peter Cetera as a solo artist), was a close second.

The AC/DC wasn’t played to much other than Shook me All Night Long. But we sure had our share of Michael Jackson.

I was horrible at skating backwards.

I had commented that the thing I remember most of those times…..was the smell. Nothing quite like the odor that occurs when a couple of hundred people take their already stinky shoes off and set them ALL on the same wall as everybody else, then when it’s all done, taking off sweaty skates.

Waft it in, you can almost taste it. :-)

By N8

January 25, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

uga (if I may call you uga for short?)

Wow. That was way too formal.

I agree with your “consistently” portion of the needing to spend to compete, and I get that the Rockies got their azzes handed to them in the WS, but their payroll was about half of what the Red Sox was.

Now, getting back to the consistency, the Red Sox are more than likely gonna continue to make the post-season over the next few years, while the Rockies will have to up their payroll to keep making it back.

But for the first couple of years, a team only needs to be good….not expensive. The expensive comes AFTER being good for a few years, and the individual, cashing in on that success. See the Braves payroll from 1991 ($20,423,500) to where it was in 1995 ($45,199,000).

It more than doubled in those 5 seasons. Only three major additions we brought in (Maddux 93, McGriff 93, Grissom 95). The rest of that payroll jump, was rewarding their own players.

So you’re dead on, that an owner has to be fully committed to continue to win. But a smart GM along with good coaching/managing could give you a nice 3-4 year window to make a run.

By Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008)

January 25, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

BB fan , just Google : Dick Ericson , then scroll down the list until you see the article titled , ESPN : Ericson admits to adjusting ventilation system.

By uga-brave

January 25, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

n8,

who could forget ASIA, LOVERBOY, and JOURNEY. all had some great cheesy skate songs.

considering this is my first january on the blog, baseball better hurry. i think we all have “TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR HANDS.”

By Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008)

January 25, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

Scott Thorman and Pete Orr in the news.

http://news.therecord.com/Sports/article/297366

By uga-brave

January 25, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

N8,

you know the old saying ” it is worse to have had money and lost it then never of had money at all.”

as braves fans i think we can relate to that. it is tough to go backwards when you are used to the good life.

the braves are doing the best they can with the hand they are being dealt. we are better then competitive, but to really compete now we have to catch lightning in a bottle.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, humorous posts about the GSU thing. Especially the co-ed dressed like McCann.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Will be at the Selmanaires show Saturday at the Earl. Another strong act on the bill as well, Anna Kramer and the Lost Cause. As our AJC music writer Shane Harrison put it, “if Patsy Cline were a punk, she’d be Anna Kramer.” If that doesn’t do it for ya … well, come on. That’s good stuff.

By Nolie

January 25, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

This is just one of the many brilliant moves made by Bobby Cox. It is why Cox is regarded by his peers as one of the best managers of all time and a surefire first ballot Hall of Fame inducteeeVIL

It always amuses me when a fan is arrogant enough to think that he knows more about the game than the thousands who actually make their living playing and running it. 99% of the player and execs who really know what it takes to be successful love Cox, but a few hindsight-luvin’ armchair-ridin’ know-it-alls think they know more than the pros. And they are all sooo vocal about it too. Takes all kinds I guess. LOL

By texmex

January 25, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

so is tex buying a home in Atlanta a good sign?

By GSU-Paul

January 25, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this

It was the SPJ (Society for Professional Journalists) meeting. Thanks a lot for coming to GSU. We all appreciated your time. DOB wasn’t so much Dean Wormer but more like a visiting Delta House alum. As for the McCann Coed thing…that’s a different meeting all together.

By jed

January 25, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

N8—

I hear what you’re saying, but your argument strikes me as thoroughly glib. I did however enjoy your views on technology’s affect on music.

By Metropolitan Man

January 25, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this

Ok, this has now come down to the battle of who can exploit the other teams weaknesses the best. Here is the best assesment of your weakness because DOB, Mr. Lew, and the braves fans insist the METS are weaker. Of course we have rehashed this over and over but its just so much fun bashing the braves. So without further ado, here is what you dont see but your rival fans do:

1st of all you guys should be broke now after giving Tex 12 mill, and Soriano 9mil. What happended, did the brave bloggers chip in??? Now you guys should be good in the same position at 1st base that the METS are in. A guy in contract year who is gonna put up monster numbers for a big payday. But guess what, Delgado is in the same boat and is playing for a contract. Its a wash, both guys should have monster years.

2nd base- Kelly Johnson the “left fielder” has made strides but those errors last year were so costly that if he didnt gain confidence over the winter expect the same breakdown in crucuial situations. Now Castillo is an All Star vet with no fear and is here only to make double plays and bunt Reyes into scoring position. Not much of a demand for the”vet” and he has done it for many years. Not happy Minaya gave him 4 years but thats 1 less position to worry about and with all the 2b that Lew has pointed out, we are good there.

3base- Ok, we know Chipper wont play the entire season, nothing dillusional about that. History tells me he will play hurt this year only to hurt the braves in the proccess trying to silence the critics that he doenst play hurt…mainly Smoltz. Those numbers maybe there towards the end, but you will miss him sometime during the season, its inevitable. We have D. Wright…nuff said.

Rfield- Frechy should be the back up power to Tex when Chumper gets hurt. I do beleive Frenchy will make positive strides and be a thorn in the side of pitchers this year so thats 1 thing you guys got going for you now and the long run. Church is more like our Kotsay, a stop gap until we pay a player or Gomez or Martinez are ready barring a trade.

Cfield- Kotsay isnt scaring anyone. I’d rather deal with him than A. Jones any day because you never knew when A. Jones was gonna burn you but Kotsay probably never will.

Lfield- Alou and Chavez will destroy any platoon numbers you can put in that position. Diaz is a good guy but not an everyday player so who helps him keep that postiton with productive numbers???? And how long can you guys go without an everyday left fielder. Send Chumper back there, it was fun to watch.

C-Mcann is in decline and doesnt seem to have much confidence. Not sure if he can duplicate his all star numbers but his clutchness declined and the injurie bug has his address. He is a grinder and will play hurt unlike others, but can he see??? Now Snieder is no Piazza, or Lo Duca for that matter but we have to wait and see if all the good things they say about his dealing with pitchers, throwing guys out, and calling a game are his strengths. Pitching in the next segment!!!

By Metropolitan Man

January 25, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

Pedro V Smoltz. Homers pick your players, this has to be soLved on the field because us METS fans have as much confidence in Pedro (hurt or not) as you do in Smoltz.

Hudson V Maine- 1 young stud blossiming and 1 former stud who cant completely figure out the NL after dominating the AL, go figure. He is no slouch but he is not the guy he was in Oaktown and you know it. Is it because both team ball caps say “A” the braves and atheletics contiue to do business? Anyway Hudson is your most solid starter. Maine will keep up with him though.

Perez(braves slayer)V Glavine-Well Galvine is due for a rude awakening. You now have to face the team you helped sink on the last day. Good luck because those METS batters are gonna tear him a new one while the rest of the league follows suit. The junkballs will end up over the fence all year. The defense up the middle will make him wish he retired instead of trying to save face with the braves fans. Embrace that wishy washy, 65mph fastball, finally over the hill bum and keep him there.

EL Duque V C. James. James is to young and hasnt even log nearly as many miles as Duques arm and its already tired. Yeah expect big things from him…after he misses starts from having a dead arm. Is he still not reading scouting reports on players or too busy putting windows up in Frenchy’s new house???

Pelfry V the rest. This is a wash again but Pelfry reminds me of the young Tigers pitchersform a few years back. Have a horrible season, get it together, and then pitch to your potential. Your back end guys have alot to be desired too so once again this will probably decide who goes the furthest. So enjoy the read bloggers, I meant every word and now the septic tank is empty…..for now!!!

LETS GO METS & BIG BLUE!!!!

By Vinny Vegas

January 25, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Oh yes the mighty Mets……. They really came together as a solid team at the end of the season last year. Mets fans are under the impression that this team is automatic every year for the playoffs. They try to link them to the Red Sox and Yankees as a dominant team everyone fears. The truth is the Mets don’t even belong in the same sentence as those 2 teams. Guess last year was a fluke for them towards the end. I would say it is more like the beginning to a ending.

One can sit here all day, debate and compare position players. Bet against the Mets; the true competition will be the Braves and Phillies for the N.L. East. All Mets fans can hope for is for there team to be an occasional spoiler against somebody.

By wiki

January 25, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

*By Metropolitan Man

Pedro V Smoltz. Homers pick your players, this has to be soLved on the field because us METS fans have as much confidence in Pedro (hurt or not) as you do in Smoltz.

Hudson V Maine- 1 young stud blossiming and 1 former stud who cant completely figure out the NL after dominating the AL, go figure. He is no slouch but he is not the guy he was in Oaktown and you know it. Is it because both team ball caps say “A” the braves and atheletics contiue to do business? Anyway Hudson is your most solid starter. Maine will keep up with him though.

Perez(braves slayer)V Glavine-Well Galvine is due for a rude awakening. You now have to face the team you helped sink on the last day. Good luck because those METS batters are gonna tear him a new one while the rest of the league follows suit. The junkballs will end up over the fence all year. The defense up the middle will make him wish he retired instead of trying to save face with the braves fans. Embrace that wishy washy, 65mph fastball, finally over the hill bum and keep him there.

EL Duque V C. James. James is to young and hasnt even log nearly as many miles as Duques arm and its already tired. Yeah expect big things from him…after he misses starts from having a dead arm. Is he still not reading scouting reports on players or too busy putting windows up in Frenchy’s new house???

Pelfry V the rest. This is a wash again but Pelfry reminds me of the young Tigers pitchersform a few years back. Have a horrible season, get it together, and then pitch to your potential. Your back end guys have alot to be desired too so once again this will probably decide who goes the furthest. So enjoy the read bloggers, I meant every word and now the septic tank is empty…..for now!!!

LETS GO METS & BIG BLUE!!!!*

What’s the point here? You can do better that this convoluted, shoot from the hip presentation…..as if these ould be the exact matchups every time the teams face each other this year.

-According to your “analysis” the Braves’ starters are either too young or too old or past or ahead of their prime when it’s the Mets’ staff that has a larger variance in SP’s age.

-Pelphrey (24) is not too young while James (26) is? By the way, Pelphrey was 3-8, 5.57 last year vs James 11-10, 4.24. -Why isn’t El Duque due for a “rude awakening”? He and Glavine are both 41. If Glavine can give close to 200 IP, he will have been a welcome addition here and the Mets’ loss. The last time Duque pitched over 163 innings was in 2000. The last time Glavine pitched under 163 innings was in 1987.

nuff said

By Thrillhouse44

January 25, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Metro Man, do you have Beerios every Friday morning?

By Anders

January 25, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

DOB

*Yes, it was $2.4 mill this year (that was exactly what Braves proposed when figures were arb figures were exchanged last week, when Soriano asked for $3.4 mill) and $6.1 mill in 2009, with half-mill signing bonus.

If Soriano has a good year, that $6.1 in 2009 will be a bargain price well below that of an accomplished free-agent closer. In this market, that’s actually about what top setup men are getting*

This is a home run by Frank Wren. Soriano should fire his agent. He didn’t get a nickel more for this season and settled well below closer rates for 2009 with free agency pending!! That says one of two things. Soriano and his agent don’t have the confidence in him you and many bloggers on here have and he’s taking the money and running or his agent is an idiot. You better hope for the latter because the former doesn’t bode well.

No other way to paint this deal from Soriano’s side.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Soriano and his agent don�t have the confidence in him you and many bloggers on here have and he�s taking the money and running or his agent is an idiot. You better hope for the latter because the former doesn�t bode well.

No other way to paint this deal from Soriano�s side.Anders

Hey, bitter fella, maybe it says one or a couple other things: 1. The guy is from the Dominican, never had much money, and wanted at least one big payday (keep in mind, we’re talking about 9 MILLION dollars) to assure security for his family in case of injury; and 2. The guy loves playing for the Braves and the overall environment around the club, in addition to its proximity to the Dominican — as compared to, say, Seattle, where he played previously.

But then, you know it all, Anders, so maybe it’s just as you say.

Perhaps you believe the Braves and their fans should feel better if the team was paying its closer what the Mets are paying theirs?

Seriously, can you ever stop being a pest to Braves fans on a Braves blog? Maybe go engage in discussions with other Mets fans on the multiple blogs devoted to that club?

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Texmex, while Teixeira buying a home in Atlanta certainly can only be a good thing in terms of the Braves’ chances of signing him, it should be noted he was already looking for a home in the area before he was traded to the Braves. Because his wife’s from Georgia and he loved his time at Georgia Tech, etc.

Again, it can’t hurt Braves’ chances, but whether or not he signs, I think he planned to get a house here. As you know, with the deal he’s gonna get, he can afford to have a couple of homes in a couple of places. Or a dozen homes, for that matter.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Lfield- Alou and Chavez will destroy any platoon numbers you can put in that position. Diaz is a good guy but not an everyday player so who helps him keep that postiton with productive numbers???? And how long can you guys go without an everyday left fielder. Send Chumper back there, it was fun to watch.

Matt Diaz - .338/.368/.497, 124 OPS+ in 384 PA in 2007.

.320/.357/.473, 115 OPS+ career.

Of all players with at least 300 PA, Diaz had the 7th-highest AVG in all of baseball last season and the 10th-highest OPS of all LF, sandwiched between Manny Ramirez and Hideki Matsui.

By Jobu

January 25, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Anders,

Even though the team looks at it as $2.4 mil in 2008, it´s actually $2.9 mil when you factor in the signing bonus of 500k so they basically settled at the midpoint for the first year. The main thing from Soriano´s side, as is with many young guys, $6.1 mil is a nice security blanket. For a guy that hasn´t made half that in his career, to get that guaranteed money is a big deal. Especially for a guy from the Dominican Republic. This gives him 2 years to establish himself as a top closer, and he´ll become a free agent again at the age of 30. I think he´ll be fine.

By TLJ

January 25, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Metro-Man, I don’t mind mets fans being supportive of the mets and making statements in support of the mets. However, when you make irrational statements like the one you made today you lose whatever credibility you had.

C - McCann v Snyder, McCann is a 24 year old two time allstar and there are 29 other teams who would love to have him (yes even your mets). Snyder is 30 something and a journeyman catcher. Obvious choice McMann. If you disagree with this ask the 30 GM’s who they want as their regular catcher. Snyder would make a good back up catcher for the braves.

1B - The only things in common with these two is they both play 1B and are in a contract year. Tex is 28 year old and plays gold glove defense. He is in the prime of his career. Delgado is 35 or 36 and plays 1B only because there is no DH in the NL. His best years are behind him. Again if you disagree with this ask the 30 GM’s who they want playing 1B for them. The tally will 30 to 0 in Tex favor.

2B - This is a little more difficult, KJ is 26 years old and very good offensively. He is still learning to play 2B but his defense is adequate. Castillo is 33 or 34, a singles hitter who is able to steal a few bases. He is a better defensive player than Johnson.
Problem is his best years are behind him. He will continue to lose range at 2B while KJ will continue to improve. It depends on if you want an aging defense player or young offense player who will continue to improve his defense. I believe most GM’s will chose KJ but it will depend on that particular teams needs.

SS - Reyes v Escobar. No comparison Reyes is the better player.

3B - Wright v Chipper. Both players are excellent offense players and good on defense. Wright is younger and will steal more bases. Chipper has had injuries problems but still posted numbers similar to Wright. Wright gets the nod at 3B.

LF - Alou v Diaz - This is another challenging position. Both are excellent offensive players and adequate on defense. Diaz is 28 or 29 while Alou is 41 or 42. Alou has more power but like chipper has had problems with injuries and that has to be taken into consideration.

The other half of the platoon is Chavez vs B Jones. Chavez is 30 something, adequate on offense with little to no power. Defense is above average and his claim to fame was the catch made in the playoffs. What you see is what you get.
Brandon Jones is 24 good offense with power. He has average defense. He is a rookie and therefore difficult to project. Bill James who is the guru of projections has projected Jones in a platoon situation (250 AB) in 2008 will hit 284, 9 HR and 40 to 50 RBI. This is probably a draw but I lean toward the Braves platoon due to the age factor and potential of Jones.

CF - Beltran v Kotsay, no comparison Beltran is the better CF.

RF - Frenchy v Church, no comparison Frenchy is the better RF.

SP - Martinez v Smoltz - Both have had excellent careers and appear to bound for the HOF.
However for comparison purposes for 2008 you have to go with Smoltz. He returned to the rotation two years ago and has been outstanding. Pedro has pitched 70 innings after missing almost 2 years.

SP Maine v Hudson, another interesting comparison. Before 2007 Maine appeared to be an average SP but had a very good year in 2007. While you indicate Hudson has had difficulty in the NL, his worst year is similar to Maine’s break out season last year. Maine has only had one good season, I will have to go with Hudson for 2008 but I so like Maine.

SP - Perez v Glavine - Perez is a young pitcher (25) with good potential but has really been up and down. The mets were not sure what they would get from him when he took the field It seems like the only team he could beat last year was the Braves. I personally like Perez and believe he has the ability to win 12 to 15 games. Glavine is 42 and considered to be Mr reliable, you know what you are going to get. He will pitch close to 200 innings, have an ERA in the 4.00 range and will allow more hits than innings pitched. He will also win 12 to 14 gamers. While I like Perez’slong range potential I believe this is a wash for 2008.

SP - James v Hernandez, you have a 24 year old lefty who has won 22 games in 2 years. There is no reason to expect he will not win at least 11 games this year. With lavine as a tutor that number could rise to the 15 range. Hernandez is 44 (who really knows) and has a history of injury problems.
The mets simply do not know what they are going to get from him. He may win 12 to 14 games or he could be on the DL for most of the season. Let’s face it he may not even be on the teams 25 man roster when spring training concludes.
James is easily the choice here.

SP - Pelfrey v whoever - based on Pelfrey’s record last year who ever will be the better choice. My guess is JJ (pitcher we received from Detroit) will be the 5 th starter. Jim LeLand stated if he had not been traded he would have been in their rotation in 2008. He has the upside to be a # 2 pitcher in a rotation (probably not this year) and based on the experts projections has more upside than John Maine. This is probably a wash but based on what LeLand said I will go with JJ as the 5 the starter.

In reviewing my post I noticed the Mets are really an old team and have little dept in the farm system. The Braves on the other hand have a blend of young talented players already in the majors being tutored by a number of HOF players and have plenty of dept in the minors.

Having said all of this there is no way of telling which team will have the better season. 162 games is a long time, injuries will occurr and the scheduke could affect a teams performance.

The main reason for this post is to let Metro man know his comparison of the two teams were completely off base.
Don’t take my word for it, ask the experts.

By TI

January 25, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

What is Mike Hampton’s status? Is the hamstring recovering, what’s going on with that?

By BB FAN

January 25, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Anders,

There are many players that don’t always go for the most money. If a player enjoys playing for a certain team then they will take a little less money to stay there.

Your problem is that you are used to the Mets paying top dollar to entice the player to play for them. Before signing the contract with the Mets, Beltran begged the Yankees to sign him for 20 million less than what the Mets were giving him.

The Mets had to guarantee 4 years to convince Pedro to sign. No other team was offering more than 3 years guaranteed. Look how much he has pitched in the last two years and you see why smart teams weren’t willing to go more than 3 years.

For the last 20 years, the Mets have thought they can just buy their team. Just throw more money at players and win. Obviously, it has not worked for them.

By McFann

January 25, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

F1—

I understand what you mean. It makes more sense when you put it that way.

MetMan—

“On the decline”? Oh, please. And where did you dig up that junk that he doesn’t have much confidence?

Can he see?

Yes, he cann dummy. It’s called Lasic!!

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Couple of stats you folks might not know about Soriano from last season”

Road: 35 games, 1.91 ERA, .155 opp average, .210 opp OBP. (He had 4.19 ERA and .208 opp avg at home.)

vs. Lefties:.164 (20-for-122)

Scor pos w/ 2 outs: .150 (3-for-20, and all three hits were HOMERS)

Close-and-late: .163 (26-for-160) with 9 walks, 48 strikeouts, .207 OBP, .294 slugging.

In past two seasons combined: He’s averaged 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and his .192 opp average ranks fifth among all major league relievers. His .254 opp OBP in that period ranks sixth.

Here’s Frank Wren on having Soriano and almost every other Braves reliever under contractual control at least through 2009:

“We don’t lose anyone from our bullpen going forward to next year [‘09]. So we should be starting to gain some depth, and we’ve got some young guys coming through the minors who should add to that depth.

“The bullpen market is a difficult market. [So] having internal choices is real good.”

By PatioDaddio

January 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Even though the team looks at it as $2.4 mil in 2008, it´s actually $2.9 mil when you factor in the signing bonus of 500k so they basically settled at the midpoint for the first year.

Actually it is $2.65 mil in 2008 because bonuses are spread out through the life of the contract.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Jobu, good point about it being 2.9 mill with the signing bonus, midway point of their swapped arb figures.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

TI, as I wrote here during FanFest, I asked Wren about Hampton and he said it’s going just as expected and he should be fine for spring training. I’ll find out if he’s going to be at McDowell’s pitching camp that begins Feb. 1. But other than that, really nothing new to report. It’s a hamstring pull, not an arm injury that’s being monitored closely at every turn. He’s home in Arizona, not here.

By Braveheart

January 25, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

For all of this talk about Moises Alou and leftfield:

Mets, LF, 2007: .306. .357, .458, .815 OPS

Braves, LF, 2007: .291, .350, .439, .789 OPS

Mets, LF, 2007: 87 runs, 191 hits, 35 doubles, 3 triples, 18 homers, 88 RBIs, 48 walks, 16 stolen bases. 286 total bases

Braves, LF, 2007: 87 runs, 184 hits, 38 doubles, 7 triples, 14 homers, 70 RBIs, 52 walks, 18 stolen bases, 278 total bases

That’s with Willie freaking Harris and Ryan Langerhans taking up so many at bats out there in left. Brandon Jones figures to be better than both.

Leftfield once again figures to be even next season.

By Josh H

January 25, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man:

Hudson did figure it out last year. 3.33 ERA, 16-10 (with at least 4 blown saves by Wickman). Granted, he had a .261 allowed average vs. Maine’s very impressive .230, but Hudson only allowed 10 home runs (compared to Maine’s 25). I like a pitcher where the opposing team is going to have to string a few hits together to beat him.

Not knocking Maine. The Mets really have something there.

Pedro vs. Smoltz. I can’t deny that Pedro is perhaps the most dominant pitcher in baseball, when healthy. But he is a question mark at this point. Smoltz will need some breaks yes,

We can also throw Hampton in this mix. Don’t know if you saw the video of him pitching in the Mexican League, but his stuff is still there. If he can stay healthy he’ll be the most dominant 4 pitcher on any team. If not, well we have 4 pitchers ready for the Majors, two of which (Jair Jurrjens and Jo Jo Reyes) are thought to project to top of the rotation guys.

Chipper vs. Wright: Has been discussed to death on these forums. Really thought Chipper deserved the gold glove over Wright, but you can’t deny Wright’s hitting prowess. But Chipper did have as many doubles, more triples, one less homer and five less RBIs than Wright in 30 less games. In either case, lets just say both clubs are stacked at third base.

Escobar vs. Reyes: No competition, Mets get this one

KJ vs. Castillo: I still don’t think we’ve seen Kelly Johnson’s true upside yet. He’s a good combination of average and power, with some speed (over 10 triples last year). His defense will get better, and it certainly wasn’t bad last year. Castillo is better defensively, but I still have to say advantage Braves.

Texeira vs. Delgado: No comparison. Texeira is probably, in my opinion, the 2nd or 3rd best first baseman in baseball. Delgado has power, but Tex has the average to go with that power , gold glove defense and is a switch-hitter.

I might do the rest later. But as you can see, the Braves pitching staff is better, our lineup is plenty potent, and I can’t wait for April :)

By Lew

January 25, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-Keep em coming there, Guy. I love starting the day with a huge laugh. So the Braves are broke? Yet they keep coming up with $2 mil here and $9 mil there, have addressed all needs (even if, as DOB says, not to the extent some might have liked) and strengthened their team considerably, filling all holes. Don’t you wish the Mets had?

As for the salary-if we’re so broke and have been for 8 years or so, how did we ever win as much as we have? Yet the Mets have spent almost $540million since 03 and what do they have to show for it? One division Title and out and a priceless photo of Carlos Beltran peeing his pants over an Adam Wainwright curve. Let me know how y’all feel about that. While you’re at it, tell e about all that $$$$ y’all have to spend and how much good it’s done you. Anyone remember M Vaughan and Jeromy Burnitz?

By DAP

January 25, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

met man i would love to talk with you more about your pitching staff. like it or not, the braves got your horse. we got your only pitcher that went over 200 innings last year…so who gonna pick up the slack? pedro might pitch well, but i would count on him for 200 innings, unless you want to lose him for good. the mets will be lucky to get 900 innings logged by thier starters this year, and that means the bullpen has to carry the load. the braves have 3 potential horses in their rotation, in smoltz, hudson, and glavine, and plenty of starters in reserve.

if the mets cant land santana, they just need to pack it in.

By Daybed Wagmoe

January 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

TLJ: Snyder is 30 something and a journeyman catcher.

Before being traded to the Mets, Brian Schneider has played for one franchise: the Expos/Nationals. Journeymen bounce around from team to team, like Kenny Lofton, Mark Redman, Buddy Carlyle, Mike Stanton.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, that’s also with a 40/41-year-old Moises Alou and not a 41/42-year-old one, as he will be this season. That may not be insignificant; every year of age added could be a big deal at this point in Alou’s career.

By Josh H

January 25, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Clarification to my post above: I was going to say that Smoltz will need some breaks, but is still one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Hopefully this year we can give him a few of those breaks and he can make it to the post season healthy.

By GSU-Lee

January 25, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

DOB, Got a taste for heavy metal at all? I grew up on Pantera in addition to classic rock

By Braveheart

January 25, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Anders, as you have said over and over, Soriano only has 13 saves to this point of his career. Even if he went out and had a great year next season with 50 saves, this would not necessarily make him an accomplished closer worthy of making tons more. The closers making much, much more are the ones who have a pretty long track record.

That doesn’t mean I don’t think he is gonna be a good closer. I think he is gonna be very good. I’m just speaking as to the mindset the clubs have before they hand the money over.

Why would it have to be a lack of self confidence on the part of Soriano to take that deal according to you? Why can’t it be the other way around? Why can’t it be that he took less now, knowing that he can make tons more later if he just goes out, takes advantage of the opportunity he has long craved and does his job the way he believes he will?

Maybe he just doesn’t want to blow the opportunity he finally has. WHy can’t it just be that he is thankful for the opportunity he has to be a closer right now and does not want to screw that up by attending an arbitration hearing where the club says yeah we want him to be a closer but he should not make the money he is requesting for this reason and that reason and this reason and that reason?

Maybe he is honored that he finally has the shot to be what he has made no secret he desperately wants.

Soriano rarely speaks. The few times I have heard him say anything, he always seems to say two things: (1) Make me a closer; (2) Make me a starter.

Those demands are not the kind made by a guy lacking in self confidence.

From everything DOB has said, he is a no nonsense type of a guy (with the face of a closer), who just wants to show up at the ballpark and do his job and focus solely on baseball.

He seems to be the type who likes to remove all the clutter from his mind. Worrying about contracts or the hurtful things the front office said at arbitration hearings does not seem like something he wants to concern himself with.

Maybe his agent is an idiot. I doubt it though. Not every agent is a bloodsucker who only worries about the best financial interests of his client. Sometimes, some agents actually concern themselves with the best interests of their client, knowing this will lead to the best financial interests of the client being taken care of.

It’s a fair deal for both sides and should greatly benefit both the team and the player.

But since we are talking contracts, what are your thoughts on the Mets giving David Wright a 6 year, $55 million dollar deal while at the same time only giving Jose Reyes a 4 year, $23 million dollar deal?

Was that a lack of self confidence on the part of Reyes? Was it because the agent for Reyes is an idiot?

How about David Wright? Was he lacking in confidence when he took that deal? He is a future HOFer right? He should be making more than Andruw Jones and not half of Andruw JOnes right? Should have been the MVP last year?

Man, it is so sad for Jose Reyes and David Wright to be that good but be so lacking in self confidence and to have horrible agents. It’s tragic actually.

Come on, stop being ridiculous. There are tons of reasons these guys take the money.

By BB FAN

January 25, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Yeah, the Mets sure did not get very much for Millidge. Every Met fan I know was claiming he was the next great thing.

Back to the Mets trading away the farm idea. Its seems that over the last few years, the free agent market has not been what it used to be for pitchers. Teams are now signing young pitchers to long term contracts, therefore not as many are available. This holds true for trades as well.

Now of course, you do get the few teams who just can’t afford a pitcher at times like the Twins with Santana, but it doesn’t happen as often as it used to. Of course, there’s Oakland as well who seems to have a pitcher available each year.

Unless your team has the number of prospects like Atlanta and Arizona, it’s crazy to trade 5 or 6 for one guy now.

I’ve always believed that drafting and developing players win World Series. Even the Yankees started out that way with the 1996 and 1998 WS titles. Then they started to buy everybody available and it has led to them without a WS since 2000. They are now stock piling prospects again.

By DAP

January 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

does anybody think the mets might make shneider be the back-up? it seems like castro is pretty good offense…maybe they will make him full time and get shneider to the #2 guy. who knows. it would probably be smart for them to at least do it 50/50, cause they will need the offense, the way their pitching staff is.

By flange1

January 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

DAP,

Everything I have read indicated that the Mets feel that Schneider great defense and game calling is worth is lack of offense. I think they want him as the every day guy.

By Lew

January 25, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

BBFan-Yeah, you would think that by now with all their years of futility buying reject players for outrageous amounts of money, the Mets would decide to do something positive with their Farm System. Lord knows they have enough examples of how teams that do tend to win.

BTW-How’s that new young’un of yours doing?

By Anders

January 25, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

DOB

Why is it when I make a valid assessment you turn it personal? I don’t think what I suggested is unrealistic in the big $ world of MLB. Sorry, but it’s the agents job to maximize the guy’s value. Clearly this wasn’t done here IMO. He at the very least should have received more than what was on the table already for 2008 if he was trading away possible $’s for 2009. Negotiation 101. I didn’t realize the purpose of this blog was to make Brave fans feel better about themselves and their team. I mistook it for a place for frank dialogue back and forth about the Braves and their competitors. My bad.

I guess I’m used to living up in NY where you have to deal with the enemy (Yankees) everyday. We don’t run from their fans or tell them to go away and leave us alone - we engage them. It can make you stronger of you give it a try. I’m actually more in tune with the Mets and certainly the Braves by coming on this blog.

“Passion can be mistaken for bitterness when the argument being made doesn’t agree with your own.” Forgot who said this, but thought it was worth sharing.

By DAP

January 25, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

hey anders, king of the “you cant have it both ways”. you cant tear down soriano by saying he only has 13 career saves and is a scary bet, but then fault him or the braves by giving him 9 mil over two years. which is it? either you think he is good closer material and they underpaid him, or he isnt, and they paid regular price for a set up guy. well?

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Soriano has an ERA 47 percent better than league average when park-adjusted.

He also has 247 K and only 68 BB in 243 IP.

I tend to think that those numbers indicate he is a darn good pitcher and can handle closing in spite of his save total. I’m guessing most pitchers who are capable of striking out 247 batters in 243 IP while only walking 68 largely in key non-save situations are capable of closing. Of course, I know someone will accuse me of ignoring guts, heart and all that and will bring up one or two counterexamples from the entire history of baseball to refute me but I think Soriano’s abilities are clear.

By flange1

January 25, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Anders,

You are the biggest whiner that I have ever been around in my life.

“I didn’t realize the purpose of this blog was to make Brave fans feel better about themselves and their team. I mistook it for a place for frank dialogue back and forth about the Braves and their competitors. My bad.” Anders

No that is not what you want. What you want is to come here and speak down to all of us stupid Braves fans and teach us whatever you feel we need to know.

I for one am tired of your condescending rants.

You take EVERYTHING out of context and pick only the items that you want to discuss.

You say you want to “engage” in a discussion, but you don’t discuss anything just preach down to us.

By Hammy the Brave

January 25, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the info on Soriano’s contract. I’m really glad FW got him signed for more than 1 yr(Bill Shanks did have some inside info on this).That’s really smart of Frank to have him the same length of time as Gonzalez, to establish more continuity and closer depth for the bullpen.

Again I’m wondering DOB, is FW considering trading Thorman, especially if there’s a good shot to resign Tex longterm? I still believe the SF Giants are a good possibility, with their gaping hole at 1B, and maybe package a Prado and/or other unneeded piece. The Giants seem to have at least 4 unestablished bullpen lefties(I’d like us to get Sanchez) and a righty power bat from their minors, with a hyphenated last name that starts with E. That would shore up what I consider 2 of our weaknesses in the high minors.

Lastly, can you or Carrol give us a rundown of what FW/Kemp the farm director think of the following minor leaguers? Diorys Hernandez and JC Holt(potential starters at 2B or only bench players), Dan Smith(bullpen setup man, or organizational filler), Carl Loadenthal(can he hit in majors, or at least be a good CF backup), 3B prospects Van Pope and Campbell(Are they still high on them to replace Chipper, or has doubt crept in?), and KK at 1B in Mississipi(Is he a Galarraga clone, or too many strikeouts to consider as a starter in the majors?)

Love to see your input,

Hammy the Brave

By Anders

January 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Jobu

Many of the arb eligibles settle at the midpoint before having to go behind closed doors and rip each other apart. Getting the $500k in a bonus was no great feat for trading away a year of free agency as a closer in a closer short market. If Soriano pitches well this year he could have gotten 3 years $27 mil or more without blinking next off season. Now with the contract he signed yesterday if he gets hurt in 2009 (one of the major reasons given for signing now)he’s risked about $20 mil.Yes he’ll have the $6 mil but that’s a pretty defeatest attitude for a closer. He traded 3 to 4 years of huge money gauranteed after next season for 1 year at $6 mil. No one else see’s this as foolish? The guy made over a mil last year and is looking at almost $3 mil this year. That’s certainly more than enough to live as the king of whatever town he’s from in the Carribean regardless of wether he gets hurt next year or not. Why come to the edge of the first time you can sign a major multi year deal and put it off for a year at a discounted price?

Maybe he is a low key guy that doesn’t give a crap about the money etc. but that doesn’t preclude the idea that this isn’t a great deal for Soriano and if I was the agent I’d want everyone to know it was Soriano’s choice not mine.

By Eric from MO

January 25, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

MetropolitanMan how can you say Chipper is going to be hurt and not say Pedro will be?

Dont you have to have more than one down seasons to have proof to be on the decline? Besides McCann was an all-star last year too. Diez is better than Alou who is washed up and Chavez who is good defensively but cant hit. Hudson should of won 20 last years so you cant really say he hasnt figured it out. You cant say Glavine will have a rude awakening and not say anything about El Duque. At least Glavine will give us 190-200 innings. What will El Duque give you? Maybe 150.

By Anders

January 25, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Man, it is so sad for Jose Reyes and David Wright to be that good but be so lacking in self confidence and to have horrible agents. It’s tragic actually.

They didn’t sign those deals one year from free agent eligibilty - big difference. They were about two year guys.Met’s didn’t have to do anything but recognized they were special and acted accordingly. I actually think Reye’s agent did sell him short and I’m not so sure that wasn’t in his head last year. Especially when Rickey H and his poisoned tongue showed up in July and got in his ear. They ran Rickey out of town quickly this off season. The imbalance actually talked about alot on the FAN ( I think you’ve said you listen to/watch those guys?)when they first signed those deals. But Reyes makes more per year than Wright early then it switches. If Reyes has a big year next season I think they extend him for big $’s next off season. Then the year after that they’ll do Wright etc. That’s why they staggered them.

I’m sure Frenchy’s agent is watching closely.

By Robert

January 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

“This is just one of the many brilliant moves made by Bobby Cox”

Name ONE

Baseball execs extol Bobby Cox for one of two reasons

1.Those with the Braves love him because he is a company man, and because they have been suckered by their fellow in other organizations

1. Those in other organizations, who think Cox is great, on someone else’s team

Quick, how do you turn a legitimate WS contender into a division champion?

Have Bobby Cox manage the team

By Robert

January 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Secondly, there is no arrogance in pointing out Cox’s idiocy.

I am not saying that I, and only I, could do better.

Quite the opposite. I am saying that essentially anyone not named Bobby Cox or Mike Hargrove couldve done better

And little baseball knowledge is required

As an analogy, do you need to know how to do auto repairs to know that you dont fix a flat tire by changing the battery?

You dont have to know the exact details of the correct answer in order to recognize gross incompetence

By McFann

January 25, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Eric’s correct. Most people don’t consider a player to be on the decline until they’ve steadily gone down for a couple years at least. And yeah, Brian has been an All-Star in both of his full seasons.

Think before you type. : )

By GermanBravesFan

January 25, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Happy (belated) New Year to all… After spending some time in the homeland, I am finally back and can’t wait for spring training to begin!

Seems like some things haven’t changed over the past week: Robert still being a donkey and Anders still being bitter about almost anything the Braves do well (signing Glavine and Soriano).

GO BRAVES!!!!

By MetsPussycat

January 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

By Vinny Vegas January 25, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

“Oh yes the mighty Mets……”

-You could have stopped right after this statement dude! Glad to see you recognize though!

“Bet against the Mets; the true competition will be the Braves and Phillies for the N.L. East. All Mets fans can hope for is for there team to be an occasional spoiler against somebody.”

-Now you are really dreaming on this one! Phillies will take it to the Braves all season! Guess what…the METS will take it to the Braves all season too!! Bet you knew that though! lol

LETS GO METS!!!!!

By Robert

January 25, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

“Finally, the time had arrived. Bobby Cox took over as Braves manager in 1980 and moved Dale Murphy from catcher and first base to the outfield”

Cox moved Murphy to the outfield because he thought Bruce Benedict was a big time catcher

Cox was also the “genius” that let Rick Camp close ahead of Gene Garber.

Cox was such a genius that when Joe Torre took over, essentially the same team made an immediate 11 game jump in the standings (between 81 and 82)

Cox was the genius that let guys like Rufinaro Linares and Jerry Royster bat leadoff instead of Brett Butler

Yeah, Cox has shown us over and over again what a genius he is

By DAP

January 25, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

anders He traded 3 to 4 years of huge money gauranteed after next season for 1 year at $6 mil. No one else see’s this as foolish?

so you agree that soriano is a good choice for the braves closer? because up until now youve been bashing him.

By Anders

January 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

DAP

I’ve consistently said that having a closer with 13 career saves is a risk. It’s a grueling job that takes more than just stuff to be good at. He may excel, he may not. We won’t know until he goes through at least one full season in the role. I’ve been regularly rebuffed that as long as he stays healthy Soriano will soar in the role based on how he finished up last year. My 9:19 post was to point out that this contract he signed doesn’t show the confidence of a guy who’s ready to bust on to the scene as a big time closer. Otherwise he’d sit tight and sign the big money multi year deal next off season. If he signed a 3 year deal - maybe. But 2008 was in the bank already so all he did was sign for 2009 at a discount over market and put off 3 to 4 more guaranteed years until after 2009. For $6 mil? Not good risk management.

Now to all, I’m just trying to answer those who’ve posed questions to me. Please don’t take this as I’m obsessed over this. Because I live on the other side i get more responses than most and then my flurry of posts are perceived as bitter obsession.

I

By cricket

January 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

MetMan Dude,I remember the days many many many MANY moons ago when I used to actually look forward to reading your posts as they offered the opponents’ perspective. They made clear that you were obviously a mets’ fan but you still had a grasp of reality about your team’s strengths and weaknesses compared to other teams. You were still optimistic about your team’s chances, just the way most of braves’ fans are in these days after the big payroll and great pitching. But over the time, your posts have degenerated just towards ultimate bias for your team based on really nothing. Your posts today had only 1 quality - they were posted really early in the morning. But saying Tex and Delgado are wash and certifying that McCann is going blind and is on the decline etc. just did it for me.(do you work for major media or polling companies? if not,this sample size of McCann’s career to arrive at the conclusions will definitely get you a job of predicting election results). I can now add you to the list of posters that don’t deserve a glance. BTW, are you the original MetMan or did you take over the poor guy’s handle after renting his apartment after reading his name in obit?

By Lew

January 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Robert-Good God Almighty. If you are now resorting to pulling names like Royster and Linares out of your hat from over 20 years ago to prove Cox is no good, then all you’re really doing is proving yourself to be a cupcake short of a full package of Twinkies.

If you had any validity to you prior to this (which is a highly debatable proposition to begin with), you completely lost it with that one. Whatever. Good for a laugh, though. You should go join MetroDude on Comedy Central. You done chased one tornado too many. Too many cows to the head, I suppose.

By N8

January 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Anders

Let me start, by saying I’m not sure WHY it is that I’m acknowledging your exsistance.

You earlier comment about it being the agents job to get the maximum possible for his client, has a whole bunch of truth to it.

That being said, let’s not forget who works for who. The agent is EMPLOYED BY THE PLAYER, not the other way around. If the deal was acceptable to Soriano, who is the agent to say yes or no?

Robert

Right when I was pretty much getting on the nerves of the entire blog, with my “sucks”/American Idol/music in general discussion, you come to the rescue.

Nothing like a Robert Rant to direct attention elsewhere. LOL!

Thanx dude. I apreciate it.

By Braveheart

January 25, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Anders, yeah, those 2 deals were talked about alot on the FAN. I remember Mad Dog basically calling the agent for Reyes an idiot for getting Jose $30 mil less than Wright. That’s really the only reason I know about the disparity in contracts. But Wright is an established star. Reyes is more like Frenchy - they are catalysts (in different ways) and show flashes of greatness but neither has sustained their excellence on a consistent enough basis.

But as to Soriano, is it really a bad move for him to take that deal one year away from free agency?

Say he has a good year next season and saves 40 games and then hits the free agent market with only 53 saves in his career.

What kind of deal does he get then?

But what if he has 2 good years as a closer and has over 80 saves in 2 seasons and almost 100 for his career?

Don’t you think he would get much more money and more years to his contract if he establishes himself as a closer for 2 years before he becomes a closer?

I think SOriano and his agent have the confidence that Soriano is gonna get the job done over the next 2 years and that he will make more money when he hits the free agent market then rather than rush himself into the free agent market and find himself locked into a deal that is inferior to the one he could have had if he was just patient and notched 2 years under his belt as a closer.

With all the closer woes the Braves have had over the years, if Soriano can establish himself as a big time closer for the Braves, he would get lots of press and earn even more money as a free agent when you include the fame in addition to the performance.

THis is especially true if he can get it done during the stretch run and in the playoffs.

I actually have the opposite opinion of you when it comes to the self confidence of Soriano in taking this deal.

It says to me that he expects to dominate over the next 2 seasons and get very handsomely rewarded when he hits the market in 2 seasons.

A guy with less confidence would have taken the team to arbitration and then hit the market looking to make a quick buck because he knows over the long term he will not cut it.

By DAP

January 25, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

anders so youve pointed out soriano has little closer experience and no one is sure he will excell in the closer’s role…so why is $9 mil for two years a bad deal for him…while he tries to prove that he is a good closer? i really dont get your stance, man. it seems like your double talking.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee — Metallica, yes. Pantera, no. And basically no other heavy metal bands. Just doesn’t do it for me. For the hard stuff, gimme bands ranging from Clash to Zep, Soundgarden to Sex Pistols, Alice in Chains to Husker Du, Replacements to Minutemen, Black Flag to Guns N Roses, etc. Even some old Nugent.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Anders, it’s not “perceived” as bitter obsession. It IS bitter obsession. Call a spade a spade. You can’t help yourself, admit it.

And please, the line about you just answer questions that folks ask you — that’s beyond absurd. You intentionally provoke so that people will ask you about the Mets in relation to Braves. Because you’d get no reaction as just another in the crowd on a Mets blog, you troll here. Is what it is.

By N8

January 25, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Jed

I don’t know what to say (in all seriousness). Not trying to be vague, or sidestep the question (as you still seem to think I am).

I just don’t know if there is a definitive “line” that music either falls onto one side or the other. The line of course, being the separation of good/bad or relevant/irrelevant or valid/invalid…whatever terminology you prefer.

You let me know WHO is in charge of deciding this and “policing” it, and we’ll go from there. LOL!

Otherwise, the bottom line is that ANY answer I give to you, is nothing more than my opinion. YOUR opinion, technically should be the only one that matters in what’s (enter word choice from above), to YOU.

I’ll be the first to admit. I have listened to a lot of music that most would consider very “valid” (Beatles, Nirvana, Hendrix, etc….), but also have NO SHAME in listening to (and liking) many artists that the “critics” don’t consider to be important music.

Not to beat the dead horse of the roller skating crap some of us were bantering on about last night, but a lot of older music (or music I refer to as “music from my past”), falls into the nostalgia category. Meaning, if a seemingly cheesy song reminds me of something from my youth, I generally have “warm” feelings about that song, whether it’s a legitimate classic or just another song that came and went.

Music for me, is a time-line of my life. It shaped who I am (as a musician), and definitely is locked in time at certain points of my upbringing.

For example, the year that I gigged the most, was 1994. Pretty much played anywhere from 4-7 nights a week from April until December of that year. We had an old 1973 Blue Bird school bus, that a buddy of ours who has a body shop, had gone through and gutted the thing and turned it into what we thought was “paradise on wheels”. Of course nobody told us that carrying thousands of pounds of gear around in that thing would strain the engine. LOL!

Anyhow, for about 2 months straight we had Soundgarden’s Superunknown in the stereo system we installed. That disc NEVER came out. Needless to say, I don’t listen to it much anymore. But you can understand, why when I hear songs off that album, it brings back a TON of memories.

So does that make it “valid”? I don’t know. Soundgarden is often thought of as a “musician’s” band, with good street cred. All I know and care about, is that that album means something to ME. So to me, it’s valid.

I hope that clears up some of the “glibness” (is that a word), of my previous answer.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Robert, can you stay quiet for just a couple more months? We promise we’ll wake you when the season starts by pulling the string in your neck that illicits one of those soothing anti-Cox rants.

By OrlandoFan

January 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Soriano did a great job down the stretch last year. With better setup and consistency, his 2008 salary will be an extreme bargain. And he will be marketable for trade in 2009 if there is a need. He’s young, guys, and he can throw hard. And he’s resillient (reference the liner to the noggin’). Let’s see him do the full year and know his true value and understand clearly how this contract looks.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Anders, well, if Soriano can be as dominant as he has been in a lot of crucial non-save (and some save) situations, I suspect he’s good enough to close.

Soriano in the 9th inning: 52 G, 189 PA, 8 R, 3 HR, 16 BB, 52 K, .118/.202/.206 opponents’ AVG/OBP/SLG

Soriano in late & close situations: 48 G, 169 PA, 17 R, 6 HR, 9 BB, 48 K, .163/.207/.294 opponents’ AVG/OBP/SLG

By Braveheart

January 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Anders deal for Soriano: 1 year, $3 mil this season, then 3 years, $27 mil for a combined total of 4 years, $30 mil.

The deal for SOriano if he dominates the next 2 seasons: 2 years, $9 mil for the next two years and then 4 years, $50 mil??? when he becomes a contract for a combined total of 6 years and $59 mil.

Which one sounds better to you? SOriano has the confidence he will dominate over the next 2 seasons and make more money by hitting the free agent market with a more impressive resume after 2 years rather than hit it after one.

Worst case scenario if he gets injured and becomes a somewhat suspect closer of the likes of Octavio Dotel: 2 years, $9 mil over the next 2 seasons and then a series of 2 year, $11 mil contracts following that like Dotel gets. For a total of 4 years, $20 mil or 6 years, $31 million.

It’s kinda funny to hear Mets fans lecture on risk management after all the irresponsible long term, multi million dollar contracts they dish out.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Anders: enough with the charade about living in N.Y. None of the intelligent people on this blog believe you actually live in or anywhere near N.Y.C. If you did, you couldn’t possibly be so bored that you’d be constantly craving attention on this blog.

By Hammy the Brave

January 25, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Anders(uninformed Muts fan),

I have resisted answering your blog rants until now, but you really need to learn to present more logical arguements (less emotional)here, especially about the Braves.

Echoing what DAP and flange1 have told you, you “can’t have it both ways” with Soriano’s contract. If you say he’s not a legitimate closer, than the contract the braves got him for is great, especially for him(could be overpaid in your book). But you’re still “bellyaching” that he and/or his agent were stupid for taking this deal. Therefore you’re saying that they took less money than they should have, thus making him a more viable/valuable closer than your arguement first stated. Look back and actually read what you’ve posted- you’re actually contradicting yourself.

By the way, the Muts did do very similar things with both contracts to Reyes and Wright- they bought out several yrs of their free agency, at a discount(by your reasoning, both these players and their agents devalued themselves- in your mind all athletes always get top dollar for their services, or they’re stupid).

Hopefully you are more logical on your job, or you may not keep it too long. I do have some sympathy for you Muts fans however, always the “red-headed step-child” to the Yankettes, in NY. I once went on a spring training trip with an acquaintance, who was a big Muts fan. He was very obnoxious at the ballparks we visited, and got his frustrations out by yelling at career minor leaguers(AAAA guys)and telling them how they weren’t good enough to stay in the majors. You don’t really want to be seen as such a typical “frustrated NY sportsfan” like this guy, or do you?

Keep the rally alive on Wall Street(with all the power you possess),

Hammy the Brave

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, Pennywise’s Full Circle is one of the best “hard stuff” CDs, albums, whatever I’ve heard. Pennywise can sound a little cheesy, like they are trying too hard sometimes, but their good stuff is as good as any in my opinion.

By N8

January 25, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

DOB

Have you picked up Nugent’s new disc…..Love Grenade?

I’ve previewed most of it on I-tunes.

Let’s just say he’s about run out of ideas. But when you are the legend known as the motor city madman, it’s hard to keep duplicating that over and over.

I actually enjoy listening to him talk, more than listening to his new music at this point. The guy is like Herm Edwards. He merely opens his mouth and there is a sounbite for everybody to run with.

Don’t necessarily agree with his political views, and I’m not a hunter (but I’m not anti-hunting). But dude is FUNNY.

Side note. You’ve stated a few times, that you enjoy Metallica. You like the old stuff or the new stuff (ABA….After Black Album), or do you like it all?

Just curious. You strike me as a guy that likes them for their earlier (more “ground breaking”) stuff.

Just curious.

By Anders

January 25, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

DOB

Road: 35 games, 1.91 ERA, .155 opp average, .210 opp OBP. (He had 4.19 ERA and .208 opp avg at home.)

Glad you brought these numbers up so it doesn’t look like I’m bitterly cherry picking. What do you attribute Soriano’s drastic difference in effectiveness at home versus on the road?

No worries here?

By Braveheart

January 25, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

N8 We get it bud. You like to rock out but you also have an inner Spice Girl within ya dying to come out and play.

N8 with his band: Welcome to the jungle We’ve got fun ‘n’ games We got everything you want Honey, we know the names We are the people that can find Whatever you may need If you got the money, honey We got your disease In the jungle Welcome to the jungle Watch it bring you to your knees, knees I wanna watch you bleed

N8 in the shower: Yo I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really really really wanna zigazig ha.

By N8

January 25, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

WHO doesn’t like the Spice Girls?

Besides, when I listen to the Spice Girls while “cleansing”, it’s usually in a candle lit bubble bath. :-)

By Avery

January 25, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man

Here’s our future…Jordan Schafer, Jason Heyward, Brandon Jones, etc etc etc. What do you Mets fans have? Absolutely nothing. Your farm system stinks, and there’s no way you can dispute that. Ours is…well, simply the most consistent farm system in the majors. And as far as comparing Chipper to David Wright? Let’s see Wright put together 10 more seasons like last year, and then we can start putting those two in the same sentence. Chipper is one of the best switch-hitters of all-time. Keep talking about his injuries blah blah blah. The man can still deal. Check the numbers. I can’t wait for this season to watch the start of the Mets fall…

By flange1

January 25, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

N8,

Haven’t listened to any new Nugent in awhile. I did like some of his older stuff and it is always fun to see him loud.

I still don’t see how he can handle that Byrdland at that volume without CONSTANT feedback.

Were you an Amboy Dukes fan?

By The Evil Genius

January 25, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

More of the genius of Bobby Cox :

The Date: August 12, 1987

The Players: Detroit Tigers General Manager Bill Lajoie (the fleecee) and Atlanta Braves GM Bobby Cox (the fleecer)

The Fleece: To strengthen their pennant chances, the Detroit Tigers acquired pitcher Doyle Alexander from the Atlanta Braves for right handed pitching prospect John Smoltz.

The Result: Sure, Alexander did help Detroit wrap up the AL East that season, as he went 9-0 down the stretch with an astonishing 1.53 ERA over 88 innings. However, he imploded in the ALCS, giving up 10 runs in 9 innings and taking two losses to the Minnesota Twins, who would go on to win the World Series. Alexander pitched 2 more years for the Tigers, going a combined 20-29 before calling it quits. Detroit did not make the playoffs again until 2006.

John Smoltz, meanwhile, has gone on to pitch 19 seasons for the Atlanta Braves, winning 207 games and saving another 154. If not for his temporary move to dominant closer, he’d have a legitimate shot at 300 career wins. At the close of the 2007 season, he’s 25 strikeouts away from 3,000 for his career. Smoltz has been on 8 all-star teams, won a Cy Young award (1996), finished in the top 7 for the Cy Young award 4 other times, and won an NL Rolaids Relief Award (2002).

Smoltz has also been one of the most dominating post-season pitchers in the history of the storied game. His lifetime playoff record (which encompasses an amazing 13 different times in the playoffs) is 15-4 with a 2.65 ERA with 4 saves and 194 strikeouts in 207 innings. He has one World Series Championship with the Braves.

To me, there is no question about John Smoltz’ Hall of Fame credentials. He’s been one of the best pitchers in the league for the last 10-15 years, and has excelled in every role he’s been placed in.

This was a tremendous fleece by Bobby Cox (who, of course, would later manage the Braves through a run of divisional titles). Some on the Detroit side, however, still believe it was a worthwhile trade made by Lajoie, as Alexander helped wrap up the AL East in 1987 in one of the greatest regular season finishes of all time. But to me, that feat is eliminated due to Alexander’s giant collapse against the Twins in the ALCS, in which his two disastrous starts helped end Detroit’s season. In essence, Alexander’s effect on the team was a wash. Meanwhile, the team went on to suffer through the 90’s, becoming one of the worst franchises in the game during that decade, all the while having to watch John Smoltz’ braves play in October nearly EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The John Smoltz trade was surely a Great Moment in Fleece History.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Wow. Just found out 99x is no longer on the air.

By BT

January 25, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Get em! I am so sick I Anders and Robert’s constant same old stuff! Let’s have a real Braves site.

By Hammy the Brave

January 25, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Robert(virulent Bobby Cox hater),

I haven’t answered your blog rants before today, but your latest obsessions/delusions cry out for a response.

The 3 points you tried to make were not backed up by the facts. From my understanding of Murphy’s situation as catcher, it was obvious he had a “mental block” even throwing the ball back to the pitcher. Most baseball people agreed he couldn’t remain at catcher. Bruce Benedict had no direct bearing on this situation. Are you trying to argue Murphy would have been better at catcher than CF(highly unlikely, and his career would likely have been shorter- don’t forget his MVP also)?

Secondly, you say Cox was stupid to bat Royster/Linares at leadoff, instead of Butler. I’m going from memory here, but they came up before Butler(who got most if not all his AB’s in 1981, before his trade for Len Barker). Royster did have speed and did fairly well at leadoff.

Then you criticize him for pitching Camp as closer over Garber. Again I’m going from memory, but I seem to remember Garber having a terrible 1979, and an ok 1980, while Camp was stronger both yrs- I believe he had an era under 2.00, in 1981. Also, even though Camp really only had a sinker, he threw harder than Garber, who relied on his funky delivery and changeup to “fool” hitters. IMO, when choosing a longterm closer, you choose the one who throws harder, and doesn’t rely on a trick pitch or delivery, except in rare cases(Sutter, Wilhelm, Quisenbery, etc.)

By the way, I have problems with the way Bobby manages his offense, especially in the playoffs. However, I mostly agree with the way he handles a pitching staff. You need to learn however, just like Anders obsession/hatred for Glavine, if you say such an established player/manager has no good/redeeming qualities at all in your eyes, you will be seen as having no credibility in the eyes of most true baseball fans. By the way, Bobby Cox is the only ML manager I know of that’s on the Board of Directors of his team, thus it would be almost impossible to fire him- so don’t count on that happening realistically.

You really need counseling for this irrational hatred/obsession,

Hammy the Brave

By McFann

January 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

But saying Tex and Delgado are wash and certifying that McCann is going blind and is on the decline etc. just did it for me.

Me too. I mean, we’ve brought it up before that McCann did have bad vision, but he had surgery to correct that. Saying McCann’s on the decline is just nonsense. And well, Tex is a lot better to have than Delgado because he’s younger…and better…much better.

Yeah!! Let’s ditch Robert!! His and idiot!!

By N8

January 25, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Flange

I got into nugent long after the Amboy Dukes stuff, and even to this day, haven’t heard all of it (maybe I’ll check it out).

For me Nugent was always hard to get into, on the stuff he sang. I don’t really care for his singing, though his lyrics while blatently sexual in content, are a tad silly, in retrospect as well.

But his guitar playing has always been pretty cool, from my angle. Hell, for as tacky as some the Damn Yankees stuff is, his playing on those two records was some of his best axe-work (by my tatstes).

I actually (sadly) own a Damn Yankees concert on VHS, and his playing is outstanding on that. Of course if you don’t like Tommy Shaw or Jack Blades, then you didn’t like Damn Yankees.

I’ve only seen him live (as a solo artist), once. It was on one of the recent KISS “reunion” tours. He was opening up for them, and spent more time talking than playing. I have however, seen Damn Yankees twice, and like on the video, his playing and performance, were up to the standards, that he gained his reputation on.

Like I said. For the most part, I like him, more than most of his music.

By MetsPussycat

January 25, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dt4risqelw

The “Age” old battle….David Wright vs. Chipper!

By Eric from MO

January 25, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Anders there is a reason Soriano took less money. He hasnt made a whole lot in his career and he knows, like all pitchers, he is one pitch from blowing out his arm. If he does that he may get no money. That isnt a lack of confidence thats just being smart.

By Overlord

January 25, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

It amazes me day in and day out the fact that there are mut fans in this blog that dare to type positive stuff about their team…

How can that be??? Arent they supposed to be having nightmare about the final week of september 2007????????

Please met fan, get the point, you are still the loosers you were when the season ended last year. Remember every team in baseball laughing at yours=??? Cant you hear the LOL???

Bunch of loosers, and guess what? you still have to face us and the phillies again this year. Any ideas on how to keep your head up while playing? PATHETIC. AMAZING METS, LOL. AMAZING THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO AMAZING TEAMS, RIGHT?

Future? how can you even try talking about your future or our teams future if yours have no bright past. And their past turned even darker last year. What about the present??? Great memories, right?

Go figure!!!!!!!!!

By Lee in S. GA

January 25, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

N8

Got to agree with you about Nugent. Great talker, good personality and pretty good guitar player. None of this applies to his signing voice however. I think a lot of people feel that way about him also.

By Roman Gal

January 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

All Soriano needs to be a GREAT closer is an awesome song ala AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”

When Smoltz was the closer and they played that song…man, that was some exciting stuff!

By MetsPussycat

January 25, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Overlord ….What’s amazing today is your post! This is a public, free site! Did I say PUBLIC? Anybody can post here! Did I say ANYBODY? Start your own beloved Braves blog if you want privacy whiner! METS fans dare come here with “positive stuff”? As opposed to coming on here with what else? Do you come on here and post negative stuff about your squad? That was a ridiculous statement you made! Hell yeah we METS fans are still having nightmares about last season as im sure you BRAVES fans are about yours and your upcoming one!

In your own words….AMAZING METS! AMAZING THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO AMAZING TEAMS!….and they will!

“Go figure!!!!!!!!!!!!”

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Suggestion: Do not respond to Robert. It would be like responding to a delusional person on the streets on one of his/her rants. Just walk by really fast and try not to make eye contact.

By Apaul404

January 25, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I actually think American idol is funny. My wife loves it. I stop watching after the audition rounds though. DOB your blog is going to keep me going, I will be in Okinawa for the next three years starting in June. Gotta get a bunch of games in before I leave. I hope Jo Jo has more luck this year it seemed like every man he walked came home on a homer last year.

By flange1

January 25, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

N8,

The early Amboy Dukes stuff is very pyscodelic and is hard to listen to now. The last album that had “Great White Buffalo” was actually a pretty good album.

Back in the day, Terrible Ted was great live. High energy, good guitar. The lyrics of his later stuff got a bit childish but I always went to see him for his guitar playing.

Never been much of a “Yankees” fan, but I have seen some of the Blades/Shaw acoustic stuff and it is far better than I would have believed. (I was never a Styxx fan either).

Ted need to get a singer and just play guitar!

By Eric from MO

January 25, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Anders you 1:46 post contadicted you again. Answer me this, is Soriano worth more or less than 9mil over 2 years. I dont want an explanation I just want to know your opinion.

By richbrave

January 25, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

DAVE:

Ever hear of the band ‘QUICK?’ I never had before last night on XMX channel of XM Radio. Me guesto mucho compadre. Et tu? I grooved to Steeley Dan, Grover Washington, The Crusaders, Gap Band et. al in the fusion era of jazz. Haven’t kept up with music since, but I liked the quirky sound of this group.

By Thrillhouse44

January 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Agree with your thought, Roman Gal, but Soriano needs a Wu-Tang song. I would go nuts!

By Overlord

January 25, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Ill be sitting front row to watch mets go all the way….. Did i sound realistic?

Hell i didnt….. the only all the way the mets can do is to the bottom of the division.

I never said mut fans couldnt come to blog, i have authority to do so, but at least if you do so, please be realistic. Dont try to tell us your muts are kings of the east because thats far from truth, your team made their own statement last year, im not making this up, and until they clean up their own mess……..they ZOK.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun, good point at 3:24. Will try to follow that advice.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

No, I can assure any and all that I won’t be purchasing or listening to any newer Nuge, Damn Yankees or Pennywise (whoever they are) CDs. Sorry, got more than enough to listen to without delving into stuff that just doesn’t completely do it for me.

N8, I love the early Metallica, but unlike many of their fans, I also like the latter stuff including St. Anger. But they’re not a band I listen to on an every-day basis. Nice to crank it once in a while while driving late-night or while working out.

My tastes have changed quite a bit over the years. Just not into the thrash stuff anymore.

By McFann

January 25, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Just read this on atlantabraves.com, and thought you folks might find it interesting:

Jeff Francoeur changed agents this offseason with the hope that he may gain some more promotional opportunities on a local level. At the same time, he’s hoping that Atlanta-based agent Lonnie Cooper, who also represents John Smoltz and Bobby Cox, might help him land an extended contract with the Braves.

So far, Cooper hasn’t heard from the Braves. But this isn’t exactly reason for concern. The club didn’t even approach Francoeur and Brian McCann about guaranteed multi-year contracts until the start of Spring Training last year.

When McCann signed his six-year, $26.8 million contract last year, Francoeur remained hopeful that he still would have a chance to land his own contract that would provide him financial certainty during his arbitration-eligible seasons and possibly beyond. He rejected their offers last year and then seemingly enhanced his value by proving he can show patience and consistency at the plate.

The Braves would like to also gain some financial certainty with the 24-year-old Francoeur, who initially becomes arbitration-eligible at the end of the upcoming season. In addition, they view the Gold Glove right fielder as the cornerstone of the organization’s future. This is why it’s believed they’ll begin negotiating a contract with him in the very near future.

By Lew

January 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Flange-Did you realize Ted was only 16-17 when the early Amboy Dukes came out? I just picked up a Dukes anthology. You’re right it is certainly dated, but it was a lot of fun revisiting the past for a while.

BTW-Why is a carrot more orange than an orange?

By MGL

January 25, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

The reason all the Muts guys are here blogging is that there is zero action on their team’s blogs. Nothing happening to discuss.

By DAP

January 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

any body like cake? the band, not the birthday treat.

By richbrave

January 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

SHAUN:

Robert? There was one?

By Anders

January 25, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Eric in Mo

Answer me this, is Soriano worth more or less than 9mil over 2 years.

If he’s an effective closer more if not less. That’s my point. He apparently isn’t willing to take the risk for more. Why? Been my point since I first posted. I’m not arguing what Ithink of him, I’m arguing what his actions say he and his agent think of his chances. Nothing more.

By Gsu-Lee

January 25, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, as a former heavy metal bassist, I am all for Metallica (early), Cliff Burton is one of the most influential and talented musicians I have ever listened to. He has a terrific mix of uniqueness and talent. Pretty much every bass line on Master of Puppets is awesoms, especially on Orion, which also might be my favorite Metallica song at the moment

By Roman Gal

January 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, I’m sure I would agree with you if I had ever heard of Wu-Tang.

By Efrim

January 25, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Soriano will be better than Bob Wickman, I can assure you of that.

He is one of the last guys I am worried about next season.

Worries for Braves fans:

Chipper’s health.

Smoltz’ health.

It begins and ends with that. Obviously other things can happen, but if Smoltz can deliver 32 starts and Chipper can register 500 or so at bats, then the Braves will be right there.

By DAP

January 25, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

LEW when adam was naming everything in the garden of eden, he had probably already named most of the colors, and he saw the orange first. he thought to himself “thats kind orangy, ill call it an orange.” then a carrot came up and he was like “crap…orange is already taken…i dont care ‘bout it.” so the carrot became known as the “carrboutit” and later, the “bout” was dropped for easier pronunciation.

its in the bible. 2 opinion ch. 2 vs. 7-12. its in there.

i hope this doesnt count as discussing religion on the blog.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Check this out.

“The only possible addition the Braves could make is another arm for the bullpen, but that puts them in the same situation as every other team. Otherwise, the Braves are in good shape for the year as long as they can trust their own judgment.”

By DonCoburleone

January 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Here you go Mets fans, especially you MetsPUSSYcat, enjoy!

2007 Mets Season in Review

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

DAP, Cake is very good. Both the band and the bakery item.

My man’s moving out the rental DVDs at Ella Guru and bringing in vinyl soon, so I bought some DVDs from him. Got a few concert DVDs f today, including Calexico, Drive-By Truckers live at 40-Watt Club, Ike and Tina Turner live, and a Prince 1987 New Year’s Eve show at Paisley Park in Minneapolis. Also got a couple of movies, Coffy (Pam Grier, oh yeah) and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

It was a good day.

By nOLIE

January 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Secondly, you say Cox was stupid to bat Royster/Linares at leadoff, instead of Butler. I’m going from memory here, but they came up before Butler(who got most if not all his AB’s in 1981, before his trade for Len Barker). Royster did have speed and did fairly well at leadoff.BT

yeah he couldn’t have been all that stupid with Butler. in ‘81 his only year under Cox Butler came up in late August . He got 131 PA at leadoff and batted .237. Linares got 108 PA and batted .350 at leadoff. Linares didn’t hit worth a hoot anywhere but leadoff. Damm dumb Booby, screwed up again. LOL.

By David O'Brien

January 25, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Anders, you’ve spent about half of the winter here trying to psychoanalyze the statements and motivations for Tom Glavine and now Rafael Soriano. Why don’t you drop the amateur-hour analysis and just evaluate folks’ performance and such? Who the H are you to try to figure out every player’s motivation for his actions and to try to break down a man’s statements and make pronouncements about his state of mind? So tired of that garbage from you.

By DonCoburleone

January 25, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Or actually, this one is even better Muts fans, hahahahahaha:

LOSERS

By flange1

January 25, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew,

It is amazing how good the Nuge was at an early age. Kind of like listening to a young Neil Schon in Santana.

Both of those guys could play their butts off at an early age.

Interesting to listen to Journey to the Center of your mind now isn’t it????

By Anders

January 25, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

DOB

Sure, just don’t bring up the supposed Mets septic clubhouse as an issue and I’ll play along. I can stick to the performance numbers. I’ve just been following the crowd here.

By BossLady

January 25, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

DOB 1:42 Funny as heck

Shaun 3:24 Cracking me up

I knew if I read long enough, some light would shine over these bloggers

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Anders, you can either take the short-term contract the team your with for more than what you likely would have received in arbitration over the long haul or you could risk having an off year or injury in hopes that you’ll get a big payoff at the end of the year.

This way, Soriano guarantees some decent money over the next couple of seasons and is still free to sign a huge deal after that.

By Shaun

January 25, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Anders, you can either take the short-term contract the team your with for more than what you likely would have received in arbitration over the long haul or you could risk having an off year or injury in hopes that you’ll get a big payoff at the end of the year.

This way, Soriano guarantees some decent money over the next couple of seasons and is still free to sign a huge deal after that.

If I’m an athlete, I’m looking at the next opportunity to sign a contract and trying to get the most out of that one. I’m not taking a relatively measly amount of money for one year in hopes that I’ll have a huge season and can get a huge contract after that. Nothing is guaranteed, especially if you a major league pitcher.

By DonCoburleone

January 25, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

DOB why do you even entertain retards like Anders by responding to what he says? That is exactly what that terd wants. Remember DOB, he is beneath you…

By TennesseePaul

January 25, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Payne: Took a while but I see you caught on at 3:24

By Robert

January 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

“Robert-Good God Almighty. If you are now resorting to pulling names like Royster and Linares out of your hat from over 20 years ago to prove Cox is no good, then all you’re really doing is proving yourself to be a cupcake short of a full package of Twinkies.

If you had any validity to you prior to this (which is a highly debatable proposition to begin with), you completely lost it with that one. Whatever. Good for a laugh, though. You should go join MetroDude on Comedy Central. You done chased one tornado too many. Too many cows to the head, I suppose”

Lew, I pulled those names out for two reasons. One, to show that Cox’s idiocy has been manifest in his decisions for decades, and two, because those 81 and 82 Braves teams provide the best head-to-head comparison that we have to show what happens when the same team is managed first by an idiot and then by someone competent.

Now, if all I wanted to show is that Cox is a moron, I couldve selected probably any of 140 or so of last year’s 162 games (or a similar fraction from any of the last 17 seasons)

My point will prove yet again prove to be true the year after Cox is gone (2009, if there is a god)

Of course, the Cox fan club will come up with some other reason to explain why the same roster will show an at least 10 game improvement from one season to the next.

I’m tired of watching my team try and compete with a 200 pound sack of s** sitting in the dugout and weighing them down

By DonCoburleone

January 25, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Here you go Muts fans, you want to turn this into a Mets blog then lets do this…. Here is a great article highlighting the “great” team that is the 2008 Mets: Mets Suck

My favorite part of the article: “With Spring Training less than a month away, the 2008 Mets will begin to assemble in St. Lucie, Florida, with few changes being made. After last season’s historic collapse, and with a returning cast of older, often injured, and fading players, one would think some sort of shake up would have taken place.”

HA!

By Efrim

January 25, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Good read at 4:41. Another arm would be nice, but like they said, every team could use another arm in the pen. Jurrjens as a reliever is a interesting idea. He has the fastball for it.

By Robert

January 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

“Robert-Good God Almighty. If you are now resorting to pulling names like Royster and Linares out of your hat from over 20 years ago to prove Cox is no good,”

So, it’s legit to talk about something Cox did with Murphy (assuming it was his idea) to show how great he supposedly is, but it’s NOT valid to show examples of what the records PROVES Cox did to show that he is NOT a genius

Uh-huh - That’s non-biased.

You listen if you like the conclusion, and poo-poo it if you dont like the conclusion - damn the logic or the facts

By GermanBravesFan

January 25, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Hammy the Brave: good posts on Robert and Anders. Geez - some things really get tiring and those two guys really are!!

ROBERT: if you have a problem with Bobby Cox managing “your” team, why don’t you take a break for a while until Bobby decides to retire? I think you would do all of us a favor! I believe it is okay to criticize the manager/coach of a team, but I think with you it’s an obsession you cannot live without. What else would you be posting here? I don’t think you have anything productive/interesting to talk about! Go get a life!

Go Braves! Go Bobby Cox!!

By MetsPussycat

January 25, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

MGL -Nothing going on in METS blog land? You cant be serious? Do you ever leave this blog?