AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThree weeks until it begins anew
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It might not feel like it to most of you out there across North America, but winter as we baseball hacks know it is quickly fading. Seems hard to believe, but it’s just three weeks until we relocate to Dark Star for six weeks of painful wakeup calls, blissful breezes and copious quantities of coffee.
Edwin Pope, the venerable Miami Herald scribe with whom I had the pleasure of working in the same pressbox with on numerous occasions, once wrote: ”It is true that spring baseball makes millions more promises than it keeps. But baseball is unlike love. In baseball, making promises means vastly more than keeping them.”
With that in mind, three teams can enter spring training realistically counting themselves as contenders for the NL East title. (And some members of the Nationals and Marlins might also try to convince themselves their squads have a shot.)
The Braves, like the Mets and Phillies, can make a legitimate claim that if things go well — not if things go perfectly, but just if they go well — they can reclaim the NL East title that New York took from them in 2006 and which is presently held by Philly after the Mets’ Great September Collapse of ’07.
But anyway, we’ll have plenty of time to analyze every aspect of spring training and the upcoming race. For now, suffice to say the Braves, from the front office down to every player I’ve spoken with or corresponded with electronically, believe that GM Frank Wren has addressed every need the team had last season.
Now, they might not have addressed each of those needs quite as resoundingly as some fans would have preferred - for example, some folks don’t want to hear that Johan Santana’s contract extension wouldn’t fit a $90 million payroll, or paying Mark Kotsay $2 mill might make more sense than paying Mike Cameron $7 million and having Cameron sit out the first 25 games for a drug suspension.
But the Braves did address every need, and Braves players on and off the record tell me they like Wren’s three-month body of work and the team’s chances of getting back to the postseason after two years of watching October unfold on TV.
Of course, they are also realistic. It’s no secret what almost certainly needs to happen if the Braves are to have a successful season: They must, and I mean absolutely must, get better and more reliable starting pitching than they received from last year’s injury-riddled rotation.
They need some other things to go their way, too, including good work from the revamped top of the order likely to include Kelly Johnson and/or Yunel Escobar; a productive season from center fielder Mark Kotsay in the first year of the post-Andruw era; and a healthy season from closer Rafael Soriano and his setup men and good work from one or more of the lefty relievers.
Another hugely important area goes without saying: The Braves need big production from their best two hitters, Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira. They need Chipper to play at least 135-140 games, hopefully more, and they need more of last August-September’s display from Teixeira, who carries huge expectations as he enters his first, and the Braves hope not last, full season in Atlanta.
Yes, the Braves could sure use a season from Brian McCann that’s more like his 2006 than his ’07, and they’d certainly like to see continued progress from Jeff Francoeur and from Johnson and Escobar.
But it’s the rotation, the bullpen and the middle of the order that have the potential to carry this team not just to the postseason, but deep into the postseaason. It’s been a while since the Braves had the potential to get 45-50 wins and 600 or more innings from a starting trio, but that’s what they expect from John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine.
If they get that kind of work from them, they believe the bullpen can thrive and the rest of the rotation can fall in line and work without undue pressure, whoever is in those last two starting spots.
I saw that ESPN’s Buster Olney in his blog listed a key question or two about every NL team, and for the Braves he asked: Can John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton take the ball for 85-90 starts? Can Rafael Soriano stay healthy?
I agree with Buster on the importance of Soriano staying healthy. Because while the Braves believe Peter Moylan might be able to handle the closing duties in an emergency, or that Mike Gonzalez should be back sometime around the All-Star break, no way do they want to lean on an inexperienced closer or one coming back from Tommy John surgery (Gonzalez) during the heat of a pennant race. They need Soriano to stay healthy and effective.
However, I disagree on the Hampton part. Simply put, I don’t think the Braves are counting on Hampton. At all. Now, obviously they’ll be thrilled if he’s ready to pitch and they’ll have a rotation spot ready for him if he’s fit to go to the post when the season begins.
However, after missing two entire seasons and having two elbow surgeries since he last pitched in a major league game, Hampton’s no longer being counted upon by the Braves.
Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine are being counted upon. And two other starters from the group of returning lefty Chuck James (11-game winner each of his first two seasons); extremely promising rookie Jair Jurrjens, who Jim Leyland says would’ve certainly been a part of Detroit’s opening-day rotation if they hadn’t traded him to get Edgar Renteria; rookie lefty Jo-Jo Reyes; and Jeff Bennett, who could also fit into a role as long reliever and spot (sixth) starter.
Anyway, like I said, we’ll have plenty of time in the coming weeks to examine the Braves’ strengths and weaknesses and break down issues such as the bench, where it’s going to be interesting to see if the Braves go with versatile prospect Brent Lillibridge in a sort of super-utility role to begin the season, and if they do, whether he might stick around even after veteran Omar Infante returns from a likely brief season-opening stint on the DL for a broken hand.
OK, a few things worth considering….
— It’s only January, but two early frontrunners for my top 10 CDs of 2008 were releases this week from two Georgia-based bands: The Whigs’ Mission Control and the Drive-By Truckers’ Brighter Than Creation’s Dark. Also, Atlanta band The Selmanaires have just released another excellent CD,
— In sports we demand excellence, rings, etc. Many among us become peeved at anything short of a title or the No. 1 position. And yet in so much of our pop culture, so many Americans are happy to accept, again and again, vapid mediocrity (or worse) and pure hype. Two words: American Idol.
— And one more entry in my I-just-don’t-get-these-times file: In this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, in the Pop Culture Grid on page 27, one of four athletes surveyed is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson. One of the fill-in-the-blank questions is, Hannah Montana is…. Gibson’s response is, “Awesome. I watch her show on the Disney Channel.” Please, someone who knows Daniel Gibson, tell me he’s just got a sarcastic sense of humor. That he was kidding. Please tell me this.
— For those of you who are concerned about the age and/or health of Braves front-end starters, or inexperience of a couple of back-end candidates, how’d you like to be a fan of the Cardinals about now? They have one of the storied franchises in baseball, with loyal and passionate fans, frequent sellouts, and a still-new ballpark, and this is reportedly the projected St. Louis starting rotation: Adam Wainwright, Braden Looper, Joel Pineiro, Anthony Reyes, Matt Clement.
— Severe winter weather slowed construction a bit in D.C., and now the Nationals are hustling to finish their new ballpark before facing the Braves there on Opening Night.
— This won’t qualify as a newly discovered pearl of wisdom, but I was reminded recently that most people, given time, usually disappoint and/or hurt us. But we sure don’t ever seem to stop expecting to meet someone who’s different, do we?
“WONDERFUL REMARK” by Van Morrison
How can you stand the silence
That pervades when we all cry?
How can you watch the violence
That erupts before your eyes?
How can you tell us something
Just to keep us hangin’ on?
Something that just don’t mean nothing
When we see it you are gone
Clinging to some other rainbow
While we’re standing, waiting in the cold
Telling us the same old story
Knowing time is growing old.
That was a Wonderful Remark
I had my eyes closed in the dark
I sighed a million sighs
I told a million lies — to myself, to myself
How can we listen to you
When we know your talk is cheap?
How can we ever question
Why we give more and you keep?
How can your empty laughter
Fill a room like ours with joy
When you’re only playing with us
Like a child does with a toy?
How can we ever feel the freedom
Or the flame lit by the spark
How can we ever come out even
When reality is stark?
That was a Wonderful Remark
I had my eyes closed in the dark - yeah
I sighed a million sighs
I told a million lies — to myself, to myself
Baby to myse - e - e - elf…
Comments
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.