AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz pulls up shorts (and socks), goes to work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s Note: Someone using the name U Kno Who jumped into this blog and offered some interesting - and quite revealing - information about the Braves and popular infielder Chipper Jones.
It was later discovered that U Kno Who was none other than the Braves’ All-Star.
Jones spent a few hours chatting with fans on a variety of subjects ranging from the biggest hit and worst error of his career, life after baseball and gift advice for Valentine’s Day. Scroll down to Feb. 6 at 7:56 p.m. to read the start of Chipper’s conversation.
It ain’t easy looking either venerable or old-school in the baggy, knee-length shorts favored by the current generation of athletes. But John Smoltz managed that trick Tuesday.
OK, maybe he just looked old, not old-school. But since the bearded Braves icon is a few years younger than me, I’m going with old-school.
Anyway, Smoltz made his initial appearance Tuesday at the Braves’ voluntary pitching camp, which began Friday at Turner Field (Smoltz was in Arizona for Super Bowl weekend).
When the aging ace enters the clubhouse on such occasions as this, conversations stop and all attention turns to the Braves’ elder statesman, who strode through the clubhouse just after noon Tuesday, carrying hangars with a jacket, slacks, tie and shirt, which he’d brought for another of the endless commercials or public-service spots he’ll be asked to do from now through spring training.
He was running late, so he hurriedly dressed at his locker, raced to a room where the camera crew was set up, then hurried back and spoke to a couple of writers as he changed from his jacket-and-tie into workout gear.
And here’s where we ran into old, er, old-school.
A few (far) younger Braves were still hanging out in the locker room, having finished their workouts and in the process of dressing and leaving, when Smoltz held court with us.
About 10 feet away, if Smoltz had looked out of the corner of his eye, he might have caught Jo-Jo Reyes watching him closely as Smoltz, who’s been in the majors since Reyes was 3, handled another interview as easily as he always does.
When Smoltz had answered all the questions, he had also finished dressing for what would be his first throwing session off a mound in four months, since the season ended.
He walked across the clubhouse toward the indoor batting cage wearing those blue shorts, which, to begin with, he wears an inch or two higher on the waist than Reyes and most Braves wear them.
Most others taking part in this camp do so in loose, untucked T-shirts of all varieties, and short socks that either barely rise above their shoetops or stop below the calf.
Not Smoltz.
The 40-year-old wore a baseball undershirt, tucked neatly into his shorts, and had on the blue, knee-high socks that are worn with Braves uniform pants. His were pulled almost to his knees.
In a matter of 20 minutes, he’d arrived, changed clothes, done his public-service spot, changed again, answered State of the Smoltz questions, laughed at a reporter’s suggestion that Smoltz might demand a contract renegotiation in light of Johan Santana’s Mets deal, discussed the status of his beloved Michigan State basketball team and the teams that represent two reporters’ alma maters (Kansas and Dayton), and revealed plans for playing golf as he makes his way down the Atlantic coast before reporting to spring training next week.
Now, Smoltz had on proper gear and was headed to the mound to shake off rust as he prepared for his whopping 20th season in the majors, all with the Braves (not including the whole season he missed recovering from the most severe of his four elbow surgeries). No other active player has been with his team as long.
As he headed across the clubhouse, the eyes of a few young pitchers were on him.
Smoltz has a plan: In his ongoing, annual evolving effort to find the best formula for remaining healthy all season, Smoltz plans to approach spring training a bit differently this season, with less emphasis on Grapefruit League games.
“I’ve got a plan, as usual, going into spring training,” he said. “Things I want to work on. There might be a lot of behind-the-scenes work, rather than pitching in games. I want to take it slow. It might not follow protocol.
“I want to execute this plan, hopefully have a longer year.”
By that he means pitch all season and into the playoffs, where Smoltz longs to return to the big stage he most enjoys, the pressure-filled postseason.
He said he planned to discuss with manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell a plan that would probably have Smoltz pitch in a handful or so Grapefruit League games and a few simulated games instead of taking each of his would-be turns in exhibition games in Florida.
Smoltz said at this point of his career, it’s more important for him to work on the things he needs to during spring training than to pitch in games every fifth day. He’d still pitch in plenty of games, just not every fifth day.
The way he figures, the plan makes sense this spring for two reasons: It would better allow him to work on the two-seam fastball and curveball he wants to hone; and would allow the Braves to get some starts for the several pitchers who will likely compete for one or two jobs at the back of the rotation.
Smoltz said the Braves’ improved depth should help him and Tim Hudson feel less pressure to carry so much of the load for the pitching staff. He thinks it might allow Smoltz or Hudson to skip a start or two, if one of them has some soreness, the kind of soreness they wouldn’t have let keep them out of a start when the short-handed Braves relied on them so heavily for each start in recent seasons.
“I’m not a ‘glass’ player, I’m not fragile,” said Smoltz, who pitched 205-2/3 innings last season and had his first DL stint since 2003, for an inflamed shoulder after he slipped while making a warmup pitch in an early season game.
“But at the same time, if I make some adjustments - I can’t avoid a slip, but I can be economical in my work,” Smoltz said. He added that he wanted to be “proactive” in hopes it would allow him to be at his best for the stretch drive and into the postseason, where he and the Braves aim to be.
Smoltz, who pitched 229-2/3 innings in 2005 and 232 innings in 2006 in his first two seasons after moving back from the bullpen, said he wants to pitch 200-plus innings again this season. He just wants to be more attuned and careful in doing so.
He’s confronted his baseball mortality the last couple of seasons, conceding he’s not the same overpowering pitcher he used to be. It took him longer to recover from the strains and pains of the 2007 season, hence the pace of his throwing program being a few weeks behind past winters.
But Smoltz seems to be intrigued and stimulated by the challenges his age presents, seems almost like he enjoys the necessity of confronting the twilight of his career with an intelligent approach that could extend his effectiveness a year or three longer than most of us expected.
“Last year we didn’t have the luxury of me or Hudson skipping a start,” he said. “This year, we might.”
Again, he praised GM Frank Wren for making moves to develop depth in the starting rotation, something sorely lacking a year ago. Smoltz believes it’ll help beyond taking pressure off the bullpen. “It’s going to help the offense beyond belief, not having to blow an engine trying to score enough runs.”
As for the trade that sent Santana to the Mets from Minnesota, he joked that Glavine was to blame. Glavine’s exit from New York opened the hole in the Mets rotation that they were desperate to fill — and which they did, quite impressively.
That’ll do for now. I’ve got some other notes from my visit to pitching camp today, including some stuff plenty of you will be interested in from my interviews with Phil Stockman (yes, the big Aussie reliever is finally healthy) and prospect Charlie Morton (the 24-year-old flamethrower we saw give up no hits in an Arizona Fall League start).
But I’ll save some of that for another blog later in the week. I need to get this posted. Besides, I’d like to know what denizens think about Smoltz and his place in the Braves pantheon, all that kind of thing. Can you imagine him finishing his career elsewhere? Personally, I can’t.
OK, Here’s a tune by the great J.J. Cale, one that Skynyrd covered quite well.
“CALL ME THE BREEZE” by J.J. Cale
They call me the breeze,
I keep blowing down the road
They call me the breeze,
I keep blowing down the road
I ain’t got me nobody,
I ain’t carrying me no load
Ain’t no change in the weather,
ain’t no change in me
Ain’t no change in the weather,
Ain’t no change in me
I ain’t hidin’ from nobody,
Ain’t nobody hidin from me
I got that green light, baby,
I got to keep moving on
I got that green light, baby
I got to keep moving on
Well, I might go out to California,
might go down to Georgia,
I don’t know
Well, I dig you Georgia peaches,
makes me feel right at home
Now well, I dig you Georgia peaches,
makes me feel right at home
But I don’t love me no one woman
so I can’t stay in Georgia long
Comments
By TI
February 5, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
FIRST?
By jams
February 5, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
If we would have had more players with the heart of Smoltz, we would have had a few more championships.
By pruss
February 5, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
First….?
By Efrim
February 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Smoltz finishing elsewhere????
A LOT would have to go wrong this year for him to finish up elsewhere. A LOT.
By blazerpunter
February 5, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Great Blog DOB!! By now i trust that Smoltz knows his body and what he needs to do much more so than anyone else. If he feels his new plan will help him sustain the grind of a 162 game regular season, and potentially up to 3 rounds of playoffs, then i trust he knows best and want him to be ready to pitch the Braves to a WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Smoltz has to finish as a BRAVE as well PERIOD!!
Go Braves…….(pitchers and catchers in less than 10 days)
By N8
February 5, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
That’s quite a “visual” of Smoltz, with the knee high socks.
Kinda reminds me of my dad outside mowing the lawn after work, with a pair of cutoff jean shorts and the same knee high BLACK sox he wore to work that day.
Priceless.
Been pitching since Jo Jo was 3, huh? WOW. That’s frickin crazy. It’s too bad that Smoltz had the elbow trouble, and that he was on the same team as Maddux and Glavine (though I’m sure he wouldn’t have had it any other way), but his legacy might be a whole bunch bigger, had he been the lone star on any particular staff.
That’s not to say that he doesn’t get the credit and fanfare that he deserves. I’m sure he’ll be in the HOF one day. But I’m not convinced that he’ll be a first ballot guy like Maddux or Glavine will be. Though he SHOULD be.
By DonCoburleone
February 5, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is the man… I bet he can play another 2 years after this one, he is so competetive anything short of a blown out elbow or shoulder and he will play through 2010…
But DOB, back to this Chuck James shoulder issue, have you had a chance to talk with him today? I know we have Glavine this year, but wouldn’t an injury to Chuck James really make it necessary for Mike Hampton to be healthy for most of the season? Otherwise we’d be looking at relying on a combination of Jurrjens/Reyes/Carlyle to fill out the 4 & 5 spots (and say what you want about those guys, but they haven’t exactly earned my confidence at the major league level yet)…
By uga-brave
February 5, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
smoltz must of looked like a giant bearded field hockey player.
seriously, his intestinal fortitude was obvious in 1991. shut down the pirates in game 7 of the NLCS, and went pitch for pitch against his boyhood idol, jack morris, in game 7 of the series.
smoltz and chipper 1,2 as my favorite braves of all time.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
speaking of idols. time for DOB’S AND N8’S favorite show.
it’s in atlanta tonight, now if someone shows up singing a replacments cover of cash , with some clash, it could only be DOB.
By ncscoots
February 5, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
DonC, you make it sound as if Chuckster was a lock for the rotation and expected to win 15, LOL. If CJ is hurt, that’s too bad…for Richmond. Because that’s where I expect him to start, even if healthy.
Besides, whether it’s Jair, JoJo, or Jeff (there’s GOT to be some kind of nifty nickname for that crew), or even Chuck and Hampton, winning half the 50+ or so starts those guys make is all you can ask of them. And this year, at least, I think the back of the rotation can accomplish that.
I count at least 9 legit starters projected in camp. Even if Chuck’s bad hurt, the Braves can weather it.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
DonC, Chuck was there again today, throwing. I think it’s too early to tell whether he’ll be ready, but Braves are saying they believe he will be. So until we see otherwise….
By TDub
February 5, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Jeez, that column was like reading DOB channeling Tom Wolfe. If he had mentioned Smoltz flexing his sterno- cleidomastoid muscles I would’ve been really confused.
By TennesseePaul
February 5, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog DOB.
Speaking of Chuck, are the Braves going to have a follow up MRI on his shoulder or just send him out there to pitch and hope it doesn’t break/tear/fray or whatever?
The take on Smoltz… this whole team has improved so much it can be lazy. Yeah it’s February, but this is no standard to set for the season. I had a ball coach one time that got mad when we replied “practice makes perfect”. “Perfect practice makes perfect. You practice the wrong thing and you’re going to stick it up all year!” he’d say.
Smoltz just painted the laziness all out. All three key parts of the team…
Laziness. Pure laziness. Who’s this guy think he is?
By McFann
February 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Oh!! Thank goodness for the new photo!! In that last one, Frank Wren looked like a pervert.
8 )
By Kayla
February 5, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is one of those old school pitchers.It shows not only in his manner of dress but in the way he conducts himself through the lockeroom, interviews, and especially in his work ethic. Now that he is back with his old buddy Glavin, there will be 2 of these old school boys out there in the bullpen. I am hoping that having these two solid verterans in the bullpen some of that work ethic and manners will rub off on these younger players. and also we all hope that these younger players have some sort of style input on these verterns, especailly with those socks and tucked in t-shirt.
By Fred Secunda
February 5, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Smoltz ranks at the very top of the mountain that it is the Braves pantheon. Ain’t no other way to put it, DOB.
By Reid in EAV
February 5, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Woo hoo, DOB-blog is back! BASEBALL SEASON!
Sorry for not being more constructive than that, but yay!
By stew
February 5, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
How about Andruw finishing elsewhere?
By john hoar
February 5, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Somehow missed the earliest reports on CJs shoulder injury. Can some one fill me in with the details. thanks.
By Niels Boor
February 5, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Oho, McFann — so now you‘re setting me up.
Well, okay then. We’ve got our eye on you, young lady, so you’d better straighten up and fly right.
Or elves.
Lew— yeah, well, I used to doodle a bit myself; now I’m more of a wordsmith (charitably speaking, of course).
I have scribbled napkins and credit card receipts stacked five deep all over.
No longer any birds, though (quoth the raven, “never more”).
By McFann
February 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
’S OK, Reid, but um…the blog didn’t go anywhere. But I liked your little “yay” at the end, that was funny.
A question of Overlord’s from the last blog went unanswered…I’ll shut up for the night.
8 )
By Ijiwaru Sensei
February 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Sheesh, come on, “younger than myself”? How about some good grammar?
By McFann
February 5, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
OK, Neils, whatever. I wasn’t “setting you up”. Ew. Scribble on napkins? Good for you. (Sheesh.)
By Alan
February 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Excellent work, DOB. And N8’s conjuring up the image of his dad mowing the lawn in cutoffs and high, black dress socks reminds me of my dad, too - except Dad wore Bermuda shorts. Smoltz can mow my lawn any time. He is at the pinnacle of the Atlanta Braves’ pantheon, in my opinion. Chipper and Niekro, Murphy and Aaron, Glavine and Maddux are close - but Smoltzy is at the very top. I hope he pitches forever.
By Random
February 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
TNRON: “only a little light hearted fun”
Hmph.
Well.
If you say so.
I guess.
Still seems kinda racist to me. But what do I know, SAWB that I am?
DAP: “i say take how you can get them, any way you can.”*
Exactly — totally situational, as in taking advantage of one.
By Chris
February 5, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I hope Smoltzie ends his career as a Brave. As much as I hated to see Glavine and Maddux go when they did, I would be heartbroken to see Smoltz pitching for someone else. He’s an all-timer, IMO, and I think he’s got a few good years left in him, with his training regimen.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
John Hoar, Chuck revealed that he was diagnosed with a slight rotator-cuff tear after last season.
Now, plenty of pitchers would be diagnosed with a slight tear of the rotator cuff or labrum if they had MRIs done. It’s the nature of the beast, of repeating a motion so unnatural (pitching) again and again at such a high level of exertion. Then throw in some less-than-smooth pitching mechanics, and you have the recipe for potential serious injury.
It wouldn’t be such a concern if Chuck hadn’t spent time on the DL with a “tired arm” last summer, and if he hadn’t reported some soreness after throwing sessions recently. Now, with Chuck you never know; he may have the same soreness many pitchers typically have, and just doesn’t know it because he didn’t have it before the past six months or so.
But when he told a couple of us last week that the Braves might have him ease into the spring, that he might not be ready to pitch in games right away, and that he “hoped” rest and rehab would be enough and he could avoid surgery, well, that made me start to envision worst-case scenarios, because frankly, it’s usually the worst-case rather than best-case scenario that unfolds in these situations.
But officially, Braves say Chuck is expected to be ready to compete for a rotation spot this spring. So unless and until he can’t compete for health reasons, then we’ll just have to assume he’s going to be able to.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Alan. And you’re right about N8’s visual. Great stuff. My dad’s were Bermuda shorts, too, and his shoes Kmart special sneaks. Crew socks, couple of rings.
By woogidy
February 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Lazy? How ‘bout smart. Smoltz pacing himself isn’t lazy, it’s smart. Smoltz? Lazy? I doubt it.
Work smarter not harder. Baseball and golf about the only two sports where giving 110% is too much. Andruw wasn’t being lazy when he was swinging so hard he was falling over, and some guy named Maddux didn’t ever exactly light up the radar gun. I’m pretty sure Smoltz knows what he’s doing.
By Random
February 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
N8: “It’s too bad that Smoltz … was on the same team as Maddux and Glavine (though I’m sure he wouldn’t have had it any other way), but his legacy might be a whole bunch bigger, had he been the lone star on any particular staff.”
I must demur, sir.
Such a large part of Smoltz’ legacy is his phenomenal post-season domination.
If he had been a lone ace, he probably would not have had as many post-season opportunities to shine.
uga-brave— Smoltz, Chipper, Niekro. 1, 2, 3.
(In no particular order.)
By DAP
February 5, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
10paul are you serious about smoltz being lazy? thats crazy. the guy knows his body and what he needs to do to get the most out of it.
DOB awesome blog, dude. you did a great job of painting the picture. the image of old man smoltz with the young ‘uns looking on was great.
smoltz has shown that he can adapt and change his style to still be effective. id look for him to continue changing and wowing us for the next 3 years at least, barring his arm exploding.
By Andy
February 5, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Who would you say our top 5 young pitchers are in the organization? Doesn’t seem like we have the stand-outs we used to. Why is that? I’d say our top 5 was:
Reyes Jurjens Morton James I don’t know who the 5th would be.
By BabyGoatEater
February 5, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Dayn “the a$$” Perry has a new article up….
and I quote “Yes, today we’re getting down to the unfortunate task of naming the worst player in all of baseball at each offensive position. Of course, even the worst major-league ballplayer is still an elite athlete with skills and talents that most of us can’t fathom.
On the other hand, elite or not, some guys simply don’t merit an everyday job. On that point, the names you’ll see below are at the top of the depth chart at their respective positions, but it’s difficult to fathom why. Some would make adequate reserves; others don’t belong on a major-league roster at all. Whatever the case, here are the guys who figure to struggle mightily in 2008”
and “CF — Mark Kotsay is injury prone, merely average defensively at this point, and last season, when healthy, wasn’t able to hit a lick. Certainly he won’t put up stats as grim as he did in 2007, when he flailed about to the tune of .214 AVG/.279 OBP/.296 SLG. However, you can improve upon those deliriously bad numbers and still not rise to the level of acceptability. The sooner top prospect Jordan Schafer is ready to take over in center, the better off the Braves will be. Of course, Schafer hasn’t played a game above the Triple-A level, so they’re likely stuck with Kotsay for the time being.”
so…….now Kotsay is the “Worst CF in the league” - No Mets seemed to make the list though……hmmmm…….
By bravesfan79
February 5, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Yea when everyone was talking about Smoltz possibly in a Yankees uniform a few years back i was sick to my stomach. Smoltz was and still is my favorite Brave!
I cant wait for opening day!
By Matt the Brave
February 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Nice article DOB. I can’t wait for baseball. Since Football is officially through (I don’t count the Pro-Bowl. Nothing like a spring game early, right?) we can focus in on baseball. I like that the Braves are having a voluntary camp (if for anything to save me from having to read about hockey or basketball). Who do you think will end up in Richmond this year and who will end up as the long reliever?
By Niels Boor
February 5, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Funny — devious.
By David O'Brien
February 5, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Matt the Braves, you’re going to have at least two major league-caliber starters in Richmond rotation, and possibly three if Hampton is healthy (big if), in which case he’d start season in Braves rotation.
You could have Reyes there in the Richmond rotation, maybe even Chuck James and Jair Jurrjens, but personally I believe Jurrjens will be in Braves rotation.
I think Bennett will get the long relief/spot starter job.
By richbrave
February 5, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
O’B - wan:
Artfully wielding the light-saber again I see. Are you sure there’s no artist in your make-up? Surely there is for your words at times are like poetry. Good blog, dude.
By 22oz
February 5, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Smoltzy truly go old school this year and jack up the knee highs in the game.
By uga-brave
February 5, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
i dont know why the chuck james news should suprise any of us. i believe the braves tried to trade him this offseason and found no takers. i think the news was out.
if his arm has been hurting since late last season how come he has waited this long to fully disclose it.
dob is probably right these kind of things usually take a turn for the worst. sounds like chuck might already know.
By Anders
February 5, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
DOB
As for the trade that sent Santana to the Mets from Minnesota, he joked that Glavine was to blame. Glavine’s exit from New York opened the hole in the Mets rotation that they were desperate to fill — and which they did, quite impressively.
That ain’t no joke. That’s one of the blessings I I mused about in your last blog.
BTW- Have you seen Wren about you some of the “Glavine obsession” elixir that cured me?
By richbrave
February 5, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Dave:
Where’s my name-sake Boyer? Odd-man out - of options? If he makes the club where does that leave Yates? Can they carry enough pitchers to include both? I lose count there’s so many of them (pitchers-that is).
By richbrave
February 5, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
MATT THE BRAVE:
If you’re a Richmond resident be sure to buy some season tickets or a book of games.
By richbrave
February 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
After your Arizona blog, I can’t wait to see Morton. He will be in Richmond won’t he?
By Overlord
February 5, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
McFann actually it was more than one question.
By Overlord
February 5, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Im starting to think this kid (chuck) is done. I have said it more than 10 times….. i lost faith in him. I dont see any promising future in him anymore. And yes, the news on his shoulder does not surprises me. Good thing he said it before spring started but he waited too long. So I guess the so called “deep starting rotation” just got thiner. At least i have not read bad news from Hampton for the last 50 days at least. Hope it continues this way.
Braves should get rid of Chuck as soon as they can, too risky to stay with him and count on him. He is messed up physically and mentally. Lets part ways NOW like they did with Kyle.
By flange1
February 6, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Hi All,
Traveling through Florida and FINALLY can connect to the internet!
DOB, Thanks for the new blog and the info on Smoltz.
I think that both Chipper and Smoltz need to be Braves until they retire. Both have shown quite a bit of “team spirit” and taken sub-market deals to stay with the Braves or re-negotiated their existing deals to help the Braves payroll to obtain more talent to help the team acquire better talent to make the team better.
Both are “true Braves” in their production and in their play.
My opinion is that saving a scandal or a total collapse in production, the Braves should sign both to contracts paying market price or slightly below for however either wants to play.
Anything less would be showing the Braves organization is not the group that we have come to love and support for all of these years.
In my mind this is not a point that can be discussed. Either they both stay (assuming they are able) or the Braves organization loses.
By N8
February 6, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
I think Smoltz should go “Bruce Sutter” old school, and grow the Grizzly Adams beard for the whole season.
Now THAT would be “something”.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
TPaul it doesnt matter anymore. This guys shoulder is not made for the stress pitching in the majors puts to it. I guess James was not mature enough to make it public, maybe he thinks he is superman. Hope the best for him, but i dont think he is gonna make it. At least not without surgery. If fall and winter combined were not enough for him to heal….. he is in deep trouble, and we are too because of it.
TPaul they might do the MRI, but then what?
If it is negative (just inflammation), it still is so bad it is limiting his work, and it wont let him progress in 2008.
If it is positive, he is done for the year.
In other words he is skrewwed and so are we …..at least a little bit.
By N8
February 6, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Overlord
I disagree. We’re STILL better off than last year (barring major injuries to Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine), so our Top 3 is set.
Bobby has said nothing other than that he believes that Jo-Jo is gonna be a #2 starter in this league (I’ve NEVER heard/read him say that about Chuck). Then you have JJJ. Seven starts for the Tigers last season, doesn’t make him the next “ace” of the staff, but one has to believe that the Braves like his future, since I think there was probably a more “veteran” type pitcher they could have gotten for Renteria.
Add to that, we’re not even adding Bennett or Hampton into that.
If Chuck is lost for the year, or spends the year at Richmond (or is traded), I won’t consider it a huge loss.
That being said, I’m curious to see what hanging around with Glavine on a daily basis can do for his career. So, I’m not giving up on him just yet.
Then again, Chuck is 25. Might be hard to “teach an old dog new tricks”. Where Jo-Jo is 22, and in prime position to be “molded” by the best crafty lefty in the last 20 years.
JJJ and Hampton are the two guys I want to see this spring. If JJJ is for real, and Hampton is healthy, that changes EVERYTHING to me.
L8r
By Mighty Mike
February 6, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
Glavine, Smoltz, Hudson. Can’t wait for the season to get started, so we can see what we have.
By Wayne in Utah
February 6, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
N8 and Dave
You guys should be careful talking about us older guys and our dressing habits. Hitting very close to home, as I sit typing this in my plaid pj pants, orange Clemson T, and black socks that I wore to work today. (If it would have snowed today, I would have looked even better.)
Clete Boyer, Dale Murphy and John Smoltz have always been my favorite Braves. Real gamers!
Wouldn’t it be great to see John win another Cy Young (Old) this year!
By brian
February 6, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
DOB - so if Hampton is healthy you think that Jurrjens will be in the Braves rotation over a healthy Chuck James? Is he that good and is he that ready for the majors?
If Hampton is healthy and the Braves have James and JoJo at Richmond they would have to have one of the deepest starting pitching in the majors.
By Patrick
February 6, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this
That Bennett kid should be in the rotation. I liked his stuff against the Brewers. He has experience and I think he has the stuff to make it happen.
By Randy S
February 6, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this
DOB - Solid, solid blog. Some of your best writing on the blog I’ve seen (especially the first handful of paragraphs, the kind of insight and personal touch that those of us who don’t get to see these guys on such a regular basis really enjoy hearing). Keep up the fantastic work.
Didn’t know “Call Me the Breeze” was one of JJ’s. Great song. Amazing songwriter.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this
Glavine looks to be in good shape!
By northgeorgiabravesfan
February 6, 2008 5:23 AM | Link to this
CAN’T WAIT TILL FOR THE SEASON TO START.I’VE GOT A FEELING WE’RE IN FOR A GREAT YEAR.GO BRAVES.
By SpringFeaver
February 6, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
I like the rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton and Jurrjens. With James, Bennett and JoJo heading to AAA Richmond. Carysle in pen for relief.
I have been following Hampton and I think he is really ready to do some stuff. Lets all root for the comeback player of the year. I think that would be great. Ya know, stranger things have happened.
By JimD
February 6, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
DOB, you left off the verse about digging GA peaches. Shame on you! Love that song, though.
By richbrave
February 6, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Sounds good SPRING FEVER. Mr. Wren. Keep working on Francouer’s and Teixeira’s contracts! Start lining up a #1 SP for next year. Come to Richmond sometime.
By ippississiM
February 6, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Last year, the Braves had almost no left-handed pitching, and this year there are Glavine, Hampton, James and Reyes in the SP mix, and Mike Gonzalez, Will Ohman, Jeff Ridgeway, and Royce Ring all potentially figuring into the bullpen. Not only do I really like this year’s overall pitching depth, I like the depth of left-handed pitching available.
By 3trees
February 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Good stuff, DOB.
JJ Cale was one quirky guy. Great grooves and economy in his stuff. Someone you’d never expect to have the hits he did. Okie-Rock.
While I’d sure prefer that Smoltz stayed, it wouldn’t surprise me if he left before retiring. If Hank Aaron (Happy belated B-Day) could finish his career elsewhere, then Smoltz may too. What if the Braves don’t really get better, and Detroit is still built to win (for instance)? I don’t think anyone could accuse him of not being “loyal” to the organization or the fans. He’s done plenty on and off the field for Atlanta.
I think Chipper will retire before playing elsewhere. Both are sure to be staples in Braves lore for years to come.
Go Braves!
By Mike
February 6, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Yes N8, he should grow the Bruce Sutter beard and hair, thus pulling off the ultra rare “Curly, balding, afro-mullet.” Only Smoltz could pull that one off.
By WeJustNeedaBreak
February 6, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
The Mets have little offense and the Phillies have little pitching. We are the most balanced team in the division…should be an awesome year! GO BRAVES!
By knowitall
February 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Smoltz can mow my lawn anytime-Alan
That statement just doesn’t sound right. lol
By Niels Boor
February 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
McFann—
“I would’ve explained it better before, but I knew I’d get a funny response out of you if I didn’t.”
&
“Oho, McFann — so now you‘re setting me up.”
There’s nothing “Ew” about that exchange.
Is there?
If there is, I apologize: I’ll back off from future banter.
Sorry.
By Ben
February 6, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Could you explain to me why there’s so much optimism regarding Jo Jo? His numbers last year were pretty awful. Are his minor league numbers really strong? Jeff Bennett’s numbers, in limited action in Atlanta, were quite good. If James can’t pull it together, and Hampton is hurt, don’t you think Bennett has a better shot at #5? I love giving the young guys a chance, but I’m just looking at numbers from time spent in Atlanta last year. Thanks!
By mark
February 6, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Can anyone fill me on what Texiera’s contract with us looks like? Is he a brave for 08 with an option for 09 or a Brave through 09 with an option for ‘10?? Anyone?
By Dave In Tampa
February 6, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien: Any additonal news on how Hampton is looking?
By Tad
February 6, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
DOB- Nice job on the interview on 680 The Fan this morning with Ruud and Perry. I feel the same way about Santana’s impact on the Mets. While it will be big, the team still has ? marks offensively and are very injury prone. I liked hearing the insight on Jurrjens / JJ / Chucky as well.
I am going to check out the Trucker’s new album tonight.
PS- mark, tex is signed for 08 only at 12.5 mil I believe. DOB estimates a 50-50 shot at signing him beyond 08 to a long term contract with Boras. I tend to agree that it would be a WISE move for the Braves to do that.
By CC Rider
February 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
DOB, Any truth to the Braves interest in Kris Benson? I don’t see the need unless they plan on trading one of the starters in a package for some other piece.
By MacdWolfpack
February 6, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Dave,according to the Philly papers the Braves have given a tryout to Kris Benson and are going to be participating in an open audition with him in the next couple of days. According to the Phillies beat writer the Braves have indicated interest to Benson along with the Phillies. Supposedly when he worked out in December for the clubs he was only at 60% arm strength and is now much closer to being ready. What are you hearing?
By Johnny Drama
February 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
VICTORY!
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Dave in Tampa: No, since I haven’t seen him. He’s not been in pitching camp, which the Braves said was a possibility on Day 1. I’d imagine we’re not going to see him until we get to camp next week.
So until then, can only go on what Braves say: His hamstring has healed and he’s throwing….
CC Rider: Why? Haven’t heard that one. Not saying there’s nothing to it, just haven’t heard anything about that yet. I’ll check. Benson lives down here, and that report in Philly did NOT say he worked out for the Braves. It said he worked out IN ATLANTA for the Phillies. Only later in the article did it even mention Braves “might” get involved. I’m very skeptical of that….
Mark, Teixeira is a Brave through 2008, then a free agent (unless re-signed before free agency, of course).
By Random
February 6, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Hey, Anders, Metropolitan Man, MetsPussycat, SNIPER-69, et al—
The following is from last blog — do any of you have anything to say about it?
Yeah, Mike S, thanks. I get it now. Btw, I’m not at all convinced that Glavine will be as much of a “mentor” to the Braves’ young left-handed starters as everyone here seems to assume he’ll be. I’m currently trying to do some digging to see who (if anybody) he might have mentored in his five years with the Mets. Can you think of any young left-hander(s) whose performance improved during his tenure in NYC? (Post hoc ergo propter hoc?)
Random, I’d say Oliver Perez did pretty well in his first full season at Shea. It’s impossible to say how much influence Glavine had in that, but that does answer your question. Really there haven’t been many young lefthanders to mentor there since Glavine arrived five years ago (Al Leiter and Kaz Ishii are the only other LHP’s to start a significant number of games besides Perez [who’s only been there a year and change]). (by Mike S)
Mike S — I guess I won’t be able to limit my research to starters, then. (I’m planning on looking at all Mets LH pitchers from 2003-2007 at least 10 or so years younger than Glavine.) Preliminary results? Mike Bacsik and Jaime Cerda both significantly worsened in 2003 (Glavine’s first year) from their 2002 stats, and both were gone from the Mets in 2004. On the other hand, Pedro Feliciano seems to have prospered from 2002 ‘til last year, trending generally upward in IP, and downward in ERA and WHIP. How ‘bout it, Trolls — was Glavine much of a mentor to Mets young left-handers while he was there? Did he have any positive influence on Pedro Feliciano or Oliver Perez, or whomever?
Also, N8 had some questions for you also.
By DAP
February 6, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Ben look at jojos minor league numbers
in the last two years in the minors, he has a record of 24-6 with a 2.79 ERA. along with that, hes got 252 stikeouts in 249 innings. wow.
so hes dominating right now in the minors, but still needs to translate it to the majors. i think he has the ability to do it this year, but im not sure he’ll get the opportunity.
By Troy
February 6, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
HeY DOB,
Any truth to the rumor that Kris Benson threw for Atlanta? Are the braves actually considering him?
By Jonathon
February 6, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
DOB, Just read Verducci’s article on SI.com about the 30-inning rule for young pitchers. Looks like Jurrjens has been at 140 innings (combined minors and majors) for the past 3 years. The rule would suggest that Jurrjens should not pitch more than 170 innings in 2008, regardless of whether he’s in Richmond or Atlanta. Are the Braves particularly mindful of keeping the inning totals sane for such a young pitcher?
By MetsPussycat
February 6, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
By WeJustNeedaBreak February 6, 2008 9:09 AM “The Mets have little offense and the Phillies have little pitching. We are the most balanced team in the division…should be an awesome year! GO BRAVES!”
LOL! Cute theory! Still laughing at it though! To tag your name..I think you guys “JustNeedaBreak”!
LETS GO METS!
By ncscoots
February 6, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Ben, I think some of the optimism re JoJo is related to how he’s come on since high A. High A, AA, and AAA, his H/9 and BB/9 have decreased, and K/9 has increased. Some of that can be accounted for by just maturing into his body, “getting it”, whatever. But just as a single minor league year’s stats can be deceiving (see Yunel at AA), career minor league stats can, also. You gotta have eyeballs on those kids at a specific point in time to see the whole deal, sometimes.
By Fade
February 6, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Smoltzie can just turn out lights when he is done. He doesn’t owe anyone anything..not to say I want to see him hang it up.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Jonathan, they do keep it within reason. But they don’t follow that 30-inning rule strictly. Horacio Ramirez pitched 182 innings as a rookie.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Troy: See my reply above. The articles says he threw IN ATLANTA yesterday for the Phillies, not for the Braves.
By Lew
February 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
There was a time when I would have said that getting Benson and letting Leo work on him would have been a great move. Now we see that Leo didn’t help in the least while they were in Baltimore. If Leo couldn’t fix him, then does he have what it takes? Or did Leo lose his Mojo around all those devilled crab cakes?
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Knowitall, I was thinking the same exact thing about that “Smoltz can mow my lawn anytime” comment. There was a certain he can shine my pole or rake my leaves or toss my salad anytime quality to that comment.
Now, as to these shorts, did Smoltz respect the belly button rule? If his shorts were covering any part of his belly button, he doesn’t need to pace himself, he needs to just retire. That’s not old school. That’s just old. You at least gotta give an inch below the belly button unless you are willing to admit you are a crusty old man who has given up on life. If those shorts were covering his belly button, he might as well just shave his head and beard because vanity is clearly no longer important to Smoltz.
By mark
February 6, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I would like to think we didn’t give up our top 4 prospects for a 2yr. player!!!!! Let’s get that deal done!!!!
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Just to clear things up, here’s the two pertinent paragraphs from the Philly paper, with a few words capitlized by me:
Benson has thrown privately FOR PHILLIES scout Chuck LaMar TWICE in the last week, a baseball source said after Benson’s most recent audition yesterday IN ATLANTA. Benson’s agent, Gregg Clifton, confirmed the private workouts last night.
(nothing written about him throwing here for Braves)
AND:
The righthander is scheduled to throw again Saturday. However, that will not be a private workout. Several other teams, including Washington, Houston and St. Louis, have had interest, and there WERE INDICATIONS yesterday that Atlanta MIGHT get involved.
(what indications? the agent maybe saying another NL east team’s involved, or someone pointing out that Benson would like to pitch for Braves since he’s from here? I’m just saying, “indications” can be a lot of things).
Folks, I’m sure Benson would love to pitch for the Braves. He’s always said that. But unless he’s giving them a serious discount, coming off injury, and unless they’re trading another starter or two, I don’t think this is anywhere high on Braves priority list. But I’m trying to find out more. It’s possible; I’m not saying it’s not. But let’s not make it out to be more than what the article written in a Philly paper said.
Keep in mind, agents do like to pump up interest in clients. Not saying the agent said Braves might be interested, but….
By Troy
February 6, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
DOB, In your opinion what is JoJo’s Ceiling?
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
If Smoltz was gonna cash in by leaving, he already would have done that. The only way I could see him ever leaving is if he stinks all of a sudden like Dale Murphy did at the end and he thinks it might be better for the team to move on and some other team hopes Smoltz has some lightning in the bottle late in season and can, ironically, be their Doyle Alexander.
Just think about what Smoltz meant as the franchise bridge between the horrible teams of the late 80s to the 91 team and all the teams of the division championship era to the era ending.
Smoltz was a teammate of Ken Griffey, Sr. before Ken Griffey, Jr. had even hit a home run in the majors.
593 Ken Griffey, Jr. homers later, Smoltz is still standing and actually pitching better than he did when we was teammates with Ken Griffey, Sr.
By 3trees
February 6, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Braveheart - thanks for codifying and openingly stating the “Belly Button Rule”. Not a truer thing have I read on this blog in a many a moon.
By MetsPussycat
February 6, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
“By Random February 6, 2008 10:27 AM Hey, Anders, Metropolitan Man, MetsPussycat, SNIPER-69, et al— The following is from last blog — do any of you have anything to say about it?….”
Random- Interesting question, but where are you going with this? It seems as if you are about to bash Glavine yourself! Say it isnt so? LOL!
So only using the example of Pedro Feliciano or Oliver Perez here…. Perez only had 1 full season under Glavine and Feliciano had such a sporatic time under him that its impossible to say whether or not Glavine had any influence over either of them. Many METS fans hate Glavine plain and simple thus we always have these conversations about him. But this fan will say this…. ANY great pitcher has the potential to mentor or positively affect any young arms coming up under him!
LETS GO METS! GO BIG BLUE!
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Overlord: they might do the MRI, but then what?
The point would be to find out if the “rest and rehab” is working. The surgery and recovery time for this injury takes a while. If they check it out and determine it is still bad, or worse, and requires surgery he can be tinkered with sooner and therefore be able to return sooner. Push it till mid season and you pretty much will end up with an ineffective pitcher for half a season and no pitcher for the next 2 seasons. It does the team no good to push an injured player. Perhaps it is nothing, but it might be of some help to see how much improvement, if any, the rest and rehab over the winter brought.
As for the concerned posters, I’ll give you a hint…
;-) =) :o) etc. I’m not a fan of emoticons. I feel dirty just for typing those three.
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
The hell with Kris Benson. Sign Ana Benson. A lineup with Anna Benson and Jamie Kotsay hitting third and fourth will rival a lineup with Chipper and Tex.
By timmythebrave
February 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
DOB, really good article. Braveheart, If the braves are working on the hottest wives club then Benson would be a great addition.
By 22oz
February 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
I wonder if JoJo is working on not tripping over himself at Camp Roger this week.
By Jon
February 6, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Hey Dave Isn’t Clifton Glavine’s agent as well??
By Pete
February 6, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Dave….for those folks that may be considering heading down to spring training with the Braves, can you offer some insight into the complex down there? How fan friendly is it, can you get access to the players for autographs fairly easily, what are some good things to do down there that maybe the average fan wouldn’t know about, etc.
Thanks!
By CAR3BOOGIE
February 6, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Pete
I second that request
By sammy miller time
February 6, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Los Mets are going down this year!! SMOLTZ is the MAN!!!! A BEAST!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 6, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Kris Benson sounds like a bit of a reach when considering all the starting pitching that the Braves have already stockpiled. Then again , you know what they say , you can never have enough pitching.
The line on Benson : career 68-73 with a 4.34 ERA and coming off shoulder surgery. I would put Benson in the same boat with Javy Lopez.
By Mark
February 6, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Welcome home, John
By DAP
February 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
if benson would take a minor league contract, i would sign him. we could do much worse than a thirty year old with about a .500 record in the majors and an ERA in the 4s. he would be good depth to have.
By Other Blogs Have Jokes
February 6, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Coach: “Well, hello, joebrave! How’ve you been?”
joebrave: (moan) Not so well — I’m going in for prostate surgery tomorrow.”
Coach: “Well, hell! I’ll bet you’re so excited you can hardly pee!”
By Lew
February 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Coach-Except for one thing-Javy WILL be our backup catcher this year. Check out the Chop Talk article on him this month. I bet he’s back.
By Test
February 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this