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
.JPG)
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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
What’s with this thing?
By OrlandoFan
February 6, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Every time I read something that Smoltz says I am reminded of what a special blessing having a player of his talent and commmitment is. He has sacrificed and perservered, and he is an example for any player — but especially a pitcher — who puts on a uniform. Maddux and Glavine are obviously in the same class, but neither of them was asked to move to the bullpen. And neither of them stayed for less money. Neither of them had four surgeries. John Smoltz stands alone in perhaps all of pro sports for professionalism and accommplishment. And, man, does it sure make you smile and remember the days when your best starter was Rick “Air” Mahler and your closer was the late Donnie “They Always Get” Moore. Wow.
By nOLIE
February 6, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Mr David Wright said at the Munson Awards Ceremony last night that the Phillies are the team to beat. No mention of the Braves . Mets, Phils, Braves or Phils,Mets,Braves I guess.Is Wright right?
By Hammy the Brave
February 6, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
TennPaul,
I hope you were being savagely sarcastic when you seemingly scolded Smoltz(nice alliteration, hey)about being lazy.
Surely you and every Braves fan on this blog has enough respect for Smoltz and what a warrior he is(and straight talker)to know he was just explaining to us how he would save “wear and tear” on his pitching arm, which will in turn help the Braves, over a long season.
While I do agree with the basic tenant of “practice makes perfect” that you brought up, surely you can’t expect Smoltz to pitch exactly at the same pace as a Jo Jo Reyes, or other young Braves pitcher. What we’re hearing from Smoltz is the wisdom of a veteran pitcher who realizes what his pitching means to our team, and is trying to make himself more available to pitch those times the team really needs him(i.e. late season and playoff starts). I’m sure you realize those Spring Training starts mean nothing in the standings, and he already knows how to get himself ready.
Don’t be too tough on the Braves’ warrior,
Hammy the Brave
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Hammy the Brave: Too tough on Smoltz? How’s he going to make it in this business if he can’t take it?
No precedent, baby!
By McFann
February 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
OK, I’ve been trying to post something for a few hours now, and nothing has happened.
Neils, I know what you really meant about setting you up (for a joke). That’s what I was doing. I did not mean to send that post last night, it was a mistake.
Overlord—Yeah, I know you had more Q’s. But I’m sure you know which one I was referring to…
8 )
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
nOLIE: Wright is on the right path. The team to beat is the current champion. They’re the only team that has recently played and won the division. The rest is paperwork and anything can come from paperwork.
Sure the Phillies could fall apart. Maybe from ones perspective they aren’t as strong as some other team. But the fact remains, they are the current NL East Champions. Until they are officially dethroned they are the team to beat. That dethroning could take all season, or it could be done as soon as the gates open. But they hold the title now.
Last season the team to beat was the Mets. And the previous 15 seasons it was the Braves (one by default as there was a non-season in the middle).
Those 15 seasons the Braves were rarely given the credit or the title of “team to beat” in the pre season. Sure, I’d be disappointed, cast around accusations of media bias. Maybe even TP a couple of sports journalist homes who didn’t give credit to the reigning champion. But it’s the standard set which must be honored.
When the season opens with the Braves playing the Nats in the nations capitol on national television, the assault on the title will begin.
So Wright got a Munson Award too…
By knowitall
February 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Braveheart That 10:52 post is hilarious.
By ncscoots
February 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hammy, I know you didn’t mean to hit my last nerve, but let’s leave the “warrior” appellation to those who actually are, whaddya say? Ballplayers aren’t. Savagely competitive, I can go for.
As for Smoltz pitching when the team “really needs him”, I mark that starting April 1, not “late season and playoffs”. I don’t much care whether the guy pitches an inning in the Grapefruit League, as long as he can answer the post on Opening Day. And answer he must, and for as many starts as possible.
But for a guy who publicly snarked a teammate for not being in the lineup, he seems awfully casual about absenting himself, if so desired, this coming season.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
N8, it is a big loss. When you have 2 40+ guy in your rotation and one of them is a DL candidate, have a guy that has not pitched in almost 2 years and then have a young guy with history of injury and one of your top young pitchers is having trouble with his pitching shoulder… it is a big loss.
TPaul For me this guy has a big problem. Slim chance it wont need surgery. If resting an rehab was the answer how come 4 months were not enough? Obviously there is something there that needs more than just a rest. At least thats what i think, i hope for the good of the braves and we the fans, that im wrong.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Yes i do McFann… sure i do, LOL.
By bill
February 6, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
There must be something the Braves are not telling. Hampton & James must be a question mark. Sign Benson to minor league deal and take a chance.
By Shaun
February 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Afternoon, all. Baseball Think Factory’s ZiPS projects Matt Diaz to have the highest batting average in baseball in 2008.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I would also do that Bill. But, is he taking a minor league deal? I dont think so.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Whats the health status on hampton and kotsay?
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Overlord: I won’t pretend to know the inner workings of Chuck James’ shoulder, but your point is exactly why I think another MRI should be given just to check it out. It could be sore/stiff from doing nothing all winter. I know I am. But I don’t think I need surgery. Perhaps he just needs to improve his stretching routine.
If he does need surgery as bad as you say, then you might as well get him under the knife now instead of dragging it out through Spring. Surgery now would make him available sometime in the middle of next season.
I say this because next year our depth in pitching is depleted some as we have 2 vets walking/retiring. We’ll be right back to the 06/07 rotations of Smoltz, Hudson and a ton of rookies and fillins without Chuck James in the mix.
To me it just seems more prudent to take care of any possible injury sooner than later so as to help the team both sooner and later.
By McFann
February 6, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Kinda figured you would, Overlord. ; )
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Shaun — Where can I find that Think Factory projection on Matt Diaz and what did they project for other Braves? Thanks.
By Shaun
February 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
nOLIE and TennesseePaul, I would say the Braves, Mets and Phillies are the teams to beat. I think on paper all have a virtually equal shot at winning the division. I’m sure all of those teams know that the other two are the teams they are going to have to outplay in ‘08 to win the thing.
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
TennPaul — I think you are right about the fragile nature of the starters. We have a lot in sheer numbers (8-9), but when you start looking beyond the numbers at the probability of successful, season-long work, that number doesn’t look nearly so promising. That’s exactly why many of us have been arguing for trading for a young, proven starter. This coming year, unfortunately, may prove the old adage in spades: you can’t have too much pitching.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
TPaul maybe the one that needs to check what he is doing is Roger M. Our pitchers never were to fragile as last few years. Wickman, Soriano, Gonzo, Kyle, Hudson, Smoltz, James, Hampton etc., and im sure im missing some names, all have gone down. What is the matter around here?
I know hampton and Smoltz were injuried before but come on.
By Shaun
February 6, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
AdirondackDave, Right here You’ll just have to sort by batting average.
By Shaun
February 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
AdirondackDave, oh, and here are projections for other Braves.
By Roman Gal
February 6, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Wow…just saw the Johann Santana song on Youtube.
I´m not gonna lie…it´s pretty funny.
By cricket
February 6, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
I think somehow, kind of, I guess, David Wright delivered the greatest quote when santana was introduced by mets - *”Somewhat it allows us to officially, kind of completely shut the book on ‘07,” Mets third baseman David Wright said Tuesday. “It kind of takes away from, I guess, kind of the aura of what happened at the end of last year. We can kind of put that behind us. And when your superstars have a fresh attitude, looking ahead rather than behind, I think that that rubs off on the rest of the team.” *
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun — Many thanks.
By OrlandoFan
February 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has earned the right to work with Bobby on his spring schedule. Just like any other veteran player has and does. 20 years has its benefits. If he doesn’t pitch like we expect, then we can reconvene next fall and point back to his alternate approach to spring training. Give the guy a break and let him pitch. Oh, and as for Wright’s Right…. I sort of like being picked 3rd. No pressure and a LOT of motivation. Let them ignore the Braves as long as they can.
By Other Blogs Have Jokes
February 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
DOB—
What’s your take on this:
Jayson Stark: *Very well put. He’s [Glavine] definitely there in part to teach Chuck James the art of the changeup.
By ernesto
February 6, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Just took a look at the 2008 sched.
Whoa, Sept. 12 -24 with Mets, Phils, Mets, Phils down the homestretch should be pretty interesting.
To say the least.
By Workinlkeadawg
February 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Concerning DB comments about Glavine and Maddux making the HOF befor Smotz. Are you crazy? I dont care how many wins Glavine(not relly true, now) or Maddux ends up with. Neither would have or could have went from Ace starter to thr best reliever in the NL. Smoltzie gets in first time up, barring a total collapse which he is obviously trying to prevent.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB — what’s the deal with Rheal Cormier? I remember the Braves acquiring him at one point last year, but did he just stay in the minors all year or what? Is he still in the Braves system, and if so, could he be expected to contribute in 2008?
By uga-brave
February 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
daybed,
he asked for his release.
By Jon
February 6, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Cormier only played for the Braves briefly, then took the summer off, he is now debating on whether or not he should play this year.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg — it’s not crazy to say that Glavine and Maddux make the HOF before Smoltz. for one, they’ll probably retire from the sport before Smoltz does, so they’ll be on the ballot before him.
But apart from that, 300 wins (which both Glavine and Maddux have) is pretty much a number that cements a player’s HOF — if you’ve got that (barring anything like gambling or steroid use), you’re in. There are 3 players in history that have more than 300 wins and aren’t in the HOF, and there’s one reason they’re not in the HOF: they’re still playing. (Clemens, Maddux and Glavine.)
Smoltz has been a starter for most of his career — all but 4 seasons when he was the closer. He doesn’t have 300 wins. That’s partly due to injury and spending 4 seasons as a closer, but that sort of thing happens. You can’t really say, “he doesn’t have 300 wins because he was a closer and he had injuries” and expect him to just get in the HOF.
I do think that Smoltz is a first-round HOF — excellent starting numbers as well as closer numbers, and you’re right, not everyone can go from starting to closing, much less return to starting. He’s got the career ERA, the W-L%, strikeout totals…no question, he’s a HOF guy. And he’s still able to dominate in his 40s.
With Glavine and Maddux, there’s no debate — nobody asks, “you think they’ll get in?” The answer is simple: they’ve both got 300 wins, so yes, they’ll get in. With Smoltz, there is a debate — he doesn’t have 300 wins, but he does have blah blah and blah.
Is it March 30 yet?
By Cookieman
February 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Do not ever count smokin Smoltz out he is da man!!!
By Cookieman
February 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Do not ever count smokin Smoltz out he is da man!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 6, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Clemens is busted , the dude is going to prison.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22756043/
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve been told by someone who knows that the Braves have NO INTEREST in Kris Benson.
Now, as for Anna Benson….
No, but seriously, no interest in Kris Benson.
End of that rumor, I hope.
By DAP
February 6, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe
you are wrong. there is no debate smoltz is a first round HOF.
and no. its feb 6.
By Thrillhouse44
February 6, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Coach, thanks for the link. I wonder why McNamee didn’t throw away the vials, syringes, and gauze? Who would keep that kind of thing?
Man, Mrs. Benson and Mrs. Kotsay rooting for the same team? That would have driven up attendance!
By Travisimo
February 6, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for killing the Benson rumor. Shanks was floating it on his website. Good to see youre an “insider” as well….lol
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, did you get to the bottom of the story on that link? If not, here’s a paragraph you might have missed:
“McNamee kept syringes, gauze pads and vials from the 2000 and 2001 seasons because he feared Clemens would deny illicit drug use if the matter was ever investigated, according to the anonymous source cited by the newspaper.”
By McFann
February 6, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44—
McNamee kept the vials, gauze pads and syringes from the 2000 and 2001 seasons because he feared Clemens would deny using performance-enhancing drugs, [a] source told the Daily News.
Here’s the link (this better work):
http://sports.espn.go.com
By Thrillhouse44
February 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Wow, thanks for pointing that out, DOB. Sounds like he knew what Clemens’ reaction would be.
By McFann
February 6, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Ahh!! DOB, you beat me again!! Dude, you got on that Q pronto……
By Thrillhouse44
February 6, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks, McFann. I need to work on building up my attention span I guess.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
You folks see the 25-photo gallery of Andruw’s estate on our website? Oh, my. It’s a lot like my house — it has doors, windows, a kitchen….
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DayBed — I think you will see, with each passing year, that the question of HOF for Smoltz will disappear. It will become more and more obvious.
After this year he will probably have 220+ wins and if he pitches two more seasons he will be close to 250 wins. There will be zero question about it at that point.
In fact, right now with 200+ wins and 150+ saves (which only Smoltz and Eck have achieved) AND his amazing post-season record, he seems a lock to me. One year from now they will just be talking about the impending retirement of 3 great Braves pitchers and will they enter the HOF the same year.
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I meant the last line in 5:28 blog to say “and WHETHER they will enter the HOF the same year.”
By McFann
February 6, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Haha!! That’s pretty funny, DOB.
Yeah, that house of AJ’s might have to be considered disturbing. I mean, sheesh! He wouldn’t need a house that big if he had ten kids! I didn’t look at the photos this time, but I saw them last summer when they were up. Yeah, don’t need to look through them again.
By OrlandoFan
February 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
There could be DNA on those syringes.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 6, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Yes Sir , that is some pad Andruw has. It’s to bad that he will only get to see it five months out of the year.
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
That was a good article by Carroll with Javy. Some very telling stuff in there about his belief that injury caused his demise, his frustration with the Orioles for not communicating and working with him when they signed Ramon Hernandez. I was surprised to learn he actually asked Francona to bench him when he was with the Red Sox.
I was also a little disturbed about this comment: “Before, I thought just to be a decent catcher would be good enough to stay in the big leagues as long as I keep my hitting going,” Lopez said. “Ever since I’ve been working with Chino, I’ve been a good listener. I’ve put myself in the position of a rookie, like I’m starting all over again.”
Truthful answer but not exactly what a fan wants to hear.
And I also didn’t like that he seems to be hoping that the best case scenario is that he is traded so he can become a starter. I understand that is just his competitive spirit and that will actually make him better but this team badly needs a backup catcher that can make up for the lost production when Mac is not in the lineup.
By brian
February 6, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
supposedly in the syringes are traces of clemens blood and traces of HGH and steroids. I have no idea how long they hold up for DNA testing but if they do, the Rocket will meet the Slammer.
If he did do performance enhancing drugs and knew about it, why would anyone ever lie to Congress. They are all about appearances - try to show them up and lie under oath to them they will put you away. His only defense seems to be he did not know it was steroids or HGH - the Barry Bonds defense (it was just lotion/oil, no idea it was steroid cream, yeah right)
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Brian — Looks like you may be on the right track there… Chubby’s probably sweating bullets about now.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
AdirondackDave — how could I forget his postseason numbers? Among other things, that his trump card for getting into the HOF, his postseason numbers. Thanks for reminding me.
Yes, after 2008, he’ll probably have around 220 wins. Two more seasons of about 15 wins would be great too; if I had to guess right now, I’d say he’d end his career with 240-250 wins.
And really, I was trying to present it from an objective perspective. I personally think he’s a lock and will be rooting for him more than anyone else to be elected. I’ll be quite surprised if he doesn’t — that’d be a more unfair snub than Dale Murphy.
Wouldn’t that be something if Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine got elected in the same year? They all certainly deserve to, but I actually think it would be better if they got in on separate ballots. Otherwise, their individual accomplishments would probably get a bit overlooked.
By Dr Wilson
February 6, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
It is extremely simple to inject someone with B-12 or any legal substance to get their DNA and then compromise the syringe with an illegal substance to make it appear that the illegal substance was the original substance.
Clemens’ lawyers will eat that alive.
Sounds like blackmail was a thought at one time…. naw, people never do those things.
By MetsPussycat
February 6, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
“By David O’Brien February 6, 2008 5:28 PM You folks see the 25-photo gallery of Andruw’s estate on our website? Oh, my. It’s a lot like my house — it has doors, windows, a kitchen….”
DOB-Hilarious! But you forgot floors…
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Daybed — Yes, they probably will go into the HOF in different years. We’re only about 50 miles from Cooperstown so we will be there for the induction if they don’t stretch out their playing careers too much longer… I’m getting pretty long in the tooth myself!
By Dr Wilson
February 6, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
McNamee kept the vials, gauze pads and syringes from the 2000 and 2001 seasons because he feared Clemens would deny using performance-enhancing drugs, [a] source told the Daily News.
If McNamee was injecting Clemens with vitamins he just as easily could have been making a withdrawal of blood, for sinister reasons, to later mix with steroids.
Why?? well if Clemens knew he was injecting people, but not Clemens, he could maybe use the newly mixed vials in case Clemens ever ratted him out.
Who knows what evil lurks in the minds of people.
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Dr Wilson - In answer to your last line… the Shadow knows…
By McFann
February 6, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Great point in that last paragraph, Braveheart. I found that weird about Javy hoping to be traded. If he wants so bad to be a starter, why’d he take the contract with us, anyway? We sure ain’t lookin’ for a starting catcher! Guess he just wanted a job, and this was the only one available.
But he’s a cinch to get a job as a starter somewhere, ya know? I mean, he’s in such good shape!
; >
By McFann
February 6, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Oh, you’re welcome, Thrillhouse44. No prob.
By Me
February 6, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz is the kind of person you want your children to look up to. Plain and simple. On the thought of Smoltz finishing his career elsewhere, you might as well move the franchise.
By CITYOFDECATUR
February 6, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU EVERYONE THIS IS THE BEST READING OF MY DAY almost feels like openning nite is around the corner. In my day opening day was legit excuse for missin’ school (but you had to show your ticket and it was minor league) Rochester Red Wings. Thanks again needed this blog tonite work was tuff. P.S. i’m old and senile enough to have seen the Havana Cubans play in the international league. Go Bravos……….!
By woogidy
February 6, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
FYI for all who are interested an e-mail from PeachtreeTV regarding Braves in HD this season.
——-Original Message——- Sent: Mon 2/4/2008 7:33 PM To: PeachtreeTV, Information Subject: Braves/HD
What is the plan for Braves baseball in HD this season?
Thank you for your correspondence. We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.
We will air a total of 47 Braves games, 2 Exhibition and 45 regular season games, all in HD. All outlets will have the option to carry our HD signal, so please contact your provider directly to find out if they will carry the Peachtree TV HD signal.
Sincerely, Peachtree TV
Get to calling your providers. PTV digital signal is available for free if you can get it with an over the air antenna in the Atlanta area.
By Random
February 6, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
McFan: “I mean, he’s in such good shape!”*
You mean, in comparison to other Braves catchers? :->
Braveheart: “I understand that is just his competitive spirit and that will actually make him better but this team badly needs a backup catcher that can make up for the lost production when Mac is not in the lineup.”
Well, IF a team becomes willing to trade for Javy to be their starter, we’d presumably get true value in return — maybe something we might need more than a backup catcher. And don’t eliminate Brayan Pena from the mix.
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Decatur — Welcome. The more fellow geezers the better.
By Metropolitan Man
February 6, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
This post is Rated “E” for Everyone:
The Super Bowl Giants have just proven that losing 1 player (Tiki Barber) sometimes motivates a team to really go out and play the following year. With all this Glavine talk, watch as the METS follow suit as champs. I know, I know, play it on the field 1st but if I touted the METS before, dont expect it to get any lighter now that Santana is here to help, not rescue the METS, but help. Now I was reading DOB’s insightful blog and saw where people were wondering if Glavine mentored any METS pitchers while there?? The only pitcher I know that benefitted from Glavine being here is Kris Benson and Wagner and for totally different reasons. Benson improved and was actually getting to settle as a MET until his wife started her shenenegans, then he got dealt for Maine and Jorge Julio. Wagner just wanted a best friend because his mouth is his own worst enemy wherever he goes and Glavine enjoyed the company of another loser. I read it here first especially after he signed with the METS how he was a choker in the playoffs and big games. METS fans goT to see 1st hand what you guys were talking about. No one may ever know but I suspect he blew the last game for the METS to get back in the good graces of the braves nation, somewhere he knew he was returning to long before the season ended. Conspiracy theory, yes, but dammit, that one fits!!! Glavine junk balls will get rocked, the METS will pound his behind because heck, it was them who re-invented the bum. Just like you guys rocked him when he left, the METS will rock him as he returns to you guys. Enough about the choke artist (his name will be mentioned in the METS team collaspe for the rest of his life also). Now its time for the “intangibles” of the teams. The next post will get off who has the best obvious holes or strenghts and show you where the METS will be on top and why. Logical stuff coming, you dont want to miss it!!
LETS GO METS WAY TO GO BIG BLUE!!!
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Just heard that Hoss is done after is contract runs out after next season. Pretty reliable source that is close to him said that he is seriously thinking about retiring soon. Said that he is tired of listening to all the mets fans on a Braves blog dominating the conversation with David Wright talk. Also said that he is tired of owning the mets for 15 years. Its someone elses turn. Seriously though,I’m looking forward to getting down to spring training and seeing all the guys again. Having Glav and Javy back in the fold will be great. I’m interested to see if guys like Frenchy and BMac are ready to make the jump to stardom. Also to see if the back end of our rotation has improved enough to let us compete for division title again. Looking forward to having Tex hitting behind me for a whole year. Might get some pitches to hit in key spots. Pretty tired of everyone saying that I’m injury proned, though I guess I’ll just have to go out and play 150 games to shut em up. Freak injuries are hard to avoid sometimes but I have hopefully gotten the foot stuff behind me. Look forward to bloggin with all you Braves fans for a couple of days before I head south. By the way, not even close to retirement. I love torturing mets fans too much to hang em up yet. And for all you guys that don’t already know this, DOB really is a douchebag!
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Here’s a stat that might shock some of you.
Just sitting here crunching numbers for a spring-training preview thing I’m writing for Sunday’s paper, and I decided to check Smoltz’s record since he returned to the starting rotation in 2005.
As you might recall, he lost his first three starts that season, including the opening-day shelling at Florida.
So I started with his fourth start that year, an April 21 no-decision at Washington (seven innings, five hits, one run allowed).
Beginning with that date (April 21, 2005), Smoltz is 44-21 with a 3.16 ERA in 97 starts, with 557 strikeouts and 150 walks in 650-1/3 innings.
In that same period, beginning April 21, 2005, Johana Santana is 47-26 with a 2.93 ERA in 96 starts, with 681 strikeouts and 142 walks in 659-1/3 innings.
Smoltz received 5.00 support runs per nine innings in that span, Santana got 4.87.
Then I went back to midseason 2006 and found where Smoltz went 0-2 during a stretch of three consecutive quality starts, before lasting only 1-2/3 innings in a game at Tampa where he had a groin-injury scare (it turned out to be minor).
Beginning with his next start at Yankee Stadium, where he got no decision while allowing one run in seven innings, Smoltz didn’t lose for nine starts.
Out of curiosity, I checked his stats beginning with that game at Yankee Stadium (June 28, ‘06) through the end of the 2007 season.
Smoltz has gone 26-12 with a 3.13 ERA in his last 51 starts during that period, with 320 strikeouts and 77 walks in 333-2/3 innings.
Santana since June 28, 2006 is 26-15 with a 3.14 ERA in 51 starts, with 365 strikeouts and 82 walks in 341-1/3 innings.
Santana has a .219 opponents’ average in his 51 starts over that stretch to Smoltz’s .248 opponents’ average. But Santana has also allowed 45 homers over that span, to Smoltz’s 29.
Santana has received 5.17 support runs per nine innings in those 51 starts, and his team had a 32-19 record.
Smoltz got 5.12 support runs per nine innings in his 51 starts, and his team was 31-20 in those starts.
I found it interesting, how similar their stats were during those two stretches, over the past three seasons (excluding Smoltz’s first three starts back from the bullpen) and over the past 1-1/2 seasons.
Smoltz is 40. Santana is 28.
By Lew
February 6, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
WTF is this Big Blue Crap? I thought the Mets’ colors were black and blue-just like a Big Bruise. Quite an appropriate color choice given the age and consistent infirmity of the Mets’ team. Go Big Hemotoma would be much more in keeping with their image.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Folks, I’m not gonna tell you that I know who U Kno Who is for certain, but I’m about 99-percent sure, and you’d probably be surprised to know it’s actually him.
I’d bet if asked for some really specific stats about one Chipper Jones, this U Kno Who fella would be able to come up with them real quick. From memory.
I’ll leave it at that.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, stop calling me Hoss!!
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
DOB — Thanks for crunching those numbers comparing JS to Santana. Bottom line for me is that essentially there isn’t a dimes worth of difference between the two over that period of time. Add in the reality that the Braves also have ace Hudson and steady Glavine, they have the best rotation in the division, regardless of who gets 4 and 5 slots.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m probably better at the numbers than you are!Since I here you gotta CJ tattoo.
By Lew
February 6, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
David Wright my a$$. He will never own the second best Switch Hitting batting average of all time behind a HOFer no one heard of for 70 years.
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
U kno who: That was good stuff.
Lew: Big Blue… That’s the Dodgers. It’s some sort of sick longing for a time when things were better… Although, The dodgers only won 1 WS in new york. The Giants bagged the most of the two colors that the Mets sport.
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Ok, U Kno Who — We’re a fairly jaded bunch of Braves fans here, how about giving us something specific that will convince us that you’re actually Hoss.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
One other thing: I’ll be U Kno Who could also tell us whether Smoltzy has missed a start in the past year or two….
By Yars
February 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I wonder who Chipper rather have hitting in front of him, Kelly or Yunel?
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Was the douchebag comment a little bit of a low blow? I apologize! That was rude!
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Interesting stats DOB. So, Smoltz is a free agent at season’s end barring movement on the option. Any chance he’ll re-up for 6 more seasons? He could get to 300 wins assuming Chippper stays healthy.
By McFann
February 6, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Random, har har. But I think he (not meaning Javy) is in better shape now. Is that correct, DOB…?
By Kevin
February 6, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Chipper, if it really is you, welcome to the blog! Looking forward to another great year from you.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Get back to you soon guys. Gotta help my 7 year old with some homework.
By Yars
February 6, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Any truth to the rumor that Chipper is a Dixie Chicks fan? I would have guessed Toby Keith.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, yeah it was. But some of us have come to expect it from your kind.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
I was gonna ask our guest to prove he’s no imposter by describing the tattoo he has on his arm, but just googled it and saw that it’s on a website.
So here’s a question: Which pitcher has a ranch near yours in Texas, and how far is it from yours?
This one’s even better: What’s your real good buddy’s name, the guy who bounced around the minors and played a little in the big leagues, including briefly with the Marlins?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 6, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
U know who , are you going to be sad when they tear Shea Stadium down ?
By BabyGoatEater
February 6, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Chipper doesn’t have a daughter. He has 4 sons. at least thats what MLB will have us beleive….
By Random
February 6, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man—
You’re so slow, if you were a bicycle you’d’a fallen over already.
Why don’t you hop back on that short bus and go home?
By Metropolitan Man
February 6, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
This post RATED “M” Mature:
The METS 1st 4 guys can steal close to 130-160 bases causing havoc for the opposing pitcher and catcher. This is not including the rest of the steals they will get from the bench and the 5-10 from the bottom of the order. The braves seemed to have decreased in stolen bases, never been a big part of your game and the finishes the past 2 years show that. You just got back the best bunting pitcher in the game and bunting is something you guys dont like to do. If the braves actually fine tune actually stealing bases, bunting, and less strikeouts, maybe you can reclaim some of your winning tradition. Even our cleanup hitter Beltran will lay down a suprise bunt. Chavez won a game with a drag bunt last year against the rockies. The METS who lost last year are coming back, they are meaner, nastier, and have a chip on their shoulders. They know each other, they do not have to jel all over again, just Santana, Church, and Snieder…the rest all know each other and know that anything less than a WS appearance is a complete and utter most failure. The trade is done, the signing is done, the press conference is over…..lets get it on!!!! Now for some reason you guys think because Santana is here, he is deemed the savior of some sort. Lets not get it twisted, true METS fans were ready to sit back and watch Maine and Perez win 18-20 each in breakout seasons, Pelfy win 10, El Duque 10, and Pedro 15-20 wins. That rotation right there would have put the league on its arse wether you believe or not.Throw Sosa in there for spot strts and its all good in pitching land. Santana just makes them clear favorites now and it will be fullfilled. The chemistry of the METS and phils will give them an advantage the braves used to have.
The METS also has regained the swagger just that quickly after the Johan deal. They will play samll ball, go deep, steal bases, bunt, and all the little stuff that comes with baseball. Just expect them to execute with precision because the world is watching and want to see how 137 million can change a game. Tell Chipper not to argue balls, strikes, and the schedule this year. Tell Smoltz he is a gamer but his light and Glavines is getting dimmer everytime they take the mound. Tell Huddy its going to be lonely at the top of the braves rotation. Tell Hamtpton until he sheds a tear for this game, his robbery will go down in history. Tell the up and coming youngsters to produce to the best of their abiltiy every year and sign a big contract somehwere else the 1st chance you get. Tell Mccann a decline will put fan favorite Javy in his place causing MCfann to stop posting all together. Tell Frenchy covering RF, CF, and LF can be difficult when you have no help, hang in there another team is watching you in free agent anticipation….same goes for you Tex. Everyone is gonna come calling, if you dont make the playoffs with the braves this year, you better leave because it will be more of the same if you stay Tex. Booby Cox, keep doing what you are doing, CHOKING every year when you do make the playoffs. The most intagible thing I can think of that the METS have that the braves dont is MORE pssionate fans. Most guys here are passionate and you can feel it. But you guys always leave empty seats at the Ted (more room for me) and you sit on your hands. If that titan tron didnt display “make some noise” you guys wouldnt. METS fans are the tenth guy on the field and this year we will be louder than ever. This year we will come to your town, drink your beer, satisfy the women, spank your team, and move to the next town with the same beatdown until the hardware is brought back to QUEENS, the land the METS built.
LETS GO METS!!!!
By BabyGoatEater
February 6, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Ooops, misread.
By McFann
February 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Great stats, DOB. I remember that ‘06 start in Tampa. That was the night the Braves broke a ten game losing streak after 11 innings. That was a great feeling, but don’t want to ever feel it again.
But Santana has also allowed 45 homers over that span, to Smoltz’s 29.
And one of those 45 is McCann’s!! WHOO-HOO!!
By Bryan
February 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Stream the new REM
Braves are looking good - any more talk of a 6th starter from roger or bobby? U Know Who - i have heard a lot about the work out regimen of Hudson, Bmac, Frenchy - what have you been up to? Are you going to let Javy show you up in the locker room? Any word on Julio coaching with the braves this year? I bet he could still show up Hoss and Javy in the ripped up department!
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Alright, time to focus on Carolina-Duke.
By Bryan
February 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Metroman - it sounds good now - the media off you back and while this trade is going on - but every single day during spring training the Mets and Mets fans are going to hear about the collapse.
Making one trade WILL NOT remove the shame and embarrassment cast upon your franchise after THE COLLAPSE.
I think you are foolish if you think Johan can change the perception of your ball club that much - There is egg on the face of your franchise that won’t be so easy to wipe off. Santana was a good start … now you have to compete!
By 22oz
February 6, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
No, Chipper admitted last year he was a Rascal Flatts fan. Why Chipper, why?
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Josh Beckett has a ranch about 45 mins from me in south Texas and the answer to the other question is Marty Malloy. Satisfied?
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Santana doesn’t nearly erase the big collapse of ‘07. Events like this hang around forever, ask Bill Buckner about it.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
I will be deeply saddened to see Shea stadium go. It was where I hit my first homer and we have had so many memorable games in that stadium. Im gonna make sure that I get a stadium seat for my third son, Shea, so that we will have a momento. Hopefully the new stadium will provide the same kind of atmosphere that the old one did. I think it will. I used to be a chicks fan but I’ve gotten a chance to hunt with some of the guys from RF, so I’ve become fans of theirs.
By Kevin
February 6, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, do you read the blog often or are you just getting to it?
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
About that johan Santana song:
They say something about hanging up a world series banner…..DO THEY WORK AT TURNER FIELD?????
The thin guy looks like an autist or like if he has some mental disorder….. DOES IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE 2007 COLLAPSE? OR DID HE WAS BORN LIKE THAT?
Bad time to be a braves fan???….. ARE THEY KIDDING??? WE ARE GONNA SCORE IN EVERY INNING OF THE SEASON.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Julio is a freak of nature. I don’t stand a chance against him or Javy. They are specimens! I guess I’m more like the beer league softball physique, given my advanced age and all. Different strokes for different folks. What works for them doesn’t necessarily work for me.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
“All the pain from last year is gone.”… LOL IF THAT IS TRUE HOW COME THEY CANT STOP TALKING ABOUT IT??? HOW COME THEY BRING IT UP EVEN IN THEIR SONG??? LOL……..BOZO!!!!!!
“The NL has no game plan”… SURE WE DO, IT IS KICK MUTS AZZ, PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
They are so obsessed with the braves seams like they dedicated the song to us and not to JSantana.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I read the blogs pretty often. I like to know what is being said. Not so much during the the season because I don’t have that much time, but in the offseason, I read quite a bit especially when we make moves just to see how jacked up u guys get.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Curious that they talk about PEELING BANANAS and then they mention Mark Teixeira….. wonder if they were thinking about TEXs banana.
After watching this clowns all i have to say is…….no wonder why the mets collapsed last year…… Braves would too if clowns like these were in the bleachers.
By blazerpunter
February 6, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who…..
What is your favorite type of hunting? I have seen some of your deer pictures and they are incredible. But i was just curious as to whether you liked deer or turkey or ducks or anything else more than others? What about fishing??
By McFann
February 6, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Oh what, MetMan? You don’t think McCann is a “fan favorite”? And what’s with the “decline” nonsense? He’s on no decline!! Sheeeesh!! I’m going to bed.
By Bryan
February 6, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey chipper - Re: “freak injuries” - i mean, how long have you been playing baseball? Don’t you know Jose Bautista is bound to come charging in and crash into you at any second while you’re on the basepath? Maybe not even on the base path, maybe in the super market (pesky pirate 3rd basemen are lurking around every corner). You really need to man up and admit to being frail, fragile, and close to retirement!
I jest … as weird as it sounds, i think you might be a sleeper pick for NL MVP. The “D” was good/great last year and having Tex in the line-up, as you said, is going to help the “O”. Are you ready to lead this team? That’s my legit questions.
What are your thoughts on Kotsay? Know him? He is a leader, they say …
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Bryan - that new REM song is pretty damn good. who’s the new girl in the band, though? blond hair and a very feminine stance…
i heard that Bobby and Roger are gonna give U Kno Who a chance for the rotation this spring…maybe a spot start?
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who — All of us are hoping Texiera will stay on after this year. He has to be important to you too. What do you think are the Braves chances of re-signing him and does he seem like he really wants to stay?
By TN-MAN
February 6, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
U KNOW WHO, how many years you got left in that Braves uni? Love watching you play.
By woogidy
February 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
U Kno who, What’d you think of the Super Bowl?
By Yars
February 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Is there still bad blood between Chipper & Vicente Padilla? Remember couple years back when Padilla was with the Phillies & he intentionally walked Chipper & when he threw ball 4, it came close to hitting him, & Chipper kept staring at Padilla while he was walking to 1B? I wonder if Chipper remembers that? Braves play Rangers June 17, 18, 19 in Arlington. Padilla pitches for Rangers now.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
In other stories…….. international soccer game.
USA 2
Mexico 1
Halftime
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I’m a big bow hunter. I love deer hunting more than the others. I will hunt ducks, dove and quail a few times a year but that is not my passion. I don’t get a chance to hunt turkeys because of baseball. I love to fish during spring training. I grew up about 10 miles from the self proclaimed bass fishing capital of the world, so a lot of my childhood was spent hunting deer and fishing.
By clueless
February 6, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
dear u kno who,
what should i do for my girlfriend this valentine’s day?
clueless in athens
By Metropolitan Man
February 6, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Not usre if U know Who is Chumper himself but if it is, how can you blog when you should be on the offseason DL. You know, the place where all the broken bones and pull hamstrings go after the season ends. Shea will get the best of you in its last year if you dedicde not to chicken out with injuries. Keep that body healthy just so the METS pitchers can make you sick. And its good to know you are reaching out to your fans, but Metropolitan has been reaching out to you ever since you claimed to be great. Good luck in the season U know Who, when D. Wright wins all 3B honors for 08’, dont Timberlake me and cry me a river.
LETS GO METS!!!
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Yars chipper is a WINNER, he doesnt care about Padilla. He cares about the team, the fans and winning. Professional.
By Nate
February 6, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
I’m from Kingsville Texas. Just a little south of Corpus Christi. What’s with all the major leaguers and ranches in south Texas? Where are they? I’ve heard Jeff Kent has a ranch down here somewhere too. And of course Nolan Ryan was born down here too.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who — which opposing pitchers do you most look forward to hitting against? and which of the current braves’ pitchers do you think you’d be able to hit the best if given the opportunity to face them in a game? (can’t say glavine since you’ve already faced him…although it looks like he’s got your number there!)
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Yeah but I got Bautista back later in the year. He slid into third and I spiked him. Gashed him pretty good. Unintentional of course. Kotsay is a real pro hitter. He doesn’t strike out a lot. Makes the pitcher work to get him out. He will be the catalyst of our outfield now. I have no worries about him other than health. As far as resigning Tex, I’d say the chances are 50/50. He’s gonna command a lot on the free agent market. The Braves will offer a lot but i don’t know if it will be enough. I know that I love having him behind me.I have at least 2 more years left that I know of in a Braves uni. Hopefully with a good year, they will approach me about an extention soon. I had the Pats in the SB but I was happy for Eli. Maybe now he can get those fans off of his back once and for all. Padilla actually threw ball 4 behind me. But if u remember, I took him deep the next at bat. Can’t say that that didn’t feel good. That’s all forgotten unless he tries it again.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Girls like the romance. Whatever u do, it better be original. Flowers and candy are nice, but every woman loves the bling. At least that’s what I’ve experienced. But what do I know, I haven’t had the best luck with the ladies.
By Curt
February 6, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Hey U Kno Who aka Chipper, Do you think it makes you feel younger and more enthused about playing the game when you see young guys like Frenchy and McCann so amped to go out and play and just completely enjoying the game? Also who would you least like to hit against out of the Braves bullpen this year?
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I dont like the rocket, but man, they should hang his personal trainer for treason…… he makes me sick even more than the rocket.
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
MetroMan, you really have turned out to be one big ole bag o’ douche.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Players love that area of the country because there is so much game. I guess u could say it’s a fad too because if one guy gets a good place, others are soon to follow. I love to hit, period. It doesn’t matter who is out there. If I had to hit against one of our guys, I would have to say Smoltzie. His reportoire best suits my approach at the plate. He would probably get me more times than not but I would have the best chance of taking him deep over the others.
By Adam
February 6, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
If you want to fix your feet, I know the man to do it. I had it done about 9 years ago, best thing I’ve ever done, I have no pain at all anymore even in cleats.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
How can someone dream about muts pitching owning chipper when this were his numbers against current met pitchers:
4 2b
1 3b
2 HR
7 BB
.396 OBP
.578 SLG
.311 AVG
By TN-MAN
February 6, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, loved the interview with Joe Simpson about the ‘Welcome to the Bigs Moment’. How long did Maddog rag you about that pop fly?
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who — Thanks for all the answers. I hope you get that extension and hang around with us on the blog for many years. When you’re inducted into the HOF I’ll be there along with thousands of your other appreciative fans.
By quint
February 6, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Great article, DOB. Keep on keepin’ on. Can’t you teach T. Moore some tricks to actually win a fanbase?
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Frenchy and BMac really make it fun to come to the park. They both act like 12 year olds and that rubs off on the rest of us. They are constantly needling each other and it makes for hours of laughter for us old coots. But they are intense at game time and they want to win. Does it make me feel younger? No! But it is a nice change from the way the clubhouse used to be.
By Randy S
February 6, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - When you have decided to rework your contract has it been a tough decision or did it just seem natural to do what you could to get the best team around you? That is something I really appreciated you doing, that and being the best pure hitter I have had the pleasure of seeing…that left-handed home run swing is just sweetness.
Also, do you speak any Spanish? Or at least enough to keep from running into Yunel?
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the input on my feet. but I think I got it licked with the bigger shoe. If I have any probs this year I will give u a call. Doggie still gives me guff about that to this day. U would think after 13 years, he would have forgotten about it.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, who is winning the UNC/Duke game?
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Wow. I come back from watching the basketball game and see it’s been a pretty freakin’ special night on the ol’ blog. As I’m sure most of you have figured out, it is indeed your Braves 3B answering questions.
Damn, bet you folks weren’t expecting that when you came over to check out things here tonight, huh?
I’ll shut up and let the man continue, if he’s still around.
By blazerpunter
February 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Duke up 82 to 73 with 1:26 remaining
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
My concern is trying to give the team the chance to win a championship. With our tight purse strings, it’s hard to win when u have one guy taking up so much of yer payroll. Smoltzie and I know this, so we will do whatever we have to, within reason, to work with the Braves to put the best product on the field. I know enough spanish to know what the guys are talking about. Yunel knows exactly what I’m saying.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Duke’s kicking their butts. Only a minute left. Done deal.
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Duke 82, UNC 73, 1:26 to go.
By TN-MAN
February 6, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Yeh it was a good story. Duke 83 UNC 78, minute to go. You ever hear Escobar whistling over at short? lol
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - what do you think about facing Santana a few times this year? think having him in their rotation is enough to pencil the Mets into the postseason?
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Metroman, tell David Wright to give Chipper a call back when Wright has done it for more than a decade. Until then, Wright is doomed to suffer the third base curse of Hojo and Edgardo Alfonzo. 5 good years and then, poof, they are done.
By Lew
February 6, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who-I just finished a pretty good portrait of you. And Frenchy, Smoltz, Mac, Tex and Bobby Cox. I’ll report with the pitchers and catchers next week.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Duke is tough at home, boy! I suppose UNC will return the favor at the Smith Center.
By Lew
February 6, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
U KNo Who-I’d be glad to paint you a deer. Maybe the Wurlitzer Award for Deer Hunting would be appropriate for the ranch.
By steve_97060
February 6, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Chipper, after all the moves the team has made this off season, is there anything else you would like to see done, or are you comfortable going into the season with what you have now?
By Bryan
February 6, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
“But it is a nice change from the way the clubhouse used to be.”
Chipper - want to go into that at all? Do you think all of the success for so many years in a row contributed to that mentality? Was it a group mentality or a few individuals?
For me, the best thing to come out of the 06 and 07 seasons will be the separation of “the way things used to be” from “the way things are now.” This Braves team belongs to the current Braves team. There is no streak. There have been two tough years in a row - and everything this Braves team does will be it’s own.
Also, have you noticed anything different with the Braves organization since Frank took over? Were you shocked when the “home boy upstairs” stepped down (or, well, to the side)?
By AdirondackDave
February 6, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Chipper — After your playing career is over (and I hope you play into your 40s) are you interested in staying with the Braves organization in some sort of capacity?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 6, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Chipper , thanks for answering my question about Shea Stadium. I knew about you naming your son after it.
Any insight into Bobby Cox ? I think the man is underappreciated by the casual fan.
By David O'Brien
February 6, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Game was at Dean Dome, Chipper. So Dookies will go for a sweep at Cameron.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Santana is as good as it gets. There is no doubt that the Mets have a strong pitching staff, provided they all stay healthy. I’ve faced him a couple of times and it’s no walk in the park. Whoever we have pitching that night better bring his A game. That being said, he is human. Maybe we will get the game tapes from some of the Indians games last year. They had pretty good success against him(5-0).
By Lew
February 6, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Bobby is a hard portrait to paint, too.
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
U Know Who, what is the difference between batting third and fourth and how come you prefer third? Did you notice a difference in the way you were pitched with Tex hitting behind you? How tough was it to make the transition to left and then back to third?
Where do you think you rank amongst the all time third baseman? I think you are knocking on heaven’s door and about to join Mike Schmidt and Eddie Mathews - probably need to get to 500 homers to join them. I think you are already in the class of Wade Boggs, George Brett, Brooks Robinson, Home Run Baker.
By GTI in Chicago
February 6, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who: Can’t resist a chance to tell you just how proud I am that you play on the only team I ever pulled for. I moved to Chicago 6 years ago, but haven’t switched my allegiance. I go to see you guys every game you play in chicago every year, and I gotta say, I know you’re kind of famous now for killing the Mets, but every year it always seems like you do something pretty impressive against the Cubbies too. That 2 homer night game back in ‘05 was sweeeeeeet.
By Overlord
February 6, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
U know who
What is the biggest hit in your career?
Your biggest defensive play???
worst error ???
worst offensive failure with game on the line???
By Cooper S
February 6, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
U Know Who: You and Andruw just went deep back-to-back in my most recent video baseball game. Man, I’m gonna miss that. Several more years of you and Tex would certainly ease the pain though.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, you’re hitting .315/8/25 after about 40 games.
By cody
February 6, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Chipper—Congrats on a fantastic year in 2007—may the baseball gods be with you again in 2008. We love the braves in Nevada also. You are a star!!!
By BravesFanChris23
February 6, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
U Know Who, I have a couple of questions….
In your opinion, Who’s had the better hand or better acquisitions this off season, the AL or NL?
If you were to have to choose which side to hit on a permanent basis, which side?
For me, I’d hit left even though I am predominantly right. I have more power left. I used to play baseball in HS (P.E. mainly) and played with neighborhood kids growing up and I found out at 9 years old I could hit either way, but I prefer left.
By Bryan
February 6, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I am crashing - man, chipper, if you are still around, thanks a lot for coming by and talking/answering. This blog had gotten a little bla after the santana trade and us having to read all the mets fan’s bs. This made my night! I can’t wait for opening day!
08 is going to be a special year for Georgia sports fans!
By David Wright (Overlord)
February 6, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
U Know Who could you please teach me how to play? I mean, im good at 3B, but you are the greastest ever, you are my hero. I was making love to my GF but i heard over the radio (CBS news) that you were answering question on this blog and i just couldnt finish what i was doing. Please i beg you. How much do you charge for private lessons??? how about 30 lessons before spring starts??? Ill pay you 5 million for that, but please dont let met fans know about it.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Dukies won on the road? Wow! I stand corrected. Guys I’m pretty comfy with our club right now. Any additions will be addressed at the deadline.FW has done a good job of getting the pieces that we needed. I will probably take some time off when I retire. If I were to get into coaching, it would be as a hitting instructor but that’s a long way down the road. Don’t know if I want to continue to travel the big league life after I’m done. Bobby’s track record speaks for itself. Teams would kill to have the success that he has had. U can say what u want but there is no other manager that I would want to play for. He is the best. Hah! Homeboy upstairs, that one cracks me up everytime.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 6, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper — how about last season when you went to the mound to scrape off your cleats and you scared the b’jesus out of Wickman? man, that was one of the funniest baseball moments i remember watching, ever.
which teams do you feel have improved the most over the offseason?
By BravesFanChris23
February 6, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
If you’re still on/around, I also would like to thank you for taking time and chatting. You and Smoltz have been my favorite Braves players since I became a Braves fan. Tex/McCann/Francoeur are also on the list.
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Wow. He’s still going. It’s impressive every year, but here it is on the blog…
Chipper, did you see much of LaRoche this off season? And, have you every called a shot, in particular, the one you hit of Chad Cordero in 2005 in the top of the ninth to take the lead?
By Braveheart
February 6, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Tell Smoltz to hang on as long as it takes to have a player on the team who wasn’t even alive when Smoltz broke in.
By Carter
February 6, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who
What do you think about the Santana trade? As much of a competitor as you are I am sure you are looking forward to facing him. Also what kind of stats do you think you need to put up over the next few seasons to guarantee entry into the Hall.
By doc
February 6, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
u kno who, as a grad of bolles, i see you learned how to spell now if only dyess had taught you about paragraphs. maybe babcock had lightened up by the time you went through. did they make you attend class while you were there?
By Lew
February 6, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Chipper-Please don’t trip over any infielders this year. David Wright needs to see what a full season of Chipper is like.
By Gator
February 6, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
U know who, I have a cousin, Paul Blackman, from St. Augustine who claims that he played with you in the Florida Highschool all-star game. Ring a bell? Probably not since it was a couple decades ago.
By Jon
February 6, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
How awesome is it that Chipper Jones is here just bloggin away with us? THis is the coolest. Chipper, heres hoping you have a great, healthy year and you can get past that 30 homer plateau again. I love watching you swing the bat, its such a sweet stroke. Take care and go Braves. Tell Frenchy and BMac we were rootin for them from day 1. I had a feelin they were special.
By TennesseePaul
February 6, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
The McDonalds distribution center in the City of Industry serves over 1000 LA area McDonalds as well as the entire South Pacific region of the company. It’s entire fleet of trucks run on biodiesel made from the oil they fry their french fies in.
By matt
February 6, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Chipper, thanks for doing this, it’s really cool…do you know if any of the other players check out this blog at all?
By flbravesgirl
February 6, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Hello from the town where you started in Rookie League. I just wanted to thank you for being so loyal to the Braves and for giving all of us so many great years. As for after you retire, I know one thing you’ll be doing is getting a plaque in Cooperstown someday.
By U Kno Who
February 6, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
This will be my last post for the nite. Us old timers need our rest. Check u guys out tomorrow. I appreciate all the kind words and I hope I offered some useful insight. It is just an honor to be mentioned with some of company yall have me with. We will let the “experts” decide when I’m done playing. Biggest hit in my career- all 9th inning game winning hits. Biggest def play-95 playoffs. Diving play against Galarraga. Worst error-last game of the season against the Rockies that cost us home field adv for the playoffs. Then we got swept by the Cards. Worst off failure-grounded into doubleplay off Robb Nen in the playoffs to end our season with the tyung run on base. I think the AL still has the upper hand on the NL tho the Santana trade could shift some o that. We need to start winning some all-star games. No doubt that I would rather hit from the left side. It has become my natural side. tho switch hitting is an invaluable tool. Whew! U guys are full of questions, but I love it! Keep those other fans at bay and I will try do do my part come March 31st. Any other question I will get to tomorrow. I gotta lotta love for yall. Go Bravos!
By Lew
February 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Get McCann on here-Make McFann’s day.
By DAP
February 7, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
chipper, im starstruck with you on the blog, just like i would be if i met you in person. all i can say is that i truly appreciate the way you play the game and consider you one of the all-time greats. im very proud you are a brave!!
cant wait for the season to start!!!
By Jon
February 7, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, one more thing, tell Smoltzy that since he is taking a new approach to pitching this year and should have extra free time, that he should log on and chat with us as well. lol. That would be great!!
By Randy S
February 7, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Very cool stuff. You are always welcome here.
Looks like your Gators got a decent little recruiting class. Is it tough living in UGA country? We got yall this year. Next year’s game in Jax may be for the national title. Who do you see as Florida’s biggest rival? Like UGA they have a handful of rivalry games.
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
DOB —- Thanks a million for making tonight with Chipper possible.
By ColoradoBravesFan
February 7, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
U know who… WOW! Great that you came here and answered questions for the Braves fans. If your still out here with us…hope 2008 goes great for you and the Braves.
Coming to Atlanta from Colorado to visit family and see the home opener. Hope you come out like gangbusters and lead the team to a championship.
GO BRAVES….
By ColoradoBravesFan
February 7, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
Just listening to some music as I read here. Have you decided on what song will be playing when you come up to bat? Has DOB tried to influence you on your choice?
Thanks for time and efforts can’t wait till the season begins, GO BRAVES
By Randy S
February 7, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
THANKS SO MUCH, CHIP
By BravesFanChris23
February 7, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Good night Chipper, thanks for answering my two questions.
I kind of agree that the AL still has the slight advantage over NL, but I think the Haren/Santana deals could shift it a bit like you mentioned. Even though I like a few teams in the AL, NL is and always will be my preferred league/favorite league.
I am so happy with Frank’s moves and I am anxious for the season to begin. I’ll be getting MLB Extra Innings just so I can see you guys play. Although I can still watch the ESPN Games/FSN (Marlins)/FOX (on Saturday) when you guys play.
Good Luck and Lets Go Braves :)
By Kevin
February 7, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
I hope DOB doesn’t get jealous with all the love Chipper is getting! It was awesome to have you on here tonight. I can speak for all of us when I say we are lucky to have you around.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Adirondack: Glad you and everybody else who was on the blog tonight had a good time. But thank Chipper, not me — he came on entirely unsolicited (as evident by his first post tonight, and the fact I felt the need to quiz him to make sure it was him. And it was).
Good stuff. It was cool sitting back and just reading the back-and-forth between you folks and him. No need for the moderator you get when players do structured Q&A’s on other sites. This was special because he obviously wanted to be on here taking questions from you all; he wasn’t asked to do it.
I’m just kinda surprised the old man stayed up till midnight in the offseason.
Chipper, thanks again. I’m sure plenty of the Braves/MIB denizens who weren’t on the blog late tonight will be ready if you’re back here tomorrow or tomorrow night.
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
u know who,
for me the two homer game against the rockies in the nlds.
By Braint
February 7, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Chipper, considering you’ve made the post season every year of your career but the last two, how difficult has it been to clean out the locker without going to the postseason? Do you know Smoltzie’s golf buddy, Dan Gray?
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Is Frank Wren also signing Mark Wholer? Maybe that would repeat the ´95 magic.
By N8
February 7, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
WTF!?!
I drop by in the afternoon, drop by in the evening, and then when I pop in, I find that Chipper has been blogging?
Who woulda thunk it? That’s pretty cool.
Hey DOB, you think you can get Bobby on here? I’d really like to see him and Robert go round & round? LOL!
By BravesFanChris23
February 7, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
DOB
Since you’re a music buff, I need to ask you a question. Well, anyone else is welcomed to answer if you know it too.
I know you aren’t a fan of American Idol, but it stems from it, I like AI, just not a hardcore AI fan, anyways, back to point….
They showed a preview commercial/promo of David Cook singing during Hollywood week and the song was a good song, but for some reason I can’t figure out who sings it or what name of the song is, so I was wondering if you or anyone could answer this….
The only phrase of the song I caught was….
“…tell me, was it worth fighting for”
Something like that. I think its an old love ballad or something. I like that song, just can’t think of the name.
Help would be appreciated.
By Roman Gal
February 7, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Overlord The song was funny because it so SOO stupid.
I´m a little bit starstruck right now. It completely stinks that my computer is possessed and I couldn´t even check until now.
Daybed Wagmoe Man, that memory had me laughing. It also reminded me of the night Earthquake Wickman went through the Ted when he caught that fly ball on his backside.
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
un-frickin-believable. now i know how cliff clavin felt when he used to try to talk to a hot girl in cheers. marble mouth.
if that does not get you ready for the season you dont have a pulse.
DOB, is that the first time any of the guys have shown up? cant believe how candid he was. pretty special stuff. got a hunch there will be more then a couple of bloggers hanging around the next couple of days.
By mighty mike
February 7, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Well, that was fun.
By Nolie
February 7, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
Shaun — Where can I find that Think Factory projection on Matt Diaz and what did they project for other Braves? Thanks.ADave
BASEBALLTHINKFACTORY.ORG
By N8
February 7, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Chipper said:
“And for all you guys that don’t already know this, DOB really is a douchebag!”
DOB
Don’t be holding out on us…..
You never told us you were related to Dayn Perry? :-)
Just kidding. Dayn Perry’s got nuthin on you!
By Nolie
February 7, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Thanks for killing the Benson rumor. Shanks was floating it on his website. Good to see youre an “insider” as well….lol
Shanks is a total homer and a moron as well. He has floated all kinds of crazy things over the years
By tvsportscaster
February 7, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Nolie, get your facts straight, Shanks did not float the rumor about Benson, it was mentioned in an article by a reporter in a Philadelphia enquirer. And furthermore, Shanks has more inside knowledge and more sources with the Braves than you ever know. He knew the player going in the Kotsay trade was Devine was before anyone else and he reported the Soriano-Ramirez trade a full two hours before anyone else, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
ugabrave, I know what you are saying. You have all those questions you wanna ask him, then you have your chance, and all of a sudden you act like Chris Farley on SNL when he had the chance to interview Paul McCartney.
By PatioDaddio
February 7, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
Nolie…I have been reading Bill Shanks for years and find him accurate, informative, reliable, has good sources, and is very loyal to the Braves organization.
On his website he doesn’t put up with any nonsense, just like DOB doesn’t either.
You are either very misinformed or are a banned poster on his site.
Like DOB Bill Shanks brings a world of information, interviews, chats, podcasts, news, and insight.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
DOB-You’ve always claimed that a Braves player blogged with us. That was an interesting experience. Only on the MIB Blog-Home of the Wurlitzer.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
Yes, Lew, it was. Frankly, I didn’t ever expect him to come forward like that and take questions.
I know of some other players who read the blog, but don’t know how many of them would be so willing to put themselves out there, wide open to anyone with a keyboard that wants to take a cheap shot. That takes some stones….
Nolie, Bill Shanks does a fine job at his site. He works hard and he does have a lot of good sources on the scouting side.
By Mike S
February 7, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
Damn. I missed it all! Oh well, it was fun just reading all of those posts.
Chipper, I remember that error at the end of the last game of the year (2000 I think) against the Rockies to lose home field adv. I thought the worst part about it though was the reaction Rocker gave you after the play. I just remember that look he shot your way. I thought it was a d!ck move on his part, but it also seemed to kind of create some tension on the team. Was that the case at all? What sort of a relationship did/do you have with Rocker?
That of course led into the Cardinals series sweep where Rick Ankiel had his infamous meltdown in game 1. I couldn’t believe we lost that game, with him losing control like he did and getting yanked early too. Mad Dog just must not have had it in that game, cause he gave up something like 5 or 6 runs in the first inning. That must have been a surreal game to play in, eh? I remember exactly where I was watching it too. Sitting in the big room of my fraternity house at Tech, skipping class so I could watch the Braves game…
Ah, those were the days. Minimal responsibilities and Braves baseball in October! Here’s hoping you and the boys can bring October baseball back to us this year!
Thanks again for blogging with everyone tonight. That was really cool. Hopefully I’ll catch you on here tomorrow or in the future some time…
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this
Here’s a website that shows Chipper’s mastery over the Mets
By Nolie
February 7, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
You are either very misinformed or are a banned poster on his site.pATIO
I’m neither. I’ve read his homebrewed pablum for a decade. He can write just fine but he overvalues Braves’ prospects so much that he is a national joke. And I have seen him put forth dozens of so called “informed” info & trade plots and I can’t remember more than one that ever materialized. Sure many Braves’ fans love him, he is the ultimate homer.You’ll feel just great about everything Braves’ related after digesting his sugarwater. Never been on his site but I have responded to him on other sites over the years and he has never impressed me at all other than with his undying devotion to the Braves’. Big deal, if I want a cheerleader I’d at least like a pretty lady that I can watch gyrate a little. Bah!
By Nolie
February 7, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this
He knew the player going in the Kotsay trade was Devine was before anyone else and he reported the Soriano-Ramirez trade a full two hours before anyone else, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.TVSportscaster
are you really?and is that how you know that exactly, that he was first? I read several dozen national baseball related sources everyday and I didn’t see him as first on any of those.BTW I didn’t say that he floated the rumor, I was responding to another poster who said that. A modicum of reading comprehension would go a long way towards you getting your facts straight…hopefully before you sportscast them on TV. And after 35 years of smoking my pipe I finally was able to give it up a few years ago and I must say that it is not very nice of you to tempt me into relapsing.
By Metropolitan Man
February 7, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this
Seems like over spending for Castillo didnt make sense until now. Heres the article that supports his crazy contract. Show Castillo the Money and Johan will follow….and it worked!
To Johan Santana, the trade of Luis Castillo from the Twins to the Mets last summer seemed to be an indication that his team was not likely to make the financial commitment it would take to keep him in Minnesota.
Santana publicly expressed his displeasure at the deal, and, according to Castillo, told the second baseman they might very well be reunited.
“When I got traded,” Castillo said on a conference call yesterday from the Dominican Republic, “I remember Johan, in the locker room, we talked for 20 minutes. He told me he wanted to play for the Mets.
“So when I got over there I told (GM Omar) Minaya that Johan liked the Mets. I told him, ‘I know he’ll make a lot of money, but he’s a great pitcher, and we need him here.’ ”
No surprise, then, that Castillo said he was thrilled to learn last week of the trade that brought Santana to the Mets.
“The day Johan got traded, he called me,” Castillo said. “I felt so happy about it. He’s a great guy and, for me, I think he’s the best pitcher in the big leagues.
“I don’t see any problem coming to New York. He works hard every day. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, and he’ll be fine.”
Castillo, who signed a four-year, $25 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, said he is excited personally for the start of spring training and a new season after having arthroscopic knee surgery to repair torn cartilage that caused him to run with a limp at times after coming to the Mets.
By Metropolitan Man
February 7, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this
Even David Wright has written the braves off, he has his eyes towards the philthies for sweet revenge:
The team to beat in my eyes is the team that won last year,” Wright said. “Philadelphia took care of us last year. They took care of business in the division. Going into this year, we have to take control again of the NL East.” Wright wasn’t prepared to make any such predictions for 2008, but with the Mets adding Santana to their rotation and the Phillies doing very little in terms of changing their roster, the pendulum may have swung back in New York’s favor.
Wright believes that the trade for Santana has finally allowed the Mets to put the debacle of last fall behind them and concentrate on the task ahead.
“It allowed us to effectively completely shut the book on ‘07,” Wright said of the deal. “It takes away from the aura of what happened last year and we can put that behind us. When your superstars have focused their attention on looking ahead and not behind, that rubs off on the rest of the team.”
Before receiving his award last night, Wright spent some of his day watching the Giants’ ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes. The festivities left him imagining what it would be like to experience such an event with the Mets, a goal he clearly has in mind for the immediate future.
“Seeing the city rally behind the Giants, seeing first-hand the ovations the guys got at the parade while watching on TV, the city of New York really gets behind a team like that,” Wright said. “I think it motivates you that much more to be in their shoes in October.”
Assuming they can get past the Phillies, of course.
And they will!!!
LETS GO METS!!!
By Metropolitan Man
February 7, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this
Man, even Willie has dismiss you guys…whats going on. I still think you guys are relevant or did I not get the memo:
Randolph, no doubt relieved by the trade for Santana, had trouble suppressing a grin for most of the afternoon. The manager recalled a dinner conversation he had with Martinez about Santana that basically matched his own impressions.
“What he was trying to convey to me is that this guy is as tough as it gets,” Randolph said. “He’ll cut your heart out.”
That’s what the Mets want Santana to do to the Phillies, who gutted them at the wire last year. Two weeks after Randolph tried to bait Jimmy Rollins into making another bold proclamation, the manager refused to anoint the Mets as the NL East favorite — even with Santana.
“I really don’t think so,” Randolph said. “It makes our chances obviously that much better and we feel better about knocking off the front-runner. But no, I still respect the fact that they beat us last year and that we just reinforced our chances to knock them off.”
Booby Cox’s response, ” So what, we got depth at pitching.”
By Nolie
February 7, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
For those who remembe Millwood he is taking up martial arts training now
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this
ooooooooooh, wow, MetroMan, Chris Rock, Seinfeld, the unfunny King of Queens fatso, Not everyone loves raymond, and alec baldwin are all mets fans, huh?
Any other washed up loser has beens pushed down to the C list since their 15 minutes ran up that you want to tell us support your team?
Oh, that’s right. You got Woody Allen and Soon Yi as well. Nothing like seeing a child molester with his victimized bride/adopted child rooting your team on.
We are so jealous.
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this
You might be an idiot if you still think the unfunny King of Queens fatso is a celebrity.
By Some Blogs Have Jokes
February 7, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
Coach: “Hey, Lew — how’s your love life?”
Lew: “Oh, I’m holding my own.”
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this
You are a real classy fella there Metroman. Make fun of Chipper while he’s here and make tornado jokes on a Southern blog while many Southerners still lay dead under a pile of rubble waiting for someone to find them due to yesterday’s tornadoes. Could you be more of an offensive idiot?
Here are some stats to shut you up:
The Mets record the last 2 seasons when Tom Glavine starts: 42-24
The Twins record the last 2 seasons when Johan Santana starts: 44-23.
Here are some other stats for you:
Johan Santana, the last 4 years against NL Central teams that score over 790 runs in a season: 14 wins, 15 losses. 3.32 ERA.
Johan Santana, the last 4 seasons against NL Central teams that score less than 790 runs in a season: 18 wins, 2 losses, 2.55 ERA.
Bully for him.
Unfortunately for Johan, he is headed to the NL East where the Braves, Marlins, Phillies all scored over 790 runs and where the Nats figure to have a much improved offense.
Johan will not be the difference maker you think he is gonna be.
By Metropolitan Man
February 7, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this
Sorry you found negativety in a joke that was meant for humor. Thanks for bringing me down with death……try to keep up and not bring sad topics where fun is trying to be had. No offense to anyone who has lost a love one in life period…not just tornado victims!!!!
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this
Metroman, you gave DOB a hard time about that Coco Crisp thing, so I am just returning the favor to you.
By ncscoots
February 7, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
Well, I knew we had coaches past and present, former college players, and former minor leaguers plying the blog, but I guess we can officially say the forum is now Major League, LOL. That was quite an evening, thanks to Chipper, and I’m guessing the denzines got most beaucoup appreciation for it (park-adjusted, of course). Maybe now that the wall has crumbled, more of his teammates will tool by for the occasional post. That would be good.
I notice that Met Man had some questions to ask, but no stones to actually pose them while answers were available. Guess he just kinda collapsed, if you get my drift.
Oh, and if Chipper is back soon, someone ask him if he knows his VORP, LOL.
By Metropolitan Man
February 7, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
So the Coco Crisp thing was a joke taken out of context???? Stop reaching Braveheart. What you did was rabble rouse, what I did was make a poor attempt at a joke at a bad time…2 different things. Nice try but I am no editor and have no journalistic responsibility like DOB. However I will not be an a-hole unless its about sports. Mainly baseball.
ncscoots: Chumper did not repsond to me and I understand. Why concern himself with a METS fan when he plays for the braves. Trust me, when he is ready to talk about the game, I will be ready to respond. But his time was for you guys, no direct contact with METS fans, might make heal his ailments!!!
By wiki
February 7, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
Metroman, you are truly classless. It’s one thing when you take your adolescent shots at the Braves’ team and these bloggers, but then it transcends into southern culture and trying to make light of someone else’s disaster????? What’s next, 9/11? Are you drunk? Go to bed and get a life.
By SpringFeaver
February 7, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
U Know Who….I think its cool you come in to chat with us. John S and Wren keep us in the dark so much its a good change to hear from a player. I just want to thank you for giving us your time. Come to the MLB sometime will ya? The fans there really need something there at times. They just get real crazy lol. Good luck this year. I think our team is solid and I look forward to 2008.
By ssiscribe
February 7, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, denizens. Haven’t posted much lately — been busy with work and family and my own blog and freelance stuff — but I have been reading.
Really good stuff with Chipper last night. As DOB said, it takes stones to jump on here and open yourself up to whatever. But it doesn’t surprise me in the least Chipper would do that; he’s always been accessible and open with the media and fans.
Anyway, really enjoyed reading the back and forth last night. Will check in tonight to see if he returns. Either way, it was a nice way to get all of us a little bit closer to next Thursday, when camp opens at Dark Star.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By nOLIE
February 7, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Metro, what about Pedro being a c**-fighter in the Dominican per Utube and Homerun Derby? Whatcha think, that video right? He and Vick oughta get together, huh? You’re hero I bet.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 7, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
Chipper - thanks a ton for dropping in and surprising everyone last night. that was really special, and i’m sure we’re all looking forward to the next opportunity. not just any ballplayer would do something like that, so we really appreciate it a lot.
you said you’ll do your part come March 31st, but don’t look past March 30 in Washington! I know the Nationals are bad, but like Bobby says, the games in late March count the same as the games in September!
By richbrave
February 7, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
U KNOW WHO:
Thanks for the memories. Havent’t seen you live since you last played here in Richmond. Guess its gonna’ be hard to see you end your career with TBS pulling the plug. But thanks for the memories.
Get Francouer and Teixeira to sign soon. Anything you can do, please. I know there’s nothing you can do about how much Liberty will pony up and about a #1 SP. Those two items will at least set up the Braves for a while.
By eware
February 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Holy Cow! I can’t believe what I’m reading this morning. How cool is Chipper? The Braves better hold on to him - not only is he a Hall-worthy player, but he’s a quality dude.
I can’t believe I missed this party last night. Dang this 9:30 bedtime.
Chipper, are you a fisherman at all? Fly-fishing?
By SpringFeaver
February 7, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Signing Tex it really up to him. Yes he has Boras as his agent, but it depends on Tex and what he thinks is a good salary. I am sure the Braves are going to make him a fair offer, however we all know one thing the Braves wont do is overpay for a player. As Braves fans, do we really want them to? I know I dont. Hamptons contract really hurt when they went down and insurance pays yes, but not the whole thing. I would rather have players play on the team because they want to play, because they love the game. They make a much better team to root for I think. I hope Tex is a player who can do without the extra cup of coffee in the morning lol.
By atlanta_braves_gal
February 7, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Wow! What a treat for the bloggers last night!
Chipper, you’ve been our family’s favorite for awhile now. Our 8-year-old tries to copy your LH swing & does a decent job at it. Question: He’s a true right hander so we introduced LH hitting first. When should we introduce the right?
We were very TO’d to see Wright unjustifiably win the Gold Glove last season. We all know how awesome it will be for you to finally and very deservedly win one, but regardless, you know you’re #1 in the hearts of all Braves fans.
Take care of those feet, enjoy your Mickey D’s and we look forward to Opening Day!! GO BRAVES!!
By cleve
February 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Freebird!!!!!Go Braves!
By cleve
February 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Freebird!!!!!Go Braves!
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Well, I’M AND IDIOT. I saw U Kno Who’s first post and didn’t believe it was him, so all i said was picking on him for liking Rascal Flatts. I go to bed and read all this today and feel like a moron. (But that doesn’t change my opinion about Rascal Flatts). I can only hope i don’t miss it next time. That was awful nice of him to do that, still can’t believe it.
I see Metroman was talking to himself for several hours last night. Must be alot of fun.
By DAP
February 7, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
braveheart i think kevin james is funny.
By McFann
February 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Dang!!! I’m and idiot, too!! I didn’t come up with any Q’s for Chipper till I went to bed!! Hope he comes back…dude, that would be awesome…I think he should take Lew’s advice.
Hey, Roman Gal, my computer was acting possessed (again) yesterday…not to mention I had to go to bed.
Hey, Chipper, if you come back (PLEASE??), hope I get a chance to chat with ya. Havin’ the Grandparents over for my brother’s b-day tonight, but I might get the chance.
By Set The Record Straight (TBone)
February 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Nolie I will say one thing for you and that is you are consistent. You have now bashed, insulted, attempted to perform character assassination on every Braves writer known that writes about the Braves and other publications. You are obnoxious, condescending, juvenile, uninformed, petty, arrogant, and belligerent.
If you think that by putting down sports writers or beat writers somehow elevates you above them you are mistaken. You are a sad little man that does not deserve a response from those you try to smear with your surly words.
Like another blogger suggested, you are way misinformed, I mean way, way, way misinformed.
My agenda in this is justice or should I say injustice that you give to some. Clean up your act you worm.
tvsportscaster is a real TV sports person and I don’t blame him for getting angry with you based on your mindless attack on Bill Shanks.
In the short time you have been on this Earth you need to remember that if you throw a punch at someone expect a punch back at you.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
It’s always rewarding to not post for hours, just to have some moron insult me in the middle of the night. And the Mutts’ fans call ME Lew-ser. Whatever. All the class of the auto body repair shop environment they come from.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
220z, that was funny. I saw your post about Chipper’s favorite band and thought, ‘uh oh.’ But he handled it well. Now to see what you were thinking when you posted it … that’s hilarious.
By PatioDaddio
February 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
TBone tell us how you really feel, lol.
I too get irritated, and I like your use of the term “character assassination”, when I know something has been said and it is not accurate and true.
Nolie is entitled to his opinion, but just because he says something it does not make it true.
Nolie I will say this in defense of Bill Shanks…on a professional level he is nothing like you describe, so I can only think you have a personal agenda with him.
I have been a Braves fan for 40 years and have read all the Braves writers over the years…all of them.
Bill Shanks reports on what the scouts, coaches and others tell him, along with what he sees and you can’t find distaste in him if the prospect he writes and raves about doesn’t pan out.
I will say this in Shanks defense…he rarely speculates, but he encourages others to speculate in order to discussion on certain topics.
One more thing….he breaks more trades made by the Braves than anyone else and with accurate player involvement included with every pending trade. He can’t control last minute decisions or back outs of trades.
People really need to go to his website in order to really be able to judge for themselves. There are only a few very reliable places for fast, accurate dependable Braves info and this place here with DOB is one and another is Bill Shanks site.
TBone…you go boy.
By nOLIE
February 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Nolie I will say one thing for you and that is you are consistent. You have now bashed, insulted, attempted to perform character assassination on every Braves writer known that writes about the Braves and other publications*Set The Record straight8
what a crock. I haven’t assassinated anyones character. Saying that Shanks is a total homer isn’t assaulting his character.and my my such anger at an opinion, and under an unknown screenname too, real adult. I disagreed with DOB on a couple of things but I hardly insulted him.and thats the extent of my ‘assassination’ of Braves writers. Gee i never even said anything bad about Bowman. You got a pretty restricted life if DOB and Shanks are the only writers you are familiar with. It certainly is my right to disagree with any writer and anyone who can’t see how biased Shanks is towards the Braves is just overwhelmed by Braves-luv I guess. Sure he seems to put a lot of effort into that site, but he is just a fan,living out his dream which is great but doesn’t make him any less biased that he is, in fact it almost assures that he is biased. and who would be wlling to actually pay for his biased info. Guy never met a Braves’ prospect who wasn’t the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some of y’all are so tied emotionally to the Braves that every post that questions something about them is met with outrage no matter who posts it. are you one of those guys that lives vicariously through his team, getting your selfworth there? Notice I only asked, not accused. LOL You need to get a life so a little realistic appraisal of some things doesn’t cause you to stroke out, dude.
By Thrillhouse44
February 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Never thought I’d see the day when the “prominent Brave” revealed himself and chatted. Seemed like a cool cat. I loved the “Quit calling me Hoss” post.
Lew, to be the man, you got to beat the man. Those Mutts morons are just trying to go after our top dog.
By Niels Boor
February 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Way to go, Overlord — some good questions got some good answers!!!
DOB — let us know if you hear of any Braves that logged on to see what Chipper was saying about them. If you don’t mind, sir.
By cricket
February 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!! What an evening yesterday on the ol’ blog and I missed it. Thanks a lot chipper, hope you come back. I have a question about your approach to hitting with runners on base / scoring position. What are you thinking with, let us say runner on 2nd and 1 out? Would you go for a homer or would you be happy to knock the run in any way, even with a sac fly. I think you normally go for the 2nd option and don’t go all crazy to hit a 2 run homer. I really like your overall approach to hitting, considering the fact that you could have thought about going all crazy for homers. We’ve had many interesting discussions on related topics on the blog but it would be great to see what an MLB hitter actually thinks. Thanks in advance.
By McFann
February 7, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Haha!! That’s a good one, Lew! Bet those Mets fans think their real clever for coming up with that. Wow, ya know, guys, we’re all really impressed. LOL!
Are you really gonna paint a deer for Chipper? Man, that would be cool…I drew Golden Retrievers for Laura Ingraham last year, but I’m way more into baseball than politics. But it was a great experience to give them to her and know that some famous person has two of me humble drawings.
: )
By TennesseePaul
February 7, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
park adjusted excitement last night. Now to begin work on the formula for VORB (Value over replacement Blog). Is that what Chop Chick’s blog is? About 80% of a slow day on the Braves blog?
By Lew
February 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
McFann-If Chipper would like a deer painting, then I will paint one for him and enjoy doing it. Maybe I will use one of the deer from my backyard as the model, but I could paint a Texas landscape. Of course, I would have to paint a white tail and Chipper may have Mulies on his ranch, but I could paint a Mule Deer, if that is what he prefers. Doesn’t matter. It will be a good painting.
Thrillhouse-I appreciate that you think I’m the Man, but it ain’t so. I’m just the artist. However, the Trolls will never get the upper hand on me. That would require them discovering that they actually had functional brains. All we Braves’ Faithful realize, of course, that there is not half a brain collectively in the entire Mets’ Nation. Otherwise, they wouldn’t BE Mets’ fans. They would know better. GO BIG BRUISE. Yeah, right.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, he’d probably not admit it here, but he likes the nickname. He said something to me at FanFest about bloggers here calling him Hoss, and kinda sheepishly said he liked it. (Didn’t know if I should tell him who started it.)
By Niels Boor
February 7, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
If anyone is in the Tokyo/Kanto Plain area in the near future, here’s a typical tour from NAF Atsugi to see some MLB baseball in the Tokyo Dome.
Major League Baseball Season Opener! Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics Tue, Mar 25 & Wed, Mar 26 Depart Atsugi (Corner Pocket): 3 p.m. Game Starts (Tokyo Dome): 7 p.m. Mileage: 100 km Tour fee includes game ticket and a 2,000 yen gift coupon (food and drinks), plus transportation. Seating Chart A-seat (20tickets/day) $140 B-seat (15tickets/day) $95 C-seat (15tickets/day) $70 MWR has just 50 tickets reserved for each day. All tickets are sold as part of the tour package (no discounts available from above), and do not qualify for the cash-back program. Full payment required at time of purchase. Tickets are non-refundable. Expected return time to Atsugi is between 11 – 11:30 p.m., depending on game times and traffic.
If that link doesn’t work, try this one.
By Epinephrine
February 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Pretty cool stuff. Chipper is the man.
By Thrillhouse44
February 7, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Who wouldn’t love being called “Hoss”?
By PatioDaddio
February 7, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Nolie
Bill Shanks has been covering the Braves off and on since 1986 as a radio reporter, television sports anchor, television host of a Braves show, and an author. He’s covered them through every type of media possible, so to say that he is just a fan living out a dream is a joke.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Guys, I don’t think Bill Shanks professess to be anything other than what he is. He’s not trying to be someone offering straight news and impartial views on the Braves and all of baseball. He’s there to provide interviews and assessments of Braves prospects, from fringe guys to top prospects. I have seen and heard him criticize guys who aren’t panning out, and offer opinions, particularly on radio, about what he thinks the Braves should or shouldn’t do. But for the most part, his services provides a lot of info on Braves minor leaguers and up-and-comers, if I’m not mistaken (I don’t have a subscription to it, so I don’t see all the content).
And believe me, if he started ripping Braves prospects left and right, being a harda$$ “journalist” as nolie might like him to be, then he’s not going to be able to get all those minor leaguers and prospects and scouts to quickly pick up the phone and return calls for all the interviews that he has on his site. That’s just not what his site’s about.
Having the relationship he does with those scouts and prospects, etc, helps him get some good info before the team announces it. That just goes with the territory. The function he serves for his readers and listeners, he serves well.
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
DOB — Thanks for your response. Actually, I had thanked Chipper early in his blogging which is why I sent kudos your way. Last night’s great fun wouldn’t have happened without your excellent work time after time in creating the new blogs and then hanging with us to answer questions and provide additional insights. So I say again for all of us… Thanks a million, DOB.
By supa
February 7, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Darn it - can’t believe I missed Chipper on the ole blog yesterday. Very interesting and candid responses. He seems like a cool dude.
By Serge45
February 7, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’ve read the blog since spring training last year and post sparingly. But seeing as how you’re into the Wire, as am I, I couldn’t help but notice the front of the AJC sports online and see a big picture of Chipper and “U Kno Who” being outed to anybody who ventures to the page. I felt that Chipper blogging here was a cool thing and a real treat for fans of the blog who read regularly enough that they’re checking a week before pitchers and catchers report. Can you comment on this at all?
By Choppinmama
February 7, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Wow! I’ve been catching up on about 5 days worth of blogging as I’ve been taking care of my daughter in the hospital and at home after a really bad car accident. It sure did raise my spirits to read the exchanges with U Know Who and the denizens last night.
I can only imagine the eye rolling and frustration that some of the players experience when they read some of the drivel that gets posted. But, for the most part, I’m sure they are gratified to read the knowledgeable and thought-provoking discourse that goes on here. Even if I don’t post, I sure do make it a point to read over the postings before hitting the sack every night as I’m sure a huge number of fans do too.
DOB: bet you’ll rival the Super Bowl viewership tonight with the number of folks logging on, looking for UKW again!! Can’t wait for your reports from FL. Looking forward to making a personal appearance myself and immersing myself in Braves baseball for a week. That’ll get the ‘ol spirits revived for me!
By Jon
February 7, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Cricket What are you thinking with, let us say runner on 2nd and 1 out? Would you go for a homer or would you be happy to knock the run in any way, even with a sac fly. Cricket, not saying its impossible, but it would be kinda hard to get a sac fly RBI if the guy is on 2nd. But i get what you meant.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Believe me DOB, Chipper’s been my favorite Brave since he came up, the last thing i’d wanna do is tick him off!
By DAP
February 7, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
DOB who started it?
By Epinephrine
February 7, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
That picture on the main page might be the goofiest thing I have ever seen.
By stamper
February 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
that was great stuff with chipper last night. what type of computer do you think he has? anyone see Hoss with a Mac? or is he an HP or Dell kinda guy?
just as long as he isn’t using an eMachine with all the money he makes.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
MLBtraderumors.com has the Mets interested in Craig Wilson. Go Big Blue!
By cricket
February 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Sorry Jon, had couple of scenarios in my head while writing and had to hurry as I got called away from my desk and scred up the post. OK, let me try again, hope **chipper will answer. -chipper, What would you be thinking with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out? 3 run homer or a sac fly that will score 1 and may even move the 2nd runner up. I would really love to know chipper’s whole approach to hitting as he seems to be a very good situational hitter. We all know what Andrew was thinking in most of the scenarios :)
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Roman Girl yes i know the song was funny.
DOB do you have any idea why chipper came by to blog? It amazes me. Wonder if he tells Cox what many of us think of his strategies? It was like christmas in february, everybody was very happy to have chipper around specially since he is the favorite braves of at least half of braves fan sharing the privilage with smoltz. I a #1 fan of chipper and giving fans a chance to blog with him to me means as much as he does in the field. I mean he showed yesterday that baseball and his fans are his life. He doesnt needs to do anything extra to be more popular but he did, and good for you and your blog, it shows that the word is spread about the quality and professionalism of your job and blog. Keep the hard work and CONGRATULATIONS DOB
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
sTAMPER what difference does it makes what lap does chipper uses? i dont get it….LOL, but he might be using a MAC i suspect.
22oz chipper has also being my favorite, he has been #1 since day 1. Only when maddux was around there was a brave that matched chippers brilliance, but maddux is not a brave by heart.
By DAP
February 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Jon maybe a runner on 2nd could score on a sac fly if the outfielder passes out after catching the ball or something.
By nOLIE
February 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Guys, I don’t think Bill Shanks professess to be anything other than what he is. He’s not trying to be someone offering straight news and impartial views on the BravesDOB
my point exactly. and if one reads his biography you know that he is a fan living out his dream. Nothing wrong with that. I shouldn’t have called him a moron, but he has floated a whole lot of pretty eccentric stuff over the years. A lot of people don’t want to hear anything hard about the Braves and I understand that he serves that group well.
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
*Niels Boor * Thanks, i try to do my best (Q&A).
McFann whats up with your computer??? maybe i could help.
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
being = been
By Anders
February 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
Chipper live and in living color on the blog. Very, very cool - Kudos.
By Alonzo
February 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Now that Chipper has visited and talked. others may do likewise. I look forward to the conversation between Anders and Glavine and Robert and Bobby Cox. (Someone will need to let Bobby know the name “Coach” has been taken.) Course, since we know on-line sometimes mirrors real life, one of the Mets fans will get in argument with a celebrity guest, online Bobby Cox will get mad, question DoB’s call on balls and strikes, and will get thrown off the blog for the rest of the evening. (But Terry Pendleton will be around to take his place.).
I am new to posting on this blog. Do I need to insert a music or pop quote reference now?
By Thrillhouse44
February 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
“A video of New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal at a cockfight was posted this week on YouTube.
Martinez and Marichal laugh before releasing the roosters. The two took part as honorary “soltadores,” the word used to describe the person who puts the animal to fight.”
Check out the story on cnnsi.com
By Roman Gal
February 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
That picture for the blog on the main page is kinda creepy.
McFann my internet isn´t working at all. I´m using my roommates computer…which strañge because it´s a spanish computer. It´s got some funky symbols on here. € ç ñ ¿ But it is cool.
By Tilly
February 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Chipper, thanks for participation in this blog. I think it’s awesome that you take some time to give of yourself when you really don’t have too. Keep up the good work, on and off the field. We fans appreciate it.Go Braves!
By Steve
February 7, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I think it’s pretty effing cool that CJ took the time to read the blog, and to post more than a few comments. It’s nice to be reminded that these guys are, in fact, human.
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
McNamee kept the vials, gauze pads and syringes from the 2000 and 2001 seasons because he feared Clemens would deny using performance-enhancing drugs, [a] source told the Daily News
If that is a fact, looks like that guy was planning use this against clemens in exchange for money, maybe roger didnt wanted to cooperate and he went public. What kind of man if you can call him a man keeps the thing he kept for 5 years? The guy is sick, he needs help. Not saying that roger is clean.
By Deborah
February 7, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
Just wanted to say “GO BRAVES” to you & the team. Here’s hoping to a great season for the Braves. I’m glad to see Javy back….hope he makes it back on the team. I’ve missed seeing him with Atlanta. Hope your family is doing well. I do have one thing I would like for you to pass along in the clubhouse if possible, please??? Kids look up to you guys so much, and with the controversy going on with kids being crushed by what Michael Vick did, I just have one request of you guys. Please remember that the kids really do idolize you all…….I know as an adult that you all get frustrated when something doesn’t go right at bat & loose tempers. But would you please remind everyone in the clubhouse that you all are looked up to by these little boys & girls & to please not say anything out of the way while on camera?? Last year ( AND NOT ONLY THE BRAVES TEAM ), I can’t count how many times my son said he saw a baseball player say a terrible word ( they are smart these days & can read lips….LOL ). It’s in all pro-sports & these kids just don’t need to see this out of their idols. Good luck to you guys & take care. Have a safe season, and we’ll be pulling for our BRAVES in Woodstock!!!
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Overlord, remember last year when I said a certain Brave had been on the blog and posted a few times? It was him. I suspect others have from time to time, perhaps from the computer in a room adjacent to the clubhouse before or after games. But Chipper was on here last winter and used that same screen name. I checked with him at pitchign camp a year ago to see if it had been him (he busted my chops in a couple of posts) and he said it was. It was him who commented about that bogus confrontation he was accused of initiating with an autograph hound in Philly last winter.
He just gets a kick out of coming on and seeing what fans are saying about the team and actually responding now and then. And unlike some others, he doesn’t mind admitting he reads the stuff.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
February 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
i’ll fall in line behind the rest of the daily readers who checked in yesterday before the excitement. that’s great of him and great for the blog.
By Longwood's Finest
February 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Been a while since I have posted- but have been reading every day. All I can say is WOW to having Chipper online. What other players do that, except on their own blogs…
Next thing you know is David Wright is going to get jealous and start bloggin with the Mutts fans. Good luck this year Hoss
By JET
February 7, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who has always been and will be my favorite player. Not to mention that my son looks like you and has been mistaken for you when he was in Orlando. If only he could have played like you so he could support me when I retire! But seriously, I grew up outside NY and was (key word - was) a MET fan until I moved south and the Braves were the only team to root for. Then came U Know Who and there was no doubt who the best player/team was. You never cease to amaze me with your plays always at the right time! I pray you keep healthy and uninjured for many years to come.
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Welcome Alonzo, good post for a 1st post.
By StingerSplash
February 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Wait … I coulda been blogging with the real owner of the Mets (it ain’t Fred Wilpon) instead of watching Duke-UNC at Hooters on my way home from work?
By Jon
February 7, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Haha, its cool cricket, wasnt poking fun at ya. Just thought it was a little bit of an impossible scenario, lol. Its all good.
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Looks like having chipper here last night got everybody out from under their rocks….. tons of dif. names today.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
If the mets are truly interested in Craig Wilson, who is less than 40 years old, it must mean one thing only-Youth Movement.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Daybed, Mowag, Renegator, Bay Area Steve, Thrillhouse, NC Gary, Adirondack Dave, CC Rider, Nolie and Ten Paul-I have not forgotten I promised prints. They will be mailed before I leave for Spring Training in a week. Sorry it’s taken so long, but I had a lot of art to do for Spring Training. Lots of Wurlitzer awards coming this year. I’m well prepared. Keep working on the quality of those posts. YOU too can be a Wurlitzer Winner in 08. Anyone interested in seeing some of the new artwork can email me at LewHartman@comcast.net
By Va Brave
February 7, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
That was cool. Thanks Chip!
By Braves N 08
February 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper has always been a stand up guy. I remember when they played in seattle and he did not play and signed for the fans. Chipper is a badass.
Tomahawk-talk.com
By Matt the Brave
February 7, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, great having someone who actually can get on the good side of Braves players at the AJC again. Nice to be able to see that Hoss is on here too. Good work! Can you take Bradley and Moore’s position now? (ha!)
By matlanta
February 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
hey chipper,
thanks for coming on to the board last night. i’ve got a question about bobby cox: what is he like in the clubhouse, away from the reporters and cameras? i remember one interview with a few braves (i think francoeur and laroche were part of it) where they were talking about bobby and saying that sometimes he doesn’t even watch the game; that there might be a play where one of the braves is called out and the guys on the bench are like “what?! are you kidding me??!!!” and bobby would be like “what, was he safe?” and the players would be like “oh, YEAH!” and THEN he’d go out and be all “WHADDAYA MEAN HE WAS OUT??!!”
can you give us a little insight on how he is when we, the fans, don’t see him in interviews or on tv? thanks again, chip, i can’t wait for the season to start and seeing all you old guys on the field scrappin’ with the young’n’s. Zzzzzzzzzzing!
By cricket
February 7, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Jon, I know dude, its cool. When I read my post later, I was searching for the delete button :)
By Braveheart
February 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
DAP, don’t mind me. I was just engaging in a fight with Metroman and wasn’t gonna give an inch on Chris Rock, Seinfeld, Alec Baldwin or even Kevin James. I find Kevin James by far the least funny of the four but his movies and television shows are enjoyable. I wish DOB would just delete those posts of mine since they make no sense because people now have no idea what I was responding to.
By Christi
February 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper! We watched you play in Macon with my boys when they were just little guys. Back in those days, every one could scream at the umps and be heard. We hope you continue to be a star, because we feel like you grew up with our boys! We also liked minor league ball because we wanted the guys to hear us cheer them on towards making the majors. Wish all the guys that play ball could have one chance. I figure no one forgets making it and one thing that is still true about baseball is that none of the guys take getting the chance to be on the big field for granted! Have a great year and good hunting!
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 7, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I gotta say, I’m a bit surprised that Chipper’s appearance isn’t getting mentioned elsewhere. I mean, granted, it’s not big news by any means (although it is to us), but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a small story on espn.com or foxsports or something. At the same time, I’m glad it’s not getting attention…
I also just saw on the espn rumor central that the Mets are looking at Craig Wilson. I’m no longer an espn subscriber so I just read the headline, but Go for it Mutts!!! Have at it, please!
By David-ATL14
February 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Nolie as DOB correctly pointed out you are way off base in your criticism of Shanks and his site.
It’s a first rate and thoroughly professional site.
By your own admission you don’t read the content of the site, so your overly harsh words are of no consequence and are without merit.
By MetsfaninATL
February 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
U Know Who: As a Mets fan you have been the bane of my existence…but, I want to give you some credit where credit is due and then ask a question. Here’s the cred: 1) You are an exception player, especially hitting. Even when you’ve been injured, you are a tough out. 2) You deserve a lot of credit for coming on this blog. 3) You engaged in the greatest trash talk ever: Naming your kid “Shea” — that’s exceptional. Will you change the kids name to “Citifield” when the Mets move into the new stadium?
QUESTION: In your opinion, who are the best players under 25 yrs old at each position?
By Steve
February 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Chipper thanks for coming on here and hanging out with the fans. I can honestly say it has been a pleasure getting to watch you play from your days in Macon until now. I hope to never see the day that you have to wear another uniform but if you do I will still cheer for ya! Good luck this year!
By Steve
February 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Chipper thanks for coming on here and hanging out with the fans. I can honestly say it has been a pleasure getting to watch you play from your days in Macon until now. I hope to never see the day that you have to wear another uniform but if you do I will still cheer for ya! Good luck this year!
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
*ATLANTA — Mike Hampton is healthy, according to the Atlanta Braves. Really.
“He’s fine. He’s 100 percent,” general manager Frank Wren said this week. “He has no restrictions going into spring training.”*
From ESPN
By Murphy
February 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Crud. I was on here last night and that it was a prank.
Braves…Phillies…Mets. This is the most satisfying way for the season to end!
By sammymiller/beetlebum
February 7, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
HOSS—- YOU DA MAN!
By Tomahawkin
February 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Daybed I already mentioned it on the Phillies.com forum, You “Hoss” will get some love up on that Forum…
The guys on the Philly.com forum are cool as long as you know your stuff, and don’t talk Shyt…
I think everyone is ready for this race to begin, I love the fact that we are the underdawgs, reminds me of 2001 when both the mets and phillies were supposed to come out on top…Hopefully this year will work out the same…
Go Braves!
By Overlord
February 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
For now, at least, Wren says Hampton has full clearance to join workouts when pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 14. Hampton has been working out in Phoenix and might not join the voluntary conditioning camp in Atlanta. ESPN
By Daria
February 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I just want to say how awesome of our third baseman to come on the blog and chat with us fans during his free time. I greatly enjoyed reading the questions and his responses. Chipper is a Braves legend and he has always put the team before himself. We are so lucky to have a guy like that, a true homegrown Bravo, who understands and greatly appreciates what it means to be an Atlanta Brave.
He deserves and I believe will be a Hall of Famer when it’s all said and done, and if the Braves had made the playoffs last season, he would have been a legitimate MVP candidate! I look forward to watching him continue to prove any of his critics wrong with another SUPERB season! Stay healthy Chip. We are behind you 100%. Thank you for all that you do. We have nothing but love for you, also!
But I gotta agree with the man, enough David Wright chatter. Wright can only hope to be where Chipper is at career wise years from now. He’s got a loooong way to go.
By Harry
February 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Shanks is a dork, as are most of the nerds that frequent his site. They are still crying about the Marte trade.
By Harry
February 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Shanks is a dork, as are most of the nerds that frequent his site. They are still crying about the Marte trade.
By timmythebrave
February 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Very cool of Chipper to come on here. If you can get more players to come on here for a little Q & A that would be great. U Know Who can get the word out in spring training. They could even blog during a game. timmythebrave: Why did you swing at that garbage pitch Texeira: I thought he was going to throw a fastball timmythebrave: Doh! Innings over hit the field. Tell the Giants fans that the Patriots are still BCS champions based on strength of schedule and won loss record.
By Tomahawkin
February 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Hey D.O.B. Get “Hoss” to get his crazy train entrance music back, The Twista/Lil Jon version isn’t Chipper, that song rules but it’s not him…
By Political Foreskin
February 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
So it’s Chipper Jones, the strike out king, (but only when the bases are loaded and the post season is at stake). I’ve lived in atlanta since ‘78, and had to endure the likes of a dale murphy and that fat blonde kid who struck out as bad as chipper jones does, and no pitching and whoever that man is who manages the braves and doesn’t know when to walk a guy or send a runner or bunt, or nuthin’.
I will never forgive cox for that base running nightmare that cost us the minnesota world series. Never, so dont even ask. He got duked. Please.
Remember chip, when the bases are loaded a pop up is as good as a fan, and double plays are the enemy.
By nOLIE
February 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Daybed, Mowag, Renegator, Bay Area Steve, Thrillhouse, NC Gary, Adirondack Dave, CC Rider, Nolie and Ten Paul-I have not forgotten I promised prints. They will be mailed before I leave for Spring Training in a week. Sorry it’s taken so long, but I had a lot of art to do for Spring TrainingLew
no problem Lew, whenever you can get to it. and thanks for the medical advise I’ve been following it strictly since then and I do feel a little bit of improvement in sensation . Thanx again
By TampaBravos
February 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
wow i’m so jealous i didn’t stay on here and blogged instead of going out last night dang!!! That is really cool of chipper to come on here. I got to talk to him a bit last year spring training when they played the phillies I moved to the clearwater area two years ago its so great. He’s been my favorite player growing up after ron gant left us after his accident. Can’t wait for baseball season baby!!! Here we gooo!!!
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
I just realized what Chipper coming on here last night means. Smoltz is gonna see that Chipper showed up and stole the show on a blog about Smoltz, and we’re gonna have last years “feud” all over again. Now we’ll never win the division with this impending turmoil!
By ncscoots
February 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
They could even blog during a game. timmythebrave
Yikes. Hoss’s appearance gives rise to monsters walking the earth…think I’d rather those guys have their heads in the game rather than hands on the keyboard, timmy.
Anyone notice that there are no threads today with roster comparisons, faux lineups, opposition diatribes, and the like? Chipper’s show-up put the quietus on all that…something I would have thought darn near impossible, if not another sign that the apocalypse is near. I’d say accomplishing that is star-power of the first freakin’ magnitude, unseen in these parts heretofore.
Of course, Alyssa Milano hasn’t been here yet, either. :-) Holy Cornelia!
By nOLIE
February 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Nolie as DOB correctly pointed out you are way off base in your criticism of Shanks and his site.David
what? DOB said exactly what I’ve been saying guy. You need to read and comprehend. The guy is not an objective journalist and that is what Dave pretty much indicated. How did you possibly not understand that? I’ve been reading the guy on other sites for a decade, I don’t need to pay for his biased info to know what its like. But if soft and cuddly Braves-luv is your level of enjoyment then go for it, dude, Just don’t believe all his evaluations of prospects. if you have the nerve to learn what Braves’ minor leaguers are thought of baseball-wide try some unbiased reading. Might be too tough for you though. I mean you guys think Anders is a hardcore troll. On most boards he would be considered a pussycat.
By BigDawg
February 7, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Chipper, glad to learn of your love for hunting. No very fond of hunting quail? Well I have a German Shorthaired Pointer that would change your mind about that. Its not so much the birds as it is to see a dog lock up and hold that bird there! Man what a rush when you get to flush birds over your dog!
Try hog hunting over in Savannah……now that can get hairy at times. Bow is the best way to hunt them in the Fall…..Shotgun in the Spring (bugs will eat you up sitting in one spot too long).
Glad to see you actually would take time from your busy life to sit and chat with us.
Go Braves in 2008!
By richbrave
February 7, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO:
You’ve had so many questions posed for you to answer this evening when you return. Here’s another. Is there any HITTER in the organization that’s not currently on the team who you’ve seen and think is gonna’ be a great HITTER? By the way, I like the way you narrow your eyes is a clutch hitting situation and focus. The joy for your work that you possess just pours out through the T.V. screen. Good to see someone who enjoys their work.
By PatioDaddio
February 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
DavidATL14 I agree with your post…Nolie as DOB correctly pointed out you are way off base in your criticism of Shanks and his site.
It’s a first rate and thoroughly professional site.
By your own admission you don’t read the content of the site, so your overly harsh words are of no consequence and are without merit.
Now to add to that I think because he has two sites he is being judged by some of the idiots that post on his free Braves board. I have to agree there are some mindless posters that go there. I agree with Harry on the Marte reference on that board. It is mostly kids that post there.
I think what we are referring to is his pay subscription site where all the good stuff is for Braves fans. That pay site is inhabited by mostly professional types who are older. We have had Frank Wren, Bill Ballew, Kurt Kemp, so many I don’t want to leave anyone out so I will stop there. There are doctors, lawyers, writers, major leaguers, minor leagues, scouts…just so many go there from all over the world.
I read here an awful lot, but post here not so much. There is a great group of baseball minds here as well as his site, the pay site.
By Robert Chiusano
February 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
U KNOW WHO:
How do you think the starting rotation will fill out this year. It seems like the rotation will decide if you guys get back to the playoffs or not. I think the lineup, bullpen, and bench ranks in the top 3 in the national league. I think the rotation could be good as well if everything goes according to plan. Smoltzie and Glavine are a year older and Hampton hasn’t pitched in 2 and a half years. If I had to bet I think the 3 of them will have success this year and hopefully throw 170+ innings but they still have to be considered question marks considering the age and risk factor.
Just a few early predictions
Smoltz 18-8 3.00 ERA 210 innings Hudson 20-9 3.20 ERA 220 innings glavine 15-9 3.80 ERA 200 innings hampton 13-8 4.20 ERA 170 innings james/reyes/jurrjens 14-10 4.00 ERA 190 innings
Chipper Jones- AVG.340 HR-36 RBI-110 OBP.430 SLG.600 Games played 150 NL-MVP
By StingerSplash
February 7, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
U No Hoo, I have to blame you for something terrible. The Patriots came out for Super Bowl 42 to YOUR MUSIC! And it was all downhill from there and they lost to a team from NEW STINKIN’ YORK! They had a chance at history but no, they had to come out to “Crazy Train” and proceeded to drop a deuce in the punch bowl for 60 minutes. Thanks, thanks a lot.
By heart of the game
February 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Does Anyone know what happened to Good ‘Ol Mart Malloy? U no who? Anyone? I always liked him and spent a fair amount of time watching him play in Richmond-was there when the Jumbotron showed him hitting his first “Bigs” home run on a call up to Hotlanta.The RB stadium went wild-including the bench!!! What is he doing now?
By Chop Chop
February 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
It’s encouraging to see that you actually give a damn about what the fans are saying. Just don’t sell out like Schill and create your own blog site. I’ve gone there a couple of times (I keep up with the Sox) and, well, Schill can type 3,000 words of nothing. Besides, DOB thinks he’s the man. You wouldn’t want to compete with Rock Chalk, would you?
Oh yeah. See if you can get Smoltz to use Ozzy’s “Mr. Crowley” as his AB entrance music. The opening to that song would bring a sense of impending doom to the opposing pitcher…or Braves fans.
By the Stranger
February 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama…best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. You are a HOF Braves fan.
Aloha!
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Wassup! I can see there has plenty of action since last nite. DOB mite have to give me a fee for spicing up his blog. Just kiddin! Please forgive my computer skills,as my fellow Bolles grad pointed out last nite, they stink. But I’m doing the best I can. I will get to as many questions as I can before I have to meet mama for lunch. First I would have to say that FSU is our biggest rival with UGA and the Vols running a very close second. Instate pride runs deeper than conference pride in Fla. It used to be that whoever won the state championship in Fla, usually played for the national championship. My song, “Crazytrain”, is so identifiable with me now, that I can’t change it. Most people that I talk to say they love it, so I’ll stick with it. Kinda dig “Rockstar” by Nickelback tho so stay tuned. The last 2 years have been very hard to swallow. We’ve had good enough teams to make it to Oct, but one phase of our game has let us down in both seasons. John Rocker was a pretty good teammate, believe it or not. He would do somethings that people didn’t appreciate sometimes but that’s just his competitive spirit bubbling over. We had words a few times over certain things but I respected the job he did for us while he was the closer. It is never too early to start a kid switch-hitting. I started when I was 7 and didn’t fully grasp it til I was 19. He’s gonna get frustrated with,but stick with it, it’s worth it in the end. My approach with runners on base is simple. Stay up the middle of the field. Drive the ball from gap to gap. That’s my game. Nobody on, let’s open it up a little and try for the instant offense.Bobby Cox is like a dad to all of us. Real understanding guy. Always willing to work with us on any problems we have. U will never find a smarter baseball man. I know that the kids look up to and idolize us but what people have to understand is that we are intense individuals who want to succeed. Sometimes the emotion of the moment causes u to say and do things that are not G rated. But that doesn’t make us bad people. Do what I do at home. Look over at your son or daughter and tell them that’s a grown up word and I better not ever hear u say it. My kids get the hint. Lew, the painting of the white tail deer would be great. It would fit perfectly down at the ranch. I’d love to check out yer work.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Nolie-Glad it has helped. Keep with it-it will only improve with time.
New art is up at LewHartman.com New full color paintings of Bobby Cox (maybe Robert will win that one? Doubtful), Braina McCann and Chipper.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Excuse me. That should be Brian McCann. I paint much better than I type.
By Niels Boor
February 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Overlord—
And my wife thinks I’m a pack rat.
By TennesseePaul
February 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Lew: Thanks a million. I love the work. Got my Smoltz up with all the rest of the Braves stuff.
Scoots: I second your post. I enjoyed reading Chipper’s input. I’m excited he stopped by and introduced himself on the blog. Pretty sweet. But I don’t know that I wanna watch the Braves on TV and have them pan to the dug out only to see the entire bench glued to laptops. The rants that come now when it appears they are all “in the game” are bad enough. Can’t imagine how far it’d go if all we got was in game images of Bobby blogging.
It would crack me up though. Bobby suiting up just to log on. Old-school for sure.
And I will say this, Robert (CIB) took an odd time to break from blogging. It’ll happen to me. I’ll be on a trip when Smoltz shows up.
By justdoit
February 7, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
were the braves really in on the Haren trade and if so why wouldnt they try and get Joe Blanton? - mlbtr says hes 50/50 to get traded and they mention the phillies - now that would suck -
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
OK, folks, he’s back. The forum is open. I’ll step aside while Chipper, er, U Kno Who, is in the house.
By Dylan w/o the dead
February 7, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
U kno who I would like to know what you think of Mike Vick as an athlete that has been on the negative side of the media. Do you think a public view of personal life is just part of the job or is it something that has become a societal problem?
By DAI
February 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - I fish with Steve Rodger down in Key West quite a bit. Last time I was there he showed us pictures of you fishing with him and pictures of his hunt at your ranch. Steve is one cool dude. Good luck this season.
By Michael
February 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper - thanks for logging on and hanging with us fans for a while..
Can you let us know what you think the batting order should be this year? God knows, it has been dissected to death on this blog..
Again - thanks. Pulling for you and the rest of the Bravos to have a great year and kick some Mets and Phillies azz.
By joe_willie
February 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Great to hear from U Kno Who. I’m a long time Braves fan and live in Alabama. Check out headlines on AJC every day and read O’Brien column pretty often. Was thinking of Rocker just this morning. Two of my favorite moments, Exibition game at Turner Field just before Rocker began his suspension, he threw a ball into the stands from about 150 feet that cracked me right on top of the head. First favorite moment, Fulton County Stadium, you were about to go into the dugout with 200-250 fans calling your name wanting autographs. I just called out to you “Hey Larry”, you looked right at me, my wife tossed you a ball, you signed it and threw it back. It has hung in my office since. Thanks for all the great memories as a Brave.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
u Kno Who:
Glad to see ya back! I was wondering what you thought of Fanfest this year? I went with every intention of getting your autograph this year, but that “treasure hunt” format made it imppossible. We were in line with a lady from Colorado who flew in to get your autograph and she left disapointed as well. It wasn’t that big a deal for me-i got yours a few years back. Just wondering if ya’ll could tell how frustrated everyone was.
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Chipper, thanks so much for coming in the blog and answering question. You are the greatest. I loved watching you growup with the Macon Braves. Are there anything you miss about thoses days?
By Blake Penno
February 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
Any funny clubhouse stories you can share? Frenchy spoke at a nearby church a couple of months ago and told a his story about getting “arrested” in D.C., and it made me wonder how many great stories never make it out of the clubhouse?
By Captain
February 7, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who:
You should post on igottarant.com, lots of Braves, UGA, and sports fans.
By doc
February 7, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
u know who. it is all cool. kind of fun for me to say i went to the same school you did, maybe, since i was there about twenty years before you that i paved the way. heh heh
well the field and the slab of rubber and the mound was in the same place that i pitched from, so it is close.
great stuff, look forward to it during the season. as far as the computer skills, i never learned to use caps after joe d (maybe before your time) taught me about e.e. cummings.
By Captain
February 7, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who:
You should post on igottarant.com, lots of Braves, UGA, and sports fans.
By atlanta_braves_gal
February 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the switch-hitting advice for my son! He was thrilled to see you at FanFest. Unfortunately we were not one of the lucky ones in the autograph line when you got there. Maybe another time.
Another question: When you were a little guy, were you as passionate about baseball as you obviously are now? Or was it an interest that grew into a love? I see a lot of young kids that eat, drink & breathe baseball down here in the South, playing spring, travel, then fall and I can’t see how that’s good for them. We joke that our son is the Adam Laroche of his league; has a beautiful swing, but is very, very laid back. lol
By Justin
February 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
U KNOW WHO… I am a huge BRAVES fan have been since I could remember, I am now 20 years old and I just want to let you know that for my age group you are the single most greatest BRAVE ever! I cant think of a BRAVE team without you on it and it will be a very sad day when you decide to hang em up and join Mickey Mantle and Eddie Murray in the HOF as one of the 3 best switch hitters in MLB HISTORY!! But before you do lets start another DYNASTY!! GO BRAVES!!!!!
By Ryan Chambers
February 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
I can say personally that if you think Bill Shanks doesn’t know baseball, you have obviously not sat down and gotten the chance to talk baseball with him. Yeah, scouting and prospects are his bread and butter, but he is as much a baseball guy as anyone out there covering the game. And the fact there are some thinking he is too much of a homer don’t listen to a lot of his media interviews. I am literally laughing thinking about his optimism of Brian Jordan.
I dont say this to defend him. He does not need defending. His work speaks for itself. I simply hope that some of you get a chance to go on his Website, join in on his discussions and find out what his baseball knowledge is for yourself.
By NavyBrave
February 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I met you YEARS ago. ( I used to hang out at Chance’s house alot) Do you think you will settle down in Texas or call Atlanta home when it comes time to hang the cleats up?
By Mike
February 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
UKW- Was there ever a time when you thought you days a Brave were over? Any thoughts on whether you would play somewhere else if an extension isn’t in the offing?
By Anders
February 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
nOLIE
I mean you guys think Anders is a hardcore troll. On most boards he would be considered a pussycat.
Thanks -I think.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Chipper-I will start the deer painting. I will be leaving for Spring Training next week. Don’t know if I can finish it by then, but will certainly give it a shot. Thanks for coming by the Blog. You’ve given a Wurlitzer Worthy performance, for sure.
By BravesBlast
February 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Chipper - love seeing your involvement here. I’d like to get your thoughts on what happens once Bobby finally retires. I know none of us want to see him go and fans like myself won’t know what to do with ourselves (he’s been manager since I was 4 years old). Would you like to see a coach from within the organization take over? Is Terry Pendleton a possibility? Julio Franco? Glenn Hubbard?
By g8trh8tr
February 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - You ever do any hunting in Toombs Co? I believe you know a few people down there. One of my high school friends moved up there from Jacksonville and had gone to Bolles. In fact, weren’t you in his brother, Clint’s wedding?
By adivenjack
February 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
CJ-
Thank you. It’s rare to find a player as good as you who is so committed to his team. It means a lot to the fans.
I have season tickets and will be holding up a sign telling David Wright to give you your gold glove.
See you at the park.
By chucktown
February 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
U Know Who, thanks for checking out the blog. I live in a minor league city and don’t get to many big league games. Do you have a particular fond memory from your time in the minors that you’d like to share with us? Maybe a special hit, great defensive play or a clubhouse prank?
By timmythebrave
February 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I’m excited about this season. A couple of questions for U know who. Who taught you how to pinch hit? Does it bother you the comments about you being injury prone? Are you excited about hitting behind Texeira for a WHOLE year?
By ColoSprngsBravosFan
February 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Chip: you’re the best! Love watching games with my 7yr old and he screams, “Go Chipper” the whole game. He even stole my favorite “Braves #10” hat. Maddog, Glav, Smoltzie and you are definite HOF’ers. I hope that you and Smoltzie retire with only one uni in your closets! Very glad that Glav is back, but hated seeing him win #300 in a Mets uni. He’s home were he belongs now, so all is good. Maybe Maddog will play his swan-song season at home also!
Two quick questions: 1) how do us long time Bravos fan start a grass-root campaign to FINALLY get Dale Murphy into the HOF? The Smurfy was the greatest; some of my favorite childhood memories are of watching him at FulCo. 2) still talk/hunt to my other favorite “ex-“Brave, Ryan Klesko? He was 1B at SF Giants last year, but have no clue where he will be this year.
Oh yeah, when you guys play the Rockies this year, swing down to the Springs and watch the SkySox (Rockies AAA) new 2B … Marcus Giles. Yep, Gillie is expected to start the season in AAA.
Thanks again!
By Bubba Brown
February 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, planning on buying a authentic replica of yours. Already have a Smoltz and Bmac. Should I get a Sunday home, regular white home, or a road jersey?
By ssiscribe
February 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
While taking a short break from the afternoon duties, I’ll toss one out there for ol’ U Kno Who:
Where does your All-Star Game homer in 2000 rank on your list of memories? I was fortunate enough to cover the ASG when it was here for the suburban paper where I worked at the time, and I still remember the buzz in the park when you homered. Just playing in your home park in the ASG was a huge thrill, but I imagine it was amplified by going yard in the game, and I remember how excited you were about it after the game. Thanks for always being approachable, even to us scribes who covered only a handful of games a year. Best of luck in 2008.
—30—
By U Don't Know Who
February 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper, next time you’re down Jacksonville way, would you pick me up some barbecue from TC’s and Cotten’s? Thanks. Oh, and say hi to Sam Kouvaris for me, too.
By MSBraves27
February 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I’m looking at booking a deer hunt for next year. Can you give me names of some reputable outfitters? I can’t spend a fortune, but I do want to have a good hunt.
By walkingtall
February 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
chip, what can you tell us about the new center fielder. What type of hitter etc. Where do you see him in the lineup?
By walkingtall
February 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
chip, what can you tell us about the new center fielder. What type of hitter etc. Where do you see him in the lineup?
By Bo Brewer
February 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
UKW,
What’s goin on! I’ve grown up a Braves fan and a huge fan of yours! What do you think of the team for this season? Can you guys win the east?
By Random
February 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who—
Welcome back — nice to have you around.A question, if you have time:
How would you have liked to play with Phil Niekro in his prime? Have you spent any time with him?
Any other classic Braves heroes you’d think you might like to have played with? (I’m guessing Murph, for sure.)
Thanks for stopping by.
By McFann
February 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who—
Just a couple Q’s, if I may:
How long have you been reading the blog? Is it popular around the clubhouse?
What pitcher do you look forward to facing the most?
By Jason J.
February 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Chipper….I was wondering how to go about getting your autograph. I’ve tried at the stadium but those folks get a but rough down there! I would be for my 3 year old son Jackson and I’d hate to have him trampled! I’ve tried the address at Turner Field and at DarkStar (Spring Training) with no success yet. How is fan mail handled at the stadiums? Is it useless to try because of the high volume there? How about other guys in terms of who will answer a lot of their mail and who doesn’t? Good luck this season and with your career!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Chip — Nickelback? Aww man, you just made DOB’s day! He LOVES those guys!
Good to have you back on the blog. You signed a ball I got from Leo Mazzone for me after a game a few years back as you drove out of the players’ parking lot. (It was a day game against the Phillies, the one where Huddy gave up a 3-run homer to Shane Victorino to make it a 4-0 game. Jon Lieber and Huddy dueled the entire game, and the only runs scored were in the 9th inning.) Most players drove by, some without a glance and others with a wave, but you stopped for the small crowd and signed a few. That’ll always stick out in my mind — thanks.
How often do you keep up with former teammates? Furcal? Andruw? LaRoche? Is there ever any sense of “I won’t talk to you now that you’re off my team” or anything like that in the bigs, or are guys pretty friendly to the players on other teams?
By DAP
February 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Lew Braina McCann
McCann’s twin sister? :-)
By Jason J.
February 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
By the way Chipper…Do you ever go to Olde Town Bar and Grill in Acworth? My sister (Carrie) is the bar manager there and says you do. Anyway, have a great year!
By Justin
February 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB for the Smoltz Santana comparison! Really shows the mets that they are only catching up with the BRAVES in the talent department, something I would like to point out though. It is pretty sad to think that the mets with a payroll of around 150 million take or add a couple million will be beaten by a BRAVES team with a 92 million dollar payroll. You would think they would learn something from the yankees.
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
u know who,
always thought that two home run game against the rockies in the 95 nlds really gave a good indication of what to expect from you.
never seen a brave as locked into it as you were against the mets in 99. if you could of seen bobby valentines face.
one question? always heard you hated facing hideo nomo. any particular reason.
By geauxbraves2000
February 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to talk with the bloggers! I sure am looking forward to the parade!!
Geaux Braves!!
By JDfromSC
February 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
U KNOW WHO-
What you are doing is most definitely the coolest thing ive ever seen from a professional athlete. You’ve been my favorite player since a young age…although i’m only 19. and I’ve always picked ‘10’ for my jersey number when playing baseball. Anyways, you’re a true hero to me and many others and to think that you may read this is really something special. Best of luck to you this year!
By mj4au
February 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO—-Lifelong Braves fan growing up here. Huge fan of yours, though growing up with Frenchy’s older brother, Jeffwey might have pulled ahead. This is possibly too mean for these boards, but ask Jeffwey about the buck teeth when he was about 4 years old. He couldn’t say Jeffrey, so he said Jeffwey. Now, I have a slight tendency to pull for the Reds b/c of a certain Jeff Keppinger. It was tough pulling for him playing against you guys. Anyway, man I have enjoyed watching your career. Good luck this year!
By Jason J.
February 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Chipper….I also know (and have done some work for) the ChopTalk photographer named Fountaine. I’ve done some pretty nice collage type stuff of you for him, have you seen any of it? Just wondering.
By TDub
February 7, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper—err I mean U Know Who—
Forgive me if I’m a little star struck. Anyway I have a 3 year old son and he won’t be 4 until September when he’ll finally be old enough for T-Ball and you guys will be cruising along and just waiting for the post season to start.
My question is what did your father do with you when he introduced you to the game? What did he teach you? I love basball and I want my son to share that same love and to play the sport and of course end up like Frenchy and BMac to play for his hometown team!
By Robby - huntington wv
February 7, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Chipper!! cant wait to see u guys in cincinnati this year, Ive had the pleasure of meeting a few of you guys in the hotel restaurant the last 2 years. Ive met mccann a few times thru a mutual friend. He still has contact with a few of my friends here in huntington wv where he spent a little portion of his childhood.. and might i add that my most prized possession is my signed jersey of you that i have framed and mounted to the wall in my living room..good luck this spring, see you may 31st :)
By Steve
February 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
I see that Bobby Cox smokes cigars in his office…after wins I’d assume. Do you ever smoke with him?
Also, What time do ya’ll usually get to the ballpark on night games and day games? I’ve always been curious who is in the clubhouse first, stays the latest, etc.
By Random
February 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who —
Michael’s got a good question:
How would you like to see the batting line-up shape up?
How do you think it will go, if different from what you’d like?
And why do you prefer batting third to clean-up (if you do — you seem to, and you seem to perform better there)?
Thanks again.
By bravesfaninPlanoTX
February 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who,
Thanks for the memories over the years! It sucks being out here in Dallas and not being to watch the Bravos!! Rangers stink…but hey we get to watch Salty!!
Best Wishes for the next few years and hope to be able to watch the Bravos in October on National TV!!
Check out linex.com….I know you have a truck that probably could use a liner……I can hook you up…..based in corporate office in Plano……
By Curt Moore
February 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Didn’t realize how much I’ve missed your blogs until I got involved with this one. Good to know we’re just weeks away from another baseball season. It’s going to be a fantastic summer in Atlanta. Thanks for the terrific job you do in reporting on the Braves.
By Shock
February 7, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO,
Saw you and DeRo hitting range balls at River Club not too long ago. Was surprised with how well you drove the ball! What was with the Texans gear though???
By Anders
February 7, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who
How about questions from a Mets fan? What are your thoughts on the Mets getting Schneider and letting Loduca go? Game calling wise when you’re at the plate? How he defend’s against the running game? Etc. Overall is he worth the offensive drop off?
By DawgsoverGators
February 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Chipper, Good luck on the upcoming season! One question…I believe you once said that you believed that ballplayers are not role models. Has your stance on that changed since you have gotten older and your sons have also???
Thanks.
By TBraveFan
February 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
UKW:: You are a player I’ve come to respect more than any other. Thanks for all you’ve done and will continue to do for the organization and Braves fans…. You are also the only player that has ever intimidated the heck out of me -so forgive me for taking the chicken way out to say this…
By MEB
February 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the blog Chipper!!! You’ve got some big fans down here in Alabama and we are really looking forward to an MVP type season. Very hopeful you will win the batting title and Gold Glove you should have got last year. All the best to you and your family.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Greg
February 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Chipper what are the thoughts in the locker room on Brandon Jones? Is this kid going to be in a straight platoon with Matty Diaz or is it Matt’s job to lose?
By McFann
February 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Oooo!! Good Q, Steve!! I’ve always wondered about what time the players arrive at the park.
How ‘bout McCann? Is he punctual?
8 )
By Johnny Danger Dawg
February 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, PLEASE keep “Crazy Train” as your song. That song pumps up the crowd and intimidates pitchers every time you step to the plate. I once saw some Mets pitchers at a bar in NYC. “Crazy Train” started playing in the bar, and I noticed all the Mets pitchers wet their pants due to flashbacks.
By Tomahawkin
February 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
JDFromSC You’re quote…from 2:39pm
“What you are doing is most definitely the coolest thing ive ever seen from a professional athlete.”
I’ll cosign to that…Don’t look now “Hoss” but you are already on Facebook, MLB.com, as well as the phillies forum…
My only question for Chipper is…what does that thing you do with your right hand in the camera mean when you cross the plate after hitting a homerun, where did that come from? Many people who blog here have raised that question over the last 2 years…
By T-Bone
February 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I am a frequent lurker on this blog and just wanted to say how truely remarkable it was to see Chipper for hours on this blog. One more reason that he is my all-time favorite Brave. Wishing you a great year, Chipper!!
By Chris
February 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Hey U Kno Who….it’s cool if you are Chipper. but I have my doubts…what are the names of the guys in Macon County you used to hunt with? They’re my cousins…if you remember them then I’m convinced.
If you are Chipper…cool…welcome to the blog
By Were Read 2 Def
February 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I think Chipper left us.
By phatt
February 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Chipper- At what age did you feel comfortable enough to start giving up the right handed at bats in games and start switching to left against rightys? My 9 year old has a great swing from the left side, but I guess he doesn’t want to fail. I hope you respond with some encouragement that he can read. The boy can flat out play… Thanks!!! GO BRAVOS!!!
By BTP
February 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper…good luck this year…hope you have another MVP season and as always…Destroy the Mets!
By eware
February 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper, stick with Crazy Train. Nickelback is from Canada - leave their songs for Thorman.
How much time do you spend in Texas? The whole winter?
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a response.
He must’ve bolted to make the lunch date with his wife.
Dude, you better return and answer a few of these questions, because they sure ain’t here this afternoon to converse with my sorry a&&.
By chip
February 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper…..its Chip from the Toyota Store. It seems like yesterday when we almost rolled the limo in your front yard and Clete Boyer got drunk at the Autograph signing, and you and O’Brien hitting the deer in the Toyota Truck….and Klesko ratting you two out!!! And the Mens Senior League Team….The Chipper Jones All-Stars….alot of fun.Well, that 6 year old son of mine that was with me is now pitching in college as a freshman lefty where James and Hudson played and has about 8 major league teams watching him hard….name could be called in this years draft. One is the Braves and I hope its them!! Take Care.
By Epinephrine
February 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Wow. If you want a guaranteed way to keep players from posting on the blog, publish a front page article every time one does.
Well done ajc, well done indeed.
By kdbanks
February 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
It seems to me that you’ve played an even better third base since you came back from the outfield then you did prior to that move. Do you think playing out there helped you in some way or made you more aware of something that has translated to your play at third?
Also, how much apologizing do you think David Wright will do this year for stealing your Gold Glove? I’m thinking every time you round third after a homer off of the Mets’ staff you should mutter “Gold Glove” under your breath as you pass him by.
Thanks for being so great!
kdbanks
By Stoked!
February 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Wow..how awesome that you (U Kno Who, of course) would take the time to blog with us. I have to say that I’ve taken my share of shots across the chin for always defending you regarding people’s bogus claims and BS opinions and whatever other garbage they may be spewing and your showing up here makes me even more proud that I did that. You’ve been my absolute favorite player to watch since you came into the league, since you became one of our beloved Braves (I was just a youngun at that time myself) and feel no less enthusiastic now than I did then, when I see you and the boys hit the field at the Ted. There is nothing like it, nothing at all. I just wish they’d bring back “Centerfield” to all the pre-game hoopla. I’d gladly trade the “Louisiana Saturday Night” 7th inning stretch song for Fogerty’s classic. Too bad the “powers that be” don’t agree.
Here’s to keeping the injury bug at bay (although it’s fun driving an hour and half north to see you play in Rome..although I would imagine that pretty soon rehab assignments may take place in Gwinnett) and a remarkable ‘08 season.
Thank you for all the memories you’ve created for so many big time Braves fans at games, at Fan Fest and here now, on this blog. Who woulda thought? Awesome..
Let’s go 10, KILL the MUTZ
By Sabermetrician
February 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
What do you think the correlation coefficient of your hits multiplied by your walks divided by your doubles to the 9th degree subtracted from your home runs to the 7th power quadrupled by your triple totals subtracted by 9 which is itself divided by 7 divided by pi is gonna be this season? Don’t you agree that is a fair way to assess your value to the lineup?
By Remo
February 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
U kno who thanks for all the great years you given us thus far, and for the many more(hopefully)to come. This will definitely be the year we get the job done and bring the WS trophy back to the NL. Go Braves!!!
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Chipper- Thanks again for coming too this blog. I would like to welcome you to ChopNation.com blog if you have a chance.
Thanks, again
By Were Read 2 Def
February 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper,
Can you pay my DirecTv bill? That way I can watch the Braves this year since I cant watch you guys on TBS any more.
By Remo
February 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Chip, one more question. How does it feel to be able to carry a team through a series by yourself, like you did several times against the mets in what supposed to be a team game? where one man do not suppose to be able to beat you.
By Keyser Soze
February 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Who is U Kno Who? He is supposed to be a Third Baseman. Some say his father is his hitting coach. Nobody believed he was real. Nobody ever saw him or knew anybody that ever blogged directly with him, but to hear DOB tell it, anybody could have blogged with You Kno Who. You never knew. That was his power. The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. And poof. Just like that, he’s gone.
By Mike
February 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
UKW- Was there ever a time when you thought you days a Brave were over? Any thoughts on whether you would play somewhere else if an extension isn’t in the offing?
By ncscoots
February 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Have mercy. That five-minute delay between posts just means Hoss never gets caught up on any of the questions posed, LOL. By the time he gets a replay posted to one, there’s 300 more waiting! No human (without PED, of course) can keep up with that pace…
We may have frightened the man away forever, LMAO…
By Dark Corner Dawg
February 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Mr Jones…… Not a baseball question but a college football question. Do you like them Dawgs? Also, whatya think that the 2008 season is in store for them ? Go Braves and Go Dawgs!!!!!
By Chris
February 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Man, I sure do like it when Chipper, I mean U Kno Who, shows up. The Mutts run away with their tales between their legs and hide…pretty similar to what happened last year actually. This must be a growing trend for them. Looking forward to seeing you and the fellow Bravos whip up on the Rangers when ya’ll come out here. I’ll be out there for all 3 in my Jones #10 jersey
By far and away one of the coolest things I’ve seen on here. Too bad I was at The Bravery concert here in Dallas and missed it. Highly recommend seeing them live, especially in a smaller venue—amazing show.
And as the other person in here says (must be a fellow Louisianian), Geaux Braves!
By woogidy
February 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, did you vote Tuesday? Just curious. If so, how long was the wait at your polling location?
By Doug
February 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Chipper, when and why did you start wearing the high socks? and why did you quit wearing them? the only reason i ask is because i grew up watching you play as a boy, and i started wearing the high socks just like you through rec ball and throughout high school (steve bedrosian was my pitching coach in high school). do you think you can pull the long socks out for a couple of times this year?
By bigblackfurrycreaturefrommars
February 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
OK Chip, I got a query and a comment for ya:
My Parents my sister and I used to be part of the 400 club back in the early to mid 90’s. Maybe like 93…not sure. I was only maybe 12 at the time, but you came and spoke at one of the dinners (well, I imagine many) as an up and coming prospect. Everyone was given a program, including you. I remember you leaving and I grabbed your program as fast as I could and I got you to sign it. I was stoked as all get out, and it stuck with me to this day. SO thanks for that memory. It’s one of the few i still have.
By the way the 400 club was awesome for a 10-13 year old boy.
Now for my query:
Are you going to go out and win the MVP this year or what? and if not - who’s going to win it…tex?
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Keyser Soze, that post had me laughing out loud. We just watched Usual Suspects again last week, so your post was doubly funny.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, I hope you realize yours truly has no say in how they blow things out. Hey, what can I tell ya? I just punch my timecard, crank out a few words, do my job, don’t complain. It pays the mortgage and loan payments on the second bike.
By McFann
February 7, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
DAP—
Dude, Brian doesn’t have a sister.
: >
One more thing to U Kno Who:
Hope this year you cann (again) show David Not Right that you are the real choice for the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger!!
Thanks for chattin’ with us, Chipper, this is totally cool!! BTW, what’d you have for lunch?
By Alonzo
February 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I wonder if You Know Who, looking here, is reminded of his old “Chipper Jones’s Diary”, when he was asnswering questions from a very very useful audience during the WSB pregame show.
By cricket
February 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks chipper for answering the question about the hitting approach and also for the great approach itself. That approach and this willingness to answer questions is what makes you my favorite baseball player.
By Ron Roberts
February 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Single coolest thing a current Atlanta Brave has done in a LONG time, Chipper. I missed out on most of your time on the blog, but having been a frequent (well, moreso before the weirdos hijacked this thing last summer/fall) visitor here, I think it’s cool as heck that you are not only aware of the blog, but skim it from time-to-time.
Actually, seems like the place has cleaned up a good bit and people are on their p’s and q’s, so that’s good to see! Baseball (and DOB’s music streak) is what its supposed to be about. :)
Anyhow, I think somebody else asked, and I think it’s a good question… who else in the clubhouse frequents the blog for a good read, now and then? Do y’all even discuss it amongst yourselves?
I know the idiots who lambast y’all can’t possibly get to ya, but I have to think its nice when ppl stick up for you all on here, too.
Anyhow, thanks for the many years of bust-assed-ness and Mets-clobbering. Give us a few year and we’ll all be there to watch ya get enshrined in Cooperstown, bro.
By Braves Fan
February 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
U Know Who, finally, you post. Hooray! Anyways, here’s my question:
Smoltz or Glavine?
By NorthBeach Scott
February 7, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who Hoss, I choose my season ticket seats so that I could sit right behind you during home games Sec 118 Row 3, after relocating from San Francisco last year. I really admired your terrific defensive play in 2007. You were deserving of the Gold Glove, just exceptional skill, effort and execution last year. I look forward to more in 2008.
Appreciate your willingness to share with the fans—very admirable. Thank you for your teamwork and HOF career, such a pleasure.
Care to share any funny MadDog stories with the blog?
By N8
February 7, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, I realize that this question might be a bit invasive, and don’t fully expect you to answer it, but I’m gonna ask anyhow.
I’m in my mid-30’s and grew up a Braves fan. My hero as a teenager was Dale Murphy. Had I been a teenager in the 90’s, you would have been that guy, and in today’s game, it probably would be Francoeur. The common ground between you three, is that you play with a smile on your face, yet you all could be intense. I consider all of you guys to be of the old-school variety.
Now to the question.
With all of the steroids nonsense going on in today’s sports, does it bother you, that most fans don’t know who to lump together as cheaters or users?
Because I gotta be honest with you. Many of us on the blog have had numerous discussions about which former (or current Braves) we “suspected” of using. I want to believe that my favorite players are clean, but with the recent things surrounding Clemens, I don’t know who to believe or not. My guess is that I speak for many fans.
Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter. If a guy is fun to watch, he’s fun to watch. Yet when it comes to some of the sacred “numbers” in the history of sports, I think it matters a little.
Anyhow. Not trying to ask a direct question, or offend you either way. Just curious on how you feel about your name possibly being lumped in with others, or ALL athletes as cheaters.
Also, without giving names, are there players (whether teamates or opponants), that you’ve suspected of using?
Last question… After seeing the photos on this site yesterday, who’s “pad” is nicer, yours or Andruw’s? LOL! That place looks like a frickin museum. I’ll just venture a guess that your ranch in Texas doesn’t have big pillars in front?
By Allen
February 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Crazytrain is an awesome song to walk out to! I would go back to the original version though instead of the remixed version. When did you go to that remixed verson?
Also, what are the best exercises to gain bat speed? It feels pretty fast when I’m swinging. But the results aren’t there and if I look at my self on tape it looks like I’m swinging through jello.
By CANES4LIFE
February 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper…first of all I think its graet that you can take time out of your personal life and converse with the fans. I would like to know what you think about the Gwinnett Braves. Your thoughts on the AAA club being so close to home and do you think it will affect the home attendance at all, positive or negativly. Thanks in advance.
By CANES4LIFE
February 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper…first of all I think its graet that you can take time out of your personal life and converse with the fans. I would like to know what you think about the Gwinnett Braves. Your thoughts on the AAA club being so close to home and do you think it will affect the home attendance at all, positive or negativly. Thanks in advance.
By Grant
February 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO aka Chipper. I just want you to know I watched you growing up and I did my best to play the game the way you do. I wore your number just like thousands of other kids growing up and I did that all the way to College where I played 2 seasons for Clearwater Christian College in Florida. I still think you’re the best and I’m working on my degree at Georgia State in hopes of breaking into the broadcasting booth. I figured I should talk about the game sense I’m no longer playing haha. Who knows maybe I will interview you one day. My dad and I are flying up to D.C. for the game to watch you guys and I know I will watch some games from home.
P.S. Do you remember in 97 at Fulton County Stadium at a play ball with Chipper event hosted by Chris Volvo. When a guy gave u his cell phone to talk to his kid who was in Hawii?? I was the kid… haha Thanks for everything Chipper.
By ncscoots
February 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I just punch my timecard
That’s metaphorically, I hope? HA!
Someone compute DOB’s VORP, and let the AJC know they have a below-market deal on the man.
By Random
February 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
*DOB: *”they sure ain’t here this afternoon to converse with my sorry a&&.”
Dam skippy!
U Kno Who —
Hey, Chipper — I remember when you first came up, you seemed to have a lot of checked swings. And whenever you checked your swing, rather than pulling the bat back, you’d drop it (and usually catch it with your bottom hand).
Did you consciously and deliberately do this to give the umps a better look to see where you had checked your swing?
Haven’t seen you do it at all in years — is that because you now get the benefit of the doubt when you check your swing, which you might not have gotten as a rookie?
Thanks again fortaking the time to visit and talk with us.
Great good luck this year!!!
By john77
February 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
i’m a big braves fan and you are my role model i’m 11 i love baseball so when you where growing up who inspired you to want to become a baseball player in other words who was your role model
By Riki
February 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
U Know Who
thanks for getting on here and blogging to us..you are my favorite player. I have traveled from SC to see yall play every weekend you are home the past two years and going to do it this year too..in 2005 i went to yankee stadium and saw yall, last year san francisco..i came to the hotel and met you..and i just wanted to say thanks so much for being kind and taking time up with the fans including me..this year im going to wrigley to watch yall..see you at spring training march 6-10..take care! Riki
By Grant # 10
February 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO aka Chipper. I just want you to know I watched you growing up and I did my best to play the game the way you do. I wore your number just like thousands of other kids growing up and I did that all the way to College where I played 2 seasons for Clearwater Christian College in Florida. I still think you’re the best and I’m working on my degree at Georgia State in hopes of breaking into the broadcasting booth. I figured I should talk about the game sense I’m no longer playing haha. Who knows maybe I will interview you one day. My dad and I are flying up to D.C. for the game to watch you guys and I know I will watch some games from home.
P.S. Do you remember in 97 at Fulton County Stadium at a play ball with Chipper event hosted by Chris Volvo. When a guy gave u his cell phone to talk to his kid who was in Hawii?? I was the kid… haha Thanks for everything Chipper.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
While we wait to see if Hoss returns to face this mountain of queries, I’ll throw this stat in that I just did for a Sunday spring-training preview:
Since June 24, 2006, Jones has put up astounding numbers: .350 average, 58 doubles, 48 homers, 153 RBIs, .434 OBP and .655 slugging percentage in 185 games.
The knock, of course, is the 185 games, since the Braves have played 250 games in that same period. In that time, they’ve posted a 103-82 record with Chipper, 29-36 without him.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Boy, i just read an article on SI.com covering the Santana negotiations. Those quotes from Santana sure make him seem like a greedy son of a gun. Walking away from 135 million because you want 140? Wow, he should be the next player’s union rep! Ya’ll can have him Mets, sounds like a clubhouse cancer waiting to happen once he gets all this money.
By edward
February 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Chipper is coming back or not but I just wanted to post that i think he is the best third baseman I have watched play. I was at the Pirate game when Bautista ran into you and I got into many fights when the fools here said it was an accident. I was there and saw him lean back into you. I already have the days off for when you come to Pittsburgh and can’t wait!! Maybe I can get an autograph this time?? LOL You guys are hard to get out to sign. Tell Glavine to come out too. He is the hardest one to get! I do not know if this is allowed but here is my email. I am sorta from your neck of the woods, Valdosta,Ga. but living in PITTSburgh. edward2112@comcast.net
By ck
February 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Ok Larry er Chip …. we get the message… keep the questions down to a minimum and write em slow so you can read em since you can’t read that fast… hey Dawg I’m just kidding… I love ya man and I can’t wait for the season to begin… This has got to be my most anticipated season of all. I am disappointed tho that the Braves powers that be took u guys off TBS… I’m in Oklahoma and can’t get ya on the sportsouth channels… Aw well Guess I’ll have to subscribe the the MLB Channel.
Good luck and I hope you get to play as long as you want to. Hey… can you and Smoltz try to keep the fights to a minimum this year.
By Stuart
February 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper, if you’re still around,
A oouple of random q’s outside of the baseball world.
Have you gotten a chance to travel much outside the U.S. in the offseason? If so, what has been your favorite country to visit?
Also, ideally, what would you like to do for a living if you were not playing baseball?
P.S. Thanks for the team’s support with the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children throughout the past years. We’ve appreciated it. With BTFC, I’ve gotten to work directly with Smoltzee and Brian Jordan in years past along with other Braves members. Appreciate the help! Would like to work with the team more. Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know; thanks again.
But take it easy in spring training. Get loosened up, take some groundballs, get used to seeing some live pitching, and stay injury free!
By Salty
February 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Even with the shakiest starting pitching, that’s the record over 250 games? Wow…wouldn’t have thought that! Guess it’s most important for ‘U Know Who’ to stay in the lineup! Healthy/extra starting pitchers is just gravy! :-)
By Maurice
February 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
When you flash pitchers that notorious eat sh!t grin, are you really telling the pitchers to eat sh!t?
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Chipper — A couple days ago another blogger and I were discussing the Braves great pitchers, Smoltz, Glavine, and Mad Dog and their prospects for the Hall of Fame.
We are fortunate to live an hour or so north of Cooperstown and I can’t tell you how much I look forward to being there the day you are inducted into the HOF. In my mind, you are an absolute lock for Coopertown already, regardless of how many more years you play. I’m old enough to remember Mantle and Matthews play ball and you are certainly in their class. When you are inducted my wife and I will be there cheering, that’s for sure.
Here’s my question, based on how you are feeling and what your body is telling you at this point in your career, do you think you will be playing and do you want to play into your early 40s? There is a world of Braves fans who appreciate what you are accomplishing and want to see you playing as long as possible!
By ncscoots
February 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
You know what one of the coolest fall-outs of The Chipper Appearance (I think it deserves caps, yes) has been? Read some of the personal moments that bloggers have posted…Chipper did this, did that, I was the kid you talked to April 8, 1996, and so forth.
I mean, think about it. All stuff that has little to do with between-the-lines…and everything to do with the game. We (especially the older “we”) tend to forget that, I think. I’ve really enjoyed that remembrances part of this whole thing.
Kinda gives me a personal moment of my own. :-)
By grafe
February 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, I remember you played an inning or two at shortstop last year, what was that like? Did Bobby just completely blindside you with it? On that note I’m curious as to how much longer you think Bobby will stick around, I’m confident that whoever takes over will do a good job but I’m curious.
By pat
February 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Dear Mets fans:
What did they call last years collapse? Oh yeah, EPIC! Nobody in sports is as gifted at snatching defeat from the jaws the victory like the Mets.
By ncgary
February 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
we all want to see you get that second w/s rings. go braves and heres to a chipper mvp and gold glove season
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
went up to see you guys play boston in ‘01. went to all of the games at fenway yall took 2 out of three.
the thing i remmber the most was before sunday’s game during BP you were hitting fungo to MADDUX in right centerfield. you were hitting just to or over the fence and madawg was trying to catch them and bring them in the park. games we all played when we were kids, but you and maddux WERE DOING IT AT FENWAY.
not to sure bobby liked seeing maddux trying to scale the wall in front of the sox bullpen, but the fans loved it. anyways thanks for being like one of the guys.
you gotta have some great clubhouse stories?
By SpringFeaver
February 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
I THINK WE SCARED HIM OFF
By ck
February 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
ncscoots… I couldn’t agree more… But I think he got ran off…. trying to answer everyones blogs and being personal with everyone. Kinda puts a new perspective on my own opinion of stars in general…
Chip I just read the blog from Stuart and I’m offering a thank you as well. My 51 yr old sister is facing surgery for a low grade Glioma which is the type of brain tumor most common to children… the joys you guys give us on the field is nothing to the support you give in the community… Thanks again.
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
There are a ton of questions so I’ll try to get to all of them, although they may be brief answers. Some of the best under 25 players include David Wright, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Zimmerman, Prince, Ryan Braun and Joba Chamberlain. Not sure the ages of most guys but these are the cream of the crop. Look out for Brandon Jones to make a splash with us this year. He has lots of talent and he’s shone the ability to control the bat as good as anyone in our system. The rotation should be strong as long as the top 3 stay healthy and give us 200 quality innings. The 4 and 5 spots are yet to be determined but whoever wins them will be deserving. Marty Malloy is the manager of a quail plantation in his hometown of Trenton, Fla. The Vick thing is a sad one for me. We all know what it’s like to get in with the wrong crowd. Some people get mixed up at different levels. Obviously Mike has made some bad decisions, but he’s paying his debt. Hopefully when he gets out, people will have enough grace in their heart to give him a clean slate. I personally have a Vick jersey and helmet in my basement.U guys are pretty much rite on as far as the batting order is concerned. Kelly and Kot will probably flip flop between 1,2 and 7 or 8.Fanfest was great for the players. We enjoyed the format a lot better than years past. Being able to interact with the fans thru a Q & A and take photos along with the autographs made it a lot more bearable.The one thing I will remember from Macon was the bus rides. Whether it be the card games or the late nites at Denny’s or just sitting there getting to know your teammates. That was all a ton of fun. I was always passionate about the game. I came from a baseball family. My dad was drafted by the Cubs. I told my mom when I was 4 that I was gonna play in the big leagues one day. Iknow the passion doesn’t shine thru all the time as, like anything else, I mite be dealing with an injury or just flat out tired. But I take the field to win everyday.My home will always be here in Atl. My kids are rooted in the schools here. I wouldn’t want to move them for selfish reasons. They are what’s important. I want them to feel comfortable.Never, ever has the thought of playing anywhere but rite here entered my mind. I know the day is coming. It does for all of us. The only other manager out there that is the most like Bobby Cox is Grady Little. He was my coach in AA and AAA and I loved him. Still keep in contact with him to this day. But I don’t think any of us can imagine not playing for Bobby. He’s a lifer.
Unfortunately for Murph, the people who cast the votes don’t realize the impact that he had on the game of baseball back in his prime. He was the best. The numbers are there, the MVPs are there, the all-star games are there. What more do u have to do? Let him in! Just saw Klesko in Las Vegas for the SHOT show and he told me that he is officially retired. Guess who he was hangin with? Barry Bonds! Get the sunday home jerseys. Those things are sweet lookin. I hear we are gonna break out some blue ones this year. The all-star homer ranks rite behind the WS homer off Duque in 99. 3 for 3 with a homer in yer own park in the all-star game…….doesn’t get much better than that. U want to check out hunts at my ranch? Go to doubledimeranch.com and check us out. I’m not familiar with any other outfitters. Kot is a really good player. Makes good contact at the plate. Doesn’t strike out a lot. Above average CF with a good arm. Solid ballplayer! Knucksie is a beauty. Atlanta Brave thru and thru. Always has a kind word for everyone. The best way to assure yourself an autograph from me is to go to spring training or check out my website. All that stuff gets back to me eventually. Mite take some time tho. Once a teammate, always a teammate. Roachy and I do a ton of hunting together in the off season. Andruw and I have played golf together a couple of times. We are all like brothers. We win together, we lose together. Eight months a year for 12 years. I sometimes do visit ol’ towne from time to time. I have some buddies up in Cartersville that i usually meet there for dinner once every couple of weeks. Excellent place! I never could pick up Hideo Nomo’s split. Don’t get me wrong, I hit some balls hard off him that got caught, but for the most part he had my number. Ironic that he was the guy who beat me for the ROY,huh? Sheeeeesh!
By 1eyedJack
February 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who
Have to tell you I knew you were gonna be great early on. Used to live in the Atlanta area and took in a dozen or so ball games even when there were only 3 or 4 thousand at the park. Moved to south Ga. in the mid nineties. Took my cousin and his family to a game around ‘97 and you and a couple of other Braves were signing autographs at Turner field. My cousin’s kid was about 5 at the time and he wanted another players autograph (don’t remember who it was) but the line was sooo long. I told him he ought to get your autograph because you would be a future HOFer. He still has that signature to this day, and he reminds me every time I see him. Thanks for the memories and hope you continue to add to them this year and next and the next etc.
By Ray
February 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, great blog. I have been away from it for a while. Nice surprise to see U Know Who Chipper I am sure you know the story of Maddux and Smoltz down at Arnie’s tournament and the 3 of them on the T and as MR Palmer was about to hit his t shot, Smoltz ripped one. A story from Maddux. Hey your boy Glavine is with a YOUTH SPORTS company.. check it out especially if your kids play. www.mysportvideos.com I am glad I stopped in. I must head out as youth baseball practice starts tonight in Kennesaw. Keep up the great work Chipper. Oh and whats up with Smoltz wearing the shorts higher than his belly button and high blue socks. Dude that is just not a good visual.
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
scoots,
could not agree more with your 4:09 post.
By ck
February 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Now I know how the Mets feel… Just when you think Chipper is gone… he hits another homerun… Should of known he wouldn’t leave the job undone…
By D-Luxe
February 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Chipper - I think you’re swing gets better with age. Your numbers of late are unreal. Do you feel that way? Also, when are we gonna see you trying your luck on the World Series of Poker? Maybe a celebrity event or two?
By jabarr
February 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Mr. You kno who, the Braves have the sweetest digs for Spring training! Are all the other teams players jealous of your accommodations at Walt Disney World Wide World of Sports?
By ssiscribe
February 7, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Damn, I forgot you were 3-for-3 in the ASG. I’ve got that story upstairs in a box with some of my other clips; have to dig it out in two weeks when we move to our new house and refresh my memory! I remember the cheer the Big Cat got at the ASG, and the homer he hit on opening day 2000 against the Rox (covered that game). He made a helluva play behind the bag at first on the pitcher (Astacio, I think) in the seventh in the opener.
Thx for answering … time to get the kids. Looking forward to reading more of your answers, and thanks again for stopping by.
—30—
By Every Brave Fan
February 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Hoss, You bloggin here makes this sh!t money! Thanks, Everyone
By Scuba-Steve
February 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Hey U Kno Who…I saw you play in Macon waaaayyy back. I think I was about 8-10 years old and I specifically remember making fun of your name, Chipper…but I do remember people saying you were going to be great and I have to say the were right…Have a great season and sorry for the name thing!
By Seymour
February 7, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
What do you think about Kelly’s swing? Is it just me or is it remarkably like your left-handed swing?
By McFann
February 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Chipper used my word!! Wow!! I’m all chill-bumply!!
By Maurice
February 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Lordie, you put all of these ducks on the pond for him and he tries to knock ‘em all in by answering almost every question he can. Ya gotta leave some ribbies behind for Tex, Frenchy, and McCann, ya know. On second thought, don’t leave too many behind for Tex. Depress his RBI totals so he will only be able to demand less money so we can sign him and then you can pass some RBIs on to Tex in 2009.
U KNO WHO U DA MAN!
By Thrillhouse44
February 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, what do you think of Smoltz wearing his socks over the calves? Have you tried to keep him up on fashion?
By Anders
February 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who
Some of the best under 25 players include David Wright, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Zimmerman, Prince, Ryan Braun and Joba Chamberlain.
No Jose Reyes? Wow, has his star fallen that far in MLB players minds?
By Ramblin Wrecker
February 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
You are my favorite hitter of all time. I think you are the perfect example of the intersection of natural ability and sound approach. I hope all these younger Braves know what they’re watching and try to use it to improve their own hitting approach. Being willing to adjust and take what a pitcher gives you is essential to being a great hitter. Why do you think some guys continue to do the same thing from at-bat to at-bat, year to year and not adjust? One former Brave comes to mind.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, have you formed an impression of Jordan Schafer? If not, are you looking forward to seeing him in camp?
By MGL
February 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
A lot of you may not know how much U Know Who gives to the community. I live very close to the Chipper Jones Family Little League park in Deland, FL. An outstanding facility donated for the kids. And btw, this is not a neighborhood of rich folks.
By Murphy
February 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
Semi non-baseball question here, but what is the most popular clubhouse/airplane game for these Braves (ie 2006-2007 teams)? (besides the NCAA Tournament pool that Smoltzie used to put together and maybe still does?)
By Workinlkeadawg
February 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Daybed- Your kinda right about who retires first, but, I heard from a HOF voter that Smoltzie was a lock first time up.
By ck
February 7, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Small worl MGL….The sister I referred to earlier lives in Deland… Nice community…
By Roman Gal
February 7, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
This one time at Fanfest, Chipper smiled at me and said “thank you” when I gave him the corniest compliment of all time.
By BamaBrave
February 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Holy Moley…I miss the blog for a few days and Chipper shows up! Very cool. Thanks for all the great plays and ABs over the years. You’re the real deal and you don’t get enough credit. I was bummed when Maddux left…annoyed when Furcal left…sad at Andruw’s departure, etc. But the day you hang ‘em up will be the darkest of all. In the meantime, however, keep kicking arse on the diamond. Good luck this year.
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
thanks for answering my question in regards to hideo nomo. always figured it had to be something mechanical.
DOB, it dont get much better then this. thank chipper and have great season.
By Allen
February 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Random,
David Justice used to do the exact same thing when he checked his swing. He had it down to an art!
By J.D.
February 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Chipper, thanks for hanging around and talking to us- it really shows what kind of person you are. I was just wondering, what do you do before games in the clubhouse to get ready for games or just to kill time?
By Mike S
February 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Seymour, I’ve noticed the same thing about Kelly’s swing. I think it looks A LOT like Chipper from the left side. He looks like a slightly smaller version of Chipper up there.
Chipper, I’m curious as to what effect fantasy baseball has on MLB players. Do you guys pay attention or talk about that stuff? Do any of you participate in fantasy baseball (or other fantasy sports for that matter)? I’m just curious since it’s becoming so popular, what kind of presence or acknowledgment of it is there in the clubhouse? Thanks!
By N8
February 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
22oz
“Ya’ll can have him Mets, sounds like a clubhouse cancer waiting to happen once he gets all this money.”
I live up north, and until recently realizing that most radio stations can be streamed online (allowing me to listen to KC radio for my Chiefs and Atlanta radio for Braves sports talk), I was forced to listen to The Fan out of Minneapolis.
You closer to the truth than you realize. He alienated teammates last summer whining about ownership being cheap, and not getting HIM more players to help HIM win. So what did he go out and do down the stretch? He went 1-3 with a 4.94 ERA in September. Nice.
Maybe guys like Joe Mauer, Morneau and Tori Hunter should have been complaining to ownership to get THEM a pitcher that doesn’t MELT under the September pressure (to go along with his 1-3 record and 3.97 post-season ERA), huh?
I hope the NY media is on his AZZ the second he struggles, and he doesn’t recover from it. Not that I dislike him. Just hope the Mets big “purchase” fails, nothing personal. :-)
Had he been “Smoltz-like” in the post season and a warrior down the stretch every year (thus carrying them into the playoffs), I’d feel sorry for him. But he’s clearly choked. So his true character is shining through.
Chipper never left. Smoltz never left (he turned down more money and a spot in their rotation to stay with the Braves and be the closer….that’s frickin loyalty at it’s peak).
Tommy did. Furcal did. Andruw did. Sheffield did.
You get the picture.
Have I switched jobs? Sure. But it’s different. Me switching jobs, allowed me to see my kids more. It allowed my kids to be able to wear new clothes, and not hand me downs. It allowed me to afford a “newer” car.
Not choose which coast I want my mansion to be on.
By DonCoburleone
February 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Holy sh!t, Chipper Jones really visits this blog? U Know Who, pretty clever name, are you pi$$ed that your cover is blown?
Anyway, I want to ask you a question regarding baseball statistics… I know alot of BBWA writers look down their noses at “bloggers” and their “new age” statistics. How do players in the major leagues view “new age” statistics (like OPS, OPS+, WinShares, VORP, ERA+, etc…)? Are they even talked about amongst players?
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
DOB Should be about time to make a new blog and get chipper to move with us. This one is taking forever to load.
By bravesfan
February 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who Hey, I don’t have a question or anything I just wanted to tell you that you are my most favorite player. I am in the 9th grade and fixen to start my first year of varsity baseball. I was at FanFest and I was like 5 people away from you and they cut the line off, that really stunk but o well. Well you are the best and I am your biggest 14 yr. old fan. You should have won the gold glove award this year also. But thanks for answering back if you do.
Go Bravos!!!!
By Lisa Johnson
February 7, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper…it’s Lisa Johnson, (you know me and my hubby, TJ, the huge marine…lol). Lookin forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Hope you are doing well! How’s the family?
By MGL
February 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
ck, yep, it’s a great area.
By Curt
February 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
Are you looking forward to getting to compete against Santana? Do you think his style of pitching is easier or harder for you to hit with your approach when you bat right handed? Also what do you think you need to do to be a lock for the Hall over the next few seasons?
By Maurice
February 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
from espn:
Domestic violence charges against Rays infielder Willy Aybar were dropped when his wife withdrew the complaint in the Dominican Republic.
Aybar, 24, faced the possibility of three months in jail for hitting his wife but said he apologized for his actions (which he termed “a big mistake”), sought forgiveness and promised to improve behavior which he admitted was not “the most appropriate sometimes.”
Aybar and his wife, Yessenia, 23, who have been married for seven years and have three children, have reconciled.
The Rays said they expect Aybar, acquired last month from Atlanta, to join the team in spring training, which opens next week.
Spokesman Rick Vaughn issued this statement: “While details of this situation remain unclear, we are pleased that it has been resolved. We are encouraged that Willy has expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Rays are committed to providing a support system for him and his family when they arrive in St. Petersburg for spring training.”
By Anders
February 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who
What’s the funniest Mets fan line you’ve heard at a game directed at you or one of your teammates? (At least that you can print on here)
I think you realize most Met fans have a lot of respect for your game. There’s worse things than being serenaded with “Larry”.(Just ask Rocker). Trust me, when you finally announce your retiring you’ll get your due your last time through NY.
By Will Schaffer
February 7, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, huge fan here and I’m hoping for a huge season from you this season.
I was wondering how much major leaguers pay attention to baseball blogs if at all. I write for MVN at Chop-n-Change.com, just wondering if you’d ever checked us out. (And if you ever wanted to give an informal interview, we’d be more than happy. haha)
In all seriousness though, I love seeing players interact with fans like this. This is one of the reasons I love the Braves so much. There just always seems to be a connection and commitment between the team, its players, and the fans. Good luck heading into next season, we’re all really optimistic about the 2008 Braves.
By Murphy
February 7, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
I just told my brother-in-law about the blog and he is wondering if U Know Who will be at the Tom Glavine charity event that is tomorrow.
By faninva
February 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Chipper - sorry to hear that Klesko is retired. He was always one of my favorite players. He could be just a beast at the plate. Used to watch him crush the ball in Richmond. I think he was teammates with Neon Deon at the time…maybe not. Only thing I remember about Neon was his 5 strike out game at the Diamond. Sure will miss braves baseball in Richmond. Anyway, have a great year!!!
By Dark Corner Dawg
February 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Ok Chipper……. I’m gonna put you on the spot! Is it the Dawgs or Yellowjackets that you pull for? Go BRAVES!!!!
By N8
February 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Chipper… have you always blogged using that name, while flying under the radar? And if so, have I ever argued with you? LOL! (I can be kind of a pompous azz sometimes).
Or did you just make up that moniker to join us in the last couple of days?
By Anders
February 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
N8
Tex will.
Get the picture?
By David Wright
February 7, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper, stop by my place and I’ll give you your gold glove award. I’m still shocked I won it…you know with the 20-something errors and all.
By Tim Dawg
February 7, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
After that last Cocktail Party, that darn Gator U Kno Who ought to change his name to U Know-Shon.
By BabygoatEater
February 7, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
How long do you see yourself playing? hopefully until your 45ish…sound ok?
I just know that being from ATL, but not living there for 15 years……seeing you, Smoltz, MadDog, Glav, and Andruw go at it every night, kinda let me be home for a few hours a night. Thanks for the memories, and i hope to see you killing the Mets for at least 6 or 7 more years (Please!)
By RED and BLACK
February 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Chipper- I am sure this will not get answered because of the question I am going to ask. I would like to ask it simply so you know from a fans perspective. I am 100% sure that you have never used performance enhancing illegal drugs. That said is it discussed in the locker room how the effects of peers on other teams are ruining the game of baseball? You here about Jeff Kent speaking out about players who have used. I know the whole Players Association thing keeps you guys from speaking out. I also think George Mitchell was on a witch hunt. I just would like to know if the issues are discussed in the locker room? The thing that makes baseball so great is because of the puriness of the game. As of late not so much.
Second question is that being a Florida Gator fan do you own alot of jean shorts? GO DAWGS
Good luck this year and bring that NL east crown back home.
By Shawn B
February 7, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER- Just wanted to express my gratitude while I have a chance to. It has been an honor to watch you play throughout your career and I hope there are more than just a couple more years left of watching you play for the Braves. I live near Macon, and met you and watched you play when you were in A-ball here. You have been a loyal and honest man throughout your time with the Braves and we all appreciate that more than anything else. Again, it has been an honor to cheer for you the last thirteen years or so. GO BRAVES
By Tom in NYC
February 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Chip, thanks for stoppin by and interacting with us fans. Just had a quick question for you. Being a Braves fan in NY, I catch you guys at Shea Stadium all the time, and I noticed you always get the most boos from Mets fans. How do you react to that, does it pump you up and make you want to beat them even more?
Once again thanks for everything and especially title in 95!!
By Jared
February 7, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Mitt Romney drops out. Poor Smoltz, that was his candidate.
By Adam
February 7, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper what was the deal with the Will startup trade…That deal just didn’t make any sense to me. I understand the Ledezma part of it but not throwing will startup in it.
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
As soon as the AJC advertised Chip’s existence on the blog, he porbably bolted. I kinda take issue with the whole “Lets let everyone know” take to his unexpected (even by DOB) and refreshing appearance. I know the AJC needs to make money, but couldn’t they let us true fan bloggers have our day?
with all that said…..thanks Dave for having a cyber-forum that is interesting enough to attract someone of CJ’s stature (just sayin, he is a Braves star player ya’ll)
By BosnianBaller
February 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
U know who We always talk with DOB about music.I was wondering what you listen to in the car or before the game.
By Epinephrine
February 7, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB
Believe me, I know you aren’t responsible for that-hence calling out the AJC. Still, pretty good day for the blog.
By Tim Dawg
February 7, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Chipper comes out to surf some waves and gets hit with a freaking tsunami.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
BGE, I don’t disagree with your sentiment, but Chipper actually returned this afternoon to post long after they’d put up the screaming headlines and other stuff trumpeting his presence here.
I mean, how much can you expect, the man’s already spent about 4 hours on here in two days, and answered about 50 or so questions.
Maybe we’ll be able to get a couple other players to drop in unannounced in the coming weeks, those who might have laptops with them at spring training. We’ll see. But for now, we’re grateful for the 3B for stopping by, no doubt.
Great, candid answers from him, and some good questions from the denizens. And with the exception of one angry little man, the blog was blissfully free of embarrassing posts from bitter types not happy to see others having fun.
By Steve
February 7, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
CJ: Good luck to you this year. Does “The day is coming. It does for all of us…” in your previous post mean that you think the Braves aren’t going to try to re-sign you, or that a contract couldn’t be worked out. That would really suck….
By N8
February 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Anders
You’re barking up the wrong tree.
I was “OK” with the Braves giving up so many prospects last year for Tex, because it was thought at the time, that he would push the team over the hump, and back into post-season play.
When that didn’t happen, and it became more of a crap shoot that he might not stay in Atlanta beyond this season, I was all for moving him this past winter. The rest of the blog thought I was nutz!
But when the 2009 off-season is upon us, and Tex is in a Yankees uniform, I won’t look so silly.
THAT being said, I do get the fact that Chipper, Smoltz and now Glavine aren’t getting any younger. So the idea of keeping Tex through this year , even if that’s all it turns out to be, is only fair to that trio of players, to give it another go at the playoffs.
I’m not overly confident Tex will stay. But with Glavine maybe retiring (8 million dollars), and surely Hampton will not be a Brave next year (unless he fully comes back and feels guilty for the previous big paychecks and re-signs for about 1/4 of what his salary is right now), the Braves “might” have enough money to re-sign Tex.
But I’m quite certain, he will command around 20 million per year, and if our payroll tops out at around 100 million dollars, that’s 20 percent of the payroll on one player. I think there is plenty of track record the past decade or so that says if any one player takes up over 16 percent of his teams payroll, they are only 2 or 3 cases of that team winning it all. It’s a recipe for disaster, IMO.
So, to make a short story long…..I agree with you. I’d lay the “odds” of Tex re-signing with the Braves at about 1 to 32. :-)
By Matt
February 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Chipper, what’s this rumor of blue jerseys, can you clear that up? And ill be down at Spring Training this year checkin out the club. Ill be sportin my red Chipper jersey.
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Arighty then! How ‘bout yall try conversing amongst yourselves and I will just chime in every once in a while. I just sat here and read questions for an hour. By the time I reply, there will be 100 more. U guys provide me countless hours of entertainment whenever nothing is on TV. Some of u are very smart when it comes to the game of baseball and are very accurate in yer assessment of certain things. Others, well, u need to listen to DOB and Lew a little more. Let’s get the conversation back on the Braves team. How about I pose a question to u guys rite now, let u guys reply and later on tonite, I will give u my opinion. Which 5 guys do u think should be in the starting rotation and in what order should Bobby Cox run them out there?
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
As soon as the AJC advertised Chip’s existence on the blog, he porbably bolted. I kinda take issue with the whole “Lets let everyone know” take to his unexpected (even by DOB) and refreshing appearance. I know the AJC needs to make money, but couldn’t they let us true fan bloggers have our day?
with all that said…..thanks Dave for having a cyber-forum that is interesting enough to attract someone of CJ’s stature (just sayin, he is a Braves star player ya’ll)
By Steve
February 7, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
CJ intimated in his last post that he could see the day when he wasn’t playing for the Braves anymore. Does this mean that he’s pessimistic about his chance of staying after his current contract is up?
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
DOB I read the blog everyday and never post, but this got me posting.
Thanks to Chipper and the blog
By Philly Fanatic
February 7, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
To All: This is a notice to all you Braves fans out there… The Phillies are going to finish the 2008 season with a better record than the Braves. I wouldn’t be suprised if they won the pennant. Again!
By Austin
February 7, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Chipper
I’m probably the youngest reader of the blog at 15 years young, but I know how much you mean to the city of Atlanta and myself. A couple of years ago I went to my 1st Braves game against the Marlins with over 50,000 fans there. Ya’ll went on to win the game 6-1 and it has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Good Luck on the upcoming season and we love you!!!
Austin
By Edwin
February 7, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Chipper
Though other third baseman may have knocked a few more out, played a few more games - there is nobody else I would rather have playing third for the Braves. Watching you play this past season was amazing, it was unlike anything before. You were calm and consistent the whole season through, and you always came through in a pinch. A-Rod is always fluctuating from hot to cool, and I saw Wright choking many a time when the game was on the line. You on the other hand, seemed never to disappoint. Not to mention your defense tops all.
Nowadays it seems like the Braves are being widely written off in the east and the media prefers to focus on the Mets and Phillies, and guys like Wright and A-Rod. And though you don’t always get the attention you deserve, you really are one of the all-time greats and a no-doubt hall of famer.
So PLEASE keep tacking on those stellar seasons so that one day in the future I can read your induction speech, because more than any other player, I am pulling for you every time you take the field. MVP ‘08! I know you know you can do it. Peace and good luck.
Edwin
By Braves Fan
February 7, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
U Know who: Smoltz Hudson Glavine Jurrjens Hampton
By Epinephrine
February 7, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Smoltz Glav Hudson Jurriens Hampton
I don’t like the idea of having three lefties in a row.
By Austin
February 7, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
My starting rotation would be.. 1.Smoltz 2.Glavine 3.Huddy 4.Hampton 5.James
I put Glavine at 2 for lefty/righty purposes. I also have James winning the job easily. 11-10 with a 4.24 ERA has got to be the best stats for a potential 5th starter.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Steve, I’ll let him answer that if he wants to, now or later. I don’t get that impression, however….
BGE, ye of little faith….
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
if not………..
I’m kinda excited to hear what you think Chipper.
Not often a regular guy gets to hear what a respected player thinks about his young pitchers.
By Adam
February 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
well I would go Huddy because he did so well last season. Then Glavin to throw the opposing lineup off a little with a lefty look and then Smoltzie to go back to a righty. Then Probably Chuckie and then Hampton for as long as he can pitch, that rotation is left dominated so we might see a lot of bench players from managers doing so much of the lefty/right match up stuff. Jo Jo would be in AAA keeping his arm ready for when the injuries hit so will Jeff Bennett. Haven’t kept up with the team as much this off season. Another thing with hampton is that he has be one guy because of what we are paying him and his value right now. What if he comes out and Dominates then his value is way up from what it is now.
Also there is nobody in the bigs that can matchup with Smoltz at the 3. The only concern for me and this rotation is the age and potiential for injury but luckily we have lots of depth for when the injury bug hits. Sooner or later it will hit there is no avoiding it might as well prepare for it.
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Chipper - Glad to see you’re back. The best rotation looks to me like this: Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Jurrjens, and JoJo. As for the order in which he runs them out, I think that might depend somewhat on which club you are playing. I would also give Smoltz and Glavine an extra day off or even a skipped turn occassionaly. We don’t want those arms falling off. Seems like Bobby and Frank have put together enough young back-ups to do that this year.
By J.D.
February 7, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
No doubt Smoltz is the number one- he is proven, durable, and always comes to play in the big games. I have to go with Glavine as the #2. He may not be the pitcher he was in 1995, but he is still an effective pitcher. Changing speeds is his game, and that doesn’t go with age. I only go with him as the 2 because I don’t like to see three lefties in a row. Huddy is the #3 only for this reason. He is a #1 starter on most teams, a great pitcher who when his sinker is on can get anyone out. Hopefully Hamp is healthy, and he will the 4th starter. If he can get us 10 wins it would be a huge upgrade from last year. He is really the X factor in this rotation. If he is back like he was before he got hurt, we have the best rotation in the NL. I still like Chuck James as the 5th starter, but he needs to develop a third pitch. Limiting flyballs will be something he needs to do, or else I expect Jair Jurrjens to pick up the spot. It is going to be a good battle for the 5th spot, something we all should be thankful for.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper-Started a painting of a nice eight point whitetail buck. I went to Mercer Univ. in Macon. I can tell you and Carroll Rogers can, too, that anyone who has eaten late night at the Denny’s in Macon has paid their dues-in spades. Glad you like my analysis.
By N8
February 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
BabyGoatEater
I agree with you. It’s like a great band or restaurant. Once everybody else knows about it too, some of the lustre is lost (not that Chipper or any Brave isn’t welcome here ANYTIME). But there are so many of us, who make this thing tick (besides DOB - obviously the “blog-master”), whether we are good fans (like most are), Angry Crabby Men (like coach), stat whizzes (like Shaun), Pompous A-holes (like myself), Bobby Haters (like Robert), and even the Mets trolls.
I’ve always said that if we all thought alike and had nothing to argue about, this blog would’ve been dead before it started. The diversity is what makes it tick.
Either way, it’s pretty damn cool that Chipper stopped by (not incognito) for two days.
But the AJC is like that buddy of yours who has been getting it on with the “hot girl” at school in private. Sooner or later, he’s gotta announce it to the world, otherwise NOBODY would know how “cool” he is. It’s like Jim Belushi’s character in “Trading Places” when he wakes up from getting hit on the head and has his clothes off and he yells……“Hey Everybody! Look what happened to me!!!”
Far be it for the AJC to let us regulars and DOB have some fun doing what we’ve all been doing for the past 3 years (only 2 for me).
Chipper
Going on NOTHING more than what I’ve read (scouting reports, DOB’s reports, and subtle comments from Smoltz and Bobby), here is my rotation. Of course injuries and Spring Training performances could change my opinion:
Hudson (Based on last year, he’s figured it back out and is a true ace)
Glavine (In my mind, Smoltz has more left, but I’m going with the “righty/lefty” theory that I know Bobby pays attention to).
Smoltz (This should relieve some of the pressure to be the Ace - if only in name meaning he can take a day or two off every now in then. Of course this isn’t to say when October comes that he won’t have the best numbers on the staff and be the obvious choice to start game 1 of a series)
Jo-Jo (Bobby has said a few times - I’ve read - that Jo-Jo is a future #2 starter in this league. I think he has more “out” pitches already than Chuck, so with the help of Glavine, it’s his time to shine, IMO)
JJJ (Gotta go with the kid in the Renteria deal. Everything I’ve read is that he has electric stuff. Does that mean, he’ll succeed? Not necessarily, but with Hudson, Glavine and Smoltz already eating up innings, he can figure it out as he goes in the 5 hole….just like Millwood did a few years back……zero pressure.
What’s up with Hampton and Chuck. Not sure about Chuck. But I’ll believe Hampton’s ready, if he actually gets to bat in a game he started (meaning he’ll have lasted a few innings). No offense to him. I’m rooting for him. But we’ve wished and hoped long enough. I’m not believing until I’m seeing.
By vt_Brady2705
February 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Chip,
regarding your rotation question, I think it’s got to go Hudson / Smoltz. I know in the grand scheme of thing, it doesn’t matter who starts 1st and who starts 2nd as they’ll both end up with the same amount of starts. However, I know we tried this back in 2006, as it sounded like they were trying to shift some of the pressure off of Smoltz and onto Hudson. It didn’t work, as Huddy struggled in 2006, but he’s back to form now and I’d like to see them try it again. Smoltz’s time here is limited, and I say we try to push Hudson up into the #1 role on the team before Smoltz is gone. The other benefit of doing this is that Smoltz gets to start the home opener against Pitt, and I think everyone would like to see that.
Obviously Glavine is slated 3. That’s why Wren got him.
As for #4 and #5, it should be Hampton and James in either particular order. I’m very very excited about both Jurrjens and Reyes, but you don’t discount the fact that James has been very impressive in his first year and a half. His MiLB numbers are unreal, and last year was a very good year when you step back and realize it was his first full season. A lot of guys, including Smoltz, Glav, and Maddux, didn’t have the kind of success James has had in their early years. Definitely not saying James is the next Smoltz, Glav, or Maddux, but he’s earned the right to be in our rotation until he proves he can’t do it.
That being said, you never know if Mike Hampton will be good to go or not, and you certainly can’t count on it. And of course, people seem to be worried about James’ health.
Operating under the “worst case scenario” situation, lets say both Hampton and James are down for the count when the season starts. I say we have to give Bennett a spot, and that would shift Boyer into the long-relief role. That way we don’t have to lose either of them since they both have to either make the 25 man roster or clear waivers since they’re out of options. Then, whoever Bobby wants to be the 5th man between Jurrjens or Reyes I’m comfortable with.
The great thing here, is that given that “worst case scenario” situation, I’m totally confident in a rotation of Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Bennett, Reyes/Jurrjens. Totally confident, almost more so than I am with James / Hampton. Bennett, Jurrjens, and Reyes all have some nasty stuff. I wouldn’t bet against Bennett having a little more zip on his fastball too, now that he’s this much longer removed from his surgery. The 2009 rotation is going to be very very interesting to see shape up. Could you do us all a favor and throw Tex a big sales pitch? I’d really hate to lose that guy, we need him to be in ATL for a long long time.
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Alright, I agree with your moves this offseason. Way to go out and get the “best blogger available”. Most BM’s wouldn’t have spent the necessary prodding to get him. You saw outside the box, and even though his spelling isn’t perfect and he doesn’t always spend enough time in the blog…he does much for the morale of the team. Now couldn’t we use one more Assistant BM? Carrol does a good job, but as you can tell, WE NEED MORE.
J/K….
By TexasBrave
February 7, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - My hope is that Hampton and Chucky are both health to start the season. If so then I would go with the following.
Smoltz
Hudson
Tommy
Hampton
Chucky
Bennett - I am not proposing a 6 man rotation as much as I would like to see Bobby have Smoltz, Tommy and Mike skip a start as the season wears on. Perhaps Huddy and Chucky could use it to towards the end of the season.
My idea is about 10 or so starts into the season replace Smoltz with Bennett, then the next time through the rotation Bennett would replace Tommy, the next replace Mike. Then perhaps after 7 or 8 more straight starts do it again Just to keep them fresh.
Depending on how things are shaping up towards the end of the season the above could be used more frequently.
Mr. Jones thanks for gracing the blog with your presence.
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Ooops….Guess I jumped the gun on the Chipps gone sentiment.
By A.J.
February 7, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
This is to answer U Kno Who….I think the best 5 for starting rotation will be ANY 5 without Hampton. What’s with him? Can anyone seriously get paid that much to ride the pine? I know more goes on behind the scenes with contracts, etc. than is public information, but, I also know that in my line of work, if I am unable to perform my duties, then I would be fired!!! Back to the rotation, as long as Smoltz and Hudson are out there, we have a chance to win…..
By jman
February 7, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who:
Just had to chime in…Want you to know that I’ve followed your career since I was 12! Just to make you feel old I am now 26. Every year in Little League I had to be #10. I remember the year when you tore your knee up going into 1B…1994 maybe?…And was of course extremely ticked when Nomo beat you out for the R.O.Y. especially b/c my best friend is a big Dodger fan. Well as I said I am now 26 and have two boys of my own. My 4 year old is starting T-Ball this year. He’s been a Chipper fan since he was 2. Every time he sees you on TV he says “Dad! It’s Chipper!” and I’m sure you can guess what number he’ll be in T-ball this year.
My favorite Chipper moment was the 3rd game of the 3 game sweep of the Mets in September of 1999. It was a day game. I sat right behind the Mets dugout and waved one of the many brooms that day. But I remember you because you had yet another monster game against them. Looking forward to another MVP year! I know you can do it…you had an MVP year going last year.
Just wanted to get a chance to actually tell you that you and Smoltzie have been my favorite Braves for years now. I hope you both retire in Atlanta Uni’s! Ok…I’ll shutup with the Chipper lovefest…
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
N8:
Great analogies. Right on.
I know you all probably think I’m just a Chuck fan (especially after my many posts), and i have been silent lately since hearing about his arm issues, but……How can so many of you crown JJJ or JO-JO the next great young braves pitcher when Chucky has been in the trenches putting up good (no not great) numbers. Come on guys, give him a little respect….
By ColoradoBravesFan
February 7, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
The rotation i would like to see is 1. Smoltz 2.Glavine(just to break up the lefties) 3. Hudson 4. Hampton 5. C. James and have Jeff Bennett in the Pen for long relief.
GO BRAVOS….
By Longwood's Finest
February 7, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Rotation:
1 Huddy,2 Smoltz,3 Glave,4 Hampton(If Healthy) 5 Chuckie, JJJ If Hampton of Chuck can’t go in the spring. Bennet as long man or spot starter
I honestly like Chuck as a 4th or 5th starter, unfortunately he was forced into the 3rd spot last year. He pitched extremely well at times, and others, well you know… Anyways, I think the rotation will be solid, especially that there’s going to be about 3 other starters waiting to take each other’s spots. I’m looking forward to Spring training to see how it unravels. I’m hoping Hampton can go out there and give Los Bravos 120-150 innings. Anything after that will be icing on the cake.
I just hope to see a three man rotation of Huddy Smoltz and Glav in October with a bullpen full of good arms!
Chipper: Have you seen this Morton kid that DOB talks about so much?
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Can’t blame U Kno Who for changing this process. I was very impressed that he took the time to answer the flood of questions earlier this afternoon. That being said:
Smoltz and Huddy back to back-thats a no brainer. Glavine fits in nicely at #3. I have Jurrjens at #4 because i don’t think that Glavine and Hampton should be back to back. Call me an optimist, but i think this is the year Hampton is healthy. I think Jurrjens has a good spring and gets in. The rotation needs another power righty in my opinion. Chuck James’ shoulder soreness concerns me, i think this won’t be good news.
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
I will post again at 10pm.
By RS
February 7, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Hey U Kno Who, it’s been great watching your career unfold as I’ve grown up. (I was 6 when you came up to the big leagues)-You are by far my favorite player- keep up the great work!
I think a rotation of Smoltz Hudson Glavine Hampton (if healthy) should be good.
The 5th spot I think should be Chuck James to lose, unless someone like Jo-Jo or Jair Jurrjens has a great spring. OF course, if any injuries pop up, I also think those two should be the first to get a crack at a consistent starting job.
By A*-Dozer
February 7, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
What will Bobby’s nickname be for Kotsay? Markie? Kots?
FW needs to sign Chet Steadman.
By N8
February 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, I hope I didn’t offend you with the steroids question. If you’ve frequented the blog as often as it seems you have (even if just reading our posts), you’ll know that I’ve gotten into some semi-heated discussions, questioning some past Braves like Klesko, Gant, Giles and recently Julio. I’ve even made comments about your MVP season (if I recall you put on around 20 pound that offseason - to which some bloggers have told me CAN be done with a rigorous weight training and diet routine in an offseason).
I truly want to believe that MY favorite players (and you are one of my all-time favs), have done it clean.
But you have to understand that with all the allegations and the unions PAST stance on testing, that as fans we literally HAVE TO question just about everybody.
Is that fair? No.
I wasn’t trying to put you under the gun, nor do I expect you to candidly discuss this topic in an open forum. But some bloggers in the past that scorned me for even mention your name (among other Braves), questioned whether I would “ask you in person” if given the opportunity.
More than likely I would not. LOL! And since I don’t attend Spring Training games and live considerably out of the Atlanta region, this forum is the only chance I may get to actually ask the question. So I wouldn’t want to come across as a cowherd by NOT mentioning it.
For the record, I don’t really think you did. You’ve got enough natural talent to STILL be considered among the greatest 3B of all-time, and certainly among the best switch-hitters of all time. Your name should (and will) be mentioned with the likes of Eddie Murray and Mickey Mantle when all is said and done.
I guess, I heard Smoltz on the Jim Rome show literally calling out Clemens when that fiasco began about a month or so ago, and am curious on YOUR opinion, of the “steroids era” in general.
Do you think it diminishes what a guy like Bonds and McGwire have done?
Again. Don’t expect you to answer. I’m just an inquiring mind, who wants to know. LOL!
By Murphy
February 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Rotation:
I agree with splitting up the lefty/righty deal and also N8’a idea of Huddy 1st and Smoltzie 3rd. It makes sense as far as Smoltz getting the rest and also getting to put a HOF/#1 starter up against the other guys #3. Awesome odds there! Glavine will be #2; I am hoping for Hampton 4 and James 5, but I think we will be looking at JoJo 5 by the end of Spring Training.
By woogidy
February 7, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
u Kno Who, My thanks to you first of all, and to answer your question, The Braves didn’t trade for Jair Jurrjens for him to sit in the minors. He should be the fifth starter. Hampton or Chuckie, whomever is healthy should man the 4 spot, and Smoltz, Huddy, and Glavine at 1-2-3. I like the lefties back to back, especailly in a Phillies series.
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Well, that knocks out all but about three of the 1,426 different options for the rotation order. Wow, what a wide variety of opinions, ideas and reasoning.
By chippahawk10
February 7, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
HOLY $H!T, I can’t believe what I’m witnessing right now! Chipper, you’ve always been my idol growing up and you could just ask anyone I know about that. #10 has always been on my highest pedestal and wore it proudly on the field! The room is covered in your stuff and the saddest day of my life is the day I heard TBS won’t be covering the games anymore. I rarely missed a one and watched all the un-broadcasted ones on my computer. I live up here in North Dakota and am the biggest hunter I know. (Waterfowl & big Whitetails!) I FINALLY got to see you in MN last year and the end of that game (in the series finale) really brought out the booze in me. Ooops, but Wickman is lucky I didn’t run out there, haha. Lifetime goals: Get to Atlanta for a series, get your autograph, and ultimately: DOUBLEDIME RANCH HUNT W/ YOU and maybe Roachy?! Check out Nodakoutdoors.com sometime if you’re bored and if you made a post on there, everyone would $h!t a brick! (I can dream anyway ;) I’m bandman and the insight on that sight is stuff you won’t find anywhere else when it comes to hunting. Great deer hunting forum and you could see some of the brutes we get up here and on our land in the photo albums.
YOU ARE SIMPLY THE $h!t and the epitome of greatness!!! Your biggest supporter and fan ever, Jordan H. jordan_h10@yahoo.com (notice the 10 like in everything else) Wow, I’m in freakin’ shock and feel like a schoolgirl, but I don’t care. I can now say I personally posted to Chipper freakin’ Jones, the coolest dude I’ve never met!
By Ghost of GilGarrido
February 7, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
UKW: I know it may be nutty, but my starting rotation (for the first couple of months and the last couple) stetches the rotation to six starters (something I’ve heard Smoltzie talk about). Maybe not always, but something to give our glorious but grey-bearded geezers a blow from time-to-time, and keep ‘em fresh for October. My rotation vote is: Smoltzie, Huddy, Glavine, Hampton, then a two-man combo of whoever has the best spring from Jurrjens, Chuckie, Bennett or Jo-Jo. Let Bobby start a six-man rotation revolution!! (And thanks for blogging - - I usually read rather than post, and you’ve pulled me out of the woodwork.)
By Churchie
February 7, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, HUGE fan of yours!!! I am going to spring training to watch you and the guys play the Astros on march 2nd. Can u give me some tips on getting autographs from the team? Cant wait to see you out there!
By N8
February 7, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
BabyGoatEater
Contrary to what it may appear, I actually AM a fan of Chuck James.
He’s had many things stacked against him, and still gotten to the “show”. He’s a guy worth rooting for.
But certain things about him, rub me the wrong way. Though they could be neat things that make him what he is.
Like the whole working for Lowes (or was it Home Depot) last off-season installing windows? Why not work in the offseason trying to improve his pitches or adding another pitch?
Or his comments about not really paying attention to the hitters he’s facing. I realize that not everybody can be Maddux and be the master of noticing little things that hitters do and adjusting to them, or having the video library on every hitter like Curt Schilling. But it just seems like he’s SO CLOSE to being a really good starter (instead of just an OK to good starter), that if he gave a little more off-season effort to improving his game, he’d be able to do it.
Plus, like I said, I’ve read Bobby’s praise about Jo-Jo, and Bobby “appeared” to lose patience with Chuck late last year. That tells me that Jo-Jo may be higher on the pecking order in Bobby’s mind, for the future.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
I don’t personally know Chuck James, so I can’t reasonably comment on his “work ethic or desire”. I can only comment on what I’ve read, and what DOB has said about him, Bobby’s comments on him, and what DOB has said Bobby says about the other options for the rotation.
Believe me. If Chuck has a monster year, I will be just as pumped as everybody. It not only will help THIS YEAR, but beyond. Even if he’s never more than a #3 starter.
The guy is left-handed. As long as he’s not getting hammered, he will ALWAYS find a job in the big-leagues.
How else can you explain Mark Redman continuing to find work? Look at guys like Moyer. Even if it’s as a reliever later in his career, I could see Chuck pitching in some form until he’s 40 if he so desires.
How’s the old saying go?
If your left-handed and have a pulse….
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
smoltz,hudson,glavine,jjj,hampton.
if healthy i look for hamp to shock the naysayers. you and hamp headed over for the 500? i know hampton and cox are both huge nascar fans.
By Roman Gal
February 7, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
While I know that Chuck doesn´t have the competetive drive some do…he practically coasted through the minors and through his rookie season…and did a great job at the beginning of last year. I just think that Chuckie has it in him to be a good starter for los bravos. Chuck will be in the rotation this year and that he will skip a few starts to keep him from wearing down like he did last season.
I am optimistic about Hampton. I think he´ll do alright but he certainly won´t last all season and may not even be able to start the season in the ATL. Therefore, its gotta be 1. Smoltz, 2. Hudson, 3. Glavine, 4. JJJ, 5. James.
I think that if Jo-Jo get a start in Atlanta…it must mean something bad has happened (or a lot of bad somethings.)
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Would you mind mentioning who you think are some of the other elite 3b in the rest of the NL? Thanks so much. Andrew Stebbins
By Curtis Vandeford
February 7, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
First time on the blog. Very nice of you to come on and talk with everyone. I just wanted to ask, I know that you have been with us a long time. With a week left before spring training do you still feel the same butterflies as you did back when you started? I mean I know you are going to miss that family, but does the challenges of getting ready for another title run still get you blood pumpin? Thanks Chipper and have a great one, and by the way you know me too Chipper!!!!!
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
I’m looking at Hudson Smoltie Glavine James JJ
I still can’t count on Hampton. But he would be a nice addition, if healthy.
Maybe switch Smoltz and Glavine if needed during a rest.
I have to wait till spring traing to give my real opinion!
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Would you mind mentioning who you think are some of the other elite 3b in the rest of the NL? Thanks so much. Andrew Stebbins
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Would you mind mentioning who you think are some of the other elite 3b in the rest of the NL? Thanks so much. Andrew Stebbins
By Mike S
February 7, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
The first 3 are obviously set (I’d go Huddy, Glav, Smoltz), but I don’t think you can really make a good decision on the last two spots until spring training. Health is obviously the first question mark at the back end (Hampton and Chuck), but performance in the spring is going to be the biggest deciding factor to me. I could really see it breaking down so many different ways. If Hampton and Chuck are healthy and productive in the Spring, I think they have the leg up on the others (Hampton especially), but if Jurrgens and Jo-Jo are lights out in the spring, they’re going to be hard to ignore (I really think they’re going to be anchors in the rotation for years to come, Jurrgens especially).
So, basically the vets get the nod if all things are equal in the spring, but if not, it just depends on how things play out performance-wise. I’m excited for it though, that’s for sure!
By Choppinmama
February 7, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who: Just wanted to let you know how proud I am to say that I’m a Braves fan. You and your teammates, coaches and the homeboys upstairs run the team in such a way that no matter who is on the field, I am proud to support the Braves.
So proud that my FL license reads: 4 D BRVES!
How about volunteering for Baseball 101 this year? Us ladies will promise to keep our hands to ourselves!!
By David-ATL14
February 7, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
1.Smoltz no explanation needed. 2.Glavine in the #2 slot just to give a different look to the hitters being between Smoltz and Hudson in the #3.
Hampton #4 if healthy and a battle for #5 with Jurrjens having the inside track.
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Would you mind giving us your thoughts on some of the other elite NL third basemen?
By gregodawg
February 7, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
That has to be one of the coolest things -blogging-, a player has ever done. Wow.
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
What do you want DOB? Sure, there’s 1500 ways to make up the rotation, but only a few that make sense or would actually be employed by Bobby. How’s this:
I have Smoltz as closer and Hudson in long relief. Creative enough?
By Jeff Gray
February 7, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Dear Chipper,
My fifteen year old son and I traveled from Dayton, OH to FanFest. He was fortunate enough to get your autograph and picture. You are without a doubt his favorite player. When my son was younger, I told him, “You’re gonna like this guy. He’s all right. He’s a good fella. He’s one of us. You understand?”
Being a Dad, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for you re-working your contract to continue to stay a Brave; hopefully forever. It was sort of difficult for my son when other players left. Simply put, not only do we cheer for the Braves, but more importantly, the players themselves – not just because they have a tomahawk stitched on their chest.
Thanks again…
By uga-brave
February 7, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
you know who,
we talk baseball on this blog 90 % of the time, movies, music, and food the other 10%
quip pro quo, your favorite baseball movie? a couple of your favorite restaurants? in the atl. and on the road?
pretty darn cool of you to hang out with us.
By ga dog
February 7, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
hey chip, see you up at old towne every once in awhile, thurs nites, always loved the brAves, and the dawgs ,my tv is tuned to every game, i have to know the score b/4 i can go to bed, any way bobby is the best, proud to see you give him such praise, i have always stood up for bobby and what he means to baseball, i just cannot picture the braves and no bobby, have a great year, tks
By acoldbravesfan
February 7, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
1 G. Maddux 2 T. Glavine 3 J. Smoltz 4 S. Avery 5 P. Smith The good ole’ days 1 J Smoltz 2 T. Hudson 3 T. Glavine 4 Jurrens 5 M. Hampton
By Matt Loves Baseball
February 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, Chipper! This is very cool of you! You have always been my favorite player, and this just adds to that feeling! Congratulations on an outstanding season last year, we Braves fans are looking forward to watching you pummel the Mets (and the rest of ‘em) again this year! I was wondering, what’s your second favorite stadium to hit in, and what do you think of the strong likelihood of the Braves retiring your number after you hang up your spikes? Also, what was your reaction to that awesome 3-homer game you had in D.C. in ‘06?
Rotation: Smoltzie, Huddy, Glav, Jurrjens, and Hampton(if healthy)/James.
We’ll be looking for you in the All-Star Game, good luck this year!
By BabyGoatEater
February 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
N8:
True enough observations. I agree that Chuck might not show his desire to be a top-notch pitcher. I have a hard time believing that any big league pitcher didn’t put the work in. Somehow I can’t believe that he “worked at HomeDepot” for no reason. I think that chuck worked there because being in the Bigs got to him. I’m sure if you put aside that he’s making more money in a year than I make in 5 (and soon he’ll be making more than i make in my life….) that being in the bigs can be a culture shock to most of us not born and raised in LA or on TV. Maybe he doesn’t put in his share of time watching and reading scouting reports (isn’t that why we have McCann though!…) but he’s talented enough to be 5’ nothin 170lbs and get it done.
Silly argument anyways….obviously we both want Chuck (and thus the Braves) to succeed. My bigger concern is the Coaching. Man Cox is terrib…..just kiddin, that was for you Robert…..
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Also, I dont know what all the concerns are about in the rotation. As a Nationals fan I have learned you can NEVER have enough starting pitching…even if it is in AAA.
No team uses the same 5 starters all season long.
Lets make it clear that this is a GOOD PROBLEM!11!11
By Atlantarama
February 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
Thanks for taking the time to share with your fans. This is really an experience.
I’m one of those fiercely loyal Braves fans who don’t get a chance to get to the games as much as I’d like, and I hate it that Atlanta gets a bad reputation because of low turnout. I often wonder how the players feel about local support.
By BrandonC
February 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I know you have a lot of questions asked, but I’m wondering if your going to the DAYTONA 500 this year and if you are, who are you pulling for? I grew up a huge race fan and it’s neat to see some of the Braves at the 500.
By Phil in GA
February 7, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
1a. Smoltz 1b. Hudson 3. Glav 4. Jurrjens 5. James/Hampton (whoever’s healthiest)
CHIP,
You heard anything about Chuck’s health - lot of speculation among us here lately. Agree with you on B. Jones too - I’ve been excited for when that guy hits the majors.
And two questions for you if you get a chance: 1. Favorite baseball memory that doesn’t feature you? 2. Funniest things you’ve heard come from the mouths of Maddux & Smoltz?
By 22oz
February 7, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Wait, now after reading your post again, i can’t tell if you were being sarcastic or not DOB. Apologies if you were being serious. Actually i still like my second rotation. Hudson would be way better than Villareal at long relief!
By Steamboat
February 7, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, you need to petition the IT guys for a new feature: a blue (or green, whatever) bold byline for celebrity guest bloggers who are “confirmed”. I don’t really buy that U Kno Who is CJ; think it’s more likely one of your former regulars playing tricks.
If I’m wrong, sorry. The whole thing just sounds cheesy to me.
By adivenjack
February 7, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
re: 2008 rotation
Smoltz Tommy Huddy (just to break up the righty/righty) C James* Hampton**
If shoulder’s healthy *If (fill any body part here)’s healthy
-Jurrjens gets a half season in Richmond. He’s probably very close now but let him season a bit more -Bennett becomes the long man and a spot starter (Oscar V’s spot)
All this changes if Frank Wren pulls a rabbit from his hat and gets Bedard. Or, of course, Smoltz learns to throw with his left handed.
By three homer night in washington
February 7, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
dear #10, how did it feel when you hit that third homer in that three homer night in washington last year? thats how im going to describe you to my kids. on our mantle sits a bat that you signed 99 nl mvp. my wife and i simply refer to you as “C”. you have defined the letter and what is it to be a real big leaguer. thanks man
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
DOB — Can you get rid of the 7:46pm post? Really offensive.
By Adam
February 7, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
The five I think are going to start the year are:
Hudson Smoltz Glavine Jurjens Hampton
By Choppinmama
February 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Stranger: Aloha and mahalo. After a rollover ejection, lifeless on the scene and a Life flight, a week later she is up and walking around with only some cracked vertabrae, cracked scapula and a little road rash. Not a stitch or concussion. We are truly blessed!
Tomahawkin’: I believe the gesture Chipper makes after a homer is American sign language for I Love You. A special sign to his family, I’m sure.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Smoltz , Hudson , Hampton , Glavine and Bennett in no particular order. These five have earned a spot in the rotation.
Chuck James apparently has shoulder issues ? although I would prefer to have three lefty’s in the rotation.
The order of the rotation will change during the season as Cox will try to gain the best match up in favor of the Braves.
The three lefty thing is both a statistical and tactical advantage when considering that the majority of hitters are right handers.
By Adam
February 7, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Unless James finds another pitch, I don’t see him as one of the best 5 possible starters. He doesn’t eat enough innings and fades fairly fast after the 2nd time through the order. To me he is better suited for long relief.
By Jeff in Roswell
February 7, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
10 - What is your take on inter-league play? Should it continue? Do most players get excited about playing the AL teams? My opinion is that it takes away so much if the two teams that reach the Series have already played each other. Your thoughts???? I’m a traditionalist and don’t care for inter-league games during the season. Go Braves! The East is ours again!
By ck
February 7, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
adivenjack … Bedard will be a mariner very soon… You can bet on it… we missed out on this years crop of young arms but wait until the trade deadline… i bet we pull in a very servicable arm to bolster the staff and push us toward the division championship. I doubt seriously the Braves will stand still come July if they are anywhere close…But for now don’t look for the big adddition.
Just heard Schilling may be out for the season… and possibly for his career… Guess that means the Sox are regretting giving up on Santana. Look for them to bring in the youngster Clay B. Actually I would call that addition by subtraction. Maybe it will work for the Braves as well
By Herschel # 3 (I think)
February 7, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
I think it’s safe to say, what we’ve all been thinking for a while now… according to ESPN.com, Pedro loves cocks! Sorry metropolitans!
THWG
By BravesFanChris23
February 7, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
I’ll take a crack at your question U Kno Who….
Two scenarios:
Hampton (if healthy)
Smoltz
Either way I like those. Chuck James could be solid number 4 or 5 in case Hampton can’t go, provided his shoulder stays healthy. I would like to see Jurrjens get the starting job, I’ve heard good things and want to see what he could do.
By Chippersgal
February 7, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
*Chipper, how humble of you to come blog with us! I am absolutely thrilled. I was just wondering if you think Javy Lopez will play an Eddie Perez type role this year… maybe play once every four or five games… Looking forward to seeing you have a great season!!!! *
By McFann
February 7, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
“Post again at 10 pm”? Aw, sheesh, I’ll be in bed by then. Oh well. It’s still fun to read all your responses, Chipper. You’re the first player I’ve ever “talked” to. (Oh, except for Glenn Hubbard. My family and I met him at Lowes in 2004.)
Thanks for stoppin’ by, Chipper. U da man!!
(After McCann, of course. ; ) )
By Curt
February 7, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Ok here is what I came up with for the rotation.
The man deserves being the 1 starter not only because of his tenure but because his stats since coming back from the bullpen show that he does, espcialy when you look at those stats DOB produced when he compared him to Santana.
I say Glavine in the number 2 spot to mix up the right left thing we have going on. Also I think the way that Glavine pitches, softer stuff and more control oriented pitcher gives a good mix between Huddy and Smoltz
Yes Hudson could be the number 1 and is at least the number 2 on this team but as I stated when saying why I thought Glav should be 2 this mixes the righties and lefties and sets Huddy up well with the style of pitching before him in the rotation
4 Hampton/James - whoever is most healthy
I am going to hope Hampton is ready to go come time to start the season and if he is we all know he will be in the rotation. If he is decent compared to what he normally is he is a more than serviceable 4th starter. The same can be said of James if he is slotted here after an injury to Hampton.
5 - Jurrjens
Still going with the alternating lefty righty here. This kid looked legit in his time in the majors last year and putting him in the 5 spot doesnt put any pressure on him and allows him to just go out and pitch with out trying to make up for us trading Renteria for him.
Put Jo-Jo in the minors and let him get more experience and I love Chuck but I think he doesnt fit in the rotation if Hampton can go. Bennett gets the long relief and spot start role.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
February 7, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
after reading through the rotation question and the many options, i’ve noticed no one mentioned ryan drese as a rotation option. i’m not sure if he will be healthy to break camp, but you can’t underestimate the option of having a former 14 game winner that no one is talking about.
(as an aside: if hampton isn’t ready to pitch 5/6 innings come april, any chance he might go the the bullpen?)
i remember this time last year when everyone was talking about the depth in the rotation. i even remember some around here talking about trading pitching depth last spring. and then by the end of spring, lance cormier was the 5th starter - only to get hurt. this was after hampton was shut down and davies was not effective. and dare i mention the mark redman era?
so while everyone is writing about the unproven youngsters and the vets fighting through injuries, until the end of march comes, there will be a lot of questions marks.
but this is why i love baseball. every spring, there is hope …
pitchers and catchers in seven days. seven days until the best season of the year: (braves) baseball season.
By chippahawk10
February 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I gotta bring up one more thing before I go. I don’t know when my heart stopped the hardest: when you went down out at the wall, when you slipped fielding the slow roller, or when you went down hard on your hands at Pittsburg last year. I thought your knee was f’d when you slipped on the wet grass and I guess I’d have to go with that one. Care to elaborate which one was the scariest one for you personally? Please try not to do that to me again!
I wouldn’t want to get in your way when you get fired up either. Love it!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
For those of you who have yet to hear it , Curt Schilling is reported to be unavailable until the All-Star break with a partial tear of his rotator cuff.
By Yars
February 7, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
I think we all realize now what a down to earth guy Chipper is. To hang out with us here & answer our questions & giving us his perspective on things is quite a treat. I was a bit surprised to hear that Klesko is officially retiring. I was hoping he would have played 1 more season. It’s hard to predict how the starting rotation will pan out. A lot of it will depend on whether Hampton & James are healthy & have a decent spring. We all know Leyland was high on Jurrjens so if James or Hampton aren’t ready, Jurrjens will hopefully be ready to take a spot. We all know that Jo Jo is another option.
By Avery
February 7, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who Wow, can’t believe you’re on here. For the 30 years that I have watched the Braves, you are by far my favorite baseball player of all time. Please don’t ever leave Atlanta. Random question…I have a pair of your batting gloves that you used, and the right glove has this weird splint on the pinky. Was that made for you after Zambrano hit you in the hand?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
February 7, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Man, that sucks I missed Chipper last night. I can’t believe I missed my favorite Brave of all time. Well, hopefully he will log in another time and I will catch him.
It is beyond cool that Chipper got on here and blogged with everybody!
By SEC Football
February 7, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed watching you play for the Braves. I am a native born around the same time that the Braves moved here from Milwalkee. Started playing ball when I was five and a Brave was always my favorite player. From Darrell Evans, Henry Aaron, Murph & Horner (who was my favorite Braves third basemen until we drafted some hotshot kid from Florida). I think you are a class act and a helluva ball player. HOF no doubt, best switch hitter ever bar none (including your idol Mr. Mantle). I think the move to left in order to help out the team was very unselfish (cost you a couple of All Star games). You do not see that very much anymore with any professional athletes especially ones of your stature. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that as a lifelong Braves fan thank you and I look forward to you finishing your career with us.
As for your question on the rotation.
1)Hudson 2)Glavine 3)Smoltz 4)Hampton (hopefully) 5)Jurrjens
I’m playing the lefty, righty thing as well. Also, as a number 3 Smoltz can miss a start every now and then to make sure he is fresh for October. With our top three eating up innings (200 plus each) and if we could possibly get 130 - 150 from Hampton our bullpen should be outstanding especially after we get Gonzales back after the break. By the way nothing against James (I think he is a quality number 4 or 5 on any team) but he, Glavine and Hampton are the same type of pitcher. They paint the black in and out and try to make you get yourself out. I don’t want three of those in my rotation and unfortunately he is the odd man out. I like the fact that we can now mix it up with Hudson’s splitter (unhittable when he is on), Smoltzie’s slider & heat, Glav & Hampton in and out and I haven’t seen Jurrjens but from everything I have read and heard he is just nasty. It will be nice to see Glav & Javy (hopefully) hooked up with you & John again. I can’t wait for the season to start. Thanks again for coming on.
By Ben
February 7, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Chip, you were right with Smoltzy as my faves on the team, but this blogging puts you over the top. Very cool.
Anyway, here’s the rotation I want (assuming Hampton can’t go):
I know the Bennett choice may be surprising, but I love his stats in 13 innings in ATL last year: 9.69 K/9, 1.31 WHIP, 2.0 gb/fb ratio, and he’s only gonna be 28 in June. He should be given a real chance. I’d also love to see Boyer given a shot to start. I like Chucky, but the way I feel about him now is how I felt about Davies last year at this time, and that didn’t turn out too well…
Thanks again for blogging!
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Hey, we’ll get a new blog up tomorrow. But this one’s been up only 48 hours, and it’s still a week until pitchers and catchers report.
By ATL
February 7, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones has always been a classy player and continues to endear himself to atlanta sports fans in unique ways. Kudos to Chipper for taking a night of his time to talk with his fans about Braves Baseball.
By Luther
February 7, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Rotation for selfish good games to watch matchup reasons:
1.Huddy 2.Glavine(deserves to start home opener and get welcomed back, also sets up a Sunday matchup against Santana in his 2nd start, 6th game of the season; if Santana is Mets #1 or Pedro if not) 3Hampton 4Chuck 5Smoltz- so he can start the first game of the Mets series
That gives us Smoltz, Huddy, and Glav in that series just for fun.
By Jared Wolfhope
February 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper do you remember this? Here is the pic…
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6433/chippernonoignmn4nk4jm7ch0.gif
By Robby
February 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
My Rotation looks like this:
Smoltz - Hands down, ace of the staff
Glavine - Hudson is better but i like the R,L,R theme just like bobby does
Huddy - If he pitches like he did last year, he’s gonna be the best #3 pitcher in baseball and will be mentioned in CY young talks along w/ smoltzy
Hampton - He has the stuff, can he stay healthy??
JoJo - The kid is gonna be good, just needs innings, i think if we can have a full year of him in the pro’s behind guys like glavine and hampton, its gonna pay huge dividends for us 5 years down the road
If hampton cant go i think you gotta move jojo up to 4 and either jurrjens or bennet up to 5
Realistically, i’d make chuck james the long man out of the pen alongside jeff bennett and be this years version of oscar “the vulture” villarreal. James is money for 2-3 innings, he’s pretty succesful going through a lineup the 1st time but after that, they seem to catch on to his tendencies (you know, he only throws 2 pitches). Bennett will be the right hand version and spot starter to spell anyone that cant go on a particular start
Dont you just love having 4 people that can be very effective #4 and/or #5 starters..which was a glaring weakness on last years squad..
By N8
February 7, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
“I can’t believe I missed my favorite Brave of all time. Well, hopefully he will log in another time and I will catch him.”
LOL! Suck up!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but before David Justice’s name came up in the Mitchell report, wasn’t your moniker:
Robert (Justice is Best)
???
Sorry dude. Just bustin your chops.
By JimD
February 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
My five:
Huddy, Smoltz, Glavine, JJ, Hampton/James
By David O'Brien
February 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
22oz, I was kidding….
Steamboat, you really don’t believe it’s him? Don’t know what to tell you, other than it absolutely is. One guy earlier put up a lame post as U Kno Who, and that wasn’t him (IP address different), but you can’t possibly believe someone else would be answering all these questions so thoroughly and with as much insight into Chipper’s life, could you?
Seriously, dude, it’s him. If it wasn’t, you better believe he’d be calling us at the paper and telling us to take down the story and the mug shot of him.
By ole timerbrave
February 7, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Accually I post my rotation before, but you know the young guys have alot to try to matchup to. Let’s give these future all star braves a chance at showing what they can do.
GO BRAVE
By Lew
February 7, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
I’d have to pitch Glavine as the number two starter. I’d like to see a right/left, every other day rotation, for the simple reason of not giving the other team lineup continuity. My rotation would be (depending on health-losing Hampton AND Chuckie could negate this idea)
I’d have Bennett as long relief/6th starter and let Jeff spot start for Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine. I actually like the six man rotation idea since we are as deep (even with the injuries) as we are.
I remember Joe Simpson mentioning Hudson’s numbers on five days rest-they are Extra Terrestrial they are so good. His ERA drops by an entire run per nine. With Smoltz and Tommy, we want to give them a couple starts off just to give them an extra day to breathe and recuperate every now and then-with Huddy, that extra day really helps even though he’s still a kid.
By William
February 7, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Chipper, First of all I want to say thanks for fanfest. My son and I got our pictures taken with you and I’ve heard about it everyday since. As far as starting 5 go…….Smoltz, Huddy, Glavine, Hampton, and Bennett. I’m sorry and I hope I’m wrong but I’m not counting on Hampton. He’s been away for a long time. I can’t see him coming back and being effective. Again I hope I’m wrong. Lastly at what age did you start switch hitting?? My eight year old is actually pretty good at it, but I wonder If I should just make him hit his natural (righthanded).
By Sanman
February 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Haha…Chipper. I guess the next question will be…what do you think the batting order should be? Haha. As much as I liked Smoltzie as a closer, I know he really didn’t feel at home there. It was just nice knowing that it was pretty much lights out when he came in to close a game, but then again, he is a great SP too. I would have to go with Smoltz #1, Hudson, Glavine,Hampton (hopefully he is healthy), and probably James in the 5th spot, although this is always a toss up….I would love to see the new guy Jurrgens (not sure about the spelling I think that is a soap isn’t it!!??)Reyes and James compete for that spot. If somehow we can get James to last more than 5 innings he would be awesome. Its a mental block with him seems like.
By Niels Boor
February 7, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
A.J. —
What does how much money he’s getting, ill-gotten or not, have to do with whether Hampton can pitch the lights out this season or not?
If he can, he’s in the rotation. Don’t be ignorant.
In your scenario, you’d be fired either because you don’t have a contract, or your contract provides for that kind of adverse action.
Hampton’s contract doesn’t.
Chipper, Chipper, Chipper!!!
How ‘bout that checked swing question?
I was wondering about that too.
By Sanman
February 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
As far as the batting order….well I am no Bobby..but this is what I would pencil in: KJ or Kotsay either 1st and/or second followed by you with Tex hitting 4th, Frenchy hitting 5th, Mac in 6th, Diaz then Escobar. Pass that on to Bobby will ya!! Haha….
By TennesseePaul
February 7, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
N8: before David Justice’s name came up in the Mitchell report, wasn’t your moniker
Yes. It was. That was a very public and awkward time for us all. I’m sure none of us want to re-live it.
By Sanman
February 7, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Chip….you’re missing LOST dude……
By SpringTraining
February 7, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Ok based upon the idea that Hampton is Healthy and productive I would go
Hudson Glavine Smoltz Hudson Jurrjens
Hudson because hes a ace and he can start the rotation. Hes also a righty
Glavine next because hes a lefty and can take a lot of innings, thus the pen gets less work for the following
SMoltz - commom a gamer but can have shoulder achs and we want to keep him fresh - thus the pen
Hampton another lefty coming in to back smoltz
Finally Jurrjens because watching him pitch and seeing his pitches I think hes got more to give them James who I still am not convinced is healthy. Plus he has options.
There ya have it. Tear me up.
Oh yea and Im the person a few years ago dialed you up when my cat was sick and cried on the phone lololol. Only to find out I had the wrong number…. You were to sweet, you probably dont remember but I will never foget how nice you were.
By Bubba Brown
February 7, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Here’s my take on the rotation:
Hampton’s healthy scenario: 1. Smoltz/Hudson 2. Smoltz/Hudson Six of one, half a dozen is far as I’m concerned. Any given night they will shut the opponent down, and with either of these pitchers on the bump, you know you’ve got a chance to win. 3. Glavine I can’t recall off the top of my head if he had 21 or 23 quality starts last year, but the point is he will keep us in ballgames. With our offense and pen we should be able to win a lot of the 6 inning 4 run type starts Glav will give us. 4. Hampton If he can be anywhere close to how he pitched for us right before he got injured, we’ve got a very good 4th starter. 5. James/Jo Jo Reyes If James can develop another pitch, I think he can win the spot and be outstanding. Reyes had a great year in the minors, and after struggling in his first few big league outings had a very solid September. Reyes also obviously has great stuff with an above average fastball, and good offspeed stuff.
By McFann
February 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
OK, one more Q for Chipper:
What kind of car do you have, who drives the yellow Corvette, and who drives the Lamborghini?
By Jeremy in Milledgeville
February 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
I always check this blog out but I’ve never actually posted, but being able to talk to Chipper is too cool to pass up. Chipper, I’m a huge hunter but I don’t think I can swing the $20,000 for the personal guided hunt with you. How about the best question on the blog wins a free hunting trip? Ok, I won’t hold my breath. 1.Smoltz 2.Glavine 3.Huddy 4.Hampton (God I hope so) 5.Jurrjens
By Random
February 7, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
ohgodohgodohgodohgod, Allen — am I confusing Chipper with Justice?
$#!t, $#!t, $#!t — I’m going to go crawl under the house now … … … .
By Ron Simmons
February 7, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..this is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jared
February 7, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
I love how a lot of people just know that Jurrjens is better than James when there is nothing to back that up.
By bravos
February 7, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Chipper,just wanted to say good luck on the up and coming season. You have always been my favorite player. This has nothing to do with baseball but did you kill any big deer this year?
By L.A./Duluth Brave
February 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
U KNO Did you ever drive up from FL to a Braves game as a kid, to be one of the 1,500 fans to watch Rick Mahler and Rafael Ramirez? Marshall Mann’s voice reverberating for days… A sea of orange and blue plastic …man, that was the shizzl manizzl…
By tdavis10
February 7, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
That is how it’s going to be
By JD
February 7, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Dude, DOB, don’t post another blog. It’ll never be as cool as this one. In all seriousness, thanks for the blogs. I know you don’t have to do it.
Chipper - no question, just thanks a ton for your time. So cool to get to interact with a big leaguer.
This has been great.
By SpringTraining
February 7, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
its gona be smoltz glavine hudson Jurrjins Hampton - Hampton is going to be comeback player of the year, with our pen Smotz and Hudson will have a viable chance for a cy young, and Santana is going to have trouble with the national league and fall to a 12-15 season. OMG lololol
Just my dreams coming up again.
By Mike
February 7, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
U Know Who….with the power lineups that you have been part of in HotLanta, which do you fill was the strongest…you,Justice,Gant…or you,Tex,Andrew…or some other combo!?
By Gman
February 7, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for jumping in here Chipper! It’s making spring training feel a whole lot closer. My starting pitcher choices and rotation would be Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, James and Jurrjens. I think the daily flopping from righty -to- lefty and power -to- deception would wreak some havoc on the timing of the other teams hitters. I’d also like to see Hampton as the longman in the first half. He could come in early when needed and not have to leave for a pinch hitter (given his great bat). This could save the pen a lot of innings and gives Hampton a valuable way to shake off 2 years of rust.
By Tim Dawg
February 7, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Spahn, Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neikro
World Series all the way with that rotation.
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who - Ever thought about starting your own site?
Also, How can we get in touch with you other than on here?
By Jason
February 7, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
After Hampton gets hurt of course.
By Reid in EAV
February 7, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
I love the rotation question this year because of all the possibilities involved. (This, as opposed to last year, where the feeling was “what warm body can we run out to soak up innings after Smoltz and Huddy?”) Anyway, it’s an impossible question to answer until we actually play some games down in Mouseland and see who’s really got it (and who can stay healthy), but if I had to hazard a guess here’s how I’d go—
Huddy. No question, he’s earned it.
Glavine. OK, playing lefty-righty like many of the other yahoos here.
Smoltz. Arguably a #1, but putting him third puts less pressure for him to burn up his arm through 162 games and then hit October hard too. Also makes it easier for him to skip a start if necessary.
Hampton. Yeah, I know. But I have a feeling that this is the year he finally goes the distance without health issues — could be the surprise of the staff. Just a hunch.
Probably the hardest one to call. I’ll say Jojo for now because I just get the feeling that he’s about to put it all together. March will be the test.
#10, a rare privilege to chat, thanks. My only question for you has to do with how you handle the pressures that come with your visibility — having met some athletes who crumbled in the public spotlight (remember Lamar Hoyt?) I’m curious about your coping skills. Any good habits you try to maintain to keep it real?
DOB — That all this has gone so well is a tribute to the community you’ve built here. Jumping back in with the Feb. minicamp feels like “Cheers.” I lift my Belgian Strong Golden Ale to you (while putting some Springsteen on)!
By Sean C
February 7, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
U Know Who… i just wanted to say that your personal camera man with Buck Commander, Jordan Summitt, is a good friend of mine from college, I saw some of the video hes put up from your hunts with laroche and langerhans, looks like a blast, tell him i said hey if you talk to him before me, haha
By Coxkid
February 7, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper: I am a longtime Braves and #10 fan from New Jersey. Its an honor to get to shoot some questions at you and hear your responses to them. Ive got a good feeling about this season and I really like the group of players that GM Wren has assembled. As for the rotation heres what I think coach Cox will do with 3 lefties a strong possibility in the starting 5. 1. Smoltz 2. Glavine 3. Hudson 4. James 5 Hampton 6/LR Bennet
I took a look at the link you sent for Double Dime and it looks like an awesome ranch and great place to spend your time in the off season. If you dont mind me asking what is your highest scoring trophy buck to date? I look foward to watching you guys play this year and am optimistic that this could be a special year for you with Teixeira hitting cleanup. I am glad you squashed all the retirement rumors and hope you will play as long as your mind and body hold up. You are truly a special athlete and great role model to fans, and other athletes for your loyalty to your team and all around gamesmanship. We are all grateful that you are on our team and that you take time to interact with us fans. Thanks Chipper, and good luck this season. Chris - New Jersey
By BRAVER
February 7, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
CHIP DADDY, USUALLY THERE IS A SAD SPORTS LULL FROM THE END OF THE SUPER BOWL UNTIL THE UMP YELLS PLAY BALL. WAY TO GO COMING ON THE DOB WITH ALL THIS BLOGGING FROM A SUPER STAR AND FUTURE HALL OF FAMER! FABULOUS PERSONAL TOUCH FOR US LIFE TIME BRAVOS NO DOUBT! THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT! INCREDIBLY COOL TIME BLOGGING WITH THE ULTMATE GAMER. I GOTTA SAY SOME OF YOUR LEFT HANDED HOME RUNS LAST YEAR WERE RUTHIAN SHOTS. HOPE YOU HAVE A MVP SEASON. GOD BLESS YOU!
By RyGuy
February 7, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
man, imagine my excitement, im wearing my CHIPPER JONES JERSEY* because im so excited for spring training, cant wait to go down to florida, and i cant wait for pitchers and catchers to report in ONE WEEK… speaking of pitchers… i think 1) huddy…we’ve got to look to the future and let huddy be the ace, as we all know he can be 2) smoltzy… we all know hes incredible 3) glavine…of course… cant wait to see him back in the rotation 4) hampton… i think hes gonna be healthy and ready to go 5) james… hes struggled, but i think hes still got a lot of potential if hampton/james doesnt perform/goes down, jojo, if both do, add in bennet, he impressed in his performances last year and i think bobby likes his potential CHIPPER thanks so much for all the years, and im sure you’ll have a great year, and im thinkin NL MVP good luck my man…LETS GO BRAVES IN 08
By big ed88
February 7, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who What is your fav position 2 play in the field ?
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Man, u guys are good! All great posts except for a chosen few. I would like to give props to Epinephrine,JD, Woogidy because of his Jurrjens point and last but not least Ghost of GilGarrido and the 6 man rotation. All in the great category. ChoppinMama even got the sign language question right.
Let me start by saying that everything hinges on the health of Hampton, right down to who is the #2 starter. Again, this is just an opinion and not set in stone. Smoltzie is #1, hands down, end of discussion. I too like the right,left,right rotation out of the top three.But I have the feeling that Bobby is gonna go with Smoltz, Huddy then Glav. If Hampton is healthy and ready to pitch, I like him in the 5 spot, with him getting a start off every once in a while. That leaves the 4 hole. Not sure about Chucky and his health yet and JoJo has options. I think we traded for Jurrjens for a reason and that is to be in the rotation. Which brings me to the 6th man. If Hampton is not ready to go 5,6 or 7 innings, we might be able to use him as a long man out of the pen until he builds up his stamina. Then the 5 spot would go to Chucky or JoJo. I would lean toward the latter as being the thing that most likely happens. That being said, I’m gonna go with Smoltz,Huddy,Glav,Jurrjens and Chucky, with JoJo ready to go at a moments notice, with Hamp building up in the pen to start the season. If Hamp starts on the DL, then JoJo starts in the pen. Again all this is just speculation and subject to change at any moment. The depth that we have is tremendous luxury to have as I think our rotation will be a strong point for our ballclub this season. Having one or two of those guys down in the pen will also give Bobby a lot of flexibility. If one of the big 3 can’t make a start, we have experience to plug in the vacancy. Hope u guys like the rotation and the outlook on the upcoming season. Gotta lotta love for yall! Go Bravos!
By john77
February 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Chipper for your time hope you have a MVP year.
By bravesfan
February 7, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who Hey, I don’t have a question or anything I just wanted to tell you that you are my most favorite player. I am in the 9th grade and fixen to start my first year of varsity baseball. I was at FanFest and I was like 5 people away from you and they cut the line off, that really stunk but o well. Well you are the best and I am your biggest 14 yr. old fan. You should have won the gold glove award this year also. But thanks for answering back if you do.
Go Bravos!!!!
By McFann
February 7, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB, thanks for the blogs. I never thought I’d ever get into blogging, but this is really fun, especially with Chipper comin’ on. Sorry for the times I was a pain. : )
Night, all!! Be back in the morning or so. Can’t wait to see if Chipper returns!!
By Peter Mariano
February 7, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper first off good luck season…second I doubt you remember but last season in Philly you threw me a ball during BP so thanks for that…and I was wondering what do you think about some of the young guys comming up like Heyward, Schafer, Lillibridge ect?
By N8
February 7, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Mike
You asked Chipper the following:
“…with the power lineups that you have been part of in HotLanta, which do you fill was the strongest…you,Justice,Gant…”
I’d let Chipper answer for himself, but since I’m the resident “butt my nose into other people’s questions” kind of guy, I’ll chime in.
Chipper was NEVER in an everyday lineup that included Gant. Chipper was set to replace the injured (motorcycle accident after receiving the then highest 1 year arbitration eligible salary of I believe 5 million bucks), in LF for the 1994 season.
But then Chipper tore his knee up, late in spring training. Thus paving the way for Klesko to make the club as the LF.
In 1995, the Braves let T.P. go (Marlins?), and made Chipper their everyday 3B, while Klesko remained in LF.
The before mentioned Ron Gant signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Reds for the 1995 season.
Chipper’s only time on the 25 man roster while Gant was on it, came as a September call up in 1993, if I’m not mistaken.
Sorry to butt in. Just thought I’d relay the info.
:-)
By Bravesfan91
February 7, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Chipper, first let me thank you for taking time out of what I know must be a very busy schedual to talk to the fans. I’m 16 years old and have been a fan for all of them, so to get to talk to you is a privilage. All I have is a few simple questions. How do you think Mark Kotsay and Will Ohman will respond to their new enviroments? How good do you think Jordan Schafer can really be? And, of course, what are your thoughts on going to the playoffs this year? Once again Chipper, thanks for your time and being one of the true, few “good guys” in sports.
By bravos11
February 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
I think the rotation is going to be the deepest it has been in years. It is great to have chipper on the blog. I love the braves even though I live in New York and have to listen to all of my friends about the mets and yankees. My rotation would go like this.
1.Smoltz 2.Hudson 3.Glavine 4.Jurrjens 5.Hampton/James/Reyes
I think that it splits up the right and left combination, and with JJ and JoJO in there, there is some nice youth as well.
By Chase
February 7, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Chipper, have you ever visited braves-nation.com? It’s a pretty cool site full of smart baseball people. I’d recommend it to anyone else too.
By Darren
February 7, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Chipper, it has been a privledge to watch your career. I grew up watching Dale Murphy, he is my idol. But you are the best Brave of all-time and in my opinion the best switch hitter in the history of the game. Here is my rotation:
Quick story, I was once told I look just like you!
I live in Las Vegas and work for the Police Department here. One day about 3 years ago I was assigned to train a new Officer. His first day with me he asked me if I like baseball. I said “yes”. He asked me if I know who Chipper Jones is and I said “yes”. He said “Has anyone ever told you that you look just like him.”
Now I am not gay, but I almost nutted on myself. LOL! Needless to say that new officer passed training with flying colors. LOL.
I went home and told my wife and she said that I look “a little like Chipper, but that he is better looking.” LOL. She has since left me. Damn her!
By Mike
February 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Isn’t Craig Skoker making a comeback this year? Heard the Mets might need little help.
By Murphy
February 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Awesome! Thanks for the insight.
By Grant #10 please read (thank you)
February 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO AKA Chipper. I just want you to know I watched you growing up and I did my best to play the game the way you do. I wore your number just like thousands of other kids growing up and I did that all the way to College where I played 2 seasons for Clearwater Christian College in Florida. I still think you’re the best and I’m working on my degree at Georgia State in hopes of breaking into the broadcasting booth. I figured I should talk about the game sense I’m no longer playing haha. Who knows maybe I will interview you one day. My dad and I are flying up to D.C. for the game to watch you guys and I know I will watch some games from home.
P.S. Do you remember in 97 at Fulton County Stadium at a play ball with Chipper event hosted by Chris Volvo. When a guy gave u his cell phone to talk to his kid who was in Hawii?? I was the kid… haha Thanks for everything Chipper.
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Man, I hope that wasn’t too confusing.Sheeeeeesh!
By Andy
February 7, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Chipper, Andy here. You wrote a foreword for my book and do so much for the CF Foundation. Thank you. My question is how did you find out you were being called up to the big leagues. Question 2: What do you think is the biggest improvement the Braves made this offseason?
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Peter Mariano - Dont expect to see Heyward for awhile. His bat is advanced but he is coming out of HS.
By Lew
February 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Steamboat-If you don’t believe DOB, the Braves’ PR Department contacted me this afternoon and offered to deliver my deer painting to Chipper. It’s him Dude.
By JJMB
February 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I knew it was you when you called DOB a douchebag. You always had great vision.
By Lisa Johnson
February 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, just wanted your opinion on a friend of mine in the minors that I went to high school with. Wes Timmons-his numbers look pretty good, do you think he is a stand-out? I’m excited to see what he will do!
By N8
February 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Darren
“Now I am not gay, but I almost nutted on myself.”
Congrats. You darn near assisted me in ruining my monitor! Instantly, you have inserted yourself into my personal Top 5 (or so), single funniest lines on this blog.
Priceless.
By Lisa Johnson
February 7, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Hey, just wanted your opinion on a friend of mine in the minors that I went to high school with. Wes Timmons-his numbers look pretty good, do you think he is a stand-out? I’m excited to see what he will do!
By Matt
February 7, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
U KNO WHO
Are you excited about the prospect of hitting your 400th homer this year?
By Steamboat
February 7, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, with all due respect, I say “BS”. I’m not a big poster here anyway, so doesn’t matter, but I just don’t buy this.
By Bops
February 7, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Chipper. A lot has been said (mostly negative) about attendance at the games. What is your honest take on the fans as far as having empty seats at almos every game?
By PAPA 10
February 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who UR MVP NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS THIS YEAR!
By Utica Club
February 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
UKW, Do you think it would be wise to move Glav to #5 to maybe be a stop gap in the other dont perform? Once the season starts who cares what the order is because everyone goes every 5 days. plus then you have Glav then Smoltz. With glav at 5 there wont be as much pressure on Cy to pitch deep because we most likely get a decent game from 47. side note-has anyone turned a double play better than Lemmer? BRAVOS 08!
By Mike
February 7, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
No problem N8……I had forgot about Gants motorcycle incident, his career never was the same after leaving HotLanta.
By Andrew
February 7, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Chip, you’re the best. Hopefully Atlanta can keep you for rest of your career. Love watching you play since ‘95 - actually a couple walk offs that year if I’m not mistaken. AND you were robbed of the rookie of year by Nomo, oh well - Hall of Famer for sure. Good luck this year and can’t wait to see an MVP season from you this year. Go Braves!
By Doug
February 7, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Chipper, when and why did you start wearing the high socks? and why did you quit wearing them? the only reason i ask is because i grew up watching you play as a boy, and i started wearing the high socks just like you through rec ball and throughout high school (steve bedrosian was my pitching coach in high school). do you think you can pull the long socks out for a couple of times this year?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Darren , I hate to bust your bubble. While Chipper is one of the best switch hitters on the game , he isn’t the best.
The Yankees had this fella by the name of Mantle. Hey , don’t take my word for it. Go check the numbers for yourself.
By Brave 4 Life!
February 7, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Just imagine this:
Escobar Johnson Chipper Tex Frenchy McCann Diaz Kotsay
Not just power this year, but speed and average as well. Not to metion, guys who put it in play… a lot! This lineup is going to cause some major problems for ANY pitcher! How about batting Hampton 8th and then Kotsay 9th when Hampton pitches!
With our experience and depth in pitching this year as well, the Mets and Phils better bring it!
I kind of like being the under dog… Kind of worked out pretty well for us in the past!
Thanks Chipper… stay healthy.
By Víctor
February 7, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
First of all thanks DOB for your super blog!!! I am sitting right here at home thinking about how popular is your blog, than superstars as CJ are taking some of his time to chat with all of us… I still remember CJ playing alongside with TP… CJ why do you prefer to play 3rd base rather than SS? Regards from Panama, Rep of Panama and
By bravesare#1
February 7, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper what is the biggest / best deer you have ever killed? I just kill my 1st deer not to long ago, I have a 7 milli-meter 08.
By N8
February 7, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Chipper (calling you U Kno Who seems kinda silly)
You’re a hard nosed player that goes all out. What do you think about certain unwritten baseball rules like:
A) A pitcher retaliating at an opponents batter, when one of you guys feel you’ve been thrown at.
B) A player taking out the catcher at home plate, when they clearly (or it appears to be clear on TV), could avoid contact and be safe with a good slide. Like when Erstad leveled Estrada a few years ago.
C) Runners at 2B relaying “location” to the hitter (and would you rather NOT know the location).
D) This is my all time favorite. When a pitcher has a no-no going, and the opposing team drops down a bunt to break it up. I believe this happened to Schilling when he was with Arizona, and was facing the Padres (who were only a game or two out at the time - and trailing the game by a run). A move that then D-Back manager called a “chicken sh!t” play.
Just curious what a guy that’s been there/done that thinks of some of those scenarios.
Also, what result do you think the body armor (like Bonds wears) has had on how much pitchers can effectively pitch inside?
By U Kno Who
February 7, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna hit it folks. Still jet-laggin from my vegas trip. Gotta get up early and take the youngens to school, then off to my workout, followed by a BIIIIIG golf game tomorrow afternoon. Enjoyed chatting once again and I will check yall out tomorrow nite. Yer the best! Don’t let anybody tell u different.
By Andrew Stebbins
February 7, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
How about this:
That would be the best in the East, if it isn’t all ready.
By Peter Mariano
February 7, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Andrew Stebbins I agree I dont expect to see him for at least a couple years I was just wondering if Chipper has gotten to see him at all…I heard he has great knowledge of the stike zone for such a young kid
By chucktown
February 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who, thank you again for stopping in to check out the blog. Aside from the CF Foundation, what other charities are you involved in? Since you seem to have the attention of so many bloggers it might be a good time to tell us of all the good work you do off the field. Might even raise a few additional dollars from the folks reading!
By Yars
February 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Chipper…. what are some bands you listen to? I know you dig Rascal Flatts & Nickelback. What other rock and/or country bands you enjoy listening to?
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper — One of the things I’ve had difficulty understanding is why Matt Diaz isn’t getting full-time work in left. It seems like the guy has done everything that could be asked of him offensively and his defense has improved as well. Could you comment on this?
By Runnin
February 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for coming on Chipper! Good luck this year.
CHOP CHOP
~[:o)
By the Stranger
February 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Hoss, I was in SF in ‘06 when you hurt your ankle/knee. Most folks won’t remember that they were literally vacuuming the water and mud off the infield and outfield track. For those that question your health over the years, I think it’s amazing how healthy you’ve stayed over the years, considering the position you play and how hard you play it. Not to mention things out of your control, like crappy field conditions.
I’m assuming you don’t get up at 3AM to eat a dozen eggs like Hoo-lee, but can you take us through your game day prep?
Go Bravos!
By Adam L.
February 7, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
U kno Who like I said earlier I haven’t been following you guys as much this off season as past but Assuming that we keep Rafi Soriano after arbitration who is looking like our set up man. I know if Mike Gonzo would have stayed healthy he would have been the incumbent or possibly even closer this season but are we going to do the lefty/righty deal again with the closer or go with soriano and make possibly gonzo the set up man? Or whoever is going to be the set up man.
By Jim in Florida
February 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I would like to use this public fourum to thank for being a good dude! I have had the the chance to see most of the superstars in baseball and watched them interact with the fans. I can say with great confidence that you are the best hands down .NO QUESTION..Thanks for being a good dude.
By Tomahawkin' Again
February 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Chipper, nah, your response wasn’t confusing. The Braves Nation & the MIB got it…we have one helluva of a starting rotation this year. Now, my question for you: Giselle Bundchen or Scarlett Johansson? Thanks for 13 fantastic seasons in the Big A and you will be playing late into October this year…GUARANTEED!Go Braves.
By Chopfan09
February 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I missed Chipper, but it was very interesting reading his thoughts and opinions on things. Maybe he’ll be back and maybe others will log on. Anyways, this offseason is dragging too slowly.
By BravesGurl1983
February 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Dangit! I just missed him again tonight!! Hope all you Braves fans are doing OK tonight… and to all you Mets losers hanging out on a Braves message board… seriously, go bother someone else!
By Tomahawkin' Again
February 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Chipper, nah, your response wasn’t confusing. The Braves Nation & the MIB got it…we have one helluva of a starting rotation this year. Now, my question for you: Giselle Bundchen or Scarlett Johansson? Thanks for 13 fantastic seasons in the Big A and you will be playing late into October this year…GUARANTEED!Go Braves.
By LuisGuillermo
February 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Is Chipper gone??? :(
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Coach — I too watched Mantle play and DiMaggio and Williams before him. Wait until Chipper’s playing days are over and THEN make the comparisons. In the end, he may well be considered the best switch-hitter of all time. I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
By N8
February 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Mike
“I had forgot about Gants motorcycle incident, his career never was the same after leaving HotLanta”
No need to apologize. That whole time around the strike and what not is a little fuzzy to me too. LOL!
As for Gant not being the same? He did hit 29 HR for the Reds in 1995, while earning “comeback player of the year”, and followed that up with a 30 HR season in 96 for the Cardinals.
I think what happened after that was just a natural demise of health and ability (he was in his 30’s). In fact in 95, he stole 23 bases too. Not bad for a guy that tore up his knee 15 months earlier.
In fact, Chipper himself had seasons of 20 and 25 SB’s, after tearing his knee up as well.
Which brings up another question for Chipper.
Do you think you would have been a 30/30 type guy had you NOT had the injury? I remember you being touted as one of those “5 tool” guys, and noticed that in your first year of minor league ball, you stole 40 bases. Or did you focus on being a power/gap hitter as you were coming up?
Also, are you satisfied with your “legacy” as a 3B, or do you think you’d be a sure fire HOF, had you put up the same numbers while playing SS?
By Saltywoody
February 7, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER Says a lot that you’d come on and blog with all of us. Can’t think of many in your position that would be so forthcoming.
Thanks for all the years and all the memories. It’s a true pleasure to watch you play. Can’t wait for y’all to reclaim the division title this year, Santana or no….
By ATL22
February 7, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
U Kno Who. Thanks for taking the time to blog with some die-hard Braves fans. Just wanted to say it has been a pleasure to watch classy, unselfish veterans like you and Smoltzie lead this team over the past decade. Keep up the great work and let’s get the greatest franchise in the game another ring this season! Go Braves!
By Reid in EAV
February 7, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
After saying he’d be back at 10…
By U Kno Who February 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Now how about THAT for being punctual? I’m not sure I could nail a set time on the minute here (with the posting delay), even if I wanted to! Well played!
Now even fans like me gotta go to bed too. ;-)
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
My top five switch hitter’s of all time in order : Mickey Mantle , Pete Rose , Eddie Murray , Chipper Jones and Tim Raines.
By SpringTraining
February 7, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
We love ya Chipper, come chat again soon. Thanks bunches.
By Peter Mariano
February 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Is anyone watching the Carribean Series Furcal, Tony Pena, Brayan Pena, Jorge Sosa, and believe it or not Luis Polina are playing
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
February 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
N8, no problem, man. You’re right. It was “Justice Is The Best” but that is on suspension until Justice clears his name. But, I have made no secret of my love for Chipper. I alwasys stated he was my second favorite Brave of all time just behind Justice and ahead of Murphy. I have taken a lot crap on this blog for defending “Hoss” and I will continue to do so.
And, I’m probably sucking up a little. lol :)
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Coach — those are 5 fine offensive players you listed but Mantle and Chipper are/were more dangerous than the others. Again, let’s look at Chipper’s numbers in 5 years or whenever he retires. His numbers may exceed Mantle’s as well.
By FrancouersHusband : )
February 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
I don’t care what they say about U Know Who….he is the man! I am proud to have him as a Brave. As a player and a leader to the younger Braves. We couldn’t have done 14 straight without U Know Who.
Man, all of a sudden I am pumped about this season. Bring on the Mets!
By Jeb
February 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
* DOB* I guess you know that everyone will be blogging in to talk through you to talk to U KNO WHO, aka Chipper, aka Larry Jones. What a GREAT couple of days! Chipper has always exceeded the character of almost all other ballplayers. Chaps me good when I hear these guys on this blog cut him or talk him down. He DOES NOT deserve it! He is one heck of a ball player - and will forever be remembered as such! I don’t know if he will read this, but Chipper, Smoltz, and Bobby Cox ARE the Braves!
By TexasBrave
February 7, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Man Chipper I would love to disagree with you on a few things you said, but at the same time you would be in the Kno more than any of us. I mean you have been there, done that and got a couple of t-shirts.
If Hampton has strength enough at the start of the season to give us 5 or 6 innings a start I have to believe Bobby will go with him. I just can’t see him in the pen. I think it would be difficult for him to get properly warmed to come into a game. I would think since he has just come off the DL you would want to give him plenty of time to warm up so he doesn’t re injure himself. Is there any chance of him going down to the farm to start off the year if he is not on the DL?
You must feel that Chucky won’t be ready either. At least he still has an option left and can start down on the farm if he needs a little more work to start the season. I don’t like the idea of having 3 lefties in the rotation either, but if all are healthy and ready to go at the start of the season I think you have to go with experience over youth.
I still like the idea of bringing Bennett or one of the other starting rookies out of the pen as a spot starter to spell the vets when they need a rest. Late in the season you could even go as far as to have one the starters go 5 innings and bring in Bennett for the last 4. This would keep the starter fresh but still loose and could give the bull pen a break if Bennett goes all 4. Just a thought.
By RollTide
February 7, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
“U Kno Who”
Who had the better stats in High School…You or Frenchy? I know he also did some pitching, did you.
I have been a Braves fan since April 8, 1974 (my first memory is watching that ball sail over the fence) and I have to say I feel better this year than I have in awhile about the WS. Good Luck and thanks for blogging with the fans…now if you can just get Smoltzie off the BB court or golf course long enough, maybe he will join…if he is not on the radio again with the 790 guys …
By LuisGuillermo
February 7, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Hi Chipper (aka ‘You Kno Who’)! My name is Luis Guillermo Cruz, I’m from the Dominican Republic. You and Greg Maddux are my Heroes. I’ve been watching you play since your Rookie Year, but mostly since ’99 (when I started watching you guys play on TBS. It’s sad that TBS will no longer broadcast the games the way they used to, and will be very difficult for me to catch up with the team since I will no longer see you all play on a regular basis). I used to record on my VCR all your at-bats when they ttelevised your games… I’ll miss that for sure (I think I will have the Season Opener on ESPN, though).
Anyways, I just wanted you to know that you are the best player in the world, and also play in the best organization ever! I hope our beloved Braves team will regain the winning form this year. Keep playing the way you do, keep kicking MLB pichers’ asses (specially Mets’, we all enjoy watching you crashing them). Hey, I hope you can continue wearing #10 in Braves uni, so I can see you playing in person. That’s been a goal of mine, and I think I’m close to reaching that.
Chipper, I just noticed that you blogged here on Wednesday and just found out you were going to log on at 10pm today (Wednesday), but, damn!, I just missed you. I tried to reach to you but couldn’t send this message :( and know you’re gone! I hope you can do this again, I know Spring Training is here, maybe if you do this again we can know it with time.
I know you’re going to have another tremendous year, I wish you the best for you, your family and the other Braves. You say you speak some Spanish, huh? Well so… Adiós amigo, espero verte jugar algún día :)
By LuisGuillermo
February 7, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Hi Chipper (aka ‘You Kno Who’)! My name is Luis Guillermo Cruz, I’m from the Dominican Republic. You and Greg Maddux are my Heroes. I’ve been watching you play since your Rookie Year, but mostly since ’99 (when I started watching you guys play on TBS. It’s sad that TBS will no longer broadcast the games the way they used to, and will be very difficult for me to catch up with the team since I will no longer see you all play on a regular basis). I used to record on my VCR all your at-bats when they ttelevised your games… I’ll miss that for sure (I think I will have the Season Opener on ESPN, though).
Anyways, I just wanted you to know that you are the best player in the world, and also play in the best organization ever! I hope our beloved Braves team will regain the winning form this year. Keep playing the way you do, keep kicking MLB pichers’ asses (specially Mets’, we all enjoy watching you crashing them). Hey, I hope you can continue wearing #10 in Braves uni, so I can see you playing in person. That’s been a goal of mine, and I think I’m close to reaching that.
Chipper, I just noticed that you blogged here on Wednesday and just found out you were going to log on at 10pm today (Wednesday), but, damn!, I just missed you. I tried to reach to you but couldn’t send this message :( and know you’re gone! I hope you can do this again, I know Spring Training is here, maybe if you do this again we can know it with time.
I know you’re going to have another tremendous year, I wish you the best for you, your family and the other Braves. You say you speak some Spanish, huh? Well so… Adiós amigo, espero verte jugar algún día :)
By Big C
February 7, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper,
Couple questions about the wonderful outdoors…
I see on your ranches web-site that you can personally guide hunts, how quickly do those spots fill up?
Do you also have land here in Georgia?
Your ability to play baseball and respect for the game and also loving the outdoors the way you do truly makes you a role model for not only me but I’m sure thousands, if not millions of young athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Thanks for all you’ve done and GO BRAVOS!!
By brian
February 7, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
U Know Who - when are you getting the Locker Room back up on your website? My 6 year old son is a huge fan - so much so he switch hits well already because he has been “Chipper Jones” so much in the backyard with us throwing the ball to him (yes, to quote Charles Shakelford he is “amphibious”). I unfortunately do not live in Atlanta but sent my parents to the Fan Fest but they could not get close to you. I am afraid to get a signed ball on ebay - do not want a fake.
DOB - when are the T-shirts for the blog going to come available? Maybe you could even get U Know Who to sport one at spring training this spring. Most people here would buy one. Maybe even Met Man
By Ryan
February 7, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
U Know Who, Both summers that I played American Legion baseball, my team played in the Firecracker Tournament in DeLand. The tournament was very enjoyable and the competition was top notch. One of my favorite things about the tournament was the chance to play at Conrad. I just wanted to let you know that that baseball tournament was the one that I looked forward to the most. Good luck this season. Go Braves.
By Champ Kind-Sports
February 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Chipper: please come back. i miss your laugh. i miss your musk. i’m a mess without you. i think when this is all over, you and i should get an apartment together!
By LuisGuillermo
February 7, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Hi Chipper (aka ‘You Kno Who’)! My name is Luis Guillermo Cruz, I’m from the Dominican Republic. You and Greg Maddux are my Heroes. I’ve been watching you play since your Rookie Year, but mostly since ’99 (when I started watching you guys play on TBS. It’s sad that TBS will no longer broadcast the games the way they used to, and will be very difficult for me to catch up with the team since I will no longer see you all play on a regular basis). I used to record on my VCR all your at-bats when they ttelevised your games… I’ll miss that for sure (I think I will have the Season Opener on ESPN, though).Anyways, I just wanted you to know that you are the best player in the world, and also play in the best organization ever! I hope our beloved Braves team will regain the winning form this year. Keep playing the way you do, keep kicking MLB pichers’ asses (specially Mets’, we all enjoy watching you crashing them). Hey, I hope you can continue wearing #10 in Braves uni, so I can see you playing in person. That’s been a goal of mine, and I think I’m close to reaching that.Chipper, I just noticed that you blogged here on Wednesday and just found out you were going to log on at 10pm today (Wednesday), but, damn!, I just missed you. I tried to reach to you but couldn’t send this message :( and know you’re gone! I hope you can do this again, I know Spring Training is here, maybe if you do this again we can know it with time.Thanks for spending time with your fans, we really appreciate it.I know you’re going to have another tremendous year, I wish you the best for you, your family and the other Braves. You say you speak some Spanish, huh? Well so… Adiós amigo, espero verte jugar algún día :) PS: we all Braves fans (and I know also Mets fans) know that Chipper deserved the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger Award last season. Right Mr. Wright???
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
AdirodackDave , I truly appreciate the optimism. However , Chipper is 150 Hr’s , 210 RBI and 298 hits short of the Commerce Comet. The RBI and Hits are within reach , the HR’s are not. Then there are those three MVP awards.
And Pete Rose. Um , 4,256 hits. Do I really need to add anything else ?
Eddie Murray’s 506 HR’s and 1917 RBI are both out of reach.
The fact that Chipper is in the top five is an honor unto itself and nothing less than Hall of Fame credentials.
By Choppinmama
February 7, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
I just acquired the book Caught Short about Donald Davidson, the 4 ft. tall batboy-to-assistant to the Braves president, Bill Bartholomay. Looks like a very interesting story. I’ll give you all a review when I’ve read it. Did anyone out there know Donald?
Night-night Larry.
By Jake C
February 7, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
You can’t say anything other than Chipper is the jam. Thanks for coming on and answering some questions. One more if you don’t mind. Do you think you could come up with a signal / shout out to the posters on this board after you blast your first dinger off of Santana? That would be most excellent.
By brian
February 7, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks Chipper. Stay healthy and continue the Met bashing.
It is not just stats and switch hitting that will get you into the Hall, it is how you come up big in big situations - especially how you crush the Mets.
One other reason you will probably like Tex - now you won’t have to read on the blog how you are moving to 1B
By Shamus Thacker
February 7, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Have a great year Chipper!
Thanks for all the great times you’ve already given us!!
You’re honestly an old, (not in years), dear, friend, to us all.
Aloha from Cedartown…
By Kris in NC
February 7, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
WOW. Two nights in a row. Us fans are very lucky that we have a player like Chipper who wants to spend time blogging with his fans. It wasn’t just a few minutes but a couple of hours last night and about an hour tonight. Thanks Chipper for talking with us fans. You have earned big time points with me.
By GTbuzzBrave
February 7, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB!!! You should get UKW’s name in blue like yours! I understand that it’s a hyperlink to e-mail you, but after countless hours blogging, I think Chipper deserves an honorary AJC e-mail account!
By AdirondackDave
February 7, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Coach — Couldn’t agree more that Chipper is headed to the HOF. However, his work far exceed’s Rose’s 4000 singles right now in my book. Don’t discount the possibility of 125-150 more homers from Chipper. If he gets in that range, his other numbers will put him over the top when compared to Mantle.
By CaliBravesGirl
February 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Being in California, I keep missing the “special” guest on this site. Just want to say how cool it is that someone of Chipper’s status is on a site talking with the fans. Must say I am going to miss the games on TBS, now I am really going to be stuck listening to the horrible Giants’ announcers if I want to watch a live game on tv… Can’t wait to see you in May when I make my way to Turner Field for the first time to see you take on the A’s (my local favorite team)!
Go Bravos!
By TennesseePaul
February 7, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
This is good stuff.
Pretty detailed with the pitching synopsis. Interesting take on Jair.
Bowman has a new article up on braves.com. It’s about the moving trucks… sounds like he’s lost in the off season… wonder if the trucks are fueled by biodiesel made from the oil they fry their french fies in…
By mr baseball
February 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
It’s official. The Guinness Book of World Records has just determined that the last 24 hours on this blog wins the award for the longest sustained outbreak of hero worship in blog history. Also, the best PR move by anyone associated with the Braves since whoever it was burned down the press box at Fulton County Stadium the night McGriff made his Braves’ debut.
Since our esteemed guest blogger’s manager doesn’t think in strategic terms (not that #10 or any other Braves’ player will ever admit that), the team’s fans aren’t accustomed to thinking in that manner either. Guess it’s up to me.
The Braves play the Mets in Atlanta the first weekend of the season. Whoever starts the first 2 games of the season for the Braves will pitch that weekend against the Mets. The No. 3 starter will not pitch that weekend after making his first start on Wednesday. The decision for the Braves’ manager will be to either put Glavine between Smoltz & Hudson in the rotation, which means he starts against the Mets, or slot him at No. 3, which means he misses the Mets, but has to start the next night in Colorado.
If there are no rainouts, the No. 2 starter will miss the Colorado series, and have the bonus of pitching the next night against the Nationals. In and of itself, the designating of starters as 1-2-3-4-5 is pretty meaningless, but it does have an impact regarding who you pitch against.
If Cox is OK with Glavine seeing the Mets early (maybe against Santana, not sure about the Mets’ schedule), slot him at No 2. If not, Glavine should start 3rd and maybe work his way in between the two righties.
The 4 & 5 spots will be determined by the health of James & Hampton and the performance of Jurrgens, Reyes & Bennett in ST. Preconceived notions best left aside for now.
By TURNER FIELD
February 7, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
What are you expecting out of yourself this year in the clubhouse, at the plate, and in the field?
By TURNER FIELD
February 7, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
What are you expecting out of yourself this year in the clubhouse, at the plate, and in the field?
By TURNER FIELD
February 7, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
U Know Who:
What are you expecting out of yourself this year in the clubhouse, at the plate, and in the field?
By JM
February 7, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
How cool is Chipper for coming and talking with us nobodies? Gotta love pro athletes who can still relate to the common folk, especially one as great as Chipper.
Tim Tebow wants to have Chipper’s baby.
By Brad in MT
February 7, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I’m really bummed I missed you tonight. What a great guy, your insights are very interesting. The fact that you take time out of your life to come and blog here really speaks volumes about what kind of person you are, and all of us really appreciate it. I’m sure you have solidified your places as a lot of our favorite players and people for a long, long time. THANK YOU!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
February 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Pete Rose : switch hitter , 4256 hits. 3215 were singles , 746 doubles , 135 triples and 160 HR’s.
Chipper Jones has 2117 hits…… TOTAL.
AdirondackDave , if you are going to make an argument. Please , do it with some semblance of baseball knowledge.
Dude , I’m a student of the game and your argument won’t hold water. Not today or five years from now.
I’m not going to argue with you anymore , it’s pointless. I’ll agree to disagree.
By Chopper1981
February 7, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
CHUCKTOWN –from reading Braves.com obsessively every day for the past few years I’ve learned that Chipper’s charitable Foundation supports a lot of organizations - the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Florida and Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and Homes, local Little League programs, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Camp Twin Lakes, and Stetson University – to name a few. Chipper helped fund the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy (he donated $75K- So did Smoltz, Hampton, and Jordan) to help build the baseball and YMCA facility in the Carver community near Turner field. He’s got a field there named after him, and it’s a great place for kids to learn the game and have after-school activities. He also purchases season tickets for the Braves “Reach Out” program, and those tickets go towards bringing kids out to games who otherwise might not be able to see the Braves play live. We’re lucky in Atlanta to have such a charitable team – between Smoltzy, Glavine, Chipper, Huddy, Teixeira, and the young guys, like Frenchy and B-Mac – they all know how to give back in a big way. CHIPPER – Keep up the great work both on and off the field!! You’re the best man.
By David O'Brien
February 8, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Folks, thanks again for handling an unusual situation rather seamlessly, and with class. It’s gone quite well, thanks to Chipper and you all.
Steamboat, don’t know what to tell you, other than, everything’s not BS. Sit back and enjoy sometimes. Some things are just as they seem.
But believe what you will. Fortunately, the rest understand the situation and have seemed to enjoy it.
And don’t worry, we can get back to the usual griping and ripping one another in due time.
By Indian Girl
February 8, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
We should all be honored that the Braves revered 3rd baseman took his time to blog with all. Just goes to show how much character this man has. Thanks for the many years of wonderfule baseball moments.
A real Indian Girl.
By uga-brave
February 8, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
steamboat,
correct me if i am wrong, but you are the same guy that said the braves should move kelly johnson to CF.
a discerning boat you are not.
LEW, congrads not a more deserving fan then you. damn good dawg.
By Explicit
February 8, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Ok first time blogger here but what can I say I’m motivated by the fact that a future HOF’er has made his prescense known.
As for the rotation I actually think it works best with: 1. Glavine 2. Smoltz 3. Hampton 4. Hudson
and after that who knows. Never have been a big fan of the 5 man rotation especially with the way that managers (including Bobby) seem to manage the game these days. After the first few weeks of the season though it seems like the rotation is out of whack anyways and probably won’t matter who started where.
You have all of these specialists who shorten the game so it seems like you should be able to get away with a shorter rotation.
As for the pen I like LRP-Royce Ring LRP-Jeff Ridgway LR/SP-Chuck James RRP-Jeff Bennett RRP-Peter Moylan RRP-Tyler Yates CP-Rafael Soriano
Looking at the pen the Braves are just seemingly loaded with guys in the minors that are probably ready to be major leaguers right now especially the right handers.
I left off guys like Reyes and Jurrjens because they have options and can get innings in the minors and expect to see them some in 08. Acosta is interesting and I think he is going to be great but the same goes for him that was true for Reyes and Jurrjens.
Don’t forget about Blaine Boyer either. He seems to have the right mindset and I think with the injury problems he’s had lately people have forgotten that he has done a good job. Same goes for Phil Stockman.
I didn’t like Moylan because I think he’s too gimmicky but you can’t argue with his #’s and he deserves a shot in 08. I wish that we hadn’t given up on Joey Devine but the CF position seemed to be one that the FO was dead set on filling with a veteran and that’s what they did.
We have all seen what Kotsay can do and while he won’t be spectacular he should be steady as long as he stays healthy. Personally I would have loved to see what Blanco and Schaeffer could have done in the early part of the season or atleast spring training.
This move reminds me of when the team traded for Rey Sanchez instead of sticking it out with Mark DeRosa. I didn’t like that move but hopefully this one will work out a bit better for us.
I think we gave up too soon on Pena and I hope it wasn’t one of those, “well he’s out of options and we can’t use him anywhere so now what do we do” moves. It could come back to bite us but his defense is superb and he seems to have a flare for the dramatic alot like Yunel. Pena’s hitting still has a long way to go but I think that can be attributed to the fact that he picked up the game later than most major leaguers. He could be the start of the turnaround in KC though (did I just say that).
As for the lineup I like this: 1. Kotsay 2. Diaz 3. McCann 4. Jones 5. Texiera 6. Francoeur 7. Johnson 8. Escobar
Kotsay was brought here to be steady and bat leadoff so hopefully he will. As for Diaz maybe this will be the year that Bobby lets him play instead of platooning him although I agree that Brandon Jones is very very interesting. I try not to like Diaz because he doesn’t do anything great. He doesn’t run well, field great, throw hard, and he looks fooled atleast once every at bat but he’s a ballplayer. He is steady and he produces and I want to see what he can do in a full season.
Why won’t Bobby play him?
Then you move down to McCann who’s a steady hitter and hopefully hitting in front of Chipper he sees more fastballs to drive. Then we go to Chipper who I know prefers the 3 hole but Tex is still behind you Chipper.
Tex, Frenchy and KJ are all capable hitters who can hit up and down the order and we all know what they do so lets move down to Yunel who I think can handle the 8th spot with his knowledge of the strike zone and his seemingly natural ability to play the game. It’s alot to put on a guy who hasn’t even played in the majors a whole year yet but I think Yunel is capable of making the 8th spot valuable which can help extend innings and turn the order over.
I know Chipper and most everyone else would also disagree with my rotation of having Glavine be the #1 but I think Glav responds in situations like that and like I said does it really matter when we get into June and July?
Let me say that I love Bobby Cox. I started watching the Braves in 1990 when I was 12 years old. My dad sat me down and said, “if you want to learn about baseball then you have to watch the best and I have.” My favorite player was Ron Gant and now he’s my favorite announcer/analyst.
BUT Bobby seems to have piqued and when he steps down (whenever he chooses) I think it will be time. I never thought Schuerholz would go before him but after he did I think Bobby won’t be far behind.
I have never been a big fan of his bunting guys over in the later innings because it gives up 1/3 of the outs that you have to play with and it seems like it forces your team to have to work harder if the strategy doesn’t work out.
How do you feel about that Chipper? With a runner on 1st in the 8th with the Braves being down by 1 and someone other than your 3,4,5 hitters up….do you call for the bunt?
Also the first time that I ever started to question anything that Bobby Cox ever did was when the Braves went down to the Cardinals in the elimination game after J.D. Drew hit in the heart of the order all year long Bobby moved him to 2nd and moved Marcus Giles into the 3 hole. I can only guess that he did it in order for Drew to get more fastballs to drive but the move just didn’t make sense.
What did you think about that Chipper?
Do you change what got you there? It just seemed like the wrong time to tinker with the lineup and it was the 1st time that I ever thought Cox panicked.
I think that Frenchy, KJ and Escobar all have to have close too all-star caliber years for us to win it all. Guys like Chipper, McCann and Tex are going to put up the #’s because that’s what they do but we need for our younger guys to step up and put us over the top.
It seems like the 08 team is going to be one built on a solid veteran pitching staff, station to station, wait on the 3-run homer type of baseball and that’s what has made us a success although maybe in previous years the starting staff wasn’t quite so….errr….veteran. Still there’s alot to look forward too and I expect the Braves to be competitive again and lots of fun to watch.
Not too worried about the Mets. They seem to always load up on talent with their huge payroll but the team chemistry never seems to be there.
Also let me say that I am a fan of Edgar Renteria. The guy was steady, solid and professional and you can never have too many of those guys around. I didn’t want to see him go because I like veteran solid players like him. I would have preferred to have him at SS, Yunel at 2nd and KJ in left (although I know he doesn’t like it). That would have given us an influx of youth and would have seemed to be a formidable batting order while also giving Yunel some experience and not totally hitching our wagon to him and the possibility of a sophmore slump (although I think Yunel is going to be a superstar). He reminds me of Miguel Tejada and I can’t wait to see him bulk up a bit and start driving the ball into the gaps even more.
I thought we gave up too fast on Salty too but it’s a classic case of you have to give up something to get something and Salty can be what Tex already is. Salty seemed to be a classic case of, “warning track power” but that’s just in his rookie year. I expect him to be driving balls out of the park for years to come after he learns major league pitching more and gets comfortable being an everyday player. It’s a shame that we heard about him for years and after he made it to the bigs he gets shipped to the Rangers but with McCann in place and 1st seeming to always be a problem I can see why we did it.
Sorry about the long long long winded post but I’m a Braves fan and I study off-season moves and always like to manage my own version of the Braves in my own little mind and if theres a chance that a future HOF’er will see it along with some other die hard fans and comment on it it’s worth it.
Take care all, ExBy Cody
February 8, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Chipper, what do you think about KJ? Do you think he will develop into an all-star? To me, I feel like he is one of the top 3 hitters on the team. He just seems so comftorable at the plate. Also, do you think Brians going to bounce back form those nagging injuries and have a season like he did two years ago?
By Cody
February 8, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
Chipper, what do you think about KJ? Do you think he will develop into an all-star? To me, I feel like he is one of the top 3 hitters on the team. He just seems so comftorable at the plate. Also, do you think Brians going to bounce back form those nagging injuries and have a season like he did two years ago?
By uga-brave
February 8, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
coach,
correct me if i am wrong but i thought willie mckovey was a switch hitter.
By SWTSN
February 8, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Hey Chipper, really great to see you blogging with us all. You have been my favorite player by far since your rookie season and I follow you every year; great respect on and off the field and that is what makes you above the rest. By the way, great year in ‘07, congrats to you; I am excited to see what happens in ‘08 with Tex protecting you in the line-up.
Quick Question: Of all the prestigous awards you have won throughout your career; which means the most to you personally, both as a man and as a baseball player?
And by the way, your numbers have been insane over the past two seasons; I don’t think you get enough credit for what you are doing; especially on defense; the highlight reel was a mile long for your great plays last season…I’m excited to follow you and the Braves this year; I know you are still an MVP-level ballplayer and would love to see you capture #2 this season…
Best wishes Chipper for a great, productive, and healthy season! GO BRAVES!!!!
By uga-brave
February 8, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
DOB,
well be careful what you wish for.
as i was lamenting the other night about certain bloggers defecting or being gone, LIGHTING IN A BOTTLE.
just got back from the CAPITAL GRILLE, it was COUGARS night out. i know there are some single divorced guys on here that know what i am talking about.
great stuff DOB, some serious blog envy or denial going on over there.
By I don't know...
February 8, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
I still don’t think it was him. :) Wow! That’s pretty cool!
By bravesfan79
February 8, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
I say Braves vs. Red Sox in next years WS!
By scottBravesFan
February 8, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
That is awesome that Chipper is on here posting! As for your question I would go
1.Smoltz 2.Hudson 3.Glavine(although it would be awesome to see him start the opener from the Ted) 4. Jurrjens(This guy has to be in the rotation, we gave up edgar for the guy) 5. Hampton and if Hampton can’t go, then Chuck James.
Thanks for posting on the blog you have been my favorite player forever and I really appreciate that you have remained a Brave all this time and have never signed elsewhere. Also do you have any info on the blue jerseys? I already have two Chipper jerseys so one more wouldn’t hurt!
By Roman Gal
February 8, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
Wow…that was a lot of questions. There were 398. Just kidding…I don´t know.
By uga-brave
February 8, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
william wallace,
i from time to time cross over and read the other post. dont post but i read. gave it a chance but for the sake of ignorance, except for your lead, i think they might have brainwahed and kidnapped the klobber. i always thought him to be somewhat a intelligent baseball fan.
his name is now TONYA.
By jed
February 8, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this
if tonight proves one thing, it’s that N8 is positively and undeniably insane. chipper jones comes on the blog and N8 decides to go all mike wallace on him. asks him if he took steroids! jeeeezuss, n8, what kinda abject kook are you? i mean, wow. what did you expect him to say?
“you know, N8, i’ve never addressed this subject with the press before, but i’m such a fan of your epically onanistic posts on this braves blog that i’m just gonna give you, N8—a man who spells his name with a letter and a number—the exclusive story on my steroid use. yes, N8, old friend, it’s true. i have used steroids. see, i got them from cal ripken who got them from a guy named ray-ray who ran a petting zoo in juarez. well, it wasnt a petting zoo, per se, but there were farm animals and people did pay 15 bucks to see some real petting….so, in conclusion, N8, it’s true, i was on the juice. also, i’d like to say to the people of the deep south that jesus is a hoax. thank you. go braves!”
By Contra
February 8, 2008 5:03 AM | Link to this
Chipper, it’s interesting that you said our chances to sign Tex are probably about 50/50 and that you have some concern over our finances both with regards to your future with the team, and in general…
Do you feel the economics of baseball are becoming increasingly lopsided, thus favoring the large markets and making the sport increasingly predictable and unfair?
It seems like only the New York, LA, Boston, Chicago, etc. markets are the only ones given free reign to spend at will and consequently maintain a competitive advantage over other teams. I realize as an actual ballplayer its a difficult position to comment from, but does it frustrate you that most organizations (like ours against the Mets for example) are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to finances?
(BTW, I hope our front office does everything in its power to let you retire as a Brave and I always wish you the best in whatever you do.)
By ncscoots
February 8, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
I’m stunned. No, not at The Chipper Appearance…at the number of posters who slotted Glavine at 2 in their projected rotations. The posts on Glavine have run the gamut this offseason: he’s an innings eater; he needs to take a start off occasionally; he’s fine for the middle of the rotation; no, he still has enough left for top of the rotation. Yikes and jeepers.
Slotting Glavine at 2, especially just because you want to break up lefties (!)…boggling. I’m not all that jacked up by Glavine going against Kyle Kendrick, let alone against Brett Myers. Glavine will pitch in plenty of unfavorable matchups if slotted at 3. Putting him at 2 will just exacerbate that.
By doc
February 8, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
well u know who, if you come back bring in some memories before the braves, i. e. biggest sports or otherwise moments on san jose blvd. one of mine, not too exotic. cleaning up the bank on the river, working off demerits. got my first plug chew there from the teacher in charge. man, those were the days before up tight society took over; leaning accountability while paying my dues to bolles society, getting reprimanded extra since i was the head judge and shouldnt have been there in the first place while learning the art of tobacco … all in high school …. priceless.
By Thrillhouse44
February 8, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
Wow, I think jed’s post was the funniest 4:30 a.m. post ever. jed had his “A” game going while I was dreaming about Jamie Kotsay and Anna Benson.
By N8
February 8, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
scoots
“Glavine will pitch in plenty of unfavorable matchups if slotted at 3. Putting him at 2 will just exacerbate that.”
You do realize that after the first month of the season, with teams having DIFFERENT off-days, that the 1-2-3-4-5 matchups, won’t ACTUALLY match-up anymore, right?
Besides. Glavine pitches against the other lineup, NOT the opposing pitcher. In my rotation, I had Hudson at #1, with Glavine #2 and Smoltz #3. So for EVERY “bad match-up” that Glavine is in, wouldn’t that put Smoltz in an AMAZING situation to win 35 games, going up against other team’s #3 guy? :-)
Please note, that if ALL three were healthy, my post season rotation, would be Smoltz, Hudson, and guy with the BEST SEASON of the remaining 3 starters.
Also, keep in mind that the Mets finished AHEAD OF US last year, with Glavine as their Ace.
Just a few thoughts. The guy hasn’t fallen that far in a matter of 6 months, has he? Ignore the last 3 starts. Those were the exception to his season (and more than likely a result of being a tired 40something year old at the end of a long season), not the rule.
L8r.
By mark
February 8, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
How Great to get back from New York after my 14th neck surgery!!! And read this Friendly blog with great insights…EVEN MORE COOL CHIPPER MAKING A FEW COMMENTS TOO I LOVE THE BRAVES!THINK WE SHOULD DO VERY WELL THIS SEASON>>WHAT A LINE UP HOWEVER ITS UP TO ESCOBAR TO FEEL THAT LOST FOR RENTERIA>
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
What to discuss in the post-U KNO WHO era.
By N8
February 8, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
jed
That was pretty funny. After the question was posted. I realized that that was how probably came across (which was NOT the intention).
Once I realized that he more than likely had frequented the blog on a regular basis (by making comments along the lines of “you guys have given me hours of entertainment”), it hit me that over the course of the last year, me and a couple of others, when the Mitchell reports came out, had discussed his name NOT being in the mix.
So, for one, I was interested, what his overall thoughts on the Clemens/Pettitte situation was, and if it bothered him (as a clean athlete…assuming he is), that many fans will assume that EVERYBODY used at some point. Or he understands that with all the speculation surrounding everybody, and with Selig and the other owners (along with the players union) essentially NOT doing a damn thing about it while Maris’ and Aaron’s records fall……that the players a left with no choice as to “deal with it”.
If I were a clean athlete, it would bug the living sh!t out of me, and I would preach it to the world. Even if the question was asked by “a man who spells his name with a letter and a number”. :-)
You see, it was a little more “suck up” than it appeared to be. Rather than invasive.
And to think. All along I’ve believed in jesus too. WTF!!!
By ajr_3
February 8, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe i missed the last two nights, can’t wait for tonight…Chipper, if you want to see a real fan taking a leak on Shea stadium last year check this out! haha http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc161/rockinthez/Shea2.jpg http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc161/rockinthez/Shea1.jpg
By N8
February 8, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
scoots
Forgot to add this point, in my previous response to you.
If Hampton happens to make the rotation, and Chuck is the other guy that makes the 5 man squad, it’s almost essential that Bobby splits those 3 lefties up (meaning that Glavine would move UP a spot), don’t you think?
Obviously if Bennett, JJJ (or both), make the rotation, that changes things too.
Anyhow. I thought I’d throw that out there.
Did YOU take steroids?
By ncscoots
February 8, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
nathan, think we’ve had this discussion before, LOL. Despite the differing schedules and injury-related changes to rotations for all the teams, top-of-the-rotation pitchers are going to be matched up against other top-of-the-rotation pitchers more often than not. Not necessarily 1 against 1 or 2 against 2…I’ve never said that. Nor have I said that those type of matchups are always the case. Maybe I should have been more explicit on that.
As for not pitching against the other pitcher, sorry, but that’s EXACTLY who he’s pitching against. The pitcher’s job is run prevention; to be exact, prevent fewer runs than the opposing pitcher prevents. That’s the only mission. Perfect game, no-hitter, shutout, fewer runs allowed - the mantra for every outing.
As for the other thing, a bad matchup for Glavine and a good matchup for Smoltz is just a wash. Break-even. Can’t have .500 from the top three starters and expect to win 90 games.
Finally, I’ve long said that I’d love to see Smoltz pitching at 3, just because he WOULD have more favorable matchups. But that was included in a scenario in which the Braves picked up a young, studly top-of-the-rotation guy. That’s not the current situation.
By flange1
February 8, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
Have been traveling and get back to find a Hoss in the house!
Hoss,
Thanks for taking the time and energy to come to our blog and participate! It is a real adventure to have you here.
Hopefully folks will continue to show respect, especially the Mets trolls.
DOB,
Thanks again for the blog, while it changes every day it still provides an unmatched place for Braves talk and information.
By Lee in S. GA
February 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
As several of you have stated after the 1st month of the season the starting rotation gets jilted some anyway. Just hope the Braves provide Smoltz with a little more run support this year. I don’t buy into the theory in which he is always starting against the opposing teams # 1 pitcher the majority of the time. The Braves just don’t seem to score many runs for him. I remember Maddox had a year or two stretch like that in the mid nineties. Of course the #1 catcher was always out of the lineup when Maddox pitched also.
By ncscoots
February 8, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Did YOU take steroids?
I can’t comment, due to an ongoing legal matter, LOL.
Does make you wonder sometimes, when you see some of the “blog rage” extant over the last three years, though, don’t it? HA!
By N8
February 8, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
jed
“i mean, wow. what did you expect him to say?”
Exactly what my posts said. That I don’t expect him to answer AT ALL.
I’m sure, even a man of your reading level, caught that part of the post.
Excuse me for NOT asking him what to give my wife for Valentines day.
I wasn’t looking to “out” him, or give me the exclusive scoop on the story. I simply asked a question or two that was on my mind.
He did EXACTLY what I thought he would do. Ignored it. The only response I would have expected to get, would be to act offended, and emphatically deny ever touching the stuff.
Worst case scenario, he could have admitted to using B-12 shots, right?
By N8
February 8, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
scoots
I do get your point about the pitchers facing each other. Ultimately the name of the game is outscoring the other team. Thus the pitcher’s job is to “allow” less runs, than the opposing pitcher.
As far as the “wash” of flipping Smoltz and Glavine in the 2-3 hole? Come on man. I was just trying to twist it around on you a bit.
Two things on that subject. For one, there isn’t denying that Smoltz against ANY team’s #3, is a favorable match-up for us. Period. If Smoltz’s victory total, is based on him allowing less runs than his opponent, that scenario, would greatly INCREASE the chances of him winning 20 games. Especially with what our potential lineup is capable of. Even IF he doesn’t make 35 starts.
Second, by saying it’s a wash, is assuming Glavine will have a horrible season. The guy is a 300 winner. Quite possibly the last one EVER. He’s a warrior, who knows how to adjust and win games.
I don’t expect a 20-10 season from Glavine. But I fully expect a .500 season out of him, with around 200 innings pitched.
Keep in mind, that if Smoltz and Hudson combine to go 30-18 like they did last year, and the REST of the rotation was simply at .500, our record would be 88-74.
Now, I’m not saying that would be enough to win the East or the wild card. But THAT would be such an improvement over last years black hole of in the rotation’s 4-5 spots.
Don’t you think?
But we can agree to disagree on the ORDER of the rotation. When all is said and done, if Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine (in some order), have all pitched around 200+ innings, it will have been a good season for us.
By doc
February 8, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
oh u kno who, i made the comment 6 weeks or so ago to silence that hampton’s role might be best suited as a reliever even to the point of suggesting him as a closer type much in the vein of smoltz as he built up arm strength to go longer. he has always had nasty stuff and could dominate for short periods early in games. short spurts to support the closer would be acceptable as well.
By David O'Brien
February 8, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Jed, hilarity at 4:30 a.m. Dude, I don’t think we want to know what you do for a living — unless it’s legal and you feel compelled to tell us.
STEAMBOAT: Don’t know if this is good enough to convince you (seems that might be impossible), but Atlanta sports-talk station 790 The Zone had Chipper on air this morning and asked him about his blogging the last couple of days. Steak Shapiro (one of the hosts) asked him first off whether that was him on the blog the last couple days.
Yes, Chipper said, it was. He said something along the lines of (paraphrasing here), I’ll blog, get my kid ready for bed, then blog some more, then do this or that, blog some more…. Said he likes the interaction with the fans.
They read several of his posts on air. And believe me, I’m only bringing this up because you and one other person can’t seem to believe it was him answering everyone’s questions here for several hours the last two days.
Now, we’re going get a new blog up shortly.
By Tomahawkin
February 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Choppinmama and “Hoss” Thanks for the 411, about the sign language
By Tomahawkin
February 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Choppinmama and “Hoss” Thanks for the 411, about the sign language
By doc
February 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
dob. i am sure you are making a list of all these questions that admiring and inquiring minds want to know for future interviews to make your life easy. :-)
still think if hampton healthy enough that he can be the gonzalez role until he does complete his rehab maybe just in time to take a starter role when gonzalez comes back mid-summer. geez, that would be huge for the team to have four buff dudes in the rotation and a nasty lefty to compliment soriano. perfect scenario outside of hampton ready at the opening bell. now, if he can just get to fielding grounders safely without blowing out a hamstring.
By Brandon13
February 8, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Bold: Chipper I’d just like to say thanks for coming here and answering all of these questions. I don’t think too many guys would be willing to do this. Thanks.
By Metsfan
February 8, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
U Kno Who:
As a lifelong Mets fan, I’ve endured your skills and prowess on the field for quite some time. Here, in Metsland, you are the one true adversary - the man we love to hate. You top every Mets fan’s list of “most hated players” - and for good reason. Regardless of how long you stay in ATL or when you retire, I just want you to know that although there are a lot of hateful words that have been said and written in your direction from NY, you are truly appreciated as a player for your skill, your accomplishments, your dedication to the game, your champion spirit. You have been a great player throughout your career and I’m sure you’ll be regarded as one of the best 3B of all time once you decide to hang it up.
It is a great thing that you’re doing here for your fans - however you came about joining in this conversation with personal posts and revealing your true identity - it was a great idea to say the least. Your fans should be proud (as I see they are) and extremely thankful for your contributions here.
One question I do have for you: Given your great career in ATL - the numbers you put up as a Brave are HOF worthy to say the least, and seeing as you have prospered in the games you played in NY, how different do you think your career would be in you had played with a major-market team such as the Mets, Yanks, or BoSox? You’re well aware of the fan and media frenzy that goes on in those cities, the pressure that falls on every star player, and the quick change of heart that the media and fans have when the player under performs (see Jose Reyes, Sept. 2007). Do you envision yourself staying in such a place your entire career? Do you think your career numbers would be better or worse? I know you’ve said many times that ATL is the place for you - and I can certainly understand that - I’m just curious how you would enjoy a big market and more attention from the world around you?
By AdirondackDave
February 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Coach - Of course I was speaking metophorically when I talked about Rose’s 4000 singles. When Chipper’s career is done, that’s the time for comparison. More than happy to agree to disagree.
By Metsfan
February 8, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
U Kno Who:
As a lifelong Mets fan, I’ve endured your skills and prowess on the field for quite some time. Here, in Metsland, you are the one true adversary - the man we love to hate. You top every Mets fan’s list of “most hated players” - and for good reason. Regardless of how long you stay in ATL or when you retire, I just want you to know that although there are a lot of hateful words that have been said and written in your direction from NY, you are truly appreciated as a player for your skill, your accomplishments, your dedication to the game, your champion spirit. You have been a great player throughout your career and I’m sure you’ll be regarded as one of the best 3B of all time once you decide to hang it up.
It is a great thing that you’re doing here for your fans - however you came about joining in this conversation with personal posts and revealing your true identity - it was a great idea to say the least. Your fans should be proud (as I see they are) and extremely thankful for your contributions here.
One question I do have for you: Given your great career in ATL - the numbers you put up as a Brave are HOF worthy to say the least, and seeing as you have prospered in the games you played in NY, how different do you think your career would be in you had played with a major-market team such as the Mets, Yanks, or BoSox? You’re well aware of the fan and media frenzy that goes on in those cities, the pressure that falls on every star player, and the quick change of heart that the media and fans have when the player under performs (see Jose Reyes, Sept. 2007). Do you envision yourself staying in such a place your entire career? Do you think your career numbers would be better or worse? I know you’ve said many times that ATL is the place for you - and I can certainly understand that - I’m just curious how you would enjoy a big market and more attention from the world around you?
PS: While I do like your rotation this coming year, I think the loss of Andruw will really hurt your lineup - although having Tex around can’t be that bad a deal…If Smoltz can still bring it at 93, you know he’ll be effective, Hudson will give you pretty much what you got last year - he’s developed into a consistent #3 type guy. Glavine, I think, is a toss up. We’ll see if re-uniting him with Bobby Cox and Smoltz will bring him back to form - but in NY he has faltered in big games - although he did produce a pretty good season. He’s a #3 in my mind. I think you’re right about Hampton - he will need to work on his stamina to be able to start again - so I guess we’ll see by the end of spring training what he’s able to do. How’s his velocity? I think if James is healthy he should be in the rotation. I watched him pitch twice - that kid has filthy stuff. Jurrjens is very young and people don’t realize that - he only has 30 MLB innings under his belt. Bobby has been known over the years to take young kids and throw them right into the fire of MLB - and being quite successful at it, but my guess is, Jurrjens will have to really win the starting job in the spring if both Hampton and James are healthy - otherwise he’ll start in AAA. If either of those isn’t ready to go, he’s the one in for sure…But I think he’ll get the 5th slot no matter what…
I think your rotation to start the season will probably pan out like this: Smoltz Hudson Glavine Hampton James
By Riki
February 8, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
hey chipper, i was just wondering does your wife call you chipper or your name? hope you and your family are doing great..and you are having a good off season..cant wait to see you in spring training march 7-10..im at turner field every weekend that yall are home and have traveled out of state to see yall play..yankee stadium in 2005, san francisco last year. and going to wrigley this year…i came to the hotel yall were staying at and met you and alot of the others..thanks for being so nice and taking up time with me and my dad..have a great day!
By PETA supporter
February 8, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
In reading the above, I have noticed “U Kno Who” admittedly Chipper Jones, confesses his hunting of animals. As a supporter of PETA I will surely advise my peers and we will contact Mr. Jones and the Atlanta Braves regarding this treatment of animals. A public apology is necessary.
By Adam Smith
February 8, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
PETA sucks! Well, I am off for a big juicy burger!
By DAP
February 8, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Coach Darren , I hate to bust your bubble. While Chipper is one of the best switch hitters on the game , he isn’t the best.
The Yankees had this fella by the name of Mantle. Hey , don’t take my word for it. Go check the numbers for yourself.
im gonna have to challenge you on this, mostly because it isnt that clear cut. mantle is better in some statistical categories, and in others, chipper is better.
chipper has played 14 seasons, mantle played 18. in four more seasons, it is extremely likely chipper will be ahead of mantle in hits, and rbis. chipper will have WAAAYY fewer stikeouts than mantle had, and he already has more doubles and a better slg%, and avg. chipper is 150 HR behind mantle right now, and i dont think he’ll hits that many in 4 years, but if he plays 6 more, he could do it.
its definitely reasonable to say chipper is the best switch hitter ever.
By Farbisimo
February 8, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve got a question for U Kno Who that’s been on my mind for years! It seems like every time you step into the batter’s box, you pick apart the pitcher’s brain’s. It’s UNBELIEVABLE to see the poise you possess in the batter’s box. Granted, you miscalculate from time to time, but we all can’t be perfect. My question is, as a young baseball player, that is trying to get back into the game after being lied to by the coach’s at the University of Florida, what goes through your mind when your staring down a pitcher? I know you don’t want to give too much away, but you seem to know exactly what pitchers are going to do before they can grip the ball. Please let me in on your secret. Help a future Brave out! Also… if you could just keep playing for at least five more years, I’d love to have you as a teammate so you could pick my brain some more. But in all honesty… I really want to know about your approach at the dish. At least briefly:) PLEASE!!
By Robin Kurth
February 8, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
eware Yep, Chipper’s a stand-up guy alright. I met him down here in Macon back in ‘99 at a popular gathering place. He was out with a few friends, I just quietly walked to his table, shook his hand and wished him a great year. He was very cordial, even started to stand up ‘til I said not to. I went on to Berlin to play the biggest show of my band’s career (1 million + people) and U Kno Who won the MVP that year!! A good year indeed.
By Bubba Brown
February 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I would like to make an official statement: I am now a Braves blogger.
For years I’ve stuck to the Braves MB on braves.com, but this blog sucked me in.
By John
February 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
“After watching this clowns all i have to say is…….no wonder why the mets collapsed last year…… Braves would too if clowns like these were in the bleachers.”
^^ you mean if anyone actually went to Braves games? I kid…
By Cameron Chambers
February 8, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper. You have been my favorite player since I was old enough to understand baseball. Thanks for coming on here and doing this for the fans. I just wanted to ask if we send a letter to the Atlanta Braves stadium address will you send autographs back, and who all do you know of on the team that sends back autographs back?
By Cameron Chambers
February 8, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper. You have been my favorite player since I was old enough to understand baseball. Thanks for coming on here and doing this for the fans. I just wanted to ask if we send a letter to the Atlanta Braves stadium address will you send autographs back, and who all do you know of on the team that sends back autographs back?
By L.B. 4 Bama
February 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper, I just wanted to let you know that a few years back you were kind enough to sign a Braves cap for me and my son during a difficult time in your personal life. Honestly I felt “guilty” for bothering you after a long game, but you were very kind and really made us feel welcome. That will always be one of those “remember when” moments between me and my son. From one father to another….Thanks Chipper.
By RRR
February 8, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
EXCELLENT read. I go back a way just like Ron Roberts above, and decided to “drift away” from the increasing negativity of most message boards/forums. So, this was a real treat. Thanks Chip. I must say, too, that reading someone above stating his all time fave’s were Clete Boyer and Dale Murphy brought back some nice memories. Chipper has long since been added to that list. The only one who wasn’t a Bravo? George Brett. Clete in fact was the reason I became a now lifelong Braves fan when I was 11 years old. Hmmm…what is it about me and the “hot corner”??? Anyway, I don’t have any q’s for ya Chip, since you’re most likely long gone, but figured I’d give a shout out to ya and again thank you for the input. GO BRAVES!!!
ps Talk Tex into staying, eh? ;)
By David O'Brien
February 8, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Good to have you, Bubba (just in case you’re still checking this blog; we’ve long since moved to a new one I posted this morning)
By Brandon13
February 8, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Is there any way to put some kind of password block on the “U Know Who” name so that only Chipper can use it and we don’t get anyone coming in and posing as him? Thanks.
By U Kno Who
February 8, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
yes I have taken steroids befo i also took it in the a*
By **TNCHICKS**
February 8, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Chipper! It is good to see you on here chattin with your fans! My girlfriends and I just wanted to let you know that we love sleeper towns, how about you? Anyway, we are heading down to ST March 15-23,look for us in left field. C you in a few weeks! Love the TNCHICKS
By LuisGuillermo
February 8, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Who’s saying that Chipper took steroids?
By LuisGuillermo
February 8, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Who’s saying that Chipper has taken steroids?
By Brian Finnerty
February 8, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Chipper, what baseball player would you pay to watch, past or present?
By Lisa Johnson
February 8, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I wish I lived in atlanta….closer to my fav. team…miss seeing the games.
By U Kno Who
February 10, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Clemens and I used to take “Vitamin B12” together.
Brian Finnerty - that would be David Wright who owns me in every way.
By Evan Geist
February 10, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Chipper, I just wanted to say that i heard you speak at the Georgia Tech banquet tonight and thought you were awsome. You and the Atlanta Braves will dominate this year, and were going to prove to the Yankees, Red Sox, and espcially the METS that you dont need to have a huge payroll to win games. This year is going to be great. I hope you and the braves play well, and that yall can lead us back to the postseason.
P.S. TAKE JOHAN DEEP AT TURNER FOR ME. haha
By atlbrave7
February 10, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
hey chipper! any of y’all watch the unc/clemson game?
By pat
February 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Don’t take Johan deep, hit 25 foul balls off him in the first inning. The secret to killing good pitching is to get the pitch counts up. Any starter who throws 30 or more pitches in the first comes off the mound frusterated for the rest of the game. Foul him many times, then take him deep.