Braves

By BravesFan

February 20, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

First

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

From the bottom of the last blog, responding to bullpen talk:

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Davey: I think the bullpen is actually a strength (regardless of what the folks at SI.com have to say). The way it stands right now, here’s the way I see it:

Closer: Soriano

Set-up men: Moylan, Acosta, Yates

Lefty specialist: Ohman

Spot starter/long reliever: Bennett (if he doesn’t win a rotation spot outright)

That’s six of the seven spots right there. I said all winter I think the Braves will carry two lefties, which means Ring or Ridgway would earn the final spot. But I’m beginning to hedge on that. If the Braves keep Bennett as the spot starter/long reliever, then I think they will carry one lefty (Ohman), and the final spot will be between Boyer, Stockman and Resop, with somebody like DeSalvo, Drese, Schreiber or Cuevas needing an awesome camp and perhaps an injury or trade to make the team.

Ohman’s numbers outside of Wrigley are fantastic. Moylan proved last year he is one of the league’s better set-up guys. Yates’ numbers were good both in 07 and 06 before he tired, a victim of overuse. Acosta was impressive when given a chance and has really good stuff. We’ve discussed Soriano at length the past couple of days.

Dotel was good at the end, but the Braves couldn’t afford him or Mahay. True, they lost Asciano and Devine. But remember, they gave up Asciano to get two needed pieces (utility guy in Infante who can back up at short, which Prado can’t do, and Infante also can play third and second and all three OF positions. They also got Ohman, a veteran lefty to replace Mahay). They gave up Devine for Kotsay, a career .282 hitter who figures to hit second in the lineup and, if he is healthy, is an absolute steal at $2 million a year.

The Braves totally gave away McBride, which I think was a mistake. Davies needed a fresh start somewhere. Paronto was released to make room for Resop. And, if all goes well, you add Gonzalez (who had 24 saves in 2006) by mid-summer.

I think the bullpen will be just fine. They were second or third in the NL in ERA last year, and I think they will be even better this year. A big key is having their roles defined coming out of camp, which they will be, and not having to use the bully so much in the middle innings (read: better and deeper performance by the middle and back of the rotation).

—30—

By TBraveFan

February 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

YES….and it is finally within reach!

By flange1

February 20, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Alright! Now we are started!!!

By 22oz

February 20, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

More power from Escobar sound good. As long as he doesn’t go all Furcal on us. Whenever Furcal would hit a homerun, he would spend the next week swinging for the fences and get mired in a slump, until he realized again what his strength was.

By David Bowie

February 20, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

From the last blog too:

Mr O’brien, I don’t post much, but i read all the blog all the time. It looks like you might need some help to make it through the this tough time … so i wrote a song to help you out and give you inspiration.

Five Weeks by David Bowie (to the tune of my song, Five Years)

Pushing thru the darkest star, so many writers sighing

News had just come over, we had five years left of testifying

News guy wept and told us, Clemens, just won’t stop trying

Cried so much his face was wet, then I knew Roger was lying

I heard telephones, laptops, autograph seeking, I saw australians, cubans, and B.P with T.P

My brain hurt like hamptons elbow, no more surgeries to spare

I had to make a story for blog, everything goes in there

And Bennet was a fat-skinny bra-ave

and Chuk james was a tall-short bra-ave

And all the nobody bra-aves, and all the somebody bra-aves

I never thought Id need so many bra-aves …

(Chorus) Weve got five weeks, dark star is stuck on my eyes

Five weeks, I miss varsity fries

Weve got five weeks, my hand hurts a lot

Five weeks, that I want what starks’s got

Weve got five weeks, the same question again

Five weeks, disney makes me cringe

Weve got five weeks, Orlando’s too far

Five weeks, i hate my rental car

Weve got five weeks, no more of that mouse!

Five weeks, I can’t smoke in my house!

Weve got five weeks, Dave can we resign tex?

Five weeks, Next

Weve got five weeks, no, really, how much for tex?

Weve got five weeks, Next, Next, Next

Weve got five weeks, wait, my brothers, friends, boss is friends with mark and said he was firing boras and building a house adjacint to turner field, then do you think we could sign Tex?

Fiveweeks, NEEEEEEEEEEXXXXXXXTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!

Five weeks

Five weeks

Five weeks

Five weeks

By rupert

February 20, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

yeah i saw that si article, they picked the braves to finish behind the marlins and just ahead of the nationals, insightful journalism indeed

By jame

February 20, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

DOB, is Heyward at ST?

By Mike

February 20, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’m having withdrawals.

When is Chuck James expected to throw off the mound? I think it would be great for the team if he and Mike Hampton were both throwing better than expected early this spring.

By Bryan

February 20, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey, that si I article first appeared on the Baseball Prospectus website … Joe Sheehan is the name … and he is actually one of the co-founders of that website …

By flange1

February 20, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe,

I agree with you on the pen. If you pencil in Soriano to close, Moylan in the 8th, then Acosta, Yates and Ohman + either Boyer, Ring, Resop and Stockman as the other short guy, you have a talented, hard throwing, deep bull pen.

I agree that Bennett will probably be the long man, but it could be Chuck James too.

I actually think the Braves will make a trade that trades AWAY some of these bull pen guys because they are out of options.

I don’t understand the “we doomed” comments from folks so early in the year. If you have no hope the team will do well, you probably should find another team to root for.

I agree with Coach that this 2008 Braves team is going to be very good. 1 or 2 more small trades to shore up the bench and the team is good to go!

By David-ATL14

February 20, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Solid work DOB, can’t wait for Yunel to continue the annual tradition of making the eggheaded Joe Sheehan look foolish again.

There’s no bigger hack in the business than Sheehan other than possibly Rob Neyer.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the blog and the update.

Aahhh the annual rights of Spring. Pitchers and Catchers report. Position players report. Hope is all over the place and not just in Arkansas. And of course, the new tradition… describing Yunel and predicting power potential… and almost right on que… 5 days earlier this year. We must be really ready for the season.

By David O’Brien

February 25, 2007 04:52 PM

Cox raved about Harrison today, but even more about Yunel Escobar. Said he absolutely crushed the ball on back field during BP. Bobby spent the day back there watching a bunch of the prospects.

Escobar is ripped, man. Saw him in the clubhouse after workout. He’s not built like a typical middle infielder, taller and stronger than most. Built more like a 3B, but moves well enough to play middle infield. And teams keep calling Braves about him…

GO BRAVES!!

By N8

February 20, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I had JUST posted this on the old blog, and by the time it loaded (posted), I saw that DOB had posted the new blog, so I’m “transfering it over here…Sorry to those that already read it.

Mr. Baseball

In general I agreed with yesterday’s 6:05 reguarding the Braves and their development of 1B.

You stated that they developed only one 1B over the years and “couldn’t wait to get rid of him”. I’ll assume you’re talking about LaRoche, which isn’t that far off.

Though, I wouldn’t say that they couldn’t wait to get rid of him, I think they legitimately thought Thorman could do the job, and saw an opportunity to add Mike Gonzalez (who might have been a difference maker in making up the 5 games we fell out of 1st place last year, had his season NOT been cut short).

But the one guy your are forgetting about, is Klesko. He NEVER should have been an outfielder. He made Diaz look like a GG’r. Granted he improved as time went along, but had McGriff not been a Brave (I remember an article where Klesko was PIZZED and wanted to be traded when the Braves traded for McGriff and didn’t call him up), Klesko COULD HAVE BEEN our 1B for a while. He wasn’t the greatest defensively at 1B either, but had he not been converted to an outfielder, and stayed at 1B, his defense could have improved.

So I just chuckle at all of you guys saying there is a track record of the Braves NOT putting guys out of position, or changing their positions. Chipper was gonna be an outfielder (replacing Gant), until he got hurt. Which thrust Klesko into the LF job in 94. KJ goes from being a SS, to learning to play the OF, THEN gets converted to a 2B, and did a fine job.

Bottom line, is that the player the Brave contemplate moving to different positions is a good enough athlete, they don’t seem to have a problem teaching them a new position. So I wouldn’t be so sure that pending what happens with Tex, that Heyward won’t be given EVERY opportunity to learn 1B, or be traded.

We already have Francoeur, Schafer is on the way, Brandon will be here this year, and you’ve got the kid in the Rentera deal (Hernandez?), along with Anderson and other OF prospects coming up. I don’t see Heyward being in our OF pland anytime soon (assuming he’s ready to hit up here).

He’s got a big enough frame (long that is), to play 1B, and if he’s as good of an athlete as the scouting reports say, why can’t he start playing their (1B) when he gets to AA or AAA to see what he can do?

Like I said though, if Tex signs, then Heyward is either trade bait (but more than likely he’d be the LF of the future - since his “stock” seams to be higher than that of Brandon Jones).

Only time will tell.

By James

February 20, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear all our boys took to working out during the offseason (Mac, Frenchy, and Yunel all made significant gains according to DOB). Let’s just hope everyone bulked up naturally, the last thing we need is a 50 game suspension.

By Braveheart

February 20, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

We all love our Jeter and Escobar comparisons and I think they are very valid due to the way that they play the game beyond just what the numbers tell you.

But even their numbers are strikingly similar. Jeter and Escobar had a similar AVG and Babip in the minors and in the majors.

Jeter hit a home run once every 110 at bats in the minor leagues. Escobar hit a homer once every 80 or so at bats in the minor leagues.

In Jeter’s first two seasons in the majors, he hit a homer every 62 at bats. Escobar hit a homer every 64 at bats last season.

Jeter has gone on to average a homer every 38 or so at bats in the majors. It is not unreasonable to expect the same from Escobar.

Jeter hit a double or triple every 15.6 at bats as a minor leaguer and Escobar hit a double or triple every 14.6 at bats as a minor leaguer.

Escobar hit more doubles and triples combined per at bat during his rookie year than Jeter did.

I understand there is an age disparity between the two of them that has to be accounted for in comparing their power as minor leaguers and young major leaguers but I think the comparison is pretty telling - especially if you have spent alot of time watching the two of them play as youngsters like I have.

The similarities in their styles of play, baseball intellect, and in their ballplaying abilities is rather frightening to me. Hopefully it continues.

By Tomahawkin

February 20, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s just hope we don’t see the Soriano that gave up all those gopher-balls last year…I only saw a few stretches where he dominated last year and that was over the coarse of the season…

I’m just ready for the games to start

Kotsay will be key too, If we get 135-140 games out of him with around 55-65 rbis then I think we’re gonna be solid, at least in the top 3 in the league in offense behind the Phils/Rockies

By chuckw/deadjournalist

February 20, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

A quick thought on Bennett, from ssscribe’s mention before. Most of us went through the winter thinking that he was out of options. Since he isn’t, I think if he doesn’t win the 5th start job out of spring training, I think it might be best for him to go to Richmond and log some inning so if/when someone in the rotation gets hurts or is ineffective, he could jump right in.

Swing guys can usually only go 5 innings (at most) as an emergency starter, so why not take advantage of that final roster spot with Boyer/Resop (assuming they pitch okay in spring) so you have an extra arm in the pen for regular us.

And if a situation arose where Bennett wasn’t available for an emergency start, I’d assume Charlie Morton will be in Mississippi and on a schedule opposite Bennett/Reyes/etc.

And let us not leave Buddy Carlyle out of the long-man spot in the bullpen. While he doesn’t have the “up-side” of the other starters, he has the experience to be able to understand his role and adjust to irregular usage.

One of the most important things for young starters is to get regular inning and that’s something that is best done in AA or AAA than as the last man on a major league staff.

By TennesseePaul

February 20, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

23. Atlanta Braves
Bobby Cox said this week he believes former Brave Mike Hampton, coming off a one-inning stint in the Mexican baseball league in 2007, can be a front-of-the-rotation starter for this season’s Braves. In a related story, Hillary Clinton pointed to former Minnesota senator Fritz Mondale as a potential running mate in November.
—ESPN Page 2

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Francouer hit a couple of absolute BOMBS during BP, easily the most impressive two shots hit by anyone. Most guys were just shaking off rust, hitting balls into the ground or flies that didn’t get to the warning track.

Not Francoeur. He hit one ball that cleared the left-center fence by 25 feet, then an Andruw-like blast that hit the C in Champion more than halfway up the huge scoreboard in left-center. Drew big applause from fans both times.

Should be noted, they were off Chino, not a real pitcher….

Escobar hit a lot of line drives, looked very good. And now that I’ve thought about it more, Jeter’s probably not as strong as Escobar. Jeter’s leaner, a little taller. So I’ll change that line.

Talking to a couple of guys around the cage, Tejada was the only one any of us could think of who’s possibly as physically strong as Escobar.

By REM

February 20, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

DOB — I think you may have been a little conservative on the potential for Escobar this year. If you extrapolate his 319 ABs last year to 600,which would be appropriate for a durable leadoff man, he would theoretically produce 47 doubles and 9 HRs. So, not too much of a stretch to get 45 and 12-15 with last year’s “body”. If you extrapolate his last 179 ABs, that would produce 66 extra base hits. So if one just assumed that the stronger body allowed him to produce at that level all year long, one might expect doubles output AND HRs to go up. Regardless, its all good news and points to Escobar being a potential monster this year. Thanks for the insight.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

And I forgot to add, the pitcher that looked best to me throwing batting practice today? Ohman. Followed closely by Moylan.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

James, answering two of your posts: No, Heyward’s not in big-league camp. Kid’s too young and inexperienced for that (Francoeur was here at a similar age, but that was a contractual thing).

And as far as whether guys packed on more muscle naturally or not, I can only answer for myself. Personally, I made mistakes, errors in judgment, and am embarrassed. I’m a ripped, shredded, snarling 240 pounds, but I don’t feel good about it.

By NorthBeach Scott

February 20, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

From SI.com, The Mets met with RHP Freddy Garcia in Port St. Lucie this morning. They interested in Garcia as a possible depth candidate returning from August shoulder surgery for a possible June/July return. It appears that the Mets experience with Pedro’s successful surgery has them confident that Garcia will return. He is only 31 and one season removed from a 17 win season with WS champion WSox. Interesting investment. He was useless with the Phillies last season.

By Baron

February 20, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Props, David Bowie, on the new song. It seems familiar, somehow.

By Baron

February 20, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Props, David Bowie, on the new song. It seems familiar, somehow.

By Baron

February 20, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

From the previous blog giving props to David Bowie, on the new song. It seems so familiar, somehow. Now do that same thing to “Lady Stardust” and we’ll be all set.

By NorthBeach Scott

February 20, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Ooops, correction per Baseball Reference.com Freddy Garcia will be 33 in 2008.

By Corny Post Of The Day

February 20, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s call Yunel Escobar “El Torero” because he will be the bullfighter fighting the Sheehan/Sports Illustrated bullsh!t.

By Renegator

February 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates DOB. Couldn’t get through the work day without them.

By Bryan

February 20, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

anyone who needs a good laugh, check out my friends website (promise this is not me, and i promise this is 100 authentic, Bryan knows its funny, but this is his real biz)

http://bryan-mullins.com

or here

By The Mill Worker

February 20, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

In reference to this:

By 22oz

February 20, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

More power from Escobar sound good. As long as he doesn’t go all Furcal on us. Whenever Furcal would hit a homerun, he would spend the next week swinging for the fences and get mired in a slump, until he realized again what his strength was.

The Mill Worker says: You are the man! You hit the nail right on the head and I only hope to God that all of us are as insightful as you are! Are you available as a sperm donor? I want you to father my children for I am not worthy!!!!

By PutMeInCoach

February 20, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Looks like Yunel watched my new workout tape. 7 Minute Abs…I’m telling you, it really works.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I have learned not to take the pre-season predictions too seriously. Most are done without benefit of actual first hand information and are phoned in from some hotel on Vegas.

My opinion is the Braves will have a strong team this year but as it is with every other season, a lot depends on key players staying healthy.

That said, I believe this year’s Braves team has a larger margin for error.

By Bay Area Steve

February 20, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

After seeing Escobar last year, and hearing what DOB and many of the Braves have to say about him, my expectations are rising, hopefully not too high.

I’m a skeptic by nature, and worry that last year’s numbers, and this year’s projections, are too good to be true. What I most like about him is the range he will provide at ss.

DOB, no good music, but there is a very steady beat in my head.

By Davey Johnson

February 20, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

DAP and sscribe:

kudos to you. Feedback was clear, I agree.

I also feel good about this team more now that DOB tells us about KayJay and Yunel. Francour with his bombs, wow! And it’s not even March yet! Feel good about our hitters.

Flange1:

It’s not that people have ‘we’re doomed’ attittudes, it’s just that people are concerned with our weaknesses,thats all. As fans, we want the best for our team, that’s it. DOB one time mentioned how Royce sometime struggles at the plate, and Resop’s ERA last season was not particularly impressive. You also said it yourself: We need 1 or 2 trades before we start the season. But I don’t agree entirely with that. If a trade equals letting go of more of our talent, then I’d say no. We’ve lost Salty, Elvis Andrus, Joey Devine, just to name a few of many that we lost. I could go on and on if we look back (Mike Schmidt, Adam Wainright, just to name two of them so I don’t get carried away). My point is, if we get a really good reliever then cool, but I would prefer 0 trades for now if it means letting go of Morton or Schreiber. That’s why I agree with DAP and sscribe that we are ok after all bullpenwise.

By Braveheart

February 20, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Added bulk - Frenchy, Yunel, Brandon Jones

lifted more - KJ

Toned up - McCann

Shed weight - Brayan Pena, Jeff Bennett, Terry Pendleton

And then this quote from U Kno Who as reported by Paul Newberry:

Chipper Jones stood up and jiggled his stomach. He admitted spending a little too much time at McDonald’s during the offseason, putting on about 5 pounds he could do without. Then again, it gave him a chance to take a good-natured shot at a former teammate who struggled to keep his weight down. “This is bordering on Andruw Jones ,” he quipped, looking down at his stomach.

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Chuck: Good point on Bennett having options. Boyer does not, and if he can return to his 2005 form, he certainly would make a strong bullpen that much stronger, especially early in the season when starters aren’t working as deep into games and you may need the bully to pick up an extra few innings.

—30—

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Chuck threw off the mound for the first time today, only 5 minutes, but no problems.

He’s a little behind the other pitchers, and Frank Wren said it’s still too early to tell whether he’ll be able to build up arm strength in spring training to compete for the rotation out of camp.

By T-Bone

February 20, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I just can’t hide it… I am very excited about the Braves this year. Very much so! A good mix of veterans and young guys, a deep rotation and bullpen. I cannot wait for the season to start! Go Braves.

By Nick

February 20, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Oh, man, am I ever excited for this season. If everyone stays healthy, this team will be a force. Strong at almost every position, with strong prospects waiting in the wings (seriously, how are we so stacked with prospects? Didn’t we bet the farm on Tex?), and about 10 bullpen guys in camp that could make the team.

As far as the SI article: “After the Braves went for broke last year in trading for Mark Teixeira, it would have been nice to see them sustain that mode into the offseason. Instead, they pared payroll and added only marginal talents, doing little to address the problems that kept them from staying with the Phillies and Mets down the stretch last season. A team with a lineup core of Kelly Johnson/Chipper Jones/Mark Teixeira/Jeff Francoeur/Brian McCann should be able to compete with anyone. That they’re trying to do it with holes at center field, shortstop, and in the bullpen is a shame.”

Yeah, what a weak lineup we have—only 5 potential all-stars! (And of course, I’d count Yunel in that group, too). Ummmm…Who do the Mets have at Catcher? 2nd base? Corner outfield? And in their bullpen after Wagner and Heilman? Joe Smith? Jorge Sosa? The Phils, meanwhil, have Carlos Ruiz (29 years old, 9 career HRs, .260 BA, .738 OPS) at catcher and Pedro Feliz (32 years old, .252 career BA, OPS never above .800 in his career). And I guess they plan on using Tom Gordon as the setup man. So yeah, the Braves clearly have no chance………. Give me a break!

And add to that a chip on their shoulders after a spring hearing crap about utility infielders and the Mets vs Phillies rivalry…I see good things from this team.

By Braveheart

February 20, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Anyone else hear about Duaner Sanchez shedding 35 pounds? Maybe it was less Taco Bell taxi cab rides in the middle of the night down in Miami or maybe it was, um, um, um, ……

By Andy

February 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

DOB/Everyone-doesn’t it seem that the Braves are sort of being downplayed? I mean, all these writers, especially SI are completely slamming Atlanta. “Yunel’s a utility player. They didn’t make good off-season acquisitions.” Blah blah blah. However, I like what TEX said and what Chipper had been saying in previous years about how everyone overlooks the Braves, and that just to fly under the radar, and prove worth when October comes.

By Charles

February 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

great article DOB.

Hey I got a question for you…

How is Jason Heyward progressing, he seems so promising?

By Epinephrine

February 20, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I am beginning to believe that Chuck James may well be on his way to the trading block. I have a tough time believing that he is better than either Jair or Jojo, even if his shoulder was in good shape. He has two pitches, and when hitters begin to see his change up, he gives a lot of home runs. Worse still, he hardly ever makes it out of the 5th inning, and puts a strain on our pen.

Frankly, I don’t think Chuck is the kind of guy that is going to put a lot of thoughts into making adjustments. That…straightforward approach works well for some people, and I hope for the best. Still, my money says he isn’t going to be one our 5 starting pitchers this year.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

February 20, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe -

Agreed on the Boyer issue; and I think the same applies to Resop.

Last year, the team was killed by too many 2-4 inning outings by Davies, Redmond, etc., early in the season and that took its toll on the ‘pen.

Final bullpen point (for now at least):

I’m interested to see how Moylan performs this year. He pitched a lot of innings last year for a guy who was out of baseball a few years ago. And I’m sure he’ll work similar innings, if not more, this year with a more advanced role in the bullpen.

My concern is that there aren’t a ton of guys who have a history of pitching 80+ games/80+ innings for three or four years in a row without either getting hurt or becoming ineffective.

There are only so many Paul Quantrill/David Weathers types out there. And a those guys came up as starters.

By Davey Johnson

February 20, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

And speaking of concerns, and I know we talked about this two blogs ago, but…I have been concerned since months ago about Tex coming back to us for 2009, but after hearing what he said that he’s thinking about now, today, this season, and not thinking about next year or contracts. This is a great attittude to have. It shows how strong-minded and determined he is to help us reach the postseason and beyond (…okay, got carried away with ‘beyond’, but I have high hopes for Tex and his team). So my worries then shifted towards the bullpen. But now I know if our 4-5 starters go deep, and I really hope they do, then our bullpen will be fresh and effective (and consequently Yates will do well). That was my biggest concern.

By flange1

February 20, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Davey Johnson,

You are correct that the Braves have traded prospects. They have more in their system to choose from.

Remember this is a young team at almost every position except for 3B and starting pitcher.

Ring, Boyer, Resop, Thorman and Pena are all out of options. If they don’t make the team and they aren’t traded, they have to be “slipped” through waivers to stay with the team.

So trades of these guys who are not in the Braves plans for the first part of ‘08 is a must, unless you want to just release them.

ALL TEAMS have weaknesses. I think the bullpen is not one of the Braves weaknesses. I think the bench is the main weakness and that can be fixed quickly.

In terms of trades, the Braves have decent players at EVERY position. Any trade would be to either 1. Improve the Braves at a position 2. Trade for a future player or prospect 3. Dump a guy who will not make the team.

I see the Braves grouping a relief pitcher, maybe 2, a starting pitcher and Thorman, Pena or Prado for an additional bullpen arm or add either Matt Diaz or Brandon Jones and get a stud LF who could help ease the pain if Tex were to leave.

My thoughts…

By Home of the Brave

February 20, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Anyone noticed how fatter Jorge Sosa is…oh wait, he was already fat last year..um…oh! how about Livan Hernandez, anyone noticed how fatter he is…wait, he was fat years ago as well…Bartolo Colon?…ohh nevermind! I give up this getting fatter thing!…

…ohhh wait, almost forgot…PEDRO!! Anyone noticed how much Pedro looks like a fattened turkey now? I don’t see him winning over 7 games next year, lol!

By Nick

February 20, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

* Epinephrine* I agree about Chucky not making the team out of camp, but I don’t think this is the time to trade him. He has a ton of options, let him work it out in AAA for the time being.

chuckw/deadjournalist I see your point, but I thought I remembered talk of Moylan being used as a possible emergency starter, something about his “rubber arm” and the sidearm delivery not putting much stress on him.

By midtownBrave

February 20, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I liked that kid, Escobar, right after I saw his first swing. He is such a talent and I’m very sure that he will develop into an MVP caliber player. And he’s got a good arm too.

I think the Braves may just win the division this year. The rotation looks good as long as there are no injuries, the bullpen should be solid, the offense is mighty good, and i believe the defense would not see any major set backs now that Andruw’s gone.

So hopefully everyone will come out injury-free after the ST and we can get back to the top.

PS: I read that SI article and thought it was bull. I had a good laugh though. Funny guy this ‘She-hen’.

By JEB

February 20, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

When Escobar was in the minor leagues, the common word concerning him was attitude. Know from some close sources, in the minors, that there was a tremendous amount of disdain for Escobar and his attitude.He behaved himself well last year when called up to the BIGs. But, he was playing for a position and was “the new kid on the block” trying to prove himself. This year, he is guaranteed a spot, and will be one of the regulars. As the year moves forward we will see if the beast went under covers, only to come back out again, or… he really has had a change of heart.

By I'm Chuck James, B$atch!

February 20, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I’m’na win that spot and period. Enough talk about me not being a starter this year. blah blah blah. the’yre just words and don’t mean scrap.

BTW, can anyone tell me about recent Jurassic 5 records? I’m trying to look for some of each members’ solo stuff. If anyone knows, please let me know. Also, does anyone know which U-God record is the best? Also, what do you think of his 1999 album…forgot its name.

Finally, I’m looking for some old Talib Kweli stuff if anyone knows…

sorry to bother, lol!

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

You’re not going to trade Chuck until he shows teams he’s healthy anyway. That could be later in spring training, but probably not. Doubt they’d get any decent offers until he makes several healthy starts. And again, I haven’t heard from any team that they are even trying to trade him.

Moylan isn’t going to start. Braves have plenty of options, even if Hampton and Chuck weren’t ready. And no reason to believe Hampton won’t be — well, no reason other than his assorted injuries in the past.

OK, there’s reason.

By ssiscribe

February 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Chuck: On Moylan, I too am anxious to see how he fares in the set-up role. That 1.80 ERA last year was tops among relievers who pitched 90 innings, but he really didn’t slide into the set-up role until later in the season.

I don’t think he’ll pitch 90 innings again this season, for a couple of reasons. One, the starting rotation should be better, meaning the bullpen won’t be called upon anywhere near as much in the fourth and fifth innings. Two, the roles down there are a little better defined, meaning Moylan knows he’s the man in the eighth, instead of maybe coming on to get the final out of the sixth, then pitching the seventh.

Check these numbers out: In 19 of his 80 appearances last year, Moylan pitched more than one inning; two innings or more in 15 of those 19. That’s part of the reason the innings piled up for him, especially early in the season. But dude was effective, and the better he pitched, the more key spots he found himself in until eventually he was manning the eighth.

Three, he has Acosta to help with the set-up duties. Four, there’s more depth in the bullpen, meaning if a starter goes five, we may see Yates in the sixth, Acosta in the seventh and Moylan in the eighth, as opposed to Moylan being stretched out for longer stints.

Dude’s numbers were sick last year, indeed, and I’m excited to see that funky sidearm delivery again this year. Hitters hate facing that stuff, especially when the dude on the hill can throw strikes and pitches with confidence, with our favorite Aussie certainly does.

—30—

By ncscoots

February 20, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Nick, that sidearm delivery reduces stress, but doesn’t eliminate it, and 80 appearances is a bunch. But BC used Moylan in a lot of different game situations last year, and you would think that, if his “role” this year is setup, he won’t have to make as many appearances this year. I hope.

And speaking of arm stress, I found no moment more comic than that one in which some Yankee official proclaimed Joe Girardi as the perfect guy to handle, regulate, and “protect” their young pitching. After all, he had all those young pitchers in Florida, didn’t he?

Yeah. He did. And nearly all of them suffered arm problems because he rode ‘em like the last horse in the desert. At least two are rehabbing from surgery, and the rest have yet to really reach their potential. Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain better have their mamas looking out for ‘em, because Girardi sure won’t.

By supa

February 20, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the reports DOB.

I’ve been to Spring Training before, and it’s a total blast. I feel like I’m there with all your blog updates.

By Davey Johnson

February 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Flange1:

I can see where you getting at, but I just wouldn’t give up someone of value as Matt Diaz. I just don’t see it. As much as I HATE platoons, I just wouldn’t get rid of it. And if I was managing the Braves, I would put him every day. Give up Ring or B.Jones, but I don’t see the necessity of having a ‘big’ LF as you say. I’ll take Diaz any day of the week instead of a big $$$ LF. Also, I forgot to say that we also have Damian Moss, why not consider him for more bullpen strength?

Prado and Thormann we just can’t lose. I’m sorry I have high hopes for these two, but what if Infante stays on the 60-day DL? And the same happens to Lillibridge??? Prado could come in handy even though he is a 2B, but could come in handy. If we lose Texeira, then at worst we have a young 1b like Thormann, that’s all I’m saying.

By On_the_Go

February 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

The SI.com article was helpful in reinforcing the underdog mindset that seems to appeal to the stars on our Braves team.

Go Braves!…show ‘em!

By flange1

February 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Davey J,

I am not a fan of platoons either. I think we disagree on a few things.

1. I love Diaz as a PH, and platoon player, but I don’t think he is an everyday player. This has been discussed to death over the last few days.
2. Thorman will not make this team. He is too 1 dimensional and letting him hold a roster spot that could be used by another player that can bring more value to he team in 2008 is not a smart move. If Tex leaves in 2009, we can find a better 1B than Thorman. 3.Prado is probably going to be at most a bench player. I hear what you are saying about depth, but I think that is all he will ever be. Yes he had a good year in the minors last year, but he has no place to play on the 2008 team.
3. D Moss MIGHT make the Richmond club as a starter. He is WAY behind JJJ, James, Bennett, JoJo and Morton on the list of potential starters.

My trade suggestion was to use multiple players to IMPROVE a position. In terms of bull pen arms, I am thinking about a guy like B Fuentes from the Rockies. He is a guy who has closed and could take over the 8th inning and let Moylan do what he did last year.

Again, just my thoughts.

By I'm Chuck James, B&atch!

February 20, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

and the new beanie siegl, memphis bleek, old lupe fiasco records, if anyone has opinions about these…

By Steve McP

February 20, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

With Chuck maybe struggling to be completely fit for the start of the season and Glavine and Hampton as LHP’s in the rotation and a possible shortage of LHP in the pen, would it not make sense to put Chuck in the pen to start with, which would cover long relief/spot starter and LHP in pen.

It is of course also possible that Hampton could be in the pen for the first couple of months of the season to ease him in, if so then Chuck might have more than a slight problem in getting out there.

I am still expecting the Braves to have a quasi 6 man rotation and having either Chuck or Hampton in the pen would give good options out of the pen to support the front 5 and give the older arms a break now and then.

By Duke

February 20, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Trading Chucky now would be totally pointless. We would get not much in return and lose a experienced starter. If you’re wanting to trade the man then you hope he gets some good starts in Richmond and some quality starts in Atlanta. Then you would probably add young Mr. Lillibridge to the mix and the Braves might find them a piece that they need down the line. But I doubt either one of them will be traded away this year. I would say pretty good chance in the off season at the winter meetings though.

By Davey Johnson

February 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Flange1:

You misunderstood what I said about Prado and Thorman. All I said about them was that Prado is a handy utility guy, bench guy, OK, WE AGREE, but that could come in handy in the absence of our starting positions guys. All I said about Thorman was that IF the Braves ran out of firstbaseman, and fail to get one, then get him on the team AFTER 2008, (assuming Tex leaves), AT WORST I said.

My God, all I said about Moss was that he could help the BULLPEN, I never said anything about him starting.

I know Diaz is a platoon player, and I know what people said that he shouldn’t play every day. I’ll give up on that thought though.

FINALLY, I don’t think we need to improve ANY position, much less LF, nor any other, but relief pitching is OK, just don’t like the Fuentes idea.

(exhale) I think we either both need literacy classes, or we need to stop skimming over the blog, lol!

By DAP

February 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

are we SURE that moylan is going to be the 8th inning guy?

i think he would make an awesome setup guy, and even a good closer, but ive been thinking, moylan was a great guy to have when you were in a jam. he was great at getting ground balls, and strikeouts. i might let some one else setup, and use moylan as the first guy out if there are runners on in a tight spot.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Question… At what point did Sports Illustrated become the People Magazine of the sports world?

I have not taken anything they have done very seriously in quite a long time now….

Kind of like ESPN of late…..

By Braveheart

February 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, from the looks of things, if you want tons of page hits, say something about Ashley Judd being scantily clad in your next blog. That woman has been the AJC’s most popular story for 3 or 4 days now.

By Duke

February 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I wouldnt mind seeing the six man rotation, but I would rather have a long relief/spot starter in the pen to fill in for smoltz or glavine every 6-7 start. It would be nice having them rested every now and then. A ten day break for those two during the season every 4 weeks would be very nice.

By DAP

February 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

davey johnson you wouldnt give up having diaz in LF, even for jason bay? what about alex rios? how about adam dunn?

i think a slugging LF would be awesome, and i was on this blog pulling for the braves to make just that move this offseason. and im a huge diaz fan. i just think another power bat would make us brutal. can you imagine having adam dunn on this team? it wouldnt even be fair.

By Epinephrine

February 20, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t saying Chuck James was going to be traded now, just that it looks as though that might be the path he is headed down.

Without question, having Smoltz, Hampton, and Glavine penciled in for the starting rotation gives one pause about dealing any experienced starter. You at least want to hold on to Chuck until injury fears could be alleviated. But, at the deadline or in the offseason? That wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

By ncscoots

February 20, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, if Escobar is ripped, did he put on muscle and weight, or did he just “reorganize”?

No apparent diminished flexibility in these guys with increased upper body strength, is there?

By ContactBuzz

February 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

February 20, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

DOB - Great call on the recommendation of the Whigs. Two solid albums. They’ll be pairing with DBT for several shows in March, mostly in the Northeast. Hopefully, they’ll add more dates and play somewhere closer to ATL.

On the way to work this morning, I heard Roger McDowell on 680 and wondered to myself why I don’t hear DOB on the local sports talk shows? Is there any chance of a DOB segment on either of the local sports talk stations?

One other thing. I don’t know how familiar you are with the music scene in London but I’ll be there in late April and am looking for a good Brit Rock bar. Maybe some other blog regulars can help.

By ncscoots

February 20, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Gil, re SI, too true and a damn shame. That mag was brilliant once, with good-to-outstanding writers and often-brilliant columnists.

Braveheart, Ashley’s been one my most popular stories for a lot longer than that!

By chrisklob

February 20, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Flange, I still do not have any understanding why Matt Diaz shouldn’t be considered an every day player. Dude hits lefties AND righties, hits for power, hits at home and on the road. He’s not great in the field, but his defense dramatically improved last year. What does he have to do to get some love?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 20, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien , I read the SI article and just about laughed myself silly.

Whoever wrote the piece obviously made it up spur of the moment without any input whatsoever.

As for Escobar and Lillibridge , I think it’s possible they could be the 3B / SS combination of the future.

I don’t see Chipper slowing down anytime soon , but at the age of 35 and with his injury history , father time is lurking.

Everybody is apparently in camp and healthy , this is a good thing.

As for spring , um , I DON’T THINK SO. Florida and temperatures in the high 70’s , that must be nice.

It’s minus 13 with a wind chill of negative 29 in my neck of the woods. Spring can’t get here fast enough , LOL.

Don’t forget , Braves spring training baseball on ESPN next friday the 29th of February vs. the Dodgers at 1:05 p.m. EST.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Scoots, he’s ripped. Not overly large, though, to where it would affect him in the field or anything. Just a little bigger in the shoulders, forearms, etc….

ContactBuzz, your repeating of posts has given me a contact buzz. Thank you.

But seriously, if 680 station heads were smart, they would, of course, offer me a reasonable sum to do a regular segment, rather than just go on from time to time with Buck and Kincaid or the morning dudes. (dropping hints here).

By Epinephrine

February 20, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

DOB got a shout out from Kincade yesterday

By Davey Johnson

February 20, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

DAP:

OK, that’s true. Heck, Jason Bay (ok, Alexis Rios too) would make us THE team to beat. Adam Dunn…that’s cool, the dude can hit 40+ dingers, but what about $$$??? Let’s say, ok, we get Dunn right now,…will we be able to afford him next year? If we can’t get Tex next year then the answer is no. I’d love to see Dunn with us, hell yeah, but what about his strikeouts? wouldn’t that be an issue as well?? It would be like another Andruw Jones, only he would hit about 20 more homers, but will probably strike out even more times than him…food for thought.

By Murphy

February 20, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, What is the reaction of the team or Escobar to the SI article?
Thanks!

By chuckw/deadjournalist

February 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe -

Great points and great numbers on the innings pitched per appearance for Moylan.

If you look back at the number for the set-up men used the last time the Braves had a dependable closer (‘02 to ‘04), note that most years that meant one or two guys with 70+ appearances and/or innings. Wither that was Remlinger/Hammond/Reitsma/etc.

While there is a big difference between 75 and 90 innings, that’s still a high level of usage.

I guess we’ll see how it all plays out come September.

By David O'Brien

February 20, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Just doing some stats for a note on Chuck.

Look at this:

James gave up 32 homers in 161-1/3 innings last season, the highest rate per nine innings (1.68) by any major leaguer who pitched at least 160.

He had a 6.02 ERA and 15 homers allowed in 44-2/3 innings over his final nine starts, with a 15-day disabled list stint for a sore shoulder.

Since moving to the starting rotation on June 25, 2006, he’s allowed 50 homers in 269 innings over 48 starts. No pitcher with at least 150 innings in that period has a higher home-run ratio.

And since Sept. 19, 2006, he is 12-11 with a 4.46 ERA in 33 starts, with 37 homers allowed in 177-2/3 innings. He has 68 walks and 134 strikeouts in that span, and only 12 quality starts in those 33 games.

By Murph

February 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

So Escobar noticably bulked up. Hmmmmmmmmmmm

By ccatl

February 20, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Called up to the majors the beginning of June, Escobar hit .305 with a .345 OBP and .760 OPS in 82 at-bats that month.

OPS is not a statistic I’m familiar with. What does it stand for? What is considered average, very good, etc.?

By McFann

February 20, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

No apparent diminished flexibility in these guys with increased upper body strength, is there? Scoots

Well, B-Day Boy McCann’s flexibility didn’t diminish, anyway.

By Anders

February 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Gil

*Question… At what point did Sports Illustrated become the People Magazine of the sports world?

I have not taken anything they have done very seriously in quite a long time now….

Kind of like ESPN of late…..*

Answer: I’ll say right around 2006 for most on here.

By Chuck's Agent

February 20, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

DOB

What’ya say you forget about writing that Chuck story and you and I head down to the Harley dealership to do some shopping?

By DAP

February 20, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Davey Johnson adam dunn will be quite a bit cheaper than teixiera this coming offseason, and he’s a guy i think the braves should consider signing.

adam dunn strikes out alot, and doesnt hit for average, but he makes up for it with his other skills. even though diaz average was 75 points higher than dunn’s, dunn OBP was 18 points higher than diaz’s.

the reason is that diaz is a contact hitter. he hardly ever walks, but he puts the ball in play alot.

dunn is a pure power hitter. strikes our alot, walks a ton (where the high OBP comes from) and hits tons of homers. when dunn hits it, it goes a long way. hes a beast.

so while dunn strikes out twice as frequently as diaz, he evens it out by wa