AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz reinventing self (again)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. _ Just back from the clubhouse and an interview with John Smoltz, an interview that reminded me of what makes him so different.
Relentless drive. An absolute refusal to fade away until the last ounce of quality pitching is squeezed from a right arm that’s been surgically repaired four times.
The Braves pitching pillar is reinventing himself again on the fly, making adjustments when others wouldn’t dare tinker with success.
(While we’re writing, we’re watching the Braves pitchers take fielding practice, a rite of spring that you don’t ever see once the season begins. They finished physicals today, or as the over-30 players call it, “getting the finger.” Oy.)
OK, back to Smoltz. How many would make significant changes in pitching approach after a season in which they posted a 3.11 ERA, tied for the second-most quality starts (26) among NL pitchers, and ranked fifth in strikeouts per nine innings (8.6)?
But that’s what Smoltz plans to do, beginning with an unusual spring-training program that will include only two or three Grapefruit League starts and the rest of his work to be done, according to Smoltz, in simulated games against Braves minor leaguers on the backfields.
The 40-year-old Braves icon wants to pitch back there with the kids so he doesn’t get too geeked up in game situations and lose focus of what he wants to do this spring, which is to improve his changeup and especially work on his sinker and curveball.
The pitcher who made a living off of mid- to upper-90 mph fastballs and splitters wants to do whatever it takes to get more double-play grounders and popups, to become more efficient with his pitch counts so he can extend his career and keep winning games.
He’s tired of hitters sitting on his hard stuff and getting hits seemingly every time he makes a mistake on any pitch.
“In the past, power in the [strike] zone allowed me to get away with mistakes,” said Smoltz, who realized he no longer has that luxury, because he’s lost a little on his fastball and hardly ever throws the arm-stressing splitter that used to drop off the table as hitters flailed at it.
He pitched with more soreness at times last season than he would admit, and Smoltz said there were times he wasn’t quite sure how he was getting the results he got.
“Put it this way — last year I held my breath [on some pitches] and couldn’t believe the results,” he said this morning.
Yes, Smoltz threw some pitches he thought would get scalded after they left his hand, but they didn’t. But he also pointed out that he induced remarkably few double-play grounders.
True, that: Smoltz induced eight in 205-2/3 innings, second-lowest per nine innings among NL starters. Only the Mets’ John Maine induced them at a lower rate, with five in 191 innings.
So anyway, long story short, Smoltz believes he needs to make adjustments if he’s going to get through the season healthy and be at his best if and when the Braves make the playoffs, which is what he wants more than anything else.
The man absolutely pines for a return to the postseason, after watching Josh Beckett and others get lauded as the best big-game pitchers in today’s game. Smoltz is driven by that stuff, because he honestly believes he can beat anyone in a big game with everything riding on the results. Still believes it.
Tough to argue with his record: All-time leader with 15 postseason wins (15-4) and 194 strikeouts in 207 postseason innings).
It’s killed him to sit at home the past two Octobers, here in the twilight of his career with the sand running out. He wants another shot at greatness on the biggest stage, and Smoltz and others believe this Braves team is better equipped to get there than recent editions have been.
So he wants to be sure he’s ready if they do. And that starts this spring, with fewer starts in Grapefruit League games that mean very little to nothing, and a lot more work on backfields, where Smoltz said he will pitch to hitters who don’t know what pitches are coming.
He doesn’t want to pitch in front of 5,000 or 10,000 fans down here, because when he puts himself in those situations, the competitive juices take over and “I want to get guys out,” he said.
He doesn’t want to worry about getting them out now, but rather wants to do the things that he believes will better prepare him to get guys out all season and into October. Hopefully, far into October.
“This is the most I’ve ever looked forward to spring training,” said Smoltz, who is different than most, in that he actually looks forward to the challenge of reinventing himself and then challenging hitters with his new approach.
“This is going to sound like a stupid statement,” he said. “I don’t want to be in a hurry, but I have a lot I want to do [this spring].”
Then get to work, old fella. Braves Nation eagerly awaits the results.
Rotation plans coming soon: I asked Bobby Cox about the pitching plans for the beginning of the Grapefruit League schedule this week, and he said he wanted to talk to the pitchers before he gives them to us.
Should have them after today’s workout, and I’ll put them either here or in the comments portion of our blog below. Or both, if I remember.
Chuck “frustrated” by inactivity: The Braves thought Chuck James would be two or three weeks behind the other pitchers because after a winter of rest to following his slight rotator-cuff tear diagnosed after last season.
But he feels great throwing on the side and in long-toss, so now the Braves are considering adjusting their plans to get him in games earlier. They only had James penciled in to pitch in one game March 20, but it looks like that could change.
Might know more later today, but definitely soon. He told Cox and Roger McDowell that he wants to test it, because he’d rather have soreness and realize that he’s not ready than to just assume he’s not.
Braves might decide that having him wait a couple more weeks before he throws in games probably isn’t going to make a different in terms of his long-term health. In other words, they might decide that if that tear isn’t healed, then it’s probably not going to heal without surgery. So might as well test it.
That’s what James wants to do. He said he’s willing to risk it, for peace of mind. He said being here and watching everyone else practice and throw is killing him, because he feels too good to be sitting on the sidelines.
”UP AROUND THE BEND” by John Fogerty
There’s a place up ahead and
I’m going just as fast as my feet can fly
Come away, come away if you’re going,
Leave the sinking ship behind.
Come on the rising wind,
We’re going up around the bend.
Ooh!
Bring a song and a smile for the banjo,
Better get while the gettings good,
Hitch a ride to the end of the highway
Where the neons turn to wood.
Come on the rising wind,
We’re going up around the bend.
Oooh!
You can ponder perpetual motion,
Fix your mind on a crystal day,
Always time for a good conversation,
There’s an ear for what you say.
Come on the rising wind,
We’re going up around the bend.
Yeah!
Oooh!
Catch a ride to the end of the highway
And we’ll meet by the big red tree,
There’s a place up ahead and I’m going,
Come along, come along with me.
Come on the rising wind,
We’re going up around the bend.
Yeah!
Do do doo do…
Comments
By woogidy
February 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
hmmm. nice job. tell him to get some extra stretching in and some extra fielding practice if he’s gonna be inducing more ground balls. I’ll never forget that play when he went rolling over to first base…
By Austin
February 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog!!!
By Section 412
February 24, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Loving the new blogs most every day during Spring Training. The info you give gets us ready for the season, too. Often these blogs simply become arguments over who is going to beat who, etc. The truth is, we don’t know until the season starts - injuries, trades, hot streaks, and the like often swing the pendulum. In the meantime, keep the great info coming as the teams get ready to go - looking forward to seeing some of the new faces take the field.
By Marla
February 24, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks for blogging on the weekend. Just want to say that I am so excited that baseball is starting back up and can’t wait to see the Braves in action. The Braves are such a classy oganization from the front office down to the coaches, players, scouts, etc. Sometimes we take that for granted-but after seeing the debacle that was the Falcons this year, I appreciate it even more. I have enjoyed your blog for some time and always look forward to reading the real story of what’s going on along with your unique style. Thanks.
By richbrave
February 24, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Smoltz or Hudson SP. Escobar Johnson Jones Teixeira Francouer McCann Diaz Kotsey.
Score after one. 3-0!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!
By brian
February 24, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
one more thing about Hansbrough - I am a big Hanbrough fan, but agree it is way off base to talk about him as the best ever in the ACC. However, it is equally off base to call him the most overrated player in the ACC. Hansbrough is a great college player who will probably be average in the pros. He should and will have his jersey retired at Carolina but unless he leads them to the title he will not even be in the top 5 players in UNC history much less the ACC history. He is a great example to all children about playing hard, getting rebounds, playing defense, getting the loose ball, and staying out of trouble.
He deserves every mention he gets as national player of the year as does Beasley. Player of the year does not go to the person who scores the most. The highest scoring average does not make you the best player.
Again - way too big a reach to call Hansbrough the best in the ACC history and agree he in not in the top 20 (and beyond), but it is also way too big a reach to call him the most overrated player in ACC history as well (that would be a busy blog)
By richbrave
February 24, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
FOGERTY?:
Now you’re hittin’ on all eight. That’s my genre of music. Groovin’ to sounds I know somethin’ about. Thanks for the blast from the past.
By Cherokee Parks
February 24, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Hansbrough will not be any good in the NBA
By Eric Montross
February 24, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry Hansbrough. I’ve got your back. You will at least be as good as me in the pros.
By Bobby's Cox
February 24, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Love your daily scoops DOB. You’re hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.
Hopefully smotlz’s arm is ready when he takes the mound in april. I’d hate to see his “competitive juices” take over with a non-condition arm in front of 30,000-50,000 fans in april. But i like his new approach. Everything smoltz threw before was hard. Thought he always should take some power off his pitches to create more movement and keep hitters off-balance. Can’t wait to see the results in 5 weeks. Damn that seems so long!
By ole timerbrave
February 24, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB John Fogerty’s Centerfield is my favorite.
Good article on Smoltz, he is a masterpiece.
I think this is my 3rd post after reading everyday for yrs. Thanks for the updates and the news. I love this time of year. I’m hoping next year to be at Spring Traing with my grandkid.
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s gonna wait until tomorrow to announce the pitching plans.
They are probably going to move Chuck up a week, as of now. That would have him pitch on about March 13. If he keeps having good results the next week or so, they might move that up a bit more, but he’s not going to pitch the first week or more in spring games. Still doesn’t look likely to be ready for opening day rotation, but that’s not certain….
BRIAN, agreed: I never called Tyler the most overrated player in the ACC. Not at all.
I only objected to the absurdity of calling him the best player in the history of the league.
By Braveheart
February 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Looks like Dennis Dixon won’t be coming back to the Braves minor leagues this summer.
Not the biggest shock or loss in the world I suppose.
One thing he isn’t planning for is a return to the baseball diamond. A fifth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves last June, Dixon spent a few weeks in the middle of last summer playing in the minor leagues before returning to Oregon for his senior season. But Dixon said he intends to tell the Braves that he won’t play baseball this summer, in part because the knee injury kept him from preparing for the season. “Football is totally my forte right now,” Dixon said. “Baseball was, but right now football has my attention. … Things just changed.”
By flange1
February 24, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
If Chuckie comes in #6 in the race for 5 starters, do you see the Braves keeping him in the bullpen or letting him start the year starting games in Richmond?
By Bobby's Cox
February 24, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Here’s my prediction this year:
This season will be a breeze for the braves. They have an incredible lineup 1-9, (hampton, glavine, and smoltz are good hitters as well) a good, young, and hungry bench, and a solid bullpen that will only get stronger as the season progresses. They will easily will around 100 games again, and finish a good 8-12 games ahead of the 2nd place mets or phils.
The braves have the 3rd best team in baseball, and if the hitting and/or pithcing stays solid in the postseason, this team is world series bound, as either the pitching or hitting can carry this team on any given night. There are other good teams in the NL, but no team is as solid in all areas (starting pitching, hitting, bullpen)and have has much depth in case injuries occur.
This team will be on the positive end of many blowouts, allowing pitchers and starting position players to rest and stay fresh year-long. That will give the young bench (prado, anderson) more experience. It will also help javy lopez in the long run and allow b. mac to rest his legs.
The top teams in MLB this year will be the Red Sox, Indians, Tigers, Mariners in the AL, and Braves, Brewers, Mets, and like last year, the rest of the spots are up for grabs (dodgers, d-backs, rockies, phils, cubs, astros, padres).
No other team in the NL will be able to keep winning if their star players get injured.
By McFann
February 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ole timerbrave
I’m with you. Centerfield is Fogerty’s best song. Every time I hear it, I want to watch some baseball!!
By McFann
February 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
They have an incredible lineup 1-9, (hampton, glavine, and smoltz are good hitters as well)
Don’t forget Hudson and his .263 average! He was our best hittin’ pitcher in 2007.
By MacdWolfpack
February 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Dave agree wholeheartedly on Hansbrough. In a game of one on one he’d have a hard time staying with eitther Thompson,Jordan, or Lenny Bias. Thompson and Jordan would block his shot because they could jump out the gymn, and both would beat him off the dribble. To say Hansbrough is in the top 4 in the history of the ACC is blaspemy!
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
DOB,
OK, so Hansbrough may not be the best in ACC history. I still think — considering the totality of his career; his statistical performances and how much better he made his team — he’s a top 10 if he leaves this year and should be a top 5 if he stays one more. (Not in the top 20, brian? Please.)
Agreed, though, that if MJ had played in Roy’s system Michael would have scored much more. And the Heels might have won another title or two.
As admirable as all the “no I in team” stuff may be that El Deano preached, there are times you need to let your best player put the team on his back if that’s what it takes to win. Dean didn’t really believe in that. Roy (and I’d say all of his successful contemporaries) do.
By Chop Chop
February 24, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Tyler Hansbrough is like a frontcourt version of Matt Harpring: a great college player who should be able to carve out a solid career for himself in the pros, but one who will never get to the line as much in the NBA as he does in college. It’s an absolute joke for that guy to get as many free throw attempts as he does. Not only does Hansbrough get the benefit of the doubt from the refs when he’s banging people around when he gets a rebound; he also gets cheap calls on the offensive end. He’s the white version of Dwyane Wade. All he has to do is flop around and he goes to the line.
(I could go on and on…)
Anyway, go Braves.
By Ted
February 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Dave,
I just read this snippet from a NY Times article about Sandy Koufax.
In the past, Koufax has taken special interest in the Mets’ left-handers, tutoring Shawn Estes, Al Leiter, John Franco and Tom Glavine, among others. Sometimes, the lessons have overflowed into exclusive dinners. His project Saturday was Wagner, specifically developing his curveball. Wagner requested the private session.
I’d love to hear what Glavine would be willing to tell about Koufax.
Thanks.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
MacdWolfpack,
We’re not talking about who’s the most physically talented player or who’d win a one-on-one game. That’s why the NBA exists.
Here’s my Top 10 ACC players since 1970, since that’s the time I’ve been watching hoops, based on what they did over three or four seasons:
In alphabetical order:
Shane Battier Len Bias Tim Duncan Phil Ford Tyler Hansbrough Michael Jordan Christian Laettner Mark Price Ralph Sampson David Thompson
Tough call between Price and John Lucas. I picked Price because he could take over games as a scorer and frankly Lucas rarely needed to because he had more help. Big game James — my favorite all-time Tar Heel — didn’t make the cut because he played only two seasons. Two years or less doesn’t count as a college career IMO.
By RichmondBrave
February 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for the season to start; eventhough, I will have to watch the games on my computer. We don’t have SS or peachnetwork up here in the north.
Having Glavine back is going to make a huge difference, and the offence is going to be awesome without AJ in the lineup. It’s gonna be a fun year, and we WILL be in the postseason this year. Go Braves!
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
(I’m leaving this topic soon, I promise—)
Hansbrough gets to the line so much not because he flops but because when his defender isn’t set he gets in their chest and doesn’t back away after contact. Kinda like Karl Malone. Who used to drive me nuts, because I hated the Jazz. Effective way to play if you’re strong enough to take the punishment, though.
By Bravosimos
February 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB
If Chucky isn’t ready, is it pretty much JJ’s job to lose? And if that’s the case, then is the only way he’d lose the job during the season if he pitched bad? Where does that leave Chuck? Any trade rumors, possibly from those guys out of options?
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Changing the subject—
This just in: Lidge to have his knee scoped, could miss the regular season opener.
By MacdWolfpack
February 24, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Braves fan in the Rockies you obviously did not see either Thompson,Jordan,or Len Bias play in person or you wouldn’t even make such silly statements.
By StingerSplash
February 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Great insight, DOB, into the drive that compels Smoltz. He’s not playing for another fat paycheck. That winning stuff is mighty addictive once it’s in your veins. Gotta weigh in on Hansborough. He might be one of the top 5 ACC players this decade once it’s said and done, but in no way does he compare to Len Bias (still heartbroken over him after thinking the Cs were never gonna lose again after drafting him), David Thompson (best hops not in a beer), Worthy, Perkins, Mark Price, Johnny Dawkins, Phil Ford, Buck Williams … I said when he was a freshman that Josh Howard at Wake was going to be a huge stud and he was. Hansborough is not better than he is as a collegian and won’t be as a pro.
By Epinephrine
February 24, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Would be much obliged if anyone could post the Chipper Jones Bustner Olney article.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
MacdWolfpack,
Actually I saw everyone but Thompson play in person. I was at Carolina from 75-79 and worked for the university from 82-89. Saw a bunch of games at Carmichael, Greensboro, Charlotte, Dean Dome, Reynolds and even Cameron.
That’s why they all made my Top 10.
By ncgary
February 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
dean smith was the greatest defensive coach of all time you know, the only coach who could hold michael jordan to under 20 points a game
By AdirondackDave
February 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t know much about this basketball stuff you guys talk about but did anybody watch the Accenture Match-play golf today? Tiger won so easily it was just spooky. Has anybody ever dominated a sport like this, even Jordan?
By Metropolitan Man
February 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
WoW…last year I bought some Time Warner stock thinking it would be a good investment. Now I got people calling me telling me what do I want to do about a 4th or 5th starter. I was so confused and asked them what were they talking about. Come to find out that with my Time Warner stock purchase, I am now part owner of the braves franchise. So without further or do, finish 3rd or below and I will start the contraction paperwork from Atlanta ……only problem is where do I send you????
Former Braves pitcher Rick Camp, now 55, is attempting to rebuild his life after serving 21 months in prison. Camp was convicted for his role in a conspiracy to steal more than $2 million from a mental health facility.
After reading this, its evident he really loved the braves. At least he tried to raise money to sign a player!!!!
If your not smiling yet, then you must be a braves fan.
LETS GO METS!!!
By brian
February 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
you didn’t call him the most overrated player in the ACC but a post you commented on did.
I am fired up about the Braves season this year for the first time in probably 10 years. Nice mix of youth and experiene. The addition of Glavine is so important for this team - not simply for his on the field performance but for his off the field intangibles. Glavine’s leadership will not only help the younger Braves but will also help Smoltz and Chipper. The past few years so much attention and pressure was placed on Smoltz to be the leader by himself without Glavine and Maddux. Now Smoltz can just relax and do his thing on the field without the focus solely on him. It will also help Chipper - he never struck me as the vocal team leader in the locker room or in front of the media. That will fall to Glavine. We can leave to Chipper the big games at New York like a few years ago - every big game, every big at bat he gave the Mets nightmares.
Look at the rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton (big IF I know), and Jair/James/JoJo. Escobar is not a utility guy who peaked in his first year (if he ever needed any motivation I hope someone pinned that article at his locker). I bet we will platoon the leadoff spot with Escobar and Johnson with the other hitting in the 8 spot.
Escobar/Johnson, Kotsay, Jones, Tex, McCann, Frenchy, Diaz, the Johnson/Escobar - solid lineup. Good power in the middle but good contact as well. This is not your older brothers hitting team with a lot of 40 homer hitters with 150+ strikeouts a piece.
Bullpen is solid and deep as well. I would love to see Lillebridge in the majors getting 1 start out of 5 in CF and 1 in 5 at 2B while also giving Escobar the occasional day off with Brandon Jones platooning with Diaz.
I hope the Braves are exhausted in November from all their october work.
Give it a rest NC gary - Dean Smith coached fundamental basketball. MJ would not have been the player he was if he did not play for Dean Smith in college. Again, basketball is a team sport and Dean Smith never ran the I offense. part of the greatness of Jordan - one of the best fundamental players and best practice players (take note AI) to go along with being arguably the best NBA player of all time
By PatioDaddio
February 24, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Just to get you up to speed…Bush was elected President, The Cubs can play night games because they have have lights and Liberty owns the Braves.
By PatioDaddio
February 24, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
And with the little bit of stock transfer it won’t empower you to have access to the bat boy’s dog..
By Austin
February 24, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Hansborogh is going to be like Noah from Florida in the NBA. A high energy player but with a much more positive attitude.
By ncgary
February 24, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
give it a break? ewe never heard of a joke
By Metropolitan Man
February 24, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I seet he tone on this blog changes from week to week and day to day no matter what DOB writes about. You guys go from I dont care what the analyst think to I’m glad we are under the radar. Bottom line is with all the improving Wren did by being J.S. puppet and taking the credit, he made a better 2008 braves team then 2007. The only problem is so did the METS and philthies. Now Perez is happy because he got his money (at least for 1 season) so that means the braves killer is happier than before…..not good for you.
By Paladin
February 24, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
DOB said doo do in his song. lol
By McFann
February 24, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
PatioDaddio—
Good stuff at 6:35 & 6:39!! That was funny!
By MetsPussyCat
February 24, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Metropolitan Man I own some Time Warner stock too….do I get a vote? lol
LETS GO METS!!!
By ncscoots
February 24, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
BFIR, Love ya, man, but, I swear, if you bring up that Heels’ guy again, I’m gonna hunt you down and make you do the hurt dance. :-)
While I find it interesting that Smoltz feels the need to re-invent, I fear the possibility that he becomes overly enamored of sinkers, curveballs, and changeups. Because I don’t have any doubt that the man can come out of ST with those pitches at ML quality, and any human has the tendency to play with the new toys versus the old. And I sure would miss the look on hitters’ faces after missing that slider by a foot.
By PatioDaddio
February 24, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Prediction
Braves Phillies Nats Mets Marlins
LETS GO NATS!!!
By N8
February 24, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I’m baack everybody! Come on, tell me how much you love me. (wink)lol. DOB, you know how negative I can be, but I will go ahead and say it. John Smoltz needs to go back to his splitter!!! There, go ahead, give me my reaming! (wink) At this stage in his career he doesn’t need to be changing anything. He just needs to go with what’s been working baby!!! (wink) I realize that I don’t know everything, but I know more than most everybody on this blog. Just kidding folks! (wink) Come on, show me some love everyone. Oh and Davy, I will be waiting for my reaming! (wink)
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Flange, I don’t think Chuck’s gonna be ready to begin the season with the major league club anyway. I’d guess he’ll probably start out on the DL at Richmond and move right into a rehab stint there, in their rotation to begin the Triple-A season or shortly thereafter.
But let’s give it a couple weeks and we’ll probably know a lot more.
By McFann
February 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Got something stuck in your eye, Neight?
; )
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Adirondack, I can think of other guy who’s dominated like Tiger: Roger Federer in tennis….
Brian, MJ “arguably” the best NBA player? I don’t think it’s really open for argument. Michael’s the best, or was. For me (Bobby speak), Wilt’s the only one who can be compared to him, really. I know Russell won more championships and Kareem won more in the same era and all that, but for greatest player, to me it’s Michael followed by Wilt.
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, Tyler’s game is in no way, not even the slightest bit, reminiscent of D. Wade. Please.
By Braveheart
February 24, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
From Chicago Sun Times:
MESA, Ariz. - Another day at Cubs camp, another trip to the hospital for a non-baseball issue.
This time it was right-hander Jose Ascanio, who was sent to the hospital today to be examined for injuries suffered Saturday night in a one-sided fistfight at a Scottsdale convenience store.
Ascanio, the reliever acquired from Atlanta in December for Will Ohman, was not seriously injured but suffered bruises and abrasions to the left side of his face.
He got beat up pretty good last night,'' manager Lou Piniella said.He got punched a few times by a guy that was looking for some money. He didn’t get robbed. But the guy asked for money and evidently the young man said, `I don’t have any money,’ and the guy punched him a few times.”
Piniella said Ascanio’s left eye was closed and his face was swollen. The pitcher wore dark glasses in the clubhouse today.
Pitchers had a scheduled day off so Ascanio didn’t miss any work on the mound, and he’s expected to be back on the field Monday, Piniella said.
If I need some food from now on, I'm going to have room service,'' Piniella quipped.I’m not making light of it. But those are things that aren’t common occurrences.”
The strangeness around an otherwise quiet Cubs camp began Friday, when center fielder Felix Pie missed a workout to have an unusual, but minor, medical procedure in his Australian region (think land down under), and continued Saturday with the hospitalization of Mark DeRosa over an irregular heartbeat.
It's amazing,'' Piniella said.We haven’t had any groins. We haven’t had any hamstrings. We haven’t had any shoulders or elbows. And we’ve had all these other types of injuries that are not normal.”
By jelloboy10
February 24, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
JJ Redick…greatest player in ACC history.
By William
February 24, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
DOB Dropped an email about our experience today with a couple pictures.
By Niels Boor
February 24, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
‘Ppears like ever’body an’ their bubba’s taken to postin’ highly annoyin’ lyrics on thisyere blog. (Not, you, DOB.)
I guess the saps’re risin’, it bein’ Spring Trainin’ ‘n’ all.
Well, I’d be proud to jump on that there band wagon my own self:
She use’ta be mine,
But she done left me—
She got real cold,
Now my Coquette’s gawn.
(Gawn down the line …)
(I blame you, McFann, for making it look so easy and come out so smart.)
;-)
By N8
February 24, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Needless to say the 7:31 post was not from me.
Out.
By Niels Boor
February 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Basketball???
Okay.
What the NBA oughta do to spice up the All Star break — I think everybody’s pretty jaded by the dunk and 3-point contests — is have a free throw shooting contest.
Only, the contestants would be the league’s worst free throw shooters. Maybe the worst five from each conference, or just the ten worst league-wide.
It oughta be a hoot for the fans, and may just embarrass a few of the players into taking the necessary steps to assure that they’re not gonna be participating during the next All Star break.
There you go — my one cogent NBA thought.
By JB Braves
February 24, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, is it just me or is everyone else about 90% sure that Tyler Yates is gonna get traded before the season starts. To me, he was right there with Villarreal and Paronto as arms to get rid of, taking up idle space in the bullpen. I think Jeff Bennett, Royce Ring, Phil Stockman would be upgrades, and I’d actually have more confidence in Schrieber and Resop. (I didn’t mention Morton because he’s going to be at AAA starting.)
By brian
February 24, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
the only reason I said arguably is that there are so many Carolina haters on this board, I did not want to read the rest of the blog on who the greatest in NBA history is. I would say Jordan. I thought you may say Wilt. Didn’t want to make waves. And yes I would agree Wilt is number 2 and then there is a drop to #3.
By brian
February 24, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Hansbrough may not be Beasley, but averaging 28 points and 13 boards in the last 7 ACC contests is not too shabby
By raindawg722
February 24, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I bet Smoltz is learning to pitch left-handed.
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
JB Braves, it’s just you….
Brian, Jordan transcends Carolina. How can any basketball fan not like Jordan? I mean, that’d be like, I don’t know, not liking Joe Montana because you don’t like Notre Dame.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
scoots,
Won’t mention the guy again (on this post, anyway). :-)
But REDICK? Puh-leeze. Talk about your one-dimensional player. Even Dickie (Coach K is greater than Jesus) V now admits Redick was overrated.
By JB Braves
February 24, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Well DOB, what is so special about Yates. He lacks control and seems to falter in crucial situations. He can throw 95, but that doesn’t do a whole lot when it’s outside of the strikezone or a gimme right over the plate.
By Niels Boor
February 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Braveheart—
I think somebody should start keeping track of all the ex-Braves who get somehow snakebit before and during this season (don’t want to go back too far, or it’ll become meaningless, as if it wouldn’t be already).
But, who do we have so far — Aybar, DeRosa, Ascanio — even Sheffield, kinda. Well, maybe not him — he has a history of biting his own snake on a regular basis.
So anyway, whaddaya think? (I nominate you to document the “Braves’ Curse”, of course.)
By sean
February 24, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
David, do you think the braves may start Glavine 2nd? It seems that Hudson talked about either him our smoltz being 3rd two break up the r/l. hudson,glavine,smoltz,hampton,j.jur.?
By Jim H.
February 24, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is the man……ain’t nobody I would rather see on the mound in a playoff game. I have a good feeling about this season (and it’s a real feeling this time…..not just a wishful feeling like the last couple of years). The added pitching depth is gonna make a HUGE difference.
DOB….I was at the Fogerty concert in Atlanta in December. It was Friggin’ awesome…..a smokin’ almost 3 hour show. I never dreamed I would ever hear those great CCR songs live (plus plenty of his excellent solo stuff). Don’t let anyone tell you a 60 year old can’t still rock…..He even did Ramble Tamble……oh my god, what great stuff!
By Metropolitan Man
February 24, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
PatioDaddio: I’ve been bloggin so much that I havent had a chance to open mail. So thats what this stack of mail is…a bunch if Liberty Media junk telling me they now own the braves and my stock is still good. What to do what to do. The batboy’s dog is sitting in my lap now telling me to start him at 3b and I’m incline to oblige. Also when did they start playing night games and when did we get a “Bush in office”?
METSPUSSYCAT: With a name like that you know you get a vote. What should the stockholders do to raise money for the upcoming “Boras/Tex” fiasco we will have to deal with down the line. Mever mind that, he’s not going to stay anyway. The “rent a player” saga sadly continues!!!!
LETS GO METS, then nats, then marlins, then philthies, and thats about it!!!!!
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Good start to the acting awards, Javier Bardim for supporting actor from No Country For Old Men.
I thought him or Philip Seymour Hoffman from Charlie Wilson’s War were equally deserving.
I’d love to see Ellen Paige win best actress for Juno, but don’t know if she can overcome the woman from La Vien Rose.
If Daniel Day-Lewis doesn’t win best actor, there should be an investigation.
OK, so what’s going to win best picture. Get your votes in now. We’ve got a couple hours or so.
I’m gonna go with No Country For Old Men.
By BravesFanInRockies
February 24, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Back to baseball. DOB, if Smoltz can indeed reinvent himself and he starts turning in Maddux-like performances n his 40s (say, 80-pitch CGs), is there any doubt he’ll be a first-ballot HOF?
What a pleasure to watch this guy work over the years.
By i can't take it anymore
February 24, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
david- thanks for the smoltz article.
By Niels Boor
February 24, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
DOB—
And Edwin Moses in hurdles?
By Austin
February 24, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Joe Montana
Is one of the most overrated Quarterback’s of all time.
By james
February 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, what do you think the chances the braves take a chance and trade for Matt Bush from the padres? Also, who do you think they might give up?
By Metropolitan Man
February 24, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Hers a snipet ffrom last weeks SI. Not sure if you guys saw this but it was too intersting not to post.
One move to make: Escobar is a utility infielder who happened to have a peak season for batting average. The Braves can’t get Renteria back, but they can minimize the damage by moving quickly past Escobar to Lillibrdge. The 24-year-old has good secondary skills and a plus glove at shortstop; rumors that he might be moved to center field persist, but those have more to do with the Braves’ fascination with Escobar than with Lillibridge’s skills.
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.
Link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/02/18/bp.NLeastpreview/index.html
By McFann
February 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Niels. ; )
By Noch-a-homa
February 24, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
DOB
Great article on Smoltz. He is amazing! Think about the the adjustments he has made in his career: starter, closer, starter, occasional sidearm, and now curveball and becoming more efficient. Whatever it takes to get the job done, whatever it takes to win. That is big time stuff. He is a pro and best of all he is a Brave.
Regarding Chuck James: if he’s healthy and IF Hampton is healthy I do not see the Braves carrying three LHP in the starting roation; two yes, three no. What do you (anyone) think?
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Very strong entry, Niels Boor. Very strong. Ran track in high school, and Edwin was a hero. Lived in Newport Beach, Calif., one year, and I was running on the huge grass field area at UC Irvine, where they have several football and soccer fields side-by-side (it’s where USC has training camp each year before the football season).
Anyway, I’m running and I see this unmistakable figure taking these long, loping strides as he’s running toward me. It’s freakin’ Edwin Moses. He runs right past. I said something stupid like, ‘Right on, Edwin,’ and he sort of waved and smiled as he loped past.
It was a great moment for me. For any track fan, he was The Man.
Ok, back to Oscars. Coen Bros. just won for screenplay. Another fine choice.
By brian
February 24, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
I guess I cannot vote for Gladiator for best picture?
Has anyone even seen these movies?
By Mike S
February 24, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
I vote for There Will Be Blood for best picture. I saw all of the best picture noms except for Atonement and think TWBB just beats out Juno, in my opinion. All were great, great movies though.
I really hope Daniel Day-Lewis wins best actor as well. He was robbed a few years back for Gangs of New York. It better not happen again this time…
We’re waiting another hour or so to watch the DVR’d version of the awards. It’s nice to be able to fast forward through the commercials and all the boring/awkward speeches. Guess I better not check back on here for a little bit, so you guys can blog freely about it and I won’t get spoiled.
By Braveheart
February 24, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
One reason you can’t take any current college player too seriously in best of all time talk is because college basketball is so darn watered down these days. So many kids who should be playing college ball are playing in the pros. It is hard to believe Hansbrough would have the same success and be held in the same esteem if he had to compete with the following this season:
Seniors: Arron Afflalo, Corey Brewer, JamesOn Curry, Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Taurean Green, Al Horford, Dominic McGuire, Joakim Noah, Ramon Sessions, Jason Smith, Sean Williams, Nick Young LaMarcus Aldridge Jordan Farmar Rudy Gay Daniel Gibson Tedric Hill Kyle Lowry Patrick O’Bryant Randolph Morris Marvin Williams Al Jefferson Robert Swift Sebastian Telfair Jackie Butler Dwight Howard Shaun Livingston J.R. Smith Josh Smith Dorell Wright
Juniors Wilson Chandler, Josh McRoberts Rodney Stuckey Marcus Williams Julian Wright Tyrus Thomas Shawne Williams Andray Blatche Andrew Bynum Monta Ellis Gerald Green Amir Johnson C.J. Miles Martell Webster Louis Williams
Sophomores Mike Conley Daequan Cook Javaris Crittenton Kevin Durant Spencer Hawes Greg Oden Brandan Wright Thaddeus Young
By ColoradoBravesFan
February 24, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, Saw Acosta throwing in one of today ST photos. Have you seen himpitch yet, and how’s he been doing? I really liked how effective he was last year and hope he makes the team out of ST.
GO BRAVOS…
By Metropolitan Man
February 24, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Here’s a legitimate question braves nation:
Would Maddox, and Glavine still have won over 300 games if post Quest Tec era??? The reason the question is legitimate is because we all know braves pitchers got the 6” off the plate call all throughout the 90’s. Granted Smoltz was the only power pitcher of that group and would have had made his 300 barring injuries and the bullpen duties. How many pitchers left the braves and duplicated the success they had there in the 90’s on other teams besides Glavine and Maddox who seem to get calls more off reputation thatn actual execution nowadays? I cant think of any and probably neither can you. I now realize all the success you garnered was because you ran a tight ship and had a great farm system and the big bucks you had with Ted that no longer exist. Looking at all this brings to the conclusion we have known for 2 years….the streak is over and so is the winning ways. Just remember you should have capitalized back then, because as you tell METS fans, its hard to repeat, and for the braves its just harder to get there again.
By brian
February 24, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
I just don’t like Joe Montana (and coincidently I don’t like Notre Dame but you are right no relation). I was always a Dan Marino fan growing up (even had my pair of Isotoner gloves) and I also liked Steve Young.
Good point though. Part of Jordan’s greatness is he is one of the few athletes that can transcend a sport like that. Not many of those out there.
Great article on Smoltz. Wish I could see more Braves in person.
Who would be the darkhorse this year to make the team and make a contribution? Charlie Morton taking the 5th starter position? Lillebridge being our superutility guy playing 3 games out of 5? Brandon Jones taking LF to himself making Diaz trade bait?
Any predictions?
By Niels Boor
February 24, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB, I’m with Ted.
(And people keep saying that Glavine was and will be a mentor, based apparently on nothing but their own wishful thinking.)
By Austin
February 24, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
DOB
Barry Bonds? No Way! Isin’t he that skinny left-fielder for the Pirates?
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
No, MetroMan, we haven’t seen that about Escobar. Thanks a lot. You’re on top of things, always.
Hey, did you hear the rumor about Barry Bonds? Some folks believe he might have been on some sort of performance-enhancing drug or something….
But seriously, dude, you really need to work on the accuracy. It was SI.com, not SI, and it was not “last week’s issue,” it was an online scouting report by someone from Baseball Prospectus that SI.com is using for its previews.
An SI.com writer, Jon Donovan, was quite surprised when we showed him that preview, by the way.
And you should have heard Ken Rosenthal, who was at camp today. He hadn’t heard about that thing, and when he saw what had been written, he, too, was at a loss for words.
I think what everyone who knows baseball has said about that review of Escobar is, if you don’t want to put any stock in his outstanding stats last season, then just watch the young man play. I mean, if you know baseball, you can’t watch him play and come away thinking he’s a mere utility infielder who “peaked” after his first season in the majors.
But hey, long as folks like MetroClown will bite….
By ColoradoBravesFan
February 24, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey, one of the mets blogs has a Robert too. Mets in trouble already if El Duque and Pelfrey don’t pitch and pitch well.
Comment by firemetmanagementorboycott 2008-02-24 17:45:59 Im back to get my points across. El Duque is a waste of roster space and should be released ASAP. This clown has cost the Mets countless of times in a big spot. Where were you in the 2006 Playoffs??? You bailed out on the Mets, you gutless fool. Throw this guy out like yesterday’s garbage.
Also, I’m sick of getting attacked by all of you Kool-aid drinkers. When I make my points across, it’s for all of you to learn something important about the game of baseball. But the fact is that none of you buffoons will ever take me seriously and it’s a real shame that a GM in the making like myself gets treated like this. I hope one day when Minaya steps down or gets fired, Freddie Coupons will hire me to take this team to the next level. Firing all of the a**holes in the front office and that incompetent fool we call a manager.
[http://www.metsblog.com/2008/02/24/burkhardt-el-duque-not-throwing-hard/#comments]
Comment by mets484 2008-02-24 11:57:25 when i was at spring training on wednesday i noticed that el duque wasn’t throwing the ball at all during fielding drills, while all of the other pitchers were
Log in to Reply
Comment by jimmy 2008-02-24 12:02:31 Better to see if Pelfry is good enough now than to have El Duque in the rotation because if Pelfry doesn’t solidify a spot in the rotation this season, there may be three holes to fill in the rotation next season without any minor leaguers ready to fill those roles. The payroll is going to skyrocket and before you know it we’ve turned in to the yankees.
GO BRAVOS…
By Braveheart
February 24, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Sound mixing, sound editing. There’s a difference? Who knew? Who cares?
By AdirondackDave
February 24, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Metroman — Either pay more attention or get lost. Those SI clips have been posted many times. Come to think of it, just get lost.
By wiki
February 24, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
metman
The SI article is old news. Its been discussed thoroughly in prior blogs. Go back to your nonsensical belly comparisons….you know, the brainless shtick that you’re defined by.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 24, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
DOB — good call on “best actress.” I thought Julie Christie was the popular choice, though I also was hoping that Ellen Page would’ve won.
I’m hoping for Daniel Day-Lewis also to win Best Actor, and No Country For Old Men is my vote for Best Movie. I’d love it if “Juno” won, but no way it would — it’s in the role of the indie flick whose honor is just being nominated.
By David O'Brien
February 24, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
JB Braves, I was merely answering your question: “DOB, is it just me or is everyone else about 90% sure that Tyler Yates is gonna get traded before the season starts.”
Would you be happier if I lied and told you I thought he was going to get traded? OK, I think you’re right — I’m 90 percent sure he’s gonna be traded.
But seriously, I’m not saying he won’t, I’m just saying I haven’t heard one thing that would lead me to believe that’s happening or being considered.
By AdirondackDave
February 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Metroman — Up here, as you can imagine, I’m surrounded by Met and Yankee fans. I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, you are the most clueless of the lot… It’s getting embarrassing, man.
By N8
February 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Metro-Man
That story has been on si’s site for about a week (if not longer), so you’re NOT bringing anything new to the table.
In fact, DOB wrote about the Braves’ reactions to it in an article about Escobar the other day. In which the first paragraph reads as follows:
“The heartiest laughter in the early part of Braves camp came when some Braves players and team officials saw a Web site scouting report that characterized Yunel Escobar as a glorified utility infielder who “peaked” as a major-leaguer in 2007.”
Then entire article (posted yesterday), can be read here:
Escobar Story
By Greg in TN
February 24, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
That’s what I love about John Smoltz folks. He wants the ball when the game is on the line. Champions want the ball, or the puck, or what have you when it’s time to put up or shut up.
Gretzky, Jordan, Bird, Montana, Elway, Brady, Favre. All of those guys relish the spotlight, relish the moment to step in and make a play with the clock ticking down. All of the cameras in the park are on the guy as the clock winds down, and it’s these guys often pumping their fist in triumph when all is said and done.
John Smoltz is cut from that same cloth. 2007 saw the Brave’s HOF pitcher will himself and his team through victories and through pain. Perhaps the most impressive thing when reflecting back on John Smoltz’s career is that he is always eager to reinvent himself. He’s always looking to throw a wrinkle to the National League, literally. It’s almost like the Road Runner taunting Wile E Coyote. “Okay fellas, let’s see what you can do with this…” It’s telling that essentially, this spring training we are going to save John from himself, from getting into the game and letting that killer instinct he’s honed over nineteen seasons take over. That competitive fire can never be fully extinguished in a guy like Smoltz.
I can understand Chuck James’ anxiety. It’s kind of like watching the class out on the playground through the window while you’re sitting at your desk. Had to do that a time or two, but not too often because I always enjoyed gym class and recess. Hopefully Chuck’s rotator cuff will respond.
Charlie Morton’s resume is expanding and the hard throwing hurler draws the Bulldogs with the exhibition assignment. Morton’s star is rising and I think as long as he’s able to continue to work on control and location, we may see Morton and Jurrjens anchoring the next generation of Braves’ hurlers.
mets fans in the house bloggin’ like it’s 1999. Too funny.
By N8
February 24, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Niels Boor
You typed:
“(And people keep saying that Glavine was and will be a mentor, based apparently on nothing but their own wishful thinking.)”
One doesn’t have to be a mentor to have a lasting impression on a young man. I find there to be NO coincidence that Andruw’s season with the most “growth” was the first season Galarraga was in a Braves unfiorm. The after being a teammate of Sheffield’s for two seasons, he EXPLODES.
Same goes for Damion Moss having his best year, while merely hanging around and watching Glavine.
Hell, I’ve said before, that I’d be willing to bet that Oliver Perez (if asked) would say just talking with Glavine and watching him, helped him in some manner.
You would have to be some kind of moron, to have a future HOF’r in the same pitching staff as you, that throws with the same arm as you, that DAMN NEAR uses the same style of pitching as you (Both Chuck and Jo-Jo), and NOT pay attention.
Even if Glavine NEVER takes either of them under his wing, so to say, if I were them, I’d watch every move he makes, in preparation. Having said that, it isn’t gonna hurt either of them having Hampton around either, as long as he’s not lost for the year again.
I’m not looking for Glavine to invite Chuck to live with him, and be his “roomy” on the road.
What I’m asking is that Chuck (if he wants to have a career that lasts HALF as long as Glavine’s has - with even HALF the success), he merely needs to watch, and talk to the guy.
It ain’t gonna hurt.
By Daybed Wagmoe
February 24, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Also, I wrote an article for athomeplate.com about the NL East. Here’s the link if anyone is interested.