Braves

By McFann

February 25, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I appreciate the support out there very much. (I don’t think it’s time to “make fun of someone else” though.) Really, why do people find it necessary to expose the disabilities of someone? So he appears “fat”, what of it? Like you (Josh H., LM, Ramblin Wrecker [go Tech!]) said, he’s still a great player, and he’s not the first “bigger built” baseball player! Look at Big Papi, he’s not small, but he’s a great player. It’s like Patrick Henry Hughes said on Extreme Makeover: the Home Edition last week, “Don’t judge people by their disabilities, but by their abilities.” Being fast isn’t all it takes to be a good ball player; being slim isn’t all it takes to be a good ball player.

It is so sad that people such as Moby Grape have this “need” to make fun of someone because of how they look. And don’t tell me that “McFatt” is a term of endearment. McCann is a great player, and a great guy. So why don’t we move on? This has been going on for a long time now, and frankly, it has gotten extremely old to say the least.

Oh, BTW……first?

By Andy LA

February 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

first ?

By David-ATL14

February 25, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Another solid blog DOB.

Fourth?

DOB In your opinion are there two jobs open in the pen with Soriano,Moylan,Acosta,Ohman and Yates being assured of jobs barring trade/injury?.

If so give your opinion of the next group of gus competing for the 2 open slots.

My guess would be that the final two come from Boyer,Bennett,Resop,Ring,Ridgway.

Also making the assumption that none of the Jurrjens/Reyes/James trio will open in the pen. Either Starting in Atlanta or Richmond. In Chuckie’s case possibly a DL stint?

Appreciate your thoughts DOB.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 25, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

And now we know where the term “get a pair” comes from….

By Gil in Mechanicsville

February 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

McFann… Really, this obsession of yours is frightening…

By BamaBrave

February 25, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

“uncouth offspring”… Love it.

By phiz50

February 25, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Great song! My favorite Springsteen album.

By Chop Chop

February 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

“…Braves had a tea meeting today with the team doctor…”

Team Doctor (waving a finger): “So…how is your tea?”

Smoltz: “I am scarred for life.”

By matt_T

February 25, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

DOB, Can you get a picture of the ‘roo balls?

By flange1

February 25, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Gil,

I second your 11:16 post….

By Rod

February 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

So, you’re telling me, Frenchie asked for an outside pitch, got it, and even though he was trying to hit the outside pitch to right, the best he could do was to hit it up the middle?

Sounds like he really does need to drop the power-hitting ego thing and practice hitting the other way.

By TennesseePaul

February 25, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for the blog. Interesting stuff about Francoeur. Made me laugh.

What a night. I missed Kimble but caught some of the award results. “No Country” cleaned up like it should have. Fabulous movie. Best movie of the past few years. Epic even.

Dirtbags lost yesterday. It was a good game. You can’t win ‘em all but they did take the series. They’re on a roll right now. I’m looking forward to some more W’s this week.

By Gator

February 25, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

When did the team start having “tea meetings”? Did they have cookies too? I can see all the players listening to Cox while they sip their tea with their pinkies pointed up.

By Mmmmm

February 25, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Gator, they had crumpets, not cookies.

By BamaBrave

February 25, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Sign of the apocalypse…a blogger quoting Extreme Makeover: the Home Edition.

By Buck Naked

February 25, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

*Frenchie asked for an outside pitch, got it, and even though he was trying to hit the outside pitch to right, the best he could do was to hit it up the middle?

Sounds like he really does need to drop the power-hitting ego thing and practice hitting the other way.*

Nobody said he was trying to hit the ball to right. The inference was that he was trying to hit the screen. Drop your blogging ego thing and practice getting your facts straight.

By StingerSplash

February 25, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop, that made me LOL. DOB, saw the line “Everybody’s got a secret, Sonny,” and it made me think I was late for work because “The Godfather” was on AMC this morning. Other than that, let me commend you on a great choice for the song of the day on the blog. One of Mr. Springsteen’s finest and most underrated creations. Oh, and given the age of some of the Braves players, shouldn’t they be glad that Dr. Finger is around - they’re hitting that age where annual checks of that stuff could keep them alive.

By 22oz

February 25, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

It does concern me that Francoeur might regress a little after discovering newfound power. I guess we won’t know til the games start, b/c Chino ain’t exactly throwing gas.

By Novice Ned

February 25, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Didn’t Stockman have some visa issues last season along with injury problems? So how did rubbing ‘roo balls work out for Stockman? Get those hopping balls away from Hampton & Hudson before they end up stuck in Sydney with an injury. The long guy with the bouncing balls had problems, seems like a tool that needs to be kept under wraps.

By matlanta

February 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

hey DOB,

nice job with the batting practice story involving chipper and frenchy. a friend of mine in middle school used to be a bat boy for the braves and he said that he couldn’t believe some of the things he heard come out of greg maddux’s mouth. and that is probably my favorite bruce springsteen song of all time.

By RobJ99

February 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I didn’t see a blog for the Escobar article, so I will post here:

When I read DOB’s article about Escobar, I decided to email the article’s author. I didn’t really expect to get a response, but I did. Check it out, and now you can laugh at me and the article’s author:

My email to him: “How does it feel to have the whole city of Atlanta laugh at you for your report on Escobar? This kid is a phenom who hits in the clutch. Its obvious you didn’t watch him play last year.”

Looking back at my email, it was snobby, unfriendly and mocking…

Here was his reply: “Familiar. I once wrote—and said on the radio there—that moving John Smoltz from the bullpen back to the rotation was a huge risk that probably would turn out badly.

We’ll see how this turns out. Thanks for reading, Rob!

—Joe

That’s when I felt bad about my email and replied: Fair enough…we all have our educated guesses about the future, and no one is always right! Thanks for the humble response. I think I was just tickled after reading Dave O’Brien’s blog for the AJC.

For what it’s worth, I once thought Ron Gant would be a Hall of Famer 3B, who would be a career Brave.

• Rob”

All in all, I still think he is out of his mind for writing what he did about Escobar, but I think he was a good sport and I was thankful for his quick reply.

By layout29

February 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Dave: What are early your impressions of Jair Jurrjens? His strengths / weaknesses, etc., and if he has a shot at making this team? Probably depends upon what Hampton can deliver. If Hampton sticks, is Jurrjens ticketed for AAA? Thnx.

By Mets suck

February 25, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

The Mets historic collapse in 2007 ended with losing 9 of the last 10 at Shea and 12 of the final 17 games overall! It is “Amazin’” that Willie is still employed.

This picture is priceless!

Mets fans on Braves blogs are LOSERS! Enjoy the photo Metrosexuals!

By Robert

February 25, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

DOB - The guys from 790 The Zone are reporting from Spring Training this week. During Mayhem in AM this morning, Sandra Golden indicated that a couple of guys on the team had attitude problems and it was well known by Bobby Cox, etc. She indicated that they wouldn’t be around to see opening day. She didn’t share the names, any hints?

By DAVE O'BRIEN

February 25, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

DAVE me and a friend were arguing last night about the braves signing francoeur. I say if the braves can get him to sigh a 6 yr deal worth 8 mil a year it would be a great deal for the braves considering howard got 10 mil. my friend thinks that is too much. considering he is now a gold glover and 5 tool player what do you think he is worth?

By DAVE O'BRIEN

February 25, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

DAVE me and a friend were arguing last night about the braves signing francoeur. I say if the braves can get him to sigh a 6 yr deal worth 8 mil a year it would be a great deal for the braves considering howard got 10 mil. my friend thinks that is too much. considering he is now a gold glover and 5 tool player what do you think he is worth?

By raindawg722

February 25, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I believe the idea with the outside pitch is that the batter “goes with it,” meaning hits it to center OR right. I think that the point Frenchy was trying to make is that he doesn’t have to pull everything to make solid contact.

By Tom A. Hawk

February 25, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

espn.com is reporting that the Braves have acquired Joe Blanton and a player to be named later for Braves prospect Jordan Schafer and two minor league prospects. Unbelievable!!! The Braves clearly have the best rotation in baseball! Billy Beane is really cleaning house, way to to Wren!

By McFann

February 25, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

“Frightening”? You think standing up for the good name of someone is “frightening”? I’m sorry you feel that way, dude.

By William

February 25, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

wow! can anyone confirm the trade rumors??? Blanton coming to atlanta would put us at the top of the pack!

By BrandonC

February 25, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

I’m kind of worried about Frenchy now, seems like he wants to be a pure power hitter since he added some muscle. I agree with Chipper and TP, he needs to practice his right field swing more than his homerun swing. We all know he can hit them a long way, but I’d rather have a polished .300 hitter than another Andruw Jones in the lineup. I think Bobby needs to have a little sit-down with Frenchy.

I’m going to leave the kangaroo testicles alone, I can only imaging Huddy’s response… LOL!!

By McFann

February 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

McFann, Ramblin Wrecker: I’m a tech alum :)

That’s evident by your smart posts. : )

GO BRAVES AND THE GOLD AND WHITE!!!!

By eware

February 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

2nd best article about Kangaroo testicles I’ve ever read.

Way to go, DOB!

By Wayne in Utah

February 25, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Ooohh. So who are out “attitude” players. If someone is going to report that stuff on the radio, why would they not broadcast the names? No guts, no glory.

McFann Hey, they like to bust your chops, because they know it gets to you. Let it slide.

By Rod

February 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Buck Naked - wrong again.

Obviously, he was trying to hit the other way. Are you saying that you think he would require an outside pitch just to hit it up the middle? If so, then he still needs to work on hitting the other way. A major leaguer who can’t hit a pitch down the middle of the plate back to the pitcher SUCKS.

So, clearly, he was trying to hit it to right - unless you think he sucks because he can’t hit a non-outside pitch up the middle?

By McFann

February 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave—

Be glad I didn’t quote Ty Pennington, the team leader.

: >

By Really

February 25, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Folks, I gotta agree. If Jeff can’t hit a sssllllooooooowwwwww pitch back up the middle, without having to request an outside pitch, then he needs to go back to AAA ball!

By Wayne in Utah

February 25, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

If you are going to post about a Braves trade, please give your references or a link. Nothing on ESPN.com about a Braves-A’s trade that I could find.

Nice try.

By Epinephrine

February 25, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

The season can’t start fast enough. DOB posts a story about Frenchy goofing o

By matlanta

February 25, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

BrandonC, I’m with you about Francoeur. He’s one of the best clutch hitters for the Braves, and I’m afraid that won’t be the case much longer if he always tries to swing for the fences.

By Epinephrine

February 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

The season cannot start fast enough. DOB posts a story about Frenchy goofing off, hitting balls out against CHINO for fans, and Chipper ribbing him about it. Frenchy jokes back with a shot up the middle. And people here start to freak out-“do you think Jeff has an ego problem? Do you think Jeff can’t hit it to right? Jeff needs to start working on hitting it to right!!!!”

Seriously guys? After his season of spraying balls last year? In a joke work out against Chino, before games even begin in spring training?

Some of you need to take a deep breath, walk around outside, and remember that we are still over a month from the SEASON EVEN STARTING. And that is just April! We are over half a year away from teams these teams starting to actually jostle for position for the playoffs. Relax. I know it is hard, but you really need to relax.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

You are so correct, Wayne.

*We all know he can hit them a long way, but I’d rather have a polished .300 hitter than another Andruw Jones in the lineup. * BrandonC

Amen!!

By McFann

February 25, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

What I meant to say, Wayne: Good advice!

By Tomahawkin

February 25, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk

Man I hope Ur right…I have been looking on the web for this 411 about the deal, and I’m finding nothing…

Hope D.O.B. can give us some 411, because this trade hasn’t even been speculated by any of the big media markets…

If this is a valid deal, Then No one In the Divisiion can’t even touch ours, Our rotation would be Cold!

By Jordan

February 25, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Gotta call BS on the Schaefer trade rumors. Where did you see that?

By kdbanks

February 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Moved from last blog…

Great Oscars last night, thrilled for Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova winning best song. Great movie, great song, well-deserving people.

DOB, didn’t you see them this past fall at Variety? How was the show? They are playing the new Cobb Energy place in a couple weeks and I’m thinking of going.

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

N8—

Whatever.

I known mine don’t stink — why should I assume yours does?

8->

I will admit that your Jones/Gallaraga point may be considered evidence of influence, but we’re not talking Jones, and we’re not talking merely “influence”.

Everybody and their brother (except uga-brave) has said at one point or another that one of the good (or better, or sometimes, the best) thing(s) about Glavine’s return to Atlanta would be how he would “mentor” the Braves’ young left-handers. Their word — “mentor”.

My question was who did he supposedly “mentor” on the Mets during his five years in NY?

Absent testimony from the principals involved, yes, we’ll have to resort to measuring indications of “influence”, and then go from there. But remember, the claim was, and the argument is, about “mentoring”.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Mike Bacsik and Jaime Cerda certainly did not seem to benefit from Glavine’s first year with the Mets — for both of them, their 2003 stats were worse than their 2002 stats, and they were both gone from the Mets in 2004.

I also mentioned that Pedro Feliciano did seem to benefit from Glavine’s presence, as his stats generally improved from year to year from 2002, and he’s still with the Mets this year (I think). Influence? “Mentoring”? What do you think? Me, I don’t know — what was their relationship? etc, etc.

Now for some new data points:

Vic Darensbourg pitched five innings in 2004 and was gone in 2005. Tim Hamulack pitched two innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006. Felix Heredia pitched two innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006. Mike Matthews pitched five innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006.

Royce name Ring’s a bell did improve in 2006 from his 2005 rookies year — his control certainly did, and then worsened the following year with SD (though his SOs improved). I look forward to seeing how they interact if Ring makes the 25.

That’s enough for now. Probably for ever.

My only point is, you can assume, or wish, or hope, or expect Glavine to mentor. And maybe he will. (And I hope so, too.)

My only question was whether he had ever actually mentored anyone before. Nobody answered (to my knowledge).

No H8, N8.

Oh, and the answer to your “What moron” question? Jason Marquis, of course.

By yeah

February 25, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine - uh, what exactly do you think practice is for? Huh? You practice the way you play. The other players know it - it’s about time Frenchy learned it to.

By Epinephrine

February 25, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Trade rumors are bogus, and it would make absolutely no sense. We are set on pitching. We are not set on a center fielder of the future without JS. Just a silly move.

By Fred Secunda

February 25, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Lost in the shuffle for the fifth starter’s spot is Jo-Jo Reyes, who really pitched well in his last few starts last year. Everyone is talking about Jurrjens and James, but I think Reyes has a live arm.

By Bay Area Steve

February 25, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Niels, thank you for the correction.

By Wayne in Utah

February 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine has it right. Some of you folks need to get a life.

Go out and shovel some snow or something, and quit shoveling the $hit here in the blog, please.

The most infamous misuse of words on the blog: “Your and idiot!” One of my favs.

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Funny — Epinephrine says “relax”.

By Epinephrine

February 25, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah-what are you even talking about? “It’s about time Frenchy learned it to.”? First of all, I’ll assume you made a typo instead of forgetting what you were talking about mid sentence. In the future, though, try to remember the distinction between “to” and “too”.

Second, my guess is Jeff Francouer has a better idea of what practice is for than you. What is clear, though, is your total ignorance of the purpose behind session with freaking Chino Cadahia. It certainly isn’t for simulating game time conditions. The only purpose is shaking rust off players who haven’t seen big league pitching in a few months. These guys are not even capable of hitting a Mike Remlinger fastball at this point in the spring.

More interesting, though, is your absurd fear and indignation over the idea of Jeff Francouer not taking a practice seriously enough. I’d like you to come up with even one measly shred of evidence suggesting that Jeff is in some way shirking his responsibility. The simple truth is, you can’t. The reason is because you are building inference upon inference over a freaking ANECDOTE on a beat blog in late February. Put another way, you are talking out your a**. So again, take a deep breath, and go outside. Something tells me that staring at the computer screen for too long has scrambled whatever is left of your brain.

By N8

February 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Neils Boor

No H8 intended, on this end. Just trying to be funny (if crap is funny to you, then I succeeded) :-)

You typed:

“Oh, and the answer to your “What moron” question? Jason Marquis, of course.”

I couldn’t agree more with you. For that reason, Marquis (who had 3 future HOF pitchers on his staff), allegedly didn’t like taking advise from any of them.

By definition, he must be considered a moron.

I have also stated that Glavine can “mentor” Chuck and/or Jo-Jo. But as I said last night. I’m not looking for him to do what Grissom did for Jermaine Dye.

If they are smart (since they both are left-handed and pitch in a similar manner - both are considered to be your typical “crafty” lefty, not overpowering like Steve Avery was), they will pay close attention to his details, preperation, and his approach/thought process.

McCann will play a big part in that, as well (unless Glavine ends up having Javy as his guy), since he can use what he and Glavine talk about (and execute) as a guide on how somebody like Chuck should approach similar line-ups.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

By 18 Wheels of Love

February 25, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Why only kangaroo testicles for Huddy and Hamp and none for Glav, Smoltz, etc. Is that an off-handed slight by Stockman? Maybe saying Huddy and Hamp need to ‘man up’ this year? Just sayin’……..

By 18 Wheels of Love

February 25, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Why only kangaroo testicles for Huddy and Hamp and none for Glav, Smoltz, etc. Is that an off-handed slight by Stockman? Maybe saying Huddy and Hamp need to ‘man up’ this year? If that’s the case, where are Chucky J’s? Just sayin’……..

By Tomahawkin

February 25, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve even looked on the Braves and A’s website/Message boards to see if this was 4 real and I’m not getting anything

I get’s the feeling that it was a hoax, I’m gonna rollout to class, and hopefully I will come back and see it on ESPN.com

Otherwise someone just played with my emotions and I don’t like that…Makes Me Crazy!

By etownbrave

February 25, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Heard Frank Wren on 680 TheFan this am and said he was so excited to have 21 arms for 12 slots, a position we have not been in for several years. Also said he had complete and total confidence in the abilities of Escobar at SS. To hear GM so excited and confident about our team makes it easier to wait for the games to begin. BTW Braves on ESPN this Friday at 105pm.

By Roman Gal

February 25, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, you actually want to see that trade happen??

Well…don’t get your hopes up.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Just got back up to pressbox, after 2-1/2 hours on the field and then in the clubhouse.

Pitching plans for first week of Grapefruit League games: Hudson in opener Thursday, then Jurrjens, Glavine, Hampton and Reyes.

Smoltz will start out throwing on backfields in sim games, either intrasquad stuff or against other teams’ early arriving minor leaguers in more of a game situation. They haven’t specified which, since that’s a fluid situation.

Chuck will probably pitch for first time around March 15.

The important thing to note is that the way that rotation lines up, Huddy would make his last start in the final exhibition game March 29 Cleveland, and the person who follows him would start opening day March 30 at Washington.

That would almost certainly be Smoltz, assuming Smoltz moves into Jurrjens’ spot when Smoltz is ready to pitch in two or three Grapefruit League starts near the end.

That’s just educated guess, but it makes perfect sense. Smoltz could start opening day, and then Glavine would be in line to start home opener next day (March 31), then Hudson in Game 3 on April 2 (after April 1 off day).

Again, just speculating, but it makes sense: Glavine would separate the right-handers, then you’d have Hampton in the fourth spot and either Jurrjens or someone else fifth.

You’d line up righty, lefty, righty, lefty, righty, or that last spot would be lefty if it’s Reyes.

By Tom

February 25, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

“McFann, Ramblin Wrecker: I’m a tech alum :)”

My Condolences!

By David

February 25, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

DOB - good blog, as usual, but one question: why in the hell would anyone waste their time watching the Oscars. I can’t imagine picking a self-congratulatory Hollywood popularity fest over the hundreds of choices on cable, no matter what day or time - I’d rather watch the WNBA!!!

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14, yes, I’d say there are probably just two spots open in the bullpen, and you listed the candidates correctly, near as I can tell.

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, N8.

I’ve got my fingers crossed that at least some of these kids learn something from Smoltz, Glavine and (after the trade deadline) Maddux (got my fingers crossed for that, too).

Btw, this is what uga-brave had to say back on 31 Jan (a lifetime ago):

sorry, for all of you guys that believe that glavine is going to be a mentor for chuck and duck i dont get it.

glavine survived on the edge with great control and the ability to spot his fastball. they both throw a great changeup but glavine was a ground ball pitcher. chuck has no clue how to get a batter off stride. when he falls behind in the count he comes right down the middle.

comparing glavine or considering the fact that chuck has it in in him, is just plain wrong at this point.

chuck might figure it out at some point, but saying glavine’s presence might help chuck is plain out wishfull thinking.

there is a real difference between a pitcher that does not give in (glavine) and a pitcher like chuck, horachio, odalis, who look to get out of the game when things go bad.

glavine understands how to get a ground ball when the game is still mangeable.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

kdbanks, you’ll love that show. They did all the Once songs and a bunch by the Frames during the show we saw at Variety Playhouse. Two other members of the Frames were with them. One of the best shows I’ve seen in the past couple years.

By David

February 25, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

The same retard posting the same unfounded rumor as last week about a Blanton trade - guess he got a laugh out of several of us (I was one, I’ll admit….) “biting” last time & thought he’d try it again. His parents should take away his internet access and kick him out of their basement.

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Geez, Bay Area Steve, now I feel like a jerk.

You were supposed to bristle — people generally do in like circumstances.

Just joshing.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

David, good for you. Enjoy the WNBA.

Me, I see a ton of movies every year, so I like to see the Oscars — and to check out the the ladies in their dresses. Call me crazy.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

By the way, Hampton looked outstanding throwing batting practice today. I mean, he really looked sharp, throwing hard, hitting his spots, snapping off curves.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

Love the “Your and idiot” phrase. That’s a good one!

By Seth

February 25, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t want to rush him or jinx his progress, but I was just wondering if Mike Hampton has been taking any batting practice this spring. Sure he’s a pitcher, but he’s a darn good hitter in that 9-spot (historically) and after all, he will be coming to the plate two or three times per start to swing the lumber.

By kdbanks

February 25, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Cool.

By kdbanks

February 25, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

So the Once kids aren’t coming until May 13th - I thought it was March. Still excited to see them, though.

By francoeur contract

February 25, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

DOB me and a friend were arguing last night about the braves signing francoeur. I say if the braves can get him to sigh a 6 yr deal worth 8 mil a year it would be a great deal for the braves considering howard got 10 mil. my friend thinks that is too much. considering he is now a gold glover and 5 tool player what do you think he is worth?

By DonCoburleone

February 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

“Again, just speculating, but it makes sense: Glavine would separate the right-handers, then you’d have Hampton in the fourth spot and either Jurrjens or someone else fifth.

You’d line up righty, lefty, righty, lefty, righty, or that last spot would be lefty if it’s Reyes.”

DOB the more I hear you talk about the rotation the more I think that you are convinced Chuck James will not be a major factor this year. Do you think a healthy Chuck James will still get beat out by Jair Jurrjens? Or are you betting that Chucky is not healthy and may miss considerable time?

By ncscoots

February 25, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Smoltz could start opening day, and then Glavine would be in line to start home opener next day (March 31), then Hudson in Game 3 on April 2 (after April 1 off day).

Great. So the guy (“we don’t need him to be an ace”) slots at 2. Fabulous. I sure hope Hampton is healthy enough to give the Braves some extra wins at 4.

By pat

February 25, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

N8—

Whatever.

I known mine don’t stink — why should I assume yours does?

8->

I will admit that your Jones/Gallaraga point may be considered evidence of influence, but we’re not talking Jones, and we’re not talking merely “influence”.

Everybody and their brother (except uga-brave) has said at one point or another that one of the good (or better, or sometimes, the best) thing(s) about Glavine’s return to Atlanta would be how he would “mentor” the Braves’ young left-handers. Their word — “mentor”.

My question was who did he supposedly “mentor” on the Mets during his five years in NY?

Absent testimony from the principals involved, yes, we’ll have to resort to measuring indications of “influence”, and then go from there. But remember, the claim was, and the argument is, about “mentoring”.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Mike Bacsik and Jaime Cerda certainly did not seem to benefit from Glavine’s first year with the Mets — for both of them, their 2003 stats were worse than their 2002 stats, and they were both gone from the Mets in 2004.

I also mentioned that Pedro Feliciano did seem to benefit from Glavine’s presence, as his stats generally improved from year to year from 2002, and he’s still with the Mets this year (I think). Influence? “Mentoring”? What do you think? Me, I don’t know — what was their relationship? etc, etc.

Now for some new data points:

Vic Darensbourg pitched five innings in 2004 and was gone in 2005. Tim Hamulack pitched two innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006. Felix Heredia pitched two innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006. Mike Matthews pitched five innings in 2005 and was gone in 2006.

Royce name Ring’s a bell did improve in 2006 from his 2005 rookies year — his control certainly did, and then worsened the following year with SD (though his SOs improved). I look forward to seeing how they interact if Ring makes the 25.

That’s enough for now. Probably for ever.

My only point is, you can assume, or wish, or hope, or expect Glavine to mentor. And maybe he will. (And I hope so, too.)

My only question was whether he had ever actually mentored anyone before. Nobody answered (to my knowledge).

No H8, N8.

Oh, and the answer to your “What moron” question? Jason Marquis, of course.

UMMMM….how about Oliver Perez???

By ROTGUT

February 25, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

DAVE

Holy S** man! Ive been meaning to write in (ive been gone awhile) but you are the GOD of the blogosphere! Or i dont want to p** off any religious types//YOU are the LED ZEP of the freakin blogosphere man! Those few sentences about batting practice made me want to drive down to south beach and catch a couple. Im actually heading down to a festival near south beach called LANGERADO (REM, BEastie BOYS and PHIL AND FRIENDS headline..that would be phil lesh from the grateful dead along with warren hayens of govt mule..they play great together if u havent heard) but anyway Langerado is the second weekend of march… where can i find out the braves schedule or where they will be at? Id love to catch a little glimpse of MLB asap! BY the way those Diamond DAWGS from athens whooped the #1 team in the nation first day of the college season! GO DAWGS!

Thanks DAVE

By Tomahawkin

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

Damn David Whoever posted that rumor, got my arse as well, That Ish is seriously uncalled for…and I will co-sign that statement you made about him ranting rumors from his parents basement…

By adam

February 25, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

DOB I posted in the blog last night, but I dont think I ever saw your answer. Do you have any info on the new Dugout club, or whatever the Braves are calling it. I heard it was some new thing built under the field down front behind home plate. True or untrue? Also if so, what or who do you have to do/be to get in it. Is it part of the ultra expensive seats down there, or is it extra cost, whats the purpose, menu, bar etc? Also, from what you have seen what kind of pitches does Jair have and how well is Hampton’s sinke sinkin’?

By pat

February 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Seriously…Neils Boor….Oliver Perez…what about him…huh…but I mean seriously….what’s that? I did’t catch that last thing you said…little louder please….huh? what?

By metsrule

February 25, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Mets = winners Braves = losers

By metsrule

February 25, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Mets = winners Braves = losers

By mpinvb

February 25, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Are Franceour and UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough related? They sure look alike

By mpinvb

February 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Is Franceour and UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough related? They sure look alike

By Kevin

February 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

To the people who read about trades on hear and think they are real: Use a little common sense before you post. Go to espn.com or mlb.com before you say something and save yourself some embarrassment. But on a side note, did you guys see we traded Martin Prado for Josh Beckett. Boston is even gonna pay half his salary.

By adam

February 25, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

ROTGUT you can find the braves spring scedule here

By DonCoburleone

February 25, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

“By the way, Hampton looked outstanding throwing batting practice today. I mean, he really looked sharp, throwing hard, hitting his spots, snapping off curves.”

Stop it DOB! You’re jinxing him!!! Go knock on some wood quickly before he slips walking into the dugout and twists a knee!

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Geez, Pat, I know that I for one really appreciated getting to re-read my post in its entirety — I get a kick out of that — but I doubt anyone else here did.

Learn to link, buddy. Learn to italicize lengthy quoted excerpts.

“UMMMM….how about Oliver Perez???”

What about him?

Seriously…Neils Boor….Oliver Perez… hat about him…huh…but I mean seriously….what’s that? I did’t catch that last thing you said… ittle louder please….huh? what?

What about him? What are you trying to say?

Say it, don’t spray it — spit it out.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Adam: That’s too many questions, man. Tighten it up….

Rotgut: Isn’t that the festival on the reservation out in the everglades west of Fort Lauderdale? I saw that REM was playing at that thing this year. Should be awesome, if you can handle the traffic getting into the site.

By StingerSplash

February 25, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I’ve avoided the Oscars for years now, but at least this time around there appeared to be some high-caliber movies up for best picture and the like, not the usual “hey, let’s put Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey together in another movie that is a lot like the other 20 films they’ve been in” or “Is Adam Sandler available? He’s box office gold!” And the next time You Know Who pulls out the needle for young Mr. Francouer, how about 7 going, “No batting cage for old men”? Just a thought.

By Roman Gal

February 25, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

DOB so does that mean Bennett won’t be starting any grapefruit games?

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

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

DOB, what about Robert’s question about a couple of players having attitude problems? Who are the players? What is the problem exactly?

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Just saw the Sporting News baseball preview magazine, where my former Sun-Sentinel colleague Mike Berardino did the NL East preview.

He picked Braves to win it, followed by Phillies and Mets. Also picked Hoss as best clutch hitter in the division, and Glavine as having best “intellect.”

By Niels Boor

February 25, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Talk about jinxing, DonC — listen to Seth.

Next thing you know, people’ll be wanting Hampton to start practicing his head first slides.

By David

February 25, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Kevin, I think most of us do exactly what you describe - read a rumor on a blog, get a bit excited, then go to si.com or espn.com to see if it is real. No big deal, really, I just don’t understand the purpose in posting stupid rumors. Guess I’m stupid, huh?

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

February 25, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Just got the Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, finally. Cooley is something special. His best work since the Decoration Day album, IMO.

Oh and BTW, if Hampton pitches a quality, injury-free season this year, there will be Kangaroo boys, hanging in every Brave’s locker next spring. Rally Monkey, Homer Hanky, Kangaroo Boys. Can you see it?

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

HUDSON should be our #1. Smoltz #2. Smoltz even said so. Hudson’s earned it, and I think he’s legitimately the #1 going forward. Of course, spring training must be played, and in the event of any problems, Cox will no doubt designate someone else on the staff as the #1 SP. But at this point it should be Hudson.

By Ewww

February 25, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, maybe you should get the online guys to reconsider the headline “Hoss Rides Frenchie” on the home page.

Or maybe spring training is a lot different than I was thinking.

By King521

February 25, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I think Bobby should do what DOB said was possible and start Glavine in the home opener. The guy has earned it throughout his career and the Braves fans will be pumped (as pumped as we get) to see #47 out there on opening day at Turner.

Glavine looks like he has aged 15 years in the past five with the Mets. Lets just hope he can still pitch his usual 200 solid innings!

I love that Sporting News is picking us…why shouldn’t they? We are deeper from top to bottom than the Mets and the Phillies!

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Here’s some ticket info:

Single-game regular-season tix go on sale Friday at 9 a.m., at the Braves box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone at 1-800-326-4000 or online at Braves.com/tickets.

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

KING521:

Even deeper against the Phillies right now with Brad Lige’s wing on the shelf. That’s good news for us out of the gate.

By Kevin

February 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

David I’m not calling you or anyone else stupid. It just frustrates me to see our fans get excited over stuff that is obviously false. We are all smarter than that.

By Steve McP

February 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Is that AJC headline on a Brokeback Mountain review?

By Jake C.

February 25, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you ever been asked to go on a show like PTI?

By pat

February 25, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

well Neils…..why don’t you go check his 2007 stats..(HIS FIRST FULL SEASON being “mentored” under Glavine) He went from being one of the biggest disappointments in recent MLB history to completely ressurecting his career…oh and there was a another lefty on the roster who might have thrown the kid a few tips….you might say this other lefty “mentored” him a little bit about how to pitch sucessfully in the big leagues. So quit “boor”ing us with you’re utter lack of baseball knowledge.

Oh and I laugh at your jabs at my lack of BLOG FORMAT knowledge. Sorry brraaaaaaa

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboys, if it takes kangaroo ‘nads to get Hampton through a season, it takes kangaroo ‘nads. Whatever it takes.

And yes, I agree with you on Cooley and this album. How ‘bout the song “3 Dimes Down”? Love it.

By Mad Mike

February 25, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

From the old blog (my apologies for the repeat post):

Godot, Robert (CiTB): Sorry for not replying sooner.

Godot: I don’t think anybody’s necessarily “aiming low” when they ground out to the right side of the infield with a runner on second. I would think they were trying to go the opposite way in order to get a hit and move the runner over. It just so happens that sometimes those balls get fielded. But if they ground out to the right side of 2nd, then they might advance the runner from 2nd to third. This is as opposed to freezing the runner at second with a ground ball to the left side. But I definitely get what you’re saying…I think you make both of our points in the old blog when you say those high fives in the dugout come from somebody having made a productive out.

Robert: I think ESPN sucks because of the way they cover the Red Sox, the Yankees, and the Mets…with at least twice the coverage everybody else gets. (I hate ESPN’s coverage of college football too, but that’s a different story.) I hate the coverage, but I don’t think ESPN sucks because of the production quality. I mean they (ESPN) always have a very good production…well except for Joe Morgan. I hate listening to him call a game. Now I don’t know the guy, so he could be one of the coolest people I could ever hope to be around. But even if I knew him, I would still hate to listen to him call a game. All in all, my disdain (yes, disdain) for ESPN is mainly because I want better Braves coverage, and my only option is basically cheesy FOX productions.

By N8

February 25, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Neils Boor

Orestes Destrada (sp?) was just on 680 the fan on the Buck and Kincade (sp?) show, and he just said word for word:

“I expect BIG things from Chuck James, with Tom Glavine taking on the mentoring role with the young lefthander”

How does this guy have a job, when he makes comments like that without any “evidence”? :-)

Also, for the most part, he said the Braves made the right move by trading Renteria to make room for Escobar. I guess the baseball prospectus isn’t so with the “now”, huh?

I should note, that he also said, Renteria was a GREAT pick-up for the Tigers.

By Javy's back

February 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

New here…..quick question for DOB. A local station was talking about Bobby and how he knows everything that goes on even though he doesnt “hang out” in the clubhouse and anyone who didnt fit the braves “model” was quickly ousted. the interesting part was that someone then chimed in that there was 2-3 players that she was sure bobby was aware of that was potentially causing waves. And they would not be a part of the team when camp broke. I know you would not give names even if you knew but can you confirm that the story might be true???

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, what about Robert’s question about a couple of players having attitude problems? Who are the players? What is the problem exactly?Robert (CIB)

Guess you’d have to ask the person who said or wrote that. It wasn’t me.

Oh, and Roman Gal: Bennett’s not in the opening rotation. Only five can be, and both Jurrjens and Reyes, as I’ve said all along, are more likely to win the fifth job than him. He’s a candidate for long relief and spot starter, or if a couple of the others got hurt or fell on their faces, a candidate for fifth starter.

By Metropolitan Man

February 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, I was just wondering what you thought about the artist Whitesnake, and their hit song Here I Go Again?

By ncscoots

February 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

the Braves fans will be pumped (as pumped as we get) to see #47 out there on opening day at Turner.

Yeah, too bad he’d have to face Ian Snell while you get pumped up. Hold on to that feelin’, bubba.

By JT

February 25, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any link to the NL East preview of Sporting News you said????

By DAP

February 25, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

with lidge on the DL to start the season, the phils say they are going to let tom gordon close for them. looks like another slow start for the phils. definitly cant hurt OUR chances.

By DAP

February 25, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

i just realized how much tom glavine looks like my dad. weird.

By pat

February 25, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Neils:

this is just too good for me not to post…BRAAAAAA

Perez’s Mentor(http://www.nypost.com/seven/10162006/sports/mets/perezearnssurprisevictorymetsmichaelmorrissey.htm)

“He kept us in the game early; that was important,” said tonight’s Game 5 starter Tom Glavine, Perez’s mentor. “I was happy for him and I was proud of him.”

-NY Post 10/16/07

By dgd

February 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait for Opening Night—March 30—at the Nats’ new stadium. We’ll be there, three rows behind home plate with the family. (At least for a while, as it’s a school night.) BTW, the Nats are having the same issue signing Ryan Zimmerman to a long-term contract that the Braves are having with Francouer. Bowden wants to slot Zimmerman in with the kind of money people like Tulowitzki and Cano have gotten and Zimmerman and agent see what Howard just got and say “No Thanks, we’ll get WAY more in arbitration.” Same thing with Frenchy, and is price is only going to go way up if the buff bod results in a big power year….

By pat

February 25, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

My skills at posting a link are less than desirable

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10162006/sports/mets/perezearnssurprisevictorymetsmichaelmorrissey.htm

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 25, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

So , who will be traded? With Boyer , Ring and Resop all out of options and only two or three spots available in the bullpen.

Soriano , Moylan , Yates and Ohman are all expected to make the team.

Then we have Acosta , Stockman and Ridgway fighting for a spot in the Bullpen too.

Jeff Bennett has already been mentioned as the long man , taking over the vacated job from the departed Oscar Villarreal.

Who gets the boot…..that is the million dollar question.

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

February 25, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

As a matter of fact, 3 Dimes Down and Self-Destructive Zones were the two songs I had in mind when typing that. Can’t go wrong with Bob or Lisa’s Birthday either. The loss of Isbell didn’t slow them down at all, if you ask me. And I was pleasantly suprised with Shonna’s songs, as well.

By Longwood's Finest

February 25, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

If Hudson throws 3 I am predicting a 18-20 win season.

By herb

February 25, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien, Quick question. I am getting into Orlando about noon on Thursday. Will there be anything going on at the braves complex? I’ll have my little boy and would like to take him if there is anything happening. Thanks a lot for any info. (Not much time the next 3 days as we get our fill of the Mouse.)

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

TMRC: Agreed. I like her songs a lot, and all the Cooley ones you mentioned are excellent. Basically the entire 19-song lineup is strong.

Oh, and don’t know a link to Sporting News preview. This was the annual magazine preview thing, that 7-dollar thing they put out, not the regular Sporting News weekly issue.

By Roper

February 25, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I believe this is the aforementioned sporting news prediction:

Sporting News braves win East

DOB, thanks for the Los Angeles (X) recommendation, it’s great.

By BossLady

February 25, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Just when you think you know human nature it jumps up and bites. Not one person voted for Glavine to start, not one person. I always thought that someone would always do the wrong thing.

By Roper

February 25, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

I now have reason to believe the aforementioned link regarding the aforementioned Sporting News article is not the “official” annual magazine preview, but just some dude’s predictions that happens to work at the sporting news and has not, as of yet, been aforementioned.

By james

February 25, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, i heard rumors of the braves trading for padres pitcher Matt Bush in a similar trade as the one that picked up Eric Cordier for the braves. Have you heard anything to confirm this?

By matta

February 25, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

That is a link to some guy’s personal blog on SPN’s website. DOB is refering to an actual sports writer’s prediction.

By Richard

February 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

i rarely post, but i read this blog religiously. dob, you do a great job and so do “most” of the bloggers. thanks.

By David-ATL14

February 25, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Coach scroll up earlier, Acosta is not fighting for a spot, he’s got one locked down.

Bennett is fighting for a spot,nothing guaranteed on his part especially since he has options left.

Soriano,Moylan,Acosta,Ohman and Yates are in ink.

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

McFANN:

Your man is seriously behind in the AJC poll. You must get 500+ friends of yours to post votes for McCann in the bragging rights contest NOW!!.

By Wayne in Utah

February 25, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Closer and closer we get!

By UCFBrave

February 25, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Beginning to look like those various rumored trades back before last season for Chuck James might not have been a bad idea.

By Carolina Gent

February 25, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

So DOB, the question that ALL inquiring Braves fans MUST know… does Moylan have his own set of ‘Roo-nads?

By L.A./Duluth Brave

February 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Dave, when Hampton et al throws a BP session in Spring they always do it from the mound right, and not in front like the coaches? Probably a dumb question but I’ve only seen coaches throw BP before the games at AFCS/the Ted.

Went to Cracker Jack a couple times, what a great place to see baseball if it’s not too hot, but I didn’t see BP. Oh and what you say about Cox’s respect factor is true; he was watching BP on one of the practice fields at Disney and I interrupted him for a picture, he was as nice as could be, patient, turned around and said thanks, wasn’t p** like I probably would’ve been.

By ncgary

February 25, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

id like to see hampton win the nlds mvp and chipper and smoltz get co mvps of the series , someone get right on that please, that big contract would be forgiven , and losing salty, andrus and harrison might be worth it too,if tex helps deliver w/s rings

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah Dave:

Do you manipulate the set or just finger ‘um one at a time?

By pat

February 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Neils Boor:

Hello?..Matil?..Hello?

(crickets chirping)

Hello?

Neils Boor….you are NO Neils Bohr…at least the physicist knew his stuff….

By William

February 25, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

I watched Francoeur’s BP display yesterday and it was spectacular display of power. He was crushing the ball. Granted it is BP, but if he hits less than 30 HR’s this year I will be shocked! As DOB mentioned a couple days ago in his article, the ball just sounds different coming off his bat. I’m SOOOOO ready for the season to get started.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

richbrave—

Yeah, he’s pretty far behind for sure…but I don’t have that many friends. ; )

Wayne—

2 days, 19 hours, 5 minutes……

: D

By Shamus Thacker

February 25, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I’m amazed Hampton ain’t injured! If he makes it through Sprang Training in one piece, I’m gonna buy a truck loada them Kangaroo widgets.

Then a truck loada them lottery tickets…

By Muggly Other

February 25, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Can I ask about the Braves on TV this season?

I know Foxnet and Sports South are carrying the bulk of the Braves games this season. That isn’t a problem here because I get both on cable. I can also get both on the dish should I decide to go that route.

My question concerns the 25-30 games that are going to be on the Peachtree TV. My question, does anyone know if Peachtree TV is going to package these games for out of the metro-Atlanta area? I’m in the SE area and can receive all but the Peachtree games.

Any answer here will be appreciated. I emailed Peachtree with the question 3 times! Yep, 3 times without so much as ANY response!

That’s pretty poor in my book.

Thanks

By Shamus Thacker

February 25, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

How long is it till the first beer vendor opens? We don’t plan on game time, we plan on beer vendor time… That’s why we’re always plenty early for the game. It also allows for lotsa drankin/whissin before gametime.

Has GlassMan been injured since my last post?

By Shamus Thacker

February 25, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

The only employee who is ever AT Peachtree TV, is prolly a puter programmer who comes in twice a month.. lol

By TennesseePaul

February 25, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Scoots: So the guy (“we don’t need him to be an ace”) slots at 2. Fabulous

What’s more, he’ll eat up all those extra innings to help the bullpen along by taking every 6th start off and allowing a rookie to throw in his place. It’s all falling into place.

By DCBrave

February 25, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Hi DOB - I have been reading your blog for a long time but never chimed in before. I want to tell you that I am so impressed by the way you work and blog that I have started to be concerned. I noticed that even at this time of the year, you don’t sleep much. Then what about after the season starts? Are you going to get any sleep at all? Or maybe it is going to be better?

A more important question: I am an exiled braves fan. Before I relied on TBS to watch some braves games. Now TBS stops broadcasing braves games. what would be the best avenue for me to watch the braves games in Washington DC?

By Wayne in Utah

February 25, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I am still not counting on much of anything from Hampton. I am hopeful, but not counting on him. If he is on his normal game, and we don’t see another significant injury, it’s bye bye baby to the Mets and Phillies.

I think it would be poetic justice if in 3 years, the Mets are wishing they hadn’t taken a bite out of the Santana sandwich!

By Muggly Other

February 25, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

lol Shamus

But… if that’s the case, they shouldn’t put up an email addy for people to contact them.

By jch

February 25, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

As pesimistic as I was about last year’s season at this time, I’m optimistic about this one.

the pitching sounds FANTASTIC!

If Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine just keep doing what they did last year (with the exception of Glavine’s finish) we’d be fine.

Add to that what looks/sounds like a VERY sharp Hampton and we have a lights out rotation.

Add to that one of the rookies stepping up or James getting back to form and there won’t be a weak spot in the rotation.

The bullpen sounds just as tough with lots of experience and Soriano back at closer.

We should very difficult to score runs in bunches on this year.

Offense wasn’t the issue last year, even without Andruw, and it won’t be this year. In fact, if Chipper can stay healthy, the prospect of he hitting in front of Texiera and Franceour is just plain scary. Especially with Johnson and Escobar in front of him. Lot’s of RBI opportunities with those two and the protection behind him.

If Chipper stays healthy he should have legitimate shot at an MVP season.

Throw McCann and Diaz in the roster and the only ??? is Kotsay…

I can’t wait to see this team on the field!!

By Austin

February 25, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

I feel sorry for Mike Hampton. Yes he is making millions of dollars but to sit on the bench for over 2 years has got to beat hard. He is a gamer and for 162 games he was on the bench. After rehabing, and rehabing he has continued to get hurt.

Even if he played with the another team I would root for Hampton. I am hoping we can at least get 15-22 starts under his belt.

Keep your roo-nads close!!

By Nick

February 25, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

DCBrave, your best bet is either to get a satellite dish or mlb.tv. I’ve had mlb.tv for the past two years, and it’s pretty good. You can watch all the games live, or archived after they’re over; it’s like $80 for the season (there’s also mlb.tv premium, which gives you better video quality for like $120).

By Chop Chop

February 25, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Muggly Other,

I have no idea if Peachtree TV is going to get deals done with cable companies to get those 45 games (it’s more than 25-30 games, unfortunately) on the air for people like us. I live in Albany, GA and am making plans to dust off the radio this season. Like you, I could buy Extra Innings and still not see those games. Gotta love it.

Bah!

By DonCoburleone

February 25, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

DCBrave you get to see them at least 18 times from your local Washington Nationals feed… Other than that, its either mlb.tv or the baseball package on Cable/DirecTV. I got mlb.tv the last two seasons and I must say I was thoroughly unimpressed both years, so this season I’m just gonna shell out the $160 and buy the Xtra Innings package for cable. I know I’m not DOB but I hope that helps answer your question…

By Shamus Thacker

February 25, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Summa you couch taters oughta walk on the wild side now and then. You know, you can actually GO to a game if you want!

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

DCBrave: Can’t help you much on the TV thing. I just don’t know, other than peachtree telling us they plan to announce deals with some local cable networks. but when, and where, I don’t know. Not something I have time to chase, as you can imagine.

By the way, believe it or not it gets slightly easier when the season begins. Spring training now, with the blog and with the hour or more spent driving each day to/from our rental house, is a 12-hour-a-day grind, more or less. Left the house at 7:30 a.m. today, just walked in the door 10 minutes ago.

But hey, the good outweighs the bad (but it wouldn’t if I wasn’t single. Normal family life would be pretty much impossible.)

By Shamus Thacker

February 25, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, do Y’all have a lackey who follows Hampton to dinner in case he injured?

Just kyorse…

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

L.A./Duluth Brave (by the way, L.A. and Duluth?): Pitchers throw batting practice before the games begin down here. Five or eight pitchers will throw about 10 minutes of batting practice apiece on the main field, after each of them has thrown in the bullpen beyond right field.

After the pitchers are through, the coaches throw another round to each of the hitting groups, is pretty much how it works. So each hitting group hits off real pitchers, then hits off the coaches. The home-run derbies happen against the coaches.

By Da Mick

February 25, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Your comments about Francour illustrate why he is not the Braves “next” Chipper, as was proposed in a recent AJC article. While that article related the reasons why Chipper Jones is a great ballplayer (and in particular a great natural and patient hitter), Francour will always be a free swinger and a pull hitter, and will never match Chipper’s abilitites. But there are some players on the current line-up that may carry Chippers mantle forward — first of all I’d have to say Brian McCann is a lot more like Chipper Jones than Jeff Francour is. Secondly, if he continues to accelerate his power stroke, Kelly Johnson would be a fine candidate to take over Chipper’s place eventually. Even our new shortstop is already a more patient strategic hitter than Jeff Francour. You need guys like Jeff that can deliver that power on a team, and they can’t all be Hall of Fame caliber players, but it’s way premature to project, and quite unlikely that we will ever see Jeff Francour ever fill Chipper Jones’ shoes.

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Herb, some Braves will stay behind (not go to play Dodgers in Vero) and work out at the complex on Thursday. Unfortunately for you and your son, they’ll probably all be gone by noon. Workouts are in the morning.

By DonCoburleone

February 25, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

As far as the Sporting News’ prediction on the Braves, the guy making the prediction had this to say regarding Yunel Escobar: “SS Has 100-run 30 steal potential with increased PT.”

That makes me a little skeptical about this guys “prediction”. Escobar has 30 steal potential? I’ve never once heard anybody say that about him… Maybe 12-15 steals, but he’d probably be thrown out too often to even make it worthwhile to run him that much. 30 steals? Yeah, maybe if he gets 60 attempts on the season…

By SNIPER-69

February 25, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Another 3rd place finish is coming for the braves. Smoltz suffers a season ending injury, Glavine shows his age and is ineffective, the back of the rotation struggles, the braves are one of the worst defensive teams in the NL, they lack team speed and can’t manufacture runs in tight games.

By Austin

February 25, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

DOB

Have they set up Soriano’s and Moylan’s schedule yet?

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

SHAMUS T.:

Dude, his new good luck charm has given him a charmed life from here on out. No worries mate. Thank Mr. Stockman!!

By McFann

February 25, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

first of all I’d have to say Brian McCann is a lot more like Chipper Jones than Jeff Francour is.

Can’t argue with ya there. Good post.

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

SNIPER-69:

Put an Aussie good luck charm in that raggidy a$$ sack of yours. You need all the help you can get. You couldn’t find a snipe on a hunt if it jumped up and bit you in the good luck charm!!

By CC

February 25, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

* DonCoburleone * -

yeah, I saw that too and did a double-take. I’ve seen the SN preview, and that 30 steal thing is not in there- the 100 runs part is, so whoever posted that info pretty much made that stuff up…

By Muggly Other

February 25, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop

45 games grrrrrr seems like I did read that. I suppose I was just ignoring the ugly fact. :(

Hope my cable system makes one of the deals with Peachtree that DOB was speaking of.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

…they lack team speed…

Ahem: SPEED ISN’T ALL THAT COUNTS IN BASEBALL and all the rest of your post was baloney.

Later.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

February 25, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Sniper-69, what in the HELL are you talking about? “The Braves are one of the worst defensive teams in the league?” Really? Lets see. Tex is one of the best defensive 1B in all of baseball. Everybody who has seen Escobar raves about his defense more than anything. Despite getting ripped off in the gold glove voting Chipper has become one of the better defensive 3B in baseball and sure as hell deserved it over David “I make twice as many errors as any other 3B but still somehow manage to win a Gold Glove” Wright. Mark Kotsay is well known for his defense. Francoeur won a Gold Glove last year. Diaz is way better defensively than his reputation says. Johnson greatly exceed expectations and 2B and McCann, while no Johnny Bench isn’t Paul LoDuca either!

And, pal, I know you aren’t talking about old players when you have El Duque, Moises Alou, and Carlos Delgado on your roster. You’re joking right?

By Nick

February 25, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Also, we don’t lack team speed. We don’t have a Jose Reyes-type guy, and we don’t steal a lot of bases. But we have plenty of guys who can score from first on a gapper…not to mention a shortstop who can steal a base while the pitcher ties his shoe.

By ncscoots

February 25, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

And just how exactly DO you strap on the leotard over a pair of ‘roo-nads? The visualization boggles, truly.

Anyone who thinks Bobby is gonna run the top of the order enough to get 30 steals, in front of all the thump that follows, is truly not paying attention. That kind of “strategy” would be white-jacket material, IMO.

And someone remind Sniper (“Braves lack team speed”, etc.) that Reyes’ running during the season left him with jelly legs, a body consisting of one big bruise, and no bat speed in September. So much for “manufacturing” runs. The best way to not lose tight games is to not play any. Hang and bang, ‘cause big bats beat bad hops.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

McCann, while no Johnny Bench isn’t Paul LoDuca either!

Haha!! Now that’s a good one!!

By SNIPER-69

February 25, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

You’ll see soon enough rednecks. The season will start soon and so will all you bull-sh—it excuses

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Austin, they’ve set every pitcher’s schedule for the first week or two. And no, I don’t have copies of them all. They don’t provide that.

We got the rotation plans, and I asked Bobby for the relievers for the first exhibition game. Soriano and Moylan aren’t pitching in that one (at Vero).

If I remember, I’ll ask tomorrow when Moylan and Soriano are pitching for the first time.

By William

February 25, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Da Mick When you learn to spell FRANCOEUR then feel free to criticize him.

By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan

February 25, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

The Caption under the Sid Bream Picture on the AJC Braves Page Reads:

Ask Terence Moore what his favorite all-time memory of Georgia sports is, and he’ll quickly harken back to the night Sid Bream slid safely into home ahead of a throw by the Pirates’ Barry Bonds to seal the 1990 NL pennant for the Braves.

The 1990 Pennant??? Are you F’n kidding me??? Not even close. We all know that was game 7 of the NLCS in 1992!!! What a disgrace, someone should lose their job for that blasphamous error. An Absolute disgrace. If it read 1991 MAYBE I’d give you a pass because they also beat teh Pirate sthat year, but I mean c’mon now, the Reds won the Pennant in 1990. Terrible, Terrible job.

By **DCBrave**

February 25, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

DOB, Nick, DonCoburleone and all - thanks very much for the info. Yes, I at least get to see those games b/n the Braves and the Nats. I thought about mlb.tv and then I heard some no-so-good things about it, as alluded to by Donco’e. So, it looks like that $160 extra thing may be the way of choice. DOB, thanks again for all the fantastic blogs and your dedication. I went to Emory University for my Ph.D. in 1990 and then left 1n 1995 after I finished. During my years there at Atlanta, I was converted to a Braves fan and I have been a loyal fan of the Braves ever since, even if I was so lonely among friends here who are either Orioles fans or Nats fans. My son was born in Atlanta but left when he was 3. Now he is a little league player here but a loyal Braves fan also - a very proad Braves fan, I must add. I’ll be reading you guys and may chime in from time to time.

By McFann

February 25, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

1990???!!! Holy cow!!! That’s ridiculous! The Braves were like 2006 in 1990!!

By Austin

February 25, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB I really appreciate it. I know I’m askin’ a lot but 1 more question. Do the veteran hitters such as Chipper and Tex choose what games and when they come out of those games in the spring?

By woogidy

February 25, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

ok, throwing genres out the window, what’s everyone think of this song? “Beautiful”

By David O'Brien

February 25, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Austin, no. Bobby will ask a few of them sometimes about whether they want to take this road trip or that, but for the most part he takes the entire infield on one trip, the outfield on another, etc.

And no, they don’t decide when they come out.

By pigmypete

February 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I can see it now, New York Mets are 2007 WORLD Series Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Santana is my mana!

By a braves fan

February 25, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

pigmypete If I’m not mistaken the Red Sox Were the 2007 world series champions. Are Mets fans that far behind? We’ll all catch you up to speed when the BRAVES win the 2008 World series.

By 22oz

February 25, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

The person who put that 1990 title is probably the same person that has left the vent about “Turncoat Tommy” up for 4 months.

By Austin

February 25, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks once again DOB.

I cant even imagine the Braves without Bobby. He has been the manager ever since I have been alive. I don’t really dont know much about TP but for some reason I dont see him as a manager. I know he has been interviewed countless times but somethin’ about him gets me. DOB do you see TP as the leading candidate for the job when Cox retires?

By Dylan

February 25, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Someone needs to get Glavine a set of Kangaroo Testicles, he’ll need them before season is over.

By Da Mick

February 25, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

OK, William, my Bad — so I can’t spell FRANCOEUR — I generally can’t spell for beans most of the time anyway. But the article speaks to an undeniable fact about how FRANCOEUR’s desire to power the ball easily overwhelms any smarts he may have as a hitter, and we’ve watched this problem for too many years now already.

Don’t tell me that an infatuation with his new muscles couldn’t turn into a real problem right after the first year he’s just begun taking a stab at walking, hitting the ball to right, and trading power for average. Everyone’s a big hitter at batting practice. I’ve seen enough of his soft average game play. He needs to grow up, focus and become the force on this team that he’s been proported to be for years now.

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

DC BRAVE:

Keep up the loyalty, you’re not alone in this area. I was a fan before TBS and prior to AAA Braves here in Richmond. Once a Brave always a Brave. Same boat with you on the T.V. availability. Time to pony up $160. I’m just not gonna’ be without the Braves.

By Andy A

February 25, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I read an baseball think factory article today about using a 6 man rotation. I’m not foolish enough to think it will happen this year in Atlanta, but with the Braves pitching depth, assuming a healthy Hampton and James, and an MLB ready Jurrjens, it seems like that could help prevent injuries and give Smoltz and Glavine’s more rest. Only drawback I see is one less bullpen spot. Any thoughts?

By richbrave

February 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Yo BRAVES FAN:

Nice rebuttal for the PIG-MY-PETE!! Clueless in New York. But hey, what’s new?

By uga-brave

February 25, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Da Mick,

kind of early to be bashing francoeur. i have been one of his toughest critics, but i would gladly take my chances with him this year.

got a feeling he might put it all together this year. he never is going to be chipper, few if any will be. francouer and chipper are different type of hitters. chipper’s fundamentals are far superior.

that being said .280 33 110 are not out of the question. the guy totally changed his approach last year and stayed with it all year.

the real key for him is his .ops if that number appoaches .850 then he is on his way.

if he starts hitting dingers to right and right center watch out. thats usually the progression of true power hitters.

By uga-brave

February 25, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

andy a,

six man rotation is more of possibility in the A.L. just not really feasible in the N.L. now adding a start every now and again when your in the midst of a long string without a day off, might be okay.

By D'Andre Williams

February 26, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

http://www.blabberinbraves.com/

Another great post from DOB. You are truly one of the best beat writers in baseball. Someday I will like to become a beat writer for the Braves. I think the Braves need to have a bit more confidents about their selfs. May be a bit more cocky. The Braves need to show the rest of the NL Eas that they are better than them, and they know it. A great deal of confiedence can make you or break you.

http://www.blabberinbraves.com/

By Fred Secunda

February 26, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, when do they take team pictures for the website? Do they have to wait until they cut some of the chicken fat from the roster or what?

By Niels Boor

February 26, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

N8: “How does this guy have a job, when he makes comments like that without any “evidence”?”

Easy — Orestes Destrada is a pretty boy — beefcake, pure and simple.

(And remember the guy from SI.com still has a job, too.)

;-)

pat: “My skills at posting a link are less than desirable”

You got that right, bud. Your second effort yielded the same result as your first (“The page you are looking for cannot be found or does not exist on NYPOST.COM.”).

(Probably not your fault, though — the article has been archived and you need to pay cash money to even read it now. That may not be true for NY Post subscribers, which I assume you are.)

Anyway, this link should get you to a free abstract/citation of the original article. (Or else the egg’s on my face.)

Anyway, the abstract does not itself contain the specific quote you cited (no problem, I believe you), but it’s pretty interesting in its own right — see below.

“PEREZ EARNS SURPRISE VICTORY”

“Perez hung in long enough for the Mets offense to attack Cardinals starter Anthony Reyes and the St. Louis bullpen and ensure a Game 6 at Shea Stadium on Wednesday. It’s the first game Perez (3- 13) has won on the road all year. The trade-deadline acquisition was 0-7 with a 9.45 ERA on the road with the Pirates and Mets.

“Orlando ‘El Duque’ Hernandez gave him a hug as he came in the dugout. Hernandez said he can pitch if the Mets reach the World Series; the unlikely Perez might’ve helped pitch them there.”

Now these two paragraphs contain what the Post itself considered the most important info from the article. And what do they tell us?

“Surprise Victory”; “hung in long enough”; a hug, not from his “mentor”, but from El Duque.

You seem to have better access than me — tell us what Perez’ line was from that game. 5 IP? 5 ER? How many homers did he give up?

Forget all that — I’m just raggin’ on you.

I also did a search for “Glavine” and “mentor” on The NY Post for the period 1 Feb 03 thru 31 Dec 07. Ten articles came up; only one was obviously about Glavine being a “mentor” (“BENSON PUTS HIS MIND OVER BATTER”).

Here’s an excerpt from the abstract:

“‘If you could take a black box to the mound and listen to Pedro Martinez’s or Tom Glavine’s thoughts during the game, do you know what kind of impact that could have on a young pitcher?’ said pitching coach Rick Peterson. ‘The day Pedro simulated four innings in a driving rain under the roof, [Kris Benson] was one of a handful of guys out there watching and listening to the dialogue.

“‘Pedro and Tommy master two or three pitches at an incredibly high level. Kris came here with six or seven. A young pitcher who doesn’t have a model is going to say “I like this pitch, I like that pitch.”’”

More later.

By john77

February 26, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

The games that peachtree have may be blacked out if you live with in so many miles of Atlanta.I live in N.C and both MLB TV and Extra Endings will be blacked out so if I were you I would find out first.When they emailed me they said that the fans that live in the Southeast there going to get other channels to pick them up so we can see the games.I called Atlanta they said the same thing.

By We're All Bozos On This Bus

February 26, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

Burp

Gabba gabba hey!

Gabba gabba hey!

Burp

GO METS!! GO METS!!!

By Bravo Nam

February 26, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this

DOB

A few further points on kangaroos…in some parts of Australia, there are so many roos that they actually compete with grazing livestock for feed. Hence, many farmers do cull some to keep numbers in check and protect feed options…very important in one of the driest countries in the world. In the past, kangaroos were protected, but as numbers soared and they started competing with farm animals for feed, along with native animals, the government issued licenses allowing culling in certain areas.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

February 26, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this

Kangaroo’s ? geesh , how did we get here :>) Oy mate !

At any rate , this is the way to pronounce BEER !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3RYHKWXIwI

By The Goche (A.J.)

February 26, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this

da mick

I think you are mistaken, really Francoeur’s whole career has been a game of cat and mouse in which he’s adjusted his game to what pitchers were giving him and they adjusted back.

You let a his rookie year brashness and one line in a freaking spring training batting practice blog convince you that Francouer is a stubbornly dead pull hitter. You’ve spent too long watching Andruw hit.

His actual performance on the field does not suggest he’s over concerned with pulling the ball or hitting for big power, merely hitting what the pitchers tend to give him, particularly if you look the changes from his rookie year to last year.

Early in his career pitchers tried to bust him inside, I assume this must be a sort of protocol for attacking unproven fresh off the farm types, that clearly didn’t work and he ended up on SI and people realized that what they were trying on him wasn’t working.

So that fall and all the next year people pitched him away and it worked. He looked like Andruw up there. He hit a good number of home runs when people did venture inward, but was swinging too hard and pulling too much, looking foolish on outside pitches, leading to his low AVG and OBP.

But then last year it was obvious in his approach that he realized that people were going away all the time and if you look at what he did last season, especially early in the season, he was going up to the plate looking to hit it the other way.

It took pitchers quite a while to realize he was doing this and he was pretty successful, hence the raised average and the lower homer numbers (since his focus was going the other way rather than hitting for power).

Now pitchers have realized that one-dimensional approaches to Francoeur aren’t working anymore because he (unlike Andruw) realizes and adjusts. Towards the end of the year pitchers began to mix it up a little more and Jeff clearly was working to try to become deeper in his approach as well.

Whereas in recent seasons he basically went to the plate waiting for one certain pitch, now he’s realized he’s going to have to become a smarter hitter and really try to understand where the pitchers will be going from pitch to pitch. Once he gets more comfortable you’ll start to see those confident swings like when he was pulling inside balls in his rookie year, and going the other way last year. When he gets the pitch he’s looking for he jumps all over it and you can almost see how confidently he is swinging it.

He also clearly has learned to adjust his approach to the situation, as demonstrated with runners on and especially two out situations last year.

You can see this especially when you compare him to Andruw’s RISP, 2 out stats.

Francouer in 87 ABs had 29 hits (21 1b, 5 2b, 3 HR) 10 BB and 14 K. 333/408/494. Andruw had 83 ABs, 14 H (5 1b, 2 2b, 2 3b, 5 hr), 24 BB and 26 K. 169/355/422.

You can see that, unlike Andruw who in all facets at all times thinks his job is pull it over the fence, Francouer adjusted his game to this situation. In contact situations, he adjusts his game and hits the ball where it’s pitched. In these situations (compared to his season totals) he had a greater frequency of hits and walks and a much lower frequency of striking out.

This is really the first time in his career that we saw him hit the ball where it was pitched rather than just hitting because he got his pitch. As we see him get more comfortable with this we may see more power on these types of swings.

So this season we’ll see how good he is at that more varied approach, where we will hopefully see the next step: a hitter who has a good idea what the pitcher might do and capitalizes on those guesses, but who can hit it where it’s pitched when he guesses wrong. The real indicator will be when you see him key in on a pitches and start to confidently mix his approach from at-bat to at-bat and pitch to pitch.

The one thing you will likely not see is a hitter who is stubborn and who allows pitchers to continually take advantage of his approach. (We let him sign with LA).

By William

February 26, 2008 5:09 AM | Link to this

DA MIC OK, William, my Bad — so I can’t spell FRANCOEUR — I generally can’t spell for beans most of the time anyway. But the article speaks to an undeniable fact about how FRANCOEUR’s desire to power the ball easily overwhelms any smarts he may have as a hitter, and we’ve watched this problem for too many years now already.

First let me say that I can spell either. Man, what are you talking about???? Francoeur actually changed his approach last year, cutting down on his swing with two strikes, and focused on hitting to all fields. The result was he only hit 19HR’s. So, he took initiative and worked out hard over the winter and now he is crushing the ball. I think he knows the Braves are expecting more out of him than 19HR’s. I don’t get your point.

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

I think some may have misinterpreted Francoeur’s use of his new-found “muscles”. A hitter such as Frenchy doesn’t add upper-body strength in order to pull the ball out…just the opposite. He already knew he could turn on pitches in the inner half. If he stays with the same approach as he had last year, the increased muscle mass will help him drive the ball more when he goes left-center to right-center, and some of those last-year doubles might go out. Point is, he didn’t need more strength to pull the ball, so I doubt his goal was to become stronger to do so.

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

Can’t believe (though I should, by now) all the debate generated by an innocent, day-in-the-life episode at the batting cage being shared with you. My God, it’s a good thing you aren’t privy to some of the other conversations and ball-busting that takes place there and in the clubhouse. The things some of you would ready into that….

Pretty simple, really: Francoeur hit 29 homers in his first full season but hit for a low average/OBP. He hit 19 homers his second season but hit for a much higher average and improved OBP.

In his third season and beyond, he’d like to hit for a similar average, but with at least as much power as he had in his first full season.

Ba-da-boom. That’s it. Pretty easy to grasp, eh?

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this

By the way, where was BayAreaSteve? Missed his levity and teetering sanity on the overnight posts.

By cd

February 26, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

DOB, heading down to Dark Star next weekend for 2 games. What time should I get to the park to see everything possible: workouts, BP, etc.? And the backfields, what’s their schedule or routine? Thanks for any info. Your insight is awesome(Braves and music).

By William

February 26, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

DOB I for one appreciate the inside scoop on some of the things most fans don’t have access too. Please don’t stop over a few boneheads.

By William

February 26, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

DOB I for one appreciate the inside scoop on some of the things most fans don’t have access too. Please don’t stop over a few boneheads.

By Howdy

February 26, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

BURP!

By Austin

February 26, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Looks like I missed my bus to school, and both my parents work in Savannah which is 45 minutes away from where I live. What to do? Blog.

By David O'Brien

February 26, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

CD, i’d get here about 8 a.m., if possible, just because you can get guys drifting in about then, either from their cars or early work in the batting cage. Go out by the cages (other fans are out there) or sit by the dugout.

Just take a walk back to the backfields as the Braves are getting dressed for the game, see what you can find back there. Most top prospects should be here by then, though I don’t know their schedule.

By Austin

February 26, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

DOB

Which one of the players has the sweetest ride?

By David

February 26, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Pretty good article today on si.com by John Donovan about Hampton’s “comeback” - probably nothing that local Braves fans haven’t already read here, but nice to see some national buzz about it I guess.

By 22oz

February 26, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

dammit, this is a free country, we can riled up over nothing if we please. this is america! Yaaaah!

By David

February 26, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Austin - by “sweetest ride” do you mean wife/girlfriend or car?

By Christy

February 26, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

DOB,

some of us weren’t reading too much into the story - just like William notes. In fact, driving into work in the miserable rain I started laughing just thinking about “Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw” - lord I can’t wait for March 30…

By Daveinzona

February 26, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Saw some of our old friends at the Rockies camp in Tucson yesterday: Jose Capellan, Vinnie Castilla, Marcus Giles and — are you ready? — Mark Redman.

By Austin

February 26, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

David

Really was a great article on Hampton, thanks for the heads up.

By Austin

February 26, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Car lol

By Niels Boor

February 26, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

pat: “well Neils…..why don’t you go check his 2007 stats..(HIS FIRST FULL SEASON being “mentored” under Glavine)”

‘Cause I haven’t gotten to the 2007 roster yet.

I’ve looked at 2003—2005, and some of 2006 (not yet Perez, Vargas or Williams).

Gimme a break — I’ll get there eventually.

Probably.

By pat

February 26, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Neils Bore:

October 16, 2006 — ST. LOUIS - Oliver Perez batted for himself in the top of the sixth inning last night, a feat almost nobody thought possible. Of course, the Mets starter was ahead by eight runs, but call it an Oliver twist very few people saw coming. Perez owned the highest regular-season ERA (6.55) of any pitcher to start a postseason game in baseball history, and he allowed four earned runs over 52/3 innings - good for a 7.94 ERA. But he was the winning pitcher in a 12-5 Mets victory in Game 4 of the NLCS.

“I didn’t know what to expect, so I couldn’t tell you,” GM Omar Minaya said. “All I know is that I’m very pleased with the way he pitched.”

Perez hung in long enough for the Mets offense to attack Cardinals starter Anthony Reyes and the St. Louis bullpen and ensure a Game 6 at Shea Stadium on Wednesday. It’s the first game Perez (3-13) has won on the road all year. The trade-deadline acquisition was 0-7 with a 9.45 ERA on the road with the Pirates and Mets.

“To come into this ballpark and pitch the way he did in a must-win for us after not pitching since the last game of the season … ” Minaya said. “I thought he did great.”

Perez wasn’t perfect, by any stretch. The 25-year-old tired in the sixth, throwing gopher balls to Jim Edmonds and Yadier Molina.

But Carlos Delgado’s three-run opposite-field home run in the fifth gave Perez the lead for good, and reliever Guillermo Mota gave Perez the game ball from the last out.

“It’s my first game in the postseason, my first win, so I’m really happy for that,” Perez said.

Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez gave him a hug as he came in the dugout. Hernandez said he can pitch if the Mets reach the World Series; the unlikely Perez might’ve helped pitch them there.

“He kept us in the game early; that was important,” said tonight’s Game 5 starter Tom Glavine, Perez’s mentor. “I was happy for him and I was proud of him.”

michael.morrissey@nypost.com

-NY Post

Can you just shut up and agree that Glavine can have a positive influence on young pitching. The point of the article was not that Perez pitched terrible. (mind you 2006 was a terible year for him and he came over to the mets late in the season) The point was that he kept his team in the game and gave them some innings in a playoff series. A game his team one. I think if you ask any veteran pitcher what their objective is they will reply: “I just want to give my teama chance to win”. Thats what glavine can teach Reyes, James etc. He can teach them how to pitch..how to put their stat lines, egos, meltdowns aside and focus on the next pitch…the pitch that gets them out of a bases loaded jam rather than letting their head get to them and give up the grand slam becasue they weren’t focused and didn’t finish their motion and left a ball up in the zone…Glavine can teach them how to deal with THOSE situations. You are fighting a pointless battle. Why wouldn’t Glavine help young pitchers. He has won 300 games. He has avoided injury. He has pitched in pennant races. Division Series. All-Star game. World Series. He has proven to a be a leader even when it wasn’t popular which shows courage in the face of adversity(1994 strike). I mean I dont get your nit picky argument. He has a lot of baseball knowledge and he WILL pass on that knowledge. Give it a rest and sorry for the long post DOB.

By Pat

February 26, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Neils:

Might I also add…if a young kid doesnt want to listen then Glavine can’t help that all. You can dig up stats on every pitcher you want. But the fact remains if they didn’t want to listen then a guy like Glavine can’t help them anyway.

PS. I apologize for the two or three glaring punctuation errors and incorrect usage of “one”..meant “won” as well as the longest run on sentence on the blog.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Let me start by say that I hate preaching to the choir. But , nobody else will do it.

The left side of the infield is woefully inadequate depth wise.

The Braves have used no less than seven main players between 3B , SS and 2B during the last three seasons.

The Braves have traded or released Renteria , Orr , Woodward and Aybar.

They have replaced all that with Omar Infante who will start the season on the D.L. , leaving Martin Prado and Brent Lillibridge as the default backups.

Chipper , Escobar , Johnson , Infante , Prado and Lillibridge are it , period. Thats six by my count.

The Braves need seven or eight major league caliber players available at all times between Atlanta and Richmond.

I know , I’m griping about something relatively minor. But , ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.

By Greg in TN

February 26, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Greetings and Salutations Braves Nation…

I had to laugh a little bit at the mental image of kangaroo anatomy hanging in a locker at Dark Star. Not the typical Disney marketing fare for the good denizens of the Braves/MIB blog. However, all things considered, I’d elect to use something else as a good luck charm myself. That being said, if Phil Stockman or Peter Moylan were to show up with something like that from Australia, who am I to turn those guys down, right?

Thanks to DOB for the slice of Dark Star pie in terms of the banter from Chipper to Frenchy. Lots of that stuff goes on in the trenches, on the fields, in the dugouts, on the bench. There’s always ribbing going on, good natured or otherwise. And who knows? Frenchy could have pulled that second batch of pitches just to needle Chipper back.

Not too concerned either about how the rotation is lining up for the beginning of the season. I had Smoltz penciled in for the start in DC and it makes sense to me that Glavine would start the home opener against the Bucs so that we have a balance in the rotation of righty and leftie, then righty again with Hudson.

DOB A little aside question for you when you have some time. Was looking over the team site the other day and see that Bill Bartholomay is still listed as Chairman Emeritus. Do you know how much contact Bartholomay keeps with the team these days?

By Fan-coeur

February 26, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Pretty simple, really: Francoeur hit 29 homers in his first full season but hit for a low average/OBP. He hit 19 homers his second season but hit for a much higher average and improved OBP.

Beat that, McFanny,…whoops!…I mean, McFann. That’s why your man will NEVER bat in front of my man Hardcoeur Francoeur.

Still think he shoulda won that Rookie of the Year Award, cried when I learned he lost to Howard. :(

By ncscoots

February 26, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Righty-lefty balance is admirable only if you think Hudson and Glavine are interchangeable. That is, that they have the same probability of winning against the same competition.

Pitching at 2 last year, Hudson faced the opposition’s nominal 1 or 2 starter just over 60% of his starts (Hamels, Penny, Snell, Beckett, Santana, Lowe, Lieber, Scott Olson, among others); another 15% or so of his starts, he faced a nominal 3 (Maine, Moyer, Bush, Bergmann, Morris, Livan Hernandez, Jiminiez, among others); and about 25% of the time he faced a true back-end guy (Lohse, Ortiz, Dumatrait, Hill, Villanueva, among others).

If you believe Glavine can deliver the same team winning percentage against that caliber of competition as Hudson or Smoltz, then slotting him at 2 is fine. Otherwise, not so smart.

Rotation slot DOES matter.

By DAP

February 26, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Coach im glad youre here, man.

you think we need 7 major league caliber players for 3 positions? why? what team has this?

the way i see it, is if we have chipper, escobar, johnson, prado, infante, lillibridge, the we are 5 deep at 3b, 3 deep at SS, and 5 deep at 2nd. i think thats more than enough depth for infield.

step away from the panic button coach.

By Metsuck

February 26, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Francouer OBP was higher because he hit for a higher average. He took about 10 more unintentional walks in 2007. I guess that is improved- although its still a terrible OBP for a corner bat.

By DAP

February 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

sorry Fan-coeur, mccann wins the gwinnett batting title for now. love that guys bat (ive got one hanging in my house)

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think someone like Glavine being around helps more than just the pitchers. The hitters and fielders learn from someone like Glavine.

It was a benefit to the Braves for all those years for their hitters and fielders to be around pitching minds like Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux, Millwood, Neagle, Mazzone. When they watch people of that caliber pitch everyday and talk everyday, they figure out their plans and how the best of the best approach every at bat, every inning every game, different batters, and so on. It enables them to better position themselves defensively and to approach opposing pitchers differently. Unless they are as dumb as rocks or not paying attention to their own pitchers, they are gonna learn how pitchers on other teams approach them as hitters.

That could be a reason they used to absolutely destroy Glavine when he first left the Braves. They had spent 15 years trying to figure out what they would do against Glavine if they ever got to face him.

It could also be a reason the Braves have been notoriously bad over the years against young unknown pitchers. They weren’t seeing enough of those crappy pitchers on their own team so they were not as familiar and not as able to figure out how a stupid, untalented pitcher approaches a game. The concept seemed too foreign and mystified the Braves hitters.

Okay, I am only half kidding about that last point.

By DAP

February 26, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

scoots i agree with you. i really dont want to slot glavine as our #2. i dont think its a HUGE deal…but i wouldnt do it.

i think the story of glavine coming back to the braves a pitching the home opener might promt bobby to give glavine the start, even if he doesnt need to be #2. it wont surprise me at all if bobby gives glavine #2 out of respect to him.

huddy should blow up the #3 spot.

By TennesseePaul

February 26, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

This was interesting:

the Braves didn’t rank among the top six teams in any major offensive statistical category during last year’s final two months… The fact that Edgar Renteria was lost for nearly five weeks [and replaced by Yunel Escobar] just one day after Teixeira’s arrival certainly prevented the opportunity to know how good that lineup really was.
Mark Bowman

By DAP

February 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

metssuck francouer has almost doubled his walks each year, and he also struck out less. he is moving in the right direction in all the most important stats.

his OBP has a long way to go.

By Braveheart

February 26, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Francouer OBP was higher because he hit for a higher average. He took about 10 more unintentional walks in 2007. I guess that is improved- although its still a terrible OBP for a corner bat.

OBP is the best way to create and score runs. But your OBP being raised by an increased batting average as opposed to walks is not a bad thing. A higher batting average leads to more total bases and more runners being shuffled around the bases than a mere walk. It also leads to more execution in RISP situations.

As for Frenchy allegedly having a terrible OBP for a corner bat, that is not true either.

The average NL rightfielder last season had a .275 AVG, a.344 OBP, and a .442 SLG, 21 homers, 87 RBIS last season

The average NL #5 hitter had a .269 AVG, .339 OBP, and .438 SLG, 38 doubles, 21 homers, 92 RBIs.

The average NL #6 hitter had a .273 AVG, .342 OBP, and .442 SLG, with 34 doubles, 22 homers, 88 RBIS.

So, saying his OBP is horrible is just wrong. Saying his OBP and SLG for his position and lineup slot is just average is more accurate.

But people seem to forget that he was only 23 years old and that last season should have been his true rookie season. He most likely should have spent all of 2006 in AA and most of 2007 in AAA.

Where Frenchy is not horrible or average is with RISP. Sure, he gets more opportunities as we are constantly reminded, but he also executed last season in those opportunities well above how the league average hitter did.

The fact that he does not draw many walks also helps him in those RISP opportunities to get the run in. I believe the Braves would rather have Frenchy try to get the run in himself rather than draw a walk to pretty up his OBP to the detriment of the team because he passes that responsibility on to the incompetent and truly horrible likes of Scott Thorman, Ryan Langerhans, Craig Wilson.

Frenchy had a .341 AVG, .389 OBP, and a .527 SLG.

The average NL hitter hit .269 with a .357 OBP and a .423 SLG with RISP.

By McFann

February 26, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

See new blog for my response to Fan-coeur.

By DAP

February 26, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

new blog? why was i not informed?

By JR Bob Dobbs

February 29, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

First off, what joy watching the Braves again - I’m ready for the season!

Anyway, while watching the ESPN coverage, I must say, Steve Phillips needs a little more prep work. First, it turns out that the Braves got Jurrens and Omar Infante for Renteria (although a graphic noted the correct trade with Gorkeys Hernandez a few minutes later). A few minutes ago, I learned from Phillips that Kotsay is holding down CF for top prospect Justin Schafer.

Nice job, Steve…still loving the game, especially with the Javy HR I just saw!

By luckylucker

March 18, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

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