Braves

By brent a.

February 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB, You may have addressed this already, but I am curious - How excited are you to be covering the first regular season game at the new ballpark in Washington, D.C.?

Honestly, as a life-long baseball fan, I can’t imagine many things in the regular season, that would excite me more than being part of a game like that. I just think it’s great for this country when stuff like this happens. If for no other reason than it’s baseball, and it just makes you feel good.

Thanks,

brent a.

By Claudell WashingFan

February 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

FIRST

By Ramblin Wrecker

February 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Maybe Frenchy wants to do this deal next spring. He’s had a power season in 2006. He’s had a higher on base season in 2007. Now he’s looking to put the two together in 2008.

By mat

February 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

first

By Train Wreck Bystander

February 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Must be too early for the regulars.

The boys at ESPN must be hating it that AJ’s not playing, though. I know I was looking forward to seeing him play today.

By jp

February 29, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

can we really resign Tex? we have to resign frenchy and Hudson in a few years. Also give chipper a short term deal. Who do we have enough room for? we can’t keep everybody. ALso, Soriano and Hampton are also due up next year.

By Bobby

February 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Lineup?

By Thrillhouse44

February 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

18 minutes - not bad, and it’s only Spring Training. Did that include the time to type the lyrics?

Man, it would be nice to lock up Francoeur early.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien , YOU DA MAN. We are gonna have to change your name to Blog a Day O’Brien.

At any rate , Braves baseball on ESPN in an hour and forty-five minutes , it’s enough to make me forget the 4.5 feet of snow outside and 15 degree temperature.

By DAP

February 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

its a torn feeling from this fan about the frenchy contract stuff. obviously, in your career, you want to position yourself to get the best compensation you can. everyone does that.

but as fans of a sports team, we want loyalty to the team. its kinda weird.

it reminds me of what andruw said in that other article “theyre always right, were always wrong” it seems like people do tend to side with the team instead of the players alot of times.

but all in all, i gotta say, good for jeff, for doing what he thinks is best for his career. i hope he stays a brave for a long long time, but we will have to pay him well.

By al-FAN-so Soriano

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

Paging Dr. Salalamacchia!

By TennesseePaul

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

Thanks for the blog DOB.
Where I be… the weather is just right. Perfect. Absolutely perfect for sitting in a bar at 10am and watching the game.

After years of waiting nothing came. As your life flashed before your eyes You realize…
I’m a reasonable man. Get off my case.
After years of waiting nothing came. And you realize you’re looking, Looking in the wrong place.
I’m a reasonable man, Get off my case.

Had to. It’s off the best album. The best, David. The best.

GO BRAVES!!

By DAP

February 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

jp weve got soriano locked up for this year and next. i really REALLY dont think hampton will be back. signing tex would be great, but i honestly dont think its what is best for the rest of the team. weve got to spread the money around a little.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

There are only two former Braves in recent memory that I hope go on to have a great career. They are Andruw and Renteria. Good luck to both of ya’ll!

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Locking up Francoeur early… It would be nice and I’d love it if he would but… I don’t know about this. If ever the Braves raised a money grabbin’ prospect it’s Francoeur. It’s been a few years but he still holds the Altanta Braves record for highest signing bonus given. He was fresh out of high school at the time. He’s already turned down tens of millions for what appears to be the second time. And whilst he shuns the green for now he has his eyes on the path that Ryan Howard is blazing. It’s a large path that Francoeur may never fill up himself, but you know how it goes. Aim high. If you come in under the goal you’ll still be pretty far up there.

I read some where, probably from Bowman, that Francoeur was a BoSox fan…

By ippississiM

February 29, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Time will tell, but I get the feeling that anyone who says we shouldn’t go after Tex long-term is just trying not to get too worked up when the Bravos can’t lock him up long-term.

By Braveheart

February 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Get all the money you can when you can just like the rest of us. It’s not like the kid was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I will root for the wannabe millionaire who used to be a middle class schlub like the rest of us anyday over the billionaire faceless corporate owners who own this team.

The Braves can pay him what he wants. Frenchy has a made the Braves alot of money since he was called up. Attendance going up 6000 fans a game since his callup is not a coincidence. As Andruw said, they owners are always right, the players are always wrong. Whatever.

You could argue that McCann signed that contract because he believed he would never do any better and the Braves offered McCann that contract because they believed McCann might do better.

Frenchy won’t sign a contract because he believes he can do better and the Braves won’t give him what he wants because the Braves believe Frenchy might never get better.

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

No wait. That was a Gammons article that said Francoeur was a Sox fan… Now I remember.

By Bryan

February 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Fellow Denizens:

I have been off the blog for a while… getting my life together and working on getting a new job in Atlanta!

Just wanted to pass on the good news that I got a job working for one of the top environmental nonprofit organizations in the state, i have an awesome office, and a new place to live on 5th street (just .4 miles away from my office!) and only 4 miles away from the Ted!

Anyone round here ever ride a bike to the stadium? I am not to worried about crime (I used to live 5 blocks south of the stadium as a community organizer in Peoplestown/Summerhill). Walking to a braves game when ever you wanted was one of the best job perks ever! Just wondering if there was a good route that avoided Juniper or Peachtree?

By N8

February 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

DOB

That’s GREAT news on Schafer hitting the batting practice pitches to the opposite field. Like Chipper said the other day on radio, when comparing Francoeur to Andruw (meaning he was pulling HR’s in batting practice), that THAT is not what batting practice is for.

Nice to see a kid coming up, showing good work ethic (not that Francoeur hasn’t - I was just using the reference), and not trying to show the manager/hitting coach how much “power” he has.

That and from the sound of his play in CF, I think we’ve got a keeper.

VERY good news indeed.

But I remember Tyler Houston being “touted” for years, as well. So until Schafer does it up here, I’m not getting too excited. But damn! It’s hard not to, isn’t it? LOL!

By Alan

February 29, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Good work, DOB. I’m home today - called in sick just so I can watch the game on ESPN. (Isn’t every other blogger doing the same thing?) Glad to hear the weather is perfect - hope it stays that way - I’ll be at Dark Star next weekend. Regarding Frenchy’s contract status, I have a feeling he’ll sign a long-term deal this spring, or next offseason at the latest. The only thing that possibly could be holding the Braves back is the situation with Tex, but I wouldn’t let that stand in the way if I were Frank Wren. Maybe, as Chipper suggests, it’s Frenchy who’s playing the waiting game, but I honestly can’t figure out why he would do that. Frankly, I can’t figure out anything where baseball’s finances are concerned. All I know is it’s a great game. Let’s play ball!

By Big Easy

February 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Francoeur has family in New England, I believe, so, yes on the BoSox thing. Unfortunately.

I really like Francoeur, and I think that he will stay with the Braves for most (if not all) of his career. I do, however, think that he won’t come cheap. And I guess, from a fan perspective, it is kinda sad, because you want to think that all of your homegrown prospects are like McCann, willing to take a little less to lock up a long-term spot.

Unfortunately, it ain’t always the case. Oh, well, c’est la vie!

Go BRAVES!

~E~

By Defected blogger

February 29, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Big ballgame … well, for Feb. 29 it is

Yeah, the biggest Feb. 29 game in 4 years…

By Thrillhouse44

February 29, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Wow, DAP actually capitalized something. I don’t know what to say. I guess he truly believes this: i really REALLY dont think hampton will be back.

By DAP

February 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Thrillhouse44 i save caps for emphasis, so they carry more punch! and you sensed my conviction, so i guess it worked!

By Josh H

February 29, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Quick question for the bloggers out there that is off topic but, did any comcast customers notice that channel 755 is not in the menu anymore?

I’m thinking I need to call them…

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995(

February 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

A glorious day here in central Florida. Currently 67 degrees and blue skies…Let’s Play Two! Will be catching the big Hwy 192/Kissimmee rivalry this weekend when we play the Astros, tomorrow @ Osceola County Stadium, then Sunday @ Dark Star. DOB, any word yet on the pitching rotation for the weekend?

By FJR

February 29, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

If anybody wants in the blog fantasy baseball league, e-mail me. We have 6 teams thus far and I’d like to have at least 4 more, at most 7 more.

fjrabon@gmail.com and I’ll send you an invitation.

By Slider29

February 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Chipper made that Andruw comment. Everyone knows chicks dig the long ball and they can get you paid, but I got so sick of Andruw going up there in his walk year with his left foot planted firmly in the bucket. Frenchy’s growth was awesome last year. He had a plan at the plate and his two strike approach was much improved. I thought the whole lineup (excluding Druw) seemed more patient and cerebral at the dish. I hope Frenchy’s new mass and BP exploits don’t portend a backslide to the full on lumberjack style of his rookie year. That approach didn’t help Andruw’s negotiations.

By cityofdecatur

February 29, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Waits sings it better than the Eagles cover. Would change it to ‘ol65’ as i left my girl friend’s (now wife of 30 years) apt. as i sang along in the middle seventies. Though Waits sings it better than me lol. Saw him at the ol south east music hall in what was broadview plaza. he had a stripper as his openning act to warm up the crowd she stayed on stage for his first few song. what a hoot! Frenchy sign already how much is too much. You too Tex keep your dixie chick you married in the south and let BoorA$$ take a few bucks less in commision. ASK Glavine if the few extra scheckels were worth the time away from family and friends if he’s honest and not spoutly mindless union dogma he’ll tell you home is better. now if that means Tex ends up in Baltimore i understand. But Don’t let BoorA$$ make you do something stupid. PS Frenchy sign and get a lonnnngggg term deal at a reasonably obsene amount and stay at home where you can be the hometown hero for a long time. Glavine’s extra $ which amounted to a 17% raise bought him months away from family and he had to play 81 games a year in that hell hole in Queens. there is more to life than money and after the first 10 million or so it’s just greed GREED GREED

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

uga-brave

I would just like to say thank you for what you said at 12:46 this morning. I’m a great blogger? Well, whether or not that’s the truth, thanks.

Yeah, I suppose my conviction to McCann is weird. But I can’t help it…And the “sheesh”, well…maybe I should put the © symbol by that, too, eh? Nah, just kidding.

Glad to know I’ve earned some “respect” even if it is of a weird sort. But what I was really looking for was some respect for McCann, which I know you all have…maybe I made you emphasize it. Just really, enough with the fat jokes. A person can’t help the way they look, and it’s what’s inside that counts. (Oh, and keep the respect for me comin’, too. ; J )

GAME’S ON TV TODAY!!! GO BRAVES!!

By StingerSplash

February 29, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks, N8, for dredging up Tyler Houston. Who’s next, Mike Kelly, A.J. Zapp, Andy Nezelek? How bout a little Melvin Nieves? What do I know. I always thought Larry Whisenton was gonna be a great one.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Even at age 40, Braves right-hander John Smoltz keeps trying to improve. After going 14-8 with a 3.11 ERA last season, Smoltz arrived at spring training intent on refining his two-seam (sinking) fastball and becoming more pitch efficient.

Smoltz induced only eight groundball double plays in 205 2/3 innings last season, the second-lowest rate in the majors behind the Mets’ John Maine.

“I’m looking for quicker action, one way or another, and to still have the giddy-up when I need it,” Smoltz says.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

The Mets’ biggest need remains a right-handed hitter who — ideally — could play both left field and first base. Left fielder Moises Alou, 41, has appeared in fewer than 100 games each of the past two seasons, and first baseman Carlos Delgado, 35, could use a break against lefties.

Kyle Lohse is still on some radars, but nobody will pull the trigger.

At the moment, the Mets’ only right-handed alternatives to Alou are Angel Pagan, a switch-hitter who has only 318 major-league at-bats, and Brady Clark, who is in camp on a minor-league contract. Neither plays first base.

By TexasBrave

February 29, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Lew - if you do get a chance to talk with Savannah Guy today ask him when coming back to the blog full time. I think I speak for a few denizens in saying that we miss his witty posts.

Thanks,

P.S. How about sending some of that snow down my way. We can never get enough and it would melt within a day anyway.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Teams usually receive less for star position players than star pitchers at the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but the Rangers’ five-player haul for first baseman Mark Teixeira and left-hander Ron Mahay could prove an exception.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 22, could take over as the Rangers’ starting catcher this season. Shortstop Elvis Andrus, 19, ranks No. 19 on Baseball America’s top 100 prospects. Left-hander Matt Harrison, 22, already is a favorite of the Rangers’ pitching coaches, and the team acquired two other pitching prospects, Neftali Perez and Beau Jones, from the Braves.

The return for Teixeira might not have been as significant if the Rangers had waited until the off-season, when a number of other prominent talents — including Johan Santana, Erik Bedard, Dan Haren and Miguel Cabrera — were traded.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is part a nice package Texas received from Atlanta.

“I certainly feel good about the decision we made as far as whether to and when to take him to the market,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniel says.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

The Indians lost second baseman Brandon Phillips in 2006 and right-hander Jeremy Guthrie in ‘07 when they ran out of 40-man roster space. Now they’re facing the same predicament with third baseman Andy Marte, who is out of options and must clear waivers if the Indians want to return him to the minors.

Club officials still believe in Marte, whom they acquired from the Red Sox for shortstop Edgar Renteria, and plan to keep him as the team’s 25th man.

Marte’s playing time will be limited, however, and he could get squeezed when outfielder Shin-Soo Choo — who also is out of options — returns from elbow-ligament transplant surgery in May.

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Bryan: Welcome back. Congrats on the new job and all. You’re looking at quite a ride with Hills. What about Piedmont? Been a while since I was there.

By cityofdecatur

February 29, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

it was an ol’ 65 fury small block v8 318 4 bbl and would skate to the left when you hit 90 but my lady would hold me tight and we survived my stupidity. DOB when you gonna be at the record store. bout time i visited your buddy’s store (i’ve been tradin at WAX n Facts since 75)Is this flowers kid the heir apparent at first or just today’s feel good story. Never been to spring training But it’s on my bucket list. DOB and all you real writers (not me i comment very little) love to read most of what’s here as much as possible feels like family !!!!

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

February 29, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Ugabrave:

I ‘third’ what you said. But I respect McCann too, even though I am a Frenchy fan. Guy has a lot of heart…True, McFann, you are a real blogger. You are an example to us.

BTW, I hate to say this, but I am starting to think we don’t really need Tex for next year…man Hayworth looks intimidating, and Flowers…what DOB said. Then there’s C.Johnson, and those others Bowman talked about. Damn, I’m so proud of this team and its farm systems!

By Gene

February 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I guess that if you pay your money, you are entitled to boo whomever you please, but I doubt if Andruw will get many boos at Disney or in Atlanta. He made some great plays and won some games for the Braves. But, I think it was time for him to go. I am happy to see Glavin back. All is forgiven. I was at the stadium when “The Big Cat” returned, and he got a standing ovation that was very moving. Glavin and Andruw deserve the same. People need to be good sports. Now with Dave Justice… I never cared for the man, and I might have to bite my tongue.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, have to confess: I’d already put in the the lyrics. 18 minutes for the rest of it….

Just got back from Smoltz exhibition, which was quite impressive. He was pleasantly surprised by how sharp his pitches and his command were.

He was throwing some nasty curveballs, at least 8 or 9 in a two-inning simulation. Threw against minor leaguers including Blanco, Lillibridge, Diory Hernandez, couple others.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

February 29, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I felt bad about losing Salty too…And I wanted to see Andrus with us too as a backup or something…the pitching prospects I don’t know…

oh, well…snif, snif…at least Salty has a new home, and he’s happy there…

Oh, wait, we already have McCann!! oops! Oh, and we also have Tex too!

By Smokey

February 29, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I know you don’t say sheesh. I know this. But I’m gonna get you sheesh faced today, ‘cause it’s Friday, the Braves are on television, you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got sheesh to do.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

cityofdecatur: great Waits story.

Speaking of Francoeur… Braves just released list of 20 zero-to-three players (those with less than three years’ service time) who’ve agreed to terms on one-year contracts. Francoeur not on list.

If he doesn’t agree, they’ll just unilaterally renew him again, like they did a year ago. Usually a player just gets a little less, $10,000 or so less, for being renewed than if they agreed to the club’s offer. Some guys would rather be renewed, for the principle of it or to use it in future negotations or whatever the reason.

Not a big deal. He could agree to terms on a one-year deal later today, tomorrow, who knows. But I haven’t heard any progress in long-term negotiations. Not saying there’s not been any, but I’m not hearing anything.

Braves won’t discuss the matter.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

February 29, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

BTW, ‘Fanheart’ was dubbed by McFann himself, not me. So it’s not a ripoff of Braveheart, just in case.

By SpringTraining

February 29, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Let Tex walk if he wants to. Hey let Frenchy walk too. The money is nice but we all know that money does not buy a championship team. That comes from within.

Andruw, no he wont be booed. He left when the time was up and because the braves didnt offer a contract. Not the same as Glavine who snubbed a very good offer to join the Muts.

Glavine IMO wont be given a standing O for coming home either. Hes just another mid of the rotation pitcher now. Hes in the past with the fans I think.

By David

February 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Look Braves fans, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out we are barely going to miss the playoffs. It has gotten so you can predict before the season even starts. Were throwing wore out players to compete with young guns. It’s great entertainment, but it doesn’t win anything. We want be any good until the team is sold to a family that will spend some money. So don’t fool yourself. Has Mike’s arm gone out on him yet? It is about that time. He has to be the happiest man on the planet. Get paid millions and ride the pine.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Fan-heart. But what was that little remark at the end of your 12:44?

Anyway, I hope Salty wins the starting job for Texas. I wanted him to be a starting catcher, just not for us…you know. That’s the reason I was happy he was traded: So he could be a starter. He deserved to be starter, but the Braves already have a great one.

By BossLady

February 29, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Well said, Austin 11:26, well said

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

cityofdecatur, too early to tell if Flowers might be a future 1B starter. But that sure wasn’t a bad way to debut….

Here’s the 20 who agreed to terms, for what it’s worth (don’t have any contract figures yet, since clubhouse was closed when this came out, but all the guys with less than a year are major league minimum ($390,000) or slightly above. Most others are well under $500,000.

RHPs Manny Acosta, Blaine Boyer, Buddy Carlyle, Jairo Cueves, Jair Jurrjens, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop, Zach Schreiber, Phil Stockman; LHPs Chuck James, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jeff Ridgway, Royce Ring; C Clint Sammons; OFs Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones; INFs Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

February 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Smokey your last post reflects your life. Don’t be so hard on yourself, bud.

By BossLady

February 29, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Congrats, Bryan, that’s great news

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

February 29, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Very true, Spring Training,…except for the Fran-coeur thing. He belongs with us, and Boras ain’t with him either, so stop being pessimistic.

Damn, David, you’re even more pessimistic on Hampton than I am. Give the guy a break! He’s making millions, true,…but he has to prove himself this year after all those years he got injured and left us without playoffs. We still have him under contract so give him a chance.

I don’t think A-Rod, Manny, and company deserve their millions either. It’s bad for baseball, I agree to that.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

T-hawkin’ Again, regarding pitchers this weekend: Tom Glavine is scheduled to start Saturday against Astros RHP Woody Williams, with Braves relief from Ryan Drese, Francisley Bueno, Jeff Ridgway, Royce Ring and Jorge Campillo.

Hampton is scheduled to start Sunday vs. Astros at Dark Star, followed by Jo-Jo Reyes vs. the Mets on Monday at Port St. Lousy to round out the first turn through the rotation.

By Efrim

February 29, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Flowers is a legit prospect. I asked about him a few blogs ago but never got a response.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Defected blogger: nice line, biggest Feb. 29 game in four years

By OrlandoFan

February 29, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Baseball on TV on a beautiful winiter day!!!! Doesn’t get much better than taht. Well, could be at the park. Will be on Sunday.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

February 29, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Kelly leading off and Kotsay hitting 6th…hmmm, something we might see during the season? And Javy catching today = Back to the Future.

By Ryan

February 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Andruw will, of course, get a standing ovation.

The only reason Tom didn’t was because he left for the Mets.

Had he signed with, say, the Rangers or the Padres or whomever, we wouldn’t have been so angry.

But it was insult to injury to leave us for the Mets.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens just hit 94, according to the stadium gun.

By beachcomber

February 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Lew - Didn’t see any posts from you. Hope that means you’re at the game at Disney World. Saw you were in Florida.

Any chance of making it over to the Phils park? If so, it would be great to meet you. I plan to be at all the Bright House games for the next week or two. Let’s try to connect.

By matt

February 29, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

DOB…who are the relievers again today?

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

JJ is keeping everything down. Good sign. Even this early.

By robdawg06

February 29, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I’m probably the most pessimistic of Hampton here but its justified. Hampton is a player that is getting paid multiple millions of dollars per year to pitch a full season for the Braves that gets hurt every year. Its not his fault but it happens and costs you a third or fourth spot in the rotation that he was counted on manning. This makes the whole year screwed up because then its too late to trade for another starter or replace him.

Can Mark Kotsay put up .290 25 80 numbers ? Somebody has to replace Andruw’s power numbers.

So Clemens committed perjury in front of congress under oath. I wonder if his millions will buy his way out of it ? I hope not. So Roger the guy (his trainer) that you introduced to Pettitte admits he injected you with steroids,Pettitte admits to Clemens telling himhe took steroids,Clemens wife admits to taking steroids,C. Knoblauch admits Clemens used steroids but we are supposed to believe Clemens and that all of his family and friends are liars ? 4 against 1. You lose Clemens.

By ippississiM

February 29, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

My condolences, McFann. And that airmailed throw by Javy just makes it worse.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Jurrgens is pitching well, he is in trouble but he is keeping it down.

As i type that, andy laroche almost hits a HR.

we are behind 1-0, but i stil think jair is showing very good stuff.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Andy LaRoche (Adam’s little bro) just crushed an RBI double to the CF warning track. Dodgers up 1-0 with runners on second and third, two out.

Then again, do I need to even do this? Are most of you watching TV, or does this help at all?

Jurrjens got out of the inning by striking out Repko on a 95-mph fastball

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

All in all a pretty good 1st.

JJ keeping the ball down aside from the LaRoche double.

Javy nice throw

Yunel good range

By robdawg06

February 29, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Hmmm… Javy was an Orioles player with Tejada and Palmeiro. I’m sure he had the “roid rage” back then !

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

An IF hit a BB and a GRD to deep CF.

I like what i have seen from JJJ until now. Yunel showed some range in that IF single but not even ozzie would have put that guy out.

By brent a.

February 29, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Bryan,

Congrats on the job.

I may be crazy, but if crime is not your concern, you might consider biking down Blvd and then taking memorial over toward the ballpark.

Does this work for you at all?

I have found that the area just north and east of ballpark provides some great access into and away from Turner Field.

By 3trees

February 29, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Dave - Thanks for all the great work. Much appreciated.

Not sure if you’ve got the time, but there’s a night-time shuttle lift off scheduled for March 11 at 2:28 a.m at the Cape. Its only about 45 minutes over there on the Bee Line (528) and you can watch from any causeway to the beach. Of course, you’ll have a decent view from O’ville and all you’d have to do is roll out of bed. Anyway, nigh time launches are the “stuff”!

I had NO (for emphasis) idea that TW wrote that tune. Is that why its the only Eagles tune I’ve ever hummed?

TPaul - be careful of the those mid-day bar visits. =)

Hard to fault Frenchy for trying to leverage his abilities. It could just as easily go against him (injury, down year), so he’s gambling a bit. But as DOB says, who knows how the bargaining is going.

Looking forward to this year - Go Braves!

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

single by KJ…… GIDP by yunel, end of the 1st.

By doug

February 29, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t you people have dvr’s? That’s why the economy is going haywire, everyone is calling in sick to watch a spring training game.

By Bawlmer Brave

February 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Keep it up DOB. I’m stuck at work and can’t watch the game. You’re my only source for the action.

By john

February 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Please keep the comments coming - i’m at work - thank you

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Yunel what a throw!

By Josh H

February 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

DOB:

I have the DVR set to watch it at home. Not much I can do at work though :)

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Yunel with the play of the game already. Just amazing play. This is a highlight for tonight.

Line drive to chipper, couldnt handle it, but there was yunel out of nowhere, i dont know how did he throw russel martin out. Outstanding play.

By FJR

February 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

dark star seems to be partial to the stones. NTTIAWWT

By Big Easy

February 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

GRRRRR…Sometimes work isn’t worth missing the game.

~E~

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

BTW

Johan Santana line for the 1st inning in 2008

1 IP

3 H

3 ER

ERA 27.00

1 K

1 HR

Hey, he is up to the task, he kkk a hitter.

Jurrjens 5 of his 6 outs were ground balls and then a kkk. Good start for him i would say.

By The Piece

February 29, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

DOB MOST of us are at work. Keep bloggin’ PLEASE.

I wish I could watch the game right now…

-Piece

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Santana 1 IP 3 H 3 ER 1 K

Juan Gonzalez of all people took him deep with 2 on and 2 out.

By ContactBuzz

February 29, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Here’s another guy stuck at work depending on blog comments to keep up with the game action.

By Mr J

February 29, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

DOB and others,

I appreciate the game log comments. Stuck at work- can’t see the game.

What was up with the throw Javy made that was mentioned in passing?

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Caryle pitched the in 3rd.

2 easy groundouts and a strikeout to end the inning. 3 up 3 down

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

1-2-3 for carlyle, live ball there, very good outing.

By john77

February 29, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Buddy looks good GTEAT today.No one has been saying much about him this year.If he keeps that up he might make it.What do you think DOB?

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

February 29, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, does Carlyle have a legit shot @ the #5 spot or that infamous “#6” spot in the rotation?

By Reid in EAV

February 29, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

And Matt Diaz says THWACK. Hard single up the middle, off Esteban Loaiza. One on, none out, bottom 3rd.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz…….bullet over 2b, single. 1st pitch.

By Austin

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

Lopez goes deep!

scores diaz

2-1 BRAVES!

By Serge45

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

Javy just crushed a HR to left field

By OrlandoFan

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

Got to love that shot Javy hit. What a great moment for him, if nothing else than for nostalgia.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

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

Matt Diaz loves that first pitch and Lopez still has some jack. 2-1 Atlanta.

By Christy

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

Javy just hit a bomb… 2-1 braves.

By uga-brave

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

javy just went yard and it was a bomb

By Michael

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

Gotta like that from Javy.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Javy just hit a bullet over the LF fence. WOW!!!!!

By al-FAN-so Soriano

February 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Is my boy in the game yet?

By Reid in EAV

February 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Vintage Javy, big homer to left! 2-1 Bravos.

Oh, and the throw was a really good one to 2nd but into the runner, so Matt Kemp got the SB.

By DavidPredHead

February 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

The minute I talked about leaving work today to watch the game, things got really busy. Please continue with the blog-by-blog, play-by-play of today’s game.

By DWilliams

February 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Keep firing out the updates DOB. Im stuck in this cubicle hitting the refresh button over and over!
Hell of a job you do by the way DOB! Keep it up

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

BTW……..pitcher is S. Loaiza for LA

By OrlandoFan

February 29, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

The kid behind the left-field fence should have had it, though.

By JDfromSC

February 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

JAVY’S BACK!!!!! WOOHOO!

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

We were down in the clubhouse talking to Jurrjens when Javy crushed that two-run homer to the left-field berm.

Barring injury, folks, I’d suggest that job is already settled.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Man, first game on TV and our starting catcher’s not playin’. Thanks, ippississiM. Yeah, not the best throw. I guess that 2-runner made up for it, but I was hopin’ to watch McCann;

: (

By BT

February 29, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

David (not DOB) the “blogger” that certainly was a brilliant post you had about how pessimistic you are. Yeah I am sure a competitor like Hampton would be happy not to play.

Brilliant, just brilliant.

By blazerpunter

February 29, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

GREAT AT BAT by Javy Lopez!! He looks good catching as well!! AND on a side note, GARY is freakin driving me nuts on the broadcast for ESPN!! Mispronouncing Diaz’s name and saying the Braves won yesterday 5 to 4, GGGEEEEEZZZZZZZZ!!!

GO BRAVES!!!!

By Austin

February 29, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Carlye 4th inning

f-9 g-5 f-7

1-2-3

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Carlyle 17 pitches (10 strikeouts)

Two perfect innings, one strikeout.

But no, I don’t think he has a shot at the No. 5 job, not unless Jurrjens and Reyes fall on their faces and/or Hampton is hurt. But hey, it’s Feb. 29, anything can happen.

It’s just that the Braves know what Carlyle can or can’t do. It’s no secret. He’s not a kid, and they had him all last season.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Chipper opposite way single between 3rd and short.

By Shamus Thacker

February 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, has the Falcons blog dude croaked, or fled the scene, been shown the door, or is he just sorry’r’n Hell?

I’m serious. Where the Hell is he?

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin’ Again i think buddy has as good chance of winning 5th spot as anyone, but i think JJJ has the upper hand. Buddy had another 1-2-3 inning, i like that guy, but i still think JJJ has better stuff.

Interview to B. Cox byt ESPN during game:

1. Gonzalez is way ahead in his rehab.

2. Hampton is throwing very good, zero pain, zero problems.

3. Kotsay reported with pitchers and catchers. He says you couldnt tell he had back surgery the way he has started spring.

4. knock on wood.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Reid, you’re right: It was vintage Javy. Just dropped that bathead on the ball and bam! He’s still got some serious power. He’s been hitting them on that berm every day in BP, but you never know for sure until you see them do it in games.

By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER

February 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

HOSS and SMOLTZY RULE!

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Francoeur opposite way bullet. scores chipper from 2nd. 3-1 braves

By FJR

February 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

so all those people who were freaking out about french not hitting the other way, hahaha.

By JDfromSC

February 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

hey all you people getting upset with frenchy on his new found pull-tendencies: he just went opposite field for an RBI single

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout THAT — Frenchy hits an opposite-field single, on a pitch up in the strike zone.

By N8

February 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

If Francoeur does what he did in that last AB (take an outside pitch to RF), on a consistent basis this year, he’ll knock in 130 runs with Tex and Chipper ahead of him. REGARDLESS of how many HR’s he has. Those RBI opportunities WILL be their, if that is his focus.

Of course, if he hits 6th, with McCann in front of him, bring that number down to 110. LOL! Sorry McFann, couldn’t resist.

By StingerSplash

February 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Nice opposite field ribbie by Frenchy. Got to get this firewall thing fixed. Looks like I’m watching a Peter Max version of the game on my PC. (gotta a PC and a Mac. Two Macs, actually).

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

Jeff opposite field single RBI, great at bat.

chipper scores……..good patient AB for TEX also.

Some other stats:

Jeff, 2 assist in yesterdays game? thats what ESPN says.

TEX BA with RISP .405 (2007) and .509 (with the braves), amazing numbers. Just dumb to let that guy go. Unheard of.

By Brill

February 29, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I am stuck at work, too. Updates are appreciated. cityofdecatur you mentioned wnf record store. my brother harry is co-owner. GO BRAVES !!!

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

End of the 4th. Kotsay/Diaz back to back lazy flyouts to end the inning. Hopefulle Javy catches the 5th so we can see him hit one more time

By Alex

February 29, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Carlyle 17 pitches (10 strikeouts)

That’s got to be some kind of record.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

February 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Overlord, my thinking is that I will believe Hampton being the 4th starter when we’re watching it in June, not in March. Because of the absolute lowest of low expectations for Mike to make it out of the dugout on Sunday without immediately going on the 15-day DL, JJJ is in the 4-hole and Buddy’s competing for #5. If we get 25 starts from Hampton, we’re going to be dancing in October, I’ll tell you that.

By JDfromSC

February 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

ouch. brandon jones error in left on a run for a fly ball

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

How NOT to win a job — E7 by Brandon Jones on fairly routine fly.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

brandon jones just butchered one in left field, then did not really hustle after he misplayed it.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

B. Jones just miss played a fly ball….. bad error, looked really bad.

By Braves_fan_nyc

February 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

DOB- I just recently saw Into the Wild, fantastic movie. Excuse me if this has come up in previous blogs, but how about the scene in the beginning with the rowdy Braves fans circa 1990 in the restaurant? Bill Hurt’s character was highly annoyed, I didn’t realize we had that much to be excited about in 1990?

By Braves_fan_nyc

February 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

DOB- I just recently saw Into the Wild, fantastic movie. Excuse me if this has come up in previous blogs, but how about the scene in the beginning with the rowdy Braves fans circa 1990 in the restaurant? Bill Hurt’s character was highly annoyed, I didn’t realize we had that much to be excited about in 1990?

By ippississiM

February 29, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Good for Buddy Carlyle. Proving he’s still quietly solid.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

peter gammons just picked the mets to win the world series.

By Braves_fan_nyc

February 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

DOB- I just recently saw Into the Wild, fantastic movie. Excuse me if this has come up in previous blogs, but how about the scene in the beginning with the rowdy Braves fans circa 1990 in the restaurant? Bill Hurt’s character was highly annoyed, I didn’t realize we had that much to be excited about in 1990?

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Peter Moylan pitches the 5th Tops out at 92 mph

1st up Bennet - grounds out weakly to Johnson 2nd up Hernandez E7 on Brandon Jones just flat out dropped the ball. runner on 2nd 1 out. 3rd up Mark Sweeney - back to Moylan - throws Hernandez out at 3rd. runner on 1st 2 away. 4th up Furcal base hit up the middle runners on 1st and 3rd 2 out

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

DOB,

By LuisGuillermo

February 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

10 strikeouts need at least 30 pitches (or 28 if he enters the game with the first batter he faces already 1 strike away)!

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Lopez throws the ball to uhhh centerfield. 1 run is in 3-2 Braves

By JDfromSC

February 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

stolen base attempt. Javy makes throw and nobody covers. the ball goes into center and run scores. braves 3 dodgers 2.

By Nikki

February 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones will get a big cheer from the crowd.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Javy threw to no one covering second base on Furcal stolen base. Another E2. That’s two throws into center field and a home run to the berm. Eventful return to Dark Star for Javy.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Moylan walks Ethier no 4 pitches. 1st and 3rd 2 out 3-2 Braves

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Alex LOL, take it easy on DOB, LOL.

By JDfromSC

February 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

moylan gets a K to end the top of the 5th. and theres like 4 of us updating the blog on the game happenings haha

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Moylan strikes out Kemp on 3 pitches to end the top half the the 5th. Braves 3 Dodgers 2

By LuisGuillermo

February 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

10 strikeouts need at least 30 pitches (or 28 if he enters the game with the first batter he faces is 1 strike away)!

By StingerSplash

February 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Blazerpunter,

Thorne is bad. He’s good for at least two E-broadcasters a game. Want some fun? Ask Curt Schilling and Doug Mirabelli what they think of Thornie.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Neight. : P

Note to Javy Lopez: If there’s nobody by the base, don’t throw the ball!!

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Lopez walks on 4 pitches. 1 on no out.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Thorman walks on 4 pitches. 2 on no out.

By 22oz

February 29, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I could not imagine a worse way to twist somebody’s words than the current caption on the main Braves page. Who writes this crap?

ANDRUW BOWS TO BOO BIRDS David O’Brien writes in his blog that Braves fans will have to wait to boo Andruw Jones, who will skip today’s game at Lake Buena Vista

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Johnson 2 RBI Double Lopez and Thormon score. 5-2 Braves

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Sharp two-run double by Kelly Johnson to the R-C gap, puts Braves up 5-2 with none out in the fifth.

Escobar follows with a groundball hit up the middle to score Kelly for a four-run lead.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Escobar RBI single scores Johnson

6-2 Braves

By TexasBrave

February 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

N8 - I know you were joking about Frency not getting as many RBI’s when he hits behind McCann, but that is reality. Unless Jeff hit a homer or a very deep triple its going to take a couple of hit to get McCann in. That’s why I say that he should hit 7th behind Jeff and either Kotsay, KJ or Diaz depending on how the lineup shakes out. McCann is going to get his RBI’s hitting behind Frenchy and my choice KJ. I think we would end up scoring more runs this way.

What do you guys think?

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

KJ hit a bullet over in right center, 2 RBI double.

RBI single for yunel (KJ scores)

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Base hit by Chipper. Escobar on 2nd Chipper on 1st 0 OUT

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

great swing by kelly against the LH. two run double to right. esco single up the middle plates jones.

steve phillips keeps calling jordan schafer, justin.

braves are teeing off on the LH.

By Reid in EAV

February 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Whoa, fifth inning offensive EXPLOSION! It’s a Genesis 1:1 situation: “In the Big Inning…”

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

chipper sits down in the 5th (2 for 3)

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Dodgers yanking Greg Miller after he failed to retire any of the 1st 5 hitters.

Chipper is out of the game.

Runners on 1st and 2nd No Outs.

By blazerpunter

February 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

And these announcers are giving the Braves a lot of love as a team that could contend, but get the names right!! They have given Jordan Shafer every name but his real name (called him Justin and Josh before he finally came up to the plate and they LOOKED his name up!!)

LOVIN BASEBALL THOUGH!!! (gotta head back to work though, late lunch is over!!) Keep up the good BLOG work…

GO BRAVES!!!

By Eric

February 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Peter Gammons just picked the Mets to win it all

Peter knows nothing….

By jeffc

February 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

If Teixera walks after this season it’ll be the biggest Shuerholtz blunder since the ill-fated Mike Hampton blunder. Andrus notwithstanding, Salty will prove to be vastly superior to the Gwinnett doughboy pretending to catch for the Braves now. Salty is bigger, faster, has a better arm, etc… Pastor Wren and the Sunday School patrol were afraid of Salty’s emphatically non-Christian marriage. God help them when they find out that Soriano sacrifices a chicken to the Devil before every game.

By Big Easy

February 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I am assuming the illustrious DOB meant 17 pitches (10 strikes)…

Just a hunch.

~E~

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Schafer flies out for the 1st out.

Anderon RBI single.

7-2 Braves 1 out.

By Chop Chop

February 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Listen to Gammo gush about Hoss. As much as I’d like to disagree with the guy (I like to be contrary), I don’t think there’s any doubt that Hoss is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. I don’t know if he’ll get in on the first ballot or not (Gammo thinks so), but the man has had a hell of a career.

By Reid in EAV

February 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Agreed, 22 oz, that ain’t exactly what the DOB said. Is the agate intern writing the heds again? ;-)

By Carolina Gent

February 29, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks to all who are keeping up the running play-by-play for the game. I, too, am stuck at work and can’t see the game.

As for DOB’s comments on Andruw. I sure HOPE that Braves fans giving him a standing O when he comes back. So the last couple of years weren’t very good, offensively. But look at his whole body of work as a Brave and you’ll see somebody who, IMHO, should get serious consideration for the Braves Hall of Fame when he retires. I was as frustrated as anybody else with his lack of production last year. But the fact is, he still WANTS to be a Brave and still would be had the club shown nay interest in keeping him. Not saying they should have. I believe they made the right decision in letting him go. But here’s one guy who, if he’s fortunate enough to be in the Ted when Andruw comes home, will give him his due.

And finally, DOB, do you get these lyrics from your memory or do you have to look them up? I’m betting from memory. If so, I’m even more impressed than I was before!!

By StingerSplash

February 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Chipper is speaking from the dugout to GOAT Gammons (Ali fans will know what GOAT stands for - no offense, DOB, you are good, but Gammons … none better. None.)

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones walks

bases juiced 1 out

7-2 Braves

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Joe Borchard RBI Ground Rule Double

9-2 Braves

Runners on 2nd and 3rd 1 out

By KC

February 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

ESPN guys - “Teams to Watch in the NL”:

KRUK: NY, Phili, CHI, Milwaukee, SD, LA

PHILLIPS: NY, Phili, CHI, ATL, Arizona, LA

GAMMONS: NY, Phili, CHI, Miliwaukee, Arizona, Colorado

Not a lot of love for the Braves here. When asked for World Series picks, they all said “Mets and Tigers”.

Am I missing something?

Is the Mets offense better than Atlanta’s? I don’t see that.

Is the Mets rotation better than the Braves’? I don’t see that either. Smotlz and Hudson VS. Santana and Pedro (don’t see a NY edge there). Glavine, Hampton, Jurrjens/James VS. Maine, El Duque, and Perez (nope, sorry… still don’t see it).

Is the Mets bullpen better than Atlanta’s? I don’t think it is.

Someone (other than a Mets fan) please explain this to me.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

9-2 bottom of the 5th.

NEXT!!!!!!

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

the braves have their track team on base. hernandaez, anderson, and b.jones. borchard just doubled to right center. 9-2 rout is on.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Javy Sac Fly couple steps from the track.

runner on 2nd 2 outs

10-2 Braves

By Shockajim

February 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Bro, Chipper just said some mighty positive stuff about Bobby C on ESPN. “Like my Dad”, “was a great general manager”, “will leave a hole in my heart when he is gone”, etc.. Good interview. Bro

By Moby Grape

February 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Can Mark Kotsay put up .290 25 80 numbers ? Somebody has to replace Andruw’s power numbers.Robdawg

surely you are kidding. man you just disgraced yourself with that 25 homers

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

By LuisGuillermo

February 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

10 strikeouts need at least 30 pitches (or 28 if he enters the game with the first batter he faces is 1 strike away)!

Did you figure that all by yourself? That is amazing. Let me congratulate you pal.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Thorman walks runners on 1st and 2nd 2 out. and another 5th inning pitching change

10-2 Braves

By DWilliams

February 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Great in game updates from everyone. Keep em coming, I havent done a thing at work since first pitch.

By N8

February 29, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Texas Brave

I was only half kidding with my statement about Francoeur’s RBI total, based on McCann hitting in front of or behind him in the order.

While McCann will cost some RBI for Jeff, by “clogging” up the bases. He will certainly CREATE many RBI, by virtue of being a good hitter.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash I agree gammons is just great, but DOB is better, he is a braves fan, LOL.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Pradi groundout to 2nd could end the possibly longest half inning in spring training history.

The good Guys 10 the bad guys 2

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

stingersplash,

agreed on your take on gammons. he is the best period. the guy really made Baseball Tonight what it is.

By ColoradoBarvesFan

February 29, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

MOby Grape/Robdawg…

Tex replaces AJs power and homeruns batting in the 4th slot. Kotsay has to replace The Thorman/Wilson platoon numbers on offense.

Kotsay has to replace AJs CF defense. Can Kotsay do that…I don’t know. Everyone says Kotsay is solid and has a very very accurate and powerful arm for throwing out runners.

GO BRAVOS…

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

That was a fun inning!!

McCann should bat fifth. He was best there last year.

Later.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

RobDawg, Teixeira could put up at least 40-130, replacing Andruw and Thorman’s power numbers combined.

By TexasBrave

February 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

N8 - no doubt that McCann is a good hitter and if we didn’t have as many good hitters as we have right now I would agree that he would need to hit higher. But since we do have others why not put him in a position where he can get RBI’s but at the same time not clog the basepaths for the hitters behind him?

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Yates starts out with 2 cans’ of corn. then a walk. then a line drive speared by thorman

By DaBoss

February 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DWilliams

Great in game updates from everyone. Keep em coming, I havent done a thing at work since first pitch.

Can I see you in my office right away!

By AdirondackDave

February 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Nice inning for Yates and a good grab on that liner by Thorman. Things looking up today.

By Josh H

February 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Kotsay well be lucky to get 10-15 homers.

You can take Andruw’s power numbers when he was hitting .275, but not at .225. Just hurt us more than he helped us at that clip. But I sincerely hope he turns it around in LA. And that the Dodgers miss the playoffs.

By BUSHWACKER

February 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Andruw, you look like me, HUGE!!!

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

KC, they just hate the braves, success comes with envy from others. Plus those guys think $$$ = success (mets, yankees, redsox), they just cant see the whole picture.

They are not aware of hamptons progress. They are not aware of under the radar players like, JJJ, Diaz, KJ, Yunel, Moylan, Acosta, etc. They think our team is Chipper, tex, smoltz and hudson. Got to be a braves fan to know what is going on here man.

I can guarantee you that at allstar break, their way of thinking will change.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Will Ohman in the game

1st hitter - fouls out to first on the first pitch

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Will Ohman

1 IP 6 pitches (5 strikes)

foul out, fly outs

Mid 7th

By N8

February 29, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Just when I was about to get excited about Phillips “liking” the Braves, over the period of 15 minutes he refers to Jordan Schafer as “Justin”.

LOL! Maybe THAT’S why his Mets could never get past the Braves.

Hypothetical Conversation among Mets “higher ups” back in the late 90’s…..

Philips in the offseason following 1997:

“I don’t think we have too much to worry about with the Braves. They just got rid of McGriff, and are bringing Andrs Thomas back to play first base and bat clean-up.”

Mets Assistant GM:

“Uhh….Steve? The Braves added Andres GALARRAGA to bat clean-up and play 1B. BIG difference.”

Phillips:

“Whatever. It’s just a name. You get the picture.”

By DWilliams

February 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

DaBoss

Its Friday, Monday I will be back to being the fine upstanding worker I am. Today is Braves baseball!

By DavidPredHead

February 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

I thought that was Bonds in the photo gallery in the ajc yesterday in a dodger uni ;-)

By AdirondackDave

February 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Man, these ESPN guys couldn’t call a decent game if their life depended on it. All this phony “humorous” chatter, I don’t know half the guys at the plate since I started watching.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

7th inning

anderson - line drive to 3b caught jones - groundout pena - tapper back to the pitcher

10-2 Braves

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

That bloke Damian Moss in the game now, brought over from the minor league side to fill out the pitching staff for today’s game.

Let’s see what he’s got.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Damian Moss in to pitch the 8th

By MGL

February 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Where’s MetroMan? Santana ERA=13.5, Duaner Sanchez ERA=9.0.

By N8

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

Texas Brave

TOTALLY agree.

DOB

TOTALLY agree about Tex’s numbers replacing the combined numbers of AJ and Thor. Mark it down. Barring injury, it will happen.

McFann

“McCann should bat fifth. He was best there last year.”

Not so fast “Young McFlannigan”, while McCann hit .277 in the 5 hole, as compared to .273 in the 6 hole, the BIGGER picture is what Frenchy did when those roles were flipped.

Francoeur hit .322 with 49 RBI in the 5-hole. When in the 6-hole, he hit .284 with 49 RBI. Which on the surface looks like his RBI totals were equal. Again….not so fast. Francouer had 70 LESS AB’s in the 5-hole.

Discussion over. Francoeur BELONGS in the 5-hole, and the team will benifit from it.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

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

Yes Sir , sitting here in my easy chair listening to Gammons pontificate why he believes the Mets are the best team in the N.L. East.

The expert know far less than they want to admit. I’m up here by Canada and I know more about the quality of this 2008 Braves team than these talking heads.

Does anyone still think Brandon Jones will start the season anywhere else except Richmond after dropping a ball that hit him right in the mitt , then casually chasing after it and not hustling.

The fifth inning was fun wasn’t it ?

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

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

Wow, a Damien Moss sighting. Yes sir, it’s a 10-2 game the 1st week of Spring Training. Damian Moss?!? If that is ever the answer, I don’t want to know the question.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

damian moss toeing the rubber now.

got to give JS credit for that trade. russ ortiz was pretty darn solid in his time here.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Hits the first batter he faces. Juuust a bit inside.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

Who is #70 from the Braves?

By OrlandoFan

February 29, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

KJ really looked good swinging the bat today. I mean, he hit every ball hard that I saw. Just stung it. Escobar looked a little nervous his first couple of ABs. Otherwise, a very solid game.

By FJR

February 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

N8, you might want to consider that the reason French got less ABs in the 5 hold and was better there was because he was only facing LH in the 5 hole. That probably makes a MUCH bigger difference than what number position you are batting in.

By StingerSplash

February 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait for someone to ask Lasorda what he thought of Kingman’s performance ….

By ncscoots

February 29, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

N8, think you’d have to look at Frenchy’s splits lefty-righty in the 5 and 6 holes to get a more definitive picture. Did he hit better in the 5 hole because his AB were primarily against lefties, or was there any difference in the splits? Same analysis for the 6 hole…worse there because his ABs were mostly against righties? You know what I mean.

Hey, I’m a great one for posing the question, just not for doing the actual research, LOL. Help me out, bra…

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

By the way, Chuck James is progressing quickly. Threw 60 pitches at 80-percent effort Thursday and said his arm felt great afterward and again Friday morning.

“Based on yesterday, I feel 100 percent,” he told me this morning.

He’s on schedule to pitch in his first Grapefruit League game in mid-March, up a week from original plan, and he’s hoping they’ll move it up another few days or so.

By N8

February 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin’ Again (Like it’s 1995)

When speaking of Moss, you said:

“If that is ever the answer, I don’t want to know the question.”

While funny (and it was/is FUNNY), I wouldn’t be so fast to dismiss him. While I’m not gonna predict him making the club out of spring training, he IS a veteran, and he IS left-handed.

Two words for you to think about….

Chris Hammond.

He could get released any minute, or turn out to be “that” guy that nobody saw coming, and have a nice year out of the pen as a situational lefty.

Who knows?

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

dob,

has gone mell allen and now bob uecker. that wasn’t you doing the chicken dance between innings was it?

By N8

February 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

FJR

Good point. Yet with Chipper and Tex hitting in the 3-4 spots, it only makes sense for Francoeur to hit in the 5 hole, otherwise you’ve got a manager that will turn BOTH Chipper and Tex around to bat RH, and then have a lefty against McCann.

So by default, I think McCann needs to hit 6th to break them up.

Add to that, McCann will knock in more runs, with Francoeurs legs ahead of him.

Add to that, McCann is probably the better “hitter” at this point, which give more protection to Francoeur.

Add to that, Francoeur is gonna play in about 155-162 games (barring injury), where McCann is gonna probably take one game a week off. Why not have that continuity of “roles” for the guys, by leaving Francoeur in the 5-hole?

Listen. I don’t think we can really go “wrong” with either of them, in either spot. But for the same reason DOB said that Bobby won’t put McCann in the 3-hole (he actually would be a pretty productive 3-hole hitter if Chipper wasn’t around), he should bat lower in the order, IMO.

By Goodoleboy58

February 29, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

I really liked Damian Moss in his appearances for the Braves.. Was skeptical of the Ortiz trade but it proved to be a good stop-gap…

Speaking of trades..

What is ol Charles Thomas up to these days? anyone know?

By ncscoots

February 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Does anyone still think Brandon Jones will start the season anywhere else except Richmond after dropping a ball that hit him right in the mitt , then casually chasing after it and not hustling.

Coach, I think that might come up in conversation between a coach and Brandon later today, as it should. But you’re awfully quick to throw the guy under a bus, especially in favor of a no-power, no-walk singles hitter, backing up a no-power, no-walk LF.

I see the point of Anderson on the club as insurance against Kotsay’s back, but, other than that, he doesn’t excite.

By richbrave

February 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Key to today’s Braves-Dodgers game - Consistant first pitch strikes. Braves had ‘um. Dodgers didn’t. Bats were awesome. So far so good ‘08.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, we’ll see in the real season, Neight.

Go game today!!

Go Cardinals!! (Even though I don’t like you either, heh heh!)

By ncscoots

February 29, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Uh, N8, Tex actually hits better righty.

By Josh H

February 29, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

N8. Good points regarding Francouer in the 5 hole. I also agree…that you really can’t go wrong with either.

I’ve actually wondered this about Chipper and Tex. Yes, their power numbers come from the left side of the plate. But how many times do they hit right-handed, really? I don’t think you could say that either of them has a particularly weak side.

By Luther

February 29, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

McFann-Note to Javy Lopez: If there’s nobody by the base, don’t throw the ball!!

Joking? I am blogging at work and not watching so I apologize if the situation is different, but as a fan of a catcher you think you’d cut him some slack. If someone steals 2nd with no one on, you throw the ball to the base. Its not your responsibility to make sure someone is covering. You don’t have that time.

By MGL

February 29, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Who decides whether or not to use the DH in ST games? I noticed that the Mets and Cards are using DH’s today.

By Overlord

February 29, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58 here is the info on Charles Thomas

MGL, dont expect to see Metroman here for a few days, he will hide like he did when the muts collapsed last year. Im glad he wont be around for a few days at least.

By Anders

February 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Figured I’d chime in so you good people don’t think I’m ducking you. That’s not a typo - I meant ducking.

Was gonna write earlier but I didn’t want to interrupt the sheer giddyness that was being expressed on here for a game on 2/29.

By Anders

February 29, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

MGL

Who decides whether or not to use the DH in ST games? I noticed that the Mets and Cards are using DH’s today.

David Wright makes the call on all ST games.

By sjs21

February 29, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

You guys need too keep an open mind.. i sent a blog a day before damian moss signed saying how good he was doing and bobby cox liked what he saw and he was going to sign .. and noone beleaved me .. sending things like ya lets bring rick camp back…extra….mossy may not make the roster coming out of camp… but by june he will be making a difference and helping the braves out ….write it down….. i know this is spring training and i know he wasnt facing starters… but his control is much better.. and his change up is back.

By BossLady

February 29, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

The ESPN announcers are annoying.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m sorry, Luther, but the nearest fielder was about 15 feet away from second base! I know they don’t have time to look or whatever, but you’d think he’d have noticed that. I was somewhat “joking”, I guess…plus I get worked up over bad throws to second/third sometimes.

Neight—

You’re correct: We couldn’t really “go wrong” with either of said batters in the #5 spot. I like McCann there—that’s just me. But the bottom line is: Bobby C. makes the lineup cards. We’ll see what he does and how it works.

A record of 1-1 to a record of 0-3……hmm…Who’s lineup looks better at this point?

By richbrave

February 29, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Prado didn’t stand out. 0 for 2 at bat, and his head was down the second time. R-Braves again? Maybe, if he passes through waivers.

By Bryan

February 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

brent a,

I was thinking about heading down from Piedmont Park on Argonne kinda towards grant park to GA street … Atlanta BIke ranks the surface street by color in terms of safety …

i wonder if people would meet at several points around atlanta and ride bikes to the braves game if decent tickets were provided? In a group, bikers could ride where ever they want. Critical mass bike rides for sports events! (dave, you can ride your motor bike)

this is a cool bike map of the A.

http://www.atlantabike.org/Intown_map.pdf

By BRAVES LIFER

February 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

I think this could be the most intersting spring training in years for the Bravos!

By JT

February 29, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Im watching the game now..at MLB.com.. i miss it at go time.. but im watching it NOW… WOO HOOOOO. GO BRAVES!!!!

By Mark Fanxeira

February 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

The picture of mike woodson on the ajc home page, is one of the most amazing pictures I’ve ever seen. Very flattering

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m sorry, Luther, but the nearest fielder was about 15 feet away from second base! I know they don’t have time to look or whatever, but you’d think he’d have noticed that. I was somewhat “joking”, I guess…plus I get worked up over bad throws to second/third sometimes.

Neight—

You’re correct: We couldn’t really “go wrong” with either of said batters in the #5 spot. I like McCann there—that’s just me. But the bottom line is: Bobby C. makes the lineup cards. We’ll see what he does and how it works.

A record of 1-1 to a record of 0-3……hmm…Who’s lineup looks better at this point?

P.S.: Sorry if this post appears more than once. Our computer isn’t behaving, so I don’t know if this is going through. And if it does only appear once, well then, sorry for this extra paragraph.

By richbrave

February 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

PRADO:

did not stand out today. 0 - 2 and he hung his head after the last at bat. R-Braves again? Maybe, if he clears waivers. I don’t think there will be a trade on any of the position players out of options. Pitchers another matter.

ANDERS:

Thought I’d post you up just to let you know I’m not ducking you. I wanted Santana, but you got him. Now you’ve got that long-term relationship with his arm. My man(scout) tells me trouble will show its ugly head long before the years are completed on your deal. So we’ll see who’s right.

Like that love for the Mets and lack thereof for the Braves by ESPN’s broadcasters? Gonna’ tell us delusional Braves fans just how off-base we really are about this team, right? Heh,heh,heh. See you on the field my friend. See you on the field.

By Austin

February 29, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Thomas was traded for Jack Cust. He is currently playing for the Brewers AAA team.

By Lew

February 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave-I did talk to Savannah Guy earlier today. He checks in but hasn’t had much time to post. His wife has been extremely ill and they have been running back and forth from Savannah to Emory Hospital. I know they are both worn out. Wish them well, though, I know he reads the blog when he has the time.

By scottBravesFan

February 29, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

If Francouer leaves the Braves he will be booed like none other. It will make Tom Glavine’s return to the Ted seem like a day at the beach.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m sorry, Luther, but the nearest fielder was about 15 feet away from second base! I know they don’t have time to look or whatever, but you’d think he’d have noticed that. I was somewhat “joking”, I guess…plus I get worked up over bad throws to second/third sometimes.

Neight—

You’re correct: We couldn’t really “go wrong” with either of said batters in the #5 spot. I like McCann there—that’s just me. But the bottom line is: Bobby C. makes the lineup cards. We’ll see what he does and how it works.

A record of 1-1 to a record of 0-3……hmm…Who’s lineup looks better at this point?

P.S.: Sorry if this post appears more than once. Our computer isn’t behaving, so I don’t know if this is going through. And if it does only appear once, well then, sorry for this extra paragraph.

By Lew

February 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Scoots-Dude, got to disagree with you on Anderson. I’ve watched the guy pretty closely for ten practices. He got all the swings on the main field. Brandon got zip.

Anderson is FAST. He is an EXCELLENT defensive outfielder. He beat out an single to the pitcher’s mound the other day. NO one else on the team would have stood a chance. I saw him back up a play the other day coming in from deep right on a ball that never left the infield. He is coachable and should be able to be taught to hit gap to gap. He will beat out many infield hits and line many over the infield, then he will steal second.

Going into Spring Training, I would have bet on Brandon. Not now. Anderson works VERY hard. I think he’s ready now and is better than you and most give him credit for. Yes, he will be fourth outfielder and will primarily be insurance against Kotsay’s health, but don’t be surprised to see him platoon with Diaz, too.

By old enough to remember Chief Noc-A-Homa

February 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Is this the same Damian Moss as was on the Braves in 2001 or so? Seriously? I didn’t think he had even been pitching since 2004.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Good one, scottBravesFan.

By Lew

February 29, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

scottBravesfan-Dude, Frenchy will be a Brave through 2011 before he is free agent eligible. Unless he is traded, he will be in Atlanta for four more years, anyway. Not quite time to freak out yet.

With the arbitration settlements that Cabrera and Howard have received, Frenchy would be stupid to sign for a lot less money. Would you?

By TexasBrave

February 29, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lew -

To Savanna Guy - My thought and prayers goes out to you and yours for a speedy recovery. Please let us know if extra thoughts and prayers are needed. The blog looks forward to your return.

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Alright. Just returned from breakfast. Couple of things

By cmac

February 29, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

So DOB, a question… If the Braves are saving the $13M they won’t be paying Hampton next year; and the $8M they presumably won’t be paying Glavine… wouldn’t it be reasonable to assume they could boost the $12M they’re paying Tex up to about $20M and keep him? Yeah, some guys will get raises. And maybe Frenchy signs a long-term deal. But most of the players are young and cheap (LF, CF, RF, SS, 2B, most pitchers), and the difference between what the First Baseman is getting THIS year and what he’ll be getting NEXT year isn’t that great. Or am I missing something?

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Lew:

If your out there did you ever answer my ? from yesterday?

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

10paul

fat tire is one of my favorites when i head out west. good stuff.

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Read that Teixeira article. Jones had some familiar words to say about the situation. Chipper wants to play 5 or 6 more years. But I’d imagine if you told Chipper that the #4 hitter wasn’t going to be as fearsome as Teixeira or AJ when it comes to long ball power, his outlook on his duration in the game might suddenly have more flexibility. Not that he’d quit, but I’m certain he’d look at it with a different frame of mind. If Teixeira were guaranteed to be behind him for the next 5 or 6 years it’d be a no brainer. If not, then I’m thinking he starts taking a more year-to-year approach. We’ll see though. Chipper has always been the man… Well not as much as Smoltz but almost. It’s like Chipper is “the man” but a few years younger than the real “man”. Forgive me. I’m a Smoltz fan first and a Chipper man second. Even though Chipper played for me on my birthday in the minors at Greenville. But so did many others… Javy, Klesko, AJ, Glavine, Avery, etc. I like the Braves.

And Fat Tire.

By Luther

February 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I chill at White Castle ‘cause it’s the best

But I’m fly at Fatburger when I’m way out west

-Sorry Stephens comments reminded me of the New Style

By TennesseePaul

February 29, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Stephen Jones: Are you saying there is no Fat Tire in Atlanta? I don’t know. I go there about once or twice a year but I never pay attention and when I order and they say no I assume it’s the bar I’m at, not the region…

By Shamus Thacker

February 29, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

It’s great to have Javy back!!

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

10paul:

Im from the northeast and dont know if they have it in atl. i like the non mainstream and always get a fat tire when i go west. havent been south in a while but will be at dark star in 9 days and in atl at some point this season.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

cmac, yes they’ve got money coming off the books, and yes Wren told me the payroll will rise again, according to “the plan” that’s been laid out. So yes, I’d think they could make a $20 mill a year offer, just have to decide if they want to tie up a fifth or so of the payroll for Teixeira, or if they want to try to fill another need or three (perhaps another starter, depending how things go this year).

But yes, they should have the money if they choose to spend it that way. They’ve got several young guys making relatively little at about half the positions, including SS/2B/LF/RF, and one coming up in CF. And McCann doesn’t make too much, either. And if Jurrjens and Reyes develop as hoped, that’s two cheap starters.

But you still might have holes to fill in the rotation, depending what happens with the old guys.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

10Paul—

It’s kinda hard to point fingers at who’s fault the stolen base was—especially because we won the game regardless. True, no one was covering second with Furcal, a HUGE threat to run, on first base. True, Javy threw the ball even though no one was there. You cann also point to the pitcher, who didn’t attempt to hold Furcal at first.

But the bottom line is this: It’s a Spring Training game, and the Braves won. No big deal, eh? Well, if they continue to work on their defense it won’t be. We don’t want too much of this in the regular season. It would be nice to have a backup catcher with some good defense.

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Luther:

Good one. you just reminded me im goin to vegas in a few and need to hit up an in and out burger.

By Chopdawg

February 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Drove down from NW Ga in plenty of time for today’s game; left at 4AM, kept the speedometer at 10-over, made it in 7 1/2 hrs. Much better weather here than the snow showers we had at home Wednesday.

Like seeing Francoeur hit to RF; in Brandon Jones’ defense, the wind had started blowing in hard from LF & knocked that ball down, maybe a little bit tougher play than it seemed. Javy’s second E wasn’t really his fault, looked like someone forgot to cover 2b (unless the pitcher, who I think was Carlyle, was supposed to have cut that throw off, because of the runner at 3B who might break for home).

I remember this from last year: subs who enter the game are hardly ever announced over the PA. Wonder why? Hard to keep track of the players in the game; Braves replaced the entire OF after Frenchy’s second AB, nobody in the stands knew it unless they were paying close attention.

By AdirondackDave

February 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

DOB — Many thanks for the interesting article on the Teixeira contract situation. The more I think about it, the more I think the Rangers proposal, or something similar, could work for the Braves.

Eight years may sound like a very long time to commit to the guy but consider this. Inflation is growing and seems likely to increase over the next few years. Signing Tex to something like 148M-160M for 8 years (18.5-20M per year) will seem like a bargain in the second half of the contract, assuming he remains relatively healthy and productive.

The guy is 27, a franchise player (no offense to Chipper and Smoltz), and looks like he’s on the fast-track to the Hall of Fame. Given the players hitting in front and behind him, 40 homers and 130 RBIs seem like reasonable projections for Tex.

I know it’s easy for us fans to spend the Braves/Liberty’s money but an 8-year contract for this 27 year-old makes sense to me. Anybody agree (or disagree) with me?

By JC FROM UT

February 29, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Just finished watching the game on the DVR. Josh Anderson looks like a real good 4th outfielder. Great hustle and speed. Lilibridge looks 14.Brandon Jones looks a little lackadasical. Is he? or does it only look that way? Nice piece of hitting by Francouer. I think he will definantly sign long term and be the face of the franchise for years to come.

By David O'Brien

February 29, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Luther, know what I heard?

You’re from Secaucus, I’m from Manhattan

You’re jealous of me because your girlfriend is cattin’…

And with that, I have a flight to catch. Later.

By Teddy Jack Eddy

February 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

DOB I’m really eager to get a look at Schafer.How do you rate his chances of starting the season in Atlanta or getting a call up sometime later this year ?

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Adirondack Dave:

I never disagree with any of your points since I live in the Dax myself. I feel the same way about that back end of a Tex contract.

DOB coming through. Does Smoltz say “With bottle in hand at the microphone stand, hey Homeboy what you drinkin man?”

By JC FROM UT

February 29, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

I really wish BC would give Javy a chance to play a litte 1st base in order to both back up Teixeira and allow for a third catcher. Javy is too good a hitter to play only once every 5-6 days. Any chance the Giants would be intersted in Thorman?

By AdirondackDave

February 29, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Stephen - Thanks for your comment. Are you also surrounded by Yank, Mets, Sox fans?

JC — I agree with you about Javy playing a little back up first base. A few more weeks should really get Bobby’s attention if Javy keeps pounding the ball. If that happens , I’m not sure why it would be necessary to keep Thorman, except for the question of Tex and next year.

By Lew

February 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

StephenJones-I answered on the last blog (the Dodgertown one) at some length at 8:06 this morning.

By cityofdecatur

February 29, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

with DOB headed 2 the airport it’s time to take out the ol’ vinyl and crank up the turntable. Closing Time and i realize it’s song #2 on side one that really got me to fall in love with the girl in the 65 Fury. Spring time baseball and I feel young again good nite all thank’s for the good reading!

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

ADave:

Yeah they drive me nuts with all their pipe dreams. The prez at my co. is a Muts fan and I will send him a nice postcard from Dark Star.

Lew:

Thanks I’ll check it soon.

By Wayne in Utah

February 29, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Hi friends. It’s been a long week out in the middle of frickin nowhere for me. Did get to listen to a few minutes of the game on Thursday from the Dodgers perspective. Very boring. They were too busy listening to themselves chat to talk about “who caught this ball or threw out this runner” type of thing.

A few observations:

Frenchy’s contract: This is a non issue. Too darned early to spend any time worrying about it. If he doesn’t want to sign, that’s OK. Let him play for the big bucks.

Tex: Exactly! He is playing for the big bucks. Adirondack Dave makes a good point, but I think it doesn’t matter, as Boras will play up the Braves offer, then use it to get one of the NY teams to ante up. I really don’t think he wants to necessarily play in Atlanta. I think he wants to sign for the largest possible contract he can get. Let’s just enjoy the ride.

Brandon Jones Hearing some negative statements about him. Is it possible he might could be packaged in a trade?? Joe Blanton for Brandon Jones and Jo Jo and one of Evarts or Locke?? Although the A’s probably need Lillibridge more. I sure hope we hang onto him!!

JS (new acronym for Jordan S) I heard his second hit on XM yesterday! Could he make it out of spring training? Rhetorical question. Time will tell!

Jazz update. We beat the difficult teams (Pistons), and lose to some of the lowly teams (Clippers and Timberwolves). Tonight should be interesting with D-Will and CP-3 going after it again. D-Will took Chris to school last meeting.

Lew Meant to ask you to get me an autograph from Hoss, as a peace offering for stiffing my kids back in Greenville in the early 90’s!

:-)

PS: JC I was thinking the same thing for the Giants and Thorman! Could we get Lowry for Thorman and Jo Jo?? Maybe throw in BJ??

By stephen jones

February 29, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Lew:

Thanks for the info. If I make a sign like that you’ll probably hear a line from Major League “Look at this f——n guy!” Is Nectar’s still open in B-town?

By Shamus Thacker

February 29, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

At least we know Javy’s still got good arm strength, and no Mackey Sasser/Dale Murphy syndrome.

Sasser was like Howard Hughes behind the plate.

Envy the Florida weather. Raining here in the Town of Cedars and 52 [why don’t they put a degrees sign on keyboards] degrees.

By jbutler

February 29, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Just saw a quick reel of the game today and got a look at AJ. Hmmm…looks like he celebrated that new contract with a few trips to the buffet!! Jenny Craig free??

By jbutler

February 29, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Wayne…where in UT are you? We’re making the trip from CO that way- just curious. Agree with your assessment of Tex. Just enjoy having him instead of henpecking the joy out of it by counting the days till he’s somewhere else. This could be last year for several big guys if the middle-aged pitching staff heads for home after this year.

By flange1

February 29, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Good Evening All,

Good game today! We are learning more and more about the 2008 team. Everybody has opinions on who will be on the 2008 squad, and my team has “guesstimate” changed since before ST.

I think 7 of the 8 starting positions have already been decided. The only job that is open is LF. I thought that B Jones and Diaz would platoon there, but My thoughts have changed.

I now think that Diaz will start 80% of the games in LF.

The bench will be Anderson, Thorman, Javy, Infante (when ready) and ? We could keep Prado or Lillibridge. I would rather have Lillibridge at Richmond because I don’t think he is ready for ML pitching.

I would prefer to trade Prado and get a useful bench player.

I would play Anderson and Thorman in LF to get at bats. PH=Thorman, PR=Anderson.

I think Hampton and JJ at 4 and 5.

Let Richmond start the year with Chuckie, Bennett, JoJo, and Morton as starters 1-4. If someone gets hurt, DL them and bring up a starter, whoever id pitching best.

Bullpen spots are Soriano, Moylan, Ohman, Yates, Acosta, Resop and the winner of Boyer and Ring.

Look to trade (ASAP) Prado, B. Pena, Boyer/RIng loser and Blanco.

This IS a moving target! Heck, we have only played a few spring training games!!

Thoughts?

By Shamus Thacker

February 29, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Andruw now has that Bambinoesque look. May be dryin up a few beer joints too…

I’m fat as Andruw, so how the Hell can I complain? If puter programmers had a Bob Horner clause in their contracts, I’d be broke.

By Shamus Thacker

February 29, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Anybody have an idea where Horner is now? Ole Bob was about as naturally talented as they come, but popups over third caused him night-sweats. lol

I haven’t decided who was/is more of an “iron man,” Horner or Hampton. If Hampton makes it through the first tomorrow, he gets the nod… I’m really pulling for Hammy though.

Y’all have a good’un, I’m gone……..

By Choppinmama

February 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

McFann - when I saw Javy was behind the plate today my first thought was about you - hoping that you wouldn’t be too disappointed. But, it was great watching the guys out there in the first televised game of ‘08 wasn’t it?

Chopdawg and other ST attendees - lineups are available inside the Braves store at the park.

I also caught the new first names the ESPN guys gave Schaeffer today. What about going to 30 seconds of commercials as soon as Damian Moss starts pitching? Sheeesh!

Hoss had a couple of hot ones to handle over at third today, Yunel saved his bacon with that good pick up and rocket throw to Tex. Chipper didn’t look too happy with the throw from pitcher X that he had to scoop for the out either. Then, I was holding my breath when he crossed the plate with the throw coming home and tangled up with the catcher. Too much potential for another bizarre injury waiting to happen. Whew!!

Looks like Francouer and Smoltz are headed to the greens on Monday with Tiger. And yes, he is filling out his uniform pretty good this season!

By Nekkid on vinyl

February 29, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Shamus Don’t know where ole Bob Horner is but popups weren’t his biggest problem.He was a sullen lard a** who seemed only mildly interested in his job.

By McFann©

February 29, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Choppinmama. I wasn’t too disappointed. Kept in mind that there was a 162 game season in the near future, and that helped. But yeah, it was real fun to watch a game for the first time since September—and that it was a high-scoring one for the Bravos.

That freak commercial break was weird, too. (And Moylen threw the ball to Chipper.)

NIGHT ALL!!

By Yars

February 29, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones LF platoon job is his to lose. The only way Anderson could make the opening day roster is if B. Jones has a horrible spring, (how many options does Jones have left?) or Braves decide to trade away/release Thorman, & make Diaz the everyday LF/back-up 1B, & Anderson will be 4th OF.

By Yars

February 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Aside from Lillibridge getting a cup of coffee until Infante comes off DL, that kid is blocked. Where is his future gonna be with the Braves?

By Luther

February 29, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Very Nice DOB

By Greg in TN

February 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Evening everyone…

All my plans to tape the game and follow along at work got wrecked, however all was not lost in the final tally as the lads of Stone Mountain prevailed.

Looks like Buddy Carlyle, Will Ohman and Damian Moss all pitched scoreless innings today. I’m disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to see Jurrjens today, however I will rectify that as soon as television broadcast schedules allow.

As the crusading notorious one mentioned, Javy had an interesting day, both with the stick and with the arm. He obviously improved his stock today. Brandon Jones did have a walk and scored a run, but had some misadventures in the field himself. Can’t comment on what I didn’t see today, but hey, in the end, the fellas got some game time in and there were no injuries reported and it seemed as if Walt’s army dialed up a sunny day for the television cameras from Disney-Bristol.

Not sure whether the Braves will get a signature from Frenchy on a deal this year or not, but there’s plenty of time to get that done.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Here is an obvious clue for all you Met and Phillie fans.

Chuck James , Jo-Jo Reyes , Charlie Morton and Buddy Carlyle will be in Richmond. Reserved and ready for action if needed.

The very idea that the Braves are going to have at least three major league caliber starters in AAA Richmond should be a light bulb moment for the so called experts.

Philadelphia and the Mets are in deep , deep Doodoo and they don’t know it yet.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

not to put the cart in front of the horse but this team has got a chance to be pretty darn good.

if the back of the rotation holds up and soriano does his job we should be in a three team race.

i know everyone is focused on the mets but the phillies have the better lineup. look for shane victorino and pedro feliz to have huge years. rollins will steal 35-50 and victorino is faster. their only weak spot is at catcher. feliz is gonna hit 30 dingers in that band box.

no lead will be safe vs. the phills next year.

javy looked great today. if he has a great spring i dont know how happy he will be playing once a week.

offensively if kotsay gives us anything we should be able to score enough runs. its gonna be real fun watching escobar and johnson continue to develop. they have trammel whitaker potential offensively.

By brent a.

February 29, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Last year, Chipper always gave the indication (at least publically) that he thought Andruw would be back. Sure, they had a history together, and Chipper surely wanted him around, but still if he didn’t have some reason to say this, I doubt he would have.

With Teixeira, Chipper has consistently communicated that it’s a longshot. (I do think he gave something like 50/50 odds here on this blog).

The thing that bothers me about Teixeira is that we had to listen to the Andruw talk all last year, and now we’re hearing the Tex talk.

Personally, I just hope it stops.

We know Andruw left. We know he and Tex are Boras clients. We know baseball is a business. We know Tex wants to win a World Series this year in Atlanta (we also know talk is cheap).

I’m getting old. I just want to enjoy the season, and now that it’s March, not speculate about Teixeira until at least July.
If we’ve fallen out of the race at that point (which is highly doubtful), then raise the issue of whether or not we’re keeping him.

Otherwise. Let’s just watch and enjoy.

In the words of Ivan Drago, “If he leaves, he leaves.”

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

February 29, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Um, Yars. Go back and read the previous blog. You are in the bleachers my friend , all by your lonesome.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

brent,

i agree, enjoy the season. this is sheffield all over again.

as fans we have no control over it, so lets go out and win this year. ( THATS WHY THE TRADE WAS MADE.)

look in the the long run we are always going to play third fiddle to the mets and the phillies when it comes to payroll. the braves are a non-core asset to liberty media, fact is they were a tax swap.i guess we are really really lucky to have the infrastructure in JS, WREN, PAUL SNYDER, AND BOBBY.

if you dont think so look across town at the atlanta spirit. that thing is a disgrace. bunch of ego-maniac cheapskates.

either way braves fans should be fun.

By chrisklob

February 29, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

uga what’s up bro. For the life of me, I can’t understand why Feliz is getting all this love on this blog. He’s a career .252 hitter (.253 last year) He doesn’t draw many walks so his career obp is .288. He does play pretty decent 3b but he’s going to be 33 in April so there’s no reason to think he’s going to get any better (unless he inherited Bonds’ training manual).

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

coach, with all due respect, we saw what carlyle had to offer last year.

the guy has heart but he is not a guy you want making 30 starts.

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

klobber,

hows charleston? gonna be down there the weekend of the masters. a friend of ours runs a great restaurant down there called F.I.G.

i just think feliz will fall in love with that small park. either way i know you are as excited as i am.

got a good bottle of pinot opened, how about you?

By chrisklob

February 29, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

uga, drinking my usual.

Feliz will hit more HR this year. He averages about 22 or so. I’d be surprised if he didn’t hit a few more. Still he’s a .250 hitter, but he’s not Adam Dunn.

Who do you know at FIG, Adam or Mike or someone else?

By uga-brave

February 29, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

BayAreaSteve and chrisklob,

whiskey and some knob creek sour mash are on the bar for you lads.

step up.

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Haven’t seen BAS in a couple days. But you know I’m always up for one.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

uga-brave: I disagree about Carlyle. Last year he was still getting the mothball smell off his gear and the soy sauce out of his sweat. This year he’s going to be in the groove, and could surprise a lot of people. He’s going to be a difference-maker somewhere. Even if it is Richmond.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

chrisklob,

i am lucky enough to get to go to the masters.we just go on thursday then drive on down to charleston. last couple of years we have stayed at the andruw pickney inn. my future wifes’ family knows the fig guys.

charleston has plethora of great, i mean great restaurants. ate at high cotton and snob, but i really liked fig.

i believe it is a relatively new restaurant, didn’t the chef and owner work somewhere else?

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

We do have a ridiculous amount of great restaurants here. Pretty amazing when you consider there are only 500k people in the metro area. I met Adam and Mike some years ago when they both worked at Anson. Mike, the chef, left Anson and did some traveling. When he got back, he and Adam opened FIG. You’re right, it’s one of our great ones. They don’t get the publicity that some of the others do. Must not have a very good PR person.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

hard to believe that we will have baseball every day from now until october. james earl jones diatribe in FIELD OF DREAMS just about says it all.

watched the game today and i cant believe how good javy looked. now i know it was one game, but he did not play last year. still had the bat speed.

37 with a year out of the game, and the first at bat you go yard. good stuff.

what a lineup that was, furcal, giles, sheffield, chipper, javy, andruw, fick , castiila,

too bad we ran into a healthy prior, wood, and zambrano.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

the state with four letters,

buddy carlyle has a ton of sand. what he does not have is MR. NASTY.

good fastball, decent deuce, but does not have that break your knees slider.

hey guys jo-jo showed flashes in his last three starts. i know he is longshot this year but he has a great future.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

chrisklob,

its a small world? read your intro over yonder, really good stuff. you a citadel guy by any chance?

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Thanks uga. No, I graduated from the College of Charleston. Have plenty of El Cid friends though.

I’m with you on Carlyle too. He performed admirably at times last year. But he’s a #6 starter in my mind.

By Ghost of Charles Pinckney

March 1, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

UGA Brave Our family is the most historic in SC history with myself,Charles Cotesworth and many others.Hell we have our own colony and I was prominent at the first constitutional convention.Don’t make me come over there,get our name right or I’ll have you lashed.

By Moby Grape

March 1, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

Dammit. Same silly team as last year. Win a blow out-lose a close game. Another year like that is gonna drive me nuts. How about a little consistency boys? Never too early to start whining is it?

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Moby, step away from the ledge please.

Mr. Pinckney, that’s good stuff. But don’t be offended, uga misspells lots of words! :-)

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

klobber,

college of charleston guy, knew a few guys that went there. you are a lucky guy, a lot of beautiful women matriculated there. dont know your age but i have been to the music farm a couple of times. saw hootie there before they became famous circa 94. college of charleston used to play some pretty good hoops.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

moby,

it is TWO games. but that was our M.O. last year, no doubt.

seems like we never won a 3-2 or 5-4 game last year.

aint baseball great?

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

There are still some clubs who would happily pencil Buddy Carlyle in as a #4 though, and probably a couple that would slot him third.

Buddy Carlyle not making the Atlanta rotation doesn’t mean he’s not starter material. It just means that our organizational depth at starter is sick and Buddy’s competing with four younger guys for a single rotation spot.

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

uga, I used to work with Jim Sonefeld’s sister. I met them all before they got famous too. Nice bunch of guys. I run into Mark Bryan about twice a year. Fame hasn’t changed him at all. Very nice guy.

C of C hoops havent’ been the same since John Kresse retired. Hopefully Cremins can turn things back around. It was fun seeing them during March Madness.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

i misspell words what? it must be because i was in JAN KEMP’S english 101 class at GEORGIA. me henry williams, and herschel. why do you think herschel has muutiple personalities.

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Good one uga. What year did you graduate?

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

ole miss,

maybe the fish and the reds. do you really believe that buddy is a # 3?

like i said great heart, gets by on grit and guts. however it takes more then that. i wish chuck and duck had the same makeup.

By Moby Grape

March 1, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

I can’t understand why Feliz is getting all this love on this blog. He’s a career .252 hitter (.253 last year) He doesn’t draw many walks so his career obp is .288.chriskolb

the guy will likely hit a lotta homers there, but he is also likely to make an awful lot of outs.288 is absolutely horrible and the main reason it took him so long to get a contract. He’ll hinder a lot of rallies IMO.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

chrisklob,

undergrad 1990, mba 1993.

just missed the glory years. my first game in athens was labor day night. mike shula brought the tide down the field to beat us in the last minute. saw some great and bad football vince then ray one play away goof. NOTE i did not misspell his name.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

uga Last year, we would have had Buddy as #3 if we’d been thinking straight. Chuck wasn’t ready for the pressure being slotted that high put on him. And yes, on a team with a modest budget (under $65 mil), I think it would be a good bet to put Buddy in the #3 spot.

By Baron

March 1, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Brother Shultz’s Smoltzie story was pretty cool. Nice to hear from Granpa’s own mouth what exactly the hell he is up to out there in the back barn. I’m gonna shed a stubborn tear when that old wolverine hangs ‘em up, I can tell you that. What a class act in so many ways. A great talent to be sure, but also a student of the craft.

Glad to see Javy getting off to a good start, but I also feel deep in my heart that Bryan Pena should get a real chance. The guy’s versatile and he can hit when healthy. If we don’t use him this year then we should probably go ahead and trade him to the Nats so he gets a chance.

Buddy Carlyle: what can you say about this guy? He kept us in the pennant race for about 15 starts last season. I have never seen a cast-off pitcher come on the scene and deliver like that guy did last summer. He will always have my respect for that. I don’t think we should dismiss him so quickly. Circa August 10, 2007, if you had said that Buddy was getting bumped back to fifth starter because Tom Glavine OR (a healthy) Mike Hampton was coming on board, I would have said- “Hell M@#$%^$^^ yeah! We’re gonna take this thing!” Jair Jurrens, I’d like to see him get a good shot this season, and JoJo too. But if either of those guys falter I’d be quick with the trigger on the Buddy.

On Tex’s contract: I feel like we could sign and lock up Frenchy, KJ, and Yunel (And Diaz, for that matter) for the next 7 years with the kind of money we’d have to shell out for 5 years of Tex. Even if we got tired with one or more of them, they could be traded with the salary they’d have agreed to. Has anyone noticed what kind of contracts Mark DeRosa’s been commanding the last three years? And he’s a guy we (rightfully) cast off. A few days ago on a Man In Black blog I wrote that these young guys get paid like college kids compared to their older teammates, and I got chided for it- “Oh, I remember the days of trying t get by on $390,000 a year, eating ramen three times a day”- but I still say, ONE MILLION DOLLARS is alot of money to a person who had been making $390,000. And when your colleagues have been raking in 10+ million a year for 5-10 years, $390,000 is chump change. I say, let’s sign these pre-free agent kids to more honest contracts for longer terms. The Braves have a great farm system, and they need to start trusting in their own development.

And I’ll have Bulleit, thanks. Rocks, a splash of Tallahassee tap, and pour it tall please.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

moby,

you might be right on feliz, but he aint going to be hitting 5th anymore, gonna probably hit 7th. he will jack 25 or more.

got to be an improvement on wes KEG HEAD helms. i know you all remember KEG HEAD helms.

wes helms has the biggest dome this side of kevin mench.

i know we had and have our fustrations with THOR MIGHTY GOD OF THUNDER, but wes helms is his twin from the right side of the dish.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

baron,

i guess you missed that gem that buddy tossed against the red sox last year.

by the way all the kids francoeur, johnson, escobar are here for at least two- three more years no matter what.

i think TENN-PAUL probably had the best take. if you sign TEX to a 22 million 7 or 8 year contract at the end of it, it is probably a bargain. i know that sounds sick in a economy that the price of corn has trippled but that is the system that we are in.

in no way am i making light of carlyles determination, he does have that. but at some point there is a point of inflection when pure talent comes into play.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

Adam Eaton in 2007:

10-10 in 30 starts, avg. 5.37 IP/S and a 6.29 ERA, 1 HR/G 1.63 WHIP

Buddy in 2007:

8-7 in 20 starts, avg. 5.2 IP/S and a 5.21 ERA, .95 HR/G 1.39 WHIP

I think it’s a good sign that one of our main rivals is counting on a starting pitcher who was worse last year than our current ninth starter.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

Carlyle also outpitched Pelfrey last year, and with El Duque and Pedro in the same lineup, who’s betting against seeing Pelfrey start some this year?

The point is, Buddy Carlyle would make the 25-man roster on any other NL East team, if he were allowed to compete for a spot. It really says something about this team that we don’t even give him a second look.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

ole miss,

how are the ribs feeling?

LOVED THE CARTOON REFERENCE. scooby dobby doo.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

uga: Between the ribs, a blown knee, four herniated disks, a Crohn’s flareup, and a mild case of bronchitis, you might say that I’m just happy to be alive. If you didn’t realize how much it sucks to be alive with all that going on at the same time. Anyway, the reason I’ve been on so much, and so late at night, is that my painkillers give me insomnia, hence the “if you’re on drugs” comment on that Scooby Doo post. If I get something backwards or don’t make sense, blame the opiates.

By the way, the Marlins’ current third starter isn’t fit to mop up Buddy’s sweat.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this

“I laughed, I cried—it moved me, Bob.”

Check out this site if you want a trip down the backroads of 1970s baseball lore. I can’t seem to get enough of it.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this

ole miss, how old? you sound like a car wreck,

for me never had a opiate, unless it us a good bottle of wine or a shot of jager.

either way heal up sounds like you tried to hump rosie o’donnell.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this

ole miss,

my insominia is caused by a good dinner two bottles of wine, a good dunhill, then the future wife yelling at me. shot of jager. future wife was asleep now yelling. that was two hours ago, now peace.

By Baron

March 1, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this

You guys ERE SHIITE HEADS, you realize that don’t you? I lay out three points of discussion and you R-tards come back with one comment? I’ve had it with this blog. DOB is money, hands down, the rest of you besides Shaun can get off. Seriously, you are SORRY.

By Moby Grape

March 1, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this

UGA I think Thor might be a bit better than Wes. And how about Hessman? For a buncha years there the Braves had a thing about drafting big ol’ 1st or 3rd sackers whose only real potential was big power. They had another just b4 them that they traded away too though I can’t remember his name it mighta bben to Chi. Campbell ain’t quite as big but so far power potential seems to be all he has too. Johnson might be another, though he did improve a good bit his second year. Too early to be sure on him. Heyward might just be the real deal though,

By Moby Grape

March 1, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

I meant Cody Johnson in above post, not Kelly.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

moby,

GREAT CALL on mighty MIKE HESSMAN. lots of us including myself forgot about him. he goes down in the same file as rico brogna.

By uga-brave

March 1, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this

moby,

you are right on point. heyward and cody johnson are the future. great post.

By gibby

March 1, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Finally got a chance to check out Baseball America’s top 100 list. Braves 5, Phillies 3, Mets 1 Looks like the braves are taking care of their future and some other team isn’t. Also they list them by original organization Braves 5, Phillies 3, Mets 3. Now we know who can pick them too.

By mark

March 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Javy Lopez….WoW……Blast from the past..A member of 1995 World Champion Braves one who hit that Homer against Dennis Martinez I think Game 2 a game Braves Won.It would be great to see Javy do good things for Braves and maybe become great trade material and revive his career and make some big bucks again. Im pulling for you Javy!!You always showed class as a Brave.

By Garry

March 1, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Dude, here’s a thought. I think we should move past all the talk about whether or not the Braves are going to resign Tex. You’ve been stirring the pot for weeks now to no avail. Don’t be a muckraker. Don’t cause distraction. Don’t make everyone focus on the business side of the game. Why not just focus on good curveballs, strong throws to the plate from right, and opposite field power? I personally HATE any discussion of the money. For certain, baseball is a business. Players to help the business prosper deserve to be rewarded. I personally don’t blame guys who take higher paychecks. Imagine…you have a choice to pick a Lotter ticket for $80 million, or a chance to pick a ticket for $100 million? No brainer which one you’d choose. Again, I’d appreciate it if you would stop distracting the players and the fans with that line of discussion. There is nothing any of us can do to affect who the Braves sign. There is nothing any of us can do to make a player take less money. Let’s just focus on what happens between the foul lines. Anything else simply tarnishes the purity of the game that we all love.

By JC form UT

March 1, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

If Bobby and FW decide to keep Javy to PH backup both 1st and catch who would be the third catcher? Personally I like Corky Miller more than Pena. Corky has a grat arm and more power than Pena.

By Braveheart

March 1, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

garry is one annoying goober

By Austin

March 1, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

JC form UT

They would use Diaz as the 3rd/emergency catcher.

By Lew

March 1, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

ChrisKlob-Feliz gets love because he is an offensive upgrade for the Phillies at third base over Wes Helms. In that little league stadium they call home, Feliz could easily hit 30+HR and knock in over 100. He more than fills in for Rowand’s offensive loss, despite the King Kong Kingman-like Batting Average.

Stephen Jones-The only Nectar I’m familiar with is an obscure Swedish Progressive Rock band from the middle seventies. I guess that is definitive proof that I’m an old Dude living in the past. They were actually a good band and I do have a CD. Hardly what you were looking for, though.

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Same silly team as last year. Win a blow out-lose a close game. Another year like that is gonna drive me nuts. How about a little consistency boys?

Sounds pretty consistent to me, Moby. LOL

By Lew

March 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Garry-That’s the problem though, Dude. The money is such a major part of the game that you can’t ignore it-especially given the Braves’ apparent financial constraints. Yes, it’s a pain in the nether regions and is not fun to contemplate, but ignoring it just ain’t gonna happen.

Don’t worry too much about Tex, though. I offered him the painting of his choice if he signs with the Braves. I even told him to have Boras write it into his contract. Even Tex acknowledged not the Mets, Yankees or Red Sox would sweeten their deals with that offer. Hey-we all do what we can for our team. I don’t mind.

By JC from UT

March 1, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Austin: my question is who would you choose as the 3rd catcher if they decide to go with 3 “true” catchers assuming that Javy is the primary backup to both McCann and Teixeira and to utilize Javy’s bat off the bench

By Overlord

March 1, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Santana debuts for Mets; Cards’ Pujols, Juan Gone swing away

By stephen jones

March 1, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Lew:

There was a bar up there called that a few years ago, dont know if its still there.

Garry:

If we go over 3.5m in attendance I think thats what WE can do as fan to try to keep Tex.

By Austin

March 1, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

JC from UT

Pena. I like his bat a lot better and he is younger and could contribute down the line.

By Steve McP

March 1, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I will be doing my bit to help the attendance by making the trek to see the Mutts series in April.

Unfortunately the hotels at the Ted have jacked their prices up as this is a big series and so I will be staying at a Red Roof downtown. Does anyone know whether there is any public transport from Downtown Atlanta to the Ted?

By Braveheart

March 1, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

There was alot to like yesterday. Frenchy went the other way to collect an RBI, Javy hit one out, KJ was smoking balls, Escobar showed off his rifle arm, Chipper looked like he will be in contention for the batting title again this year, Jurrjens and Moylan kept the ball down for the most part.

I have been skeptical of Jurrjens but he showed me alot yesterday. I loved the way he kept the ball down. There was nothing he could do with that Kemp hit. He kept the ball down and Kempt hit a weak grounder to the perfect spot for a guy with his speed. Jair seemed to get a little unsettled over the next 2 batters and gave up that long shot by Adam’s little bro. But I loved the way he bounced back from that adversity and attacked the next hitter with some beautiful FU nasty flair. He’s young and will make mistakes. But he won me over yesterday.

After watching a guy like Kyle Davies, who also had great stuff, schlep his way around the mound with slumped shoulders and a sad sack, Charlie Brown looking, good grief quoting, I can’t believe this is happening again look of anguished angst to him all the time, I will gladly take the guy with a little machismo to him like Jurrjens showed me yesterday.

It sure beats the hopeful, wishful, I can’t believe I am here look of bewilderment JoJo Reyes perpetually had frozen on his face last year.

And as much as I love Chuck James, his perpetual look of huh? is starting to get on my last nerve.

Jeff Bennet was a guy last year who pitched with an FU attitude as if he wanted to make the entire baseball world regret they left him for dead. I don’t know if he is good enough or if he has the stuff, but I will take the hungry FU attitude of JUrrjens and Bennett anyday over what I saw out of JoJo and Davies last season.

What I saw yesterday made me very excited about the possibilities of the bench. Javy’s home run was a thing of beauty. Same short, sweet stroke we all remember. That second throw when no one was covering needs to be addressed. Some one clearly missed a sign. But regardless, some one needs to be covering the base even if they are conceding second. You always have to prepare for the worst case scenario. Remember that Giambi/Jeter play in the playoffs a few years back. That was something they had actually worked on in spring training. Jeter did not belong there as the second cut off man but there he was because someone in spring training thought about the what if scenario and the Yankees worked on that play. They probably would not have made the World Series that year without that play. So the Braves need to clean that up a bit just in case a catcher misses a sign and fires through to an empty base.

And McFann, the mistake Javy made, if he made one, was that he missed a sign. The mistake was not that he threw to a base no one was covering. Catchers don’t throw to a fielder. They throw to the base. Outfielders often do the same thing. You are so busy trying to catch the ball out there that you rely upon other fielders to call out 2 or 3 or 4 and you come up firing away depending upon what the call was, oftentimes, without even looking. The muscle memory often takes over in that moment.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

GARRY:

Yes, but money influences who’s standing between those lines. You can’t divorce the two sorry. As much as I want to agree with you, I don’t. Its all good Garry. Sorry.

By flange1

March 1, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I agree with your 11:56. JJJ looked good except for 1 bad pitch to Laroach that stayed UP in the zone.

What did you think about the “stutter step” at the beginning of his delivery?

I was glad to see Javy crush one and to hit it off Loiza not some unknown rookie.

Also liked watching Anderson. I think he is going to push B Jones HARD for the last OF spot. I think B Jones might be forced to work on his game for 1 more year in Richmond.

Ohman looked pretty nasty too. I like the pen with Soriano, Moylan, Yates, Acosta and Ohman.

I wonder if it matters who they pick for the next 2 spots.. Look forward to seeing Resop, Boyer and Ring battle it out. Resop currently in the lead.

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Braveheart. Yeah, I read that about Javy missing a sign or something. Good thing it’s only ST. If he makes the team, he’ll know all the correct signs by the real season.

Sweet lineup today! But why the DH?

By Pete H.

March 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Is there going to be a fresh blog today? Living in Chicago is going to be a lot worse than it was, now that TBS has dropped all games.

It’s nice to see Javy back. He looks to be in great shape, and it will be nice to have a legit bat on the bench. It wasn’t his fault but I got REAL sick of seeing Woodward hitting for the pitcher late in the game.

Is there any reason Infante hasn’t played yet? He’s supposed to be our super sub this year, and I have not seen much of him with the Tiggers.

Just for fun, we should make an arrangement to have Redman start a game for us, so we can firmly remember how much better off we are than we were a year ago. Shudder.

BTW, as to Ohman, there aren’t a lot of Cub fans sad to see him go. He has incredible stuff and zero concentration. He’ll make two guys look like chumps, then give up four or five long hits. I hope Bobby remembers to use him strictly to go after a batter or two, then get him out of there.

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, enjoy the game wherever you’re at. Or if you’re in Atlanta, enjoy this beautiful weather. I’m home for the weekend, recharging on my first day off in a few weeks. Gonna go see Don at Ellaguru now…

Garry, nice fantasy world you’d like sports to live in.

So you think I’m writing about Teixeira and his future because I’m “stirring the pot”? Oh, interesting. See, because I thought I was writing about it because so many people ask me about it on the blog, in person, in every radio interview I do, etc. But apparently it’s me writing about it that’s causing all that to happen, not the other way around? Interesting.

Thanks. We’ll take your suggestion to our editor and see if he’d just prefer that we cover what’s between the lines, none of that messy business side to sports.

We’ll pretend free agency doesn’t exist and only the present matters, and we’ll see if everyone will agree to start referring to this as 1970 again, long as we’re at it.

Oh, and it’s time that we agree to never mention anything about ugly stuff like drugs in sports.

By David O'Brien

March 1, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Pete H., you must’ve missed the news and all subsequent mentions of Infante’s broken hand. Hit by a pitch late in season in winter ball. Cast still on his hand, but supposed to come off any day.

He’s almost certainly going to start season on DL, but probably for only a couple weeks.

By JEB

March 1, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Braveheart totally agree with your look at the game. Right on about Javy! His job is to throw to the base, period! Someone missed a sign (as to who was to cover) or was not paying attention to the runner (though hard to figure, seeing it was Furcal). Right on about the look and attitude of James, Davies, and Reyes. I remember back in the 90’s watching Wohlers come in and him looking like a deer in the headlights.Wiping sweat and adjusting his cup as if he did not know what to do. His attitude was ultimately his downfall. Especially compared to that of Rocker’s. He came running out of the bullpen like a BULL! Charging to the mound ready to take on anyone! I loved that attitude! Especially for a closer. Or the steely eyes of a Smoltz, Glavine, and even Maddox. Classic stares.

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

as DOB just told you guys he’s off for a couple of days, so i’m here at the controls of the Braves/MIB… Glavine is getting ready to do his thing, so i will try to keep you abreast of the happenings…

talked to francoeur and wren today. wren said the only talks the braves have had with frenchy’s agent in the last week were in terms of a one-year deal, nothing long-term. tomorrow is the first day the team can unilaterally renew his contract. i wouldn’t be surprised then to see that happen for the second consecutive year.

as for a long-term deal, frenchy said: “It’s like anything when you give up a long-term deal you’ll be giving up obviously a little money, but I think at the same time you want to make sure you’re comfortable. Both sides have got to be comfortable with the contract.”….so apparently they are not.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

How are Chuck James and Larry the Cable Guy related?

I was looking at Chuck’s stats page, then I looked at his photo, closed my eyes and pictured him in a cut-off flannel shirt, doing stand-up.

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

it’s pretty laid back here in spring training and especially here in kissimmee, where astros fans are kinda like braves fans - laid back….but a handful of people made a point to stand up and cheer glavine as he walked onto the field just now….there he goes, strike one, strike two on michael mourn …

By Overlord

March 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Seams as if tom is the old tom, KKK to tejada. Everything is looking so smooth in 2008 for us, its almost like a fairy tale.

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

first inning for glavine was a beauty. struck out michael bourn on four pitches to start it off. got kaz matsui to ground out to second and then after falling behind miguel tejada 3-0 came back to strike him out on a called strike three, a pitch just off the corner like he used to get. this one compliments of home plate umpire larry vanover. 13 pitches, eight strikes….0-0 after one…

By TexasBrave

March 1, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Carroll keep it coming please for all of us not able to catch the game live in any way.

Thanks,

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Nice going, Tommy. Welcome back!

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Overlord, Tom Glavine is NOT a racist! :-)

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

second inning not as pretty. glavine fell behind batters. eight strikes, nine balls in 17 pitches, and gave up a two-out solo home run to ty wigginton on a 3-1 pitch. not a very nice move by his former met teammate. but i would imagine overall tom will be pretty happy. he got that first one under his belt and the homer was the only baserunner allowed. he struck out two and walked none.

By Austin

March 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates Carroll.

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks also to Carroll for keeping those of us in cyberland up to date on what’s happening at the game, who’s looking good and who’s…

Can’t resist adding how enjoyable it was to learn this morning that the Mets are 0-3 plus a tie (barely) with the Univ. of Michigan. Considering that Santana got clobbered yesterday this was almost too much good news for one day!

I know, it might be a tad early to celebrate the division title yet.

By ncgary

March 1, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

good job dob, fire up a cuban rolled cigar & break out the brandy

By jim

March 1, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I liked what I saw in yesterday’s game: 1. Javy looked to be in great shape and put a beautiful swing on the ball. (I only saw 1 Javy error, 2nd by B. Jones. Were there 2 errors on the one play or did I miss something?) 2. KJ looked more fluid at 2B and great at the plate. I would not be shocked if he led the team in BA this year. That approach and swing I would still compare to John Olerud. 3. Schaefer impressed me a lot. No hits, but took the pitch the other way and looked very confident at the plate. 4. I liked what I saw of Anderson. Its very early, but I would think that if spring training were over tomorrow, he’d be the 4th outfielder. He gives the team more versatility and speed, so B. Jones will need to really impress to beat him out. 5. Ohman looked very good. Threw strikes and seemed to have good velocity. 6. (JR)*3 impressed. I still like Chuck James a lot more than many others on this blog, but the 5th spot looks to be in good hands however it turns out.

By Overlord

March 1, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

chrisklob, you never know, maybe the FBI will begin an investigation on him also searching for KKK parents or something.

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

you’re welcome, austin. glad somebody is out there “listening.”….Reggie Abercrombie just stole second on Brian McCann (or more like the pitcher (Ryan Drese) and he took third on mccann’s throw out of reach of Prado. but more importantly just got my first gliimpse of Kotsay’s arm. he fired a bullet to third….nice. braves down 2-0.

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Nothing wrong with Glavine’s first start today. Had to be a few butterflies, etc. I’m going out on a limb here and predict that Santana will win no more than a couple games more than Glavine, the lefty he replaced this year. Let’s see, the Braves spent $7M and the Mets spent $100M… or was it $200M for a lengthy lockup? If the Mets don’t win the division this year, can you imagine the howling in NYC? Better keep those bags packed, Mr. Minaya.

By jim

March 1, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Let’s keep things in perspective. These games don’t count. From the 5th inning on most of the guys playing are competing for spots at a higher level of the minor leagues. A veteran pitcher is just try to get work in, especially this early in S.T. Maddux used to intentionally give hitters fat pitches in certain counts to set them up for a different selection in the regular season. If Thursday’s game counted, would DeSalvo and Beard? have been pitching in the 9th inning? Even April games do not usually give a very accurate indication of how a team will fare during the long season.

By Roper

March 1, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

3 run hr Frenchy. 3-2 bravos

By TexasBrave

March 1, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll MLB.com has Kotsay as DH and Blanco as the CF. I take it they are wrong and it is the other way around?

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Jim, Javy had two errors yesterday. The first one was on a steal attempt. He had a pretty good throw, perhaps just a bit too far right of the bag but it hit the runner. Second error was on a Furcal (I believe) steal attempt. Javy made another pretty good throw by neither the SS or 2B was covering. Not sure if he missed a sign or if one of the infielders did but he got the E for his efforts.

By mattyO

March 1, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Blanco playing center and Kotsay DH’ing.

By TexasBrave

March 1, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I see from the MLB.com boxscore that Jeff just jacked a three run homer.

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Dude……

By Roper

March 1, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Kotsay was the Dh and Blanco was in center at the start of the game, i think Kotsay is in center now (he’s some where in the outfield anyway).

3-3 tie now. Drese gave up a single and a double.

Villareal’s gonna pitch next for the Astros.

Chipper and tex are out of the game. Diory hernandez and thorman are in.

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jim — You’re right… and wrong about these games counting. Of course, in any real baseball sense they matter very little. However, the business side of baseball is image-building and selling tickets for the regular season. You can be sure that a 8-19 Grapefruit League record makes it harder, if only a little, for management to meet its goals. They would greatly prefer a winning spring to tout.

By Lew

March 1, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

About to head out to the airport for the flight back to the Glacier. It was fun doing on the scene reports, but I think I’ll leave the serious Journalism To DOB and Carroll-they do a much better job (maybe that’s why they get paid for it and I don’t). I’ll stick to doing the artwork and awarding Wurlitzers.

It was nice meeting Carroll this Spring. Treat her right on the blog y’all. She’s a good Lady and a good reporter. We’re lucky to have her filling in for David. She was well worthy of the Wurlitzer she won.

Also-Thanks to U Kno Who, our Esteemed Third Baseman. He helped to make this a quite memorable Spring Training. Him introducing me to Bobby Cox was something special (don’t you think, Robert?).

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

yes i’m wrong. wow, ok thanks blanco’s arm out there. sorry bout that. need to get the glasses strengthened…

missed it, talking to glavine but i presume you guys know about frenchy’s three-run homer. first pitch. to left. first homer of spring.

glavine said the homer to wigginton was a pitch he’d never make during the season. 3-1 fastball in. so there, a gift to a former teammate. he felt good about his outing, just getting comfortable out there. and his son mason went 2-for-2 and got the game ball in his first little league game today, so it’s a good day to be a glavine…..

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Javy only made one error yesterday.

By Greg in TN

March 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Afternoon friends and neighbors…

And a tip of the cap and a hi to Carroll, blogging from the spring training home of the Astros.

I’d imagine that Glavine would want that 3-1 offering to Wigginton back, but it is indeed something to build on.

Nice 3-run jack by Frenchy. Seems like the offense to this point isn’t showing too much offseason rust to this point.

Right now we’re knotted at three from Kissimmee (pronounce it however you like, folks).

Brandon Jones is in left, Clint Sammons is now catching and Royce Ring is on the hill as the Braves begin the bottom of the fifth.

By jim

March 1, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chriskolb, I saw the throw that was into the runner, but didn’t think there was an error awarded on that play. I assumed an SB and didn’t see any further advance. ESPN had 2 errors in the Braves line score after the Jones drop.

By Greg in TN

March 1, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Good stuff Lew, have a safe flight home.

By jim

March 1, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Lew, There’s 4-6 inches of snow outside up here (NY State) that I have to get outside and shovel. Welcome back!

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

oscar villareal had a scoreless inning vs his old cronies….Royce Ring just had a decent ininng for the Braves…a leadoff walk but erased the runner on a pickoff play. gave up one hit but nothing else in a scoreless inning. 3-3 bottom of seventh. ridgeway just gave up a single up the middle

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

McFann(c), you’re correct. I pulled yesterday’s box score and saw that Diorys Hernandez was charged with the third error. My bad.

By eric the elder

March 1, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

“If he leaves, he leaves” pretty well sums up the reality of the Tex situation, but it puts a damper on fan enthusiasm, I think.

As fans, we will find warming up to Tex difficult, even if he has a monster year. How do we make any kind of emotional connection to a guy who is known as “hard core Boras” and who isn’t uttering any words that suggest he wants to stay here?

It doesn’t take much reading between the lines to understand Tex’s message. He will go where the big bucks take him. Period. All we’re missing is that famous plaintive cry, “Hey, I need to put food on the table.”

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

kotsay gets his first hit of spring, in his fifth at-bat, double past first….it was the third time he took aim at first base today (3-1, 3UA in first two at-bats) and finally got one thru….

By TBraveFan

March 1, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update on Kotsay arm — great to hear!
Can’t wait to get there and see for myself…

By Garry

March 1, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Outch…I gotta say, I hope your editors have better luck with constructive critique.

I read your blog often…I enjoy it 90% of the time…forgive me, but I’m tired of reading about the drugs and the money. Funny…I bet most of the players doing the drugs are, at least to some extent, doing it for the money. Success on the field generates revenue. It also generates blog time. If you think for a moment that baseball writers aren’t part of the problem (escalating salaries and drugs) you are sadly mistaken.

I actually think the Braves will make a play for Teixeira. Their strategy is pretty obvious…for the foreseeable future they will shell out $90-$110 million a year an in doing so will secure the services of 2-3 all-star caliber every-day players, followed by 2-3 quality starters. They’ll look to fill out the starting 9 with youth, and then attempt to save $$ in the bullpen, which of course is becoming harder. They’ll do this knowing that not many people who go to the games live within 15-25 minutes of the stadium. They’ll do this knowing we are on the verge of a recession and that we’ll all be paying $3.75 a gallon next summer.

If Tex, Frenchy, McCann, and Chipper fit in that strategy…great. If not, one of them will have to go. Now this is the part where some of the more annoying denizens of the blog start whining. They’ll say “but why, why, can’t we keep Tex.” Go to Turner Field in August when the Cubbies are in town. The Cubbies may bring more people to the park than we do…regardless of their record. Here’s another dose of reality…let’s say we do make the playoffs…look up in the stands…odds are you’ll see empty seats.

Tell me I’m wrong. I love this team…and yes, the truth hurts.

We shouldn’t blame any player for taking the most $$ they can get. These guys aren’t just playing for us, or themselves for that matter. Some of these guys are playing to ensure that their great, great grandchildren will live a life of opportunity. Something tells me that $20 million a year won’t seem like that much in 2048.

From where I’m sitting 1970 doesn’t sound all that bad.

DOB…here’s a question…why can’t you convince your writer buddies to put Murphy in the Hall?

By Garry

March 1, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Outch…I gotta say, I hope your editors have better luck with constructive critique.

I read your blog often…I enjoy it 90% of the time…forgive me, but I’m tired of reading about the drugs and the money. Funny…I bet most of the players doing the drugs are, at least to some extent, doing it for the money. Success on the field generates revenue. It also generates blog time. If you think for a moment that baseball writers aren’t part of the problem (escalating salaries and drugs) you are sadly mistaken.

I actually think the Braves will make a play for Teixeira. Their strategy is pretty obvious…for the foreseeable future they will shell out $90-$110 million a year an in doing so will secure the services of 2-3 all-star caliber every-day players, followed by 2-3 quality starters. They’ll look to fill out the starting 9 with youth, and then attempt to save $$ in the bullpen, which of course is becoming harder. They’ll do this knowing that not many people who go to the games live within 15-25 minutes of the stadium. They’ll do this knowing we are on the verge of a recession and that we’ll all be paying $3.75 a gallon next summer.

If Tex, Frenchy, McCann, and Chipper fit in that strategy…great. If not, one of them will have to go. Now this is the part where some of the more annoying denizens of the blog start whining. They’ll say “but why, why, can’t we keep Tex.” Go to Turner Field in August when the Cubbies are in town. The Cubbies may bring more people to the park than we do…regardless of their record. Here’s another dose of reality…let’s say we do make the playoffs…look up in the stands…odds are you’ll see empty seats.

Tell me I’m wrong. I love this team…and yes, the truth hurts.

We shouldn’t blame any player for taking the most $$ they can get. These guys aren’t just playing for us, or themselves for that matter. Some of these guys are playing to ensure that their great, great grandchildren will live a life of opportunity. Something tells me that $20 million a year won’t seem like that much in 2048.

From where I’m sitting 1970 doesn’t sound all that bad.

DOB…here’s a question…why can’t you convince your writer buddies to put Murphy in the Hall?

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

’S OK, Klobber.

Starting catcher made an error today, too. :,(

By Garry

March 1, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I hope your editors have an easier time with constructive critique.

I read your blog often…I enjoy it 90% of the time…forgive me, but I’m tired of reading about the drugs and the money. Funny…I bet most of the players doing the drugs are, at least to some extent, doing it for the money. Success on the field generates revenue. It also generates blog time. If you think for a moment that baseball writers aren’t part of the problem (escalating salaries and drugs) you are sadly mistaken.

I actually think the Braves will make a play for Teixeira. Their strategy is pretty obvious…for the foreseeable future they will shell out $90-$110 million a year an in doing so will secure the services of 2-3 all-star caliber every-day players, followed by 2-3 quality starters. They’ll look to fill out the starting 9 with youth, and then attempt to save $$ in the bullpen, which of course is becoming harder. They’ll do this knowing that not many people who go to the games live within 15-25 minutes of the stadium. They’ll do this knowing we are on the verge of a recession and that we’ll all be paying $3.75 a gallon next summer.

If Tex, Frenchy, McCann, and Chipper fit in that strategy…great. If not, one of them will have to go. Now this is the part where some of the more annoying denizens of the blog start whining. They’ll say “but why, why, can’t we keep Tex.” Go to Turner Field in August when the Cubbies are in town. The Cubbies may bring more people to the park than we do…regardless of their record. Here’s another dose of reality…let’s say we do make the playoffs…look up in the stands…odds are you’ll see empty seats.

Keep in mind, I love this team.

We shouldn’t blame any player for taking the most $$ they can get. These guys aren’t just playing for us, or themselves for that matter. Some of these guys are playing to ensure that their great, great grandchildren will live a life of opportunity. Something tells me that $20 million a year won’t seem like that much in 2058.

Sure, from where I’m sitting 1970 doesn’t sound all that bad.

DOB…here’s a question…why can’t you convince your writer buddies to put Murphy in the Hall?

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Rafael Soriano is slated to get his first work tomorrow. think he’s been battling a bit of a stomach bug, which is why he hasn’t pitched before now

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Lew — Congrats on meeting Bobby (and Chipper again.) Thanks also for the all the great comments from dark star and the bitter north. I’m taking 2 more months of evasive action in south Florida until returning to your part of the world.

And a question to U Kno Who in case your reading the blog… would Tex signing somewhere else have any effect on your interest in playing until you are at least 40, which you once mentioned to us in an earlier blog?

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

josh anderson just tied it 5-5 in the top of the ninth against his former team with a two-run single. he made Chad Reineke pay for two leadoff walks and a wild pitch inside….

By Greg in TN

March 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Josh Anderson’s stock is rising even higher. Tied the game with a two-run single and a stolen base puts him in scoring position.

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

martin prado just put the braves up 7-5 in the ninth. two outs, two strikes on him, bases loaded, he rolled a single into left field to drive in two. clutch. or hey, as clutch as it gets in a spring training game. but the guy is trying to make an impression….

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

martin prado just put the braves up 7-5 in the ninth. two outs, two strikes on him, bases loaded, he rolled a single into left field to drive in two. clutch. or hey, as clutch as it gets in a spring training game. but the guy is trying to make an impression….

By Greg in TN

March 1, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Good rally in the ninth for the win folks. Anderson and Prado both came through in the top of the ninth with a pair of 2-run singles.

A milestone in the recovery of Mike Hampton, who gets the nod tomorrow against these same Astros from Dark Star.

Thanks for blogging with the baseball hungry masses on the Braves/MIB blog Carroll!

By Nick

March 1, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Go Braves!

(Meanwhile, Brady Clark’s walkoff RBI groundout gives the Mets a 1-0 win over LA)

By Nick

March 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

And yeah, thanks for the updates Carroll!

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Carlos Delgado to trainer: “¡Ayuda! ¡He caído y no puedo levantarme!”

Judging by the article on mlb.com, reality may be setting in for those guys.

By Pete H.

March 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Awright, thanks for telling those of us out of the area how we scored.

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Anyone still here?

By Roman Gal

March 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Happy March Bloggers!

Well, I’m glad the good guys got a W yesterday and today. One thing I noticed from yesterday’s game was the pretty wretched announcing. But one has to remember that this is spring training for the players and the announcers.

I noticed Chipper got an error today…he didn’t exactly kill it in the field yesterday either. I hope he doesn’t let all the gold glove talk from last year go to his head.

ippississiM, concussions are a scary thing. I’m glad both of those guys are ok. I’m personally hoping Delgado has a really good year (while all other Mets stink it up) so the Mets will be more inclined to pick up his option…but I’m a realist and don’t expect that to happen.

Carroll, thanks for blogging with us today!

By chrisklob

March 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

ippississim, I sure hope that’s the case. I’d love to see this forum free of those loser Mets trolls. Even more I’d love to watch all those idiots from the national media sources have to eat their words!

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Before signing off I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Mets on their first win of the grapefruit season. Let’s see, it’s now 1-3 plus a lucky tie with Univ. of Michigan. And who could forget that dismal performance by Santana in his first game as a Met. Priceless….

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal: Delgado didn’t have concussion, that was Ryan Church. Delgado is having an MRI for hip pain.

By Roman Gal

March 1, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

ippississim, I know. I was just sayin’ is all…

AdirondackDave, I agree.

By Chopdawg

March 1, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Well that’s what I get, for leaving a ballgame early; after falling behind two runs in the top of the 9th (was it Lillibridge who air-mailed that throw to first, after he’d gotten picked off first earlier?) I decided to get back to the condo & get in a little pool time!—then I check the scoreboard & find out we came back to win in the 9th, and my man, former Rome Brave Martin Prado wuz the big hero.

Not a bad day for former Romans all the way down the lineup: McCann atoned for his E with a big hit just before Francoeur’s homer; Diory had a better game in the field; & I could hear SS Yunel Escobar whistling in the ‘Stros ballpark, which ain’t much bigger than State Mutual Stadium.

ChoppinMama, what I meant in my post yesterday wuz this: the substitutes who entered the game in the later innings weren’t announced over the PA. Do the lineups that you’re talking about, in your post, include the names of the subs? In the ‘Stros park today, the PA man did announce all the subs as they came into the ballgame which wuz very helpful.

Another Red Stripe, please, barkeep…& thanx Carroll for your coverage

By KC

March 1, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

My predictions for ATL’s starting lineup… drumroll please…

Escobar: .289, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 35 doubles, .370 OBP, 18 SB

Johnson: .286, 21 HR, 70 RBI, 37 doubles, .365 OBP

Jones:(if he plays 150 games) .318, 27 HR, 115 RBI, 36 doubles

Teixeira: .303, 41 HR, 130 RBI, 40 doubles

McCann:(in 465 at-bats - with regular time off) .295, 21 HR, 85 RBI, 31 doubles

Francouer: .286, 27 HR, 114 RBI, 32 doubles

Kotsay: .283, 13 HR, 65 RBI. 34 doubles

Matt Diaz:(If he plays every day) .306, 20 HR, 72 RBI, 36 doubles

By BabyGoatEater

March 1, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Carroll, how long you been at camp? Who stands out as a shocker since you been there? Anyone who is playing well above or well below expectations?

By Choppinmama

March 1, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Chopdawg: I really meant to say roster instead of lineup. At least you can match the #s on the printout with the #s on the uniforms. Or do what I do, print out a copy of the roster from the Braves site and keep it with you.

I’ve got mine packed to bring south with me next week!

TBravesFan: got the ticket - thanks!

By Carroll Rogers

March 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

um, babygoateater? i’ve been down here for two weeks working on stuff for the last week of spring training ahead of time and kinda helping DOB out here and there.

surprises in camp? to me, that things are just moving along, no injuries, no nothing. i told DOB that him leaving me in charge for the weekend might get mike hampton injured tomorrow (i was on the clock for the oblique last year and the announcement he was heading for surgery). let’s hope i don’t bring him that kind of gloom and doom tomorrow.

smoltz’s plan is intriguing to me…..javy is looking good (minus the messed up sign he gave yesterday)…..i think everybody is enjoying watching what jordan schafer can do and how well he handles himself around the clubhouse…personally i was happy to meet a fellow dookie in zach schreiber, who will be pitching again tomorrow, i believe.

but really the body of competitive work is so small at this point. lillibridge didn’t have a very good day today, for example, (error, pickoff) but i doubt it means a ton in the grand picture. so we shall see….

off to dinner…thanks for welcoming me back to the blog and lew, it was nice putting a face with those three letters!

By ippississiM

March 1, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Carroll: What’s your take on Buddy Carlyle?

By McFann©

March 1, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

McCann:(in 465 at-bats - with regular time off) .295, 21 HR, 85 RBI, 31 doubles KC

I’d take it!!

By Roman Gal

March 1, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Chopdawg, do you go to many Rome Braves games? I’m so excited for this upcoming season. I met Jordan Schafer at the beginning of last year and I’m excited about getting to meet a few more top prospects this year.

By AdirondackDave

March 1, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

KC — Those numbers look about right to me if they stay healthy. Perhaps Escobar’s might be a little higher and Kotsay’s a little lower but, all in all, they seem realistic to me. If they actually to produce those numbers it’s going to be hard for the Mets or Phillies to keep up with them.

By masivatack

March 1, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Dude, Garry

If you don’t want to talk about it, then why are you talking about it?

Just face it, we all have to take good with bad in baseball, like we do in most worthwhile things in life. Hopefully the steroid thing can get purged quickly and we can all move on.

As for the money issues, I don’t think they are goin’ anywhere. Actually, I’m 100 percent certain.

By brian

March 1, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

carroll - fitting 800th victory for coach K - final 2 points, game winning point, from the foul line on a bad call in Duke’s favor. Nice hook Nelson has.

All ribbing aside, nice to have you back. Please knock on wood or something before Hampton throws tomorrow.

DOB - congrats on the Jayhawks

By uga-brave

March 2, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

okay,

nobody is around. listened to espn’s take on this season. i have to agree on paper. the mets, and phill’s are better.

their 1 2 hitters are better then our’s.

rollins, victorino,reyes , and castillo, are hard to match.

got a hunch their 1,2 on both teams will combine for at least 80 stolen bases. we dont have that.

still think kelly should hit leadoff, no matter the situation. he takes a ton of pitches. i hope bobby does not flip flop him and escobar. we may not be able to run with those guys, but i think kelly is the right guy to hit leadoff no matter what.

By Roa Brave

March 2, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

last time I saw Hampton on the field for the Braves was in Houston for “that” playoff game and he had a gigantic brace on his arm; stay healthy Mike!

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Okay guys, I need help. I came back to the Braves in 2006 after a few years of being “too busy for baseball” and I’m still catching up. I’m compiling a timeline of who played what position for the Braves over the last couple of decades or so, and 2005’s outfield situation has me baffled. The following fielders started the listed number of games in the outfield each. I’m assuming all of Andruw’s starts came at CF, but among the others, who started where?

A Jones 158 R Langerhans 84 K Johnson 73 T Hollandsworth 67 J Francoeur 65
B Jordan 59 R Mondesi 39 P Orr 3

Also, this adds up to 182 games—I got the numbers off mlb.com, but they’re so jacked up they don’t have Marcus Giles’s 2006 2B fielding stats.

By Moby Grape

March 2, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

nobody is around. listened to espn’s take on this season. i have to agree on paper. the mets, and phill’s are better.

their 1 2 hitters are better then our’s.

rollins, victorino,reyes , and castillo, are hard to match.

got a hunch their 1,2 on both teams will combine for at least 80 stolen bases. we dont have that. UGA

yeah they will have many more stolen bases than the Braves will but they did last season too and we still outscored the Mets and weren’t that far from the Phils. The correlation between stolen bases and wins is not that awful high UGA, but given that our OBP and OPS will befairly close as they were last year, the advantage is prolly to those guys especially the Phils.We’ll just hafta outpitch ‘em I guess.

By nOLIE

March 2, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

ippississiM you need to check out BaesballReference.comCLICKHERE That link will hopefully take you to the Hollandsworth page. By the Hitting chart we see that he was in 24 games for the Braves and got 35 at bats. The Fielding chart shows us that he played 10 games in the field, 6 in LF, 3 in RF and one at first. Continue on with the other players that you are interested in. Man there is almost nothing that site can’t tell you including player splits and all the team info you will probably ever need too.

By uga-brave

March 2, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

j rollins, jose reyes. kelly johnson, who woluld you rather face in a late tied game?

LOOK i think kelly will just do fine, heck i think he will excell, but those other two guys stir the drink.

rollins and reyes are special.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

Thanks, nOLIE. I’ve been trying to figure out what positions have been most stable over the years, and which have had the most turnover. Here’s a link to what I Have so far. I plan to use different colors, plus graphics to indicate time periods with the same player in the same position, but for now it’s just a simple table. Once I get the names filled in back to the move to Atlanta, then I’ll work on the graphics.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this

Well crud. I just found almost exactly (but not quite) the same chart I was trying to make on baseballreference.com by total accident while trying to find out who the left fielder was in 1999.

By uga-brave

March 2, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

ole miss,

you must still have that sleep problem?

By Moby Grape

March 2, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this

rollins and reyes are special.UGA

like most stat-ers I just don’t believe in the stolen base all that much.In the long run it’s only the ones above around 68-72% success that actually increase runs scored all that much. FI a guy can steal 60 bases but if he bets thrown out 32 times its actually a negative impact over the year. Steal 60, get thrown out 20 and its only about 10 steals that are positive impacts to runs scored in the long run. Thats vastly simplified, but gets the point across. Like all tools, speed is an advantage if you have the skills necessary to use it to its best advantage. Those guys you mention are top notch and their stolen base ability does have some advantage, but IMO not that much to get all sweaty about. :-)

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this

Anyway, here’s a list of the Braves starters I watched in my first season as a fan.

C Benedict

1B Chambliss

2B Hubbard

3B Horner

SS Ramirez

LF Linares

CF Murphy

RF Washington

Does anyone have access to a batting lineup from that year?

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this

Yeah, still no sleep in about a week. I doze off, then after about 15 minutes I start to cough in my sleep, which wakes me up with a LOT of pain in my ribs. Lather, rinse, repeat, that’s been my nightly routine for about a week now.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 4:29 AM | Link to this

I’ve been trying to sleep for about four hours now, and still no luck. I think I’m about to go soak myself in a hot tub for a while and see if that helps. See you guys later.

By uga-brave

March 2, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this

RUFINO LINARES,

there is a name from the past, you left out TERRY HARPER.

moby, the stolen base might not be as important as the threat of one.

there was a time when skeletor (OTIS NIXON) caused a lot of aingst.

speed changes the way a pitcher approaches a situation.

cant throw a change-up or a curveball.

you are right about the bottom line, but the ability to take a base changes things.

By Moby Grape

March 2, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this

I’ll jump in here on nOLIE’s original suggestion, you can go into baseballreference to the player select splits and the year and it will tell you how often he played in each slot.FI in 1982 Linares 34 ab in the 2nd slot,72ab in the fifth etc. its a long work around and it won’t be exact, but you will know how often each player hit in each spot. using the biggest numbers will give you a good idea of the most frequent line-ups.

By Moby Grape

March 2, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this

speed changes the way a pitcher approaches a situation. UGA

yes speed is a big advantage,stolen bases are only a part of what it can produce. We ain’t got as much of it so we need our first two hitters to get on base a lot and depend on our 3/4/5 guys to get ‘em in.

By nOLIE

March 2, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this

Dammit! Today will live in infamy. It is the last day we will ever see an original episode of The Wire. I wanna cry.

By ncscoots

March 2, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

It is now officially baseball season…KC has made his first set of player projections, LOL. Of course, his numbers for the starting lineup give the Braves a Pythagorean record of about 161-1, but what they hey, there’s always time to improve.

It will be interesting to see Hampton today. His BP sessions have been hailed by all, but first game action of any kind in a couple of years, man, he’s GOTTA have some butterflies, no?

I love reading comments which rationalize some shortcoming or other with “Braves have enough hitting”. These folks, of course, are the the same ones who NEVER say “Braves have enough pitching”. Fact is, you can never have enough of either. Anyone who thinks every offensive player is going to be injury-free and perform to his absolute potential has forgotten most of baseball history.

Since it’s Sunday, pray for me today. My home renovations have me bowing before the Altar Of Drywall and exhorting the Priestess Of Paint Primer. Looks to be another fun day in the neighborhood.

By Preacher Boy

March 2, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

The Prodigal Son returned yesterday. Is Lazarus coming back fron the dead to pitch today? Time to go pray to Saint Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

By Madonna

March 2, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Some GMs kiss me, some GMs hug me I think they’re O.K. If they don’t give me proper credit I just walk away

They can beg and they can plead But they can’t see the light, that’s right ‘Cause the GM with the cold hard cash Is always Mister Right, ‘cause we are

Living in a material world And Tex is a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And Tex is a material girl

Some GMs romance, some GMs slow dance That’s all right with me If they can’t raise my interest then I Have to let them be

Some GMs try and some GMS lie but I don’t let them play Only GMs who save their pennies Make my rainy day, ‘cause they are

Living in a material world and Tex is a Material Girl

By Chopdawg

March 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

UGA-BRAVE, how about this Brave from the past: Pepe Frias. I’m reading a book called “Five Seasons,” by Roger Angell, who writes in one of his episodes that “Expo infielder Pepe Frias dropped an easy pop fly…”

RomanGal, yes I do go to a lot of Rome Braves games!—every one of them, in fact. I got a great seat at SMS, only problem is, I gotta “work” when I’m at the ballpark vbg

I’m down here for one more day, scouting possible Rome Braves for this season. Looks like we have a shot at some power hitters this year!—Jason Heyward and Cody Johnson looked good in BP yesterday, especially Johnson, who hit 17 HR’s in only 243 AB’s last year in Danville & hit a monster shot in BP yesterday. Both LH hitters, so the fans on Home Run Hill ought to get a few souvenirs this year. Of course it’s very early in spring training & there’s nothing at all certain; but Danville had another great year last year & we should get some good guys from that team.

Also really looking forward to the Big Braves game today, hope Hampton gets his two innings in & that Soriano throws well; and, it’s supposed to be Astros 1B Lance Berkman’s spring debut. Berkman was on ESPN last nite bragging that Houston’s middle-of-the-lineup is the best in the league…well, now…

ps RomanGal if you’re at SMS & you hear somebody telling people he knows they want a prize, you’ll know Chopdawg’s on the job vbg

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

just filed a burst ….chipper had to leave batting practice with a hamstring tweak….

here’s what i wrote: The Braves got their first scare of a young spring training Sunday morning when Chipper Jones had to leave batting practice after feeling a twinge in his hamstring. He had taken a few turns in the batting cage, when he felt the twinge after a swing, Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton said. Jones started to take one more round to see how it felt and immediately came out. Jones was hitting left-handed at the time and Pendleton thought it was his right hamstring. Jones threw his bat down in the rack and angrily blurted something before heading up the tunnel to the training room. Jones has had a history of injury problems in recent years - playing only 109 and 110 games in 2005 and 2006 respectively with oblique and foot problems. Last year he played in 134 games, missing stretches with sore hands because of a collision on the basepaths in Pittsburgh. The last time he went on the disabled list with a hamstring problem was in 2004, when he injured his right hamstring. The Braves were preparing to play only their fourth game in Grapefruit League play, with Mike Hampton scheduled to make his first outing of spring.

haven’t even talked to him yet. have to wait until bp is over. will see if he’ll come out for a chat and file a new blog in a little while…..

By Elements

March 2, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Carroll-

Thanks for the update. Will you remind me who Bobby will play at third when Chipper is out?

Thanks.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 2, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I told you so….Chipper needs a caddy at third base.

The Braves have had Willy Aybar , Wilson Betemit and Mark Derosa in the past to back Chipper up at 3B.

The answer to this riddle is in Kansas City and his name is Mark Teahen.

By TexasBrave

March 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Oh No its the Carrol jinx. Hurry back DOB!

Just Kidding Carrol : )

By KC

March 2, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

nscoots: “It is now officially baseball season…KC has made his first set of player projections, LOL. Of course, his numbers for the starting lineup give the Braves a Pythagorean record of about 161-1, but what they hey, there’s always time to improve.”

Alright scoots… =) Let’s have your predictions. Which one(s) of my individual 2008 predictions (guesses really) seemed to be expecting too much?

Let’s have it!

By Austin

March 2, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

It’s days like this when you think..Why dosen’t Chipper have some roo-nads?

By Boricua

March 2, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

In MLB side they say “Stupid” that mean Chipper didn’t streatch before he start his work out this morning. Stupid, YES…..

By ncgary

March 2, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

just a guess but if chipper spends significant time on dl id think escobar would go to third and lillibridge would ss unless as coach suggests someone like teahan from kc who i like too is obtained for prospects, but teahan contract low value high, drayton will want the moon and the sun

By ncgary

March 2, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

coach not trying to be smart alecky about it , but kc will basically want for teahan what we would want for an escobar, do we really need to go there? or will a completely untested infield thrive if chipper has to dl? if we got teahan you know they would want lillybridge and probably 2 youmg guns too we sent most of those packing to texas for 1.5 yrs of tex

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Take it easy, pulling a muscle while batting is not the same as pulling it while running. Its almost a fact it aint serious. But If Chipper didnt warm up before BP, it sure is stupid specially at his age, this early in spring and with cool weather. DUMB. Hopefully life will give us a break in this one and it will only be a couple of days.

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I suppose some (if not most of you) have read this article, it is interesting, i suggest that if you have not read it, you take a look at it Mets injuries

By Efrim

March 2, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

The Braves got their first scare of a young spring training Sunday morning when Chipper Jones had to leave batting practice after feeling a twinge in his hamstring.

He has to play in at least 145 games if this team expects to win the division.

Hopefully he’ll be fine in a week or so…..sigh.

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

IT is clear to me that if chipper goes into dl (which i dont think will happen), it will not be a big deal. Why? because escobar will take his place. Because lillibridge would have a chance to show what he is made of. Because Chipper would be back for season oppener. Because he walked by himself back to the dogout, so it aint that serious.

Why are you people talking about trades…. we have lillibridge and prado to cover at least in spring.

By dayf

March 2, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Question for anyone who might know:

I thought the Braves FM station was 94.9, but on the AJC website it says today’s game with the Astros is on 96.1. Is this a typo, a change of affiliates or just a one time thing for spring training?

By AmazinsAgin08

March 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Youse guy’s Larry is slowly losing his HOF appointment to laziness and lack of self-discipline. Hammys and obliques,both of which he gets way too regularly are lack of stretching and flex-conditioning. Somebody needs to learn that boy a few things.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

U Kno Who needs to do some pilates, seriously. After a couple months of that stuff he’ll be too limber to pull anything.

By TexasBrave

March 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Although this is not a season ending injury, it is one that if Chipper doesn’t get significant rest will plague him for the rest of the season. Does Chipper need all that many at bats to be ready for the season? I don’t think so, he looked ready to me in the 2nd game versus the Dodgers. Set him on the shelf and let the hamstring totally heal.

We really need to find a reliable back up either from with in or from outside the organization. Infante, although ok for occasional starts, is not a long term solution. Of course there is Prado who would be a slight improvement over Infante but not by much. Perhaps Lillibridge could play third or even move Yunel over and Lillibridge could play SS. None of these options really excite me and are a huge downgrade offensively.

I can’t see getting anyone from outside right now since it is so early in ST. But something to keep an eye on for sure.

By KC

March 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Efrim: “He has to play in at least 145 games if this team expects to win the division.”

I’m not sure that’s true. Obviously, their odds are much, MUCH better if Chipper can stay in the lineup… but if enough other things go right for Atlanta, they could overcome Chipper missing 30 games.

If Hampton can make a solid comeback, the Braves will have a chance to win well over 90 games the way they used to do… with great pitching.

If that’s the case, a lineup that has Tex, Frenchy, McCann, KJ, and some other solid bats, shouldn’t exactly make for weak lineup when Chipper’s out.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not suggesting for a moment that we can count on Hampton coming up big, or that Glavine will win 15 games, or any of that. And again, the Braves chances are obviously MUCH better with Chipper in the lineup everyday…

I’m just saying that I can picture a (not far fetched) scenario in which enough other things go well enough to cover for a 130 game season from Chipper.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Well, that’s a real buzz kill.

KC, I’m with you. 130 games from a healthy Chipper might be enough if there are no other unpleasant surprises from the roster.

Unless Chipper’s injury is serious (as in, out until the All-Star Break), it’s probably D-U-M dumb to think about moving Escobar to third. The guy is a long-term, big-league SS. Let him get comfortable there.

It makes much more sense to let Prado or Lillibridge get the reps at third until Infante returns. If those guys can’t provide league average offense, then consider hitting the trade market.

No need to panic. But it’s a really discouraging sign.

BTW, I know Bobby’s never been real big about intensive conditioning, but have they ever considered yoga? Sure helps with flexibility.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

AmazinsAgin08

Are you sure you don’t want to change that handle to AmazinsAging08?

By McFann©

March 2, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Great post at 8:45!! Loved it.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, didn’t Pena play some third at Richmond last year, too?

We have lots of short-term options, even if none of them is a legit replacement for Chipper.

By DCbrave

March 2, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

For those of us who cannot see or hear today’s game, we’d appreciate as much play by play calls from all of you, professionals or amateurs. Thanks.

By McFann©

March 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Dang, this really stinks. But at least Chipper got hurt now and not at the start of the season. Hopefully it won’t be serious.

When our internet opened up to it’s atlantabraves.com home page, the first thing I saw was Braves Jones Injures Hamstring, and I didn’t think it could mean Brandon Jones!

At least we’ve got so many other solid bats in the lineup.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

elements, martin prado gets the start at third base today….updated things in a new blog so i’m gonna switch over there…..chipper thinks it’s not serious. a couple days only.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Mets players currently injured:

C Delgado M Anderson R Church C Beltran L Castillo E Chavez D Easley J Valentin O Hernandez B Schneider

From their mlb.com depth chart, this leaves:

Outfield: M. Alou

Shortstop: J. Reyes, R. Gotay, A. Hernandez

Third base: D. Wright, R. Gotay

Second base: R. Gotay

First base: NOBODY

Catcher: R. Castro

Rotation: SP1. J. Santana SP2. P. Martinez SP3. J. Maine SP4. O. Perez SP5. M. Pelfrey

Oddly enough, the bullpen is intact, such as it is.

llpen B. Wagner (CL) A. Heilman D. Sanchez P. Feliciano S. Schoeneweis J. Sosa J. Smith W. Collazo C. Muniz M. Wise

I know it’s only a small consolation for Chipper going down, but still, we’re not doing that badly by comparison.

By Savannah Guy

March 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave > Long time no see. Thanks for the kind words the other day. Much appreciated. Wife is doing well and light is at the end of the tunnel. Hope you and yours are faring well.

I’m with you on 3rd base options when Chipper’s out. Not a lot to get excited about at present. Gotta keep stretchin’ those hammies before taking the field or the cage. Maybe that’s what Chipper meant when he said, “stupid” and threw his bat after it was “tweaked”. Dunno, maybe just another freak pull.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Well thank you Chipper Jones. You are a gamer. For a minute there I thought we would lead spring training in injuries, then lo and behold we hit the jackpot. You can be counted on for something Chipper and you did not let METS fans down…you were just earlier than usual. Too bad 1 Chipperless team really sucks, and with all the METS current injuries they are still the hot team to pick. Of course injuries is nothing to brag about but come on, who didnt see this coming. Samuel L. Jackson in “Unbreakbale” strikes again. Maybe next time he can make it to “LIVE” batting practice or heck maybe even a game or two. I guess the bloggers will have to endure your constant blogging now that you are a spectator once again. I know DOB has an opening for you, “PINCH WRITER”!!!

LETS GO METS!!! (All 8 of them)