Braves

By Tom A. Hawk

March 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

chipper’s gonna be fine…

By Austin

March 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog Carroll!

By Nick

March 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I sure hope so…

Here’s to Hampton cheering us all up right now…

By RichmondBrave

March 2, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

I hope this won’t be a lingering problem this year. He need to shut it down for a few days and get some good deep tissue massage to loosen it up.

By Kris in NC

March 2, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Personally, I rather have this injury take place now then during the season. He has the time to get it better before the season actually gets started. This actually will give BC and the coaches the opportunity to see what the other guys can do in place of Chipper. Good to see Chipper get upset over not being able to stay healthy. You know dang well he wants to be on that field every chance he can.

Infante missing the 1st week of the season is a good sign if that is the case, better than was first projected.

I am getting excited to see our team play this season. Just a side note Mr. Rogers, I caught Peter Gammons on ESPN’s SportsCenter, He said Do Not underestimate the Braves, if Hampton is healthy, with the lineup we have, and a surprise 5th starter, we will be in contention along with the Mets and Phillies until the end of the season. He said also that we have 5 guys who are in the prime, in the age range of 25 to 27 and they would be around awhile.

Just thought I would add that as alittle added bonus. Good to know someone else out there in the sports world is not underestimating this team like many others are.

http://forum.tomahawk-talk.com/index/

By Nick

March 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

There we go! Hampton starts the game with a strikeout (looking)

By gobraves

March 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Today’s lineup:Johnson 2B, Escobar SS, Prado 3B, Tex 1B, McCann C, Francoeur RF, Kotsay CF, Diaz DH, B.Jones LF. First hitter Hampton faced strike 3 called.

By Andy K.

March 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Hampton strikes out Michael Bourn.

By gobraves

March 2, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Today’s lineup:Johnson 2B, Escobar SS, Prado 3B, Tex 1B, McCann C, Francoeur RF, Kotsay CF, Diaz DH, B.Jones LF. First hitter Hampton faced strike 3 called.

By Patrick

March 2, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

What’s the lineup look like today? Who took Chipper’s place?

By gobraves

March 2, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

1-2-3 inning for Hampton. 1 K

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

hampton is off and going. just struck out michael bourn looking at a curveball….and got kaz matsui and hunter pence to ground out to third….got up to 90 on his fastball…

threw a perfect first inning. 12 pitches, 8 for strikes.

By Jim

March 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Looks like Hampton had a very brisk 1st ining. Two groundballs and a K.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

kris, were you addressing me? i’m ms. rogers. but no worries, that happens all the time, given the job and the name-spelling.

By Geo

March 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Chipper will be out at least 1/2 the season because of a lot of little injuries. Don’t be surprised if the big one pops and he misses a lot more. I’m not wishing bad things on him, but his age and the juice will have its impact.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

As ippississiM pointed out at the end of the last blog, at least we ain’t the Muts. They got some serious injury problems … and no Plan B if those main guys don’t get healthy soon.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

kelly johnson 2B, yunel escobar ss, Martin Prado 3b, Tex 1b, mccann c, frenchy, rf, kotsay cf, diaz dh, brandon jones, lf

in the second inning, another scoreless one for hampton got a groundout, gave up a base hit to Jose Cruz Jr. up the middle, the only hard hit ball, and a couple flyballs for outs. 10 pitches, seven for strikes.

so that’s two innings for hampton, one hit, one strikeout, three groundouts. no walks. 22 pitches, 15 for strikes. and no injuries. there you have it, folks. a banner day for hampton.

nice sliding catch by kotsay in shallow center on J.R. House’s pop-up tho i think yunel might have had the better play on that ball.

By 30YrBravesFan

March 2, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

CR thanks for the blog. Hoss will be okay, he’s doing the smart thing to stop early. Hampton is starting to give me hope for the back end of the rotation this year.

GO BRAVES!

By Nick

March 2, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Oliver Perez got touched for 3 ER in the first inning against the Dodgers.

By Pete H.

March 2, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

You know, it just occurred to me that I’m subconsciously not counting on a single inning from Hampton. If he’s really healthy, our staff is going to be the best in the league.

I’m glad that Gammons corrected himself after picking the Mets to go all the way. IMO, that’s an old, underachieving team. I worry about the Phils more, despite their so-so pitching.

Thanks for the blog and the Chipper news, Carroll.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I posted this at the end of the last blog, but for those who may have missed it:

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 ncgary

March 2, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

2 good innings from hampton and pete seeger pbs special a fine sunday

By nOLIE

March 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I’m not wishing bad things on him, but his age and the juice will have its impacGEO

and what juice would that be lil’ Bubba? He’s never been named in any way as a steroid user.Crawl back into your hole, worm!!!

By Jon

March 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

geo, what do you mean ‘the juice’ You seriously think chipper did ‘roids?? Seriously man, get a grip.

By ncgary

March 2, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

in case some of you young ones dont know seeger, he was banned from tv amd media because he wouldnt take a loyalty oath during the communist mccarthy hunts of the 50’s, his dream was for everyone to sing together, for when you sing together you cant hate one another,

everyone has to walk the last mile alone, love one another while you still can

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Pulled hamstrings normally stick around all season because of this I hope Chipper takes a week or two off instead of just a couple days. He needs to pretend he is already on the 15-day disabled list and let the hamstring fully heal by taking the next 2 weeks off so he doesnt make it worse.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

You know you’re in trouble when your healthiest outfielder is Moises Alou.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

soriano was scheduled to throw today but i don’t think he’s going to go. that from braves pr. must be that stomach problem he’s had. i’ll check with bobby after the game.

By Oldbaseballgirl

March 2, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Carroll You need to tell Chipper he should jump on the yoga bandwagon.

By ChipChopper

March 2, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Great to hear Hampton survived two innings! btw, Happy and Natasha say hey CR from sunny Macon!

By Ed Glennon

March 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Hey CR (that’s what I am going to call you) I love the updates of the game. Keep it up

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

kelly’s single to right center in the third inning makes him 3-for-7 so far this spring….he’s seeing it well, i’d say. …and escobar just stroked a double down the left field line to put the braves up 2-1. a two-run shot. i think that’s what bobby has in mind when he bats kelly first, escobar second.

to start it brandon jones has hit first hit of spring

By gobraves

March 2, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

2 run double for Escobar. Braves 2 Astros 1

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I want to start this out by telling I am a Braves fan not a Mets fan.

Does anyone else thinks it strange that we refer to the Mets team as too old such as Pete did in his 1:38 blog. We have two plus 40 year olds in our rotation, one with a history of arm problems, and a third baseman who can rarely stay healthy but we refer to us as experienced. Sure we can point to Francouer and McCann to show we have a young team, just as they can point to Reyes and Wright. The next time you want to refer to the Mets as old maybe you should think about this.

By HuffBraves

March 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Anyone see Oliver Perez’s outing for the Mets today?

2 IP, 5 hits, 3 ERs- including an RBI double to Andruw.

Gotta love that rotation depth, eh Mets fans?

By Pete H.

March 2, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

NCGary, I saw the Seeger show the other night here in Chicago. Very well done. To be honest, I always liked him a lot more than I liked his music, so it was nice seeing something concentrating on him as a person.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Anyone else a little worried that supposedly our biggest hitter that everyone is counting on to get us to the WS has no hits so far this spring?

By Ben

March 2, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I gotta say, I’m thrilled that Bobby is going with the youth movement at the top of the order. I was convinced he’d put Kotsay #2 once we traded for him. just seemed like a typical move for Cox, who loves his veterans. But over the last few years, since the “Baby Braves” revolution, Cox really has trusted the young guys. I just love it. This lineup can be special with Johnson and Escobar up there and Kotsay closer to the bottom.

I hope it continues to payoff in the regular season.

And hell yeah Hampton! What an outing. I won’t believe his contributions til I see them of course, but encouraging nonetheless.

By Jim

March 2, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

If Chipper were out for any extended time this year, would Infante play third, and what might the batting order look like? I would go with 1. Yunel, 2. Kotsay, 3. KJ, 4. Tex, 5. McCann/Francouer, 6. McCann/Francouer, 7. Diaz, 8. Infante

Assuming Kotsay is hiting 280 with OBP >= 350

By Steve McP

March 2, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I wonder why Tex is pulled out after one AB again, he is still looking for his first hit of ST and I would have thought it would not have done any harm to leave him in for a couple more AB’s to get the swing going.

By KC

March 2, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Carroll or DOB: Not a big deal, but … I just thought I’d point out that 96.1fm is listed on the main AJC Braves page as the radio outlet for today’s game. The correct dial position in is of course, 94.9.

By KC

March 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

ippississiM: “Anyone else a little worried that supposedly our biggest hitter that everyone is counting on to get us to the WS has no hits so far this spring?”

With all due respect… are you serious? Have you followed spring training much in the past?

No, you don’t worry about anything in the 3rd game of the Grapefruit season.

By Seymour

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

Eric,

If I’m not mistaken, the Braves have the youngest roster in the majors this year.

By Jon

March 2, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Anyone else a little worried that supposedly our biggest hitter that everyone is counting on to get us to the WS has no hits so far this spring?*ippississiM *

You are kidding right? It’s spring training, doesn’t mean anything. Surely you arent going to let ST dictate his career progression so far. I think his career numbers speak for themselves, so i wouldnt worry about ST numbers.

By TJ

March 2, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

KC, I think your predictions (from the previous blog) of the starting 8 are pretty much on target; the main things I’d argue with (that IS what we’re here for, right?):

Escobar won’t post a .370 obp if he only hits .289, and I do think .289 is a reasonable expectation. Last year, his opb was only 59 points above his average (.385-.326). By comparison, KJ had a 99 point swing (.375-.276) and Chipper an 88 point swing (.425-.337). Yunel doesn’t take a lot of walks; if he hit .290, I’d guess the obp will be closer to .340 or maybe .350. And since he’s “bulked up”, I have a feeling he’s gonna be swinging away, not looking for walks. (as I type this, Yunel doubles in 2 runs - woohoo!)

McCann and Francoeur are gonna have a hard time finding 199 rbi’s if KJ, Chipper and Tex have 70, 115, and 130 hitting ahead of them. So I think the rbi numbers in general are a little high.

And I doubt that Kotsay will post those kind of numbers; his best years were at ages 26, 28 and 29. He’s 32 now (and will probably be batting lower in the order than in those years). I think he’ll do a decent job, but I’d look for more like .270/.330 with 10 HR, 22 2B, maybe 50 rbi.

On the upside, I think both KJ and Frenchy have a chance to hit higher than the .286 your predict for each of them. I really think Franceur has the potential to hit .300 if he’ll remember that inside-out swing when it’s called for.

Overall, if we have 8 guys with 31+ doubles, and six with 20+ hr, we’ll be in great shape. I think there were only about 50 NL hitters with that many doubles last year; if we have eight, well, good for us! And no starter with a BA below .283? Look out National League!

By TennesseePaul

March 2, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

I’d hate it if it came to this, but there is a side of me that finds it somewhat commical. I suppose, after this off-season, I shouldn’t really need continued bad days for this man, but… Teixeira hasn’t gotten a hit yet. If he ends up having a walk year like AJ then it’ll just be poetic justice for Boras. Two seasons in a row.

I hope he doesn’t though. I’m looking for and expecting to see an A-Rod type walk year. Something along the lines of a jaw-dropping season. Only to be slightly over shadowed by the season Chipper is going to have. MVP Chipper. MVP. Hope he gets better soon. Perhaps he should have been taking Yoga along with McCann.

By Steve McP

March 2, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I hear what you say Eric from MO, but I think that it is important to put where the age of the teams are in context and it does not look so hot for the Mets.

The Mets have 10 position players and 6 pitchers born in 1978 or earlier on active roster.

Braves have 3 position players and 9 pitchers born in 1978 or earlier.

I think it is better to be older in the pitching where experience counts so much and you only have to play once every few days, whereas having older everyday players is creating more potential injury worries.

By KC

March 2, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Great to see (or hear) Hampton’s first start go so well. I honestly expect that he’ll contribute this year.

I thought there was a bit too much hand wringing after he pulled the hammy in winter ball. The big thing here is that his arm seems to be completely healthy.

I think Hampton is going to be prone to some of these nagging sorts of injuries (like hamstring tweaks), and I think he’ll miss a number of starts as a result of such issues. But as long as the arm is good, he should be able to make 20-30 starts, and could really help this team.

Regardless of how many starts Hampton misses this year, if he could be healthy and sharp in September and October… that would be HUGE for the Braves.

By ippississiM

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

Cut me some slack, I haven’t slept in about a week and I’ve been popping painkillers like skittles. I just thought it was odd that he’s the only projected starting position guy without a hit so far.

By McFann©

March 2, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

AAARRGGGG!!!!

McCann needs to work more on his defense!!

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Seymour Im not good at looking up things but I do beliebe your wrong with that. I would have to believe teams like the Marlins are much younger than us. Also even if that is the case we have pretty old guys at very important positions such as our power hitter and 2 of our top 3 spots in the rotation. Our bench and bullpin is what makes our team so young.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

hampton said he felt great about his arm. legs still have a little catching up to do, but overall he felt really good. that has something to do with the hamstring not allowing him to get his legs in as good a condition as he wants, but don’t think that’s anything to worry about. just a matter of time.

his sense of humor is still as sharp as evver. he met the group of reporters around his locker with “welcome to new york?” and when somebody asked him about his last start he said he couldn’t remember….

Brandon Jones just threw a strike to second base to nail Ty Wigginton trying to stretch a single into a double.

and shouts to happy and natasha in macon.

By Pete H.

March 2, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I was seriously thinking that the only mention of Hampton this spring would be speculation about how much of his contract the insurance company would pick up. It’s really encouraging to see he seems to be healthy. It’s hard to feel sorry for a multi-millionaire, but I imagine he has has suffered the past few years being unable to play.

And Eric, you have a point, but only to a point. We have a couple of old but productive pitchers. The rest of our team, apart from Chipper and Kotsay and Javy, if he makes the team, is extremely young. And productive.

We have a whole corps of even younger players ready or nearly ready for the ML. The Mets have virtually nothing in the pipeline.

If they’re hit with injuries, which the probably will be, they have virtually no options. We’ve got a stack of good players lurking in Richmond.

Minaya has done a good job of building a good team, but the price has been their young players. Gammons’ comment that the Mets were going all the way struck me as silly. They MIGHT win the division, but with their age and the nearly total lack of production from two outfield positions, first base and probably catcher, they’re a team with glaring weaknesses neither the Braves nor the the Phils have.

That was my point.

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Steve I understand what your saying with you want your pitchers with experience but I would rather have young pitchers and older position players. The reason is arm problems. Pitchers just have so many arm problems I would rather have a young healthy pitcher. My examples are Pedro and Hampton. Niether can stay healthy.

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Pete H.”If they’re hit with injuries, which the probably will be, they have virtually no options.”

Yeah they do…they can go buy someone like they always do. They bought Castillo last season and they bought Santana in the offseason. Money always talks and they got plenty of it. So they will always have options.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 2, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Time to speak the obvious.

The Braves pitching is stellar in both the rotation and bullpen.

The defense is going to be just as good or better compared to last season.

Offense should not be an issue , then again this team does have two weaknesses.

The injury bug and the lack of speed at the top of the lineup.

If Hampton goes down , no problem , the Braves plug in Bennett , James or Reyes.

If Kotsay goes down , again , no problem. The Braves plug in Anderson and call up Blanco.

If Chipper goes down , um , how shall I say this delicately.

ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE.

The lineup goes right out the window , the offense changes drastically , Escobar moves over to 3B affecting the defense adversely , Lillibridge becomes the rookie SS by default , the bench is weakened and like I said before , ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. Just like it did last season and in 2006.

The Braves were 73-61(winning record) when Chipper played and 11-17(losing record) when he didn’t last season. Need I say more ?

By KC

March 2, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

TJ: Good points, all.

Yeah, I’ll concede that a .370 OBP for Escobar may be a bit of a stretch if he hits .289. However, I think with a .289 average, he would still get on base at better than a .340-350 clip.

While Chipper and Tex are both going to clear the basepaths quite a bit… they also both boast excellent OBPs themselves. Frenchy has topped 100 RBI in each of his first 2 full seasons, so I don’t see that changing. And my projection for McCann’s numbers are actually a bit below the production he put up in 2006 (when he wasn’t hampered by injury , as he was last year).

The numbers I projected for Tex may be on the high side, but it certainly wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if he does hit .300/40/130 in this “walk year”.

As for Kotsay, you seem to be talking as though he’s old now at age 32. I’m not sure I understand that. 32 is NOT old in Major League Baseball. I think the only real question is (like Chipper), whether he’ll be able to stay in the lineup every day, or if the injury bug will bite him again. But if healthy, the numbers I projected are very much in line with what he’s done over his last few full seasons.

As for the doubles and HR totals… yeah, if healthy, I can’t see any of the Braves starters (with the possible exception of Kotsay) failing to top 30 doubles… and I really do think we have five – maybe six – 20-plus homerun hitters in this lineup.

By Bravesfan79

March 2, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

DONT PLAY CHIPPER OR SMOLTZ IN PRESEASON!!! We know there good!

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Coach,”If Hampton goes down , no problem , the Braves plug in Bennett , James or Reyes.”

Coach remember last spring season when we were talking how deep we were with pitching. About all the options we have. We had James, Hampton, Davies, Cormier, and Redman. How did all of that work out for us?

By Reality

March 2, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Once a P*** always a P***. What did you expect ????? Next it will be a hang-nail then an ingrown toenail. This is just his pattern.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

BravesFan79. spring training is not about seeing if smoltz or chipper is good. it’s about getting them physically ready for the season. can’t go from sitting on your couch to hitting a 95 mph fastball (or throwing one). gotta get your work in.

Coach, not sure i agree with you on a lack of speed at the top of the lineup. maybe guys who aren’t known to steal a lot of bases? that’s true. but kelly and escobar both have pretty good speed. they’ll get from first to third. they’ll score from first on a double.

By TennesseePaul

March 2, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Who the hell is Guzman, Ja?

By Double Deuce

March 2, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Geo

What an assinine post. Does Chipper Jones look like a guy on steriods? Crawl back to where you came from.

By ncgary

March 2, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

agreed coach worst possible scenario for braves is an extended dl by chipper, but what are the options give up a good portion of our youth for someone we may need? lets hope for the best, and if even the worst case scenario happens , and chipper goes on dl for extended period then would be the time to trade , but if it just minor tweaks, lillibridge , escobar and infante should be able to hold down the fort for short terms

By PatioDaddio

March 2, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Eric….the starting rotation last year was projected to be Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Cormier and James.

Where is this depth you are talking about? The Braves found Redman pitching in his basement, during ST, because he didn’t have a major league job. Cormier got hurt in ST as did Hampton. Name the depth past these pitchers.

By TJ

March 2, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Only real weakness I see on this team is backup at the corner infield positions. If we could package a couple of guys who are out of options, and a couple of “b” level prospects, for a young Mike Lamb or Ty Wigginton type player, we’d be set.

As it stands now, if Chipper goes down, moving Escobar to 3rd is a desperation move (maybe the only move, granted). He doesn’t have the bat to carry 3B, and neither do Lillibridge or Infante. Same is true at 1B. Thorman - well, you know. And Javy is NOT a first basemen. He’d be okay there for a game or two, but not for an expended period.

I don’t really know who it would be, but if we could find a solid guy to back up both 1st and 3rd, it would be worth giving up some talent in exchange.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

it’s javier guzman. braves signed him as a minor league free agent in december. came over from the pirates organization. known for having a great infield arm.

two more hits today for josh anderson and two runs. i’d say he’s making a case for making this team as a fourth outfielder.

By Chad

March 2, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

The season hasn’t even started and he’s already hurt. Not a good sign.

By ncgary

March 2, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

braves win mets lose , sounds like a good pattern to get in to go braves world series champs in 08 or bust

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Javier Guzman is a low-minors 2B originally with the Pirates.

By BravesFanAlways

March 2, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hope Chipper will be fine.But I have to ask… what could he do more of? I do not buy the following statement…

“I’m not the most flexible person in the world, so it really doesn’t matter how much I stretch,” Jones said.

I think it is time to recognize that some offseason conditioning may have to change if has not already…. yoga, Pilates, etc.

Time to seek the flexibility that age takes away. Good luck Mr. Jones.

By Savannah Guy

March 2, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave > Just posted on last blog so I brought it over… my timing is off as usual. 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 referring to when he said, “stupid” and threw his bat after it was “tweaked”. Or maybe it was the bat he was calling stupid. Bats are pretty dumb. Anyway, dunno, maybe just another freak pull.

Seems to be minor. Hopefully it is.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

bobby said soriano would go in a couple days.

By TJ

March 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Have you guys seen this article floating around the internet that says the “best fit for Barry Bonds would be the Atlanta Braves”? It’s just some writer from Chicago who thinks the Braves have a hole in LF. Obviously hasn’t watched Matt Diaz hit.

Anyway, I don’t think there’s anything to it, but I’ll put this out to any Braves brass that may read the blog: sign Barry Bonds, and you’ve lost this fan.

By Ron Burgundy

March 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll,

Is fifth starter Chuck James’s job to lose or is it really open for competition from Jurjjens?

By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER

March 2, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

IN HOSS WE TRUST!!!!

By NorthBeach Scott

March 2, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

TJ I believe your 3:34 post is the seventh time in the last few months you have articulated this whiny plea for the Braves to acquire a backup for Chipper. Should Hoss go down for an extended period of time there is nothing to preclude Wren from finding a fill-in. In the mean time, why would we waste a 25 or 40 man roster spot for someone that, with any luck, would never play an inning in the majors? If anything, Wren will be watching for any opportunities during and just after spring training for some possible minor league contracted talent to fill in at Richmond or take action when necessary. No reason to give up good talent for this type of waste of roster space. Don’t be such a Nervous Nelly. Hoss will be fine, that’s why he is being so careful.

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

PattioDaddy your right last year’s projected rotation was Hudson, Smoltz, Hampton, Cormier, and James. However we were also talking about Davies and we also signed Redman in Spring Training. Most were talking how great it was to have our rotation go 7 deep. If you dont believe me look at the blogs from last year. Not sure what you are disagreeing with me on this. I know after spring training it didnt look near as good but we havent made it past spring training yet and people are talking about our deep rotation.

By KC

March 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

PECOTA projected standings for 2008: Mets 96-66… Braves 86-76… Phillies 84-78. Hmmm… Let’s consider this…

In 2007:

• The Braves boasted the second best offense in the league. (3rd in runs scored, behind the Phils and Rockies, but when you take Coors Field into account… the Braves were better offensively)

• The Braves had the second best bullpen in the league (behind San Deigo), despite losing Mike Gonzalez and Wickman fizzling out.

• The Braves were the only team in the league with 2 proven bonafide “aces”.

When you consider these facts, one thing is clear… the middle/bottom of the rotation had to be pretty bad to keep the Braves out of the post-season picture… and it was. It really was.

But given that the Braves more than adequately fixed that problem… why are they still largely being dismissed as a 3rd place team with no better than an outside shot at winning the NL east this year??

By TJ

March 2, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

NorthBeach Scott, nope. Today is the first time I’ve posted on this or any other subject. If you’ve read the same sentiments before, I guess that means others share my view. But wasn’t me. (and I don’t think it was a “whiny plea;” just a suggestion on how to improve the roster).

Your view is like saying, “well, I’m healthy, so I don’t need health insurance.”

Chipper is a great player, but he’s almost surely gonna miss some time. Will it be 10 games, or 110? Who knows?

No reason to think Tex will get hurt - he’s young and strong - but he could, and even if he stays healthy, we have nothing (major league-ready) to replace him if he walks after this year.

So yes, I think a franchise that’s rich in middle infielders, relievers, young starters, and outfield prospects, and short on corner infield prospects, could afford to make a trade or two to fill a potential need, to balance the roster.

By KC

March 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

To follow up on my last post… it puzzles me why the Braves aren’t thought to be right there with the Mets in the NL east. I don’t know if I can explain that, but here’s my best guess…

The national media isn’t bullish on the Braves because…

1 – They don’t believe the Braves have significantly improved their rotation.

Glavine’s 07 season is largely remembered only for his role in the Mets’ late meltdown. Many ignore the fact that over a 10 start stretch prior to his season-ending slump, Glavine was nearly unhittable. Most people also fail to recognize his 23 quality starts.

Only 8 Major League starters finished with more quality starts than Glavine last year. Two of them (Smoltz and Hudson) wear a Braves uniform… and NONE of them wear a Mets or Phillies uni (yes, that includes Santana).

Additionally, Mike Hampton has been dismissed as a complete non-factor. That’s understandable, but things are looking up right now for Hampton, and there’s a good chance he’ll team with Glavine to provide a hug lift for the middle/bottom Atlanta’s rotation.

Also, I’ve heard little said of Atlanta’s newfound rotation depth, and the 4 viable starters (Jurrjens, James, Reyes, Bennett) the Braves have for the one remaining rotation slot.

2 – They don’t recognize the quality of Atlanta’s bullpen.

There are no big names in the Braves’ pen, so you have to have been paying attention to realize how good the arms are down there. The Braves trailed only SD for the league lead in bullpen ERA, and should have a very good pen this year with a lot of live arms, and Gonzalez due back in June.

3 – The Braves lineup is underrated:

The Braves have outscored the Mets in each of the last 2 seasons, and haven’t been far off the Phillies’ run totals, despite playing in a pitcher’s park (as compared to the Phillies’ popcorn machine of a ballpark).

Those who worry about Renteria’s departure, haven’t really watched Escobar play. And Andruw Jones isn’t much of an offensive loss considering that he was often the only easy out in the Braves’ 07 lineup. Having Tex for a full season will more than make up for Andruw’s offense.

The lack of respect for the Braves heading into the 08’ season doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. But I suspect attitudes will change after a month or two of watching this Atlanta team play.

By TexasBrave

March 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy - Good to hear from ya man. Also good to hear that Mrs. Savannah Guy is doing well and looking forward to some sunny days.

I am sure that Chipper’s “tweak” is nothing serious, but would like to see him take a couple of more days off than the 2 or 3 he mentioned. Chipper probably only needs a couple of weeks before the start of the season to be ready.

When Chipper is not playing I would really like to see Prado and Lillibridge getting most of the playing time over at third to see which one of them would be a more reliable backup. The Hernandez guy is a lower minor league player and is not expected to make the team, thus his time needs to be lessened.

We need a Hampton approach with Chipper. Hope for the best but have a viable back up plan just in case.

By Seymour

March 2, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

KC- I agree with you completely on every point.

By FJR

March 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

if anybody still wants to join the braves blog fantasy baseball league, email me. fjrabon@gmail.com

currently have 8 teams looking for between 2 and 6 more.

By TexasBrave

March 2, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

KC - I love your reasoning man, but if I may interject one other point. If you remember all those years that the Braves were winning, there were very few times that the media actually pick us to finish first. Now whether it was because they didn’t give the Braves the respect they deserved or it was their belief that the Braves weren’t spending Millions on players like the Mets etc I don’t know. It was only during the year that we finally didn’t win that they had actually picked us to repeat and that is only because I think they were tired of being wrong.

Either way I am not going to sweat them not picking us because more times than not the prognosticators are wrong. So let them over look us because you and I both know this team is going to surprise a lot of people.

By McFann

March 2, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Let the rest of the sports world doubt the Braves all they want. Then the Braves will look that much better if they win the NL East!

By PatioDaddio

March 2, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Redman was signed last ST because Cormier and Hampton got hurt. Davies and James were fighting for the last two spots. Name the depth beyond that.

Here is the 40 man roster from last year. Where in that list is the depth for 2007? Pitchers B/T — Manny Acosta R/R 73 Jose Ascanio R/R 48 Blaine Boyer R/R 40 Lance Cormier R/R injured 26 Kyle Davies R/R 34 Joey Devine R/R 32 Mike Hampton R/L injured 15 Tim Hudson R/R 43 Chuck James L/L — Jonathan Johnson R/R 36 Anthony Lerew L/R 49 Macay McBride L/L 58 Peter Moylan R/R 54 Chad Paronto R/R 29 John Smoltz R/R — Rafael Soriano R/R 58 Phil Stockman R/R — Tanyon Sturtze R/R 56 Oscar Villarreal L/R 28 Bob Wickman R/R 57 Tyler Yates R/R

By Eric from MO

March 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Patio, I dont want to be rude but your just plain wrong. Go check the blogs from last year. Yes Redman was signed in ST cause of injuries, but we thought Hampton may be back and Cormier was only suppose to miss a couple of weeks and he did come back. Wasnt any good but he did come back. Throw in James and Davies that gives us 7 guys.

By No Excuses

March 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Chipper: You’re getting quite a bit of $$$$$ for playing….don’t be such a wuss. Put on a band aid and cold packs and suck it up. No one hurts in October, but you already hurt in March….how much $$ does it hurt to get paid and sit out the game? RETIRE and enjoy your TX ranch. You ain’t worth the hassle for the rest of the season.

By No Excuses

March 2, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

As for Hampton, isn’t this his 3rd or 4th time w/Braves? We need some new blood. Go to the minor leagues and get some new muscle and stamina…Hampton w/help from Bobbie Cox not knowing when to take him out…. has lost more games than I’d like to remember.

Get some more youth on the team, like in the 90’s.

By ncscoots

March 2, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

KC, PECOTA is just the obverse of you: they think the Braves will win 86 and you think (I’m guessing) that they will win 96.

And, if the planets align just right, I’m more inclined to think 96 instead of 86, myself. But the reality is that many of the players you expect to have near-career years have not yet proven that such performance should be the expectation. Not saying that’s right or proper, just that it is what it is. An unbiased observer has to take that into account, and will rightly see that picking the Braves to win the division is going out on a ledge. None of these prognosticators and pundits is gonna do that.

And who cares? They play 162 to see how it works out, and preseason picks are worth even less than ST batting averages.

By NorthBeach Scott

March 2, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

TJ My bad, I apologize for confusing you with another blogger that incessently beats this drum and it is his only point.

Conceptually I am with you on insurance, just not sure I would proactively pay a high price for this peace of mind. I think Wren may be able to do some sort of a swap of an out of options Brave for a player with minor league options that could be a fill in for Hoss, should the opportunity arise.

I am not certain that Wren feels that he has completed the bench as these are the sorts of roles that are often filled just as the season starts. The Braves have proven to be opportunistic (e.g. Nick Green for Jorge Sosa-13 wins 2005 on 3/31/05)for these kinds of situations.

By Carroll Rogers

March 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Ron, I’d say the fifth starters’ job is actually Jair Jurrjens to lose at this point….but it’s early yet.

TJ, i wouldn’t sweat the bonds thing…

By NorthBeach Scott

March 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Honestly, who cares what the media says? Most of us that follow the Braves are feeling good about the starting line up and the overall team depth. Let’s get ready to enjoy what may be a magical (a nod to the Evil Grinning Rodent) season for the Braves. If the Braves do well, the media’s chagrin will make it that much sweeter.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 2, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers , we are five games into the grape fruit league schedule and Rafael Soriano has yet to see action on the mound. What gives ?

By PatioDaddio

March 2, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

If Hampton and James get hurt we have JJ, Jo Jo, Morton, Bennett, Carlysle to go to. I have named names. You are not rude, but you are evading the challenge to name quality names that were depth last year beyond Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, Cormier, Davies. Redmans name is not allowed to be repeated anywhere.

By McFann

March 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

EPSN analyst Steve Phillips gives five reasons why the Mets are the team to beat in the NL East.

Reason #4: The Mets have a deeper and more potent lineup.

OK, well, he doesn’t give any reasons why he thinks that’s so. What makes their lineup so much better, Steve?

By PatioDaddio

March 2, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I had a crud that was flu like for close to 14 days and it devastated me. I heard Soriano has a crud and he feels like crap.

By NorthBeach Scott

March 2, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

McFann Well said at 5:55. Did Phillips define deeper? Did he mean deeper than when he put his lackluster Mets together 1998-2003—then possibly. Deeper than the Braves or Phillies 2008, only in starting pitching depth vs Phils. Did he mean vs 2007 Mets? Then only second base and starting pitching are deeper in 2008.

Phillips is fairly articulate but often says things that make John Kruk appear to be perceptive. I will look forward to Steve getting on board the Braves band wagon in around the All-Star break.

By Lee Corso

March 2, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

It must be spring training again. Everyone is obsessed with preseason rankings. This is not college football. Who gives two sh!ts what anyone thinks about the Braves? Is it going to prevent the Braves from going to the BCS bowl game if the Braves go undefeated as some here seem to be predicting? The Braves play in the NL East, not the SEC East.

By Hampton for iron-man award

March 2, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

22 pitches without an injury,eat your words nay-sayers.

By KC

March 2, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

nscoots: Who do I expect to have “career” seasons?

Other than young guys (and Diaz) who will be playing their first or second season on an every day basis… who did I predict would have a career-best season?

By jim

March 2, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Acosta has not pitched yet either. Is there a problem with him?

By Andy

March 2, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

There are the obvious keys to braves season, such as Smoltz’s arm not falling off, and Chipper staying healthy, but I wanted give my two cents on two keys to the season I believe are extremely important that don’t get mentioned as much. 1. Mike Gonzalez getting back to form. Do you remember how well the season started for us last year? The team was so confident with the three headed monster in the pen. Gonzalez and Soriano pairing up for the last two innings are vital. They exude such confidence when they are “shut-down.” 2. Cox learns to manage in one run games, and also in extra innings. We simply sucked in close games and those that went to extras. Throwing out Tyler yates with the game on the line, or not moving runners over killed us some many times. Bobby’s stubbornesss with throwing wickman in road situations in which he continually failed, killed us.

Overall, I think the Braves are great shape. No Mike Redman, or any other bs starter throwing really will make such a huge difference. Rotation looks solid, and we’ll have a lineup that will generate a lot of runs.

Go Braves!

By Nick

March 2, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

McFann: My thoughts exactly (in fact, I was just about to post about it).

The Mets’ lineup is certainly not deeper than ours. The bottom half of their lineup will probably be Delgado, Church, Alou, and Schneider; ours will be McCann, Francoeur (in no particular order), Diaz, and Kotsay.

2007 Stats (BA, OBP, SLG):

Delgado: .258/.333/.448

Church: .272/..349/.464

Alou: .341/.392/.524

Schneider: .235/.326/.336

McCann: .270/.320/.452

Francoeur: .293/.338/.444

Diaz: .338/.368/.497

Kotsay (2006): .275/.332/.386

Matt Diaz is better than Moises Alou; Jeff Francoeur is better than Ryan Church; Brian McCann is better than Brian Schneider.

And we scored more runs than the Mets last year.

By AdirondackDave

March 2, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Coach — Bobby says Soriano has had a stomach bug for the last few days. Maybe we’ll see him Tuesday.

By ColoradoBravesFAn

March 2, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

I hope either Ms Rodgers or DOB show “u Kno Who” Steve Phillip’s reason #5. Stating Chipper’s health is unreliable might just be the thing that will fire CJ up for all the meetings with the mets this year,

GO BRAVOS…

By Kevin

March 2, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The AJC needs to take “why the Mets will win the division” off the front page. No one wants to read that crap.

By ?

March 2, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

One who thinks they are deep needs to wade away from the shallow end of the pool.

By William

March 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

I’m sure it’s already been said, but Hampton looked great today. I was totally surprised at how sharp he was.

By KC

March 2, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Well… I was really excited about the Braves. But after hearing Steve Phillips, I’ve decided to abandon all hope. We should just go ahead and hand the pennant to the Mets right now… Or should we?

It’s perfectly fair for people to doubt Hampton, so I guess I understand that. The bottom of the Braves rotation (4,5), whether that’s Hampton and Jurrjens… Hampton and James… or Jurrjens and James… the back end of the rotation will have to earn its respect.

As for Santana giving them the edge… I think he probably will put up better numbers over the course of the season than Smoltz (even though Smoltz was better in 07’). But Smoltz is still an ace, and in a big game with it all on the line, I would not pick Santana over Smoltz.

If you look at the top of the rotation (1,2) for each team… I don’t think Santana/Pedro has anything on Smoltz/Hudson.

Mets have deeper, more potent offense? The national media has been saying that for 2 years now. I don’t see how it’s any more true than it was last year or the year before.

Phillips won’t compare Soriano to Wagner. Fine. That falls in that just-have-to-prove-it category.

Steve Phillips: “5. Chipper Jones’ health. He hasn’t played 140 games in any of the last four seasons and he is critical to the Braves success. The trend shows that his absence is too much to overcome and his health is unreliable.”

And yet the Braves have outscored the Mets each of the last 2 seasons. How can that be?

By jim

March 2, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Moises Alou may be old and injury prone, but if he’s healthy, I’d much rather pitch to Diaz or Francouer or even McCann with the game on the line. I like the Braves overall lineup better than the Mets too, but let’s not be unrealistic about the talents of the other team’s players.

One of the most promising stats from today’s game was the 0 strikeouts for the Braves. This continues a trend that I have noticed in the few games — the Braves are not strikeing out with the frequency they have in the past few years. If this is a real trend, it is very promising.

By Austin

March 2, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

ColoradoBravesFAn

I was thinking the same exact thing when I read #5!

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO said earlier that the Mets can just go out and buy replacements if they have guys hurt. Not so fast, my friend. You can’t just go out and buy players during the season. (Easier to do in the off-season when you CAN buy free agents and just give up draft picks, though that has its own downside.)

During the season, or at least until the trade deadline, you have to offer something of value in return, even if you can find a team that wants to dump salary. From what I recall, the Mets have, what, 2 or 3 guys not on the expected 25-man roster who might be ready for ML action in ‘08 or ‘09? I don’t think they have much left that another team would take.

Minaya’s become the 21st century version of George Allen — the future is now. We’ll see how that works out if a few key guys get hurt.

As for Barroid Bonds, if the Mets did need to buy a bat, he may be their best option. But he may wind up as a first baseman if Delgado can’t go. I can see Wright’s error totals rise by the innning …

By chrisklob

March 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

No Excuses

You’re and idiot.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 7:03 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)

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Or consider this … now catching, Mike Piazza! Hey, this is fun.

By McFann

March 2, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Exactly, NorthBeach Scott and Nick. Mr. Phillips obviously was quite confused when he wrote that. The Braves have a much better lineup from top to bottom. All he has to do is look at the AVG, OBP, and SLG to see the light.

And if he did mean that the ‘08 Mets lineup is deeper than the ‘07 Mets lineup, well, even that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense because the two LU’s aren’t that different. This year, they’ll have Schneider, and—no offense to him—he’s a drop in AVG from Paul Lo Duca. In 2007, Schneider only bested him (out of the afore-mentioned stats) in OBP:

Lo Duca: .311 OBP .378 SLG .272 AVG

Schneider: .326 OBP .336 SLG .235 AVG

The Braves have a very good lineup this year. But really, I think it’s too early to make the call as to who will win the East.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Last year, we were excited about the fact that we had two guys, Davies and Cormier, fighting for the 5-spot. This year, we have six.

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge is expected to miss three to six weeks after having surgery Monday on his right knee. The team said the operation was successful.

The 31-year-old right-hander, Philadelphia’s biggest offseason acquisition, caught a spike in the mound on his first pitch of batting practice Saturday. Doctors removed torn cartilage from the same knee in October.

2 surgeries in 1 need for a pitcher? that aint a really good thing, and if its in less than a year… i dont care if its not a big surgery, it speaks for itself.

By Yars

March 2, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

I would think most of us on here don’t care what espn thinks. Sure, I watch Baseball Tonight, but whenever the talking heads slam the Braves, I’m so used to it by now, It doesn’t make my blood boil anymore. Hell man, the Braves finished 3rd 2 seasons in a row. Of course they are going to pick either the Mets or Phils to win the NL East. Do you know anyone that picked the Rockies to make it to the WS a year ago? Chipper tweaking a hammy shouldn’t surprise any of us. I’m only glad it happened now instead 5 days before opening day. Spring Training is still in its early stages, so I hope Chipper takes his time coming back.

By McFann©

March 2, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Jim, you’d rather pitch to Diaz, Francoeur, or McCann with the game on the line? Why? I’ve expressed before that I’m no Francoeur kiss-up, but he cann be clutch. Diaz is pretty clutch himself. For an example, look at Sept. 5th, 2007, one of the greatest games of the year. McCann struggled a bit last year, but he’s clutch, too. Classic example is May 30, 2007—my personal most favorite game of the year.

Moises Alou is an all around good hitter, no doubt. But I think those three Braves are really good, too. I don’t want to be “unrealistic” about the Mets’ talent. They’re a good team, but I don’t think they’re the greatest team in the East. Again, those sports dudes out there are saying all this stuff a little too early. Let’s wait and see who’s healthy when the season starts, eh?

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

need=knee

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

YARS: Finally someone making sense.

I’m only glad it happened now instead 5 days before opening day. Spring Training is still in its early stages.

Thats what fans have to realize. You want to see a player rehabbing in spring ready for 162, or get hurt in Aug, or Sept. and not be able to push your team over the top rushing to get back?

The METS are still dropping like flies.

Met-ical update: Gotay sprained his right ankle scoring the winning run in the Mets’ 6-5 victory against the Dodgers on Sunday. He needed help to get off the bus in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and to walk into the clubhouse. … Castillo began running on Sunday. … Carlos Beltran has been running for three days. … Endy Chavez is not yet running.

No Church this Sunday: One day after suffering a Grade 2 concussion — Grade 4 is the worst — in a collision with Marlon Anderson, Ryan Church remained at his home in Viera, Fla., rather than make the hour-long trip to Port St. Lucie. The Mets provided no update in his condition, saying he won’t play again until the symptoms of the concussion are gone.

Crash diet: By Saturday night, Anderson realized he had suffered more than a bruised sternum. He figured his chin had collided with Church’s head. And that impact affected his jaw. “I took a punch from somebody’s head,” is how he put it. “Eating last night was the most excruciating thing I’ve ever done. My jaw’s out of whack, I think. Chewing hurt. I’m probably not going to eat normally for a while. I can handle ice cream, but nothing that takes chewing.”

All those injuries and still being picked to win it….its good to be a METS fan!!!

By Lew

March 2, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Back here at the Glacier, Denizens. Maybe I’ll see my shadow and winter will be shortened. Oh well, probably not.

So Steve Phillips thinks the Mets rotation and offense are deep? Whatever. DelGado is already having problems with his hip and Moises will fall apart any day now. It’s only a matter of time.

By Lew

March 2, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Big Bruise has already begun. Y’all will lead the league in DL appearances-AGAIN. Let me know in September just how prophetic I was. Last year I predicted that all the Marlins pitchers and Hamels would go down and they did. My only question this year is Will Moises Alou’s next leg injury be the last of his career? Can he even make it through the season or will he have to retire midway through?

Where’s all your chest thumping about Pedro? Haven’t heard recently how he will return to Cy Young form . Deeper rotation than the Braves? Give me a flippin break.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 2, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

The thing to remember about Steve Phillips: Five years ago he was in charge of the Mets. Today’s he’s a studio host for ESPN. Not a bad gig, to be sure, but has any other team in Major League Baseball seriously considered him for a front office job since 2003?

By Lew

March 2, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Maybe for MetroDude’s sake I shouldn’t mention “break” in the same sentence as Mets’ players. Maybe it’s the black and blue unis. They’re suggestive.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Mets lose multiple guys the 1st week in spring and are still picked to win. Chumper hurts himself blowing a big league chew bubble and you guys go from 3rd to worst. No fear here as I scan the league and can see every teams injury. Lets see who injuries last longer and are more vital to their teams success!!!

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/injuries

By Tuna

March 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

If you have 2 QBS, you have none.

If you have 6 number 4 and 5 starters, you have none.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

The healthy Hampton is not a good sign for the NL east. Tell him to cut it lose and test that hammy so the rest will know if he is a factor. Other than that your, “AAA depth” pitchers are scaring nobody.

By Unbiased_Blogger

March 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

So let me get this straight. The Braves waive Andruw (always healthy) and averaged about 37 homeruns & 100 rbis per season. Now I hear Mark T. probably won’t resign next season and now Chipper is hurt again? Karma baby - they get what they deserved. Andruw was the team. I hear the Dodgers are candidates for the post season.

By Lew

March 2, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-You’re actually acting as if Steve Phillips has a clue. I refer you to the post by Braves’ Fan In The Rockies.

BTW-MetroDelusioned-Your last statement about the four and five starters makes zero sense. So what’s new?

By Lew

March 2, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Tuna has no clue, either. When exactly was the last time he actually won anything significant? Has it been in this decade? Don’t think so.

By Lew

March 2, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Unbiased Boy-From what I’ve heard, Andruw reported about five pounds less than I weigh. I assure you I am not in shape to play one inning much less nine. If he dives for a ball he may bounce to second base on his bloated belly. You’ll see why we let him walk away (or was that waddle away?). Let us know what you think of his overswing and his refusal to accept coaching.

By fastasballs

March 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Since when is ESPN ever correct about anything anymore? They are an extension of the out-of-touch print media. If the Mets have a problem & throw tons of money at it they are automatically awarded the division, regardless if what the money purchases actually gets the job done or not. Results mean nothing, it’s the thought that counts.

This is the way I see it regarding the Braves this season. In the plus column we have Tex for a full season, a beefed up Frenchy, MUCH better 3-5 in the rotation, a decent pen(gets a lot better in Gonzo comes back & contributes) & much better depth on the bench. Also I would rate the defense as good or better than last season.

I’m not being a big homer here, but I don’t see any glaring weakness anywhere on the team? Sure you can say if so & so goes down, but even then the depth is there to overcome a lot of injuries especially on the mound, outfield & middle infielders. There are four can’t lose guys. Tex, Chipper, Smoltz & Huddy.

Think of Chipper this way, if he can play 130 games & produce like he did last year or even close the Braves should still win the division. Had the depth & starting pitching been there last year like it is this year, the Braves would have won the division in 2007.

Nobody on this team needs to do too much. It’s a very balanced roster from top to bottom with lots of experienced & talanted depth waiting in the minors if neede, which it will be at some point.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

We all know Steve Phillips is a bust as a GM and anylyst…nothing new here. If he was the ONLY one picking the METS you might have a beef. But we have too many analyst who do this for a living (not always correct) and an entire METS fanbase that knows we will not be chop liver as you assume. Injuries or not, the METS are better built to make it, the braves, not so built.

By Navigator

March 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

It’s too early to start the Chipper snipe, but I get really tired of his hamstring. I mean, they have barely walked on the field, and having a weak hamstring for 16 years, it will never be right. If Chipper has another long period on the shelf, the Braves really need to look for a younger third baseman in the off season. You can’t win a pennant with one of your big bats constantly sitting on the bench.

By Historian

March 2, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Unbiased, do you work for the media? You’re comments tend to sound as unbiased as CBS. The last two years your man didn’t average 37 home runs and 100 rbi’s. In addition, balls started to get over his head, with an obvious move to the slow down. The Dodgers are not real happy with his off season condition either. One Jones is more than the fans can handle, maybe next year we can say the same about Chipper and his hamstring.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I’m blogging right now and just pulled a hamstirng. Wow, so it can happen.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 2, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Steve Phillips is an ex-Mets GM.

His reasoning , as follows :

1.Johan Santana is a stopper who can help his team avoid losing streaks.

As if John Smoltz and Tim Hudson are not ? Never mind the fact that the Braves had just two losing streak of four and five games. The Mets had losing streaks of four /five /five and five games last season.

I guess what Phillips is trying to say is , Santana makes the Mets rotation just as likely to avoid a losing streak as the Braves.

2.The Mets will get more wins from their number 1 one starter as well as their nos. 4 and 5 starters.

Again , more flawed logic on the part of Steve Phillips. He evidently doesn’t think that the two and three starter’s are more important.

Santana will win more games by himself. But , Smoltz , Hudson and Glavine will win more games than the Mets top three. Never mind the fact that the Mets tried in vain to dump Orlando Hernandez and nobody knows what to expect from Pedro.

Phillips conveniently left out the fact of the Braves superior depth in pitching while the Mets have none.

3.Closer. I like Rafael Soriano , but I don’t know if he can close a game that means something. The edge goes to the Mets Billy Wagner.

The Mets do get the edge simply due to experience.

If given the same opportunity to be a full time closer , Rafael Soriano is more than capable of being the bullpen stopper. Never mind the fact that the rest of the Braves bullpen is deeper than the Mets.

4.The Mets have a deeper and more potent lineup.

This man has positively lost his ever loving freaking mind. Paul Lo Duca was the best two hole hitter the Mets have had in a long time and he is gone. They have a brand new battery of catchers and Ryan Church is new in RF. Although , the Braves have no answer for Jose Reyes.

Meanwhile , the Braves , who actually scored more runs and had more RBI than the Mets last season will have the benefit of a full season of Mark Teixeira. Between Tex and Escobar , these two will more than make up for the loss of Andruw and Renteria. Mark Kotsay isn’t exactly a chump in CF either.

The Braves will once again outscore the Mets simply because they ARE the slightly better offensive club.

5.Chipper Jones health. He hasn’t played 140 games in any of the last three seasons and he is critical to the Braves success. The trend shows that his absence is to much to overcome and his health is unreliable.

This is where I actually agree with Steve Phillips. The Braves were 73-61 with Chipper in the lineup and 11-17 without him.

If Chipper goes down for any extended period of time , it will cause absolute chaos. The Braves do not have a suitable back up candidate who can play full time in the absence of Chipper Jones.

This is why I brought up the name of Mark Teahen and Steve Phillips would agree with me on this.

All in all , Phillips is wrong on the first of his three reasons and right on the last two.

Advantage : BRAVES.

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Strange, last i checked mets were 1-3 in spring training competition. And before that they won the award for the greatest collapse in earth history.

A team with so much depth has not been able to win early in spring.

Santana still has nothing to show for. Mets neither.

So the big question is……why is this big time bozo (MM) talking so many wonders about his mets?

By mike

March 2, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

*Metropolitan Man, I fail to see how the Mets are better built to make it than the Braves. Because they won one division in 06? Because they have more speed? Santana is arguably the best pitcher in baseball but Smoltz did have a better year than he did last year at age 40 and its no contest whose better in a big game situation. I also believe that the first 3 guys in the Braves rotation this year had more quality starts than Santana did last year. As for the rest of the rotations Hudson will be better than whatever Pedro can give, Glavine will be more consistent than Maine, Hampton and Oliver Perez will be a wash because of Hampton’s injuries and Perez’s inability to put together two good seasons in a row, and the Braves have a much better fifth starter in jurrjens, james, or bennett. As for the lineups the Braves have a better hitter at every position besides shortsop and center and shortstop may be closer than people realize. Escobar is coming off a season in which he hit .326 in his debut and has yet to show what he can do in a full season. Reyes is coming off one in which he hit .280, inluding get this .251 after the allstar break in which he contributed mightily to perhaps the greatest september collapse. And the Braves have tremendous young power arms in the bullpen, especially if Gonzalez comes back healthy. But then again the Mets won the division 1 time so I guess that makes them a powerhouse right?

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

MM the most beautiful thing this season will be winning the division and knowing even before season starts, that you will hide (as always) once you see your mets are done, finished, destroyed and crying as babies.

Sad thing is it wont be another collapse, since they wont even get to the fight, Ill be happy to remind you these word every day of the season.

By Nick

March 2, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Seriously!

“Injuries or not, the METS are better built to make it, the braves, not so built.”

Based on what?

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

METS have 2 wins, not 1 (2 game winning streak with the subs). Of course none of this is important yet until the last week of Spring Training. But I digress, spring training wins are great, but give me a healthy 25 to start the season. Collapse, what collaspe?? You must be talking about hamstings collapsing!!!

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

March 2, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

I’m in the minority on this but I actually think Steve Phillips is a very good analyst. He is far better than John Kruk who quite frankly is an idiot. Fernando “I only took HGH twice” Vina has no clue and don’t even get me started on Eric Young. Of course, Tim K., Gammons, Olney, and Stark are all great baseball guys to me.

As far as what Phillips said, I don’t agree with him. While Santana is a huge upgrade to the Mets’ rotation, that rotation still has huge question marks. The backend of the Mets rotation may be stronger than the Braves but the Braves have way better depth which means Cox can mix and match until he finds guys who can get it done. And, I totally don’t know what Phillips is talking about when he said the Mets lineup is deeper. I don’t think that is true at all. The Braves’ lineup is just as potent as the Mets and no matter who wins the bench spots on the Braves they will have a better bench than the Mets.

I can definitely see where the Mets would be favored but this Braves team will be reckoned with and they somewhat remind me of the ‘05 White Sox but with a much beter offense.

Besides, I would rather be the underdog. Let the Phillies and Mets disrespect the Braves and underestimate them. Mabye the disrespect will cause the Braves to play with a chip on their shoulder which can only be a good thing because it will give them that “edge” that I don’t think this team always plays with!

By N8

March 2, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Steve Phillips was wrong from 1997-2003 in thinking the Mets were good enough to win the division, too.

Why should this year be any different.

But if Justin Schafer comes on in CF for us, all bets are off. LOL!

By ColoradoBravesFan

March 2, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

*By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

The healthy Hampton is not a good sign for the NL east. Tell him to cut it lose and test that hammy so the rest will know if he is a factor. Other than that your, “AAA depth” pitchers are scaring nobody.*

Met boy better look at his pitching depth before spouting off. Who do the mets have beyond Santana and I’ll give you J. Maine. Pedro…? He was great, and might be very good again, but is he going to give you 200 innings and 20 to 22 Quality starts. That is what Smoltz, Huddy and Glavine have done year after year. El DL pitched 200 innings ONCE in 1999. Then you ‘ve got Pelfrey and Sosa, I believe Chuck James, J Jurrgens and Jo-Jo Reyes are better than those guys and J. Bennett is their equal.

6 of your 7 starters have either never pitched 200 inn or have done it once in their career. The Mets are going to need 2 starters to pitch when El DL or Pedro miss starts. There is only Sosa and…??? Yeah I’ll take our AAA depth over Met Boy’s nothing or worse in the ML and nothing at AAA. If our AAA depth is scaring nobody, then your depth, which you will absolutely need truely suxs rocks.

Hampton and Pedro are the same. You don’t know what you’ll get with Pedro, we don’t know what we’ll get with Hampton. Difference, pedro is the #2 and the Mets are hanging all hopes on his return. The Braves consider Hampton a #4 or 5, and have backups who have dominated in AAA.

GO BRAVOS…

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Update to the Muts injury report:

Mets players currently injured:

C Delgado M Anderson R Church C Beltran L Castillo E Chavez D Easley J Valentin O Hernandez B Schneider R Gotay

From their mlb.com depth chart, this leaves:

Outfield: M. Alou

Shortstop: J. Reyes, A. Hernandez

Third base: D. Wright

Second base: NOBODY

First base: NOBODY

Catcher: R. Castro

Rotation: SP1. J. Santana SP2. P. Martinez SP3. J. Maine SP4. O. Perez SP5. M. Pelfrey

Bullpen: B. Wagner (CL) A. Heilman D. Sanchez P. Feliciano S. Schoeneweis J. Sosa J. Smith W. Collazo C. Muniz M. Wise

Look for some last-minute transactions by the New York Queens this March. They can’t even field a team with their current active roster.

By Greg in TN

March 2, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Evening denizens…

We had a speed bump today in the guise of a Chipper Jones’ tweaked hamstring. Frustrating for him, frustrating for Braves Nation, however now is the best time in the world to have something like that happen. It’s time for a little R&R for U Kno Who so he can get ready for the marathon that is the 2008 season.

Superlative effort today on the mound by one Mike Hampton, who hasn’t had any mound time to speak of in quite some time against live hitting, well, not counting the short stint he had with the NASCAR unis in the Mexican Winter League. He’s making great strides to this point and looks strong. It’s still early, but it’s looking more and more like the rotation is setting up to be a strong one for the season.

Let the media pick whoever they’d like in the NL East derby. It doesn’t bother me in the least who thinks what. In the entire recorded history of baseball, never did the powers that be award the championship to a team based on the opinion of the media.

Josh Anderson is making a strong argument about getting that fourth OF position with a two for two day today with a double and scored two runs. Ohman had a pick off today and Bryan Pena caught another baserunner trying to steal second. Escobar and Diaz both knocked in two runs. Brandon Jones did throw out Wigginton at second and had a hit, however he’s going to have to step it up quite a bit because I see Anderson breaking out to a big lead out of the gate.

The amazin’ mediocres await tomorrow. We will see how Jo-Jo does with his first start of the spring.

By Overlord

March 2, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

MM im talking about the collapse that you see in your nightmares. No need to tell you more.

Nick “The collapse II” will taste better now that it will include Santana and another division flag in Turner Field.

By bruce

March 2, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I thought I saw Chipper ping his hammy in his last at bat on Friday on ESPN… he was definitely awkward, with distress look on his face at one point heading toward first, then you see him legs spread at first stretching it a bit and they took him out immediately. Bruce

By fastasballs

March 2, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, give it up. Steve Phillips & other “experts” have crowned the Muts division winners already.

Care to elaborate on that comment Metro about the Muts being built to win it, with or without the injuries? …………… having trouble with that? Yeah I thought you might.

By ColoradoBravesFan

March 2, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

TYPO in my previous post… 5 of 7

Maine, Perez, Sosa, Pelfrey… never pitched over 200 innings in their career.

El DL for his career pitched over 200 inn once in 1999.

GO BRAVOS…

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

By Metropolitan Man But I digress, spring training wins are great, but give me a healthy 25 to start the season.

Metro, you’ll be lucky to have a healthy 25 on the entire Mets 40-man roster.

By Glass Half Full

March 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Phillips must realize that the only safe places for goatees are baseball and porn.

By Muggly Other

March 2, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I’m not saying the Braves have the best team in the East. I am saying the Braves have as good a chance as any team in the East.

Here’s what the Mets fans (and the ESPN/Fox talking heads) aren’t considering: Am I dreaming or didn’t Santana give up loads of homers and get lit up quite a bit in the second half of ‘07? There was even talk that something wasn’t right with him. Of course it is spring training and…. I wouldn’t cry the sky is falling yet…. but after Santana’s second half last year and his rocky outing this spring…. If I were the Mets I would have my fingers crossed that something wasn’t wrong with the guy. All the Mets eggs are in the Santana basket! They make no moves in the off season. Atlanta improves their pitching. Philly made some moves….. and all the talking heads were counting the Mets out. They sign Santana and BOOM!!! World Series favorites! (same analysts who were claiming the Mets were mediocre are screaming WS after the Santana signing)

They lose a 13 game winner and replace him with a 15 game winner? As usual, the media hype is just that… hype! Santana is great. But statistically, he’s was only two games better than Glavine last year. Net gain? Two games in the W-L column!

Another factor that you can’t tell me won’t have an impact….. the historic meltdown the Mets had last year to end the season.

Mets could win it, but in my book, the Phillies are the defending champs and proven “non-chokers.”

There is only one team in the NL East this year that has the pressure of having to prove something riding on their back. That would be the NY Mets. Huge payroll,big free agent signing, historic meltdown last year.

Phillies are playing from the position of defending division champs and are a team the Mets can’t seem to beat when it means anything. And the Braves…… have nothing to lose. Winning the division would be like found money for the Braves.

By ippississiM

March 2, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Last year, in early March, two of my then-coworkers and I grew beards in support of Mike Hampton. We agreed that we wouldn’t get rid of them until Hampton won a game for the Braves. When Hampton pulled an oblique, we kept the beards. When he had his second surgery, still, we kept the beards.

I left that job in June, and hadn’t been face-to-face with either of those guys since, until I ran into one of them at the gas station today. The first thing he mentioned was how glad he would be to get rid of his beard in April.

By chrisklob

March 2, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

That’s a great story ippississiM!

By ET90210

March 2, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

2008 Braves team preview. Good rundown of overall team, complete with lineup, rotation, bullpen, and a poll to vote for win total!! Love polls. ha

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/03/02/the-2008-atlanta-braves-the-party-crashers/

By Muggly Other

March 2, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t fault anyone for picking the Phillies, Mets or Braves to win the East. My problem is with the “annointing” of the Mets by the media as being in the WS this year.

Braves and Phillies do have question marks, but here are the Mets question marks:

Santana-could be Cy Young again,maybe not. Either way, he ain’t gonna win 25 games!

Pedro- Can he come back? He’s a year older and no one knows how he’ll hold up or how effective he will be yet.

Perez- Will the decent Perez show up for most of his starts this year or will the head case Perez show up?

Orlando Hernandez- People are catching up to his 79 mph fastball. He also struggled to go more than 5 for much of last year. Injury prone.

Billy Wagner- Phillips giving him the “been there-done that” title as a clutch closer is laughable. It’s not 2004 anymore. How about “been there-blew that.”

Delgado-old and hurt again

Castillo- could be solid, but he’s been known for injury and at times erratic play.

Reyes- great player-attitude problems have been a factor, but if he grows up he could be Jimmy Rollins!

Wright- solid

Alou-injury prone and over 40 years old.

Beltran- solid, but watch that banana peel!

Church-Chavez-Easley etc. wait and see but not season changers.

Castro and Schneider- not the worst I’ve seen but one can’t play defense and the other can’t hit.

Like I said, Phils and Braves have as many questions as the Mets, but thats the point. Mets have too many question marks to be getting the crown handed to them in March!

By richbrave

March 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

MUGGY OTHER:

As I have posted before, a friend of mine who was a lower minor league scout says through his vine in Minn. that the injury to Santana will not go away and ultimately will shorten his career. Long-term effectiveness only, not short-term. Of course, you know talk is cheap. We’ll see how things are in year three of his contract.

By richbrave

March 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

ROBERT:

ECHO - KRUK is an idiot! I had to listen to that clown schlep his way through Friday’s ESPN broadcast. So riveting I fell asleep and missed Javy’s homer. Woke up and heard his drone and fell asleep again missing our big 5th inning. Damn TBS for dropping Braves broadcasts! Now I’m chained to driveling no nothings, and pompous wind-bags 18 times a year. Jeeze, I hope MLB announcers will be informed and fairly quiet. Just the facts guys, just the facts.

By Muggly Other

March 2, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the tip, richbrave.

I’m not a fan of huge, long term, contracts for any pitcher. Position players can get hurt and even suffer career ending injuries, but long term deals are less risky with position players. ANY pitcher can be one pitch away from being “done” for his career!

By Nick

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

richbrave: I’m not sure what you meant by “MLB announcers”, are you referring to mlb.tv? If so, mlb.tv just shows the local telecast (i.e. Sports South); sometimes it shows the Braves’ telecast, and sometimes the other guys’. Which is actually kinda interesting, hearing the Braves from the perspective of someone who knows a lot more about the other team. And most teams have announcing teams better than ESPN.

By Double Deuce

March 2, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I believe Chipper’s tweak is just that, nothing more. Even if it were more severe, I believe the Braves are more capable this year of withstanding losing Chipper for extended periods. Tex is a big reason, but Frenchy, BMac, KJ, and even Escobar have another year under their belt and are on the verge of shedding that “Baby Braves” moniker and standing on their own as legitimate major leaguers. Let’s hope Chipper gives us 150+ this year, but if he can’t I think we are better prepared than last year to hold our own until he can get back in the lineup.

By Metropolitan Man

March 2, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Injuries or not, the METS are better built to make it, the braves, not so built.”

Based on what?

The METS are built to win now with the moves that were made to correct 2007. Better defensive catching, better ace to stop the slides, a better bullpen and an owner who has stated there is more money to be spent. They are built to win now, as opposed to later.

LETS GO METS!!!

By chrisklob

March 2, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Nick, I believe that richbrave was speaking of the horrid job the espn announcers did during Friday’s game. They talked about everything under the sun except for the game in front of them. There were a zillion substitutions for both sides and they talked right through most of them. It was a truly awful experience. Not a good way to start the baseball season.

By chrisklob

March 2, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Metro Man, you better hope that y’all can win now. With the farm system you have in place, you sure as hell won’t be winning in the long-term.

By juice?

March 3, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

“The best fit of all for Bonds could be in Atlanta” —i dont know about that.. as much as i dont like bonds though he would make the braves have scary lineup - what picher would want to face chipper.teixeira.bonds.francoeur.mcann - we all know its just talk anyway- thats not going to happen

By Nick

March 3, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

chrisklob- yeah, I knew richbrave was talking about how bad the ESPN guys were. I just thought he was saying “I hope the MLB’s announcers will be better than ESPN’s” but when I went back and reread it I can see that I misinterpreted him.

And Met Man: So you’re saying that the Mets made offseason moves to correct last season’s problems, but the Braves didn’t??

By chrisklob

March 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

“The best fit of all for Bonds could be in Atlanta”.

What idiot said that? No way in hell that Bonds ever fits into a Bobby Cox clubhouse.

By juice?

March 3, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/atlanta_braves/index.html

By Metropolitan Man

March 3, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Nick: Of course the braves made moves. Just like all the other MLB teams. Only difference is the METS moves made them favorites from well, almost everyone including this METS fan. braves moves made them better but without big boy Chumper its gonna be rough. If Delgado cant go it looks like it will be another tight one with the philthies with a different result.

By chrisklob

March 3, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

juice, one idiot (like me or anyone here) saying that Bonds’ best fit is in ATL doesn’t make it true.

The Braves do NOT have a whole in LF as the writer states. And not even BC could keep that idiot in line. I can’t imagine ANY scenario that FW would sign Bonds to do anything more than take tickets in the parking lot.

By juice?

March 3, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

i didnt say anything about it being true - was just saying it was interesting to read cause thats the last thing i would think someone would say that the braves are a good fit for bonds..

By BossLady

March 3, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Yesterday, I removed my Glavine gear from my trunk. In it’s place I put my Andruw gear. In all the years I only wear Glavine and Andruw. My husband wears Francoeur. I can always hope. Since, I was able to now pull out Glavine, I can hope that one day I can pull out my Andruw. As much as I like Smoltz, Hudson and Tex. The face of the Braves is Glavine and Andruw. You gotta first give Glavine the props for bringing winning to Atlanta and give Andruw the games saved in defense and plate production. I will just continue to enjoy the Braves with whoever they put on the field, but, history is history..

By chrisklob

March 3, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Juice,as a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to quote your source when you are posting an idea from an outside source. That way, everyone reading your post knows what your stand is. Otherwise, people think that you believe what you are posting.

By BossLady

March 3, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Why in the world would AJC spend money and writing abilities reporting on ESPN? ESPN only cares about the Red Sox, Yankees and who they think will be the most money spending, rather money making teams.

By MEET THE METS

March 3, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

Pick the Mets, pick the Mets, Step right up and pick the Mets. Bet your mortgage, Bet your life, Guaranteed we’ll have the laugh of our life.

Because the Mets are really suckin’ this year, Choking it away again in the fall.

East side, West side, everybody’s coming down, To pick the M-E-T-S Mets, of New York town.

Oh, the Gammons and the Phillips and the people on the streets, Where did they go? To PICK THE METS! Oh, they’re hollerin’ and cryin’ and they’re slumped in their seats,

Where did they go? To PICK THE METS! All the media is true to the orange and blue, So hurry up and come on down - ‘cause we’ve got ourselves a loser club, The Mets of New York town!

Give ‘em a yell! Give ‘em a hand! And let ‘em know you’re picking the Mets! Come on and…

Pick the Mets, pick the Mets, Step right up and pick the Mets. Bet your mortgage, bet your life Guaranteed we’ll have the laugh of our life. Because the Mets are really suckin’ this year Spittin’ the bit again in the fall.

East side, West side, everybody’s coming down, To PICK the M-E-T-S Mets, Of New York town, Of New York town.

By BossLady

March 3, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

We took a close look at the announcers and commentators on ESPN and found that the BRAVES beat their respective A$$ when they played. It is obvious that they will never, never like the BRAVES and ESPN should be demand a non-bias staff.

By nycbravesbaby

March 3, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

I am sure chipper will be fine! I am just upset that it happened the day before we play the mets! It is reminiscent of last september when I was going to shea again to see our beloved braves! Chipper of course re-injured his oblique I believe. I was very upset! Half the fun of going to shea is to hear the crowd get all over chipper when he steps up to bat! Get better chipper! Remember those mets fans are counting on you! lol

By BossLady

March 3, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

I’m so sick of the METS fans over here in the Atlanta blog. Now, why in the world would I want to go on blog on the METS blog?? It is so sick. Don’t they have a home to go blog? It is like going to someone’s home on Thanksgiving and Christmas and sitting there like a jacka$$? Don’t you know when you need to be in you own place? SICK SICK SICK

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Metro: Mets 40-man roster

Players in bold are currently injured

Pitchers Adam Bostick, Ambiorix Burgos, Willie Collazo, Pedro Feliciano, Aaron Heilman, Orlando Hernandez, Ruddy Lugo, John Maine, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Muniz, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, Steven Register, Duaner Sanchez, Johan Santana, Scott Schoeneweis, Joe Smith, Jorge Sosa, Brian Stokes, Jason Vargas, Billy Wagner, Matt Wise

Catchers Ramon Castro, Brian Schneider

Infielders Luis Castillo, Carlos Delgado, Damion Easley, Ruben Gotay, Anderson Hernandez, Jose Reyes, David Wright

Outfielders Moises Alou, Marlon Anderson, Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez, Ryan Church, Angel Pagan

How are your Mets going to play, much less win, with only three infielders and two outfielders healthy? You realize this is the 40-man roster?

By nOLIE

March 3, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Phillips said that the line-up was deeper, not that the starting line-up was better. I assume that to him deep means depth, which most of the national sees the Braves as lacking in.If a starter goes down they perceive us as having an unproven replacement, which is mostly true. Thorman? Anderson might be ok but is far from proven, same with Prado,Lillibridge,Jones etc. Even Javy after missing a full season is very questionable in most people’s minds. Only Infante is a proven player. Now mayhaps all or most of those guys will be perfectly fine if they need to be pressed into service for an extended period of time, but at this point anyone not in the Braves’ organization is gonna have questionsabout that.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Mets? Deeper? They currently have six non-pitchers on their 40-man who are able to play. They invited an additional three outfielders and five infielders to camp. That means right now they have enough players for a lineup and a regular-season-sized bench. What good is whatever false depth they think they have, when by the first week of March, they’re pulling kids off the back fields to have enough fill out the roster? In the article about their first-base issues, Willie Randolph sounded almost in a panic.

By BA

March 3, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

Mets fans come to our blog for the same reasons they move to our city- because they are over crowded in their disease filled, crime ridden, drug infested wretched city. The Mutts will be awful this year, between their advanced age and their third world “latino” borderline gang mentality. I can hardly wait ‘till Hoss is sending balls into the parking lot of that sewer sinkhole of a stadium they call “Shea”. All the Mutts are gonna do is impregnate and pump more anchor babies into our system, that and lose! STAY IN YOUR SEWER YOU RAT MET FANS!!!!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 3, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

The Braves simply have to find a suitable backup at 3B who can play everyday if Chipper were to go on the D.L. for any extended period of time.

They have to make a trade , not doing so would be a huge mistake on the part of Frank Wren.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

BA: That was uncalled for. Fight fair. Stick to baseball, and avoid politics.

I would recommend that you ask Carroll to remove that post.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

I mean, seriously, that post was almost a hate-crime.

By nOLIE

March 3, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this

ippississim here is a link to BaseballReference that lists every game in 1981 with the starting lineup/batting order for each one. You mentioned last nigh that you were interested and someone(Moby I think) posted a work around, but here the data is available. you can go to the Braves team page there and find the data for any year you want. CLICKHERE

By midtownBrave

March 3, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

I’m getting tired of seeing these so-called analysts picking the muts and hillies over the braves. The only thing that hurt us last year was starting pitching and i think with the addition of Glavine and Jurrjens (and very likely Hampton) the back end is way better than last year. Bullpen is good. Sure we don’t have someone like Mahay. But we have Soriano and Moylan (and Gonzalez later on). Billy Wagner is good, but Soriano has a good fastball too. But most importantly we don’t have Wickman around to blow games for huddy. Offense is and always has been good. Apart from Tex and Chipper we may not have any big name players (whom the espn analysts so much love), but our offense is loaded with guys that can hit and well suited for their roles in the lineup. If Kotsay is as good as they say in CF, then we have a solid defense as well.

By CLCL

March 3, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this

THE NERVE YOU HAVE TO PUT DAVID WRIGHT AS THE PICTURE USED FOR REASON #4 (BATTING DEPTH)- IDIOT. YOU SHOULD LOSE YOUR JOB AND KICKED OUT OF ATLANTA. THE KID PALES IN COMPARISON TO CHIPPER. WE HAVE A BETTER OFFENSE. HAVING HUDSON, SMOLTZ, GLAVINE, HAMPTON, JURRJENS ISN’T HALF BAD NOW IS IT. YOU ARE PROBABLY FROM CONNECTICUT OR SOMETHING. WE DON’T NEED YANKS PRAISING YANK TEEMS IN OUR PAPER. THANKS.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

Thanks nOLIE. I was just reminiscing about the year I became aware that there was such a thing as baseball, 1983. I was small enough to watch the games sitting in my dad’s lap, and more often than not I was asleep before the end of the game. That was back before TBS lost its W, before the baby Braves took their first baby steps.

By Capt. Caveman

March 3, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this

Ippi

Relax dude, talkin smack and insulting NY are way different then a HATE crime. If you don’t like the comment - fine. But don’t excagggggerate like that.

Hate post and hate crime are very different.

By BA

March 3, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

Sometimes the truth hurts. But it’s not a crime. Are you the hall monitor? This isn’t Sweet Valley high shcool any more bearded lady. However, being an illegal criminal alien is a crime. Being a Mets fan is just a shame. Anyway, Mets of all nationalities have always been dirtbags! Remember David Cone playing peek-a-boo in the mets bullpen with those unsuspecting fans? Or Doc “powderhead” Gooden, or even the dreaded gay Piazza, complete with the cheesy George Micheal beard! The list goes on and on…

By CLCL

March 3, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

hahaha

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 3, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

Just to reiterate how important Chipper is. The Braves were 27-23 when Chipper and Teixeira both started and played together last season.

The Braves were 1-4 when the two of them did not appear together in a game after the Braves traded for Teixeira.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this

Okay, you got me, a new celebrity blogger—John Rocker! I also don’t like illegal immigration, but do you honestly believe that any Mets player is here with fake papers? What does that make Escobar and Brayan Pena, then? If you can’t separate someone’s race from whether or not they’re a criminal then you need a reality check.

By BA

March 3, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

Reality check? You’ve been on this blog for something like twelve hours, hows that for a reality check?! Escobar is not out c** fighting like Pedro, and I’m pretty sure Pena stands like a man for our national anthem, unlike that ungrateful/oft injured/overweight Delgado! On a lighter note, maybe you should keep the beard ‘till he wins fourteen games and we are five games up in august? Have you seen Beltran’s social security card? Me neither.

By Double Deuce

March 3, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

++Coach++ I posted earlier that I believe the Braves are in a better position this year than last to be without Chipper for an extended period. That being said, I believe the Braves organization is aware of how vulnerable we are at the corners should either Chipper or Tex go down for a while and would hope that after the cuts are made there will be someone we can find to keep in Richmond as a just in case guy. Don’t see anyone in the organization right now to fill in at third, and I’m not a big Scott Thorman fan either, so the corners are thin at best. Let’s just hope Chipper stays healthy because he is the trigger for the offense.

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this

BA

I have been on here more than is sane for the past week, you’re right. I’m laid-up with some busted ribs, torn left knee ligament, and a respiratory infection. Can’t really do a lot else, can I?

By TK

March 3, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

After reading Steve Phillips remarks…just another reason he is a EX GM!!!! And has been a EX GM for a few years. The only Met everyday players I would take over the Braves would be CF and SS…3rd if Chipper were hurt. Can anyone answer me this? Did Scott Thorman not start out as a 3rd baseman? Just thinking who might fill in for Chipper during the year. I hope not Prado!!!

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this

BA: I didn’t mean to get into personal attacks, and “reality check” and “John Rocker” were a couple of places I probably shouldn’t go.

That said, I’d much rather make fun of individual players than make a blanket statement and then have to spend the rest of the season looking over my shoulder, lest some gay hispanic bodybuilder happened to be lurking the blog that night!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 3, 2008 4:41 AM | Link to this

Double Deuce , remember when the Braves traded Wilson Betemit for Willy Aybar. Then Aybar went AWOL last spring training. The Braves promptly traded him after Aybar had completed his rehab and played winter ball , or I should say that Cox didn’t want him in his clubhouse at all.

The best option other than Chipper for 3B is actually Yunel Escobar. But , that really changes the defense as well as the offense.

Lillibridge becomes the SS by default because niether Prado or Infante are everyday players.

Chipper has bad wheels and it’s only a matter of when until he has a flat tire.

The Braves need another capable third baseman behind him.

Frank Wren , the key word here is T-R-A-D-E.

By William

March 3, 2008 5:14 AM | Link to this

Make no mistake, I love Chipper Jones. My question is though..How the heck do you “tweak” a hamstring taking BP? I mean if you are trying to beat out a throw to first or leg out a triple……but BP??????????

By Tman

March 3, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

I never understood why the Braves signed McCann to a long contract when Saltalamachia had a better arm and more pop in his bat The scouts surely saw this. I hope McCann proves me wrong

By Jim

March 3, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

you know who It’s the oblique during BP and the hamstring when you loaf around the bases. Get it right!!!

By Jim

March 3, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

you know who It’s the oblique during BP and the hamstring when you loaf around the bases. Get it right!!!

By richbrave

March 3, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

NICK:

So I’m in pergatory NICK? No Skip and Chip, Joe and Pete? Tell me it isn’t so NICK, tell me it isn’t so.

By richbrave

March 3, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

COACH:

Well coach, we have a handful of players with no options, some of them pretty good, and they’re not gonna’ make the team. I’m ready. Lets trade.

By Moby Grape

March 3, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

maybe we can get Wes back, he can play 1st & 3rd huh?

By Bama

March 3, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Sorry to hear about Hoss getting hurt but he’s tough and will work through it. Hoss getting hurt is more reason to sign Tex long term. It can be done and the sooner the cheaper. God Bless America and Go Braves….

By poorbrave

March 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I agree richbrave…its time to trade. Now give me your list of who and what you would trade for.

By DAP

March 3, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

savanna guy i think the expression is “blind as a bat” not “stupid as a bat” …but maybe chipper doesnt know that one! :-)

Eric from MO ive gotta disagree with some of my fellow bloggers and say you do NOT have a point. as far as the mets and the braves having old teams… the mets have a much older team, and thats not a matter of opinion. you said theyve got reytes and wright and then old guys and we have frenchy and mccann and then old guys, but thats not true.

weve also got johnson, escobar, tex, b. jones, and young back ups like lillibridge, prado, pena…. all of these guys in thier 20s. the mets have guys like castillo, delgado, valentine, alou, shneider, at simlilar positions. theres no comparison.

theres also no comparison between our rotation depth this year and last year.

By LM

March 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Tman, Smoltz and other pitchers rave about McCann’s ability to call a game. I’m not sure how well Salty calls games, but I’m sure the Braves knew what they were doing when they signed McCann to a long-term deal (they’ve never done that to anyone with his level of experience and young age) and knew what they were giving up in Salty. It’s like the Braves having confidence in Escobar and trading Renteria, for example. The Braves have confidence in McCann and he’s only put up somewhat decent numbers the past two years and gone to the All-Star game both years as well.

Plus McCann’s viewed as one of the top catchers in the NL, if not the game. McCann has his weaknesses, and I agree he needs to work on them, but the Braves knew what they were doing and I don’t think they regret signing him to a multi-year deal.

By Chris

March 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Everyone getting even remotely upset over the “5 reasons” feature is an idiot. Notice how they did one for why the Braves would win too. That is because its a feature geniuses. Its just filler before the season starts. You’re all idiots.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Muggly Other Id have to say braves feel some pressure, not as much as the muts, but 3 years in a row without a flag would be a big deal, so dont pretend braves arent feeling the pressure. Trading for TEX and giving up 5 prospects is as big as signing Santana.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Tman, i agree with you on that catchers statement. Could anyone tell us why did the braves chose brian over salty?

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Bama, agree, the sooner the better, before TEX hits 40+ & 120+, but that is precisely what Boras is hoping for, so he wont make a move with that pen just yet.

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Here is a good phone interview with Bill Shanks on the 960 The Ref morning show, recorded in Athens on Thursday, Feb. 28th. I’ve been out of town for a few days; otherwise, I would’ve posted this sooner. Enjoy, and thanks to Bill for posting this sucker up!

By McFann©

March 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I hope McCann proves you wrong, too, Tman, with all due respect.

But if you had a baseball team, and your catcher hit .333 with 24 HR, 93 RBI, and 34 2B in his first full season, wouldn’t you want to keep him for a long time? Of course, like LM said, he has his weaknesses (everyone does). I’d say his biggest weakness is the base runner. I don’t think they regret signing him in the least. He’s got great game calling skills, he’s a great hitter, and he’s a great guy to have around in the clubhouse. And the Silver Slugger and two All-Star appearances make the deal that much sweater for the team.

And don’t get me wrong, Salty was a pretty good hitter—he finished his rookie year with a .266 BA. McCann finished his with a .278. But moving to Texas gives Salty a chance to be a starter, which I think he deserves. The contract, the trade—they both were good moves. Period.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Nolie-People can question the Braves depth and experience all that they want. If they had bothered to go to Spring Training (like Buster Olney did-who thinks people are stupid for counting out the Braves) they would realize that, at the very least, the talent is there. Of course there are questions-there always are with all teams.

However, anointing the Mets because they picked up Johan (a great move, but hardly enough) is foolhardy in the extreme. I’ve been yelling all throughout the off season how much injury problems the Mets will face. Seems like I’m being proved accurate. It’s only Spring Training and they are falling like leaves during a Vermont Autumn (great imagery, huh? You should see it in person some time).

Annointing the Phillies is not overly intelligent, either. Yes, their offense is excellent, but their pitching staff could easily turn into a horrible joke. They’ve already seen Lidge go down and since this is the second time since the fall he has had knee issues, one must wonder just how much he will contribute to them this year. His replacement, Flash Gordan, outlived his nickname years ago. He is almost injured enough to attract the interest of the Mets, whose second most important acquisition this winter was Tony Armas Jr., a quite perfect selection in that he is a chronic denizen of the Disabled List. He should fit right in on Big Bruise. I still think those black and blue unis are very suggestive.

Let us not forget, as well, that the Phillies staff contains only two really proven and decent pitchers, Hamels (with injury issues of his own) and Myers, who spent much of last year in the pen (not to mention his anger issues). Jaimie Moyer is 45 and had an ERA of well over 5 runs per game and Adam Eaton, whose ERA was over 6 are hardly worthy of fear-especially in their Little League Stadium. Wow. Add a second year pitcher who averages a strikeout every four innings and one must wonder.

Grinch and I spoke at length to Ruben Amaro, Jr. this spring and at The SSISCribes’ request, offered him best wishes and good luck in the Wild Card Race. He only half heartedly chuckled in response. Lidge had been injured only minutes before.

By chrisklob

March 3, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Lew, do you think that Santana could play some at first on his non-pitching days? Maybe that will put them over the top. Of course, they might need to play him some at 2b and OF too. Oh, and could he come out of the bullpen on the day he would normally throw on the side (and probably the other days too)?

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I would like to know what some of you think the braves will do (and why) with Anderson, B. Jones, Schaefer and Blanco. Will they carry 5 OF?

I suppose Jones will go to AAA along with Blanco. Anderson might stay as 4th OF. What about Schaefer???

By MGL

March 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Overlord - My opinion so far is that Anderson will be the fourth and last outfielder. I think that they will want Schaefer to get regular at bats. Anderson is the best all round at all three positions, and with Infante out for the beginning, I think that they will want the versitility.

By Carroll Rogers

March 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

in case you didn’t see, braves renewed francoeur’s contract today….from what i know, they’re not close on long-term figures and while they’ll keep the lines of communication open until the end of march, i don’t see a long-term deal on the horizon.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

MGL, what did you mean with getting schaefer regular ABs? Did you mean he is not ready for the bigs?

By KC

March 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Overlord: If it comes down to a choice between Jones and Anderson right now… if the season started tomorrow, it would be Anderson. He’s been tearing it up, and he can play any outfield position comfortably (Jones cannot).

Assuming the Braves carry 13 pitchers again (and they probably will), that leaves room 4 bench players. These would be my choices:

Anderson, Javy, Lillibridge, and B.Pena.

Pena can play a number of different positions, gives the Braves a 3rd catcher so BC doesn’t have to be nervous about using Javy to pinch hit… and Pena is not a bad hitter in his own right.

By DAP

March 3, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Chris You’re all idiots.

and youre one of us. that makes you an idiot.

overlord i think that anderson will make the opening day roster, and get some chances early. but once infante comes back, i think they will send mr. anderson back down and bring b. jones up. jones needs a chance to develop into a full time- left fielder, where anderson might always be a back-up—a good one.

so, only 4 outfielders. blanco and shafer wont make the team. they just arent needed.

By MasivAtack

March 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

so kc, you would release thorman? Who will give Tex a day off. Not saying that he needs many of those, but do you think Pena is the answer or can Javy pick ‘em at first?

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

This is complicated…..

KC i like your choices, but as DAP says, what about Infante?

1. Javy is a must.

2. Anderson is ahead of the rest OF options.

3. Infante is not gonna go down, he will be in the roster.

4. I like the B. Peña option better than Prado and Lillibridge.

5. Isnt Schaefer ready for the bigs already?

By ncscoots

March 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

But moving to Texas gives Salty a chance to be a starter, which I think he deserves

So far, Saltalamacchia hasn’t been able to beat out Gerald Laird, let alone Brian McCann. Nothing wrong with that part of the trade.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

DAP why do you like Jones better than Anderson? You think Anderson will only be here this year until jones and Schaefer are ready to play CF and LF?

By KC

March 3, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

MasivAtack:

Oh crud… you’re right. I forgot about Thorman.

I don’t know.

If it were up to me, I would want to know what our coaches, veteran players, and scouts think of Thorman. If the consensus is that he has the ability to be a viable slugger at the ML level… then no, I would not release him.

I would carry Thorman instead of Pena, or possibly even carry 12 pitchers -as opposed to 13- and keep both Thorman and Pena on the 25 man roster.

But if there are serious doubts within the organization that he’ll ever materialize into anything… then, yes, I would release him or trade him for whatever we could get.

By Jeff R

March 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

If Chipper goes down with a hamstring, what’s Plan B? Until Infante is ready to play, why not move Escobar to third? He played there last season and did a credible job. It may just give Lillibridge the chance to show what he can do.

Longer term, the Braves need to move past Chipper - I hate to say it. If he has an injury-marred 2008, it’ll be time for management to plan for a future with a new 3rd sacker.

By KC

March 3, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

MasivAtack: Again, I don’t have a strong opinion about Thorman one way or the other… I think they should decide based on what the coaches/scouts think about his talent.

But if they did part with Thorman, Matt Diaz is capable of playing 1B. I think Javy has also played there some.

Overlord: Personally, I like Lillibridge better than Infante. With Lillibrige and Prado both major-league ready, I’m not sure why Infante is here.

I agree with you that Infante will be on the 25 man roster when he’s healthy… I’m just giving you my preferences.

Apart from a September call up, or a brief stint if someone gets hurt… Schaefer isn’t going to be here until there’s an opportunity for him to get regular playing time. They’re going to keep him where he can get daily ABs.

By DAP

March 3, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

overlord why do you like Jones better than Anderson?

because i think we need a player thats more like the typical leftfielder, and i think b. jones could be that guy. i like diaz ALOT, but i think his days are numbered here. we need and everyday leftfielder that can hit 25-30 homers for us and be an offensive threat. that will never be anderson, and it COULD be b. jones, but he needs a shot in the bigs first.

in the future, mr anderson might be our 4th outfielder while b. jones plays everyday and diaz plays somewhere else.

Isnt Schaefer ready for the bigs already?

im gonna say no. nothing ive heard or read says this. everything says hes got one more year, then hes the man.

By ssiscribe

March 3, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Chiming in on my lunch break, now that the move is over and we’re settling into the new abode:

Bench will have five players. Bobby’s going to carry 12 pitchers — five starters and seven relievers. Eight position players starting, that leaves five spots on the pine.

My guess, which I tossed out here last week:

Infante

Javy

Anderson

Prado

Thorman

If Infante starts the season on the DL (and he very well might, though word is he won’t miss more than a week or so of the regular season), then Lillibridge makes the team. Once Infante comes back, I think Lillibridge goes down to play every day.

Thorman could be traded later in spring. As I said last week, I don’t think the Braves want to give up on him just yet. I do think Pena will be traded.

Just my two cents worth. And oh yeah, told y’all Anderson could play. Dude’s off to a good start.

Lew, glad you made it home, and glad Ruben liked my wild-card wishes.

Later folks.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Hooters Gal

March 3, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

So wittle Chippy Wippy has tweaked his wittle hammy wammy? Get this gold bricker a wheel chair.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

DAP-I paid particularly close attention to Josh Anderson while in Orlando. You’re wrong. He will be a starter and a good one. He is better defensively and has much more speed than Brandon Jones. It would not surprise me in the least to see Brandon Jones, Bryan Pena and a couple others shipped out in a trade.

Anderson is the real deal. He will never be a power hitter, but is an excellent fielder and he seems extremely coachable. He will be a gap to gap hitter. His speed will enable him to beat out ground balls regularly (I saw him beat out a bouncer to the mound-no one else on the team would have stood a chance). Do NOT count this guy out or think he will just always be a sub. That would be a mistake. He, along with Kotsay and Wil Ohman was the best surprise of the Spring. Believe it. He’s for real.

By KC

March 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Jeff R: There’s no moving past a player as good as Chipper until you have something equally good to take his place. Even with the games he’s missed over the past couple seasons, he’s still put up impressive numbers.

The best plan right now (and for next year) is to have a solid backup in place. Lillibridge?

By McFann©

March 3, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

What are you saying, Scoots? I don’t quite understand.

By They call me SCHAEFFER

March 3, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

…but it’s really Schafer.

S-C-H-A-F-E-R

By Lew

March 3, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

You know what beats hell out of me? All I’ve heard in recent years is “The Braves need to get more speed. Tis reliance on three run HR’s must stop.” Well, guess what? We now have speed and all people are griping about is 25 HR’s from left field.

DAP-Dude, Brandon Jones won’t give you 25 HR anymore than Andersaon will. Neither will Matt Diaz-no matter how optimistic KC is..

By Smarty Pants

March 3, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, maybe the Mets will take Thorman…maybe they’ll give us Fernando Martinez like they gave the Rays Scott Kazmir.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

McFann-The copyright thing after your Nom de Plume is a bit ostentatious and over the top, don’t you think?

By KC

March 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Lew: When did I ever suggest that Matt Diaz was a 25 HR a year guy??

By DAP

March 3, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Lew I paid particularly close attention to Josh Anderson while in Orlando. You’re wrong. He will be a starter and a good one.

thats fine, but i still think we need a different kind of player in LF. if thats true about anderson, let him be ours or someone else’s CF. we need to get some power production from LF.

thats why i wanted to trade for rios or jason bay in the offseason.

i want to see what b. jones can do in that spot!! i want him to be the guy!!

By Lew

March 3, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Smarty- I’d make that offer to the Mets. With their history of a$$ backwards moves, they might just go for it.

By McFann

March 3, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah! Haha! Sorry about that, guys! Meant to get rid of the darn thing a while back! Ha, OK, no more “©”.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

March 3, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Lew, I think Brandon Jones could give the Braves 25HR from left field but it isn’t as needed as much as the speed is because the Braves already have four guys in the lineup that can give the team that kind of homerun production. What the offense doesn’t have is speed and Anderson can provide that. If Anderson keeps up his current pace throughout spring training it will be hard to justify not having him on the 25 man roster. It is very possible Brandon Jones begins the season in Richmond.

Also, Joe Borachard is another interesting situation. If he has a good spring, I think Scott Thorman’s fate will be sealed. Javy could be the backup 1B and catcher. Barring injury I don’t see Tex playing less than 150 games so Javy playing 1B every 35 games or so won’t hurt the team.

By KC

March 3, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

McFann: I thought the copyright symbol was clever. I got a chuckle out of it. Don’t let Lew dissuade you… he’s just a grumpy old coot. (Lew, you know I love ya man, but it’s true =)

By DAP

March 3, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew All I’ve heard in recent years is “The Braves need to get more speed. Tis reliance on three run HR’s must stop.

not from me you havent.

We now have speed and all people are griping about is 25 HR’s from left field.

blowing it a little out of proportion. relax, bud.

DAP-Dude, Brandon Jones won’t give you 25 HR anymore than Andersaon will.

sezz you.

b. jones is MUCH more likely to hit 25 than anderson. hes not a light hitting speedster. hes a run-producing corner outfielder. guys that hit 25 homers a year arent people who have ALWAYS hit 25 homers a year. they need a shot first.

did anderson make out with you while you were down there or something?

By ncscoots

March 3, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m glad you paid attention down south, but the thought of Josh Anderson as a starter is, well, ludicrous. Unless his entire minor league career has been a sham, and his 60+ ML AB are the real Josh Anderson, of course. If he suddenly developed some pop and plate discipline while everyone was looking the other way, I look forward to his exploits. Otherwise, when Infante becomes healthy, give me Brandon Jones in LF.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

KC-Mainly getting your attention, Dude. We haven’t talked in a while. Where you been hiding? BTW-Matt won’t hit the 20 HR you predicted, either.

Y’all need to get a reality check on Brandon Jones. I always liked the guy, too, but look at his minor league numbers. How you can figure him to hit 25 HR at the ML level when he only hit 44 in 366 minor league games is totally beyond me. The guy’s minor league stats were .289 BA, a .364 OBP and a .469 Slg%. How y’all think this translates to 25 HR and a .300 BA in the bigs makes zero sense. He is just not that type of player.

On the other hand, I was EXTREMELY impressed by many aspects of Josh Anderson while in Orlando and apparently the Braves were, too as he got all the cuts on the main field while Brandon got zilch. Andersonhas an incredibly good work ethic. I saw him pay very close attention to TP, who sat behind the batter’s box the entire time, giving instruction while there. His defense will make you extremely happy and may cause you to forget Andruw more quickly. The kid is coachable (don’t y’all wish Andruw had been?). He also has blazing speed and has a lot of baseball smarts. In addition, he is an extremely nice and humbler young man. He’s a keeper.

By Jamie

March 3, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Man having to watch the Braves on the Mets network!!!!!

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I think we need to think outside the box as far as what type of hitter/runner each defensive position needs to be. Balanced defense, balanced offense, regardless of finding a prototypical LF, CF, 2B or whatever.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

McFann, glad to see you’re back!

Wow, I’ve read a lot of the discussion here, and I agree with a lot of the things KC, Mississippi man, and Overlord were saying about how the Mets fare right now against the Braves. Indeed, I agree! Even if the Great Gammons (of course, I respect him) says otherwise, I think it would be the other way around. The Braves are better than the Mets in almost every aspect, man! Pitching depth, call from minors, bullpen, offense (there could be a tie here, yet you gotta love the Braves’ offense more!), and hey, look at all the injuries the Mets have! This could reflect what will happen to them all season!

While I was reading some of your posts, I thought about something, and somehow, Coach read my mind: “Backup for third-base is a must.” Yes I was going to write about this, but Coach beat me there, I guess.

This could be a bit irrelevant, but as a long-time Braves fan, I have seen players come and go. But one Brave that I truly admired was Jose Oliva. You may not remember him, and I can’t even remember which year this was, but I am guessing somewhere from 94 to 95 (rough, conservative guess). This young man was, in my opinion, one of the most natural third-basemen I had ever seen (defensively). He was Chipper Jones’ backup, but man, could he play! I was thinking at the time: wow, Chipper sure better work hard to win his position back, because Oliva could hit too! I know this may sound silly, but since I learned he died in an accident, I still regret his death, I still think about what the Braves could have been with this man as a backup. All those games Chipper didn’t play because of injuries, this man could really replace him.

I long for the day the Braves will find their next ‘Jose Oliva’, a man who could really ‘fill in’ for Chipper, and become that ‘substitute leader’ that Jose was at the time.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Oh Ye of Little Faith. If only you had seen what I saw, you would be much more inclined to change your minds as I was. Just you wait and see. You’re all wrong on this one. Take it to the bank. It is not ludicrous in the least and I guarantee the Braves don’t see it that way, either. I went in as a Brandon Jones supporter myself-I thought he was a can’t miss lock for the LF platoon- and you see what my line of thought is now. You will see.

I saw Anderson do some things on the field in game situations that left me stunned-The Grinch, too. He IS all that.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Whats up with Jeffs weight gain

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

March 3, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s only spring training, but let’s Beat the Mets, beat the Mets, c’mon everyone, let’s beat the Mets.

By MGL

March 3, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Carroll - Are you at the game to give us some updates??

By Reid in EAV

March 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Everyone is overlooking the Braves, and I for one find it terrific. All those seasons where they were picked to win the division, then when they did, it was like cashing a check. Yawn. I’ll take sneaking up on the Mets and Phils over “living up to expectations” any old year.

MetroMan, enjoy all of the picks. I won’t begrudge you any of that stuff. Whatever it takes to get the taste of that horrendous, slow-motion choking collapse out of your mouth, you just go right on ahead and marinate in it. After all, a “pick” plus the tiny matter of the best divisional record over 162 games will get you the NL East crown. It’s true!

By ippississiM

March 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Does anybody have the game on the radio? We Bravesland exiles could use some updates, and it looks like Carroll has abandoned us.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

A couple of points:

I can’t remember who said this, but I have to agree to the fact that I would choose someone else instead of Prado or Lillibridge. I’m still a believer of Anderson over B.Jones. But in regards to replacing Prado/Lillibridge, I would go with Blanco, or Schafer (though we would have 5 outfielders which I doubt), but not Pena. I’d still keep Javy Lopez, Infante (when he’s healthy), and Anderson, though.

Another point, I’m a bit upset over that one-year contract renewal of Frenchy. However, I’m glad at least they did something. Maybe they’re taking it step-by-step. I’m also glad at his performance in spring training; I see him as a Chipper-type ‘real’ team leader someday soon.

Another point, irrelevant perhaps to the majority of posts here, Beltran’s leadership vs. Chipper’s leadership: They both are leaders with their bats. They lead teams with their bats even though Chipper is more vocal. I’ve said this before because I know about this: Beltran is not so vocal not so much because he is shy, but because he does not have a strong command of the English language. He has some knowledge, but that’s it. Some language learners just feel insecure about their second language and refuse to overcome that fear. That’s all. But it doesn’t really make him ‘less’ of a leader.

Final point, I promise! I wouldn’t agree with half of the things ESPN analysts say because of all of the things you already know, and also remember last year: People chose the METS, not the ROCKIES, to win the NL. Did they see the D-Backs and Cubs reaching the playoffs too? Did they see Arizona doing it in 01’, Anaheim in 02’, Florida in 03’, Boston in 04’, Saint Lu in 06’? I don’t think so. So why should we listen to what these people say?…just a thought.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

March 3, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

ippississiM: No score going to the bottom of the 2nd. Braves got 1 hit (Yunel) and Jo Jo got the Muts 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 1st

By KC

March 3, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Lew: Been very busy with work lately. I don’t have time and unlimited funds (like you do) to spend weeks in Florida! =)

How was you spring training trip?

By Carroll Rogers

March 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

new blog should be up any minute now. sorry for the delay guys. crazy morning getting down here and getting frenchy news.

Jo-Jo Reyes pitched a perfect first inning. just gave up a flyout to alou to start the second…

By McFann

March 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

McFann, glad to see you’re back!

I never went anywhere…

That whole “©” thing was a bit of a joke. It started out when there were all those other people posting as so-in-so “Fan”. I’ll keep it if y’all really want me to.

ippississiM, the AJC says we in ATL are s’posed to have the game, but it’s not on my radio. Must be a misprint. I think it’s 0-0 in the bottom of the second.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

SCoots-Anderson ended his minor league career with a .290 BA-a point over Brandon Jones’. He also had 237 Stolen Bases while being caught just 62 times. Brandon never came close to that.

He can be taught to be a gap to gap hitter, which will lead to a higher OBP and even if he only hits singles, he has speed in the Furcal or better range, which should see him on second waiting to be knocked in quite often. Seems to me everyone is real high on Yunel, despite his hitting way better in the bigs than in the minors. Stranger things have been known to happen. Look at McCann’s ML hitting stats compared to his Minor league numbers. There s more than ample precident exists-right on the current Braves’ team.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

With all due respect, KC man. You’re at least the fourth person I have heard predict those numbers for 2008 about the Mets finishing ahead of the Braves. I don’t think I should agree to that. Even if the Braves finish second-place, I think their numbers will look much better than that, enough to win the Wild Card. And I know why you said that, but Braves have pitching depth too! enough to win 93 or 94 games, that’s why I disagree.

By OrlandoFan

March 3, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I was at the game yesterday — Hamton was impressive, KJ is stinging the ball even when he makes out, liked the feel the team gave me for how it played, even in a Grapefruit game, and I liked seeing some of the younger players in the latter innings — and I have this summation about Josh Anderson: The guy has some game, but he HAS to get rid of his Astros-habit high black socks. Those things are UGLY. All the other Braves had on low-cuff pants, but there he was, dressed like several of the Astros. Bobby needs to add a line to his dress code.

By Paddy McGillicutty

March 3, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Anyone blogging on the happenings of the game today by any chance?

By NorthBeach Scott

March 3, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

After 2 innings,Mets 1 Braves 0. Reyes & Pelfrey are throwing well. Pelfrey gave up a single to Escobar in the first. Reyes a single to Pagan in the second followed by an RBI triple from Castro over Schafer’s head in center.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

March 3, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Ramon Castro wind-aided triple gives Muts 1-0 lead after 2.

By Lew

March 3, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

KC-The trip was great. Unlimited funds? Don’t think so, Dude, I just no longer have young children. My Baby is almost 29. Of course that doesn’t lessen the expense that much, come to think of it.

By McFann

March 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I’m also glad at his performance in spring training;

Ahh! Don’t rub it in! ; )

I see him as a Chipper-type ‘real’ team leader someday soon.

OK……

ESPN picks the Mets every year knowing that the solution one chooses over and over will eventually answer the question.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Got it. What I said about 3B Jose Oliva.

In 1994, he was 23, and in 19 games (59 at bats) he hit 6 homers, 11 rbi, 17 hits, 9 runs, 5 doubles, 7 walks, .288 BA, .364 OBP, .678 SLG, 40 total bases.

In 93’, 94’, 96’ minors he hit these home runs respectively: 21, 24, 31. RBIS: 65, 64, 86. SLG: .466, .493, .499, OBP .295, .301, .300. OPS: .761, .794, .799.

In 94’ he was traded by the Rangers to the Braves for Charlie Leibrandt, and Pat Gomez. He was that good, even though he was traded away in 95’ to the Cards for Anton French. He was also named 1994 Topps All-Star Rookie Third-Baseman.

Here is the complete 1994 Topps All-Star Rookie Team: Javy López, C, Atlanta Braves Bob Hamelin, 1B, Kansas City Royals John Patterson, 2B, San Francisco Giants Jose Oliva, 3B, Atlanta Braves Chris Gomez, SS, Detroit Tigers Ryan Klesko, OF, Atlanta Braves Raúl Mondesí, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramírez, OF, Cleveland Indians Joey Hamilton, RHP, San Diego Padres Brian Anderson, LHP, California Angels

Yep, those were the days. Olivo couldn’t keep it up in 95, unfortunately so the Braves traded him away. But he was magnificent in 94.

By Overlord

March 3, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Some things never change:

MATT DIAZ RBI single

Thorman looks as bad as last year at the plate.

Castro wouldnt throw out sid bream at 2b

One thing that did look different…. Acosta was not sharp.

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

hey…what happened to the blog? :( we’re down 0-2?

By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)

March 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

were on’y down 1-2 now… Raise your tomahawks!!!! Go Braves!!!!!

By RA

March 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Yea, the Mets opened their wallets up over the winter. They got some big time talent that’s for sure, but did they buy any heart? If the Yankees have proven anything over the past few years it’s that it doesn’t matter how much talent you put on the field if they don’t have the hungar to go all the way. Maybe the Mets do, but I can promise you that the Braves do. Maybe ESPN is ready to give the NL East to the Mets and/or the Phillies with a nice big bow on it, but I don’t think the Braves are going to be quite so forthcoming.

By DAP

March 3, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

new blog is up.

By Jeff R

March 3, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

KC - Has Lillibridge any real time at 3rd? I know the Braves have pegged Escobar as a Superstar SS, but he can play third. Don’t know what the market will be like for 3rd basemen next winter. I can’t recall who the Braves have in the lower minors who may have the stuff to be a future MLB third sacker. But we’ve got to get at least 130 games out of Chipper and post season play (if the Braves make it to the post season). Otherwise, might as well consider him a paltoon player.

By Northern Redneck

March 3, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

With all this talk about the Braves depth at outfield and their lack of depth at the corners, why don’t the braves make a move by trading an outfielder for a back-up third baseman, say derosa, betemit, or maybe even evan longoria? The cubbies don’t have a centerfielder, the Yanks have A LOT of age in their outfield, and longoria could be another anchor at third base, but we’d have to give up a lot in return obviously, most likely too much. Is it worth giving up jones/anderson plus maybe a Carlyle/Bennett type pitcher to fill the Bravo’s need at third?