AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA new deal for Frenchy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry I’m late with the blog, denizens. Quite a bit going on this morning with Frenchy’s contract renewal.
Got word of it while driving down to Port St. Lucie this morning. Trying to scribble notes on a pad while driving wasn’t such a good plan (hope Mom’s not reading) but thankfully I had an exit appear out of nowhere. Anybody been on the Florida Turnpike? Desolate.
Anyway, it’s official. Braves renew Francoeur. He’s getting around $450,000 and probably just cost himself about $20,000. Looks like the long-term talks are over for now, though I imagine if either side wants to talk in the next three weeks, they will. Otherwise Frenchy said he wanted to concentrate on the season once the Braves break camp.
I’m not going to quote a bunch of folks here and repeat what should be in the news story on-line, but I’ll just say Frenchy said this: “Would I like to have gotten something worked out? Absolutely. At the same time, I’m looking forward to this year and having a big season. I have a year until I’m eligible for arbitration, then we’ll see what happens.”
Translation, the kid will take some time to earn some leverage. One more season until he’ll more much to say, really. And for in the grand scheme, this is not that big a deal. The Braves renew him on their pay scale and both sides move on. So he won’t be Brian McCann and lock up early. That was a rare thing. And there’s still every chance in the world the Braves will try to lock him up to a long-term contract in the coming years. Francoeur, 24, is not a free agent until following the 2011 season.
I hear the Marlins just renewed 12 players yesterday. It’s not something the Braves have seen a lot of in recent years, and Frank Wren said he doesn’t understand the motives, but he respects that it’s part of the process.
From what I understand, it’s a practice that Scott Boras used to employ so that once players got to arbitration, they could use it as a point in negotiation to say the player should be redeemed for that. Last year, Ryan Howard got renewed for $900,000 by the Phillies. Perhaps agents are using that as some kind of benchmark now. Then again he was coming off an MVP season.
Don't know that Francoeur was looking for something like that, but maybe his point is just to say he has more value than what the Braves slot for players with zero to three years of service. But I don’t think settling for renewal was any big stance for him or big issue. When I talked to him on the phone a little while ago, he was munching on a Chick-fil-A sandwich and heading out to meet Smoltz and Glavine to play a round with Tiger Woods. Nice.
In addition to renewing Francoeur’s contract today, the Braves agreed to terms on one-year deals with Jeff Bennett, Anthony Lerew, Peter Moylan, Brayan Pena and Scott Thorman. All 40-man roster players are signed now.
Now, as for what’s happening at Port St. Lucie. Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar are hitting first and second. Jordan Schafer is batting third, Scott Thorman fourth, Javy Lopez fifth and catching, Matt Diaz is hitting sixth and playing left. Josh Anderson is in right, hitting seventh. Martin Prado is playing third, batting eighth and Pena is the DH.
The Mets have had a ton of injuries, as you know. 10 of their 13 position players are nursing injuries. But the Braves do get to see Jose Reyes, David Wright and Moises Alou. Mike Pelphrey is on the mound.
It’s breezy and beautiful down here, and when we weren’t talking about Francoeur, Bobby was just gushing about Tyler Flowers. He hit an absolute bomb during batting practice that went off the back screen of a minor league field behind the wall in left center field. Talking to Marty Noble of MLB.com, we determined it might have been 500 feet. But it’s hard to say. Maybe more like 480. Still, an absolute shot.
And Bobby had this to say about Flowers: “He’s got it. And our guys love throwing to him. He’s got a great swing. He keeps that left shoulder down like Escobar, stays over the ball. He hits the ball probably as hard as anybody we’ve got. His swing is impressive. Doesn’t have a lot of moving parts.”
Oh and Bobby reiterated that Chipper’s hamstring injury is not believed to be that serious. That’s it for now. Will try to keep you updated through the game. Jo-Jo Reyes has the honors today.
Comments
By cricket
March 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I think Tyler Flowers plays 1b. May be he can replace Thorman as the 1b backup who can hit for power.
By eware
March 3, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Man, I know it’s Spring Training, and it shouldn’t matter, but I really want to beat the tar out of the Mets. I just hate these guys. Plus, I’d like to serve up Billy Wagner with a knuckle sandwich.
By McFann
March 3, 2008 2:04 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……
By wiki
March 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
first?
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Braves running all over Wagner. 2 stolen bases in the top of the 4th, 1 run in (Diaz drove Schafer in). 2-1 Muts going to the bottom of 4
By KC
March 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
COME WATCH BRAVES OPENNING NIGHT
I will mention this a few more times between now and then, but since the Braves are opening on the road… some of us from the blog will be getting together to watch the Braves opening night (Sunday, March 30th – 8pm) at the Fox Sports Grill at Atlantic Station in ATL. If you want to come, please email me at embassypro@hotmail.com
By kdbanks
March 3, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
eware is so violent these days…
By Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart)
March 3, 2008 2:20 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 KC
March 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Are there any televised Braves games this week?
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Good grief - if we don’t rally MetroMan will be unbearable for a week.
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
wireless being weird in mets press box. but here’s what i was trying to post:
jo-jo reyes pitched two innings, gave up one run, breezed through the first three up, three down. got hit pretty hard in the second inning. Angel Pagan singled to left, then Ramon Casto sent Jordan Shafer crashing into the wall in left center for a run-scoring triple.
he did strand the runner at third, but he caught a break when Fernando Martinez smoked a ball that was snagged by Thorman.
Acosta has given up hits to the first two batters he’s faced. Robinson Cancel and Jose Reyes. It’s 2-0 Mets.
the kid schafer got a hit off wagner…i didn’t see it, was talking to reyes, but hey….good for him
By ssiscribe
March 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
KC, you got mail.
—30—
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
my wireless is way sluggish….but here’s what i’ve been trying to send:
jo-jo reyes pitched two innings, gave up one run, breezed through the first three up, three down. got hit pretty hard in the second inning. Angel Pagan singled to left, then Ramon Casto sent Jordan Shafer crashing into the wall in left center for a run-scoring triple.
he did strand the runner at third, but he caught a break when Fernando Martinez smoked a ball that was snagged by Thorman. ….two innings, no walks for the kid tho.
Acosta has given up hits to the first two batters he’s faced. Robinson Cancel and Jose Reyes. It’s 2-0 Mets.
the kid schafer got a hit off wagner. didn’t see it but had to point it out. just got his second hit of the day as i type. mets up 2-1 in the sixth
By Javy's back
March 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Good afternoon everybody. I was just reading on the front page of ESPN’s Page 2 there was a snipet of the Braves that mentioned the solid outing from Hampton and the 1-2-3 punch of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton could give the Mutts a run. Um…….hello What about Hudson??We have 4 #1 guys in our rotation and everyone keeps talking about Santana and how he singlehandedly will win the division. Am I the only one missing anything here????
By Gustopher
March 3, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Can we post I heard there was a problem with the system
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Prado would be a weak back up. I prefer lillibridge, at least he has more speed and is a better fielder.
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
sorry guys, we’ve had some problems with our system and posting has been difficult. they are in the process of trying to clear it up.
as for flowers, as much of an impression as he’s making right now i don’t think he has a shot at making the team. just not enough minor league experience yet. bobby just mentioned this morning that he’d like to see flowers start the season in mississippi rather than myrtle beach because of how bit the ballpark is at myrtle and what i can do to a power hitter’s confidence.
By 22oz
March 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
KC, The games that will be televised are on the schedule page on atlantabraves.com. there’s also a radio link that tells you what games will be on radio. the ajc blew it today, saying the game was on 94.9 and wgst. they obviously aren’t.
By DAP
March 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
the mets are trying to sabotage the blog!!!
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Javy’s back it talks about their IQ. They might not know that the most important guy there is Hudson.
By Reid in EAV
March 3, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
The system / is down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx1eDmuYQg8
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
If thormans offense was half his defense, we could let TEX go.
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Excellent diving play by Prado at 3rd base. At least he can play defense.
Great defense by the braves the whole game.
Good pitching even by JOJO. Acosta is the only one that has not looked very good. Shaky to start the inning early in the game.
By MGL
March 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Well, it’s up to the subs to pull this one out. Not a single regular left on the field, top of the 7th, down 2-1.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Carroll, what is happening in the top of the 8th? The live box score had a Hernandez double to lead off, and then when I refreshed it, the double was gone.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Jordan Schafer having a game: 2 hits, stolen base and just hit a sac fly to tie game @ 2 in the 8th
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
not a great inning for lillibridge. he failed to get a sac bunt down, reached on a third-strike passed ball. and he just ran the braves out of the inning of a 2-2 game in the eighth. he thought there were two outs instead of one, took off from first and never stopped. got doubled off to end the inning.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Since the Esteemed Ms. Rogers is having technical difficulties, here’s something to take up your interest (or time as the case may be). We’ll have an impromptu Wurlitzer contest. The prize will be an autographed Jeff Francoeur drawing. It was signed year before last during Spring Training at Disney and is avaiable to be viewed in the Baseball Gallery at LewHartman.Com.
Here’s what I’m looking for. I would like your best efforts at an NL East evaluation for the coming season. I do not want a Homer like view nor am I looking for a Mets bashing. I would like to see good, intelligent, honest evaluations of how things look to y’all. Make it good. Y’all have some big shoes to fit into. NO Former Wurlitzer Winers on this one. Only Newbies. I’ll decide and announce the Winner later this evening. Have at it. Make me proud of the blog.
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Lillibridge forgot how many outs there where while he was at 1b. Lazy fly ball to lf. He was already at 3b and there was only 1 out.
Sorry kid, welcome to the bigs. That mistake puts him below prado if he was not already there. Plus he could advance a runner from 2b to 3b with a bunt. He reached on a bunt KKK PB.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Oh no! Not DeSalvo! Bobby’s throwing the game!
It just makes me sick.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe I spoke too soon. DeSalvo seems to have figured out how to get outs since last we saw him.
By Pete H.
March 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I see on ESPN that the Braves just tied it up. I know Flowers isn’t even close to the majors, but it’s nice to know that we have options other than Thorman for next year if Tex leaves. Flowers and KK both seem to be legit power prospects.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
IpissinmississippI-It’s Spring Training, Dude. Lighten up. They’re practicing and this doesn’t really count. Our first string is out of the game. It’s no big deal who pitches to the Mets minor leaguers, does it?
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I can’t remember—do Spring games go extra innings?
By flange1
March 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
KC,
You have more mail!
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Extra innings in spring training = Does it get any better than that, sports fans? 2-2 after 9 and so far, it appears there will at least be a 10th inning.
By MGL
March 3, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Anyone know if they are going to continue or call it a tie??
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
free baseball…..i gotta start packing up the computer to get downstairs when this thing is over. i trust somebody can update the good folks on the winner for me?
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Lew: I just didn’t want MetroMan to have any ammunition. Lord knows he doesn’t need any.
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
spring training games go as long as both sides agree, depends on how much pitching they both have. think this will go an inning or two and that’ll be it.
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Good game so far. Clean.
I have seen very good performance from the braves so far. Everybody is walking in the right direction. Nothing but good news (but chippers).
Does anybody knows how is chippers hamstring doing today?
By HuffBraves
March 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Who says the Braves don’t have pitching depth?
Roewenhurst for 2008 NL Cy Young
By Workinlkeadawg
March 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Does anybody give a dang about CF? I think, as far as position players go the Bravos better get Schaeffer his at bats. It’s just as important for Chipper to play 140 plus as it is to have a CF to go with.The Braves platooning players has proved itself bad in the last 2 yrs. Anybody feel the same?
By Lew
March 3, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Since when does anyone care what MetroDude thinks or says? He doesn’t have much of a clue anyway.
By KC
March 3, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
flange1: If you emailed me, for some reason I didn’t get it. Please try it again embassypro@hotmail.com. Thanks!
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 3, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
3-2 Muts in 10…or should I type, Zephyrs 3, Richmond 2.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Jonathon Rouwenhorst, for that stellar clutch performance. Now MetroMan will crow for days on end.
By McFann
March 3, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
The Mets won. Crud.
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Braves loss the game on a double clutch relay to home. Abreu (i think) was out by a mile, but Flowers (i think) made a bad play.
Good game for the braves. Everything is looking good. No injuries.
After watching JoJo, it looks like Jurrjens is ahead of the class. If i was bobby i would go with James as a long reliever until Jair fails, he has not done so to this day.
As for Carlyle, what do you think guys.
We cant trade Carlyle, cause we have Smoltz, hampton and James, all of them are DL candidates.
What if we trade and Hampton and Smoltz go down?
It wont be easy.
What are the braves going to do with James and Carlyle?
JoJo could stay at AAA.
Carlyle or James could go to the pen.
By Javy's back
March 3, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I’ll take a stab at the NL East evaluation:
5-4)Marlins/Nationals - battle for the cellar. There is really nothing to discuss here except that the Marlins really do have some great young talent and I hate to not get to watch the D-train. Other than that…blah! 3)Phillies - I think this will be a hard-fought 3 way battle for the division.Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins is always good to have for offense. But seriously, does anyone on that pitching staff put any fear in you? Hamels is close, but is emotional and can get rattled. Moyer who’s fastball is the same as his age?? Myers fell apart last year and got demoted to closing, where i actually thought he did pretty well. But your closer is now Lidge….REALLY??? He needs a 10 step Pujols detox program. 2)Mets - I havent looked up the actual numbers but outside of Reyes and Wright, they seem awfully old. Or maybe its just because everyone always seems to have some kind of creaky injury of some sort. IDK. Naturally, Santana is da bomb (kinda jealous, actually) and the reports on Pedro are good so far, but can he pitch a whole season?? Reyes’ maturity (or so they say) will be a big help to them and I already think Wright is one of the classiest guys in that organization. Those two will win some games.2B? Uh…no. I’ll take Kelly anyday. Delgado and Beltran are hurt too much and their outfielders(Alou, Chavez, Church) to me just do not compare to the Braves. Diaz and Francouer are much better. I have never seen Kotsay play so I have to give the edge to Beltran, who when healthy is very good. Now…my pick (of course) is the Braves to win the division. And not just being a homer, but that does come into play alittle. Our 1-4 starting pitchers are all legit #1’s. Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, and Hudson. My only concern is injuries to the over 40 guys and of course Hampton. But, with all things being equal I will take those 4 any day over the Mets top 4. (Although for some reason we can beat Perez, but he doesnt just get to pitch to us.)Having Chipper and Tex 3 and 4, are you kidding me?? Escobar is a young stud and Kelly is extremely consistant. Francouer,McCann, and Diaz are solid hitters that can bust one at any time. There is not a single weakness in our lineup. No more of Andruw hitting his mandatory roller to the shortstop. His defense will be missed TREMENDOUSLY but I think that is something that can be overcame with the better pitching we have. Defensively, where are we weak? A little in center, and maybe shaky at times at 2nd. Although, I still think Kelly did a heckuva job. And in closing, our closer - Soriano-maybe not Wagner but I think will be with experience. Moylan, Gonzalez,Boyer, Bennett. Our depth is way better than the Mets and it will show down the stretch. Dang, that was long. SORRY!!!!
By flange1
March 3, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
KC,
Just sent it again! I am having server issues all day :(
By BX
March 3, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Overlord, I think James should start the year in AAA. I’ve heard a lot of people complain that he needs to develop another pitch, and he could work on that while he’s down there. If somebody goes down call him up.
It wouldn’t be terrible to have Carlyle in the long-man spot starter role.
By Pete H.
March 3, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s going to have his work cut out for him deciding on the final three or so guys on the 25 man. No matter what happens, someone deserving is going to get burned. We have too many starters, too many outfielders, too many bench guys, and probably too many bullpen options.
Anyone with options left is probably going to be disappointed.
Compared to a year ago, we’re in great shape, but having to keep Thorman or just give him away really reduces the bench options. Last year, Carlyle would have made the rotation easily if he was pitching the way he did during the second half, but I don’t see any place for him. Picking among Javy, Sammons and Pena as backup catcher is a really painful type of decision, since all three really deserve a spot, but there is no way we can carry three catchers.
Nice problems to have, though.
By Overlord
March 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Im not sure if Anderson is above Schafer, he looks so comfortable playing, like chipper, renteria and yunel do. He is a natural.
What braves have is lots of players with enough talent. Hope this time bobby does the trick. There is not an excuse this year. Lots of people.
By Jim
March 3, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Someone needs to remind Chipper…….It’s the oblique during BP and the hamstring when you loafs around the bases.
By Eric from MO
March 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Javys Back- for the most point I agree with you on your 3:58 post. The only problem is the Braves must have Chipper play at least 130 games. The race will be close and we are going to have to have Chipper healthy for a good part of the season. If we dont I dont see the Braves winning it.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Javy’s back-What do you mean by the Pujols Program? That one went right over my head. Maybe I’m slow today.
Re: The Nats-what about the return of Patterson and their young pitching?
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
RELOAD, RELOAD, RELOAD, new ammunition just came in from Port St. Lucie in the form of another win. Who needs stars when the subs keep whipping arse. It maybe just 1 win against you bums early, and you guys probably put a lot of stock in the game. Guess what, the METS obviously dont care about the braves either by beating them and everybody else while the DL body count mounts. Stick with your “depth” and continue to watch METS players shine whether they are making 20 mil a season or rookie money, deal with it. The team will not embarass itself as that was evident today on a great gutsy win. You can bomb Wagner for all we care, hopefully the blowouts going in the METS favor will keep him in the pen!!!
*Fan-coeur (means Fan-heart) * Chipper doesnt speak english worth a lick so dont clown Beltran. Both guys have language barriers, Chumpers is just local so you guys understand him, but nobody else does. Have you ever heard him on the radio or TV…just brutal!!!!!!
Remember its only spring and the METS already own you. philthies are next!!!!
LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS!!!!!
By Kevin
March 3, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Lew in response to the Wurlitzer
Here is how I see the NL East shaking out. 1. Braves 2. Phillies 3. Mets 4. Nationals 5. Marlins. The Braves won 84 games last year. If you look back on that with the rotation that we had, it is really quite impreaaive to have won that many. At one point in the season, the only two guys who could do anything were Smoltz and Hudson. I really just feel like overall, we have added the right pieces for this year. Our bench will be so much better whether we keep B. Jones or Anderson. Assuming Javy makes the team along with Infante, our bench is head and shoulders above where it was last year where we had to count on Woodward and Wilson and Orr in key spots at times. It is also well known that our rotation is much deeper than any other team in the division. It is not AAA depth as some like to think. It is legitimate depth with huge potential upside. I also think that KJ and Yunel will give you what they us last year and that is solid defense and offense that also has potential upside. I expect Frenchy to come more into his own with about 25 homers and about a .290 to .300 average. If McCann can avoid nagging injuries, I expect him to be more like he was at the beginning of last season and in 2006 where he was a doubles machine. I think Kotsay will produce his career averages and play good defense while staying healthy. Tex is focused and in a contract year and Chipper will undoubtedly have a few snags along the way but overall, I think he will stay pretty healthy and provide that switch hitting combo like no other team in baseball has. In the end, I fully expect us to win 92-94 games and win the division win the dust settles.
The Phillies will be a strong competitor for the entire season but I think what will hinder them is rotation depth. Brad Lidge is already having issues with a knee he just had surgery on. I don’t feel that the Phillies are confident in Tom Gordon to close any ballgames so if Lidge is out for any period of time, I think they will move Brett Myers back to the closer spot. If that is the case, their rotation takes a huge hit and they will be relying on 45 year old soft tosser Jamie Moyer and an untested youngster in Kyle Kendrick along with a horrendous Adam Eaton. Even if Lidge gets healthy, I wouldn’t be too confident with him closing games in that stadium anyway. I think they will be more like we were last year where they could score plenty of runs but couldn’t put too many streaks together because of an unstable end of the rotation. I think they upgraded with Feliz but he will likely not add much above what Aaron Rowand did offensively. I don’t think Rollins will have another year like last year but I expect Howard and Utley to continue where they were. I see them winning about 88-90 games.
I can not understand why people are so confident in the Mets. The analysts have already handed them the division based on one off season move. Before they got Santana, people were killing them for their offseason moves like letting Lo Duca, one of their only players with any fire, walk; giving away their prized prospect in Lasting Milledge and overall, not getting any younger. They resign Castillo, a singles hitter who will have leg problems for the rest of his career which diminishes his value, they let Shawn Green walk who really didn’t have a bad year. He would have been nice to have around when Moises inevitably goes down. Delgado got a year older and his numbers have been diminishing for three years anyway. Glavine left, there goes 13 games. El Duque can’t even pitch right now because of bunions. They traded away any pithching depth they had for Santana. They are counting on John Maine who got crushed the second half of last year, inconsisitent Oliver Perez who can’t put two good years together, Pedro who hasn’t pitched since 2005 and Mike freaking Pelfrey who was supposed to have been an ace long ago. Add that with how many players are already injured and I just don’t see how they are the favorites.I think they will struggle all year and win 84-86 games. Randolph will get fired at the end of the season and everyone will realize that 2006 was the exception, not the rule. Their club lacks chemistry and heart and you should not underestimate that over the course of 162 games. Players will be calling each other out by July and people will not be able to jump off their bandwagon fast enough.
The Nats are just not there yet. I like what they did in the off season but I just don’t think they can compete yet. I think their starting rotation will be good but they will struggle to score runs. The Marlins are a joke and I would be furious if I were a fan with the way they turn over their players. Hanley Ramirez will be the next to go and they will continue to rebuild for the future with no end in sight for the short term.
In the end, I think it will come down to those last 12-15 games of the season where we play the Phillies and Mets. The Braves will want it more and they will take it. The best the Mets will be able to hope for is to play spoiler. All this may sound like me being a homer but I really believe everything I just wrote.
Kevin
By TennesseePaul
March 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Carroll: Thanks for the answer to my question. A few others pitched in as well. Thank you all. Javier Guzman. Now I know.
Dirtbags are looking good. Shane Peterson (1B) is having a great time out there. He’s getting hot early. Last season he was a slow mover at the start. But he pretty much destroyed Witchita this weekend. He’s got one helluva glove.
Danny Espinosa is also on fire. What else is new. In 28 at bats he has 14 hits including 5 doubles and a home run while scoring 10 times. He’s been on base in every single game posting a .576 OBP.
They’ve moved up the ranks a notch after sweeping the season series against the Wichita Shockers.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Hai Kurate-Then don’t post an evaluation of the NL East if you’re not interested in winning a drawing-autographed by Francoeur, no less. I’ve never forced anyone to accept my artwork-for free or otherwise. Has anyone ever called you a douchebag before? If not, it’s certainly surprising.
By Jon
March 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Lew, question about your artwork. Do you go from memory when doing them? They are excellent renditions of the body, but some of the paintings, their faces look nothing like the real thing. Now, dont get me wrong, I think you do an awesome job and I know I couldnt do any of them. So, just so you know, I am not complaining, but, the one painting of McCann, I didnt know it was him until I saw the name. The face looks nothing like him in real life. Sorry if I offended you or anything, I was just curious.
Thanks in advance
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I know it’s only spring training but it’s always nice to beat the bravettes.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
BTW-You spelled Karate wrong, moron.
By joebrave
March 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Metro Man,Stick your lLousy Sorry @ssed Mutts up your ARSE!!!
By Jon
March 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man What are you smoking with this line? Guess what, the METS obviously dont care about the braves either by beating them and everybody else while the DL body count mounts? Umm, Last I checked, the Mets string training record is 3-3 while the Braves is 3-2. How does that translate to the Mets beating everyone else? Seriously, Lay off the crack. Oh, and by the way, they won a spring training game against a pitcher who wont even be on the roster come the end of spring training. Sheesh!!
By McFann
March 3, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Those people who posted at 4:24 have some real issues. They are both wrong.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 3, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
KC , Bobby Cox will go with 12 pitchers. A five man rotation and seven arms in the bullpen.
That leaves room for a five man bench behind the starting eight.
Two catchers , two first basemen , five infielders on the left side and four outfielders.
Thirteen position players and twelve pitchers equals out to a twenty-five man roster.
Right it down , print it out , thats what the roster will look like.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
March 3, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
That had to be a Metroman imposter. Either that or the real Metroman developed a degenerative brain disease over the winter. He’s capable of much better — and much more civil — that his 4:24.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Jon-No, I work from photos and quite honestly, you’re the first to tell me there is no resemblance. Considering I’ve been doing this professionally for almost 35 years, and have done over 1500 portraits, including over 50 in the collections of MLB and NFL players, I’m surprised you feel that way. Who in particular, did you not think was accurate?
As for the Francoeur drawing I’ve offered for the prize, Dude, it’s right on and looks exactly like Frenchy-or at least that’s what I’ve been told by numerous people.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Jon-Surprised you don’t like the McCann. That seemed to be the one that most felt was the best at Spring Training. That and the Chipper and Bobby Cox. Only thing I added to it was the beard-and I had a quite good photo to work from.
By flange1
March 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
joebrave,
Welcome back dude! We need your presence with all these NY trolls.
MetroPunk, crawl back into your sewer…
Hai Kurate, bud, I have a Wurlitzer and I am dang proud to have it. If you don’t like the concept, find another blog. Got it?
Coach
I agree with your roster. The only potential difference that might happen is if a 3B/1B is traded for or if the decision is made to keep Pena as a the 1B backup.
By Kevin
March 3, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Hai Kurate You are a joke to try and call out people on a blog who you know you will never see. This is the last time I’ll respond to you but you need to grow up and find something better to do.
By Jon
March 3, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Lew, not so much the Francoeur Drawing, but McCann’s nose looks smooshed. Again, I am not trying to be super critical and I apologize if it seems that way. You artwork is great, I just thought his face looked super weird.
Thanks again.
By McFann
March 3, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Hey, Hai-Whatever, don’t knock someone’s artwork like that, OK? It’s pretty rude, especially when the person who drew it is in your midst. Here’s a question for you: Cann you draw? Better yet, what grade are you in, dude? If you don’t have something nice to say, then keep your cyber-mouth shut!
By Hai Kurate
March 3, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Jon has offended
Artist’s sensibilities.
No Wurly for him!
By Eric from MO
March 3, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Lew-When Javys Back mentioned the Pujols 10 Step detox he was refering to when Lidge gave up the game winning homerun in Game 6 of the 05 NLCS to Pujols. Lidge went from unhittable to just plain horrible at that moment.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I’m not hostile. I deal with Malcontents, Trolls and Morons like you all the time on this blog-they are ordinarily called Mets’ Fans. Doesn’t raise my blood pressure a single digit, telling them what, if they had brains, they would already know-exactly how lame they really are.
There are several reasons why you won’t win, though. One- you won’t submit an evaluation. Two- you wouldn’t submit an intelligent one if you did and Three-you’re And Idiot and they never win anything.
By Hai Kurate
March 3, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Lew’s trained be-yotches
Leap, snarling, to his defense.
Guess they love great art!
By McFann
March 3, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Hai
What’s with
the weird
format
of your
posts?
By Interested Observer
March 3, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Lew, I don’t post very often but I just have to compete for the Wurlitzer. I think the first three spots are going to be tight, but here are my picks:
Braves: This is honestly not just a homer pick. I really think the Braves are the deepest team in the division this year. In my opinion, the Braves would have won last year, even with an atrocious bench, had the starting pitching not imploded, therby taxing the bullpen. This year, there is so much more depth in the rotation and the bullpen that we shouldn’t have that problem. Plus the bench is looking to be much stronger and the Braves have the intangibles…Bobby Cox and a winning attitude.
Mets: It was tough choosing between the Mets and Phils here, especially considering the Mets recent injury problems. Both teams have a solid nucleus. But I’ll give the Mets a slight edge on offense and pitching. Johan Santana might be enough to slide them ahead of the Phils on the pitching side.
Phillies: See Above
Nationals: Nats are young but have a scrappy little team and a new ballpark to motivate them. Plus, Manny Acta teaches them to play the right way. His demeanor is a lot like Bobby Cox, so they will be going maximun effort all year long.
Richmond Braves: Ok, this is a homer pick. But the Braves have too many talented players to squeeze on a 25 man roster. Richmond is going to be getting several players who are probably better than what the Marlins are going to be fielding.
Marlins: I feel bad for Fredi Gonzalez. I’m sure he’ll have them giving 100%. But, when you’re rebuilding, you’re rebuilding. Fredi should line himself up a sponsorship with Tylenol!
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Jon-I don’t take offense. What it probably is is that the pose is at a weird, three quarter angle, seen from behind. This can cause a strange perspective problem you don’t get with front, or profile views. It’s called foreshortening. It was the best, most detailed photo I had to work from, though. Still, you are the only one to comment and Mac signed it at Spring training.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Hai Kurate is starting to sound like our Old Buddy Stinky. Wondered where he’d gotten to.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
McFann-He’s writing Haiku-a Japanese writing form.
Kurate-I’m too old to have Be-yotches. However, if you haven’t learned by now you’re walking in Mr. Lew’s neighborhood, you’ll learn soon enough.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Now Kurate Boy-You’re insecurity and jealousy is showing. Surely you can do better than that. Right?
By McFann
March 3, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
OK, Lew. Either way, he needs to give it up.
By Workinlkeadawg
March 3, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Everybody needs to settle down about the grammar, nobody here is gonna get hired by AJC or the NY Slimes. After all we are southern..slow and stupid. Yeah that’s been our way since that drunk Sherman burnt us down. Lincoln got what he asked for and all the other BS. As for the Braves we’ve got the talent to finish 3rd in the East with our backups. It’s what makes this sport great, Chipper staying healthy, Frenchie going on a tear in late july and Tex slugging along with McCann all yr long.
By McFann
March 3, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
There are several reasons why you won’t win, though. One- you won’t submit an evaluation. Two- you wouldn’t submit an intelligent one if you did and Three-you’re And Idiot and they never win anything.
That’s funny!
By flange1
March 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Hai/Stinky,
No outhouse here, but it looks great in my West Paces Ferry home. I live a couple doors down from the Governor’s Mansion. Fits in with all my Stephen King first editions and my Masters ticket collection.
Last time I posted to you, my post was deleted and a blog revolution began, I will not post to you again!
By OrlandoFan
March 3, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
If I had to list my top 3 concerns about the Braves this year they would all be the same: health
I fear breakdowns by the key starting pitchers I fear breakdowns by Chipper I fear breakdowns by Soriano
Any of those 3 could derail this team. If the Braves stay healthy, they will be as strong as any team in the National League (not just the East). But they have to have that consistent, healthy season.
Bobby will be careful with wearing out a lot of folks, and that’s another reason why, as some have suggested in other posts, that having an experienced 3B behind Chipper is important. If he can rest him a few innings here and there (and not just a game here and there), it could mean a whole lot, just as it would with Smoltz and (presumably) Hampton.
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Wow, losing a meaningless spring training game really makes the braves blog nasty……or should I say hostile. Relax people, you have a full team with 1 missing bat and 3b. I’m sure you guys can still win without that, if not, who the heck built this team around 1 man??? He needs to be fired.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Flange-Stephen King First editions? My favorite (and I think I have a first edition) is IT. Maybe Kurate Boy is a by product of the thing in the sewer, You know-they all float down there?
By Anders
March 3, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Flange
I’m assuming the Masters ticket collection is from when you went? Do you go every year? I had the privilege of attending two rounds of the Masters once and while I’m not much of a golfer nor do I follow the sport that closely - Augusta National is something every sports fan should experience at least once. What a shrine that place is. I was blown away. The group that had me as a guest had a courtesy house on Magnolia Lane (drive/street?)right outside the club gates which was great too. Nice party tent in the yard to eat and drink in. They parked your car in some far away lot. They had runners to set up a seat at one of the greens for you that was available all day when you wanted to sit. What a set up that town has for that event.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Trolls would like me better if I were to draw reproductions of Pedro’s XRays or DelGado’s MRI. Don’t know if I could draw David Wright. The Glow from his heavenly radiance would likely blind me. All of those eye operations has left me somewhat photophobic (that’s ultra sensitive to light all you ignorant Trolls).
By flange1
March 3, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I think you might be right! If he is not a product of the “clown”, he at least is in a good place for him and Metro Punk, THE SEWER!!!
By flange1
March 3, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Anders,
Yes, my tickets are from all the years that I have been. 42 years in a row!
You are right, the place is the most beautiful on earth. I tell my friends that if I die and heaven is half as good as Augusta National, then I will be one happy camper!
By McFann
March 3, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
We’re being nasty and/or hostile? Whatever.
Hey, MetMan, of course we cann still win without Chipper, but can’t we still say that our lineup is better when he plays? But this year, since we are without AJ, I think our lineup will be better able to make amends when/if Chipper gets hurt. If Tex is good like he’s supposed to be, if Francoeur keeps his average up like he wants to, if McCann doesn’t have the nagging injuries he had last year and keeps his average up, and if KJ, Escobar, and Diaz do what they did last year, then we’ll still be pretty good if Chipper gets hurt. We’ve got some good bats this year.
By Workinlkeadawg
March 3, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Sorry about slamming Sherman and Lincoln, but the Braves could finish 2nd or 3ed with the bench.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
WorkDawg-Yes, you may be right, but it certainly beats the fact that the Mets’ bench will be their starting lineup. Don’t you think?
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
“I felt a little weak because I had a little cold, but I just tried to make pitches at the bottom of the zone,” Pelfrey said of his effort. He allowed two hits, with no walks or strikeouts.
As for his chances at a starting role, Pelfrey added: “If there’s a spot open, I’m going to try for it. If not, I’m going to make their decision difficult.”
Man, if he gets over this cold, he may pitch a no-hitter against you guys.
After he beat you last year:
However, Pelfrey found success later in the season. Having been recalled when rosters expanded on September 1 to pitch in Atlanta, Pelfrey put together his best start of the season giving up only one run on one hit in six innings for his first win of the season. Pelfrey would go on to win his next two starts in September in the midst of a close pennant race.
This is after you gave him confidence last year. You can say his recent success against the braves will make him even more of a thorn in the side.
LETS GO METS (METS JUNIORS)
By Workinlkeadawg
March 3, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Well stated ippissM or whatever you and I are thinking the same way. Have we got a starter in CF yet?
By robert
March 3, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
i wouldn’t think so.
By robert combs
March 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
i hope these guys win next year.
By Murphy
March 3, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
KC- Evan Longoria is a very highly rated prospect with Tampa Bay.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg: Thanks, and it’s Mississippi, backwards. As for CF, Mark Kotsay will be an CF, and if he goes down before Schafer is ready, Anderson will have it covered, so no, I don’t think CF will be a problem.
Darn server keeps giving me an SQL error
By Smarty Pants
March 3, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
NL East
Pitching: While the Mets certainly have a good, if not great, rotation, the Braves have much more depth and 4-former 20-game winners. Santana, arguably the best pitcher in baseball, is going to have a great year for the Mets. So he should definitely provide a boost for the team and the bullpen. However, the Braves have John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, and Tom Glavine who each finished the year with more quality starts than Santana. Tim Hudson, the Braves #2 pitcher and Santana had almost equal years last season (Santana had more K’s and HR allowed.) The Braves and Mets both have big question marks, too. Can Mike Hampton stay healthy? How many starts can Pedro make? In the long run, the Mets lack of depth in the starting department will be their downfall. The Phillies rotation will be similar to the 2007 Braves rotation. 2 great pitchers at the top, but after that it’s a crapshoot. The Braves depth of pitching and the ability of most starters to go deep into games will help keep the bullpen fresh throughout the season.
Line-Up: The obvious choice for the best offense is the Phillies. They won’t have the same firepower as last year with the loss of Aaron Rowand, but expect for them to put up big numbers at their bandbox. The Braves and Mets are fairly equal. If healthy, the Mets have a formidable lineup, however, age and durability are not on their side. The Braves have a lot of question marks themselves. Can Chipper stay healthy? Which McCann is the real McCann? Can Frenchy, KJ, and Escobar continue improving? The main concerns about the Braves line-up stem around the losses of Renteria and Andruw. In short, each team’s line-up is going to be an offensive force.
Defense: The Mets and Phillies have the best defenses, while the Braves defense is sort-of an unknown. Their defenses up the middle are good. Reyes and Castillo, and Rollins and Utley both make great double-play combos while Beltran and Victorino are both great with the glove as well. Schneider is a great defensive catcher…the best in the NL. However, the Braves have the best corner defense out of the 3 teams.
-A side note: I consider the Marlins in EXTREME rebuilding mode and don’t think they will even be a very good spoiler. However, the Nationals will play the spoiler role quite well.
-The top spot in the division will come to the team who stays the healthiest.
Predictions: 1. Braves 2. Mets 3. Phillies 4. Nationals (going to be a spoiler team) 5. Marlins
By Roman Gal
March 3, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Dang…I forgot to change my name back from Smarty Pants earlier…
so…basically…that was me…
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg: Thanks, and it’s Mississippi, backwards. As for CF, Mark Kotsay will be an CF, and if he goes down before Schafer is ready, Anderson will have it covered, so no, I don’t think CF will be a problem.
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
The last few season the Lews of the world predicted the Mets would be a lesser team than the braves and they’ve been wrong. Yes, 2008 won’t be any different. All the bravado will slowly fade as the season progresses and they’re proclamations of victory will turn into wispers of defeat.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal-It looks like it’s a good thing you changed it back, cause you win the Wurlitzer. You make a couple more good points than the others, though they gave pretty good evaluations themselves.
Here’s what we’ll do-Roman Gal wins the Francoeur drawing. Kevin, Javy’s Back and Interested Observer win prints of the player of their choice-either Chipper, Tex, Javy, McCann, Glavine, Smoltz, Bobby Cox or the Sid Slid play.
Email me at LewHartman@comcast.net with your real names (as well as your blog names) and snail mail addresses and they shall go out in the next week or so.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Snipper-You’re becoming downright poetic. Whispers of Defeat. Must come from so many Mets losing seasons and sub .500 records despite spending Multiple tens of millions of dollars on such stalwarts as Mo Vaughan, Jeromy Burnitz and now Tony Armas Jr. while giving up such as Scott Kazmir.
Let me know when the Mets rack up 17 of 18 winning seasons.
By flange1
March 3, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Sniper whatever,
You are right, the Lew’s of the world predicted the Braves would beat the Mets.
The Braves under achieved both years and the Mets over achieved in 06 and actually lived up to their potential by making the biggest collapse in major league sports history in 07.
So I guess Lew was 1/2 right.
The Mets are a poorly run franchise that will continue their historic run as under achievers.
Total bummer for the sewer rats from NYC.
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
And their proclamations of victory will turn into whispers of defeat…….(Sorry was writing in a hurry)
By McFann
March 3, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
No, MetMan. In order to finish third again, this would have to happen:
Tex is not good like he’s supposed to be, Francoeur keeps his average down, McCann has lots of nagging injuries and keeps his average down, KJ, Escobar, and Diaz do not do anything close to what they did last year, and Chipper plays less than 130 games.
There you go.
(Sorry for such a late response, but something’s been going wrong with the page.)
Congrats to Roman Gal/Smarty Pants for the winning post!!
By Roman Gal
March 3, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Wow! I feel like I should have an acceptance speech prepared. Oh well…I’m excited. Thanks Lew!
By Greg in TN
March 3, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Evening ladies and gents…
Happy birthday Matt Diaz. The birthday boy smacked an RBI single and stole a base against the flushing nine today. Jordan Schafer went two for three, Diory Hernandez was two for two with a double included.
We were a bit sloppy in the field today and on the basepaths. Acosta’s error on the pickoff attempt and Clint Sammon’s passed ball and Lillibridge’s baserunning mistake won’t make the highlight reel anytime soon.
Jo-Jo gave up an earned run and two hits in his two innings of work, Blaine Boyer pitched well, Charlie Morton gave up two walks but did post a strikeout and Matt DeSalvo made up for his rough outing the other day against LA by going two and getting a K.
I’d have enjoyed seeing Tyler Flowers’ moonshot during BP today. The youngster from Roswell is getting some pub for use of the lumber. I’d be eager to see what he can do in Pearl this year.
Another year, another unilaterally renewed contract for Frenchy. Last year’s “agreement to disagree” led to a pretty solid year at the plate and a Gold Glove in the field. Both sides are downplaying the fact this has happened for a second year, however I don’t foresee a long term deal until much closer to arbitration time for Frenchy, if it happens at all (and that’s not to say I don’t think it won’t happen, just that one year in baseball terms is a lot of time to wade through before a team and a player reevaluates their respective situations. Much can happen in that amount of time).
By Kevin
March 3, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Well let me be the first to congratulate you Roman Gal. A very fine post and a well deserved wurlitzer.
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Yeah flange1 all of us up here in the North want to be just like all those rednecks in Georgia. Watching “Deliverence” opened our eyes to all the south has to offer.
By ippississiM
March 3, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Roman Gal, and thanks Lew for stimulating such a flood of good posts.
By Greg in TN
March 3, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Congrats Roman Gal, very well deserved!
And good to see the denizens stepping up to the plate with analysis on the NL East for ‘08.
By flange1
March 3, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Congrats Roman Gal! Excellent post!
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Lew suffers from many mental ailments. One of them is SMS, selective memory syndrome. He seems to have overlooked the braves of the 70’s and 80’s. It wasn’t uncommon for the attendence to a braves game to be at about 5,000. Maybe one day Lew will get the help he needs and he can begin to live a normal life again. We’ll all be pulling for you Lew*
By McFann
March 3, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Aw! I didn’t know it was Matt’s birthday! Man! Well: Happy birthday, Matt, and thanks for trying to help us win today!!
By TennesseePaul
March 3, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I gotta say, SI’s new MLB page design is a huge improvement. And the team pages are right there with it. Not too shaby.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Snipper-Pretty bad when you need to dredge up the Braves’ records from 20-30 years ago. I was talking about the Mets teams from say, Oh 3-4 years ago. Other than your loss in the NLCS to a barely .500 team two years ago (maybe I SHOULD do a drawing of that look on Beltran’s face as he wet his pants to end that series), when was the last time you won much of anything? 1986? No wonder you mention ancient history. Were you even alive back then little boy?
By Steven Gregory
March 3, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know the braves spring training TV schedule for 2008?
By Lew
March 3, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have a photo of that look on Beltran’s face? Maybe I could do a drawing and award a Trollitzer Award. I’m sure they could come up with some inanity to win. They’d probably trade it for an injured player, though.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Let’s see now-Snipper used my name three times in his last post. Has he ever used a Mets’ players name that often? Wonder just what his motivation is here. Should I start to worry about all this attention lavished on me by these Mets’ fans? I’m starting to get somewhat uncomfortable.
By SNIPER-69
March 3, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Hostility, degrading others, and cynical comments are all classic symptoms of SMS. As you can see Lew displays them all. He’s further gone than we thought. He chooses what parts of the past are acceptable and which othere are not. He is unable to understand that the past is comprised of any period of time that has all ready passed.
By McFann
March 3, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Steven Gregory—
For a Braves ST schedule showing which games will be on TV, click here.
By Interested Observer
March 3, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lew! Very generous of you!
By Lew
March 3, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Cynical, absolutely. It comes from dealing with intellects such as yours, Snipper, that are so inferior to my own. However, I’m only derogatory when it is in response to comments from morons such as yourself. Never degrading. That’s something you do to yourself. And you do it so well. Why don’t you just quit while you’re ahead? Maybe your non talents would be appreciated with others of your ilk and intellect on a Mets’ blog. Ya think? No, you couldn’t possibly do anything that difficult.
By chrisklob
March 3, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Lew, you have mail.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Snipper-You want to talk Mets throughout history? Fine with me. In their 46 year history, the Mets have records below .500 (including the worst record in THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL) 24 times while making the playoffs only 5 times. Are you proud yet?
They have won 100 games 3 times in their 46 years-while Bobby Cox led Braves’ teams have won 100 games 6 times in the past 17 years. Are you proud yet?
Since 1991, the Mets have trailed the Braves by an AVERAGE of 16 games per season and that takes into account the leads over the Braves the past two years. Are you proud yet?
Of their two World Series Championships, one is referred to as a Miracle and the other was the direct result of an error by Bill Buckner when the Mets were down to their last strike in ‘86. Are you proud yet?
Of your last two years where you were somewhat successful, you lost the NLCS to a barely .500 team, the team with the worst record of all playoff teams, not only that year, but quite possibly of all time. Are you proud yet?
Last year, when all Mets’ Fans and virtually all of the Mets’ biased media felt you to be the best team in all of baseball, you had a losing record from May 26 through the end of the season. You could not even win your division, despite leading by 7 games with 17 remaining games. Yours was the worst collapse in THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL. Are you proud yet?
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Wow, wonder how long Pedro is going to feel good for?? All I know it doesnt look good for the rest you when you are counting on him to be a non-factor. Looks like Pedro has other plans in mind. You guys will be “chicken livers” when Pedro is done sawing off your bats form the mound.
Earlier in the day, on a back field at the Mets’ complex late Friday morning, not far from the main stadium but miles away from the frenzy, Pedro Martinez breezed happily through another workout, pitching to batters for the first time this spring in front of a dozen or so onlookers. His curveball, mostly under wraps to this point, was biting. His fastball was lively. He was vintage Pedro. Hatless in the Florida sun, jabbering with hitters between pitches. Smiling. Laughing.
After the 50-pitch workout, Martinez literally hopped off the mound to share fist-bumps with manager Willie Randolph, pitching coach Rick Peterson, a couple of teammates and owner Fred Wilpon. The excitement among the men was palpable. A few minutes later, leaning on Wilpon’s golf cart, Martinez talked animatedly with the owner about how he was feeling, the pitches he was working on and what he had left to accomplish this spring.
This is the absolute best that Mets’ fans could hope for. This is better than the Yankees screwing up or Jimmy Rollins getting a case of lockjaw. This the spring of Pedro’s big comeback, and all is good. As good as it has been with him in a long, long, looong time.
“Even though you pitch, you’re not supposed to complain, according to you guys,” Martinez told SI.com after the workout. “When something’s not right, you try to battle it out and you go out there and you pitch. And sometimes you get away with good games, especially if you use your head and your experience. And people think, ‘He’s fine.’
“But since 1999, after I got hurt in Cleveland, I’ve never thrown this way. I feel great. I feel like the Pedro of ‘97, ‘98.”
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Very Proud. I LOVE THE METS!!!
By Lew
March 3, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Chris-Not yet, I don’t. Sorry.
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Inge began his career as catcher, but after being used there Sunday he made comments to the media he was not happy with that role. He wants to play third base full time, but Detroit traded for Miguel Cabrera in the offseason, bumping Inge to a utility role.
Inge has asked to be traded.
Inge batted .236 with 14 homers and 71 RBIs for the Tigers last season. The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested in making a deal for Inge.
You guys better get Wren on the phone. You know you cant start the season without a 3B. Well at least without a reliable 3B.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Chicken Livers? Sawing bats off with his 82 MPH fastball? MetroDude-can I have some of what you’ve been smoking?
By Lew
March 3, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Pedro better be careful hopping off mounds. He has a history of chronic toe problems. He also better be careful with the fist bumping. He may tear his shoulder out again. Yes, you have so much to be proud of-I’m just not quite sure what that might be.
By Lew
March 3, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks to ChrisKlob for the great photo of “Carlos Incontinent”. It will make a perfect Trollitzer Award. Adam Wainwright might even like a copy. The only problem is which Mets’ fan would be most (or is that least) worthy-or if any of them are worth of my artwork.
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
I’m proud that all that negative garbage you wrote about METS history and I’m still a fan. You should realize if you are as old as we think you are Lew, then you saw some of the worst braves teams, but guess what you are still a fan. So dont questions METS fans, we support our guys the same way you do. All fans ride the wave of a franchises high tides, its just the braves high tide is over, and the METs high tide has unlimited sky room!!!
LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS!!!!
By Roman Gal
March 3, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys!
-McFann I guess that’s my nickname now…I brought it on myself, I suppose.
By Carroll Rogers
March 3, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN, a big thanks for the thorough synopsis of today’s action. you’re picking up my slack, buddy. i got a little wrapped up in what i was writing for print…and at one point late in the game, chatting it up with ron darling.
i got a little side-tracked with that one….from a gal who had a bit of thing for him at age 16. was there a better reason to pull for the 86 mets? and oh gosh, am i now going to incite metropolitan man to post 20 more times?
by the way, met man, speaking of inciting…dude was out at home plate in the 10th, by the way. umprie wanted to go home. or so clint sammons (and ron!!) told me.
turning the reins back over to DOB manana, good people. thanks for tuning in the last couple days.
By chrisklob
March 3, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
was there a better reason to pull for the 86 mets? and oh gosh, am i now going to incite metropolitan man to post 20 more times?
No, but you might incite a riot amongst the Braves fans here!
By Steven Gregory
March 3, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
thanks for tv schedule McFann
By chrisklob
March 3, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Lew, when you do the Beltran drawing I hope you use a little artistic license and draw in the “incontinent” part of the title.
By Metropolitan Man
March 3, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Carroll Rogers: Good evening mam!! Out at home. I didnt even see the game but if its the METS v braves we already know who won, DA METS. Its still meaningless but hey, these guys on this blog would want to beat the METS at Darts if they could.
Ron Darling, thats a good choice. He is still a MET and we still hold him in high regards. Now that Roger Mcdowell character is a whole other ball of wax. You guys deserve him.
By uga-brave
March 3, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
way to much angst about any national predictions. i dont think anyone had the rocks and d’backs in the NLCS last year.
braves formula for success is much like everyone elses, overall health. chipper must stay healthy, period. while that is no huge revelation it is a fact. if he plays in 150 our offense should be fine.
pitching wise, assuming smoltz and hudson do their thing, the big swing guys are glavine and soriano.
glavine needs to give us innings and 13-15 wins. as for soriano who knows.
getting the last three outs are different. some guys thrive others wilt. this is his first time in that role, so for any of us to say he will do either, is premature.
baseball is a game of streaks and the braves could never get one going last year. if 3-5 in the rotation do their jobs and the back of the bullpen can protect leads there is no reason not to think we will be there all season.
By ippississiM
March 4, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
uga-brave:
as for soriano who knows. getting the last three outs are different. some guys thrive others wilt. this is his first time in that role, so for any of us to say he will do either, is premature.
Wasn’t Soriano the closer after Wickman was released last year? I seem to recall nine saves in twelve opportunities….
By Double Deuce
March 4, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Can’t understand why Mets fans would come on this blog and talk about how good their team is when they are 6 months removed from the worst collective choke in recent memory. 7 game lead with 17 to play and you choked. No other word for it, Mets choked and since everyone has you picked to win again, if you don’t it will be another choke. Can’t wait.
By Lew
March 4, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
MetroDude-I’m sure the Mets are gratified you love them so dearly. Yes, I did see some absolutely terrible Braves teams and remember such names as Larvel “Sugar Bear” Blanks and Andres Thomas. And yes, I still was a Braves fan.
However, there is one major difference-no matter what I thought of my Braves at any given time, I never went on another teams’ blog and made an absolute a$$ of myself like so many Mets’ fans have done here.
By Lew
March 4, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
ChrisKlob-Shall we henceforth call him Puddles?
MetroDude-Garbage? Excuse me, but every single thing I said in that post was the absolute, unvarnished, unretouched truth. I even went and looked it up. You should try it yourself sometime. You might then realize just how truly tragic the Mets’ history has been. Wouldn’t you at least like to be loveable like the Cubs?
By uga-brave
March 4, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
ippississiM,
not saying soriano cant do the job. just saying at this point, being a closer over 162 is different. mentally it effects some guys a little more.
on the suface it appears he has the makeup. from a “stuff” standpoint there is no doubt.
how he will handle the blown save will determine what kind of closer he will be. there have been a ton of guys with great stuff that have struggled in the closer role.
By Lew
March 4, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Well-It’s been a fun day of Troll bashing here on the ole blog. I’ve had enough for one day. Time to turn it over to another Good Dawg and let the Night Shift take over. UGABrave-It’s all yours. Put them Trolls to bed. I’m outta here for the night.
By chrisklob
March 4, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Puddles. I like it!
By ippississiM
March 4, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
uga:
I agree. He’s never done it over an entire season. But the way he bounced back after that rash of longballs gives me the idea that he’ll be able to cope with mess-ups and learn from them. If this guy keeps his head on straight and stays healthy, he could be scary good. I mean like one of those guys people will be talking about in 20 years good.
By johnny 99
March 4, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
Flange—
You got The Stand? I have two, one signed, and am trying to unload the unsigned one for a little ticket money…email to nick.rhoton@hotmail.com if you’d like…
By ncscoots
March 4, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
…And a small child shall lead them. McFann’s 6:01 includes four “ifs” (actually six, but what the hey) for the Braves’ offensive success this year, and, naturally, we here think all of those will fall on the plus side of the ledger. If so, then, yes, Braves look pretty good, even league-wide. But that total success probably isn’t in the cards. Just the nature of the beast.
Add in the pitching “ifs”, and this team balances on the edge. Much too soon to tell which way the teeter-totter will fall. And even with a less-than-robust performance, it will still depend on how well the Mets and Phillies make THEIR seasons happen. Any one of these teams could run away from the jump, and any of them could fall flat on the proverbial keister. So, see me at the All-Star break…maybe then I could come up with a “preseason” pick.
By David O'Brien
March 4, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: WOW, I knew Braves had an extra starting pitcher or two, but never thought they’d trade away two established starters…
Gotcha. Rub the sleep from your eyes. Relax and enjoy that cup or coffee. I’m kidding.
Good to be back. Well, other than the hours.
We’ll talk once I get to the park.
later
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 4, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Morning denizens. Dave O’Brien , we are six games into the grapefruit league schedule and Rafael Soriano still hasn’t pitched. What gives ?
By Steve McP
March 4, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that there is a weird “mirror blog” on the AJC site, with Carroll’s same piece and several extremely long entries for Lew’s Wurlitzer.
By David O'Brien
March 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Coach, have you seen several references to his “stomach bug”? If not, you haven’t been paying attention.
Is there anything more to it? Don’t know, I’ll try to ask him today. But that’s what we’ve been told, and that he was checked out to see if he had an ulcer or something after his stomach problems continued.
The other theory floated casually by someone was that he just isn’t an early spring type of guy — showed up a little late with Seattle, showed up late for visa issues last year, etc.
I’d suggest that’d be better than any stomach problem, because in a few weeks, and especially in April, no one is going to give a damn whether a guy was a few days behind in early spring.
But anyway, all I know is we’re told he’s had a stomach bug. I’ve been off for three days, so I haven’t concerned myself with it in that time. Will check for update today.
By SNIPER-69
March 4, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
BA, does banjo playing and eating grits make you feel so cultured? You need to pay more attention to your girlfriends dental needs before you start throwing insults at another city redneck.
By McFann
March 4, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Steven Gregory and Roman Gal!!
By doug
March 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
The comments by BA at 8:09 are over the edge offensive. I am a braves fan, and not a fan of the other teams in our division; but that is vile and needs to be stricken from the record.
By Josh H
March 4, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
The dual blogs are really throwing me off… :)
By MGL
March 4, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Will the real new deal blog please stand up!!
By Jon Gibson
March 4, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Did I miss something? Wasn’t this article primarally about Frency’s contract. Here it is 1,000 responses later and one has mentioned it. You people are clowns. If you think that just because Jeff is a nice guy and he “loves” the braves that he will just forget about this. Don’t be so sure. His time will come and the braves will pay for it. I can’t waite to see him leave the braves they are such a cump orgainization. They do not deserve his loyalty!
By DAP
March 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
sniper grits are awesome, especially with the right stuff added in (i like to put put butter and bacon in mine) and have you ever heard/seen a good banjo player? its amazing!! this is america down here, buddy!
By SNIPER-69
March 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Doug vulgar comments are allowed as long as they’re posted by brave fans. This has been the trend as long as I’ve been reading through the blog. For more clarification refer to David O’ Brien…..He knows the deal.
By Nick
March 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
DOB, got anything for us as far as the lineup and planned pitchers?
Thanks!
By Harv
March 4, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Paying Frenchey $400K plus is pathetic. I hope he tell you all to kiss it and go play for the Mets. Cheers and good 3rd place finish this year but oh you made money last year. I forgot. You get what you pay for.
By Lew
March 4, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Snipper-If you don’t like it you could always find somewhere you consider more pleasant to hang out. No matter who posted it, if you’d bothered to look, instead of griping for over an hour, you’d notice that the offending post was deleted. Now if you’d only delete yourself, life could go on to everyone’s satisfaction.
You act as if everyone should care about the Mets and their fans here in Braves’ land. Seems there were some Trolls at Braves’ Spring Training stirring up a stink, too. Y’all do it so well. Must come from living near the polluted Hudson River and having to breathe the stench.