AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves relievers (and Pujols) are achin’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Things could be a lot worse for relievers Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan. They could have Albert Pujols’ elbow.
But seriously … Soriano and Moylan, the Braves’ best two relievers, are both nursing sore elbows, though all parties are calling it typical spring soreness or tenderness or whatever.
We should know in a few days, if either or both are still out. Moylan told me this morning that he’s had some slight soreness on the inside of his elbow for a couple of weeks, and they decided now to rest and rehab a few days to knock it out rather than keeping pitching with it.
When I asked him if it’s just typical soreness, nothing to be concerned about, as the Braves have indicated, Moylan said, “I think so.”
He also pointed out that the soreness hasn’t been in one spot, but moved a few inches up or down his elbow. That’s generally a good sign, indicating inflammation rather than torn tissue of any kind. So we’ll see.
Blogmeister note: I’m adding a new paragraph here, subbing for original one after getting back from clubhouse with update on Soriano.
He threw in the bullpen this morning — “Soriano threw really well; we’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” said Bobby Cox, who said he threw hard and without difficulty. If all goes well, Soriano will make his spring debut next Tuesday or Wednesday.
“If it’s the middle of next week, it’s fine,” Cox said of Soriano’s timetable. “He’s not going to lose his control. He’s fine.”
The Braves believed all along that he’s only had minor inflammation in the back of the elbow, near bottom of the triceps muscle.
If it lingers and he’s not pitched by this time next week, well, then you’ve got serious cause for concern, I’d say.
By the way, in case you missed the news, Cardinals slugger Pujols has an elbow that’s ready to implode at any time. He’s been diagnosed with a high-grade ligament tear, bone spurs, inflammation, arthritis, and malaria.
OK, kidding about the malaria. But he does have all of those other conditions in his right elbow, and is apparently going to keep playing until it blows, then have total reconstructive surgery. Yikes.
Yeah, Buddy: Talked to the Budster this morning, journeyman pitcher Buddy Carlyle. Gotta tell you, he’s one you can’t help but pull for, such a down-to-earth fella, bounced around for a dozen years before really getting his first opportunity to stick with a major league club.
He’s got the best attitude imaginable, isn’t getting carried away with his four perfect innings in his first two appearances, and says he’ll “go with the flow” no matter where he’s pitching, Atlanta or Richmond, rotation or bullpen.
He’ll get his first start of the spring on Saturday in a split-squad game against Cincinnati over at Sarasota.
At 30, he said he feels like a new pitcher after adding a cutter a couple years ago, smoothing out his delivery some last year in his return to starting, and then adding a splitter this winter and further simplifying his mechanics.
He’s pounding the strike zone and has four strikeouts with no walks or hits allowed. And Carlyle said he doesn’t feel like it’s flukey at all - he feels that good out there, that smooth in his delivery, that confident.
“I think I learned more last year than the previous seven years,” he said.
Last year’s eight wins and early success when the Braves needed him in an emergency reinforced in his mind that he could be a successful big league pitcher, after all these years.
His wife Jessicia is thrilled that the family (they have two kids, 1 and 4) gets to be back at the same spring training site two years in a row and then probably another city they’re familiar with, be it Richmond or Atlanta.
In my mind I had Jeff Bennett penciled in for that long relief/spot starter role coming into spring. But Bennett missed more than a week with the flu, and Carlyle has probably put his own hat squarely in that competition with his performance so far.
Carlyle has a ton of experience in both roles through the years, and has the perfect attitude for it. He can easily move from three weeks in the ‘pen to making a spot start, and takes pride in that fact. “The more things you can do, the better,” he said, smiling. “A utility pitcher, if you want to put it that way.”
Renteria back with Braves: Funny scene in the clubhouse this morning. I’m talking to Chipper (he’s playing today, by the way) and I see him glance across the room and smile. I turned and there’s Edgar Renteria, putting down his Detroit Tigers equipment bag in front of a locker and starting to take out the clothes that were hanging in it.
He’s doing this with a straight face, until the laughter of several former Braves teammates is too much, and he breaks into a laugh himself. Edgar exchanged hugs and handshakes with everyone, including his pupil Yunel Escobar, who worked out with the veteran all winter in Miami and will now try to fill his shoes.
Kotsay leading off: For a day, at least. Today’s lineup goes like this — 1. Mark Kotsay, CF; 2. Escobar, SS; 3. Hoss, 3B; 4. Teixiera, 1B; 5. Francoeur, RF; 6. Diaz, LF; 7. McCann, C; 8. Prado, 2B; 9. Lopez, DH.
Mike Hampton making his highly anticipated second start today vs. Tigers lefty Kenny Rogers.
Split-squad games tomorrow vs. Reds in Sarasota and vs. Houston here at Dark Star. I’ll be at the place that doesn’t involve 3-4 hours of driving, and where the manager will be.
Francoeur, Diaz and McCann are going to Sarasota, other regulars will stay here to face Houston.
Jo-Jo Reyes is to face Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez, and Carlyle faces Reds lefty Jeremy Affeldt.
”ACHIN’ TO BE” by Paul Westerberg
Well she’s kind of like an artist
Sittin’ on the floor
Never finishes, she abandons
Never shows a soul
And she’s kind of like a movie
Everyone rushes to see
And no one understands it
Sittin’ in their seats
She opens her mouth to speak and
What comes out’s a mystery
Thought about, not understood
She’s achin’ to be
Well she dances alone in nightclubs
Every other day of the week
People look right through her
Baby doll, check your cheek
And she’s kind of like a poet
Who finds it hard to speak
Poems come so slowly
Like the colors down a sheet
She opens her mouth to speak and
What comes out’s a mystery
Thought about, not understood
She’s achin’ to be
I’ve been achin’ for a while now, friend
I’ve been achin’ hard for years
Well she’s kind of like an artist
Who uses paints no more
You never show me what you’re doing
Never show a soul
Well, I saw one of your pictures
There was nothin’ that I could see
If no one’s on your canvas
Well, I’m achin’ to be
She closes her mouth to speak and
Closes her eyes to see
Thought about an’ only loved
She’s achin’ to be
Just like me
Services »
Comments
By stephen jones
March 7, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
hey marty!
By Thrillhouse44
March 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, you’re alive? I didn’t expect to see anything from you until well after lunchtime today. Great stuff late last night - especially 3:15 a.m. I hope you saved enough for this weekend’s St. Patty Day’s celebrations.
Too bad for Pujols that Larussa wasn’t able to get Bonds. His elbow would be in the Clear in no time.
By McFann
March 7, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Second or third?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hoss is back ! cool beans. Let’s see what Hampton can do in three innings today.
By Lew
March 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
You’ve got to like Buddy Carlyle’s attitude, if nothing else. At Spring Training he told me he was very interested and dedicated to turning in a better performance than last year-though I thought he was the first band aid that held for the bottom of the rotation last year. Hope he gets his chance to prove his worth again/
On the Del Gado contract situation. Apparently his 09 option is a vesting option, based on MVP voting and rankings. No need to worry about THAT happpening. However, the buyout is for $4million and that added to what Tex is likely to command on the open market, makes it highly unlikely ( at least to my way of thinking) that the Mets would be willing (or able given Johann’s contract) to pay $24-26 million for Tex-even for one year.
Two players pulling down a long term salary equaling close to $50 mil a year is a bit more than the Mets could handle. Even with a new stadium. This will be especially true given that they will also need to replace Alou, El Duque and likely Pedro as well. Not sure even the Yankees could afford that one.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Moises Alou is hitting the surgery room. I guess that will be a big problem for the mets. Knees are a problem and groin is a problem. That is not good, specially for a 40+ YO OF. He is supposed to be be back in late april or early may, but to tell you the truth, i think it will be more than that. He will have an hernia repaired and he will have to take it easy on a tissue that has herniated. You can add to that the fact that he will have no spring training under his belt, so he will be rusty. He is a great player, mets need him badly, and i think they will not have him for half or the season. I expect him to play 80 games, no more than that.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Poll (CBS sports site)
Will the Braves make the playoffs?
31% Yes: As a wild card
58% No: They’re not good
11% Yes: They’ll win the East
Total Votes: 991
By McFann
March 7, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Dang, Pujols! How many bone spurs does he have? Arthritis? High-grade ligament tear? What the heck did he do to his elbow?
By sane jane
March 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I guess it’s too early for fans to moan about Glavine, huh?
Buddy, don’t pack your bags for Richmond quite yet. We may need you as a “spot starter” to “hold ‘em right there” after Glavine gives up 4 runs in a third of an inning…
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Am I 14th or 15th?
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Yeah, guys, I got about 4 hours sleep last night before my brother called, dealing with the breastfeeding baby from hell. He needed me to talk to him to maintain his sanity with the shrieks of little man. But the future John Smoltz is asleep for now and I am gonna take a nap myself. A little advice to the ladies: Don’t breastfeed if you are gonna go back to work. It ain’t fair to your man stuck at home with the little fella. He ain’t got the goods to compete.
By Stewart Nunn
March 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Josh Anderson should lead off!
By Steve-O
March 7, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I REALLLLLY hope Sori and Petey are fine…They are going to be CRUCIAL….and IMAGINE if Hampton is REALLY FINALLY healthy!?!?!? What a boost that would be!! I can’t WAIT to here how far along Mikey Fonzo is coming along…any news DOB??? Will he be back before AS Break or after you think…Also at what level do you think Gonzo will be at when he does come back??
GO BRAVES!!!!!
By Anders
March 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Lew
From the last blog:
According to Anders (who would have little reason to disseminate false information in this case) DelGado has a player’s option for 09. Dream on about Tex. You’re stuck with what you have. Aren’t you happy about that?
I think you misunderstood me or maybe I wasn’t clear. Delgado has a three tiered option deal for next year as I understand it. Option 1 kicks in autamatically at $16 mil if he hits some crazy level of MVP votes etc. over the life of the existing deal. He would almost have to run the table this year to do so and while I’d be happy if he did it’s almost a virual lock he won’t. The second option is a team only option at $12 mil per year. The third option is a buy out at $4 mil. So in the end the Mets are looking at wether to pay him $8 mil next year (as the $4 mil is a given) to bring him back. Obviously they’ll have to see how he fares this year. If he has anything left at all this year and there’s no one of any value out there next off season to help them that’s a pretty cheap option relatively speaking. I don’t believe there’s any player option (other than the automatic one) in play for Delgado. I heard this explained on SNY once I haven’t actually seen it in writing. This is actually a pretty well structured deal by Minaya IMO.
That said, I can’t imagine the Mets will pay what the Yanks will for Tex and therefore him coming to the Mets is moot. The Yanks did the Mets a Mets a solid by not screwing up the Santana deal just because they can and I wouldn’t be suprised to see the Mets return the favor on Tex.
By stephen jones
March 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Lew
the problem is some of these teams are willing to spend whatever they want and dont care. especially in new york where 2 big teams compete against each other for headlines. yes there is a point where they spend too much, like the yanks and it still didnt get them to the ws. i thought a few days ago we would run away w/ the division, but who knows now w/ the injuries to soriano and moylan. i think we just keep treading water by 5 games after the break.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Totally agree with you in everything, including not even the yanks nor the bosox would be able to put 50 000 000 for 2 players and then replace pedro, el duque and alou. Im not sure about castillos situation, maybe he could be added in that equation. What about their catching position and ryan church? whats their contract situation?
By FJR
March 7, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
we have one last spot if people want in the braves blog fantasy baseball league. Its hosted on ESPN. E-mail if you want in. fjrabon@gmail.com
By AL
March 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
It will be interesting to see how Chipper does on the right side of the plate today with that hamstring.
By SNIPER-69
March 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Pelfrey will replace Pedro or El Duque and Prospect Fernando Martinez will replace Alou. They have the money to cover the $4 mil buy out on Delgado. I beleive Pelfrey will step up this year with a 10 plus win season and if you’ve seen Martinez there’s no doubt he’ll be in the majors by the end of the season.
By McFann
March 7, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
CBS? Ah! What do they know? Ha! 58%……sheesh!
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
If anderson is the leadoff……. would you like to sit diaz? If anderson is the answer to leadoff, then what do you do with diaz? too good to let him start just 50 games all season.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Lew: I don’t know if the prices you listed would be too much for the Mets to handle, but it certainly wouldn’t be too much for the Yankees. Giambi is off the books after this season. That alone frees up 20 million. And then there are the Giants who have tons of money and are in need of a good bat and first baseman. And then the possibility that the Angels or Dodgers get involved. This is less likely though as they both have good young first basemen. But they both had center fielders this off season and that didn’t stop ‘em. And then after those guys you have the Orioles. And with all this competition the Mets start drooling again and you’re right back to the beginning. It ain’t going to be easy. But hey, we have Tyler Flowers now…
By Chopdawg
March 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
DOB, has there been any discussion at all about keeping Brandon Jones as the 4th OF, and moving Francoeur from RF to CF—in case of a Kotsay injury?
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Just updated the original blog with news on Soriano, who threw in bullpen today without incident. He’s now tentatively scheduled to make his spring debut Tuesday or Wednesday, if no setbacks….
Stephen, if you’re going to change your season forecast with every sore elbow between now and opening day, you’re going to drive yourself nuts. Lot of pitchers have sore elbows and shoulders the first few weeks of camp.
By knowitall
March 7, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
FJR, I keep meaning to email you when I get home but I always forget. I want to be in your league, just don’t want to email you from work and I can’t access my personal email from work. I’m sure the Powers that Be know that I’m blogging from work but at least they don’t know what monkier I’m using. That would all change if I were to email you though.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Steve-O, outlook for Gonzo is same as it’s been for the past month: Early June is expected return date. Talked to him this morning. No setbacks. He’s throwing changeups now, breaking balls probably next week. He hopes to start facing hitters for first time in a couple of weeks….
Oh, and update on Chuck: Threw live BP two days ago and again today, no problems. He’s probably going to make his debut March 13, next Thursday.
By Paul
March 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
DOB
Do you think that [Joe Borchard[( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Borchard) has a shot of making this club? I’m from the South Side of Chicago, so I have seen him play, and even though his average his horrible, he still owns the record of the longest homerun at U.S. Cellular Field and it’s still a highlight I enjoy to watch. I know that he was the 12th pick in the 2000 draft and that at the time of his signing it was the biggest guaranteed contract ever to a minor leaguer, so he has talent. Just wondering if you think he has any chance, because he’s just a guy I like to pull for.
By kdbanks
March 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Anyone know if today’s game is on the radio?
By stephen jones
March 7, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
DOB
I meant to say we would be 5 games ahead w/ them hurt and 15 up w/ them good. 1 elbow i could deal with, 2 arm problems makes me think at least 1 of them will be hurt or ineffective.
anyways-time to head to Dark Star from the middle of Muts & Yankeeville. ETA Sunday 100pm!
By McFann
March 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Pete van Howeveryouspellhislastname said that the next broadcast on the radio will be Saturday, March 8, at 1:05 against Houston. Dang it! McCann’s playin’ in the other game! Aw, heck! I knew this would happen!
By AdirondackDave
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
DOB - We’ve got tickets for the 2 games in Jupiter next weekend. Do you know if that will be full squad or split yet? Thanks.
By Stewart Nunn
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Anderson leads off, plays center, Francoer in right, Diaz in left, Kotsay is the fourth or is let go. Let the best player start. They should never have gotten Kotsay right after getting Anderson.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
This is actually a pretty well structured deal by Minaya
This deal wasn’t structured by Minaya. Larry Beinfest signed him to the Marlins a few years ago to the deal described above. Delgado’s agent said of the contract and choice to sign with the Marlins instead of the Mets: “From Day One, we have told everyone that Carlos would make his choice based on where he felt he had the best chance to win a World Series,” Sloane said in an e-mail to the media Tuesday night. “I’m proud to say that is exactly why he made the choice he made.”
By David-ATL14
March 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
ForKDBANKS and others despite the erroneous listing of today’s game being broadcast locally, that is a mistake.
Today’s agme is available only thorugh MLB.com Gameday Audio.
14.95 for the entire season along with Spring Training and Post Season.
Well worth the price if anyone’s interested.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Adirondack, always a full squad for the overnight trip to Jupiter. Probably best road game you could choose, because most or all the regulars will play….
Anderson leads off, plays center, Francoer in right, Diaz in left, Kotsay is the fourth or is let go.
By wilymo
March 7, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Soriano didn’t make his first ST appearance last year until March 8th…I think if he gets the ball rolling by mid-week he’ll be fine.
By David-ATL14
March 7, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
DOB who else will pitch for the Hometeam 9 after Hampton?
Thanks in advance.
By Niels© Boor©
March 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
ippississiM—
re: Glavine/mentor
Check out this and this.
My approach was to look only at left-handed pitchers 10 years or younger than Glavine on the Mets roster sometime during his five years there.
First, see whose performance improved, and whose did not. (Throw out the latter — I’m not interested in trying to find a negative influence from Glavine.)
I got thru the 2003—2004 rosters. Have not looked yet at OPerez.
After identifying who improved, somehow determine what Glavine’s influence on that improvement might have been (ie, whether he was their “mentor”).
It’s probably a futile exercise — you can have it. If you want.
Cheers!
By Bravesfan79
March 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
I wish Bobby just wouldnt play Chipper at all again until the last week of spring training. Maybe as a pinch hitter or DH, but NOT in the field!
We need him 2 much for our lineup in REAL games.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14, following Hampton today are these scheduled relievers: Manny Acosta, Will Ohman, Tyler Yates, Matt DeSalvo, Jorge Campiloo….
Wilymo, good point about Soriano. Remember, he was late to camp last year because of visa issues….
Chopdawg, no discussion of moving Francoeur to CF. Every chance he’s had to address it, Wren’s made it clear Francoeur is ideally suited for RF and they see him as a RF, not a CF.
Could he move over to fill in from time to time? Certainly. But I’d say that’ll only be when regular backup CF has already been used in a game or is otherwise unavailable.
By Gene
March 7, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I have a good feeling about these guys. They are having fun. I would pay to hear the banter between Tiger Woods and Smoltz in the simulated game. It looks like Smoltz served one up for him. It would be great if Hampton recovers and has a good year. The Braves are going to be tough this year, and best of luck to Renteria.
By DAP
March 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Stuart Nunn
please try to remember that anderson has 67 major league at-bats. he might be awesome…but its really not possible yet to know how hes gonna doing the majors over a long period of time.
also, when we got kotsay, we hadnt even seen anderson in spring training, so thats double the reason not to fault management for trading for kotsay.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Anybody who thinks Pelfrey can replace Pedro and that Fernando Martinez can replace Alou, knows nothing about baseball. Worst than than, he knows nothing about the team he cheers for.
Alou is a superstar, one of the most dangerous players in baseball (not talking about power).
Martinez…….should i say anything about him????
I just can understand your point.
Did you meant they can fill the spot? Jorge Sosa can fill it also.
By ncscoots
March 7, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Anderson leads off, plays center, Francoer in right, Diaz in left
Yes, THERE’s an OF to strike fear into the heart of Jake Peavy. Good tip, there, Stewart.
Holy Cornelia.
By Stewart Nunn
March 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson might be the next Ichiro! Go Braves!!
By Steve in DC
March 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed the AJC is consistently getting the listings wrong for the radio/tv options on these spring games? I haven’t checked today’s, but it seems that they continually have radio options listed when it’s on mlb.com (which is a steal at 89.00 if you’re out of area like me.) I watch on my computer all the time…
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
METS SEARCHING FOR A POWER HITTER. Posted: Thursday March 06, 2008 07:46AM ET
Moises Alou’s extended absence will most likely force Mets general manager Omar Minaya to intensify his efforts to trade for a right-handed hitter with some power who can play first base and the outfield corners. Publicly, Minaya says he would be fine with Endy Chavez or maybe Angel Pagan filling in for Alou, and relying on Marlon Anderson or perhaps Damion Easley at first base if Carlos Delgado’s hip problems linger during the season. But the Mets did not trade for Johan Santana or sign off on a payroll in the $140 million range to let bench players fill two lineup slots where significant production is expected.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
By the way, we got the new Braves media guide today, and it’s the nicest in a long time.
Color photos throughout, and a great cover with the legendary retired-number guys across the top (Hank, Eddie, Murph, Spahn, Knucksy) and then bigger action photos on the bottom of three future Braves retired-jersey guys: Smoltz, Chipper, Glavine.
By wilymo
March 7, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Another point about Soriano—
He missed the start of ST last year due to Visa issues but also because of some tightness in the shoulder. It didn’t affect him at all last year — No DL trips, career high in IP and appearances.
I think when you’ve had a major arm surgery (TJ in the case of Soriano) you tend to err on the side of caution. I think most pitchers that have had serious arm injuries, especially young guys, will tell you they wish they had been more forthcoming and cautious when the injuries first cropped up. Too many times these guys are playing for jobs and are too gung ho about playing through pain that sometimes it can result in a more serious injury.
By Halberstram
March 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Great stories on Renteria DOB, he really seems like a fantastic guy. He was one of my favorites while here and will be easy to root for in Detroit and wherever else. He definitely seems like the type to latch on with an organization after his playings day are over and assist with player development a la Eddie Perez. Is that a correct assumption?
By McFann©
March 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Niels Boor, you copycat!
Pudge Rodriguez is batting leadoff??? Good night!
By Anders
March 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul
This deal wasn’t structured by Minaya. Larry Beinfest signed him to the Marlins a few years ago to the deal described above.
Fair enough. I shouldn’t have given Minaya kudos for the deal. I forgot they traded for him.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
halberstam, I could definitely envision Edgar in such a role, unless he decides he doesn’t want to spend that much time away from his beloved Colombia. He’s an absolute superstar over there.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Did you get to see Chuck James pitch BP? Any feedback on how he did? Or was he just getting his work in since he hasn’t pitch at all yet?
Halberstram is this name any connection to Habersham County in GA? I’m from there originally, and my parents are still there.
And yes Habersham County is where CORNELIA is located.
GO BRAVES…
By beachcomber
March 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Think I can lay my hands on an extra pair for next Friday’s game in Clearwater. Good seats - about five rows behind the third base dugout. They are $18 a piece. If anyone’s interested I’ll check with my seat mates on Sunday. Off to Orlando for tomorrow’s game and off to the internet right now for todays!
By TrboDawg
March 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I’m a long time reader and infrequent poster to the blog, but I’d like to ask a semi-serious question. I’m a compounding pharmacist and I make several anti-inflammatory creams/rubs (and NO I don’t make ‘Clear’ or ‘Juice’ or any illicit testosterone products, but I am working on a oral spray sildenafil (Viagra)) Anyway back to my point. With all the sore elbows, legs, knees, joints, etc. in camp. Do the Braves work with a Compounding Pharmacist to help alleviate these symptoms? Would they be willing to try? I’d suggest finding someone local. I’m in California, but I’m sure someone in the Atlanta area would be willing to help. We/They can also make Josh Beckett’s Blister ointment, if necessary. see this link
Anyway, you’re doing a great job keeping us all informed and I’m looking forward to seeing y’all when you come to beat the Giants…
By Thrillhouse44
March 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Overlord, maybe we should let the Mets know about Craig Wilson. He can play 1B and corner outfield.
By Braves2622
March 7, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Not to burst the Tyler Flowers is awesome bubble, but wasn’t he suspended fifty games for steroids? Yes, he was. On August 1, 2006. Maybe that is the reason he is hitting Sammy Sosa style 500 foot bombs off of chino in batting practice.
By FJR
March 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I just really dont see any way the yankees don’t get Tex. The only way I could see him not going there is if they overspend for C.C. first and don’t want to take on 50 mil per year in one FA cycle.
If that happens and the yankees are out, we have a fighting shot at tex. I would doubt the sawks willingness to pay 25 mill for tex when they love lowell and youkilis (the prototypical moneyball guy). Angels just spent a lot of money and have agood young first baseman, same for the dodgers.
By Pete H.
March 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
In case anyone cares, the Mongrels (or anyway, a version of said New York team) are on ESPN, against the Indians.
By Bshaf
March 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Headed to tomorrow’s game in SRQ. Definitely looking forward to seeing the club (well, part of it) in person for the first time. Buddy’s start is big for him and I’d like to see him continue his spring success. Seems like he really deserves a spot on the team…
DOB, who should I expect to see fill out the infield over here: B.Lil, Prado, Hernandez, Flowers? Fill me in please. Thanks.
By PatioDaddio
March 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Or because Tyler Flowers hits those bombs because he is 6’4” 250 lb naturally strong man who has a fantastic compact swing. Steroids don’t help the ball hit the bat. That comes from talent, not steroids. He admitted he took them, but no longer takes them and it was foolish on his part he admits.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton got into a mess in the 1st. Bases Loaded with nobody out. He induced a ground bal DP by Ordoñez i think.
At least he showed no panic and minimized damage. Lets see if he can get out of it.
He strikes out INGE as i type. BTW, Chipper made an err on a ground ball hit toward him with runners at 1b and 2b.
By Random
March 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
A Morsel for Robert
Bobby Cox: “Glav was great,” the ever-supportive skipper said. “I liked Glav today. Really good. Only one ball hit hard. The ball’s coming out [of his hand] so nice, free and easy. He had some really tight pitches there in the third inning.”
Tommy Glavine: “I think, more than anything, I was just trying to be too fine,” said Glavine, who has allowed three earned runs in his first five innings. “After I threw the bad pitch to Inge, I was really focused on trying to keep the ball down and probably just holding on to it a little bit too long.”
By Turfman
March 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
DOB
are you going to keep us updated on hampton’s performance?
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Hampton struck out Inge swinging on a 3-2 pitch to end first inning with two on base, one run in.
Not a pretty inning — including an E5 on Chipper and a walk, hit and 25 pitches by Hampton (13 strikes).
Jurrjens only threw 39 pitches (28 strikes) in his entire three-inning outing the other day.
By DAP
March 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44 maybe we should let the Mets know about Craig Wilson. He can play 1B and corner outfield.
actually, im pretty sure ive seen his name mentioned on some mets blogs. i couldnt believe it. but i hope they get him.
Braves2262 again? i responded to you on the last blog with this:
Braves2262 i dont see how flowers failing a steriods test in august of ‘06 has alot to do with him hitting bombs off of chino in march of ‘08. it doesnt last that long.
unless youre saying he is probably still on them and just hasnt been caught lately. i doubt thats true. flowers has addressed the whole issue already this spring and seems like he is past it.
By Pete H.
March 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Wow, my Tyler Flowers bubble got burst. I’d hardly noticed the, oh, 200 mentions of his suspension in the past few days.
The Mets lineup today is kinda hilarious. Most of them aren’t even in the media guide. Cliff Lee is giving a clinic in how not to pitch. Get two strikes, lob one down the middle. Get two strikes, lob one down the middle. Repeat as necessary.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Escobar is 4th in spring with .500 BA and 6 RBIs (majors)
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Braves2622, thanks for the scoop. Guess you didn’t read my story on Tyler Flowers in today’s paper (also posted online). The steroid suspension is in there.
But thanks for apologizing for “bursting the bubble.”
By Jon
March 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
HEY Braves2622 Way to keep saying the same thing over again. Get a new rant, would ya?
By Niels© Boor©
March 7, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Consider it an homage, squirt.
I thought it looked pretty neat. How did you do it?
Me, I just cut and pasted from DOB’s horrendous attempt at speaking French (“[Renteria’s] protégé Yunel Escobar”).
8-)
By DAP
March 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
ColoradoBravesFan i got a speeding ticket in habersham county driving back to college after opening day in 2004. we lost to the mets, and i went with one braves buddy and three obnoxious (of course) mets fans from new york. not a good night.
i went to toccoa falls college from 2003-2007. you know it?
By Bravesfan
March 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any idea when Cox is going to make the first roster cuts of the spring?
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Kotsay led off with a walk in the bottom of the first, and Chipper hit a one-out single to center.
Tex up with two on. Came to plate with Stones’ “Paint It Black” playing. But they don’t pick their own music down here.
By Thrillhouse44
March 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
DAP, it would be a little bit of justice after we got Woodward from them. Let’s hope they go for it.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Tex hit a sharp grounder down 3B line, Inge made nice play and threw to second for one out, but Scott Sizemore threw past 1B to the camera well, letting in a run (Kotsay) and sending runner to second.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Rogers got ahead in count on Francoeur and got him flailing at a breaking ball for strike 3 to end inning with a runner at second.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
niels, i don’t understand why our paper’s computer system has trouble with any word with one of those accent marks. thanks for bringing it to my attention
By SNIPER-69
March 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Overlord, Of course Pelfrey won’t “replace” Pedro. He a hall of famer. What I meant to say is all players will be replaced at some point. If in fact Pedro and Alou are gone after the season, Pelfrey and Martinez are capable players to fill in the void. If that’s the case their low salaries will allow the Mets to sign a Texiera.
By McFann©
March 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Niels—
Option G.
Flowers was suspended? For what?
By Bravesfan79
March 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Colorado Braves fan: im from metro Atlanta but went to College at Piedmont College in Habersham. I dont remember much about Cornelia but Demorest is a little crap town with 1 light and 2 cops. They make most of their money off of arresting college kids for underage alcohol consumption. I know, i was one of those kids…haha…
And can we please keep Flowers instead of Thorman!?
By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER
March 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Hoss is a Baseball Beast! Go Braves!
By DAP
March 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
after a walk from oliver perez, hafner hits a lazer double over fernando martinez’s head in right to score the runner from 1st.
i would like to see perez fail.
By sri
March 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
There it is folks!!! Hampton left the game…
By Mark
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
That didn’t take long, Hampton just came out of the game with an injury.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens only threw 39 pitches (28 strikes) in his entire three-inning outing the other day.
Didn’t see this kind of talk about Glavine’s outing yesterday. And to be fair to Hampton, Jurrjens isn’t trying to come back from 2.5 years of breaking body parts. Still not a pretty inning though.
Perhaps Tyler Flowers can step in. I hear he’s the next big thing.
By Justin
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hampton out of the game because of some kind of physical problem
By Turfman
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
lets hope hampton can have a better 2nd inning
By McD
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hampton just left the game early, here we go again
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Hampton has left the game. Hurt. No, I’m not kidding.
With a 1-1 count to Scott Sizemore, with one out in the second inning.
Cox and trainer went to mound; no one up here saw anything to indicate what injury was. We’ll know shortly, but there wasn’t anything obvious.
Pitch was fouled off, and next thing you know, Cox and trainer Jeff Porter were headed to mound.
By NorthBeach Scott
March 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Hampton just went down. Oh pt no pot …
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Oh Oh, mike hampton was throwing ok after 1 1/3 IP and he couldnt continue. He was walking ok, so it was not the legs. No report just yet. They say it could be a blister on a finger.
By King521
March 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
So if you take steroids, you hit automatically hit monster home runs for years and years to come…
I am going out to purchase a bottle today! Should I go with the cream or the clear??? Which one will “create” more home runs?
Get over it people!
By King521
March 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
So if you take steroids, you automatically hit monster home runs for years and years to come…
I am going out to purchase a bottle today! Should I go with the cream or the clear??? Which one will “create” more home runs?
Get over it people!
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Pujols reminds me of that steroids commercial on tv where that statue is falling apart.
Another LaRussa boy on roids doesn’t doubt my mind…even a couple years back all the Cards had rock hard bodies.
By Turfman
March 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
as i am watching the Mutts/indians game i see that Oliver Perez still jumps over the foul line as he goes to the dugout. LAME
By Mark
March 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Time to call the insurance company I guess, see what we can save from that 15 mill he’s owed. All BS aside, I hope it’s minor poor guy could really use a break from this heartache, just a sad sad story for Mike.
By shocker
March 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
I won our office pool! I had the Mar 1 - Mar 15 block. That was too easy.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
DAP
Yes, I know it, though not very well. I as others here graduated from UGA. Keep up the great post. I really enjoy reading all the great Braves info and ideas on how the Bravos will do this year.
GO BRAVOS…
By Eric from MO
March 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
I dont know why everyone is getting mad at Braves2622 so much. Everybody, including DOB, has made a big deal about the homeruns he has hit in BP. Everybody talks poorly of Bonds because we THINK he has taken steriods, even though he has never failed a test, which Flowers has.
Lets not be hypocrites, if we are going to dislike Bonds because of supposed steriods use, then we should not celebrate Flowers when he has actually done steriods.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Hampton Hurt…. OK, so who had the second spring start? Who’s the big winner?
McFann: Flowers was suspended for being a juicer. Similar to James “Mr. Spring” Jurries. He could mash the ball in spring.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Overlord
According to David Pinto of The Sporting News, the Braves have a 60% chance of getting to the playoffs, and most likely will lose in the first round or won’t win the world series.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=bravesoldstaffprimedtosu&prov=tsn&type=lgns
It’s a pretty good article with really good stats…It’s about the age of the braves pitching staff and how they fair compared to other old staffs in history.
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Pete H.—
Lee’s no worse than Glavine, then, eh?.
(“The hard part down here [at spring training] early on is not getting ahead in counts, it’s making pitches to put guys away when you do [get ahead].”)
By Kanye West
March 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Shoulda got that insured, GEICO for your pitcher
By DAP
March 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
hampton injured. youve GOT to be kidding me!
dont know why im surprised though.
i was starting to get excited about having him back, but i knew better than that.
DANG IT!
By Ben Moore
March 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Any reason why Mike Hampton got pulled after 1.1 innings today? Just got a little nervous…
By Mike Hampton
March 7, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB - what’s wrong with me?
By Mark
March 7, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO are you serious? We “THINK” Barry did steriods and we THINK he broke Hank’s record on them? Dude, the US Attorney has POSITIVE blood test results from BALCO that PROVE he did! Flowers admitted it, didn’t break any records doing it, didn’t commit perjury, and isn’t a jerk about it! I think there is a pretty big difference between those two cases.
By Kevin
March 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
DOB: Good Westerberg tune. Lord I miss the Replacements.
By DAP
March 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO
i think you misunderstand why people dislike bonds.
and you cant really compare flowers to bonds. its a very different situation.
By Turfman
March 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
lets hope hampton broke a nail
we need him in that rotation
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Stewart Nunn—
Just go ahead on and change your handle to Josh Fanderson. We’ll understand.
Right, McFann? Right, Fancoeur?
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Bonds because we THINK he has taken steriods, even though he has never failed a test
According to the Government Bonds has failed at least 2 tests. Of course, the lawyers say that the “Barry B.” label on one of the tests was actually Raphael Belliard.
By JP
March 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
OMG!! HAMP is HURT, call 911, National Security, the Army,the marines…folks, i could be as simple as a blister or as worses as… wait, we’ve seen everething that could possibly be wrong with hampton, so??? what is it DOB???
By OrlandoFan
March 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I had a premonition about Hampton. I had this feeling I was going to check in on teh blog and read that something had happened to him. Don’t know why. Just one of those ominous thoughts. And there it is in DOB’s blue-bylined entries. I am speechless, not because of my hunch because of the fact that he’s hurt. I’m guessing it’s more than a blister.
By Mark
March 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
DOB I’m dying here, find out what happened brother
By Bull Dawg 4567
March 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
this just in on Hampton injury. Apparently the problem is that his left testicle was hanging lower than his right one which causes him to miss outside to right handed batters. I am told he will have to have Tommy Ball surgery and will be out 12 to 18 months.
By Evan
March 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Actually Eric from MO, It came out recently on espn that through the depositions for Bonds’ trial that he has failed two steriod tests. There is no think about it anymore he cheated. At least Flowers has the stones to admit he did it and it was wrong about doing it.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
MILD STRAIN OF RIGHT GROIN for Hampton. That’s the word from the clubhouse. No timetable for return, will be evaluated day-to-day, etc.
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
The hell with Jeff Porter. Hampton needs Rasputin at this point.
By Mark
March 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
TennPaul
You remember when Bermann used to call Bonds Goverment Bonds on BBTN?
By Mike Hampton
March 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry braves fans, during the past 3 years i’ve learned to throw right handed. I have a surpise for you later this spring if my legs hold up. I’m typing this here blog with my right hand too.
By Paddy McGillicutty
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hampton injured throwing a pitch to Sizemore…here we go again
By Justin
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
mild right groin strain - not serious according to mlb broadcast
By Erin
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
It’s a “mild strain to the groin.”
By Steve McP
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hampton day to day - mild groin strain
By Mark
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hampton, Mild strain to right groin, not serious listed as day to day.
By justdoit
March 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
mild starin to the groin - not seriouse day to day - thats what the radio said
By Don Rose
March 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Just announced on radio. Hampton has slight groin pull. Nothing to do with his arm.
By Tim
March 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Pulled a groin, that’s a relief. Not the left arm.
By mattyo
March 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
A strained right groin. Day to Day. Hopefully not a big setback.
By sri
March 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Mild strain of the right groin.. listed as day to day. That is the injury report on Hampton. More fodder for Anders’ conspiracy theories.
By THE BEAR
March 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Hampton day to day with “mild strain to groin.”
By Bob
March 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Mild groin strain, supposedly.
By Don Rose
March 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Hampton is said to be “day-to-day”
By champ
March 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Speaking of future Braves retired-jersey guys, think about in 5-6 years when #29(Smoltz) #47(Glavine) #31(Maddux) #10(Chipper) #6(Cox) and #51(Kolb) will all be/should be retired by the Braves.
By Stephen
March 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
So, if Hampton is seriously injured here… shouldn’t he just retire… on the spot?
By Robert
March 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Radio said slight groin strain
By TrboDawg
March 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
WOW, the bloggers sure are listening to the radio today :)
By rupert
March 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
hampton has a strained clitoral muscle, will need 3-4 weeks of rehab and an a* load of vagasil
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Hampton hurt? The hell you say? I can’t believe that. How can a guy like Hampton who never gets hurt all of a sudden get injured?
Anyway, I think Jurrjens looks like he has a spot locked in the rotation. If Hampton cannot be available on opening day, which I can almost bet will be the case, that means the fifh spot is up for grabs. One would assume that spot goes to Chuck James but since he is likely not going to be ready until the middle of April somebody needs to make those first two or three starts. Looks like Buddy Carlyle may have just received the “gift from heaven” opportunity he needed. Bennett is perfect for the long reliever role and quite frankly I would rather see Reyes down on the farm for another few months. I guess Charlie Morton is in there as well but Carlyle’s experience and age make me feel more comfortable about him being in the rotation than somebody like Morton.
By Luther
March 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Its a good thing Hampton’s not a horse.
By Mr. Eko
March 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Hey I just heard that Hampton suffered a mild groin strain and is listed as day-to-day.
By Patrick
March 7, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
As 50 people report it’s a “day-to-day groin pull”. I find that comical.
By gfmediabraves
March 7, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
wow do you think he had a groin prob or what, man you are all on top of this
By Bravesfan
March 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any idea when Cox is going to make the first roster cuts of the spring?
By Lew
March 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Anders-Thanks for the clarification on the DelGado contract. The site I found didn’t break it down that fine.
Now don’t get me wrong on the Tex prediction. I don’t mean to imply that the Braves will sign him. If I were a betting man, I wouldn’t put anything down on our chances for retaining his services. Were I Braves’ GM, I would certainly have a contingency plan or two in place should he move onwards.
I think, however, there are a couple potential problems with him signing a Mets’ contract. First, I do believe that even to a team like the Mets, almost $50 mil per annum for two players would seriously affect the team’s payroll. No matter what happens, they WILL have to replace several key players and they almost assuredly can’t afford that quality upgrade in all the places they need to fill.
Couple this with the fact, that while yes, they DO have a farm system, they do not have a deep system and do not have much in the way of ML ready players to step in and lead the team to the promised land.
Would Tex even consider playing for a team that is now and almost always seems to be in a constant state of flux- a team that seems to always put their stack of chips on a bunch of tired, has been players, for the most part?
There will definitely be a good bit of attention paid to Tex as a free agent next year. The Yankees, as Ten Paul mentions, are insane enough to keep shoveling wheelbarrows and back up Brink’s Trucks in the direction of anyone they desire. The Red Sox (if interested), could afford him. Or the Angels. Or the Dodgers. Or the Cubs. Also, his home town Orioles could afford his contract demands, though Angelos would be an even greater risk for making successful attendant moves-he never has done it right in the past and Tex may not like that scenario. I would imagine he would almost have to go to a Contender rather than a wild guess like Baltimore-and to a lesser extent, the Mets.
I just don’t think the Mets hold any kind of real chance more than, or even equal to those of the Braves or any number of teams have.
By Justin
March 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Wow, I don’t know why I even bothered to write that. I think we’re covered on injury news.
By Realist
March 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Wait, how is a mild groin pull in just his second outing supposed to be good news? If this guy went the entire spring without a scratch, we’d still all expect him to get hurt anyway. Now he is hurt already, and we’re trying to pretend he’s going to be fine?
By Mark Fanxeira
March 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
holy crap! this place is on point today. it’s like we have 500 beat reporters
By ssiscribe
March 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Been in meetings and just checked the box score. Saw: Hampton 1.1 IP and KNEW something had happened …
Mild groin strain is not bad. For a guy pitching competitive for just the third time since August 2005 (one start in Mexican League, two starts this spring), you almost expect it. It’s part of him getting back into shape, getting his legs under him, getting all the moving parts back in sync.
This is a relief. I fully expected to see he’s grabbed his elbow, which would certainly end his career.
—30—
By Mike FANton
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
By al-FAN-so Soriano
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Tell Hampton to stop jerking off so much.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Bermann… what a nightmare. The worst is when they get him to “call” the home run derby…. “And here comes Alex ‘Blame It On’ Rios…. quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack….”
By Don Rose
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
DOB, I met Buddy last week also at spring training and spoke to him for a while. I agree that he is a very nice guy. You cannot help but pull for him.
He has done great this spring.
Also met and spoke with Jordan Schafer. Sure does look young but he was very pleasant. What struck me was when we were speaking I mentioned about his not playing above A ball in the minors and he very quickly told me that it was high A ball. I liked his attitude.
At same meeting I met and spoke with Matt Diaz. Another great person. H3e raved about Bobby Cox and how the fact that Bobby, a Hall of Fame manager, told him that he believed in Matt and thought that Matt could hit at this level really helped to get him going. Buddy Carlisle chimed in that Bobby had a lot to do with his success also.
By Bob
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Rasputin!!! Best one I have heard in a while, but you might be right.
By Paddy McGillicutty
March 7, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Peering into my crystal ball I see that groin strain turning into a pulled muscle, which will turn into a torn muscle 2 weeks into rehab, which puts him out 2-4 months, and hurts a shoulder/ elbow in rehabbing his torn groin.
Either that or the “groin strain” magically travels up to his elbow…poor guy, time for him to be put down or at least sent out to stud.
By SNIPER-69
March 7, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
What this?? Injuries to Hampton, Soriano?? This can’t be…..I thought that doesn’t happen to the braves. I guess things aren’t gonna go so smoothly in braveland. I’ll say this, without Hampton the Mets have a better rotation. Santana, Pedro, Maine, Perez and El Duque/Pelfrey are better than the braves five without Hampton.
By Pete H.
March 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Oliver Perez getting tuned up by the Indians.
By al-FAN-so Soriano
March 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
“#51(Kolb) will all be/should be retired by the Braves.”
LOL. He should be retired alright. Reitsma too.
By G_M
March 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Luther: great comment at 2:19. Mike “Barbaro” Hampton USED to be a horse, not anymore. Makes me think of peanut brittle.
By Mild Strain
March 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
DOB is this the same leg that I hurt in Winter Ball?
By Mild Strain
March 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
DOB is this the same leg that I hurt in Winter Ball?
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Its amazing how about 50% of people here say braves cant count on hampton and that they dont expect anything from him and suddenly the last 30 posts are about hamptons injury. Funny.
Goooooo braves……. Everything is OK.
Chipper is back, Soriano and Moylan are getting better. Gonzo is doing OK. Hampton injury is just like a flu, nothing to worry about.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
In the words of Keith Olbermann aren’t we all “day to day”?
By Ramblin Wrecker
March 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Hampton needs a groin and hammy reconstruction. Geez. I’m 32 years old. I played baseball and basketball in high school, played intramural football/basketball/softball in college, and have played softball off and on since college to present day. I have weighed somewhere around 220-240 since college on a 5’11” frame (so basically no physique like Mike Hampton, not even close). In my entire life of running with cold hamstrings/groins I have never pulled one bad enough to stop playing. And I have never worked out or even stretched for that matter. I just don’t understand how this injury happens so often.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Mild groin eh?
That’s a relief..but someone tell the brother to start stretching & spend some time on the bike.
That’s a strained hammy and and a strained groin in what, 2 out of his last 5 outings including the Mexican league start?…..or twice in under 9 innings? not a good ratio.
By chuckaluck
March 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug. Here comes the old doom and gloom express rounding the bend. I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know what.
By Carolina Gent
March 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Is Hampton “day to day” or “groin to groin?”
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Didn’t mean to, DOB — just some good-natured joshing.
By Jon
March 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
OMG, whats with the millions of reports that Hampton pulled the groin? I gathered that 20 posts ago when DOB said it. And some of you people kill me, reveling in the fact that Mike got hurt again. You should be ashamed of yourself, I am sure he is feeling pretty crappy right about now, knowing all you people expect him to fail and get hurt. Shame shame.
By Jerry
March 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Funniest comment on the blog in forever…
By Hunk Erdown
March 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I heard Hampton is hurt. Anybody know what it is?
By DAP
March 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
hey everybody, does hampton have a mild groin strain?
By Big Easy
March 7, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
By Luther “Its a good thing Hampton’s not a horse.”
I don’t know why, but that line just made me actually laugh out loud.
Hampton did express concern earlier this spring that his legs would need more work than his elbow at this point to get back into pitching shape. Doesn’t sound serious, but it does remind us of how far he still has to go before he is really ready to pitch again in this league.
~E~
By Don Rose
March 7, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
It is hard not to be impressed after watching Josh Anderson play. He is exciting and very fast. Who knows if his play in spring training to date is indicative of what he can do but I got good feelings when he came to bat. You expected good things.
I like Kotsay okay but I did not get that same feeling when watching him.
By Ron Roberts
March 7, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
To be expected from a guy who’s not played many games in the last coupla years and is probably being “extra” careful with every movement he makes. Let him get past this and loosen up a bit and he’ll be fine.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Excuse me…that’s 2 strains in just 3.1 innings…i forgot he got hurt pitching to the first batter in the Mexican league…
GET ON A BIKE MIKE…train like a hockey goalie.
By Mark
March 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
TennPaul
I enjoyed Bermann’s schtick, when I was 15, but that was almost 20 years ago. ESPN should send him, Stewart Scott, and Scoop Jackson to the mail room or something, they are intolerable.
By Hamton has a groin?
March 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton has a groin?
I didn’t know that
By Moby Grape ©
March 7, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Looks like McFans is headed back to AA to learn how to hit all over again. What a duffer.
By DAP
March 7, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
champ i laughed out loud on that one. kolb’s number does need to be retired, but mostly because its cursed or something.
i have night mares about soriano pitching well all season, and then in a critical game, start throwing it right down the middle blowing it big time.
afterwards, he takes off his “face” which turns out to be a mask, and its dan kolb laughing at us.
“the curse of dan kolb” i call it.
brad lidge has it, by the way.
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton’s favorite game as a child
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Now that’s FUNNY!
By the trainer
March 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
this is gotta be a joke. hampton is freakin hurt again. this guy gets hurt waking up in the morning. thank god this is the last year of this garbage. cant wait until they buy this fraile guys contract out. best 5 mil you could spend. i guess he can just sit back and have atlanta pay him while he drains the payroll.DOB over under hampton doesnt pitch for 2 weeks. i cant wait to watch sportcenter and see how SHE got hurt. and to U KNOW WHO worry about playin in 150 instead of throwin bats around and whatnot. i mean come on save that for the real injury your gunna have during the season. dont waste it. oblique strain in july man. only positive is we got jurries and chucky but is chucky healthy. LETS ALL HOPE!!!!!!!
By Jon
March 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB Not sure that it matters since it is still spring training, but it seems to me like Manny Acosta is not much of a lock for the bullpen as everyone else makes him out to be. His numbers are none to impressive at the moment, but like I said, it is still ST.
By jim
March 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Do we give it another week before we begin to get concerned about the catching situation?
By timthebrave
March 7, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
you got to be kidding me. mike hampton gets hurt more than glass joe from mike tyson punch out.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
In other news…… the line for Oliver Perez for todays game against the Indians:
2.2 IP 6H 5R 3ER 2BB 2SO
His ERA so far 11.57
Guess those numbers dont matter, its only spring, ha, yeah right.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Just got back from clubhouse. Hampton said he thinks he’ll be able to make his next start. Said he’s just going to have to get his legs in shape, as he’s been saying all spring. But the arm felt great, and he said he has “absolutely” believes he’ll be in opening day rotation, ready to go.
He told Cox when he came out to mound that he thought he could finish inning, but Cox said you’ve thrown enough pitches, let’s be safe.
Hampton said he’s had plenty of groin pulls and tears (he had surgery on his left groin years ago) and knows when he’ll miss time with one. Said this one isn’t that severe, doesn’t expect to miss any time.
Nevertheless, folks, you can see why the Braves have three or more other options this year. Why they weren’t going to make the mistake of counting on Hampton to be healthy, like last spring.
By OrlandoFan
March 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I think Hampton should be renamed “Crampton” because he is always hurting.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Yes indeed Anderson should leadoff. I was hugely upset when the braves traded devine for kotsay. Why do we ALWAYS block rookies with the signing of veterans? What if the brewers did that with Braun, the atros with Pence? These guys would still be in the minors.
Let the kid play. He’s got more speed and a better bat than Kotsay, just not as accurate an arm. But Andruw didn’t have an accurate arm either.
By Reid in EAV
March 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
2 points to Braveheart and Rupert. ROTFL — pretty much literally.
By LuisGuillermo
March 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
How is the game going??? Tigers up 6 - 4. Chipper drove in two and Frenchy drove in one. Stop making fun of Mike Hampton! What if it was YOU instead of HIM? At least he has the motivation to keep trying because he wants to help this team get back to the playoffs! Many people would have retired!
By Mike FANmpton
March 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Omar InFANte Will OhFAN
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
And yes, it’s same leg he hurt in winter ball. He said it’s not related, but who really knows?
Anyway, he said it tightened a little on previous batter, and he threw three or four more pitches before Cox came out after noticing Hampton stretching.
By geauxbraves2000
March 7, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
A lot of players going down from a lot of teams. Spring training stuff I presume.
I am pumped for the season to begin. I’ve purchased the MLB.TV package, & bought a laptop so I can watch the games in the comfort of my living room. Kind of an expensive way to watch the Braves, no?
Also heading to STL in August to catch the Braves. The last time I saw them in person was when Tommy struck out Mark McGwire looking, McGwire got tossed, and I thought the stadium was getting ready to crumble down.
Okay, I’m done, back to my little hole again.
Geaux Braves!!
By beekay
March 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Robert….do you really have to put a quote up from that nit wit Olbermann,he was a loser when he used to wear his Members Only leather jacket in the ESPN studio and he is even more of a loser now with his dreadful MSNBC show……does anyone know if our pal Carlos Delgado stands for the National anthem anymore? I remember his sorry but hanging out in the lockerutil the song was over.
By flange1
March 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
My man you are on a roll today! 2:44 is a classic!
By Teddy Jack Eddy
March 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Hampton injured,who could have seen that coming ? Seriously, eggshells are made of sturdier stuff than this guy.This is just the latest sign that he doesn’t prepare nearly as well as he lets on.His legs are out of shape because he didn’t get them into shape.
By Reid in EAV
March 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
OK, after further consideration of recent injuries to Chipper and Hamp:
Mandatory yoga and Pilates for all current occupants of the 40-man roster. No, I don’t care if you think it’s “sissy,” do it!
By FJR
March 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
eh, you expect something like this after his hamstring problem. He couldn’t really get the lower body right rehabbing the hammy. If hampton just has a few minor injuries here and there then we’ll be fine.27 starts is I think an optomistic, but solid prediction.
By LuisGuillermo
March 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Hey, what’s happening on the field rigght now?!!! The Braves are down 6-4. Chipper drove in 2 and Frenchy 1. Stop making fun of Mike Hampton! He’s a professional athlete, and wants to come back strong to help this team get back to the postseason. What if it was YOU instead of HIM? Would you ever thing about keeping trying? At least he’s not retiring, he’s keeping his faith! Why don’t we all pull for him!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!!?
By Anders
March 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
DOB Says about Tom Glavine’s outing yesterday:
Hey, it was a bad outing, folks. No two ways around it. But long as the arm isn’t hurting, Braves and Glavine aren’t going to be concerned about a March 6 game with two runs, four hits and three walks in three innings.
Bobby Cox says about the same outing:
Bobby Cox: “Glav was great,” the ever-supportive skipper said. “I liked Glav today. Really good. Only one ball hit hard. The ball’s coming out [of his hand] so nice, free and easy. He had some really tight pitches there in the third inning.”
I like and respect Bobby Cox as much as anybody but you can’t help but just hear that wah-wah-wah sound that came from the mouths of the adults in the old Charlie Brown cartoons when reading a Bobby quote.
By Paranoid Speculation
March 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Hampton’s health has discouraged the other Braves pitchers. Acosta and Ohman both performed poorly today because they were so worried about their fallen buddy.
“Something like this makes you realize how unimportant pitching is, in the grand scheme of things,” Ohman (might have) said.
By Novice Ned
March 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
3 or more options but they are mostly unproven options. We’re still looking at 2 old guys (Smoltz & Glavine), 1 oft-injured guy (Hampton), a guy who hasn’t pitched well in the clutch (Hudson) and a bunch of hopefuls (at best). Yessir, I think there is a good reason why the pundits mostly have doubts about this club competing with Phillies and Mets. When does UGA football start?
By James
March 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I want to trust Hampton, DOB, I really do. I have to think he’s just trying to avoid this whole thing being overly hyped though. There is a lot of pressure on him to perform this season. He has already tested our patience, plus he has to be thinking about getting a contract for next year (elsewhere or in Atlanta) after this season. So, here my prediction: Hampton takes a couple days off. He comes back to early, really messes something up in his groin, something that’ll require 6-8 weeks of rehab. He’ll come back, make one start, injure himself all over again, and retire. While I hope it won’t play out that way, this whole debacle (there’s no other way to describe Hampton’s time with the Braves) needs to end. Jo Jo and Jair are more than capable of anchoring the four and five slots. If they can’t hack it all season, we still have Jeff Bennett, Buddy, and Morton waiting in the wings. I think we’ll be fine, but Hampton is dead to me at this point.
By Hunk Erdown
March 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Now I’m really confused… is it a groin pull or a “wrenched ankle”?
By Longwood's Finest
March 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Change of subject: Yunel Escobar is a beast. Dude can hit, period.
By MyCaptainMikeHampton!
March 7, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Don’t fall off the treadmill again!!!
By OrlandoFan
March 7, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Very funny, Braveheart.
By N8
March 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
“Is Hampton “day to day” or “groin to groin?””
I think that’s the same thing that Ron Jeremy came down with a couple of times. :-)
By Thunder
March 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I think this is a good example of one injury leading to another. Stretching isn’t exactly in the regimen for a guy with a bad hammy. Especially the groin area. I think it’s a little disingenuous to question Hampton’s preparation…..
By DAP
March 7, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s COx Why do we ALWAYS block rookies with the signing of veterans?
do we ALWAYS do that? tell marcus giles that. tell renteria…tell andruw!! one reason we didnt attempt to get him back was we didnt want to block shaefer! tell johnny estrada, adam laroche, too.
By Braves20
March 7, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Add my number to the ones that should be retired. Nothing but stiffs have worn the number since Lemke hung ‘em up.
Know it’s only spring but Hampton pulls one, our bullpen gets roughed up and our clean-up hitter leaves four stranded. Maybe just a bad day at the office (with apologies to Don Sutton).
By Mark Fanxeira
March 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
beekay-
rag on olbermann all you want, but you and i both know that the members only jackets were the jam in the 80’s. And just for the record, Olbermann was the jam then too…
On a braves related note, whats going on with the game? Updates people! mlb.com suuuucks at the updates. I need my braves fix, so chop chop everyone…
By Turfman
March 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Novice Ned Hudson hasnt done well in the clutch? did you watch him last year? if we didnt have wickman and a tired bullpen then hudson and smoltz would have easily had 20 wins. i think our options (reyes, Jurrjens, Bennett, Carlisle) are alot better than most teams.
and by the way, i am with you Go Dawgs!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Beekay, you are entitled to your opinion on Olbermann but I think he is great!
By AL
March 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, for those of us who can’t watch or listen, what’s going on in the game?
By SNIPER-69
March 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Overlord, you might want keep an eye on your team and their health issues rather than the pitching line for Perez. It seems you have a few problems to be concerned with. Hampton, Moyer, Soriano ect ect.
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
You may be right, FJR — myself, I’d be happy with “an optomistic, but solid” bowel movement.
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Video footage of DOB and Carroll Rogers interviewing Mike Hampton
By A-ville Ranger
March 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
James,you’re dreaming if you think Hampton would retire and leave one nickel on the table.
By Breaking News...
March 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton injured,sun to set in west.
By Luther
March 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Pete said that a lot of scouts and teams are becoming interested in Blanco for what its worth.
By Bay Area Steve
March 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, you’re always solid here on the Braves/MIB. But, I may have to require, from here on, that you be either drunk, or hungover, before posting.
Never better than the last twelve hours.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
This is where guys like Jeff Bennett and Jo-Jo Reyes come into play. If Hampton goes down , no problem , just plug in the depth and keep on trucking.
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
It’s already started Novice Ned (it never really stops, does it?) — hadn’t you better be going soon? Really. You should leave now. Go.
Gone yet? Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Bye.
(Sheesh!!!)
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
AL lillibridge got a walk, second walk in row for tigers… innings is a mess. Braves are trying to come back.
By Luther
March 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Did Sniper really just tell someone to worry about their own team while on the Braves blog?
By uga-brave
March 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
braveheart,
you are in rare form.
By McFann©
March 7, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Hey, Moby, who you callin’ a duffer, dude? Take it back, dude!! McCann knows how to hit!! You wait and see, bub! You wait and see!! Sheesh!!
By AdirondackDave
March 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, for the Jupiter report. You made our day! Maybe we’ll sell Hampton’s next turn.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Last I checked, the AJC poll on whether Mike Hampton will make it through the season was the most one-sided in recent memory: There were nearly 1,000 no votes, and 58 yes votes.
No truth to the rumor Mike was on Will Ohman’s laptop in the clubhouse, voting yes as often as permitted.
By KC
March 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
“Day to day, huh?”
Well that’s nothing new. Mike Hampton is always day to day. This doesn’t scare me. This stuff’s going to happen with Hampton. At least the arm is holding up quite nicely.
Now Soriano… THAT situation scares me.
By Mike Hampton (aka Pull One For The Team)
March 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH!!!!
By Goodoleboy58
March 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
All kidding aside Hampton should be placed in a Bubble
By Bay Area Steve
March 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Hey UGA, good to see ya on the day shift. So, should I sell my silver? I bought at 12. ‘tis very tempting to sell half of it or so.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
LOL Braveheart…
so what DOB and Carroll Rogers are saying is that Hampton is going to be fine and just needs some conditioning?
I hope so.
the tin-man needs a heart…maybe you’re the man, Brave”heart”
By Anders
March 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Absolutey, positively fell out of my chair on your 3:19 post!!!
You got me hook line and sinker - Great stuff.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
As for the poll question of whether Kelly Johnson , Yunel Escobar or Mark Kotsay should lead off…. None of the Above.
Josh Anderson is the correct answer.
By AdirondackDave
March 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Oops, meant to say “see ” Hampton’s next turn, not “sell” Hampton’s next turn.
By Efrim
March 7, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Hampton hurt again? Sigh…
I hope Chuck is going to be okay. Hampton simply can’t be counted on.
Soriano and Moylan will hopefully be fine as well. Won’t have a shot to win without them.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
SNIPPER Hampton is perfectly OK. His arm is doing just well. Minor leg issue are not going to be an issue. Its something like chippers injury, and as you see, he is already back. Soriano is scheduled to pitch on wednesday.
Id say you better check again.
Is there something about Perez line that bothers you? Not me for certain.
Hampton was interviewed and said he could have finished the inning, but bobby elected not to take any chances. Thats how mild the injury is.
By Mike Hampton
March 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Hey O’Brien.
Shouldn’t you be back in Atlanta unpacking your girlfriend’s tupperware or something?
By uga-brave
March 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
BAS,
closed at $20.17. as for selling it, the trend is your friend. use a stop loss.
By DAP
March 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
yall are crackin me up with the hampton jokes. “pull one for the team” was good.
if i dont see yall again till monday, have a good weekend.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
If Hampton goes down , big deal. Should Soriano get hurt , no problem. And Kotsay ends up on the D.L. , forget about it.
Chipper Jones ? down for a month or more……CHAOS , DISASTER , BRIMSTONE RAINS DOWN FROM HEAVEN , HELL FREEZES OVER !
By Niels Boor
March 7, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
All riiiiight!!! Did Campillo really throw for the cycle?
That one was for you, N8.
;->
By Frhampton
March 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
do you feel like I do?
By Spampton
March 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
back in the can.
By Lampton
March 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
with dimmer
By THE BEAR
March 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Don’t know how many out of towners are subscribing to MLB.com TV but for 89 bucks it’s a real deal. I get all games on my computer and this is my third year. Quality is improved this year; they are doing a good job overall with the camera work although not as good as TBS used to be.
I also get the radio version as part of the deal. Next week I’ll be able to watch the games from Monday through Thursday. Not bad, especially since the passing of TBS. That was a real ball buster for us out of range of the local broadcasts. I live in South Florida and am happy to get this service.
This JJ kid looks really good. Looks like he may be one of the top starters before this season ends.
By Chop Chop
March 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Overlord,
Don’t drink the Mike Hampton Kool-Aid. It’ll give ya consumption.
By jim
March 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
If Javy doesn’t get a hit in his next AB, all the Braves catchers will be living below the Langerhans line this spring. (100 pts south of the Mendoza line)
By Anders
March 7, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
The American Insurance Institute released a statement today that Mike Hampton has now surpassed Hurricane Katrina as the single worst insurance disaster in U.S. history.
BTW- Mo Vaughn was a distant third (sorry, had to take that bullett from your holsters).
By Bravosimos
March 7, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
DOB My Dad is going to the game in Sarasota, what time do you think he should get there, and who all is going to be at that game? thanks
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Chipper 2-2…….he didnt miss a step.
Yunel 2nd and chipper 3rd is a hell of a 2-3 punch
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Colter Bean , see you later dude.
Damian Moss , Au revoir.
Jorge Campillo , Asta-man-yana.
And last but not least. Matt DeSalvo , Hasta La vista baby !
By chuckaluck
March 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Did we really jinx Hampton here yesterday?
By Real Men
March 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
How in the world these major league and professional teams can pay these exorbitant salaries and not require these athletes to maintain a major stretching program. Tight and repeatedly pulled hamstrings, pulled groins, etc!!! Some of these injuries cannot be helped such as collisions, slippery fields, but most of these injuries are just going through the routine plays and is unacceptable.
Players cannot even deliver a pitch without pulling something or running out a routine ground ball. No wonder we don’t see many players run out ground balls anymore.
Players lift so many weights and are so big and strong. Stretching and flexibility are just as important but not as impressive standing around the batting cage. Since players won’t do it on their own, management should mandate it as part of their contract and even have it supervised. And an aerobic program, not a jog to second base and back to the dugout.
Pulled hamstring in Mexico! Now pulled groin in the 4th inning of the spring! $15 million! Sheesh!
By brewdawg
March 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
DOB,
If the strengthening of Hampton’s legs were a big concern, why not take spring training to strenghten them? Now, I do understand that both he and the Braves are/were probably more concerned with how his arm held up in an actual game. However, with what happened with his hammy over the off-season, I just wonder if he couldn’t have used March to strengthen his legs to where they need to be, then use April to pitch in minor league games, and come back in May. After all, the Braves don’t really need the old Mike Hampton in April or even May, they need the old Mike Hampton in the summer and fall.
By Bulldog Ben
March 7, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Seriously? If Hampton was a horse we would’ve shot him by now.
By Bobby's Cox
March 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
well said coach at 4:00pm.
this team was built to handle injuries to soriano, hampton, and kotsay…but if chipper gets hurt, the effect of our lineup is seriosly dampered.
hampton will be ok…i think he should join smoltz in the backfields on work on pitches and get his legs in shape. there’s no need for him to worry about charging an infield squibbler or anything in S.T. and risk tearing an ACL, Hammy, Quad, calf, groin, etc…….
By ken
March 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Life long Braves fan and I can’t wait until opening day, but this past week has got me a little concerned.
Chipper- hurt again
Hampton- hurt again
Soriano- hurt
Moylan- hurt
Glavine- not good outing
What if Glavine is done? What if Chiper only plays 100 games? What if Soriano/Moylan go down for an extened period of time with Gonzo already out till June? Hampton i’m not so worried about b/c I think Jurrjens/Reyes/James are better any way, but if Glavine stinks too than we are in trouble!
By Lew
March 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Anders-I don’t think he’s hit Katrina levels, but you definitely have a point.
By StingerSplash
March 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Remember when little Chuckie James came up, he was called Glavine-like? Is the old man from Billerica helping the pride of Mableton, now that he has the chance to impart the wisdom of a grizzled 20-year veteran to the kid?
By joebrave
March 7, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Somebody please put Hampton,out of my misery!!!!!!!
By Anders
March 7, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Lew
I’m just picturing some poor insurance guy burying his head in his hands saying “Christ, this guy pulls a muscle during team photos!”
By beekay
March 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
x-Braves stats Chris Woodard is 6 for 12 with the Yanks Pete Orr .333 with a dinger LANGERHANS .154 (what happened to him?) Willie Harris .091, don’t see him on a major league roster this year
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Somebody please put Hampton,out of my misery!!!!!!! joebrave
Joebrave’s family reacts to his request about Hampton
By N8
March 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Sniper-69
“It seems you have a few problems to be concerned with. Hampton, Moyer, Soriano ect ect.”
Yikes. If we have Jamie Moyer on our staff, we DO have much bigger problems, than even I was aware of.
:-)
Last year at this time, I would have been more concerned about Hampton. But sine you aren’t gonna find a Braves fan that expects ANYTHING out of him at this point, it’s not that big of a deal.
I think that if we get 15-20 starts out of him and around 7-10 wins, we’d all be pretty happy. The fact of the matter is, that those 15-20 starts may not come (if they do come at all) until later in the year, or they may come in bunches of 3 and 4 at a time.
In the mean time, we are much better suited to handle his absence with the occasional Buddy/Bennett/Jo-Jo/Chuck starts to fill in.
To top that off, even if Hampton is gone for an extended period of time, those guys are ALL in better position to succeed than they were last year, when they were ALL thrown into the fire at one point in the season.
Soriano’s “injury” didn’t worry me, because we had Moylan, and since that guy as gone through what he’s gone through (coming back and forth), I’d expect him to have the mentality to succeed as a closer.
However, HIS injury added to Soriano’s is enough to raise my eyebrow in concern.
We’ll see, almost four more weeks of spring to be played out. A lot can happen (trade?) in between now and then.
Maybe we just give Tyler Yates the #99 jersey, make him wear some glasses with a skull and crossbones in the middle of them, and call him the Wild Thing. After all…he throws hard, right? Yikes.
By N8
March 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
It’s that time of year again….
I can NEVER get too much of this clip.
Classic
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Bravosimos, tell him to get there about 9:30 a.m. if he wants to see the Reds take BP and/or get Braves autographs as they arrive.
I said in original post who was going to be over there, but here’s the paragraph again: Francoeur, Diaz and McCann are going to Sarasota, other regulars will stay here to face Houston.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
March 7, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I was out running errands today and I got a queasy feeling in my gut… Didn’t know why until I came home and saw the no-frills headline “Hampton Hurt.” I guess we’ve run out of adjectives to describe our dismay. Anyway, glad it’s not too serious, but it seems like Mike pulls and strains muscles a lot. Any word on his stretching routine before starts? Perhaps he should count to 20 from now on… Or maybe he could try a little yoga to take the edge off?
By woogidy
March 7, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
DOB’s probably got a cut and paste story saved in notepad for when Hampton gets injured. He cuts and pastes, just filling in the body part injured. If not DOB, just cut and pastes this, save it to notepad, and fill it in next time…
Mike Hampton was injured today after he _ his _ in the innning of todays game. This was only his _ game back after missing _ games with the __ to his _. The severity of the injury is _. He is expected to miss _ weeks, and then begin rehab. The timetable for his return is _ for now. He was facing __ with a - count and _ out when the injury occured. This is the _ time he has injured his total, and the _ time this season.
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
The 3:57 post from “Mike Hampton” was hilarious for one reason: Because it’s exactly the type of comment he’d make if he did get on here. Actually, he’d have a sharper one to cut deeper to the bone. He’s very good with the barbs and insults. Funny guy.
Just hope he can stay healthy so we have one more very quotable starting pitcher, which always makes things easier for the hacks.
By McFann
March 7, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
We could Yates “Wild Thing” even without that getup. Huh! I dread the day that he’d be our closer.
Hey, Moby, I’m waitin’ for an explanation, pal!
By Karl
March 7, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Here is the video of David O’Brien and Carroll Rogers interviewing Mike Hampton today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej0H-lqVnPo
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, you’re gonna leave it all on the diamond in early March. Save some of that for when we take it north. Too good, my man.
By BosnianBaller
March 7, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Who cares about spring training ststs.Look at Lance Cormier last year.He was on fire in spring then we all knew how that ended up.It’s all about preventing the guys from getting injured.
By Anders
March 7, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks, that was me as Mike Hampton at 3:57. I have some sharper ones but somehow when they come directly from me - not so funny.
By Shamus Thacker
March 7, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
GlassMan should not even be taking up a roster spot. He should be paid and shown the door. Might as well let a youngster put innings under his belt, innings that are WASTED on Hambelina’s bazillionth comeback.
Final straw.
Hit the road Hams, and take your hamstring with Ya, if it’s still attached that is!
By N8
March 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Is anybody else as “freaked out” by the CENEGENICS add that occasionally appears on this page, with the guy who’s “67 with the body of a 30 year old”???
He must take a LOT of B-12.
:-)
By OrlandoFan
March 7, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
The blog is full of comedians today. Lots of funny stuff and links. Brightened up a stormy Friday.
By William
March 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Do these guys stretch before practice and games??? Maybe the real question is when they do………do they take it seriously or just go through the motions?
By McFann
March 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Is anybody else as “freaked out” by the CENEGENICS add that occasionally appears on this page, with the guy who’s “67 with the body of a 30 year old”???
Yes, me.
By Eric from MO
March 7, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Hey everyone who has jumped all over me about Bonds, did you see Sportscenter this morning, that failed test wasnt his. I think you all owe me an apology.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, youll see hampton pitch some 170 innings this year. That is enough for me since there is james and bennett to cover for him . 25 starts he will have.
By McFann
March 7, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
William, my dad was thinking the same thing!
I would say Hampton should have taken yoga, but that might not have worked either…
By Bravesfan79
March 7, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Timthebrave 2:47 PM “you got to be kidding me. mike hampton gets hurt more than glass joe from mike tyson punch out” Man that was CLASSIC!
Lets hope hampton is alright. Or maybe its best if insurance pays for part of his salary allowing us more money to resign tex or add another player thru the year. The worst scenario would be for Hampton to get hurt after passing the # of innings allowed under insurance….therefore not having any of his pay covered.
By DonCoburleone
March 7, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
I mean, as long as Hampton’s arm is okay, he can still make 15 - 20 starts (barring a torn Hammy or Groin). He’ll just end up on the DL 2 or 3 times this season and thats when Jo Jo or Chucky takes his spot in the rotation. Mike Hampton is who we thought he was!!!!
By William
March 7, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
By Eric from MO Hey everyone who has jumped all over me about Bonds, did you see Sportscenter this morning, that failed test wasnt his. I think you all owe me an apology.
I’m sorry……….I’m sorry that Barry Bonds is an a%$hole and a cheater. There, do you feel better?
By SNIPER-69
March 7, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Hampton and Soriano will be fine. There’s nothing to worry about brave fans. There’s nothing some corn on the cob and grits can’t fix.
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
William i think i get your point. I think some of them take it seriously and maybe some of them dont. By the way spring has gone until know, id say the braves DO TAKE WARMING BEFORE GAMES very seriously.
Youd ask why can i be so sure. Here are my 2 cents:
1- This is why spring training is necessary, so players dont get hurt during regular season, so you might expect some of the players to get injuries early in springs as braves have had.
2- Injuries to braves players have been (almost entirely i think) to players with history of injuries (Chipper, Hampton, Soriano, James).
3- 2 of these 4 players are 35 or older and 1 is approaching his 30s. So this guys are not young. They get injuried easier (as very very young players do).
4- You could say braves do not take warm ups seriously is suddenly francouer, yunel, kj, flower, bennett get hurt (knock on wood).
By HuffBraves
March 7, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Hampton’s been saying all along his legs weren’t strong enough to handle the pressure of pitching yet, so this was almost inevitable. He’ll just keep getting stronger each time out, and eventually this kind of “nagging crap” as Cox calls it will just go away.
As for Soriano and Moylan, the only reason I’m concerned at all is because this exactly how the injuries to Mikes Hampton and Gonzales started last year. Just a little tender, gonna take a few days off, and then BAM. Out for the year. As soon as I see these two throwing in a game, I think I’ll feel better.
By TennesseePaul
March 7, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
From ESPN’s Page 2
Don’t get me wrong. I love “Moneyball.” Though I never spent more than $3.99 for the book, I probably own more copies of “Moneyball” than anyone in America. I’ve got one propping up the table I’m writing on right now. I trained a puppy with two other copies, and lined the cages of some parrots with a couple of others. I don’t even like birds, but I saw an opportunity to do what was right with that book, so I bought the birds and resisted the temptation to pluck ‘em and fry ‘em. To this day, they do nature’s business on the silly words contained therein.
By Braveheart
March 7, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Aright, one last one for the night.
Because of the latest Hampton injury woes, the AJC editors asked Carroll Rogers to go interview Chuck James to gauge if he will be ready to go on Opening Day. Here’s the video footage.
Alright, have a good night everyone.
By TJ
March 7, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
If this is a repost, sorry… Jason Stark has a really good article on Hampton. ‘Course, it was written before today’s setback…
By jed
March 7, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
hampton says he needs the time in spring training to strengthen his legs. my god man…hasnt he had all off-season (not to mention the last 2 years) to strengthen his legs? tweaking a hamstring in winter ball doesnt stop you from doing squats. so what’s he talking about? i’ve heard endless babble about what a gamer he is and how he’s got so much heart and all that s**, but at this point, the only thing left for us to conclude is the guy is taking the money and showing up to camp out of shape to pitch, which in his condition, is inviting injuries. not much to respect in that.
By brian
March 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
did anybody see the stat during the Mets - Indians game on the lowest ERAs at Shea Stadium?
2 on the list: Chris ReitsmaAre you kidding me?
By Overlord
March 7, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Jed, you cant get the strength you need, in order to pitch, in your leg if your arm is not healthy. In order to get strength for any task you need to train for that task.
You can play tennis all year long, and if you go and play football, youll see you tough come out like a dog.
You can play basketball for years, and if you are asked to play soccer, youll get tired.
Every sport and situation is different.
Only way hampton can get his lower body ready for pitching 9 innings is pitching.
Weight lifting and running or jogging can help…..but it wont do the trick . It will only help.
Pitching is the only way to do it. The rest just helps the cause. The strength comes from pitching.
By jed
March 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Overlord—i’m sure pitching helps, but it’s not the only way to strengthen your legs for pitching. squats, for example, strengthen the thighs. why wasnt he on an off-season program for flexibility so he didnt strain his groin? my point’s that he’s being paid 15 million a year and he should be doing whatever he can to be ready.
By jed
March 7, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Overlord—i’m sure pitching helps, but it’s not the only way to strengthen your legs for pitching. squats, for example, strengthen the thighs. why wasnt he on an off-season program for flexibility so he didnt strain his groin? my point’s that he’s being paid 15 million a year and he should be doing whatever he can to be ready.
By Lew
March 7, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Overlord-I hear what you’re saying, but Jed is right. I saw Nolan Ryan do his workout at Spring Training one year and most of it involved a couple hours of running up and down a fire escape, one, two or three steps at a time. He was 45 at the time-his last season. That work for his legs is what enabled him to pitch that long.
By TexasBrave
March 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
jed I have been wondering the same thing. I am still pulling for Mike to make the starting rotation, but one has to wonder why his legs are not in playing shape already. Hasn’t he been running and keeping in shape this whole time? I mean pitching can help the legs with endurance but not as much as running and weights can. Before he even started throwing his legs should have been in top shape. Did he just stop stretching , running and lifting just because he hurt his arm. Surely not!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 7, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
We know the situation with Hampton. The Braves are going to need an effective long man/sixth starter and Jeff Bennett is well suited for the job.
There is just one problem , the Braves have played ten games and Bennett has just one inning of work so far. Flu or no flu , the man needs innings.
The Braves need a quality veteran who can play solid defense and hit with some power behind Chipper at 3B. And no , Infante isn’t that guy. We had DeRosa , Betemit and Aybar. Now the Braves have zilch that fits this description.
Right now , the bench looks like Josh Anderson , Martin Prado , Scott Thorman , Javy Lopez and Brent Lillibridge. Lopez is still questionable but has the experience and desire. The rest are green as grass.
Strangely enough , I really believe the Braves would do better to play Josh Anderson more and let him lead off. A platoon in CF wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all.
I’m not nearly as worried about Soriano as everybody else. Chris Resop and Manny Acosta have eighty combined saves between them in the minors. Tyler Yates and Phil Stockman are candidates for the job.
The pitching remains the Braves strength , closely followed by the defense. The bench and a back up for Chipper are virtually the same issue/problem.
It needs to be fixed and if it isn’t , nobody will be able to say that I didn’t attempt to warn them.
By braves fan and ready
March 7, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Awww, Chipper pulled his hammy last week and nothing. Hampton pulls his and the world retires. Come on, this is spring training. Hes going to have those little things, let him get his legs in shape and give him a chance.
Personally I have him down as comeback player of the century. Ya know hes one of my favs and if he does this he will be the only player in History to do so. Im rooting for him. Lets go Mike and get the cy young while your at it.
By woogidy
March 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Did y’all see Nomar was injured today too? Man, the injury mosqitos must know where the good blood for sucking is. The same guys are always itching it seems…
By William
March 7, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I’m pulling for Hampton as well and I’m sure he doesn’t want all these freak things to keep happening to him. But, I’m not buying all this “getting his legs under him” to pitch etc…. I mean Christ, we are NOT expecting him to go out and pitch 7 innings right now. He “hurt” his hamstring on the first pitch of the second inning!!! Someone mentioned Nolan Ryan earlier…. I dare to say that Nolan Ryan could go out and pitch 2 innings today without pulling a hamstring. GEEZ!!!
By Robert
March 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
What can we really expect from Tommy Glavine this year. He literally fell apart for the Mets down the stretch last year when they really needed him. www.recreateyourlifenow.com
By David O'Brien
March 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
William, it was his groin, not his hamstring. And he didn’t hurt it on the first pitch of the second inning….
He literally fell apart for the Mets down the stretch last year when they really needed him.Robert
Really, he “literally” fell apart? Wow, that must’ve been something to see, body parts falling off like some poor leper on the mound. Is their video of him literally falling apart? I’ve gotta see that.
(sorry, but people misusing the word “literally” is another of those things that drive me crazy, like folks saying they could care less, when they actually mean they couldn’t care less.)
By ippississiM
March 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
MetroMan:
PUT DOWN THAT MIKE HAMPTON VOODOO BOBBLEHEAD.
By Sammy Sideburn
March 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Lot’s of funny stuff today and tonight.The funniest are the ones who absolutely know Hampton will come through…priceless. Robert are you sure you know the difference in literal and figurative ?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 7, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
I think maybe Hampton’s injury is getting a bit overlbown. I admittedly went “here we go again” when I first heard the news from DOB. But, from what Hampton said it sounds like Cox took him out more out of precaution than Hampton HAD to come out. To me that is good news. Hampton said he could’ve finished the inning.
By uga-brave
March 7, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
i am one of the 6 % on the ajc web site that believes hampton is going to be fine.
BRAVEHEART, i said it six weeks ago, the atlanta spirit is under financed and over managed.
what a disgrace!
By Luther
March 7, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
By Austin
March 7, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
DOB
I think the question we all want to know is did Hampton infact have roo-nads present?
By N8
March 8, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
SNIPER-69
“Hampton and Soriano will be fine. There’s nothing to worry about brave fans. There’s nothing some corn on the cob and grits can’t fix.”
That would be funny if EVERY Braves fan lived in the south, right?
I don’t. Never had a grit. Never seen a grit. Wouldn’t know a grit if somebody scraped off of the Shea Stadium parking lot and shoved it in my face. In fact, the only reason I actually know what’s in grits, is from the scene in My Cousin Vinny, when he asks (or should I say axes?) the cook what the hell they are.
That would be the same as me assuming that your girlfriend, sister or mom talks and act slike Mike Meyer’s SNL character doing “coffee talk”, the Nanny or Janice from Friends….take your pick.
By uga-brave
March 8, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
N8,
grits are great, especially when you soak them with eggs and butter.
you my man obviously have never been to a WAFFLE HOUSE.
then again i guess you have never had scattered, smotherd, diced, hash browns.
its a southern thing.
By uga-brave
March 8, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
krisklob,
he prefers sour mash. so i will leave a KNOB CREEK bourbon for him.
i prefer a shot of TURKEY, and a budweiser.
BRAVEHERT you are THE MAN. you had it going, besides the notorious DOB, YOU HAVE ABILITY.
you had a certain faction of the blog LOL.
props to to you, sleep deprived or not.
said it before and will say it again BRAVEHEARTS, opinion on here here is SILVER AND GOLD. silver and gold.
then again we are all in the land of misfit toys.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
Austin, very good question. I’m gonna have to ask him tomorrow if he rubbed the ‘roo ‘nads before his start….
N8, never had grits? You gotta wait till you get somewhere down South to get some real ones the first time, or else you’ll think they taste like nothing (which is how they do at most places elsewhere). They’re delicious as prepared at any number of establishments throughout Atlanta.
But one could argue they’re even better in Charleston, S.C.; the way they’re made over there is something special.
By jed
March 8, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
DOB
could you shed some light on why hampton needs to “get [his] legs in pitching shape”? i got rather irritated upon reading this and left that 7:42 post, but maybe i’m misunderstanding what he meant. surely i’m misunderstanding him, right?
By Rodney Derrick
March 8, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
David, you should try the shrimp and grits at Piedmont Restaurant’s Saturday and Sunday brunch in downtown Durham
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
jed: A lot of a pitcher’s power comes from the legs.
By Moby Grape
March 8, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this
McFann What kind of explanation is needed? McCan’t© is hitting about one-third of his weight. Good thing we have all those other options at catcher. Where’s Salty when you really need him? Sheeeesh.
By nOLIE
March 8, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this
Because of the latest Hampton injury woes, the AJC editors asked Carroll Rogers to go interview Chuck James to gauge if he will be ready to go on Opening Day. Here’s the video footage.
Alright, have a good night everyone. Braveheart
Gee all that and the guy didn’t ever hurt anything. Amazing! BTW very funny 24 hrs you had here today dude. Thanx for the laughs.
By BayAreaSteve
March 8, 2008 5:19 AM | Link to this
I literally thought that “could care less” and “couldn’t care less” were “one in the same.”
Or, “could care less” and “couldn’t care less” are not “one and the same.”
Disclaimer: this is literally a rather unfunny inside joke referring to my mistake using “one in the same” a while back.
By BayAreaSteve
March 8, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this
Holy cornelia, look at the crap I post when I’m all to myself here. Somebody really ought to lock me out.
Perhaps a trade could be made. I agree to waive my Devon George clause, and to stop posting my drivel, and all Met fans agree to forever stop posting their nonsense. Seems fair to all involved.
By BayAreaSteve
March 8, 2008 5:40 AM | Link to this
first?
By BayAreaSteve
March 8, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this
332nd?
By BayAreaSteve
March 8, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this
Question: how can you be a Braves fan and not be a Hampton fan?
The man is on our team. He will not be traded or released. Are you folks rooting against him? We have repeatedly been told the team is not counting on him, that anything he provides is a bonus.
Yet, he is pulled, as a precaution, and the flaming begins. Was he supposed to push himself on March 7? If you’re not expecting anything out of him, why would this even bother you?
The guy is doing all that we can reasonably expect him to do to rehab and prepare for the season. He is a professional athlete with professional trainers and medical doctors. We do not know any better than they.
I, for one, wish Mike Hampton well. I even hope that he’s back next year, because that’ll mean he had a solid, if not spectacular, season, and resigned for a reasonable Chipper or Smoltz type discount.
And, I especially hope that he gives DOB as much s** as he possibly can about tupperware, and whatever else.
By Jeff R
March 8, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this
Hampton: “Just got to get my legs in pitching shape.”
Like some of the guys were commenting last night: “no off season conditioning program?”
By ncscoots
March 8, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
Did the blog get it out of its system? The Hampton jokes/bashing/I-told-you-sos, and so forth? Good. I’m actually glad it happened now, rather than later, so we can just get it out of the way.
But it did seem, in the course of all that, that some bloggers may not have had to ever “get in shape”. So it would appear from the gist of some of the comments.
A pitcher tweaked a groin in the first week of ST? Wow, don’t believe THAT’s ever happened before. If Hampton comes off the mound with his left arm hanging down loose, then it’s time to worry. An “injury” that won’t even cause him to miss a start isn’t exactly the end of the season as we know it.
By ncscoots
March 8, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
Where’s Salty when you really need him? Sheeeesh.
So far, on his way to AAA, if the Rangers’ reports are to be believed.
By William
March 8, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
In case I missed it………Has anyone gotten any clarification on the Peachtree TV issue for non Atlanta viewers??? I’m still debating on getting MLB extra innings and even if I do that, will I be able to watch the PTV games.
By William
March 8, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
A pitcher tweaked a groin in the first week of ST? Wow, don’t believe THAT’s ever happened before. If Hampton comes off the mound with his left arm hanging down loose, then it’s time to worry. An “injury” that won’t even cause him to miss a start isn’t exactly the end of the season as we know it.
When you have a track record like Hampton does……..people tend to panic a little bit. You shouldn’t be surprised. Most everyone here would like him to prove everyone (myself included) wrong. It’s very hard to have much faith in the guy right now. I hope he has a great year, so I can say I was WRONG!!!
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
If you’re interested… I just finished the first installment of a multi-part series on what effect Tom Glavine had on younger lefties throughout his career.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
could you shed some light on why hampton needs to “get [his] legs in pitching shape”? jed
Jed, and 218 others who’ve asked: He hasn’t pitched in games in 2-1/2 years.
He pulled a hamstring in late November that ended his winter pitching plans, and, it goes without saying (well, I thought it did) also ended any thoughts of doing sprinting or other explosive-type leg work, until the second week of camp (he didn’t do the fielding drills, i.e. running to cover first base, dashing off mound to field grounders, etc, for the first week of camp).
And while Nolan Ryan (and Roger Clemens, for that matter) did epic offseason running and lifting workouts, they also didn’t go 2-1/2 years without pitching in games. From my understanding, talking to Hampton and other pitchers about this, there’s nothing to replicate the same motions and muscles used in pitching, other than actual pitching at “game speed” with the adrenaline pumping — not light throwing or even throwing off the mound in the bullpen.
That said, might pilates or yoga or something similar help him? I’d think so. Not certain that he doesn’t do any of that, but haven’t heard that he does.
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
I plan on covering another pitcher every day on average, working chronologically, and trying to establish what effect, if any, being around Glavine had on young lefties. Thanks go to Niels Boor for suggesting this topic, and to everyone else who gave their suggestions.
By Braveheart
March 8, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Scoots, I guess I was the most guilty of clowning on Hampton. But ya gotta admit his injury problems have reached a comical state. I don’t understand getting all angry about him at this point. You just have to laugh when he gets hurt now.
The way I see Hampton is this: Imagine that the Braves were struggling around the trade deadline and needed to pick up a quality pitcher like Hampton down the stretch to give them 10 to 18 starts. Hopefully, that is what we have now with Hampton.
Instead of his starts being all down the stretch, his 10 to 18 starts are sprinkled in throughout the season. That’s the standard we should be holding Hampton to. Anyone who think he is gonna make 25+ starts is just darn foolish.
Say Hampton makes 18 starts and the team goes .500 when he starts, making them 9-9. That is a heckuva lot better than the miserable 5-13 record the Braves had when JoJo, Larew, and Redman took the hill last season. That right there is a 4 win improvement from last season.
Or even a 1.5 game improvement over the 7-10 record the Braves had when Kyle Davies started. Every little bit counts.
That’s all we should reasonably ask Hampton to do.
And if he only gives the Braves 10 starts and the Braves go 5-5, then so be it. It’s better than the 3-7 record with JoJo.
And if he only gives 8 starts and the Braves go 4-4, so be it as well. Sure beats the 3-5 record the Braves had when Larew and Redman started.
By cmac
March 8, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
DOB said, “sorry, but people misusing the word ‘literally’ is another of those things that drive me crazy…”
As an English prof, I must say, “Amen.” People in sports have lost the meaning of the term “literally.” As in, “Mike Hampton is literally a walking groin pull.”
By chrisklob
March 8, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, what were you drinking the other night that had you on a roll all the way through yesterday? Dude, you were killing me! My guess is you were drinking tequila………
By Braveheart
March 8, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
And if he only gives 8 starts and the Braves go 4-4, so be it as well. Sure beats the 3-5 record the Braves had when Larew and Redman started.
Sorry about that. Meant to say if Hampton only starts 8 games and the Braves go 4-4, that it beats the 2-6 record when Larew and Redman started.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, I think it would make a lot of sense for Braves to use him in the No. 5 spot if he’s healthy (if he’s healthy, he’s in the rotation).
Using him in the 5 spot would make it easier to skip his turn in the rotation once in a while. And frankly, the fewer times he’s out there, the fewer times he can get hurt.
The No. 5 starter can get at least five fewer starts than the others, depending how often the manager skips his turn on off days in the schedule.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
As I’m closing my computer, I hear Mel Kiper’s breathless report on offensive-line draft prospects. He says one guy loves “hand-to-hand combat in the trenches.”
God, I’m glad I cover baseball.
By William
March 8, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
I saw Hampton’s first start of the spring and he looked really good!!! That makes it a little disappointing that in his second start that he gets hurt even though it appears to be a minor setback. As I said, I’m pulling for the guy. Anything that makes the team better, I’m all for and I think a healthy Hampton, makes our team better.
By William
March 8, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
DOB I’m glad you cover baseball also.
By ncscoots
March 8, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
BH, at least your Hampton stuff was funny. :-) A saving grace…
I’d agree that Hampton is unduly optimistic about making 30 starts this year. The human body just isn’t built to go 2+ years without playing, and then not suffer SOME breakdown on resuming. What the nature of that might be, I have no idea, but I think you have to expect at least one DL stint and 5-6 missed starts.
Hey, he’s not the only pitcher in MLB who’s gonna have THAT profile this year. But I’d bet real American money that Hampton is the only one who will get lambasted for it on this blog.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Is it too late to trade for Baldelli? Just asking….
ST. PETERSBURG - Rocco Baldelli’s health problems have to do with the muscles in his legs, but that’s about as specific as he’d get Friday. He’s not playing in Rays exhibitions right now to see if the legs feel better with more rest, but he said there has been no setback or new injury, and he remains confident that he will be ready when the regular season starts March31.
“The reason I’m taking these days off is to give my muscles a chance to recover,” he said. “I’m thinking getting these extra days will do nothing but help me.”
Baldelli reiterated that he doesn’t know exactly what the problem is despite extensive tests and visits to multiple specialists. “I’ve seen more doctors than I have liked, and there’s no specific diagnosis that’s been found,” he said.
Baldelli, whose 2007 season ended in May due to hamstring issues, was vague about his current symptoms, hinting that his legs felt tired but never really saying so. He has played in two games this spring, getting two at-bats each time as the DH (most recently Tuesday). He isn’t ready to play today and Sunday is uncertain.
By BossLady
March 8, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
YEAH this is what I like to see, the AJC front page with Andruw. Hit his first homer for Dodgers. Some other big bats have not gone deep yet. The kid will be okay, yes he will.
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Question:
How in double hockey sticks are the Mets supposed to play split-squad today?
By Tomahawkin' Again (like it's 1995)
March 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
DOB, who do you like tonight, the Dookies or the Heels?
By Braveheart
March 8, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Klobber Corona. Patron. Rum. Camel Lights. Sorry, I didn’t get the Knob Creek. Forgive me, Klobber, for I have sinned.
All kidding about Hampton aside, let’s hope Hampton can come back and be solid even after all the injuries like Grant Hill has. Something about that Disney air in Orlando struck down Grant Hill and Mike Hampton.
I was looking at the stats for Jair Jurrjens after I really liked what I saw the other day. I wanted to see how he measured up to two other young pitchers who have been successful lately although not striking out alot of batters. I looked at Fausto Carmona and Chien-Ming Wang.
We would all obviously be happy if Jurrjens goes 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.20 WHIP like Fausto Carmona did for the Indians last season.
We would also be happy if Jurrjens went 19-6 with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP like Wang went in 2006 or 19-7 with a 3.70 ERA and 1.29 WHIP like Wang did in 2007 for the Yankees.
If you look at their minor league track records, this is what you have:
ERA: Carmona, 3.38; Wang, 3.37; Jurrjens, 3.20
WHIP: Carmona, 1.20; Wang, 1.22; Jurrjens, 1.19
K/9: Carmona, 5.77; Wang, 7.06; Jurrjens, 7.22
K/BB: Carmona, 3.43; Wang, 3.47; Jurrjens, 3.38
BB/9: Carmona, 1.68; Wang, 2.03; Jurrjens, 2.16
H/9: Carmona, 9.14; Wang, 8.91; Jurrjens, 8.51
I wish I had minor league stats for ground ball/fly ball ratios to see if he is as similar as he looks in other stats to Wang and Carmona.
I don’t think Jurrjens has the sinkerballing style of Wang and Carmona that causes the kind of 3 to 1 groundball to flyball ratio that Wang and Carmona have in the majors.
But Jurrjens does seem to throw a heavy fastball that he likes to keep down and which has seemed to induce grounders so far during spring training.
Just something to think about.
By Thrillhouse44
March 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, thanks for showing us how JJJ “measures up” to Wang. Next time you measure up Wang, please keep it to yourself.
Go Braves!
By Braveheart
March 8, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Here’s one more minor league stat comparison between Wang, Carmona, and Jurrjens:
Home Runs Per 9 innings: Carmona, 0.65; Wang, 0.45; Jurrjens, 0.50
By Metropolitan Man
March 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Lets see if Hampton is pitching and Chumper is playing 3rd, then all you got to do is bunt towards 3rd. Either Chumper or Hampton will pull something trying to make a play. Do this the majority of the season and they will watch the last 1/3 of the season from the bench. Then you guys can have the “best bench” in baseball.
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Although DOB mentioned it in his 7:19 I think it bares repeating for those of use (including myself) who have been bashing Hampton for not at least having his legs in shape. Hampton has not been able to do any kind of leg work (running, stretching or weights) since he pulled his hammy in November. Meaning he has not done any leg work for four months. Thus his legs are not going to be in great shape until he can do those thing mentioned and pitches.
DOB I do question whether to have Mike in the fifth spot to skip his start every once in a while. With Smoltz and possible Glavine needing rest as the season wears on would it not be wiser to make sure the fifth spot in the rotation always pitches to give them an extra days rest? It’s not like our whole rotation are in their pitching prime.
However if Hampton is in the fifth spot and it comes time to skip his start how about instead letting who ever the spot starter is take Mike’s turn giving him a rest but still allowing for the other starters to get an extra days rest.
I don’t know perhaps I am just talking out of my rear?
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
TexasBrave, one main purpose of the so-called “sixth” starter, actually a long reliever/spot starter, would be to plug him in if one of the other guys needs a rest for whatever reason. So that wouldn’t really affect the fifth spot and what you’d look for there.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
It’s so sad that pathetic Mutts fans don’t have a blog of their own to hang out in. I realize that it must be like hanging around a funeral home, but maybe we can raise a few dollars to start a Mutts blog and, as they say in baseball, get a little addition by subtraction going on here. If’n you get my drift.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Astros are using DH today, Braves not. That’s probably because Astros didn’t ask Braves for permission to do so, as they’re supposed to.
Anyway, Braves (Cox) said let ‘em do what they want to do, not gonna change Braves’ plans. He wants to see his pitchers get at-bats at this point of spring training, to bunt at game speed, etc.
Here’s Braves lineup for this split-squad game at Dark Star:
Buddy Carlyle’s starting the other game vs. Cincy.
MOYLAN is scheduled to pitch Sunday vs. St. Louis, according to Bobby.
SORIANO will likely get in a game in early part of the week, barring any setbacks with his elbow.
Windy as hell today, and you wouldn’t have believed some of the shots that Flowers hit in BP. Epic blasts. Monumenal shots, with Cox observing and loving every minute of it.
By Metropolitan Man
March 8, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Pete H.
Go ahead and raise that money, but not for a METS blog. Use it to sign a player who want to stay but doesnt want to take a pay cut!!! Or try buying tickets to a braves game and try selling it out in the regular season or postseason whenever that might be again.
LETS GO METS!!!
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Pete:
There are several Mets blogs. For whatever reason, these guys choose to be here, over blogging with their own kind.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
**TexasBrave^^
I think this means that Buddy will make the team as long reliever/spot starter. With three old guys in the rotation, we need a spot starter and I can’t think of anyone who fits that description better than Buddy.
By David-ATL14
March 8, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
2 Good calls DOB
The utter absurdiry of Mel Kipper and the NFL Draft. If it were up to me it would be banned from all media outlets.
Along with recruiting stories or blogs(recruting aspects only) about CFB or CBB.
The outlandishness of the recruiting scene will be the eventual downfall of CFB and CBB.
Now off the soap box and back to matters more pressing, The second well made point from the crusading everyman about Badelli.
How foolish a certain few look. My guess is that Badelli will soon retire. The man’s finished.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
I missed the grits talk last night. I’m a born northerner who lived in the South for a few years (Tampa) and grits were right up there with GOOD BBQ, cheap oysters and taking the afternoon off for ST games as the high points of living there. With butter and pepper.
Wishbone here in Chicago has awesome homemade grits, btw.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 8, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Tomahawkin’,
You asked DOB but I like the Heels tonight. They’ll defend the perimeter this time (always a question for this crew). And look for Paulus and/or Nelson to get in foul trouble early.
Carolina’s 7-1 when they’re ranked #1 vs. Dook. The trend will continue.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 8, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Tomahawkin’,
You asked DOB but I like the Heels tonight. They’ll defend the perimeter this time (always a question for this crew). And look for Paulus and/or Nelson to get in foul trouble early.
Carolina’s 7-1 when they’re ranked #1 vs. Dook. The trend will continue.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Pete H, where is Wishbone in Chicago? If near downtown I’d like to go there when we’re out there this summer….
T-Hawkin’, I’m gonna say Duke. I know that’s not the popular choice right now, but I think they match up better against Carolina than most. If they’ve got two or three of those long-range shooters hitting, it’ll be enough to pull it out.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
By the way, really a bunch of heartwarming stories in the the AJC top five most popular right now, huh?
What a f’d up world we live in.
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
DOB I totally understand what you are saying. However, one of the reasons to put Mike in the fifth spot is to give him a spell. But if you do that then you also take an extra day of rest that the other starters could have received.
It is not like Smoltz and Glavine are going to need the spot starter a lot. So letting the 6th man take Hampton’s start when you would normally skip his turn give the other starters and extra day of rest. That might not be such a big deal at the beginning of the season but might be as the season wears on.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Almost forgot. We’re in clubhouse, and Chipper asks who’s pitching for Houston today.
“Tell me it’s Wandy Rodriguez,” he said, not having any idea who was pitching for the Astros today.
Told that it was, indeed, Wandy, Chipper’s eyes lit up. “Gonna work on my power stroke today,” he said.
Teixeira chimed in, “Chipper’s gonna turn and burn today.”
Kotsay, who’s spent the past few years in the AL, said, “Is he left-handed?”
Chipper is 2-for-4 with a homer and two walks off Rodriguez in regular-season games.
Tex, by the way, is 0-for-8 with four Ks against the lefty. Kotsay hasn’t faced him.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
DOB
Wishbone is on Washington St., about 1000 W. Washington, west of the loop. It’s pretty great, particularly at breakfast. But they pretty much serve it all day, especially on the weekend.
There can be long waits, though.
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Neils Boor:
Tell me what you think so far about my [Glavine mentoring analysis] (von.110mb.com/braves/index.html). After all, it was your request.
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I don’t know how credible Bill Shanks is but he is reporting that the Braves are shopping Thorman possibly for a reliever. He mentioned that possible back up 1st basemen to be Kotsay (28 games played), Pena (22 games), Diaz (2)and Borchard (1).
I haven’t noticed but has Borchard or Pena been getting any time at 1st? Perhaps give both of them what KJ got to get one of them ready. Realistically Tex is not going to take too many days off. And if a serious injury occurs we would probably seek a trade right away anyway.
I like Borchard and his bat, but think Pena makes more since because he can also play catcher giving Bobby no reason to hold Javy back in a critical PH role.
By chrisklob
March 8, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Klobber Corona. Patron. Rum. Camel Lights. Sorry, I didn’t get the Knob Creek. Forgive me, Klobber, for I have sinned.
Somehow I just knew tequila was part of the equation. Makes some people think and do some pretty wacky stuff.
BH, drink more tequila. That was fun!
By N8
March 8, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Uga-Brave
Actually, I have been to the Waffle House in Denver. Guess I didn’t think about ordering them. Maybe I will next time I’m down there this summer.
DOB
I’m sure I would love them (grits that is), I’m a food lover in general, not much I don’t like. I’d have to agree with you, I think to truly judge “regional” favorites, you should eat them where they are originally from.
Kinda like eating Chinese food in a mall, and then saying “no thanks” if you go to China. Or judging “mexican” food, by what you’ve had at Taco Bell. LOL.
Like I said, never said I wouldn’t like them, or try them. Just saying, where I’m from, they’re not on the menu at Denny’s. :-)
By KC
March 8, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Hampton is fine.
Let’s not get carried away boys and girls. Hampton suffered a minor groin strain. It’s not a big deal. These things are going to happen with Hampton.
The big thing is that the arm still feels great. As I think DOB pointed out earlier, you can’t entirely simulate in-game movements. To some extent, his body has to get used to certain things again.
This isn’t going to be the last time Hampton has something like a groin or hammy strain this year. Count on that. But if his problems are of the relatively minor, nagging variety - and his arm is healthy… he’ll be just fine.
Let’s cool it with the gnashing of teeth for now, huh?
Now if Soriano isn’t pitching a week from now… THEN it will be time for gnashing of teeth!
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
If you haven’t seen it, read the lead item on Jason Stark’s blog, about Dusty Baker using a player-development strategy he notes has worked quite well for the Braves through the years.
Reason I suggest reading it is, it should answer some of your questions about why the Braves wanted to get a veteran CF this winter and not thrust Schafer straight into the role from A-ball. Some scouts and agents have told me there are none better than Cox at judging young talent and knowing when a guy’s ready.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave
Re: Thorman and Shanks. Bill is usually pretty accurate, and this one makes sense. Scott is out of options and makes a less-than-desirable pinch hitter. We may regret trading him, but right now, he’s not a particularly valuable piece. Even a detriment, in that someone like Borchard might be a lot better bet on the bench.
By Anders
March 8, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know you have a pet peeve about the incorrect use of words like “literally” and “I could care less”. How about the word “significant”? The following appeared in your column in the AJC today.
Soriano signed a two-year, $9 million contract in January and is the only pitcher with any significant closer experience on the roster.
Significant closer experience? He has 13 career saves! I mean personally I couldn’t care less, but IMO the use of the word significant in the above context is literally incorrect.
By tvsportscaster
March 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
texas brave, I can assure you Bill Shanks is extremely reliable and you can bet if he says he has sources saying that, then it’s a very distinct possibility. If Frank Wren can get a warm body for Thorman he should be named executive of the year.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, they are shopping Thorman (and a few others) for relief help. Too early to know who’d be the backup 1B if they get rid of Thorman, since this is a puzzle that has to be assembled over the next three weeks. But I wouldn’t look for Kotsay to be playing 1B, and I don’t get a feeling that Pena is going to be on this team. Could be wrong, but I don’t see it happening for Pena here.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Unless his hand’s forced, Cox seems to know exactly how to manage his kids to improve their chances to succeed. Lerew last year was an example of his hand being forced. Schafer is going to be a good one, but his hitting isn’t there yet.
With all those prospects in Cincy, Baker is going to have his hands full trying to ease them into the lineup.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Since music plays a big part here, interesting news from Wal-Mart. They want to sell all top 20 hits for $10, new releases other than top hits for $10, and catalog stuff for $5 to $7.
Meanwhile, Nine Inch Nails just released his new album on the web with a tiered price system, from free downloads to a $300 box set with all sorts of goodies. It sold out all 2,500 copies in one day, so that’s, um, $750 K in one day. For a guy who has no record label.
Tough to own a record store these days, unless you are something special, as Reckless Records here in Chicago is.
In the past year, both Tower Records and Virgin Megastore shut down. But Reckless continues to thrive.
If Wal-Mart can drive the price down, that would be great. I remember when CDs came out, the record industry told us they would be about $8 once the turnover reached maximal. Instead, of course, they RAISED the prices.
By jim
March 8, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Do you think we could even get Dan Kolb back for Thorman?
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I can understand why Kotsay would not be the back up 1st baseman. But are you able to explain why you feel like Pena is not going to be on the team? Having a third catcher letting Bobby feel free to PH Javy in key situations would be a plus I would think.
By Salty
March 8, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Some scouts and agents have told me there are none better than Cox at judging young talent and knowing when a guy’s ready.
That’s not gonna make Robert happy!!!
By JC FROM UT
March 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Texas Brave: I agree with you about carrying 3 catchers so Javy can be used off the bench to pinch hit, but I would rather have Corky Miller as the third catcher over Pena. Corky is better defensively and has a little more powerin the bat. Any thoughts?
By Lew
March 8, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
MetroDude-As usual, you’re mouth outruns your capacity for research. You have commented endlessly about Atlanta’s lack of support for their team and the lack of attendance. Maybe you should have checked first and run mouth later, because I checked and you’re in for a major surprise.
Since 1995, the Braves had more attendance than the Mets 9 times to 4 for the Mets. Since 2000-the Mets best showing (though the Braves still had a higher attendance 4 of 7 seasons), the Mets have exactly 1,285,331 more a*******e$ in seats than the Braves-an average of 183,618 more per year average since 00. Since 95 the Braves attendance is 49,391,034 to the Mets 42,139,418.
Now to take this a step further, let us examine the populations of the two cities and their Metro Areas. NY- population 8,250,567-Atlanta 486,411. That’s right Metro Dude, the Mets have a 8mil+ fan base compared to the Braves 486 THOUSAND. On Metro areas-NY-18,818,536 to Atlanta 5,138,223. Even knocking NY’s in half to account for your extra team, by Metro Area, the Mets have a 9 mil fan base compared to the Braves 5 mil-still almost two to one in your favor. And all you can average is less than 200 thou per year.
Given those numbers, your beating the Braves attendance by less than 1.3 million over 13 years is quite pitiful. Maybe it’s time to change your rant to something that actually has a factual basis. However, the Mets have been so lackluster for so long, that fantasy life is all you have-and ONE division Title. Wow. I wouldn’t brag so much if I were you. There is no basis for it.
By McFann
March 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Moby Grape—
First of all, you aren’t the first person to ever use the name “McCan’t” so you cann drop the ©—although, you are the first to spell it with only one c, but whatever.
If you think one of our prospects is gonna replace him, well, you’re off base (no pun intended at all). Didn’t you read our discussion the other day about this? It’s Spring Training! Catchers aren’t as concentrated on hitting as they are with getting the rest of their game in order in Spring Training. Now, I know he hasn’t caught anybody stealing or anything like that, but my gosh! The only catchers of ours that have are Pena and Sammons. And sheesh, McCann’s only caught about three innings in each of his starts…he’s hardly had time to be productive!
Salty? He’s with Texas hitting .200. Texas needs him way more than we do, bub.
Oh, and by the way, Pena’s our only catcher whose got a decent AVG at this point. Cut Brian some slack, dude. He’ll hit when the season starts, you just wait and see!!
SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH!!!!
By JC FROM UT
March 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: O f all the platers who are on the bubble of making the team and who are out of options, who, if any one, do you think could get through waivers and be sent to Richmond?
By jim
March 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Why are we looking for bullpen help? Is this a sign that management knows all is not right with Moylan and Soriano? If both are healthy we have Soriano, Moylan, and Ohman as fixtures. Bennet or Carlyle for the long man. Gonzalez due to be back before the All-Star break, and Acosta, Yates, Boyer, Ring, Resop, Stockman, and Ridgeway all battling for two remaining spots (one of which will be filled by Gonzalez later in the season)
It isn’t likely that the pitcher we could get for Thorman could substantially improve the latter collection, if even crack the group of candidates. Is this a case of trying to fill a need or a case of trying to get something for Thorman and others who are out of options?
By Steve McP
March 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
I find all the plaudits for eating grits somewhat surprising, I have lived in the US (and in the south) for 4 years now and have tried them on several occasions and just don’t get why people are so into them.
Now if you are talking about the “other” GRITS “Girls Raised In The South” then i can fully understand how they could be so appreciated!
By Anders
March 8, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Lew
Based on your attendance figures then why is it the Mets can spend $140 mil and the Braves only $100 mil or so? If it’s the TV side of things then you need to figure that in to your fan base. As for TV, the Braves had a jump on everyone including the Yanks in this area. Turner knew what he was doing putting the Braves on TBS nationally back in the 80’s pre -ESPN. I probably watched 50 Braves games a year in those days when the Mets or Yanks weren’t on. He had a captured audience. Somehow that was never turned into the national cash cow it could have become. Lastly, you also need to figure the Yanks into your fan base numbers above as they dominate this area. Especially the last 15 years when the middle of the road fan leans toward them. Last year over 7 million fans went to Mets and Yanks games. That’s pretty astonishing even for such a populated area.
By JC from UT
March 8, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
JIM: I bet if Thorman is traded it will be for a young pitcher (starter or reliever) who is probably in A ball. IMO the trade would be just to get something rather than just loose Thorman to a waiver claim
By Lew
March 8, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Excuse me-Over 13 years the Braves have beaten the Mets attendance by almost 7 million fans. Since 2000, the Mets have beaten the Braves by 1.2 mil, an average of less than 200 thousand a year. Pardon my typo.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Lew: Don’t forget the season ticket differential. In both NY parks, the best seats are owned by corporations. If the big cheeses can’t make the game, the lowly people who do the actual work end up with them. Those seats are almost never empty, outside thunderstorms, and NYC has a HUGE edge in corporate boxes and season tix.
Although, to be honest, whole empty sections for playoff games is kinda embarrassing. I have no idea why, perhaps it’s the price.
By Lew
March 8, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Anders-My figures are factual and drawn from the US Census reports and MLB attendance figures. The difference is that we have had corporate ownership-Time Warner and now Liberty Media-who are seemingly fixated on not spending money. My figures however, are accurate. Maybe you could ask ownership for us why they have been so miserly. We, ourselves, have been quite mystified for some time now-given the attendance and TV revenue that baseball seemingly swims in.
The question might more rightly be why have the Mets not had success commensurate with the money they’ve spent?
By Anders
March 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
DOB
TexasBrave, they are shopping Thorman (and a few others) for relief help.
I’m not the first to ask but I too am wondering why the Braves are looking for more relief? You and many others have repeatedly told me the Mets bullpen is a shambles and the Braves was a strength last year that they will draw on again. Why this sudden change of heart?
BTW- Any chance to talk directly with Soriano today? I mean the Mets send a guy for an MRI in NY and we know wether he had pretzels or peanuts on the plane -meanwhile Soriano shows up to camp with a new contract and a sore elbow and he appears to be off limits. Until it becomes a slam dunk he’s OK, feel good story I’m sure.
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
JC FROM UT - The only reason I mentioned keeping Pena was that he could possibly be the backup 1st baseman if Tex needs a spell. I can’t see Bobby keeping a 3rd catcher just to have one.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
The dollar difference for the Mutts is the corporate seats and marketing dollars. All them tshirts and stuff add up, not to mention the advertising and other income. An advertising sign behind home plate gets a lot more in a market of 8 million than in one half that size.
The real point is, the Braves’ attendance is just fine. It ain’t Wrigley, Fenway or Yankee Stadium level, but it’s fine. Cheap shots by Mets fans are pretty annoying.
By Lew
March 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Anders-I did address the Yankees in my 12:49 post. Check the third paragraph where I knock the NY Metro area population in half and still almost a 2-1 Mets’ advantage results. Still playing second fiddle in your own city, aren’t you? Got news for you-you always will. It really grates on Mets fans, too.
BTW-Ted Turner has not owned the Braves for most of this decade. I’m constantly being told by one of your compatriots that I live in the past. Ted IS the past. I no longer take him into consideration. he does not pay the bills any longer. If he did, we would have more salary to spend as we did when he WAS paying the bills.
By Lew
March 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Pete H-I would imagine that it is much easier to fill playoff seats when you make the playoffs once every 10-15 years as opposed to going to the playoffs for 14 straight seasons.
I’m certainly not happy about the empty playoff seats, but look at the 91-92 playoffs when the Pirates were such a good team. The Penguins sold out a couple nights during the ML playoffs that the Pirates did not.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 8, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Anders,
The reason the Braves’ payroll was lower, notwithstanding comparable attendance, is due to cheap ownership. From the time Turner stepped aside, the suits at TW put the club on a tighter budget. There was also a period where TBS called the games “MLB on TBS” even though every game featured the Braves. It was nuts. Drove fans crazy, if you haven’t gathered.
TW refused to invest anything in promotion and expected the team to live within its budget restraints while other clubs were spending more all the time.
You also have to wonder, given the Mets’ larger metro market, if the TV rights for local telecasts in the NYC area didn’t deliver more revenues to the club than the Braves received over time. Especially since TW lost interest in promoting the Braves the past few years. Showing reruns of Raymond and Sex in the City instead of Braves games shows how much a priority promoting the team became.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 8, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Anders,
The reason the Braves’ payroll was lower, notwithstanding comparable attendance, is due to cheap ownership. From the time Turner stepped aside, the suits at TW put the club on a tighter budget. There was also a period where TBS called the games “MLB on TBS” even though every game featured the Braves. It was nuts. Drove fans crazy, if you haven’t gathered.
TW refused to invest anything in promotion and expected the team to live within its budget restraints while other clubs were spending more all the time.
You also have to wonder, given the Mets’ larger metro market, if the TV rights for local telecasts in the NYC area didn’t deliver more revenues to the club than the Braves received over time. Especially since TW lost interest in promoting the Braves the past few years. Showing reruns of Raymond and Sex in the City instead of Braves games shows how much a priority promoting the team became.
By ippississiM
March 8, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I just noticed my link above was broken. Here it is again:
Neils Boor:
Tell me what you think so far about my Glavine mentoring analysis. After all, it was your request.
Steve McP:
Maybe you haven’t had proper grits yet. You can’t just eat the grits by themselves, you have to put crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, and butter in them at the very least. The additives vary regionally, but those are the common ones in northeast Mississippi, and they work just fine for us. I don’t like grits at all unless they have stuff mixed in.
By jim
March 8, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
If Thorman doesn’t make the team and is cut or traded, that leaves us with only Anderson/B. Jones as lefthanded hitters on the bench (if Pena is not on the team). It would seem that a lefthanded bat off the bench might be a higher priority than bullpen help.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Funny moment: Chipper just singled to right to drive in a run and was caught between first and second. When 1B Lance Niekro was coming at him with the ball in his glove, Chipper gave Niekro a timeout single.
There are light moments during spring games….
On the other hand, I doubt Buddy Carlyle is feeling too frisky over in Sarasota, where the Reds got three runs and five hits in the first inning. Francoeur misplayed a long Griffey drive, either fell or made a bad diving attempt, according to an MLB.com guy who’s over there.
By Anders
March 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Lew
The question might more rightly be why have the Mets not had success commensurate with the money they’ve spent?
Poor management in the 90’s.
But I don’t think you can hold Minaya up against that. Over his tenure the Mets have been relatively successful. I don’t think you can dispute that. The last two years they’ve been in first place all but 1 day and last year they drew over or about 3 million fans. Plus they have had record viewership of the games.
I’ve never questioned the Braves baseball mgt for sure. As I’ve said before. Two best sports GM’s all time in my eyes - Schuerholz of the Braves and Lamereillo [sp] of the Devils. As for Time Warner I feel for you guys. I really like having actual people owning my teams. It has a downside as well but at least there’s a specific person[s] to hold accountable.
By WNC Braves fan
March 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
The story on Hampton being hurt-again- is more than frustrating for everyone involved. Arm or elbow related injuries are clearly understandable. It is a hazard of just being a pitcher and throwing hard. But muscle related injuries, such as hamstring or groin pulls, can for the most part be avoided. But it requires a dedicated workout routine and serious committment to muscular conditioning. And for all the useless money he has recieved, surely Mike Hampton can spend time on some workouts. Say what you want, but these issues are 98% avoidable. Yes he worked hard to rehab his surgeries. That just makes it all the more frustrating. He knows how to work hard, why didn’t it inlcude the legs? Isn’t it clear knowledge that a pitcher needs his legs to pitch effectively? Mike Hampton will not make 10 starts this season, and will make at least two stints on the DL. Waste of money. If we’re relying on two over 40 starters and Mike Hampton, we will miss the playoffs once again.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Ooog, the Reds tacked a three spot on Carlyle in the first. Anyone know what’s happening in Orlando?
By midtownBrave
March 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Escobar should have the highest avg for any hitter with at least 20 ABs this spring. He is hitting everything.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
The Braves are thinking about trading Thorman and they don’t even have a viable back up for Chipper ?
Who is running this Circus. The bench is already questionable.
I guess we can assume that Soriano’s arm/elbow is more of an issue than the Braves are letting on.
Javy Lopez could be an option at 1B , meaning that Brayan Pena or Clint Sammons would be the back up catcher.
The season starts in twenty-two days , the bench is up in the air , Chipper needs a back up , the bullpen is suddenly an issue etc. etc. etc.
At least we can field a team , unlike the Mets.
By midtownBrave
March 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
McCann has a hit!! That makes me happy; Mac had 1 hit in 13 ABs.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo having a rough go in the second inning, command is terrible and the bases are loaded with one out. He’s walked three of the first four guys.
OH, the HORROR: He just fell when he slipped on a pitch to Michael Bourn with the count 0-2. He tried to go ahead and throw the pitch as he’s falling to the ground to avoid the balk.
Joe West wasn’t buying, despite Javy’s argument. He called a balk, run in.
That might have been the single ugliest “pitch” I’ve seen in some time.
By Anders
March 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Lew
Still playing second fiddle in your own city, aren’t you? Got news for you-you always will. It really grates on Mets fans, too.
Why the attack big guy? I’m not disputing that with you. I’m actually trying to have a conversation. The Mets are and always will be second fiddle to the Yanks. No shame in that - all of sports is. Financially anyway.
BTW- Brian Schneider just hit one out in his first ST at bat.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
That was one of the strangest pitched innings you’ll ever see: Reyes faced six batters, walked three and struck out three. And balked in a run.
He threw 10 strikes in 27 pitches, which meant that nine strikes were to the three guys he struck out, and he threw only one strike to the other three guys combined.
By TexasBrave
March 8, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
DOB - on these split games how come you and Carroll don’t split up and cover both? That way we can get the scoop on both games at the same time.
Oh well, wishful thinking!!
By Anders
March 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
DOB
That might have been the single ugliest “pitch” I’ve seen in some time.
You should have been at Shea that last Sunday of last season. Every fan got an ugly pitch to take home with them - and that was just in the first inning!
By midtownBrave
March 8, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
5 walks and 4 Ks - terribly awesome command?
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Reyes is out after two innings. His highly unusual line: 2 innings, 1 run, 0 hits, 5 walks, 4 strikeouts, 1 balk. Threw 23 strikes in 52 pitches.
I’m thinking Jurrjens has nothing to worry about from this particular corner.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Tejada just flicked his wrists and LINED a ball down the opposite (right) field line for a double off Boyer with one out in the third.
Tejada is now build like a power hitter. Sooo much thicker than he used to be.
I ain’t saying he’s sprinkling his Wheaties or anything, just saying … the man is put together.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Braves just got two back vs. Reds.
By Kev
March 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
WOW!!!, Jo-Jo’s having control problems…not the first time…5 BB in 2.0 Innings, c’mon, that kid is not ready to pitch for quality innings in the Major leagues, get him to AAA and call him up in September… not ready yet DOB,what you think??
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave: Carroll returned to Atlanta on Tuesday. We’re flying solo now.
By KC
March 8, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB: Will Boog be broadcasting for the Braves this year?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Hey , I like the competitiveness of buddy Carlyle. But , He is a career minor leaguer. He never should have stayed on the roster.
Bobby Cox is going to have to let his favorite son go bye bye.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Two on for Hoss with one out in the third, after a KJ walk and Escobar single to center.
Wandy still in. Wind blowing out to left….
By McFann
March 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Hey! McCann got a hit! That gives him…TWO for the whole spring!!
By Patrick
March 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Escobar is SICK! .571 BA so far this spring
Where’s that guy from SI again?
Bueller..bueller…
By ray kelsey
March 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
If DOB is dutifully blogging inning by inning updates for us then the season must be getting close!!!
I can hardly contain my enthusiasm—but for one thing: do any of us really believe in our hearts that Mike Hampton is going to make it to May, let alone down the stretch? (Bobby’s assessments are always so optimistic he could make the Bubonic Plague sound like a little chest congestion.) Let’s all be glad we didn’t have to pony up the majority of that 121 million and admit that the emperor has no clothes.
He can cover up with Hampton’s jersey since Mike won’t be using it.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Wandy struck him out on four pitches — fouled one off to right, took an awkward swing on an inside pitch for strike 2 (look like he tried to stop, but too late to pull back), then, took a ball, then looked at a a nasty curveball for strike 3.
An E5 has loaded the bases for Javy, with two outs.
By nOLIE
March 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I don’t know. IMO if this Escobar kid keeps hitting we might have to start considering him as a possible starter instead of just an utility infielder.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Got ahead of javy 0-2, and Javy impressed me by laying off two curveballs inside and low, now took a fastball away off the plate for full count….
Fouled off a pitch…. then took what appeared to be 89-mph sinker on the inside corner for strike 3.
inning over, still tied, 1-1.
By McFann
March 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
How come every time the Braves have a big rally, McCann gets out? Dude, it’s not fair!
By brent a.
March 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I love grits.
But, if you’re uncertain about them, try that goo-ey grit thing they serve up at the Flying Biscuit.
An adjustment to make from traditional grits, but for many, I’m sure, easier to swallow than the classic dish.
By jim
March 8, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
McCann out after 4 innings (2 AB — 1 H). McCann was catching and Sammons is the DH. Why not reverse the roles and let McCann get some more consecutive ABs?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo Reyes , two innings pitched , five walks and four strikeouts while giving up just one run.
That is a regular Houdini act on the mound.
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Braves dropped four on the Reds, lead 6-4. Carlyle off the hook, sort of.
By Mark Fanxeira
March 8, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
nOLIE:
Over Lil Bridge? Every sportswriter outside of ATL calls your bluff. It’s obviouis Escobar is just overachieving:)…….
By Mark Fanxeira
March 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
nOLIE:
Over Lil Bridge? Every sportswriter outside of ATL calls your bluff. It’s obviouis Escobar is just overachieving:)…….
By mr baseball
March 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
With only 5 available bench spots, the Braves do not need to carry 2 backup catchers, even if there is no obvious backup 1B. Javy can be the backup catcher, backup 1B and primary RH pinch hitter all by his lonesome.
Barring injury, Tex will start all but a handful of games this season. You do not need a true backup 1B for him. On the 2 or 3 days he might take a break, Javy could start there, and if there was some reason McCann had to come out of the game, Javy just moves to catcher. No rules against that.
As far as pinch hitting, Javy would not be used before the 8th or 9th inning, barring one of Chance the Manager’s brain freezes. For all those scared to death that something might happen to McCann with Javy out of the game, please site the number of times in the last year/decade/whenever, where the Braves (or any team) had to use an emergency catcher. IT NEVER HAPPENS.
As far as needing a backup for Chipper, whoever plays behind him at 3B is going to represent a huge dropoff. Lillibridge gives the team some actual talent in that role, but if Chipper stays healthy, the only serious playing time the kid will get is as a semi-platoon CF with Kotsay. It would be nice if the Braves could pick up a Wes Helms type who could back up at 1B, 3B and pinch hit, but it’s doubtful the team is going to pay a bench player the kind of money Helms is making. There will, however, be backup types available as teams make their final cuts, so there’s a decent chance the Braves bench in 3 weeks might have a different look.
The genius ex-GM repeatedly left the Braves with sub-standard benches coming out of Spring Training, frequently dumping decent young players the manager never gave a serious opportunity to play. Let’s see if Wren can improve on his predecessor’s legacy, or will follow in his footsteps and wait ‘til August to upgrade the backup situation.
By McFann
March 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Boscan? Who is Boscan?
By Mark Fanxeira
March 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
nOLIE:
Over Lil Bridge? Every sportswriter outside of ATL calls your bluff. It’s obviouis Escobar is just overachieving:)…….
By Mark Fanxeira
March 8, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Reyes is like jorge Sosa circa 2005
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Just got back from talking to Jo-Jo, who said he simply had no “feel” for his fastball or changeup today. And he was trying to throw the ball to the plate when he fell, not trying to avoid a balk (I think I would’ve lied and said I was trying to avoid a balk)….
Diory Hernandez hit a two-run homer over in Sarasota, where the wind’s apparently blowing out even harder than it is here.
Yunel just botched a play, Astros have bases loaded with one out against Royce Ring in the fifth.
By TJ
March 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
jim, technically, I don’t think you can do that (switch DH and catcher). The DH can only be replaced by a player off the bench, not by a guy already in the lineup (although, if we asked nice, Houston would probably allow it in a ST game).
Does seem like big mac could use all the swings he can get…
By jed
March 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
well, i’ll let the hampton thing go, but, yes, at 15 mil/per, and having taken the last 2 years off, i’d figure yoga would be in his repertoire at the very least. the hammy in november and now this dont inspire confidence in that theory.
as for back-up first basemen, i’ll take pena over thorman anyday. the guy’s got value. a .300 hitter in richmond, who can play 1b, OF, and catch? hard to compare that to what we saw from thorman last year.
By FJR
March 8, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Jason Grey listed Escobar as one of the guys who he thinks is slightly underrated (for fantasy baseball).
Yunel Escobar, 2B/3B/SS, Braves: There are a lot of things to like about Escobar this season: He has a lock on a starting job, multiple-position eligibility and he bulked up a bit this offseason to try to add some more power to his game. He hit a little bit above his head last year, but he could challenge .300 with double-digit homers and a few steals. He’s very intriguing, because many are looking at his minor league numbers and shortchanging him a bit, but if you watch him play, you see how his line-drive swing can put up some nice offensive numbers.
By jim
March 8, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Seems like Bennett is following Carlyle with a Reyes-like inning. 2 WP, 2 BB, a double, an error, and 3 runs. Maybe some of us on this blog should shwo the guy that’s won 22 games in 1 and 1/2 years in the majors a little more respect!
By the way, what is happening in this game? MLB.com seems stuck at the end of 4.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Ring gave up two runs in the fifth inning, including Pence’s two-run triple after a wind-blow popup that fell in for a hit.
He got out of the one-out bases-loaded situation with a popup and a 5-3 groundout, with Tex making a nice scoop of Chipper’s one-hop throw.
But the damage was done. Braves down 3-1….
Ridgway pitching now, in the sixth.
To start inning, grounder hit to 2B J.C. Holt is botched. First inning, first ball hit to the kid is an E4. He’s one of the fill-in guys brought over from minor league camp for this split-squad game.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Van Pope and Dan Smith are also over here, though not in the game yet (Chipper’s still in at 3B).
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
VERY STRONG 6-4-3 double play turned by prospect SS Brandon Hicks to Holt to Teixeira. Very quick pivot by Holt with a runner about to take his legs out (he took him out, but Holt got the throw off before he got taken out)
Single through left side drives in unearned run, Astros 4-1.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Chipper just crushed a double into the wind in RF, landed on the warning track. Double.
He’s out for pinch-runner Van Pope, so now the Braves will have Hicks, Holt and Pope in the infield, and I’m guessing Flowers will replace Tex.
Javy just popped up to short with Chipper on third and one out.
By TJ
March 8, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
jed, before you let it go, do you have any idea what Hampton’s workout/stretching routine has been for the past month, 4 months, 2 years (whatever)? I read just about anything I can get my hands on, regarding the Braves, and all I’ve ever read is that he’s very committed to getting and staying healthy; but I’ve never seen anything to indicate whether he does yoga or pilates or swims with the manatees, or any other details.
All this griping about his conditioning, and your assumption that he’s been lazy about it, just comes off as petty jealousy that he makes a lot of money. That’s how baseball works, my friend. If he were an NFL player, he’d probably have been cut and not paid 3 years ago, but the mlbpa has made sure that once a guy signs a contract, he gets paid on it.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Don’t know what happened to the blog, but it was screwed for a while.
Anyway, Kotsay had a great piece of hitting on an opposite-field RBI single through the left side in the sixth, and Borchard had an opposite-field single before Brandon Jones struck out looking to end the inning.
Over in SARASOTA, Bennett followed Carlyle by pitching even worse than Carlyle did: Bennett gave up three hits, five runs (three earned), two walks in two innings. His throwing error led to the two unearned runs.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Bennett also had THREE wild pitches and hit Adam Dunn with a pitch.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Paul Bunyan (Flowers) comes to the plate with two on and none out in the seventh….
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
TJ, he’s only been swimming with manatees since he got back down here to Florida.
By McFann
March 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with jim’s 2:26 post. Why don’t they let McCann DH so he cann get some AB, and then maybe his average would go up!
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Flowers struck out, after hitting a hard bouncer down left field line that went foul by a foot….
Over in Sarasota, Morton maintained the awful-line pace by lasting two-thirds of an inning and being charged with four hits, four runs (one earned), the unearned runs after an error by 1B Canizares.
By Jared
March 8, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Bennett: 2.0IP 3H 5R 3ER 2BB 0SO
Ouch. But…but…he had a good winter ball!
I said it in the offseason and I’ll say it again: if Bennett or Carlyle pitch any number of significant innings as a starter for the Atlanta Braves, at least before September call-ups, then there will be no playoffs this year because something has gone horribly wrong.
Where is Chuck James anyway? Feel like I’ve heard nothing about him at all.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
What a weird, windy, ragged day at the yard(s).
By Pete H.
March 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Ugly day for Brave pitching. Really ugly day.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Chuck James hasn’t pitched yet, but is climbing back into his old job….
(ok, kidding. but only partly)
By Anders
March 8, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Just because I know the good folks on this Brave blog have been so pre-occupied with all the Mets injuries here’s an update on who reported for duty in the Met game today - Brian Schneider (homered) Endy Chavez, Ryan Curch (two singles), Damian Easely (two run HR)and DuanerSanchez (pitched one inning gave up one walk).
Tomorow Jose Valentin reports for duty.
Beltran and Delgado are due back shortly(per the broadcasters).
By Patrick
March 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Boyer pitched great today
The one and only… I really hope he makes the team. I think the Braves would really regret it if they let him go
By ncgary
March 8, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
cj stock does seem to be climbing over the past couple of days
By Ben
March 8, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Does Borchard have any experience at 1B? So far he’s earned a spot on the team, and if we trade Thorman, Borchard could step in as the backup.
By Anders
March 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Per DOB:
What a weird, windy, ragged day at the yard(s).
Per Bobb Cox in a couple of hours:
“What normal, nice, calm, tight day at the park today. I thought things went well.”
By KC
March 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Mike Hampton spent 45 minutes on a stationary bike and displayed no visible discomfort as he climbed two sets of stairs before exiting Disney’s Champion Stadium on Saturday morning.
All indications were that the mild right groin strain he’d suffered during Friday afternoon’s game against the Tigers wouldn’t prove to be a lingering problem.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Brandon Hicks just hit a line-drive homer out to left, wind-aided but a homer nonetheless. Nice stroke on it.
By Jared
March 8, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Does Borchard have any experience at 1B? So far he’s earned a spot on the team, and if we trade Thorman, Borchard could step in as the backup.
It amazes me how many people want to give spots to terrible players based on hitting fastballs in meaningless games.
Borchard has a .205/.284/.352 line in 716 career at-bats. This is an outfielder folks, not a backup utility infielder putting up these numbers.
I really would take a younger player with more potential and upside like Scott Thorman over Joe Borchard.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Van Pope just picked up a single. Some possible future Braves are getting some ninth-inning knocks here, unfortunately stretching this game past the 4 o’clock hour, and now the KU-Texas A&M game is starting.
By FJR
March 8, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
the more I read from people other than the ones on this blog the more I’m seeing that this hampton “injury” is just bobby being super cautious (can’t say I blame him). People who are trying to say Hampton has no heart and just wants to sit on teh DL, Hampton wanted to stay in teh game.
How many times during the regular season do you see a pitcher come off the mound briefly and stretch out his legs? That’s all this was, bobby and jeff porter saw it and decided better to be safe than sorry.
I know we’re all trained to expect the worst from hampton, but I mean this kind of thing is nothing, and making lame horse jokes, while funny, is a little much.
However, if you were to read this blog only you would come away with the impression that his hamstring had come unattached from his leg.
By Lew
March 8, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Anders-Don’t worry, Dude, there’s plenty of time for them all to get injured again-and they will. Just be patient.
By David-ATL14
March 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Coach, Thorman is not the answer to any question that an MLB team should be asking when constructing a bench worthy of helping compete for a divisonal title.
Don’t know exactly who will be the backup just know that it won’t be Thorman. I hope Pena can stay as a 3rd catcher/1b option but if not anybody will be a better option than Thorman.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Yes Sir , it has been rough sledding the last three games.
After Thursday’s game the Braves were 7-2 with a team ERA of 2.58 , now we are 7-5 with an ERA of 3.73. not to mention being outscored 29 to 18 during these last three games.
Yikes !
By Greg in TN
March 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Afternoon gang,
Looks like a forgettable day today on the mound in both games with the exception of Phil Stockman in Sarasota against the Reds who yielded a double to Armando Rios, but got out of the inning with just that hit and a strikeout and Vladimir Nunez, who pitched a scoreless 8th with a strikeout.
Meanwhile back at Dark Star, quite the wild day on the mound by several hurlers including Jo-Jo Reyes who seemed to give up everything in two innings except a hit. It sounds like Blaine Boyer pitched well in his inning of work while Bueno pitched okay, or no mal if you habla Espanol.
Hampton’s injury, as frustrating as it was yesterday, can be dealt with easily. Anything outside of the man’s left arm doesn’t bother me. The stationary bike work today is a good sign that this is just a little setback to this point.
Nice to see some of the youth making a noise in the ninth inning against the Astros even if the wind aided some of that.
By TJ
March 8, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Pena make the team too. I respect DOB’s view of it (he’s the one down there watching the team and talking to folks), but hope he’s wrong on this one.
From what I know, you don’t really want Pena playing anywhere everyday, but he can hit, and he’d be okay filling at … catcher, 1B, 3B, and even corner outfield. To me, that’s a guy worth having. It frees us up to use Javy as either the backup catcher or a pinch hitter, without having to worry about being caught short.
We may regret giving up Thorman if we go that route, but really, Thor will be 26 this season, 27 before he gets a real shot in 2009 (if Tex walks). By then, he’s a little old for ‘prospect’ status.
I think if we can get something useful for Thorman we should pull the trigger and put Pena on the 25 man roster.
By JC from UT
March 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
DOB: are you hearing any substatial or realistic rumors regarding Thorman or anyone else who is out of options?
By Capt. Caveman
March 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Hey LEW
I see your making friends AGAIN !!
By Lew
March 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB-I hear what you’re saying about the top five stories. However, the fifth story-the missing couple are friends of one of our Denizens, Savannah Guy. The whole situation is not good. They found their car, but not them.
Caveman-With friends like you, etc.-Why bother?
By ncscoots
March 8, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
cj stock does seem to be climbing over the past couple of days
Yes, not pitching could do that…for Chuck, anyway, LOL.
I see that a windy day and bad pitching karma tends to snap the blog’s head around on some of the Braves’ pitchers. :-) Some of those bloodied today were yesterday’s “locks”, weren’t they?
And, DOB, I know you’re probably covered this in the past, but I’m gonna ask, anyway: just how DID a good old Carolina boy end up at Kansas? Man, that just seems HARSH! LOL
By Lew
March 8, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Scoots-Boyer and Ridgeway still looked good. If we do indeed have bullpen problems with Soriano and/or Moylan, both of them could come in quite handy-especially if Boyer is past any injury problems he had-which appears to be the case.
By richbrave
March 8, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
GREG IN TENNESSEE:
“Not Bad” Greg. Se ablamos espagnol, signoir.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Very sorry to hear that about Savannah Guy. Had no idea.
By Lew
March 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
DOB-Wouldn’t have known it myself if I hadn’t talked to him the other day. I know he just got back to town and may not know they found their car. The kind of situation you always read about or hear about on the tube, but never think you might go through it yourself. Hope we never have to, either.
By Metropolitan Man
March 8, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Since your vets got rocked today and are banged up, check out this article to give you credit about youth. This spring I have come to see the value of it and its proven in print here.
http://www.topix.com/mlb/new-york- mets
LETS GO METS!!
By Shamus Thacker
March 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
The bullpen scares me to death.
Hope we don’t end up with a closer by committee situation; that’s never good.
By N8
March 8, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
For those of you who like poking fun at the “Moneyball” theory, there is a pretty funny story (tons of sarcasm included in it) on the ESPN Page 2 section. Enjoy.
Money Ball Satire
My favorite quote is this one:
“All these extra numbers that the figure diggers brew up in their maternal subgrade lairs (that’s moms’ basements for you laymen)….”
That’s pretty damn funny if you ask me.
By William
March 8, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Is there any denying that Chipper is a hitting machine???? I know this has already been said a few times, but if he stays healthy for 145 plus games this year hitting behind Tex, I’m seeing a serious run at the MVP of the NL. The great thing about that is he could be battling the guy hitting behind him for it. Think about that for a moment…..two guys having MVP caliber years on the same team. Is it March 31st yet????
By William
March 8, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Ever stop to think that the Mets trolls wouldn’t be lurking on this blog if they didn’t know that we are the ones to beat in the division? Otherwise why would they care what we are saying???
By Metropolitan Man
March 8, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Heres that link again.
http://www.topix.com/mlb/new-york-mets
By chrisklob
March 8, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Metro, could you repost that link?
By chrisklob
March 8, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Metro, never mind. I got it to work.
its proven in print here…..
Why? Because YOU said so? That’s cute Metro-tool. But thanks for letting us know where you blog so we can ALL go over and fill your blog with hate-filled garbage like you do on ours.
By Jared
March 8, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
I am writing this in simple English in order that everyone can read and understand my words. Although not without overlap and simplification, I plan to identify three primary positions on Metropolitan Man’s ebullitions. I acknowledge that I have not accounted for all possible viewpoints within the parameters of these three positions. Nevertheless, Metropolitan Man is wrong. An equal but opposite observation is that Metropolitan Man’s ideological colors may have changed over the years. Nevertheless, his core principle has remained the same: to tour the country promoting wild solipsism in lectures and radio talk show interviews. If you don’t believe me then note that I am more than merely surprised by Metropolitan Man’s willingness to seize control of the power structure. I’m shocked, shocked. And, as if that weren’t enough, Metropolitan Man’s faculty for deception is so far above anyone else’s, it really must be considered different in kind as well as in degree.
Metropolitan Man claims that violence and prejudice are funny. That claim illustrates a serious reasoning fallacy, one that is pandemic in his warnings. Then again, if my memory serves me correctly, Metropolitan Man’s diatribes have created a self-indulgent universe devoid of logic and evidence. Only within this universe does it make sense to say that we have no reason to be fearful about the criminally violent trends in our society today and over the past ten to fifteen years. Only within this universe does it make sense to distort and trivialize the debate surrounding metagrobolism. And, only if we uplift individuals and communities on a global scale to instill a sense of responsibility and maturity in those who see to it that all patriotic endeavors are directed down blind alleys where they end in frustration and discouragement can we destroy this peremptory universe of his and champion the poor and oppressed against the evil of Metropolitan Man.
It would be charitable of me not to mention that I can promise freedom-lovers everywhere that my priorities, observations, countermeasures, and predictions are not in any manner similar to those embraced by Metropolitan Man. Fortunately, I am not beset by a spirit of false charity so I will instead maintain that what I just wrote is not based on merely a single experience or anecdote. Rather, it is based upon the wisdom of accumulated years, spanning two continents, and proven by the fact that I don’t care what others say about him. Metropolitan Man’s still unreasonable, impolitic, and he intends to brand me as lethargic. Metropolitan Man would not hesitate to make sesquipedalianism socially acceptable if he felt he could benefit from doing so.
Unless there is something intellectually provocative in the tired rehashing of vexatious stereotypes, it is simply wrong to conclude that it is Metropolitan Man’s moral imperative to play fast and loose with the truth. If Metropolitan Man thinks that he can make me have an identity crisis then he’s barking up the wrong tree. Although this has been overlooked or ignored by the established scientific community, he claims to be supportive of my plan to enable patriots to use their freedoms to save their freedoms. Don’t trust him, though; he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Before you know it, he’ll recover the dead past by annihilating the living present. Not only that, but I have reason to believe that Metropolitan Man is about to displace meaningful discussion of an issue’s merit or demerit with hunch and emotion. I pray that I’m wrong, of course, because the outcome could be devastating. Nevertheless, the indications are there that Metropolitan Man doubtlessly yearns for the Oriental despotisms of pre-Hellenic times, the neolithic culture that preceded the rise of self-consciousness and egoism. By the same token, he abhors the current era, in which people are free to stand up and fight for our heritage, traditions, and values.
The question, therefore, must not be, “What exactly is Metropolitan Man trying to hide?” but rather, “How can someone who claims to be so educated and so open-minded dare to combine, in a rare mixture, bestial cruelty and an inconceivable gift for lying?”. The latter question is the better one to ask because Metropolitan Man has — not once, but several times — been able to hurt people’s feelings without anyone stopping him. How long can that go on? As long as his nutty, sophomoric screeds are kept on life support. That’s why we have to pull the plug on them and hold out the prospect of societal peace, prosperity, and a return to sane values and certainties. In closing, please remember that my ultimate goal is to straighten out Metropolitan Man’s thinking. If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me.
By jed
March 8, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
tj
first off, surely you’ve noticed the braves organization never talks bad in print about one of their players. i’ve read what you’ve read about hampton, but they’re stuck with him, and they’d like to get something out of the guy, so what upside is there in saying anything other than he’s dedicated? second, i’ve got no problem with the arm injuries. but these hamstring/groin problems are avoidable, and they indicate he’s not doing everything he could to be in shape. if that’s yoga, pilates, swimming with manatee, or auto-erotic asphyxiation, i’d say that, at his salary and given his lack of productivity, he should be doing it. that’s got nothing to do with jealousy. far more to do with growing contempt.
By Karl
March 8, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
”* Sources have told The Braves Show.com that a trade involving Scott Thorman this spring is very possible. The Braves are considering their other options for first base, including Mark Kotsay (28 games in his career), Brayan Pena (22 games at first in AAA last season), Matt Diaz (2 games there last year), and Joe Borchard (1 game). Thorman is out of options, so the Braves are having to make a decision on him. Pena is also out of options, but with his time at first and his ability to be a third catcher he could have more value than Thorman. What could the Braves get for Thorman? Maybe a reliever?”
http://braves.scout.com/2/735653.html
By FJR
March 8, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
jed, you talk like somebody who has never played baseball at a level higher than middle school. Hampton DIN’T EVEN MISS A SRING TRAINING START!
His goin just tightened up a little, something that happens all the time even to people who have been pitching regularly for a long time.
By William
March 8, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
In Hampton’s defense. Guess it’s not just him. See below.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett’s back pain began when he landed on a soft spot after his first warmup pitch. He threw five more, then walked off the field before the game even started.
Did these things not happen 20 years ago or did we just not have blogs etc…. to scrutinize every single injury? It sure seems like guys weren’t so soft 20 years ago and they got paid a heck of a lot less. Granted, no reason to try to be a hero during Spring Training. It makes sense not to take unnecessary risk in the Spring.
By TJ
March 8, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
I’ll just ask again, Jed. Do you know what Hampton has been doing, or not doing, to get/stay in shape? Or you just assume that anyone who pulls a muscle is out of shape? Gimme some facts, and maybe I’ll agree. Otherwise, I’m gonna stick with the opinion of everyone I’ve ever heard or read - that Hampton is a superior athlete who works harder than just about anyone.
(I’m sure that “on his salary” he can probably afford a personal trainer or three, not to mention the oversight of the Braves’ training staff… but of course, you know better, having never seen him (I’m guessing, except maybe from the 26th row at the Ted) and having no knowledge of his physiology or his workout routine.)
Apparently you agree that the elbow wasn’t “his fault.” Okay, so we’ve got a pulled hamstring, which lost us the pleasure of reading about him pitching in the friggin’ Mexican Winter League; and a twinge in a groin, which cut his scheduled 3 innings on March 6 down to 1.1. Oh, the humanity, as they used to say here. I can sure understand your “contempt” for Mike Hampton!
Maybe he should’ve manned up, like Kyle Davies did, and pitched through the sore groin until it required surgery and a missed season!
By jed
March 8, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
fjr
who stuck a nickel in you, anyway?
i said i’d drop it and i will, but you can bet i’ll bring it back up if he strains something else. it’s a reasonable thing to wonder about at this point.
By jed
March 8, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
tj
sorry i’ve challenged your sports-hero worship in some way. frankly, i think hampton’s own words were peculiar enough to raise the question in the first place. then, we have successive muscle strains & pulls in the last 3 months, again raising the question of his conditioning. dismiss the successive injuries if you wish, but you should realize that my questioning is as reasonable as your faith.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Karl, a trade for Thorman is possible, and a trade for Brayan Pena is very possible this spring. Boyer is out of options, but he could very well make the bullpen if he stays healthy and keeps impressing this spring. If not, he’d probably be traded because the Braves will surely lose him if they put him on waivers….
ncscoots, i’ve covered the ground you referred to, so i’ll keep it quick as not to bore those who’ve heard it: My dad was in meatpacking industry, and got a promotion from traveling salesman to management in Memphis, where we lived a couple years.
Then the plant there was going to close and he got an offer for a promotion at a plant in a little Kansas town on the Oklahoma border, had to take it, since the one in Memphis was closing.
While I didn’t particularly enjoy living in a tiny, blue-collar town in southcentral Kansas, I loved every minute of my college experience in Lawrence, Kan., so much so that I might go back to live there in 12-15 years and teach in the J-school. It’s a great college town.
Wouldn’t have changed a thing, really, simply because of how things ended up. Things really do happen for a reason, I’ve come to believe.
My brother and his family still live back in Kansas City, as do a couple of my closest friends. So I get to go back quite a bit.
My parents went full circle and are now retired back in Wilson, N.C., only about 30 miles from where I grew up in Greenville, and close to where each of them are from (dad’s from Oxford, N.C., mom’s from Robersonville, N.C., cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. live all over central and eastern part of the state).
By TJ
March 8, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Jed, what did Hampton say? All I heard that was because of the hamstring, he hasn’t been able to work his legs into shape. Which makes sense, and might explain the groin pull. That’s kinda what Spring Training is for, isn’t it?
Hey, the guy may be injury-proned. Hard to really argue that. Some people are. I just don’t like assuming the worst about a player, his character or work ethic, when from all I’ve heard, he is a stand-up guy.
Guess we’ve beaten this horse to death, though. Let’s hope for the best, even if it doesn’t prove your point. Have the last say if you want; I’m done on this subject! (unless you really set me off again, of course)
By BossLady
March 8, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I went back and read those AJC lead stories. I still think these murderers should be taken to IRAQ, let off the plane and given back their weapons. America has too many liberties and life is too comfortable. They should lose their right to be in this country. They should take Brian Nichols,Hilton and all the life convicts to Afghanistan and Cuba let them off the plane too.
By Overlord
March 8, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
DOB if braves trade thorman and/or Peña, what do you think they would go for?
Do you think it is a good move to trade Thorman?….. i mean, you think this kids bat wont get better?
I wouldnt trade peña.
TEX needs a back up, and i certainly dont think Thorman is enough. Peña is a better choice.
What about javy……i have not seen cox make something to make me believe javy is backing 1B also.
By David O'Brien
March 8, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
This Carolina-Duke game is terrific.
By Bubba Tar Heel
March 8, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
DOB UNC 76 Duke 68 and Roy’s boys are still #1.I hope we play your sod busters in the NCAA tourney.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
The silver lining is…..the Braves are averaging a little more than six runs a game , which is pretty good , even for spring training.
By brian
March 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
yes the Carolina-Duke game was terrific. I would love to ask Dookie V one question - does he honestly think that Hansbrough was not fouled just one time while he was shooting? Lawson said he was at 80% - I do not know if I would even give him that. If Lawson does not get back to full speed, no way do they beat Kansas, Memphis, or GTown
By Overlord
March 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach what do you think is going to happen with thorman? What do you think about the backup for TEX?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 8, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Overlord , I have no idea who would back up Tex if Thorman is traded.
Frankly , I’m more concerned with who will be the back up for Chipper.
Matt Diaz , Mark Kotsay , Brayan Pena and Joe Borchard were mentioned by Bill Shanks as possible candidates for 1B.
I believe there are more names being discussed as trade bait than just Scott Thorman.
Cox likes having veterans on his bench. Although , Brent lillibridge and Josh Anderson bring a much needed element that the team has been missing……speed at the top of the order.
We will just have to wait and see where all this goes.
By Shamus Thacker
March 8, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Hope Hammy doesn’t change his motion because of the bad hammy. Wouldn’t surprise me if his arm flew completely off…
If it flew into the stands, where would they get another arm to give the fan who caught it? Might as well just let em keep Hammy’s, fer all the good it’ll ever do the Bravos… Young guys should be getting those innings, period, excla-damn-mation point!
By Overlord
March 8, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
You think Thorman can be better with the bat? Why are the braves so high about him?, he looks very bad at the plate, no discipline, no clue.
By Jack
March 9, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
I know it is early, but I can’t see Javy making the club although I am pulling for him. I hate to see Thorman go but his days are also numbered it would appear. I really like the infield talent we have in the farm system. I know the pitching seems to get all the attention when taking about the minor league Braves but that could be changing.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 9, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
One more thing to consider. Mark Teixeira played the full 162 game schedule in 2005 and 2006.
The Braves could be thinking that they won’t need much help behind him this season. Making a back up at 1B less of a priority than other needs , such as the bullpen and a big veteran bat behind Chipper at 3B.
By Overlord
March 9, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Jack why is it that you think javy is not making the roster?
By Niels Boor
March 9, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
ippississiM —
Will do. Thanks.
By Niels Boor
March 9, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
ippississiM—
Looks like a GREAT start!
I’m impressed by the scope of your inquiry — I had limited myself to just Mets and just kids due to time, etc.
(Don’t be surprised if your “most in-depth, research-intensive reporting” turns out to be an understatement before you’re through.
More later.
By nOLIE
March 9, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
In closing, please remember that my ultimate goal is to straighten out Metropolitan Man’s thinking. If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me.Jared
Damm! I was just about to post exactly the same thing… though not nearly as succinctly as you did I’m sure.Preach on !
By nOLIE
March 9, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Although , Brent lillibridge and Josh Anderson bring a much needed element that the team has been missing……speed at the top of the order.Coach
though for the most part neither one is likely to spend much time at the top of the order
By Niels Boor
March 9, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Hey, DOB—
Does AJC pay for your sports magazine subscriptions, or do you deduct them from your taxes as a bidniss expense? (Or — mum’s the word — both?)
Nunna my bidniss — just wondering.
8-0
By Overlord
March 9, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
I wonder what Martin Prado thinks of the President of his country (Hugo Chavez). Fidel Castro is gone, but he left some seeds in Venezuela. Hugo Chavez in you tube
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
uga,
just got back from watching the duke-carolina game. uga hung out with a bunch of carolina fans. uga is a duke fan.
uga is only a duke fan because of coach K.
UGA only speaks of himself in the third person because the BEER was free. and besides that all the girls were really HOT.
IF you really want to find hot women, hang out with UNC fans or go to the GROVE in oxford miss.
GURANTEE the grove in oxford, is pretty darn good.
and on top of that the DAWGS always kick ole miss’ a*.
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
so now that reality has finally kicked us in the butt.
like scoots said, which at least i thought i knew. carlyle is not a guy you want pitching meaningful innings.
the current collection of pitchers could go either way. smoltz, hudson, glavine? all have good pedigrees.
but they all have mileage.
there was a time when the braves produced great pitchers. then of course that was before TIME WARNER CUT THE SCOUTING BUDGET.
then again we lost our top scout to K.C. drayton moore.
the braves in a cost cutting move eliminated half of our scouts.
you want to blame our current medioricty on anything, blame the cheap current liberty media, faceless owners of this team.
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
Bay Area Steve,
left a WHISKEY for you. as far as the hard stuff goes, like scotch better.
sipping whiskey is always good. pair that with a good DUNHILL, and me and the boys can tell lies all night.
either way, going down to PUNTA CANA next week. getting married soon so we are scouting sights.
anybody been to the D.R.?
well at least i know not to go to the other side of the mountain.
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this
the day from hell,
spent the entire day at the MACY’S bridal show.
you guys that have done the same thing are my heros.
By BayAreaSteve
March 9, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this
Did somebody say whiskey?
And did somebody really just ask DOB if he deducts his magazine subscriptions?
DOB, follow up question: Do you prefer one-ply or two?
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
bay area steve is in the house?
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this
been to san fran a couple of times steve. love china basin. the pac bell is a great ball park.
By BayAreaSteve
March 9, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this
As long as you never again mention the Macy’s bridal show.
Ever.
Seriously.
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 4:41 AM | Link to this
my friend, you did not have to sit there like i did.
there was a time i prayed for a merciful death.
By BayAreaSteve
March 9, 2008 4:50 AM | Link to this
No doubt. Better you than me. So decribe the women, in third person please.
By uga-brave
March 9, 2008 5:04 AM | Link to this
think the thought of the “price is right”
a lot of fat women winning prizes for free.
i would not wish the the experience i went through today on my worst enemy.
By BayAreaSteve
March 9, 2008 5:14 AM | Link to this
Sorry, meant the Carolina-Duke game. You mentioned the scenery with the UNC fans.
By Capt. Caveman
March 9, 2008 5:28 AM | Link to this
uga-brave and bay area steve
What the hell is that post from Jared at 7:38pm about??
I know I hit the bong a little when I was younger but I lost understanding about half way through that diatribe.
By BayAreaSteve
March 9, 2008 5:37 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Caveman, I didn’t try. He leads with “simple English” yet somehow, manages to make every other word 5 syllables.
Not to mention, he was posting to MetroMan. I’ve decided not to waste any of my time with those self-involved fools (Met fans who post on a Braves blog MORE than the Braves fans).
By Capt. Caveman
March 9, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this
Yeah I know. I have never understood why people use BIG words to sound smart but end up looking desperate to be considered intelligent.
You know he had a thesaurus open looking for words.
By Mike S
March 9, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Screw whoever invented daylight savings time!
By ncscoots
March 9, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Too bad about the Duke-Carolina game. Though I spit at the mention of either program, I was actually pulling for the Dookies. I wanted the Tigers to be in the same conference tourney bracket as the Heels, because I really, REALLY want a third shot at those suckers after the two robberies against them this year. But beating Duke AND the Heels in the conference tourney might be a little much to ask, even for me.
now, baseball…I think we’ve made it past that first week of all-out optimism (a little of yesterday’s pitchng “performances” goes a long way). Now we can settle in for the rest of ST, see how the roster will ACTUALLY start shaping up, and concentrate on the important stuff…like rumor-mongering. Probably a pool on the first out-of-options-player-traded is appropriate. Also one on how many players will be on the opening 25-man who were not in camp on Day One.
Because it’s hard for me to imagine the Braves breaking camp with Javy and four rookies on the bench (the blog preference, so far; at least, that’s my perception).
In any event, we’re probably still at least 10 days away from any significant roster movement, so get those rumors and trade scenarios honed, sharpened, and blogged.
And somebody get me Frenchy’s BP hit chart, LOL.
By David O'Brien
March 9, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I’ll try to write a new blog after my fingers and face thaw out from the ride in to the ballpark. About 44 degrees, but it’s supposed to get up to the high 60s later. Beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky.
By David O'Brien
March 9, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Oh, and UGA Brave: All day at a bridal show?
Damn, you’re a better man than me. I guess. Maybe I’d still be married if I’d agreed to something like that.
Then again, I think I’d rather pay a divorce settlement.
By Lew
March 9, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
DOB-33 years of marriage and my wife knows better than to even suggest a day at a Bridal Show.
By Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker
March 9, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Ahhhhh SPRING TRAINING…
1.) Hampton is injured as usual…WTF type of injury does he have? it’s been 4 years
2.) Glavine is threatening a Players Strike if the Umps don’t give him an 1” on either side of the Plate…
3.) Glavine, Smoltz, and Frenchie playing golf with a 1/2 African American—1/2 Asian….oh yeaaaaaa its Tiger Woods…Tell me they’d do that if it wasn’t Tiger…
What a FARCE….SAME OLE SAME OLE
By ssiscribe
March 9, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Yeah, same here. Nearly nine years of marriage, and why do I love my wife so?
She was humming the theme to “Baseball Tonight” the other day. Then, she asks me what song it was. When I told her, she said, “sweet. Won’t be long now.”
I’m a lucky guy, for sure.
Of course, on the other hand, I’ve installed more shower heads, hung more pictures and birdfeeders, and done more general “guy housework” than normal the past few days. Of course, we just moved into a house that’s a substantial upgrade from our previous abode, so I guess we all feel the need to get things done like this from the start.
That, and once March 30 arrives, all of that nonsense ends …
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Thrillhouse44
March 9, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
I must admit that as a future Married Man, I’ve done some things that I’d rather not have done. But I’m pretty proud to say that I haven’t been to a bridal show.
By TommyP
March 9, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
My comments didn’t go through yesterday ‘cause of my connection so I’ll try again.
Not married but girlfriend is a Godsend. Besides the fact she’s model-like HOT, she also yells to me when PTI is coming on, refers to Matt Stafford as “that’s MR. Stafford in this house, buddy”, and buys me a kegerator so I always have beer on tap. Ahhhhh…. maybe that’s why I see the optimistic side in so many things.
Matt Foley: I have no idea what the racially-motivated golf comment has to do with anything. Do you really think those players play with Tiger simply ‘cause he’s multi-ethnic???? It’s obvious you think so but many others would never let that cross their minds. You’re sad.
Some of y’all need to quit the Hampton-bashing. It’s pretty clear that most think of him as a player with a “bulldog mentality.”
Now if it’s found out that he does no strength or stretching programs in the off-season and during the season, then flame away. I just have a hard time believing that.
Interesting stat: Teixeira is #1 ALL-TIME for most homeruns by a switchhitter during his first 5 seasons. (Mantle 5th)
By stephen jones
March 9, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
uga: i feel for you brother but never went that far.
made to Dark Star in 1 piece after nearly gettin killed in the storms. could be a little warmer, but its still 50 degrees warmer than home, right Lew?
By Thrillhouse44
March 9, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Matt Foley, when I don’t like something I usually A.) Do something about it. Or B.) Stop paying attention to it. B-ing and moaning won’t get you anywhere. Thanks for motivating me to appreciate my outlook on life.
By David O'Brien
March 9, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Matt Foley, you’re a real gem. Must be rough getting through each day with that boulder on your shoulder.
By richbrave
March 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Yeah O’Brien, you tell him. What’s the racial issue in Foley’s motivational 9:38 a.m.post? Would try to figure it out, but Tommy P’s already covered it.
By woogidy
March 9, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Why do we even acknowledge posts like that(Matt Foley, 9:38) though? Just skip over those or they will continue to post.
By richbrave
March 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
LEW:
Congratulations on you marital longevity.
By McFann
March 9, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Did anybody read that story about that Rays-Yankees collision? Sheesh, I mean, it’s Spring Training. There’s no need to play “hardball”. They were going to win, anyway. I just don’t think that’s necessary at this time of year.
By David-ATL14
March 9, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Coach and others
Got the perfect bench acquistion for Wren. Signed for 2008 and 2009. Not expensive in terms of salary, shouldn’t cost a lot in terms of talent either.
Proven MLB player recently adjusted to a backup role and is being shopped as we speak.
I will post his name in the forthcoming blog. We can discuss there.Not trying to be coy just afraid that DOB will post new blog as soon as I type his name. Discussion will be lost then.
Nothing earth shattering but a sloid under the radar type move that I could see the Braves making very shortly.
By Austin
March 9, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
DOB
I know this has been asked about 100 times. Okay. A thousand times. But what is the best time to get to the ballpark for autographs? Thanks
By Braveheart
March 9, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Yep, only two more months until Thrillhouse becomes KilledHouse.
I would go to his wedding but the rumor is that his first dance with his bride is gonna be to “Everybody Wang Chung Tonight.”
Kinda cheesy, Thrillhouse.
And Thrillhouse, I am indeed busy prepping for St. Paddy’s Day. Got the movie marathon ready for the week. Quiet Man. State of Grace. The Departed. Far and Away. Gangs of New York. The Brothers McMullen. She’s The One. All on the schedule for this week. Gotta save The Quiet Man for St. Paddy’s Day. A WPIX tradition up in NYC when I was growing up.
The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftans, The Pogues, Black 47, U2, Van Morrison, House of Pain, DropKick Murphies, Seamus Egan, 4 To the Bar, Flogging Molly, The Real McKenzies, Eileen Ivers, Shilelagh Law, Thin Lizzy (thanx for the rec last year Lew), Stiff Little Fingers (thanks for that rec last year as well DOB) and, yes, even the Cranberries, will all receive heavy play on the IPOD this week. I will even play Bing Crosby a few times to remember my grandfather who loved playing ole Bing’s stuff and The Wolfe Tones to remember my grandmother who loved playing their stuff.
I still can’t get into Declan MacManus despite much effort, much to DOB’s consternation.
By Braveheart
March 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I saw Mike Pagliarulo had a note the other day about Andy Marte. This is what Pags had to say:
LOOKING BAD: Indians’ third baseman Andy Marte has disappointed in three major league stints, producing a career line of .201/.263/.316 in 278 at bats, good (bad) for an OPS+ of 59. But he’s showing some of the power potential that led the Indians to acquire him from Boston in exchange for Coco Crisp. He has the plus power, and he’s just 24, but he hasn’t made the necessary hitting adjustments to be a consistent major leaguer. The Indians aren’t happy with his defense at third and had him playing first against the Reds.
http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=1066
By Lew
March 9, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
RichBrave-Thanks Dude. That’s one thing I agree with President Bush about-I definitely married UP. She’s even into College basketball, which I couldn’t care less about (happy DOB?)-baseball and football are no problems, but my price for watching 300+ baseball games a year is having to watch figure skating when there’s no football on in the winter. At least curling (either in hair or on ice) is not an issue-soccer either.
Thrillhouse-The trick is to convince her very early in the relationship that shopping on her own is much more enjoyable and rewarding than listening to you b!tch about being there. Careful, though, it’s a very fine line. Kathy knows that I’ll help her pick out one outfit in one store and then she’s on her own. After that one store she does shoes and I do CD’s. I can live with that.
By Lew
March 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Stephen Jones-Only 40 degrees, Dude. At least there’s no appreciable snow today, just 50 MPH winds and ice, slush and mush abounding.
That’s OK. I’ve got to work on Chipper’s deer painting while I listen to the new Black Crowes CD. Not a bad job at all. I won;t even notice the weather.