Braves

By David-ATL14

March 9, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

The player Wren needs to look into acquiring is Ronnie Belliard of the Nationals.

Makes 1.6M for 08 is signed for 09 at the reasonable price of 1.9M.

Can backup Tex at 1b, could give KJ a day off against the occassional tough southpaw. Could play 3b daily for a short period of time if Chipper went down also.

A thoroughly professional bat. Double digit power in every season since 2004.

Comes with this endorsement also. Tony LaRussa called him the most baseball savy player he’s managed in MLB.

Also this good bit of fortune he’s being shopped by the nats to accomadate the Boone nepotism. Bob in the Front office along with Aaron and Brett in camp.

Perfect pickup for the Braves IMO.

What say ye crusading everyman?

By gobraves

March 9, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

1st?

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Still wish we could trade Thorman.

By FJR

March 9, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

We still have one maybe two spots available for braves blog fantasy baseball. Its free and hosted by ESPN. Our draft is next sunday.

e-mail me if you’re interested.

fjrabon@gmail.com

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Eric, I’m not saying they can’t, or won’t, trade Thorman. They might trade him tomorrow. I’m just saying, I don’t see how they can without getting another first baseman who can fill in for a week, three weeks, whatever. Because Tex can get hurt just like anyone else. You see what I’m saying?

By ncgary

March 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

ronnie belliard would be a smart pick up, i concur

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones continues to look overmatched and lost. I hear the whistle of the Richmond train calling for him.

Look for the Braves to dump Royce Ring as he looks like the career minor leager that he is.

Blaine Boyer looked sharp with consistent 94 mph heaters, up to 97 and 74 mph curve. I think he will be pitching in the majors for someone.

Javy looked behind the plate like acat, yesterday.

Bueno was Muy Bueno yesterday. He was not over powering, but had good command.

Lovey day at evil rodent land.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

DOB-I just got back from the old Music store, where I got the new Black Crowes CD. Also heard something interesting-Steve Earle is producing the new Joan Baez CD. I’m not a big Joan Baez fan, but it might be interesting to see where he takes her as a producer.

By FJR

March 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

what is the situation with nick johnson? If there was any way to add him, that would be great, as our team could really use another OBP guy and I think he’d be a great value to replace tex if we can’t resign tex. If Francoeur continues maturing, we don’t necessarily need a true power bat at 1B.

By Murphy

March 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Is Thorman seeing the ball any better this ST than he was at the end of last year?

By JMar

March 9, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Julio, Julio, wherefore art thou Julio Franco?

If the Braves did agree with David-ATL14, they could probably offer Brayan Pena - LoDuca hasn’t played in a spring training game yet, and Estrada isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season. That said, he’s only played 9 games at first in his entire career, so I’m not sure he’s a legit solution.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

David-ATL, I like Belliard, but not as a backup first baseman. Dude is LISTED at 5-feet-8.

By Stephen

March 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

DOB- When is the period where the players start to get utterly sick of Florida?

By Jared

March 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Scott Thorman over Joe Borchard any day of the week.

And no Belliard. Don’t give Cox any more reasons than he already has (Prado, Infante) to not let Kelly Johnson play everyday.

By jim

March 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I thought Brett Boone retired. Is he making a comeback with the Nats?

By Lew

March 9, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

NBScott-Saw Bueno pitch in the UGA game to start the exhibition season. The only problem I saw with him was that every pitch came in within 2 mph of the rest-most at exactly the same speed-84 mph. He needs to learn about varying pitch speeds. Maybe it was just a case of very early in Spring Training where he was concentrating on developing a particular pitch-which often happens during spring. We’ll see.

That was the most impressive thing about Charles Morton. He threw between 72-94 that day and never threw two consecutive pitches at less than 8 mph difference. If he can learn the necessary control, he could be good.

By Salty

March 9, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Stevie Earl and Joan Baez? That’s chemistry! :-)

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

St Louis fans are the bencmark for great fans. Outnumber Braves fans at least 2.5 to 1. Amazing support at ST.

Huddy gets 5 to 3 out 2-1 pitch.

By jim

March 9, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Belliard would be a great pickup, but if we trade or cut Thorman, we only have (probably) Anderson as a lefthanded bat off the bench. Borchard has looked good so far this spring, so he could be sent to Richmond and given a crash course on playing 1b (assuming we can go a month or two into the season before dispensing with Thorman), but I believe he also hits right-handed. A (reliable)left-handed bat off the bench seems like a top priority, at least until we see how the health of the bullpen develops.

By Pete H.

March 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I think the Nats already have a logjam at first base. Neither guy can really play anywhere else, and they’re trying to figure out how to get both Young and Johnson into the lineup. I doubt a third ML first baseman would interest them.

I think they have to trade Thorman. I just can’t think of a team where he could start, and who wants him as a backup? Oakland might take him, but do they have anything useful in return?

By JMar

March 9, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Julio Franco.

Not Alex Rodriguez or Albert Pujols.

No, rock guitar icon and baseball addict George Thorogood compares himself to Franco, the borderline Hall of Fame player who was still playing ball last season at the age of 48, rather than to the two future baseball Hall of Famers.

“Julio has what you call quiet dignity, perseverance, and he’s got respect for people,” says Thorogood, who will bring his Destroyers to the Cotillion on Thursday. “Jose Canseco cannot figure why he can’t get a job and everybody hires Julio Franco.”

He tells a revealing story about Franco:

“Two years ago Julio’s playing with Atlanta, he comes up to bat and it’s a right-handed pitcher, Bobby Cox bats him cleanup. (For you non-baseball types, the cleanup position is regarded as a team’s best hitter.) Here’s a guy, 46 years old, batting cleanup.

“He comes through with a single, knocks in two runs and he steals second base,” Thorogood says with an exclamation. “And you’ve got some 23-year-old sitting on the bench complaining that he’s got a headache and he doesn’t want to play that day.”

http://www.kansas.com/entertainment/story/328498.html

By Lew

March 9, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Salty-Yeah, I was somewhat surprised at that particular duo, but since I haven’t listened to much she’s done in the last twenty years or so, maybe it’s not such an odd couple as I think. DOB might have more relevant feedback on that pairing.

By Patrick

March 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Bad luck and more bad defense behind Hudson today…

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

good to have northbeach scott here to provide play-by-play. that’ll allow me to write this javy story and not be here until 7 p.m. tonight.

thanks, northbeach. much appreciated.

Braves off to rousing start: with two outs in first, Pujols doubles, then Ankiel reaches on infield hit and Escobar picks up his second error in two days, on a bad throw to first. One run in.

Then Chipper picks up his second error in two days, on a pretty tough big-hop grounder off his glove, but fieldable. Another run in. 2-0 Cards.

And yes, their fans outnumber Braves fans, though I wouldn’t put it at 2.5-to-1.

Maybe 2-to-1 (wink).

By jim

March 9, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I see the Cards are batting the pitcher 8th today. Would this make sense for the Braves in games that Anderson starts (not that it is likely something Bobby would do), assuming he is the 4th outfielder.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

PeteH-Dmitri has diabetes issues and with his weight as high as it is, I’m thinking (from personal experience) that he is not really under control. He looked sick late last season, though he had a comeback season, for sure. I have a feeling that he will miss time and Nick would be a great substitute for the Nats. They may well be thinking along those lines, as well.

In addition, though Nick Johnson would be a great addition for the Braves, would it be worthwhile having him only pinch hitting and filling in 15 games over the course of the year? How far would his rehab from that broken leg continue under those circumstances?

By Epinephrine

March 9, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Everyone outnumbers Brave fans at Dark Star. They are the only people stupid enough to attend a game there…

But seriously, Braves fans traveled pretty well at the games I went to. I can’t blame them for not wanting to be at Disney. I certainly will never go back to that insane asylum.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Kelly grounds out to second Yunel gets another hit, single up the middle Chipper walks on 4 pitches

By David-ATL14

March 9, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Solid work on the new Black Crowes, Lew. I believe you will be impressed.

Harkens back to their earlier days.

Their(Crowes) debut album thoroughly stands the test of time. One of the finest musical works of the 90’s.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Diaz RBI single makes it 2-1, first and second, one out, for Thorman

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Jim, Bobby wants nothing to do with batting the pitcher eighth. He thinks it could cost you more games than it might win for you. He doesn’t like it at all, said so a couple weeks ago.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

After a wild pitch, Thorman gets a sac fly. Tied 2-2.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Nice sac fly by Thor there, followed by a bloop RBI single by Anderson. Braves looking good in this three-run inning, which began with hits by Escobar and Diaz around a Chipper walk.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Bloop single from Josh Anderson scores Diaz. Braves up 3-2 now.

By Jared

March 9, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

This has always been one of my biggest complaints about Bobby Cox; his refusal to acknowledge a good-hitting pitcher when he has one. Why should Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton be batting below Josh Anderson or Martin Prado? Why did Hudson bat ninth when Pete Orr, Chris Woodward and Corky Miller where in the lineup last season?

It’s always the nine hole, all the time regardless of how the pitcher is hitting and what light-hitting player may be playing on any given day.

I swear the Braves could have pitcher Babe Ruth on the team and he’d be batting ninth too.

By matlanta

March 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

DOB, haha, i like how you capitalized LISTED in your remark at 1:00 PM.

i don’t see belliard as a backup/utility player, he’s been a starter for the past 4 seasons, primarily at second base. i’d say the braves already have that player in omar infante, so why get another one?

i wouldn’t be surprised if the braves traded for a player like aubrey huff or kendry morales (backup angels 1B). i don’t think there’s a whole lot out there that would be a major improvement from thorman in a small trade.

By Ron Roberts

March 9, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I think too many fans give up on guys like Thorman too quickly. If you want to trade him, who do you think would take him, and what would they offer us in return?

The point of DOB’s entry today is to point out tha we don’t have a backup 1B - and that we need one. And it’s not like we could trade our backup 1B - because we aren’t thrilled with his rookie season - for somebody elses backup 1B, because we think he’d be better. What team would agree to that?

A team that maybe sees a viable future for Thorman? I’m not saying he’ll be a viable starting 1B, but we thought he had the tools last year - so it’s not out of the realm of possibility another team would, too, right?

Which brings me to my final point - we only have Teixera through this season. We’re going to need to either re-sign Tex or have a viable starting option at 1B - and Thorman will be cheap. With one, possibly two rotation spots to fill, and an aging 3B, Thorman might be given another go - if we don’t re-sign Tex.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, Jared, why come other managers have batted the pitcher ninth in about 99.9 percent of the games played in the last 50 years? It’s such a rarity that it becomes a big story when a manager does it. That might tell you something about how it’s generally viewed. Most don’t view it as logical, but rather as a gimmick.

By jim

March 9, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t suggesting that Anderson was a worse hitter than any of our pitchers, but that hitting him 9th would set him up as a second leadoff man. I recognize that this is something Bobby would not do, but was interested in the reaction of others to the idea.

I believe that the first manager in my lifetime that experimented with batting the pitcher some place other than 9th was Bobby Bragan when he was managing the Pirates. He had the pitcher batting 7th, and a young Maz was one of the players batting after him. When he first came up, Maz was a good field, no hit 2Bman. Pittsburgh gave him a day early in his career, in part recognizing what a great human being he was off the field, which lead one of the sportswriters to remark that what the Pirates needed were a few juvenile delinquents that could hit.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Huddy just walked the No. 8-hitting pitcher Clay Mortensen, before Brendan Ryan grounded a hard a single up the middle that nearly took Huddy’s knees off.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Lots of teams have good hitting pitchers who bat ninth, the Braves aren’t the only team like that. I guess it’s just sort of a stereotype of pitchers—that they aren’t good enough to bat higher—OH CRUD!! Timmy, don’t be hurt!!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

With runners at second and third and two outs, KJ made a nice play going to his left in the hole, spun and threw out Aaron Miles at first to end the inning.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

After putting 2 on with 1 out, Huddy gets 2 ground balls. Sounded like he was a little shaken up after covering first on a grounder to Thorman, but got the third out.

By Pete H.

March 9, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I think there is going to be much gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes when the Braves announce their 25 man. Most years, there are one or two guys on the cusp; this year, there are about seven, including Lillibridge, Javy, Thor, Carlyle, Anderson, Prado and several others. That’s not even counting Schafer and Reyes, who are both going down for at least the first half.

It’s nice to have this problem, but no matter what, some deserving guys are going to get screwed.

By Niels Boor

March 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob—

Good to hear from you again.

At the (admittedly slight) risk of being anointed into some kind of backslapping, incestuous circle-jerk of a mutual self-admiration society, I say ‘welcome back!’ – your occasional insight and rare wit will surely be appreciated by some here.

In the meantime, and not to be picking at scabs (that is, I trust any wounds have healed by this time), put this in your pipe and smoke it:

[Chipper] Jones said he wished Hampton could rein in his aggressiveness and intensity a bit in spring games, to ease the stress on his legs and help assure he makes it to the games that count.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Braves go 1-2-3 in the second, still 3-2.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Nice play by KJ to end the inning. Two down for Yunel. Love the excitement he brings.

DOB tough on on on crackberry to do the play by play.

Yunel out on long pop to rt center.

By Pete H.

March 9, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Ron:

I think the issue is that we can’t afford to keep him on the bench with other, more productive options. Few teams carry a guy who basically can only play one position, apart from the backup catcher. And Thor is out of options. His only job would be pinch hitter, and that’s not a skill in high demand. If we could stash him at AAA or get him some games in the outfield, that would be a different story.

I will hate to see him go, because at some point he’s going to be Ryan Klesko, but he ain’t gonna get there with 50 AB against other teams’ closers.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Pujoles out 5-3. Nice pitching sequence by Huddy. 74 mph curve followed by on on nasty 89mph sinker outside and then another for weak ground out.

F8 then F7 Braves to the bat. Huddy has good command, today. Pt no pot earned runs in 3 innings.

By David-ATL14

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

I concede that Belliard is short for a backup 1B as the crusading everyman pointed out.

Still would take him over thorman no questions asked.

matlant you can also rest assured that Aubrey huff won’t be anywhere near the braves. An absolutely terrible contract for Huff. No team in baseball would tak ehim without the O’s paying 3/4 of his contract.

Belliard was indeed a backup for the nats last season. Some injuries pressed him into spot duty but by and large he was and is a backup.

Nats are shopping him now. Plenty of stories about that in the DC media.

Thorman (IMO) has zero shot at being the 1b for the braves in 09 irregardless of Tex’s status.

Can’t understand people wanting to keep him for 09. He’s not an option to start.

Now DOB’s argument about needing a backup for 08 is reasonable.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

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

DOB, what about B. Pena? Is he not good enough at 1B to trust for a couple of weeks if necessary? What about Borchard? He’s got good power and while his weaknesses get exposed if playing everyday, I think he could be a good option off the bench and a solid backup 1B if he can handle the position.

I wonder if the Braves would entertain offering the Reds Thorman and either Bennett or Carlyle for Scott Hatteburg. He would be the perfect backup 1B. Another guy worth looking at is Dan Johnson with the A’s. Of course, both of those guys could be up for grabs if the 2008 World Series champion Mets need to find somebody to replace 123 year old Carlos Delgado.

By Nick

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

Jason Isringhausen walks Chipper to start the third…looks like we don’t have to worry about Chipper hurting himself swinging the bat today.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Diaz gets another hit, first and second, no outs, for Thorman.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Waytago, Thorman!!

By Scott Thorman

March 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

You guys were saying?

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

With two on, Thorman just CRUSHED a 1-0 pitch from Isringhausen, sent it into the staff parking lot over the right-field fence and over the bullpen beyond the fence. Tape-measure shot. Impressive.

Three-run homer, 6-2 lead.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Thorman takes Izzy deep for a 3 run homer, a no-doubter out to right, 6-2 Braves now.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Thorman 3 r bomb to right. Wow moonshot of izzy

By Nick

March 9, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

So that’s a pretty good sign…Thorman 1-1, 4 RBI, HR. Had a good at-bat against Mortensen before the sac fly, and Isringausen is one of the top closers in the NL.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Nice play, Chipper!!

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Huddy pitching the 4th walks the leadoff Rasmus. LaRue DP 5-4-3. Easy catcher DP.

Chipper spears aliner for out 3. Bravos up

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Chipper just made a great leaping catch on a ball that was about to scream past overhead into left field. Snagged it for third out in the third inning.

Huddy’s pitched well after that first inning.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Pretty good outing for Huddy. 2 unearned runs in the first and nothing after that, 4 IP, 0 ER, 3 H.

By Niels Boor

March 9, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

ippississiM—

Looks like a GREAT start!

I’m really 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 calling it your “most in-depth, research-intensive reporting” turns out to be an understatement before you’re through.)

More later.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

DOB I get what your saying about trading Thorman, but I get the same feeling when I see Thorman come to bat, when I saw Craig Wilson come to bat and it wasnt a good feeling.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

KJ and Yunel out quickly.

Love the guitar riffs from Free Bird when Chipper comes up here. Much better and appropos than the Ozzie intro at the ted.

Pop out by chipper and here come the scrubs.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Resop pitching, looked good against the Tigers. Now I can see that he has good movement on 78 mph curve strike to start Ryan SS. Just missed on 96mph outside. Pop to cf on 78mph curve.

Schumaker singles on on on flair to shallow lf

By TexasBrave

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

DOB - Do you know what has happened to Julio Franco? Has anyone signed him and why didn’t the Braves give him a non-roster invite?

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Two F7 to end the impressive inning by Resop. Last two out pitches, 97 and 96mph heaters. The last to mighty Pujols.

Diaz batting.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Jared,”This has always been one of my biggest complaints about Bobby Cox; his refusal to acknowledge a good-hitting pitcher when he has one. Why should Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton be batting below Josh Anderson or Martin Prado? Why did Hudson bat ninth when Pete Orr, Chris Woodward and Corky Miller where in the lineup last season?”

Jared every manager other than LaRussa bats their pitcher 9th and with me living in St. Louis, trust me everyone hates it when he bats a pitcher 8th. We all would agree with Cox that it loses more games than it wins. Actually nobody can understand why the Cardinals continue to bring back LaRussa year after year. He should easily have 2 or 3 World Series rings with the Cards not to mention his Oakland teams in the 80’s were stacked. He really just isnt a good manager, he has just had good teams.

By Ron Roberts

March 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Pete H. Scott Thorman fills a need that nobody else on the roster can…backing up Teixera. If any of our backup utility infielders could play extended stretches at 1B, and we had options as far as sending him down to Richmond, I’d agree. But we don’t have those options, and the guy’s still so freaking young with potential.

He parked that potential out in the parking lot. Yeah, I’m pulling for the guy; I think he was put in a tough situation last year - and frankly I think we all expected too much of him, ‘cause we love his epic blasts, but he’s gotta work on his average, too. If he does that, he’s gonna be either a decent everyday 1B or perhaps trade bait for a team needing a hard-hitting DH.

If can’t re-sign Tex (I actually think we will with Glavine and Hampton’s money coming off the coffers in 2009), then he’s useful to us in at least one of two ways.

By Random

March 9, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

*David-ATL14 *:

Still would take [Ronnie Belliard] over thorman no questions asked.

Still think you’re selling Thorman too short, too soon.

DOB: Think there’s any chance at all of the Braves being able to slip Thorman thru waivers the last week of ST or the first week of the reg sea?

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Diaz hits screaming double to lf corner. We dont need pt no pot stinking platoon in lf.

Thorman shows some discipline and walks on on on 3-1 pitch. Speedy Anderson grounds into DP. Diaz to 3rd.

Blanco crushes one to deep rcf to score diz and has double.

Corky spanks on on single trapped by diving cf to score Blanco. 8-2 good guys

By Braveheart

March 9, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Why should Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton be batting below Josh Anderson or Martin Prado? Why did Hudson bat ninth when Pete Orr, Chris Woodward and Corky Miller where in the lineup last season?

What the hell? Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton are good hitters FOR PITCHERS. But Josh Anderson, Martin Prado, and even Orr, Woodward, Corky Miller, and Todd Pratt are and always will be better hitters than Mike Hampton and Tim Hudson.

Mike Hampton, with his career OPS+ of 66 should be hitting 8th? Come on now. There is a huge difference between being a good hitter for a pitcher and being a good hitter.

It’s like what Tiki Barber didn’t understand when he retired. There is a huge difference in being a bright, articulate guy for a football player and being a bright, articulate guy who has relevant thoughts as a member of the media.

You can stand out when you are one of a few but you really suck even compared to the scrubs of the given profession when you have to compete with the big boys who do it for a living.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz is a hitting machine. Three more hits today.

TexasBrave, I haven’t heard Julio’s name uttered in camp. Braves didn’t want to go down that road again, to my understanding.

His bat just finally slowed down, and it happened quickly and dramatically.

By Salespro

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

Hey DOB! You’ve said on several occasions that this Flowers kid can also play 1B besides catching, and he hits the snot out of the rawhide. BC likes his swing too. Think it would be a good move to get him to Pearl for a year at 1B? Tolerate Thor for one more year, and we’d at least have a young option in ‘09 for 1B if we can’t sign Tex. What d’ya think?

By Eric from MO

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

Can we please give it a rest with Julio Franco? I liked him too, but eventually you just get too old. He turns 50 this year and he just cant play anymore. He couldnt hit last year and he isnt going to be able to hit this year. Its finally time for him to retire.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Excellent point at 2:41, Eric.

Hey, Random! Long time, no read.

By Overlord

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

DOB i dont think the problem about 1B backup is fixed even if TEX starts 161 games and Thorman starts 1. Problem also is having Thorman on the bench makes our bench weaker (offensively). The guy is a perfect fit defensively if TEX sits after the 7th and braves winning the game, since his glove is not a downgrade if compared with TEXs. But his bat….. we all know that guy could go a whole season without a clutch hit or a GW-RBI. We need a better young bat (i personally like peña) or a veteran (something like jeff conine).

There is an option i would like better than thorman and that is within the team. Its name is Infante. That give us a chance to carry prado and Lillibridge for the left side of the infield. So we could start the season with Thorman as backup. Once Infante is back, send Thorman on waivers and keep lillibridge and prado and replace Thorman with infante.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Ankiel strokes solid single. Glaus crushes on on deep fly out to lf. Strikeout, stolen base that Pena looked over matched upon.

LaRue K’s to end the inning after Resop gives him on on nice Sal Maglie shave. Two sharpe innings for Resop, we better make some room for him in ATL

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Braveheart I agree with your 2:47 post. There are very few pitchers ever that were actually good hitters.

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Every time I look to see some news on Grapefruit action I see DIAZ gets a hit. Is my main man to be platooned in left or turned loose to see how he fares on an everyday basis? Atta’ way Matt. Keep after it.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I just heard the Redsox are kind of interested in Matt Diaz.

What are the braves going to do with this guy. He can not be benched for more than 30 games whole year. That is plain stupid.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

DOB has Cox said anything yet about making Diez the full time left fielder? I see no way you can even make a case that he needs to platoon. His defense isnt that bad.

By Random

March 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

*Pete H. *:

I think the issue is that we can’t afford to keep [Thorman] on the bench with other, more productive options… . His only job would be pinch hitter, and that’s not a skill in high demand.

Beg to differ, esp in NL. What more did Julio Franco do than pinch hit and sub at 1B? Plus, Thorman did fairly well pinch-hitting last Sep.

If we could stash him at AAA …

I’m with you there — any chance of that, DOB?

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Prado solid single up the middle. Guzman pop 7. Schafer wind blown pop single. Two easy outs. End of 6 at the evil rodent 8-2 Braves over cards. Yates to pitch the 7th

By Jared

March 9, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz really has earned and deserves to be the starting left fielder. He’s deserved it since about mid-2006. It’s time to end the left field platoons for the time being and let Diaz play.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Most of the talk coming into ST was that B. Jones would be the 4th outfielder and split time at LF with Diaz. At this point, it seems like the sane thing would be to make Anderson the 4th outfielder, using him to backup all 3 spots. Diaz has to have earned the full-time role at this point.

By BosnianBaller

March 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Whats up with the pitcher we got last year in the Tony Pena trade.I remember he could throw in the high 90’s but was out for season last year.

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Afternoon denizens…

Things seem to be rolling right along nicely at the land of the mouse today with the good guys up at this point. Huddy gave up two unearned runs in his four innings of work, otherwise it looks like a typical 2007 Tim Hudson outing, which is good news compared to some of the pitching adventures we’ve had in the past few days on the Florida peninsula.

Thorman’s bat seems to be waking up some today, his missile shot reportedly just landed at Key West. I really don’t think we’d get anything back in substance for Thorman right now without having to add a little to the pot. I also agree with the general sentiment by DOB and others that says we would need to have a 1B option coming back in any trade that would be made.

Excellent work so far from the plate today by one Matt Diaz, he’s really having a great spring folks. Superb at the plate thus far and he’s had an assist from the outfield. Brandon Jones has struggled in the field and really looks lost at the plate. Josh Anderson increases his lead on that fourth OF position each day.

Big week upcoming for the denizens. We get to see Soriano and we also should see Moylan and Hampton, but for now, Tony and the Cards are on the agenda for the rest of the day today and tomorrow.

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

northBeach Scott:

Hey Scott. Did you ever actually SEE Maglie pitch? Especially to right-handed batters. He didn’t throw under the chin. He aimed for your ear, and this in the days of soft caps. No digging in with him I tell you. Right at the old coconut man. Another reason for his nickname was his scruffy appearance. Always looked like he needed a shave himself. Three-day old growth every time I ever saw him pitch.

By bravefan

March 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Overlord- Where did you hear that the BoSox were interested in Diaz?

By gobraves

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

Overlord just heard the Redsox are kind of interested in Matt Diaz.

Where did you hear that?

By northBeach Scott

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

Given the lackluster play of BrandonJones it is obvious he will not be platooning with Diaz this year. Diaz seems likely to be tried at everyday lf with Anderson as 4th of to spell Kotsay.IMHO

By matlanta

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

Jared:

a la bad news bears:

LET DIAZ PLAY LET DIAZ PLAY LET DIAZ PLAY LET DIAZ PLAY

i agree, i think everybody else in atlanta and even most of the braves players agree that he needs to play everyday.

By woogidy

March 9, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Joe Mauer, Min C Mark Teixeira, Atl 1B Brian Roberts, Bal 2B Ryan Zimmerman, Was 3B Jimmy Rollins, Phi SS Rickie Weeks, Mil 2B Casey Kotchman, LAA 1B Delmon Young, Min OF Josh Hamilton, Tex OF Raul Ibanez, Sea OF Jose Guillen, KC OF
Josh Willingham, Fla OF
Frank Thomas, Tor DH Chris Duncan, StL OF

Jake Peavy, SD SP C.C. Sabathia, Cle SP Justin Verlander, Det SP Joe Nathan, Min RP Takashi Saito, LAD RP
Javier Vazquez, CWS SP Ian Snell, Pit SP Dustin McGowan, Tor SP Eric Gagne, Mil RP Micah Owings, Ari SP Todd Jones, Det RP

Just finished my fantasy draft. What do Y’all think?

By jim

March 9, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

What I saw of Tex’s glove last year looked pretty good. I don’t think Thorman’s defense is at all comparable.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Yates is having a very poor inning in seventh, a walk, error, triple and wild pitch. No outs.

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Yates you inconsistent MF. Torched for 3 quick runs on BB, 1B, 3B and WP. Then another solid single. Oh the humanity against scrubs. Deep fly misplayed by RF into on on double.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Still no outs, three runs in, and two on base after Blanco misplayed a ball in deep right, ruled a double but he should’ve caught it.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Live game……mlb radio…… 15 minutes ago

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Yates leaving with runners on second and third, two outs. Now coming in … No. 99, Dan Smith.

By Epinephrine

March 9, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Hopefully KJ and Mac start seeing pitches soon. Both of them have looked absolutely lost at the plate thus far.

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Tyler Yates’ pristine ERA is a thing of the past after his work in the seventh, not a good outing at all. Dan Smith on the hill now.

By BosnianBaller

March 9, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Yates shouldn’t make the team he struggled last year too.Great arm but inconsistant

By gobraves

March 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Overlordwhat did they say?

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

richbrave thank you for mentioning. That comment was to honor my father as he enjoyed hearing about Maglie when he was in high school. I always called my knock down pitch aSal Maglie shave. Wish i could have seen some of the 50’s era

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Dan Smith struck out Colby Rasmus, the first guy he faced, to strand two runners.

Two of three runs against Yates were earned.

By the way, SMOLTZ moved up his simulate-innings session to today, was going to be tomorrow. He threw on backfield, unannounced, this morning.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Sheesh, Yates! Yeah, this guy could not be a closer!

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

He asked a redsox scout about the braves, and he answered something about redsox loving Matt Diaz, adding that he is a sleeper, and that redsox would like having him.

By gobraves

March 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB any sign that Moylan is still going to pitch today?

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

www.atlantabraves.com I started out feeling under the weather and finished up feeling pretty good,” Smoltz said. “I got the feel for my pitches, and now I’ll be pushing for a four-man rotation.”

Is it 4, 5 or 6-man rotation? Make up your mind.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Moylan in now, top of the 8th

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s in, just threw a 94-mph fastball on his second pitch, according to the scoreboard reading.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s got a strikeout and a 4-3 groundout against first two batters. both minor leaguers, but he looks good.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine—

KJ looked pretty good at the start of ST. McCann, well…I don’t know what’s going on there. Sheesh……But I’m ready for the real season, or at least s’more televised games. Tomorrow they’re on at one, I think, but that’s during school hours. We’re comin’ up on som’a those rare night ST games.

Whoa, I really drifted off subject there, sorry.

Anyway, I’m a little perturbed that McCann has only two hits. TWO HITS?! That’s a bit unreal. Just let me take deep breaths and tell myself it’s only Spring Training…

“It’s only Spring Training…it’s only Spring Training…it’s only Spring Training”……

By northBeach Scott

March 9, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Moylan pitching the 8th. Froze the first batter on a78mph change up. Weak ground out #2. Moylan kooking good. 1-2-3.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

1-2-3 inning for Moylan!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

another 4-3 groundout. good inning for Moylan.

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Three up, three down by Moylan in the eighth, just what the doctor ordered.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I just hope braves dont let him go. It would be even dumber to trade him than what they are doing with him these days.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

“I just have a lot more ways to keep the hitters off of my fastball,” Smoltz said.

By Epinephrine

March 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

McFann, KJ started off hot, but against BP style pitching. Now that most of the pitchers have started hitting their grooves, both KJ and McCann have looked equally lost at the plate. Lot of Ks, lot of flailing swings from what I saw last week. I think that isn’t abnormal, I just hope they begin to hit a groove now that we are getting closer, rather than start the season in a slump. But, far too much time left to worry about that seriously now.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

We need to get some order here…….

1st of all……. is there anybody on this blog that thinks the 4th OF should not be Anderson?

2nd… is there anybody that thinks Matt shouldnt start at least 140 games this year?

3rd… Is there anyone that thinks that Anderson could starts some 130 games (3 OF positions combined [30LF, 80CF, 20 RF]) and be our leadoff hitter?

4th—- is there a single person that thinks Jones should be the 4th OF???

By Nick

March 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Josh Anderson just hit a 2-run double, it’s 11-5

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Josh Anderson two-run double in the eighth inning, Braves up 11-5.

Blanco up with runners on and second and third, one out. Let’s seee what he can do against lefty Ron Flores.

By Steve from OH

March 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I’m fine with what Smoltz is doing as long as he doesn’t start throwing the eliminator, terminator and humiliator.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Worked a walk to load the bases for Brayan Pena, still one out.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Anderson is 2 for 5 with 3 RBI and hitting above .350.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

After Pena’s sac fly to center, Lil’ Bridge struck out with two on to end the inning.

By Amber

March 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, since you talked about a primary backup for Tex, I have to ask: Who is our primary backup for Chipper? Have I missed something? Because we all know we need a great backup at 3B… Love me some Chipper, but I am also realistic.

By KC

March 9, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Braves 08’ Interleague Schedule a Far Cry from Last Year’s AL matchups

Interestingly, Boston isn’t on the schedule this year for Atlanta. I’m sure the Braves won’t argue. The Angels will be a good team, and the BJays and Mariners have a chance to be solid this year… but this is a far cry from last Braves interleague schedule last year (Boston, Twins, Cleveland, Boston, Detroit)

Here are the interleague schedules of NL teams that have a shot at playing in October:

EAST

Braves: OAK, LAA, SEA, TEX, TOR

Mets: NYY, LAA, TEX, SEA, NYY

Phillies: TOR, BOS, LAA, OAK, TEX

CENTRAL

Astros: TEX, NYY, BAL, TB, TEX, BOS

Brewers: BOS, MIN, TOR, BAL, MIN

Cubs: CWS, TOR, TB, BAL, CWS

WEST

DBacks: DET, KCC, OAK, MIN, BOS

Rockies: MIN, CWS, CLE, KCC, DET

Padres: SEA, CLE, NYY, DET, MIN, SEA

The toughest interleague schedule of any NL contender belongs to the Dodgers:

Dodgers: LAA, DET, CLE, CWS, LAA… Ouch.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Acosta goes 1-2-3 in the 9th, Braves win!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Acosta just struck out Mather on four pitches to end game, including back-to-back fastballs at 96 and 97 mph. And that speed looked legit — he was firin’, folks.

By Epinephrine

March 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it, but I’m skeptical of Josh Anderson. The guy definitely has speed, and that is a huge asset to this relatively slow team. I think as a 4th outfielder, he could be a nice asset in pinch hitting and limited injury reserve duty. But, 130 games? That makes me nervous. His OBP in the minors was over .350 just once. That doesn’t cut it as a lead off man. I think Anderson would do well as a 4th guy, but I’d prefer giving Matty a shot at full time left field rather than a platoon system again.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Overlord: I definitely agree with you on 1,2 and 4. I doubt Anderson will get so many starts (I guess it depends on how Kotsay performs and how well his back holds up), but I would like to see Anderson spell Frenchy a few times. It just doesn’t seem necessary to play all 162 games—give him a few days of rest!

By McFann

March 9, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I know what ya mean about KJ, Epinephrine. With McCann, there’s no two ways about it: He’s not had a good ST at the plate. The last “productive” thing he did was get the first RBI of Spring Training (not counting the 8 in the UGA game). But I don’t think that gives anyone the entitlement to call him a “duffer” (as Moby Grape did a couple days ago).

If he has to have a slump in the season, I’d almost rather it be at the beginning. Then he could get hotter as the season progressed. That’s better than starting out hot, giving you high hopes, and finishing not so great (.270).

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Just asked Bobby again after the game, about Diaz and whether he can play every day. Bobby said he thinks he hits right-handers better than lefties and that he could play every day. But he quickly added that he hasn’t decided how LF is going to work, what arrangement.

I’ll say what I’ve said for a few weeks now, that indications are, just talking to different people, that Diaz is going to get the majority of at-bats, and it’s not going to be a straight platoon, at least not as long as he hits like he has for two years.

One more thing: Acosta was filthy, folks. I was rushing when I wrote that last post above, had to get downstairs. But he threw 96 and 97, then an 84 change that had the batter so far out in front. Wicked stuff.

By Yars

March 9, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Keeping Thorman would make sense in that he would be a good LH pinch hitter off the bench. Our bench was awful last season. Having Thor, & possibly Anderson & Lillibridge is a huge upgrade. Too early to start worrying about KJ & McCann. They’ll both be fine. I’m worried about Brandon Jones. The LF platoon job was his to lose. He ain’t hitting. Anderson is. Monday’s game against the Cards will be on SportsSouth at 1PM Est.

By Random

March 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Nick: It just doesn’t seem necessary to play all 162 games …

You wouldn’t think so, would you?

Myself, I’m convinced that Francoeur’s seriously shooting for Ripken, Jr’s record.

Really.

What do you think — would that be foolish, or visionary?

McFann—

Hey yerself, kid. Your comments on the action today were pretty speedy — are you at the game, or are your tiny fingers just that nimble?

C’mon, Overlord, don’t you recognize Smoltz’ trade-mark self-deprecating humor? Smoltz was poking fun at himself as the former advocate of the “6-man” rotation. Lighten up.

By StingerSplash

March 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Saw the Crowes on their final night of the Recycler tour with ZZ Top at the old Om-uh-nee (to quote The American Dream). They were terrible, though they did summon Lenny Kravitz for a rendition of “Come Together.” Saw them a few weeks later in Savannah at the Johnny Mercer Theater and they absolutely killed it. A terrific performance. BTW, LaRussa is a backside. Anyone read Rob Neyer savaging him on espn.com?

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

If gonzo comes back and soriano holds….. this is scary

Moylan

Gonzo

Soriano

Carlyle/Bennett

Acosta

Yates

Ring/Ohman

STOCKMAN

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

By the way, Resop hit 99 mph twice, and I’m told the scoreboard gun is accurate — that’s what scouts had him at, too.

If that dude can harness it, sharpen the command just a bit, look out.

By Steve McP

March 9, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Overlord - Ohman definitely over Ring.

What about Boyer, who has had an excellent ST so far?

Why Stockman?

By justdoit

March 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

whats going on with chuck james - anybody know when he is supposed to make a start?

By Greg in TN

March 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Some good late inning offense to put the game out of reach, folks. Clayton Mortensen took the start in the place of Anthony Reyes, and pitched, well, like Viggo Mortensen.

Still, have to be happy with the day Hudson had against a pretty good lineup. Aside from the double to Pujols, Hudson had his way with Tony LaRussa’s lineup through four innings. Gang, this is the Hudson we saw most of last year which bodes very well for us when we break camp in a few weeks.

I’ll be interested to see how Jair Jurrjens is able to build on his first two starts of the spring tomorrow against these same guys.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t at the game, Random (doggonit!!). I was just listening to it on the radio while working on a homemade CD on the computer. Had the blog handy in case something good happened.

By jed

March 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

i see ron roberts is still carrying a torch for thorman. hilarious. what is it with you, ron? didnt we go through this all last spring? i warned you about thorman but you wouldnt listen. i argued back and forth with you & ncscoots until thor’s pathetic performance finally settled the matter. but sure enough, here’s ol’ ron back again one year later professing his thor-love again. unbelievable. big doesnt equal good, ron. it just doesnt.

i say you trade thorman—it would be best for him at this point, no doubt—and use brayan pena as your back-up 1b. if you have him taking balls at 1b now, he can handle the position for a couple of weeks. if tex is seriously hurt, you’re gonna have to make a trade anyway.

By Random

March 9, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

**Overlord—

1. Not me.

2. I’m witcha on this one, too.

3. Not I, said the cat.

4. No way that Anderson (or anyone not nicknmaed Frenchy) gets any starts in RF (barring injury).

Frenchy’s gunning for Cal, Jr.

McFann: “Sheesh, Yates! Yeah, this guy could not be a closer!”

While elsewhere: “It’s only Spring Training…it’s only Spring Training…it’s only Spring Training”……

You going schizo, girl?

By jed

March 9, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

dob

would it be in violation of your no-politics policy if i asked ron who he voted for in the last 2 elections? i wont get into a political argument at all. it’s just that i have this theory….

By TJ

March 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Lest we get too worried about KJ and McCann’s slow starts…

Jimmy Rollins is hitting .120; David Wright, .217; Manny Ramirez, .188; Edgar Renteria, .143; Andruw Jones, .167, Miggy Cabrera, .174. That’s six (well, maybe 5) of the best hitters in the game.

If that doesn’t tell you that 10 (or so) spring training games aren’t enough to draw conclusions, I don’t know what is!

By JC FROM UT

March 9, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

DOB: What would it take to get Kevin Millar from Baltimore? Could you trade one of the pitchers who are out of options? I would think San Fransisco would be interested in Thorman.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Overlord everyone will agree with you on 1,2,4 but 3 is absurd. He will start 80 games tops. Probably 20 in left and 60 in center. Francouer will start all the games in right. The way you have it is that only 20% of the games we will have our three main outfielders starting in the same games.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

DOB Resop’s always had that kind of ability to throw hard, but in his career he’s been called up 3 times now and been sent right back down each time… Looking at his stats, his minor league numbers are very solid - 4.5/1 Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio, 1.22 WHIP, 3.36ERA. But the majors are a different story - his walk rate doubles while his strikeout rate is cut in half, leaving a strikeout/walk ratio of basically 1:1 and a WHIP of 1.83. The one good thing about his major league stats however - he’s only pitched 42 innings in his entire major league career thus far.

By SNIPER-69

March 9, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

IF, What an ugly word.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO i just wanted some opinions….. not that im saying its going to be that way. I also think Jeff is going for CAls record… eraly to say but he is trying hard.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Doing some more digging on Resop, he does have one red flag:

Aug. 28, 2007 - 8:36 a.m. ET Chris Resop underwent surgery to shave a bone spur in his right elbow. Resop, who was diagnosed with triceps tendinitis earlier this season, will begin a rehab program in September.

I am no doctor or anything, but DOB aren’t bone spurs something that are typically a re-ocurring thing? And doesn’t it also increase the risk of other serious elbow problems down the road?

By William

March 9, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

DOB Did Jeff get the day off because he traveled to Sarasota yesterday?

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Overlord-my bad. I thought that was what you wanted or thought was going to happen and I just see no way that would happen, unless there was a major injury.

By DonCoburleone

March 9, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Another thing DOB, what about possibly convincing Ryan Klesko to come out of retirement and be our backup 1B? Then we could trade/cut Thorman if we want to. Could the Braves afford $3mil for one season of Klesko?

By SNIPER-69

March 9, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

I know you guys worry about the Mets players so here’s some good news. Maine pitches 4 innings of no hit ball. So there, you can all sleep better tonight.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone I agree with your 5:42 post. Also what is David Justice up to these days? Think we could talk him into shooting up some more steroids and be our 4th outfielder. Im just kidding but seriously it would be pretty sweet if we could talk Klesko into coming back. However, I really doubt he would come back to just pinch hit and start maybe 5 games.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Random—

I also look to Yates’ season totals to help me decide that i wouldn’t want him to close. But I know! I know! He was tired last year……

By KC

March 9, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

SNIPER: That’s great! So Maine’s spring is on part with Kyle Davies’ spring last year!

By THE BEAR

March 9, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

SNIPER, as a somewhat neutral observer and only an occasional poster I must say your Mets team has a lot more to worry about that the Braves when it comes to pitching.

I hope you sleep well also while wondering just what you are going to have after NO. 1 does his think every 5 days.

By THE BEAR

March 9, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

For a million bucks Klesko would come back. It wouldn’t take three. My question is, would he be better than Thorman? I rather doubt it.

By JunoAlaska

March 9, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Did you see who the Mets played today?

It was our Little League all star team. Amazingly, they get to play baseball up here for 2 whole weeks!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

William, Francoeur got the day off because Cox decided he needed or deserved a day off. And yes, going to Sarasota probably played into the decision.

Speaking of days off, Cox plans to give Diaz one tomorrow. And when I asked Bobby (again) if he believes Diaz can play every day (trying to get him to indicate how he’s leaning, I was), he replied: “We could use him regularly. I think he hits right-handers better than lefties. We’ll see what I do. I’m not saying [now].”

By Kev

March 9, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Hey uga-brave

you asked in the other blog,about D.R.

I’ve been there twice,and PUNTA CANA, that’s the most beautiful part of the country, and when i say the most, is everything you could imagine,the beach, the view, everything it’s so nice and smooth, oh,the best hotels franchises are there too.

My personal experience there was great and i enjoyed pretty good, i want to go again this year. Oh ,i dont know if you like golf, but they have this beautiful and awesome golf course that Jack Nicklaus designed named Cap Cana… I was told by a friend of mine the other day, that there going to play the PGA Champions Tour there…anyways, i hope you enjoy your trip and have fun.

By SNIPER-69

March 9, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

How many regular season wins did Kyle Davies get last year KC?….BearWith Pedro, Maine and Perez following Santana I sleep like a baby. And the reason is this. Without Santana and Pedro we finished ahead of the braves. With them i expect the same to happen in 2008. We can keep up the p** contest all spring. We’ll see that the real deal is when the season gets under way…….LETS GO METS!!*

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Resop was throwing absolute GAS out there today. Twice clocked at 99 mph. He could end up being a nice little waiver pickup for the Braves.

Of course, they’ll probably lose him to waivers if they don’t keep him on the major league staff, if he keeps pitching like he did today with scouts in the seats.

I’d say he’s got a decent-to-good shot of winning a job in the ‘pen.

By midtownBrave

March 9, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

SNIPER Maine did awesome today!! 4 innings of no hit ball against a houston line-up that had hitters like Erstad and Wigginton, and let’s see who else.. well there is that Pence kid!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah, sure, Klesko is retired, been playing hurt for years, and now after a winter of not working out for baseball, you want to sign him three weeks before opening day. That’s brilliant.

Does the fact that a guy played for the Braves at some point, make him a viable candidate to fill this role or that with the Braves as long as he has a pulse? That seems to be the thinking of some folks.

By KC

March 9, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

SNIPER: “Without Santana and Pedro we finished ahead of the braves. With them i expect the same to happen in 2008.”

If the Mets were up against the 2007 Braves, I would wholeheartedly agree with you.

Santana/Pedro is a great combo, but no better than Smoltz/Hudson.

Glavine/Hampton/Jurrjens will not take a backseat to Maine/Perez/Herenandez

The Braves (who have outscored the Mets each of the last 2 seasons) will again have a great offense.

And as long as Soriano and Moylan are healthy, the Braves will again have at least as good a bullpen as the Mets (the Braves were 2nd in the league in bullpen ERA last year). If Mike Gonzalez makes a successful comeback, the Braves pen after the all-star break will be significantly better than NY’s.

If you live in the ATL area Sniper, I’d be happy to put together a friendly wager on the Braves/Mets.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I read in the most recent issue of Chop Talk where Frank Wren was saying they intend to only play Kotsay for 130 games max-that they are aware he will need an occasional day off.

. That should give Anderson at least 30 starts in center (and is also one reason Brandon will NOT be the 4th outfielder). He may well get another 50-60 starts (or even more) platooning with Diaz. I would be willing to bet that is how it will all turn out.

By SNIPER-69

March 9, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

You had the Smoltz/Hudson combo for the last 2 years and still finished behind the Mets. In 2008 the Mets will match that with Santana/Pedro so you have to excuse my confidense. And hell no, I don’t live in Atlanta.

By choppinmama

March 9, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Good game today at the land of Mickey. Lots of scoring to keep the fans in the game. The Red Sox Nation was well represented today, and started to get vocal when they rallied from 8-2 to 8-4. But we had good pitching and good hitting in the latter innings to tack on 3 more runs for the good guys.

Thorman is sure fighting to stay with the team, he was crushing the ball. Poor Yates had a rough outing, and when Hudson went over to cover 1st, Thorman gave him a late feed. Looked like Timmy rolled an ankle but pitched on.

DOB: where were Frenchy, Tex and Kotsay today? Day off? Do you know if Chipper will be playing tomorrow? I’m planning to bring a thank-you note for YouKnoWho.

By JunoAlaska

March 9, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm

I thought a certain Met fan would be very proud to know that it was our All-Star team that his team beat. That is much better than beating our other players.

Since we only have two weeks of baseball, everybody plays for one week and the All-Stars are chosen from those boys and get to play the second week. The All-Star team actually knows how to stand in the batters box and how to hold a bat. And… occasionally, they even swing at the right time. We are really very impressed when the ball somehow hits the bat on very, very rare occasions. But it does actually happen with the All-Star group.

So, the Mets can stand up and be proud!

By Austin

March 9, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

dob

I know you have answered this 100 times well maybe a thousand but, when is the best time to get to tomrrows game to get some autographs.

Thanks!

By Choppinmama

March 9, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Javy sure has the female fans following his every move down here. Met one yesterday down from NJ who told me EVERYTHING I ever wanted to know about him. She even has a Balt Orioles logo tattooted on her upper arm with “Javy” and his # in it. Now she’s planning where to put a Braves logo. I told her to wait until ST is over, unless she just wanted to have one for old time’s sake.

Also met a trio of ladies that are wearing specially made t-shirts for him. The only one I can remember says “Javy Lopez is the only JLo that counts.” Very clever. They also brought him a bag of M@Ms personalized with “Javylicious” and “I love Javy.”

One more thing: all you retirees should turn down your hearings aids when you enter Champion Stadium. Apparently, Mickey’s audio dwarfs think the oldies but goodies need to be blasted at eardrum piercing levels. I mean, I know most of the words to this music, just don’t want my ears and eyes to bleed after 9 innings.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, Choppinmama, your capitalization changed!

By Choppinmama

March 9, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Edit Correction: NOT the Red Sox Nation - it was all of those red Pujols fans!!

By William

March 9, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for the update on Frenchy. The way things have been going lately I was a little paranoid something might have happened.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Sniper I normally dont get involved in argueing with Met fans, but this time I just feel like pointing a few facts out.

Yes, last year you didnt have Santana/Pedro but you did have Glavine and he was your best pitcher. I know his last 3 games were bad but the the rest of his season was pretty good and now we have him as our #3 pitcher. Thats right your best pitcher from last year is our #3 pitcher.

Everybody know our problem from last year was out #3,4,5 pitchers. Well now we have Glavine and Hampton is coming back. I know Hampton has injury problems but you can say the same for Pedro. The difference is our #4 pitcher has injury problems while your #2 pitcher has injury problems.

Also like to point out your starting catcher from last year is gone and you really didnt add a very good replacement. Also like to point out half of your team is on the DL. Not a very good way to start out the season. Honestly I think the Braves and Mets will win over 95 games, maybe even a hundred. The N.L. is still weak and both of our interleague schedules are easier than they were last years.

If I had to take a pick I would say the Braves by a game or two. However, If Chipper misses too many games then the Mets could easily win it. Same goes if the Mets have too many players on the D.L. I will say this I will be very suprised if the Phills win it again.

By Capt. Caveman

March 9, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

SNOOPY-00

You guys had teams that finished behind the Braves for a DECADE straight!!!!

You just busted your ONE year winning streak with a historical finish, and YOU want to talk SMACK about the Braves finish for the last 2 years???

Only a MUTTS FAN would !!

ABOUT PITCHERS HITTING pitchers hit 9th in the lineup for a very simple reason, it keeps them from exerting energy doing anything but pitching in the first 2 innings (unless your scoring in which case it doesn’t matter too much). It also puts them as far away as possible from the manager having to make a pinch hitting decision. It doesn’t matter if the pitcher is hitting .300 with some power, his first priority is pitching as long and as well as possible and offense is secondary. You also don’t wont him gassed on the basepaths and then have to step right back on the mound. Many batters have feasted on a mistake pitch in that scenario and it’s hard for a pitcher to catch “catch his breath” in that situation.

The only time a pitcher should bat higher is in a double switch and even then he is batting as far away as possible from his next at-bat.

By Fred McGriff

March 9, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

DOB The heck with Klesko. What you think about the Crime Dog’s chances of coming out of retirement to play for Los Bravos? I only need 7 more for 500.

Oh, hold on a second. Blauser, Lemke, Avery, Grissom, and Justice wanna know if they got a shot at coming back in 2008 for the Braves too?

Never mind that we were alive in 95 but not doing great in 08.

By Choppinmama

March 9, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

McFann: Yeah, I thought I deserved a capital C at my age!! Saw your boy up close and personal back by the batting cages today before the game. He was signing for a few fans, and I had him sign a couple of shots I had taken of him - in one, he’s on the outside of a player jam at the mound on a winning day. The other is a meeting at the mound with BMac,Bobby, Giles, Renteria, Chipper and Thorman waiting for a new pitcher. Sweeeeet!! I asked him how married life was treating him, he said “fine.” Right answer, Brian.

I really hope you’ll be able to make a trip down to ST while Brian is on the team. You would be in heaven. Can’t you work a field trip into your curriculum? geography, sociology, US history, math/statistics……c’mon, get that good brain of yours into gear and start planning for next season.

By William

March 9, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Listen people. Don’t even waste your breath on METS fans….Why you ask? Well,………because they are METS fans. Enough said!

By joebrave

March 9, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Stupid Mutts,Stupid Volunteers,Stupid Gamecocks,Stupid gators,There are only 3 teams in the World that should Rule the world.. BRAVES,Falcons,And BULLDAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Nick

March 9, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

* Random*@4:35

Yeah, I’ve also wondered if Frenchy thinks he can make a run at Ripken (or at least play every day for a number of years, he has over a decade before getting close to Ripken). But it just seems foolish. I remember reading a while ago about how Ripken always faded in September…Just seems like he’d be better off getting some rest every month or so.

By Braveheart

March 9, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

For those who love their preseason predictions: I just heard Buster Olney on the radio say that he is pretty close to putting it to a pen that the Braves will win the NL East. He says that he likes the pitching depth and how dynamic their offense is gonna be. I guess we have Lew to thank for working his neighbor Buster over when Lew was down there.

By HuffBraves

March 9, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Surprisingly, the best thing going for Thorman right now is his defense. He’s been solid all spring, and even made a few above really impressive plays.

The importance of first base defense is always underrated. It really helps the rest of the infielders to feel more comfortable if they know their 1B can help them out if the throw isn’t perfect.

I’ve never considered Thorman a glove man, but after seeing him this spring, I can safely say I’d rather see him in there than Diaz, Lopez, Infante or anyone else when Tex has the day off, and especially if he misses an extended period.

I’m not sure Thorman is ever gonna pan out to be the .280, 25-HR threat the Braves envision. But at least he’ll hustle his butt off every time he grounds out to second, and more importanly, he can make some big plays in the field.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama—

Sweeeeet, I’m jealous! I got a picture of him and Estrada during BP before a Braves-Milwaukee on 9/20/08—would love to have him sign that.

He’s great with the words, isn’t he? “Neat”, “Fine”…”Reorganize”…haha!! Funny.

I think we should work a trip down there into a math field trip. Either way, we’d be going to a field, ya know? Ahhhh……I would be in heaven!

(The family on Makeover just got told they were going to Disney…)

Oh yeah…And you do deserve a capital “C”.

; )

By Capt. Caveman

March 9, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

oh please braveheart

You really think it had anything to do with LEW??

He already thinks he is the assistant blog master and now you want to suggest that Buster has made his experience decision based on advice from a guy who makes his living with Crayons ??

You used to be my hero?? What happened???

By The Man

March 9, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Braves management has got to eventually come up off of their wallet. Signing a veteran 1st baseman like Tony Clark or Sean Casey would be have been the type of move that would help carry the Braves to the playoffs. If nothing else they provide excellent back-up status or bench depth that can push a team over the edge. Suppose that is why teams like Boston (who signed Casey) has won 2 world series lately. You have to get good players for the bench and reseve players for positions or otherwise you have nothing but another Orr & Woodward situation on your hands.

By JT

March 9, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Where did you hear the Buster Olney NL East prediction???

By McFann

March 9, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

I’m with Nick on the Francoeur issue. Give the guy a couple days off! He’d put up better numbers, and isn’t that what he wants to do?

By TexasBrave

March 9, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

I am going to make an obvious statement but I think it bares being said. If we really want the Mets fans to stop blogging then we as Braves fans need to stop replying to their posts. It is as simple as that.

I know some of you get a kick out of beating up on them, but there are many other bloggers on here that could use a little kick in the pants from stupid posts to satisfy you.

I for one would like to get rid of these pests even if they do have an intelligent post every now and then. I propose a pact or perhaps and amendment to the RROE’s that all true Braves fans on this blogosphere cease responding to their evil vile filth and restore harmony to our blog.

Just a thought. Either way I will keep my own vigil against replying to Met fans.

By KC

March 9, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Sniper: I realize you’re just talking smack, and aren’t even trying to make a rational argument (well, at least I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that’s the case)… but I’ll answer your last post anyway.

“You had the Smoltz/Hudson combo for the last 2 years and still finished behind the Mets.”

Right… even though Smoltz performed better than Santana last year, and Hudson was back in CY form, the Braves did fall short.

That would have something to do with that complete and total lack of a starting rotation after Smoltz and Hudson.

We didn’t have Glavine, Hampton, or Jurrjens last year.

My point stands. IN 2008 (let’s live in the now Sniper), The top of your rotation isn’t better than Atlanta’s. The middle/bottom of your rotation isn’t better than the Braves’. Your bullpen certainly isn’t better, and neither is your offense.

I don’t see a cause for cockiness. But go right ahead. Talk it up.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Jeff’s Month-by-Month splits:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=francje02&year=00

Scroll down to “Months”

By William

March 9, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Francoeur has any desire to chase Ripken’s record. I think he just loves to play the game which is great to see. I think if he needed a day off bad enough he would ask or Bobby would sit him. Even if he’s having a hard time at the plate he makes up for it with that cannon in the outfield.

By McFann

March 9, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Not surprising, Nick, Septmber had the lowest AVG. Hey, how cann I get that page for McCann? Link it up or teach me how to get it, please!

By The Man

March 9, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Mets fans - tired of all of this Pedro worship. What has the guy done since coming to the Mets. Not much. Sorry to say this but he may be the Mike Hampton verson of the Mets. Glavine has helped your dismal unacheiving choking a$$ team 100% more than Pedro, yet all of you Mets fans seem to think Pedro is the anwser to the Mets success through the playoffs as a realiable #2 starter. All all of you Mets fans want to point to Glavine as a failure to your team’s mission of attemptig to win a W.S. title and continue to place a throne upon Pedro’s head. I just don’t see it myself.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

The Man, I’m with you on Tony Clark. Would’ve been a perfect fit for the Braves — PLUS they wouldn’t have to face him. He absolutely destroys Braves pitching, year after year.

However, I don’t think he’d have signed with a team where he’s going to get so little playing time. Not while he’s still such a quality player.

By Nick

March 9, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

McFann: First, find Brian’s baseball-reference page, just use the search box in the upper left corner (it’s in the upper right corner on the player pages).

The Batting section has a link for Splits, you can click the link for his career splits or select a year from the drop-down menu.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama, Chipper’s off tomorrow

By chuckaluck

March 9, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

DOB A non-Braves question, but a baseball question all the same. What do you think of the Rasmus kid for St. Louis after watching him today? Been watching him since LL, literally. Is he the Cards CF of the future? If so, when does that future start?

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Austin, I’d get there when the gates open if I were you. That’s 10 a.m, right Choppinamama? (or anyone else who’s been at a game at Dark Star).

But tues-wed this week are night games.

By Metropolitan Man

March 9, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

**By TexasBrave

March 9, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

I am going to make an obvious statement but I think it bares being said. If we really want the Mets fans to stop blogging then we as Braves fans need to stop replying to their posts. It is as simple as that.

I know some of you get a kick out of beating up on them, but there are many other bloggers on here that could use a little kick in the pants from stupid posts to satisfy you.

I for one would like to get rid of these pests even if they do have an intelligent post every now and then. I propose a pact or perhaps and amendment to the RROE’s that all true Braves fans on this blogosphere cease responding to their evil vile filth and restore harmony to our blog.

Just a thought. Either way I will keep my own vigil against replying to Met fans.**

Sniper and KC seem to be having a very civil conversation yet YOU attack METS fans. You are guilty of what you accuse METS fans of doing on a braves blog which is be obnoxious saying the same thing over and over. “Wahhhhhhh, get off my blog”. Now if you cant get a baseball conversation going, it might be you who needs to find another blog. Dont worry about me, I wont grace this blog unless the braves are playing the NL east, or other baseball news come about that cant be ignored. Good luck on the blogg DOB, you have done a great job and has inspired me to take my musings to another level elsewhere. Yeah, I know good riddance but if you cant admit it was fun, then you may need help. Never have I walked away from the is blog cursing or upset because it was never that serious….baseball is serious. Our comments are just that, commments. So with that said see you guys later, take care of each other and let a little METS sunshine into your hearts.

Metropolitian Man out, for now.

LETS GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

March 9, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

I’m ‘relieved’ to see Moylan had a good outing.IMO he’s as important as anybody in the pen to the team’s success.

By McFann

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

Thanks, Nick. I appreciate it!

By Epinephrine

March 9, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Nick, that link is very misleading. Francouer went through a huge slump in September of his first year. Pitchers figured him out. If you look at his splits from ‘07, his September numbers are consistent with his performance over the rest of the season. The argument doesn’t add up.

By Overlord

March 9, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

DOB i thought you had already talked with the people of TERMINIX…. i was wrong, i can still read some MMcockroach around here.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Considering all I even talked to Buster about was that his family happened to live a couple miles from where I do (no, I don’t know them), it would have been real hard for him to listen to my advice or point of view. I didn’t give him any advice OR point of view. He mentioned to another Braves fan who was also there, that the media was not giving the Braves a fair shake this year, but it had nothing whatsoever to do with anything I discussed with him.

Happy now Caveschmuck?

By Roman Gal

March 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I, for one, don’t see what the big deal is with having a few rival fans on here. They keep us Braves fans level-headed while sometimes posting good information. Think about it, we have had some good conversations about the Mets team on here. I certainly don’t mind reading a little bit of nonsense every once in a while from them…Lord knows there’s going to be plenty of that with or without Mets fans on here. In fact, I like reading what they have to say about their team and if you don’t…well, you can always just scroll on by.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I HATE trash talking…even if my team is the one winning. I won’t do it and can’t stand it.

By Capt. Caveman

March 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

* I like Mets Fans*

They remind of the little kid that you tell not to touch the stove b/c it’s hot. And when you leave the room - BURN!!!!

As long as they are here it only serves to make us Bravos look that much more intelligent.

Besides - it is a blog- which all about slamming each other’s opinions anonymously from the privacy of your own home.

After all doesn’t blog mean:

Blithering

Long-winded

Obnoxious

Gooberheads

????????

I’m not sayin - I’m just sayin :

It is what it is !!!

By The Man

March 9, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Getting off baseball for a second, with all of your CD purchases and reviews just interested if you have a suggestion on the type of CD system you prefer or have (home or auto, or motorcycle in your case) or one that you would highly recommend for quality and performance.

By Roman Gal

March 9, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

William I believe Francoeur has already admitted he is chasing Ripken’s record. He did an interview with Ken Rosenthal

By Jack

March 9, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

=DOB I take it that you agree that Javy will really have a hard time making the club. Who would you say is the best back up catcher currrently in camp. I really don’t want to see Corky Miller in the roster come April. Also have you heard any talk from the Rangers camp as to how they like the Teixeira?

By Jack

March 9, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

=DOB I take it that you agree that Javy will really have a hard time making the club. Who would you say is the best back up catcher currrently in camp. I really don’t want to see Corky Miller in the roster come April. Also have you heard any talk from the Rangers camp as to how they like the Teixeira trade at this point? (yeah I know it is really way too early to judge it)

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

March 9, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, read this fellow denziens and Braves fans! I was listening to Buster Olney on ESPN radio a few minutes ago. He said he believes the Braves will win the division this year. He said that the Braves starting rotation is very deep and can withstand injuries and/or poor performances more than the Mets or Phillies can. He said he worries about the Mets’ offensive depth and that the Phillies are just too inconsistent. He pointed to the fact the starting rotation has several questions. He said if the Braves and/or Mets get off to a good start the Phillies will not likely be able to overcome it like they did last year.

His predictions were as follows: 1. Braves; 2. Mets; 3. Phillies; 4. Nationals; 5. Marlins

By Nick

March 9, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine: Crap, you’re right. I didn’t even think of that…

OK, I take it back.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

The Man-What you and others don’t seem to take into account is that we do not need Sean Casey or Tony Clark as a backup first baseman. Exactly why would either of them want to come to Atlanta to play 20 games this year? If something were to happen to Tex that required extensive time on the DL, then you go find someone more long term then.

If you’re not happy with Thorman or our other options, there are more utility type players that could be acquired. Those you mentioned are much better than 20 game players who would cost money that would be better spent on pitching than anything.

By McFann

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

Roman Gal—

I’m with you. I personally don’t like trash talking even if my team is winning either. I don’t like people to do it to me, so I try hard not to do it to them (though sometimes I slip, heh heh). But hey, the Mets fans cann be entertaining sometimes. And if I think their post is going to be completely crazy, I move on…way on.

By Capt. Caveman

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

skip to my LEW

I am ecstatic over here. Just knowing that I could make you heart monitor beep a little louder and often makes a young boy like me smile !!

By William

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

William I believe Francoeur has already admitted he is chasing Ripken’s record. He did an interview with Ken Rosenthal

Well, so be it. As I said, even if he is having a couple off nights at the plate, his defense more than makes up for it. It’s nice to see someone who has a passion for the game and wants to earn his paycheck.

By David-ATL14

March 9, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

This backup 1b business make one wish the braves would have just ponied up the extra 250K and kept D.Ward. Professional bat and could spell tex if needed.

By Thrillhouse44

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

Where art thou, Crime Dog?

By The Man

March 9, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Lew -

I agree with you about these type of players such as Clark or Casey, their cost and their limited playing time (unless an injury occurs) however; I would certainly not say we do not need them. Besides Diaz the Braves had no offensive force off of the bench last season. Woodward, Orr, Wilson, Harris, Corky Miller, Thorman…this needs to improve. Hopefully Lopez will be an improvement in this area but then he is a backup cathcer and will not produce much bench depth.

By chrisklob

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

DOB, here’s an idea for back up 1B. Forget Ward and Clark. Forget dragging Klesko out of retirement. Forget all those guys.

Let’s get Chris Chambliss. We don’t even have to “go get” him. He’s already in camp!

By I heart Mazzone

March 9, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Any chance of the Braves bringing back Leo Mazzone? He did an amazing job with a, shall we say, less than stellar rotation for a few years there towards the end. (Russ Ortiz as your ace anyone???) I like McDowell alright, but the chance to bring back Mazzone seems too good to pass up.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 9, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I’m in total agreement with the assessment of Dave O’Brien when it comes to the situation at 1B. The Braves simply don’t have another or better option to back up Teixeira. Barring a trade , Thorman sticks.

But , at least the Braves DO HAVE A BACK UP AT 1B.

Third base is another story and it is a disaster waiting to happen.

I don’t want to rain on the new blog or get off the beaten path , but you guys know me , I have a one track mind.

Chipper Jones can’t be projected to play 150-155 games like Teixeira and Hoss is much more likely to hit the D.L. once or twice during the season. Hell , I’ll be happy if Chipper plays 134 games like he did last season.

Which is why I bring up the name of Mark Teahen.

Kansas City isn’t even going to sniff the playoffs this season and they know it. The Royals posted a team ERA of 4.48 last season and they don’t look much better this spring (6.75 team ERA so far).

The Royals need pitching , we have it.

The Braves need a solid back up for Chipper , the Royals have that guy in Mark Teahen.

Teahen is a former 2002 1st round pick that the Royals picked up from the Oakland A’s in a three team trade.

He played his entire minor league career at 3B and switched to RF last season , playing 137 games out their and 9 games at 1B.

Did I mention his 17 assists ? the kid has a rifle for an arm.

We are talking about a young 6-3 26 year old left handed power bat who can play 3B , the outfield and 1B. He makes the league minimum and won’t be a free agent any time soon.

Teahen would be a near perfect fit. Enabling the Braves to carry five outfielders without sacrificing depth on the infield.

The scouting report on Teahen:

Assets : Teahen has slowly shown more power as he’s risen through the system. He can lay off bad pitches and produce with runners in scoring position, while fielding well at the hot corner.

Flaws : While his power has improved significantly, he still can find the big swing against southpaws. Could stand to cut down the strikeouts.

Career potential : Above-average third baseman.

Dayton Moore knows the Braves , they know him. Somebody pick up the damn phone and make it happen.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

March 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

If Scott Thorman can’t get it turned around and play well consistently, I think somebody like Jeff Conine should be given some consideration. I still say guys like Dan Johnson from the A’s, Doug M., or even Greg Norton should be given some consideration.

By Random

March 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link, Roman Gal — looks like I guessed right for a change.

;->

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Sometime in the recent past, I read a Chrisklob post with the link to a Mets blog. Decided to pay a little visit, and return the favor to the Mets fans with a razing post. Besides misspelling it, I took a look around, and now I know why they post here. Phew!

By TexasBrave

March 9, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal - I only suggested it because a few times today and often in the past bloggers have complained about Met fans fouling up the blog. I couldn’t care one way or another and I always scroll by when I see one, even when one of the vets are tearing them a new hole.

So forgive the suggestion, I was just getting tired of those complaining. I just wish they would either sh!t or get off the pot.

By chrisklob

March 9, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

richbrave, I’m glad that someone visited over there. Don’t know if you noticed but the writer of that article was one “Metropolitan Man1” and one of the comments was made by “MetsPussyCat”.

I went back today and learned that our beloved Metro Man now is carrying “Editor” status, which I’m sure DOB will especially get a big kick out of. Anyway, here’s the link again, just in case any one else wants to visit. I would encourage everyone here to take a look over there and then fill his blog with the same kind of ridiculous bile that he leaves us with more often than not.

Oh, and by the way, if you click on his name it will take you to a list of all the “articles” he has written as well as comments to others.

Here’s the link

By Duke

March 9, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know if there are any games this week on the tube besides tommorrow?

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

CHRIS:

My god. Are you saying this idiot is the equivalent in NY of O’Brien? Everybody should journey over and blast those bums for being so lame.

By Lew

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

Cavejerk-Your 9:17 post was positively self absorbed. I’m amazed you actually possess the perception to analyze yourself so accurately.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

The Man-I see what you’re saying, but what you want is a pinch hitter, not a back up first baseman. Maybe Daryl Ward or someone like that. Is Jeff Conine still ambulatory?

By TexasBrave

March 9, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

DOB - I hope this is not a stupid question but I think I have heard it before. Could we dangle Thorman on the waiver wire and then pull him back if someone tries to grab him? I agree with you that we need a reliable defensive back up and right now he is our only alternative.

However, unless Tex does get hurt we are not going to need him much and he only weakens the bench. If Tex doesn’t get hurt I only see him needing 5 to 7 games off. If that is the case then Diaz, Kotsay, Pena or Lopez could fill in for the short term.

If Tex does go on the DL then we could bring Thorman up and hopefully he has worked some things out to be serviceable.

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Robert (CIB), you mean Greg Norton, the bassist for sublime punk band Husker Du?

Oh, wait, you mean Greg Norton, the guy with the .252 career batting average in the majors, with 82 homers and exactly twice as many 540 strikeouts as walks (270) in 2147 at-bats.

The one who hit .243 with 4 homers and 55 strikeouts in 202 at-bats for Tampa Bay last season. THAT Greg Norton.

Nevermind.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Coach-If Chipper gets injured, I would bet they would just move Yunel over to third and let Lillibridge start at short-or even have Lillibridge back up third if necessary. I imagine if Chipper were out for an appreciable length of time with a serious injury, they would take further steps to address the situation in a more long term manner by going out and getting someone on an emergency basis.

By Eric from MO

March 9, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with the 10:16 post. Bring back Mazzone!

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Jeff Conine is retired. He also broke a collarbone and some ribs recently while training for the Ironman World Triathlon.

By Lew

March 9, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

DOB-Thanks. Ambulatory but not active. Well, he was just third choice after Julio and Klesko, right?

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

March 9, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

DOB

Don’t miss the DBT’s on Conan O’Brien Tuesday March 11th. Just a head’s up.

By chrisklob

March 9, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

richbrave, if you click on his name a page comes up that has a little bio information. It also shows an “editor” icon. No, I am absolutely not saying that Metro Tool Man is on any way, shape or form on the same level as DOB.

After a little more checking, it seems that all you really need to be an “Editor” there is to have an internet connection and an IQ greater than that of the average rutabaga. MM qualifies, but just barely (I think they use a bell curve on the IQ grade).

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised Hammy didn’t leave on a stretcher after that shoulder shimmy. lol

Maybe it wasn’t a shoulder shimmy at all, but the reaction to a torn totator cuff from smiling at Eddie…

By Braveheart

March 9, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

If the world has spinning round and round for Nick Esasky, Frank Wren needs to give him a call.

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

I need to take that Rorschach Rutabaga Test ASAP

By David O'Brien

March 9, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave, there are two types of waivers, and you’re thinking of major league waivers. That’s the kind you hear about late in the season, when about half or more of major league players are put on waivers by their teams to see if they’ll clear. If they do clear those waivers, they can be traded even after the July 31 no-waiver trade deadline.

If a team claims a player on major league waivers, the waiving team can revoke the claim and pull him back if they don’t want to lose him.

But that doesn’t apply to the type of waivers you have to go through to be sent down to the minors. Those are minor league waivers, which are irrevocable.

If a dude’s been on a 40-man roster for three years and is out of options, and his team wants to send him to the minors, they have to put him through outright waivers. If he’s claimed by another team, it can’t be reversed. He goes to the claiming team.

By fastasballs

March 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I would get accustomed to seeing Thor on the bench for the season because they have nobody else to back up 1B.

My guess is Wren makes a deal for a quality Chipper back up. I think he waits until the last week of the spring to get a feel for who is playing well & then makes a trade. There should be no shortage of Braves players to trade who are either out of options or prospects who are blocked several times over. I agree with Coach that basically nobody backing up Chipper is a problem that will manifest sooner or later.

I see Metro finally received his secret blog decoder ring in the mail. They even included an “editor” title as a free gift.

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

The totator cuff is located just below the rotator one.

Don’t look it up, I’m a jackleg doctor dammitt!

By chrisklob

March 9, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Shamus, yes you too can be an “Editor” of a Mets blog if you so aspire!

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Did Esasky go nuts before, or after, Wohlers?

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

We should bring Sid Bream back. If he can still run like a sixty-year-old, then he hasn’t lost a thing. He’s no older than Esasky, is he? Satchel Page was somewhere between 60 and 100 when he pitched for the Braves, wuz he not?

By Capt. Caveman

March 9, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Actually that one had nothing to do with you LEW but as usual you have to be involved in every conversation on here b/c you think your junior asst.

By Braveheart

March 9, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Watch an Ernie Johnson special:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7_QdmRq0WnU

By Shamus Thacker

March 9, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

The only thing less appealing to me than the Mets is, yes, Richard Simmons…

Should I edit that?

By TexasBrave

March 10, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Oh - Well back to the drawing board.

Thanks for the lesson!!

By THE BEAR

March 10, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

For anyone interested the Braves games for Mon, Tues, Wed and Thur will all be on MLB.com TV. I am looking forward to seeing all four. Plus there will be two more on the 17th and 24th.

By Shamus Thacker

March 10, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

I guess I should be more politically correct with my blogging. I’m sorry.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 10, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Lew , your right. However , when Yunel Escobar slides over to 3B and we have a rookie SS , would Lillibridge be able to do the job well enough on offense/defense as a starter.

I would much rather that the Braves be proactive and address this before it becomes a problem later on , like it was last season.

And I’m talking about the two HR’s and nine RBI they got from the other five guys playing behind Chipper last season , which might have had something to with the Braves 11-17 record when Hoss wasn’t at 3B in 2007.

The Braves went 73-61 with Chipper in the lineup last year.

By blazerpunter

March 10, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Just catching up on the Blog, been a busy weekend. Saw where a few people had talked about Klesko earlier in the Blog. Klesko was actually here in South GA last weekend helping with an outdoors theme fundraiser I was volunteering for. Great Guy!! Stood around for nearly 2 hours signing baseballs and anything else people would bring him. He also donated some baseball memerobilia that we auctioned off.

Regarding Klesko and baseball, I overheard someone come up to him and ask him now that he is officially retired does he miss baseball. He said that while he loved the game while he was playing, he does not miss it now. He has a hunting show and other passions that he is really enjoying pursuing right now. He is a great guy though, and i must admit that i had him pegged as more of the ego-maniac type. Goodnight Denziens!!

GO BRAVES!!!

By ippississiM

March 10, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

I was just looking at Kent Mercker’s stats for my series of reports on Glavine’s influence on younger lefties, when I noticed something. After leaving Atlanta after the 1995 season, Mercker was inconsistent, but mostly horrible, from 1996-2002, actually posting a 7.76 ERA as a starter for Baltimore, and a full-season ERA over 6 in both 2000 and 2002. He returned to Atlanta for part of the 2003 season (18 relief appearances), posting an ERA of 1.06 in 17 innings, and since then has been like a completely different pitcher, with a 2.55 ERA for the Cubs in 2004, and with ERAs of 3.65 and 4.13 in 2005 and 2006 for the Reds. He’s currently a non-roster invitee for the Reds; I wonder if we could carry this just-like-old-times reunion a little further, and maybe trade for Mercker with one of the out-of-options guys - not really being serious, but still….

By ippississiM

March 10, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way, the only two other pitchers from that 2003 partial season who are still here? Smoltz and Hampton - Smoltz had 45 saves and a 1.12 ERA, and Hampton pitched 190 innings, going 14-8 in his 31 starts.

By Mike S

March 10, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

It is a sad, sad day today denizens. That’s right, the final season finale of the greatest show to ever grace the small screen aired tonight. Of course I’m talking about The Wire. I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but I’ll say that it, like every other episode from every other season, was absolutely perfect. Maybe the show will finally grab a long overdue emmy this year, since the word’s starting to get around on it and with no Sopranos around this year. We can only hope.

DOB, do they have HBO at the rental house? Did you get to catch it? A sad day indeed. Not sure what I’m going to do with myself with The Wire no gone for good… Good thing opening day is right around the corner!

By Lew

March 10, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Poor CaveBoy-Still so full of the sound and fury and still signifying absolutely nothing.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Coach-I see your concern, however, when you get down to it-is there anyone out there that CAN replace Chipper? I have no idea how Lillibridge will hit or even if he will, but there is no one that we can plug in that will equal or perhaps come close to Chipper’s production.

By ippississiM

March 10, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

Just updated my report on Glavine’s influence on younger lefties with a profile of Kent Mercker, who pitched better for the Braves than for any other club in his career.

Niels Boor:

Sorry I’m taking so long to do this thing, but I’m hoping to be able to cover a pitcher a day or so for the next little while at least.

Lew:

Do you mind if I put a link to your art site on my website?

By BA

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

Anybody catch that Braves/Yankees classic game on the satellite radio sunday afternoon? I won’t name the company because they charge far too much for their products and services. Anyway, it was brutal! I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t live. But it occured to me, after hearing Clemens described many times as “angry” on the mound-those “great” Yankees teams were all pumped up on steroids! Their reputation will always be tarnished. The dirtiest team this side of Oakland. Maybe Bobby’s main fault was running a clean clubhouse. Mercker stinks. And as I recall had a bad attitude. Ronnie Belliard is awful, I’d rather see that loser Woodward! Hampton seems like one of those guys that just works out too much to stay loose. The hole behind Chipper is every bit as glaring as the hole behind Tex…

By ippississiM

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

BA:

Mercker sucks on other teams. He’s been consistently good for the Braves—that was my point, and I can back it up with his stats.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

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

Lew , again your right. No one will match Chipper’s offensive game.

But , the Braves have always had someone who can play the position behind him adequately enough to fill in defensively and offensively. Those guys were Aybar , Betemit , Marte and DeRosa during the past four seasons(2004-2007).

Lillibridge has almost no experience at 3B while Omar Infante and Martin Prado are utility players at best , not well suited to playing everyday.

Forcing Escobar to play 3B would change the defensive alignment and put a rookie at SS.

The Braves have to nip this in the bud before the season starts with a solid veteran player who can play good defense and provide some power with the bat.

By ippississiM

March 10, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this

…and let’s hope the hole behind Tex isn’t exposed for more than a couple of games all season.

By Capt. Caveman

March 10, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

Where is Bay Area Steve??

I got my shot glass filled up and ready to go.

By BayAreaSteve

March 10, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

Always lurking, Cap’n.

DOB,

BAs 3:14 is inexcusable. It needs to be banned, immediately.

There is no possible reason for allowing someone to post that they’d rather have Woodward over anybody, and certainly not over Ronnie Belliard.

By BA

March 10, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

That hole’s gonna be exposed like David Cone in the Met’s bullpen…

By Capt. Caveman

March 10, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this

So why is it I get more stimulating conversation from the late night crowd than from the “all high and mighty daywalkers”.

By BA

March 10, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

That was a joke, you drunken mouth-breather! This blog is so communist, always calling for bans! Anyway, the great DOB (your supposed Stalin of the blog) is probably asleep. Somebody has to call out these lame roster ideas, who better than me? Belliard, Mercker, Klesko, this is all garbage. Even as a gooberhead, I can recognize this. What’s next? Bonds? A trade for Bret Boone? Maybe start calling B.J. Surhoff?! Nobody’s bench is that great, or it wouldn’t be the bench. You’re lucky to get one consistent pinch hitter. Short of trading more pitching away (PLEASE don’t trade ANYMORE pitchers) or finding the next Julio Franco, or the REAL one, the Braves are just going to have to cross their fingers.

By Capt. Caveman

March 10, 2008 4:40 AM | Link to this

I think Steve was joking too there BA - about the banning and all. Their is way too much “banning” talk on here , I agree, and it’s funny as hell what they get offended over. Some people haven’t figured out that it’s ok to talk smack without taking it personal.

Like me and Metrohead, I agree that he is an idiot and he agrees that I don’t have a clue, but we still plan to share a beer and a Braves-Mets game this year just to get the party started right. LOL

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

But, the Braves have always had someone who can play the position behind him adequately enough to fill in defensively and offensively. Those guys were Aybar , Betemit , Marte and DeRosa during the past four seasons(2004-2007). Coach

Really? Andy Marte played a total of 24 games (57 at-bats) for the Braves, all during 2005. In those at-bats, he hit .140 with two doubles, no homers, four RBIs, a .227 OBP and a .211 slugging percentage. I’m fairly certain that Omar Infante will far surpass that.

Marte’s three-year career totals with Atlanta and Cleveland: .201 average (56-for-278) with six homers, 35 RBIs, a .263 OBP and .356 slugging percentage, and 13 errors in 94 games (.942 fielding percentage). Again, that’s career totals.

What would you be writing if he was in camp right now and the Braves had him penciled in as the primary backup?

MIKE S: Was glued to my set last night watching The Wire series finale. Unlike the Sopranos finale, this one met and surpassed all expectation. I would agree, greatest television drama ever. Just an incredible show, week after week, season after season. I’m hating that it’s over.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Coach: The only year DeRosa played more than 11 games at 3B for the Braves was 2003, when he played 25 games at the position. That year he played a total of 103 games at five positions and hit .263 with six homers, 22 RBI, a .316 OBP and .383 slugging percentage.

The next season (2004) was his last with the Braves, and he hit .239 with 3 homers and 31 RBI in 309 at-bats, with a .293 OBP and .320 slugging.

Again, I’m thinking Infante can muster a better season than that. Hell, Prado or can do far better than that. Or Lillibridge, for that matter.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

BA: Be warned, Stalin doesn’t sleep.

By Capt. Caveman

March 10, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

DOB

I wasn’t going to touch the “communist” remark but I see you as more gorbachev - without the head stain.

By Moby Grape

March 10, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

3rd… Is there anyone that thinks that Anderson could starts some 130 games (3 OF positions combined [30LF, 80CF, 20 RF]) and be our leadoff hitter?Overlord how old are you OL? I have nothing against him being the fourth outfielder, but yeah I think that he shouldn’t start 130 games unless one of the others is injured. And leading off? Have you checked his minor league career? ST games are practically useless for judging young talent. Guy could easily be another Harris or Thomas or Aldridge or Langerhans, etc etc etc. Let him earn his MLB bones at 8th if he can, then let’s talk about him leading off.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

March 10, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

DOB -

FYI on Greg Norton, the bassist. He actually owns and runs a restaurant with his wife in Wisconsin (or Minnesota).

Random useless musical knowledge for the day.

By Jeff R

March 10, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Granted, Tex could go down, but the chances aren’t great. The Braves have backup options at third. The Javy boomlet is beyond me. He was and is an fair defensive player. His handling of pitchers was adequate. He doesn’t have the bat he once had. For a backup role, I’d go with one of the younger guys who have better defensive skills.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

chuckw/deadjournalist, we like that kind of random information. not useless at all, for some of us….

Jeff R, Braves might end up seeing it same way you do. Too early to tell just yet.

By ncscoots

March 10, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

And Coach, I’m pretty sure you can strike the Mark Teahen man-love. How likely is that the Royals will trade the guy they have penciled in to hit somewhere in the middle of their order? Just because Alex Gordon is playing 3B doesn’t mean Teahen isn’t an integral part of their plans.

By BT

March 10, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Reading between the lines on DOB’s comments and article, I don’t think Javy’s future is with the Braves.

By TNRON

March 10, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Thanks for linking that wonderful special on Ernie Johnson.I have so many fond memories as a youth listening to Ernie.He truly became “Uncle Ernie” to me and a lot of folks in the south.Though I’ve never met him I feel like I know him.He is a treasure and an icon.They don’t make them like Ernie Johnson anymore.Again many thanks for sharing that video.

By The Man

March 10, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Jeff R -

Agree that I would like to see the Braves go with a younger defensive skill catcher. Hopefully if they do that person can provide enough offense to help the team when needed. Lopez was cut last year in spring training for a reason and it appears the reason is showing up again. Lopez is past his prime especially for such a demanding physical position like catching and it is highly unlikely he will remain at 1st base for long even if Tex were to go down.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 10, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

O’Brien , you are incorrect. Mark DeRosa played 69 games at 3B during the 2004 season per baseball reference.com.

And if Andy Marte (17 Hr’s 68 RBI between Buffalo and Cleveland in 2007)were to end up on Waivers , yea , I would prefer him over Omar Infante ( 2 HR’s 17 RBI last year) as a back up.

Now , go get your coffee and wake the hell up !

By SNIPER-69

March 10, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I’d like to address some of the post’s yesterday that claim Glavine was the Mets best pitcher. Both Maine and Perez had better seasons in terms of wins and ERA. I’m not discounting that innings pitched is not an important factor. All I’m saying is that it’s not the only one. There are many pitchers out there who provide lots of innings. Trachsel and Hernandes(El Duque’s brother) come to mind but this stat alone doesn’t make them all star pitchers. I do believe many brave fans are over looking both Maine and Perez when grading and comparing the Mets rotation. Maine had a better winning percentage that Jake Peavy. He had better ERA that Hudson and batters had a lower batting avg against Maine than Smoltz. Go ahead and overlook these two pitchers but when the season is over the Mets will win the division and both these pitcher will be big contributors.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

ippississiM-Absolutely. Link away.

CaveMoron-Could it be that the night shift just has lower standards from all the intoxicants they’ve consumed by that hour? Maybe all that alcohol makes you somewhat more tolerable. Metrohead is an idiot? No you don’t get personal.

By Jon

March 10, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

All this talk about a back up first baseman could have been alleviated if the Braves would have just signed Mark Sweeney. He would have been a serviceable back-up, because we arent expecting Tex to miss much time, and he would have fortified our bench, because we know he is a pinch hitting machine. But the Dodgers signed him for cheap. Well, if we are out of the race come trade deadline, which I doubt we will be, how bout this trade idea……Tex to Baltimore for Huff, Loewen, and some prospects.

By Braveheart

March 10, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

If DOB is Stalin, Lew is Stalin’s Iron Fist.

By Mike

March 10, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

A foonote? Not to be confused with a poonote or brown note to be sure.

By Rookie Rules Of Engagement

March 10, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Caveman, there are only 3 types of bloggers who snipe at Lew: Mets fans, trolls, and new bloggers desperate for attention and a way to make a name for themselves.

If you want to lose credibility and be considered a Mets fan, a troll, or an FNG (effin’ new guy) then go right ahead and continue the pathetic sniping at him.

The bloghouse lovingly gave him some love taps last week and razzed him a bit in order to remind him to check his ego at the door. He took it like a man and took it for what it was and even apologized although he did not need to.

Everyone stopped the b.s. except for you. At this point, you look like a punk for continuing the b.s.

The Iron Fist does not engage in preemptive strikes. The Iron Fist only responds to provocation.

By KC

March 10, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Sniper: “Maine had a better winning percentage that Jake Peavy. He had better ERA that Hudson”

Dude, what are you talking about??

Hudson posted a 3.33 ERA. Maine’s ERA was 3.91

Peavy went 19-6, while Maine went 15-10

Having point that out, I’m not prepared to say that Glavine was better than Oliver Perez or John Maine… but I do think he was every bit as good as Maine, and almost as good as Perez.

I say that for one important reason:

Only 8 pitchers in baseball had more quality starts than Tom Glavine last year. He gave his team a great chance to win the games he started more often than Maine or Perez…. or even Santana, last year.

Of the 8 pitchers that had more quality starts than Glavine last year… 2 of them are in a Braves uni (Smoltz and Hudson). That means that 3 of the top-9 in quality starts last year, are in the Braves rotation.

No 2007 or 2008 Met (including Santana) had more quality starts than Glavine.

By Shaun

March 10, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Jon, I’m sure Sweeney would be more expensive than Thorman. And Thorman still has the potential to be at least a decent major league backup firstbaseman. I see nothing wrong with keeping Thorman around as the backup. If a team is interested in trading for him, I’m sure the Braves could find another backup in the minors somewhere that they wouldn’t have to give up much for. Firstbase is probably one of the easiest positions to find a serviceable backup.

By SNIPER-69

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

KC, I meant since Maine’s been on the Mets. So that’s his 2006 and 2007 stats.

By Braveheart

March 10, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Ever wonder why we don’t take John Maine seriously?

We’ve seen him before.

We called him Dave Mlicki in 1996 and 1997.

By Dee Culver

March 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Please trade Scott Thorman. He will never be an everyday player and when he comes off the bench nine times out of ten it is ugly! I never want to see him in a Braves uni again.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

KC-The thing that would concern me with the Mets staff-other than the injury factor, was their respective records late in the season.

Maine is a good pitcher-one who I’ve been on record saying that I wouldn’t mind seeing him pitch for the Braves-but throughout the final two months of the season (a full 1/3 of 07), his ERA was in the 5.75 range. Same for El Duque (who may not even make it out of the box this year), Pelfrey (only his ERA was for the ENTIRE year) and Oliver Perez, whose final two months resulted in an ERA in the high 4 runs per game.

Mets’ fans need to realize that while they were in the race until the end and Yes, they did come in ahead of the Braves (though a two game swing is not all that), they had a losing record from the end of May through the rest of the season-2/3 of the way.

Their season was what it was because of an extremely fast start. With Alou already down and such a lack of preparation time with Beltran and Castillo, can the Mets equal that torrid start and continue it throughout the season? That is certainly the question. I don’t see it happening. They’re putting way too much emphasis on a pitcher returning from injury and one guy you can really count on (when he learns the NL hitters).

By Dee Culver

March 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Please trade Scott Thorman. He will never be an everyday player and when he comes off the bench nine times out of ten it is ugly! I never want to see him in a Braves uni again.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Morning, Shaun-For once I agree with you. First base is not the issue some make it out to be. If Tex remains healthy like he normally does, it will be a moot point. If he gets injured and is out for an appreciable length of time, the situation will be dealt with. It will likely cost more than we would like, but it will be dealt with.

By Anders

March 10, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

If DOB is Stalin, Lew is Stalin’s Iron Fist.

Why is DOB being referred to as Stalin?

By David-ATL14

March 10, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Coah you need to wake up yourself if you think the Royals are going to trade Teahan.

I guess in theory they could but at what price?

Jair Jurrjens?Jordan Scahfer?,Jason Heyward?

They would ask for a frontline prospect that is cheap and under their control for the next 6 seasons.

I still like the idea of Belliard as a backup. Though I do understand the concerns the crusading everyman raised. Defenitely not the prototype 1b. He could be a key backup though for Chipper and KJ.

A thoroughly professional bat with some pop. Ability to play 3B,2b and 1B if necessary.

Thorman has gots to go. A waste of a roster spot on a 5 man bench.

By SNIPER-69

March 10, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, C’mon dude. Maine had better stats than Mlicki in those years. Pick someone comparable.

By KC

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

Sniper: “KC, I meant since Maine’s been on the Mets. So that’s his 2006 and 2007 stats.”

Bro, that’s really reaching. That’s called stat bending. Last year’s stats don’t measure up, so you’ll selectively look at the last two seasons in certain situations, if the numbers better suit your need.

If you want to look at more than last year… let’s compare Hudson and Maine’s career numbers, shall we?

By KC

March 10, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

2007 Quality Starts:

Smoltz/Hudson/Glavine: 74

Santana/Maine/Perez: 55

Obviously, IF Pedro Martinez and Mike Hampton stay healthy (and that’s a big “if” for both teams), each will log a good number of quality starts.

El Duque is also a quality starter, (again) when healthy.

I’ll be willing to bet (seriously, I will wager) that Jurrjens logs more quality starts this year than El Duque.

By STRETCH

March 10, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

DOB…why did people immediately ping the METS as division winners after they signed Santana? I really like the BRAVES rotation right now, and i think they have what it takes to get to the NLCS and possibly the Series.

The PHILS might be the biggest obstacle to overcome. The METS look old as ever and adding Santana did nothing for me. The guy went 15-13 last year. Hudson went 16-10 last year. So to say the METS are the team to beat is a bit premature cause they signed him, after all….The guy cant pitch 162 games!

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Hampton just threw a bullpen, felt fine except for little tightness in last 10 or pitches of a 10-minute session. Watched him run a dozen sprints and he moved without any difficulty. Said he’ll either make his start Thursday, or pitch simulate game, the latter if he doesn’t feel great tomorrow after throwing and running today. Either way, he’ll stay on his every-fifth-day schedule….

Got some interesting twists in lineup today, including Schafer in LF (never played there, he told me) and batting leadoff, and Prado at SS (Braves need to know if he can play it, since they’re having to rethink things with Infante on the DL longer than expected (more than a week, for sure, probably closer to a month if I had to guess).

Oh, and Gorkys Hernandez is here, Bobby said he’d get in late. He’s a real slender kid, getting great reviews from minor league folks. Seems like a real good guy.

By Look Deeper

March 10, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Sniper look again. I think you will find that most people refer to Glavin as the Mets no. 1 pitcher. That is not to say that he had the best year necessarily, but rather it is the pecking order that Mets managment saw fit to establish.

That order is established for a purpose. And Glavin fulfilled it pretty well, by giving the Mets opportunity to win most of the time he pitched.

To compare wins is not looking deep enough. How many times did Maine or Perez pitch against Smoltz? This is by design. Certainly, it is not completely controlled, but it is controlled as much as management can do so.

However, you do make one good point. Speculating about teams is just that. Let the teams play there are too many unknown variables that will affect the outcome. Stats don’t play the game, people do. And people are inconsistent, injured, affected by many aspects of their environment that are yet unknown and often undetected. So… watch the drama of baseball unfold. No one yet knows the outcome. Why fool yourself into thinking that you do?

Let the games begin (shortly).

By Jon

March 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Shaun and Lew, I agree that backup first base isn’t that big of an issue, but all the talk seems to be about Trading Thorman or NOT having him as the backup. I dont believe that Tex will miss much time, but we could have used Sweeney’s bat off the bench. One of the best pinch hitters around, IMHO.

By Braveheart

March 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, C’mon dude. Maine had better stats than Mlicki in those years. Pick someone comparable.

Maine, 2006: 90 innings

Mlicki, 1996: 90 innings

Maine, 2006: 3.60 ERA

Mlicki, 1996: 3.30 ERA

Maine, 2006: 121 ERA+

Mlicki, 1996: 122 ERA+

Maine, 2006: 7.1 K/9

Mlicki, 1996: 8.3 K/9

Maine, 2007: 191 innings

Mlicki, 1997: 193.7 innings

Maine, 2007: 3.91 ERA

Mlicki, 1997: 4.00 ERA

Maine, 2007: 109 ERA+

Mlicki, 1997: 102 ERA+

Maine, 2007: 8.48 K/9

Mlicki, 1997: 7.29 K/9

Look very similar to me. Maine is just Mlicki a decade later

By Anders

March 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

LEW

If we’re gonna carve pitcher’s season up into pieces I suggest you start with Glavine and his finish. I believe Mr. Maine showed some moxy the Saturday before TG’s historic 2/3’s of an inning. Maine pitched 7.2 innings giving up 1 hit, no runs and striking out 14! Maine also won 3 out of his last 4 starts while Glavine lost 4 in a row. Save TG’s quality start stat stuff. I’ve seen it 100 times. I’m talking about having the onions to get it done. Maine showed up, Glavine didn’t.

Braveheart You may not take Maine seriously but I think if Wren could get him and his 15 wins from last year at his $450K salary tonight he’d wet himself trying.

By McFann

March 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

…it seems that all you really need to be an “Editor” there is to have an internet connection and an IQ greater than that of the average rutabaga. Klobber

I think you’ve gotten to the root of the problem.

By SNIPER-69

March 10, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I was just pointing out since the Emergence of Maine on the Mets staff he’s been good. It’s easy to overlook those guys (Maine and Perez) when discussing the Mets rotation. They both won 15 games when the braves only had one pitcher with more wins. The Mets rotation of Santana, Pedro, Maine, Perez, El Duque will be better than what the braves put out there. Your counting heavily on two pitchers over 40(Smoltz/Glavine) and another that’s a hiccup away from the disabled list(hampton). The season will have to play out for the “I told you so’s” to begin.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Anderts-I didn’t include Glavine because he no longer pitches for the Mets-a fact I think you will come to regret fairly soon this season.

Besides-I’m not carving up anyone. Those are factual numbers. Your staff’s numbers the final two months-not just during the collapse-were pretty horrid (though not so much with Glavine) and the Mets did play sub .500 for 2/3 of the season. That would scare me if I were a Mets’ fan, which thankfully, I’m not.

Y’all got off to an incredibly good, fast start through May 26 in 07. I just don’t see that happening for y’all this time out.

By ncscoots

March 10, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Overlord, re your 4:00PM yesterday, please archive that post. That way, when Diaz and Anderson create an offensive black hole in LF after the real games start, you can re-post it. I look forward to you doing so.

I’ve said it before, I love Matt Diaz; you can’t help but like him. But he has no power, no plate discipline, and no speed. Anderson likewise has no power and no plate discipline, and his speed is fairly negated by his lack of on-base skills. I fear 600 AB from that combination is doom arising.

That’s why I was hoping that Brandon Jones would have a good spring and seize an opportunity. So far, he hasn’t. And I certainly understand why Anderson would make the club, given Infante’s unavailability and Kotsay’s health history.

And, believe me, I’d find the happiest day of the season to be the day when I could admit I was wrong about both Diaz and Anderson.

By Ron Roberts

March 10, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

JED… crack all the jokes about people carrying torches for ballplayers all you want, dude, but you lose any blog points when you think we’d be better served trading Thorman (what for, by the way - meaning what shortcomings do we have greater than the need to carry something for a backup 1B - and to whom?) and playing Brayan Pena (a minor league catcher) as our backup 1B instead. Brilliant!

Incidentally, I don’t remember you; I’m flattered you recall me, though.

By KC

March 10, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Sniper: “Your counting heavily on two pitchers over 40(Smoltz/Glavine) and another that’s a hiccup away from the disabled list(hampton).”

Yeah, if only we had a couple of Iron-man types… like Pedro Martinez or El Duque. lol

By Lew

March 10, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Anders-I realize that you place the entire blame for the Mets’ collapse on Glavine’s shoulders. You’re wrong, but that’s your prerogative. However, let’s look at the actual figures.

Here are your starters pre -August ERA’s and their ERA’s for August and September. You will see that Glavine was your steadiest starter during the last two months-something which may well surprise you.

Glavine 4.38—4.57

Maine 2.92—5.46

Perez 2.84—4.74

El Duque 3.02—5.40

Pelrfrey 5.92—5.00

As you can see, Glavine’s ERA only increased by .17 runs per game in August and Spetember-MUCH better than the rest of your staff, despite Pelfrey’s modest improvement in September.

By Runnin

March 10, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

DOBAny news on how Moylan’s elbow feels after pitching yesterday?

By SNIPER-69

March 10, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Lew. You can disect parts of season to validate your point if you like. A team is judged by 162 games. Every new season will provide a new story. I don’t see how you can say since the Mets had a good start in 2007 that it somehow will have an impact on 2008??

By Braveheart

March 10, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

How can you credit Maine for pitching like a hero on the last weekend when his 5.50 ERA in the second half created the last weekend in the first place?

From May 1st until the last weekend, John Maine was 11-10 with a 4.45 ERA.

By comparison, Chuck James, the pitcher the Braves can’t wait to dump for who knows what reason, was 8-8 with a 4.14 ERA from May 1st until the end of the season.

From August 1st until the end of the season, John Maine had a 6.14 ERA.

By comparison, Chuck James, who was awful in August, had a 5.90 ERA from August 1st until the end of the season.

By KC

March 10, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Sniper:

Look bro, all bravado aside, here’s how I see it:

I like Maine and Perez. I think you have 2 good young starters right there. The only problem is, you can’t be sure what you should expect from them.

Maine really scuffled in the second half of the season. Was it just an aberration, or were NL hitters starting to figure him out?

O.Perez has been WILDLY inconsistent from year to year. He’s had a couple of very good seasons, but those seasons were separated by years that saw his ERA climb into Mark Redman territory.

That said, I think you’ll probably get good years out of both. I think they’ll combine for 25-30 wins, and an ERA around or under 4.00.

That’s excellent from your 4/5 starters.

If Mike Hampton stays healthy (or if Jurrjens really emerges), I think the Braves matchup very favorably in the middle/bottom of the rotation. If Hampton doesn’t stay healthy, the Mets will have the edge there.

But on the flip side… if Pedro doesn’t stay healthy, the Braves will definitely have the edge at the TOP of the rotation (I think the top of each rotation is fairly even right now).

So really, it’s just a wait-and-see thing. I really think this division could easily go either way - to the Braves or Mets.

I think the Braves and Mets have both sharply improved their teams:

The Braves with Glavine, Hampton, and Jurrjens added to their rotation.

And the Mets with Santana and (Mets fans hope) a full season from Pedro.

Getting Lidge was a big pick up for Phili, but it’s not going to be enough to hang with ATL and NY.

By late September, I think it’s going to come down to a classic Mets/Braves shootout.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

And if Andy Marte (17 Hr’s 68 RBI between Buffalo and Cleveland in 2007)were to end up on Waivers , yea , I would prefer him over Omar Infante ( 2 HR’s 17 RBI last year) as a back up.Coach

Oh, so now we’re going with Marte’s Triple-A stats to try to pump up his case, huh? The fact that Marte has been wholly disappointing in his major league stints, and might not even have a big league job to begin this season, means nothing when you’ve got those ol’ Triple-A stats to lean on. Gimme a break, man.

You gonna just dismiss his numbers in the majors? See, that’s what we’re dealing with here, major league ball, fella. Grab a clue.

And why are you giving me Marte’s numbers AFTER HE LEFT THE BRAVES? Makes no sense. Your point was that the Braves had better backup 3Bs the last few years with Betemit, DeRo and Marte. I shot that assertion to hell by giving you actual numbers they produced in those years, and you come back with what they’ve become since leaving?

Makes a lot of sense coach. Good point.

Nevermind what the Brave had as backup 3Bs those years, let’s use those players’ numbers since they left. And whether DeRo played 10 or 100 games at 3B really is beside the point, which was that his numbers stunk in the years you cited, when he was the Braves’ backup 3B.

Or are you gonna tell me what a good player he’s become since he left, too? Does that mean he was a good backup 3B while he was here, because he’s been a fine utility man since he left?

You’re right: DeRo played 72 games at 3B for the Braves in 2004 … and hit .239 with 3 homers in 309 at-bats, with a .293 OBP and .320 slugging.

And that’s what you point to as being better than what the Braves have available now?

Oh, DeRo also made 7 errors in those games at 3B that year and had a horrendous .939 fielding percentage at the position.

By Smitty

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

DOB:

Thorman should be let go. What is the difference between him and any other 6’6” guy who can catch a ball? Oh wait, he can’t catch a ball! He is terrible at bat, has no glove. Why not let Hampton play first? He can field and hit.

By Anders

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

LEW

Your staff’s numbers the final two months-not just during the collapse-were pretty horrid (though not so much with Glavine) and the Mets did play sub .500 for 2/3 of the season. That would scare me if I were a Mets’ fan, which thankfully, I’m not.

I fully expect more from Santana over what we got from Glavine last year, Pedro has shown no signs of any problems this spring (that would worry me if I was a Braves fan) and I expect Maine to finish out this season fully as opposed to last year in his first full ML season when he hit the wall in August. I will say that he showed some guts by pulling it together in September though. Trust me, you guys would love this guy if you had him. He’s right up your alley ( I know you feel this way because you talk more highly of him than any other Met).

As for the fast start - who knows? Personally I don’t care when my guys win their games as long as they win more than the other guys.

By northBeach Scott

March 10, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

ncscoots I attended the last 4 exhibition games and took away the following: LF will be Matt Diaz’s to lose—no platoon unless he proves otherwise. He is a hitting machine, unorthodox, few walks, better power than you may believe. Not only do you have to like Diaz, respect his ability to hit.

Anderson is the likey #4 outfielder and will spell Kotsay in late innings and get the occasional start to wean him into the lineup. Cox’s strength is positioning players to be successful. Anderson will thrive in this situation more so than if he had to bear the burden of starting cf as originally conceived.

Count on eating Overlord’s post come October. :-)

Gotta drive back to Atlanta in a few. Really enjoyed ST at the evil grinning rodent.

By KC

March 10, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: I don’t think the Braves “can’t wait to dump James”… it’ just that Jurrjens is healthy, and looks to be a more complete package at the moment.

People forget though… before James shoulder start bothering him - about 2/3 of the way through last season - Chucky was on his way to a very solid season. He had an ERA of around 3.70, and of course, his 2006 ERA was in that same neighborhood.

James has definitely shown himself to be a big-league starter. He has flaws he needs to iron out, but he deserves that opportunity.

That said, I do think Jurrjens is the right choice at the moment. Too many starters is a nice problem to have.

By Overlord

March 10, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Moby Grape, as i said before, i just wrote down some points to know what you people think, i was not saying those things were going to happen, nor that i wished it will happen.

Why do you ask about my age?

With all the respect, you cant say Anderson is just a spring training splash, he had a .358 BA and a .413 OBP with the astros last year in 21 games and 67 AB. After that he comes to spring and is having a very good spring. I have not checked his numbers in the minors, but im very impressed with his performance in 2007 and 2008 so far. You can add to that only 6 K in 67 AB. Not enough to draw conclusions but its not a bad stat. Similar to what chipper would have in a season.

ncscoots, id have to agree that matt has no plate discipline. His K/BB ratio is very very bad, the worst in the team, but he is a free swinger, and you would have to agree that the guy can see the ball and hit it. His OBP las year was similar to that of KJ, better than McCann in 2007 and better than Renteria in 2006. Thats saying a lot, isnt it.

By Chopdawg

March 10, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

DOB, if you’re still on: the other day on the backfield I watched Jeff Francoeur working on his baserunning with a coach named “Jones”—which Jones is that, do you know?

By Jon

March 10, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

ncscoots Are you kidding me with your assessment of Diaz? Have you not been following him the past few years? The guy is a hitting machine, plain and simple.

By McFann

March 10, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

That Baseball-Reference.com rocks!

By David-ATL14

March 10, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

DOB there is a little blurb in Buster’s blog from Saturday’s edition that links to one of the LA papers and mentions Juan Rivera and the Braves. He(Rivera) has also been working out at 1b this spring.

Just a mention nothing concrete. Found it interesting.

By Overlord

March 10, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Adam Eaton has a small herniated disk and slight arthritis in his balky back.

By Moby Grape

March 10, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

And if Andy Marte (17 Hr’s 68 RBI between Buffalo and Cleveland in 2007)were to end up on Waivers , yea , I would prefer him over Omar Infante ( 2 HR’s 17 RBI last year) as a back up.Coach

But..but..but…only 1 of those 17 homers and 8 RBI and a .193/.233 were actually in the bigs. Hell, we already know that he can hit ok in the minors, so why would you post something in that particular way? Are we so stupid we are not gonna figure out that almost all of it was in AAA? Typical twisted twaddle.

By Anders

March 10, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

LEW

Anders-I realize that you place the entire blame for the Mets’ collapse on Glavine’s shoulders.

I never have placed the entire collapse on Glavine. Show me one post where I did that as you like to say. That is the picture you and the blogmaster like to paint of me. All I’ve ever said was he didn’t answer the bell in September like I would expect a HOF veteran pitcher to. You guys like to stick the historic choke by the Mets down our throats but disassociate Glavine from it. Sorry - that’s self serving and non-factual. If you want to mock the collapse, you’re certainly entitled to but be fair about who responded and who didn’t during the last three weeks of September when the collapse actually occurred.

By Braveheart

March 10, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the Braves “can’t wait to dump James”… it’ just that Jurrjens is healthy, and looks to be a more complete package at the moment.

KC, I agree that CHuck is a quality 4 or 5 starter. I’ve annoyed everyone and their mother on here with that opinion of mine.

But the Braves have clearly wanted to phase Chuck James out and move Jurrjens into that slot from the very day Jurrjens was traded for. And even before that. Cox was clearly fed up with Chuck during the last two months of the season and wanted the front office to find him a different option.

All winter long, it was clear that although a competition was declared for the fifth spot, that the Braves all along wanted the rotation to be Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Jurrjens.

The intent was made clear at the Glavine press conference by Wren when he declared the open competition for the fifth spot that they were not at all pleased with the development of Chuck. The writing was on the wall for Chuck.

They even offered Chuck in that trade proposal at the winter meetings to the Royals for David Dejesus that didn’t go through because the Royals didn’t want Chuck.

By ncscoots

March 10, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

[Diaz’s] OBP las year was similar to that of KJ, better than McCann in 2007 and better than Renteria in 2006

In about half the AB. Think that will continue as he gets more exposed?

His OBP is almost entirely dependent upon his BA, and I don’t think even Matt’s staunchest defender thinks he will hit .330 as an everyday player (OK, maybe some do, LOL). And because his offensive contributions outside of BA are minimal, any kind of slump is really bad news.

Unless, of course, you think he won’t have any slumps this year. :-)

By Lew

March 10, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Sniper-You’re absolutely correct. A season IS 162 games. However, all I’ve said is true and if I were a Mets’ fan, that would be disturbing in the extreme (the facts-not that I mentioned them). I’m not just cherry picking times and games here-two months (for the pitcher’s collapse) and 4 months (of sub .500 baseball) is MUCH more than just a random sample. I haven’t negated your fast start-it was an excellent stretch of games, but was (ultimately) unsustainable. At the very least it pulls into question the staff’s ability to make it through a season.

As for Pedro (this may be from Anders’ question)-No, I’m not concerned. The 28 innings he pitched last September were probably an encouraging sign for y’all. BUT….Can he maintain that for an appreciable amount of tie. He DID miss better than a year after having multiple injuries and shoulder surgery. I think you’re counting way too much on an unknown quantity. It may not be quite as inadvisable as us counting on Hampton, but damn near.

By ncscoots

March 10, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

northBeach Scott, I admit it, I’m a swing-mechanics snob, LOL. Guys like Diaz, Craig Counsell, and that ilk tend to make me cringe whenever I watch ‘em. It’s just me. That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it. :-)

By TommyB

March 10, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Any Consideration of Julio, Dave?

In reading your article, I kept wondering why they wouldn’t. He wouldn’t come at great expense and I know he’d love to have the opportunity. Plus, he’s itching to move towards coaching/managing after he hits his goal of 50 as a player.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Anders-Believe me, I’m not painting a picture of you-either literally or figuratively. Dude, you positively hate (dislike, or whatever term you choose) Glavine. You HAVE consistently belittled him-his character AND contributions to the Mets. I don’t know how you can sit there and claim otherwise.

This is not some conspiracy to make you look foolish. Your feelings about Glavine are quite obvious to anyone who blogs here. It IS somewhat disingenuous for you to claim otherwise, though. You’ve acted as though he were the Mets’ personal Anti-Christ ever since last September when it looked like he might not remain a Met.

By David-ATL14

March 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Rosenthal(Fox Sports)just updated one of his columns this morning.

Dodgers are interested in acquiring Belliard as a backup infielder.

Still think Wren should chaeck about Belliard.

I’m sure Mr.Wren doesn’t need me though urging due dilligence from him.

Still fun to wathc the roster construction in the latter half of ST.

Not just for the Braves but all teams.

By Reid in EAV

March 10, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Dept. of even more useless trivia: Greg Norton totally still rocks the awesome waxed mustache. His resto gets pretty good reviews, too! Obviously, here’s one dude not hoping for Bob Mould and Grant Hart to patch up their differences.

By Moby Grape

March 10, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

With all the respect, you cant say Anderson is just a spring training splash, he had a .358 BA and a .413 OBP with the astros last year in 21 games and 67 AB. After that he comes to spring and is having a very good springOverlord

I’m not saying that he definitely is just a flash, but that he might be just a flash when looking at his mediocre minor’s numbers. He might surprise, but let’s hold off of 130 games leading off until we know more. I do think he’ fill what we need as a backup. Just don’t see getting carried away with 60 September ABs and 10 ST games.

By Anders

March 10, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

LEW

BTW- Last I heard Delgado and Beltran will be reporting for duty today. Jose Valentin checked in yesterday. I know you fully expect many if not all Mets to fall hurt sometime this year but let me ask you something. Let’s assume by some miracle the Mets only have a minimal amount of nicks and pulls - do you think they have the horses to win the division or do you see it as a fate accompli that they can’t beat the Braves as constructed - health aside?

By DAP

March 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

anders maine may have stepped up before glavine’s nail in the mets coffin, but they only needed one win to get the division.

what happend to maine on sept 18th when he gave up 8 runs to the nationals in 4 innings? this was a few days after glavine delivered one of his many quality starts (2 runs in 7.2 innings) that the mets couldnt win for him.

September 5th maine gave up 6 runs in 4 innings.

every pitcher has bad games, anders, and if maine had the “onions” you wanted glavine to have, maybe he would have had more quality starts, like glavine did. if maine had given the mets a quality start on sept 18th, the mets would have won the division.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 10, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

TommyB,

DOB addressed that last night. Julio’s bat slowed down a lot last season. A noticeable decline, and quickly. He’s done as a player. He may want to play ‘til he’s 50 but he’s got to be able to produce and he can’t any more. Thorman’s a much better use of a roster spot.

By Anders

March 10, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Lew

Fine. Any thoughts on the other 2/3’s of my 11:48 post? Somehow those points always go unanswered by you and DOB - just keep pointing out my distaste for Glavine and avoid the factual argument.

By Lew

March 10, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Anders-No one has discounted Glavine’s role in the Mets’ collapse. However, as the figures I gave should make apparent, even including Glavine’s three terrible starts (is terrible a strong enough term for you?), he only raised his ERA .17 over the last two months, whereas, Maine, Hernandez and Perez raised theirs about two runs per game.

Who does that indicate to you was more offensive-and over a substantial period of time? During that stretch, Glavine was by far your most effective pitcher. No contest. It wasn’t even close, no matter how you want to look at it. That collapse was more than just 17 games like y’all would like to believe. It was a four month collapse from May 26 until October 1.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t even care to read the story, because it couldn’t possibly be as good as the headline on AJC’s current top-five most read stories list: “Angry wife accused of burning 400 phones.”

NEW BLOG IS UP

By TexasBrave

March 10, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

For those of you who have seen Pena, Miller and Sammons in ST or in the minors who, in your opinions, is the best defensive catcher?

By Lew

March 10, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Anders-In all honesty-If the Mets avoid the major injuries (which I DO NOT think will happen) and get full seasons from Pedro, Beltran, Castillo, Del Gado and most of a season from Moises, then I see a close three way race. However, I certainly DO NOT see the Mets running away with it in any scenario.

I do not think the Phillies’ pitching is anything to be concerned with, though their offense is excellent. They will go only as far as their staff allows and with that park I do not see it as holding up at all. They have two mainstay pitchers, Eaton and Moyer, who posted ERA’s over 5 runs per game (6 in Eaton’s case) and Hamels has injury issues as well. Their bullpen is extremely weak to begin with and more so with Lidge’s injury.

The Braves season is contingent on several factors. 1.Chipper’s health. If he can play 135 or more games we’re fine. If he suffers a serious season ending injury (not hamstring or oblique strains) we will be in for a world of hurt. 2. How well can our two outfield platoons produce? Here, I’m hardly as concerned as friend Scoots is. We will be fine.3. How well can our pitching hold up? If Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine pitch like they have and are capable of and if Jurrjens comes along as we hope he will, we will also be fine-especially if we get some better fifth slot starts than Mike Redman and Kyle Davies gave us last year.

I see the Braves as being the deepest team of the three. The Phillies have a better offense (though I doubt by much). We have (potentially) the best starting and relief corps. We certainly have more depth than either the Mets or Phillies. The Mets’ season is TOTALLY contingent on the injury situation. I think they will come in third behind the Braves and Phillies. However, that IS why they actually play the games.

By DAP

March 10, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

anders I will say that he showed some guts by pulling it together in September though.

i woudnt say he pulled it together in september. he hit the wall in august and never really got over it. he was 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA. you could say he pulled it together on sept. 29th…definitely a good start. but without that ONE start pitching 8 scoreless, his september number would have been even worse.

even chuck james had a better september than maine, and he had a torn rotator cuff.

By Hammy the Brave

March 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Will Bobby C. actually have Matt Diaz catch in a major or minor league exhibition this spring, to “shake off the rust” of not having done it for a while? From what you’ve said in the past, it’s been about 3 yrs. since he last caught, with Tampa Bay.

For the bullpen, is there a chance that Boyer and Resop could both make it, and even push out Yates? I might favor them over Yates because of their fastball, curve pitches over his fb, slider; and it also appears that he has more problems with lefties than them. Also, does Ridgeway seem to have less control/command issues than Ring, and would that put him in the lead for the 2nd lefty spot?

I’ll have to admit I’m very disappointed in your take on how good a chance Thorman has of sticking on our team. While you do admit he’s “lucky” to the extent he’s out of options and he’s the “backup” plan if we can’t resign Tex, you almost make it seem like there’s no one else out there we can acquire to replace him. Sorry you apparently only see Tony Clark(who’s signed with SD)as a viable backup at 1B, but there are other options out there. Believe it or not, Wes Helms(Philadelphia Enquirer says Braves/Marlins have expressed some interest in him)has played 157 games at 1B, according to his profile on ESPN, and I think that Jeff Baker( out of options?) from Colorado would be good also. Both of these guys can play 3B/1B, and maybe some outfield, which makes them more versatile than Thorman, and they’ve had much more experience on the bench than him. Before you go listing their faults, remember guys are usually on the bench because they’re not good enought to start and have flaws, but bring enough to the team to make their bench stronger. Also, if you seriously think that Javy isn’t a “lock” to make the bench, I think it’s even more crucial to have a strong veteran righty power/ph bat off the bench. I also believe that Borchard could be a 1B backup, with the crash course he’s getting now, if Bobby will give him a shot in the exhibitions.

What say yea, DOB?

Hammy the Brave

By taylor s

March 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I just read that the Reds are shopping Ryan Freel. Who knows what they would want for him but he could be our back up everything. He is also under contract for next year and can play some center field if Schaefer doesn’t pan out.

By Intangibles

March 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Most of the discussion about the potential of teams is a comparison of stats. But, though, for the most part, people are aware that there are always intangibles involved, they rarely enter into the discussion. Some refuse to acknowledge them at all. That is partly because we don’t like to admit that there are things outside the boxes we call our “understanding”. But there are.

How many times in the last 10 years have the experts said that the Mets would win the East? They certainly had grounds to say so, but look how often the Mets failed. Was it because of the talent? Not necessarily.

On the other hand, how is it that the Braves continued to win even without the 3 cy’s being together on this team? Some would credit Cox. Others would site certain stats. There are many ways to try to explain it, but all will fall short without recognizing that there are things that are really not explainable.

Someone mentioned Counsell. I see him as an intangible. Much of what he offers can not be explained. But he seems to be like a virus to the opposing teams — you don’t really see him, but he causes trouble.

Some people are winners. Not that they have special talents, but they just seem to win. They can have talent, but that is not all there is to them. For example, Jeter is not as talented as A-rod, but Jeter is a winner and A-rod is not. I know that what I am saying probably sounds too simple. It is not really simple, but it is real.

Getting back to the Braves and the Mets… when did the Braves finally lose the division and when did the Mets finally win? Interestingly one element changed on both teams. In comparison to years past, both teams had a night/day difference. Among others, Beltran was a different player that year. The Mets as a whole where a different team. There was something invisibly visible. By contrast, there was something invisibly visible that was missing from the Braves.

I remember during that year that I read one (only one) article about part of the reason for the difference. And it was only in regard to Beltran. The difference? —— Julio Franco.

Interestingly, did you notice that last year the Mets had Franco at the first part of the season, but not the last? It was different team (with virtually the same players).

I know, many will not be comfortable with what I am saying. That is okay with me. But anyone who has played any sport very much knows that certain players, regardless of their talent, are important to the team. This is not intended to exclude talent as an essential part of sports, but it is to recognize a part that is also there, but seldom acknowledged.

I remember the Big Red Machine. Johnny Bench and Pete Rose got most of the ink. But even though they faded and Rose was traded the Reds were competitive until they traded Tony Perez. He was more valuable to that team than the sum of his numbers.

Sadly, this too is looked over when it comes time to vote for Hall of Famers. Stats are what get people in. But this ignores the object of the game — to win. Some players are good at doing just that… even without the stats. Not to open a can of worms, but it seems to me that Murphy brought more to the table than his talent, though his talent (as compared to others of his era) was top notch.

Anyway…. just a different angle to consider.

By Chopdawg

March 10, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

TEST test TEST TEST

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Schafer leadoff double and goes to third on E8 (booted)

Then Kotsay singles up middle to bring him in.

In top of first, Jurrjens gave up a walk, faced four batters, couple of groundouts and a fly.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

B-Mac joins the hitting party with an RBI single to right

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Juan Gonzalez reached on an infield hit with one out in second, but Molina grounded into DP. Jurrjens faced seven guys in first two innings.

Lillibridge made a really nice play and strong throw on Gonzalez’ grounder down the line. Lillibridge has got a hell of an arm, better than I thought.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Hammy, Diaz caught in instructional league with Kansas City a couple months before Braves traded for him.

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Schafer drew a walk (so did D. Hernandez earlier inning) to put two on for Kotsay with two out….

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Kotsay FC to end inning

By David O'Brien

March 10, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens gave up a two-out single to Adam Kennedy, then picked him off 1B. Impressive, this kid. Impressive.

By taylos s

March 10, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jair seems like an all out stud. With this offense and a seemingly loaded bullpen what are yalls realistic expectations for this kid ? I’m hoping for 13-15 wins and a sub 4.00 ERA.

By DAP

March 10, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

DOB why are you posting updates on the old blog?

join us on your new one!!!

By Rick Roberts

March 10, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Moves: a. Get Brandon Inge—can play first and third—may need him for both. Tigers eager to trade him and would eat some of his contract. How about Tyler Yates for Inge? b. Keep Thorman—his upside is too high and his value now is too low. c. Jurrgens is #4 SP. James to Richmond. Believe Hampton to start season on DL. So, will Carlyle be #5 or Jeff Bennett? Reyes back to Richmond until he learns to throw strikes.
d. I think Anderson should start in CF—Kotsay to be the reserve. More speed and Josh is a tough out. e. Resop beats out Yates for BP. f. Boyer will make roster.
g. Agree that Ring is not the LH man. h. Not sure on Ridgway. Ohman may have to hold down the left side until Gonzo gets back. Or, is Bueno ready? Just some thoughts—

By John P.

March 11, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this

Duh? What about Joe Borchard at 1B?