AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USErin go quickly … into off day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jupiter, Fla. _ Top o’ the morning (or early afternoon) on St. Paddy’s Day from Day 2 of the Braves-Cardinals “series,” or, as it could be known today, let’s get this over as quickly as possible and get to the off day.
(Speaking of St. Paddy’s, a strip joint in Clearwater had this on its sign last Friday: “Erin Go Braless.” Hey, I’m just being an observant reporter giving you the facts.)
Yes, tomorrow’s the only off day on the spring-training schedule for the Braves, and the first time in recent memory when they didn’t at least have a starting pitcher getting in his work in a minor league game.
Most of the players and coaches have their plans for the off day, whether it’s going home to Atlanta for a night or two or seeing the theme parks (I think there are one or two in Orlando, from what I hear) with family, etc.
The every-fifth-day schedule would’ve had Jo-Jo Reyes and Chuck James pitching tomorrow on the off day, but James is pitching today in a minor league game back at Dark Star and Reyes is scheduled to star Wednesday against Houston.
Bobby Cox told me this morning that James is scheduled to go three innings today, and also said it’s not certain Chuck will begin the season at Class AAA Richmond, as has been widely assumed (by me, among others).
“Not necessarily,” Cox said. “We’re getting him ready. We’ll see.”
If you ask me, I don’t see how James could open with the big league club, not unless there were an injury between now and opening day. Just can’t see them not keeping Jurrjens in the opening day rotation.
And since a lot of you have asked, and the Braves have indicated a desire to have one reliever capable of spot-starting duties, I asked Cox if there was any possibility Chuck might be considered for the job (like many of you, I cringe at the thought of Chuck and his home-run propensity coming out of the ‘pen, but I had to, or wanted to, ask).
Anyway, Cox’s reply: “I don’t know. He’s too good of a starter, maybe….”
In other words, don’t be expecting James to open the season in the ‘pen.
Jeff Bennett’s last couple of performances (four innings, one hit, one walk) seem to have reestablished him as a leader in the “race” for that spot-starter job, if there is a race and if there is to be such a job.
But Braves could go with out-of-options Buddy Carlyle in the role, or could begin season with a ‘pen that has some combination of out-of-options hard throwers Chris Resop and Blaine Boyer and out-of-options lefty Royce Ring accompanying the “givens”: Soriano, Moylan, Acosta and Ohman.
We’ll see. Just too early to tell. Injuries can happen. Teams can call with attractive trade offers. So much can happen, and the Braves usually make a trade or two in the last 10 days of spring training, at least in recent years.
Resting Escobar: Cox sometimes rests a player the day before an off day during the regular-season schedule, to give them back-to-back days of rest while missing only one game. He’s doing that today with shortstop Yunel Escobar.
Martin Prado is getting the start at short and Escobar’s getting a rest, a day after hitting an opposite-field homer here that left “Esco” (the manager’s Coxian nickname for him) with a .472 average, two homers, 12 RBIs and a whopping .722 slugging percentage in 36 at-bats.
“I find myself wanting to take him out after one at-bat lately,” Cox said of the shortstop, “because he’s ready, and you don’t want anything funky to happen to him.”
Something like getting hit in the mouth by a pitch, for instance.
Speaking of Jeff Francoeur…. The right fielder left the team and traveled back to Orlando after returning from the hospital yesterday, where X-rays showed no breaks from the pitch he took off his left cheek and mouth in the second inning.
“Nothing’s changed,” Cox said this morning of Frenchy’s status. “I don’t know how he did last night [in terms of sleeping and pain], but nothing’s broken. We’ll give him a few days. He’s swollen up.”
By the way, Francoeur said the doctor was temporarily thrown for a loop trying to figure out the CAT scan pictures yesterday because of the plates Francoeur still has in the right side of his face from a 2004 beaning in A-ball.
That was a far more serious incident, which left him with a broken orbital bone and other damage to the eye socket. For a while in 2004, there were fears Francoeur’s vision would be affected by that previous incident. But it wasn’t.
Oh, the game’s started now (Kotsay picked off 1B in first inning), so let’s get to it.
Here’s Braves lineup: 1. Kelly Johnson, 2B; 2. Mark Kotsay, CF; 3. Chipper Jones, 3B; 4. Mark Teixeira, 1B; 5. Javy Lopez, C; 6. Joe Borchard, LF; 7. Jordan Schafer, RF; 8. Martin Prado, SS; 9. Mike Hampton, LH.
And here’s a tune by the mighty Irish rock band, The Pogues.
”BODY OF AN AMERICAN” by Shane MacGowan
The Cadillac stood by the house
And the yanks they were within
And the tinker boys they hissed advice
‘Hot-wire her with a pin’
Then we turned and shook as we had a look
In the room where the dead men lay
So big Jim Dwyer made his last trip
To the home where his father’s laid
But fifteen minutes later
We had our first taste of whiskey
There was uncles giving lectures
On ancient Irish history
The men all started telling jokes
And the women they got frisky
At five o’clock in the evening
Every bastard there was pisky [slang for drunk]
Fare thee well going away
There’s nothing left to say
Farewell to New York City boys
To Boston and PA
He took them out
With a well-aimed clout
He was often heard to say
I’m a free born man of the USA
He fought the champ in Pittsburgh
And he slashed him to the ground
He took on Tiny Tartanella
And it only went one round
He never had no time for reds
For drink or dice or whores
And he never threw a fight
Unless the fight was right
So they sent him to the war
Fare the well gone away
There’s nothing left to say
With a slainte Joe and Erin go
My love’s in Amerikay
The calling of the rosary
Spanish wine from far away
I’m a free born man of the USA
This morning on the harbour
When I said goodbye to you
I remember how I swore
That I’d come back to you one day
And as the sunset came to meet
The evening on the hill
I told you I’d always love you
I always did and I always will
Fare thee well gone away
There’s nothing left to say
‘cept to say adieu
To your eyes as blue
As the water in the bay
And to big Jim Dwyer
The man of wire
Who was often heard to say
I’m a free born man of the USA
Services »
Comments
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Quite the rapido first inning for Hampton: Strikeout looking, strikeout looking, Pujols 5-3 groundout.
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Excellent stuff for Hampton. Two Ks and a ground to to Fat Albert. Man…if he can stay healthy for just half a year.
By Yars
March 17, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
4th?
By Kevin
March 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
DOB How many innings is Hampton supposed to go today?
By richbrave
March 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
first
By Mark
March 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Hampton looked real good in the 1st, 1 ground out 2 strike outs. Let’s see if he can make it all the way without breaking down.
By TennesseePaul
March 17, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
The mind is a strange thing, men. We must begin by asking it … “What is losing?”
Losing is a disease … as contagious as polio.
Losing is a disease … as contagious as syphilis.
Losing is a disease … as contagious as bubonic plague … attacking one … but infecting all.
But curable. Now, I want you to imagine … you are on a ship at sea … on a vast sea … gently rocking. … Gently rocking. … Gently rocking. … Gently rocking…
By bigchiefrg
March 17, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I know the Dome had some damages in the storms…Any reports on how the Ted faired?
By DAP
March 17, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
DOB thanks for the clean slate.
5. Javy Lopez, C; 6. Joe Borchard, LF; 7. Jordan Schafer, RF; 8. Martin Prado, SS;
its coming down to crunch time for these guys…im guessing that unless borchard and shaefer do some amazing things for the last two weeks of spring, they arent going to make the team, and lopez and prado are on the edge….a good day in the field for prado might guarantee his spot… but i think lopez has alot to prove to show hes not just a right-handed thorman.
By reron
March 17, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Here’s to Hampton making it through a few innings today.
By richbrave
March 17, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Please be sure to have a boiled dinner this evening Mr. O’BRIAN!!! And everything green. Salute to the Irish among us.
By KC
March 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
COME WATCH OPENING NIGHT:
A group of folks from this here ole Braves blog will be getting together at the Foxsports Grill at Atlantic Station to watch the game opening night.
This is an open invitation. If you’d like to join us, please email me at embassypro@hotmail.com
By cricket
March 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
DOB I really hate this thought. But do you think that scary hit by the pitch may have some effect on Frenchy’s decision making about signing the long term deal? As the MLB deals are guaranteed, it does offer the life time security in case something goes terribly wrong.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Glaus leadoff double to left on 1-2 pitch in second inning
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
DOB any idea what his velocity is? Also, how awesome is Joe Borchard at defense?
By Seymour
March 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I posted this the other day, but it probably got buried at the end of a blog. This is a video that I think you’d really like. It is a preview of the Braves 2008 season as set to the music of (and most of the lyrics to) a Radiohead OK Computer song. Enjoy. Here
Seymour
By 'Hawk Head
March 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Uh…third?
By midtownBrave
March 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Does Borchard have any chance of making the team? Shouldn’t Blanco or Anderson be starting today?? Excellent stuff from Hampton? I see he has 2 Ks and a ground-out in the 1st.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Runners on corners with one out in second inning.
Someone asked about velocity. No idea, since this is one of the few parks without gun readings on board.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Jordan Schafer just made a beautiful throw to cut down Glaus trying to score on flyout to shallow/medium right. Not kidding, he threw him about by nearly 10 feet.
By DAP
March 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
DOB are the strikeouts on curve balls?
cause if he can use that curve….he’ll be nasty.
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Anyone heard of this kid Schafer? Apparently he can play…
By StingerSplash
March 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I thought this blog was going to be about Erin Andrews. I feel cheated.
By Yars
March 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I woke up this morning expecting to log onto ajc.com & read, “Bonds a Brave”. I thank the Lord that Bonds will never wear a Braves uniform. Hell man, let the Mariners take a chance on him, not Atlanta. All that excess baggage the guy has. Yuck! Thinking about our bench, it is a lot better than last years. Having Prado, Lillibridge, Thor, & possibly Javy & Anderson makes me have confidence in the late innings now, especially if we are behind. DOB….where do you see Schafer beginning the season at, Mississippi or Richmond? now playing: Nth Degree by morningwood.
By NRBQ
March 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Javy again?
Wish Bobby would give Pena more chances to make the team.
By Chuck
March 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the James update. Do you think its possible that the braves may be shopping James? Seems like he could go the Harcio Ramirez route and fizzle out. That would suck.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Also, how awesome is Joe Borchard at defense?Epinephrine
Sarcasm, right?
Does Borchard have any chance of making the teammidtown Brave
If Braves take five outfielders, he’s got a chance. Don’t know how likely it is they’ll do that.
By David-ATL14
March 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Sweet throw by Schafer.
Prado continues his fine work.
By Jared
March 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Man…if he can stay healthy for just half a year.
Half a year? What, do you think the Braves are going to trade him at the deadline if he’s dealin’ and they’re in the hunt for the playoffs?
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Such a weird feeling when Hampton is on the mound… I just keep hitting refresh on the blog expecting that each time DOB will be posting with the headline:
THIS JUST IN: Mike Hampton has left the game with an undisclosed injury. Cox and the trainer walked out to the mound and Hampton left favoring his ___(fill in the blank)…
By matta
March 17, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
DAP - even if he does do “amazing things”, I can’t see Schafer making the team (barring injuries). They’ll send him to AA to get the chance to play everyday. That’s been the plan all-along (at least since the Kotsay trade).
By Sean C
March 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Maybe Frenchy should start wearing one of the helmets with the face masks on them like alot of kids around here had to wear in little league.
For the sake of the Braves and their fans of course.
By jim
March 17, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Midtown,
I don’t expect we’ll see much of Holt & Timmons, etc. after today, but players who are still under consideration for a roster spot such as Blanco, Anderson, Lillibridge, Javy, Pena, Prado, and maybe Shaefer will probably be used right up until opening day. With the starters going 5+ innings for here on out, I expect only the pitchers who will contend for a roster spot will be used in any games after today.
By Yars
March 17, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash…..you & I both man. We’ll get our Erin fix soon when she covers Yanks & RedSox games for espn since those are the only 2 teams in MLB, according to espn.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Cox is letting some veterans get two at-bats and hit the road. Kotsay just came out, Anderson to center. Kotsay’s going to South Florida with his family for the off day.
I heard Bobby ask Tex if two at-bats and out was good, before the game. I think a Braves official is driving one group of players back to Dark Star mid-game….
St. Louis is also off tomorrow, their one off day of spring. So a lot of people eager to get this one over, perhaps….
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Jared,
I’d like to congratulate you for your consistent output of astoundingly stupid posts. Seriously, good job man. It’s often hard to rise above the general level of rabble on this blog, but you have continued to do it with almost effortless grace. Whether its posting months old news, inquiring about Scott Thorman’s potential as a pitcher, or just generally failing to understand what is going on, you always post with distinction.
No, if Hampton is dealing, I don’t expect to trade him. I do, however, fear that his body will give out any given moment. Still, if he can give us a half season of work before his body fails, I’d still be happy. Now continue with your stellar work.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
1-2-3 third inning for Hampton, all groundouts
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Haha DOB yes, sarcasm. I posted that after hearing him crash into the wall on the double. Guy sounds like a doof out there.
By Moby Grape
March 17, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
DOB how has Prado done at SS the last few games? Has Bobby had any comments on his play there? Thanks
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
yars: mi’sip for Schafer.
Stinger: Erin go … Stacey Dales.
By MacdWolfpack
March 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Dave, with tomorrow being an off-day are we still expecting the second round of cuts to come tomorrow or early Wednesday? If not when?
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
After an error and a Lopez walk, two on with one out for Borchard.
By Cameron
March 17, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, how has Hampton looked today in general, compared to the other Braves starters?
By Cameron
March 17, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, how has Hampton looked today in general, compared to the other Braves starters?
By Cameron
March 17, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, how has Hampton looked today in general, compared to the other Braves starters?
By Rob
March 17, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB who do you favor for the bench players and the pen, would like a little more expert opinion on what the team will shape up like.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Moby, when I asked about Prado at SS, Cox said he’s been “good. Good enough.”
Anyone seen Barry Zito’s numbers this spring? Before Sunday: 21 hits, 10 walks, ZERO strikeouts, four homers and a 14.92 ERA.
Good thing he only has six years remaining on that contract.
By Jared
March 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
inquiring about Scott Thorman’s potential as a pitcher
Link to where I said that or shut up.
By Quagmire
March 17, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Erin Andrews………Giggidy, giggidy, gig-gi-dy!
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Borchard struck out for second out, with runners at first and second.
Epinephrine, I was 99-percent sure you were being sarcastic about Borchard’s D, just wanted to make sure.
By richbrave
March 17, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
There was a comment about a fifth outfielder. I’m inclined to an extra pitcher instead. Because of the arms out of options: Yates, Boyer, Resop and Ring(probably out). I would try to keep that unknown arm for awhile at the start of the season and see where it goes, rather than trade or lose one to waivers.
By Yars
March 17, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I would like to wish everyone a happy St. Patty’s Day. According to grandma, we’re 1/12 Irish descent, so in honor of that, I will enjoy a pint or 4 of Guinness & throw on some U2 & the Cranberries tracks. now playing: new years day by U2.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Chuck vs. high-A Indians team: 3 inings, 1 hit, 3 strikeouts, 40 pitches (they didn’t have strike total).
By KC
March 17, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone:
I’m certain that will happen. I don’t think there’s any way Mike Hampton makes 34 starts this year. He is GOING to leave multiple games this year with a stained X, a pulled Y, or tweaked Z.
BUT if the injuries are limited to the nagging-but-minor variety… he might be able to make 25 starts this year, and could really help this team.
I’m just thankful that we haven’t heard word-one about his elbow. That’s the best news of all.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Schafer goes down swinging, too. Braves wasted that third-inning scoring opp against Anthony Reyes.
By MacdWolfpack
March 17, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Dave, any answer to my queston about when the next round of cuts will come?
By KC
March 17, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Boy Hampton seems like he’s on today… 2 K’s, 5 ground balls, and only 2 fly balls.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Cameron, Hampton looks sharp, keeping the ball down for the most part, throwing some good changeups and seems to have good velocity on all his fastball.
In fourth, he just got groundouts by Izturis and Pujols, then walked Glaus before getting Ankiel to pop out to left.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Prado leadoff double in the fifth (Reyes is out of game now, gave up three hits in four innings)
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Excellent stuff. Hampton going 5. If he gets through this next inning without any hiccups, this has to be huge for his confidence.
Also, Prado is stepping up when he needs to. Have to assume he’s on the squad if he doesn’t fall apart or do anything stupid over the next two weeks.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
MacD, next round of cuts probably will be announced Wednesday night, before or after the night game
By ChipperFan08
March 17, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
DOB, with all of the reporters and people saying the braves need to quickly move past escobar, do they not see the numbers this kid is putting up? Cause it seems pretty clear of how much talent he has.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Braves just got a run on an E4 when he tried to throw runner out at 3rd and it skipped to dugout.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson single puts runners on corners with one out for … Wes Timmons, minor league 3B
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
6-4-3 DP for Timmons
By kdbanks
March 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I vote for Rachel Nichols. Speaking of Erin Andrews, what’s the over/under on the number of inappropriate remarks Skip made to her during her time with the Braves?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 17, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
ChipperFan08 Those comments are made typically by so called experts who spend most of their time plagiarizing other folks’ work and never really bother to watch the game for themselves….
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Leadoff walk to Ludwick in fifth, then gets LaRue striking out looking at second and third strikes.
By Lee in S GA
March 17, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
DOB -
With all of the catchers still in spring training camp do you see 1 or 2 of them being cut by Wednesday or will the back-up role go down to the final wire?
By Tad
March 17, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Backup Catcher
I just can’t see the Braves keeping Javy Lopez on the 25 man roster. He is batting .174 this spring (4 for 23). That is the lowest BA of anyone with 20+ ABs. I understand he has 2 HR, but let’s remember how awful he has been since he left the Braves (and the juice) in 2004, not to mention he hasn’t played MLB since mid-2006, before both the Red Sox and Rockies cut him.
Pena is hitting .294 in 17 AB, Sammons is at .286 in 14 ABs, and Miller at .231 in 13 ABs.
Why is Javy getting the majority of the ABs competing for the backup C job???
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Ludwick steals second, high throw by Lopez gave no chance for play
By DAP
March 17, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
very encouraging outing for hampton definetly. what boost he will be to this team, hunh?
good for chuckie, too, even if they were high-A guys. if all our guys are healthy at the major league level, i wouldnt mind leaving chuck in the minors a little extra to nail down a contact pitch, like a sinker, slider, something like that.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 17, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Wes Timmons is one of the better fielding 3rd baseman in the IL. Unfortunately, his hitting is not there yet.
By Yars
March 17, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Prado could have a long MLB career as a utility player. He can play every infield position, & I’m sure he could even play OF if he had to. What I like about Prado is that he plays hard. He seems very intense at the plate & on the field. Like TP has already stated, what more can he accomplish in the minors? Even when Infante is ready to come of the DL, I can’t see Prado being the one sent down. now playing: Zombie by the cranberries.
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Wow. Longest outing in 2 1/2 years for Mike. Great outing, a lot to build on. Every one in braves nation has to feel pretty good about today. Were it not for Soriano, I’d like to move north in about a week. Hopefully we can get through the rest of the spring without any injuries…
By 22oz
March 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Hampton: 4 1/3 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, ~80 pitches
Exhale, Braves Nation
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Mather RBI double down LF line scores Ludwick, and that’s it for Hampton. Must’ve reached pitch limit.
Good outing. That leadoff walk in fifth hurt him, that and Javy’s poor throw to second.
4-1/3 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 3 K
He’s responsible for Mather at 2B, too. But Moylan came in and got Brandan Ryan to ground out 4-3, moves runner to third with two outs….
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 17, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Tad The Braves marketing people would much rather have Javy make the team than any of the other three guys mentioned. Besides, the Braves already know what the other three can do. Javy is being the greatest opportunity to fail.
By 18 Wheels of Love
March 17, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
DOB you responsible for the Drive By Truckers lead in music on the Braves radio broadcast?
By DAP
March 17, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Tad it could be because javy has the most to prove, since he didnt play last year at all. the other three guys, pena, miller, sammons have all been the backup catcher for atlanta at some point already…bobby knows what he has with them.
i think he is giving javy the opportunity to show he can hang, cause he already knows the other dudes can.
By BossLady
March 17, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Skip does not know any better. He thinks it complimentary to a woman when he says those things. In the old days men said anything to women just because they wanted to say them. Skip is senile, isn’t he? kdbanks
By J-Lo
March 17, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
If Javy’s lousy offense doesn’t get him cut, it’s his lousy defense. Give me Pena as the backup C, please!
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
and another 4-3 induced by Moylan to end the inning….
DOB, with all of the reporters and people saying the braves need to quickly move past escobar, do they not see the numbers this kid is putting upChipperFan08
“All the reporters and people”?
Uh, it was ONE guy, and not a reporter. It was a stats-type guy from Baseball Prospectus who wrote that infamous and incomprehensible assessment of Escobar. And every reporter, scout, team official and fan I know who has subsequently seen that assessment has either shook his head or laughed in disbelief.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer in to pitch, Corky Miller behind the dish.
By Harry
March 17, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Should I pick UGA over Xavier on Thursday??? I haven’t heard much about the X-men.
By Sturg
March 17, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Am I foolish for being hopeful about Hampton
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
DAP: I think you’ll see Chuck at Richmond, working on that slider (along with his arm strength, etc) when the season begins.
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I agree with you there KC. Hampton just needs to avoid that BIG injury, the minor tweaks and strains that are going to inevitably hit and limit him to 25 (or so) starts WILL happen. Just a matter of avoiding that torn _ or pulled __.
If Hamtpon and James can start the season healthy, I really like our rotation. To be able to put a quality arm like Chuck James in AAA as insurance for an injury is just huge. Quite a far cry from last year when our depth included a “never will be” (Lance Cormier), a “never was” (Buddy Carlyle) and a 21 year old who’d thrown what, a total of 40 innings above A Ball? (Jo-Jo Reyes)…
THIS JUST IN: Mike Hampton strained his oblique while taking off his uniform in the clubhouse a few minutes ago. He will more than likely miss his next start and open the season on the DL… (sorry, just had to…)
By James
March 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m not watching the game, but what do you think is causing Javy’s problems? In your honest opinion, is he just too far gone? Will our little fantasy Javy comeback bubble be burst?
By Epinephrine
March 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Yikes. Last two outings have seriously hurt Boyer’s chance of making this team.
By kdbanks
March 17, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
BossLady,
Are you asking me if Skip’s senile? No, he’s not.
By i cant take it anymore
March 17, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
the hampton outing is a cause for celebration! forget 5:00, its st. pattys day and hampton threw 4 good innings and can live to tell about it. time to fill up my braves pint glass ‘cause its celebration time. aint nothing like hoping for the best.
By Reid in Eire Atlanta Village
March 17, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
One general comment — it’s funny that after Hamp twinged his groin, many denizens of this fine blog (or, in honor of today, “blaugh”) erupted in cries of, “See?!? I knew he’d get injured! Etc. etc.”
Now that he’s had a good outing, he’s a savior again, the second coming of Sandy Koufax.
I know we’re an excitable lot, but it seems that temperamentally, as a group we’re the opposite of a Bobby Cox Braves team, that is, “never too up, never too down.”
Then again, if we were that way, would it be as fun coming here, particularly with a pint of Guinness in hand? Nah, probably not.
By Chris
March 17, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
DOB what do you feel about most of the media discounting the Braves and seeing the East as a race between Philly and NY? It seems the offense is really good and we upgraded the starting staff enough to where the bullpen won’t have to come in the game in the 6th every day. Also do you think that the extra starters such as James or Reyes might be on the trading block or do you think they want to keep the depth at starter in case of an injury?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 17, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Reggie Jackson
Reggie got kicked out of his uniform for the rest of Spring Training for walking onto the field during the melee they had the other day.
DOB How does that work?? They only fined him $250 - but he lost his uniform?!?!
I didn’t even know MLB could do that.
My question is who else would you like to see kicked out of their uniform this spring??
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Javy is getting the most chances because Sammons can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag, Corky was the name of a character on Life Goes On, and Pena is just okay and has not been all that impressive in his stints as a major leaguer.
The Braves need to find a way to not lose as much offensive firepower when McCann does not start. McCann is too important to this offense. When he misses the 30 games he must miss because he is a catcher, the offense suffers tremendously and the disparity in the won/loss percentage is huge. Javy presents the best opportunity to have the best offensive punch in the lineup when McCann sits.
If those other fellas make the team, you can once again expect to be 15 games over .500 in the 130 games McCann starts and 10 games under .500 in the 30 games the other dudes start.
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, lets say for a minute (knocking on wood as I speak) that Hampton avoids major injury this year and makes 25 starts with pretty good results (maybe 10 wins, ERA in the low 4’s) do you think he’d want to stay in Atlanta and sign a new deal (maybe try to pay-back the Braves for his injuries over the last 2 1/2 seasons?) Do you get the feeling he likes playing for the Braves organization and would want to stay?
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
…this fine blog (or, in honor of today, “blaugh”)
I like it. I’m using it. End of story.
Give Reid a gold star, that’s a fine new blog word, and not just for use today. Hey, we have a son of the auld sod as a blogmeister, so a fine Irish conversion of “blog” fits just fine. Good one.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Just back from clubhouse. Hampton pleased with outing and, at least as importantly, his health….
DAP, your assessment of Javy situation (2:49) is same answer I’d have given.
By uga-brave
March 17, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
what a weekend, a toranado hits downtown, the dawgs win as many sec games in 3 /2 days as they did all season, and bear stearns is now out of business. you would think it was april fools day or something.
By KC
March 17, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
DonC: “To be able to put a quality arm like Chuck James in AAA as insurance for an injury is just huge. Quite a far cry from last year”
Amen.
By Ben W.
March 17, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Will we hear from David O’Brien today?
By David
March 17, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
If this has already appeared, then my apologies - Braveheart’s 3:12 PM post makes a good point about wins & losses when McCann plays vs. when he sits. What are last year’s stats for that? That alone makes a pretty good case for Javy, if he CAN still hit (seems a lot of people are assuming he can, but he hasn’t been cut twice for nothin’…..).
By StingerSplash
March 17, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Concur on Ms. Dales — who is probably a better shooter and ballhandler than I am. But I am a better rebounder and helpside defender. That smell from Tampa is not another batch of stogies coming off the line. It’s Bartolo Colon at Legends Field. Andre the Giant’s stunt double did not make it out of the first inning against Darth Steinbrenner’s Imperial stormtroopers.
By The Man
March 17, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
So who going to be the unlucky pitcher to get stuck with the backup catcher! I hope it is not Smoltz because they always seem to have trouble scoring when he pitches anyway.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Ben W. — regarding your 3:19 comment: no, I don’t think so. I think he’s off today. This was a computer-generated blog, as were all subsequent comments from the “person” with blue-lettered screen name.
By timthebrave
March 17, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I bet anything that Javy is the starting catcher no matter what. Bobby Cox loves going with the older guys even if they are not the best IMO. The hr are not enough for me to go with .194 and the below average defense. Give the young guys a chance. This is coming from a javy fan. I wanted him to tear it up and make the club but I just don’t see him deserving it.
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
I think it would be a terrible mistake to have a backup catcher designated to a starter. When it was done with Maddux it was okay because his ERA was so darn low. They could deal with less run support. However, no one on the Braves’ staff is on a Maddux level. With the higher ERAs, the decreased run support when McCann is not in there will not tolerable.
By i cant take it anymore
March 17, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
ben w: take it easy on the green beer
By Anders
March 17, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman
MLB should take the NY off Reggie’s cap in Cooperstown too. The guy is the ultimate Yankee hanger on. He played 23% of his career games as a Yankee, hit 25% of his HR’s and total hits and 27% of his RBI’s. He also claimed when he came to NY in 1977 that “He brought his star with him.” Yet he chose a Yankee cap on his plaque(back when players made this choice) to put himself in the Boss’ good graces and give himself a lifetime cushy job in Yankeeland. At least Catfish had the decency to leave his cap blank in Cooperstown.
Plus after the Tampa fight last week Reggie starts mouthing off asking “Who’s Johnny Gomes? I’ve never even heard of this guy and he’s talking about the Yankee way of doing things?” Well Gomes has been in the ML for 3 years as opposed to Duncan who has a whole 74 AB’s to his name. When did that jug head, Duncan, become the voice of the Yankees? Reggie just continues to be a Yankee flacky who takes himself way to seriously.
By Steve McP
March 17, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman, i don’t know about people I would like to see thrown out of their unis. but I have noticed that Andruw barely fits into his in the first place.
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Do any of you think Cox cares at all what Javy’s spring training batting average is?
I would be shocked if he even knew what it was.
The evaluation will be made upon what his eyeballs tell him about what Javy’s skills are behind the plate and at the plate.
Thankfully, no one in charge takes spring training batting averages seriously.
But I have no idea if Javy still has it. Haven’t gotten to see him play more than one ST game. I trust the eyeballs of Cox more than mine anyway.
By N8
March 17, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
DOB
Have you been getting enough sleep, coffee and or good music, while at Dark Star??
You seem a bit “snippy” lately with some of the questions (no matter how stupid they may be - some of mine included).
Or is it just a case of “There isn’t a such thing as a stupid question……only stupid people, who ask questions.”???
Braveheart
Your 2:32 post was pretty much on, IMO.
Though I think we have enough firepower (provided Chipper stays healthy), to NOT be 10 games under .500 when McCann is sitting.
Just to throw a “hole” in your theory, how come Smoltz receives the least run-support of the Braves starters and pretty much has McCann catch all of his games?
But you’re right, he is IMPORTANT to the offense and we need to replace some of it, with his backup. Just not sure that Javy is that guy. We might be better off with Pena as the more versitile back-up, being a switch-hitter and all.
But who knows?
By Robert
March 17, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know Boyer has given up three runs in his last 2 innings, but 8 scoreless before that. Is he going to be on the team
By The Man
March 17, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
I think it would be a terrible mistake to have a backup catcher designated to a starter.
Agree completely. Besides I always thought the backup’s main use was to sparingly give the starting catcher a rest from time to time and not to be assigned for just one pitcher as was the case with Maddox. Maybe a knuckleball pitcher would be the only exception.
By James
March 17, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Tim, are you serious? What about BMac?
By Realist
March 17, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
We shouldn’t be surprised that Hampton made it through today’s outing. Getting hurt while pitching is so pedestrian. Anyone can do it. A real man like Hampton can figure out a way to get hurt on an OFF DAY. So check back tomorrow!
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Have you been getting enough sleep, coffee and or good music, while at Dark Star??N8
No, but thanks for asking. How ‘bout you?
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: Your 3:48 is exactly right about Javy and how Cox assesses someone like him. He knows if a guy’s not getting hits but is putting good wood on the ball, which is why he’ll always point out when, say, Kotsay hits three balls hard, right at people.
And with Javy, they’re seeing if he’s got enough left to warrant a roster spot, if he can give them some pop off the bench and fill in adequately behind the plate once every 5-7 days.
If I had to say, today, I’d say no. He hasn’t impressed a whole lot, quite frankly. But I don’t think it’s decided yet.
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Just to throw a “hole” in your theory, how come Smoltz receives the least run-support of the Braves starters and pretty much has McCann catch all of his games?
N8 In the 14 games the Braves lost when Smoltz pitched, they faced pitchers who were generally pitching very good at that time of the season. That’s what caused less run support for Smoltz. He faced tougher competition. Here are the 14 losses and the pitchers he faced and the ERAs of those pitchers at the time of the game:
April 12 - Bergmann - 3.72 ERA
May 14 - Bergmann - 2.76 ERA
May 29 - Ben Sheets - 3.82 ERA
June 5 - Vandenhurk - 8.50 ERA - 6 innings, 1 hit, 2 walks, 0 runs
June 22 - Kenny Rogers - 0.00 ERA
July 2 - Derek Lowe - 2.98 ERA
July 18 - Harang - 3.63 ERA
July 28 - Doug Davis -4.11 ERA
August 3 - Jeff Francis - 4.01 ERA
August 8 - El Duque - 3.08 ERA
August 28 - Vandenhurk - 6.59 ERA - but only 1 earned run in 11 innings against the 2007 Braves
September 2 - Glavine - 4.06 ERA
September 12 - Maine - 3.72 ERA
September 27 - Kendrick - 3.87 ERA
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB
How would you assess McCann’s defense behind the plate? Specifically in throwing runners out? I fully expect the Mets and Phils to run a lot this season and I think The Nats and Marlins will try too if they can get on base.
Has this area come up in your discussions with Cox?
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the insight about Javy, DOB. It’s a shame. I was really hopeful about him.
By timmy
March 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, did Hampton show any signs of the groin bothering him or him may be favoring the groin today?
By flange1
March 17, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Interesting discussion about Javy and the BU catcher position.
I think Braveheart has nailed the Braves thinking on giving Javy as many at bats as possible to see what he has in the tank. If they fell he can hit or give some pop off of the bench, the spot is his.
Pena is a decent contact hitter and an OK catcher.
Miller can’t hit his weight, but is a better catcher.
Sammons is the best catcher but not much of a bat.
My opinion is to always take the best defensive catcher and get offense from somewhere else. That is not the current fashion though.
If Javy DOES NOT make the team, I still don’t think they will keep Pena.
And if Javy DOES NOT make the team, the right handed power bat off the bench is gone. I wonder if that would help the switch hitting power hitter named Joe Brochard?
By McFann
March 17, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
David—
In 2007, the Braves were 73-66 in the games in which McCann appeared (70-60 in starts). So, they were 14-19 in the games that he did not start.
Braveheart raises some very good points about the BUC. I’d go with Pena because he’s been getting hits and he’s the only one who’s had much luck with throwing out runners. But, yes, his numbers on the club last year weren’t very great, but they were better than Javy’s.
OK, sorry. That wasn’t very nice, was it?
8 )
By Ted
March 17, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
The comment about Smoltz’s run support can be summed up with this: When you are the #1 starter, you more often than not face the other teams #1 starter so you are probably going to get less run support.
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Why is it that when Smoltz holds his pitching opponent’s team to a run or two, it’s “good pitching”, but when the opposite occurs, it’s “lack of run support”?
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Timmy
My opinion is to always take the best defensive catcher and get offense from somewhere else. That is not the current fashion though.
It is on the Mets. I believe Omar is in agreement with you as am I.
By Gamecock Brave
March 17, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
N8 where u are, in response to you last night, yes i dont like the idea at all. too much liability, clubhouse distraction, ect. but thanks for reading what i put up there as well….
otherwise, im so glad to see Hampton healthy and throwing well. i think he will be a bigger “acquisiton” of sorts than TG. Not sayin TG isn’t great for us, but to have a guy of his caliber to come back in the 4 slot, man. Javy, as much as i loved watchin him as a kid(yes i was a kid then haha) it may seem his days are numbered. i was glad to see him get a chance but im not sure it will work.
DOB ive see you have a wide variety of musical tastes and wondered your thoughts on two of the groups in my iPod at the moment, OAR and THE ARCTIC MONKEYS ( i know some of you may not recognize them but i guess its a younger generation thing, not sayin that music isn’t good, love it all)
By N8
March 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
OK. Two can “tango” around those stats (I’m just having fun here - no malace intended - you know me. LOL!)
The following ERA stats are Smoltz’ ERA’s on those said contests.
April 12 - 3.75
May 14 - 3.25
May 29 - 2.58
June 5 - 2.82
June 22 - 2.84
July 2 - 2.98
July 18 - 3.07
July 28 - 2.78
August 3 - 2.84
August 8 - 3.04
August 28 - 3.01
September 2 - 3.06
September 12 - 3.02
September 27 - 2.95
In ONLY 3 of those 14 starts that resulted in losses, did the opposing pitcher have a lower ERA than Smoltz at the start time of those games. So the opponents were facing a pitching in John Smoltz who was ” generally pitching very good at that time of the season” as you put it.
Just like any stat or “poll” question, the numbers can be flipped around to prove one’s point.
Mine being that the Braves (Smoltz’) opponents in those 14 games were facing a “tougher” pitcher (ERA wise) in 11 of those games, than the Braves were. Yet they managed to win those games.
DOB
“No, but thanks for asking. How ‘bout you?”
I never get enough sleep (last night I did, however), I don’t drink coffee except when I’m driving home from a gig at 3:00 AM, and I recently listened to some Whitesnake, so YES the music has been rockin’!!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Flange
My 4:32 post was meant for you not Timmy.
By jim
March 17, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Can we cool it with the Mike Hampton injury quips. We overreacted to the groin tweak the first time out, and have been very negative on him for the last two years. Before the elbow injury he was pitching up to his ‘97-‘99 standards and had not been particularly injury prone. The elbow injury was the kind of thing that happens to pitchers regardless of whether they’re making major league minimum or 15 million a year. If we are to compete in the NL East this year, we will need a healthy Mike Hampton. If he gets hurt again and misses more time, there will be occaision for the negativity, but unless that happens let’s be more positive about what he means for this team.
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
nscoots
Why is it that when Smoltz holds his pitching opponent’s team to a run or two, it’s “good pitching”, but when the opposite occurs, it’s “lack of run support”?
For the same reason that when Glavine was pitching for the Mets last year many on here thought he was worthless but now he’s a guy who will deliver 200+ important innings. I guess it’s just a vantage point thing.
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Yikes. So the possibility exists of a bench with a no-power OF, a couple of no-power utility IF, and a no-power backup-catcher? Just who the heck is going to pinch-hit late?
Thorman starts to look pretty good, if that scenario holds, LOL.
By flange1
March 17, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Anders,
Oh no, I am thinking like Omar!!!
Guess I need to by that Rosetta Stone thing and learn Spanish!
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Not sure if anyone had posted this [Hardball Times Article] (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/five-questions-atlanta-braves3/) about the Braves upcoming season yet… The guy pretty much answers the same questions most people have about the Braves - Can the old staff stay healthy? Can Francoeur make the leap this year? Is Escobar for real? Diaz full time in left? Miss Andruw Jones at all?
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
In 2007, the Braves were 73-66 in the games in which McCann appeared (70-60 in starts). So, they were 14-19 in the games that he did not start.
McFann Thanks. I got that a bit wrong. I was just going off the top of my head. But the Braves are 135-122 when McCann starts the last 2 seasons. 28-38 when he does not start the last two seasons. That’s misleading, however, because of Salty. The Braves were 10-10 when they had a quality backup like Salty starting last season. That makes them 18-28 the last two seasons when games are not started by McCann and Salty. 145-133 when they do start. The idea of Javy was that he perhaps could provide some production similar to what Salty provided last season. But, from what DOB is saying, it ain’t looking too good for Javy right now.
By N8
March 17, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Ted
“The comment about Smoltz’s run support can be summed up with this: When you are the #1 starter, you more often than not face the other teams #1 starter so you are probably going to get less run support.”
NOPE. That happens in the first month of the season (when off days haven’t started “messing” up rotations yet, along with poor weather in late March and early April), and in the post season, when managers obviously “set” their rotations for matchups (but even the length of one series to the next can mess that up).
Just look at Braveheart’s “stats” on the 14 games we lost while Smoltz was the starter.
Berggman and Vandenhurk are teammates (they BOTH can’t be the #1 guy, can they?)
Also on that list were El’ Duque, Glavine and Maine. Surely the Mets didn’t have THREE #1 starters last year, did they?
Derek Lowe was the Dodgers #2 guy behind Brad Penny.
Doug Davis was Arizona’s #2 behind Brandon Webb (and will be the #3 this year behind Webb and Haren).
Kyle Kendrick had Philadelphia’s best ERA in their rotation last year, but only made 20 starts. He is hardly their ace over Cole Hamels and now Bret Myers as well.
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
nscoots
Have you seen the Braves lineup? Have you seen their starting pitchers? Are you familiar with the bullpen they’ve assembled?
Why in God’s name would a pinch hitter even be required?
Your negative thoughts are bad karma - please stop.
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Those questions presented by THT were pretty good, but I still say the Braves biggest question mark heading into the 2008 season is our bench, without a doubt… Of course, of all the facets of a team to have the least amount of confidence in I’d definately take the bench over anything else. Much better than in 2006 when the big question mark was our bullpen and then in 2007 when the big question mark was our bench and starting rotation…
By Anders
March 17, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Flange
Very good!
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
N8 It’s the same reason people keep acting baffled that the Braves came up short in all those postseasons. They blame Bobby, they call the pitchers “unclutch”, they say tough breaks and luck.
The reality is evenly matched or similarly matched pitchers usually pitch to a duel. Sometimes, the best pitcher gets outpitched on a particular day. Sometimes, the team who executes a little better with some of those pesky smallball types of things late in games prevails. Sometimes, when evenly matched or similarly matched pitchers meet up, the one with the better pen on that day wins.
You simply asked me why Smoltz got a lack of run support. I showed you why. The truth is what kind of run support did you expect when he was facing good pitchers with good ERAs? He faced evenly matched or similarly matched pitchers and those guys were just as good or better or they kept their team in the game on that particular day and the Braves fell short.
By Jimdog08
March 17, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Why is the Disney field called the Dark Star this year???
By Braveheart
March 17, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry. Got that wrong again.
Braves were 132-116 the last two seasons when McCann started
31-45 when he didn’t.
10-10 when Salty started.
21-35 when neither Salty nor McCann started.
142-126 when Salty and McCann started.
I probably got this wrong as well and if I did, I freaking give up.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 17, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Folks, it is coming down to the final two weeks of spring training. Beginning Wednesday night I think we can all look a bit closer to what the Braves will need to finish first in the division. Joe Borchard may be this year’s Darrel Ward. Those who assess that a couple of power bats on the bench may make the difference I believe are spot on in their assessment.
While the starting eight looks pretty strong, the supporting cast could make the difference. Having only limited access to seeing the team so far, I find it difficult to make a definitive assessment on the backups.
I said last fall, the kids coming up will not embarrass the team with their glove. It will be their bat that tells the tale. I still think Sammons will start in Richmond so his development is not stunted. Corkey will clear waivers, Javy has said he will take a minor league assignment if that is what it takes. The guy in the box right now is Pena…..
By flange1
March 17, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Gil,
I think you have a point with Joe Borchard. I wonder if the Brqaves would be better off with Javy and Thorman or Borchard and Pena.
Maybe Borchard and Pena because they both switch hit and lay multiple positions?
I am not sure.
A little trade would be nice…
By DonCoburleone
March 17, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hardball Times Article on Braves
Worked this time?
By Wayne in Utah
March 17, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
What is Biff Pocoroba doing these days?? Maybe Bruce Benedict??
By Scott
March 17, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Even though I’m kinda let down about how the Javy Lopez comeback is proceeding, it does sound like we have some real bright spots with Jurrjens, Hampton, Josh Anderson, Prado, Kotsay and the hard-throwing reliever Resop (as Cox said—if he can “just harness it”). It sounds like the Braves have a shot at being a pretty darn good team this year.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Timmy, Hampton showed no lingering effects whatsoever of the groin injury. He bunted twice and leaped up once to field a ball. Said he had no problems.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Gamecock Brave: I love both of the CDs by the Arctic Monkeys. Great stuff. Not much of a fan of O.A.R. (isn’t that how they write it?)
By McFann
March 17, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
No prob, Braveheart. I just pulled that up on Baseball-Reference.com (love that place, it’s as accurate as I cann get…braves.com doesn’t have that kind of stuff).
Braves were 132-116 the last two seasons when McCann started
That is correct, my friend.
31-45 when he didn’t.
IDK…I got 46 losses…
But don’t worry, I will not challenge WW.
; )
By woogidy
March 17, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
The Braves need Sammons to back up Mac. He will neutralize some of the speed in the division when he’s in there with his arm. I like Javy, but he is no good behind the dish.
By JC FROM UT
March 17, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
DOB: In your opinion what teams are/might be interested in Pena and possibly Thorman. (Not neccessarily in a package)
By Reid in Eire Atlanta Village
March 17, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Hed on DOB’s (excellent) game notebook story:
Hampton has ‘no-hit stuff’ as Braves beat Cards
“Braves beat Cards?” Good Lord, what game was the copy desk watching??
It’s in the caption too! Egad!
By Andy
March 17, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, I am putting down UGA, not because I went there, but they are actually on a roll, and they have nothing to lose. A 14 seed wins every other year it seems. Xavier does not have anyone scoring over 12pts a game. UGA struggles against players that are big time scorers. I think we’ve got a shot to not only beat Xavier, but the next game does not look impossible either. Go Dawgs!
By beachcomber
March 17, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
DOB - Just getting around to reading your blog - too much work (and 9 innings at Bright House).
Was shocked to read about the “bra-less” sign in Clearwater. We are usually a very prudish town with a Baptist mayor who tries to eliminate such “visual clutter.”
Happy to read about Hampton’s outing and your comments on same. If we can hold this guy together, we are a very dangerous ball club.
By Metropolitan Man
March 17, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
LT Cavewoman: How the heck are you. In case you didnt read the other post I got your message and enjoyed the good read. I also finally found a tape of you at work. Now I understand the voodoo that you do. Keep up the good work, a shot in the arm is always needed.
http://us.f363.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?box=Inbox&MsgId=4585153739346012604507130306534065897802937004507&bodyPart=2&tnef=&YY=68456&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&VScan=1&Idx=2
LETS GO METS!!!
By Metropolitan Man
March 17, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Stress%20Reliever[1].wmv
By FAN-ny Acosta
March 17, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
““Braves beat Cards?” Good Lord, what game was the copy desk watching??”
What are you talking about?
By Anders
March 17, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber
Was shocked to read about the “bra-less” sign in Clearwater. We are usually a very prudish town with a Baptist mayor who tries to eliminate such “visual clutter.”
Yeah, we used to have a Governor like that up here in NY too.
By JimD
March 17, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
And today we discovered that Chuck James is a very good high-A pitcher!!!
By Reid in Eire Atlanta Village
March 17, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
FAN-ny Acosta:
Um, The Braves lost — 4-2. And DOB’s story says this. But the copy desk got the headline exactly backwards.
(By the way, writers generally don’t write the headlines; that’s a copy editor’s job.)
By Wide Right
March 17, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Quick question: does mayonaise belong on a cheeseburger?
By chip
March 17, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
DOB - If you like the Pogues, go see Great Big Sea, a band from Newfoundland wtih great Celtic influences, incredible musical skills, and an emphasis on traditional mariners’ music. And they put on one of the best live shows on the planet.
By Greg in TN
March 17, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Evening lads and lasses…
Have to start off with how pleasing it was to see Hampton pitch well today. Hampton certainly outdueled Anthony Reyes through four innings and dropped a couple of SAC bunts to help the cause. Boyer had some issues in the St Louis sixth and got tagged with the loss.
Folks I am really pleased with what I’ve seen and heard in terms of the OF and especially the arms out there. Another assist today as Jordan Schafer nails Troy Glaus trying to score in the second inning. We know Frenchy has a cannon in right and it sounds like there’s no issue with Kotsay’s arm in center. I’m not sure if Diaz’s assist came in the outfield or elsewhere (I want to say he’s played a few innings in the infield at some point, but I can’t swear on it off the top of my head), however either way I feel like we’ve had a good spring throwing out baserunners from the outfield trying to advance.
Javy reached the Mendoza line today after going one for two. I’ll be curious to see which catchers stay and which catchers don’t make the cut Wednesday.
It’s really the key start of the spring for Jo-Jo Reyes Wednesday night against the ‘Stros in Kissimmee. It’s all about the sevens for Jo-Jo so far this spring. With seven innings under his belt, he’s walked seven, struck out seven and given up seven ERs. Will Jo-Jo lower his ERA from 9.00 to 7.00?
Happy 50th birthday to Frank Wren today.
By Gamecock Brave
March 17, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
DOB, yea its O.A.R. us lazy college kids ya know. But a good friend of mine that was in Iraq got me turned onto them, reminds me of The Strokes a little bit.
On a baseball note, personally i think we have enough weapons in the lineup that all we need is a good solid defensive back-up catcher and one that can hit decently. Unfortunately i don’t see Javy filling a critea like that. But im not Bobby so it remains to be seen. Im much happier knowning we have so many choices at so many places this year, as opposed to last year. Glad to see Frenchy came out of that scary situation.
By AZBravoFan
March 17, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
DOB: any word from minor league camp about Gorkys Hernandez?
By Gamecock Brave
March 17, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Personally, Nope, mayo shouldnt be in anything but potato salad and such.
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Hey, Anders, I’ll tolerate a lot, but the name is n-c-scoots, not n-scoots. My blog buddies can call me scoots, but, since you’re a Mets fan, please use the full (and correct) appellation. :-)
My mother thanks you.
By JimD
March 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Wide Right, ask Brian McCann, I think he is the team expert on cheeseburgers.
sorry McFann, love ya, but had to do it!
By Anders
March 17, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
Word
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Omigod, cats living with dogs, etc., I find myself in agreement with a Gamecock on something, re mayo. Hol-ee Cornelia!
And while I’d love to have a “good defensive catcher who can hit decently”, most guys with both those credentials are starting somewhere, LOL. Braves can probably have one or the other…
Finally, it being Easter and all, I’m trying to revive my faith in Mr. Bunny. That way I can also believe Joe Borchard has magically found a way NOT to be a career .205 hitter.
But it’s hard, man. It’s freakin’ HARD! LOL
By ncgary
March 17, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
uga , maybe its time for the lyrics to its the end of the world as we know it , and i feel fine
By TJ
March 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
McFann, whatever the exact numbers, I think if you check carefully, you’ll find that our “other” catchers almost always caught when Reyes, Cormier, Davies, Redman, Carlylse, Lerew and James were pitching.
Salty caught Hudson twice (both wins); but otherwise, I believe that in every start by Smoltz and Hudson, McCann was the catcher.
As always, I value McCann highly, but the win-loss record with/without him is not really a very meaningful number.
By Austin
March 17, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
This is how my opening day roster would go right now.
SP (5) Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Jurjens, Hampton
RP (8) Soriano, Acosta, Moylan, Ohman, Bennett, Ring, Boyer, Resop
IF (8) Chipper, Tex, Escobar, Kelly, McCann, Prado, Lillibridge (until Infante is ready) Javy
OF (4) Francoeur, Kotsay, Diaz, Anderson
By rupert
March 17, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
let me get this straight, bonds IS NOT going to be a brave? i allready ordered my jersey
By rupert
March 17, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
let me get this straight, bonds IS NOT going to be a brave? i allready ordered my jersey
By ncscoots
March 17, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Perhaps a more meanigful number re McCann’s importance to the lineup might be runs scored in his starts and non-starts. The obvious observation would be that such a number is lower in his non-starts, but by what percentage? Is his presence enough to make the other hitters in the lineup better? And so forth. On the defensive side, the sample size of starts by other catchers for the same pitchers probably isn’t large enough to draw any inferences.
Then again, such a research project would probably bore even me.
By AdirondackDave
March 17, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
My wife and I were at the Braves game in Jupiter today. For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts on the game,etc.
(1) Hampton looked like he was in mid-season (2004) form. All his pitches looked good and he didn’t seem to be holding anything back. I’d say 100% physical effort and fine results. Man, if this guy stays healthy the Braves are going far this season.
(2) Schafer does look like the real deal both with the bat and in the field. That throw to the plate beat Glaus by a mile and had the crowd laughing, even the cards fans, at Glaus’s obvious embarrassment.
(3) As much as I like Javy, and as physically fit as he is these days, and although he got a hit he didn’t seem like an asset to me today. I’d go with Pena as back-up.
(4) Diaz came up once as a pinch-hitter, no hits, but crushed a long ball foul that shook up the folks in the cheap seats.
(5) As DOB reported this is a fine park to see a Florida game and the BBQ behind the stands was great. The turkey leg was gigantic and delicious… finger-lickin’ good.
I had planned to also see yesterday’s Braves game here in Jupiter but it was hot as he11. Just glad I didn’t see Francoeur take that ball in the mouth. Got to give this kid a lot of credit, some rough stuff early in his career.
Also, I’ll add to Greg in Tennessee’s comment and congratulate Frank Wren on his 50th today. His first half year as GM has been really good.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
AZBravoFan, nothing but good reports on Gorkys. I’ve seen him play a couple times now, and watched him make perfect throws from CF during a very entertaining pregame drill the other day, one they only do once in a while, where a coach hits the outfielders a ball they have to come in on and be in position to come up firing home. Gorkys has a very strong arm.
Slender kid, but not frail. Still got plenty of work to do offensively before he’s ready.
By David O'Brien
March 17, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Adirondack, did you feel like Barney Rubble eating that turkey leg? Those turkeys must be on ‘roids. Or TGH.
By FAN-ny Acosta
March 17, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
“(By the way, writers generally don’t write the headlines; that’s a copy editor’s job.)”
Thanks, H. L. Mencken.
By McFann
March 17, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
TJ—
Not a very meaningful number? That’s your opinion (obviously). I mean, yes, McCann did catch mostly Smoltz and Hudson. But here, I have some stuff from 2006, and, as of 8/16/06, Smoltz’s record with McCann was 8-1, and his record without him was 2-5. Hmm…not so meaningless. I don’t have much time now, but I will try to get the records of the other starters of ‘07 with and without McCann. Without knowledge of a shortcut, it’s gonna take me a while.
I know Salty is a very good catcher, and that’s why he didn’t fit with the Braves. He deserved to be a starter, IMO, and the Braves are not in need of that at the catching position. He made a very good backup, but he needed to start. No use letting his talent go to “waste” sitting on the bench for 130 games. It’s for his own good. The Braves have plenty of options (but go with Pena!!).
ncscoots—
Yeah, that would be a BIG project. Not a good week for me personally to do anything that big. But it would be a very interesting stat to know.
Whew…long post! This could be it for me. So, just in case
NIGHT, ALL!!
By chuckaluck
March 17, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
DOB*
I am going to be at Dark Star — I can’t believe I am calling it that — next week for the final Florida exhibition game. On the current rotation, who should be starting that game? Does Bobby generally give the regular starters a break on the day camp breaks?
By McFann
March 17, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, DOB, love the Flintstones!!
OK, really…I’m going…
By richbrave
March 17, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
GIL IN MECHANICSVILLE:
Good to see you posting here again. Got your tickets for opening day? I’m a little under the weather health-wise. The stents didn’t work out so that has to be revisited. Then on to other items. It like a GD laundry list. Anyway looks like later rather than earlier for me at the old ball-park. Stay healthy-not sucks. Have you signed up for any extra packages on T.V. games? I haven’t yet.
By McFann
March 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Ho ho, JimD. (“Ho ho”? Whoops! Wrong Holiday…)
Cheeseburgers, eh? Uuuh…Give me a burger with ketchup and pickles…no cheese!
OK…seriously, now: I’m OUT!
By The Man
March 17, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Everyone thanks for clearing up the Javy for backup situation earlier today. In other words, he pretty much can suck and still get the job. Just what I thought in the 1st place. Also don’t buy into Smoltz facing the toughest pitchers with the run support. The Braves just had trouble scoring when he pitched…more tinmes than not.
By AdirondackDave
March 17, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
DOB — Exactly… I have visions of a guy with whip and a chair fending off that bird! Thanks for the tip. My wife went for the bratwurst sandwich and gave it a thumb’s up as well. Sorry we missed Escobar, I was really looking forward to seeing him paste a couple balls. By the way, we won the charity auction below the stands for the Chipper signed bat. It will go great with the Wurlitzer signed portrait of Chipper that Lew gave me a few months back.
By TJ
March 17, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
McFann, I don’t know where you’re getting your data, but according to baseballreference, the Braves, with Smoltz starting and McCann catching, lost on 4/4/06 (Dodgers); lost on 4/9/06 (San Fran); lost on 4/21/06 (Wash); and lost on 4/28/06 (NYM).
Now, Smoltz only took the loss in 2 of those games (4/4 and 4/28). He also lost on 6/13 to Wash with McCann catching. So that’s 3 losses by mid-june (with mccann).
That’s all the research I’m gonna do on this… but at no point in 2006 was Smoltz 8-1 with McCann catching.
Any team is better when their best players play; but catchers don’t play every day. I guess the question was, who’s gonna be the backup. My vote goes to Pena, because I fear Javy is going to be a Jordan/Mondesi redux, but in any case, we can expect a dropoff when a backup catcher is in the lineup.
By chrisklob
March 17, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
McFann Hey, DOB, love the Flintstones!!
I don’t think he was talking about the chewable vitamins! :-)
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 17, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
DOB.. Thanks for the extra effort you’ve been putting in to keep the denizens updated on the ST games. I am one of those stuck at work and only get to keep up with the games through the blog here.
The 2008 Braves are reely looking good, just need to round out the “bench’ with a couple of good bats, and decide onwhih arms to keep in the pen.
GO BRAVES…
By KC
March 17, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Anyone see the Braves team preview on Foxsports.com?
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7918206/Preview-2008:-Atlanta-Braves
The biggest problem I have with it is this… each player gets rated on a scale of 1-4. Soriano was a 3.5… ok, that’s about right. However, Peter Moylan was rated at a 2.6, just a hair above Tyler Yates (2.5).
I also think Matt Diaz was underrated (2.2). But overall, the preview seemed fairly accurate in its observations.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
The rotation is set. As is the lineup. The bullpen is highly competitive and that is a good thing. I think the bench is still a question mark unless the Braves find another big bat.
All in all , I’ll give the Braves an A-
By Oregon_Braves
March 17, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
KC - I read that article earlier today and then went back through the other teams to get more of a reference point for our players. It was actually fairer than I expected. Of course, Dayn Perry (DOUCHEBAG!) didn’t write it.
Also, in checking on other teams, I noticed that certain players went above the 4.0 scale. Pujols, for instance, was given a 4.6, I believe. Joe Nathan was another at 4.2. Can’t really complain about any bias on this one. I do think Moylan’s grade was from last year being his first full season. If he does it again, I would expect him to be looked upon more favorably.
Then again, these are just someone’s opinions, so who really cares in the long run?
By KC
March 18, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Oregon_Braves:
Whoh! You mean to tell me they ranked Pujols above Tex???
No way! Not when you factor in Tex’s defense and Pujol’s inability to throw.
Shifting topics… can’t ask for anything more encouraging than Hampton’s start today. Very nice! Can’t wait to see him pitch. He should be starting a spring game that will be covered on ESPN next week (Thurs. I think it is).
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
slow night on the blog, looks like javy’s days might be numbered. bobby is giving him every chance though, i hope he makes it.
just the threat of a power bat at the #2 catcher seems to be a better option then the others.
i for one would like to at least see him for the first two months, then if he struggles bring up sammons.
By Rick M
March 18, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
DOB - Have not had the luxury or reading all the posts but try to as much as I can as a die hard Braves and Tiger fan now displaced in KC. Quick comments on Lopez, James and maybe a steal of a deal. Javy is a sentimental non-knowledgeable fan pick but the Braves really need a catcher who is a stellar defensive catcher. Mets/Phillies can run lik the wind. James would be horrible in pen. Just the mention of it gave me nightmares of Charlie Liebrand. Please don’t do that to me. Since Brandon Inge just does not realize how lucky he is to have a chance to win a WS with Detroit this year the Braves ought to make a run at him. He’s a great athlete and can fill a lot of positions. I assume the Braves feel with Prado Lillibridge and Infante they have a surplus? Might be able to package some guys and get a real backup catcher. If Mccann gets hurt, which he seems to have a propencity to do, Javy is a very poor defensive replacement. Maybe Cox can convince Inge to catch when necessary? Leyland’s had no success. Great to see Hampton have a good outing. I will tell you this right now.. I’ve seen Jurrjens many times in Detroit. Real deal and great pickup.
By Rick M
March 18, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
DOB - ps. I assume when you reference Erin you meant Erin Andrews? The Braves were retarded for letting her go to begin with. What a great career move for her. I was back in locker room with Red Wings and a friend when she interviewed Steve Yzerman. Classic…. Yzerman was speechless.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Rick M, I know the Braves would love to have Inge, but Tigers aren’t going to give him away. Gonna get a lot in return, I’d think. Not sure if Braves have talked to them about him specifically, but wouldn’t surprise me, knowing how Cox feels about Inge. And also, Wren and Dombrowski obviously go way back and have already made one deal since Wren took over as Braves GM (and a helluva deal that was for the Braves).
By AdirondackDave
March 18, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
RickM — I’m also a Braves and Tigers fan (grew up in Michigan.) Anyway, regarding Inge, doesn’t he want out because he’s lost his starting job to Cabrera? Think he would want to come to Atlanta as a back-up to Chipper? I think Inge is being short-sighted on this. With Cabrera’s defensive (and weight) problems don’t you figure Leland will put him at DH at least 50-75 games? That should get Inge a lot of starts at 3rd. Of course, I’d be delighted if he wound up with the Braves but don’t think it will happen.
Also, you saw Jurrjens pitch well that last couple months with Detroit last year. Assuming he’s in the rotation for the Braves all year from opening day, what kind of a record would you expect from him?
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
inge has said he does not like to catch, and he wants to be a starter.
while he would be a great fit here, i dont know how happy he would be in a pure bench role.
By BA
March 18, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
I love the Florida stuff like this sign that DOB reports. I’m a working stiff and I never travel, so stuff like that is great. Wonder what kind of stuff he’ll see on the first road trip to New York? “Oh, look, Pedro’s new restaurant, ‘chicken fighting and waffles’”, “wow, there’s the smoldering pit where Carlos Delgado was burning flags”,”This is where they give out needles to drug users- I’ll be, there’s Vince Coleman!”
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 18, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
The collective ERA of Smoltz , Hudson , Glavine , Hampton and Jurrjens is 3.08
While the offense is scoring runs at an average of six per game.
Dear Mets and Phillies fans , I smell blood in the water. The Tomahawk shark is circling.
By BA
March 18, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
That blood in the water is from Piazza, he’s in the pool with some dude…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 18, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
Brandon Inge’s 2008 contract is for 6.2 million , 2009 = 6.3 million and 2010 6.6 million.
That is not the contract of a back up type player.
sorry fella’s , it’s wishfull thinking.
By AmazinsAgain08
March 18, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this
That is not the contract of a back up type player. sorry fella’s , it’s wishfull thinkingCoach
Good for you Coach. You finally said something intelligent…and civilly too.Even if you did misspell wishful. My my. Go Mets
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
Good point, Coach. Wouldn’t get Inge unless you thought he was the guy to move into a starting role next season. And since the Braves are set at 3B, C and CF for 2009…
(Next question some will ask: How ‘bout moving Chipper to 1B? I asked Chipper about it this spring, and sounded to me like he fully intends to keep playing 3B for the forseeable future. Not thinking of moving to 1B, at all.)
By rlpmetro
March 18, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
What’s up with this Santa guy??? Wonder why MLB blocked your typing! Sounds like DOB should do the same. And try hitting the post button ONLY ONCE!
By mitchie-san
March 18, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
There is no such thing as “Hotkaido Japan “.Its Hokaido(the northern most island). I have been there twice in Saporro for the ice festival. Good times…..
By Jamie-san
March 18, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I have been there twice in Saporro for the ice festival. Good timesmitchie-san
I thought it was the Snow Festival?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 18, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Possibly moving Chipper to 1B isn’t something that I want to contemplate at the moment.
The question of resigning Teixeira must be answered first. And I want to see what kind of season that Escobar has this year , not to mention Lillibridge.
But , I can see where some might invision an infield of Chipper at 1B , Escobar at 3B and Lillibridge playing SS.
By matta
March 18, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
It is generally called the Sapporo Snow Festival, but I have heard it called the Ice Festival before.
I suspect it has to do with the translation. Perhaps someone fluent in Japanese can chime in.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
is everyone gonna layoff the blog for the off-day, or are we gonna keep it going?
i, for one, would love to keep it going.
By KC
March 18, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
DOB: Who writes the polls for the Braves page??
“Not great, but they’ll be fine” is the best any respondent can say about the Braves pitching?
All of the things that matter have gone quite well. Jurrjens, despite a rough outing his last time out, has been very good. Hampton is healthy (so far) and looks great. Moylan is ready to go, and Soriano looks like he’s ok.
Coach just pointed out that our starters have a collective ERA of just over 3.00.
So… I think “very good” is a better way to describe what has transpired with the pitching this spring than “OK, not great”.
What’s up with that?
By Epinephrine
March 18, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
I can certainly see Chipper at first, but not any time soon. I mean, the guy should have won a gold glove last year for his defensive work. For now, I am very happy with keeping Chipper on the same corner.
By chris
March 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Some food for thought as the last bullpen spots are a hot topic:
James did start out in the bullpen in ‘06. He’d be another lefty and perhaps useful.
However, I don’t think having that spot starter in the pen is much of a concern. They didn’t have one last year. Also,at the beginning of the year with off days the 5th starter can serve that purpose. Plus, they could always call on a guy in the minors if needed.
I have a hard time seeing Yates or Caryle making this team. I see Yates getting traded or cut. The last three spots come down to Boyer (likely), Resop, Ring, and Bennett. Bennet could be the odd man out since he has options.
Thanks,
Chris from MD
By DAP
March 18, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
i dont see any need to move chipper in the foreseeable future. he just had the best defensive season of his career at third…what reason would we have to move him? because we want a slugger at firstbase? we would end up with a weaker hitter at third, so lets just skip that and put the weaker hitter at 1st?
we have to many players for to few positions…i think soon, we are going to see some of our beloved minor leaguers traded away for pieces we need. we may never see lillibridge, gorkys, sammons, blanco, ect. in a braves uni.
next year we are gonna need some starters and a first baseman. we might have alot of those guys we need in the system, but we might not…we might have to say goodbye to a few guys.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Chris i think we did have a spot starter last year, though we didnt use him like that. oscar villareal. he made several starts in 2006 and actually did quite well in that role. he was in the bullpen last year and could have been used for that, but there wasnt a need,….since we were sending down so many guys hurt, we would just call up a minor leaguer who was on schedule to pitch.
By McFann
March 18, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
OK, TJ, so my calculations were not accurate. My mistake. I don’t know how I got off so badly. Sorry!! That is really odd…
If Mccann gets hurt, which he seems to have a propencity to do, Rick M
Yeah, um…”propensity” has an “s”. Most catchers get hurt a lot, anyway. It’s not their fault. Lost of ‘em have collisions at the plate of get hit by a pitch—they don’t all have the same lingering effects, of course, but they happen. It’s a risk you take at that position. (And HBP cann happen to anybody. Just ask Francoeur.)
Klobber
Hmm…Those vitamins are good…But I meant the TV show, too.
By beachcomber
March 18, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Reading one of DOB’s posts above re: Chipper moving to first. DOB talked with him and Chipper doesn’t see it happening.
Just illustrates how the game has changed - and how old I am. When Casey Stengel “suggested” that a future Hall of Famer named Berra move to left field to make way for a promising catcher named Elston Howard, I don’t think Yogi said he didn’t see it happening.
Not a slap at Chipper whom I greatly admire as a ballplayer but just a comment on how our game has changed.
By VaBravesfan
March 18, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Brandon Inge went to high school with my son. I remember him being a good kid. It would be nice to see him in a Braves uniform. I don’t know where he would fit in, though. Braves seem set at most positions (except 1st base when Texiera leaves). If I was Detroit, I would tell Sheffield to take his attitude and go away. Put Cabrera at DH and leave Inge on 3rd.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Chris, they didn’t have a spot starter last year? Tha’s because they were using spot starters to fill one or two spots the entire season!
As for James in the bullpen, I simply gave you the manager’s response. He makes the decisions, not me. And by the way, James allowed a .252 average and seven homers in 131 at-bats by lefty hitters last season, not exactly lights-out, so why is his leftiness much of a factor in terms of him being a relief option in your view?
Certainly Ring, and perhaps even Ridgway, are better options as second lefty relievers. Ring’s out of options; if you’re going to have a second lefty it should be him, shouldn’t it be him?
Lefties have hit .205 with one homer in 78 career at-bats against Ring, albeit with 19 walks and a .357 OBP (the command is Ring’s whole problem).
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
KC: I agree (9:18). First two options on the poll are essentially the same answer. Trying to get it replaced now…
Epinephrine: and with you, I also concur (9:21).
By DAP
March 18, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
VaBravesfan if you were detroit, youd have a high murder rate and could claim “home improvement”. i would not replace shef with inge in that offense. leave it alone…that team will score some runs.
By Chris Kilroy
March 18, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Yes a guy from Turner asking somebody else for Braves inside info….times have changed.
If you had to go down to the box office and determine when Glavine would make his Braves debut…would you guess (like i am) that it would be game 3, Wed April 3rd?
Hudson opens. Smoltz home opener. Off day. Glavine. Hampton(?), Jurgens(?)
i think IF they skip a start, they skip it with either Hampton or Jurgens, right?
Obviously nothing is locked down. But i want to get some good seats to this game! Thanks
By DAP
March 18, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
DOB are you writing stories on the braves off-day, or are you off to?
By Lew
March 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
MitchieSan-You back home yet, Dude, or still floating around the Pacific in that tin can like Major Tom on Earth?
Beachcomber-Dude, Clearwater may be a bastian of conservative thought (and the Madonna Window that was formed by a sprinkler), but I know for a fact that Temptations has been there for over 20 years. I had a friend who was dating one of the dancers. We went to a show at the USF Sundome right after picking her up from work one evening and as we were walking to our seats, an entire section of the Sundome rose and gave her a standing ovation-just for walking by. That was a unique experience. I was bringing up the rear-one of the best seats in the house. No, her name was not Erin-won’t comment on what she was or wasn’t wearing.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Beachcomber, before it gets mischaracterized and Chipper is painted (again) as someone who’s refusing to move to 1B, I didn’t say, “Would you move to first base eventually?” I asked him how long he thought he could play 3B at a level like last season, a question along those lines. And he said he thought he could do it several more years. He’s made it clear in past that he would have an issue if asked to change positions again while he’s still a solid defensive 3B.
And let’s also be clear: Braves have indicated absolutely no desire to move him now or in the forseeable future. None….
VaBravesFan, you wrote: “If I was Detroit, I would tell Sheffield to take his attitude and go away.”
And to this, Sheff would probably say something like: “Just give me a check for the $28 million you owe me for the 2008-09 seasons.”
By 22oz
March 18, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
DOB, while you’re at it fixing the poll, see if you can get that vent about “Turncoat Tommy” from back in November removed, its only been 4-5 months, and the vent wasn’t worth being posted to begin with.
By beachcomber
March 18, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
DOB - Please don’t misunderstand me. Not a pot shot at Chipper just a comment on how the game has changed. In the old days, it would be “Oh and bring a first baseman’s mitt to spring training.” We would weaken our team by moving him to first. He is probably the most underrated defensive third baseman in baseball.
And Lew - I am well aware of Temptations. Not a patron - just aware. My sis, who leads a sheltered life living in the small NY Finger Lakes community I moved from at an early age, was always curious about whether the place with its hideous paint job was still there when she came down for spring training each year.
Hey, we’re the home of Hooters - whose founders just cashed out for eight figures.
By FJR
March 18, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
mcfann,
salty needed to start? at the major league level? Maybe somebody should tell him that and then he might beat out gerald laird in texas (which he is decidedly not doing).
If you listened to many of the bloggers on here, you’d think salty was the pride of the texas rangers, not a guy who has about a 50% shot of making the club out of spring training. Salty wasn’t really ready for the majors when he was brought up, it just became apparent he was going to be traded and the braves were just hoping it would pique more interest and that he wouldn’t be put in positions where his unreadiness would be exposed. He’s possibly got a bright future, but lets not turn him into johnny bench quite yet.
By Kevin
March 18, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I personally thought the “turncoat Tommy” vent was pretty funny when I read it.
By chris
March 18, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I apologize— I was not thinking of anything you or Cox said about James. I was simply making the point that James might make the team as a reliever since he did in 06. Your point about his lack of effectiveness against lefties last year is a good one. I’d be curious to know how effective he was in 06.
DAP makes a good point about Vilareal. I thought of that but I thought that since they never used him as a spot starter last year when they could have, perhaps having a spot starter isn’t that big of a priority.
Thx,
Chris from MD
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
FJR, agree with you on Salty. It’s just a common reaction to make guys out to be even more than they were or are after they leave your team. Unless they were guys people didn’t like, then the reaction is the opposite — turn him into a worse player or worse person than he actually was after he leaves.
Salty might have a great career. Wouldn’t surprise me. Also wouldn’t shock me if he’s just a good player, not a great player. Too early to tell.
By Lew
March 18, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Beachcomber-Speaking of Hooters…..
I attended a Phillies’ Spring Training workout some years ago-back when Dykstra and Daulton were with the team. Lynn Austin, recently divorced from Daulton was there. I got to tell you, Dude, even without makeup (standing all of two feet away from her) that was one gorgeous woman-The Original Hooter’s Girl (and Playboy Playmate).
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
DAP, how I wish I were off today and could go riding to the coast on the bike. I’ve got a Braves notebook or story to do for tomorrow’s paper, and an Escobar story and a bunch of stuff to go with it for a full page thing on the infield to run next week.
Instead of a special section, we’re running a special page per day in the week before the opener, focusing on outfield one day, starting rotation another day, outfield, etc. Carroll’s doing most of those, which is what she was doing for the most part in her 2-1/2 weeks down here at start of camp.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
ive been thinking that its gonna be important for the braves to get off to a quick start.
to start the season, the braves have 17 games against WSH, PIT, NYM, FLA & COL.
10 of those games are against WSH, PIT, & FLA. i think we can win 11-12 of these games and start the season 12-5. i think that would be huge.
what the braves need to do this year is take care of the teams they oughta beat. that means we need to own the nats, the marlins, and the pirates, which i think we will.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Chris, Chuck was actually far better against righties than against lefties in 2006, because of a more effective changeup and his newness to hitters, or a combination of factors.
Anyway, against lefties in 2006: .297 (27-for-91) with .381 OBP and .484 slugging percentage.
Against righties in 2006: .215 (74-for-344) with .292 OBP and .413 slugging percentage.
By flange1
March 18, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Off days are boring!!!
Here is a different thought on backup players and the 25 man roster.
I know that one of the things Braves fans (and to a certain extent Braves management) hates to see is losing a player to a waiver claim.
Because we have a group of guys that might be hard to trade and that are out of minor league options maybe FW will structure his 25 man roster as follows:
SP Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, JJJ, Hampton
RP Soriano, Moylan, Acosta, Ohman, Ring, Resop, Boyer, Yates
IF Chipper, Esco, KJ, Tex, BMac
OF Diaz, Kotsay, Frenchy
Bench B. Pena, Prado, Thorman, Anderson
Let Borchard and Javy go to Richmond to see what they can do there.
Let this be the starting 25. After rosters are set, continue to look for trades involving B Pena, Thorman and a relief pitcher or two.
If you have an injury or need another player and you cannot make a trade, then you take the risk and try to slip Yates, Ring, Thorman, B Pena through waivers and bring up the guy you need.
If the Braves would consider this strategy even though it might not put their best 25 players on the field, it would give them more time to work trades and the waiver wire.
By beachcomber
March 18, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Lew - Coincidently, Daulton caught the first pitch at yesterday’s game - thrown by Phil’s broadcaster Larry Anderson - wasn’t he the guy who was once traded for Jeff Bagwell?
Speaking of which, we have another local resident involved in one of those lopsided trades. Jim Fregosi who now works for our guys was once traded straight up for Nolan Ryan. I remind him of that frequently.
By McFann
March 18, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
No problamo, FJR. I’m not ready to turn anybody into Johnny Bench yet!
By DAP
March 18, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
DOB sorry you didnt get a day off, but were glad to have you here.
did you tell us yesterday that some cuts might get announced today?
By Bryan
March 18, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
David, would you rather write a lot of shorter stories more frequently or work on a bigger project for a few weeks? (like what Carroll is working on)
Also, new REM is better and better after i keep listening to it… this album is going to be a blast for people who enjoy REM.
By StingerSplash
March 18, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Lew,
for years, the lovely Miss Austin adorned the right field wall at the old Jack Russell Stadium. Nothing better than ragging Daulton about everybody being able to see his ex. Even better than the one kid who one day was razzing Jeter “Mariah, she’s on fi-yah! Mariah, she’s on fi-yah!” at a Yankee spring training game. Good times!
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber, I ran into Dutch (Darren Daulton) at the game over there Friday. He was a neighbor of mine in Arkansas City, Ks., my dad coached him in some summer All-Star team in Babe Ruth League, and Darren was a good friend of my brother (they’re two years older than me).
So it was pretty cool covering the Marlins when they got Darren from Philly for the 1997 playoff run (which ended with a World Series title, of course).
So I run into Darren on Friday, first time I saw him since a a few years ago in Philly at the last weekend of The Vet. He’s drinking a beer, hanging out with some people near the pressbox, and he sees me, smiles, gives me the fist bump, says, “Hey Homey” and asks about my brother and dad, or as he said, “Pops.”
He gives me his phone number to give to my brother, then laughs and goes, “Tell Pops I said, ‘Fu#@ himself.’ Tell him I said I’m old enough to say that now.”
(He and my dad had a great relationship, as my dad did with most — he’s the gregarious type, liked to pound a few brews back in the day. Dutch, you might imagine, is that type, too.)
OK, that’s my most-recent Dutch Daulton story.
By Lew
March 18, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Stinger-Old Jack Russell Stadium-that sure has a history. Where are you from, Dude? I was in St. Pete for twelve years-my son graduated from Northeast HS, there.
By StingerSplash
March 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber,
Thanks for me reminding me of Larry Andersen for Jeff Bagwell. Thanks a lot. Almost as bad as Sparky Lyle for Denny Cater.
By TNScotty
March 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
DOBDid you mean the Marlins run in 1997 instead of 2007?
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
saw a couple of daulton stories over the the years, and the dude could barely talk.
DOB, has he gotten any better? looked like he was having a rough time.
By Stephen
March 18, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
If Hampton has a solid year this year, what are the odds he resigns with the Braves at a significant discount? You know… to make up for the two years he missed?
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
So it was pretty cool covering the Marlins when they got Darren from Philly for the 2007 playoff run (which ended with a World Series title, of course
Wow! I don’t know where I was last year… Marlins won it all?? Sheeeesh. I need to put down the booze for a bit I guess.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 18, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
So it was pretty cool covering the Marlins when they got Darren from Philly for the 2007 playoff run (which ended with a World Series title, of course).
Um….the 2007 Marlins’ playoff run?
He gives me his phone number to give to my brother…
Would that be Conan or a different brother?
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Check out this little tid-bit from MLBTR:
“Baseball Prospectus’ John Perrotto says the Phils indeed desire a southpaw reliever for Helms, who is drawing interest from the Braves and Marlins (both clubs he’s played for previously).”
Hmmm, a lefty reliever, I wonder if Royce Ring would be enough… How bout it DOB, Wes Helms could be useful for us don’t you think? Would the Braves be interested in him? He makes $3mil in 2008 with a club option for ‘09 at $3.75mil…
By Anders
March 18, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
Your 12:05 post now gives me a further understanding as to why you absolutely annihilated me some time ago when I referenced the Daulton/Dykstra car incident and didn’t have exact substance abuse of choice for the wreck. Didn’t realize you were from the same “Hood”.
Note to self: Darren Daulton and posse - off limits.
By McFann
March 18, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Wow! I don’t know where I was last year… Marlins won it all?? Sheeeesh. I need to put down the booze for a bit I guess.
Maybe you should. DOB’s post says 1997.
Guess he fixed it, heh heh.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
yes, ‘97.
By the way
By the way, one more thing on Daulton.
I know he’s had a load of troubles since his playing days, and some way-out-there beliefs about experiences on a differnt plane (not airplane) and end-of-the-world stuff, but I’ll say this: He was THE ultimate baseball clubhouse leader. Hands-down the best I’ve ever seen or heard guys talk about. No contest.
Instant respect and so much gravitas when he walked in the clubhouse.
Players saw how he prepared every day, how much he had to do just to get on the field with those bad knees. He was first to the park every day, and last to leave (after a few beers with the fellas in the training room or clubhouse).
He changed the clubhouse culture overnight, after coming over in late-season trade and telling the Marlins, playing lackluster ball at the time, that they weren’t getting to the World Series with the “country club” attitude they had.
I remember Al Leiter telling me how Daulton asked him if it was too early for Darren to call a team meeting, a couple days after he joined the team. Leiter said hell no, we need it.
Daulton calls them together on the road, two or three days after joining the team, and gives them that speech, tells them they had the talent to win it all but not the attitude.
Guys were jacked up after that meeting, and the Marlins took off soon after, starting playing much better ball. He changed the clubhouse culture, really did.
He had guys who previously would head home soon as the game was over and fast as they could shower and dress, had them hanging out instead in the clubhouse for an hour or two after games, talking and drinking beer together. Totally old-school, Daulton was. Easy to see how that Philly team with all those hard-living guys won despite it all, because they were tough and they were together.
The ‘97 Marlins went into the postseason on a roll, full of swagger. Swept the Giants in the first round, beat the Braves in the NLCS, took down the Indians in the World Series.
And with the very good, long-term contracts they had with several key players, guys like Moises Alou and Livan Hernandez and Sheff all say to this day that team would’ve won at least two more World Series in the next four years if Dombrowski hadn’t been ordered by Huizenga to blow it up and strip the payroll.
Don’t know if that’s true, but they did have some good contracts and some very good young players coming up or already on the team, like Renteria, Livan, Kotsay and Luis Castillo.
By Renegator
March 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I’d take Helms over Thorman anyday of the week and twice on Sundays.
By Halberstram
March 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
DOB, love the song reference for the blog. I can’t not think of The Wire now when I hear it. Always a great scene when they’d play the song and do the toast to the fallen comrade.
I’m not sure if you saw my post at the end of yesterday. I asked what are your thoughts on the top of the lineup? Who do you think will be batting 1,2 & 7 between Escobar, Johnson & Kotsay?
Thanks
By DAP
March 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
stephen If Hampton has a solid year this year, what are the odds he resigns with the Braves at a significant discount? You know… to make up for the two years he missed?
dont count on that happening. if hampton has a solid year…if he wins at least 10 games and doesnt get hurt…he will resign with somebody for at least more than what glavine got. i bet for each win he gets in 2008, he will add $1 mil to his 2008 salary. pitchers are just to in demand.
now, if he has a good year, the braves might decide to bring him back for $10-12 mil….but i kinda hope they dont, cause hes just been hurt to much for my comfort.
By Anders
March 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Don Coburleone
Royce Ring couldn’t get you Tommy Helms at this point. If he wasn’t lefty he’d be selling vinyl siding by now.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
With 13 days to go before Opening Day, the Phillies are still evaluating their options involving infielder Wes Helms. With utility infielders Greg Dobbs and Eric Bruntlett in the fold, the third baseman appears to be out of a roster spot. The Phillies would like to trade him. Here’s one move that seems to make sense: Helms to the Giants for lefthanded pitcher Steve Kline…
The Dodgers also are reportedly in the market for a veteran third baseman.
—Philadelphia Daily News
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I personally think Helms would be a great addition to our bench and a good backup for Chipper and Tex… I know last season wasn’t a good one for Helms, but he can still hit lefties - .282/.346/.444 in ‘07 and .336/.414/.505 in ‘06. And with the way all of our opponents seem to be heavy on lefties (just look at last season) he could get more chances against them…
By Lee in S. GA
March 18, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if I would rejoice and welcome Helms back that much. At the present time who would be the odd man out if he came back? Prado or Thorman? Is Helm’s really that much of an improvement (if any) over them?
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Halberstram, wasn’t that just perfect use of a song, every time they played Body of an American and the cops all toasted and sang? Tremendous drama. Can’t believe that show’s done. The BEST.
Regarding lineup, it looks like it’s gonna be KJ leading off, Escobar second, Kotsay down in the order. That could change, of course, but I see Bobby starting season with that.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
DAP: Regarding Hampton, he does have an option year for 2009 for more than he’d make on the open market I’d imagine… Though it looks like the buy out is already in place… Not sure exactly though if he is already bought out for his option year or if the option is still on the table with the buyout covered by Colorado…
Mike Hampton lhp
8 years/$121M (01-08), plus $20M 09 club option
o $1M to charity, $19M deferred to 2009-18 at 3% interest
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
DonC, I actually think Helms would be a decent 1B/3B backup, too, long as he doesn’t have to take that glove on the field very often (pretty brutal afield). But I think Braves feel need to have a more competent 1B in case of injury. Plus, frankly, Thorman is a better power option at this stage.
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Probably true about Royce Ring Anders, but then again if the Phillies have no market for Helms and they really want to get rid of him, Ring is better than nothing. The article said the only other interested team is the Marlins, and they don’t have any lefty relievers they’d be willing to let go, no way they’d trade Taylor Tankersly to get Wes freakin’ Helms…
By DAP
March 18, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
guys, i just read this mailbag on the mets website. they are really in bad shape. they just dont have enough players. they need help pretty bad. i think they will have a tuff time being competitive. heres the article
By ncscoots
March 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
It was last year that I thought Helms would have been a nice addition to the bench. DOB pointed out then that his good year in 2006 would probably net him a starter’s contract (which it did).
But he seems to have reverted to his .260 days, and now that performance is being paid at a .300 rate. Hard to justify $3MM for him, I think, and it seems unlikely that Philly would pick up any of the check.
Royce Ring couldn’t get you Tommy Helms at this point
Perhaps. But’s he’s lefty, breathing, and can get it to home on less than two bounces. We call that “marketable” in MLB. :-)
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Lee, I would think that Helms would be an improvement over Thorman. He’s more versatile defensively as he plays third AND first, not just first. Plus his BA against lefties AND righties is better than that of Thor.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Halberstram i dont want to step on DOB’s toes, but in case he doesnt have time to answer you, ill let you know what i think…
so far, almost every spring training lineup that has had johnson, escobar, and kotsay in at the same time, hes had johnson batting 1st, escobar batting 2nd, and kotsay batting 7th.
thats probably how it will turn out, and im very glad about it. i think its exactly the right choice.
By TJ
March 18, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
I read that Oakland may want to unload 1B/DH Dan Johnson, because they don’t have room for him.
He’s a viable 1B, would probably be a good PH since he’s done a lot of DH’ing; is young and cheap (and probably arbi-eligible next year). Not a great b/a, but good on base skills and power.
It wouldn’t solve the 3B backup issue; that would have to fall to Prado/Lillibridge/Escobar. He would be a great insurance policy against Tex leaving, and good bat off the bench. A better option than Thorman, I would think.
I have no idea what Oakland might want in return, I think they asked the Yankees for a young outfielder but got turned down. Maybe something like Blanco and Yates? (probably not, I know)
By Halberstram
March 18, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m pretty sure you saw the finale of the Wire, but if not don’t read any further.
It was a great scene when they had the mock singing of the song for McNulty. It was definitely a wtf scene as it ran threw your mind did McNulty kill himself?
Definitely sad it’s gone away. Hopefully the show will gain the recognition it deserves someday. I could see using that show in college sociology classes. It seemed so accurate and well done. The dialogue was second to none.
By Lee in S. GA
March 18, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
chrisklob Guess I am looking at that power stroke from Thorman off the bench. I have not completly given up on this guy yet. I still feel he can become a regular (perhaps next season if need be) and belt 20 to 25 hrs with a decent average.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
the phillies probably wouldnt want to trade with their division rival anyways.
10paul so the braves are gonna have to give him $6 mil at the end of this season just to get rid of him. i did not know that….or was that calculated in to his per year salary like weve been talking about?
we will buy it out…and im betting hampton is gonna get at least $12 mil per on the market next season. will we pay that?
By 22oz
March 18, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
You heard it here first!
2008 Lineup vs RHP
2008 lineup vs LHP
Expect a Prado/Johnson platoon. maybe not a strict one, but more that we would like.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hampton’s a free agent after season; buyout of that option already done, as part of the trade.
By Bravetiger
March 18, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
DOB - You said the next round of cuts will likely come Wednesday before or after the game. Who do see being on the list?
By Halberstram
March 18, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the thoughts DAP, I had noticed that as well but just wanted to confirm if that was the vibe DOB was getting.
The 7 spot is definitely important, as I expect McCann and Francouer to be on base a good bit so we will need someone to get contact and bring them home as well. Also nice to have Diaz at the 8 spot. This should be a really deep lineup, hopefully strike some fears in the opposing pitchers.
By TJ
March 18, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure Colorado is on the hook for Hampton’s $6 mil buyout. It’s pretty clearly stated in the contract terms 10Paul posted above.
If Hampton is effective, I would guess the Braves will decline the option, making him a free agent. One would hope that the Braves will then be in a good position to then negotiate a new contract with him.
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Lee, true Helms doesn’t have his power but until Thor loses that looong swing of his, I don’t think he’s ever going to be a productive, everyday player.
DAP, I am reasonably sure that Colorado is responsible for the buyout. It says so here
DOB, can you clear this up please?
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
DAP, no, Colorado paid the buyout on Hampton.
Can’t believe some here are concerned about re-signing Hampton, or really care about that subject, when he still hasn’t pitched an actual game in 31 months.
Maybe wait to see if he stays healthy before worrying about matters beyond this season?
By Epinephrine
March 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
22oz,
What possible basis do you have for believing Cox will platoon KJ? Or that Diaz would hit ahead of Mac? I think that is the first, and the last, time we will hear that lineup barring injury. We don’t even know Prado will be on the squad once Infante comes back.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
DAP: No. I think Colorado covers the buy out. I don’t know though if the buyout is already done… Something DOB could answer. It could be the option could still be taken in which case I’d imagine the Braves would be on the hook for 20 million. But if they turn it down, then the Rockies are on the hook for 6 million. Or, it could already be declined with the Rockies picking up the 6 million basically leaving it as no option for 2009. Whatever happens, I don’t suspect Hampton could reach 20 million a year in free agency even with a good year this season.
Colorado to pay $49M ($20M signing bonus, $8M in 2001, $8.5M in 2002, $2M in 2003, $2M in 2004, $2.5M in 2005, $6M buyout in 2009)
By TJ
March 18, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, hadn’t seen your post on Hampton when I sent mine… defer to you, of course!
By DAP
March 18, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
22oz youre crazy, and i hope youre very wrong.
TJ i was looking around at young 1st baseman this morning and saw him. not a bad player. his average last year wasnt good, but his OBP was still really good cause he walked about as much as kelly johnson did. i think hed be a good player to have at 1st. better than thorman.
he would easily hit over 20 hrs playing everyday, and with a respectable .350 OBP (about 100 points higher than thorman’s last season) he would be fine to bat lower in the order. if we had him in the lineup in 2009, we’d need one of our young guys to step up to bat cleanup.
By Lee in S. GA
March 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
If the Braves do go after another backup 1st baseman I hope it is Dan Johnson. If it is a young outfielder the A’s are looking for, I think the Braves could dangle someone in front of them.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
10paul ok, i see it now. i misread your original post explaining the option and stuff. i get it.
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
“Expect a Prado/Johnson platoon. maybe not a strict one, but more than we would like.”
22oz you’ve actually just hit on a big fear of mine… We all know how Cox is with his platoons, he loves them… I can just see that at some point in early to mid May KJ will struggle at some point, Cox will start Prado when a lefty is in there, he’ll have a good game, and then BOOM, a borderline platoon for the rest of the season (or at least when Chipper is not on the DL)…
Now, don’t get me wrong, I think a platoon (or starting someone different) is good in small doses when a starter is really struggling; but the problem is that Cox will stick with his platoon even when one part of it is stinking up the joint… Just look at last season with the Diaz/Harris platoon, he played that thing out at least 6 weeks longer than he should have, and it probably cost us a game or 2 in the standings…
By timmy
March 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, I read on MLB Trade Rumors we have interest on pursuing Wes Helms again. He didnt go anything when he was rated our top prospect in 99, 00, and 01. Why would we be interested in trading for him? He is not even a reliable productive right handed bat
By Frank
March 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
For all the Javy haters…..remember back when the Braves first started the run of 14 straight division titles….we had Greg Olson WHO wasn’t that much of a offensive catcher but was a helluva defensive catcher. IF Javy can play defense……we’ll be alright at the back-up catcher position.
On a side note….Charlie O’Brien wasn’t that much of a offensive catcher either.
By timmy
March 18, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think Kelly Johnson will platooned again this year, I hope not because I want to see him play every day? DOB, was trading Renteria to give Johnson and Escobar regular duties, at their prospective positions, another part of the reason Edgar was traded or was it just purely financial?
By DAP
March 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
if the A’s want young outfielders, we have some to offer, but they might demand shaefer. i dont think anyone is willing to give him up. id give up b. jones, gorkys, blanco, and weve also got some extra relievers to choose from. dan johnson would be a great pickup.
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I looked into Dan Johnson from Oakland too, but I’m not sure… He probably has less raw power than Thorman, probably worse defensively than Thorman, but he definately has better plate discipline than Thor, which is of course a plus… But, like any player on another team, we have to give up something in order to get him, so would someone like Brandon Jones really be worth it? I would say no…
By Epinephrine
March 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
For the time being, I don’t think we need to worry about a back up 1B beyond Thorman.
We will know a lot more about our roster within two or three weeks of opening day. Namely, will Mike Hampton be making consistent starts? Will Chuck James be progressing or be the same exact pitcher? Will our “depth” at bullpen be legitimate or transparent? Is Mike Gonzales truly on schedule to come back in late May?
If the answer to these questions is yes, it gives a lot of room to maneuver. That is, we would have a lot of extra parts that other teams need. If the answer to some of them is no, it means that the bullpen is probably more of a pressing concern than the possibility of Tex getting hurt.
Think about it-say our rotation looks as good as we think it can be, and Gonzo truly does appear on track to come back. That gives us a lot more leverage to shop guys like James, Bennett, Carlyle, Ring, Yates, Boyer, Reyes, or Resop (assuming we lose none to waivers). If, however, our pitching runs into problems, we may very well need those guys in order to field a rotation and bullpen that can take us into the playoffs. I would hate to trade away some of our pitching depth to get a backup 1b, only to see Hampton and, say, Soriano go down. Then what do we have? A crap rotation and a good back up for a healthy all star first basemen.
Right now, I think the biggest “concern” facing the Braves is not having anything upset the apple cart. Because right now, our team looks pretty darn good. I would hate to hit an injury bug, and not have the tools to deal with it because we addressed non-existent needs during spring training.
By TJ
March 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t give up B. Jones or Gorkys for Johnson or any other reserve. I think I’d give Blanco (nothing against him, just don’t think he’s quite the prospect the others are, and how many speedy CF’s do we really need?). Certainly not Schafer!
As to 2B, I think Prado will get 15-20 starts, probably against really nasty lefties. It’s fine with me, if he can carry his weight… I like giving guys days off, and keeping the bench engaged. You know Bobby’s gonna try to get everybody some PT.
By Randy S
March 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Watching the Tigers-Nats game. Willie Harris on twice: picked off once, caught stealing once. Absolutely loved that guy, but not the best at swiping a base.
Also, Willie had the best first job I’ve ever heard of (courtesy of some TBS super duper insight into players profile box). Willie Harris, first job, pickle stacker. Favorite TV show, Good Times. Awesome stuff.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
DOB: Will the Braves release the contract amounts for all the guys they signed this year? I was looking at them all and the bulk of them have no contract information other than “signed”.
I see this information was available for players in years past. Perhaps it is a timing issue.
By Anders
March 18, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Frank
I’m with you regarding your 2:07 post. Defensive catchers win titles. O’Brien, Charles Johnson, Damian Miller, Jason Varitek, Joe Girardi, Any Molina, Pudge Rodriguez, that guy on the Cardinals two years ago nobody remembers etc. There are exceptions (i.e.Jorge Posada) - but not many of late.
BTW-The Mets stole 5 bases in yesterday’s game alone (4 different players). You better hope McCann’s up to it. The Phils will run too.
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
sounds like a wwf matchup.
WES “the keghead” HELMS VS. THOR “mighty god of thunder” THORMAN.
season cant start soon enough. at least there is some upside possible with thorman. we dont need a helms redux. heck the equipment mgr. would need more hats and batting helmets.
By Randy S
March 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Also, the Nats have surplus at first base with both Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young. Wouldn’t be surprised if they dealt one of those guys before opening day, especially given the holes in that team. Not saying the Braves should go after one of them now (my guess is that the Nats will be asking for too much), but either of those guys would be a great trade deadline type pickup. Both are signed through ‘09, but at very affordable rates that would be easy to move after a postseason run.
By 22oz
March 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, What basis do i have for thinking Cox would do that lineup? Just about 15 years or so of watching the platoon happy Cox make out lineups. Also, See DonC’s 2:01 post. Klsko and LaRoche were classic cases. Bring in a lefty reliever in the 7th, get those two out of the game. Its almost comical. And this isn’t crazy DAP, its the inconveniet truth, and anyone who’s watched the Braves regularly should see this coming.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
DonC: You are not alone on the platoon fears. Especially with Marteen. It’ll be a total drag if we have to watch that guy run out there against Lefties. Takes a strong line up and just tosses it in the trash.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
You better hope McCann’s up to it
More of a pitchers problem with the Braves. The good pitchers hold the runners well enough to give McCann a fighting chance (30+ %). The relief or spot starters tend to let the wheels fly. You know it’s bad when Estrada is taking two bases off you. Nothing a catcher can do when the Pitcher isn’t covering his end of the deal.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
frank javy is not a good defensive catcher, even if he is better than he used to be.
timmy if johnson is platooned its a crime. i hope that doesnt happen.
By flange1
March 18, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
uga-brave,
My money is on the Keghead over the God of Thunder in the Texas Death Match.
Keghead has that killer figure 4 leg lock that is just unbreakable……
By DAP
March 18, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
22oz. being the truth doesnt make it not crazy. platooning johnson would be STUPID!!! even if it does happen. its would be CRAZY to do it.
giving him a day off would be great, but i want no semblance of a platoon.
again, i hope your wrong.
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Well, I mean Prado is not a total disaster, but I’d much rather have KJ in there regardless of how hes hitting over the last week or month or whatever… Prado is perfect for what he is supposed to be used for this year - a utility infielder that is Chipper Jones’ primary backup. He should NOT be the right-handed part of a 2b platoon with our most patient hitter (not named Chipper Jones)…
By Anders
March 18, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul
Pitchers play a role for sure but the catcher needs to have the footwork and arm. I do agree with your assessment of Braves starters versus relievers. I think the Vet starters certainly will help.
I really think the Nats and Marlins will try and run a lot too. Catchers in the east will be very active.
I worry about this for the Mets too as both Castro and Schneider are fighting groin tightness - not a good thing for catchers.
Don’t forget game calling and blocking pitches in the dirt too.
That’s why when bloggers expect McCann to bat 5th or 6th and hit .320 I don’t think it’s fair. Catchers have a lot more to worry about than where and what they hit.
By ncscoots
March 18, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
BTW-The Mets stole 5 bases in yesterday’s game alone
And exactly how many of those led to a run? That is, to a single run scored in the inning, directly attributable to the SB; a run that would not have scored anyway in front of further scoring in the inning.
ANSWER (and I didn’t even watch the game or look at the box): Zero.
By DonCoburleone
March 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Heres a thought to leave you guys with (gotta go to a meeting, will check back later though)…
Lets just assume right now that we lose Mark Teixera after this season and we have no real 1B option. Looking at the upcoming free agent class first base is virtually non-existent. However, 2B is pretty deep. So, how about instead of moving Chipper to first, we move Kelly Johnson to first base and then sign Orlando Hudson to play second??? We could get the O-Dawg for a reasonable contract I bet. Then in 2009 we move KJ down in the lineup to more of a power spot (like #3 or #5). Watcha think?
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
you guys are letting your paranoia get in the way of reasoning when it comes to 2B. there has been nothing said or done to indicate there’s going to be a platoon at 2B. Kelly Johnson is the STARTER at 2B. Cox has just been playing other guys (Prado, Lillibridge) there and at other positions to see if they’re ready to be primary utility candidates.
No one on the team or here following the team has said a word or been given any indication whatsoever that there will be a platoon. None.
This isn’t like last year, when Yunel Escobar was just too good, in the Braves’ view, to not have in the lineup plenty. Prado is a backup, not an every-day guy. Might be a fine backup, but he doesn’t do the things that Escobar does, that caused Cox and the Braves to keep Escobar in the majors last season and to make sure he played.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, Braves have never, ever provided contract figures for their players. Nor do other teams. That info is gained by us writers from talking to agents and/or players themselves.
I’ve just had too much stuff to write and too much going on this year that’s been more important than finding out whether zero-to-three guys like Kelly got $410,000 or if it was closer to $430,000, etc. We got the info that was pertinent, the arbitration guys’ salaries and Francoeur’s $460,000 unilaterally renewed contract.
Will get the other figures soon, but like I said, it’s just not that big a deal, since we know the payroll’s going to be just above $90 mill and since those players only got small raises as non-arb guys.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Also, the Nats have surplus at first base with both Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young. Wouldn�t be surprised if they dealt one of those guys before opening day, especially given the holes in that team. Not saying the Braves should go after one of them now (my guess is that the Nats will be asking for too much), but either of those guys would be a great trade deadline type pickup. RandyS
I’m told by scouts with a couple other teams that Braves have asked about Nick Johnson. However, given Dmitri’s health status (he’s got diabetes and ballooned to 298 pounds when he reported to camp; yes, 298) I don’t know if Nats can afford to give up Johnson, nor would Braves provide proper at-bats for such a player as long as Tex is healthy.
That might be more like a deal Braves would make if Tex were to get hurt, or like you said, a deadline deal.
Until then, Braves seem be willing to go with what they’ve got and be prepared to make a move to get another impact-type 1B only if Teixeira gets hurt. Could be wrong, but that’s the sense I’m getting.
By Efrim
March 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Anders
You hear Mike and the Mad Dog yesterday? Russo said Escobar was a better pure hitter than Reyes. Mike almost choked on his 100 oz. Diet Coke.
By TrboDawg
March 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Isn’t that just like DOB? Blogging on his day off… Whatta guy…..
By Choppinmama
March 18, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: any word on when the annual spring training bass tournament will be held? Some on the team have itchy drivers and putters, but a lot of them have itchy ugly sticks!
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 18, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
* GLEN HUBBARD SIGNS*
Just heard an unconfirmed rumor that Hubba Bubba has sign a deal and will be the NEW/OLD second base starter.
Hey!! It could happen!!
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Russo said Escobar was a better pure hitter than Reyes. Mike almost choked on his 100 oz. Diet Coke.Efrim
I’ve got a feeling that a year from now, no one would laugh at that statement.
By Steve McP
March 18, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
10-Paul here is a link to Cot’s baseball contracts site, which has pretty much all the salaries listed.
contracts
By Anders
March 18, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
*And exactly how many of those led to a run? That is, to a single run scored in the inning, directly attributable to the SB; a run that would not have scored anyway in front of further scoring in the inning.
ANSWER (and I didn’t even watch the game or look at the box): Zero.*
That makes no sense. Base hit, stolen base, base hit - run scores. That never happens in a game? base hit, base stealing threat on first, pitcher throws fastball rather than curve, double up the gap - that never happens? Base hit, runner takes off, SS covering, hitter grounds a ball through the hole - that never happens? Come on - speed kills in many,many ways. Do you remember Furcal and what he could do to a pitcher?
By BA
March 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Dan Johnson? Brandon Inge? This stuff is dumb. It doesn’t work this way, you don’t trade for other people’s starters to sit on your bench. Hey, maybe we should get Eric Chavez, or Pedro Feliz! And we could get Randy Johnson, and make him the back-up closer! And anybody watching Bobby Cox for fifeteen years should know that the situation will dictate whether or not he uses platoons. Platoon happy? That’s even dumber than the Inge crap.
By Randy S
March 18, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
DOB - Yeah, Gammons was just saying that, if healthy, Johnson is their starting 1B. So I’m guessing Young is more likely to be available.
By Nick Esasky
March 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
This years Braves team looks so good, it’s making me dizzy…
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
No recent invention quite as simple and perfect for those with large music collections than Ipod shuffle. Just download tons of your CDs, then you’re likely to get such a great sequence as I’ve had going the past 10 minutes: Screaming Trees’ “Shadow of the Season,” The Wrights’ “On the Rocks” and now the Isley Brothers’ “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)” … sublime.
By the way, The Wrights are one of the more inexplicably underappreciated bands to come around in recent years. Terrific husband/wife country duo, old-school country with just close to perfect tunes. Too good for country radio, obviously. Not grotesquely overproduced enough.
By Anders
March 18, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Maddog has been talking up the Braves quite a bit. Some of it is to tweak Met fans but I think he’s been fair. As a hitter I wouldn’t rule Escobar out as possibly being better in time. He has a way to go to show it in the long run but he certainly has the look of the right tools. I think of him as a better version of Alfonso Soriano. He may hit for a little less power but much more disciplined. I don’t think he’ll touch Reyes’ speed. Defensively I haven’t seen him enough to make a judgement.
Mike choking on anything would be a bad thing.
By TJ
March 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
BA, Johnson is a lot like Thorman. He was the A’s starting 1B much of last season, but lost his starting job to Daric Barton. He became a DH, but is not likely to be retained in that position.
Like Thorman, he’s out of options and the team has (apparently) no room for him. He doesn’t make much money, and will not bring a ton in trade. Maybe more than the Braves are willing to give (and maybe the Braves aren’t at all interested…it was just speculation).
But obtaining Dan Johnson is not comparable to obtaining a frontline starter.
As to Inge, I think the Tigers are gonna have a hard time trading him for anything of value if he “doesn’t want to catch.” And unless the Tigers swallow a huge chunk of salary.
Thirdbasemen with a .688 ops and a 3-yr, $20mil contract are not in real high demand.
I have no idea if any of these guys will be coming our way - doubt it, really - but it’s not unrealistic.
By flange1
March 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
poor Nick,
Still dizzy after all these years.
By Anders
March 18, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Mike choking on anything would be a bad thing.
Of course I meant wouldn’t
I guess when it comes to choking being an authority and all was of no help to me here.
By Efrim
March 18, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’ve got a feeling that a year from now, no one would laugh at that statement.
I sure hope so.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
BA take a look at the athletics website. johnson only played a little over half the games at 1st… he might not be playing everyday there for the A’s, plus they got a real young guy who can hit named daric barton that plays first base.
i guess i can only speak for myself, but i was talking about 2009…when barton might emerge to an everyday player, and johnson could be had.
by the way, brandon inge isnt a starter, bud.
platoon happy…maybe benching a .350 hitter against righties could constitute platoon happy?
By Mike S
March 18, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, I agree with your 2:16 post. No need to worry about backup 1B just yet…
By Kevin
March 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to thank you again Lew, I just got my Smoltz print in the mail. It looks great!
By DAP
March 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
anders I guess when it comes to choking being an authority and all was of no help to me here.
good for you!
By Jared
March 18, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
The Phillies would be glad to trade us Helms regardless of it being “within the division” because he sucks. Plain and simple.
I still can’t believe the Braves basically gave Will Startup away. Think about it: they’re not letting out-of-options Ring play, his odds of making the bullpen to start the season are very low. Instead the Braves seemingly are intent on dumping Ring or trading him for some fringe prospect or scrap (Helms) in spring training.
What a total waste of a good relief prospect like Startup.
By BA
March 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Hey BUD, Inge has been crying because he isn’t starting up there. What makes you think he wants to come out here to do the same thing? Sounds like it would be GREAT for the mood in the clubhouse. And I’ll trust a future hall of famers judgement over some guy named DAP on the Braves blog. So many of these platoons over the years have resulted in 30 hr,100 rbi seasons for the two players combined. How could you question this guy and consider yourself, well, smart? Hey maybe we should send Smoltzy back to the pen! Mouthbreathers.
By Randall Simon
March 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Man I am starving…anybody got something to eat?
By Lew
March 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Kevin-You’re welcome.
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I see that Joey Devine got optioned down to AAA today. At least Sacramento’s a fairly quick trip to Oakland. I hope he does well in Sac and makes his way back soon.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
“BRAVES BLOG” fantasy league baseball is heating up…
By flange1
March 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Randall,
How about a sausage?
By Ken Caminiti
March 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Anybody want to go half on a motel room?
By JC FROM UT
March 18, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
If the Braves were to aquire Inge I could see him getting at bats at 1st 3rd left and catching. He would be a great “extra” player. Finacially it wont happen. Too bad. What would Detroit want anyway?
By DAP
March 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
BA i never once said i wanted inge on this team.
it was YOU who falsely asserted that inge and johnson were starters, which they ARENT so know what your talking about before you spout off and challenge everyone.
are you gonna tell me that you think splitting time between diaz and WILLIE HARRIS resulted in better production than just playing diaz full time? and im talking about after harris got off his one month surge and was STILL being platooned.
all platoons are bad, but when you do it seemingly for the heck of it, it IS bad.
smart people think for themselves…stupid people shouldnt, which is why i think you are on the right track believing everything you hear, cause even if its wrong, its probably better than what youll think of on your own.
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
The Phillies would be glad to trade us Helms regardless of it being “within the division” because he sucks. Plain and simple.
Perhaps true, but offensively he sucks less than Thor PLUS he can back up 3b (which the Braves need) or 1b.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
meant to say all platoons ARENT bad…
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
I still can’t believe the Braves basically gave Will Startup away. Think about it: they’re not letting out-of-options Ring play, his odds of making the bullpen to start the season are very low. jared
Where do you come up with your info? Seriously.
“Not letting Ring play” and “seemingly are intent on dumping Ring or trading him for some fringe prospect or scrap (Helms) in spring training.”
Do you just think of this stuff while you’re driving to work?
By Renegator
March 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
I’m looking forward to our platoon at 1B this year. Right handed Tex vs lefties and left handed Tex vs righties. They should put up good numbers this year.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Afternoon Denizens. O’Brien , I read your 12:05 and 12:44 , thats great stuff about Darren Daulton’s playing days.
I can only imagine what those Philly teams must have been like with Daulton , Kruk and Dykstra playing together.
At least Daulton went out a World Champion. I read up on him at Wikipedia and all I can say is WOW !
By Eliot Spitzer (Client # 9)
March 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Ken Caminiti
Anybody want to go half on a motel room?
I’m in. I only need it for a couple of hours anyway. I’ll bring the girls - you bring the juice.
By ncscoots
March 18, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Anders, re your 3:36, you missed the point, I’m guessing. In all the situations you covered, the SB only matters in one scenario: it leads to the only run to score in the inning. No runs scoring (the SB obviously didn’t lead to a run), or more than one (the run would have scored without the SB), make the the theft moot, and, thus, a high-risk play with no reward.
I took your comment about 5 SB in a game to be an indicator that you thought those steals were important. I was trying to show you that they (probably) weren’t.
There’s a place for SB as an offensive tactic, sure. Late and tight, when a single run can win it. That, at least, balances risk and reward. But otherwise? Not so much.
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
DAP, I don’t want to get caught up in the middle of this, but what makes you say that Inge isn’t a starter? Are you saying that he’s not good enough to be a regular player? Over the last three seasons he’s got about 1800 plate appearances while appearing an average of 155 games per season (not sure how many were starts although with that many PA’s, I’d guess most of them).
By Anders
March 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
DOB
I have to say that while Daulton apparently was revered inside the locker room and was a tireless hard working leader per your assessment, the general public perception of him and that Phillies locker room could not have been further from the picture you paint of him imo.
Just go to show us, what we think we see is not always what we got.
By Jared
March 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
It’s “select who’d you rather have”, the game where I give a very brief bio of two players and show their stats from last season and you pick who you’d rather have be an Atlanta Brave this season. Ready?
Player A: Player A is 31 years old. In 2007, he had a batting average of .246, an OBP of .297 and a slugging percentage of .368. He hit 5 homeruns in 280 at-bats in 2007. Set to make three (3) million dollars this season. A recently suggested player for the Braves to trade for.
Player B: Player B is 26 years old. In 2007 he had a batting average of .216, an OBP of .260 and a slugging percentage of .407. He hit 11 homeruns in 287 at-bats in 2007. Set to make the league minimum of around 400,000 dollars this season. A player who is already a Brave but a hated one who people on this blog seemingly just want gone ASAP.
Made up your mind? Good. Answers:
Player A: Wes Helms
Player B: Scott Thorman
Thanks for playing!
By Anders
March 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
There’s really no way to know ahead of time wether a SB will lead directly to a run or wether a run in the first inning will be important at the end of the game. Therefore, all SB’s should be treated the same in value before they happen. That said, the ability to acquire an additional base under any circumstances is clearly of value. The added benefit[s] while not always identifiable as they happen yet understood to be in herent to how teams react to the threat of the SB such as more fastballs, vacating one’s natural position, split concentration just to name a few clearly are of great advantage to the offensive team. Of course not being able to succesfully steal the base at a high rate is imperative to reap these rewards.
Said differently “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”
By Epinephrine
March 18, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
…And Jared’s mind-bogglingly stupid slew of posts continues at a torrid pace.
By flange1
March 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Jared,
And the point of your little game is ????
I think the folks that are suggesting Helms are saying that he has the versatility to play 1B and 3B. He had a good year as a part time player in 2005.
Those same folks are worried about a power hitting backup for Chipper.
Quite frankly, neither guy does anything for me….
By Jared
March 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Where do you come up with your info? Seriously.
Umm….you?
It’s been Mark Bowman and you who have painted a picture of Ring’s chances being kind of low. Of Ring not being assured a spot, of him being in deep competition with Chris Resop, Buddy Carlyle, Jeff Bennett, Blaine Boyer and maybe Jeff Ridgway for the final spot or two in the bullpen. Am I wrong about this? Is Ring a lock now?
If Ring doesn’t make the team, what happens? They waive him I believe, where some other team will likely take him. Or they trade him. I basically said the Braves don’t seem to want to let him in the bullpen, and that if that’s the case they’ll trade him and that the return almost certainly won’t be high. Where was I wrong?
Startup for Ring makes less sense now than it did when it happened.
By BA
March 18, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I guess Cox has somehow managed to be a MLB manager for this long by accident? Willie Harris was a good player here last year. Why should Cox give up on him for a slump? Just because every other booger-eater in town thinks he should? Should we have sent Frenchy down that first year when he had that awful slump? Cox is loyal to his players. Should he have given up on Kelly Johnson as a rookie, when HE had that awful slump? Did Inge start in Detroit before the Cabrera trade? Or did they give him all that money to ride the bench? WHY are platoons bad? Is that why nearly every team in the league uses them? Sorry BUD, but it doesn’t hold up. Show me a group of Bobby Cox second guessers, I’ll show you a bunch of borderline retards. Maybe you should give Tiger some golfing tips.
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
i vote for the TEXAS DEATH MATCH.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Coach: Wow, indeed. He’s been a bit of a train wreck since his playing days.
By woogidy
March 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Jeremy Schaap is such a toolbag. Outside the Lines makes me want to puke. This show makes me hate ESPN.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 18, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Jared , your tunnel vision is hampering your visual perception.
Wes Helms hit .329 with 10 HR’s and 44 RBI in 240 at bats while playing 1B for the Marlins during the 2006 season. His .390 OBP and .575 SLG wasn’t shabby either.
Hers is the scouting report on Wes Helms :
Assets : He has the raw power and strength that anyone loves in a corner infielder. He’s a hard worker who is sound defensively and shows a willingness to learn and that is a trait that will serve him well.
Flaws : Can be over-aggressive at the plate and his impatience at the dish can be painfully obvious. He must also work on getting away from pulling pitches all the time. He’s no clutch performer.
Career potential : A nice guy to have off the bench.
By David-ATL14
March 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Take it from someone who watched Startup pitch somewhat regularly in AA.
He would probably never make it to the Majors with the Braves.
Marginal talent, nothing to write home about. Didn’t even go to the Big league camp with the Pads.
Let’ see a lefty alive and breathing cheap, still not in camp.
Tells you all you need to know about Startup. 4A at best.
By David-ATL14
March 18, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Take it from someone who watched Startup pitch somewhat regularly in AA.
He would probably never make it to the Majors with the Braves.
Marginal talent, nothing to write home about. Didn’t even go to the Big league camp with the Pads.
Let’ see a lefty alive and breathing cheap, still not in camp.
Tells you all you need to know about Startup. 4A at best.
By Lew
March 18, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
BA-Because Willie’s slump lasted the first six years of his career and the other four months AFTER his two month surge?
By TJ
March 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
BA, it actually makes you mad to the point of name-calling, that people speculate about baseball on a baseball blog?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 18, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Here is a likely trade scenario.
The Giants need a young first baseman. The Phillies are searching for a left handed relief pitcher and the Braves need to upgrade their bench.
The Braves send Scott Thorman to the Giants , Steve Kline goes to the Phillies and Wes Helms ends up back with the Braves and everybody is happy.
By Bravosimos
March 18, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Guys, give Jared a break; he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GpO8tz-Khy0
By Jon
March 18, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
What do you guys and gals think of this 3 team trade idea?
Reds need catching help, Phillies need bullpen help, Braves need back up Firstbaseman.
Reds get Brayan Pena, Phillies get Royce Ring and Matt Belisle and Braves get Helms and a low level prospect from Reds.
Any thoughts?
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Am I wrong about this?Jared
Without taking time out to parse everything you said, I’ll just go with “Yes, you’re wrong.”
Good chance I’ll be correct in that sweeping reply.
By JimD
March 18, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Jon … that’s giving up WAY too much for Helms.
By McFann
March 18, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
The good pitchers hold the runners well enough to give McCann a fighting chance (30+ %). 10Paul
Oooo! 30+% would be great! I’d take that and a batting average over .270 with somewhere around 18-20 home runs and 88+ RBI (OK, 90+ with that lineup the Braves have). We can’t expect a .300+ AVG from a catcher all the time.
By TJ
March 18, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, have you heard anything about the Braves signing the “best international catching prospect?” I saw the headline on another site, but the story was in their premium section, and of course I refuse to pay for Braves info with you on the job (oh brother… but, have you heard anything?)
By woogidy
March 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, Where’s the best place to get some tickets to a sold out show here the A-town? I want to go to the Masquerade to see Yellowcard on Friday night, and I waited too long to get some tickets. None on CL, and Stubhub is $71 for $16 tix. Any suggestions?
By Lew
March 18, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Jon-I’d rather just have Belisle back.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 18, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
richbrave I plan to be there but I don’t like to get tickets too soon as my mother’s heath is so iffy. I never know when and where….. Anyway, I normally sit on the first base side near the dugout… let me know when you are up to it and we can try to get together. Have e-mail yet?
By Jon
March 18, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
JimD….not really if you think about, both of those players are out of options and probably wont make the team, so why not get something for them, then you can turn around and trade Thorman for a prospect or two, maybe just one though.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Brandon Inge would be a big piece of the puzzle for the Braves but it may be a year too soon for him. Timing is everything.
I still seriously doubt Tex will be a Brave this time next year but then again stranger things have happened.
By Jon
March 18, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Lew - Why would you want Belisle, he has been fairly awful in the 3 years he has pitched for the Reds?
By Gamecock Brave
March 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
I went back and looked through at the stats between Infante and Helms… somewhat similar and i think infante has more versility. So i think trading to get Helms would ultimately be a loss just to start the season with some veteran help. Infante will be ready in April so i think we should be alright.
By Saltywoody
March 18, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
How about a used Mark Wohlers jersey and the rights to Jeff Blauser’s coaching career to the Phils for Wes “You can throw it, but I can’t promise I’ll hit it” Helms.
Want a good laugh? Visit Wesley Helms’ wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Helms
The last few lines are priceless.
By Lew
March 18, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Jon-For several reasons. First he’s one hell of a nice guy and I enjoy talking to him at Spring Training. Second-yes, he has been a little less than great the last couple of years, but look which team he’s played for and that terrible stadium where he’s pitched. Third his WHIP, however, is not horrendous (though not great, either) and he has a 2-1 K to BB ratio, which is excellent. he also can pitch either as a starter or in relief, having made as many as 30 starts and 60 relief appearances (in different seasons).
However, what I’m really saying here is that why in the world would we want Helms? I don’t see him as that big an improvement over what Thorman brings to the table (despite Coach’s point that he had a good year once), not to mention the difference between Thor’s $400 grand salary as opposed to Helm’s $3 mil salary..
By Seymour
March 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Woogidy,
You might want to try www.takemeoutonline.com
By Lew
March 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
This one really takes the cake. I just read an article on SI.Com that says the MLB Player’s Association is looking into possible collusion because no one has signed Barry Bonds.
Could it possibly be that 1. He is 43 years old. 2. His knees are shot to hell and back. 3. He can’t play on a regular basis. 4. He can’t play much in the way of defense at all. 5. He is under Federal Indictment and could face court dates at any time. 6. He will make a fortune. 7. No one even likes the guy. Ya think?
By BossLady
March 18, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
I remember that Philadelphia team that came in an whipped the Braves.
I had a Braves World Series tag on the front of my car. I can still remember the heat from the concrete when I removed that tag. That was the only year that I got angry with the Braves. Never again, it’s just baseball.
By MacdWolfpack
March 18, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Dave, totally agree with you on the Wrights. Great group that seems a bit in between but truly and undiscovered gem. Love their stuff.
By JimD
March 18, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Jon, you wrote:
why not get something for them
I’m not sure Wes Helms qualifies. And you asked:
Why would you want Belisle
I think the same could be said about Helms. There is a reason we don’t have either on the roster now.
But, hey, you are entitled to your opinion. Not saying you are like crazy or anything, just that I don’t agree.
Personally, I would rather see them go with what they have (either Thor or Borchard) and get help later IF they need it should Tex go down.
As for the out of options guys, we can try to get prospects we can for them, but usually they just wind up being released. Such is the nature of the beast.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
BA:
“Booger-eater?” “Retards?” Sorry dude. I miss the “mouth-breather” comment with which you usually end a tirade. Anger- management, man. What are you so mad about? Chill, its possible to be passionate about a subject in life without the willingness to kill or be killed over it. You make some EXCELLENT points, but your aggression puts people off. Lighten up bro’ and we’ll actually like posting up with you.
By Mike Bilecki
March 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should strongly consider Damon Berryhill for back-up catcher/1b.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I’m not ready to throw Thor under the bus. I was stoked to see him get the chance last year and equally bummed (for him) when it didn’t work out. But I don’t necessarily want to see him traded. I don’t mind having him on the team covering first and left field. I’d imagine he’ll be able to put together a better season than last year. Also, when Teixeira takes off at the end of the season, we’re going to need him. Besides, isn’t he the last Canuck on the team? The others didn’t really represent all that well (Orr, Reitsma). Maybe I’m missing someone.
By Wayne in Utah
March 18, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
JimD is right. Often times, we end up releasing our out of option guys, cause other teams know if they are patient, they can sign those players up to minor league contracts after they are released. Only way of getting something in return if another team values them enough to want to give up a low level prospect..
Helms (versatility) for Thorman (higher upside potential) in the three way would be an OK deal. Could we trade Ring for Helms and keep Thorman, at least until Infante comes back? Bench of Sammons, Prado, Thorman, Helms, and Anderson or Blanco???
By N8
March 18, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
DOB
In your story about the Braves pen and Soriano, you wrote this line referring to Bobby talking about Gonzo coming back:
“Cox agreed it could be like getting a big-time reliever in a midseason trade.”
Uh….how about NO IT WON’T? It would be more like getting a guy back that USED TO BE fantastic at what he did, and more than likely has not “forgotten” how to do it, but is going to be rusty, and more than likely hesitant upon being fearful of re-injuring himself.
That’s how I look at it.
While I don’t disagree that in the long haul, having Hampton pitch this year (pitching WELL, that is), would be similar to us signing a guy over the winter.
But the same analogy applies, IMO. Hampton may act, look, and sound like he’s not “waiting for the next injury” to happen, but my guess is that it’s on his mind just about every time he lets the ball fly.
Again, I think “adding” Gonzo to the mix of our bullpen will be a HUGE asset this summer. For one, he’s left-handed. Two, he’s a former closer, so IF Soriano can’t go, who better to “fill in”. Three, did I mention that he’s left-handed? Four, he’s pretty damn good (and left-handed).
But if Soriano is “out” for any length of time, causing us to go “closer by committee” in his absence, we SHOULD NOT expect for Mike Gonzalez to step up in June and JUMP BACK INTO the closer’s role.
I realize, that he will have “extended spring training” and rehab, in between now and June, and more than likely spend a week or so (maybe more) on a rehab assignment in Richmond or another minor league stop.
But let me pose the following question:
If you were in need of brain surgery, and your surgeon had been “out of commission” for over a year, would you want him to be “the guy” right out of the gate?
I suspect that if Gonzo is to pitch this season (I’ll assume he will - barring any set-backs - and that is a VERY REAL possibility - we should NOT be counting on his return), Bobby will work him in slowly, like he would a youngster coming up.
So in that respect, it is NOT like getting a big mid-season trade. Trades make an immediate impact. Gonzo might not be the Gonzo we knew him as until 2009.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
MacdWolfpack, have you got their newest one, the eight-song, self-titled album? I don’t have it, but heard it’s terrific. It’s on a label owned by Alan Jackson, who is Adam Wright’s uncle….
Speaking of good tunes, who on the blog had a connection or knew someone who knew someone who might have a ticket to the sold-out Band of Horses show this Friday at the Social in Orlando?
By BA
March 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Ok Buddy(Richbrave). The Bobby Cox slander just gets under my skin. It’s nearly as dumb as the whole “well I used to play ball in high school, and Smoltz needs too…” These are the same people who are tailing your bumper going seventy-five on the freeway, and this area is FULL of them. And now, their manical kids are getting old enough to drive…
By StingerSplash
March 18, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I’m just a born and bred south Georgia boy who has enjoyed heading to spring training every now and then to see different teams and different venues. I’ve only seen one Braves spring training game - ever - and steadfastly refuse to patronize “Dark Star.” I figure I can see them anytime at The Ted. Spring training’s for seeing everybody else and going to Jack Russell and Al Lang (which rules) and Joker Marchant (which rules) and Chain O’ Lakes (which rules).
By Yars
March 18, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Whoever winds up the backup 1B ain’t going to play that much. I would like to see Thor traded to another team & given the chance to play everyday at 1B. He’s still relatively young, & still has time to mature as a hitter. The Braves don’t see him as an everyday player. He was given the chance to be one last season, but failed. Sometimes a change of scenery can help. I really don’t know what to think of Helms. Those years with Atlanta, he didn’t do much of anything. He didn’t do much for the Phils last season. In any case, even if we do keep Thor, our bench is so much better than last seasons. now playing: World In My Eyes by depeche mode.
By Ron Cey
March 18, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Did I ever tell any of you about the time some kid named Jim Rome chased me all over LA when he first got his license?
By Jared
March 18, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
And Jared’s mind-bogglingly stupid slew of posts continues at a torrid pace.
As if your posts are any different or better.
By the way, you never did show me where I asked about “Scott Thorman’s potential as a pitcher”, which I believe you accused me of at 1:51 PM on March 17, 2008. Do the right thing for once in your miserable time here and admit you were either lying or just had not the slightest idea of what the heck you were talking about.
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
depeche mode. Haven’t listened to that group in a while. Loved Violator. I had a friend from Columbia at the time that album came out. He’d just moved to America and music was a good way to reach across the barriers. So to get to know him I asked about his favorite new album… He said, “I like veeohlatorrrrrrrrrrr.” His English was a work in progress.
By TexasBrave
March 18, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Just finished DOB’s story on relievers. Granted Soriano is the key at least until Gonzo returns at full strength. It will be interesting to see who the final three in the pen will be. I know Bobby loves Yates but he scares me everytime he gets on the mound and eventhough Spring Training stats don’t really matter I think you have to at least take into account how poorly he has performed.
I think we are going to see how much pull Bobby has into which relievers he wants. Will the front office decide the final three or will Bobby? I only say his because all of last year Devine kept being called up and Bobby would not pitch him much, thus you have to believe that Bobby had little to no say in the matter. Or is the setting of the final roster a horse of a different color altgether. Or now that Wren is the GM will Bobby have more or less influence on the decision making?
Another thought is do we really need a spot starter at the first of the season? When will Smoltz or other starters going to need to skip a start? Surely not before 5 or 6 starts have been made which works out to be around 40 games into the season. So why not let Bennett (who I assume to be the heir apparent to the role, unless they want to keep Buddy) go down to AAA and get some work in in anticipation to filling the role instead of sitting on the bench and perhaps getting one or two innings of work every now and then. That should provide us with enough shake down time to see who is and is not being effective in the pen for Bennett to replace.
For my money I would like the Braves to break camp with Boyer, Resop and Ring as the final three in the pen. Then put together a package with the out of option players to get a good minor league 3b and/or 1b in case they are needed this year or in the future.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
BA:
Thanks man. Now lay down some of that good info you spread so well. Yes, people who think Cox is a joke are the joke.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
chrisklob sorry to answer your question so late…ive been doing other things…and jump in all you want, its an open forum.
what makes me say that inge isnt a starter is that he wont be starting in detroit, which has been well documented.
i was responding to an assertion that talking about trading for inge is stupid because “it doesnt work that way, trading minor leaguers for someone else’s starter’s to sit on our bench.”
well i dont even want inge, but he isnt anyone’s starter.
not that he isnt good enough to be one…he just isnt one.
By David O'Brien
March 18, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, they won’t need a spot starter early on, and the only reason I could see for taking one is because Carlyle is out of options. Then again, I don’t know the likelihood that he’d be taken if they tried to get him through just before opening day.
On the other hand, Resop, Boyer and possibly Ring are probably more attractive to a larger number of teams, and all seem more likely than Carlyle to get claimed if the Braves try to get them through waivers….
As for Bobby’s influence, I’d say it’s no more or less than it was with J.S. as GM. He’s got plenty of influence, but him and Frank will work together on the decisions, with Roger’s input I’m sure. The thing with Devine was different because Bobby doesn’t exert as much influence when it comes to bringing players/pitchers up from the minors. He tells Frank he needs someone, Frank and the player development folks decide who it should be according to many factors, including whether they’re on the 40-man, how they’re performing, if it’s their turn to pitch in the case of a starter, etc.
But when it comes to formulating the opening day roster, Cox has a lot of say. Him and Frank have the most say, obviously, but they’ll ask the coaches for opinions, too.
By TexasBrave
March 18, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
N8 - If Gonzo gets the right amount of time in the minors to get up to speed I can’t see him as being one of those hesitant types which would cause him to hold back. I see him as one of those bulldog types that is just looking to get back into the game. He is already chomping at the bit for them to move up his come back time. Wasn’t it supposed to be after the All-Star game and is now sometime in June. He wants to get back so bad he can taste it.
By Saltywoody
March 18, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
You think Bobby’s seen “Walk Hard” yet and had a good chuckle that he and John C Reilly’s character share the same last name?
I mean, it wouldn’t surprise me if Bobby walked up to Frenchy, handed him a packge of sausage, and said “Remember, Frenchy, it don’t say Cox, unless I say it tastes like Cox.”
By DAP
March 18, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
BA i appreciate that bobby is loyal to his players, but if there had been somebody ready to play right field during frenchy’s slump that was hitting .340, or someone ready to play LF for johnson that year he had his slump that was hitting .340…ect., i would have disagreed with that to.
bobby cox is a hall of fame manager, and i love him and hope he stays with us for a long long time, but not everything he does is the right move.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
GIL IN MECHANICSVILLE:
No e-mail yet bro’Been preoccupied with health issues, thesis and posting here in that order. Soon though. Enjoy the opener. Can’t believe we’ll see Morton and James this year.
By chrisklob
March 18, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
DAP, no problem on the delay. I missed a good part of the late afternoon and evening. My daughter had to be taken to gymnastics and my son to baseball (and back again).
Anyway, thanks for clearing that up. I didn’t want to get in the middle of the trouble brewing between you and whoever (BA?). I’ve since forgotten who it was.
Your statement didn’t make sense to me at the time but I understand now.
By Saltywoody
March 18, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
CHAMPING at the bit, not chomping.
By DAP
March 18, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
i just realized who BA is. he’s bizarro robert!
By TexasBrave
March 18, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
As much as I like the Buddy story I would hate to see the Braves keep him just because he is out of options. I think it will only weaken the pen.
Although I agree he is not as attractive in a trade as others, I can see a team picking him up as a fifth starter. There are a few teams out there that are hurting for starting pitching, and Buddy has done fairly well for us in the past.
Since we already have a lefty specialist and Gonzo will be back around June, would you say that Ring would be the most likely candidate to be traded? If that is the case then Bobby can keep his beloveded Yates (if a spot starter is not kept).
By TennesseePaul
March 18, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
richbrave: Thesis?
By TexasBrave
March 18, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Excuse me Mr. Editor.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
DAVID O”BRIAN:
Thanks for that stratigic Braves planning insight between FW and BC. Good stuff.
By BossLady
March 18, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Ohhh!!NO!!!!!!!!!!not him again, no wonder there’s trouble…
By TexasBrave
March 18, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul you are too nice of a guy. So alow me to throw mighty Thor under the bus. Yes he does have some power and an OK glove at first. But he has not demonstrated that he can or will make changes in the huge hole in his swing. It seems he can only hit one or two zones, down the middle or low and inside. Any where else and he fails to make good contact or any contact at all.
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
tennpaul,
considering the majority of the blog discussion has been dominated by “WHO WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE,” thorman or helms? i would say anything is possible.
By uga-brave
March 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
anybody watch the first two episodes of JOHN ADAMS on hbo? really well done. pretty good stuff from the son of the late baseball commisoner.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 18, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
WOW… Just got through reading through the following on the mets official MLB website. Count the “ifs” in their lineup, and this doesn’t even include Alou, their starting pitching or Bullpen “ifs”
Therefore, a chance — not necessarily a likelihood — exists that the team that starts against the Indians could also start against the Marlins on Opening Day. If Carlos Delgado has recovered sufficiently from the forearm wound he suffered on Sunday when he was struck by a splintered piece of the bat of Brady Clark, if the Mets clear Brian Schneider (tight right hamstring) to return to active duty, if Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo experience no residual post-surgery sensations, if Ryan Church doesn’t suffer some post-concussion syndrome
Where is bay area steve? Need some on on the late shifft to liven up the blog on this off day.
GO BRAVES…
By BossLady
March 18, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez is a much better pitcher than Soriano. He has the aggressive and confident delivery it takes to close.
The time after the ALL-STAR break is the best part of the season. If he continues to workout he will be ready. He might need to take over for Soriano, not, because of injury but because he is the best. He is a handsome man and when he takes the mound with this somewhat cocky demeanor it’s lights out. I am grateful they caught his injury early on so I’m sure he will be ready.
Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and (if able) Hampton need a man like him to save it for them to get a win.
Those new seats are going fast. We called and they are going to let us know. Money does not guarantee a seat. For some reason they are taking reservations. I suppose the seats will be for exclusive customers. Hell, in America I thought money was the driving force. What they want are multiple game seating. My request was for one game.
If they can get fans to purchase reserved seating they will get them. I can afford the money, but just do not want to do any more than try them out one time. It’s not easy for me to just give away money.
By drmaryb
March 18, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave
Get’Em Baby, I got your back like a chiropractor!
No, I can do one better - I got your back like a Bobby-Knight Tight Red-Sweater
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 19, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Joey Devine was sent packing by the A’s , back to the minors while Mark Kotsay looks great for the Braves.
Advantage , Atlanta.
Willy Aybar has apparently made the Devil Rays squad. Marc Topkin of the St.Petersburg Times speculates that he will be the starter over Evan Longoria.
Jeff Ridgway has posted an ERA of 1.42 so far this spring but will probably start the season in the minors.
Advantage , Devil Rays.
As for Mike Gonzalez , I’ll take the word of Bobby Cox any day of the week and twice on Sunday over the pessimism of N8.
By Cherokee
March 19, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
The 7 spot is definitely important, as I expect McCann and Francouer to be on base a good bit Haber
well that would be a nice change of pace
By Yars
March 19, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
TennesseePaul….gotta love the Mode, man. I still say they’re a band that never seem to get the credit they deserve. Electro-rock at its finest. Violator is a great *ucking album. Still sounds fresh & cutting edge. So many bands have been influenced by Mode. Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, Killers, to name a few. They give one hell of a live show. They’re a band that never really went away. One of the few bands that came out in the early 1980’s that are still relevant.
By BravesFanChris23
March 19, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
I was playing MLB The Show 2008 on PS2 and I am not kidding when I say this….
Matt Freakin Diaz hit an INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN off of Oliver Perez.
Diaz hit like an easy line driver for Church to catch it, but Church didn’t catch it and he slid stomach first and missed it, meanwhile the ball went into right center. By the time Beltran got the ball, Diaz was on his way rounding third.
I’m Braves in season mode and after that game I was playing Hudson and he had a no hitter going on till one out left to go. Walked someone (forgot) and Delgado nailed him in and broke it up. I won though in extra innings (10th to be precise).
I love playing that game.
Now as far as Braves in real life go. I wish them nothing but the best and I hope they can make it strong during the season and make it big.
By BA
March 19, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Boss Lady, I too like Gonzalez. In particular the herky-jerky delivery and the slider that falls off the table. However, don’t sell Soriano short. He’s a capable closer with a mean heater with movement. The two keys in the bullpen, for me, are Moylan and Acosta. If they can come close to last year, this might be the best bullpen since the Chris Hammond year.
By Cherokee
March 19, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
all platoons are bad,DAP
now that is one of the stupidest things that I have ever read
By Lew
March 19, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Stinger-I love Al Lang Stadium. That was pretty much my home town field for the twelve years I lived in St. Pete. The AA Cardinals played there and I saw many Spring Training games, both with the Cardinals and the Orioles when they trained in St. Pete. I moved before the Rays started playing.
Saw a couple of Old Timers’ games there, too. I met the Famous Chicken there with my son and saw Tom Selleck play a pretty damn good first base for the AL Old Timers. I also saw Kevin Costner throw Brooks Robinson out at home, after a quite drunken (or something) Joe Walsh sang the National Anthem with Glenn Frey.
Lots of memories of that place and almost all of them good.
By Lew
March 19, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
And it’s got as great view of Tampa Bay over the outfield wall.
By nOLIE
March 19, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
That said, the ability to acquire an additional base under any circumstances is clearly of value. Anders
Not true at all. studies involving real games show that giving up an out to advance a runner one base actually leads to fewer runs scored overall, so your any circumstances is tripe. The knock on SBs is that if you are caught it guarantees that you aren’t gonna score. Anything less than a 70% success rate in SB is a negative in the long run. Speed is great if the other skills are there, but the correlation between SB and runs scored is not all that high. Mets swiped over three times as many bases as we did last season but the Braves actually outscored them over the season.
By Furman Bisher
March 19, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
Anybody seen my depends?!
By BayAreaSteve
March 19, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
Mr. Richbrave,
I’ve always liked your posts, on both blogs, but the man’s name is O’Brien.
I’m here ColoradoBravesFan, but I got nothin’.
Where’s beer?
By Furman Bisher
March 19, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
This years Braves team is generating more excitment than back when we invented fire!
By Grantland Rice
March 19, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Bish, May I borrow your Underwood? Apparently someone has invented the wheel, too.
By Mark Bradley
March 19, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
Hey, leave Bish alone, even at age 106, his articles are more coherent than mine!
By Terrence Moore
March 19, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
David Justice told me that Bisher is a racist…
By Deion Sanders
March 19, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this
WHERE MCCARVER?! WHERE MCCARVER?!
By Zippy the PinHead
March 19, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
EpinephrineMarch 18, 2008 5:18 PM | …And Jared’s mind-bogglingly stupid slew of posts continues at a torrid pace
Not sure you are giving Jared a fair shake. He is a supporter of the Flat Earth Society and recently passed an eye examination, so he cannot be stupid.
My understanding is that Frank Wren will be soon deferring to the superior intellect of Jared the mind boggler.
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this
Help!
I’ve been poking around the web for Braves-related photos to put on my goofy little fan site, but I don’t want to use anything where copyright would be an issue. Does anyone know of, or have, some Braves photos I could use without copyright issues?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 19, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this
I should have spread that rumor on Bonds to other websites, it could have ended up on Sportscenter.
This is gonna be hard to top.
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman:
You could always spread a conspiracy theory that the real Mike Hampton has been replaced by a plastic-surgery-altered Japanese ringer.
By tim mccarver
March 19, 2008 5:40 AM | Link to this
you’re a real man deion. a real man.
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this
Never mind about the photos, unless you have some of your own you would be willing to share with me. I was looking for an action shot of Chuck James for an essay/article I was working on, but I found one on Wikimedia Commons. It’s kind of a fitting picture for the point I was getting at, given his facial expression.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
March 19, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
There’s an interesting story by Tom V. on cnnsi.com about concerns around the Tigers bullpen - specifically in the set-up role. (In his notes, he also mentions that many are beginning to think the Braves are the team to beat in the East.)
I wouldn’t be shocked to see a minor deal between the Braves and Tigers where Detroit gets an out-of-option pitcher (Yates?) and the Braves get either cash or a low-minors prospect.
Cincinati needs a catcher with Ross our for a month or so, and XM’s Baseball This Morning was reporting talks between the Rangers and the Reds around Laird (so Salty could be the starting catcher) are on-going. If they fell through, maybe a similar deal for Pena - if he doesn’t stick on the roster?
It’s been a long week thus far, so forgive my rumor mill distractions this morning.
By richbrave
March 19, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Ya’all get up off BISHER will ya’. He’s got more baseball knowledge in his fingers than all of you in your collective brains. And if its slanted, it went with his time. Thank God we’re beyond that time, but you can learn some baseball from the man. Tighten up Braves fans.
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
How ‘bout a trade?
No, don’t have one to report, not even a rumor. Been quiet on that front — so far.
But it’s about that time. If I had to bet, I’d say there will be one by the end of the weekend, one or more of the out-of-options guys being shipped out.
By flange1
March 19, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Morning All,
It is a bit strange that the rumor mill is so quiet! It would be nice to see the Braves ship out some out of options guys that don’t fit the team for something!
Hopefully a good pinch hitting bench player!
The weather is getting ready to get bad again in Atlanta, so we better hold onto our hats!
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Flange1, it’s supposed to 85 degrees here today. Might have to go with a lighter shirt. Rough.
By flange1
March 19, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
DOB, That is not fair! We are getting ready for another round of wind and rain. It is warm though.
Hope it is clear down south for some baseball today.
By 22oz
March 19, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Nice to see in the atlantabraves.com mailbag that Mizuno gave Chipper his Gold Glove bonus for last season. Kinda shows what Mizuno thought of the gold glove winner last year!
By wordsmith
March 19, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
My perfidious responder, let it be known that your cretinous efforts to use rhetoric and your fundamentally garrulous nature to subvert my query are in vain. I sincerely hope the cogency of my rebuttal is sufficient
By Steve McP
March 19, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
DOB you talk of a trade in the next few days, but I don’t see what the Braves really need (other than perhaps a back up for Chipper) and so do you think we are more likely to move maybe Pena and/or one of the relievers for a prospect or two that we would be able to nurture in the system for a year or so? You made a good case for keeping Thor a blog or two ago, I can’t see an established player coming in that would be happy warming the bench and getting just an occasional game, assuming everyone stays healthy.
By DAP
March 19, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
cherokee two posts down from the stupidest thing youve ever read was a correction. it was a typo. sorry, now youll have to find a new stupidest thing youve ever read.
By Epinephrine
March 19, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Steve McP: possibilities are, backup 3b, backup 1b, power option, several relievers for one better LHP, etc. Lots of things that could be done.
By McFann
March 19, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
well that would be a nice change of pace Cherokee
Excuse me? Francoeur and McCann get on base a lot, dude. In ‘07, Francoeur had an OBP of .338 and McCann’s was .320. Not the best numbers on the team, no, but you cann be sure that the two of them will be on base plenty in 2008. Sheesh.
BTW—McCann’s career OBP is .351 and Francoeur’s is .319.
By eware
March 19, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Man, this reliever situation has me tied in knots. I would hate to see Yates go. He had an awesome stretch last year where he was utterly dominant. Plus, we haven’t heard anything negative about his attitude, etc.
I like Boyer - he just looks like a mean Viking. He throws gas too and seems to have a high ceiling.
Ring needs some work, but his stats against lefties are great. I would like to give this dude a chance.
I’m a little partial to Resop, cause I had my picture taken with him at Fanfest. I didn’t really know who he was, but I look pretty good in the photo, so I hope he makes the team. Would hate for a good pic to go to waste…
DOB, how’re these four guys in the clubhouse? Do they get along well with everyone? Jokesters? I think chemistry is going to be the main factor in a successful Braves run this year.
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Just read in an article on mlb.com that Barry Bonds’s agent’s name is Jeff Borris. That’s funny to me for some reason - it’s like his entire career could be based on a homophone. “If you want to sign me, you’ll have to negotiate with Borris. Like that would cause a team to up the stakes or something. But then again, being the “other Borris” could be like diet soda or something. Can anyone tell I haven’t slept yet?
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I love the feeling of certainty I get looking at career stats for players who have two full seasons apiece under their belts, with drastically different numbers in each of those seasons. Yes, this is for you McFann.
By TBraveFan
March 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
“Please let any trade include Brayan Pena” she prays as she heads to the pool before heading to the Osceola yard to see if Jo-Jo can kick some as…ummmm Astros tonight!
By McFann
March 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Are you being serious, ippississiM, or are you trying to tell me that what I typed was irrelevant?
By MacdWolfpack
March 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Dave, don’t have the Wrights latest album, but have listened to cuts from it and it is very good. It’s on my list to download.
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Lew
March 19, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Flange-Our precipitation here is again frozen, but at least we aren’t concerned about having tornadoes.
Question for the denizens-I just found out that if I switch my telephone to Comcast (we have Verizon, but they are leaving soon), that I can, in essence, knock out my phone bill AND save over $20 a month for a year on my cable bill-a savings in excess of $1000 for the year (and about $700 annually afterwards). Does anyone have their phone through the cable? If so, is it working well, or have you experienced difficulties?
By northBeach Scott
March 19, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
eware some good perspective on the bubble relief pitchers.
I saw Boyer pitch two games this spring and was impressed with his consistent 94-95 mph heater with movement. Couple with a much slower breaking ball about 79-82 mph this is a good differential that messes up hitters’ timing.
My only concern is that Boyer’s arm motion is distinctly different on his curve. Reminded me of how a high school kid throws a curve when he is trying to master it. It will not take major league scouts/hitters long to pick up this read. Hope Roger will continue to work with him to refine his motion and give less away about what is coming.
He has the stuff back after two years of injury/rehab. I really want to see him contribute to the Braves’ success.
By ippississiM
March 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
McFann, I think you’re cool and all, but that particular attempt to run with the big dogs made me remember how young you are. I think it’ awesome you’re getting so into this, and that you’re so steadfast behind your dude, but really, neither Heap nor Frenchy have exactly what could be called consistent track records. Beefy-Mac went from a .333 average to being made excuses for, and Jeff turned a reputation for swinging for the fences every time into a very respectable average and at least a nominal ability to lay off bad pitches. Once either of them put together back-to-back similar seasons, then I’ll feel like career stats are relevant. The things I see when I look at them are a pair of smart ballplayers who work hard at what they do and make the adjustments they need to make. They’re still young, still figuring some of this stuff out, but for crying out loud, they’re not even arbitration-eligible yet! I’ll lay off the SABR thrusts with guys who are making adjustments, because obviously the adjustments they make will affect how they perform, and stats from before major adjustments were made are just a way of keeping score, not a predictor of how well they will do this year.
By the way, Frenchy is known for not having so great of a BB/K ratio. That means that he doesn’t get on base as well as he could if he weren’t swinging at stuff he can’t reach. I think that was the point of Cherokee’s post. I don’t think he was aiming it so much at McCann as at his right-field buddy.
By McFann
March 19, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Last?
By Kevin
March 19, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
nope
By Random
March 27, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
LAST?
By Random
March 27, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
LAST?