AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBlanco (finally) knocking at door
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kissimmee, Fla. — Every once in a while comes a player like Gregor Blanco, who has plenty of physical tools, puts up good numbers annually in competitive Latin American winter leagues, but has something that’s keeping him stuck in the minor league system, something vague or unspoken by team officials.
Only when the player is shipped out, or brought up to the majors, do we find out more about what it was that had kept him down.
Well, now we know what’s kept Blanco down, despite his 181 stolen bases in the past six minor league seasons, his league-high triples totals in two of those seasons, his .280 or higher average at each of three stops the past two seasons.
He’s knocking at the door now, closer than ever to the majors, with a shot at making the team as the fourth outfielder, and manager Bobby Cox had revealing comments twice in recent days about Blanco, who’s toiled for the past three seasons in the high minors (Double-A, Triple-A) without a sniff of the bigs.
(Before we go further, I’ve gotta say I’ve covered spring training for 14 years, and every time I’ve ever written or said Kissimmee, I think of the song Kizza Me by the seminal alt-rock band Big Star, available on their Third/Sister Lovers album, or on Alex Chilton’s 19 Years: A Collection. Get it. You’ll be glad you did.)
OK, back to Blanco.
He’s a natural center fielder, but Cox stuck him in right field a couple of times recently and Blanco’s looked good out there, including one diving catch that was as good as any made by a Braves outfielder this spring (they just needed to confirm he could play the corners if he’s gonna be a fourth outfielder, different angles on balls coming off the bat and all that).
He’s hitting .333 (7-for-21) with a double and five RBIs, and looks so much better than he did last spring, both in batting practice and the games.
Twice in a week, Cox peeled back a layer and revealed his thinking on Blanco, going so far as to say he used to genuinely dislike watching the undisciplined kid play. The second time Cox talked about him, I made sure to write it down.
This was Sunday at Jupiter, when I asked about Blanco:
“He’s improved a lot from the first year,” Cox said. “He used to swing from the end of the bat and strike out way too much for a speed guy.
“Now he’s choked up. He used to swing from his ass. He’s leveled that baby [his swing] out so good. I like him.”
And this, “For me, he’s really grown up.”
In case you missed it, that’s the sound of a 24-year-old Venezuelan putting himself in job contention.
Now that’s a bad spring: The more you’re around baseball, the more you know not to put much value in spring-training stats. Because unless a player is fighting for a spot, the stats mean next to nothing and are forgotten two weeks from now. As Cox said: “People have to understand it’s getting in shape.”
That said, let’s analyze a few stats, shall we?
The stench from Arizona is coming from Rickie Weeks’ bat. The Brewers second baseman is having a bad spring. Oh, is he having a bad spring. Only Eliot Spitzer has had a worse spring than Weeks, who was hitting .125 with one homer, two RBI, three walks and — are you ready for this? — 20 strikeouts in 40 at-bats.
Weeks, who has 310 strikeouts in 1,140 career at-bats that actually count, leads the NL in strikeouts this spring. Second on the list was Milwaukee’s Corey Hart, with 16. Forget Harvey’s Wallbangers. How ‘bout Ned’s Whiffmeisters?
And speaking of former Braves (Ned Yost, ex-Braves 3B coach), everyone asks — OK, maybe one person ever 3-4 days asks, including Cox several times — how is Andruw Jones doing out West?
A check of the stats shows the new Dodgers CF was batting .212 (7-for-33) with one double, two homers, six RBIs, nine walks, nine strikeouts and a .636 OPS. He was eighth on team with 14 total bases.
Which brings me to a rare fantasy tip I’m going to offer you folks, just based on my own observations a few weeks ago at Dodgertown, buttressed by his performance since then: Buy Andre Ethier.
I know, I know, he might not have a starting job. For now. But he will eventually. Or at least he should (nice contract they gave Juan Pierre, eh?)
I watched him hit a couple of monster shots during BP at Dodgertown, including one impossible drive that cleared the entire right-field grass berm — with the wind blowing in.
This spring Ethier is hitting .340 with a league-high five homers, 13 RBIs, 34 total bases and 1.139 OPS. I smell breakout season, folks (it’s such a strong scent, I can even smell it over the odor coming off Weeks’ performance).
The young (and cast off) will lead them…. Speaking of stats (good thing we’re not putting much stock in them, huh?), I couldn’t help but notice that no Brave was among the 24 players from 10 NL teams who had three or more homers before Tuesday.
Yunel Escobar, Scott Thorman and Javy Lopez led the Braves with two apiece.
On a brighter note, Escobar was tied for third in the NL with 12 RBI, one off th lead, and Joltin’ Joe Borchard was tied for the NL lead with seven doubles and tied for ninth with 11 RBI (he also has a triple in his 10 hits).
Martin Prado, pushing hard for the primary utility infield job with Omar Infante out, was tied for second with six doubles and fifth with 52 at-bats.
Borchard, a non-roster invitee, has been so good this spring (10-for-31, .323, .977 OPS) that he’s got the Braves giving serious consideration to keeping him. It’s not easy to do, though, because he’s not really good enough at first base to keep as the primary backup at that position, and he doesn’t play CF and is only a serviceable-at-best corner OF.
So the only way to make it work might be as a fifth outfielder/pinch-hitter. Stay tuned. Like I said, he’s raked all spring, and even if we don’t see him in April I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him later this season.
Go to sleep, little … where’d she go? Matt Diaz crashed into the left-field wall making a spectacular catch a week or so ago at Wide World of Dark Star, and afterward needled Mark Kotsay for shouting “Plenty of room!” as Diaz drifted back to make the catch.
Cox gave Diaz the next game off to rest, so he got to spend a lot of quality time with his newborn daughter at the Diaz home in nearby Lakeland. Daddy took something for his stiff neck/back and sat down in his recliner with baby.
“The problem is, when you take a muscle relaxer and you’re holding your baby daughter,” he said, “and the next thing you know, she’s slipped down into your armpit.”
Good luck, Fredi: After enduring an injury-plagued first season managing the Marlins, Fredi Gonzalez is back for more. Things don’t appear to be getting any easier anytime soon for the former Braves 3B coach.
The Marlins face Johan Santana on opening day, and you know who Fredi and the Fish are expected to run out there to oppose him? Mark Hendrickson. Yes, a 33-year-old with a 43-55 career record and 5.01 ERA.
He’s their most experienced started and third-highest-paid player ($1.5 mill) after closer Kevin Gregg and outfielder Luis Gonzalez (did I mention Fredi is manager of The Other Half?)
Hendrickson’s apparently earned the opening day start (nothing official yet) with a 1.69 ERA in 16 innings this spring.
Among Florida’s other starters, Ricky Nolasco has a 7.84 ERA, Scott Olsen’s had shoulder tendinitis, Chris Volstad has seven starts above A-ball, and Andrew Miller has been all over the place with his control, or lack thereof.
When Bobby Cox was talking to us after Monday’s game against the Cardinals at Jupiter, someone asked about Fredi — the Marlins share a complex with the Cards - and whether he faced a difficult task as Florida manager.
“Probably the hardest job in baseball,” Cox said. “Lot of young kids on the team.”
This quote that Hendrickson gave ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick says it all:
“It would be an honor for whoever gets the nod,” Hendrickson said of opening day. “It’s something not many guys get the opportunity to do. But I wouldn’t consider any of us legitimate No. 1s — at least in my book, when I look at who I’ve played with before.”
Kudos for honesty.
Hendrickson was 4-8 with a 5.21 ERA while starting and relieving for Los Dodgers last season, and 6-15 with a 4.21 ERA for Tampa Bay and the Dodgers in ’06. His only winning season was 2005, when he was 11-8 for the the team formerly known as Devil Rays.
”KISS ME ON THE BUS by Paul Westerberg (The Replacements)
On the bus, that’s where we’re ridin’
On the bus, O.K., don’t say hi, then
Your tongue, your transfer,
your hand, your answer
On the bus, everyone’s lookin’ forward
On the bus, I am lookin’ forward
And everything ain’t OK.
I might die before Monday
They’re all watchin’ us
Kiss me on the bus
Kiss me on the bus
If you knew how I felt now
You wouldn’t act so adult now
Hurry, hurry, here comes my stop
On the bus, watch our reflection
On the bus, I can’t stand no rejection
C’mon, let’s make a scene
Oh, baby, don’t be so mean
They’re all watchin’ us
Kiss me on the bus
Kiss me on the bus
If you knew how I felt now
You wouldn’t act so adult now
Hurry, hurry, here comes my stop
If you knew how I felt now
You wouldn’t act so adult now
They’re all watchin’ us
Kiss me on the bus
Kiss me on the bus
Kiss me on the bus
Kiss me on the bus
Comments
By northBeach Scott
March 19, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
some carry-over from the last blog …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 10:49 AM | Link to this
First? Nah.
McFann: I left you a reply at the end of the old blog, but I hope you take it in the big-brotherly way it was meant. I, too, was a homeschool kid for about half of my pre-high school education, and I’ve kinda got a protective thing for other homeschoolers. We’re actually planning on homeschooling our two boys, at least for the first few years.
By 22oz
March 19, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
But can Blanco play 1st base?
By Renegator
March 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Nice all bold
By David-ATL14
March 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
DOB
Of all the out of options players which one do you consider the most likely to be moved?
My guess is Yates for the same reasons Cox likes him. Durable, answers the bell and a ++ fastball. Inconsistent command is his downfall.
Someone will take a gamble that he pitches well for the biggest part of the season. My next guess is Thorman, one of the teams with a hole at 1b might be able to offer him consistent playing time.
* What say ye Crusading everyman?*
By TexasBrave
March 19, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
DOB you were mentioning yesterday that Buddy would probably clear waivers. However, with what the Fish have to work with for their starting rotation wouldn’t you have to say that taking a chance on Buddy would be a upgrade?
I haven’t looked but surely there are a few other teams out there that would like to have a Buddy for a fifth starter. As much as I like Buddy, I can’t see keeping him on the team just because we don’t want to take a chance we might lose him through waivers.
By northBeach Scott
March 19, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Lew from the prior blog. Regarding cable telephone service—When I moved back to Atl from SF, last year I had Comcast provide my telephone service because of the great deal. We changed back to ATT for regular service within weeks for two reasons: 1) the home alarm system will not work off the cable unless you purchase a separate $200.00 piece of equipment. 2)more importantly, the service was poor in our area, i.e. cut out during conversations so that the other person could only hear 3 of every 4-5 words. In our area the technician said, “sometimes the phone service just sucks and that is the way it is.”
IMHO it is worth the risk as you can always switch back like we did, if the service proves bad. Might be worth it to inquire of neighbors to see if they have any problems.
By McFann
March 19, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I read ya, ippississiM. Hey, thanks for the compliment! (I mean that, BTW. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.) Yeah, McCann won’t be arb-eligible for a while, eh? Heh heh. “Being made excuses for”? Oo, yeah he wasn’t too happy about that.
Sorry for the irrelevance. I’ll try to keep that under control. You’re correct, I think Cherokee was aiming more at the RF.
Home schooling your two boys? Go for it! I hope it works out for ya. We sure love it.
I took no offense at your post. I appreciate the correction.
By Thrillhouse44
March 19, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I was the king of my bus! Always hated hearing the loud hiss of the air brakes when Ms. Wade would pull over to scold us.
I’m glad Gregor has turned it around. It looks like our outfield is going to be stacked. Stacked like Anna Benson.
By TexasBrave
March 19, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
DOB can you see Blanco being kept over Anderson? As you see them what are the pro’s or con’s of each? My thinking is that Anderson has already proven himself more in the majors and has earned the right to be the fourth outfielder.
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
David-ATL14, I honestly don’t know.
22oz: Blanco has not played any 1B, in games or workouts, far as I know. He’s only about 5-10.
By Thrillhouse44
March 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Anyone know why the May 3 game against the Reds is such a hot ticket? I tried to get some Dugout tix for that game, but couldn’t get 5 together.
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
TexasBrave, yes the Marlins could definitely use him.
By MGL
March 19, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
From SI’s Verducci —— “• There’s a growing consensus around the Grapefruit League that Atlanta may be the best team in the NL East, partly because the Mets haven’t been able to field many of their regulars at the same time, the Phillies seem short of starting pitching even before the season starts and the Braves have the deepest inventory of pitching in the division.”
Hope this does not jinx us, I kindof like laying low.
By Lew
March 19, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
NBScott-Thanks, Dude. The alarm’s not a problem up here in the North Country-no people to steal anything-no one locks doors, anyway. I’ll check with people up here, too. I do live in the boonies, but we rarely EVER lose cable here. Usually once or twice a year for very short (an hour or so) time. I wonder if that is indicative of what the phone service would be like.
Verizon is switching to Fairpoint very soon and it would probably be a good time to switch, if I were going to do it. I WOULD save considerable $$$$$.
By Steve McP
March 19, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
So if the fish need pitching and we seem to have a surplus barring injury, what do they have that we might want? no idea just putting it out there to see what people think.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
How about this? John Smoltz just said on the Dan Patrick Show that he wouldn’t mind if the Braves signed Bonds and he thinks Bonds could help the team.
By ghbrave
March 19, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
DOB,Spending spring break in Nashvegas this week and thought of you while having breakfast at the Loveless Cafe. Our table was next to the guitar with the Man In Black painted on it. By the way, thanks for the tip on the Loveless……..the country ham and biscuits (with butter and sorghum)were great! Even got to meet Carol Fay, “the biscuit lady”.
By chrisklob
March 19, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Lew, my parents have VOIP with comcast. The one thing that they don’t like about it is when they lose electricity, they lose their phone. They get very poor cell reception at home so they feel very disconnected and are concerned about not being able to get help, if, God forbid, they should need it (they’re both around 70). Don’t know if that’s a problem in your area with all the weather up there or not.
By Thrillhouse44
March 19, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I don’t know, Robert (CITB). I mean, it seems like we’re already stacked in the OF. Where would BB fit? I could never pull for him…unless he was up with runners in scoring position.
By AUTIGERS
March 19, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
hey yall i just thought you would like this site.. you start with 10 cents and can bet on college bball, baseball, etc. and once you get to at least 10 bucks you can cash out. someone told me about it yesterday
www.centsports.com/?opcode=52210
By TexasBrave
March 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
The only one I would even consider trading right now (starter wise) would be Buddy. I would hate to try and move him through waivers and then lose him for nothing. It would be better to get something for him even if it is a low minor league player.
There is no way in my opinion that the Braves will be able to keep him after ST. He is not going to be in the rotation and he should not be placed in the rotation.
By kdbanks
March 19, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Here’s a good Braves preview someone put together…interesting point about Chipper. Thoughts?
Braves Preview
Happy Wednesday!
By TexasBrave
March 19, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
He is not going to be in the rotation and he should not be placed in the rotation. Should read not in the bullpen.
By d-rock in Scotland
March 19, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
DOB — Love the big star reference today, and ‘On the Bus’ is an all-time classic, but if I’m not mistaken the Replacements did that tune, not Alex Chilton.
I also love ‘Alex Chilton’, which is another great track. You gotta get North soon man, that Disney darkstar is stealing your hipster mojo man!
Take a break if you can and check out the My Morning Jacket concert from SXSW, where they basically unveiled their new stuff live. NPR has the whole deal on their website you can stream.
By TJ
March 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
DOB, anyone… does Bennett have options remaining? Thanks.
By Michael in Brooklyn
March 19, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
I can’t help but go back to the Kotsay trade. I’m guessing that when we look back at the years that both Blanco and Kotsay have, that we’ll see that Blanco’s numbers compare very favorably. Between Blanco and Anderson, someone was likely to at least not kill us, batting 8th in a very good lineup and keeping CF warm for Schafer. Kotsay is not going to be an improvement, and we gave up a high-potential arm to get him.
By scott
March 19, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Do you like Cross Canadian Ragweed? How bout Carney Man? Pretty good tune, imo.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 19, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
“Kiss Me on the Bus” was written by Alex Chilton? I thought it was the Replacements…
Today’s poll should be changed: Atlanta hasn’t had a Silver Slugger winner since 2005. Who’s got the best shot on the roster?
Brian Mccann won one in 2006.
By ncscoots
March 19, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
well, I’ve been on record quite a while as saying I thought ML pitching would knock the bat out of Blanco’s hands. But players do change, and I haven’t seen him play yet this year, so that characterization might no longer apply. It would appear that at least one person would disagree with it, anyway.
By chrisklob
March 19, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
TJ—yes.
By Curt
March 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
I have a good story for the denizens today. 2 days ago I was at the Mets vs Nationals game in Viera Beach. I was sitting in the last row right behind home plate. That row is directly in front of some of the boxes there. After returning from getting a drink the old cuban man that I am sitting next to tells me Omar Minaya is sitting in the box directly behing us. So I stood up and turned around and sure enough there he was. So when the next half inning came I stood up turn around and said,”Hey Omar! Good job on the Santana trade!” To my surprise he responded with “Thank you very much, we are proud of that move.” I could not pass up the opportunity at this point. I replied,”But I still think it is going to be a fun season!” I say this while pointing to the Braves hat. He laughs and says,” I think so too.”
Never thought I would ever get the opportunity to heckle the Mets GM but now that is one of my more memorable baseball experiences!
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
March 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
scott,
(If I may butt in,) I’m starting to get into Cross Canadian Ragweed, a little bit. I have the newest c.d. Mission California. and it’s got a couple of good songs on it, (especially like Dead Man and NYCG. I’ve also heard a couple of versions of The Boys From Oklahoma that I liked. What is a good CCR album that would really hook me?
By northBeach Scott
March 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
TJ Been discussed many times, but yes, Bennett has at least one option remaining. Hence, one reason he may start the year at Richmond, although he has had a stellar spring.
During the winter there was some confusion about Bennett and many thought he was out of options. This was corrected prior to Camp Roger on this blog.
By Paula
March 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Kotsay is not going to be an improvement, and we gave up a high-potential arm to get him.
When is “high potential” arm going to show up? Devine was sent to the minors by the A’s - the A’s who are very much fielding a AAA team at the major league level this year.
By FJR
March 19, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
michael, there was no way to predict that Blanco would get his act together. And believe me, I saw the kid play before and with the big swing he used to have, he was useless, becacuse it didn’t generate any real power and it caused him to strike out a ton.
A hitter can really only do 3 things, hit to the gaps with power (producing doubles or HRs), not strikeout and walk. Blanco did none of those things. At least Andruw did two of them and look at what a hole he was.
By scott
March 19, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Keep Blanco as 4th outfielder and Borchard for the backup 1st and fifth OF. Let’s not pretend that Thorman is a defensive whiz. With Diaz, Borchard and Javy we’ll have 3 guys with experience at first.
By FJR
March 19, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
rhinestone cowboy, I like cross canadian ragweed, but I do throw up a little in my mouth when people refer to them as CCR. You could possibly get away with ccr in all lower case, but CCR in all upper case will forever and always exclusively refer to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Fogerty, what a songwriter man.
By Biff
March 19, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, Read that Kotsay has played some first base in his career. Has he been taking any ground balls over there? Just in case Thorman is traded. If Braves drop Javy who will be right handed pinch hitter off bench? Prado? I’m thinking they keep 3 catchers with Javy and 4 outfielders.
By don
March 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Blanco has earned his chance. He has certainly paid his dues. On the other hand, the Braves aren’t known to reward those who have paid their dues.
Blanco deserves a chance.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
March 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, I’m not saying I would necessarily want Bonds, I’m just saying what Smoltz said. I don’t think Bonds can play the field effectively enough. If he were willing to accpet a pinch hitting and part time LF role, it would be worth considering. But, I really doubt Barry Lamar would accept such a deal.
By Epinephrine
March 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Two things.
First, whoever is making the AJC polls really has to stop. They have been known to be insipid in the past, but this one is just absurd. Brian McCann won the Silver Slugger award in 2006, first, and second, he isn’t even listed as an option! Who is responsible for those?
Second, it baffles me that people want Joe Borchard on this team. How can one SPRING of decent numbers make up for the fact that the guy, in 6 years, has a .205 BA and .284 OBP? And he plays TERRIBLE defense! At least there is a chance Thorman could develop, or we could use him as trade bait. Borchard has no shot at either. He will be another black hole on the bench. I mean seriously, how reactionary do you have to be to want Joe Borchard on this team?
By chris
March 19, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Has Thorman had any playing time this spring in the OF?
Thx,
Chris from MD
By chrisklob
March 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Interesting news from Ft. Myers. The Red Sox have voted to not play their exhibition game today or go to Japan for the series against the A’s. Apparently, the coaching staff will NOT be paid for this trip, which the players are objecting to.
Here’s the story at espn.com
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
March 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
FJR, I can’t believe I actaully typed that, because I feel the same way. Lazy this morning I guess. There’s only one.
By uga-brave
March 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
the world is not going to end if we lose any of the guys that are out of options.
guys like boyer, resop, pena, .etc are a dime a dozen. every team has the same type players that are out of options.
By flange1
March 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Interesting comments from Ken Rosenthal on the Braves outfield:
One rival executive speculated this week that the Braves might open with Jordan Schafer in center field and platoon Mark Kotsay with Matt Diaz in left. Such a plan, however, is probably more ambitious than anything the Braves are considering: Schafer, 21, has yet to play above Class A.
More likely, the Braves would use one of their speedy left-handed hitting center fielders — Schafer, Gregor Blanco or Josh Anderson — as a platoon partner for Diaz if Brandon Jones returns to Class AAA.
Schafer, though, figures to be in the majors soon. He will be ready “as soon as we need him,” one club official says.
An interesting thought…..And maybe take it a step further, if you kept Blanco, Anderson or Schafer, could Kotsay be the 1B backup that we are looking for?
Again, more food for thought!
By DAP
March 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Michael in Brooklyn i totally understand your sentiment, and i had some of the same feelings about a trade for a CF this offseason, after we had already made a good trade for anderson…
but one big thing to consider id that if we played anderson or blanco in CF instead of getting kotsay, we would have 1 veteran on the starting 8. tex is almost there, but chipper is really the veteran of the group. having kotsay adds some veteran leadership that this team really needed, especially with the loss of renteria and andruw. there is such a thing as too many young guys on a team. and playing anderson or blanco in center may have been it.
By RC
March 19, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Not only will Red Sox players not go to Japan, they have yet to take the field for today’s game that was supposed to start at 12:07….
By McFann
March 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Dang! That poll-writer needs to do his homework!! Everybody knows that McCann’s sophomore year was so special because he was an All-Star Silver Slugger.
OK, never mind. Not everyone knows that, apparently. That person obviously doesn’t. And yeah, he’s not even a choice. This is an outrage. Big time SHEEEEEEEESH!!
By nOLIE
March 19, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
2)more importantly, the service was poor in our area, i.e. cut out during conversations so that the other person could only hear 3 of every 4-5 words. In our area the technician said, “sometimes the phone service just sucks and that is the way it is.”NBScott
yeah many of my friends here in SW Fla who have Comcast phone servive say the same thing. crappy connections,dropouts etc
By FJR
March 19, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Am I correct in reading the Josh Anderson/Blanco battle as an either or battle? Ie that we won’t carry both and if we do carry a fifth OF, it will be a power bat?
Plusses for Anderson: better baserunner (blanco has a pretty bad rate, actually), more infield hits, fewer Ks.
Plusses for Blanco: more doubles, more walks. If Blanco really has changed his swing to produce fewer Ks, then I say he may actually have the advantage. ML defenses will eventually play in on both the OF and IF and cut down a lot of Josh’s singles and there is no indication he can have enough extra base hits to make them pay for it. He doesn’t walk enough to consistently get on base if he’s not singling.
I worry about Blanco’s CS rate, but hoepfully some of his newfound plate discipline transfers over into baserunning discipline as well, which may cut down on his steals, but maybe he becomes more of an opportunistic basestealer, a la edgar. Which would allow him to still be a 20 SB type guy, given semi-regular playing time (which between spelling Kotsay and Diaz, he would get semi-regular playing time).
By Lew
March 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Scott-Cross Canadian Ragweed-anything like BC Bud?
Chris-Electricity outages are not the problem up here that you might imagine. Only lost it once in the last year for an appreciable amount of time-more than a few minutes (I think it was out for three hours). We do have cells and they have finally built numerous cell towers in Vermont (disguised to look like trees. What a joke-they look like cell towers with fake branches). I could actually make it without a land line, but want to keep the number and I don’t want my cell number out except to friends. Plus it lowers my cable bill, gives me HD coverage for free and negates an $85 a month phone bill-at least for a year-then it will cost me about $45 as opposed to the $85 I pay to Verizon, who is leaving.
By scott
March 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
All their albums are good, try their self titled album or Live at Billy Bob’s.
By DAP
March 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
good for the red sox. i like that.
By GTI in Chicago
March 19, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
DOB A story about Kissimmee: I remember Pete Van Wieren mentioning this on-air 10 years back or so. The Houston Astros used to have a low A minor league affiliate in Kissimmee (Maybe they still do). Back then, all Houston’s minor league teams were also called “Astros”. (The Braves, of course, like to do the same.)
Apparently, it took Houston about 2 seconds to realize that the “Kissimmee Astros” might not be totally PC. They wound up with a moniker like “Ducks” or something.
Still makes me chuckle. My perpetual 10-year-old boy sense of humor.
By TJ
March 19, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Chris, NBS, thanks again. I thought he (Bennett) did, but like you said, had read some “confusion” on it.
Michael in Brooklyn, I don’t think you can fault the Braves too much on the Kotsay trade, even if Blanco does prove to be ML-ready.
Going into the year with Anderson and Blanco as your starting CF and 4th OF would’ve been pretty risky. They’re in many ways the same player; both speedy, but both short on power and experience. With Oakland agreeing to pay about 80% of his salary, and Devine not likely to make the team, Kotsay seems like a pretty solid move.
I have a feeling Schafer will pull a “Francouer” this year, and be up and starting by August, unless we’re just cruising with Kotsay in there. Schafer in CF and Kotsay as a 4th OF would be pretty sweet. Blanco’s still just 24; plenty of time for him to get his chance if it doesn’t happen to start the season.
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog DOB. Andre Ethier is in a tight situation. All the talk is that he has to prove himself to win the job from Juan Pierre. Andre was the returned chip from Billy Bean in the Meltdown Bradley scandal. Ethier has done nothing but perform and hold his own. It really isn’t right that he has to prove himself better than a 9 million dollar pinch runner but that’s the way it is. He has to pay for the sins of Needle Nose Ned. Matt Kemp has solidified his position as a right fielder, though he could “platoon” with Ethier during the season. If the Dodgers weren’t so set on making the Juan Pierre contract work they could cut his weak bat/arm and put in a real productive player. But they are what they are and that is a stubborn team with stupid contracts hellbent on running out the worst producing left fielder of all time.
Perhaps they will learn after the season opens. The team can go further, win more, and be happier if the have an outfield of Andre, Andruw and Matt. Delwyn Young would be perfect at 3B giving that team a solid chance. Delwyn, Furcal, Kent, Loney and Martin make for a pretty good infield. Dodgers have some competition in that division. So many good pitchers over there… plus the division comes complete with one supple punching bag. The top four in that division could all go .500 against each other. Then they get 108 games to battle the rest of the league and destroy the Giants. The division should take the wild card,
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Lew: disguised to look like trees. What a joke-they look like cell towers with fake branches
You should see the ones out here. Disguised to look like palm trees. They look bad. Though I’ll admit, they aren’t quite the eye sore that an undisguised tower is. There are also some “Pine” Cell Towers. Those are the worst.
By 'Hawk Head
March 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Anyone notice that Boog is calling the Red Sox - BlueJays game (well, not really a game) on ESPN?
By Paul Bowers
March 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Go Braves!!!
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Chris, Thorman has not played any in the OF, or even worked out there that I’m aware of this spring. Kind of surprising, since Cox had said he’d work in LF some this spring….
And just so you all know, Kotsay also has not worked out at all at 1B, and from my conversations I don’t get any sense they’re even considering using him there, despite what you might have read….
By Paul Bowers
March 19, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
OK, I am a avid, avid Braves fan. I read the blog every day, but have never posted til now.
So ready for the season to start. Looking foward to seeing what this rotation can do. I think that our veteran presence will actually be a plus at the top. Jurrjens should be in the ro, but am I the only one who really likes Bennett??
By FJR
March 19, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
http://www.baseballmusings.com/cgi-bin/LineupAnalysis.py?Player0=K-Jo&OBA0=.375&Slug0=.457&Player1=Esco&OBA1=.385&Slug1=.451&Player2=Hoss&OBA2=.425&Slug2=.604&Player3=Tex&OBA3=.400&Slug3=.563&Player4=French&OBA4=.338&Slug4=.444&Player5=B-Mac&OBA5=.320&Slug5=.452&Player6=Diaz&OBA6=.368&Slug6=.497&Player7=Kotsay&OBA7=.279&Slug7=.296&Player8=Pitcher&OBA8=.250&Slug8=.250&Model=0
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Yes, obviously Kiss Me on the Bus is a Westerberg-penned Replacements tune. I was listening to the Mats’ “Alex Chilton” this morning when I wrote that, which is also what reminded me of Kizza Me by Alex Chilton … it all came around, interconnected.
By David O'Brien
March 19, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
TJ, yes Bennett has options.
Someone asked if Blanco might get taken over Anderson. Right now, I think he might have moved ahead of Anderson, at least slightly.
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Let’s not pretend that Thorman is a defensive whiz. With Diaz, Borchard and Javy we’ll have 3 guys with experience at first.
OK. So Thorman isn’t a gold glover over there. He does have the advantage of manning the position for the past 6 years compiling 675 games at the position and over 2,200 innings.
Diaz played there in one minor league game in 2002 and twice last year for a total of 4 innings of work over 3 games.
Javy Lopez has played 1 game for all of 2 innings at first base and that came in 2005.
Joe Borchard took the position once back in 2006 for all of two innings.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Those three players have a reputation of not being the slickest fielders at their “natural” position. It’s doubtful they’ll be better at a position that the three have collectively manned for 5 games and 8 innings stretched over 6 years. And 2 of them aren’t even guaranteed to be on the team.
Perhaps I shouldn’t push against the growing tide that is the disdain for Thorman on this blog but this is just getting absurd.
By Epinephrine
March 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I think people on here are really under selling Kotsay. He may only be hitting .265 this spring, but he has been hitting the cover off the ball. Line drives all over. Second, he is a well respected clubhouse guy that seems to already be providing leadership. Third, he has performed fantastically in the field thus far, including at least one assist that I know of, and two more that were inches away from being outs. His arm is great and he is deadly accurate. In that regard, he is an upgrade from even Andruw, whose accuracy has been declining for years.
Finally, dude is in walk year with a lot to prove. Personally, I think Kotsay is going to have a fine year for us. The question is whether he can stay healthy, and how much rest we will give him. Because of that, whoever is the fourth outfielder will get a lot of PT. But I think a lot of people here will be pretty happy about the Kotsay trade, barring injury, in a few months. Don’t sell the man short.
By FJR
March 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
So above I did the braves lineup analysis. Comes out to scoring a robust 5.5 runs per game. If we keep that lineup together all year, we’ll approach 900 runs and if Kotsay rebounds from his abysmal stats last year and puts up numbers more in line with his career numbers, Frenchy and B-mac continue to develop and K-JO and Esco continue to develop their power, we could peak at 950 runs. In the NL!
I’d tend to think the developments and the regressions (diaz might not be able to uphold the power numbers playing against more righties, Esco probably can’t maintain his OBP over a full season) will laregely cancel one another out and we end up a little on the plus side of 900 runs.
If somebody can give me what the mets projected batting order is, I’ll run it for them as well.
You can also play around with the numbers yourselves as to what you think each players Slug and OBP will be. I also just arbitrarily chose .250 for the pitchers OBP and Slug, I’m not really sure how much in line with reality that is.
By Wilson
March 19, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know Wren and Co. are usually pretty tight-lipped about trade talks and such, but do you think there’s a chance any of our extra starters that don’t make the team will potentially be traded?
By Epinephrine
March 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
And Michael, you could have said the same thing last year: Between Cormier, Redman, and Davies, SOMEONE will be a good fifth man (Hampton hadn’t been hurt yet), or, between Wilson and Thorman SOMEONE will give us production at first. The only one of those situations that worked out was Langy and Diaz, and even then, we had to put up with Willie Harris. So no, I don’t think going in with just Anderson and Blanco would have been a great idea.
By The Piece
March 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
kdbanks
Best post of the year @ 11:41.
I can’t believe no one has responded yet. My favorite part about that video is when the black bartender looks up at Rick Astley and shakes his head in disbelief as if to say, “How did he get that voice?”
Brilliant. I fell for it big time.
By flange1
March 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the info on Thorman and Kotsay. I know I haven’t read anything about Thor playing left and/or Kotsay working at first.
I enjoy following this blog and then reading non-Atlanta sportswriter’s take on the team. The Rosenthal article might be an accurate representation of KR talking to a scout, but it does not seem accurate as to what is really happening for the Braves.
DOB, has Kotsay played any in LF this spring? I know you have said Anderson, Blanco and Schafer have played LF/RF.
Thanks
By Epinephrine
March 19, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Finally, anyone else excited by the real possibility (albeit not likely, but still) that we could have .300 hitters 1-8 this year? I know we won’t, but it sure says a lot about our lineup that its possible.
By FJR
March 19, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
sorry about the formatting issues with the link above, here it is ( wish there was a preview option):
Braves Lineup Analysis
By FJR
March 19, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
The piece,
thats a internet phenomenon (posting a link to rick stley’s video, while saying it is a link to something else). Its called being rick-rolled.
By ncscoots
March 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
we could peak at 950 runs. In the NL!
and we end up a little on the plus side of 900 runs.
You gotta put the crack pipe down, man. Or nuke your XBox. Or something. That’s just…out there.
Makes me think you’re KC’s long-lost brother, or the like. :-)
By James
March 19, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, just wondering, are you actually able to recall all these album titles off-the-cuff? Or do you google them? Just wondering…
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
FJR: You really think Kotsay will put up a .279 OBP as well as a .296 SLG? Only 4% better than a pitcher? I don’t think he’ll put up numbers as bad as last year when he was recovering from surgery and only played in 50 games.
By Clown Scientist Panda Man Pretend Monster Toucher Hello What Is Porridge, Exactly?
March 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Lawls, kdbanks, getting Rick Rolled sure is better than getting Lemonpartied. =o
By KC
March 19, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB: I was of the impression that Soriano was progressing nicely… before I read your “Braves in Need of Relief” piece.
What is his status now? Is there deep concern over him?
By ncscoots
March 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Lawls, kdbanks, getting Rick Rolled sure is better than getting Lemonpartied.
They all pale in comparison to getting Whitesnaked and milkshaked.
By Northern Redneck
March 19, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
So I am up here in Pennsylvania for school, and the other interaction I have with Bravo’s is by reading this blog, im surrounded by phillies and mutts fans!! I took a number of bets with a local mutts fan, who I must say is a good friend (makes the rivalry that much sweeter) Just curious to see what ya’ll think 1. Chipper and Esco with have a better combined batting average than wright/reyes 2.Santana will have under 19 wins 3. Reyes bats less than 300 for the year 4. braves starting pitchers have more wins than mutts starting pitchers 5. braves bullpen has more saves than mutts bullpen 6. and finally my favorite, braves score more runs than the mutts!!! they did it last year and the mutts just got worse on offense while we basically stayed the same and have tex for the whole year!!! …Let me know if im in the money or if you think my pockets will lighter come september
By The Piece
March 19, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks, FJR. Glad to now be in the loop. Too bad I’m usually not privy to these things until months later. Took me MONTHS to hear about the Lazy Sunday video.
I’m excited about the countless opportunities that I now will have to Rick-Roll people.
By flange1
March 19, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Scoots,
How True, nothing worse than getting Whitesnaked!
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
TUCSON - So much for the claim that the Oakland A’s are the model franchise for small budget teams.
They have undertaken a massive makeover.
*They have told their fans to be patient.
*The real message, however, is that the A’s are vulnerable to misjudgments, just like every other team in baseball.
General manager Billy Beane is one of the more innovative and personable executives in the game, but for all his planning and foresight, even Beane makes errors in judgment.
That’s why the A’s are facing the reality of struggling the next couple of years, why Beane had to ship off the likes of [Nick] Swisher and Dan Haren, and why the A’s can let manager Bob Geren stumble along without anyone feeling like he is keeping the franchise from contending.
For an organization that is in order, Swisher and Haren are young enough and on management-friendly contracts that should have made them the nucleus about which a team regroups, not the trade bait.
So why did the A’s unload them? Well, in praising the A’s for the way they have rebuilt their farm system with the off-season deals for Haren — four of the top 10 prospects in the Oakland system came from Arizona in that deal — and Swisher — two other top 10 prospects came from the White Sox in that deal — what is not mentioned is that the A’s not only had gotten old and unable to contend, but their farm system was feeble, too.
Swisher and Haren had to be dealt to restock the farm system. Instead of having the young players ready to step in at the big-league level and keep them a contender, the A’s are having to rebuild.
The Moneyball Draft of 2002 was raised recently when catcher Jeremy Brown, the controversial player selected 35th overall by the A’s, retired for personal reasons. Brown was the major overdraft that the book proclaimed as testimony to the A’s brilliance because they paid well below slot money in signing Brown for $350,000. Ignored was the fact, that even by the A’s own admission, had Brown been allowed to slip in the draft to where he belonged he most likely would have received around $5,000.
Tracy Ringolsby
By Ted
March 19, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, I have tickets for Thursday night game on the lawn. It looks like rain tomorrow. Would I be better off trading for Friday? Whose playing the next 2 days. Thanks for being a personal travel agent for hundreds of bloggers.
By Luther
March 19, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
And still better than to have been Roy Haleed and Art Garfunkeled.
By DAP
March 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Northern Redneck i think you are pretty safe on most of those bets!
the ones you might be cutting it close on are #3, i think reyes has a good chance of batting .300, and #5…i dont think the braves will get as many save opps. as the mets…i think we will win alot of games in blowouts and in 9th inning comebacks at home.
By StingerSplash
March 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Professional athletes sticking up for their coaches instead of throwing them under the team bus? Well, there’s your proof of global warming, or warming in some infernal region. Actually, bully for the Sox and the players in going to bat — literally — for their coaches, trainers, et al.
By FJR
March 19, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Ha, got to love the braves blog. One person says I’m way overly optomistic, the other says I’m not giving Kotsay enough credit.
10Paul, Yes, I think kotsay can put up better numbers, but I thought the only fair way to do it was to just put everybody’s numbers from last year up there.
ncscoots, we scored 810 runs last year. A full year of Tex and a (hopefully) healthy Hoss can definitely score 900 runs. Health is the complete key to this year’s braves team. If this team stays healthy its going to score a TON of runs and the pitching will be good. If Chipper goes down, like others have said, the bottom falls out. Let us not forget, when healthy, Chipper, not Tex, is by far our best hitter.
That being said, I think we’re definitely in a better position health wise than the mets. And all else being equal, this lineup is easily better.
By kdbanks
March 19, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Just don’t do a Google image search for “Tub Girl”. Seriously.
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
The Mets’ bullpen is starting to take shape. Right-hander Matt Wise, who has allowed only one earned run in 8 1/3 innings, could be the latest pitcher to revive his career under Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson. The Mets are also getting improved work from righty Jorge Sosa, who has allowed one earned run in 12 innings. If a third righty, Duaner Sanchez, makes a successful recovery from a fractured shoulder, look out
—Ken Rosenthal
Jorge Sosa… this guy has figured it out. Not the successful pitching, but the ability to stir up the hype just enough to justify keeping him on a team for an entire season. He’ll crap out. He always does.
By King521
March 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
DOB -
When are the next round of cuts coming??? It is time to clear up some of the mess in the bullpen and at backup catcher!!!
By TennesseePaul
March 19, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Can someone explain to me why David Wright of the New York Mets received his first Gold Glove and many times receives praise about his defense while he made 21 errors last year?
— Rob E., Alpharetta, Ga.
Other than saying the managers that voted didn’t do their homework, I’m not going to explain Wright’s Gold Glove. But I will say Chipper Jones did everything he could to deserve the honor, and because of that, Mizuno gave him the bonus they had contractually agreed to provide him if he won this defensive award.
Mark Bowman
Is this true? Even Mizuno recognized the folly for the vote last season?
By Robert
March 19, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
I just read Ken Rosenthal’s article. Since you know a lot more than him, are the Braves giving any consideration to keeping Schafer on the team. Thanks
By George "Boston Braves" Spitz
March 19, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Gregor Blanco should be the starting Center Fielder and they should keep very speedy Josh Anderson and Brayan Pena, who also plays catcher, first and third base as back up outfielders. Infielders Martin Prado, Brent Lillibridge and catcher Clint Sammons should also be retained. All are excellent defenders. Anderson, Pena, Prado and Lillibridge will be good pinch hitters and Anderson and Lillibridge can be used also as later inning pinch runners.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves go all the way. Maybe we will finally have a “Boston” Braves Boston Red Sox World Series. You couldn’t call it a “subway” series because “Braves” field in Boston is within walking distance for Red Sox home Fenway Park
By ncscoots
March 19, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Only in the spring could the thought of a bullpen anchored by Matt Wise, Jorge Sosa, and a 50% Duaner Sanchez elicit a comment of “look out”.
Hel-LO, Mr. Bunny, and how are the other fairy-tale characters?
By FJR
March 19, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
northern redneck
Santana is going to win 20 games. Pitchers moving to new leagues who aren’t named barry zito tend to get a noticeable bump in performance. Especially when moving Al to NL. Shea is a better pitchers park than the metro dome and the mets lineup is better than the twins lineup. The only way he doesn’t win 20 is TERRIBLE luck and/or injury.
Chipper/Esco v. Reyes/wright is completely unpredictable.
3 is completely unpredictable, I’d lean towards saying Reyes hits .300
4, I’d tend to say yes.
5, hard to predict, I’d tend to go with no.
6, I’d say this is by far the safest bet.
By Thrillhouse44
March 19, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
All of this tourney talk on the radio is making me over-think (yes, it’s possible) bracket. I think I’m just going to copy Smoltz’s from Dan Patrick’s website.
By James
March 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Spitz