Braves

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, what about Kotsay? Did we get him for no reason? At least explain why you think he shouldn’t be part of the opening day roster. Seriously dude, you are just going to cut him out entirely?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 19, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Anderson or Blanco , it’s a nice problem to have.

The A’s are apparently trying to unload Dan Johnson. Philadelphia’s Wes Helms is rumored to be on the trading block.

As for Buddy Carlyle , the Braves should have no problem moving him through waivers and back to Richmond.

The San Francisco Giants look like a team in the market for a first baseman.

By Robert

March 19, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Dan Patrick show is still on, I thought he quit ESPN

By kayakjack

March 19, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

OMFG! Why did you tell us not to check out tubgirl? U know some of us idiots would have to look! Please people, if you have not looked yet, don’t. Better to wonder how bad than to actually know how disgusting it is. I know I’m a wuss where gross stuff is concerned, but that was freaking vomit-inducing! I still feel like I’m gonna puke…

By earl

March 19, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Who is scheduled to pitch after Jo-Jo tonight. Soriano?

By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER

March 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

i’d take Hoss/Esco anyday over Wright/Reyes! I’m really liking our chances this year! Team looks solid!

By N8

March 19, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

DOB

As a guy who has watched Blanco’s minor league stats for a while, and many times asked why we have not called him up, and even this winter, wondered why we didn’t just plug him into CF until Schafer was ready. I still kind of wonder that, even though I like Kotsay - but if Soriano is hurt and Devine shines in Oakland, it could be a hindsight is 20/20 type of deal - is it still hindsight, if I’m asking about it before it happens? LOL!.

Anyhow, you say that Blanco is ahead of Aderson (even if only slightly), for the 4th OF spot. Is it that, or is Bobby suddenly “complimenting” him to UP Blanco’s trade value? Getting somebody to bite on a trade, rather than claim him off waivers.

Sorry for not paying attention, but isn’t Blanco out of options? He’s been on the 40 man for a while, right?

By DAP

March 19, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

FJR Santana is going to win 20 games.

hold on there, now. do you know how hard it is for a pitcher to win 20 games? only one guy in the majors did it last year…and only 6 guys won 19 games.

5 of the 6 guys that won at least 19 games were on teams that ranked in the top 6 in runs scored.

5 of the 6 guys had a closer on their team that ranked in the top 10 with the most saves in baseball.

a couple of things have to happen when you pitch to get a win

1. you have to pitch really well.

2. your team has to score enough runs to have the lead when you leave them game.

3. your bullpen has to hold the lead.

and to get 20 win, all of those things have to happen for you about 63% of the time you go out there. thats pretty hard to do, and i dont think santana will do it, not because he wont do #1, but i dont think his team will do #2 and #3 often enough.

By mitchie-san

March 19, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I ended up watching the whole Rick Astly video. I like that song….I am a dork. Thank you.

By Thrillhouse44

March 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

He did, Robert. He’s on SI and KLAC AM radio now.

By ncgary

March 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

it seems that the mets are weaker than everyone else at first, healthwize anyway, why not offer thor 4 2 a ball pitchers or 1 a pitcher and 1 a slugger, if they have injuries thor gets quality at bats, and could probably be signed as free agent next year if needed.

By midtownBrave

March 19, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Spitz Blanco could not be the starting CF even if Kotsay couldn’t come out of the ST healthy. Even if he makes the team as a FIFTH OF (Anderson has the edge having played in the majors for however brief period it may have been), he certainly would not be the starter.

I know this might be a bit too early to say, but based on what I’ve see so far I like to see Prado, Lillibridge, Sammons, Anderson and Thorman make the team as backups. I am little iffy about Thorman but the dude can play good at 1B and can be a HR-threat coming off the bench (?). I wanted Javy to make the team, but I’ve been disappointed so far. I don’t know how he does in BP, but his defense will definitely be a liability. Which reminds me we don’t have many good corner infielders in the system (3B Van Pope maybe? - I know he has a good arm and awesome defensive skills, but can he bat? IDK). Anyhow he is not ready and even if he was that isn’t going to solve the 1B situation.

By stan

March 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

DOB — you do a great job with your blog — you really understand what it’s for (red meat for the diehard Braves fan) and write it well. You also seem to escape the incredible animosity ajc.com commenters seem to have toward all the sports columnists, so I guess you’ve earned a huge amount of respect. Finally, only you would make a direct reference to Big Star’s “Sister Lovers” (you should have printed the lyrics to “Holocaust” to brighten everybody’s day). Bless you, brother.

By ellaguru

March 19, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

James (1:55 post): O’Brien definitely knows his music stuff. About Big Star and the ‘placemats, anyhow. I, however, have taught him all he knows about Nigerian Funk from the 70s and dub massive releases from Niney the Observer. He’s a stubborn student, though—I don’t think I’d quiz him on that quite yet.Still and all he knows a hell of a lot more about music than I do about baseball—he’s basically a National Treasure, yo. We’re lucky to have him.

By ncscoots

March 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I, however, have taught him all he knows about Nigerian Funk from the 70s

Well and good that someone cares about the education of the Notorious One that much. Such knowledge must, I say must, be passed on, in the interest of humanity.

Is there a Nobel offered in the field of Knowledge Propagation Of Nigerian Funk? Oughta be.

By BravesFanInRockies

March 19, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

gary,

If you think Thor would help the Mets, why on earth would the Braves send him their way? We are division rivals, after all.

If instead you think he’s awful, well, that’s a different story.

By Bobby Cool

March 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves has a Big Problem to resolve and other Team are waiting and looking.Why a team going to trade some one that can be take on waiver? The Roster can be 13 Pitcher, 2 Catcher, 6 Infield, 4 Outfield. You guys that are wise that me can tell me the Names.

By OrlandoFan

March 19, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

All these roster discussions and variations make me pine for the time when teams “got by” with 10 pitchers. Then you could have a third catcher or maybe a player who didn’t have to be a good defender, just have to be able to hit a bit. Do you think Manny Mota would’ve played for the Dodgers in the 12-pitcher era? He was a great hitter without a good position (I knokw, he tried). How about Smoky Burgess with the Pirates? Well, maybe, because he was a catcher. But I think managers are giving up versatile benches in favor for slotting relievers and keeping the innings down for their starters. AL teams have the DH and don’t have to worry about flexibility so much. They never have to hit for the pitcher twice in a game. But in the NL, you got to have 7 guys to relieve 5? I’m probably an anarchist for begging the question, but maybe Bobby could in the first month go with 11 pitchers? Will he need the extra long reliever/spot starter when the fifth starter might be skipped from time to time? Anyway, that might give Javy or Blanco or whomever a slot that currently probably isn’t available. Yes, I realize the Braves of all teams have older starters who need more mop-up, but with games more spaced, I just have to wonder.

By Lew

March 19, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Don-How much were you paid for that endorsement? Is he going to be working for you free for an appreciable amount of time in return?

TenPaul-The cell towers up here are disguised to look like pine trees. Unfortunately, they looked so bad that they went and got even more branches for them. Now they look like fuzzy cell towers that woke up next to a pod. Scary.

By Randy S

March 19, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if this has already been mentioned here, but looks like CSS is picking up the Peachtree TV games outside the Atlanta area: story

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Soriano is scheduled to pitch tonight….

I stopped by Dark Star on the way over to Kissimmee (Astros) and talked to Francoeur, who took batting practice, shagged fly balls, ran, etc. The swelling in his face is almost completely gone, and he’s planning to play Thursday night….

Bobby Cool, why trade for a player who might hit the waiver wire? Because waiver claiming goes in reverse order of won-lost record, so a team that had a good record won’t get a good player on waivers unless all the teams that finished with worse records pass on him.

By flange1

March 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew,

Remember that DOB worked Don’s store awhile back.

Payback !!!!!!

By ncscoots

March 19, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

OrlandoFan, blame Tony Larussa if you want, LOL. Fact is, a manager never knows from one day to the next, let alone one series to the next, how many relievers he’ll need.

If you subscribe to the bullpen theory of one-inning-many-appearances, 11 bodies down there likely aren’t enough. Especially with some of those bodies relegated to “roles” - one guy only pitches the 9th, another only pitches the 8th, and only in certain game situations, etc.

If every game went according to Hoyle, it might be a little easier. :-) But since you never know when you’ll need a guy to come in with one out, top of the 2nd, you got be ready to do it EVERY day.

By woogidy

March 19, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

That Lineup Preview thing seems to work. I put in the stats for the lineup from the 2003 Braves, and it spit out 907 runs. The 2003 Braves scored 907 runs exactly. I did the 2007 Phillies, and it spit out 875 runs, and they scored 892 so it’s close for sure. I just don’t know how close the stats are when you preview this year.

It’s a good feeling to be spending all this time blogging about who will be on the bench! It ‘s looking good, real good. Health, health, health is what we need. Maybe we can trade Thorman for some?

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

N8, Blanco’s not out of options. And until Bobby saw him this spring, he wasn’t even ready to have him be the fourth OF, much less the starting CF.

Still not certain to win the fourth OF job, but he’s definitely in the running.

Anderson is not out of options….

Oh, by the way, I also talked to Borchard over at Dark Star. He’s got a great attitude, knows he could get cut from camp because he’s a non-roster guy and all. So he’s just enjoying this but not getting carried away, and whatever happens, he said “It’s a long season,” meaning he knows he could be up later if he doesn’t make the team now.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, yes it’s true about Mizuno giving Chipper his Gold Glove incentive even though he didn’t win the award. He told us that the first day he reported to camp. Thought I mentioned it here, but maybe not.

It’s not a huge amount, probably $25,000 or $50,000 (huge for you and I, not for him), but it was a pretty cool good-will gesture from the company he’s been with for a long time.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 19, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

What Ken Rosenthal wrote about Jordan Schafer has been taken way out of context. This is his actual statement :

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.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

James, I’m a lot better at remembering album titles and songs than I am at remembering players’ names and numbers. Sad to say, I guess. But true.

OK, going down to the field. Braves are coming out of the clubhouse now.

By Kevin

March 19, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

DOB: I still prefer the earlier Mats stuff. “Let It Be” has got to be one of top 10 albums ever. Even my teenage kids have burned a copy of it.

Looking forward to opening day. I believe the Braves have enough young pitching depth to survive some problems with the veterans. But with Bobby’s loyalty to the vets, I worry that the Braves could lose too much ground in a tight division race before Bobby would pull the trigger.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Who decided to put Thursday’s and Friday’s game on TV? They should’ve done tonight’s and Saturday’s game on air. Sheesh, who cann watch baseball on Good Friday afternoon? And we won’t be home Thursday night.

Lew—

I have to agree with you on the towers disguised as trees. Those things are odd!

Looking at McCann’s signature, I was wondering: Is he left handed or right handed? Thanks again!

By JC FROM UT

March 19, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

DOB: With Jim Edmunds being hurt, would San Diego be interested in Blanco? Perhaps BC is praising him now to pump up his value. I was also thinking that Gorkys was may on audition the other day when he got into the lineup. If Soriano can’t go to begin the season, any chance a package including Gorkys could go to Minnesota for Joe Nathan?

By McFann

March 19, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

DOB

Does your calling Disney World “Dark Star” have anything to do with Bonanza?

Hey, don’t think I watch the show or anything, I was just wondering…

By TennesseePaul

March 19, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

It’s not a huge amount, probably $25,000 or $50,000 (huge for you and I, not for him)

Speak for yourself there buddy. I’m rolling in these small checks. I have a hard time thinking of money without at least three trailing zeros before the decimal point. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to pull out my wallet. I’m about to sneeze and could use one as a kleenex.

By Biff

March 19, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

DOB,Heard about Kotsay playing first in the past from an interview with him in the latest addition of the Braves magazine Chop Talk.

By Greg in TN

March 19, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

Time to round the turn and head into the home stretch in the 2008 Grapefruit League derby, denizens. Two dress rehearsal games at the Ted next weekend, a trip to the beltway to open up the new Nationals ballpark and then back down to Dixie to face the Bucs for the home opening series.

It’s good to hear that Frenchy’s mug is healing and that he’ll be in the lineup on Thursday. Some cuts, but no further damage from Sunday’s plunking was a stroke of luck, if one can find a silver lining in that kind of dark cloud.

Someone mentioned on an earlier blog that Schafer would likely be called up in September based on his spring training performance this year. I would agree with that assessment and I believe he will most certainly be a September call up barring injury. Buy your tickets now, Pearl, looks to be an entertaining summer there again with Phillip Wellman having Schafer there for much of the season.

Lew Chris has already mentioned the concerns I would have had if someone had asked me about VOIP service. One other thing, make sure they set your location up for E911 service when you decide to make the switch. From what I’ve seen and heard, Comcast does a better job with that than most, but you don’t want to be in a situation where you need it and it’s not set correctly.

By Wayne in Utah

March 19, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I have heard the thoughts of sending Schafer down for some “seasoning” at AA. How many young players have skipped AA and AAA and gone straight to the majors?

Dave, what is the chance that Schafer could head north with the Braves? Who’s to say that he might be ready now.

Last year, we had Escobar tearing it up in the spring, going down for a couple of months, then come up and continue where he left off.

Why not take him north for a tryout? Let Kotsay be your #4 or platoon a bit with Diaz in left. If Schafer doesn’t take off like you expect, he could always be sent down for some more “seasoning”. From all I hear, Schafer does not seem to be the sort that could be ruined by bringing him up before he is ready???

Just putting down on a post what a lot of guys are asking themselves.

Lew and others who were in FL for a while this spring. What say ye?

By Lew

March 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Wayne-I honestly did not see much of Schafer this Spring except for a couple innings at the UGA game. Like I’ve said, during the first couple of weeks, Anderson got almost all the time on the upper field.

Quite honestly, the trek to the back fields is more than these old knees can deal with anymore. You’d have to ask DOB about his demeanor and whether he could handle the up and down nature of young players. I just don’t know. I only talked to him to ask him to sign a baseball.

By Ron Cey

March 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks. For some reason, I thought Blanco was out of options, since he’s been on the 40 man roster a while (or maybe he hasn’t).

Don’t know who I was confusing him with. Either way, good info to have.

By Wayne in Utah

March 19, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Dave Any rumblings about any Braves interest in Joe Nathan??

By Lew

March 19, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Center Field Candidates and demeanor-I saw Josh Anderson show a lot of class during a running drill.

The players were running the bases all the way to home and Josh was about two players behind McCann. When it was time for Anderson to go, most of the team, with Francoeur front and center, were yelling for Josh to lap McCann. He did get the guy ahead of him and could have nailed McCann easily, but he pulled up about twenty feet from home and let Brian cross the plate first. That was classy, giving McCann his props.

I don’t have a clue how this center field business will shake out, but I will say this-Anderson has jets. The boy can really run.

By ESPN Alert

March 19, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Breaking: Braves and LF Barry Bonds agree on one-year, 6.255 million deal for 2008 season.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Robert, regarding Schafer (3:01 p.m.), the Braves aren’t going to keep him on the opening day roster. Much as Bobby Cox wouldn’t object (he’s played very well down here), that’s just not going to happen barring an injury or two in the next week.

They want him to get some more time in, and Kotsay has met or surpassed all expectations. Back’s not an issue at all, and Cox lavished praise on Kotsay again today, talking about how hard he’s hit the ball despite the lack of hits, and how every throw’s been on the money, and he wants to play every time Cox offers him a day off, etc.

Kotsay is the opening day CF, barring injury. And the regular starting CF, again barring injury.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Hey, Wayne! How are things in Utah?

11 more days till Opening Day!!! Can’t wait!!

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Biff, Kotsay did play 20 or 30 games at 1B in the past, but hasn’t worked out at all there this spring. That’s what I was talking about, the current team. He’s not worked out even in pregame drills at 1B….

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Almost forgot: NO CUTS tonight. None until Friday, according to Cox (or rather, when I asked if there would be any cuts tonight, he said no, they’re meeting again Friday to discuss the roster).

By Wayne in Utah

March 19, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

McLillyFann

Things are well here (I am actually in Utah this week.) Might snow tomorrow though. Today, it is overcast, but unseasonably warm. Most of the 2+ feet of snow that was in my yard three weeks ago, is now melted. That is a drag though, as all the little surprises the dog left in the yard over the winter, are now evident for all to see!

What an exciting time of year! Would Minnesota be willing to give up Joe Nathan for Gorkys Hernandez, Tyler Yates, and Marteen Prado?? Would that be enough?

In my view, a guy like Nathan would lock it up, unless our staff had a total meltdown.

By Gamecock Brave

March 19, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

you guys gotta cut it with this Bonds nonsense. youre killin the young kid up here. haha

By JC FROM UT

March 19, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Wayne I was wondering the same thing. The Twins still need a centerfielder to replace Torii Hunter. I was wondering if they would like Gorkys, of course they would want more. They also need a 2nd baseman but I don’t think Prado would get it done but perhaps Lilibridge.

By ncgary

March 19, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

inrockies dont think thor would be enough help for mets, but it might be a good opportunity for him, he would probably develop more there, more potential for playing time, and wed get plenty of looks at him in division to see if we wanted him back next year if tex is not signed

By Wayne in Utah

March 19, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

This roster could go so many different directions. It will be interesting to see how it all fleshes out.

Barroid Bonds joined the Giants a few years after I left the Bay Area. Made it hard to pull for my second favorite team for a long time (Bravos have always been my #1 love).

While a bat like Barry’s would be a great addition for the Braves, I am not sure if all the other headaches would make it worth it. I am very proud of the ML GM’s for leaving him the heck alone.

By Wayne in Utah

March 19, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Gamecock Brave Where are you from?? (I am an old Tiger alum, myself)

JC Funny that we were both posting the trade parameters for Nathan within a minute of each other. I would not give up Lillibridge. I think he has the potential to be a big contributor for the next 12-15 years.

Gosh, I love this game!

By McFann

March 19, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

Two feet of snow? Dang. We got a total of two inches down here, give or take a few centimeters.

If Minnesota would take Tyler Yates and Martin Prado, and give us Joe Nathan…I’m for it!! Oooo!! That’d be sweet! Are they really shopping this guy?

Lew—

I always love a good happy ending.

; )

By flange1

March 19, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Nathan would be a great addition but it is going to take A LOT more than Yates, Gorkys and even Lillibridge.

I would think the Twins would ask for Schafer, Lillibridge and one of the AA pitchers.

Then the Braves would have to resign him. I think he is a FA after this year.

By JC FROM UT

March 19, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Wayne: I would not give up Lilibridge either, just speculating on what they would ask for. I would give up a package of either Brandon Jones/Gorkys, with Prado and a pitcher (I’m just not sure which one).

By Braveheart

March 19, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Baseball Digest has a cool Excel spreadsheet you can download that has rankings of top prospects from different media outlets for every team.

Go here and download it

By JC FROM UT

March 19, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Flange1: Yes he is a FA after the season, that is why MN is willing to move him. They probably want way more than it is worth to get him and they will orobably get even more if they wait until the trade deadline.

By Michael in Brooklyn

March 19, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

FJR: You say, “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.” Well, first of all, I disagree with you. A hitter can really do 2 things: get on base and hit for power. (Ok, maybe another “half a thing”—run). Blanco does one of those things well, gets on base. Career minor league OBP: .372. In ‘06 he totaled 94 walks in AA and AAA, and last year 63 walks in 124 games. He gets on base. Not to mention the fact that he can run and play defense (BBA’s #1 outfield defender in the organization in 2005).

Paula: Devine is 24 years old. Last year in AA and AAA he struck out 78 hitters and walked only 19 in 57 innings. This spring he has 4 Ks, 4 Hits allowed and 1 walk in 4 innings. I’m sorry, I’m not seeing why he’s not a high potential arm. I realize Atlanta might not have been a good fit, people question his heart, bla bla bla… But he’s 24. And he’s cheap. And Kotsay is old and mediocre.

Epinephrine: Cormier, Redman, and Davies had all had lousy recent track records, and none of them looked like they were going to be any good. There’s a difference between looking at Blanco’s and (to a lesser extent, Anderson’s) numbers in the minors and predicting he’d be successful, and saying “between Wes Helms, Thorman, and J Franco, someone will emerge.” Low probability that any of those pitchers would perform = low probability that any one would perform. With Blanco, you have a higher probability for success.

Look… is Blanco Andruw Jones? No. Is he a long-term solution? No. But! He’s cheap, he’s young, he’s improving over time (coming into his prime), and he didn’t cost us a viable arm.

By TennesseePaul

March 19, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

flange1: Yes. Nathan is a free agent at years end.

2 years/$10M (2006-07), plus $6M 2008 club option

What a bargain! Doubt he’ll come that cheap again though. But if the Braves are to go after him, I’d rather they wait until the off season. No players would have to be given up to acquire him. I have a feeling he’d command a high dollar though

By AdirondackDave

March 19, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Are any of you watching the game tonight? Any and all updates, play-by-plays, scores, etc. are greatly appreciated! I’m flying blind here…

By woogidy

March 19, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Nathan is not coming to Atlanta anymore than Barry Bonds is.

By TJ

March 19, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

If Nathan has another dominant season, he’ll probably command more than $10 mil a year (probably more like 12-14), for 5 years. He’s a great pitcher, but no way do I give a contract like that to a relief pitcher.

By Robert

March 19, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

is the game on TV

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

For those who are into Larry the Cable Guy (hey, dude’s wildly popular), he was on the field during BP, talking to several Braves. Seemed like a nice fella, had on faded cargo shorts, a sleeveless T and a ballcap. He was carrying his little boy in his arms most of the time, with his wife at his side.

He came over toward the dugout and Bobby stood up. “Larry, what are ya doing?” And as Larry comes to the dugout a bunch of fans start shouting, “Git ‘er Done”.

Bowman was thrilled. “One of the funniest men on the face of the earth,” Bowman says to me as he’s watching the scene unfold.

I’m fairly certain he was being serious.

By Epinephrine

March 19, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Michael in Brooklyn, you are dead wrong. First, Anderson hasn’t put up great numbers in the minors. While he has a nice BA, he has a low OBP, strikes out a lot, and has absolutely no power. As for Blanco, he has never averaged over .300 for an entire year in the minors. For his career, he is at .274 and .371 OBP. Nice numbers, sure. But minor leaguers with nice numbers are a dime a dozen.

Cormier had a nice 2 months to end 06 which gave a lot of people hope. Moreover, he lit up spring training. As for Davies, he was in 2006 and spring 2007 still regarded as one of our best pitching prospects. He, too, lit up spring training. So don’t tell me that its a completely different scenario. It simply isn’t. People here had high hopes for both of this guys, unproven though they were.

Same with Wilson and Thorman. Thorman had hit in the .290s for two consecutive years in the minors, and had a ton of power. We all knew there were risks, but he was a guy, worst case we thought, that would be hitting around .250s-60s and providing power. As for Wilson-yeah he had a bad half year stretch with the Yanks, but otherwise he was a career .260s hitter that put up power. Problem solved!

Basically, you are advocating throwing two rookies into center field and hoping for the best. Me, I’ll take a third option. Especially when that option is a clubhouse guy and a veteran, with very good D and before his back injury, a tough out. A .282 .340 guy, even taking 07 into account. And if his injuries come back? We are still back with Blanco and Anderson, minus Joey Devine (who Cox wouldn’t pitch anyway). Seems like a darn good deal to me.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Woogidy: that settles it. Nathan is a total lock to be traded for before opening day.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s lineup:

1. KJ, 2B; 2. Yunel, SS; 3. Chipper, 3B; 4. Tex, 1B; 5. Mac, C; 6. Diaz, LF; 7. Kotsay, CF; 8. Blanco, RF; 9. Jo-Jo Dancer.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Joe Nathan? Why would there be rumblings about him?

Oh, and when Dan Patrick asks Smoltz if he’d want to have Bonds on the team IF HE COULD HELP THE TEAM, what’s he supposed to say?

What kind of question is that? Wouldn’t it have been better simply to ask, would you like to have Bonds on your team?

What do you think Smoltz is going to say? “No, I wouldn’t want him whether he could help us or not. I’d rather lose without him than win with him.”

Come on.

By N8

March 19, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Gotta hand it to those in charge of putting the captions on the photos on the Braves main page.

I about spit pop on my computer when I read that “Kelly Johnson is practicing for his role at first … and second.”

They’ve got those “tricky” (insert any Run-DMC reference at your own discretion) captions down to a science, along with the “polls” that nobody can answer. Those damn polls are harder than the NY Times crossword puzzles.

By brad

March 19, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

yunel just got robbed from a double maybe a triple.. Didnt know berkman could move that fast…

By ole timerbrave

March 19, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks for that reply DOB!

By brad

March 19, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

yunel just got robbed from a double maybe a triple.. Didnt know berkman could move that fast…

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Put away the women and children — they’re TEEING OFF on Jo-Jo.

Tejada just hit that ball about 600 feet. Two-run bomb after Carlos Lee’s RBI double off the wall.

end of one, 3-0 ‘Stros.

By brad

March 19, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Tejada went deep 3 - 0 houston

By Lew

March 19, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

McFann-You think two lousy feet of snow is a lot? I’ll send you a picture of what REAL snow looks like-in my own yard.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Jo-Jo needs to go rejoin the circus and stop ruining ballgames.

By 18 Wheels of Love

March 19, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Heard Bowman on XM the other day…he sounds like he’s got a little Larry the cable Guy in him, if you know whut I mean Vern.

No no on Jo Jo. He’s got a long way to go go.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Good inning for Jo-Jo after walking leadoff hitter Wigginton. Induced a double play and struck out Chacon.

By Allen

March 19, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Jo Jo is headed to Richmond.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Anyone over age 18 who got my 7:32 must have small kids.

By N8

March 19, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Oh, and when Dan Patrick asks Smoltz if he’d want to have Bonds on the team IF HE COULD HELP THE TEAM, what’s he supposed to say?”

Maybe Dan Patrick helps right the AJC Poll questions, huh?

In all seriousness (and I didn’t hear the interview), Smoltz could have responded:

“Sure we would LOVE to have his bat on our bench, and as a pitcher that still respects his bat - he could help any team. But we like our club, and what I think (or don’t think) of Bonds, his addition to any team would be a distraction. Which I’m not sure is a good “fit” with our young players, that need to focus on the job at hand.”

I think there are MANY ways Smoltz (who is a pretty intelligent interview, when I’ve heard him on Jim Rome and similar shows), could have answered that, without insulting Bonds or making an azz out of himself.

For those who think Bonds isn’t any “good” anymore, or DOESN’T have pitchers and opposing manager’s respect, let’s not forget that Bonds was INTENTIONALLY walked 43 times last year, which led the league - I’d say pitchers STILL respect his bat.

For the record the ENTIRE Braves team had 43 Intentional Walks last year.

Chipper, Andruw, Tex, Francoeur and McCann COMBINED for 29 Intentional Walks.

For those wondering. My “hypothetical” response that Smoltz could have gived, is pretty much MY opinion.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about matchups for Thursday and Friday and whether or not you should trade your Thursday tix for Friday because of rain chance tomorrow.

Don’t know about the rain, since it’s at least a 40-percent chance in the afternoon, but not as much at night. But I do know you’ve got great matchups both days — Hudson vs. Verlander on Thursday, Smoltz vs. C.C. Rider, er, Sabathia on Friday.

By Allen

March 19, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Just heard Pete on the MLB broadcast talking about how Jo Jo was being drafted by some teams as a First Basemen and about how he is a good hitting pitcher.

Backup 1B solved!

By brad

March 19, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

I agree about Reyes They need to call him GO GO Reyes because thats what the ball does when he pitchs About 600 ft.

By UmpSux

March 19, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Dave,

  Heard anything about Eric

Campbell? We go to Rome quite a bit & I got a chance to watch him. From what you say on your blog, spring training is a lot like the minors. I really enjoy going to minor league games. Got to see Rohrborough & Flowers there last year. Also, Brandon Hicks. Any good guys going to be in Rome this year? I hope Heyward & Freeman will be there. Any idea where Gilmore will play this year? Really enjoy your blog, keep it up. Gotta go, my company is offering me $40k to go to Japan

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels of Love, he got a kick out of that comment when I read it to him — with the appropriate accent, I might add.

By Oregon_Braves

March 19, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Jo-Jo was a man who thought he was a pitcher…

Get back, Jo-Jo…

By McFann

March 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Lew—

No, I meant…It just seems like a lot compared to what we get down here.

Does McCann sign with his LH or RH? Sorry……

The Braves need to send Ho-Ho down before he loses any worth he might have.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Oregon … that was good.

This inning, on the other hand, is not. Jo-Jo has given up two hits and two walks in the third, including a roped doubled by Hunter Pence.

Just got out with only a run in, 6-4 groundout to end it. But that’s gonna be all for Jo-Jo.

‘Stros 4-0 after three.

By brad

March 19, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

WE finally got a hit — guess who got—-it… thats right yunel “the hitting machine”

By 18 Wheels of L ove

March 19, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, you gonna make any of DBT’s latest round of shows? I’m gonna go to the Music Farm show here in Charleston. Gonna be my first show…I psyched.

By Saltywoody

March 19, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Tried to make Aybar go to rehab, and he said no, Jojo.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Escobar single to left, then Chipper hits an opposite-field drive to the warning track, caught. Escobar was all the way around second, turned around and hustled back to beat the throw to first.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Got your photo, Lew. Yeah, that’s some real snow.

; )

By Steve McP

March 19, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Sounds like some great defensive plays being made by the Astros

By brad

March 19, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

on the board Diaz singles — yunel scores

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Three hits in fourth by Yunel, McCann and Diaz (RBI), then Kotsay strikes out to end inning.

By TJ

March 19, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

4 walks in 3 innings, to go with 7 walks in 7 innings before tonight. Another lefty out of the Braves system who seems to not trust his stuff. At least Chuck James doesn’t walk himself into trouble.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

E4 on Kelly to start fourth inning, pretty routine play he just booted it — not a backhanded play, by the way.

By flange1

March 19, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

For all you DBT fans:

Jason Isbell at Eddies Attic this week playing acoustic.

X announced an ATlanta show!

Son Volt on April 11

SPRING IS HERE!!!!!

By 22oz

March 19, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Methinks JoJo might get cut Friday. You know, “so he can his work in.”

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

I was wrong about Jo-Jo. He stayed in for a fourth inning, gave up another run on two hits and an error. Threw 82 pitches in four innings. Yikes.

By Kev

March 19, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

By every start that Jo-Jo Reyes makes him looking more and more to me like HORACIO RAMIREZ,gosh Jo-Jo last 3 starts makes, MARK REDMAN look like Nolan Ryan or something.. at this pace i’ll take Chuck J with his bum shoulder over Carlyle and this fella who i dont recall, that only gives 3 or 4 HR, 2B,BB, and a dozen of hits every time he’s out there, and all in the 1st and 2nd inning, jesus HO-HO.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Jo-Jo threw 41 strikes in 82 pitches. That’s not a model of efficiency.

Four innings, 6 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 3 strikeouts….

Saltywoody, very clever….

Where’s the X show? They’re terrific (still) live. Saw them at Tabernacle couple years ago.

By Kevin

March 19, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

McFann it is pretty hypocritical of you if you are calling Jo-Jo Ho-Ho because of his weight don’tcha think? I feel like we have been over this with McCann before.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Kev, don’t worry: He’s not in the rotation, which consists of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton and Jurrjens.

Right now I’d guess Jo-Jo is behind Chuck (once at full strength), Bennett and Carlyle.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t call Jo-Jo “Ho-Ho” because of his weight, Kevin. (I’ve been waitin’ for this…) I call him that because that’s how I thought his name was pronounced. Since his last name was “Reyes”, ya know…I was thinkin’ of Jose, so that’s where it came from. Had nuthin to do with weight.

82 pitches and only half of them were strikes?! Good grief, this guy is not ready for the bigs. It’s only ST, but DUDE!

By flange1

March 19, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, How is this for interesting,

Jason Isbell Thurs Mar 20 Eddies Attic Gutter Twins Fri Mar21 Roxy

X with Detroit Cobras Thurs May 29 at the Variety Guy Clark Fri MAy 30 at the Variety

Pretty good shows back to back….

By McFann

March 19, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

So it’s official?? Ho-Ho’s not in the rotation??

YESSSSSS!!!

By T-Bone

March 19, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, What will the Braves do with all of their extra outfielders? Can the afford to keep Blanco and Jones and Anderson and Borchard? And then Lillibridge can play a little OF as well. And what happened to Gorkys Hernandez? Which of Flowers, Lillibridge, Infante, and Prado do you think will make it? It seems that they are hitting pretty well. Do you foresee any trades?

By Nick

March 19, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

The beauty of having lots of major league quality pitchers is that we can send JoJo back down to get some innings. He shot through a couple of levels last year so it would be good for him to just sit in AAA for a while and learn how to control his pitches better with no pressure on him.

Likewise with Schafer. He’s not going to give any meaningful improvement over the other CF candidates so he goes to AA and hones his swing. No point wasting 3-6 months he can use to develop into a better player just so we can see him sooner.

By desertbrave

March 19, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Were we interested in Juan Rivera? Because now the Mets appear to be, and I was just wondering whether we were still trying to aquire him?

Thanks

By Kevin

March 19, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Well then I apologize McFann but if you were already waiting for it then you can see how I was confused by why you called him that. I don’t think I’m the only one who perceived it that way, though.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

T-Bone, Flowers was sent down with the first cuts. He’s not played above low-A yet. Still couple years away probably.

Borchard is on a minor league contract. Blanco, Jones and Anderson all have options. Gorkys Hernandez is 20 years old, man. He was just brought over to play in a couple of games. He’s a kid, still in minor league camp.

So take a deep breath.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Soriano, not a good showing. Got first two outs, then walks Bourn and gives up a BOMB to straight center.

By Gamecock Brave

March 19, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah im orginally from Virginia, but now am a student at USC. At least we have one thing to keep us from killing each other. haha. sorry to hear about that 140million bucks CU just happen to have lying aroung.

By N8

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

McFann

“I don’t call Jo-Jo “Ho-Ho” because of his weight, Kevin. (I’ve been waitin’ for this…) I call him that because that’s how I thought his name was pronounced.”

So then you DIDN’T actually watch any games last year on TBS and HEAR the announcers pronounce his name?

Come on! You can do better than that. Use that 13 year old “girl power!” brain of yours.

:-)

By N8

March 19, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

T-Bone

I don’t like the moniker T-Bone. May I suggest we call you Koko, instead?

By northBeach Scott

March 19, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Why are several of you getting so giddy about Joe Nathan? You cannot imagine that the Braves would trade prospects (our depth) for a rent a player who makes $6MM in 2008. Soriano gave up a HR, but was throwing free and easy per Pete. He is going to be okay. You may also recall that Mike Gonzalez will return this summer to build on what is looking like a strong bullpen.

Think about the Braves’ needs before pulling one out of the blue. A closer is not one of them. Perhaps some more bench help, but otherwise we seem to be set.

Epinephrine Well said regarding CF situation. By all appearances, Kotsay is exceeding expectations and will provide some of those intagibles that the Braves can use.

Saw a Cactus League game in Mesa, today-A’s at Cubs. Great pitching effort by Ryan Dempster (5 1/3 innings, 1 hit, no runs) and Joe Blanton 6 innings, 3 hits, no runs. The A’s really do look like a AAA team. They really are going to stink. F******* made a terrific throw to nail a runner at the plate for the Cubbies.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

’S OK, Kevin. I kinda had a feeling somebody would say something eventually just because of the whole McCann thing. I just got used to calling Reyes “Ho-Ho”, so it just came out that way here.

Ugh…I can’t stand the Astros!.

By chrisklob

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

Gamecock Brave, your name Kevin, by any chance?

By McFann

March 19, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Neight—

I thought it was prob’ly “Jo-Jo” when I first saw that name, but I always thought J’s were pronounced like H’s in Spanish. Then I heard the announcers say “Jo-Jo”, but I kept mispronouncing his name because I didn’t really care for him. When I’m mad at him (which I usually am, heh heh) I call him “Ho-Ho”…kind of out of spite.

Oh, and I’m older than 13, too. : )

By northBeach Scott

March 19, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Wow, the AJC censor edited out my reference to Fkdome the new Cubbie right fielder. Others mentioned this over the winter, just did not realize how G our blog is.

By Gamecock Brave

March 19, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Im really likin what im seein out of Borchard, aside from the aformentioned career batting average somewhere north of the mendoza line. Who knows he could be one of those guys that just finally got it. I thought last year Jo Jo was another one of those Horacio, Kyle Davies type guys that would pitch a good game then struggle and as soon as we thought he was done, he’d pitch again. Personally i would like to have a level guy with some consistancy, even if his top end isn’t as great as the other guy…. with that said, I’m really excited about our rotation and the makeup of our team, especially w/o capt roids!

By Gamecock Brave

March 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

chrisklob naaah names not kevin, its anthony. I take it you know a kevin at usc

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

The “Infant Braves” have fueled a tying five-run rally here in the ragged eight inning, with help by a couple of errors.

Pena, Anderson, Schafer, Jones, Blanco and Prado all have hits in the inning, and it’s 7-7 now.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

March 19, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I just turned the old Dinosaur(computer) on and checked the score. It would seem that Jo-Jo Reyes has punched his ticket back to Richmond for sure and Soriano is still getting the cobwebs out.

By woogidy

March 19, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Up, Down, all around, looks like JOJO got knocked aroud. Not to worry, not to fret, Triple A is where he’ll sit. The Braves are losing, but that’s o.k., ‘cause these games don’t matter anyway. At season’s end when the records count, Bravos in first! How’s that sound?

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Thor struck out to end the inning, score 7-7….

northBeach, there isn’t a censor; it’s an automatic filter. be creative, sub out a letter for a symbol or something.

By David O'Brien

March 19, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Villarreal: 1-2/3 innings, seven hits, six runs, five earned.

By chrisklob

March 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Gamecock, I know a guy who’s from Va., goes to S. Carolina, and is a big Braves fan. Just curious.

By Gamecock Brave

March 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, anyone else Is there any particular reason why our pitchers are having problems with the Astros? hopefully it wont carry over to the season.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Way to hold your own, McFann.

If I owned a city in which Chuck, Carlyle, and Jo-Jo were all three in my major-league rotation, and I also owned hell, I would live in hell and rent out that doomed city. (The joke was originally about Little Rock, Arkansas, but I felt it was fitting.)

By northBeach Scott

March 19, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Just say no to Sir Cranium

By N8

March 19, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

NBS

“Think about the Braves’ needs before pulling one out of the blue. A closer is not one of them. Perhaps some more bench help, but otherwise we seem to be set.”

At this time last year, we ALL thought that with Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman, ALL of our games would be 6 inning games.

Gonzalez goes down. Wickman MELTS down, and Soriano is the only rock of the 3.

Of course other than when Smoltz or Hudson pitched, even getting those 6 innings out of our starters, was hard to come by.

But my point, is that it’s March. While our bullpen “looks” promising, MANY things can and WILL change in between now and July.

Until Soriano pitches about a month without showing ANY signs of elbow issues, and is dominant while doing so, he’s gonna make me nervous. The manner (silence), in which the Braves are handling Soriano’s “situation” is fishy to me.

Many magazines and prognosticators, have listed Soriano as a “question mark” as the full time closer, and that was BEFORE this injury…er…NON injury.

Imagine how much of a question mark the pen would be without him.

If all of the “role” pitchers in the pen perform up to reasonable expectations, and Soriano lasts until Gonzo is ready to not only pitch, but be the closer, we’ll be fine. We have that luxury of Gonzo coming back.

But I said it yesterday, and I’ll say it again. I’m not so sure we’ll see the “old” Mike Gonzalez until 2009. So Soriano is BIGTIME important to me.

By Efrim

March 19, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

It isn’t panic time yet with Soriano, but I am starting to worry a tad.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks, ippississiM. I’d take Chuck over the other two…definitely over Ho-Ho.

Dang it! A five run rally for naught!! Thanks, Buddy!

Night, all!

By N8

March 19, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

McFann

“Oh, and I’m older than 13, too. : )”

Sorry. 14 year old “girl power” brain.

:-)

I know (or have been told by you - that doesn’t make it true), that you are not 13 or 14. But it seems to bug you, so I like to post it once or twice a week.

Side not to all others:

Come on! No Seinfeld fans in the house tonight?

That T-Bone/Koko reference was DAMN funny, IMO.

Party poopers.

By McFann

March 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

BTW—I have an Aunt in Little Rock.

: >

By BT

March 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

The question comes to mind - how did we go 500 last year with Ho Ho, Chuckie, Buddy (as hard as he tried), Davies, etc? We also had a leaking bullpen which was not helped with by our “starters.” Our closer was a tub of lard with a bad attitude. Smoltz and Hudson must have been driven crazy. We had a first time 2nd baseman (who did better than expected), an under motivated centerfielder, and Woodward coming off the bench. The fact that Chipper stayed sane is a miracle. Darn it is unbelievable how we won 50 games!

By Efrim

March 19, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Soriano is very important to this team. There is depth in the pen, but not enough to sustain the loss of an elite arm like his.

By mark

March 19, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Reyes for sure is having a really really bad spring…He might have hard time nailing down a starting 5 job in Richmond

By TJ

March 19, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

3 more Braves hit by pitches tonight? Is it my imagination, or have we been pounded in the batters’ box this spring?

I see Reyes got 8 ground ball outs, and just one fly ball out. That’s a good thing… maybe something positive for him to take away from tonight on his way to minor league camp (I’m guessing). Just got to stop walking guys.

By AdirondackDave

March 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

DOB and Brad — Thanks for the many game updates. Wish the pitching had held up better but it’s only ST. Real fun starts in a couple weeks.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

My mom’s folks are all from White County, Arkansas, and they have a very, very low opinion of Little Rock.

By Kevin

March 19, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

N8 I caught the seinfeld reference and I thought it was funny too. I just forgot to post.

By Greg in TN

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

Certainly not a good outing tonight by Jo-Jo Reyes, who most certainly be starting the season in the minors outside of a late spring injury.

It looks like Soriano is still shaking off a little rust, I’m not worried about him yet, but I would like to see a little more Soriano from early last year in his next couple appearances. There’s time yet for him to get enough work to get into a groove. Resop and Acosta pitched well, but it looks like Carlyle gave up an untimely double to Jose Cruz Jr which led to the ‘Stros plating him and and ended up taking the loss tonight.

Today’s big blog subject hit the ball with a couple hits and an RBI tonight. Blanco is definitely making some noise at this point in his tour of duty at Dark Star.

We certainly didn’t treat Oscar like an old friend tonight with five ERs in an inning and two thirds. Good to see Brandon Jones enter the game with a pinch-hit RBI single with the struggles he’s had to this point.

By Matt the Brave

March 19, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

What the heck happened to Villareal? I’ve listened to a couple of Astros games on XM and he’s gotten shelled a few times. Any ideas?

By Ric Flair

March 19, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Yes I have an idea Matt the Brave he sucks.

By ippississiM

March 19, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Vulture forgot he was traded and thought it was batting practice!

You guys got any thoughts on my next research project? I thought about trying to do probable-pitcher matchups and predictions for the first trip through the rotation, covering all the teams in the NL East, and projecting probable standings at that point, but I’m open to suggestions. I’m also purposefully NOT taking any feedback directly on my site, so as to keep the traffic here where it belongs. My little fan site is only a semi-permanent parking spot for what would otherwise be just extremely long comments on here, with way too much effort put in.

By JimD

March 19, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Yes, Matt. He ain’t that good anymore. That’s what happened to Villareal.

By N8

March 19, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Efrim

TOTALLY agree with you 10:02 post.

Kevin

Thank you for getting it. I don’t “beg” for attention on jokes very often, but when I saw a guy with the T-Bone moniker it was the FIRST thing I thought of, and actually laughed out loud while I was typing it.

By Steve McP

March 19, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about Soriano - he never pitches well unless it matters.

I recall his bad outings last year were in games when the Braves either had the game tied up or had already lost it

By uga-brave

March 19, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

national treasure,

any worries about the amount of errors that are piling up.

that and the lack of dinger production have to be some concern?

By uga-brave

March 19, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

steveMcP,

i hope you are kidding. there was about a six week period that soriano gave up big flys to everyone except david eccstein . well for all you true braves fans ( eccstein hit a slam against reitsma to win a game a couple of years ago)

back to my point, this aint good.

the braves dont need the bullpen by committe crap. they need a shut down guy in the ninth, period.

if soriano is not sound, options need to be explored, if management is serious about winning.

By Allen

March 20, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

DOB

How fast was Soriano throwing tonight?

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

here is another sign that up is down and down is up.

BEAR STEARNS the fifth largest investment bank in the country was bailed out at just over the $ amount of AROD’S original $230 million contract.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

national treasure,

that moniker is the fault of your good friend don. i promise it is the last time i will use it.

DOB, gotta be some concern about the errors by escobar and johnson.

both glavine and hudson are ground ball pitchers and they depend on consistent middle infield defense.

not to mention their ability to turn a huge DP.

glavine especially needs this. he does not give in and he can induce a ground ball with runners on 1st & 3rd with less than two outs with the best of them.

By Wayne in Utah

March 20, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

I personally still think Ho Ho can be a middle of the rotation pitcher eventually.

Ho Ho, Ho Ho, it’s off to Richmond I go…..

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

wayne,

i agree, jo jo just has to lean to trust his stuff.

for him it is all about getting ahead of hitters, and kowing his stuff is good enough to pitch up here.

he has got all the pitches, it is just is about his confidence.

he will benefit, more so then any of the other fifth spot canidates with a full year in richmond.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Eventually, Wayne? As in, when? Horacio is 28 years old, with five seasons in the major leagues.

He’s ONE YEAR YOUNGER THAN JOHAN SANTANA….

DOB, gotta be some concern about the errors by escobar and johnson.uga-brave

That was Kelly Johnson’s first error of the spring, and it came on a lightning-fast, dried-out, crappy field. You really “have to be concerned” with one error all spring?

Yunel is Yunel. He’s going to make 20-25 errors probably. You live with it, like you did Furcal.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 20, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

I see the negative nabobs are hard at it again. Soriano will be fine , he just needs to get his arm stretched out and throw a few innings between now and opening day.

Jason Stark and a couple of other websites are reporting that the Tigers are shopping 1B/OF Marcus Thames.

With Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney both slated to start the season on the D.L , those Tigers are in need of some right handed relief pitching.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Soriano didn’t appear to have any arm problems to me. Just threw a ball down the pipe to Pence. Otherwise, pretty solid. Two strikeouts, including one of Lance Berkman to end the inning.

Hey, the guy showed all last year that he was pretty lousy in games that weren’t close. So I guess it goes to reason that in a spring game that’s not close, pretty good chance he’s going to stink (the game wasn’t close when he was in; Braves were getting thumped).

I’d be more concerned with fact he’s only pitched two innings. Don’t know how much of a workload he can handle early on. Last year Bobby used him five times in the first week of the season. That won’t work this time around, with how little innings he’s gonna have this spring.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 20, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

From the Braves/MLB website :

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Rafael Soriano surrendered a two-run homer to the Astros at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday night, but the Braves’ closer still provided some encouragement for his skipper.

“He was free and easy, and he struck out [Lance] Berkman, who is hard to strike out,” manager Bobby Cox said. “I was happy to see that.”

Because he experienced some discomfort above his right elbow at the beginning of this month, Soriano was making just his second Grapefruit League appearance. During his debut, on Saturday against the Rays, he tossed a scoreless inning that included a few 94-mph fastballs.

Cox thought that the veteran right-handed reliever, who is entering a season as a closer for the first time, had even better velocity on Wednesday. Soriano’s lone mistake came when Hunter Pence took advantage of a misplaced 1-2 fastball and directed it over the center-field wall for a two-run homer.

Soriano rebounded to end the inning with the strikeout of Berkman. He’d started the inning with a strikeout of Brad Ausmus.

“Soriano had two punchouts in an inning, which is good, and then he laid a ball in there to Pence,” Cox said.

Cox said Soriano looks healthy and that the club has never even hinted that they would start the season without him as their closer.

By uga-brave

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

on the eve of the madness,

my final four.

unc, kansas, texas, and ucla.

finals

unc vs. ucla, with the bruins in their third try cutting down the nets.

By Chris Reitsma

March 20, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

I thought Soriano looked great..

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

DOB,

final four predictions?

my concern with kelly and escobar is making the easy plays when the ball is hit right at them. two relatively young guys, who are basically learning on the job.

i think esco will make plays that will make you go WOW, but i think he will boot plays that are head scratchers.

i agree on the 20-25 error call, it is his first full season as a major league ss.

footwork and positioning are keys and that comes with experience.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Wayne, just realized you were talking about Jo-Jo. So nevermind my post about that.

You folks with the ho-ho and all that are confusing me.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

coach,

of all of our rivals in the division,

our defense up the middle is the least proven.

just no way of knowing what escobar and johnson are going to do all year.

By Steve McP

March 20, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

UGA

Soriano gave up 24 earned runs last year. Of those he gave up 12 in games that the Braves won.

He had a poor two week period in July just after the all star break, which accounted for 9 more of the earned runs and included 3 blown saves and a loss.

He gave up 3 more in an 11-0 blow out against the Red Sox.

Apart from that two week period he was very reliable and he seemed to excel in tight situations. I get the feeling that he does not concentrate to the same extent in games that are not close, but I also believe that we will generally be able to rely upon him when needed.

By nOLIE

March 20, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

“He was free and easy, and he struck out [Lance] Berkman, who is hard to strike out,” manager Bobby Cox said. “I was happy to see that.”

Berkman is a guy who could be on his way to the HOF if he stays healthy.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

You people need to calm the hell down about Soriano. He is gonna blow 5 saves this year because all closers, even the best, blow 5 saves. Some do it by walking too many, some do it by giving up too many hits, and some like Soriano do it in dramatic fashion by giving up the dingers.

Soriano will blow 5 saves this season by giving up the long one and it will be awfully dramatic when he chokes it up like that but so what?

You just have to go into this season expecting him to blow 5 saves like every other closer and expect him to be lights out otherwise. He’ll be fine.

Even Smoltz blew 3 to 5 saves a season when he was the best closer in baseball for a few years there.

By Robert

March 20, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

DOB

People on these blogs love to jump on young pitchers. Reyes missed a whole year of development recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Young pitchers need to take their lumps. Can you imagine what would have been said on these blogs when Glavine/Smoltz/Avery were getting their on the job training. In order to develop young pitchers, then we need to learn to live with the growing pains. Reyes just needs innings.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Steve McP,

i agree, the guy was dominant early in the season and dominant late in the season.

i just remember the bomb he gave up to dunn in extras, the late dinger against the pirates, the late dinger to pujols in a close one, and my all time favorite the salami against the astros in the 8th.

hey, i like the guy he throws strikes. he just needs to keep it in the yard.

your are correct in your point, it was really just one bad stretch. still it really made a difference in our season.

By Dan Kolb

March 20, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

Yeah, no need to worry about Soriano. It happens to the best of us.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

gotta disagree with you on this.

when smoltz came into a game, most hitters were already psyched out, same with rivera.

closing is just as mental with the opposing offense.

hitters know, or at least think there are guys that they can get to and there are guys they cant.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

pitchers that can close, and close consistently are rare commodities.

we won a lot of games when smoltz was our closer. there is certain attitude a team gets when they know they have a stopper at the end of the game.

opposing managers manage different when they know the other team has a stopper.

until soriano can prove he has the makeup to be one we will not know.

the last three outs are always the hardest, especially when you are on the road.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

Nomar hurt. Kerry Wood hurt. What else is new?

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

oh by the way,

it would be nice if all those coaches from the red sox, donated that money to charity.

not saying i would, but they make a ton and it would go a long way to bring back some jaded fans that got turned off by the steroid controversy.

before you say it, why dont the players donate it too. it would be a nice jesture.

By uga-brave

March 20, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

how about prior, WW.

have not seen any reports.

speaking of pitchers that DUSTY has ruined.

harang and the reds future star homer bailey, probably are already icing down their arms.

By Coach(Lets Go Braves In 2008)

March 20, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

By my count , Smoltz lost the game , blew a lead or blew a save on just 13 occasions while notching 154 saves. That is a conversion rate of about 92% , which is just about lights out.

Soriano already has 15 of those failures as a setup man and closer. He also has just 13 career saves so far.

So , it’s just not a fair comparison at all to be named in the same sentence as John Smoltz when it comes to being a closer.

Smoltz is a Hall of Famer as both a starter and closer.

Soriano is just getting his feet wet.

Fans are just going to cut Soriano some slack as this will be his first season as a full time closer.

Yunel Escobar will have a bunch of errors , probably somewhere between 20 to 30. He will also get to a ton of balls hit in the hole that Renteria would have never had a prayer at reaching. Basically , Yunel will have more errors and more putouts not to mention that rifle of an arm at SS.

We will just have to wait and see about his offense which looks damn near outstanding so far this spring training.

I’m not worried about Kelly Johnson at all , in fact , I fully expect him to actually improve his game.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

At noon tomorrow, we officially kick off the greatest 3 to 4 week period in sports ever year. March Madness, Opening Day, real baseball games, and the only golf tournament I ever watch and believe matters: The Masters. I don’t know much about golf but there is just something about that place that sucks me in and makes me watch. It just seems like the most beautiful place. I will have to go there someday.

I drove by the Ted tonite on the way to go see a friend. There was only one thing I could think at that moment: Enough of this spring training sh!t! Let’s start this God Damn season already!

I’m dying to see this team play when it matters. I think they are gonna be World Series special this year. I really do. As presently constituted, they won’t be. But I think around the trade deadline, they are gonna make a big trade for a big arm that will be the difference maker. It will be similar to last season with this pitcher taking the salary slot to be vacated by Tex like Tex took Andruw’s to be vacated salary slot.

Look to who is gonna be a free agent next year or the year after. One of those guys will be a Brave by the end of the season. And Cox is doing a wonderful job right now setting just that up. THat sly dog is singing the praises of all the kids, even the ones he normally doesn’t like. Makes me chuckle everytime. He knows what he’s trying to set up for Wren to execute later this summer.

Arms will be scarce of course this summer with so many teams probably still in contention and the price being so high for quality arms. But I think if the need arises, the Braves will just go for it. World Series or broke. They are good enough to hang around and be much more legit than last season.

But they also need to look in the mirror and realize that they will have 4 superstars this summer: Cox, Smoltz, Chipper, and Tex who might never again be at a supreme level in a Braves uni after this season. If they can grab it, they need to go grab it. World Series or broke. They no longer have the burden of worrying about the streak and being reluctant to trade away the farm in order to maintain it.

Plus, I think this is one of the uniqe opportunities they have to grow their attendance, which has steadily risen the last few years. If they make one more big dramatic purchase later this summer and then go on to win the World Series, I believe they can recapture all that was lost in the 1990s with attendance.

But if they don’t win the World Series or don’t even finish .500, I’m not gonna cry either. They might be cheap but they do it the right way. I’d rather root for homegrowns, shrewd pickups, and old prodigal sons anyday over a team comprised of high priced call girls.

One big story line for me this year is are the kids gonna take this team away from Chipper and Smoltz and Glavine and claim this team as their own?

After reading what DOB said about Darren Daulton, I believe there is one player out there that can be added and make that happen: Kevin Millar.

Not sure where he could fit in offensively or defensively but I think he is the kind of guy who is a missing ingredient in teaching these kids in the words of Jack Nicholson in The Departed: “I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me…. No one gives it to you. You have to take it.”

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

March 20, 2008 5:16 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

As a church goer I am completely offended by your use of the Lord’s name in vein. It is ugly and offensive and their is no place for it here on DOB’s blog………………..

I’m sorry I lost my train of thought — the hooker I brought home from the bar was trying to take my bong away and sneak a hit.

Gotta keep your pimp hand STRONG !!

What was I saying …..

oh yeah — NO PLACE AT ALL !!

You should be BANNED !!

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

March 20, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this

DOB

What’s for breakfast??

I’ll take steak and eggs with a short stack of pancakes, and some hashbrowns.

And You??

By Moby Grape

March 20, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this

American Cheese omelet with bacon and sausage in it. country fries and two english muffins to make it into omelet mcmuffins. Thank you. I’ll leave a good tip.

By Bryan

March 20, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Braveheart -

I thought a lot about signing Millar this winter - but the signing of Kotsay ended those thoughts.

I think he brings a strong vet presence - not a dalton presence - but i am not sure if that’s what this team needs (imagine Smoltz, Glav, Hudson, or Hampton if someone called a team meeting their third day with the team)

I know Kotsay is not a hardscrabble leader like some, but i think he will fit the bill.

REM fans - i have been talking with my friends who have also gotten the new cd (namely Daybed). It is better than we had hopped for.

The shortness off it makes it fit right in with Reckoning, Fables, Life’s Rich Pageant, Green, and Out of Time (i think New Adverntures in High-Fi could have used some trimming - imagine that album if it was only 11 songs long!).

The sound of the album is not too far off from those albums either - I swear to yall - Mike Mills shows up and shows out on this album! Man-Sized Wreath sounds like it came out of the Life’s RIch Pageant sessions (except now they play better).

I was really excited about this CD and it has surpassed my expectations - not because of how bad the album(s) before it were… this sh!t stands on it’s own.

By 22oz

March 20, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

N8, don’t know if you’ll see this, but i laughed at your Seinfeld reference, unfortunately it was a 8:05 this morning. Oh well, late props are better than no props at all.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Interesting blog posts last night!

We shouldn’t give up on Ho-Ho, eh, Jo-Jo just yet. He is still a kid looking for confidence. Richmond will be the place for him to get comfortable with his pitches.

We should also not get TOO worried about Soriano. Remember he only pitched 2 innings this spring. I agree with DOB that he needs to pitch.

Thor is doing a great job of playing his way off this team.

Pena keeps getting hits. I have gone 180 on the back up catchers, I think he is the back up. Javy make take an assignment in Richmond or maybe not. Wish him luck.

Did anyone notice Blanco started in right last night and got a couple hits? Anderson came in for Kotsay in CF.

I would rather have Anderson on the team because of his baserunning skills, but I think it is a neck and neck race between Anderson and Blanco for the 4th OF spot.

Another good inning from Resop. I am leaning more toward keeping Resop, Boyer and Ring and not having a long guy out of Spring Training.

M. Thames is an interesting name. Wonder what it would take to pick him up?

By Epinephrine

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

I’m also having to eat some crow on Pena. I thought he had a “snowball’s chance in hell” of making the team, and now I’d prefer to see him on it. Wrong on that one.

In the Blanco/Anderson debate, I prefer Blanco though. I think at the major league level, he will hit for a high average and have a bit more pop than Anderson. He will definitely have a higher OBP, and with this lineup, that should mean more runs.

I lean to Boyer, Resop, and Bennett.

By KC

March 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Sounds like an encouraging outing for Soriano, actually. He threw in the mid-90s, had a couple of Ks, and threw “free and easy” according to BC. So, I’d say that’s pretty good.

If the velocity is good and his arm doesn’t seem to be bothering him, that’s certainly encouraging.

By DCbrave

March 20, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Mark Bowman (mlb.com’s braves reporter), Mike Bauman (mlb.com’s national columnist, my son was confused with them not just once.

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 20, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I was watching an ESPN Spring Training game between the Tigers and Nationals the other day. They were interviewing Jim Leyland and asked him about having Todd Jones as his closer. Here’s what he had to say about closers and ST appearances (this is a paraphrase, not a direct quote):

“For me, you can pretty much dismiss any performance by any closer during Spring Training games. They’re high-intensity guys who feed off of adrenaline and the situation when the game is on the line during the regular season, and there’s just none of that in the 6th inning of a ST game. They’re here just to get some work in and work on their pitches.”

By TK

March 20, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

DOB….I had a friend that just got back from spring training. He said a rumor floating around was the Braves had someone looking at the DBacks Chad Tracy. The DBacks were looking for some bull pen help. The hold up is that Tracy had not played much or any after knee surgey. The DBacks would take Thorman and one or more of the out of option pitchers. If healthy Tracy could really help the Braves at 3rd & 1st and maybe some OF. Just wondering if you had heard anything??? btw Thanks for keeping us up to date on spring training.

By ippississiM

March 20, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

That settles that point: “He got tips in his last bullpen workout from veteran lefty Tom Glavine, and Reyes believes he’s a start or two from putting it all together.” - a direct quote from DOB’s article about yesterday’s game. So Tom Glavine is, indeed, contagious.

By Duke

March 20, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

DOB, if Soriano is needed 4-5 times in the first 7 games then who does Bobby turn to if he cant go that much this early on? Would Blaine Boyer be an option? I dont want to take Moylan out of the set up spot for any reason and I just feel that Boyer has closer stuff.

By McFann

March 20, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Neight—

It really doesn’t bug me. I just joke along with ya. (But I really am older than that. : ) )

Oh, and mea culpa. My aunt lives in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She’s actually my mother’s aunt, so I guess that makes her my great aunt.

By ippississiM

March 20, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Glavine on schedule to face Mets Hudson Thursday, Smoltz Friday, Glavine (backfield) Saturday, gives Sunday and Monday to Hampton and whoever is still here to go after the other spot, and then it should be Hudson @ Mets, Smoltz v. Nats, then Glavine v. Mets. I’ll be interested to see if this pans out.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Caveman, after hearing me say that, I was summoned by The Big Fella to His House. Jesus and the Holy Spirit met me at the door. They were somber and, as they were walking me down the corridors, they told me that I should not take the Lord’s name in vain. But as They were about to usher me into the Big Room to meet the Big Fella, They each whispered to me, “I can’t wait for the God damn season to start either.”

As I walked into The Big Fella’s Big Room, a big, bellowing voice called out to me and said, “Stop right there! How dare ye take My name in vain!” I almost tinkled in my pants. I tried to explain myself. He laughed and said, “Have no fear, My son. I can’t wait for the God damn season to start either. If I didn’t have to spend at least 4 months of the year fighting that wimp Lucifer, I’d order that you earthlings play the only game truly sent down by the heavens 24/7/365.”

He then brought me into His den where he had a panel of hundreds of televisions set up on His wall on which there were hundreds of baseball games all over the world being played.

He told me to look at the television labeled SNY. He told me the Lord only helps those who help themselves. He said that unfortunately He could not save that team. They sold their souls to the Devil this offseason. A certain lefthander was pitching. He scrambled around the letters of the pitcher’s name and revealed it to say An’ Satan as if the Mutts were only the Mets an’ Satan to Him these days. He shook His head and laughed. After 46 years, you’d think they would get it already.

As we kicked back in the recliners He had set up, sipping Coca Cola and sharing a bowl of peanuts, He turned to me and said, “Go Braves!”

By Bryan

March 20, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

i say we get tracy simply for the fact that he has destroyed the braves in the past!

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

TK, Chad Tracy makes sense if the Braves are looking at him to take over at one of the corners beyond 2008 (though he’s not great defensively at either 3B or 1B)

He is making $3.75 mill this season and $4.75 mill in 2009, with a $7 mill option for 2010 that has a $1 mill buyout.

He got over 500 at-bats in 2005 and 597 at-bats in 2006, and had 75 doubles and 47 homers in those two seasons combined. Would’ve had similar at-bats last year if hadn’t hurt his knee and had surgery.

My understanding is that his knee’s still iffy for beginning of this season.

All that said, if Braves could get him he’d be a huge offensive upgrate for their bench. Just don’t know if it’s realistic. Haven’t heard his name, but that doesn’t mean anything; I haven’t asked. I will try to check with a couple of people.

Beyond salary, I’d imagine D-backs would want plenty for such a productive young player, one they identified as a “core’ player when they signed him to that three-year contract right before he got hurt.

By JimD

March 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I don’t know so much about exchaning Thor for Tracy. Could be OK. With Tracy you get someone who could play 1B, 3B, and LF.

But consider …

First, you don’t NEED someone to play 3B and/or LF. Those backups are more than ably covered.

Also, with Thor, you know what you are getting. He ain’t great, but he ain’t all that bad either. He is OK. With Tracy and his knee surgery, he is all of a sudden somewhat of an unknown.

I think it’s just too iffy.

I am still of the mindset to stick with what we have and try to make a trade after the season starts if we need to.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

In Buster Olney’s blog this morning, Buster linked to a Detroit writer who suggested that Detroit fans watch the Braves relievers. He indicated that there are 4 guys fighting for 2 spots.

Detroit needs a RH reliever. Might be a match.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

t would be nice if all those coaches from the red sox, donated that money to charity. not saying i would, but they make a ton and it would go a long way to bring back some jaded fans that got turned off by the steroid controversy. uga-brave

No, they don’t make a ton of money. Not at all. Coaches make a small fraction of what players and most managers make. Low-six figures for most. Sure, that’s a lot compared to the average American’s wages, but $150,000, or even $300,000 living in Boston, is not a “ton” these days, not after taxes (by the way, can you guys believe that players and coaches and managers have to pay taxes on the percentage of their salary they earn for the days they are in each state the teams play in during the season? it’s true).

Anyway, uga-brave, if were making $125,000, or $250,000 living in Boston, would you donate your extra $20,000 stipend to charity as a gesture to fans? Really?

The players, that’s another story. A few of them could certainly afford the gesture, especially after making those spring-training game fans wait around for an hour or so while they protested…

And by the way, every seat in Fenway Park for the entire season is sold before the first game of the season, except for the few tickets they release a few hours before each game to fans who line up for them every day outside the park.

By Efrim

March 20, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Flange1

How about Boyer for Curtis Granderson….

Think they’ll bite?!?!?

I can dream.

By Nate

March 20, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Soriano may just need to get some more innings pitched, but the season is just over a week away now. When is he gonna pitch those innings? Can the Braves afford to blow a save or three in April. With tough division competition three games in the standings may make all the difference. Also, if you will take a look back at last year, Soriano was not exactly the paragon of dependable closer.

This is the Braves’ year. This year is the best chance the Braves will get to win a championship for the foreseeable future, and Soriano looks like the weak link to me. Its time to talk to the Twins about Nathan.

By ippississiM

March 20, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

McFann: Mountain Home is nice, but I prefer the White River valley. My uncle is building a reproduction Scottish castle near Bald Knob, and every Thanksgiving we go way back into the Ozarks to my great-aunt Clara’s horse ranch on the Missouri border, then wind down at my grandmother’s farmhouse in Providence (a small community about half an hour from Searcy).

By Epinephrine

March 20, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

JimD…how can you say what we are getting with Thorman isn’t bad? Personally, I think this would be great. We don’t have 3b covered. We lose Chipper, and we have a power outage in our lineup. Same with Tex. We address both of those with an acquisition like this.

By Lew

March 20, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Unless we can get a decent bench player or a worthwhile pitcher for some of our out of options guys, there is no need to do much of anything unless injuries happen. There is little to be gained by having someone making over $3 mil a year come in to play at first for 20 games and to pinch hit.

If it is really necessary, look for a Duane Ward type of player-not that even that needs to be done. This year’s bench is better than last year’s-Woodward and Orr have left the building. There comes a time when fine tuning is no longer needed. Go with what you’ve got. It really is the best overall lineup in the NL East and maybe most of the NL.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

I GUESS I would take that trade.. I think we might be getting shafted a bit. If they could throw in Carl Crawford we could add Stockman. That would be fair, don’t you think? :)

By Lew

March 20, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB-Also, considering the Red Sox paid for Dice K (full salary + what they gave to the Japanese team for his rights) was covered by a single T Shirt deal on the Pacific Rim. What they have to pay coaches is chicken feed in comparison. They probably make that much in three days of concession sales at the park.

You’re also right about taxes. They are a lot more for over $100K than most realize-somewhere in the $20-25,000 range a year (more with Social Security taxes) and that doesn’t even include state taxes.

By Renegator

March 20, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Why are all pitchers that are a product of our farm system have major control problems? Can’t someone in our farm system help these young pitchers with their control?

By FJR

March 20, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Talk to the twins about Nathan? Are we giving Schaeffer? You guys talk like we can trade Resop and Thorman and get one of the 5 best closers in baseball.

Soriano will have enough innings by the time the season starts, but just barely. I’m a little worried about his lack of work, but only a little, and I certainly don’t see it causing three blown saves in April.

YOu guys are just ridiculous. You wonder if a guy can handle the pressure of a 9th inning situation in october and then get worried when he gives up a meaningless homerun in a non-save situation in like the third inning he has pitched in spring training.

I know you don’t have much to think about right now, since the games don’t count and all but THIS IS SPRING TRAINING.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Oh, for crying out loud, are you people already giving up on Soriano?

Pathetic. The season hasn’t even started yet.

Ye of little faith.

By TK

March 20, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

DOB….Thanks as always. I felt same about Tracy also. JimD I disagree that the Braves have someone to backup 3rd…fill in maybe. If Chipper misses a month. It would kill the Braves to have Prado or who ever playing in his spot. Tracy has proven (when healthy) that he can hit. Thorman to this point has not and Thorman can not backup 3rd. As DOB pointed out…a lot of money for a backup.

By AdirondackDave

March 20, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

I’m not worried about Escobar’s defense. Maybe he’ll make more errors than Edgar but his range and arm are better so he should get more outs. Anyway, when you find a SS that can pound the ball like he does, so what?

By FJR

March 20, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

epeniphrine,

I really don’t see that kind of move happening. Maybe I’m wrong, but we can’t further deplete the farm for a bench player. If we can get him for some out of options guy and non-top prospect, fine.

Look at it this way. Arizona is a contending team. Arizona could use a great backup 1/3 guy. Why would they essentially give away tracy to a team that has essentially the same needs as they do.

Roll with what we’ve got benchwise unless we can get soemthing for one of the out of options guys, if Chipper or Tex goes down for an extended period, deal with it then. I personally don’t see us withstanding losing either of those guys for a long period of time. This season is make or break based on chipper’s health.

By Scuba-Steve

March 20, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I know this is off the subject, but why is the AJC making such a big deal out the 81 year old man killing the intruder that broke into his house. They keep saying, “It’s justified”…of course it is, there shouldn’t even be a question to whether he was “justified”. Sorry to go off the subject like that…it just bothered me. Can’t wait for the Braves to kick some arse this year!

By DAP

March 20, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

curtis granderson would be awesome…oh well. the tigers are pretty stacked, and they will probably deal from one of their strengths-which is offense- to get some of our extra bullpen guys.

our bullpen is really very solid, even some of the guys are sorta unknowns still. we have enough bullpen arms that we dont need to worry about using someone that just doesnt belong in the bigs, like we have in the past.

brandon inge still isnt really a possibility for us unless the tigers take a chunk of his salary…but who knows? maybe we will get some great prospects from them…they got to draft high for quite a few years, there.

By N8

March 20, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

22oz

Thanks. You’re right. Better late, than never.

I still LOVE Seinfeld. I have the first 3 or 4 seasons on DVD, but I haven’t opened any of them. No need to when you can watch TBS every night for a month or two and pretty much catch them all.

Like I said. Laughed the SECOND I saw the moniker “T-Bone”.

My other favorite Costanza moment, is him “whisper-yelling” Tippy Toe!! Tippy Toe!! to Jerry when they were trying to steal the answering machine tape.

So frickin’ stupid it’s funny.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I wonder if we need to talk to the Nats about Aaron Boone……

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 20, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

DOB — The poll on the front page is wrong. Brian McCann won a Silver Slugger award in 2006; the poll says that no Brave has won one since 2005.

By KC

March 20, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Do you live in the ATL area?

By Maconboy

March 20, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

DOB Why don’t you stick to sports writing & leave the music to AJC music writers…………if I want to read about music I’ll catch the next issue of Rolling Stone or whatever…….what a waste of my time picking thru the music crap……oh well!

By McFann

March 20, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Daybed. Isn’t that awful? And even still, the last time somebody on the team won one is somewhat irrelevant. Even if it was 2005, that’s only two years. There’s prob’ly some team somewhere that’s had to wait longer for a winner.

ippississiM—

I’ve never been to Arkansas, but what you described sounds nice.

By Wayne in Utah

March 20, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Well, I’ve never been to Spain, but I kinda like the music…..

By Lew

March 20, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

MaconBoy-It’s obvious that exposure to all those paper mills in Macon have affected your brain. Rolling Stone for Music news? Are you serious? Their analysis is usuallly a$$ backwards, anyway.

As has been said numerous times in the past, if you don’t like the music news, then either scroll past it or go elsewhere. Most of us here like to talk about music.

Nathan-Is your email the same as before? Apparently if I want to talk to you about music, I’ll have to talk to you directly.

By Braveheart

March 20, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

KC, yeah, I live in Athens. I’m gonna try to make it down to the Fox Sports grille for your Opening Day get together.

By DAP

March 20, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Q: how many Maconboy’s does it take to change a light bulb?

A: just one. he holds the bulb in place, and waits for the world to revolve around him.

By knowitall

March 20, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

DOB, ON ESPN yesterday they had some of the coaches making about half of what you quoted. They said that some only make $50-60k but I think they were including the support staff in that group. Either way, I can certainly understand why any who was not a player would need that money.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Maconboy,

My guess is that you have 2 choices:

1. Skip the music posts and read the posts that you are interested OR

2. Find another blog that you like to read!

I don’t think DOB is going to change the content of this blog that has been MASSIVELY successful because you are whining.

By Daybed Wagmoe

March 20, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

McFann — yes, it is awful that the hometown paper is overlooking your boy. And you’re right: even if it was 2005, that’s only two seasons. Not really a big deal, so the poll itself is pretty irrelevant.

The team with the longest “Silver Slugger drought”? There are 4 teams that haven’t produced one since 2004 — Montreal (Livan Hernandez), San Diego Padres (Mark Loretta), Pittsburgh Pirates (Jack Wilson), and San Francisco (Barry Bonds). All other NL teams have had at least one winner in that time. Don’t know about AL teams - someone else can look that up…I’m at work for cyrin’ out loud!

By N8

March 20, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Daybed

What? You actually expected somebody to come up with a poll question, taht made sense? Not on this website.

That’s about 7 or 8 of the last 10 that have been asinine at best.

I’ve got a new poll question for everybody, that would fit RIGHT IN:

What’s your favorite color on the Braves uniforms?

A) Green

B) Yellow

C) Orange

D) Purple

Good luck.

Lew

“Nathan-Is your email the same as before?.”

I’ve got a few emails. The one you used before is still open. Just let me know when you’re emailing me. I don’t check them all everyday. Then I’ll respond to you with my “main” email address.

“Apparently if I want to talk to you about music, I’ll have to talk to you directly.”

Why do you say that? Have I not seen any of your questions and not responded. Or was somebody giving you guff?

By Nate

March 20, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I’m worried by Soriano’s lack of work this spring, not so much the stats. But you can’t ignore those months last year where he pitched horribly and everyone on here was pushing for Moylan to be th e closer. At this point I don’t think anybody is realy expecting Soriano to be at the top of his game when the season starts. Maybe that cost the Braves a game or two, maybe it doesn’t. Maybe his injury prone arm will be ok all season, maybe it won’t. Soriano is without a doubt the weak link on this team. This is the Braves’ year. If they have to mortage the future a bit to win now, its worth the cost because after this year the pitching staff will have to be re-built.
Joe Nathan is in the last year of his contract. He’s not going to re-sign with the Twins, and they aren’t going anywhere this year. He’s on the trading block, and if the Braves have to give up a key prospect I think its a good call. It will be cheaper now than at the trade deadline.

Its all about winning that championship, and this is the year to play all the cards.

By Reid in Eire Atlanta Village

March 20, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Maconboy — I’m a music writer, and I say DOB knows his music. And this is his blog, so he can blather about whatever he wants (usually knowledgeably); no one forced you to read it.

By FJR

March 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I think many people believe all of this redsox hullabaloo is over like the manager, pitching coach, bench coach and hitting coach. Those guys make good money, but all the rest of the guys make between 50-80K. I gurantee you it wouldn’t be a big deal if it was just francona that wasn’t getting his stipend.

And yes, when a guy makes 60K per year PRETAXES it is ridiculous to ask him to donate even 10K to charity to “foster goodwill amongst the fans”.

How many fans would care two s** if the coaches donated the money to charity? Really?

By FJR

March 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I think many people believe all of this redsox hullabaloo is over like the manager, pitching coach, bench coach and hitting coach. Those guys make good money, but all the rest of the guys make between 50-80K. I gurantee you it wouldn’t be a big deal if it was just francona that wasn’t getting his stipend.

And yes, when a guy makes 60K per year PRETAXES it is ridiculous to ask him to donate even 10K to charity to “foster goodwill amongst the fans”.

How many fans would care two s** if the coaches donated the money to charity? Really?

By flange1

March 20, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Good one DAP!!!!

By Lew

March 20, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I’m emailing you now.

By McFann

March 20, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

2004? Yeah, see, that’s much longer. “2005”…Sheesh…

Neight—

Let’s see…I’m gonna go with……Yellow.

By Epinephrine

March 20, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

FJR,

I am not saying they would make the deal. I am saying that IF they would, for a relief guy and Thorman, it would be a nice move to make. By no means do I advocate getting rid of one of our young studs (except someone on the skits like B. Jones, etc.)

By Adam

March 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, have any idea who is starting pitching on Saturday and Sunday? Going to Viera on Saturday and then to Disney on Sunday.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

On the Red Sox hullabaloo:

I don’t think the Coaches should give any on the money away, thr PLAYERS should give the money away. THEY are the ones that pushed MLB up from $25K to $40K.

THEY are the ones that make ridiculous money, THEY should give some of that money to Charity.

In fact, they should have offered to pay for the coaches and assistants….

By FJR

March 20, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

I’d say even B. Jones is a little too much to pay for a bench player. Unless management is convinced he si going to go the andy marte route and never amount to anything. B. Jones had a bad spring, sure, but a guy who is a real major league prospect is, to me, worth more than a super sub who is supposed to back up a guy in case of injury and the super sub has even more injury concerns than either of the guys he is supposed to be insuring.

I just don’t see the sense in having a guy who is coming off major surgery to be the insurance policy for a guy who has had a series of tough luck injuries. Chipper may be injury prone, but I say he is in better health than Tracy, easily.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Adam: Glavine on Saturday, Hampton on Sunday. Not sure of opposing pitcher Saturday, but Sunday it’s Woody Williams

By Lew

March 20, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Nathan-No, just giving MaconBoy a hard time, that’s all. I do have some music stuff for you, though, which most here wouldn’t care about.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Maconboy: Thanks for the suggestion. We’ll present that to the content committee.

By Saltywoody

March 20, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

By the way, can you guys believe that players and coaches and managers have to pay taxes on the percentage of their salary they earn for the days they are in each state the teams play in during the season? it’s true

This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. How is that even possible? Wouldn’t it be that their home organization is where their wages are paid through, and thus they wouldn’t need to declare taxes in the states they play games in?

Isn’t it essentially the same thing as traveling for business? I mean, a trucker drives through 25 states in a year but only has to pay taxes in his home state (I think, anyway).

What is the rationale behind that???

I can only imagine the bill the coaches receive from HR Block for having to process 43 W2s at the end of the year.

Craziest thing I’ve ever heard.

By knowitall

March 20, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

N8, be careful. That question might be posted on the main page by the end of the day.

By FJR

March 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Nate,

win now is one thing.

Trading your #1 prospect, who will likely be your starting CF NEXT YEAR is an entirely different, and more stupid thing. And we simply don’t have the pieces to get nathan for anything less. And even then, its not entirely clear what the twins would even do with Schaffer.

Maybe you’re not advocating trading Schaffer for nathan, but then its hard to see what exactly you are advocating. We don’t have the pitching prospects, which is what the twins want.

Heyward + B. Jones might work, but imagine we still don’t make the playoffs. People already b*** about getting tex for two years. We would have sold two of our top prospects for ONE YEAR with a closer, when we already had soriano. This wouldn’t be a case of going from Thorman to Tex for 2 years, IMHO worth the prospects we paid, its going from a guy who has been dominating at times, to a guy who is established.

By JimD

March 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Epenephrine and TK, let me clarify. When I say we have 1B and 3B covered, I don’t mean in a long term sense. We have capable people already on the roster to give Hoss and Tex the occasional day off.

That is why I said, “make a trade after the season starts if we need to.” If a long term need due to injury were to arise, then go for a more appropriate stop-gap.

I just don’t think Chad Tracy is a good answer considering the issue with his knees and his “higher than a bench player” salary.

And who knows, if the need arises for a long term temp at 1B or 3B there may be a better deal out there.

By Epinephrine

March 20, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

FJR, I think you are right, I just have very little hope for B Jones. I think he is pretty bad defensively, and won’t amount to much at bat. But anyone else that was similarly “rated”, I agree. I just think he is going to be a wash.

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

ADAM: Sorry, gave you bad info there. Glavine’s name is still on Braves notes, but Jurrjens is actually pitching against Nationals and Glavine is pitchin in a minor league game Saturday. Bobby Cox told me that yesterday.

By taylor s

March 20, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

just read that the marlins are looking for a starter and may be willing to trade mike jacobs. Think chucky would be enough to get him? Jacobs would be the power bat off the bench we are looking for.

By FJR

March 20, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Taylor S.,

Considering Hampton’s health issues and Jo-Jo’s ST implosion (and the fact that he has never proven anything against ML hitters), I don’t see us trading Chucky any time soon. We have pitching depth right now, but its very precarious. It would seem stupid to trade a guy who may very well make 15 starts for us (Chucky) for a bench player.

By JimD

March 20, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

So many people are in such a hurry to make trades. Can’t figure out why. Let’s sort this team out first. I’ve said before … sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.

By DAP

March 20, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

mike jacobs is a pretty good player, but he doesnt play third.

i think if we get another bench guy, he needs to be able to play both corners, and primarily third base. chipper will need more time off and is more likely to get hurt than tex.

By Bawlmer Brave

March 20, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Just like it’s rather rash to start making rash trades in Fantasy based on projected stats before the season even begins, it’s no different for the Braves. Let’s ride out the beginning of the season and see what our REAL needs are.

By beachcomber

March 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

FJR - Believe it was you who made a comment about Andy Marte above. Saw him in Clearwater Monday (our seats are right behind the 3B dugout). His glove work was brutal. You almost feel sorry for the kid.

By flange1

March 20, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Jim D,

I agree with you that sometimes the best trade is the one that you do not make.

But what happens to all of the out of options guys that might/might not make this team? What do you do with them, just release them?

You have Yates, Boyer, Resop, Carlisle and Ring competing with Bennett for 3 spots.

You have B. Pena competing for the BU catcher spot.

You have S Thorman competing for a backup 1B spot.

The bench is going to be weak no matter which guys are selected.

Relief pitching is at a premium in BOTH leagues and the Braves have an excess.

Why not talk trade?????

By PoulanGAboy

March 20, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

how many Maconboy’s does it take to change a light bulb?

What’s a light bulk?

By Randyi

March 20, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. How was Soriano’s velosity?, and most of all how does his arm feel?

By Nate

March 20, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

FJR-

I don’t really know what the Twins would want for Nathan. I’m not sure what it would take in terms of prospects. How would i know? My point is that this is the Braves’ year. 2009 and 2010 are likely to be re-building years unless we can land some proven pitching. Right now Soriano is a liability, and it will be cheaper to get somebody like Nathan now than at the deadline. Who could argue with giving up Brandon Jones, or Lillibridge, or even Jo-Jo if it meant the putting the Braves over the top this year.
Everyone remembers 1995. The only thing I can remember about each year since is that Braves lost to the Yankees twice in the world series, and keep losing in the division series. Is the goal to be competitive every year, or to win a world series? That’s a legitimate question. In this era I don’t think you can really do both without spending money like the Yankees and Red Sox.

To me a championship is worth more than 10 playoff appearances. If you don’t believe me the Marlins?

By DAP

March 20, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

PoulanGAboy What’s a light bulk?

i dont think its anything. why do you ask?

By Maconboy

March 20, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Did I ring someones bell? 1st post I’ve ever seen about the subject & felt it needed to be said. Glad I don’t have to read that crap everyday in the AJC.

Lew: are you just mad because Atlanta smells without the mill.

DAP: At least I can find the bulb.

flange1: What a novel idea you must be from Atlanta.

By Maconboy

March 20, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

PoulanGAboy: You mean you don’t know what a light bulb is?

By flange1

March 20, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Maconboy,

Yes, I am from Atlanta, and your point is????

By Epinephrine

March 20, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

WOW. Macon is f’ng dealing! You keep it up maconboy, you are knocking them dead! Man, kid comes on here and just puts everyone in this blog in their place. They just don’t make them like that anymore in the ATL. What a bright kid.

By DAP

March 20, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Nate To me a championship is worth more than 10 playoff appearances. If you don’t believe me the Marlins?

i think i know what youre saying here, but i never want to be the marlins…even if they have won two WS. if i was a fan of theirs i would be p**.

Maconboy 1st post I’ve ever seen about the subject & felt it needed to be said.

its not the first time, but everytime, the poster is out of line, and really being a jerk. guess what? i dont read the music stuff. i love music, and im a musician, but my tastes are different enough that i just go past the music stuff to the baseball stuff. there is also alot of talk about tv shows i skip, cause i dont watch that much tv. you should try doing that, and not assume your desires and preferences should take precedence.

DAP: At least I can find the bulb.

i dont know what this means, or even if its supposed to mean anything, but yes…congratulations on finding the bulb.

By Adam

March 20, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info Dave, much appreciated.

By FJR

March 20, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Nate,

A) you’re speaking as if getting Joe Nathan is some sort of lock for a championship. I just don’t see it that way.

B) you’re making it as if going in with Soriano is some sort of a death knell. I just don’t see it that way. Sure, he had a bad stretch, all closers do. Trevor Freaking Hoffman blew SD’s chance at the playoffs last year. It happens. Soriano has dominating stuff, yes, he’s somewhat of an unknown in the role, but we have no reason to believe he can’t handle the closer’s role.

C) You really want to go the way of the Marlins? Really? In exchange for the occasional WS, you would rather have the season being completely unwatchable the rest of the time? I like the excitement of knowing we have a chance every season. Of every year going into the final month and watching relevant baseball. Something no marlins fan has done in years.

By FJR

March 20, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

maconboy,

you tell em. Atlanta folks think they know everything. You look at a blog that a lot of people obviously enjoy and you bend it to your will. That’s what men from macon do. You are no longer maconboy, you are maconman. You don’t sit idly by and let people run their blogs like they want to, you dictate YOUR will. That is a man, not some atlanta big city sissyboy crap like the majority of the people here.

kudos.

By Reid in EAV

March 20, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

DOB — Just got back from the content committee meeting. They said nah, what you’re doing is working fine. ;-)

By David O'Brien

March 20, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout them DAWGS? Still nine minutes to go, but what a story if they pull this off. Or rather, what a great new chapter to an incredible story that began last weekend….

Anyway, NEW BLOG IS UP. Hit it hard, gang.

By JimD

March 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Flange, I agree it is a shame to just let some of the out of options (03) guys go. But every team has them. Most teams have probably at least 3 of the 03 guys. So chances are if you just bide your time, you will be able to claim a good player off the waiver wire and it not cost you a player.

And it seems that the going rate for an 03 guy is not a roster player, but a low-level prospect. So, I beleive the Braves should explore trades and get all they can for the 03 guys, I just don’t think they will get someone ready for a major league roster. Not the Braves’ roster at least. We are still pretty high up on the food chain.

By Random

March 27, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

LAST?

By FIELD_NICKNAME

December 16, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

FIELDMESSAGEercrelroc4tl

By nick_lileto

January 2, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

http://www.message_basbocnorol.com/