AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz and alarming words: Sore shoulder
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. _ Ah, just another bright, sunshiney Jimmy Cliff day here at Dark Star, gone are the dark clouds that … wait, what’s that? Smoltz has been scratched? Shoulder soreness?
Send up the flares! Call Dr. Andrews, stat! Or Adam-12! Or FEMA! (no, wait, we need immediate attention, so don’t call FEMA).
But seriously…. In case you missed it, Smoltz was sratched from today’s start against the Tribe because of soreness in his throwing shoulder. And of course, the immediate reaction among many is concern, or here-we-go dread.
But after talking to him and having him point out the location of the situation (oh, the alliteration) (BLOGMEISTER NOTE: double parenthesis being used, because a poster informed me later today that it’s assonance; so, oh the assonance. ok continue), I have formed a diagnosis. Which is, he’s getting old. We all are — or a lot of us, at least.
(Running a mere four miles on the road now leaves me feeling like I’ve been through some sort of boot camp.)
But as it’s not soreness in the rotator cuff/labrum area, and Smoltz assured me it is not, then there wouldn’t appear to be reason to panic. Concern, yes. That’s fair. Anytime it’s John Smoltz, your 40-year-old ace, and it’s a week until opening day, you should have some concern.
But honestly, this seems like the type of stuff he’s been dealing with the last couple of seasons, I’d guess more often than not. Certainly more often than he’s divulged at the time.
If it was the regular season, Smoltz would try to pitch with this. “That’s a no-brainer,” he said when I asked him about that this morning, to try to get a gauge of the severity.
If Smoltz was put on the DL to begin the season, the date could be backdated for up nine days into spring training (provided he doesn’t appear in a Grapefruit League game during that span).
With the Braves having a scheduled day off April 1 after the second game of the season, they could skip a starter and not need a fifth starter until April 6, when Smoltz could be back from the DL.
Jeff Bennett is filling in today, and Bennett might boost his chances of making the team with a solid effort. We’re about to get started here. He’ll be facing most of Cleveland’s regulars, though Travis Haffner isn’t in the lineup.
Back to Smoltz. He was standing at his locker, reading over his NCAA basketball pool sheets when I approached him after hearing about him being scratched. Chipper Jones said something funny to him about his first-day picks, etc.
In other words, there was no pall over the clubhouse, nor over his locker stall in particular.
The soreness is not in the shoulder that would indicate rotator-cuff or labrum problems, the type that most commonly require surgery.
“So many people the last few years have just been waiting to say, ‘This is it,’” John said, referring to those who’ve anticipated a career-threatening injury to the man who’s had four elbow surgeries.
“I will let everyone know when it’s it. That’s not a problem.” And this, he said, is not “it.”
He plans to make his final spring start on March 26, but he conceded possibility that he’d open the season on the DL.
And Bobby Cox said as much, too. The manager said he didn’t think he’d go on the DL, then added a “but…” and some other words, thinking-aloud stuff that wouldn’t look right in a sentence here.
He did drop an F-bomb, but it was only to say that “everybody else in baseball is doing the same thing,” referring to starters being held out of starts, etc. Well, I don’t know that everybody is, but a lot of older dudes are.
Again, Smoltz is getting old - in baseball years. As one Braves official told me, it takes a while to get these older guys cranked up, but once you do, they’re fine.
Smoltz will be fine. OK, wait, let’s got with “relatively fine.” Because I think it’s time that everyone stop expecting him to make 35 starts and throw 220 innings. It’s not going to happen, I’d suggest.
Smoltz knows his limitations, knows his body, which is why he has said since the end of last season that he hoped the Braves would have the luxury of having a “sixth starter” in their bullpen to fill in once in a while for an older starter who might need to skip a turn.
To his credit, he didn’t fight the decision to skip today’s turn, like he would’ve in the past. He knows that if he’s to be healthy for the long run, and particularly for the hoped-for pennant drive, then he needs to be smart and not pitch that extra inning or two when he’s fading, like he did in past seasons, or make that start when he’s aching, like he did last summer after hurting his shoulder when he slipped making that warmup pitch at Milwaukee.
He ended up on the DL a month after that incident, because he never rested it long enough for inflammation to subside. Sounds like he’s ready to be more realistic now. And cautious.
“‘CEPT YOU & ME, BABE” by Greg Brown
Half the people you see these days are talking on cell phones
Driving off the road & bumping into doors
People used to spend quite a bit of time alone
I guess nobody’s lonely anymore
‘cept you & me babe, ‘cept you & me
It’s raining sheets of rain everything is cold and wet
Nobody’s going out of doors
They’re all at home living it up on the internet
So I guess nobody’s lonely any more
‘cept you and me babe, ‘cept you and me
People meet somebody new & they leave the rest behind
We can have it all even though our lives are short
The kids they’ll get used to it it happens all the time
No one is even surprised any more
‘cept you and me babe, ‘cept you and me
I take my coffee black or with a little cream
I wake up every morning with the sun
I wanted to be your man that was nothing but a sweet dream
I always tell the truth to everyone
‘cept you and me babe, ‘cept you and me
Services »
Comments
By Andy K.
March 21, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
first?
By Never been first...
March 21, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
First!
By Danny
March 21, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
First?
By reddawgbill
March 21, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
DOB:
My first blog ever. I am a longtime Brave fan (since 1966) but never have much time to blog. I enjoy reading yours and appreciate the effort you make to give us the inside scoop on our favorite team. Keep up the good work!
Reddawgbill
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Javy with an RBI knock to r-c with two out in the first, after Diaz struck out on one of the worst swings you’ll ever see (Diaz, at times, is the worst looking .330 hitter in the history of baseball. God bless him.)
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Thor’s either in the lineup to show some team he can actually play, or because Tex needs a day off. Given Tex’s 0-for-12 slump, could go either way.
By dragrace79
March 21, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
ippississiM Posted this at the end of the last blog, but I’m 90% sure Billy Wagner is your guy. I remember reading that it happened when he was fairly young, like maybe early teens. Ended up being better left handed anyway, threw harder, etc. Almost positive he’s the guy…
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
All right let’s see what Jeff Bennett can do. This is exactly the kind of situation he would come in during the season.
Also, I really have to say Esco has really been impressive. He isn’t hitting like a guy who is in a hot streak. What I mean is, he isn’t crushing balls to the gaps, slapping ridiculously hard to hit balls, etc. He just looks like this is his routine. I know he isn’t hitting .446 this year, but I am starting to feel very confident that he is a 320s hitter. The guy has a great swing, great approach, and just appears to see pitches extremely well.
If Kelly can manage to get on base consistently, which he always has done in the past, he ought to score a lot of runs.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Well here’s to hoping he’s on to it and it is nothing.
Glav goes 6 innings, skips starts. Smoltz isn’t pushing the extra inning and will skip starts. Hampton is coming back from 2.5 years on the DL. Jair has a history of similar arm tiredness as James… Hudson looks fine. This pen shouldn’t be over exposed… We have “innings eaters” but they all appear to be on diets.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Yunel just made a phenomenal play, one I dare say my man Edgar wouldn’t have made anymore. From his knees, super-quick reaction play on a ball that took a late hop. Got up with plenty of time to make the throw.
By Andy K.
March 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Sorry never been first…beat ya to it!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Bennett in the second , nothing but strikes and ground balls. One two three and 1-0 Braves.
By dragrace79
March 21, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Ok I should have done the research first because the first thing Billy Wagner’s Wikipedia page says is: “As a youth, Wagner was a natural right-handed pitcher, but after breaking his throwing arm twice, he taught himself how to use his left arm by throwing nothing but fastballs against a barn wall.” Well, at least I was right I guess…
By Tripleplay
March 21, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
DOB,
The cubicle boredom is at an all time high today. Heard any trade rumors lately on our 4 out of options pitchers?
Thanks as always for the blogs, really helps us prairie dogs get through the day. (Prairie dogging = when you have an office full of cubicles and someone makes a loud noise, you see 50 heads pop up over the walls of the cubes, like the dogs coming out of their holes in the ground)
By TJ
March 21, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
That was a great play. Really athletic… and you’re right, Edgar would’ve been eaten up on it.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Corky just singled to left over the SS, pulled that ball pretty sharply. (He’s catching today, and Javy is DHing.)
Tex, Hoss and Kotsay have day off; Thor’s at 1B Prado’s at 3B, Blanco in CF.
Chipper and several others were hitting in the batting cage when I got here this morning. Just for those who might wonder if a “day off” is a real day off. It’s not. They come work out, then Bobby lets them go home if they’re not playing the game.
By Chop Chop
March 21, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Corky Miller: “Listen, dudes. I want you to play ‘Cars’ when I come up to bat. People will wonder if I chose that song, but don’t let on. No. Please don’t let on. It’ll confuse the s** out of them. It’s a Friday afternoon. Do it.”
By Andy K.
March 21, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
DOB:When is the next round of cuts? You probably mentioned it before…but can’t remember.
By Big Easy
March 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
ippississiM, dragrace79, Wagner did indeed do that.
~E~
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
KJ looks really good today, esp against a left hander and Sabathia at that.
By Bay Area Steve
March 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
prairie dogging = hilarious
By Lew
March 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Snipper-Yes, I can read two syllable words. I know another one besides Snipper that’s appropriate and descriptive in your case-Douchebag.
By Robert
March 21, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
maybe Tommy can help Jo Jo get it
By ippississiM
March 21, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
dragrace79: I guess you’re right about him throwing harder … than he did before puberty! Thing is, I’ve got this thing about symmetry, so I’ve put both my arms through the same workouts since I started learning to pitch. I’m naturally left-handed, but I can pitch almost as well with either hand, which comes in handy throwing BP to high-schoolers. When I say BP, I don’t go out there trying to boost their confidence. It’s basically simulated-game conditions, and I’m trying to get them out. This is to get them extra ABs at full game-speed, and it’s worked. My 16-year-old brother went from being almost useless against LHP to having within 10 points of the same average against both, just by being able to see a bunch of pitches come across, different arm-slots, different speeds, different breaks. I’m naturally a sidearm pitcher, but I can go overhand to demonstrate different breaking pitches for the kids. By the way, whoever it was yesterday who said he was a sidearmer with a knuckleball, how did you get that to break? I can’t get curves to drop from sidearm, have to go at least 3/4 to get anything on them. Oh yeah, nevermind, you also said that pitching it was an automatic longball!
By Braveheart
March 21, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Man, who wrote the criticisms section on Billy Wagner’s wikipedia page. I don’t disagree with any of it but, man, whoever wrote that on a Wikipedia page has to be a very bitter man.
By TJ
March 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Wow! A strike-em-out-throw-em-out DP to end the top 3rd.
Bennett looks really good so far. Decent velocity (93 mph a couple of times, but mostly 89-91 on the heater), good movement, good change of speed, keeps the ball down. He works quick, no nonsense.
Epinephrine, you’re right: KJ is 0-2, but 2 great strokes against a tough LH. He keeps swinging like that, he’ll be fine.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Nice strike’em out thow’em out double play to end the top of the third inning. Bennett is breezing and Corky Miller is making Javy Lopez life very difficult these days.
Crap , Cox already pulled Bennett. O’well , three good innings.
By Chop Chop
March 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Tripleplay’s definition of “prairie dogging” reminded me of a definition I am more familiar with:
Per Urban Dictionary
When you have to take a crap so bad that it feels as though the turd is moving in and out.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Diaz comes back from that horrid K to crush a ball to right-center, a foot or less below top of the wall. It’s a triple (Diaz had no triples last season) and scores Francoeur, who had singled up the middle.
Braves up 2-0, Javy up with Diaz at third and none out.
Hits a screamer back to CC and the big load snags it.
Thor up, hits sac fly on first pitch, deep enough to left to easily score Diaz. Braves up 3-0.
By etownbrave
March 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Love the blog DOB, your updates and perspective are wonderful! Bennett dealing, great catch and throw from Miller and superb catch for Escobar. Smoltz knows his body best and sees no need for panic is great news. Really looking forward to real games.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
WOW ! how the hell did Sabathia catch that ? He somehow got the glove up and caught a bullet hit right at his head to record the out.
By beachcomber
March 21, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Lew, Lew - you potty mouth! Your 1:41 - funny as hell!
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Andy K, they’re gonna decide on cuts tonight, but won’t announce them until tomorrow.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Looks like Bennett just won a job. He’s doing exactly what we need, stepping in for a rotation guy and giving a good effort against a very good team.
By flange1
March 21, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Coach,
Do you think Bennett is ready? It is going to be hard IMO to keep off the ML team…..
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Sure, I expected Jeff Bennett to outpitch C.C. Sabathia…
Drese in now. Bennett’s not stretched out enough to go longer probably. But that’s three scoreless innings with two hits and no walks. Solid.
By Bay Area Steve
March 21, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Holy Wikipedia,
you’re not kidding Braveheart. I never realized Wagner was that bad in the clutch. And the best part is, nobody has challenged the content, as one can do on Wikipedia.
Of course, we must remember there is no “clutch,” just too small a sample size, right?
By Jon
March 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it guys our rotation is getting older by the day. We have great pitching depth but who has stepped up from with in the organization and latched on to a spot in the starting rotation and held it.
Millwood, Davies, O. Perez, Ramirez etc etc… didn’t stick although Millwood leaving was a payroll issue not a lack of talent.
Thankfully it seems Smoltz is O.K. but with the age of our rotation we are going to have injuries. Do you think that James, Bennett or Jo-Jo have the kind of talent to step up and fill in for an aging Smoltz or Glavine if they get injured? I’m not sold on it yet.
By TJ
March 21, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
4 straight walks… I think I’d go ahead and pull the trigger on that Drese-for-Inge trade.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Bay Area Steve: Well… only for those who aren’t up to-date with Billy James. James is now a believer in the clutch.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I got to go by the Nats new park in DC this week. Looks really nice, from the outside, at least. I hope I can see a game there this year.
By flange1
March 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Sorry,
I meant to say, It will be hard to keep Bennett off of the team because he has pitched so well.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Anybody watch that David Justice Piece on Sports South last night after the game? I think we forget just how good and rare those teams of the early 90’s were.
It also made me take a very critical look at our current Team and the lack of home grown YOUNG pitching talent we have in comparison to those teams.
Let’s face it Jo-Jo, Bennett and James don’t currently show the big up side that we saw with Avery, Glavine and Smoltz. What has happened to a farm system?
By Mr J
March 21, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
All right let’s see what Jeff Bennett can do. This is exactly the kind of situation he would come in during the season. Epinephrine at 1:26
Makes me wonder if this late scratch is just another “sim game” for Smoltz this spring. Maybe Smoltz is play-acting for Bobby so they can see how Bennett reacts to a surprise start.
Conspiracies everywhere, I tell ya!
By TexasBrave
March 21, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
DOB would you say that now Smoltz has shown he might need the spot starter earlier in the season that the Braves might go ahead and keep a spot starter to start the season instead of waiting until later in the season?
Means that we will only get to keep two of Boyer, Resop, Ring or Yates instead of three without the spot starter.
By Bay Area Steve
March 21, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
10Paul, hopefully most sensed the sarcasm. I am, and will always be, a firm believer in the “clutch.”
By Jon
March 21, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I’m still crossing my fingers and hoping that the Braves find a way to get a deal done with Tex before the end of the year.
He is the best natural talent we have ever had at 1st. We will never be able to compete with the NYY or even NYM as far a payroll goes but we need an anchor at first and have needed one for about a decade now. Pull the trigger Frank.
By The Man
March 21, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Do you think that James, Bennett or Jo-Jo have the kind of talent to step up and fill in for an aging Smoltz or Glavine if they get injured? I’m not sold on it yet.
I do not see any of those 3 being the club ace one day. Maybe they can step in and provide enough to spell relief for a starter here and there. I think that is what Cox expects of them anyway. I will be surpure if all 3 are still Braves by season’s end.
A trade will eventually be necessary to get a true younger ace for the pitching staff for future years to go with Jurrjens. I can see this happening before next season.
By Bryan
March 21, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Jon,
do you think any player is worth 20% of the payroll?
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
I think we can pencil Drese out of the BP mix, along with Bean. Bennett and Drese just made a couple of decisions easy.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Right there with ya Bay Area Steve. Sometimes the stats aren’t there to back up what’s happening on the field. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Just means no one has come up with a qualified stat. Probably because they wasted too much time on win shares.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I doubt Wren has much to say about Tex, Jon. We let him know we’d like to talk long-term, and he basically said, no, I want to see what is out there this fall.
No matter how good he is, overpaying for talent is just not a good idea. It robs the system of the money to get young talent, it upsets the payroll as a whole, and if the Yankees decide to go after him, which is probable, they can offer ARod Money, which we definitely cannot do.
There’s no trigger to pull. Either Tex decides he wants to stay for fair money, say $20 mill, or he holds out for more from the NY teams.
By MGL
March 21, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Pete, forget pencil, use a blach permanent marker.
By sportsmandh
March 21, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think Tex is worth 20% of the payroll. Especially with Chipper probably only having a few good seasons left. Plus, Tex is much more deserving of such a big payroll chunck compared to what it would have been like to give that type of amount to Andruw if we’d have kept him. Tex is a perfect fit for this team and a great cornerstone for many more seasons.
And speaking of pitchers. It’s not like Hudson is ancient. People on here seem to be forgetting that.
Go Braves. Let’s get the season here ASAP!
By Blazon
March 21, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
who is Drese?
By Jon
March 21, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Bryan, It’s a tough question to answer. In the past my answer would have been no but now I’m starting to see things differently.
If (and it’s a big if) our farm system can continue to provide us with effective everyday players up the middle (SS, 2nd, C and CF) and the surplus of those position players can be used in trades to maintain a steady flow of good young pitchers through the farm system then I don’t have problem paying the market rate for a franchise player like Tex. It’s going to be tough to watch Tex leave and put on a NYY uniform after this season.(which is probable)
By King521
March 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB -
So is it safe to say Brandon Jones is lost in the shuffle and will be starting the season at Richmond???
THANKS
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe this. Almost April and Chicago gets hit with a blizzard. It’s coming down HARD and is supposed to keep going til tomorrow afternoon. Yesterday I was looking at cherry blossoms in DC, today it’s a white out. And the Braves are losing. Grumble, grumble.
By donthateusbecausewerebeautiful
March 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
WHOO, HOO - And so the end is near!! If Smoltz is already hurtin’, it won’t be too long before Glavine & Hampton follow suit and maybe even add Hudson to that list. GO METS!!!
By Jon
March 21, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Your right PeteH. He will go on the market and probably like we both said end up in pin stripes making 25-28 Mil.
What does our farm system look like for corner infielders? We hear all the hype about our SS and CF of the future almost every year but where do we stand on run producing corner infield prospects?
By DonCoburleone
March 21, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
BETTING LINE OF THE DAY:
Smoltz over/under innings pitched: 180…
By Kneejerk Koolaid-Drinker
March 21, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Three scoreless innings? Put Brewers-released journeyman Jeff Bennett on the team. Joe Borchard hitting? In SPRING?! Holy crap, stick him on the team too! Yates throws a couple of bad innings? Dump him! Same with top pitching prospect Jo-Jo Reyes? Worthless.
Sincerely,
James Jurries’ Former #1 Fan
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I’d keep in mind, all, that we have some of the top young pitching prospects in the league in Hanson, Morton and a couple of others, including that kid we got from KC who had TJ surgery. And with Schafer almost ready, we have a few more that will be ready in 2010 and 2011. It’s a deep system. But we will never have that Glavine/Smoltz/Maddux combo again. Neither will anyone else. Having three HOF pitchers in your rotation at the same time never happens.
By 96,sc
March 21, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I caught part of a comment the other day about Thorman pitching. Anything to it?
By Robert
March 21, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
How can a Met fan come on this blog and talk about Smoltz breaking down. Orlando Hernandez is barely throwing 80. Pedro has not lasted a full season in years. Alou, Beltran, Sanchez ect. The Mets suck.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Hudson is our ace no question about it. The trade with the A’s that brought him over was one of the best moves the Braves have made in the past 5 years or so.
I am not overlooking Hudson in the least. For the Braves to compete with the Mets and Phils this year he will have to put up good numbers again and I don’t think there is any question that he will.
My concern is after this season or next in regards to the rest of the rotation. Who’s in line and ready to take that leap and fill those shoes that will eventually be vacated by Smoltz and or Glavine?
By DonCoburleone
March 21, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Starting rotation without Smoltz?
Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Jurrjens, James… with Bennett the first reserve starter, Carlyle the 2nd reserve starter, and Jo-Jo Reyes as the “In case of emergency break glass” pitcher… Man, Jurrjens, James, Bennett as the 3-4-5 starters (if Hampton and Smoltz are out at the same time) is dangerously close to being the same as last years rotation… Man, the trade to bring in Jair Jurrjens (a young, major league ready arm with #2 type potential) is looking better by the week.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Jon:
For one thing, we have Justin Heyward, who is Fred McGriff with speed, and since he likely won’t be needed in CF or RF, he might be shifted to 1B. Same with Cody Johnson, who is really turning it around.
3B is another story. Pope can pick it, but I doubt he can hit much. But we have a lot of young IF who could be moved there, and Lillibridge has already shown he can play there.
I would love Tex to stay, and there’s still a chance. I doubt he wants to move to NYC, but who knows? He certainly hasn’t sounded encouraging, and there is no point in mortgaging the whole system for one player. Imagine if we had panicked last spring and handed Andruw $120 million for five years. And there were people who wanted that.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Wow , I leave for lunch with the wife and come back to this ? geesh !
By Chop Chop
March 21, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget that the Red Sox might also look for a first baseman next offseason. They signed Mike Lowell to a 3-year, $37 million deal before this season, but Manny Ramirez ($20 million) comes off the books after this season. Would the Sox have the guts to move 1B Kevin Youkilis out to left field and open up first base for Tex? I don’t know, but I have to believe that the Red Sox would try to drive the price up for Tex.
By jcfromindy
March 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
The Braves suck! just like Bobby Cox. Every player they have seems to get hurt before,during or after the season. I guessed I call foul to if I had to be coached by his sorry tail……………..
Go Hawks! that’s the only team, that has a chance!
By doug
March 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
What do you guys want? Is there a farm system out there that produces quality prospects at EVERY position?
Grow up, and stop drinking during the day.
By BillsNV
March 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Whats happening with the game today please? Is there a delay or something? Thanks DOB!
By HuffBraves
March 21, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Wow. Did anyone just see the finish of the Western Kentucky-Drake game. Now THAT was an amazing game.
By flange1
March 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Kneejerk,
Sorry dude, don’t understand your post.
Jo-Jo is having control issues. He needs to work on that in Richmond. He has been clearly beaten out for a starters job by JJJ, Bennett and Chuckie.
Bennett pitched well at the end of last year, in winter ball and sin spring training after he got over his illness. He has been spoken of for the long relief job since spring training started. He was not being considered as ready because he was sick and got a late start.
Yates has been AWFUL this spring. Ask him, he will tell you. With three other guys who are out of options along with Yates, don’t you think we should at least look at who is pitching best now as information to consider in selecting the guys that make the team?
Borchard is having a good spring. Thorman, B jones and all other non middle infielders are having crappy springs at the plate. The team needs a bench guy that can hit. Why not CONSIDER him?
I think your post is a waste of time. Sarcasm is cool and a major part of this blog, but what SHOULD the Braves be doing? Oops, I guess you forgot to add that.
Please, tell us your thoughts…
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Anyone got updates? DOB where ya at?
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Sorry, denizens, but we had TOTAL MELTDOWN on the laptop, which coincidentally occured at precisely the same time that Drese was having his TOTAL MELTDOWN on the mound.
Wow, don’t know what was more painful, spending 55 minutes with a tech guy trying to get this thing operating again, or watching Drese pitch his way off the team by walking FIVE CONSECUTIVE BATTERS.
What an all-time line he ended up with: 1-plus inning, one hit, six runs, all earned, six walks, one hit batter.
Wow. 48 pitches, 15 strikes.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
What’s the Mets DL status?
By Rick A.
March 21, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Check out this videoof Smoltzy’s best moments. SICK! Get well soon big guy.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I’m not at all surprised by the performance of Jeff Bennett today. This kid has done everything right from day one. From the moment the Braves got him last season to right now , he has impressed. If I were a GM , I’d be calling the Braves and asking if he were available.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
now that is good service…thnx DOB ANything else happen besides a round of meltdowns?
By Tripleplay
March 21, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
This from John Heyman over at Sports Illustrated:
• Some scouts are saying the Braves are very impressive this spring, and maybe even better than the Mets and Phillies. One question is in center, though, where Mark Kotsay appears to be hurting, according to a scout’s assessment. Kotsay’s back has hampered him in recent years.
Anyone heard about Kotsay being hurt? I thought his back was doing fine this Spring. (And he is right, we are better than the Mets and Phils!)
By Original Jon
March 21, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Rick A, whats with all the videos that go to some dumb Rick Roll thing?
By Kneejerk Koolaid-Drinker
March 21, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Posting that Rick Astley video is the internet equivalent of masturbating in ones’ face. Please don’t do that.
Braves’ rotation - John Smoltz = Trainwreck
By donthateusbecausewerebeautiful
March 21, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Robt, if the Mets suck, then what does that say about the Braves? Neither team has won anything in over a decade (pls don’t bring up NL east, those rings don’t mean much & you can get ‘em in bubblegum machines)! At the end of the the day, we still have more rings and HOF’ers. Have a great spring & good luck this year, Bobbie!
By TJ
March 21, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Jon, it just seems a little early to be worrying so much about ‘09. But, if that’s what you wanna talk about, yeah, we may need to find one #2, 3 or 4 starter next offseason.
We’re stacked with great - not good, but great - young pitching prospects, but it’s mostly at the A level, some probably moving to AA sometime this year (Rohrbrough, Evarts, Locke, Ortegano, Rodgers, etc), so a couple of years away (and who ever knows how prospects will pan out). 2009 might indeed be a bit of a “bridge year” for the pitching staff, IMO.
But, since you’re assuming the worst - Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton all over the hill or off the roster in ‘09 - that’s about $37 million dollars off the payroll. If Tex doesn’t re-sign, it’s pushing $50 mil. Chipper’s salary is likely to decline a little (depending on his performance and games played); Kotsay will be off the books;
Assuming no major changes (which is a big assumption), somehow, I think Frank Wren will be able to put out a competitive product with that $55 million or so, a stable of young pitching talent to develop or trade if necessary, plus McCann, Francouer, KJ, Escobar, Schafer, Jurjenns, Hudson, James, Lillibridge etc.
Even though it’s corporate ownership, they’ve left good baseball people (McGuirk, Scheurholz, Wren, Cox) in charge, and every indication is that payroll won’t be a huge problem.
Have a little faith, man!
By Lex Luthor
March 21, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz:
Thankyou for being a loyal Brave. You and Chipper make the team, IMO. You have always been my favorite to watch. Watching you win the Cy Young was awesome.
I understand you getting upset over the lack of support in the playoffs, but look from our perspective. If you went to the prom 10 times with the same person, and each time she left with someone else, wouldn’t you be up set too? Unfortunately, the Braves have taken us to the dance about 15 times and only came home with us once. At some point we will just quit getting our hopes up until its the last song, and you’re still there.
Thanks Again and here’s to the backwards K
By StingerSplash
March 21, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Hey, I had a friend of mine throw 17 straight pitches wide of the strike zone one day in a JV game. Coach comes out there and says, “Guess you just didn’t have it today.” Ya think?
By Overlord
March 21, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Any word on Smoltz? Is he missing his next start? Was his next start into the season? or is there another start scheduled in spring? Is he gonna go on DL?
Any word on which relievers is bobby picking to start the season?
What about bench player?
I heard Prado is a lock. Lillibridge is almost a lock.
Is Javy making the team?
What about the 4th backup infielder? Thorman? a 3rd catcher?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Boyer , two good solid innings , retiring the side in both frames.
By DCbrave
March 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Boyer is boiling today. Good stuff.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Seems to me like Boyer and Bennett just pitched their way on to this team. Maybe both need one more performance, but goodness. When Boyer has the fastball located and the curve working, he is surgical.
By taylor s
March 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
we have 2 very good corner outfielders on the way. Cody Johnson and Jason Heyward are a couple years away but hopefully when they get here theyl be great.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 21, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
original Jon - you got Rick Rolled!
By Chop Chop
March 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
“Braves Lose; Sky Falling”
I am officially ready for Opening Day.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
6-4 Indians , it’s all over. everybody but Ryan Drese pitched well today.
By BravesChopper
March 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
No one can throw like Smoltz. Remember this out from 95?
By Original Jon
March 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Mark - apparently. LOL
By Thrillhouse44
March 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Man, here I login to talk about enjoying one of the best sports weekends of the year and there’s the Smoltz news killin my buzz! It doesn’t sound like it’s anything to panic about. I’d rather Smoltz miss a spring training start or two than miss the pennant run. Although he’s one of, if not THE, main ingredient to our rotation, we have a few guys who can step it up.
Notorious, ever try any interval training? Did my first hardcore set of the other day and I felt like puking. I hadn’t felt like that since soccer conditioning back in the day.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Just read the Jon Heyman article too. Someone on here, I can’t remember who, recently commented that Kots appeared to be stiff coming off the field recently.
I really hope he isn’t hurting, because I think he is a nice addition to this club. If he is, though, we have several options…two I like, one I do not.
The first is to plug in Anderson. I do not like this option. I think Anderson can be a nice asset as a utility outfielder and pinch runner, but his low OBP, and lack of power, would really hurt CF production.
The next is plugging in Blanco at the 8 spot, which I like. Assuming he can keep his BA and OBP up, he wouldn’t be a detriment to our lineup at all. Of course that is a big if.
The third is plugging in Schafer. Of course, that won’t happen unless the other two fail. I think thats a good thing-I don’t worry that JS will do poorly and suffer from lack of confidence. That doesnt seem to be a problem. Still, I’d love for the kid to get at least some exposure to AA and better pitching before making the leap.
DOB, here is a question that is absurdly speculative-and if overly so, then please disregard. I know we act like chickens with our heads cut off during spring training blogging. Still, if Kots were to go down, do you think trading for a power replacement in CF would become a bigger trade priority than a 3b/1b backup? Or do the Braves feel good with what we have? Again, disregard if this is absurd.
By richie
March 21, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Arent we tailoring Morton, as well as Lerew to be a major factors on the staff next year?
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
We really need to check IDs here. Some Mets fan just said the Mets have more HOF players than the Braves? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I guess we can’t blame 10 year olds for being totally, completely and comprehensively ignorant, can we? Oh, yes, we can.
Yer a moron.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
TJ I have faith and am in no way in a hurry to see Smoltz or Glavine go. The jury is still out on Hampton, if he can stay healthy and perform like he has in the past I would like to see him stay around too.
I think it only wise to look at the future. I don’t know the A level and Rookie level prospects; that is why I am asking the questions that I am.
I want to know who we have and how they stack up. Some else on here put it perfect we can’t develop exceptional talent at every position and at every level of the farm system so who do we have that can be traded to fill the future holes.
I believe that the Braves have the pieces in place to win this year and I have faith in the organization that they will keep the pieces that they can and replace the ones they can’t while continuing to be competitive. They always have in the past
By flange1
March 21, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
After today, I think the bullpen will have Bennett, Boyer and Resop with Yates and Ring traded or released.
I think Thorman is gone.
I think they keep B Pena and let Javy play a bit in Richmond.
Blanco is 4th OF, and the battle now is between Lillibridge and Anderson for the next to last spot.
Borchard or a waiver wire/trade pickup in the last position.
Thoughts?
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I am not a regular poster, by any means, but am a regular reader. I am also not a conspiracy theory nut but wonder about the latest news regarding Smoltz. I propose that his latest “ailment” is a method by which the Braves can keep one of those who are currently on the bubble and out of options. What better method than sliding John into the regular season on the DL so as to take a chance on sliding someone through waivers just a few days after teams have set their rosters for opening day? It’s just a theory but one which immediately entered my mind once I heard about Smoltz’s sore triceps. What do you think DOB? Is this a valid possibility?
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Following is a list of Mets HOF players.
Tom Seaver.
That is all. As you were.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
I dunno Flange , the trade winds are blowing and until they stop , it’s really impossible to know who and what the final roster will look like.
By King521
March 21, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Grapzz…
I couldn’t agree with you more! The Braves are notorious for moves like this that will keep someone in uniform for an extra couple of weeks….
By Oh dear lord
March 21, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
I am also not a conspiracy theory nut but wonder about the latest news regarding Smoltz. I propose that his latest “ailment” is a method by which the Braves can keep one of those who are currently on the bubble and out of options. What better method than sliding John into the regular season on the DL
Yes, you’re a nut if you think the Braves are planning and fully willing to stick their best pitcher on the DL with a fake injury to start the regular season so they can keep Chris Resop or Buddy Carlyle.
By flange1
March 21, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Coach,
Very true!
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Richie: Morton, yes. Lerew? Not so fast, my friend.
By ncscoots
March 21, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
ODL, thank you. The spring fever hits some harder than others, I reckon :-).
Not to mention the big, fat fine that could be levied on such a bush league move for not “preserving the integrity of the game”.
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Oh dear lord - I proffer that my idea is not nutty at all sir. Consider how often and with how much passion Smoltz has talked about either “skipping” a few starts or doing whatever else is necessary in order to be in the best health possible for the end of the season. What matters isn’t having your number one guy present on opening day. Rather, it’s having him present during the midst of summer and the playoff run. Just one nuts opinion.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Tom Seaver, Gary Carter, Nolan Ryan and Willie Mays are all Hall of famers who played on Mets teams but Ryan was at the beginning of his career and Willie at the end. Neither of them have Mets hats on in the Hall.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
So we walk into Bobby’s office after the game, and he says to me, “Who’s been working with Drese? You? God d@#$”
He went on to say Drese, a former 14-game winner (2004, Texas) usually has good control.
“I don’t know what happened to Drese, just got completely out of whack. I don’t know if it was his release point or what.”
And said, “He knows how to pitch.”
They left him out there because they wanted to give him a chance to pitch 3 innings today, to show what he could do, and they wanted to give him a chance to get straightened out even after he walked several guys.
Didn’t work, obviously.
He now has a 12.96 ERA with 12 walks in 8-1/3 innings….
As you might expect, Cox absolutely raved about Bennett’s performance.
“Bennett was just unbelievable. All groundballs and two strikeouts. That’s who he is. A groundball guy you can use anywhere in the bullpen, spot-starting … He just had a fantastic day. Couldn’t have done any better.”
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
What better method than sliding John into the regular season on the DL so as to take a chance on sliding someone through waivers just a few days after teams have set their rosters for opening day? It’s just a theory but one which immediately entered my mind once I heard about Smoltz’s sore triceps. What do you think DOB? Is this a valid possibility?Grapzz
Congratulations. Dumbest post in months.
By beekay
March 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
DOB Excellent job this spring you are Da Bomb..AJC needs to hook you up with a nice raise!
By ncscoots
March 21, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
So we walk into Bobby’s office after the game, and he says to me, “Who’s been working with Drese? You? God d@#$”
well, now, THAT’S a little harsh.
Unless you have been, of course, LOL.
But, man, I could just hear it, and exactly the way he said it, too. Laughing my head off…
By Jon
March 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
DOB After Bennett’s performance today it looks like he is a lock to make the team out of ST. Will it be as a long releiver or is he still in the race for the #5 spot in the rotation or has JJ locked it up already?
By KLB
March 21, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Congratulations. Dumbest post in months.
DOB, it seemed that Grapzz was indicating that if Smoltz started the season on the DL, the Braves could put one of their out of options guys on the opening day roster. Then, when Smoltz comes back in a week (i.e. to start on 4/6 as you mentioned) it would be more likely that the out of option reliever who would be sent down to make room for Smoltz could clear waivers and be sent to AAA.
That’s just how I read it, and that doesn’t seem to be that dumb.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for this season to get started already. We have a good team assembled I’m ready to see what they do against the rest of the division when it really matters.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Jon:
There are over 50 guys in the HOF who played at least some time with the Braves, including Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby.
Carter went in as an Expo, I believe.
They have Seaver, we have Maranville, Spahn, King Kelley, Mathews, Aaron, Niekro, and Kid Nichols.
We have Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Cox and probably Chipper lined up to go in after they retire. Maybe even Andruw. Mets set for the Hall? Anyone, Bueller?
Pedro, but he will go in as a Red Sox or an Expo. Reyes and Wright MIGHT have a shot, assuming they put up 14 more years of superior production. Otherwise, that’s it. By that standard, Yunel is just as likely a HOFer. McCann and Frenchy, too.
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
KLB - thank you sir. That was clearly what I was implying. I didn’t realize until DOB posted that people may have misinterpreted my post to imply that Smoltz should go on the DL with a “fake” injury just to slide a bubble guy onto the roster. Merely, I suggested that he, and the Braves, might buy into the fact that it isn’t worth risking hurting John at the beginning of the season and on the plus side, you might be able to slide someone you’d otherwise have to cut, trade or lose through waivers to another team. DOB, I still love reading your stuff even if you may not have given due consideration to my theory ;^P
By AdirondackDave
March 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Grapzz and KLB — I agree with you. I don’t see how that comment was the dumbest in months or dumb at all for that matter. Not much doubt, though, that DOB’s response was the rudest today.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 21, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
ippississiM
I’m the guy who throws sidearm, and you do not have to be 3/4 to get a break on the ball. Throwing a knuckle-curve like that only requires your thumb and middle finger on opposite sides of the ball and your index finger curled in on top of the seam. You hold the ball all the way back in you hand like a change-up. The physics that work come from the fact that the ball cant be thrown as hard and it does have a small amount of rotation that will control the break in the direction that you want it to go.
IT IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC HR.
That guy I was talking about was HUGE. Actually it is a great 2-strike pitch if you throw it correctly.
I can throw a curve even from a near submarine position , it’s hard to do and it hurts a little after a while but it just depends on what type of break you want. Side-to-side, up-and-down, or late movement in any direction. It also depends on just how much rotation you can get on the ball.
One more thing, I have been throwing these pitches since I was 6 yrs old playing stickball with my neighbor- we used a tennis ball and a broom handle. It takes a while to get the feel. I have used that pitching technique successfully many times. Not that it ever made me any money.
By Jick
March 21, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, dig the blog, as always, but I just wanted to point out that the phrase “location of the situation” is an example of assonance, not alliteration.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
PeteH, I’m in total agreement on the HOF issue with you.
Just thought I would toss a few names out there off the top of my head. Was not trying to get into some comparison argument about the Braves and Mets HOFers.
Carter did go in with an Expos hat on but I always thought of him as a Met. He was such a big part of that 86 WS team. Just like most people think of Reggie as a Yankee even though he was an A first.
By donthateus
March 21, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Pete, you’re right about one thing…only 10 year old resort to namecalling. Hope that’ll change when/if you reach 11! GO METS!!!
By Lew
March 21, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Dumbest post in months? I don’t know about that. You have to go pretty far down the road to compete with Jared.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 21, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Adirondack,Grapzz,KLB
Have no fear, for it is my destiny in life to always hold the record for dumbest posts.
Now obviously the bar has been set pretty low at this point but give me a day or two and I’ll top it, or bottom it, whatever.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Jon: I was just after that ignorant Mets fan who claims, wrongly, that the Mets have more WS rings and HOFers than the Braves. It’s not even close.
By donthateme
March 21, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Ok, so let me see if I have this right Pete….Braves get HOF credit for guys ‘who played at least some time’ with the Braves and you’re ASSUMING these others may get in after they retire? However, Pedro, Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, Tug McGraw, Jerry Koosman, Rusty Staub, David Wright, etc, etc..don’t get the same pass? How typical of you.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: What’s the story with Sung Jung? He has some solid numbers as a reliever in the minors but he’s 27. And he was signed when he was 22. He doesn’t appear anywhere between 2003 and last season. All the note says is “restricted list”…
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Actually it looks like he’s 28. He just disappeared for 4 years.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
No, you idiot. I said you have ONE guy in the hall and ZERO about to get in. Two who have the talent level to get there, while we have several who are shoo-ins and just as many with the talent level to get there.
You’re the one who said that you lead us in HOF and rings. Both wrong, wrong, wrong.
By Lew
March 21, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Uh, Dude-Pedro won his WS ring with Boston and David Wright hasn’t won anything. Neither one is in the HOF.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Donthateus
It’s OK to be frustrated, we empathize with you. I mean after your team’s Historical performance last year and the fact that they completely sold the farm to get the best LHP in baseball and are still in the same position as they were before (old and injured). It’s frustrating not being able to buy a division title. I guess you guys will just have to do like everyone else and play for it.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Paul: He got drafted into the Korean Army. Seriously.
By Wayne in Utah
March 21, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
10Paul: Wasn’t he in the Korean military??
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Is there seriously no one here concerned with that scout’s take on Kotsay?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
March 21, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
donthateme
Yes you are correct. And why - b/c this is a BRAVES BLOG and we will take any credit we want and the MUTTS can SUCK IT !!
Take you HOF analysis and stick up your SHEA !!
And by the way - the Braves are the ONLY franchise to WIN A WS title in 3 different cities. They also hold another record that NO FRANCHISE will ever break.
For the 11 yrs they were in Milwaukee they never posted a losing record - EVER.
No franchise that ever played in a city for more than ONE season can say that.
And how did they do that - with many yrs of great HOF players and WS Titles.
Now stick that in your Rusty Staub and smoke it !!
By CharlieAlphaBravo
March 21, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Ummm… Grapzz:
This is from your first post: I propose that his latest “ailment” is a method by which the Braves can keep one of those who are currently on the bubble and out of options. What better method than sliding John into the regular season on the DL so as to take a chance on sliding someone through waivers just a few days after teams have set their rosters for opening day
And this is from your later post: I didn’t realize until DOB posted that people may have misinterpreted my post to imply that Smoltz should go on the DL with a “fake” injury just to slide a bubble guy onto the roster.
Now, I’m not saying that you intentionally “implied” that the Braves might move Smoltz onto the DL in order to save an out-of-options player from waivers… But you did, literally, say that. You weren’t suggesting that keeping a “bubble” player would be an added bonus of the situation, you were clearly identifying it as the motivation for the “ailment.” If that’s not what you meant and you mistyped it, that’s fine, but I would prefer that you didn’t insult our intelligence by claiming that we “misinterpreted” post.
By David
March 21, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
I just read this on si.com - it starts out encouraging, then not so much….I trust DOB much more than an anonymous scout, but still….”Some scouts are saying the Braves are very impressive this spring, and maybe even better than the Mets and Phillies. One question is in center, though, where Mark Kotsay appears to be hurting, according to a scout’s assessment. Kotsay’s back has hampered him in recent years.”
By Lew
March 21, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Ten Paul-He was serving his compulsory military service in Korea.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Didn’t catch the name, but the guy who does the ESPN podcasts was on the Cubs game. They asked him if the game, with the Rocks, was a preview of the NL Championship series. He said, no, after being in all the camps, the team that impresses me is Atlanta.
So it ain’t just homerism. I really think this is a very, very good team.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
March 21, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul:
Jung actually left for three years to fulfill a military obligation with his home country of South Korea. I believe he just got back this season. I’m not sure if it’s required duty like they have in Israel, but that’s what it sounds like.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I’m not worried about Kotsay. If he’s hurt, Blanco or Anderson can fill in unless they go straight to Schafer. CF is the last of our worries. We have four or five guys who can play there and do well. Kotsay is there mainly so a rookie doesn’t have the Andruw legacy dumped on him.
The Sox are going with a rookie in CF, and him and Schafer are pretty similar players.
By Jon
March 21, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
DOB What about Bennett, locked in to long releif spot starts out of the pen or still in the running for the #5 spot in the rotation?
By Robert
March 21, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
DOB
WHAT DID BOBBY COX SAY ABOUT BOYER
By etownbrave
March 21, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul Jung was serving his mandatory 3 years military service for South Korean army. Got this tidbit from the broadcast today.
By David
March 21, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Crap - I accidentally reposted something already mentioned earlier this afternoon (about Kotsay “hurtins”)- sorry, I should have read all posts first!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Grapzz Sometimes people scan rather than read what is posted and over reacted… You are not the first person it’s happened to. I was thinking the same thing… Not that the Braves would intentionally DL John but you have to take advantage of opportunities when they occur.
At the least it would buy a little more time to put together a trade package so the Braves are not forced to make a bad deal.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
IIRC, Jung got drafted at 17, but put it off so he could sign with the Braves, understanding he would have to serve later. Which he did. Glad to see him back.
By Robert
March 21, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
I lvoe how that Met fan said East division rings mean nothing. We how come the Mets can’t even win 2 in a row. If anyone plays MLBo8 the show, one of the opening credits talk about the Mets having the greatest collapse in baseball history
By Jon
March 21, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
We weren’t going to get much offensive production out of Kotsay anyway so if he is hurt we will be OK with the current platoon of players we have.
I hope that he’s not hurt though, the guy deserves a break. He was such a great defensive player in SD. It would be nice to see him get healthy again. He could realy cover some ground when his back was healthy.
By Nelson
March 21, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
My Dear Atlanta fans: Again you can say I don’t write English correctly and that I Know nothing about baseball, but after watching only two games I can tell you for sure that Kotsay is not the solution for center field, he doesn’t cover enough ground (I know nobody will do it like Andrew), and hitting is not what I expected, I tell you that Francouer is much better center fielder that him and in rigth field you can place that young man from the Marlins (Joe Borchard), believe me he is a very good player, I have seen him here in Miami and he is the man for that position. In other hands Prado is the man for second base. He is a natural second baseman, not a fabricated one like Kelly Johnson, the only thing Kelly has in his favor as a first hitter is his ability to be patient and negociate the base on balls!. Javy is in in outstanding shape, He is looking great defensively, and all we know he will hit sooner or later, simply because he is naturally a good hitter. So my bet is Prado, Borchard and Javy. This is the best choice for the team, but off-course Bobby won’t do it, he will go with Kotsay and Kelly and srcrew it all again like he did last year when he selected Wilson, Corky and the other who know who over Prado and Escobar, if Chiper didn’t hurt, then we won’t have Escobar Escobar today because he left him out last year! Now tell me stupid, I’m ready for that. Thanks, Nelson.
By Noch-a-homa
March 21, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
D O B
Great job this spring. Your eyewitness accounts along with your experience and knowledge is second to none. Thoroughly enjoy the blog. Thanks.
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
CharlieAlphaBravo - You should remove the filter by which you garnered your opinion then, sir. Both posts you quoted are 100% consistent. The first one defines his ailment as being the means by which they could save a bubble guy. I never said, nor implied, that his “ailment” was to be faked - that sir was your own take on my words. I
By Jon
March 21, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
What happened to Andy Marte’ in Cleveland? Haven’t heard anything about him this spring.
By Christian
March 21, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Can someone please tell me why Bobby is so high on Tyler Yates and he’s almost a lock to gain a roster spot??? He was inconsistent last year and his ERA proved that, and this spring he’s had definite control issues. I know he throws hard, but he seems like a liability to me and I feel like he will take a spot away from some more deserving option-less pitchers.
Blaine Boyer NEEDS to be in our bullpen!!!
By Jon
March 21, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Nelson I agree with you as far as Francour goes. He could be the CF if Kotsay is injured but I don’t think Borchard will be consistent enough over the season to be a run producing everyday RF.
I completely disagree about KJ and Prado though. Prado is a good Utility guy who can give you a good contact bat off the bench with some speed but he doesn’t have the upside that KJ does offensively. Defensively I haven’t seen enough of Prado to have an opinion.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, it seemed that Grapzz was indicating that if Smoltz started the season on the DL, the Braves could put one of their out of options guys on the opening day roster. Then, when Smoltz comes back in a week (i.e. to start on 4/6 as you mentioned) it would be more likely that the out of option reliever who would be sent down to make room for Smoltz could clear waivers and be sent to AAA.KLB
Yes, there’s a chance, maybe even a good chance, that will happen. Makes perfect sense, and I told two other reporters why it does make sense this morning.
But to even suggest that Smoltz would be asked or told to go on the DL (and that’s what Grapzz said) in order to pull off such a plan is patently absurd. Ridiculous. Grapzz was implying, or outright saying even, that the Smoltz “injury” was exaggerated or even made up, a ruse to let the Braves keep an out-of-options player to begin the season.
Couldn’t be more ridiculous. If you were going to do that, you’d do it with the guy who’s had eight DL stints in the past three years, Mike Hampton. Not that the Braves would have him fake or exaggerate an injury, either, but you’d certainly never ask your 20-year man, who takes great pride in not going on the DL, to go to the DL to allow you to keep some out-of-options rookie or journeyman — or keep anyone else.
No way, no how, period.
So don’t try to twist what Grapzz was saying. He said this whole thing was a ruse, implying it might be an exaggerated or non-existent injury. And that’s ridiculous.
And if Smoltz does go on the DL and it works out well in that regard (again, makes sense), it will not give any credence whatsoever to that absurd theory espoused by Grapzz.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Grapzz (and Gil), CharleAlphaBravo put it perfectly in his 6:04 p.m. Don’t insult folks’ intelligence or try revisionist history. You wrote what you wrote.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Nelson: I wouldn’t call you an idiot. Frenchy isn’t really a CF, and we have plenty of guys who are. Frenchy IS the best RF in the league, though. I think Prado will make the bench, not take Kelly’s job, but you have a point about defense. I like Borchard on the bench, but he will probably go to AAA, then come up when we need some power off the bench.
As for Javy, who knows? The catcher position is really up in the air. We may know tomorrow morning.
Jon: Marte is out of options, so he probably gets a bench job. Or traded. He has not played well since we traded him.
Christian: We gave Yates a guaranteed contract last fall. I think they’re going to eat his salary and drop him. Too many better arms around, also out of options.
By JC FROM UT
March 21, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
I just read on MLB trade rumors that the Giants are intereseted in Casey Kotchman of the Angels. Could they also have some interest in Thorman?
By Eric from MO
March 21, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
All of this HOF talk is ridiculous. Mets fans are just trying to stir up something. Every team that has been around for at least 20 years is going to have a bunch HOF that played on their team at one point in there career. If Willie Mays is going to be part of your arguement then there is no reason to even continue this conversation considering Mays was dreadful for the Mets.
By Wayne in Utah
March 21, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Nelson: You lost me when you stated Javy is a great defensive player. What are you smoking?
As for Francoeur, he would probably be an OK centerfielder, but he is an excellent RF’er. He has the arm for right, but he doesn’t always take the proper routes to balls, which would be a larger detriment in CF. And Prado, you gotta be kidding us! He is a bench player at the best.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
JC from UT, Thorman is a long way from Kotchman. A long, long way. One has huge potential.
By GTI in Chicago
March 21, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Not trying to discredit the little tidbit about Kotsay that showed on on the SI website about his back possibly being in bad shape - BUT…
The item was written by Jon Heyman, and I generally respect his views on baseball, but I also believe he is very much a NEW YORK guy, and perhaps even very much in the catagory of a NY Guy that is/was sick of seeing the Braves at the top of the class year after year. I think we’ve all been hearing here for weeks that Kotsay’s back is actually doing pretty good, but it would be easy for a scout, a writer or anyone else to look at what he did last year and why and just project that into this coming season.
This is the same kind of mind set that took in the info that Santana had been acquired by the Mets and automatically designated them the favorites in the division and the league.
One way or the other, CF is going to be just fine this year. For Pete’s Sake, Kotsay’s going to be hitting 8th in our everyday lineup this year. 8th!
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Grapzz, I just scrolled up to your follow-up posts. OK, check these out:
…I am also not a conspiracy theory nut but wonder about the latest news regarding Smoltz. I propose that his latest “ailment” is a method by which the Braves can keep one of those who are currently on the bubble and out of options. What better method than sliding John into the regular season on the DL so as to take a chance on sliding someone through waivers just a few days after teams have set their rosters for opening day? It?s just a theory but one which immediately entered my mind once I heard about Smoltz’s sore triceps. Grapzz at 4:06 p.m.
…I didn’t realize until DOB posted that people may have misinterpreted my post to imply that Smoltz should go on the DL with a “fake” injury just to slide a bubble guy onto the roster. Grapzz at 5:19 p.m.
Grapzz, can you see where someone would reasonably interpret what you said at 4:06 p.m. to mean they were faking or exaggerating the injury? If that’s indeed not what you meant, they sorry I misinterpreted it. Not a dumb post, if you’re merely implying this could work out for the Braves (as I wrote in my story, Smoltz could slip right into the fifth-starter spot the first day they need one, on April 6).
If, however, you were implying Smoltz would be asked to fake or exaggerate an injury and go on the DL under false pretenses, I’ll add that it’s not just the dumbest post in months, but one of the dumbest we’ve had in years.
Again, if that was not your intentions, then sorry, but you really should be a bit more clear about things, especially if you’re going to ask me to concur or give you my opinion on your theory.
By Eric From MO
March 21, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Nelson- Kotsay is a fine defensivley center fielder. No, he is not AJ but who is? As far as Francouer goes, he doesnt want to play center and he doesnt run good enought routes to covor center. He has a cannon for an arm, which is why people think he would make a great center fielder, but most teams put their best arm in right instead of center. Helps throwing out runners. Also think if Kotsay bats .260 he will already be much better than our CF last year.
Prado over KJ is stupid! KJ is so much of a better hitter. Prado hasnt done anything at the plate since he has been in majors and he is no gold glove second baseman either. Also think how much better KJ will be at hitting considering he missed all of 06 and in the offseason after 06 he had to concentrate on learning to play second. Not to mention he will also be better at 2nd defensively this year.
As far as backup catcher goes, I dont care. Most World Series teams arent made or broke on a backup catcher.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
As for the Hall of Fame material , that would be Glavine , Smoltz , Chipper and Hudson….yea , it’s an early prediction for Huddy.
Take a really hard look at his numbers , he is right on track for 300 wins somewhere around 2017 or 2018.
Besides Pedro , there is nobody else on the Mets roster except for Carlos Delgado and he is slowing down.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
So Kotsay is hurt now, because an unnamed scout mentioned to a national reporter that he thought he looked stiff coming off the field, or whatever he said? Oh, OK.
All I have to go on is Kotsay himself, the manager, the trainers, and the fact that Kotsay was due a day off today after playing five consecutive games and having 15 plate appearances in that span.
Before today he had more at-bats (41) than any Braves veteran.
I think I’ll wait to formulate the new lineup, at least until I hear he’s actually a bit sore.
By KLB
March 21, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
DOB - To be honest, I don’t read every post on this board, but typically just search for your comments. If you’re responding to a poster, I’ll sometimes look what they say. However, in this instance, it appeared that you were completely quoting Grapzz’s comments. Instead, I now see that you did not quote where he said I propose that his latest “ailment” is a method by which the Braves can keep one of those who are currently on the bubble and out of options.
Therefore, I wasn’t trying to “twist” his words, I merely did not see all of his words and was defending him based on the part that was quoted. I, as well, do not think this was any kind of ruse on the Braves part, and agree that would be ridiculous.
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
DOB et al - Sirs, I started my post by stipulating that I was not a consipracy theorist therefore reinforcing the fact that what followed was not meant to be considered a consipiracy theory. I am no savant with the prose. I apologize that my words lead you, and others, down that path. I do not wish to achieve a revisionist history. I’d just like folks to understand my original intent. Apparently what they say is true about us Geologists, we belong in the field and not behind a computer.
Reverts to lurking mode for another few years
But first, as an exiting thought, thanks DOB for the suggestion on the Shout Out Louds back in, what June or July of ‘07? It was my first “modern music” purchase in 8 yrs and was a pleasure to listen to as we hiked the backcountry in the Grand Tetons during the summer of ‘07.
By JC FROM UT
March 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
DOB: I agree that Kotchman is alot better than Thorman, but if the Angels were not willing to part with him could the Giants turn their attention to Thorman. If the Giants were to trade for Thorman it would cost them a lot less than it would for Kotchman.
By Stephen
March 21, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Dave
What do you make of this?
Diaz to play everyday in LF
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Folks, I’ll ask Kotsay again tomorrow about his back. Unless things have changed in the past two days, however, he is not hurt.
By David O'Brien
March 21, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Grapzz, glad you liked that band. And again, sorry if I misinterpreted. But it sure didn’t come across the way you say it was meant….
Matt, what do I think of that story? I think it’s exactly what we’ve been writing for weeks, that the Braves are leaning toward using Diaz on an every-day basis, or at least far more than a platoon basis.
That’s been pretty obvious since shortly after camp opened, though Bobby’s never come out and said it point-blank (and doesn’t in the article you linked; he couches it there, too, saying “if” that’s what they do, etc.)
It’s gonna happen, though. I’ve said that for four weeks: Diaz is going to get the chance to play every day, or close to every day.
By Pete H.
March 21, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I doubt the Braves just want to dump Thorman for nothing. I doubt the Giants have much we would be interested in, apart from young pitching, which the Giants would be reluctant to part with.
For Kotchman, they’d have to cough up Lincecum or Cain. But with their lineup, it might be worth it.
It might be fun watching Thor aim for the pond in SF, though.
By Nelson
March 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
I knew that you will not agree with me! I just want to rectify some statements: First I’m not saying that Francouer is a center fielder!, he is a fine right fielder, but compared with Kotsay, I will go with him with my eyes closed!!!. If we have another choice, please use it, because we are going to loose many games because of this wrong decision, his arm is also weak!!!, please understand that. I like him because he is a competitor, I know it because he also played for the Marlins, remember that! I know you don’t like Prado, but he is hitting over 300 again OK, may be you are right, he is mora a utility than a regular player, I respect Kelly for his dedication and effort, but he is not going to be a good second baseman, it is an explosive position and he is a very quiet player!. I know Javy is not a good defensive player (specially blocking home-plate), but he is looking good now, that is what I said, and before the rest of the candidates he is my pick! Find another center fielder before it is too late!
By Braveheart
March 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Oh, Grapzz , man, dig right back into the box. You are a rookie who got a little carried away with yourself and found yourself dusted by a crusty vet in b.p. with a message pitch and got yourself razzed by a a few other vets.
Get back in the box, man, and take DOB out of the park with the next pitch.
For every post I make that someone likes, someone else calls me an idiot.
I don’t know one blogger on here who does not make me feel like calling them an idiot at least once a week. And I’m sure I make them feel the same way about me daily.
We won’t judge you by that post.
We’ll judge you though if it makes you quit after only one at bat where you went down swinging with an Andruw Jones like Bugs Bunny silly corkscrew swing.
By Wayne in Utah
March 21, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Nelson: It sounds like you are changing your tune a bit. Your right, Javy is NOT a good defensive player. He is also not doing a good job of hitting this spring. I will be surprised if he makes the team.
As for CF, we have 3 replacements for Kotsay, if he cannot carry the load. They are Blanco, Anderson and Schafer. All unproven, but I would think that at least one of them would be an adequate replacement for Kotsay, if indeed he is found lacking.
Now, I am not sure what you mean by second base being an explosive position. No doubt that Prado is probably a better fielder than KJ. Prado is a singles hitter, and while he may hit in the majors, what KJ brings to the table is much more, for a minimal drop off in defensive ability.
Also, why would you put Frenchy in centerfield. He has the best arm in the league, and right is the perfect place for him.
By Wayne in Utah
March 21, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Wait a minute WW, when have I ever posted anything idiotic that you would question???
:-)
By Austin
March 21, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
Is John Rocke rout of options. I think he would make a great addition to the pen. Especially is Lopez is “given” the backup job.
By Austin
March 21, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
Is John Rocke rout of options. I think he would make a great addition to the pen. Especially is Lopez is “given” the backup job.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
March 21, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Grapzz: Well said by Braveheart… Don’t take it personally. I agree with the argument you intended to make, and it just got blown a little out of proportion. Besides, you might be the blog equvilant of Matt Diaz. You might look bad on the first couple of swings, but then you put the 0-2 into the cheap seats… Either way, keep on swingin’.
By BosnianBaller
March 21, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve said it before you can’t count on two 40 year old guys too be two of your three top starters.jurrgens is goinng to have to step up.
By Braveheart
March 21, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
and in rigth field you can place that young man from the Marlins (Joe Borchard), believe me he is a very good player, I have seen him here in Miami and he is the man for that position.
We already have Borchard. He’s called Thorman.
Go to baseball-reference.com. The similarities are scary.
Borchard, per 162 games for his career: 385 at bats, 48 runs, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 14 homers, 41 RBIs, 40 walks, 119 Ks, .205 AVG, .284 OBP, .352 SLG, OPS+ of 65
Thorman, per 162 games for his career: 384 at bats, 46 runs, 27 doubles, 15 homers, 46 RBIs, 18 walks, 84 Ks, .222 AVG. .260 OBP, .407 SLG, OPS+ of 70
Is Thorman gonna do good in some spring training in a few years for some team like the Rays and some Braves fan is gonna be on their message board saying you gotta go with Thorman over Carlos Pena because I saw him in Atlanta and he’s real good?
By Greg in TN
March 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Evening Planet Braves…
Had some good and had some bad today. Scratching Smoltz from the start today is a concern, have to be realistic about that, but with him saying that he would have gone had this been the regular season, it doesn’t go beyond that for now.
The wild thing had some problems today, Ricky Vaughn… err, Ryan Drese, the former Texas Ranger struggled finding the plate against three little, four little, five little Indians in a row (I could almost hear Aerosmith playing Walk This Way in the background). Still, it’s encouraging to see Bennett go three innings and yield only two hits while striking out two. Frenchy had two hits today and Diaz had a triple to help the cause.
I got a good chuckle looking over the blog today. There’s a new movement in the NY City Public Schools called mets math (developed by Enron). It seems according to mets math, Tom Seaver > Phil Niekro + Hank Aaron.
Not to be outdone, the history department now has mets history. You see, their history textbooks only seem to begin in 1962. No Revolutionary War, no WW1 or WW2, no Great Depression. Lincoln assassination? Didn’t happen. FDR’s New Deal? Figment of everyone’s imagination. Because the Flushing franchise wasn’t around, it evidently didn’t happen. Just like some mets fans like to imagine our 1914 and 1957 World Series championships and the 8 National League/National Association championships prior to the World Series era didn’t happen.
Ummmm, yeah, we’ll get back to you on that. Get the Yankee’s to do that and you might be on to something. But I imagine Fort Knox, the Bronx will tell you folks the same thing that we will. Reminds me of another Aerosmith tune… Dream On
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Braveheart & CharlieAlphaBravo - Appreciate the offerings guys. I wasn’t reverting to lurking mode because I don’t have thick skin. I was shocked when I went back and could read it as some did. I agree with others and DOB that it wasn’t unreasonable to have read it that way. Shrugs
I am a veteran of other forums and expect the banter -both positive and negative- one receives on forums. Heck, I even enjoy a good throttling of an idiotic poster, even if it was me ;^P
I tell ya, one thing that made this whole matter worse is the delay between reading/posting on this blog. On my end, it can be up to 25 minutes, or more.
Reverting to lurker is primarily due to my line of work and the non- WI-FI locales I typically find myself in. But, once back to civilization I’m right back avidly reading DOB’s blog and firing up MLBTV when/where I can.
-=S=-
By Mike in LA
March 21, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Nelson you said Kotsay’s arm is weak? Well he has more outfield assists than any outfielder in the majors over the last ten years
By Shamus Thacker
March 21, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
I wanted to see Javy make the team as much as anyone, but sentiment can’t hit or catch. Neither, apparently, can Javy, at this point.
So sorry for Smoltzy; at least he ain’t broke. Cash-on-hand can ease the pain on lots of things. I still think he could throw knucklers, left-handed, and pitch to 60. Perty good knuckler coach hangs around there too…
By ncscoots
March 21, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Grappz, sorry, man. Your reasons for reverting to lurker do not suffice.
Real bloggers do not need the sissified speed of Wi-Fi. Real bloggers do not faint at the sight of blood on a long blog load. Real bloggers man up, sneer at the pain of dial-up, and spit in the face of delay. You want to dance the ballet, or you want to BLOG?!? Jee-zus, drop that doily and grab a damn keyboard, WHEREVER in the rock-lined world you are.
Crap, who’s been working with Grappz? DOB? God D@#%!!
By mark
March 21, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
I wrote a few weeks ago in one of the BLOGs that the aging John Smoltz and Tom Glavine could ring loud to the sucess of this Braves season and it looks also that we have questions concerning our closer.Jair Jurrgens needs to be ready and make a great difference.However the Mets with Pedro have similiar tasks at hand as well
By Shamus Thacker
March 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Could somebody please tell me why a “Could Not Find Page” screen follows a post? Each and every idiot who comes here [including, but not limited to, myself] goes back and hits post about 10-damn-times and looks exactly like the puuuuuure idiot that he/she absolutely is…
Why not put up a screen that says “thanks for your post,” or “kiss my a*,” or something!?
Some thangs, only Gawd knows….
By Brad
March 21, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
What about a line up like this Johnson - Diaz - Hoss - Tex - Escobar (RBI machine)- Frenchy - Mccann - Koysay. With Frenchy and Mac behind yunel is close I know not as good as Hoss and Tex but I think Escobar could get moe RbI’s than Frenchy (hope not 2 offend). Give me feedback
By Eric from MO
March 21, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Nelson you are a moron!
You state in your first post Lopez is a good defensive catcher(which he isnt) and then in your second post you say he is not a good defensive catcher. In your first post you say that we should move Frenchy to CF and then in your second you say he is not a CF. What exactly are you saying? Also you say you have only watched 2 games but you sure on what you would do, even though you later changed your mind.
By Bravetiger
March 21, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
DOB - Is Marcus Giles in camp with anyone? Amazing how far he’s slipped in just a couple of years.
By ncscoots
March 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Grappz, sorry, man. Your reasons for reverting to lurker do not suffice.
Real bloggers do not need the sissified speed of Wi-Fi. Real bloggers do not faint at the sight of a long blog load. Real bloggers man up, sneer at the obsolescence of dial-up, and spit in the face of delay. Jee-zus, you want to dance the ballet, or you want to BLOG?!? Just drop that doily and grab a damn keyboard, wherever in the rock-lined world you are.
Crap, who’s been working with Grappz? DOB? God D@%#!
And finally…Go Tigers, Beat ‘Nova!
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Brad, Yunel might be good, but we know for a fact that Tex and Chipper are RBI machines (Not to mention French). Yunel and KJ ought to be table setters. Plus, give then strength of the back end of our lineup, they’ll get chances to drive in runs.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Brad, Yunel might be good, but we know for a fact that Tex and Chipper are RBI machines (Not to mention French). Yunel and KJ ought to be table setters. Plus, given the strength of the back end of our lineup, they’ll get chances to drive in runs.
By Braveheart
March 21, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Shamus, I wish it would just tell me that it loves me.
Wayne, my good friend, sorry to tell ya this, but, outside of your beautiful Opening Day poetry and your Ballad of Andruw Jones, all of your posts make me whisper to myself What And Idiot.
But you’re a good American American, so I never tell you to your face.
:>)
BTW, ya better be working on revising that Opening Day Poetry. There’s been quite a few lineup changes.
By Shamus Thacker
March 21, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
How do you differentiate between an idle observer and a lurker?
Is being too inebriated to type considered lurking?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Yo Mark , you do realize that Glavine has never been on the D.L , RIGHT ?
Are you even aware that Glavine has never made less than 29 starts or pitched less than 180 innings during the past 20 seasons , RIGHT ?
By Robert
March 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
TRADE IDEA
DOB, Since some of San Diego’s Relief Pitchers are hurt, why do we try to get Paul McAnulty 1B/OF who is out of options.
By Lew
March 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
PeteH.-Dude, that’s the problem. Thorman aims for the pond in SF every at bat. Too bad he’s trying to hit it from Atlanta.
By Brad
March 21, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Clearly a better line up just let it weigh on your mind. Diaz hit 4 avg. power. but same thing up the middle to left. yunel can spray the ball, knock in RBI’s with a base hit and still be there for a run with french and mac 2 come Think about it
By Shamus Thacker
March 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Shoot Robert, I thank Paul McCartney’s too damn old to pitch…
By Greg in TN
March 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Somehow I don’t think Sienna and San Diego will agree with the assertion that the number 13 is unlucky.
By Lew
March 21, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Shamus-A lurker is just someone who reads the blog but doesn’t post. It’s not necessarily a negative connotation attached in this instance.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Is Thorman gonna do good in some spring training in a few years for some team like the Rays and some Braves fan is gonna be on their message board saying you gotta go with Thorman over Carlos Pena because I saw him in Atlanta and he’s real good?
Short answer: Yes. And I look forward to reading that exchange.
Thanks guys for answering the question about Jung.
By bfan54
March 21, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Grapzz,
“I did not have sexual relations with that woman….”
“it depends on what your definition of is is”.
I rest my case. You said what you said. Man up!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker , the knuckle ball is almost a lost art. Besides Tim Wakefield and R.A. Dickey , nobody else even throws the damn thing anymore.
By Overlord
March 21, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Did you know?——— Braves have scored the 2nd highest run total in the NL while hitting the 3rd fewest amount of HRs. This is a really good fact to have in mind.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Bravetiger: He was in the Rockie camp. Haven’t heard anything on him though…
By Braveheart
March 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Are there different kinds of lurkers? Are they like the people who go to games at the Ted where some of them do the tomahawk chop while lurking while others flirt and talk on their cell phones and do everything else but pay attention to what is going on?
Holy crap! Andruw Jones is now playing for the Indiana Hoosiers! I thought he was #25 and not #2 though.
By Overlord
March 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
If we are going to applaud how good braves offense has been this spring, we should also tip our hat to mets pitching, they have led the NL almost from the start of spring and they have more than a full run lead over the braves (ERA). I know its only spring, but they are doing a really good job.
By John Kerry
March 21, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Grapzz is like me. He voted for the post before he voted against the post.
By Jared
March 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Nelson (6:26 PM) shows why I’m glad Bobby Cox is the manager. Borchard is terrible, just look at his career major league stats. Prado is nowhere near the offensive weapon that Kelly Johnson is…and right now I think the Braves probably should pick Brayan Pena over Javy Lopez if they plan on taking only one backup catcher.
Kelly Johnson or Martin Prado shouldn’t (and isn’t) even debatable at this point.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Brad sorry man, you are wrong. First of all, we have no idea if Diaz can keep it up all season. Second, Diaz has a lower OBP and a much higher strike out rate, both real problems for the 2 hole. Third, there doesn’t seem to be any indication that Diaz can intentionally hit behind the runner like Yunel. For instance, his shot today that narrowly missed being a home run? He thought it was a change up. He has an ugly swing and he hits bad pitches. Granted, he does it amazingly well and I love him for it. But there isn’t an indication that he hits balls to certain areas intentionally. Fourth, Yunel is faster.
Basically, all the things you want out a 2 hole, Yunel trumps. Yuni should be hitting 2 or leadoff, end of story.
By Terry Forster
March 21, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Hey,
Leave Grapzz alone. Its not like he suggested that whether or not we sign Tex next year isn’t worth worrying about right now, followed up by a suggestion that on the field activity is more fun to read about than drugs and/or money.
Not that sort of thing can really get you lit up on the ole’ DOB blog.
By Terry Forster
March 21, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Hey,
Leave Grapzz alone. Its not like he suggested that whether or not we sign Tex next year isn’t worth worrying about right now, followed up by a suggestion that on the field activity is more fun to read about than drugs and/or money.
Now that sort of thing can really get you lit up on the ole’ DOB blog.
By Miss Teen South Carolina Caitlin Upton
March 21, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
i like Grapzz. his posts hear make me feal, uh, real smart.
By stephen jones
March 21, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Yunel is definately the man for 1 or 2, and Diaz 7 or 8. because Esco has an every day job Diaz doesnt, thats y he is higher in the order. plus he swings a good bat for a young kid.
so if 29 is on the shelf, we are only left with 2 solid starters, just like last year.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Dirtbags are up 5-1 in the 3rd. UCLA was top ranked by Baseball America to start the season. Not so much now. The Dirtbags are a solid 7 and inching towards 6 (which they hold in one poll) in the nation. Andrew Leibel on the mound tonight.
By Chris Crocker
March 21, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
How frickin’ dare anyone out there make fun of Grapzz after all he has been through.
All you people care about is making jokes at his expense.
HE’S A HUMAN! What you don’t realize is that Grapzz is giving you all these laughs and all you do is write a bunch of crap about him.
He hasn’t posted on here previously in years. All you people want is MORE! MORE-MORE, MORE: MORE!.
Leave him Alone! You are lucky he even posts here for you! Leave Grapzz alone! Please.
Grapzz talked about professionalism and said if Smoltz was a professional he would’ve gone on the DL to keep an out-of-options and on-the-bubble relief pitcher no matter what.
Speaking of professionalism, when is it professional to publicly bash someone like Grapzz who is going through a hard time?
Leave Grapzz Alone Please! Leave Grapzz alone, right now. I mean it!
Anyone that has a problem with him you deal with me, because he is not well right now.
LEAVE GRAPPZ ALONE!
By Eric from MO
March 21, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Brad got to disagree with you. Yunel is faster than Diez. So you would want him batting higher. Also Yunel doesnt have enough pop to bat 5th. Im going to guess that he hits 10-15 homeruns.
Also Diez strikeouts to much to bat 2nd. Also Diez hits bad pitches, which is why he is suceeds at batting lower in the lineup because unlike some players he doesnt need to see good pitches to get a hit.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
At any rate , the worst kept secret is that the Braves have a questionable bench.
Martin Prado has 15 HR’s in five minor league seasons with a BA of .277 , Josh Anderson has the same 15 HR’s in five seasons except he also has 237 SB’s and a BA of .290
I’m comfortable with both of them defensively , but neither one has much pop coming off the bench.
Thorman is on a very short leash in spite of the fact that he is the most qualified back up at 1B.
Javy Lopez is playing his way right off the team as we speak.
Corky Miller , great defender behind the plate , calls a good game and he has a gun for an arm , can’t hit his way out of a paper sack.
Clint Sammons is in the running for the back up catcher job , but Cox is likely to go with the veteran (Miller).
Lillibridge is keeping Omar Infante’s shoes warm as Cox will keep two back up infielders on the left side (SS-2B-3B) at all times.
Joe Borchard is nothing but experienced depth on his way back to Richmond.
Brandon Jones is headed back to Richmond for some more work on his defense.
Brayan Pena is a jack of all trades and master of none , switch hits , has a productive bat and could beat out Thorman or Miller.
Gregor Blanco still has a chance to beat out Anderson , but as they say , speed kills and Josh can motor.
What the Braves seem to be missing is that reliable veteran bat they have had in the past. Example : Betemit , Franco , DeRosa.
And then we have the question of if and when Chipper will hit the D.L. and for how long.
Escobar can slide over to 3B in such an event , but that still leaves a massive hole in the offense that neither Prado , Infante or Lillibridge can fill.
The Braves will have to trade or lose two or more players as they seem to have half a dozen who are out of options and on the bubble , so to speak.
they are : Brayan Pena , Scott Thorman , Tyler Yates , Blaine Boyer , Royce Ring and Chris Resop.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Found an interview of Drese talking about his outing today.
By Grapzz
March 21, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
bfan54, those two witless masked psuedonyms and Chris “My Betty” Crocker - You lack both original thought and the supply of testosterone necessary to produce a hair folical in places deprived of our valuable solar day. I think the bandwagon circled more times than one can count before you muscled up the bravery to jump on. I do applaud you for exercising (Psst, your plumber’s crack is showing) but the brave are at the front of the bandwagon, not the back.
By TennesseePaul
March 21, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Also, it’s Diaz.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about the bench, there is no way you can convince me its worse than last year. Woodward, Betemit, Craig Wilson, Langerhans, Corky Miller, Pete Orr…I mean, holy crap.
By Epinephrine
March 21, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
I got it “chris crocker”=pretty funny, 7/10
By JimD
March 21, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Coach, I was with you all the way until you said, “What the Braves seem to be missing is that reliable veteran bat they have had in the past. Example : Betemit …”
That statement was like the Tide commercial with the spot talking so loud you couldn’t hear anything else. After you made the Betemit statement, I couldn’t read anything else.
Otherwise, good summary. Should be interesting these last few days. And we will know a little more tomorrow probably.
By uga-brave
March 21, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
scoots,
hope you have a taLL bourbon right now. clems’un is very talented but not so bright, at times.
better hope it does not turn into a FT shooting contest.
By chrisklob
March 21, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
uga, I’m watching too. Looked so promising in the first half. What happened?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Betemit wasn’t with the team last season. He was traded in 2006 and considering that Woodward , Wilson and Orr are gone , I think the bench is improved on defense but short on experience.
By uga-brave
March 21, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
epinephrine,
betemit was not with the braves last year.
for all those whining about the bench, blame the payroll.
when your payroll is 15 to 20 million dollars behind your rivals, there are going to be holes.
scoots, please refrain from kicking in your TV.
i know i have been there.
By uga-brave
March 21, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
wayne,
braveheart basically called you out.
dont get why, but he did.
By uga-brave
March 21, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
klobber,
whats going on. of course i am not a clemson fan, but i prefer to keep it in the south.
just poured you a a glass of that fine knobs creek bourbon you like so much. the last six minutes should be fun.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 21, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
JimD , you really didn’t get the gist of what I was trying to say.
Put yourself in the shoes of the opposing manager.It’s the eighth inning , your up by a run and debating who to bring in to pitch , because the opposing pitcher is due up to bat.
You look at the lineup card and see the Braves bench which might look like this: Anderson , Infante , Miller , Prado and Pena.
You quickly surmise that they have no one who can pinch hit and tie the game up with one swing of the bat.
Ergo , you bring in a flame thrower to pitch to the bottom of the Braves batting order and save your closer for the ninth.
You see what I’m getting at ? No thump off the bench , advantage to the opposition.
By uga-brave
March 21, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
36-18,
then splat. what a meltdown.
By SNIPER-69
March 22, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
You see, bad things happen….even to the braves. I read post after post about the physical hardships to the Mets but it’s all not funny when it’s about your team it it.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Yeah I don’t know why I typed Betemit. Lord knows he would have been a plus on that horrible group.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
coach,
gotta say i agree with you. lot of holes on the bench, especially if and when chipper goes down. like i said the payroll always comes into play.
we now are a mid-market team, with a corporate owner that does not really give a damn.
aint corporate ownership great?
By chrisklob
March 22, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
uga, you know I’m always up for a taste of my favorite bourbon. I’m not really a Clemson fan either, although I did go to school there for a short while. I’ll always root for South Carolina schools first, then other southern schools.
I’m not at all a basketball fan. Don’t know much about it but will watch the March Madness games just to be able to keep up with my buds.
My only sports “love” is baseball. I can’t wait for the regular season to begin. I think the Braves are going to be good again. Not perfect, but very good.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
I could have just said it like this.
What the Braves need is a reliable veteran sitting on the end of the bench with a bad attitude and a big ugly stick.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Coach you could just as easily see, Thorman, Prado, Lopez, Infante, Blanco. Then you want the guy that throws junk. Not to mention that the pitcher will also have to face Diaz and Kotsay.
Basically, we are sitting pretty if this seems like an imminent concern. With all the holes last year, there wasn’t even time to truly consider how horrible our bench was. So feel blessed that this is what occupies us at 1215 on a Friday night.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
sniper,
i for one never wish for injuries, no matter the team.
at some point karma comes in.
that being said. i just dont understand why you and other mets fans come on here.
for me, i dont hate the mets.
though i did hate BOBBY VALENTINE.the guy took egomaniac to another level.
never saw a manager that ran onto the field to celebrate before his players.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
And don’t give me payroll. The Yanks have both Betemit and Woodward making runs at their bench.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
klobber,
i agree. the braves have a real chance this year. pitching and defense is always the key.
if smoltz, hudson, hampton, and glavine are all healthy we will make a great run.
sidebar. this is the season when we learn that francoeur is a all star or just another good player.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
klobber,
i agree. the braves have a real chance this year. pitching and defense is always the key.
if smoltz, hudson, hampton, and glavine are all healthy we will make a great run.
sidebar. this is the season when we learn that francoeur is a all star or just another good player.
By JimD
March 22, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Coach I got the gist of it. In fact, I agree with you. We do not have an intimidating presence on the bench.
It just struck me as funny to hear Wilson Betemit referred to as a reliable bat. Most of his Braves tenure was not so reliable.
Otherwise I totally agree. I think we need a bench addition. I just don’t think an affordable/reasonable one is forthcoming.
I hope you don’t construe my comment as disagreement. I almost always agree with your assessment.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Kotsay ? I have some real bad news for you Epenephrine , he looks like nothing more than a slap hitter at the moment.
The guy has one extra base hit so far this spring (double). He doesn’t look anything like the guy who hit 15 HR’s , 35 doubles , drove in 82 RBI and batted .280 back in 2005.
I have been more impressed by Josh Anderson so far.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
epine,
with all due respect, you are wrong.
first of all the bench aint near as important in the A.L.
second, to say the yankees have betemit, and woodward ( WHO WONT MAKE THE TEAM) scream volumes.
we have no vets on the bench. just a bunch of kids or third year players making the minimum.
when you have payroll constraints, you have to pick your battles.
i would must rather spend our disposable income on pitching.
By chrisklob
March 22, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
uga, there are a lot of if’s with this team.
If Smoltz can stay healthy…..
If Chipper can stay healthy…..
If Hampton can stay healthy enough to give the Braves a decent amount of quality starts….
If Glavine, who will be healthy if history repeats itself, can give the Braves a decent amount of quality starts….
If Soriano can stay healthy AND step up and show that he is worthy of being the closer….
If Frenchy can combine the successes he enjoyed the previous two seasons and have a ton of homers WITH a high BA AND a more respectable OBP…..
If the catching corps (Heap and whoever) can throw out base stealers at a higher clip……
If the bully can prove to be dominant….
I’m sure I missed some.
Don’t get me wrong. I like this team, I really do, especially after looking at the Mets and Phillies who all have similar problems (or worse) and looking around the rest of the league at their problems. These questions are not unique to the Braves. They are the same, or similar, to every team in the game.
This could be a magical year or it could be a bust. Only time will tell.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Coach, if you really think that then you have been reading stats and not watching the games. Kots is hitting the ball hard this spring. He has been the most pleasant surprise thus far for me (I expected good things out of Jair). Will he be a 15hr guy? I don’t know about that, but I will guarantee (as long as he is healthy) that he puts up a lot better numbers than Anderson in terms of power. Bobby was right to praise him a few days ago. He and Kelly have been robbed more than a few times this spring. Both of them could just as easily be over .300 right now.
UGA-Brave,
You are right, that was a complete exaggeration. Still, I think things could be a lot worse. Frankly, with the leverage we have with arms, I feel pretty confident that if the bench becomes a serious Achilles heel we have the tools to solve it.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
Anyway, my last point-Coach I think you are right that we lack a veteran bat. All I am saying is that in the grand scheme of things, I feel just fine as that rating as a leading concern for this club.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
klobber,
right on point. agree with just about everything.
PLAY BALL.
if we dont the crusading everyday guy might just hit MICKEY MOUSE IN the head.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
JImD , thanks for the conversation , I appreciate it.
I’ll give you some numbers on Betemit and why he was traded. In 2005 he hit .305 with 4 HR’s and 20 RBI while filling in at 3B and SS for 85 games.
When Chipper went down during the 2006 season , Betemit stepped in at 3B and hit .263 with 18 HR’s and 53 RBI while filling in at 3B for 79 games.
Why was he traded , you ask ? The Braves knew they were toast back in May of the 2006 season and when the opportunity to pick up Willy Aybar and Danys Baez presented itself at the trading deadline , the Braves were all over it.
Baez of course opted to go elsewhere in free agency and I think the Braves got a compensation pick for him.
Willy Aybar proved to be the same headache for the Braves that he was for the Dodgers. The Braves unloaded him for Jeff Ridgway.
So you see , Betemit could be viewed as somewhat of a reliable veteran and that trade which looked so good when it was made turned out to be a disappointment.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Kotsay has 41 at bats with one single extra base hit and you say he is hitting the ball hard.
I’ll take that with a grain of salt.
By John Kerry
March 22, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
uga, I wasn’t calling out Wayne. I was just teasing him. He’s the furthest thing from and idiot on here. Love that guy.
What the hell happened to Clemson? Scoots had me believing in them so much I picked them to beat Kansas and get to the Final Four. Damn you, Scoots.
Coach, I wouldn’t call Betemit as a Brave a reliable veteran bat. He was just a kid relatively speaking. I do agree with you that he was a very reliable bench player. He should still be a Brave. That’s the kind of depth they need and the very kind of depth The Homeboy Upstairs never valued even when they had the money. The lack of emphasis placed on benches is the only real beef I have had with JS and BC over the years. Too many Cox cronies or this guy is out of options so we’ll keep him instead of keeping the better player or this guy reminds Bobby of the scrub he used to be or this guy has secret compromising photos of Bobby and JS.
Who knows what the reason is/was. But when the Yankees had quality players like Strawberry, Leyritz, Boggs, Tino coming off the bench in 96, the Braves countered with the joke that was Luis Polonia. And don’t dare anyone say that was money related. The Braves had a higher payroll than the Yankees back then. They just never understood the importance of the bench.
By gotigers72
March 22, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
Diaz should get to play every day. He hits lefties and righties about the same. And I do mean HITS. Maybe in later innings when the Braves are ahead, put somebody else in for defensive purposes. He improved a lot last year with his defensive skills, but somebody like Blanco [if he stays up], would be better on defense.
By Andy A
March 22, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this
Coach,
I am also skeptical of Betemit’s listing as a reliable veteran, but I see your argument. One question, though. Assuming Infante can get healthy by middle to late April, could he not be that “reliable veteran” you’re talking about?
By BA
March 22, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
Coach, with all due respect, I disagree. The Betemit trade WAS a mistake. But they made that deal to get Baez because they needed bullpen help to have a SHOT. Unfortunately, it was too late by then. I loved Betemit as a Brave, he was comfortable and effective here. Smoltz is NOT a question mark. This guy piched for a YEAR with his elbow hanging on by a thin strip of flesh. His arm will have too FALL OFF before I put him in the “question mark” category. In the words of Cedric the entertainer, he’s a grown-azz man. He’s not trying to start that many spring training games. Or call another dude “delicious”.
By Keith Lockhart
March 22, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
Hey, I was a solid bench player!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
I would characterize Infante to be exactly what he is : strong utility player , superb defender , can play the entire left side of the infield and all three outfield spots , slap hitter and veteran.
But not the big ugly stick that I’m looking for.
More like Greg Norton , Daryle Ward , Tony Clark or Marcus Thames.
These are the kind of guys who can come off the bench to pinch hit , take a 98 MPH fastball and deposit it into the seats for a two or three run bomb in the eighth or ninth inning.
By Francisco Cabrera
March 22, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
I got a pinch-hit once, and I was pretty cheap.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this
john kerry,
sorry about your ability to sound condescending all the time. your tone would of been better served eight years ago.
WW, either way no matter what you think the BENCH is a copulation of the money we have left.
duane ward, a guy that would still be a good fit here left for more money.
braveheart, i know you above all hate corporate ownership.
we now have to play in a pool that does not include the mets, red sox, angels, yankees, etc.
either way you have to pick your battles.
i would rather put that money into our pitching staff.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
meant duane ward.
By ippississiM
March 22, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
Caveman: I don’t know what my issue with that is, but I guess I must not be holding my mouth just right on that knuckleball or something.
According to a good bit of internet research on the topic, the consensus is that breaking balls don’t work the same sidearm, due to the angle of your hand in relation to gravity. Curveballs are typically not effective for sidearmers. At all. I don’t know how you did it, unless maybe you’re cocking your wrist at an upward angle?
When I’m pitching with my natural sidearm delivery, I get really good results from my two-seamer, slider, and circle change, in that order. Man, that slider just dives from high-and-out to inside corner about a foot in front of the plate. I wish I could bottle that thing and sell it. Comes right after an outside-corner 85-or-so fastball, cruises in the high 70’s looking like a fastball high and out, then winds up dusting the kneecaps. I have to be careful that it doesn’t start diving early, though, or it will bounce off the dirt into the batter’s shins.
The thing of it is, though, my control, movement and velocity are very close to the same right-handed as left-handed, but without as much endurance. I can get 100-120 pitches left-handed, once a week or so, but I get tired after about 70-80 pitches right-handed. I don’t know. Still, though, if I can go 170-200 pitches before I run totally out of gas, I guess I shouldn’t complain.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
BA , I called the Betemit trade a disappointment , you called it a mistake. I don’t see the argument in that.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
BAS,
Left two whiskeys for you.
just because it was good friday.
either way my friend, miss your late night diatribe.
By BA
March 22, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
The Braves should do their shopping from the Nationals roster. That sucker Stan Kasten slurps up our reject players like Oprah at Wendy’s. Wren can pick anybody, just send Kasten somebody crappy like Langerhans and he’ll bite. He’ll bite like Piazza at the local “alternative lifestyle” sado joint.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
Dear Santa , please go back to the north pole and play with all your elf friends.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this
Just back from the Band of Horses show in downtown Orlando (the Social). Them boys rock much harder in person than on record. Great show. But they didn’t go on until midnight. I’m gonna be hating life when that alarm goes off in four hours….
Coach: Again with the call for Greg Norton? You’re serious about that, right?
Now there’s a name that strikes fear into the hearts of pitchers and opposing managers. Yeah, buddy. That’s a big ugly stick, alright.
Let’s see — .220 average with 7 HRs and 52 Ks in 168 at-bats for altitude-enhanced (pre-humidor days) Colorado in 2002;
.263 with 6 HRs and 47 Ks in 179 at-bats in for still-pre-humidor Colorado in 2003;
.174 with 2 HRs in 86 at-bats for Detroit in 2004; no major league at-bats in 2005;
.296 with 17 HRs in his one-and-only noteworthy season for Tampa Bay i 2006;
.243 with 4 HRs and 55 Ks in 202 at-bats for Tampa Bay in 2007.
Yes, that’s quite a resume. Slugging percentages of .405 or under in five of his past eight MLB seasons, and a .252 career average with 82 homers, a .336 OBP and 540 Ks in 2147 at-bats in the majors.
Seriously, is this guy your neighbor or former high school chum? This is a guy you’d like to see as an answer off the bench. I mean, those are really bad numbers, and hardly any power at all in four of his past five MLB seasons. Oh, and he’s 35.
On second thought, that is an ugly stick.
I’d take Scott Thorman over that in a heartbeat.
By BA
March 22, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Coach, I meant when you said the Braves did that trade because they had given up the season. I felt they made that deal as a last ditch to catch the always choking Mets. Good work here, coach. I genuinely enjoyed the China game info the other night, because I’m just that obsessed. Any such helpful updates like that certainly help the late night content. Good reading is GOLD this time of the night!
By Mitch wildthing Williams
March 22, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
Santa, hang in there buddy. Sounds like a stressful deal. Mental problems can happen to anyone.
By Andy A
March 22, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this
Infante is definitely not a power guy, but were Franco, Derosa, or Betemit, (your examples of reliable veterans, which is what I was saying Infante is) ever really power guys either? I understand the want of an “ugly stick” to strike fear in the hearts…etc. But wouldn’t you want someone like that in the game, not on the bench?
I would argue that a veteran who gets on base and has some speed would be better than sitting back and waiting for a “big ugly stick” to put one in the seats…especially during a playoff run. Look at how Ellsbury helped the Red Sox last year, mostly as a bench guy. Sure, he’s not a veteran, but he’s definitely more slap than power.
The argument that the bench is weak carries weight and is a point of concern for any informed fan, but I think the run producing potential of this lineup (when healthy) is not a question. So, that means protecting those runs with quality, fresh arms becomes the main priority. Pitching durability, to me, seems like a bigger concern than the bench. And that’s just not something you can go make a trade for on March 25th or sign in hopes of a miracle (i.e. Redman). FW did what needed to be done with Glavine and JJ. Now, let’s get to ATL and let the formula work.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this
well that last post was rather disturbing.
for someone that worked with and for GOLMAN SACHS for 15 years, i can for one tell you the price of oil is DEFINETLY levered to our dollar.
the dollar goes down and the price of oil goes up period.
it has nothing to do with supply or demand. it has everything to do with the dollar.
the saudis are not going to take less, and from a business standpoint they are right.
knew this would happen when the euro became the standard in europe.
oil is dollar denominated, our currency is sinking faster then the titantic. FED FUNDS are now at 2.25 with a target of 1.50.
could give all of you a econ lesson but it would be BOORISH.
japan deflated their economy after NIKKEI crashed and it took some time for it to work again.
either way. think about this, our fifth largest investment bank BEAR STEARNS sold for the amount of A’ RODS contract $260 MILLION.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this
I like Betemit. Good guy, hard worker. But since you’re citing numbers for him, coach, let’s cite a couple more:
Braves traded him on July 28, 2006. He had four homers and 13 RBIs in his first 13 games for the Dodgers after the trade.
Here’s what he’s done since then, from Aug. 13, 2006 through the end of last season:
.225 average (83-for-369) with 16 doubles, 19 homers, 66 RBIs, 111 strikeouts, a .317 OBP, .423 slugging percentage, zero stolen bases.
Reliable veteran? OK, if you say so. Dodgers gave him the third base job to lose, and he lost it. Quickly.
His .229 average last season included a .227 mark with 62 strikeouts in 194 at-bats vs. RHPs.
He’s a career .260 hitter with 36 homers and 258 strikeouts in 909 at-bats, including a .231 average and .281 OBP in 207 ABs vs. LEFTIES.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
Oh, and two final stats on Betemit: As a 3B, he has a .245 career average and .315 OBP in 576 at-bats.
As a pinch-hitter, he has a .227 average with four homers and 33 strikeouts in 97 at-bats.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this
O’Brien , it must have been some concert.
Your all full of pi$$ and vinegar at three in the morning.
Considering that Cox tried Craig Wilson , Julio Franco and Jarrod Saltalamacchia at 1B before trading for Teixeira , I would say , yea. I would go with Greg Norton over Scott Thorman.
Because I have about as much confidence in Thorman right now as Bobby Cox does.
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this
WOW,
the ajc deleted the last distubing post pretty fast. BRAVO guys.
By Mitch wildthing Williams
March 22, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
I know it’s a power game these days, and I know I’m old school, but I want SPEED on the bench. I’m thrilled that Blanco has a shot still. I’d love to see Anderson too. Bobby loves power I know. But so many games hinge on one or two runs. I want some guys that can bunt, fly down the line and put pressure on opposing infields. But I’d almost bet money Borchard is gonna make it with his power. How AWFUL has Eric Bedard been this spring?! Something like thirty hits in sixteen innings? Do some of Santa’s aforementioned demons live in Seattle and prey on pitchers?
By uga-brave
March 22, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this
for all you guys that did not see it, it was disturbing.
i almost feel like quoting JACK in men of honor.
WE NEED GUYS ON THAT WALL.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
What Betemit did for the Braves and what he has done since is the difference in playing for Bobby Cox and then having to duplicate that effort elsewhere.
Besides , you were clucking like a hen laying eggs when the Betemit trade went down. Bragging about how great a trade it was and look at it now.
By Andy A
March 22, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Betemit does have as many homers this spring as that other 3B in NY. You think he has a chance of winning the job?
By Andy A
March 22, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Betemit does have as many homers this spring as that other 3B in NY. You think he has a chance of winning the job?
By BA
March 22, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
Man, they deleted that crazy blog FAST. I hope they don’t start deleting obnoxious blogs too. I’ll be out of business.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this
and O’Brien since you want to quote stats from the past , here are some from the here and now.
Scott Thorman : .146 BA in 41 at bats this spring.
Greg Norton : .342 BA in 38 at bats for the Mariners.
But hey , I know these spring training stats don’t count for crap , that’s why Thorman is almost out of a back up job.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
UGA-Brave , I live right up here by the Canadian border and remember when their dollar was worth 64 cent next to the American dollar.
Now , it’s worth more than our dollar and the Canadian’s are flocking across the border in droves , doing tons of business here in Grand Forks. The local economy is actually being helped by the recession.
Tis very strange stuff these days , that’s for damn sure.
By BA
March 22, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I think they broke Betemit’s heart when they sent him to LA. Playing for Bobby has to be better than LA or the evil steroid empire. I’m not convinced Thorman is all that great, but you’ve got to give him at least a little more time. He can hit it to the moon.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this
Just to translate, since you aren’t too good at reading between the lines: The fact that I’d take Thorman over Norton says NOTHING about what I think about Thorman (he’s not good) and everything about what I think about Norton (he’s 35 and not good).
Clucking like a hen? I really had nothing to “brag” about, because I had absolutely nothing to do with that trade or any other personnel move the Braves have ever made. Don’t know about you, but personally, I don’t see any logic in “bragging” about something you have zero to do with.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this
Yes sir , Thorman can hit a fastball to the moon. Just throw him a curveball and watch the guy start a breeze trying to hit it.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
O’Brien , I’ll just let you read your own words defending the Betemit trade , OK. Nighty night.
By David O’Brien
July 30, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this
Don, just curious about why you’re so indignant. Do you feel you’ve been wronged by the Braves? Your labeling of Aybar as “Upside Aybar” is cute; keep it up. In the interim, you realize of course than anyone on the Dodgers blog, who wants to question their manager’s description of Betemit as “one of the best young players in baseball” (I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the gist of what Grady Little or Colleti said), could simply do the same thing you did and take from an AJC article from past months for a description of Betemit not being good enough defensively to play second base, according to the Braves, and not good enough to unseat either of their veterans at 3B or SS, and that he’d be a utility guy as long as he was here.
Then if you were the Dodgers fan questioning the move, you could apply a cute little nickname like “Upside Betemit” and act like you actually know how good the player is, more so than the manager or general manager of the Dodgers describing him as one of the best young players in the game. Do you see what I’m saying?
Don, you don’t know anything about Aybar, and all I know (because I barely even remember him when Braves played them) is what the Braves scouts tell Bobby and Schuerholz and what they tell us. So until we see him, that’s what we have to go on.
And what if he’s nothing more than a utility guy? Well, Don, he’d be Betemit then, wouldn’t he? Because that’s what Betemit was here, a utility guy. You act as though Wilson had a 25-homer season or drove in 75 or something? Which of his stats are you so blown away by that suggests he’s a superstar waiting to happen? Just curious.
Are you upset at me and the other writers for quoting the manager or GM in regards to the trade? Upset that Betemit is gone? What? Do you want us to rip apart the trade and have your opinion, just because … well, dammit, just because you liked Betemit and you want him back? OK, Don, it was a terrible trade and Aybar is awful defensively. So they got one of the closers they pursued last year and a an awful defensive player in exhange for 26-year-old Wilson Betemit.
It was a rotten deal, if you say so, Don. Let’s not wait to see how they do and how Betemit does with the Dodgers. Let’s just called him “Upside Aybar” and keep writing about how the Brave are full of crap for not telling us they got a dog in return for Betemit, OK?
By the way, Bobby Cox loves Betemit as a person. Raved about him today off the record. Positively sung his praises. So tell me again, why exactly did they trade him? Because if he’s a great player, on top of being a great guy the manager loves, why exactly would they deal him? Just curious, Don, since you obviously have the inside sources and the ability to Google an L.A. Times article that is the last word on “Upside Aybar.”
Good night, Don. Hopefully, you’ll eventually be able to get over the fact that Betemit’s gone. Life goes on.
By Cherokee
March 22, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this
Martin Prado has 15 HR’s in five minor league seasons with a BA of .277 Coach
where is it again that you do your research? where in the he11 did you come up with a .277 BA? What and idiot.
By William
March 22, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
DOB GEEZ! What are you doing up at 4am???
By David-ATL14
March 22, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
Solid History Lesson for the Mets fans by * Greg in Tennessee* at 8:28P last night very well said.
Also doesn’t it get ugly when Coach turns on one of his past favorites.
In the past it was Thorman this Thorman that, Thorman here ,Thorman there, now the utterly non descript Greg Norton has passed Thorman to become the new Apple of Coach’s eye.
While I agree that Thorman is no help at all and the Braves need an upgrade, for God’s sake not Greg Norton.
I still wish the Braves would check on Ronnie Belliard’s availability despite his stature.
He could be a professional bat off the bench. Backup at 2b,3B and I agree he’s short for the typical 1b, but if the choice is Belliard at 1b for the 5-7 games Tex is off versus Thorman. Give me the short man.
The one game he could cost us not being able to get to high throws would surely be offset by his other skills namely a solid bat over the course of the season.
In the category of hindsight is always 20-20. Don’t we all wish the braves would have just ponied up the piddling 200k or 300K to retain Darryl Ward. his bat would look mighty fine about right now.
By woogidy
March 22, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
Hey coach, Infante is only out for a month dude, chill out. The Braves are one bench player short. Be patient. Opening Day is a week away. FW will get something done. I am sure of it.
By ncscoots
March 22, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
I knew it. Some blogger did his brackets with the Tigers in the Final Four, and put the curse of expectation on ‘em. Boo-yah, and mushroom cloud. I’m afraid Clemson is still a ways off from an elite program, but I’m pretty proud of those guys this year, and I’m looking forward to next year already.
now, baseball…
Aw, heck, I got nothing. I’m as bad as the players, the last week of ST and I’m just ready for real games. We’ve only seen one round of cuts so far, and the makeup of the roster still isn’t very clear, so we’re all just blowing smoke, for the time being.
And, Grappz, hope you realized I just funnin’ with you earlier. Don’t lurk, man, LOL.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
ncscoots, I had your boys reaching the Sweet 16 (and facing KU). So yeah, the Tigers messed me up, but not too badly…
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
William, if it had been a regular season game, I would’ve been asleep. A no-brainer. But I’m still just getting my work in down here….
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Coach, just got up to your 4:25 post. Other than being a bit alarmed that you were able to so readily find that post, I’m glad you re-posted it.
That was some “clucking like a hen,” huh?
After re-reading my own words, I wouldn’t change a single sentence, save for the typo in the line, “Let’s just called him ‘Upside Aybar’ and…”
Oh, and by the way, Prado’s a .302 career hitter in the minors, not .277. (He’s a .277 hitter in the majors.)
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Don?t we all wish the braves would have just ponied up the piddling 200k or 300K to retain Darryl Ward.William
Agree with you wholeheartedly. The man could flat-out hit (and especially pinch-hit in recent seasons), could back up 1B, and he wanted to stay here. Told me so at the time, when he was waiting for Braves to make him a decent offer (they tried to re-sign him on the cheap).
He went to Cubs and hit .327 with 16 extra-base hits and a .963 OPS in 110 at-bats last season, with almost as many walks (22) as Ks (23).
Now THAT is a stick to have at the end of the bench (well, if you can’t have Greg Norton).
By mattymose
March 22, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, how does Blanco’s speed compare to Josh Andersons? I know Anderson is very fast but Blanco might win the 4th outfield spot and it would be nice if Blanco was a speedster also. We need at least someone who can come in late in the game to pinch run who can steal a base and maybe score from first on an extra base hit.
By Chopdawg
March 22, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
DOB how many options does an MLB team have on a player, once he’s added to the 40-man roster?
And, players like Javy Lopez who are non-roster guys invited to spring training: they aren’t signed to any contracts at all, past spring training, right? So Lopez can be offered a AAA contract, which he can accept or decline as he chooses, if he’s not added to the 40-man?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 22, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Man… You guys still obsessing over the Betimet trade… get over it… he is not coming back any more than Jermain Dye is. I am not so sure it was playing in Atlata or just hitting against weak Atlanta pitching last year that made him look so good.
Blanco is pretty fast but Lew says Anderson is a burner… The question is how well that speed can translate to base running acumen? Speed alone is not any greater asset than pure power if you don’t know how to harness it.
By chase
March 22, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Hey its great to be back blogging with you veterans (Braveheart, Efrim, DonC, Gil and some others I haven’t seen yet) about the BRAVES after a great season of football by the DAWGS as well as a historic run in basketball NC in 2008!
On this season… The Braves are going to be MUCH BETTER than many of the talking heads are saying…
The MUTS have injury problems already to everyday starters, who knows with Pedro, and unlike the BRAVES, the MUTS and PHILLIES have NO pitching depth
The PHILLIES can’t handle the pressure, their pitching is not as good or deep as the BRAVES and their lineup is no better!
The MUTS can’t beat the BRAVES head-to-head, they have injuries already and no pitching depth!
One injury to ethier of the Phillies or Met’s pitching rotation and they are DONE
That is not the case with the Braves!
I really think we’ll see the Braves in the NLChampionship if not the WS…If Hampton gives them half of what he was…they could leave people..Remember the lead they had last year when Smoltz got hurt..they can take this thing!
By Bshaf
March 22, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
DOB I’m heading to Dark Star for the Easter Sunday game… Who needs sunrise service when you’ve got spring training? Anyways, with the off day last Tuesday, I’m trying to figure out who’ll be on the mound… Hampton? James? I’d appreciate the heads up. Also, can I expect to see Soriano get some work? Thanks for all you do and hang in there. I know you’re getting burned out with an eye on the regular season, but we need you now more that ever.
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Scoots, that was me wearing that rather long faced John Kerry mask. Put it on to razz Grapzz about voting for his post before he voted against it. But once you put the Kerry mask on, it’s hard to get it off because it is such a long faced mask.
But damn you Scoots with the Tigers. You kept talking about how they played the Tar Heels so close all season, I had a hunch they would have figured out whatever was missing by now and gone on a nice run and beaten KU and gone on to the Final Four. I was betting on the Pat Riley Winner Within idea that you have to get knocked down a few times by a top team before you are able to become a top team.
DOB cracks on me all the time for not sleeping. The wild man is up at 4 a.m. breaking curfew, going to concerts, and fighting with the Coach and then up again to run sprints at 7 in the morn. Guess he’s just trying to get his graveyard shift in mid season shape.
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Video footage of me and Coach and quite a few others on here after Wilson Betemit was Cast Away by the Braves
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Chase. Nice to see ya back. See you are going with less caps and more bold this year. :>) Hopefully, Cox can learn a lesson from Richt this year and let all the young kids on the Braves act like how Richt let the young kids on the Dawgs act last season. It will be a very fun season if the Braves have a few black jersey, Soulja Boy dancing, Release the Hounds against the Gators moments like the young Dawgs had. I’m betting that either Yunel or Jair will become the energizing force for the Baby Braves like Knowshon was for the Dawgs last year.
By McFann
March 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Dang, I’m glad I missed that game yesterday! That Drese made Tyler Yates look like Cy Young!
By McFann
March 22, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
It will be a very fun season if the Braves have a few black jersey, Soulja Boy dancing, Release the Hounds against the Gators moments like the young Dawgs had. Braveheart
You have got to be kidding!
By Jeff R
March 22, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Smoltz’s shoulder should be a red flag. When players hit forty, their health or physical condition can be hit or miss. But Smoltz is a gamer; he’ll work hard to work through the problem.
Yet… 2/5s of the rotation counts on Smoltz and Glavine (40 plus-ers). Can’t afford to lose either or both for a long stretch. And we’ll see what their stamina is like come August and September.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Just getting my work in, Braveheart.
I’ve arrived safely at Viera, a travel mug and a Cohiba serving to keep my eyelids open on the drive over.
Oh, and nearly made it through both discs of the Townes Van Zandt set “Live At The Old Quarter in Houston, Texas.” One of the all-time great live albums, for sure, and hard to find (but my man Don can order it for you).
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Mattymose, Blanco is very fast, perhaps the second-fastest in camp behind Josh Anderson. But he’s not as fast as Anderson….
Chopdawg, Javy and Borchard and a couple others are on minor league contracts. They are under contract for the season, but can be cut any time, and they can also elect to become free agents instead of accepting minor league assignments.
Borchard would accept an assignment to Richmond (he’s fully aware he might not make team despite his performance this spring), but Javy might opt to retire, I don’t know.
By David-ATL14
March 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
DOB
The cuts decided apparently in an Organizational meeting yesterday, will they be announced before or after the game?
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Bshaf, Hampton is starting on Sunday.
Soriano’s on the travel roster today, so I wouldn’t expect to see him pitch tomorrow. Unless it rains or something today and he doesn’t throw over here (it’s cloudy and drizzly, but we’ll probably play).
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking: Blanco, Prado, Lillibridge make team out of camp. And I don’t see Javy making it.
One of the other catchers, Corky perhaps. And like I said in blog other day, you could keep Pena as the backup (emergency) first baseman, since he’s not going to play unless Tex gets hurt. Would have to find another somewhere if Tex got hurt.
By Patrick
March 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Which relievers do you think will stay? and go?…
By Jeff R
March 22, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Javy seems to be a good guy, but the younger, better defensive, catchers are thre way to go.
By Spazz
March 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Braves send Javy Lopez, Jo-Jo Reyes to minor league camp
1 hour, 0 minutes ago
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)—The comeback of Javy Lopez may have ended when the Atlanta Braves sent the catcher and six more players to their minor league camp on Saturday.
Jo-Jo Reyes was among the players optioned to Triple-A Richmond.
The 37-year-old Lopez said he hasn’t decided if he’ll go to the minors. The three-time All-Star hit only .188 this spring in his attempt to become Brian McCann’s backup.
The Braves also reassigned pitchers Francisley Bueno, Jorge Campillo and Ryan Drese to Richmond and outfielder Jordan Schafer to Double-A Mississippi. Outfielder Brandon Jones, one of the top contenders to be the team’s fourth outfielder, was optioned to Richmond.
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
No, I’m not kidding at all McFann. How do you think the Tomahawk Chop came about? Youthful energy spread like wildfire from the players on the field to the fans in the stands, causing attendance to quadruple in the span of 3 seasons, thereby creating one of the coolest, most intimidating, and most envied chants baseball has ever seen (even if stolen from FSU). The same thing happened with the Dawgs last year after Richt redirected some of the wayward and suppressed energy of his young team after the Vandy stomp the logo thing to a more constructive purpose by letting them act like kids. No one could stop the Dawgs at that point. Richt was like an orchestrator whipping his players and his fans into a foaming at the mouth frenzy. Healthy expressions of youthful energy can carry a team a long way, especially over such a long 7 month season.
By Seymour
March 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I think that all makes sense. If both Pena and Thorman are out of options, which would we rather keep? Seems Pena is the better option, since he can play first-base in a pinch, plus give you a better hitting backup catching option if need be.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Man, I’m glad I quit when I did.
I’ll just say this: Betemit isn’t that good. Period. So that we got pieces that are not very good in return is kind if irrelevant. That simple fact of the matter is that I’d rather have Prado coming in at 3b than Betemit off the bench. Why? Because Betemit is a head case that can’t seem to hit. So enough with the angst.
By McFann
March 22, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Braveheart—
Yeah, well…I don’t think Bobby should send everyone out on the field for a pre-mature celebration if someone gets a first inning RBI against the Mets and/or Phillies.
By TexasBrave
March 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Spazz - Name your source!!!
By flange1
March 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Spazz,
I can’t find the story on the second round of cuts, can you give us a link?
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Wow, Coach, you gotta stop logging blogs. It’s unhealthy. It’ll clutter up your hard drive, too.
Are the major cuts coming today? Since the Braves are on the road, I would guess not, but the tension is getting to me. Bennett HAS to have a job…he’s a nice security blanket.
By Seymour
March 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
You can find the story HERE
By ole timerbrave
March 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
So DOB, what happened with the cuts lastnight after the meeting? I’m ready for the real season!
By McFann
March 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
DOB, you seriously think they’ll take Corky over Pena? If they do, then well…darn.
By nOLIE
March 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
No real surprises there. I doubt that any of us expected one of them to make the team at this point.
By Spazz
March 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Thanks Seymour for posting the link.
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Posted just as the cuts were posted. No surprises, but Jones being farmed out means that either Blanco or Anderson is now our fourth OF, which I like. Blanco probably gets the gig, but Josh is going to be front of mind for the Braves if Kotsay gets hurt or Diaz needs to be platooned.
By flange1
March 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Thanks Seymour!
Well Javy has been cut! That will help us a bit in our discussions on the roster.
So 1 power bat gone.
I think Pena makes the team now for sure maybe a BU catcher, maybe as 3rd BU catcher and PH.
I think Lillibridge starts the year in Richmond to learn to hit a slider.
That will leave only one backup at 2B and SS until Infante arrives.
I am leaning toward Blanco and ANderson both making the team.
That leaves one spot for a hitter (Borchard, Thorman) or a catcher (Miller, Sammons).
I would start Sammons in the minors so he can get some work on his hitting in.
Wouldn’t Morgan Ensburg be a great guy for the last spot? Read an article on line that says he has worked on his hitting and is hitting well in ST. He probably will not make the Yankees team. WOnder if Ring for Ensburg would work.
How about Aaron Boone with the Nats? I know the Nats are going all Reds with getting Daddy Boone and both of his sons in the organization. Brett has accepted a cut to AAA. Would they trade us Aaron for RIng? How about Thorman?
Interesting!!!!
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Been down in the dugout talking to Bobby about the cuts: the bigs ones are Javy, Schafer and Jo-Jo, others are B. Jones, Drese, Bueno, Campillo.
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Yeah, McFann, obviously coaching a bunch of kids on scholarship in their late teens and early twenties is much different than coaching a bunch of paid men in their twenties, thirties, and forties. And baseball is much different than football.
No, I would not expect Cox to send the whole dugout out to celebrate at home plate when KJ hits a leadoff homer in the first at bat this season.
But there are different ways Cox can properly create and channel the youthful energy that he has on this team. For such a young team, they too often conduct themselves like old men on the field. It’s great that, as Chipper noted when he was posting here as U Kno Who, that McCann and Frenchy have changed the clubhouse culture with their youthful ways. But it would be nice to see more of that on the field. More of that on the field creates more of that in the stands which creates even more of that on the field and then even more of that in the stands and so on.
And I’m getting the sense that you think Richt was wrong for what he did against the Gators. You couldn’t be more wrong about that. The Release the Hounds thing was a stroke of coaching genius. I’ve been a Richt basher for the last few years but his maturation as a Coach from the Vandy game on has shut me up for good with my doubts about him.
By TexasBrave
March 22, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Well it looks like they were cleaning the roster of those who were not going to make it for those still competing for a spot. Really only cleared one thing up, Javy is not the back up catcher. So who is? IMHO it should be Pena. But I could also see them going with an additional catcher especially if they get rid of Thorman.
Still wondering if they are going to go with a long reliever/spot starter at the start of the season. A couple of weeks ago I’d say not, but now with Smoltz’s shoulder soreness (although not serious) you never know when a spot starter is going to be needed. Thus will probably carry Bennett and cutting down to two of Boyer, Resop, Ring or Yates.
By McFann
March 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Braveheart—
I getcha. Yeah, a little extra energy couldn’t hurt. How exactly would you say they go about doing that? (I’m not being a smart aleck, here. But how do you learn without asking Q’s? : ) )
About the UGA thing, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, and I thought it was a bit much. Really though, my opinion on this doesn’t count because I don’t like the Dogs, and I’m not that big into football.
By TexasBrave
March 22, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
A thought to throw out to the masses. With Kotsay’s back looking fine for the season, Schafer ready at a moments notice and Gorky H. a year or two away, what would be the likelihood of packaging either Blanco, Anderson or B. Jones to get a key piece of the bench puzzle?
Don’t get me wrong I like both of those guys and want to keep them both. Just thinking outside the box.
By Murphy
March 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
It is interesting that the cuts were mostly field players vs pitchers. No suprises there(except Javy for some), but no answers on the bullpen battles…
By ole timerbrave
March 22, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, what do you Josh Andersons chances are? I love to see he hit.
By Bryan from Kansas ( Go KU)
March 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
David,
I am sure it has probably already been said but what about sending like a couple of relievers to Detroit for Inge. He could be another super utility guy and hit for power off the bench.I know he has a big contract but what if they could get Detroit to pay most of it? What do you think?
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Drese, Bueno and Campillo reassigned to Richmond, Schafer to Mississippi, and Reyes and Brandon optioned to Richmond.
Infante and Gonzalez placed on 15-day DL, and Lerew on the 60-day DL.
No assignment for Javy. Braves don’t know if they have a spot for him at Triple-A, and he doesn’t know if he’d accept it even if they do. I’m betting on retirement.
By rupert
March 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
thanks for the memories javy
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
CHUCK JAMES threw quite well against Braves minor leaguers in a “camp day” Saturday: 4 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, 1 HBP, 41 strikes in 59 pitches.
By Scott
March 22, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
David…
I Love the idea of Pena Backing up first. If we have to get rid of either Him or Thorman, I’d much rather keep Pena. He can play more positions, he switch hits and he can actually make some pretty decent contact. Seriously… go down and tell Bobby to do this right away. (jk… :) )
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Javy has officially retired.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Javy has officially retired.
By chrisklob
March 22, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Good luck Javy! Thanks for all the great memories!
By wide right
March 22, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Yesterday (I believe) someone posted that rosenthal picked the Braves to win the WS and you replied that you’d confirm when you saw him later. Did rosenthal really make that prediction? Means absolutely nothing, I know, but for some reason i am curious.
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear the Chucky James (or Jimmy Charles) news. It may be against kids, but he’s throwing strikes and getting people out.
Morgan Ensberg made the Yanks, it appears. And our problem is fitting the guys we have. If we could get a real talent like Inge, I could see it, but marginal players like Ensberg….no thanks.
By chrisklob
March 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
flange, the Yankees just added Ensberg to their 40-man roster. I doubt they would have done that if they had plans to move him.
By JasonInMaine
March 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I was rooting for Javy, but also understand the decision.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
March 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Even though I was never a big Javy fan, there is part of me that is sad to see him not make the team.
By Bravesologist
March 22, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
I want Miller to be the backup. He’s the best at calling games and defense, aside from Sammons who needs every day work. Miller is the ideal backup catcher, we’re going to score runs, no question. The problem will be preventing runs, and Miller will help us the most in that sense.
By Murphy
March 22, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Hey, at least Javy retired in great shape! haha
By Braveheart
March 22, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Well, damn. At least Javy gave us all one last memory to remember him by with a homer in that game ESPN televised at the beginning of spring training. Filled me with hope but it wasn’t meant to be I guess. Will never forget the 2003 season or that rifle throw to first from his knees in the 1995 World Series.
By Jick
March 22, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t say I was rooting for a 37-year-old Javy to make the team ahead of Brayan Pena, but I will miss him now that he’s gone for good. I got an autographed card of his that made me quite happy when I was 11 or so, and I’ll always remember him fondly.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Wide Right, he did. If you have MLB TV you can watch the broadcast where he says it.
By Wayne in Utah
March 22, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Nice to know that uga has my back in the nighttime!
WW Was wondering if the “Night Before…” was worthy of revisiting. So many new bloggers, would be hard to include all pertinent folk.
John Kerry would definitely be included. He would vote me for another Wurlitzer, then reconsider and vote against it!
I got these guys on the roster: Prado, Pena, Miller, Blanco and Thorman. Also on the staff, Boyer, Resop and Yates. James to the DL, Bennett only on the opening 25 if Smoltz goes to the DL, and Ridgway, Borchard, Anderson, Sammons and Lilly to the minors.
Ring will be moved (or kept if Yates is moved).
Lillibridge will make it if Pena or Thorman are traded.
Write it down folks…..you heard it here.
Clemson and BYU (my local fav our west) both went down quick.
Time to go uncover and get the convertible out of the garage for the spring. Hopefully it won’t snow too much more. By 1pm local time, I will be stylin’ for sure.
By Serge45
March 22, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
DOB - If Gonzo isn’t coming back until June, why the 15 day DL and not the 60?
By jim
March 22, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
The MLB site seems to have gone whacky. Maybe we’ll see Thorman out on the mound again today.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Holy crap check out the MLB box score for this game.
By jim
March 22, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves decided to sign Tex for 50 million/year and trade the rest of the team for low-level prospects.
If Mower == JJJ, then not an auspiscious start again today.
By Wayne in Utah
March 22, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Serge: I think the answer is there is only one slot for the 60 day DL. Even though Gonzo is on the 15 day, he can remain on there longer. I think the difference between the 15 and 60 day DL’ are some roster implications.
I don’t think guys on the 60 day count against the 40 man roster.
I could be wrong though. Heaven knows I am wrong often enough.
By ghbrave
March 22, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Javy was always a hit with the fans. I watched Javy catch a game for the AA Greenville Braves in Knoxville years ago. After the game I called out to him and he tossed the game ball to me with a smile. Years later our paths crossed again and he took the time to sign an autograph and pose for a photo with me. Best wishes to a great guy! Good luck Javy.Thanks for the memories.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Serge, because until you need the roster spot, no sense moving Gonzalez to 60-day DL. If for some reason he made great progress and Braves had a real need, who knows? They insist they’re not going to rush him ahead of the June timetable, but still no reason to put him on 60-day DL unless you absolutely need the roster spot.
By TJ
March 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
I thought maybe the MLBPA had decided to walk, in support of Barry Bond’s collusion mistreatment; and that Tex and Nick Johnson were the only major leaguers scabbing it.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens very nearly gave up a three-run bomb to Jesus Flores in the second inning, but it sailed foul. Then he induced an inning-ending DP from him.
By McFann
March 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Yeah, good land! What’s up with that box score? One minute, it’s all our regulars—then when the game starts, they’re all gone except for Tex!
Oh wow! Now it’s back to normal, and we’re not losing. Good grief…
By Dan_in_NC
March 22, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, good job as always keeping us updated on the blog. I hated to hear that Javy will be hanging it up. I was hoping he would make a spot on the roster.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens also just showed some pretty damn good speed on a grounder to short. Guy threw high, might’ve rushed it when he saw Jurrjens bolting down the line. He reached on the error.
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
The Blue Jays just dropped a six-spot on the NY Schweinhunds. I wonder which one of their ace starting pitchers took that clobbering. Mussina? Hughes?
By richie
March 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, Brandon Jones to AAA? I remember a while back that I said we couldve traded him in a package for a pitcher or hitter. Why do I have a feeling he won’t be on this team next year? I believe if we have the opportunity to acquire a big time starter or reliever, preferably a starter, and with the emergences of Blanco and Anderson, he will be moved in that package. But he is in AAA because of himself, seemed like he didnt go get it. DOB, am I wrong about this? I saw the Dodger game in the beginning of Spring training, and he just so lackadasical in field especially on that E7
By Logan23
March 22, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine
From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: “Who are those guys!”
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I sincerely wish Javy Lopez the best in whatever he does in the future.
His not making the team was pretty much inevitable and most of us saw it coming.
O’Brien , your sense of fair play in disagreeing with me over Greg Norton while ignoring the other three names I mentioned in Daryle Ward , Tony Clark and Marcus Thames is readily evident.
At any rate , I’ll look forward to watching and seeing who has the better season , Norton or Thorman.
Read this and draw your own conclusions :
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3261244&type=story
By Luther
March 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Javy Lopez-D@mn Good Brave
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
I sincerely wish Javy Lopez the best in whatever he does in the future.
His not making the team was pretty much inevitable and most of us saw it coming.
O’Brien , your sense of fair play in disagreeing with me over Greg Norton while ignoring the other three names I mentioned in Daryle Ward , Tony Clark and Marcus Thames is readily evident.
At any rate , I’ll look forward to watching and seeing who has the better season , Norton or Thorman.
Read this and draw your own conclusions :
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3261244&type=story
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Well 1 ER through 4. Jurrjens certainly isn’t giving anyone reasons to dislike him. Nice to see him bounce back after the last start. With our old dudes, he and Huddy need to be solid staples for this rotation. He’s giving us every indication that he can.
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Braves and Muttleys on ESPN Thurs. at 1 pm EDT, btw. That should be fun.
By flange1
March 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Interesting news that Ensberg was added to the Yankees 40 man roster.
Chuck seems to be pitching well.
It will be interesting to see if he makes he team in the pen.
DOB has reported that BC thinks of Chuckie as a starter, we will see.
By midtownBrave
March 22, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Escobar doesn’t have a hit in this game yet! I guess I shouldn’t expect a hit every game from a glorfied utility infielder who just happened to peak in the majors in 07.
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Duke plays and Belmont and you wonder what they are doing as a 2 seed in the tournament. Then they play like this and you wonder who could beat them.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Well, JJJ has given up 7 hits in 5 innings. Anybody watching or listening? IS JJJ lucky to have only have given up 1 run with the 7 hits? Or is it just that 2 or 3 ground balls are just out of the infielders reach?
Please provie some updates on how he’s pitching.
GO BRAVOS…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Oops , Jurrjens has run out of gas in the sixth. Nationals have scored one run , bases are loaded , nobody out and Cox has gone to the bullpen. 2-1 Nationals.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Close the book on Jurrjens , five innings , four earned runs , one walk and three strikeouts. 4-1 Nationals after six innings of play.
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Tied at 1. Wish I knew what is going on in the game. Hint, hint.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 22, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
The Mets, O. Perez has given up 5 runs… 4 homeruns today.
GO BRAVOS…
By Epinephrine
March 22, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Man, Coach, I wish Kotsay had some power.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Alright ! Mark Kotsay just got his second double of spring training with two out. Braves fail to score , it’s still 4-1 Nationals after six and a half innings.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Soriano in to pitch now.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Rafael Soriano in to pitch the seventh.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Good outing for Soriano. One hit, two k’s, and a short flyout to center.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Soriano is throwing gas , striking out the first two batters so far. Zimmerman singles up the middle with two out. Pop up for the third out and Soriano gets through the inning in fine shape. 4-1 Nats after seven innings.
By crimedogrules
March 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I know I am going to get crucified for this but is any one else starting to get AJ flashbacks with another big contract year Boras client? I will give you a hint, he hit great last year, he is due a huge raise in free agency, our clean-up hitter…
I swear to god if he starts laughing after strike-outs…
I hear it coming, its only spring, blah blah blah, hit the freaking ball.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Three up and three down in the top of the eighth for the Braves.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
3 up 3 down for the Braves, still 4-1 Nats.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Peter Moylan in to pitch the bottom of the eighth.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Good showing by Soriano, two strikeouts to start his inning, then a single and a flyout….
Jurrjens just ran out of gas and/or started overthrowing in that six inning. He said he was trying to have a 1-2-3 inning and overthrew, which flatted out everything.
Until that inning he’d give up one run, seven singles and no walks
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Anybody know the specs on the new Washington ballpark? Is it going to be a launching pad like the ones in Cincy and Philly or did they actually build a pitchers friendly park.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Moylan walks the the first batter. Two quick ground outs , runner on third. strike three for the third out. Inning over. Still 4-1 Nationals after eight full innings.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Moylan throwing well. One walk, and a strikeout to end the inning.
By Austin
March 22, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Javy we will miss you!
I was at the game he hit his second home run of the spring and I will never forget it.
He also got the biggest ovation of the day when he pinch hit.
We will never forget you Javy!
By Seymour
March 22, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
The specs on Nationals Park:
Left Field 336 ft Left Center 377 ft Center Field 403 ft Right Center 370 ft Right Field 335 ft
By jim
March 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Causes for concern: 1. McCann (not)throwing out baserunners. 2. Smoltz shoulder (becomes # 1 if not minor) 3. It’s only Spring Training, but the lineup hasn’t jelled yet. Maybe during the last week the regulars will get more ABs/game and we will start to see the offense that we all expect. 4. We could use a Daryl Ward type PH off the bench.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Fly out to center by Thorman,
Blanco drew a walk,
Anderson grounds out to first for the second out, Blanco advances to second,
Hernandez chops one up the middle of the shortstops glove, safe at 1st, Blanco to third.
Pitching change for the Nats…
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Borchard lines out to center on the first pitch from the new reliever.
Game over. Nats win 4-1.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Thorman leading off the top of the ninth , flyball out to CF. Gregor Blanco in the box. Blanco walks. Josh Anderson batting with one out and Blanco on first.
Anderson grounds out for the second out , Blanco advances to second base.
Gorkys Hernandez up to bat with two out. High chopper up the middle and it gets through for a single.
First and third with two outs and we have a pitching change. Joe Borchard is batting. Got a lefty on the mound for the Nationals. One pitch and Borchard lines out to CF and ends the game.
4-1 is your final , Nationals on top.
By mo in the boonies
March 22, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Haven’t posted in a while, life has gotten in the way of my blogging…but I try to read the Blog and DOB’s play by plays of the games. (appreciate those.) For the rest of the posts, I’ve had to just skim, and I don’t like to post if I haven’t read the whole blog.
For whoever posted that they get the “page can’t be shown” after trying to post, if you are using Explorer as I am, I get that on a lot of web pages, and found out that if I hold down on my control key before clicking on the post or page, the right page will pop up.
Looking forward to the season starting with mixed emotions, want it to start, but frustrated because I will only be able to see games if they are on ESPN.
By Bravesfan79
March 22, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
So Javy can hit .187 in about 20 or so games and get kicked off, yet we had such crap on our bench last year like Woodward who was allowed to hit around .170 all of last year with NO power, and who made several big errors in the field??
So whos gonna pinchhit now when were down by a run in the 9th with 2 outs and no one on base….in a situation were we HAVE to have a homerun?? Prado? gulp….Thorman??
I never expected Javy to be a great defensive catcher, but the power he would provide off the bench would be needed. And he used to be pretty clutch.
If i had a all time favorite Braves team, Javy would be my starting catcher!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Mo (I just had had to say that). I don’t know how fast your internet connection is or what your hardware setup looks like , but I bought the basic ninety dollar MLB package to watch all the games online.
It’s well worth it as the Braves won’t be the only games I’ll be watching. And if I don’t have time to see it live , the games are archived so they can be seen at a later time.
By Allen
March 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Seymour
The specs on Nationals Park: Left Field 336 ft Left Center 377 ft Center Field 403 ft Right Center 370 ft Right Field 335 ft Seymour
Sounds a lot like the one in Cincy. A little longer down the lines though.
By Bravesfan79
March 22, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Mo: you can only watch games on espn?? man you must have crap dish or direct tv. Comcast is the way to go myman..
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Richie, Brandon Jones didn’t have a chance to make this team after Infante got hurt, because the fourth outfielder then had to be someone with plenty of CF experienece (Infante has plenty).
Thus Anderson emerged quickly as the favorite, and Blanco pulled up even with him with a solid spring.
By TJ
March 22, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
To me, this game raised a little bit of a flag over Jurjenns’ ability to pitch deep into games. Not a red flag, but definitely a pink one. I wonder if he opened the door to James a little for the 5th starter spot.
I’m not worried about KJ - I think he’ll be fine. And I’m not worried about the poor spring for Tex, but it’s worth noting that his career March/April OPS is just .784, way below his numbers for any other month. So we might want to store up some patience if he’s a slow starter.
By Austin
March 22, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
The only reason I would agree with the decision to cut Javy is his throwing skills. I really dont think the Braves want a situation like the Mets had a couple of years back when teams were running all over Mike Piazza. Good God Johnny Estrada could have stolen on him.
However I would have kept him. As Bravesfan79 said about the pinch hitting off the bench.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Comcast cost about $160 bucks for the MLB season package.
I paid $90 for the online deal. But , you do get a much better picture on the TV rather than watching online.
By McFann
March 22, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I know I am going to get crucified for this…
Haha. Yeah, I get it…
jim—
Your causes for concern are very good ones. The base-runners deal has got me worried…
Welcome back, Mo! I was just wondering about you today.
Time to paint eggs. TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)!!
By Jared
March 22, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
So whos gonna pinchhit now when were down by a run in the 9th with 2 outs and no one on base….in a situation were we HAVE to have a homerun?? Prado? gulp….Thorman??
Thorman did hit that homerun in that exact situation late last season against the Brewers and Francisco Cordero.
Say what you will, but Thorman does have a ton of homerun power. Of all NL players who hit at least ten homeruns in 2007, Thorman had the longest average homerun distance at 409 feet. He’d be a better “must have a homerun” option than Lopez and definitely no-power Prado.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
HEY MO ! MLB extra innings is running a free promo from March 31st to April 6th. All the games can be watched for free on cable TV for the first week of the season.
By Jared
March 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Ouch. Jurrjens gave up 10(!) hits and a walk. That’s eleven baserunners in five innings.
At what point do we begin to wonder if we jumped the gun on Jurrjens? Maybe Chuck James would be better as the fifth starter (assuming Hampton is healthy and in the rotation).
By BravesFanInRockies
March 22, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
DOOK. Gone. Couldn’t have lost to a nicer guy than Coach Hug. Heh.
By woogidy
March 22, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Coach,
“I told him, ‘I want somebody to tell me I suck or I’m too old or I’m hurt,’^” Norton said
You suck and you’re too old, Norton!
By THE BEAR
March 22, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach,
I had also bought MLB.com TV and yesterday I decided to check the Premium deal. It is so much better I decided to spring for the extra 30 bucks and get the whole nine yards. The picture is fantastic and during the season the Premium games will be offered in HD if your computer can handle it. Mine will so I am looking forward to watching ALL BRAVES GAMES IN SOUTH FLORIDA on my puter IN HD for $119.95 for the year.
I can also watch two games at the same time if I want to keep up with another game while the Braves game is on. And there are all sorts of other goodies offered for the extra 30 dollars.
By Jon
March 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Jurjenns will be the real deal eventually. Just look what he did last year for the Tigers when he got called up late
It’s well documented that his arm gets fatigued, just like James’, but I don’t think its any reason to bump Chucky up into the 5 spot.
I do however think it is worth looking at Bennett as the number 5 guy after the last minute start he got yesterday. He has pitched great all ST.
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Oh, I almost forgot. The Kotsay “injury” rumor drew a lot of “what?!” responses and heads shaking when I asked various Braves folks this morning, including the trainer who said Kotsay’s had zero problems with his back this spring.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine : born March 25th 1966.
John Smoltz : born May 15th 1967.
Chipper Jones : born April 24th 1972.
Greg Norton : born July 6th 1972.
None of them are old and all four could kick woogidy’s 12 year old butt on a baseball diamond.
By Jon
March 22, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, that’s good news. I for one think that Kotsay has the potential to surprise all of us both defensively and offensively is he is healthy.
He’s not going to be AJ out in the field but he has good range and I like his approach at the plate allot more than I ever did AJ’s. That is if AJ even ever had an approach. Let’s face it guys he struck out WAY TOO much.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 22, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I think Jurrjens may be the real deal as well. But it’ll be important to monitor him closely throughout the season. He’s only, what, 22? And he pitched 142 innings last year.
You don’t want to overwork a young pitcher and ruin his career. If he pitches more than 170 innings I’ll be surprised (unless he’s very economical with his pitches in starts).
Huddy has to be a horse; Glav too.
By Jon
March 22, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
What was AJ reported weight when he reported for ST with the Dodgers?
People harped on Cabrera about how big he had gotten before FL traded him to the Tigers. You never heard much about Andruw’s expanding size.
Has anyone heard whether the Dodgers are worried about diminished range do to his ever expanding gurth?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 22, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Let’s Go UNLV Rebels !
By Jon
March 22, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is going to miss a few starts through out the year.
Hudson should be fine as long has he has control of his sinker like he did last year and the infield plays good D behind him.
Glavine will log his typical 200 or so innings and have a better record than last year now that he will be going against #3 opposing pitchers and not staff Aces.
The questions are out of the 4 and 5 holes. Hampton, will he stay healthy, and if he’s healthy how will he perform after not pitching for 2 1/2 years? I’m not delusional enough to expect a return to his previous 20 game winning status but I do think 12-15 is reasonable.
The fifth starter? Who’s it going to be? Will all this young talent translate into success? Can they log enough innings and keep from wearing down the bullpen while staying healthy and keeping us in the game?
The least of my concerns is who’s on the bench. Once we have the pitching all sorted out I’ll worry about that.
By Austin
March 22, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Did I just read that Martin Prado has 3 K’s in 64 PA? That is crazy. I dont care if the is spring training or the arizona fall league that is impressive.
When you put the ball in play good things happen.
By Captain Obvious
March 22, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
When you put the ball in play good things happen.
Like double plays.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 22, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
I just read that, in spite of the rainfall within the last couple of months, Atlanta will be designated as a desert. What will city officials change Atlanta’s name to? The “No-Javy Desert.”
I’m also sad that I won’t be able to hold up my favorite sign — “Jey Javy Jit a Jomer” — at Turner Field this year.
Nice try, Javy!
By Austin
March 22, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Prado is not going to strike out with a runner on second and no outs. When you put the ball in play errors happen. And more importantly hits happen.
By ncscoots
March 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, sorry about your bracket, man. Now I REALLY feel bad. My boys just got Whitesnaked. Or Norton-ed, maybe.
I only hope Brandon Jones keeps his head up and his bags packed. If he does, I fully expect him to rake at Richmond and be up with the big club sometime this year. The kid can play, and judging him off a few AB last year and a spring in which he had little chance to go north would be, well, hasty.
I’m in agreement that any as-now-projected bench lacks thump. Who knows? Maybe a trade, or maybe the Braves intend to just not play any late-and-close, LOL. I’d be OK with THAT, I’ll tell ya.
By AdirondackDave
March 22, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
JON — AJ reported at 245 (I kid you not). Joe Torre was concerned and asked him about it and his response was that he loses weight during the season and would be fine. The last word hasn’t been written on this story, especially if his BA remains around .200.
By KC
March 22, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
The Javy thing surprises me. Brett Boone is going to report to AAA and give it 100 at-bats… then decide from there.
It’s hard for me to believe that Lopez, at 37 - in the shape he’s in, has nothing left. I really wonder why he doesn’t go to AAA, where he can play every day, and try to get his swing going.
The only reason to cash it in would be if the bat speed is significantly diminished. That doesn’t seem to be the case from watching him, but what do I know.
By KC
March 22, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
There are some tough choices in the bullpen and on the bench, but here are my choices:
BULLPEN: Soriano, Moylan, Acosta, Ohman, Boyer, Ring, Yates
I say Yates and Ring only because they have no options left, and they’ve shown the potential the provide solid value.
BENCH: B.Pena, J.Anderson, Thorman, Lillibridge, Prado
By bravesare#1
March 22, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
FYI, the Nationals named Odalis Perez their opening day starter.
By KC
March 22, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Javy had 32 at-bats, and hit .270 with 2 homers and 7 RBI.
The numbers don’t mean all that much with such a small sample size, but just to put his performance in perspective…
If you project his spring production over 32 ABs out to 500 at-bats… you’d have around 30 homers and over 100 RBI. And again… a .270 average isn’t bad for a guy who’s been out of the game for a year.
I doubt if he’s still capable of putting up numbers like the ones I listed above… but I just threw them out there to illustrate the strength of his spring.
I just don’t get it. I really don’t. I think the Braves should have given him a bit more time. But more than anything, I don’t know why Javy won’t follow B.Boone’s lead, and go to AAA for 100 at-bats, then evaluate his situation from there.
His confidence must be shaken, because his performance offensively was pretty good this spring. I don’t get why he’s calling it quits and giving up this easily.
By KC
March 22, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
QUESTION: Jurrjens and Bennett both figure to get one more start each.
If Jurrjens struggles again his next time out, and if Bennett can go 5 innings and looks great again… do you give the 5th starter job to Bennett to start?
By Truth hurts
March 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Javy had “help” in his first Braves tour…
Once scrutiny entered the game, alot of productive players suddenly “had nothing left”.
By keylargo
March 22, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Adirondack Dave - Jon
I remember reading an article by the Dodgers beat writer where AJ admitted to the 245 lbs rumor. He also told Torre that he was too LIGHT last year and that is what caused his problems. Look for him to post similar numbers this year - say .230/25/85. Also, I think Kotsay will be as effective as Jones in center field because Kotsay can still throw. Jones arm is gone. How many times did you see that Moylan like submarine flip back to the infield and his assists were non existant.
By David
March 22, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
I knew we could trust DOB to get to the bottom of the “Kotsay Injury” rumor - thanks for putting that to rest…
By chrisklob
March 22, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
KC, I think you may have read Javy’s stats wrong. His OBP was .270. His BA was .188.
Kind of changes things a bit, doesn’t it?!
By TJ
March 22, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
KC, according to the Braves’s site, Javy hit .188, with a .270 OBP. I’m not swearing to those numbers (maybe they’re not updated), but that’s what the site says.
Brett Boone feels the need to extend his career, in the majors or in the minors. Fine. I’m kind of relieved that Javy, who has made more than SIXTY MILLION DOLLARS before age 38 doesn’t feel the need to do that.
Dude, he’s a defensive disaster (even he pretty much admitted as much), and was likely to hit about .200. He’s a great guy and a great “former Brave”, but not worthy of playing on a team that’s trying to win a championship.
Let’s have Javy Lopez day at Turner; let’s offer him a job in the system if he wants it. But let’s not give him a spot on the roster!
By Dave
March 22, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
I am glad Javy came back and gave us all one farewell tour for a true fan favorite. You are a good man Javy thank for many great years. We won’t forget your great career as a Brave.
By keylargo
March 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
In case I had stuck my foot in my mouth with the AJ assist allegation I made earlier, I looked it up. 3 assists in 2007 and 4 in 2006. Jones is done IMHO.
By David
March 22, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
keylargo, assists is the absolute worst way to judge Andruw. He gets to and catches balls that no other MLB player has a chance at making even with a flat out dive. Outfielders get big assist numbers when they are new or unknown and runners try to test their arms. Not many people were testing AJ’s arm lately, and for good reason. His best days are behind him, but done he is not.
By KC
March 22, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
chrisklob: “KC, I think you may have read Javy’s stats wrong. His OBP was .270. His BA was .188.”
Yeah… I guess I did read that wrong.
And yeah… that is significantly different from .270.
Still though… he’s giving up after 32 ABs?? He must not want to play all the badly, or is personally convinced that he doesn’t have much left.
I don’t know which it is, but I’m still surprised that a guy like him who is in incredible shape, and still 2-3 years away from his 40th b-day, would give up this easily.
By AdirondackDave
March 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo — I agree with you. I think a healthy Kotsay may actually be an upgrade over the year Andruw gave us in ‘07. Remember all those Ks and DPs in critical situations? It’s really sad the way such a great talent ignored coaching advice and let his weight get out of control. He seems to be in a state of denial. Going to be interesting to watch Joe Torre deal with him this year and next. My guess this year is going to be a continuation of last year for him, but we’ll see.
By keylargo
March 22, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
David - When you refuse to even negotiate with a player as management did, they share my view on AJ. He is the oldest 30 year old in baseball. He has played 12 years from age 18 and is no different that a player that played 12 years from the age of 24. Couple that with his work ethic - none - and his refuseal to be coached and you have AJ - way past his prime and sliding out of productivity offensively and defensivly.
PS I guess that’s why Francouer had 19 assists last year - because nobody knew who he was?
By Choppinmama
March 22, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
At least Javy got to strap on the ol’ Braves leotard one more time. It was good to see him at FanFest and during spring training, it gave us all a chance to give him a little more love for old times sake.
It’s always hard to recognize and face the end, but Javy has retired with his head high and I hope, a full heart. And as significant contributor to that great 14-season run.
Hope Wrenn can find him a spot in the system when he’s ready to come out of retirement.
Javy, thanks for signing my ‘03 All Star ball at spring training - twice - ‘cause you didn’t sign in the right place the 1st time! Vaya con Dios.
By Bob Wickman
March 22, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Jon, I saw Andruw when he first got to camp. I thought he looked GREAT! We threw back some beers and about forty dodger dogs together. Good times…
By David O'Brien
March 22, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Bob, that’s funny stuff….
Anyone who might have glanced at the 10-park checklist on our site, the article that revisits the 10 keys I listed entering spring training, should know that that version wasn’t supposed to be posted. That was filed Thursday, before the Smoltz injury and with stats that are three days old.
Anyway, they’re getting the new version posted now, or at least said they would when I called them and pointed out the mistake in posting that version.
By All-Star Closer Dan Kolb
March 22, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
And you didn’t invite me Bob?
By Pete H.
March 22, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if comparing assists for RF and CF is fair. RF is usually the guy you run on, since he is the furthest from 3B, the most common place where OF assists are rung up. Most guys with gaudy assist nos are RF.
Saying Andruw is through is silly. Despite his horrible year at the plate, he was still the best CF in baseball last year. He DOES appear to be in decline, though, and putting on 20 lbs is not a great idea at his age. Still, his instincts are so good that he will be well above average defensively for a while.
Still, there was no way we could intelligently hand him another contract at the money he wanted. We’re paying a fraction of the amount for what is likely to be equal production, apart from HR.
I liked seeing Javy back, and the Braves gave him a fair look. He could probably catch on somewhere else as a backup, but I doubt that appeals to him. He’s a good guy, but few catchers last til 38. Most go into steep decline by 30. He had a good career.
By BA
March 23, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
Anybody see that flaming turd of an article by Bradley? What a waterhead this guy is. I’ve seen more informative stuff on toothpaste labels. Hell these mongoloid Mets fans write better stuff than Bradley.
By obiwankobe
March 23, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
Heard that Robert Fick was let go by the Padres this afternoon. Looks to me that this would be a good pick up by the braves. He can back up Tex, play the corner OFs & be an emergency catcher. He has a history here & is liked by Bobby. Seem’s like a much better fit than Thorman. What are your thoughts fellow denzien’s?
By Furman Bisher
March 23, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
Anybody seen my phone with the really big numbers?
By nOLIE
March 23, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Heard that Robert Fick was let go by the Padres this afternoon. OBIwAN
I think I’ll pass. His OBP the last 3 years has been around .320 and he has 7 homers in his last 500+ AB.I would like to replace Thor but I don’t see that as much of an upgrade, if any, over what he might do.
By BA
March 23, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
Anybody know what happened to Juan Berenger after he left the Braves? Wickman would’ve loved THAT guy!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 23, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this
I just wanted to make three quick comments on some important happenings and information.
Anthony Lerew was placed on the 60 day D.L. , which opens up one spot on the 40 man for the Braves to add Brent Lillibridge.
The all important waiver deadline of two P.M. Wednesday (March 26th) is fast approaching. Heads are gonna roll and trades will be made in the next three days.
I’m fairly certain that all of the remaining games with the possible exception of Saturday March 29th are all televised by MLB.com.
By Braveheart
March 23, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Did Frenchy really hit 14 doubles off the wall last season? I heard some dude on a Bill Simmons podcast saying that Frenchy told him that he put on all that muscle this offseason so that he could turn those 14 doubles off the wall into homers. Well, anyways, the dude was predicting that Frenchy will hit 35 homers this season.
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
Good point by Coach at 4:37 a.m. — Wednesday (2 p.m.) is the last day teams can request unconditional release waivers on players without having to pay their full 2008 salaries (if released by then, player’s only owed 45 days’ termination pay).
Don’t know that’s quite as important as you indicated, because Braves don’t have more than a remaining player or two with a salary that would make that date such a big thing — players they’d rather release than pay their ‘08 salary.
But around baseball, it is an important date, because teams have to trade unwanted guys by then if they don’t to risk losing them for nothing.
It wouldn’t have meant anything in relation to a guy like Javy, who was on a minor league contract, not on the 40-man roster, and could be released at any time. But the Braves could have done it last year with, say, Craig Wilson, when he struggled so mightily in spring.
Of course, they didn’t believe he was going to continue that when the season began.
By Michael Smith
March 23, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien:
Great job with the blog; it’s very informative and enjoyable reading.
Can you pass on a comment to a Braves official? The television broadcasts are wonderful, but could be made better with one addition.
Currently, we see the pitcher deliver each pitch from an angle that looks over his right shoulder toward home plate. For a right-handed pitcher, this is great because we can see the break of the slider, the curve of the curve ball, the tailing motion of a fastball, etc. This is because the ball is generally travelling in our line of sight toward home plate.
However, when a lefthander is on the mound, the ball simply appears moving left to right in our field of view, and almost none of the motion is percievable. Most lefthanders thus look pretty much the same on television; you really can’t see or judge their “stuff”.
Could we have a second outfield camera to give us a view over the lefthanded pitcher’s shoulder during his delivery like we do the right hander? Braves would be the first to offer that view in all of baseball.
Anyway, thanks for the blog and for reading my post.
By nOLIE
March 23, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Oh and DOB I’d like a high-def camera trained into the Braves’ dugout at all times for when Booby goes drillin’ for boogers. Thank You for taking care of that for me Dave.
By Philliesuk
March 23, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
It’s too bad Javy didn’t make the team. At least I got to enjoy watching him launch a homer in spring training. It’s what is best for the team. Javy, if you ever read this, you will be missed. I was pulling for you.
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Michael Smith, thanks. But not anything I can do about the camera angles. Most or all ballparks have the same situation. It’s part of the “batter’s eye” backdrop, generally, and I doubt they want to spend the extra thousands on another camera or ask clubs to allow them to poke another hole in, or put another obstruction in front of, the batter’s eye….
One other thing about roster spots: Braves would also need to create one for Corky and/or Borchard if they made it. Of course, if either made it that would probably mean Pena and/or Thorman didn’t, so there’d be a spot or two.
Several ways these things can go.
By TommyP
March 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
If Jurrjens is one of the biggest surprises of camp, I’d say we haven’t really had any. Braves knew what they were getting and he sounds like he’s been what was expected.
Injury or not, I don’t believe Kotsay is our starting CF by June 1. Hope I’m wrong, though.
By David
March 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Refusing to negotiate with a guy like Boras for an Andruw Jones who is past his prime sure as heck doesn’t mean the Braves front office thought he was “done” or agreed with you. AJ’s best years are behind him, he is overweight, his undisciplined hitting are more and more bothersome. But to judge him on his number of assists is retarded, plain and simple. Nobody who’s actually played a little baseball would even hint that AJ’s low assist numbers mean he’s a crappy OF.
By David
March 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
keylargo - post some CF assist numbers if you’re going to tear up Andruw. RF assist numbers are apples to oranges, that’s the guy you run against.
By JC from UT
March 23, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
I know this would never happen, but I would sure like to see Josh Anderson not only make the team but be the leadoff hitter. It would be nice to have a stolen base threat at the top of the lineup. I also thin KJ would be better served in the middle of the lineup. I think he could really be a good run prodecer and with his knowledge of the strike zone he could keep a rally going. Any thoughts?
By woogidy
March 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Obiwan, Actually, Bobby doesn’t like fick at all. Remember the 2003 playoff game vs. the Cubs when he smacked Eric Karros on the way by at 1st base and didn’t play game 5 because of it.
From wikipedia:
Robert Fick’s brush with controversy occurred playing for the Atlanta Braves during the 2003 NLDS, when he raised his arm as he ran past first base, hitting Cubs’ first baseman Eric Karros. He later admitted that it was not an accident, but it is unclear whether he acted on his own or upon direction from another. It does appear that the Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox fined and benched him, although the facts are unclear. Braves upper management fined him $25,000 and Cox fined him an undisclosed additional amount[1]. He was released by the Braves shortly thereafter opening the discussion that the “dirty play” on Karros was at least partly the reason.
Cross him off your list guys.
By Michael Smith
March 23, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Dave, thanks for the response. I realize, of course, that there is nothing you can do about camera angles. I just thought you could mention it to someone with the Braves.
Setting aside for a moment the potential problems like cluttering the batter’s background (by the way, is the existing camera in the the “batters eye” backdrop?) — do any of you agree that it would provide a more interesting view of a lefthander’s pitches? Just curious…
By David-ATL14
March 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Reed Johnson of the Blue Jays was released this morning with the Blue Jays being responsiblr for the 45 day termination pay.
He would be a good pickup for some team. A thoroughly professional righty bat and ability to play all 3 OF spots.
Wouldn’t surprise me to see him end up with the Mets.
By Jon
March 23, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
AJ is still an elite CF even though he is in decline. His problem had never been his defense or his arm. He will probably win several more Golden Gloves before his career is done. His problem has always been from a lack of self discipline at the plate (both home plate and the dinner plate).
AJ’s assists numbers are low because runners do not test him any more. Francours are high because he’s in RF and runners and 3rd base coaches know that the odds are in their favor to try and take third on a deep hit ball to RF. Francour does have a better arm than AJ ever did though.
By Braveheart
March 23, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
The Braves let Fick go for the same reason they let all mediocre stopgaps go: They had a kid named Laroche ready to step up to the majors and they had Julio to platoon with him. No need for Fick in 2004. Besides, he was good for the first half that year and then faded badly. He hasn’t done anything noteworthy since.
From what DOB has said in the past, Cox liked Fick and still does. If I am thinking about the right player, I think DOB told us a story last year about some family situation Fick was going through last year that got Cox pretty upset feeling bad for Fick. I don’t think there are any bad feelings at all with Fick. If they don’t sign him now it will be for the same reason they let him go last time: He ain’t that good and won’t be better than whatever they got.
Wikepedia is written by morons.
By nOLIE
March 23, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I know this would never happen, but I would sure like to see Josh Anderson not only make the team but be the leadoff hitter. It would be nice to have a stolen base threat at the top of the lineup.JC
speed at the top is great if the player can get on regularly, which Josh has not really proven in the minors.Otherwise OBP is a more important asset in leading off and Johnson has that pretty well down. You can’t steal second unless you can get on first. If Josh can prove that he can get on base at a good clip and can steal more that 75% then he will indeed be a plus option as a leadoff guy but let’s allow him to prove that in a less important slot to begin with.
By Jon
March 23, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
The Mets could really use him in LF because Alou is going to be injured alot this year I think.
By keylargo
March 23, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=8&season=2007&seasonType=2&split=84&sortColumn=assists
David - You want stats? Have some of these apples. AJ was 14th in the league among centerfielders in assist. Jaun Pierre was ahead of him and you might be able to out throw Jaun Pierre since you are such a great baseball player. And to top it off AJ had more chances than any of them except Aaron Rowling who led the league in assists.
By Jon
March 23, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Sean Casey would have been a good addition for the Braves as a back up 1st baseman and quality pinch hitter off the bench. He was out there for a while before the BO Sox signed him.
Not sure on the contract numbers but it seems like it was pretty cheap for what they got.
What about a trade with the Nats for Nick Johnson? Surely they aren’t going to carry both Young and Johnson on the roster the whole season when they need pitching so bad.
By nOLIE
March 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
David - You want stats? Have some of these apples. AJ was 14th in the league among centerfielders in assist. Jaun Pierre was ahead of himkeylargo
Some of that is likely respect for his already proven arm of yore and some is probably because he makes so many outrageous running and diving catches that do not allow for assists. The org that is devoted to fielding(sorry I forget its moniker) rated him the best CFer last season after rating him 2nd the year before IIRC. Has he slipped some? very likely. Is he a dog? not yet. JMO
By McFann
March 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
HAPPY EASTER, EVERYBODY!!!
=: )
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, you’re right on about Fick (10:43).
So do we have enough folks taking part today to warrant a new blog?
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Oh and DOB I’d like a high-def camera trained into the Braves’ dugout at all times for when Booby goes drillin’ for boogers. nOLIE
Hey, whatever you like watching, nOLIE. Enjoy.
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
You guys hear about Cabrera’s extension with Tigers? Reportedly eight years, $153.3 mill, fourth-richest contract in baseball history behind only A-Rod, Jeter and Manny.
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Also, someone here can probably stop now with the Joe Nathan wishful thinking. He’s about to sign an extension supposedly for four years and over $40 mill.
By chrisklob
March 23, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
DOB, yes, we do!
By TJ
March 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
DOB, just read about Cabrera’s deal. I’m a little surprised. Seems a bit low to me (even though it’s the 4th largest in history - ha!).
He’s younger than Tex, plays a harder-to-fill position, and is probably a better hitter (don’t get mad, anybody).
I just wonder if this doesn’t “slot” Tex closer to $20 mil max, rather than the mid-20’s so often mentioned when speculating about him.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
You beat me to the punch DOB… Anyone think the Braves still have a chance on signing Tex without getting off a significant amount of money? What a bargain Chipper Jones is…
By flange1
March 23, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
DOB,
We would love a new blog!
A couple of questions for you:
Box score shows Moylan and Soriano pitched well yesterday. Did it appear that way? Are both healthy? OR to say it in a different way, have both recovered from their aches and pins?
Second, Chuckie had a great session yesterday. At one point you asked Bobby about Chuckie in the bullpen and he gave you a “no, he is a starter.”
Do you think that the organization still is thinking that way? Can we discount the chance of Chuckie starting the season in the Atlanta ‘pen?
Thanks!
By flange1
March 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
DOB + Gil,
I agree! I think we can begin the thought process of having the 2009 Braves without Tex.
I don’t think that it is bad thing, it will give the BRaves a large chunk of money to play with.
The other 7 positions on the field have quality players who (besides Chipper) are young and still getting better.
We can take the Tex money, the Hampton money and the Glavine money and spend it on
PITCHING, PITCHING, PITCHING!!!!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
One thing for sure, they didn’t sign Cabrera for his defensive prowess… Hans of stone if you ask me. Of course they can always use him as a DH in the American League.
By Braveheart
March 23, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Got that right Gil. Cabrera has hands of stone and feet stuck in the mud. They just paid a ton of money for a fella who is gonna be a 26 year old DH eventually.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
March 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Pitching…. Hand writing on the wall as far as Smoltz and Glavin go. Let’s hope some of those bionic arms the Braves have assembled are healthy next year. Braves will have to have a legitimate number two guy to remain in contention. I love John Smoltz and everything he has meant to the Braves but the writing is on the wall. He is closer to the end of his career than we would hope.
By David-ATL14
March 23, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Affirmative on the new Blog DOB.
Would be greatly appreciated.
By McFann
March 23, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well, if we’re looking for a new 1B man next year, maybe we should look into Kansas City’s farm system.
Sorry. Couldn’t resist…
=: )
By AdirondackDave
March 23, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
DOB — Not sure about a new blog but I’d sure be glad to see more of your good play-by-play stuff today. The Box scores tell us enough, that’s for sure.
GIL — Couldn’t agree more, Chipper is a true bargain. He’s done a lot more for the club than just his hits, homers, and rbi’s.
On the Cabrera contract, that length and total works in the American League with the DH, but certainly not in the NL. I’d be surprised if any team goes more than 6 years guaranteed for Tex. Probably about $125m total guaranteed plus an option year. I think the Braves may pull the trigger at that figure.
By David-ATL14
March 23, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Thank God for Nathan resigning also.
Maybe we can put away all the various absurd calls for the Braves to acquire Nathan, as the crusading everyman mentioned.
Those calls for Nathan rank right along side the calss for Badelli in 07.
Both equally absurd for very different reasons.
By Pete H.
March 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Another vote for new bloggage. This one is way unwieldy. I’m getting really nervous about the next round of cuts. And wondering if a trade is in the works. The Braves have been pretty good at finding someone at the end of ST, when necessary. I’m not sure if we really need anything we don’t already have…but I am sure the Braves are looking. Thorman would be a nice chip to trade.
By David O'Brien
March 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP. How ‘bout we all do some Easter blogging?
By David
March 23, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
keylargo is either still missing the point, incapable of understanding the point, or just being obtuse. RATING A CF BASED SOLELY ON HIS ASSISTS IS STUPID. AJ is surely in decline, but isn’t done. Are you saying that, aside from the obsurd $$$, you wouldn’t want him in CF for the Braves?
By Random
March 27, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Last?
By jimelyyes
May 2, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.
By jimelyyes
May 8, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.