AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves return and summer’s not far behind
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top of the morning to you, and happy first day of summer — hey, just going along with Jill Vejnoska’s very fine and enthusiastic story about getting baseball back at Turner Field tonight.
Really, these two games are kind of weird, exhibition games but at the home stadium. Not as many fans around and the final score still doesn’t matter.
But it’s still a cool time. The stadium is back in business. No more driving past Turner Field and thinking how sad the place seems with nothing going on inside, no reason to turn the lights on. Also interested to see what the new seats look like behind home plate. And to see if pitchers are aghast at the foul territory they just lost.
And besides, this weekend brings back one of my funniest, most embarrassing moments, that I still have to laugh at.
Ten years ago or so, the AJC bosses sent me out to cover these games to give the beat writer a rest, and I suppose, to see if I could handle the rigors of covering the team for the AJC (had done so for the Macon Telegraph, but a different deal.) What did I do with that opportunity? I referred to Curtis Pride as Charlie Pride. In print. I did…. And my only consolation was that it was in small print in one of our old game report boxes.
Oh, and that they gave me the beat job anyway. Amazing, ain’t it?!
So here we go again, this time giving DOB a chance to decompress. What a nice job he did with spring training, eh? And to add to the accolades he’s won for this here blog, he just racked up a newsroom award yesterday for his work here. Maybe the check he gets will help offset some of those CDs he loaded up on in spring training. Well done.
So me? I’ll just be dotting the i’s and t’s for him these next two days. I’d expect the final cuts to be announced after the game tonight and one more trade to be announced any time now. I will keep you posted, of course.
If they trade for a bench player, I’d say Brent Lillibridge would likely be the guy sent back to Richmond. Martin Prado is pretty well assured of making the team as a backup infielder, at least until Omar Infante returns to health.
Unless he’s part of a deal, or unless the Braves trade for a backup first baseman, Scott Thorman would be there. An interesting call will be as a fourth outfielder between Gregor Blanco and Josh Anderson, and backup catcher, where it would seem Corky Miller has the edge over Brayan Pena and Clint Sammons. And is there a chance Joe Borchard makes this team?
The bullpen figures to be Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, Manny Acosta, Will Ohman and now Chris Resop, Blaine Boyer, and Royce Ring. Then you could have Jeff Bennett with a roster spot as long relief/spot starter with John Smoltz opening the season on the DL.
All of this will be sorted out shortly. It’s time. As for who might be available to join the bench on short notice? I just saw where the Diamondbacks were sending Trot Nixon down. Not sure if Nixon, 33, is exactly what the Braves would have in mind — and he hit .222 this spring — but he did spend most of spring playing first base.
DOB reminded me yesterday that Jair Jurrjens will be pitching tonight against his beloved Indians, the team he faced in his major league debut (August 15, four runs allowed in seven innings of a loss) and got his first major league win against August 21 when he held them to one run on one hit in 6 2/3 innings. Both those outings were against ace Fausto Carmona, against whom Jurrjens held his own, and here he’ll go against Carmona tonight.
Jurrjens got his first major league win by beating Carmona 2-1 in a game Carmona went all eight innings for the Indians.
Jurrjens also beat the Indians with three perfect innings in a spring training game March 5. So what a perfect way for him to get a feel for pitching at Turner Field, against an old nemesis.
I know you guys can’t help but have noticed what happened to so many former Braves this week. Get a load of what it looks like to list them all together: former Braves who got released or sent down to the minors this week: Marcus Giles, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kyle Davies, Pete Orr, Ryan Langerhans, Chris Reitsma, Rudy Seanez - and not too long ago were Horacio Ramirez, and from our camp Javy Lopez. Am I missing anybody?
Does that mean John Schuerholz and Frank Wren knew exactly what they were doing by letting those guys walk?
Speaking of former Braves, and this time it’s actually complimentary. It’s official. The pitcher the Braves will face in their season-opener in DC in Odalis Perez. This is a guy who went 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA for the Royals last year, giving him the highest ERA of a year ago of any projected Opening Day starter.
He had visa problems getting to Nats camp from the Dominican this spring and didn’t pitch his first game until March 15. He went 0-2 with a 4.96 ERA in three Grapefruit League starts but manager Manny Acta says he deserves it.
“He won more games than any one of our starters last year in the big leagues,” Acta told reporters. “He’s the only one of our staff who has won 15 games before and he has pitched well in spring training.”
If you have to justify the move, perhaps it’s not a great one. And this says quite a bit about what’s going on with their rotation - John Patterson was released and Shawn Hill is still having arm problems, for starters.
I do recall, from back in the day, that Perez has a thing for dramatic moments, remember how well he used to pitch coming on in relief when he first came up? Maybe there’s still some of that in him. We shall see. Very soon!
Comments
By bshaf
March 28, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
first first
By dizzle
March 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
first?
By dizzle
March 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
first?
By Big Easy
March 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Nice job, Carroll, pinch-hitting for DOB.
Ahhh, baseball is here.
~E~
By TennesseePaul
March 28, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog Carroll. I’m ready for this season to begin. I don’t remember past Springs taking this long…
GO BRAVES!!
By Bubba
March 28, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Go Braves. Cant wait to get the season started!
By ssiscribe
March 28, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, denizens and here we are, at the threshold of the new season. A fine job by DOB all through camp, and a fine job by CR with today’s blog as we get set to kick this thing off for real Sunday night …
I expect one more minor deal between now and Sunday, likely for Brayan Pena, whose versatility and bat are marketable, one would think. As discussed the other day, I think Lillibridge makes the team unless a trade nets more bench help and Scott Thorman finds himself still here and not dealt away. In that case, the Lil’Bridge goes to Richmond for more work on hitting breaking balls.
From the bottom of the last blog, I have regular-season predictions I made on my blog Sunday night. While I’m not trying to pimp my blog (pimp my blog? Sounds like a new TV show, like “Pimp My Ride” … but I digress) … I’m too lazy to re-type all that, and I don’t want this post to be a mile long.
So, here’s my take on the regular season
I have no clue if that will format correctly. Apologizes in advance if it does not; maybe I’ll just copy and paste it in here after lunch if the formatting doesn’t jive.
Speaking of which, time to eat.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Lew
March 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Carroll-Ten years? What were you, twelve when you started? BTW-You’ve got mail.
Congrats to DOB on his latest award.
Tell Chipper his deer painting will arrive by the end of next week. He’ll like it.
By Thrillhouse44
March 28, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Trot Nixon? That’s interesting. He’d be a solid, veteran bat. How much would that cost us?
By richbrave
March 28, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Braves keep Prado and Blanco, Miller, Resop, Boyer, Bennett(sent down after Smoltz returns). They send down, trade, or try waivers on Ring, Thorman, Lillibridge(sent down after Infante returns), Anderson, Sammons, Pena. They bring in via trade or waivers back-up 1st base, and bench bat.
Regarding trades or waivers, Thorman, Pena go only if the organization gets what they need in value for them. Otherwise, Thorman or Pena stay as bench player. Ring goes no matter what.
By BT
March 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Very well written Carroll. You do a great job at AJC as well. DOB can’t be the only star!
By Lew
March 28, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
The latest poll question-How will the Braves begn the season-with a win or a loss. The way these questions have been going recently, I’m surprised they didn’t include a c.Neither category.
By Murphy
March 28, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks for filling in Carroll. Agree with you on all of the ex-Braves except Salty of course. He is just gong down to get more playing time. I think most of us would still love to have him…as for me, not at the expense of Tex, but would love to still have him here.
By DCbrave
March 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Carroll - What do you mean by “summer’s not far behind?” :-)
By jack
March 28, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
can’t wait to ply mets to shut their mouths
By Marietta Dawg
March 28, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Great job Carroll and happy Friday. I can’t wait to get this season started, Go Braves!
Also, I hope that the AJC bans Bravesfan79 since his comments were very inappropriate.
By Knowitall
March 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79,
I got your chicken wings right here. Name the time and the place moron.
By MGL
March 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Can’t understand DOB. He gets an all expenses paid vacation to the wonderful world of Mickey Mouse for six weeks and then takes a couple of days off to “de-compress.” He’s probably sitting there watching the Disney channel, trying for a slow withdrawal.
By BX
March 28, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I actually like the idea of Trot Nixon.
Any chance of it though?
By Dan
March 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I thoroughly enjoy reading both DOB’s and CR’s blogs, however you people who seem to get a hard-on over posting first need to get a life.
By richbrave
March 28, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
MGL:
Made me laugh. Funny post. FUNNY.!!
By geauxbraves2000
March 28, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
The latest poll question-How will the Braves begn the season-with a win or a loss. The way these questions have been going recently, I’m surprised they didn’t include a c.Neither category
Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are :)
Geaux Braves!!
By Carroll Rogers
March 28, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
I just called the office and BravesFan79 comments are coming down. I have no problem with people complaining about the new tv situation but we need to show respect around here. So let’s let it drop and not give it credence by responding to it further.
thanks Lew! I quit counting the last 10 years. ok maybe 15. to me 1993 doesn’t seem that long ago, you know?
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79, that was one of the most moronic posts I’ve seen in a while. If you’d left out your racist diatribe, it might have made some sense. I do hate what’s happened to WTBS since Time Warner/AOL took over. I’d say they’re totally clueless about baseball.
Bravesfan79, perhaps you should take your stuff over to the Terence Moore part of the paper. It usually manages to attract you Klan types.
By MGL
March 28, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Twenty first? Does that work for you Dan?
By radoncbravesfan
March 28, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Braves fan since 1966 living now in Minnesota, followed this blog all spring training, first post. Very informative.
Over/under on IQ of Bravesfan79, 50. Waiting on DOB predictions.
By Alan
March 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Great job, CR. Between you and DOB, we Braves fans are treated like royalty. Thanks! I love your Curtis/Charlie Pride story. As I recall, Charlie played in the minor leagues for a while, so it was an honest mistake, right? These next couple of days will be very interesting. I’m sure you’ll keep us posted. Thanks again for your great work.
By your phreaking daddy
March 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
‘79 is right…. atlanta is a very ‘dark’ city and will revel in black shows. look for tbs to go to reruns of ‘the jeffersons’ and ‘sanford and son’ soon to boost there veiwership in ‘blacklanta’.
By TJ
March 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
“Now playing left field and acoustic guitar, Charlie Pride!”
I love it. Actually, I think Charlie was an aspiring baseball player…
Once, as editor of an association newspaper, I let a photo of Newt Gingrich slip through with a photo caption that read “John Lewis, U.S. Congressman (D-GA) and Civil Rights Leader.” Newt actually got a kick out of it.
By Murphy
March 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Haha. I agree with you Dan, but I got blasted when I made the same comment. I just skip those and move on to those with something to actually contribute.
By McFann
March 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Lew, your 11:57 was great.
How about some trivia? I got a couple good Q’s. (And don’t assume the obvious, just ‘cause it’s me…)
Number one shouldn’t be too hard, but it’s hard enough:
Who hit the first home run of the 2007 season?
Number 2: On what day, against which team, off what pitcher did Juan Encarnacion hit the final home run of his career?
Good luck.
(Oh, and that was a bit much Bravesfan79, but TBS does show crud.)
By Carroll Rogers
March 28, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Hey, just read the connector repaving is being post-poned a week….that’s the good news. rain in the forecast is the bad news. but hey, maybe we’ll get the game in first.
By your phreaking daddy
March 28, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
yeah, censor ‘79 because you don’t like what he says or thinks. you people are what is bad about America now…. free speech; as long as the group agrees.
you people suck. eat sh1t and die.
By Paul Bowers
March 28, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Good job, Carroll. Please, please, not Nixon. He is so injury-prone, so not what we need. Josh or Blanco would be so much better, giving us the element of speed off the bench. Question, anyone: What does Resop’s secondary pitches look like? Is he wild or does he have decent control?
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Yay Carroll.
I think you do a great job filling in for DOB. I wonder if most Braves fans realize how lucky we are to have you 2.
Dan Don’t worry about the people that are obsessed with being first. This may be their only opportunity to be first at anything, ever.
From the previous blog:
KC and Thrillhouse I take no offense to your response. Nor do I take any drugs, but flashbacks from the 70’s are always possible….oooh look at all the pretty colors….
I love the beginning of each season. The teams are undefeated and the pitchers have .000 ERAs. It’s the time when anything is still possible.
Carroll, since you had the offensive post removed, feel free to remove my response as well.
By TheCutMan
March 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Me too. Nice work Carroll as you know your baseball and your efforts are appreciated.
By whatever
March 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
elsewhere on this website it’s said:
“When he calls a baseball game on TBS, Chip Caray is supposed to play the role of neutral, national broadcaster. But when he calls a game on Peachtree TV, Caray is free to play the role of loyal, local broadcaster.”
Excuse me? Free to be loyal to the Braves—Chip Carey? As soon as Fox national or ESPN comes calling, that guy’s out the door so fast you won’t believe it. The Braves are a stepping stone for him, isn’t that obvious?
By Paul Bowers
March 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Trot Nixon. NOT what we need. The speed that Anderson or Blanco would give us off the bench would be more desirable than Trot(injured)Nixon. Also: Question… What does Resop’s second pitch look like?
By Steve C.
March 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
your phreaking daddy,
Happy Friday to you too!
By flange1
March 28, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Thanks for the new blog and the removal of the pathetic post.
Lets talk some baseball!
I am still hoping for Morgan Ensberg, but I am not holding my breath.
I am ready for this season to start.
Braveheart, did you email KC about Sunday night? Love to have you there!
By Renegator
March 28, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I think people are looking at Nixon as the backup 1B to replace Thorman. Not to replace Anderson or Blanco.
By bsj
March 28, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
We got a picture of DOB earlier. Where’s the snapshot of Carroll?
By Carroll Rogers
March 28, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
the deal nixon has in place now would have paid him $750,000 if he stayed in the majors for some period of time, like two months. he has until today to tell the Dbacks if he’ll accept a minor league assignment. …don’t know if the braves have interest, just telling you he’s out there.
By Statesboro Brave
March 28, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Any word on a channel in the Statesboro, GA area picking up the games that are being broadcasted on Peachtree TV?
By Carroll Rogers
March 28, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
and your phreaking daddy….a movieline comes to mind for you, tho i can’t remember what movie it was from….but here goes: YOU MUST CHILL!
we are what’s wrong with america. whatever dude. crawl out of your dark hole and enjoy the day, would you?
By etownbrave
March 28, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
HELP! I live in NE Georgia near SC. How can we get the games that are on PTV? I see that they have agreements for some of the cable networks but not for DISH or DirectTV. When does the radio network start airing games? Out here in the country we can’t get 94.1 out of Atlanta. Don’t have hi-speed so mlb net stuff not an option.
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I just read some other parts of the Sports Webpage. I always go here first.
I enjoyed Jill’s article. Yes! It is pure unadulterated bliss.
I also liked Furman’s column. Maybe we should name the Gwinnett team the Crackers. We can be just a politically incorrect to rednecks as we are to Native Americans.
By Brave4life-Matt
March 28, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Speaking of idiots and television programing… I bought a HD television a couple of months ago for the primary purpose watching the Braves in HD. I’ve been counting down the seconds since I heard about the ESPN Sunday night opener.
Anyways, back to the idiots. Comcast has yet to pick up in high definition the old TBS channel 17 which is now WPCH. WPCH will show 40+ games in HD this year and I won’t get to see them except in crappy old school standard definition. If you don’t know already, standard def programing looks terrible through a HD tele.
I’ve called and complained several times and have been told that Comcast and Time Warner have not worked out a deal to show the WPCH station in HD. What a bunch of crap! As if either one of these companies doesn’t rake in millions and millions in profit daily. So they have to screw Braves fans out of the HD viewing that we work so hard for.
I know you’re saying “why don’t you get a dish?” Well, the townhouse neighborhood I am in is jungle of trees. I would switch in heartbeat but the dish guy said “you gotta cut them trees first.” I give Comcast too much money as it is and the fact that WPCH can be received for free over the air in HD if I set up an antenna drives me crazy! I pay Comcast so I don’t have to have a big freaking antenna.
So please for the love of God and the Braves in HD, call Comcast everyday like me and complain until they put WPCH into the HD channels!
By bsj
March 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I’m with you, Flange1. Let’s fire it up! A veteran like Morgan Ensberg or Trot Nixon would definitely be a better option than Thorman at this point. Isn’t Craig Wilson available?
By Thrillhouse44
March 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
The more I think about Trot Nixon backing up first base, the less I like the idea. It reminds me too much of Craig Wilson.
By Steve McP
March 28, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t really see how Nixon does what Wren is looking for, so I don’t think he will be the signing that the Braves will make. He hit 3 home runs in 302 at bats last season - how does he give us extra pop on the bench? I know he is experienced, but Thorman hit 11 HR in 287 AB in 2007. does not look like an upgrade at this stage of Trot’s career, although many people seem to come to the Braves and have a second lease of life. Fine if he would turn out to be a Matt Diaz, but what if he is a (shudder) Wilson or Woodward?
By Bravesfan79
March 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
No im not racist, i have several black friends and the majority of my customers over the years have been black. I probably should be racist thou as i know more about black pple than most white pple ever will….considering i worked public housing complexes for 7 years of my life throught New Orleans and Atlanta. How many other pple on this blog spent years of their life having to daily outsmart dumb thugs, and carjackers just to make a living?? So was it REALLY just chance that everytime something crazy happened it was a black male?? Am i racist or do i just speak the truth!? Truth is theres something seriously wrong with black culture, at least im not afraid to speak the truth!
When i walk thru gang infested apts in clayton or Atlanta (before they tore down alot of the housing projects) Its not exactly Jesus loves me the little kids are singing..its sad to see little 4 year old girls shaking their butt and singing along to the TRASH that their parents are listening 2!
(after seeing everything i have theres no WAY u cant tell me music dosent influence a culture!) I stay strapped and am more likely to takeout the next looser that thinks hes a thug than i am to get in a fight with a redneck at some bar.
I just speak the truth about TBS and the CRAP that they now show. Their lack of loyalty makes me sick. (the reason im not a Hawks fan anymore)
And does anyone REALLY think that tyler perry show is really funny? common stop kidding yourselves..
Tyler Perry is NO Richard Pryor…and is only in the position to have his own lame shows because he IS black! Equal oppotunity…sometimes it works and was established as a great idea……but on the downside sometimes u get crap like Billy Knight of the Hawks and house of Payne! I never knew Ted had a brother named Reggie that took over the company for him? BTW…look for Clayton to become a even BIGGER s** now that more kids will drop out of high school to hustle since theres no point in going to highschool anymore. I feel sorry for all the QUALITY people/families down there.
By bsj
March 28, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
“YOU MUST CHILL” is conjuring images of Anthony Michael Hall. Weird Science, maybe? I don’t know, but phreakin’ daddy needs to do it.
I’m so geeked for the season that I’m actually worried about who the Braves have at the end of their bench. But I think Infante is the answer when he gets back in a month. Between now and then, we can make do with Thorman and Prado.
By Robert
March 28, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
If anyone didn’t read the peachtree tv article, they are counting on the Braves games to attract viewers to their station more popular. Is it me or is that the same thing TBS did. I guess once us Braves fans make it popular, the will quit shwing games to in order to show re-run TV shows. I grew up in New Jersey I fell in love with the Braves through TBS, despite my dad trying to convert me into a Yankee fan, that was in 1990. It saddens me other kids outside the atlanta and southern area will not have the same oppertunity.
By McFann
March 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your 1:17, Carroll. I don’t want this to go political on us (please no, Dear Lord!), but I’m so sick of the “We are what’s wrong with America” bit!
By bsj
March 28, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
I was wrong. John Cusack in “Say Anything”.
By Efrim
March 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Get Bravesfan79 off this blog for life. Find his IP address and ban it.
The comments you’re making are not for this blog man. Not something I want to be apart of.
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79 If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like duck, chances are good that it’s a duck. Unless you want to quack about Baseball, please take it somewhere else.
By DonCoburleone
March 28, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
So rain is still in the forecast in DC for Sunday nights game?
By Steeledawg
March 28, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
“You must chill”- Lloyd Dobler Say Anything
By bsj
March 28, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
It would appear that the web geeks at the ajc have been slow to act.
I think it’s always interesting that the first words out of a racist white person’s mouth is “I’m not racist”. You’re the one who brought up the chicken wings and collard greens dude. Get a life.
By TJ
March 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Help me out, someone: if we place a player (I’m thinking Thorman) on waivers, how long does he hang out there before clearing?
I really don’t see anyone picking him up if they’ve got to move on it in a short period of time.
Anyone know?
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79
The falcons blog is a couple doors down. This is actually the Braves blog. I’m sure you just got turned around…
Your phreaking daddy I agree with you partially, but once again the falcons blog is a couple doors down
and carroll how bout it - now that DOB’s identity is leaked (although it could have been sleuthed long ago), are you going to follow suit?
By eware
March 28, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
When did John Rocker start posting on the blog??
By Braves20
March 28, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Happily have subscribed to MLB Extra Innings and await the season. The racist piece had been pulled by the time I hit the blog. But will say this. Every TV in our house was programmed to “skip”, pun intended, TBS after they announced they were pulling the plug on the Braves last year.
I did note a piece on TBS baseball in the local rag today. After taking a cheap shot at Skip Caray, the guy writing the piece said that son Chip would be joined on their Sunday games by, among others, Ron Darling.
Even if you didn’t like Skip, he will seem like a day at the beach after you hear Darling drone on for an inning or two.
By Epinephrine
March 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Wow. A new season means, hope, predictions, and oh yeah, a massive influx of idiots. Oh well folks, it was fun while it lasted. Hopefully people can have the good sense to ignore the morons crawling out of the woodwork. We can’t stop them from coming here, but we can talk past them and resume our good dialogue.
I, for one, am pretty excited to see our projected lineup in a game where everyone is actually trying. We’ll have to wait til Sunday to start tallying run production, but I’m betting we get a sneak preview tonight.
By Thrillhouse44
March 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
I was going to name my dog “Chill”, but it definitely doesn’t fit his personality.
By Braveheart
March 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think Michael Douglas pulled off Bravesfan79’s act better in Falling Down:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=T9ckjELRL6Y&feature=related
By Efrim
March 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
DonC
Cloudy, but I don’t think the game will be cancelled. Would be a real bummer if it was.
By Braveheart
March 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79 orders breakfast:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-eREiQhBDIk
By timmy
March 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I was just reading on MLB Trade Rumors that the Reds may be shopping Ryan Freel. He is versatile, plays 2nd, 3rd, and all 3 OF positions and is right handed, we dont have any righties on bench without Infante. Trade Thorman and a prospect for him. I know they may need a 1st baseman, and he would do pretty good in all those jet stream parks in the NL Central. Just a thought
By bsj
March 28, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
I believe everyone knows a “Bravesfan79”. Those types of people know the world is out to get them. No one knows right from wrong like they do. No one else is as smart with respect to how the world works. And they dmned sure need a gun to settle things when they have a disagreement. These types are walking through a post-Apocalyptic world, with only their smarts, God, and a gun to get them through. Good luck, dude. You’ll need it.
By Lunatic Fringe
March 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I am not a racist. I dislike way more whites than blacks, and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with their race. A*******holes come in all races, and genders, too.
GO BRAVOS.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vfyw1hAkgfY
I found a video of bravesfan79 on another site. he was very flagellic with his rhetoric there as well.
By bsj
March 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Perfect, Braveheart. Classic.
By slider29
March 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Blog’s definitely a little crazy today…Did anyone notice that Peter Gammons picked the Bravos to go to the WS this morning on Mike and Mike. He said they were the best team he’d seen all spring.
By Steve McP
March 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Freel has a $3 Million contract for 08 ($4 Mill for 09) - can’t see the Braves paying that for a bench sitter that has not played a single major league game at First Base, also he is just coming back from surgery and it would be a big gamble.
He can certainly be a super utility player, having played mostly outfield, but with a good few games at 3B, but the lack of experience at first would not make him a back up for Tex, bearing in mind that Omar Infante has also not played First in his career, I can’t see this move happening.
He also does not have the bat that Wren has said he is looking for, somebody who has hit 22 HR in 1764 career AB’s would not strike fear into opposing managers when he stepped on deck.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 28, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Im gonna have to rent falling down after the game tonight. Can’t stay up too late though, as I have seats to the game tomorrow. And did you know - cause you might have, so forgive me if that’s the case- but the tickets I have INCLUDE (don’t get on me for the caps) $10 worth of food beverage or merchandise concession, which is a new thing this year apparently, because I never heard of it
By Steve McP
March 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
By the way - you can still post comments on the Peachtree article on the AJC site, just been there to have (another) moan about Time Warner disenfranchising so many Braves fans.
By Steve McP
March 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
By the way - you can still post comments on the Peachtree article on the AJC site, just been there to have (another) moan about Time Warner disenfranchising so many Braves fans.
By Steve McP
March 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
By the way - you can still post comments on the Peachtree article on the AJC site, just been there to have (another) moan about Time Warner disenfranchising so many Braves fans.
By 3trees
March 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Great job on the blog and on the “layin’ low” the 2 would-be blog killers, Carroll. Startling and honest confessions on here today.
Good luck to JJ and the Braves tonight, but save some for the regular season. We gotta find a way to keep Bennett around other than Smoltz on the DL.
Home opener 3 days away!
Go Braves!
By Stuart
March 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Speaking of PTV, are the games that are on PTV going to be available on MLB Extra Innings/MLBTV in regions that are considered Braves ‘home’ regions.
I live in Chattanooga, and the braves and reds are blacked out on those packages since the games are on the ‘local’ FSN stations. Is that going to be exempted?
Also, FSN and Sportsouth are available in HD, but not on Comcast up here, how terrible is that? At least the opener on ESPN will be in HD, so I get a clear picture of the Braves spanking of Odalis.
By bsj
March 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Fanxeira, I think Bravesfan79 said that earlier. He was just repeating himself in the video. He’s very… umm… eloquent.
By David-ATL14
March 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
* Attention Braves fans*
The braves have claimed Reuben Gotay off waivers from the Mets.
He will be a bench player for the Bravos.
I’m sure CR will confirm shortly.
By tvsportscaster
March 28, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Braves get bench help, per nydailynews, the Braves claim Ruben Gotay off waivers.
By flange1
March 28, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79,
I really do not care about your past work history or your working relationship with people of any color.
I would appreciate you sticking to baseball, music, BBQ etc.
We do not get into political issues, social issue, religious issues on this blog.
If you are interested in talking about who should be on the Braves bench, I am all ears, if not, then
SHUT UP!
By TJ
March 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Have you guys seen this? According to a Met’s blog called mets.lohudblogs.com:
This should make all you Ruben Gotay supporters happy. He was claimed on waivers by the Braves. Steven Register was returned to the Colorado Rockies and Anderson Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.
I have NO IDEA if this is true.
By Brave4life-Matt
March 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else feel my No-Braves-in-HD-on-PeachtreeTV-on-Comcast-PAIN?
Am I the only one??? Song for the day… Nirvana… since DOB was absent.
By Efrim
March 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Braves claim Ruben Gotay off waivers
By Direct TV Viewer
March 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Is Peachtree TV available on Direct TV (Atlanta Market)? If not, does anyone know which channel the Braves will be on?
By Thrillhouse44
March 28, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Fanxeira, does that come with all seats or what? I hadn’t heard that.
By DAP
March 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
we picked up gotay, a infield utility man that doesnt play 1st…why? anybody know why we need another guy like this?
By ssiscribe
March 28, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Sounds like the Lil’Bridge is Richmond-bound. New York Post Mets’ beat writer Bart Hubbach is reporting the Braves have picked up Ruben Gotay, who the Mets placed on waivers two days ago.
Gotay played in 98 games last season for the Mets, hitting .295 (190 at-bats) with four homers and 24 RBIs. Twelve of his 56 hits were for doubles; add in the four dingers, and 25 percent of Gotay’s hits last year were for extra bases.
Gotay played 37 games at second base in 2007, five at shortstop and two at third base. He appeared in 81 games at second base for Kansas City in 2005.
—30—
By bsj
March 28, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
It may be that I’ve paid a little more attention this spring than last(I don’t think so), but I agree with Peter Gammons. If what we’re worried about at this stage is who is filling out the end of the bench, I’d say we’re ready to hit the ground running Sunday night. We’ve got depth at all positions (except possibly first base), but particularly starting pitching. We’ve got the right mix of ultra-competitive veterans and hungry youngins’. I predict a NL pennant this year. I’m more excited about this team than I have been since the late nineties. Let’s get it rolling!
By DAP
March 28, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
i just read an oriols thread saying they might want gotay. would we trade gotay for loretta or could we somehow pry millar away from them. loretta and millar and both play 1st and 3rd pretty well.
By Renegator
March 28, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
I feel your no Braves in HD pain. I think that all home games will be broadcast in HD on channel 755. That is a special HD channel for Comcast subscribers but it is only for home games.
Hey, it’s better than nothing.
Does Gotay place 1B or why did we get him?
By Epinephrine
March 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
This should mean that Lill will get to resume a steady diet of breaking pitches in the minors.
Gotay-pretty good year last year. Solid OBP and average, esp. for utility.
Still doesnt change the Pena and Thorman picture. Still looking for that bat.
By George G.
March 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79 is probably a Mets fan.
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
but the tickets I have INCLUDE (don’t get on me for the caps) $10 worth of food beverage or merchandise concession Are you going to get a hotdog or nachos with that?
By TJ
March 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
DAP, assuming it’s accurate (and there were sure a lot of questions about whether the Mets ever even waived Gotay, as I recall): anyway, I think it has to indicate some other trade in the works; such as, a trade possibly involving Prado.
Just guessing, of course.
By flange1
March 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
If the Gotay thing is true, it could be that the Braves are considering a Prado trade. Then after Infante comes back you have Gotay and Infante as middle infielders.
Other than that, I don’t see it!!!
By Braves20
March 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Prelude to another trade? Gotay plays all the infield spots but 1b. Seems like we have a few of that type.
By MGL
March 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Brave4life-Matt Sounds like your song for the day should be “cry me a river”
By jay
March 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Braves have claimed Gotay. The Mets can either pull him back or let him go outright to the Braves. If the Mets pull him back then there is a possibility of a trade that may take place for Gotay.
By AGTfan
March 28, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I think ssiscribe may be right. Let Lil’Bridge get some more seasoning at AAA where he can hit everyday. I don’t think picking up Gotay is the last move we’ll see.
By Robert
March 28, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
We got Gotay so Lillibridge can go to Richmond to learn how not to strike out so much.
The kid does K alot
By ssiscribe
March 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Pure speculation here, but anybody out there think maybe Prado could be part of a deal this weekend? He’s had a great spring, has nothing else to prove at Triple-A and could be, packaged with Thorman, enough to bring in a big bat to back up Tex at first.
Infante will be back in two or three weeks. IF Prado were to be moved, you have Gotay and Lillibridge as the backup middle infielders to start the season, then Lillibridge goes to Richmond when Infante comes off the DL.
Just speculating …
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By ssiscribe
March 28, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
TJ and Flange, I’m thinking the same way, guys. Doesn’t seem to make much sense otherwise to bring in Gotay when you already have Prado and Lillibridge, and Infante coming back soon.
—30—
By tvsportscaster
March 28, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
My guess is the Braves didn’t think Lillibridge was ready for the big leagues, so that got Gotay for the other back up infield spot and Lilli will go to Richmond. As to what happens when Infante comes back, that will be interesting. My guess is there will still be a trade this weekend involving either Pena or Thorman.
By bsj
March 28, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I agree, flange1. I smell a trade involving Prado and/or Lillibridge. But for whom? No way we get Millar here. I assume he makes too much money to be a backup 1st baseman. Don’t know about Loretta moneywise, but does he have the pop we’re looking for?
By George G.
March 28, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Wait a minute…what’s this I hear about the Braves picking up Ruben Gotay?
By TJ
March 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Jay, Mets can’t pull him back.
By tkg
March 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I live in B’ham area and called DirecTV this morning about adding Peachtree TV. Dude told me it wasn’t showing up as something that was happening now, but said he’d send a request that DirecTV look into adding it to their channel lineup.
He figures — as do I — that many people will call them and request to have it added. Maybe that will spark some movement.
If you’re a DirecTV subscriber, call 1-800-DirecTV and speak to a human. Tell them you’d like to make a station request addition. Maybe if enough people do it …
By Andy K
March 28, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I hope we don’t trade Prado I think he can be great for this team…he’s been phenomenal. If anything, claim Gotay, and then trade him for someone like Loretta to play 1B and hit off the bench.
By Goodoleboy58
March 28, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Man is it baseball season yet???
Answer ooohh so close…
Here’s a question for ya..
Who do you think will be the first Brave to hit a homer this year?
My money is on Chipper.. what say you?
By flange1
March 28, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe,
great minds think alike!
By George G.
March 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
I wonder if the Gotay thing means that Infante is taking longer to heal than expected???
—69—
By ernesto
March 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
I like Gotay but he’s not much with the leather, so I think you’re not going to see Prado go anywhere.
Prado and Gotay nice upgrade over Orr and Woodsuck
By BT
March 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Interesting thoughts Scribe. Glad to see you active on the blog again.
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
March 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Everything’s coming up Thrillhouse44 No I don’t think it comes with all seats, but definitely with certain sections. These are in the Hank Aaron area. Personally I would just get the $1 seat and sit somewhere better, but work just got the season tix in yesterday and for some reason gave me some.
AGTFan The plan is my girlfriend and I combine our tickets and go splitsies on a beer. If that fails, I’ll always have my trusty flask. Look for the Fanxeira / BBFCFM shirt. Not for the blogs sake, but because a shirt like that would be the jam
By TennesseePaul
March 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Check this out
By TJ
March 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I still don’t see us trading Lillibridge. Neither Prado nor Gotay is really a shortstop, and I don’t think Bobby likes playing “non shortstops” at shortstop unless he has to. Anyway, if we’re dealing Lilly, it better be a pretty good haul, IMO, not just a mediocre bench bat.
God, we’re not all just a little hungry for baseball news, are we?
By OrlandoFan
March 28, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Don’t know much about Gotay, but maybe the Braves were just trying to stop the Mets from sneaking him back to the minors and having him to call up later when one of their many injury-prone semistars goes down. Just a thought. Anyway, I suspect they think Lillibridge is a little green and wanter a more proven bridge (no pun) until Infante returns.
By ernesto
March 28, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
If the O’s wanted Gotay couldn’t they have claimed him before the Braves? I thought waivers were a worst record first kind of deal.
By BravesFanInRockies
March 28, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Don’t see Lil’ Bridge on the block. With Gotay, you have another piece for a trade involving some combination of him, Pena, Thorman, Prado, maybe Ring? None of these guys has to be on the 25-man until Sunday, right? So there’s time to mix and match with some other team.
By KC
March 28, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to extend the invite another time or two over the weekend…
OPENING NIGHT AT FOX SPORTS GRILL IN ATL:
A group of us blog acquaintances are getting together Sunday evening to take in opening night from the Fox Sports Grill at Atlantic Station in mid-town.
Anyone is welcome. If you’d like to join us, just email me at embassypro@hotmail.com
By TJ
March 28, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Andy, if Houston wanted Gotay, they could’a just claimed him (they had the choice ahead of ATL), so I doubt they’ll trade Loretta for him. But who knows… something’s in the works, I think.
Scribe, btw, if I made the right connection… I like your blog. Good writing. Tough to compete with Grand Master D(OB), of course, but good luck with it.
By David O'Brien
March 28, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Lil’ Bridge struggled against the slider all spring. Just needs more time in the minors. I’m not out there today so I don’t know what they’re saying, but I’d suspect Lillibridge is going to be sent down.
By Carroll Rogers
March 28, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
yes on reuben gotay friends. braves claimed him off waivers. frank wren just confirmed it. they are about to come out of a meeting. more details in a bit.
By Shamus Thacker
March 28, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I can still remember the Stone Age, when most Br