AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow will Andruw be greeted?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, they’re home. The aftertaste of that Braves trip wasn’t as rancid following last night’s resounding 8-0 win fueled by the old dudes, Smoltz and Hoss (and Bobby, in a pregame closed-door meeting the boys called perfect).
So now they’re back at Turner Field, where the Braves have hit .312 in five games (compared to .252 on the road, even after last night’s 15-hit, five-homer blitz at Miami).
It’ll be interesting to see how last night’s win carries over to tonight’s opener against Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal and the rest of the visiting Dodgers from Chavez Ravine.
Oh, yes, Andruw. Once again we’ll witness the return of a longtime Braves star wearing a different uniform. The man who won 10-time Gold Glove Jones and racked up 368 home runs and 1,117 RBIs in 12 seasons for the Braves.
And we’ll ask again: What do you think the reaction is going to be? Will it be something like the huge applause the Turner Field customers give Greg Maddux? Or the warn reception they gave Julio Franco?
Will it be a mixed reaction, like Tom Glavine got in his latter visits with the Mets? Certainly it’s not going to be anything like the nasty receptions that Glavine got when he’d return during his first seasons with the Mets. No way.
If I had to guess, I’m going with big ovation. Big standing ovation, even. I really believe that’s what the reaction will be.
After all, it’s not like he turned down a Braves offer to return. Not like he’s bad-mouthed the organization or anyone in it since he left.
And, oh yeah, he did provide a hell of a lot of big moments for Braves fans during the past decade.
Jeff Francoeur told me yesterday that he’s talked to Andruw quite a bit, and Brian McCann said he talks to him all the time. McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
I used a McCann quote in my Braves notebook in today’s paper and online, but here’s one I got from Francoeur:
“I’ve talked to [Andruw] a couple of times, and he watches us sometimes out there before their games,” he said. “And if they have a day game he’s watched some of our games at night. You know, he misses being here.
“He misses being part of the team and having everybody around. But I know that’s part of baseball and it’s what you’ve got to do.”
On Andruw’s slump, he said, “Hopefully he’ll get it going for them. I think he will.”
Hitting coach Terry Pendleton said of Andruw: “That’s my boy. It hurts me to see him struggling. I want to see him have success, but not necessarily against us. We’re all hoping he has success, because we love him.”
I asked Frenchy about the impression many fans have that Andruw doesn’t care much because of the smirk or smile he has after so many strikeouts.
“He cares,” Francoeur said. “He’s going to do everything he has to do to help the team. I always said, he came to play every single day. You’ve got to give him credit for that.
“I’d like to see our fans give him a good standing ovation and then give him a hand for what he’s done for Atlanta for so long. It’s not like he wanted out. It just kind of happened that way. So, it’d be nice to see them do that.
“He loves Atlanta. He’s still got his house here. It’s not like he’s leaving. He’s staying with his family. He loves Atlanta, and just happens to play somewhere else now. Hopefully the fans will give him what he deserves.”
Me talking again now: All that said, it’d be a stretch for anyone to suggest the Braves would be better off with him right now.
Andruw signed a two-year, $36.2 million contract with the Dodgers, more money per season than anybody but Scott Boras imagined he’d get after hitting .222 with 26 homers and 94 RBI for the Braves last season.
He’s hitting .157 with no homers, two RBIs and 16 strikeouts in 51 at-bats for the Dodgers, including 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. In six road games he’s hit .095 (2-for-21) with two singles, one walk, eight strikeouts.
Uh, yikes.
Andruw (and his girth) have become a target for acerbic, relentless (and quite witty) L.A. Times columnist T.J. Simers. That is not a good thing, if you are Andruw Jones.
If you haven’t read any of Simers’ recent work directed at Andruw, all I’m going to say about that is, the center fielder will not want to read the L.A. Times for the rest of the season if he doesn’t start hitting. Soon. Seriously.
Speaking of slumps, you might remember this isn’t a recent thing with Andruw. He’s hit .184 (25-for-136) with two homers, 12 RBI and 32 strikeouts in 39 games going back to Aug. 31 with the Braves.
His batting average really began to plummet in late July 2006, though he kept hitting plenty of homers for the rest of the ’06 season.
In 231 games dating to July 21, 2006, Andruw has hit .219 with 40 doubles, 43 homers, 137 RBI, 202 strikeouts, a .322 OBP and a .429 slugging percentage in 835 at-bats.
For some comparison: Chipper Jones has played 50 fewer games (181) in that same period, and hit .339 with 52 doubles, 44 homers, 143 RBI, 97 strikeouts, a .421 OBP and a .622 slugging percentage in 685 at-bats.
Andruw hasn’t given home crowds a lot to appreciate at the plate during that span. He’s hit .200 in 435 at-bats in 124 home games since July 21, 2006, though he does have 27 homers in those games (only 19 fewer homers than singles).
He’s got to be eager to face old friend Tom Glavine on Saturday. Andruw is 16-for-43 with four homers against the old lefty.
Speaking of Chipper…. He’s hitting an otherworldly .443 to lead the majors by a wide margin after last night’s 4-for-4, two-homer game at Florida. The only other hitter in either league with an average higher than .385 is none other than Rafael Furcal (.407), who has 11 extra-base hits and a .500 OBP.
Chipper, at 35, is on a seemingly unlikely career surge. He leads the majors with a .338 average since the beginning of the 2006 season, ahead of Seattle’s Ichiro (.333). Chipper has a .421 OBP and .606 slugging percentage in that span.
That’s .338/.421/.606 for Chipper, compared to Ichiro’s .333/.380/.419 and, just for curiosity’s sake, Alex Rodriguez’s .303/.405/.584 in that span.
The knock on Hoss, of course, is that he’s only played 259 games in that period, while Ichiro has played 339 and A-Rod 329.
Chipper has 73 doubles and 59 homers in 985 at-bats in that period, A-Rod has 63 doubles and 93 homers in 1,223 at-bats.
But the most amazing stats with Chipper began in the middle of the 2006 season, after he got over some early injuries and hit a hot streak that really has continued pretty much unabated, save for a cool week here or a DL stint there.
It began after a slump in which he batted just .222 with four homers and 11 RBis in 29 games during May 21-June 23, 2006.
Here’s what he’s done in 200 games since then, and no, these are not typos:
In his past 200 games, since June 24, 2006, Chipper has hit .358 (273-for-763) with 61 doubles, 6 triples, 52 homers, 167 RBI, 113 walks, 104 strikeouts, a .437 OBP and a .658 slugging percentage.
And in 102 road games during that period he’s hit .376 (153-for-407) with 36 doubles, 5 triples, 29 homers, 86 RBI, a .445 OBP and a .703 slugging percentage. That’s a 1.148 OPS in his past 102 road games. Astounding.
Top and bottom of it…. The NL’s two highest and two lowest batting averages belong to former Braves teammates. Chipper (.443) and Furcal (.407) lead, while Andruw (.157) and Adam LaRoche (.143) bring up the rear.
Against right-handed pitchers, Chipper (.441) and Furcal (.439) also lead the majors, ahead of Albert Pujols (.417) and Derrek Lee (.404).
Andruw (.086, 3-for-35) is last in the NL against right-handers.
Chipper has hit .444 with one homer in 27 at-bats against lefities, .441 with three homers in 34 at-bats against righties. He’s hit .455 at home, .436 on the road. He’s hit .324 with no one on base, .593 (16-for-27) with runners on.
He’s hit .409 (9-for-22) after an 0-1 count, and .485 (16-for-33) after 1-0.
Folks, he’s flat-out raked.
Speaking of splits… Mark Teixeira has hit .400 (6-for-15) with a homer and four RBI in four day games, but just .136 (6-for-44) with two homers and three RBIs (and a .191 OBP) in 11 night games.
He’s hit .119 in the first through sixth innings, and .412 after the sixth. Hey, it’s early. You can get some crazy splits early in a season.
Smoltz’s fast start: Heard the guys on ESPN mention that this is the first time Smoltz has won his first three starts in his entire major league career. Yes, the first time.
But while that is a surprising stat, Smoltz is still a very, very long way from coming close to matching his best starts. He’s had a few stunning ones.
In 1996, he lost his first start when he gave up six earned runs in 6-1/3 innings against San Francisco. Then Smoltz went 11-0 in his next 11 starts with a 1.76 ERA, .163 opponents’ average and two complete games. Wow.
He went 14-1 in his first 16 starts that season.
More recently, he went 4-0 in his first six starts in 1998, and 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA in his first six starts in 1999.
One last stat: In his past 53 starts, since July 2006, Smoltz is 29-12 with a 3.05 ERA and 336 strikeouts (with 81 walks) in 342-2/3 innings.
And he’ll be 41 next month.
”FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD” by Bruce Springsteen (and covered splendidly by Johnny Cash)
Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed
Where the gun is cocked and the bullet’s cold
Where the miles are marked in the blood and gold
I’ll meet you further on up the road
Got on my dead man’s suit and my smilin’ skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots and song to sing
I got a song to sing, keep me out of the cold
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way dark and the night is cold
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin’ my time
Searchin’ through the dust, lookin’ for a sign
If there’s a light up ahead well brother I don’t know
But I got this fever burnin’ in my soul
So let’s take the good times as they go
And I’ll meet you further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Comments
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
First! And cheers for Druw. No reason not to.
By TrboDawg
April 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
No time to read the blog, gotta try to be FIRST
By Train Wreck Bystander
April 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I hope he gets a big rousing ovation, but I am damned sure glad that anemic batting average is not on the Braves side of the ledger this year.
Now, if he was hitting his weight, I might feel differently.
I envy those of you who will get to actually see the game, either in person or TV (damn you Peachtree TV).
By kev
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, you ain’t kidding about Simers…he’s downright rude…
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers13apr13,1,2434351.column
…a professional writer consistantly calling someone a “tubbo” publically—isn’t that a bit too much? and perhaps a bit childish?
By Please let me be…
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
First!
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
JC from UTAH:
Sorry I missed your post last night. Just happened to catch it on the rebound this afternoon.
JoJo REYES has looked good. A couple more outings like his first two and he should be ready. But as Dave has pointed out, not proved anything positive for Atlanta - yet. Has he learned anything here? Who knows.
JONOTHAN ROUWENHORST did not do well in his first start(last time out), but was strong in his previous relief stints. I would say not ready for prime-time as of now. Possibly later after more work. Mid-summer maybe. He has pitched both as a starter and reliefer in the Pacific Coast League.
PHIL STOCKMAN shows a good trend. Up and down in his first four relief appearances, he looked very strong his last time out. If that trend continues for a month or so, he might be available to give Atlanta another go.
BASNER continues to fight it. Up,down.
NUNEZ is fairly steady. More good than bad, nothing spectacular. Probably not ready for prime-time.
DAMIEN MOSS is slowly coming back. Not ready yet though. Mid-summer.
CHARLES MORTON has been steady in his three starts. I think with lots more work here, he’ll be up by early call-ups, maybe a bit sooner.
CHUCK JAMES you know is a major rehab job. Just begun that one. No help yet.
FRANCESLEY BUENO too soon, too soon. Maybe late this year. Probably next.
Hope Andruw is greeted warmly.
By Mike S
April 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
No question, cheers.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
first
By Jo
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was hoping you’d do some Bruce today. RIP, Phantom Dan Federici.
By Lee
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I vote on a standing ovation for A.J. also. The Braves were not going to pay him that kind of money and you cannot blame him for taking it. A.J. had some exciting catches and yes, even some clutch hits for this team during the years, but nothings lasts forever.
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the off-season.
Now that explains a lot.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
first damm!!!!t it!!!!!!!!!!
By Robert
April 18, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB
WIll we see Phil Stockman soon
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I hope it’s the big O.
You set me up for this one: “McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.” It shows…
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
DOB i guessed this might interest you Braveslove
By GSU-Paul
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there tonight and cheer loud and proud for Andruw. He did too much for out team not to.
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…gotta love the folks at Fire Joe Morgan.com. Check out their critique of a recent column by Lowell Cohn about Giants GM Brian Sabean. The things Cohn says make my head hurt.
By jimmac
April 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
DOB - I’m assuming that the Springsteen lyrics are a tribute to Dan “the Man” Federici, and it will be sad not to see him a week from tonight.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
Based on their physiques, I never would have guessed that.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Why does everyone have a man crush on Phil Stockman. This guy is about as reliable as Mike Hampton. Stocky can’t stay healthy. BUT I say give him a try, if he blows it then he’ll join our All-DL team.
By Steve-O
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
That LA Times article is the most condescending article I have ever read. Thankfully we have DOB, who acts professionally when conducting interviews.
*”I’m not going to hit 27 home runs in April,” he said.
“How about one?” I suggested.*
Can you imagine DOB’s interviews with Thorman, Royce Ring, Chuck James or Andruw (last year) going like that? It sounds like an 8th grader picking on a 6th grader! Thank you DOB, for writing like a grown man.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Article explaining Elbow Throwing Injuries
Link explaining what a Bone Spur is and more.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
If I was clint hurdle last night I would have thrown the game in the 15th inning. A 22 inning game is to much of a strain on the bullpen this early in the year. On that note if Bobby was coaching that game it would have ended in the 10th because we would have ran out of pitchers. Gotta give it to Hurdle way to manage that bullpen in a game like that. Oh, I will stand and congradulate Andrew tonight. He and Chipper ushered in the offensive era of Braves baseball that we know today. Thanks druw.
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Who was that throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs game? I guess I caught the replay but even my vocabulary is reduced simply to … Oh. My. God.
By Andruw Jones
April 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Will someone please tell ushers to meet me at the center field gate tonight with a beer and foot long sausage. I never eat before the game. LOL
By 3trees
April 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Good to pick a Springsteen tunes today since Danny Federici (E-Street Band Organ/Keyboard/Accordion player) passed last night. Should be some very emotional shows coming up.
Hope this team bucks the trends of the last couple (not overcoming injuries/inconsistencies). Not at all sure yet. At least the early season error-itis seems to have passed.
Chip can hit (uh, duh).
Go Braves!
By Braves20
April 18, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
re: Andruw Jones. I have been a proud Braves fan for 30 years but was probably never less proud the night I was in the stadium the first time Jeff Blauser returned to hear more than a few boos.
Blauser was one of the keys to our great run and I never saw him take a night or even a play off.
Sometimes memories are short.
By Bojack
April 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
All the love for AJ makes me Cry. AJ hitting 115 and making 38million, gas 3.49 and people can’t go anywhere (games etc) and all the rich players get all the love. Whats wrong with this country. You would think Elvis is back!!!!!!!
By DCbrave
April 18, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks very much. With Hudson, it does’t matter what he said - he felt fine, etc. - people will be concerned because that was what he said when he lasted 3 innings (obviously he was not fine). The obvious way we know he wasn’t fine during that game was his heater was way slower than usual. So, in order to know whether he’s fine or not, don’t you think it is obvious somebody should just grab a radar gun and let him throw a heater or two, and see what happens? I would think so. Then everybody including himself will really feel fine (or not), and maybe he simply suffered that “Braveheart Syndrome” after all.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Here is to wishing Andruw the best, after the Dodgers leave town. It would not hurt my feelings at all if he went hitless during this three game set.
Speaking of dominating pitching.
Derek Lowe is just that so far. In three quality starts, he has thrown twenty innings, given up just four earned runs with one walk and sixteen strike outs.
His ERA is 1.80 and the Dodgers have won all three of his starts.
Jeff Bennett better bring his A game. Otherwise, tonights contest could lopsided in favor of the Dodgers much like last nights game was for the Braves.
By chc4
April 18, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
McCann and AJ were workout pals? That explains alot. Apparently Glavine joined the same club… must be right next door to a Dunkin Donuts!!
By brent a.
April 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I’ll never forget Jeff Blauser not being on the World Series roster in 1995.
Hmmmmm … .
By brian
April 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
why am I not surprised to read that Andruw and McCann “worked out” together in the offseason?
Andruw will get applause but I don’t think he ever endeared himself to the fans like Smoltz, Maddux, and Chipper. Fans had strong feelings for Glavine too while he was here (and now that he has returned) which is why he was booed so loudly when he came back from the Mets (especially in the way he left to the Mets leaving a Braves offer on the table). Glavine’s leaving hurt. Andruw’s did not - it was time for him to go.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Stingersplash, did you see her throw herself into Ryan Dempster’s arms? Effin’ lucky dog that Dempster.
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
While I have said all along that I am glad Andruw is gone, I do hope the fans give him a festive positive reception this weekend. He does deserve it (as Glavine did, but never got), he did so much for the Braves while he was here.
By 22oz
April 18, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, that TJ Simers is a real P-r-i-c-k. I hope Andruw doesn’t give that douchebag the time of day from here on out, especially if he gets things turned around. Such a difference between professionals like DOB and jerks like that. How did he get a press pass anyway? Can just any ignorant a-hole apply for a press pass?
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I think the McCann/Jones training program was each hitting ten minutes in the cage and meeting at the Varsity.
By Braves20
April 18, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Kev - Thank you for the link to the Simers articles.
That is one very bitter man. Must have played a lot of right field as a child.
By GermanBravesFan
April 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
WOW! That article in the LA Times is BRUTAL!! The guy really lets Andruw have it… Could it be that Andruw really doesn’t care?
By i cant take it anymore
April 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I remember the first time i saw andruw catch a fly ball. i looked at my dad and asked him why he caught it that way(i was about 10 years old). he smiled as he looked at me and said “he’s slick, but you don’t try it that way”. i sure miss them both. thanks andruw. i wonder if the old bruw cruw will show up tonight?
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Those jaw-dropping Chipper stats make me think fondly about the year he was drafted. The Braves, due to being exceedingly sucky (the status quo from 1983-1990) had the overall #1 pick in that year’s amateur draft.
The #1 rated prospect? No, not Chipper. A pitcher named Todd Van Poppel. Todd Van who? Exactly.
Ol’ Todd got drafted by the the Braves and then, getting uppity, refused to sign with such a loser organization, instead going with the Oakland As. So the Braves instead used their #1 pick on the #2 overall prospect — of course, the pride of DeLand, Florida, one Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones, Jr.
Van Poppel, of course, was out of baseball in just a few years. Never in my life have I been so glad to be snubbed.
By Fulton
April 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
How typical of confused Braves fans; you booed Tom Glavine, the main guy responsible for the one ring you have but yet, you’re willing to cheer Andruw Jones? For what, may I ask??
By NRBQ
April 18, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I seriously doubt that writer got up in a 240-pound, pure athlete’s face with the questions and attitude he claims to have brought. Or for that matter, with Joe Torre.
I smell a resentful punk.
By Bravesfan79
April 18, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
While it worked out for the best, Thank you Andrew for your years here. You were one of my favorite players and i can remember many MANY big catches and homers!
Lets hope we can get some runs tonight against Lowe. And that Bennett dosent decide to talk everyone…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash, that was none other than the very lovely Jessica Simpson.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
To those ripping Simers, remember that the jobs of a columnist and a beat writer are quite different. The columnist has to string together an interesting, readable point of view, and often doesn’t have to see (or write about) the same people every day. A beat writer is with the same team day in and day out, and his approach is to convey the facts and offer an objective, impartial analysis.
Bottom line, if you want to compare Simers to someone on the AJC staff, think of Jeff Schultz or Terence Moore.
By JC FROM UT
April 18, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
RICHBRAVE: Thank you for the report. I think this team will need a big boost from some arms in the minors since no body really has anything to trade for.
By kev
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I understand these days a lot of sports writers are pretentiously outrageous and “loud” but this Simers guy is over-the-top.
No matter how badly someone is playing, they shouldn’t be ridiculed like Andruw in that article. It’s UNFAIR and unprofessional.
I hope Andruw gets the standing ovation that he deserves. Or at least a very warm reception from the fans…
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I personally hope AJ gets a loud & long standing ovation, he did a lot for the Braves over the years. If I was there, I know I’d be standing.
Geaux Braves!!
By Big Easy
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Actually, the Brew Crew has been at some games already. When we were at the home opener, I saw their sign hanging from the Chop House. Felt like old times.
~E~
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
If you’ve never read much Simers, believe me, he took it easy on Andruw. Give him credit - at least he went down in the clubhouse and asked the questions face to face. Some columnists are famous for not going down and doing the dirty work and then turning around and ripping somebody in the paper.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Ol’ Todd got drafted by the the Braves
Reid, actually, the Braves didn’t draft Van Poppel; he indicated he didn’t want to play for us, so we passed on him. He fell all the way to 14th, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Regarding AJ, and the Simers article; first, I think the guy (Simers) is hilarious (word of the week on the blog); and second, if you’re gonna sign in a big-market city like NY, LA, or Chicago, you better be prepared to either perform or be roasted bigtime. It comes with the territory, and the money.
Anyway, nothing but good wishes to AJ, but I’m sure glad he’s not on our payroll or in our lineup. I’m pretty sure he’ll be received warmly by Braves fans tonight.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Coach, it wasn’t Jessica Simpson.
It was Marissa Miller, SI swimsuit covergirl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA9tJeUlzVI&feature=related
By McFann
April 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
Thanks, Chief. ; )
But I read plenty of stuff (from such distinguished writers such as our own DOB) that McCann tried to lose some weight, and read an article that said Andruw Jones tried to gain some weight. There’s a contrast there…
BTW—Look at there batting averages, and see who it’s hurting right now.
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Andruw and McCann should have Popeye forearms after working with those heavy mugs.
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard-azz.
I like Andruw, he has provided many thrills and he’s genuinely a nice dude, so I’d definitely cheer for him.
And don’t blame Andruw; if the Dodgers were giving away truck loadza cash, YOU wouldn’t take it? I WOULD!! I’d take my 6-10 errors a game, my 4-5 strikeouts, the booing and heckling from fans, and I’d drive my Ferrarri to the bank with a big-ole sloppy [Bilbo’s sauce] grin on my face! Then, if the Gold Club were still around, I’d turn that f’r out…. Hell, I’m just being honest folks.
Nah, actually I wouldn’t take the money. Wouldn’t be moral.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
To those ripping Simers, remember that the jobs of a columnist and a beat writer are quite different. The columnist has to string together an interesting, readable point of view, and often doesn’t have to see (or write about) the same people every day. A beat writer is with the same team day in and day out, and his approach is to convey the facts and offer an objective, impartial analysis.
That wasn’t a professional job done by Simers in that column. That was amateur hour to me. Something you’d see in a fan blog by some rabid lunatic.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard-azz.
of no consequence until mccann becomes a slovenly lard a* himself at 30. the weight you carry at 30 ain’t the problem. the extra weight you carry when you are young is the weight that takes the toll on your later years. you can lose weight later but it won’t matter. the extra weight when you were younger already took its toll and you can never get it back
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Um, so maybe the way it worked is that McCann gave his weight to Andruw. No? It doesn’t work that way? Nevermind.
Anyway TJ, thanks for the correction on the draft. My memory was apparently faulty, but the overall result was still the same. Mea culpa.
By McFann
April 18, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard— Shamus Thacker
Thank you.
And I’m with you: I wouldn’t take the money, either. Heck, even if I “earned” it, I don’t think I’d wanna take it…
By Steve McP
April 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
“Further on up the Road” was also covered excellently by Eric Clapton (with some help from Alvin Lee) on the album “Just One Night” which was a recording of a live concert in Japan.
By AGTfan
April 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Like most folks here, I hope Andruw gets a standing O. I also hope he get’s his hitting turned around….next week.
By chase
April 18, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
AJ deserves a rousing standing Ovation…..
Wasn’t his choice not to be here anymore.
I hope the Braves score 10 runs and AJ hits 2 Hrs…and Braves win 10-2
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
You’re right about that, Bravest Of Hearts…
By TJ
April 18, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Reid, my memory is very faulty also, but baseballreference’s “amateur draft” section is not… no mea culpa required… but man, what a fortuitous turn of events, because the Braves DID want to draft Van Poppel (that much I do remember). How much different would the last 15 years have been without CJ?
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Blanco’s in LF tonight, not Diaz….
Braveheart, that’s Simers’ thing. He’s very unique in that regard. I know of no other columnists/writers like him doing what he does. But he’s one of the most-read writers at that paper, and it’s worked for him. That’s his niche.
By MattyO
April 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable numbers for Chipper, .376 on the road the last 102 games, are you serious? Hope he keeps it up. Andruw definitely deserves a huge standing ovation, and I think he’ll get it. Maybe yesterday’s game will get us going here and we’ll get on a roll. Go Braves!
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
AJC Braves Blog with Dave
denizen #1 - “chipper rocks!” denizen #2 - “yes, chipper rocks!” denizen #1 - “smoltz rocks!” denizen #2 - “Oh, yes, he does rock!”
DOB - “Smoltz and Chipper rock, and Johnny Cash is awesome! Abide!”
denizens #1 and #2 - “DOB, you are so smart! We abide!”
Independent thinker - “Cash depresses me, sometimes I get the feeling that chipper only cares about his stats, and smoltz can’t last much longer.”
DOB - “You ^&%$!> idiot, didn’t you hear me? I said abide!”
denizens #1 and #2 - “yeah, you idiot, didn’t you hear DOB! Go away, we want to have meaningful dialogue about baseball”
denizen #1 - “chipper still rocks!” denizen #2 - “yes, chipper still rocks.”
By DAP
April 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
DOB speaking of baseball tonight, the guys on there last night were giving andruw a pretty hard time, talking about his defense not being what it used to be, and saying he just stubborn and wont make adjustments. they could have just asked us, we would have told them that last july.
but one of the baseball tonight guys…it hink it was gammons actually, said andruw was never really a good hitter….yeah. i think he was talking about andruw never really hit for a high average, but…never a good hitter? it think in 2005 he would have qualified.
By McFann
April 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Braveheart—
McCann will never be a…with two asterisks after it…
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Fulton - If you have to ask then you must not be a Braves fan. Give me a break!!! For what, GEEZ
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I hope AJ gets his standing ovation the first time up. Then, on the second trip to the plate, how about everybody just sit on their hands, and then cheer when he strikes out???
chase are you kidding? just because AJ was not offered a contract, doesn’t mean it wasn’t his choice.
It was his choice to hire $cott Bora$, the agent from h3ll.
It was AJ’s choice to have said agent make such a ridiculous initial offer, that the Braves didn’t even feel like dignifying a counter offer.
He could have walked in and signed a reasonable contract any time he wanted in the past year, or at least up until Tex was traded for.
He chose to take the hard “Scott Boras” approach, and it cost him playing in his “hometown” city, the city he supposedly loves.
To be honest, I think he is getting what he deserves, a fat contract, a lot of “lip” from the LA press, and a “fat” waist line; as he doesn’t seem to care about his conditioning.
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre!
I guess what makes me angry about some of these players (not just AJ, but Tommy G too) is that they don’t give a damn about the fans, it’s all about “me” and getting “mine”.
There are exceptions: Thank you “you know who” and John Smoltz!
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Some of you are talking about that Simers article. Living 40 min. outside of LA, that doesn’t surprise me about the LA media/sports teams. Their winning at all costs philosophy drew light on a respectable Braves organization when i first started watching baseball in ‘91 at 9 years old.
One interesting point in the article though about what Torre said about trying to generate some offense:
“I can’t concern myself with power right now,” he said. “We need to generate some offense, and have to start small.”
Thanks Joe for giving some credit to my bunting, stealing, hitting & running, having Anderson play center & leading off posts to get the offense going on a more consistent basis.
The power will come, especially if you put more pressure on the pitcher & make him work. It’ll be interesting to see how the braves respond tonight after putting up another lopsided victory yesterday. Recent history says not good.
Go braves!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I hope AJ gets his standing ovation the first time up. Then, on the second trip to the plate, how about everybody just sit on their hands, and then cheer when he strikes out???
chase are you kidding? just because AJ was not offered a contract, doesn’t mean it wasn’t his choice.
It was his choice to hire $cott Bora$, the agent from h3ll.
It was AJ’s choice to have said agent make such a ridiculous initial offer, that the Braves didn’t even feel like dignifying a counter offer.
He could have walked in and signed a reasonable contract any time he wanted in the past year, or at least up until Tex was traded for.
He chose to take the hard “Scott Boras” approach, and it cost him playing in his “hometown” city, the city he supposedly loves.
To be honest, I think he is getting what he deserves, a fat contract, a lot of “lip” from the LA press, and a “fat” waist line; as he doesn’t seem to care about his conditioning.
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre!
I guess what makes me angry about some of these players (not just AJ, but Tommy G too) is that they don’t give a damn about the fans, it’s all about “me” and getting “mine”.
There are exceptions: Thank you “you know who” and John Smoltz!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the double dip….
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
anti-brave #1 - “I should come up with cleverer posts.”
Denizen #1 - “Chipper still rocks! Why am I not given dumber things to say by this poster?”
Denizen #2 - “He still rocks.”
DOB - “Rock. Chalk. Jayhawk.”
anti-brave #2 - “I just got flushed.”
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Couple more thoughts about the Simers article.
Simers is lucky he didn’t get a right cross from Andruw yet, followed by his trademark smirk.
Being honest, if Andruw made those remarks while on the Braves, i’d have serious questions about the guy myself: Does he care? Why wouldn’t he want to come to his new team trying to impress? etc…
That’s gotta worry a Dodgers fan. Being a dodger hater in LA, i’m loving it.
Hope y’all give AJ a standing O today.
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
T.J. Simers might just be my hero!
I’ll tell ya, the anticipation is getting very thick in here. See, I don’t have to fast forward through the Dodgers game tonight just to watch Andruw Jones’ whiff.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
By the way, those going over to read Simers on Andruw should read his excellent crusading series which apparently reversed the Dodgers’ ultra-restrictive pregame autograph policy. (Basically, if you don’t have dugout seats, you can’t come down. Wow!)
I was so impressed with that I sent him a note to say so. That’s what the media can and should do!
I’m pretty sure all the ink in the world won’t fix Andruw, unfortunately. Still, he gave us a lot of RBIs and amazing catches, and he darn well should be applauded tonight.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
see, told ya.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Time to log off the HIX wireless signal, and hit the long road toward home. Glad to have XM!
Let’s hope Lowe is typical Lowe tonight, and not beginning of 2008 Lowe. Let’s also hope Hoss and the other Cartwrights have their “hittin’ boots” on tonight, like they did last night at the “fish fry”.
I propose AJ get the hat trick tonight! A nice warm reception, and 5 K’s.
I hope Blanco makes the most of his start, and that Tex, Frenchy and KJ shows some positive trends!
Go get ‘em Braves!!
Later….
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
STU:
Stockman had an excellent middle-relief stint last time out. He been out five times. Not so good at first, cold, rainy. Middle three, uneven. But last time 3.1 IP, 0 H,0 ER,0 BB 4 SO. You can’t hang your hat on it, but that’s a positive trend. If that trend holds up he could see some prime-time this year. Provided he doesn’t hit the DL first, of course.
By the Stranger
April 18, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Wayne, with all due respect, that is an overly simplified, one-sided argument you make about Andruw. You can blame him for his choice of legal representation, but you cannot blame him for the state of baseball’s free agent market; nor the tack that Braves’ management decided to take in navigating towards the future. Andruw may control his caloric intake, but he has about as much control over baseball economics as he does the strike zone. The future of the Braves organization is healthier because of Andruw and in spite of Andruw. No reason to feel slighted as a fan, and no reason to waste a nice day on anger.
Now, who wants pie?
By DCbrave
April 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DOB or anybody: I was looking at pitchers’ stats at Yahoo sports today. They only listed pitchers who have pitched 16 innings or above. So Smoltz is not there. What is the rationale behind this minimum of 16 innings? Is it 4x4?
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
anti-brave, caint u tell when i’z jes funnin’? u wuz funnin’, wuznt ya?
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre! Wayne in Utah
The precise reasoning as to why i’ve become anti-dodger. Let’s not forget they traded Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields….lol.
Man i hope the clubhouse meeting works beyond 1 game. I hate to see this team lose to the Dodgers then have to hear it from friends.
By chase
April 18, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah
How soon you forget my friend…I believe AJ kicked said agent to the curb several years ago and went behind his back to give the BRAVES a hometown discount!!!!!!
Should he do it every time? If someone offered you 18 million and someone else wasn’t offereing ANYTHING…would you play for free?
And while we are on the subject..If you are going to attack me…you have to attack DOB..he said the same thing in his blog article…look above
By nolie
April 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Independent thinker - “Cash depresses me, sometimes I get the feeling that chipper only cares about his stats, and smoltz can’t last much longer.”Anti
How can A Boy Named Sue depress you? I think if Chippy only cared about his stats he would not have agreed to switch to LF where his stats were relatively less impressive ASG & HOF-wise. But I don’t know that for sure of course.
By chase
April 18, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
For those of you who already assume the end for AJ because of his start this year…
Remember…The year he hit 51 HRs, he started off so BAD that even Bobby Cox benched him 2 weeks into the season at Washington and he came out alright then…
Now before you ATTACK…I am not saying that is going to happen again, I am not saying he had a good year last year, and I am not saying he should still be here…Just stating a fact
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
*By the way, those going over to read Simers on Andruw should read his excellent crusading series which apparently reversed the Dodgers’ ultra-restrictive pregame autograph policy. (Basically, if you don’t have dugout seats, you can’t come down. Wow!)Reid in EAV
Again doesn’t surprise me about the Dodgers. I was at a game in ‘05 or ‘06, Dodgers vs. Braves. The game was postponed by rain and it was raining throughout the game. It looked like a Marlins game with just 7,000 people in the standings. Having lodge seating on 1st base side, we tried to get closer to the action by going down to field level since no one else was there. Dodger security wouldn’t let us. Not only that but they confiscated our umbrellas before we walked in. Got a cold from that game after sitting through 9 innings in wet clothing. They wanted 10 bucks for a plastic poncho.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
While I personally find the LA columnist’s comments a little shameful, what I find shameful as well is AJ’s carte blanche attitude about it……LA fans are going to find out what us Braves fans knew the last 2 years, that he is an indifferent, overweight, past his prime prima donna…. Yes AJ gave us some good years in Atlanta, but that was then….I’m no expert, but Braves fans can see someone who tries everyday….Look at players like Diaz, not the most talented player, but goes all out on every play….Look at Escobar, He comes ready to play…..has fun doing it, and ALWAYS plays at 110%….Something AJ will NEVER do again…..Your right AJ….You don’t have nothing to prove……Except that Torre won’t coddle you like Cox did….
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
No, sir, Mr. Chop. Not really. Independent thinkers of the world unite! Tear down the DOB facilitated group think! Allow criticism without prejudice! Say no to the powers of conformity! And if someone likes Steve Perry and the Mets (I hate them both actually, but that is not the point here), thou shalt welcome him too!
As Zevon proclaimed, “even a dog can shake hands.”
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
How with Blanco playing affect the lineup? ie, Is he going up top with his speed?
By David-ATL14
April 18, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’m sure you seen it before but the absolute best cover of this song anywhere is Clapton at Bob Dylan’s 60th B-day.
Might possibly be the finest cover I’ve ever listened too. I’m a huge Cash fan too. Not taking anything at all away from him.
Truely outstanding work.
Glad to see Blanco in the lineup tonight.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
uh, Nolie, you missed the point. Those items ticked off by “Independent Thinker” are colloqially referred to as “for instances.” They do not in any way represent the opinions, positions, or attitudes of the author. The Independent thinker was just a literay device to make a point.
By Anti-Brave's Daddy
April 18, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Anti-brave, come home. I know you hate me and hate yourself and hate everyone else because you hate me and you hate yourself.
Come home, antibrave Daddy loves you. Daddy is sorry he never told you that. Daddy is sorry he was never around. Daddy is sorry he never watched you play Little League. Daddy is sorry he never hugged you.
Come home, anti-brave. I love you son. I know you find A Boy Named Sue depressing because it reminds you too much of what an absentee father I was to you. But come home and daddy will finally tell you he loves you and give you the hug you seem to so desperately crave.
No need to continue your misplaced rants against the establishment, ANTIBRAVE. The rage against the machine we hear from you only masks the rage you have within yourself about yourself and me and how much you hate yourself and your daddy.
Come home, ANTI-BRAVE Daddy loves you. He’ll give ya a hug, buy you a lollipop and just maybe a scoop of ice cream too. COME HOME ANTI_BRAVE! DADDY LOVES YOU AND WANTS TO HUG YOU!!!! Stop hating yourself and everyone else because you hate your daddy!
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Anti-Braves fan……I’ve got 2 words for ya..SHUT UP…or better yet……SHUT THE HELL UP….Just because DOB called you on the carpet yesterday you’ve got your itty bitty feelings hurt…..While I don’t necessarily agree with some of his musical tastes, I do like listening to some of his recommendations….This is his blog…don’t like it start your own somewhere.Otherwise, enough of your ranting and raving….get over it
By nolie
April 18, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
“Further on up the Road” was also covered excellently by Eric Clapton (with some help from Alvin Lee) on the album “Just One Night” which was a recording of a live concert in Japan.SteveMcP
Different song I believe. Certainly the lyrics are not the same. Those in the live Clapton album, which is one of my very favorites , were written by Eric I believe, and based on an old blues song with other lyrics recorded by Bobby Blue Bland and others.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Uh oh, looks like Diaz’ time as a “regular” are just about over… Maybe instead of hammering on Cox over the last 2 seasons for not playing Diaz full time (like we have been) we should have been praising him for knowing exactly how to use Diaz. (Meaning start him against all lefties and an occasional righty, then the rest the time he’s our best pinch hitter.)
Maybe giving Blanco (or Anderson eventually) a chance to platton in LF may actually help Diaz regain his stroke….
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Dear Daddy,
Now that was funny!
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones spent 10 years here as the best defensive center fielder in the major leagues, was an MVP finalist one year, and took a pay cut on his last contract to stay here for three more years.
If anyone boos him they don’t know what the f-ck they are talking about.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Blanco is batting eighth.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Just talked to Furcal a bit by the cage, and said hi to Andruw.
I’m told by Dodgers people that he’s handled the Simers thing quite well, playing along with him, etc. Really the best way you can handle that, because if you a. lash out, or b. refuse to talk to him, you’re just going to look worse.
Andruw’s got a good personality to deal with that, for sure….
DCBrave, Smoltz HAS pitched 16 innings. Exactly 16, in fact.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, could somone flick this nagging fly or gnat, whatever it is, off my shoulder? What’s that? Oh, it’s this angry little guy called Anti-Brave. Well, nevermind.
Carry on, you rebel.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
DOB in regards to the bullpen, do you have any idea how long Resop’s leash is? It seems to me that he has already shown an inability to consistently get major league hitters out and yet Cox continues to go to him (although he is starting to go to him less and less in important situations). Why not send him down and bring up our other Aussie who has been very good in Richmond, Phil Stockman?
By Chuckredblue
April 18, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does anyone else cringe everytime any of the braves do anything that is out of the ordinary. Like when Huddie got roughed up the other night, all I could think is that he’s hurt, or when I see Chipper take a huge cut and miss, i just wait for him to grimace and grab his side. Same thing goes for Smoltz. When he is out there pitching you can tell he’s in pain. I guess I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop with all these injuries we’ve been having. I hope it doesn’t happen and that Chipper and Smoltz keep kickin’ tale but man it makes it stressful watching a game! Go Braves!!
Chuck
By nolie
April 18, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Anti
The trouble with some “clever” satirists is that they often fail to realize that others might be clever enough to satirize them with a faux serious response. Never seems to enter their minds as they are concentrating so hard on how witty they are, thus missing a point themselves ;-)
By David-ATL14
April 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah upon further review and going back to actually watch the DVD performance, i stand corrected.
It was at the 30th anniversary party of Dylan at Madison Square Garden in 1993
Clapton and Dylan brought the house down with a bluesy rendition of * Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right.*
Truly masterful work. One of the better perfromances ever.