AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow long will Chipper be a Brave?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After finding out that John Smoltz would have season-ending shoulder surgery, and right away thinking to myself that this could be the end of the Bearded Icon’s illustrious career, I decided to go talk to Chipper Jones before Smoltz’s press conference yesterday morning.
Since one of the four greatest Atlanta Braves of all time (Smoltz) had possibly thrown the last pitch of his career, I was curious about how much longer another one of the four greatest Atlanta Braves of all time (Jones) planned to play.
(For the record, let me just say in my opinion, the four greatest Atlanta Braves of all time are, in no particular order, Dale Murphy, Hank Aaron, Chipper and Smoltz. And I realize that Hank’s greatest years came while the team was in Milwaukee; doesn’t matter to me, because enough of his sheer greatness spilled over into the Atlanta years and left such an indelible mark on the franchise, he goes in the elite foursome.)
(Oh, and Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Phil Niekro are just a tick below those four, in my estimation, Maddux not at the top only because he spent so much of his career with other teams. I could certainly understand some of you arguing that Knucksie and/or Glavine belong with those four I put at the top. Let us know what you think are the top of the top, limiting it to three or four, or fewer if you’d like. Too easy just to put six or seven guys in the same group.)
Anyway, back to Chipper and how long the 36-year-old major league batting leader thinks he’ll don the uniform. Seeing how he’s hitting a ridiculous .409 with 13 homers and 38 RBI, looks like he might be able to do this a while longer, huh?
“I don’t think there’s any reason I can’t play through 40,” he said, “long as I don’t let my body go — which is not going to happen. I’m too active year-round to let my body go.
“”My desire to stick around and play four, five, six more years is strong. I want to accomplish some things here, put up some numbers here as long as the Braves want me. I can’t see going someplace else just to accumulate numbers.”
Chipper needs one homer to give him 400 and make him the fourth active player with at least a .300 career average, 400 homers and 1,300 RBI. Hoss would join A-Rod, Manny and Big Hurt in that elite club.
He leads the majors in batting average, OBP (.492), hits (85) and multi-hit games (28). Stunning totals, particularly given that so many of us thought he was beginning the downhill slope toward retirement a few years ago.
When Chipper restructured his contract before the 2006 season, reducing his $17 million salary to $11 million in 2006 and turning two $15 million vesting options in 2007 and ’08 into $11 mill guaranteed-salary seasons, it was a deal that helped both sides.
It freed up a lot of money for the Braves to try to re-sign Rafael Furcal (that didn’t work out so well) and it gave Chipper some security at a time when his health issues, particularly his feet, made it less than a certainty he was going to remain a productive, reliable 100-RBI man.
As it turned out, the deal has been favorable for the Braves. Jones’ $12.3 average annual salary over these past three seasons (including prorated portions of the $4 million bonus when he restructured the deal) makes him only the sixth-highest paid third baseman (about 45 percent of the average annual value of Alex Rodriguez’s latest contract and nearly $7 million per season below Miguel Cabrera’s).
There are at least 17 major league players with average annual salaries of $17 million or more in their current deals.
Chipper will make about $11 million next season in a vesting-option year to complete his reworked contract.
Given the career resurgence that began in 2006 and only seems to be picking up steam, Jones could certainly expect to command far more as a free agent after next season if he stays relatively healthy and takes his services on the open market.
I mean, this is a guy who has hit, since late June 2006 — are you ready for this? — .364 with a 1.101 OPS in 240 games, with 69 doubles, 6 triples, 61 homers, 191 RBI and 195 runs.
The Braves have a 134-106 record in games he’s played during that stretch, and a 29-41 record in games he has not. They are 31-24 this season when he plays, 0-5 when he does not.
Chipper was out of the lineup yesterday, and for once was able to smile about it. Because he was merely getting a day to rest, nothing health-related, finally.
He’s on pace to play 148 or 149 games this season, after entering the season with a stated goal of 150. The most he’s played in the past four seasons was 137 in 2004. He played 109 games in ‘05, 110 in ‘06 and 134 last season.
So what about that potential one last, big free-agent contract that some team might try to entice Jones with? Perhaps the Rangers, since he already has the ranch in Texas? Or the Rays, not far from his Central Florida roots?
Forget it. Unless the Braves absolutely low-ball him, which seems highly unlikely, Chipper made it clear to me that he plans to, and certainly wants to, play his entire career with one team, with a tomahawk on his chest.
“Sharon [his wife] poses that question quite often,” Jones said of the possibility they would have to move someday. “I say, ‘Hold on, let’s cross that bridge when we get there.’”
As for that relatively modest $11 million salary he’s drawing for the third straight year, Hoss has never, ever complained, or even dropped off-the-record hints that he’s underpaid and that the Braves should make it up to him.
“I’m never going to turn my nose up at $11 million,” he said. “I understand that I’ve had the luxury of playing in the same place for a long time, for the same manager. I have my money. I made my money.”
True. Dude’s made nearly $120 million in his major league career, and that doesn’t include whatever the folks at Mizuno pay him to wear their gear.
Still, the man’s hitting over .400 and about to hit his 400th homer, with 500 homers no longer seeming like the pipe dream that it appeared to be when he was hobbled by foot problems a few years ago.
“I want to get fair market value,” Jones said, “and I’m sure we’ll talk about that in the next year or so.”
By that, he meant something fair for him and the Braves. Because fair-market value for Chipper Jones, right now, the way he’s played the past couple of years, would probably be closer to $20 mill than $10 mill per season.
And he’s not looking for that.
“I don’t play baseball for the first and 15th of each month,” he said, and he was the rare player who actually sounded like he meant it when he said that.
Oh, by the way: Chipper is 3-for-3 with two homers against tonight’s Marlins starter, Ricky Nolasco.
Reckless speculation: Heard a radio host today calling out Rafael Soriano for saying he couldn’t pitch yesterday, for essentially blaming him after Manny Acosta gave up four runs in the ninth to blow the game.
Huh? Soriano was out nearly two months with elbow problems and only came back a week ago. He had pitched three times in the past four games, including back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday.
On Tuesday Soriano finally looked like the Soriano of old, throwing 94-96 mph fastballs and wicket breaking balls.
And so, on the day that Smoltz announces he’s having season-ending elbow surgery, this host would have Soriano out there throwing for a third consecutive day, a week after returning from the DL, in a day game after that impressive performance the night before?
Seems to me that would not have been a wise move. The Braves need a healthy closer, not a guy trying to be a hero throwing three consecutive days so soon after missing nearly two months with an elbow injury.
Oh, and one other very big point: It wasn’t Soriano’s call to make. It was Bobby Cox’s. And he wisely didn’t ask Soriano if he could throw again Wednesday.
Can you imagine the outcry if Soriano had pitched yesterday, with a two-run lead, and hurt that elbow again? How many people would be laying into Cox for overworking him?
Speaking of overworked… Will Ohman’s got a rubber arm and all, but geez, the lefty has now pitched in 19 of 32 Braves games since May 3, and leads the majors with 33 appearances. That’s 33 in 60 games. He’s on pace for a franchise-record 89 appearances.
Acosta slips out quietly: The Braves can live with relievers have an occasional bad day, like Acosta did yesterday when he gave up two two-run bombs in the ninth.
But the young kid better learn quickly that when you blow a game, you don’t slip out of the clubhouse and leave others to answer questions about the loss. Not a wise move. That’s what Acosta did yesterday, leaving before the media entered the clubhouse.
The last guy I could remember doing that was Eli Marrero. He lasted one season with the Braves before he was traded away.
By the way, Acosta has allowed more runs (five) in 1-2/3 innings over his last three appearances than he allowed in his previous 25 appearances.
He gave up four runs in his first game this season, then posted a 1.30 ERA and .198 opponents’ average with only one homer and four runs allowed in 27-2/3 innings over 25 appearances before giving up a homer at Cincinnati on Saturday and blowing saves Monday and Wednesday against the Marlins (his blown save Monday was overshadowed by Smoltz’s blown save later in the same game).
Acosta could be going through a dead-arm period or just a bit tired, after all the good work that he and Ohman and Blaine Boyer have done. Of course, we’ll have to guess with Acosta, since he didn’t stick around to discuss it.
Which is why…. The Braves are both welcoming the return of lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez, which should be in about a week, and why they’ve also had their antennae up for potential starters who might become available.
But I talked to GM Frank Wren last night, and he made it clear the Braves would not sell the farm to acquire a starting pitcher who wasn’t a clear upgrade over the starters the Braves have.
And so far, that’s the kind of price that teams with available starters are asking. Teams know the Braves have several prospects who are ready, or close to ready, to play or pitch in the majors, and those teams want one or two of them.
The Braves really like their bullpen, especially after the encouraging Soriano performance his last time out and with Gonzalez coming back soon.
But there is concern about the starters still not getting deep into games most nights. And that also makes you wonder about the Greg Maddux thing.
Yes, everyone is talking about it, because it’s such an interesting and potential feel-good story, reuniting Mad Dog with Glavine and the soon-to-be arm-in-a-sling Smoltzy for one last run at the playoffs.
Then maybe all three of them could retire after the season and go into the Hall of Fame together.
But folks, is Maddux really the answer for this team? I’d sure love having the guy here. Easily one of my favorite guys to cover in 14 years of doing this, a fascinating, funny guy and best pitcher of our generation.
But do the Braves need another five-inning starter, even if those five innings are quality innings? Yes, in another few weeks he might look like a better option than, say, Campillo, if Campillo returns to earth and we find out he’s not all that.
But so far, Campillo has done better work in his four starts than Mad Dog has done most of the season. And Jo-Jo Reyes has shown signs of developing into a solid starter, and you don’t want to pull the rug out from under him unless he regresses.
And keep in mind, Charlie Morton is seriously knocking at the door. I mean, that 13-strikeout, one-hit, eight-inning performance this week … whew. He’s really putting it all together at Richmond.
Also, Joe Blanton. I keep reading his name here and elsewhere. Do people who want him so badly actually pay attention to how he’s been pitching?
Blanton is 3-7 with a 4.27 ERA and .282 opponents’ average in 13 starts this season, with just 41 strikeouts and 21 walks in 86-1/3 innings. He’s pitched fewer than seven innings in seven of those 13 starts, including four of his past five. And that’s a big upgrade worth giving up prospects for?
Maddux, by the way, is 3-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 13 starts, but he should have a far better record if he’d gotten any run support (he’s received a putrid 3.2 support runs per nine innings pitched).
Actually, Mad Dog has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his past four starts, and lasted six and seven innings in his past two after working fewer than six innings in four of his previous five starts.
So maybe Mad Dog is just getting tuned up for a playoff run with a contender. Hey, if Charlie Morton ain’t ready and Campillo can’t keep his blisters in check, then there are certainly a lot worse moves one could make than adding the greatest pitcher of our generation to the staff down the stretch (I like to keep saying greatest pitcher of our generation, given recent scandals in the sport).
One more thing: What’s the deal with that tornado footage from Iowa or wherever it was, showing the roof of that house getting torn off. They said it was taken from a bank ATM. Does this farmer have an ATM in his front yard? I mean, there’s no street, no other buildings in sight. Just a camera focused directly on what appears to be a house in the middle of the countryside. And they kept saying, footage taken from an ATM camera….
Oh, and this Aleve commercial. The one where the middle-aged woman asks how she keeps up her Motown moves and says it’s by taking Aleve and blah blah blah. Then she starts dancing, quite whitely, and keeps dancing … and dancing … and dancing … I swear, I’m waiting for the woman to start break-dancing, doing the robot, the cabbage patch. I mean, she just goes on, and on, and on.
Almost as annoying as the guy in the UPS ads (smile).
OK, a tune: They’re showing Scorcese’s Rolling Stones documentary tonight at the Fabulous Fox Theatre here in Atlanta. So let’s tip a cap (and lift a glass) to the Glimmer Twins.
”YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT” by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
I saw her today at a reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need
Oh yeah, hey hey hey, oh…
And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, “We’re gonna vent our frustration
If we don’t we’re gonna blow a 50-amp fuse”
Sing it to me now…
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
Oh baby, yeah, yeah!
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was “dead”
I said to him
You can’t always get what you want, no!
You can’t always get what you want (tell ya baby)
You can’t always get what you want (no)
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need
Oh yes! Woo!
You get what you need — yeah, oh baby!
Oh yeah!
I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need
You can’t always get what you want (no, no baby)
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need, ah yes….
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Comments
By No 1
June 5, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Numba 1! IN YOUR FACE!
By Hotspur
June 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
The Glimmer Twins rock. Excellent song choice.
I love Maddox, but I think Frank Wren’s thinking is dead-on on this. If we pick up an new starter — which we certainly could use — he needs to be not just a sub-3.50 guy but a serious innings-eater. And I’m with *DOB in thinking that what we need most right now is a power-hitting outfielder.
DOB, I read between the lines in your brief response about Fultz on the last blog that there may be something unusual going on regarding his sudden departure. Is it something you can tell us about, or is it the sort of private, we-don’t-really-want-to-know type deal?
Thanks! (And enjoy your soda. My favorite flavor: cherry red.)
By GeorgetownKid
June 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Great stuff Mr. O’Brien,
I would like to see the Braves lock up both Chipper and Hudson BEFORE they hit the open market. I think that would be especially important with Hudson, as I believe he would be more likely to leave for more money than would be Chipper (given that he has far less history here).
And regarding the question of Campillo and/or Reyes faltering, we also can’t ignore the possibility of Jurrjens hitting the proverbial wall. The kid has pitched like a bonafide all-star for most of this season, but he is very young, has had injury problems in the recent past, and he has vastly exceeded expectations.
I don’t think we should bet the farm on JJ maintaining this level for the entire season. But here’s hoping that he proves me wrong!!
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hotspur: Sort of private, yes. Clash of personalities type stuff that’s gone on awhile and came to a head recently.
By frank
June 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Greatest Braves of all time: Chris Woodward, Darren Bragg, Bruce Chen, and Jeff Parrett (in no particular order)
By Michael in Brooklyn
June 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Top 4 Atlanta Braves of all time:
Biff Pocaroba Paul Zuvella Terry Blocker Brad Komminsk
Hey-yo!
By jeremy
June 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
If the Braves get to the playoffs, I have no confidence in them getting anywhere with a playoff rotation of Hudson, Glavine, and Jurjens. I think they NEED a front-line starter to replace Smoltz if they have any October plans for this year. With Escobar and Johnson cementing their places on this team, I hope the Braves are dangling Lillibridge for a starter. One more thought, if Matt Holliday is available from the Rockies, and the Braves don’t plan on signing Tex, I hope Frank Wren is thinking about making a move for him. If we can’t find pitching, might as well improve the offense and win games 10-9!
By 22oz
June 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Acosta will find out when he arrives today that he shouldn’t slip out anymore.
By Lee in S. GA
June 5, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Phil Niekro, John Smoltz, Hank Aaron and Chipper Jones in no particular order are my top 4. Nothing against Murphy, a great player and role model, but always enjoyed watching the knuckle ball threw by Niekro.
Hate to hear that about Acosta. He may just be on the trading block by next season. Pretty sure that does not fall inot Cox’s idea of a team player.
By jonny
June 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Always good to read a DOB blog early before the regulars start tuning in. It is fresh news and so poignant - good job Sir! I go back to the Braves in Milwaukee and remember some pretty good names, but the 4 you mention may well be the 4 best Braves of all time. Eddie Mathews spanned both teams but his days in Atlanta were at the end of his career and Warren Spahn would be a great addition to best Brave of all time. The 4 you have on your list are the right ones, because of their longevity with the Atlanta team and their contributions over their careers.
By etownbrave
June 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Fine post DOB Feel sure that Chipper and management will do whatever is necessary to keep him in Braves uni until he decides to retire. Then I can easily see him moving into Hitting Instructors position, Smoltz as Pitching Coach, and TP or other as Manager. Really immature of Acosta to leave without speaking to reporters. Young or not, he needs to step up and take responsibility. If he felt he didn’t have it, he should have been man enough to tell BC that he was tired or whatever. Maybe when Gonzo returns, Manny will remember how tenuous his position is.
By Murphy
June 5, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Love Chipper…love the loyalty that he and Smoltz have shown to Atlanta and the fans.
By Jeremy
June 5, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Frank you forgot Keith Lockhart!!! Hahaha
By Bravesfan79
June 5, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Im not looking past this year, but i think NEXT season will be the year the Braves make the World Series.
Well be free of Tex’s salary, (id like to keep him if under 20 mill) And free of Hamptons salary. This should allow us to get another top notch starter (Holliday of the BlueJays ive always liked, or Roy Oswalt of the Astros) and possibly more power for the outfield.
Ive said this for months now and even after the news of the surgery i STILL believe Smoltz has 1 more year left in him! And for all us hardcore fans of his…. i know personally i sure hope i havent seen the last of him on the mound!
Hopefully well have a bullpen with Moylan, Gongalez, Smoltz, and Soriano next season.
Go Braves!! To all you fairweather fans out there….DONT count out Smoltz’s determination!
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Nice read DOB. Great article. I’m sure Chipper and the Braves will work out a deal that works for both parties.
I wouldn’t angle for Blanton unless he was dirt cheap. But I can’t help but think that another starter will be needed. Yes, this team does have young starters either up already or knocking at the door, but there are at least 2 glaring points about these starters, they are young, they are young. Do you run out a rotation of youth and ask for about a thousand innings from them? A team needs about as much from the rotation otherwise the pen has to carry the load. And considering next year we should have Soriano, Gonzo, and Moylan to go along with the guys that are holding their own now, bullpen help doesn’t seem to be a huge priority. A bat and an Arm would put this team way over the top. But an Arm will certainly be needed.
By Rowland Office
June 5, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
I thought I was the greatest Brave of all time.
By jcmo71
June 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
My top three…1. Murphy - Great ballplayer/clean living/my 1st hero. 2. Smoltz - Absolute Gamer. I heard Wren on the radio yesterday reference his makeup. Granted he has wonderful athletic ability, but what separates him is his desire for himself and his team to succeed. 3. Glavine - I know he spent significant time in NY, but with out him manning up in Game 6 of the 95 World Series we might not have even gotten one championship out of that run.
By Alonzo
June 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Is anyone giving some of the responsibility for the rash of injuries on Fultz?
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
DAP, here’s something to continue our discussion: Yes, the Braves pitching probably is better than the Phillies but the Braves pitching has been possibly the best in the league.
At least some of their high ERA’s can be attributed to pitching half their games in Citizens Bank.
Their ERA adjusted for league and park is 10 percent better than league average. The Braves’ is 12 percent better. Cubs and Arizona’s are both 20 percent better. The Dodgers’ is 11 percent better.
I, like many, fear that the Phillies are going to break away. But the Braves are plenty good enough (as we say in Georgia) to contend for the Wild Card and the division title with a few breaks.
By Gary
June 5, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Ah, another refreshing blog from DOB. Good topic to start off with. My top four would have to be the same:
Hammerin Hank - His 600th, 700th, and record breaking 715th HRs were all in Atlanta Brave unis. He also was leading part of the first Atlanta Pro Sports playoff team in 1969.
John Smoltz - 200+ wins, 150+ saves, and 3,000 Ks. What more can you say? How about 15-4 and a 2.49 era in the postseason. Sure HOF folks.
Chipper Jones - Still padding his resume as we speak. Will be over 400 HRs, career .300 hitter, MVP (with another one possibly this season), and all-around great Atlanta Brave. The Braves have been built around him since 1996.
Murph - Gotta love Murphy. 2-time MVP, 398 HRs, corner stone of “America’s Team.” and all around Atlanta Brave for what he had to endure during the late 80s.
Neikro and Glavine won their 300 games while pitching in NY. Maddux has his 11 year stint with the Braves sandwiched between his stints with the Cubs. All are HOFs and all will wear Atlanta Braves hats while enshrined (yes i know, Knutsie is already there).
Also great stuff on Chipper. I know several years ago people in this town (not necessarily on this blog) where harping on Chipper and his contract and how the Braves should trade him. This man has poured his heart and soul into this team and this city and I think fans need to read this piece and see that Chipper was and will always be an Atlanta Brave. He has done more off the field to help this team win. He should be enshrined just for that alone.
Hey DOB who was the jerk-off on the radio harping about Soriano not pitching? So Acosta blew it, he’s been pitched too much lately. If that person had any baseball sense then maybe he would have known to direct his anger towards Bobby Cox for leaving Acosta in two batters two long. You cannot, however, blame Bobby or Soriano for him not pitching yesterday due to the facts that you listed above.
Great blog and Go Braves!! Lets fry them fish.
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Great SONG choice for the Braves right now DOB….
I still say (no matter who wants to argue) that if the BRAVES want to make a trade for a starter they need to bite the bullet and give up some names we’ve heard (Chucky James, Brandon Jones, Lilabridge, Anderson,) to go and get a pitcher like: AARON HARANG, HARDEN, LOWE, SNELL, DUKE
In other words, like Wren said, an Upgrade, and innings eater, and someone who’ll be around for several years….
I think it is the opposite however, on an outfielder…Go get a big time bat and big time name who you can rent with merely an option to buy… (unless of course you can get a team to eat part of someone’s salary)
Go ahead now, attack me over my pitcher names
By Maturin
June 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox as one of the best Atlanta Braves ever?
By Bravesfan79
June 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Frank: no man chris woodcrap and Mark Redmen are in a league of their own as the WORST Braves ever!
We could keep woodcrap around for a whole season….but couldnt give Javy a chance?
Corky Miller is this years woodward.
Wait, no one could be that invaluable, my apologies to Corky.
By KC
June 5, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Is Maddux the answer?
Based on his performance so far this season, I’d have to say…
Yes.
DOB referred to him as a “5 inning pitcher”, but he’s actually averaging 6 innings per start this year. And that’s about what he averaged last year, in route to 198 total innings pitched for the season.
A 6 inning average may not sound like a lot, but these days…
6 innings is the new 7 innings.
Due in large part to an ever shrinking strike zone, and the age of specialized late-inning relievers, starters simply aren’t going as deep into ballgames.
Brandon Webb averages a shade under 7 innings per start, and our only innings-eater, Tim Hudson, is averaging 6.4 innings per contest.
So sure, I’ll take Maddux’s 6 innings per start. His 3.48 ERA doesn’t look to bad either.
Don’t get me wrong… if there’s a better starter out there (or a younger quality starter that could help us for more than a half-season) that is available, then by ALL MEANS, go for it!!
But quality starting pitching, as we all know, is very costly and very hard to come by. So the odds of getting anyone better than Maddux may be somewhat long.
Maddux can help this team. He’s not quite the innings-eater he once was, but at 6 innings per start, he’s not a burden on the bullpen. And a tested veteran like him could really add a lot of stability to this rotation.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Right, DOB, if Campillo comes down to earth, the team can’t overcome Reyes inconsistencies, and Morton/Hampton/James/Bennett can’t fill the hole(s), I wouldn’t bring back Maddux. But that’s a lot of “ifs” and I think there are plenty of guys on our roster capable giving us what Maddux would.
It’d be nice to get a #2 but is that guy out there and at what cost?
Most of the holes on our roster I think can be fixed internally. But the Braves are doing the smart thing and keeping their ear to the ground just in case they can’t be. There’s a month to determine these things so no one here should be completely decided on who and what exactly we need.
And great news on Chipper. I’d love to see him get to 3,000 hits and 500 HR.
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I gotta have a top 5…. no particular order
Chipper, Murphy, Andruw Jones, Smoltz, Glavine
Hank Aaron was not an “Atlanta” Brave for enough of his career to be in there…If you said Braves organization then yea..but not “Atlanta”
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Ah, the Acosta bit. That was pretty weak of him, but would the Braves part with a valuable reliever after one bad outing and a no show for post game interviews? I checked his stats, it looks like he is still a rookie. Could easily chalk that up to rookie mistake. Eli on the other hand had been around a while. I’d say if Acosta does it again, after being talked to, then it might be serious cause for concern.
By DAP
June 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
hamels is pitching well against the reds. two erros by the reds defense has put them down 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth. c’mon red legs!!!!
DOB would chipper be a guy who would sign an incentive laden contract? like a $11mil base salary, with bonus for games played, homers, hits, RBIs stuff like that? if so, that would be the type to give him this late in his career.
also, DOB any grumblings on what it would take to get harden? probably to much…but it would be nice….
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
June 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know it’s been a couple of days and alot has been going on, but did anybody have anything funny to say about Chipper batting with the wrong helmet on the other night? I figured somebody like McCann or Smoltz would have been cracking on him pretty hard about that. I got a good laugh out of it anyway.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
If we can’t find pitching, might as well improve the offense and win games 10-9! Jeremy
I think you mean 11-9…
Anybody like foreshadowing? Or maybe it wasn’t so much “foreshadowing” as was just…well…Just kinda weird:
My mother came across some old newspapers today. They were from the year 2004 when Bobby won Manager of the Year, and the Braves lost to the Astros in the NLDS. Well, OK, that’s not the weird part.
You open up the sports page for Nov. 14, and inside is the headline:
Francoeur: Player’s Potential Seen As Vast
And right above, is an article entitled:
McCann Another One To Watch
That one was especially int’resting in that one sentence read, “More important, he became a solid catcher who threw out more than 30 percent of would-be base stealers.” (Would love that now. Sheesh.)
He also suffered a separated left shoulder that year at Class A Myrtle Beach.
Just thought it was funny because, at the time, we prob’ly (at least I know I didn’t) pay much attention to the Minor League news. And even if we did, little did we know, that roughly 7 months later…
By KC
June 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
To follow up on my last post and clarify something…
I think Maddux could be the answer for THIS season.
Again, if we can get someone better, or someone who can help us beyond this season, then we should (and I sure WILL) go for it.
But as far as this season is concerned… I think Maddux would do the trick.
By Jay Blaisdell
June 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
You got the Top 4 just right. Was so relieved that you properly recognized Smoltzie’s contributions over Maddux. Never mind that Maddux spent time with other teams. The important thing is that come money time — the Playoffs & World Series — it was always John Smoltz who was the ace and never Maddux. Not even once. And just on general principles, with a smidgen of prejudice thrown in, i’d pick Terry Pendleton over Glavine — TP’s time with St. Louis notwithstanding. As for The Chippah, the headline writer made a stretch with a great tease ( making Braves fans stress out), but your story made it clear that it’s almost a certainty that Jones would finish his career in a Braves uniform.
By Jeff321
June 5, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I am tired of the Braves trading away young talent for rentals! Look, I love watching the Braves and will continue regardless of the standings. With that said, they have a better chance of finishing in third than winning any championships! Btw, that would be three years in a row for the HOF manager, eh?
By LT-AA Blogger
June 5, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I’d much rather see the Braves bring Morton up than trade good young talent for some middle of the road starter.
Who knows (putting the mask and pads on as I say this), perhaps, the Hampton injuries are a blessing in disguise. No way was he gonna pitch an entire season. Maybe he comes back and starts to get strong a few weeks after the all star break.
Use JJ, Jojo, and JCamp through the all star break and then bring up Morton for the second half is what I say.
If the Braves do make a trade, I’d rather see if for a left fielder with some power.
Chipper is a definitely a rarity. What he has done so far this year is amazing.
Needing a win tonight to wipe away the frustrating loss yesterday!
By MGL
June 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be too hard on Acosta. I’m sure the kid was embarrassed and feeling bad about his performance. One of the senior folks (Perez) should straighten him out without it becoming a clubhouse issue.
By DAP
June 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
coach smith all im going to say is that we could trade james, b jones, lillibridge AND anderson, and it might be enough to get a guy HALF as good as any of the pitchers you mentioned. to get a pitcher who is already good, were gonna have to give up a pitcher or two who look like they MIGHT be really good. morton, hanson, roubough or however you spell it, lerew, reyes….these are the guys who a trade will be built around.
bravefan79 having a bunch of money off the books wont help us get halliday or oswalt. we will have to trade our farm to get guys like that…
shaun Their ERA adjusted for league and park is 10 percent better than league average.
does that include the bullpen too? its hard for me to believe the rotation is that much above league average. were gonna have to make sure we beat them head to head when we play them…that will factor in.
by the way, rollins was taken out in the middle of the game…looks like he might be hurt.
By MGL
June 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Speaking of the Acosta situation yesterday, I have wondered this in the past … Can the Bullpen Coach tell when someone is warming up if they don’t have it that day, or can the pitcher tell the Coach that he doesn’t feel like he has the right stuff that day and that gets relayed to the dugout perhaps changing the game strategy. Or do the pitchers just feel the obligation to go when called upon?
By Bravesfan79
June 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
KC: Good points, I after seeing the highlights of him going 7 innings on 69 pitches last night….the guys still piccaso! I think both him and Glavine could still be quality starters next year. I dont know if thats whats best for the Braves tho. With our quality young starters we have. Maybe we should just take our chances on the A’s Harden.
By DHD
June 5, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I understand that it’s your opinion, but there’s no way to overlook Hall of Famer, Phil Niekro. Look up his stats.
By Billy Wagner
June 5, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Why did the Braves lose? Why? I don’t know why don’t you go ask him? (Motions to Acosta’s locker) Oh that’s right you can’t - he’s not here. So I have to sit here and answer these f&%n questions and I”m not even on the team.
By daniel
June 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
One of the guys on Philly’s broadcast just said that after today, the Phillies have only 6 home games left in June, 3 with the Red Sox and 3 with the Angels (both teams that are very good). The Braves have to make up some ground as the Phils play 18-24 games on the road.
By OldBravesBag
June 5, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
DOB…Do you know if the Braves practice any type of yoga in their work outs? I know McCann has used it, but I would think the whole team would jump on board if they realized the benefits. Thanks for your answer.
By james
June 5, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all the great blogging yesterday regarding Braves history and crediting/discrediting of : Cox, Schuerholz, Ted T. and Time Warner/ Liberty Media.It prompted me to do some archival searching that confirms my view that the key moment in Braves history and the “beginning of our slide to mediocrity ” was the sale to Time Warner/ Liberty. I include Liberty because Malone and Liberty were key players in the sale of Turner Communications and the Braves to Time Warner in September 1995. What followed the departure of Ted T. was the key transaction of trading David Justice and Marquis Grissom to Cleveland for Lofton and Embree at the beginning of the 1997 season ( March 3, 1997). This was clearly a horrible move motivated solely as a “salary dump.” ( See April 7, 1997 Sporting News: ” Braves bold move will haunt them “, by Bob Nightengale.) It was followed by other “cost cutting” moves ( dumping Millwood, Maddux, etc.). Ted Turner would never have permitted the “trade” of Justice or Grissom. He would not have permitted us to fall into mediocrity. Thanks Time Warner/ Gerald Levin. Thanks Liberty Media/ John Malone.
By SeattleBravesFan
June 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
DOB…agree on the top 4. can’t complain at all. if glavine hadn’t left or had only been gone 2 years or something, then i think you have a 4A and 4B situation with Smoltzie and Glav. but hard to argue with the 4 you present.
By Supes
June 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
KC
If you saw what Mad dog did last night, it’s hard to argue with you about a potential trade with the last place Padres to acquire Greg for the rest of the season.
I wonder how much will the Braves have to give up for Maddux? If the price is too steep, I wouldn’t do it. If it’s a reasonable deal, I would pull the trigger in a heartbeat.
You can’t have “too much” depth in the starting rotation, last year proved that to be true!
If any of the guys only go 5 innings, you’d have Jeff Bennett (what a job he’s donet his year for the team!), Campillo (who’s proven he can go multiple innings in relief, and Buddy Carlyle, who can go 2 innings or more. That’s 3 “long set up guys”, that can be used if any of the so called “5 inning” starters…like Glavine and Maddux pitch.
How do you all feel about that theory?
DOB, what would the Braves have to give up for Maddux? A top tier prospect or a couple of “second” tier guys? Would the Padres go for someone like a Chuck James, and maybe package Brandon Jones as well?
By Mike
June 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Chipper one of the four greatest?? You’ve got to be kidding me. All he has done is whine and blame fans for dismal showings in the post season. Considering him to be one of the greatest in ATL is a slap in the face to those who really are.
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Acosta will find out when he arrives today that he shouldn’t slip out anymore.
And he won’t hear it by way of a locker-room interview quote by Billy Wagner, either. A veteran player will visit him and quietly but firmly remind him that, “We don’t do that here.”
It won’t have the blogger-pleasing punch of passion-in-public, but I guarantee it will provide a longer-lasting impression on Senor Acosta.
By KC
June 5, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
LT-AA Blogger: “Who knows (putting the mask and pads on as I say this), perhaps, the Hampton injuries are a blessing in disguise. No way was he gonna pitch an entire season. Maybe he comes back and starts to get strong a few weeks after the all star break.”
LT, that’s a very good point. If… IF Hampton can come back healthy, having (involuntarily) taken the first half of the season off may bode quite well for him down the stretch and - if all goes well - in October.
No one is holding their breath waiting for Hampton, but if he can make it back this year, he could provide a huge lift.
As for left field… I would rather see a true lead off hitter than another power hitter.
We’ll probably get at least 110 homers from the middle of the order (Chipper, Tex, McCann, Frenchy)… and another 30 from the middle infield (Escobar/KJ). I don’t think we’re hurting for power.
But a lead off man… well, we ARE hurting for one of those.
Escobar is best suited for the #2 slot, and KJ is best when hitting further down in the order. Adding a true lead off hitter would not only make us stronger at the very top of the order, but it would allow Escobar and KJ to hit where they are at their best as well.
I’m not sure there is a good outfield lead off hitter available that can play left field.
Actually, the best opportunity may be to deal for Brian Robers to play 2B, and put Kelly Johnson back in the outfield (in left, of course).
As for Morton, he may be ready, but you can’t count on that. I don’t want some mediocre pitcher either, but as I mentioned in a previous post… Maddux is still well above average, and could fill out the rotation nicely for the remainder of this season.
By David-ATL14
June 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Great blog Crusading One and an EXCEPTIONAL Choice on the tune.
One of the best, if not the best.
By Tommy
June 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I want to start some controversy with my proposed power-hitting outfield addition:
Barry Bonds.
By jbutler
June 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
hotspur kind of ironic isn’t it that the day one of the franchise-greats may be calling it a career because of medical issues and the team is mired in almost-laughable medical injuries is the day the strength/conditioning coach is “let go” That doesn’t seem to happen w/Braves coaches very often..
Hey..where did your name come from? Or should I leave that one alone?
By Del
June 5, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I hope the Braves give JB a chance to fill the void that Smoltz surgery will create. The kid has done everything the Braves have asked him to do this year. I think he deserves a shot at the vacancy before they bring up Morton or sign GM.
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
If any of the guys only go 5 innings, you’d have Jeff Bennett (what a job he’s donet his year for the team!), Campillo (who’s proven he can go multiple innings in relief, and Buddy Carlyle
Geez, Supes, how many pitchers you want to carry?!? That’s five starters and three long guys before you ever get to middle relief, LOL. Think that might be going a tad overboard, my man.
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith, actually Aaron probably at least matched Murphy as far as number of great years in Atlanta.
Aaron had nine years in Atlanta with an OPS+ above 128. Murphy had six. Chipper is on his way to his 11th.
By JCFROMUT
June 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: What are the chances of Morton getting called up sooner rather than later?
By StingerSplash
June 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
top four Braves: Larry Whisenton, Barry Bonnell, Rowland Office, Randy Johnson (forever a hero for his 18th inning homer to beat the Dodgers in L.A.).
By j-school dropout
June 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
At first I was upset not to see Knucksie on this list. He was my childhood hero. But I can’t complain about DOB’s choices.
Murph was the heart of a very mediocre team in the 1980s, and he played his heart out. I think he deserves to be in the Hall as much as Jim Rice, but the Boston fans have the pull to make Jim Rice’s subpar numbers look so much more sparkling than Murph’s. The sad thing about Murph is that he didn’t get to hang around for the glory years. In fact, the trade that sent him away actually gave the rookies a chance and propelled the team into the future.
Hank was amazing. I saw him knock a few homers in old Fulton County. He was just great, and his presence was good for Atlanta. Remember, this was the 60s and things were different then. As a young white boy growing up in the South, Hank was a symbol of dignity and professionalism and humanity to me. He was/is just a great man. To this day, it almost brings me to tears when I think about the death threats and other racist insults that he had to endure.
Smoltz is the heart of the Bobby Cox-era Braves. For a long time he wasn’t my favorite player. I leaned toward Glav. It was really nothing against John but as a former high school pitcher who didn’t have great stuff and had to guile my way through my innings, Glav was my man. But then he left. I don’t hold that against him, but I couldn’t root for him when he was wearing a Mets hat. As for Maddux…I feel privileged to have watched him all those years, and he’s still one of my favorite players of all time. But he was really a rent-a-Brave. Smoltz, however, has lived and breathed this team since he arrived. He does so much for the city. And on the mound, he just has the presence of a fierce competitor. The best baseball game I ever saw was game seven of the 1991 World Series. Yes, I know we lost. But Smoltz, who was suffering from the flu at the time, battled deep into that game, matching Jack Morris pitch for pitch. It was an awesome performance by both men. And it was the first glimpse that I ever saw of how fierce a competitor Smoltz could be. This year, we saw that ferocity in his steely blue eyes every time he threw a pitch. You have to admire him on so many levels.
Chipper has been the engine that fires this team’s offense since 1996. Yes, there have been other great hitters on his Braves teams, but none as smart about their hitting and as dedicated to succeeding as Chipper. It has galled me to no end when people come on this blog and criticize the man. Where are all the Chipper haters now? All he needed was a decent hitter protecting him. I know Texeira has been a bit of a disappointment, but I believe having him in the clean-up spot instead of Easy Out Andruw has made a world of difference in the number of good pitches that Chipper sees. After all, for the last three years, any team would be willing to walk Chipper to get to Andruw. Chipper definitely deserves this accolade, and I am thrilled that he is not looking to hire himself out to the highest bidder when his contract expires.
All four of these guys should be in the Hall with Atlanta Braves caps.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Strange that the Reds would select Yonder Alonso with the 7th pick in the draft. He is a 1st baseman from Miami University that will probably be major league ready soon.
So I know I am thinking light years ahead…..
How about an offseason trade for Joey Votto? He would be a nice replacement for Tex, right? What do you guys think?
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I also wouldn’t be too hard on Acosta. Besides, we don’t know what was going on in his mind. He could have been embarrassed and feeling like crap, or maybe (a lot less likely, but wannabe scribes can dream) he would have complained about having his arm abused by Bobby?
It’s really kind of sad that Braves fans never get that kind of reality check from the clubhouse. Check out what Johnny Damon said about Joba Chamberlain’s move from the bullpen to the starting rotation. I know it’s the Bronx, but damn, it is okay for players to question things. It doesn’t all have to be behind closed doors.
My top four Braves:
Aaron, Murph, Smoltz, Glavine
Aaron has to be on the list. He was the face of the Braves when they moved from Milwaukee and was the team’s best player. He helped establish the Braves in this town and was the greatest player this organization could ever have.
As much as Chipper has meant to this team over the years, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz have personally meant more to me as a Braves fan. They were both there for some awful seasons prior to the historic run. I became a true fan during those lean years (though I was very aware of what Murph meant to the organization and the fans, so he’s in my top four), and that’s a connection I’ll never have with Chipper.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy—
I was kinda wondering about that, too. That was pretty hilarious—Chipper batting with the wrong helmet. With the game being on PTV, you could hear somebody in the dugout whistle and yell, “Chipper!” And then they tossed him the correct helmet.
Of course, the photographer for braves.com didn’t snap a photo of it. That guy—or those guys—need to be more on his/their toes. Think we’ll get a photo of Chipper’s 400th homer from that dang website? I wouldn’t be surprised either way…
Phillies are winning 5-0 going to the eighth. But that’s OK, They need to get winning out of their system right here and now…
By KC
June 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Supes: In regard to what the Braves might have to give up for Maddux… here’s the good news:
Greg Maddux has a no-trade clause. That means Maddux has the ultimate say over where he is traded to, if he choses to be traded at all.
He has expressed a desire in recent years to pitch close to his Las Vegas home, as evidenced by the teams he’s played for over the last few seasons (LA and SD).
But you’d have to think he would welcome a chance to return to Atlanta to reunite with Glavine and BC, and help this team in a pennant race.
I would guess that there are only 3 teams he would accept a trade to: The Dodgers, the D-Backs, and the Braves.
A couple seasons back, the Braves acquired Wickman for what was then considered to be next to nothing. Not the catcher they gave up, from what I hear, is perform well… but that doesn’t change the fact that neither the Braves nor the Indians thought of him as a hot prospect at the time of the trade.
The Indians were essentially giving Wickman to the Braves, and the only reason that happened was because Wickman had “10-5” veto power any trade.
After arriving in Atlanta, Wickman revealed that he had vetoed multiple trades before accepting the deal that sent him to Atlanta.
The bottom line was that Wickman wanted to play for Bobby Cox and the Braves… so Cleveland had to choose between sending him to Atlanta (for whatever they could get), or get nothing for him at all.
I’m sure we’d have to give up more for Maddux than we did for Wickman, but in the end, I’m sure Maddux’s no-trade power and the appeal of returning to Atlanta will drive the asking price down for the Braves.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 5, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Rafael Soriano playing the part of Billy Wagner speaking of Manny Acosta.
“I don’t know why we lost. Wait! Why am I answering questions when I didn’t even pitch in the game. (Motioning to Manny Acosta and Mike Hampton’s locker) Why don’t you ask them? Oh, there not here! They are already gone. Shocker! Especially Hampton. Hadn’t seen him since 2005.”
By OverlorDDDay
June 5, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry update this to ya, but the phillies are about to win again…..5-0 8th inning.
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
DAP, yes, that’s the entire pitching staff that is 10 percent better than average (after adjusting for league and park).
By BrandonC
June 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I like what Charlie Morton is doing this year, the kid’s got a big time arm on him. I’m sure we’ll see him at some point during the season, since we seem to be going through pitchers left and right.
By Brave Defender
June 5, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
1 Hank Aaron 2 Bobby Cox 3 Dale Murphy 4 Chipper Jones
Pitchers are out there every 5 days. Position players should get the credit because it ain’t easy playing everyday.
What about some notable “unsung heroes” of the ATL Braves most recent Division Title era? Not so easy… here’s mine:
1 Jeff Blauser 2 Mark Lemke 3 Raphael Belliard
GO JAIR! GO BRAVES!!!
By OverlorDDDay
June 5, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, anything new on Prado?, Braves need that boy.
Is kotsay gonna be ready for next week when his 15 day DL is over?, I mean how much has he progressed?
By Deepak Chopra
June 5, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
YES, YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU WANT!
But do you KNOW what you want?
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
June 5, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
McFann,
I noticed it as soon as he stepped in the box, and I told my wife, “He’s got his right-handed helmet on.” I think he took two pitches before someone got his attention. I’m anxious to know what comments some of the younger “wise-a##es” had to say about the seasoned veteran making such a rookie mistake.
By Graham
June 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
j-school dropout
I agree about Smoltz and Chipper. However, I don’t think that Maddux’s 11 years as a Brave could be considered a rental. That’s too long and too much money to be a rental. He was a huge part of why the Braves won the division so many times.
By KC
June 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
If there’s a top-of-rotation starter out there to be had, I hope we get him. But if there isn’t, I’d be very happy to see the Braves make 2 trades before the deadline:
1 - Get Maddux from SD to stabilize the rotation
2 - Get Brian Roberts - a proven lead off hitter - from Baltimore (and move KJ to left field)
By Joel
June 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is that Mike who posted at 2:42 is an idiot!!!!
By McFann
June 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
MRSCB—
I’m anxious to know to, uh…not in so many words, but…it would be funny to know what some of the guys had to say…as long as it’s clean…
Phillies won. Let’s hope the Braves give us a good one tonight. What are the odds of us winning? I was thinkin’ about keepin’ score…
By shake it up
June 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Braves are tied with the pathetic Mets and are behind the Florida Marlins. The Florida Marlins with their pitifully low salary. That’s like the Coca Cola Company trailing a lemonade stand in drinks sold.
At the rate they’re going, they will not make the playoffs.
Kick Cox upstairs and get a results-oriented manager! Hurry!
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Efrim, looks like it may be at least a year or two before the Reds will have to make a decision regarding which first baseman to go with long-term. Here’s an ESPN.com scouting summarty of Alonso:
Alonso has one of the better power bats in this draft and is a relatively high-probability prospect. He’s a prototypical left-handed slugging first baseman, with a slightly open stance, good balance, and a very patient approach almost to the point of passivity. He centers the ball extremely well, has good loft in his swing, and generates easy power with his upper-body strength, despite an early weight transfer. In the field, he’s playable at first but unlikely to be better than average, as he has slightly hard hands but is aggressive about getting after the ball. The one knock on Alonso is the big trouble he has with left-handed pitching, which could relegate him to platoon status and pushes him behind a few other top bats in this draft.
Chop Chop, kind of hard for even Hall of Fame pitchers to make as much of an impact as a Hall of Fame everyday player.
If I’m drafting a team and I have a crystal ball and see that I can have any player’s Atlanta Braves years, I’m taking Chipper above Glavine and Smoltz. (That’s the way I approach these type questions.)
By Justin
June 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
DOB I just read on the Braves board and mlbtraderumors.com chat that local radio stations in SD are reporting that the Braves are close to acquiring maddux and an unknown position player…have you heard anything?
By Reid in EAV
June 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the additional insight on Fultz. Given his coaching area, what I’d read between the lines was much worse than what the case apparently was. Glad I read that before I slandered the character of an upstanding citizen with idle speculation. Hopefully he catches on somewhere else very soon.
By Mac
June 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’ve read in several places that the Royals might make Zack Greinke available. Wouldn’t he be the perfect fit for the Braves as they transition out of the Smoltz era?
By DAP
June 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
the good news is we wont have to face hamels, or meyers who has been pitching better recently. looks like weve got moyer, kendrick, and eaton facing hudson, jojo, and campillo.
By Marcus Greil
June 5, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Who is the “Mr. Jimmy” being referred to in the song?
Jimmy Hutmaker, a.k.a. “Mister Jimmy”, (April 18, 1932 – October 3, 2007) was a celebrity in Excelsior, Minnesota until his death on October 3, 2007.
Despite unspecified developmental disabilities, Hutmaker had an outgoing demeanor and an engaging personality and was given the honorary title of “roving ambassador” for the city of Excelsior. It was in this capacity that Hutmaker spent his days and nights wandering the streets of the city, chewing on a cigar, mumbling to himself, and greeting locals by name. Someone paid for business cards with this title for Mister Jimmy, and he carried them for the rest of his life. It is reported that he knew most Excelsior natives and their children by name, and also knew what churches they attended and their family history.
According to legend, was in his capacity as town ambassador that Hutmaker attended a concert by the Rolling Stones at the Danceland Ballroom at Excelsior Amusement Park in 1964. The next day Mick Jagger was having a prescription filled at Bacon’s Drugstore when he encountered Jimmy again. Jimmy complained to Jagger that he had ordered a Cherry Coke but received a regular Coca Cola instead, then dismissed his own complaint, saying “You can’t always get what you want.” Five years later, on their 1969 album Let It Bleed, the Stones released a song titled You Can’t Always Get What You Want - and references to a drugstore, a cherry soda, a prescription, and “Mr Jimmy” (Hutmaker’s nickname around town) all appear in the song. A shorter version of the song was released as the “B” side of Honky Tonk Women in 1969, and it was named as the 100th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in its 2004 “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
By ben
June 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Ole Cox keeps bringing Acosta in for a closer and he can’t seal the deal. Cox is a player’s manager and that means a player over the good of the team, I guess. Maybe they should just have a tryout for the closer’s position since Smoltz is gone.
By jbutler
June 5, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
McFann I never get to see the games on TV so I missed the helmet-thing. But its hilarious. Maybe he should’ve just gone up in that head-hanky he was wearing in the dugout on his off day yesterday!! :)
Only way JS doesn’t get into HOF first ballot is if Glavine/Maddux both hang it up this year and it splits the voters into putting him in the next year. I didn’t want Maddux back, but I’d love to see it if the Braves are really in the hunt, and both he/Glavine are hanging it up end of year. Fun to watch.
By Graham
June 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Justin
I can’t locate the Maddux story on mlbtraderumors.com chat. What time did it come through on the chat?
By 74 Dawg
June 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Smoltz,Jones,Glavine,Aaron.
By Reid in EAV
June 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
KC sez:
After arriving in Atlanta, Wickman revealed that he had vetoed multiple trades before accepting the deal that sent him to Atlanta. The bottom line was that Wickman wanted to play for Bobby Cox and the Braves…
That really worked out for him, didn’t it?
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Good point about the Reds. It just makes no sense to me for them to draft a college bat like Alonso instead of a pitcher or middle infielder like Gordon Beckham(their need). Alonso probably won’t be ready until 2010, so yes, they have at least a couple of years to decide.
By jds
June 5, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t care if Maddux spent some of his career elsewhere. The man posted an ERA in the ONES! My top 4 are Maddux, Hank, Chipper, Smoltz, with Ray King a close 5th.
Speaking of which, I was at a game a few years ago, and over the PA they said whoever won some contest would win an autographed Ray King ball. I’d rather have like, free nachos or something.
By Justin
June 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
graham
I know its not there no more…but it waslike about an hour ago it was posted
By rupert
June 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
a lot of maddux’s era, good as it is, is due to one start against arizona where he gave up a bunch of runs (9 i think) and went 7 innings 113 pitches because they had just played a 13 inning game the night before and the bullpen was taxed, so other than that his era would be even better, not worth morton though, maybe chuck james haha
By KC
June 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Reid in EAV:
Well Wickman was great for the rest of the year, and he got another 6 mill out of it for the following season. So… yeah, I think it worked out well for Wickman.
Had the rest of the pitching staff not been such a MASH unit at toward the end of the 06 season, it would have been great for the Braves too. As it was, Wickman pitched pretty damned well for the remainder of that season.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I really hope the Mets don’t select Garret Cole….
By Reid in EAV
June 5, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Top four Atlanta Braves ever:
Terry Forster Al Hrabosky Lem Barker Rowland Office
What?
By MGL
June 5, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Rupert, that was a 22 inning game.
By Graham
June 5, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Justin
Thanks. I was looking for it but couldn’t find it. Anything is possible right now, so we will see what happens.
By MGL
June 5, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Prior comment made me look this up.
Longest game 25 innings 8 Hr 6 Min, Chi vs Mil 1984.
Shortest game 9 innings 51 Min NY vs Philly 1919. (Bet some people wanted a refund)
By McFann
June 5, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
jbutler—
Yeah, LOL! (So sad you have to miss so all the games! Why, TBS? Why?)
Now, there is a photo of Chipper wearing the towel and sunglasses, and he’s blowing a bubble. It’s pretty funny, too!
Why cann they get photos like that, but they got none of him with the wrong helmet or McCann’s first Major League triple?
By jbutler
June 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
74 DAWG I agree mostly w/your list (not order, but names) except I would exchange Glavine for Murphy. He didn’t even come close to being on a decent team and still had that much impact - such a character guy..carries extra weight in my book.
I also took awhile to warm to Smoltz. He was pretty emotional/immature in the early days..but seemed to blossom as he hit adversity and just matured. But now he’s a no brainer.
By Gang Greene
June 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Greatest Braves of All Time, also in no order. Hank Aaron (I still get weepy when he rounds second and swats off thae fans on the field after hitting the record homer), Greg Maddux, simply the best pitcher to come along in 30 years, Chipper Jones, great player, greatly undervalued and picked on by fans for years for absolutely no justifiable reason, and Smoltz, who just has always been the guy for the last 20 years.
By Reid in EAV
June 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
KC — good points. I was thinking more on the interpersonal side. He wanted to play for Cox given the man’s reputation as having players’ backs, yet he was basically canned for being a malcontent.
(Though if he could consistently rack up 1-2-3 9th innings, his jawing probably would’ve been tolerated — e.g. Bull Durham point about “sloppy” vs. “eccentric.”)
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
If Towers is willing to let Maddux go for a modest bounty I think the Braves would nab him and still look for another quality starter. However, I agree with DOB. The Braves need a power hitting or at least very productive LF right now.
By Keeper
June 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
DOB, Love the blog, don’t agree with some of your music critiques. Was particularly dismayed by your brief-yet-scathing assessment last year of Geddy Lee - at any point before declaring him the worst ever, had you bothered to listen to any of Rush’s work from the last 25 years to realize how much his voice has changed since their Zep-influenced beginnings? And given their 40+ million in album sales despite essentially no radio support since ‘82, the least you could do is show enough respect to spell the guy’s name right! Okay, I’ll agree he’s still got a love-it-or-hate-it voice - to each his own - but for someone who enjoys serious artists and elegant lyrics as much as you do, their musicianship and Peart’s prose are still hard to top. Did I have a point here? Oh yeah … I thought that even if their rare talent isn’t the type that will ever resonate with you, you’ll still appreciate this: www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/649383.html
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve never really watched draft shows. I understand the importance in sports like the NBA and the NFL, the draftees go straight to the show. But this NFL draft, with Bud showing up every few minutes slurring through the pick and glaring at the clock, really makes no sense.
I do appreciate the full day of baseball talk though.
By Barry
June 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
My Top 4 Braves —
Hon Mention — Rick Mahler
Mahler actually passed away a few years ago. He wasn’t great, but he was a warrior. He had a great season on a bad team in 1986, winning 17 games. He also lost 15 that year and threw 6 complete games.
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
At least Wren isn’t succumbing to the do-something mindset; trading for a back-end starter would probably make the bloggers happy, just wouldn’t do much for the team’s playoff chances.
Ahh, it’ll probably all work out. Jurrjens and Reyes will have to take some time off in August for dead-arm, Morton will have his 20 starts in AAA by then and get called up for the stretch, Bennett will get a few starts for Glavine, and we might even get a Mike Hampton sighting, for all I know.
And all (or any) of that is preferable to the thought of prospects gone for the likes of Blanton or Maddux at the trade deadline.
By Craig
June 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
If the Braves have one trade to make, the priority should be for a left fielder with power, like a Matt Holiday type. We ultimately will not compete with the Phillies with punch and judy singles hitters in left, ESPECIALLY with Kotsay hurt, and Frenchy still learning that pitchers throw the ball a foot high and outside on the first pitch as he can’t force himself to not swing, or that with two strikes, he hasn’t figured out that a slider in the dirt is coming.
By Me, Too
June 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Greatest 4 Atlanta Braves?
Phil Niekro (18 v 6)* John Smoltz (20++ v 0)* Chipper Jones (14++ v 0)* Dale Murphy (12+ v 3+)*
*(Years with the Atlanta Braves v years elsewhere)
Henry Aaron (Tom Glavine, et al) is not included for the same reasons DOB does not include Greg Maddux: “only because he spent so much of his career with other teams” — only 9 years with Atlanta v 14 years with the two Milwaukee teams.
Top 3 Atlanta Braves would force the elimination of Dale Murphy — HOF-memebrs only (sorry, Dale).
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM:
OFFENSE:
Missed the afternoon game yesterday but man, bombs away. There were three HR’s on Tuesday evening. But land sakes alive, five yesterday. Looks like the Bravos de Richmond are out of that collective slump they were in during their May swoon, and fall from first place in the IL’s South Division. The team seems to be less of a collective of individuals and more of a cohesive unit now.
SCOTT THORMAN led the parade of spherical-bashers with two HR’s.
DIORY HERNANDEZ playing 2nd had another HR, his third, and second in consecutive games. In addition add two singles to his credit. His BA now is tops on the team.
Beside those two heros, JASON PERRY had a single and smashed his second HR as an R-Brave and ENRIQUE CRUZ, recently acquired third baseman, bashed his first for Richmond and an additional single.
REGGIE TAYLOR had a single and an RBI triple as well.
Finally, BARBARO CANIZARES had a single as did steady CLINT SAMMONS, and BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE.
Only MARK JURICH failed to scratch in the hit-fest, but his SF plated an RBI.
14 total hits for the game, and remember, this came against a very good DURHAM club.
DEFENSE:
CHUCK JAMES started, but only went 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. Good outing, but too short. Since I didn’t catch the game, I don’t know why he lasted so briefly. Hope its not an injury. Nothing in the paper. We’ve had enough of those as an organization. FRANCISLEY BUENO already gone on the DL as of Tuesday.
MATT DeSALVO gets the win, record now 2-6. MATT appears to be responding to GUY HANSON’s tutelage. His last several appearances have been very effective. Yesterday 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. Nice.
ANDY SHIBILO 1.0 IP and finishes the game. Four batters up, 1 H and 3 SO’s. He also is coming around to being an effective reliefer in his recent outings.
By N8
June 5, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
My favorite Braves of all time?
Rocker, Farnsworth, Fick and of course….Wickman.
To seriously answer that question, would be as follows: Murphy, Chipper, Glavine and Smoltz.
While I agree with DOB about Hank’s career having plenty of significance in Atlanta, I was 3 at the time he broke Ruth’s record.
So, my list consists of guys that I watched play and cheered for.
The secondary list (my favorites, more or less):
McGriff, Gant, Justice, Avery, Maddux, Andruw and Wohlers.
No Wohlers. No WS title in 1995. Period.
On a side note, is ANYBODY other than me watching the debacle (otherwise advertised as the MLB Draft on ESPN2), of a broadcast going on?
Selig is such a HACK! As good as the NFL draft is on TV (and it is exciting if your team has a Top 10 pick), this is HORRIBLE.
Yikes.
By Shamus Thacker
June 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Barry, you’re joking, right.?
By The Goche
June 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
let me just say, the MLB draft on TV will not be catching on.
I can’t stand the all-year NFL coverage and 95% of the personalities on the NFL draft, plus it takes twice as long, but I still enjoy watching the NFL draft.
Meanwhile, I could talk MLB all year, but this stuff is interminable. So boring.
The only shared quality between the two is how much the announcers annoy me, these less so because they are bombastic egotists, but more because they appear to have never been on TV before.
By T to the D
June 5, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’ll go with those four but I say this, C. Jones is the GREATEST 3RD BAGGER / SWITCH-HITTER OF ALL TIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE… (saying it like ALI would)
By la Jolla Dawg
June 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I know you can’t always get what you want, but I’d love to see Maddux back with the Braves.
By BravesLover
June 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Rick Camp (gotta love that homerun on July 4th), Tony Cloninger (two home runs in one game), Glenn Hubbard (never backed down at second base), Gary Sheffield (the man could do it all).
By faninFaytown
June 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
to the previous comment, perhaps John Rocker didn’t exactly represent what one would hope from a brave player, but man I sure loved watching him come out of that bullpen. Other than smoltzie, my favorite closer that i remember watching for this team, as Wholers was about a year too early for me to see in my braves fanship
By Graham
June 5, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Last post from DOB was at 1:54. Wonder if something is brewing?
By bravegator
June 5, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
If we’re in SD trying to grab maddux, why not look at Brian Giles too? I hear they’re looking to unload him and that would be a big time impact package
By Big Easy
June 5, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
McFann, et al, there is a photo here of Chipper with the wrong helmet.
Whole story sorta hashed out on this blog. There is a video link there, too, but, alas, link-rot has set in.
~E~
By Chop Chop
June 5, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
If stats were what I based my picks on, I’d throw Dale Murphy’s a* out the window. Chipper is easily a better hitter than Murph ever was. I’d definitely slot Maddux in over Glavine if it’s about stats. I’m merely picking the four guys that, in my mind, are iconic Atlanta Braves. When I think of the Atlanta Braves, I will always think of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. They are the link between the crappy late-1980s, the long run of excellence ushered in by Schuerholz and Cox, and the spoiled fans (like me) who had our expectations raised, leading to many of us to weep and gnash our teeth over the last few seasons.
More than any other Atlanta Braves players, Glavine and Smoltz are the reason I’m here typing some stupid blog about how I like ‘em so much.
Those jerks…
By Transplant
June 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Coach’s favorites are Deion, Otis, Kenny and Rafeal.
By swolf4810
June 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
First… Chipper can and will play just as long as he wants and can maintian ‘his’ standards (barring catastrophic injury.) Secondly, I feel sure the Braves management and Chipper will come to a mutually benificial arrangement…and probably before the deadline. I sure will be disappointed with management if they do not. Thirdly, whatever the ‘patch’ we put on our starting pitching for the rest of this season; Braves mamangement is missing a golden chance to get Leo Mazzone back in OUR dugout WHERE HE BELONGS….ASAP! No offense to Roger McDowell…but I cannot help but wonder were Leo still there, what (possibly better?) shape Smoltzie might be in roght now!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
You know, folks, the truth is we already have our power hitting LF in the orginization. Its just that he’s got to quit striking out so much. That LF is Scott Thorman!
By Graham
June 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
bravegator
I agree that Giles would be an impact but he plays right field. He would have to shift to left and is probably not willing to do that. They won’t move Francouer to left. Plus, his salary is a little less than $10 mil, and Maddux’s is right at $10 mil. San Diego would have to pay major portions of both and Atlanta would have to give up more than a couple of prospects.
By rammerjammer
June 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
I think you need TWO greatest Braves lists…for pre-1990s and post-1990s. Different eras really.
Pre: Aaron, Murphy, Niekro
Post: Smoltz, Chipper, Maddux
By Big Easy
June 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Oh, and top Atlanta Braves? I’ll do 5, since I wanna be a rebel.
Others that would be somewhere in the top ten would include Maddux, Glavine, TP, McGriff, and Avery. I know some of those guys played elsewhere, etc., but those are the guys I remember.
~E~
By Roman Gal
June 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
It’s Superhero Night at the Ted! Since I’m a superhero I’ll be there tonight. Let’s hope the Braves can be SUPER tonight. Speaking of super-powers, maybe Manny Acosta is The Stealth Pitcher…or quite possibly is The Invisible Man.
By kirknga
June 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I hope that there is enough leadership/coaching/mentoring on this team so that someone tells Acosta that he needs to stick around for the press. I hope we don’t trade him away before that happens.
In my opinion only after he’s been told the expectation and refuses to comply should it be an issue.
That said, I can remember other players leaving the locker room before talking with the press, for example after a gut wrenching playoff elimination and no one bringing up trading them.
I have advocated trading for Blanton. I’ve done so since lat year. Maybe my memory is faulty but it seems to me that he was thought of as a desired acquisition before the deadline and in the offseason.
And now he’s a bum..or rather questionable? As I look at his career stats along with some others mentioned, his are as favorable if not better. He’s younger than some and less expensive as well.
I grant that what DOB says is true, that he is having a tough season so far, but I think it only fair to look at what his career averages are and expect that rather than what we’ve seen in 1/4 season.
That’s what people who question Tex are told, so why shouldn’t the same apply to Blanton?
The Braves need a bat in LF and at least one more inning-eating starter. If those needs can be done in house then fine, I haven’t seen it so far, but fine. If not, then we are going to have to make a trade and it’s going to cost. No one is saying trade away all top prospects, but 1 or 2 to get what you need should be expected.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Hey, thanks for the photo, Big E!
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
30 selections through and Webb and Melville still haven’t been selected. I hope they draft a RHP.
By N8
June 5, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
“…Gary Sheffield (the man could do it all).”
Yeah. Except hit in the post-season, while wearing a Braves uniform.
In 2 post-season series (both losses), Sheffield went 3 for 30 (.100), with 1 HR and 2 RBI over 9 games.
So I’m not so sure that “all” is the right word to use. LOL!
By AGTfan
June 5, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
I can’t do it. I can’t limit it to 4 favorite Atlanta Braves. Here’s a few that make my list in no order:
Smoltz Chipper Glavine Maddux Niekro Hank Eddie Mathews Rico Carty Hubbard Lemke
By rammerjammer
June 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Bennett is a younger Carlyle and most effective when not overexposed in a starting rotation. BC is using him perfectly.
Stockman is 28 and still pitching in AAA. You can be sure there’s a good reason why.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
And the Braves pick Brett Devall LHP
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves select LHP Brett DeVall with the 40th pick in the 2008 Draft
-Excellent command -Strong change-up
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Braves took a big lefty (6-4, 220) from Niceville (Fla) High school with the 40th pick, for those who aren’t watching or whatever. Brett DeVall’s the name….
Kirknga, are you comparing a pitcher (Blanton) with a 45-41 career record, 4.13 ERA and 410 strikeouts in 720 innings to a hitter (Teixeira) who has a .285 average, .370 OBP, .533 slugging percentage, 179 homers and 597 RBIs in 5-1/3 seasons?
By NS from Kennesaw
June 5, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Good blog DOB.
Agreed with your choice - for Murphy and Aaron, I must admit that I’m a younger generation of the Bravo fan, so I don’t know them that well. But I do respect them them for what they did and now do for the Bravo organization.
As for Smoltz, what more should I say. He is the true warrior that always lead by what he does (not talk). What he did for the city is also second to none.
Chipper - what a player. He may not speak much through the public but what he did about contract restructure spoke volume - with his performance on the field - that is also another leader by example.
About M. Acosta left early, I hope some of the veteran take him asaide and straigthen him out. As a fan, I can accept that once in a while he has a a day like yesterday but it is shame that he did run away and not facing it with a fan (through the media of course). Unless he comes up with something publicly, I’m going to move him from my favourite list to #@#%$@ list instead.
As for the rumor on the return of the great Maddaux, it is really exciting to hear. I hope it will be true. But please, do not trade J3 for Maddaux - J3 is our solution now and future.
NOTE: JJJ => J3
GO BRAVES !!!
By Steve from OH
June 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Braves take Brett DeVall with the 40th pick. Heres a linkto his scouting report on milb.com
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Braves used 40th pick to take Brett DeVall, a high school southpaw.
By jukeandjive
June 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Florida Brave Have you seen DeVall pitch? ESPN guys said that he was the purest pitcher coming out of high school.
By Joe Dawg Alumni
June 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, what is the real story on Corky Miller? The guy looks absolutely lost at the plate, like he doesn’t belong and above all knows he is out of his league. Has anyone questioned why we didn’t give Javy a chance. Why not bring up Clint Sammons, at least he may someday be a major leaguer and he is as good as Miller defensively. Just wondering?
Greatest Braves, Pascual Perez, Terry Forster, Mike Marshall, and Josh Burris.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
OverlorDDD or whatever your screen name is (gotta simplify that, man): Too early to know on Kotsay, but since he’s still not doing any baseball activities, I’m guessing it’s doubtful he’ll be ready soon as the 15 day stint is up.
Prado’s cast is off and he’s progressing, but don’t know exactly when he’ll be back. Probably not too long, though.
By MGL
June 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
How nice, Brett from Niceville, bet he is a nice guy!!
By Lawton
June 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
any word on the roster move to replace Smoltzie?
By Lawton
June 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
any word on the roster move to replace Smoltzie?
By Epinephrine
June 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
As I said a few days ago, everyone ought to be keeping their eyes on Jordan Schafer’s numbers. Since he has come back, he is 5-13 with 2 BB and only 1 K. My bet is the man is on a mission to prove the HGH thing was irrelevant to his improved play, and he will be in the Braves starting lineup at some point in July, if not sooner.
Also, especially if the Braves acquire another young pitcher, we may be seeing the creation of another fantastic trio of young starters. JJJ, Reyes (who has looked, in my opinion, great this year, especially in that even in the blister performances he kept us in the game), and Morton, with Hanson on the rise-I’d be surprised if three of those guys don’t pan out.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Stat from scouting box I’m doing: The surging Phillies are 9-2 with a 3.55 ERA, 18 homers and 6.6 runs per game in their past 11 games.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
From what I’ve gathered on the internet about Devall is that the things that stand out about him are his pitchability, his command, and his change-up. He has sound mechanics which he is able to repeat and good arm action. His fastball is in the 88-91 range with movement. Like I said, changeup is his bets pitch. The pitch that needs work is his curve as it’s kind of “slurvy” right now but one scouting report said to “look out” if he can develop the pitch. He’s got a good athletic build so he should be able to maintain velocity throughout a game and he may be able to “soar” through the minors due to his pitchability. Oh, I also watched his scouting video and it looks like he has a nice snap move to 1st, he should be able to control the opposing team’s running game.
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
OverlorDDD or whatever your screen name is (gotta simplify that, man
Overlord is just proud of his breast implants. He’s gone from a D cup to a DDD over the last month. Thus why he is now OverlorDDD instead of just Overlord. Either that or he’s dating a better stripper these days.
By N8
June 5, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
“I’d definitely slot Maddux in over Glavine if it’s about stats.”
I just posted yesterday (while tracking Bobby’s record with and without the Big 3 starting since 1991), that Glavine wasn’t that far off of Maddux, in terms of his success and the teams success when he started.
From 1993-2002, here are the stats for the two of them:
Maddux:
Regular Season:
2526.2 IP, 643 ER (2.29 ERA…WOW!), 178-77 record (Braves were 212-115 in his starts)
Post-Season:
176.2 IP, 55 ER (2.80), 11-12 record (I didn’t dig through the old box scores to determine the team’s record in his or Glavine’s Post-Season starts)
Glavine:
Regular Season:
2227 IP, 805 ER (3.25 ERA), 169-83 record (Braves were 215-118 in his starts)
Post-Season:
*150 IP, 55 ER (3.33 ERA), 10-9 record.
So…other than 300 less innings pitched (about 30 less per year), and 162 or so ER allowed, they were almost even. LOL!
When I started looking, I forgot that Maddux only had an ERA over 3 twice during that stretch. AMAZING!
But ultimately, one could argue that Glavine was second to NOBODY other than Maddux during that stretch. And their individual records (along with the team record in their starts was damn near equal). Maddux just happened to allow 1 run less per game for a decade.
While Maddux was going on one of the greatest 10 year runs in history, Glavine did two things that have hurt his “legacy” in Atlanta.
1)He was too vocal (according to fans) during the strike and negotiations.
2)He left on his own choice for more money, after the Braves made a semi-fair offer for an aging pitcher.
Had Glavine NOT done those things, the fans of Atlanta would remember him as highly as they remember Maddux.
Even though you are correct Chop Chop, the stats show Maddux was better.
It’s a shame that the media coverage is what it is today (without it, many might not have known how involved Glavine was with the union and what his stance was).
In 50 years when my grandkids are looking over baseball history, all they’re gonna see is that 3 HOF pitchers anchored a staff for the better part of a decade. A feat that likely won’t ever happen again.
Glory days indeed.
By Hammy the Brave
June 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
How’s it going? Thanks for all the great reporting and blogging! I’m still trying to digest the Smoltz news, and wonder if this isn’t really the end for him(what a great warrior for the Braves, though).
Some quick trade questions. Do you think the Bravos could get either Bay or Nady from the Pirates, or Milton Bradley from the Rangers, for more LF offense?
Also, I feel they need another veteran lefty starter as insurance for Glavine and/or Reyes being inconsistent, and I’m counting on Glavine and Hampton not being here next year. How about Randy Wolf from SD, hopefully he wouldn’t be too hard to aquire.
Lastly, what do you hear from FW about Diory Hernandez at AAA, is he considered a true prospect or not? It seems to me that he’s a good hitter for avg., and seems to be smooth defensively at 2B, just that he might not be a basestealer. I wonder if he couldn’t start for us at 2B next yr., and be a defensive and bat. avg. upgrade over Kelly(who I’m wondering if he wouldn’t be better defensively at 3B, or even as a backup). Bill Shanks seems to think D. Hernandez has an irreperable attitude problem, though he won’t specify.
Thanks for your reply, Hammy the BraveBy FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
jukeandjive,
I haven’t outside of the scouting video on mlb.com. Just trying to gather information on him like everyone else.
By InCognito
June 5, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
How much speed on a fastball does a pitcher normally develop after HS? The report on Brett DeVall includes “he doesn’t light up the radar”.
Joba didn’t either until about his junior year in college.
By Gone Viral
June 5, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
“DeVall is the textbook definition of a crafty lefty. While he can still hump up his fastball to the low-90s, touching the mid-90s on a few occasions when he’s not worrying about saving his arm strength for an entire game, he works predominantly in the 88-91 range. His fastball shows good life, and he spots it extremely well. He uses his fastball perfectly to set up his breaking ball and changeup, with both of those pitches showing good velocity and bite. His big frame leads many to believe that he should have no problems maintaining his velocity deep into ballgames and has been fairly durable and reliable throughout hhis young career. He has plenty of big-game situations under his belt playing for the East Cobb program, and is a candidate to soar through the minor leagues given his ability to carve up hitters, even on days when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”
By JimD
June 5, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Lawton,
They announced the roster move relative to Smoltz yesterday … recallled Stockman.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Good pick. This team has more lefties than it knows what to do with in the low minors.
By kirknga
June 5, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
DOB
UH, No. What I said was that we shouldn’t use 1/4 season of stats to describe a player. Better to look at his career totals to get a better picture and idea of what to expect.
The only comparison I made was to Blanton and other pitchers that have been mentioned.
I use Tex as an example of some who question his value, and the response to look at his career totals as a better gage of what we should expect from him.
So the point was don’t use 1/4 season stats to argue that that alone is a players value. I used Tex as an example because that argument had recency.
In fact it was my impression you advocated for a wider perspective when evaluating players, or was that just for Tex? What exactly was it that lead you to believe I was comparing Blanton a pitcher, to Tex a position player?
Is it the 4 greatest Braves(Matthews, Spahn, Niekro, Aaron)or 4 favorite(Murphy,Niekro, Avery, Lemeke)?
By Braves70
June 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
A few more names from the old days of guys who might be favorite Braves: Ralph Garr (the Roadrunner), Felix (the cat) Millan, Orlando (Cha Cha) Cepada, Pat Jarvis (the little Bulldog), Rico Carty (The Beeeg Boy), Darrell Evans, Mike Lum (the Hawaiian punch). Those are the guys I grew up watching.
By IowaFan
June 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
I hope you realize that the tornado you speak of killed about 10 people and completely destroyed a town of about 2200 people. It may not seem like a big town, but that high school has developed kids like Aaron Kampan, Jared DeVries, and several other NFL players. Well that whole town is now gone. Those people came out of their shelters to nothing. Because that F5 tornado did the same thing to every other house in that town that you saw in the camera. I know this because I live 20 minutes from it and it is devastating what has happened there.
By Gone Viral
June 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Braves-Report.com had us linked with DeVall. Here is their evaluation:
“Height: 6’4 Weight: 220 Birthdate: 1/8/1990 City: Niceville State: FLA Position: SP B/T: R/L
Brett is one of the most advanced high school pitchers in this draft in terms of understanding of how to pitch. He does not light up the radar guns. He has touched 91 MPH but usually sits in the upper 80s. His curveball should develop into an average pitch but does not currently have the making of an out pitch. His change-up is currently his best pitch and has the making of a plus pitch. He is able to repeat his delivery quite easily which allows him to have command of all three of his pitches. He profiles as a middle of the rotation starter in the big leagues. But he could become a number two if he can increase the velocity of his fastball or develop his curve into a plus pitch.”
By Lawton
June 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks, JimD. Hadn’t seen it.
By mr baseball
June 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Not sure if anybody tossed this out yesterday or today about Smoltz (been golfing the last 2 days and recovering from heat stroke at night):
When most pitchers, especially those close to Smoltz’s age, encounter serious arm problems, their performance suffers to the extent that they can no longer pitch effectively at the major league level. Look at the awful stats some former standout pitchers put up at the end of their careers before finally calling it quits.
Even those who continued to enjoy some late success did so by virtue of their craftiness. They would lose a lot off their fastball & not have as effective an arsenal of pitches, but would get by on guile.
Smoltz on the other hand, is still throwing 95, and even when he was in pain early in the season, was firing nasty sliders & splits. At the age of 41, he has lost very little, but it’s just too painful for him to continue. That offers a slim reed of hope that if Dr. Andrews can fix whatever it is that’s making it impossible for Smoltz to continue without serious pain, he can come back next year and still pitch at a high level.
Unfortunately, it is more likely that whatever ails Snoltz is going to prevent him from being the kind of pitcher he’s been for almost two decades. Don’t seem him coming back as a Maddux/Glavine type with a mid-80s heater and a desperate need for a wide strike zone.
With his injury, I think Braves’ fans are just now really coming to recognize how incredibly fortunate we were to have 3 guys like that together for that period of time. It was such a privilege to watch 3 pitchers with such different styles & approaches go about their jobs every 5th day and achieve the success they did.
Even if Smoltz can’t pitch again, let’s all hope that Dr. Andrews can repair the damage sufficiently that it doesn’t destroy his golf game. That would really be a cruel blow.
Will resume carping about the manager’s mishandling of the bullpen/bench/batting order at a later date.
DOB: hate to quibble with your lyrics transcriptions, but isn’t Mick trying to slur his way past “Bleeding Mary,” while fully recognizing that there is nothing approaching a rhyme there, hence the marbles in mouth approach.
Why/how would a bleeding man be in her glass? Only Mick knows.
And I always thought the Mr. Jimmy was Hendrix. You learn something every day.
By Gone Viral
June 5, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
And here is the afore-mentioned ESPN video of DeVall
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
You think Boras client Josh Fields might be second-guessing not signing with Braves last year? He was just drafted by the Mariners.
Oh well, at least he’ll get first-round money now (20th overall pick)….
By the way, Ryan Howard is hitting just .205 with 84 strikeouts in 219 at-bats, but does have 15 homers and 53 RBIs.
By Spider29
June 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Top Five Atlanta Braves: Aaron, Niekro, Smoltz, Murphy and C.Jones. My personal favorite Braves are Niekro, Smoltz, Murphy, Benedict and Rick Mahler. I’ve met and talked to each one of those guys more than once and they are all nice men. Mahler and Benedict were always available during pre-game warmups in the terrible late ’70s, 1980 to chat, sign autographs pose for pictures.
By jukeandjive
June 5, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine I live in Mobile, AL and the MS Braves and Schaeffer are in town starting tonight. I’m going to the game tonite and Saturday. I’ll let you know his stats after the game and my opinion of what he looks like. I’m looking forward to it. I do think however that the Braves want to wait him out unless he’s just tearing up and can’t be held back. I’m thinking Aug/Sep for his callup. Who know. We’ll see.
On another note: I saw where someone said that Chipper may be moved to first in the next couple years. What do you guys think about that?
By Gone Viral
June 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, if Fields had been there at #40, would the Braves have considered him or was that bridge burned?
By R1U
June 5, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Maddux??? he doesn’t sign baseballs!! Maddux??? We need arms that don’t rely on reputation…unless Eric Gregg who called game 6 in Florida is willing to reprise his ugly calling on a daily basis….for US!!! No the game has changed —-you have to throw the ball over the plate sometimes!!!
By LT-AA Blogger
June 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
KC
All valid points- I agree a true leadoff would be awesome but they seem harder to find. If we could get a proven everyday outfielder like J Bay, X Nady, etc, I would think it would help the overall consistency of the line up.
As far as my Hampton comments go, I guess I’m having a glass is half full kinda day. Maybe it was DOB’s song choice (quite possibly my favorite song of all time if I had to choose one) or maybe I’m just searching for some silver lining in my fugue state of Smoltzression.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
braveheart
I think that “Coach” and “Coach Smith” are the same person.
What do you think?
By kirknga
June 5, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Looks like Jay Bruce was pretty much a one series wonder. After 4 killer rbi’s in 3 games against the Braves, he had 0 rbi’s in 4 games against the Phillies.
By Gone Viral
June 5, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
If you like You Can’t Always Get What You Want, I am about to recommend something weird. George Michael (!) of all people has a semi-cover of it called Waiting for That Day that is truly spectacular.
By jbutler
June 5, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
DOB Josh Fields got taken by the Mariners?? Ouch. Hey - even though the games are usually incredibly boring/not meaningful - at least the stands are buzzing w/ gay rights activists keeping it lively! Take that over a good team to play for..:)
Gonna get to see the Scorcese/Stones film? Say what you will about Richards..but he’s making a good living for a corpse.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
kirknga: Only point I was making about Teixeira is that he’s put up annual stats that are outstanding. Far better annual stats than Blanton has put up. So the track record says Teixeira will end up with 35-40 homers and 120-125 RBIs, and Blanton will go about 14-12 with a 4-plus ERA and not many strikeouts.
One’s an elite hitter, the other not really an elite pitcher. That’s all I’m saying. That’s why Teixeira gets benefit of the doubt, because he starts slowly every single year and ends up with similar stats every year. Does Blanton’s track record say he starts out like this and ends up 14-12 with a just-above-4.00 ERA? I don’t even know.
Given his slow start (it’s one-third of the season now), is probably going to have a tough time winning more than 12-13 games this season….
By the way, too bad Kotsay is on the DL — he’s 19-for-33 against Jamie Moyer, tomorrow’s Phils starter. Moyer, by the way, has won four straight starts. The Phils have scored ridiculous amounts of runs behind him.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, what is the real story on Corky Miller?Joe Dawg Alumni
Oh, it’s a tawdry tale involving mail-order brides and a strange one-armed man who’s always at Corky’s side….
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
And wouldn’t you know, the other DL guy, Prado, is 4-for-8 with a homer off Moyer.
By InCognito
June 5, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Tell Dayton Moore to stay away from the GA prospects!
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
I was looking over Phil Niekro’s career stats and was astounded that his innings pitched in 77,78 and 79 was 1006. He was 40 years old in 79.
What else can you say?
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
jbutler, I’m sitting here in the pressbox about to cover the Braves game. So no, won’t be at the movie….
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
jbutler, Seattle’s a great city and that ballpark is in my top 5. I just meant, he’s going a long way away to play for a team that’s got a lot of work to do.
But hey, they were picked to win their division by many, and maybe they’ll be back in contention next season with just a tweak or two.
By Carroll Rogers
June 5, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
a cameo from Carroll…..our website has been having some issues and i don’t know that they’ve been able to post my draft story yet. so i’m bringing it straight to you here….
By CARROLL ROGERS crogers@ajc.com The Braves didn’t directly dip into all the homegrown Georgia talent in this year’s draft with their first pick, but they came close. They took left-hander Brett DeVall out of Niceville (Fla.) High, who is committed to the University of Georgia.
The Braves took DeVall, a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder, with the 40th overall pick in the supplemental round in hopes that they would sign him and send him to the minors relatively quickly.
They don’t see a repeat of the Josh Fields situation of a year ago, where the Braves drafted the University of Georgia closer in the second round, and he didn’t sign.
Helping that cause is the fact that DeVall isn’t a Scott Boras client.
When asked if signing DeVall might be an issue, Braves scouting director Roy Clark said: “I don’t think so. But after (last year), don’t take anything for granted….Hopefully we’ll get him signed and get him down to Gulf Coast League as soon as possible.”
Clark said he expects to negotiate through DeVall’s father, whom Clark will invite up with his son to a Braves game in the next couple of days.
The Braves have gotten to know DeVall well because he’s played in the East Cobb League. He’s ranked No. 33 in Baseball America’s top 100 draft picks. He was named an Aflac All-American and he played for Team USA junior Olympic team.
The Braves project him as a middle-of-the-rotation starter with a low 90s fastball, a good changeup and at least an average breaking ball.
“Against the best competition we’ve seen him over and over again, and our scouts really like him a lot,” Clark said. “He’s got a power arm, a good changeup and a very good breaking ball. In most publications, they say he’s probably the most polished or advanced high school pitcher in the draft. He’s everything we’re looking for.”
DeVall was the fifth high school pitcher taken in the draft and the 15th high school player overall. The Braves have a long tradition of taking high school players early in the draft, so they can mold them in their minor league system.
Clark said DeVall was at the top of their wish list, and as the draft unfolded they felt like they had a decent chance to get him.
“A lot of times the college pitchers start moving up the closer and closer you get to the draft,” Clark said. “And the high school guys kind of slide.”
The Braves didn’t pick until the supplemental round because they surrendered their first round pick to the Mets as compensation for signing Tom Glavine as a type A free agent.
The state of Georgia had five players taken in the first round - three in the first eight picks - including No. 1 overall pick Tim Beckham by Tampa Bay, the shortstop out of Griffin High.
The Braves had taken Georgia natives with four of their last eight top picks, including last year’s 14 overall pick in Jason Heyward, an outfielder from Henry County High School.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 5, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Great Blog, O’Brien. Very good stuff to fill any baseball fans appetite. And the Rolling Stones tune is an old classic.
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Caveman, nah, I don’t think Coach Smith and Coach are the same. Could be wrong though.
Coach used to call himself the Head Coach on here. In a rare act of humility on his part, he realized his limitations, and demoted himself to just Coach.
By jbutler
June 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
DOB Thought it was going through the weekend…or can you send a “surrogate” like they do on “Arrested Development??”
By ChattaBrave
June 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
4 Greatest Braves: Len Barker, Brad Komminsk, Andres Thomas and Bob Horner.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
A fight just broke out in Boston. After Coco Crisp took out Aki Iwamura at 2B yesterday, James Shields hit Crisp with the first pitch and Crisp charged the mound. Shields threw a punch, but missed, but Crisp landed his.
In watching the game last night, you knew Maddon and co. were going to retaliate. They did so in ST with the Shelley Duncan interesting as Maddon has shown he doesn’t stand up for this stuff.
I applaud Maddon and Shields for retaliating. I love Maddon’s throw-back attitude when it comes to protecting his players and Shields did his job. If anybody say the game, Crisp took out Aki at 2B even though there was no double play to be broken up. It was a dirty play, and like I said, it was good to see the Rays take care of business.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
At pick #64, the Braves selected another HS lefty, Robert Stovall out of Alabama.
-89-91 mph fastball, plus curve, advanced changeup but apparently projects as a set-up man or closer.
And at pick #70, the Braves surprisingly enough select RHP Ezekiel Spruill out of Kell H.S. in Georgia.
-A tall, PROJECTABLE right-hander with a fastball that hits 94 mph.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
You guys should’ve seen Smoltz today. He arrived at the ballpark wearing a Detroit Red Wings cap, a red Hasek No. 27 Red Wings jersey, blue Braves shorts and sandals. He was like a kid, so exuberant.
It’s now obvious how much pressure he felt, not to mention pain, in the past few months. He was like a new man today, like the old Smoltz….
THIS JUST IN: Norton scratched from lineup, Josh Anderson starting in LF, hitting eighth (Blanco moves up from eighth to seventh).
By Ken Brave
June 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
after reading this, I got to thinking… do you imagine we all have our “routines” we go through—our habits—after a Braves loss?
http://bravesnuworld.com/2008/06/04/braves-still-stellar-at-home/
I know that I usually tell the away announcers to F themselves as they pat each other on the back in glee for beating a superior team.
Or if it’s the Joe and Skip I just tell the TV to F itself.
By Will
June 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Interesing that Acosta left the clubhouse quickly yesterday. That guy still makes me nervous on the mound even when he is on a good streak. As far as top 4 Braves I think Glavine could be on the list but i have no idea who he would replace. I do know one thing I love Chipper and Smoltz on this present team hands down more then anybody else. I feel real bad for those two that they have laid it all the on the line the last couple years and the younger generation Braves have not come through with them on a playoff level.
By 30YrBravesFan
June 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
DOB
I just can’t go there yet…the Hoss not at third for the Braves. It’s enough to read about Smoltzie’s surgery, and watch Glavine. We are coming to the end of an era. It was tremendous to watch the Braves teams of the 90s. The youngsters need to step up and make the Braes their team now.
But it’s hard to watch the vets go…
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Norton scratched due to a twisted left knee. Day to day.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
First freakin’ pitch, Hanley goes yard. Ouch.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Wow. Jurrjens stats the last 3 starts(including this one) have been pretty bad.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
JJ getting smoked early…
By jed
June 5, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
great to read that bit about the aleve commercial. that woman gives me a serious case of the willies.
By Overlord (D- Day)
June 5, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Thank you DOB for the update on Prado and Kotsay, very kind of you.
About my screen name, ill leave it like this so you know what it means.
Braveheart……. I dont like DDD, I know how to put them into women though. I like full B the better.
By kirknga
June 5, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
DOB
Again, my point was it’s better to use career numbers to set expectations for a player rather than 1/4 season.
I think it’s a good evaluative standard for all players, be they pitchers or position players….elite player or reserve. I fail to see the controversy in that.
I never ever said Blanton was elite so I don’t know where that came from but ok.
I agree with you that he has been substandard so far, but looking at his career stats I’m lead to believe he will pitch better and at at seasons end be where his track record says he’ll be. I would like the Braves to be the beneficiaries of that improvement.
Some people have mentioned Harrang, Arroyo, Snell, etc… I said that when we look at career totals(ERA, BB/K’s, innings pitch, etc…), Blanton compares favorably if not best. Plus he’s not a $10million/year like Maddux thus a better fit with the Braves budget. He’s also young, healthy, is an innings-eater and would fit in nicely with JJ, Hudson, and Glavine as a 3rd,4th, 5th starter.
Until recently he was a pitcher many on this board were favorable towards, I guess I don’t understand why that has changed, and for the reasons stated above, I do not find what he’s done in 1/4 of this season as enough of an argument to negate what he can bring to the Braves.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 5, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Uh, Norton scratched? Haven’t been Ed, er, Greg’s biggest fan as a regular, but hope it’s not serious. That’s why another bat would be helpful. Or if Norton goes on the DL, we’ll go to a 14-man pitching staff! Oh joy!
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
30Yr, Chipper plans to be here at least 4-5 more years. Up to the Braves to make it happen.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
How was Johnson’s ball not a hit?!?!? Thing was crushed.
By Overlord (D- Day)
June 5, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
TEX has been hitting the ball like that all year….. He is finally finding the hole, getting his breaks.
By Goodoleboy58
June 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Braves thought we needed some more pitchers in the minors ehhh
By McFann
June 5, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Eeeeerrrrrrgggg!!!!!
Hmph….278…
By GT
June 5, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
A sure sign the season is headed in the wrong direction when the beat writer talks about his favorite Atlanta Braves of all time.
By jimi james
June 5, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Agree on your four but there were many I could name. *Brett Butler * was one that gave a 110% down and dirty. First class gentleman and loved the fans. Would sign for hours before and after games. Even took my son (was bat boy a few times) home with him to spend the night with his family. Super person and player.
DOB My brother has played keyboard with Chuck Leavell and different bands in the past. Chuck’s at the Fox tonight. I told them about you so go on over after the game.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Just realized I had a typo in the first Chipper quote at the top of the blog. He said his “desire” to play four to six more years is strong, not his “decision” to play four to six more years.
Just wanted to clarify that.
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Anyone remember Eddie Miller? Speedy Braves outfielder who couldn’t hit enough to stay in the Majors.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Oops. Sorry. That’s .279. Mea culpa.
Anyway, eeerrrggg…
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
It’s a strong decision nevertheless.
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Hey—
Why are Skip and Pete talking about the Super Skrull?
Is there some kind of promotion tonight?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
HEY DOB
Did JJJ just throw a split-finger pitch to Jacobs??
It was only 87 mph but it looked FILTHY!!!!
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Yunel showing just how much he’s missing Brayan Pena with that bomb.
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Escobar is a bada$$
By Guillermo
June 5, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
David,
With the braves:
Maddux 2500 innings with a 2.63 ERA
Smoltz 3400 innings with a 3.26 ERA
That’s a LOT of innings… but if we compare the best season by Smoltz, according to ERA+, it’s 1996 when he had a 149 ERA+. Maddux had 8!!! seasons better than that, with the braves.
I mean, we need to include the closer seasons, especially 2003, and how does that compare. Starter vs. Closer.
But i do not think it’s close. John Smoltz is a great pitcher, and hopefully, he is going to the HOF. It’s just that Maddux was so great during those 11 seasons that it’s just not fair.
I, personally, will trade 11 “Elite” seasons for 20 great ones.
Love the blog…
By Goodoleboy58
June 5, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Random,
It’s superhero night at the ol’ ballpark
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
We were tremendously lucky there on Frenchy’s AB. He should have walked on four pitches and instead he grounds into what should have been a double play ball.
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
If stats were what I based my picks on, I’d throw Dale Murphy’s a out the window. Chipper is easily a better hitter than Murph ever was. I’d definitely slot Maddux in over Glavine if it’s about stats. I’m merely picking the four guys that, in my mind, are iconic Atlanta Braves. When I think of the Atlanta Braves, I will always think of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. They are the link between the crappy late-1980s, the long run of excellence ushered in by Schuerholz and Cox, and the spoiled fans (like me) who had our expectations raised, leading to many of us to weep and gnash our teeth over the last few seasons.*
More than any other Atlanta Braves players, Glavine and Smoltz are the reason I’m here typing some stupid blog about how I like ‘em so much.
Chop Chop,
I’m not basing my rankings on stats either. I’m basing mine on performance; stats are just the best way to tell who performed better. (Great response for the “baseball is not about stats, it’s about winning” argument, by the way.)
At any rate, I agree with DOB’s picks with one possible exception. I think Niekro may rank ahead of Murph.
Glavine and Smoltz are close. I give Smoltz a slight edge because of his post-season resume and because he had some better seasons of late than Glavine. Glavine has a slight edge in innings.
Maddux pitched over 850 innings fewer for Atlanta than Smoltz, so that’s why I don’t think he’s ahead of either Glavine and Smoltz. Chop Chop, I think even if you “use stats” you’d have to explain that big innings difference.
And if you “use stats” I’m not sure why Murph automatically is thrown out. Murph had five MVP-caliber seasons, two more very good seasons and one solid season.
But I think Niekro is close to Murph. Unlike Murph he never had a bad season in Atlanta and he had 17 consecutive 20-start seasons. Plus he appeared in relief several times.
Then again, you ask me tomorrow, maybe Maddux jumps in the top four. It’s a question of a few historic seasons versus a lot of very good seasons. And I think there is an argument to be made that Maddux’s 2-4 historically outstanding seasons should carry more weight than a higher quantity of very good seasons by other pitchers.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Have you seen the video of the Stephen’s Co. HS game were the catcher ducks the pitch and lets it hit the umpire in the facemask??
That kid just lost his invite to be a walk-on at Gordon College.
I wonder what makes kids think they can do something like that and get away with it?? How stupid can you be??
I’ve seen it happen before but it was at a Pony League game that wasn’t being recorded.
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Time to let the Blanco-to-leadoff movement die a merciful death. Escobar (the uncomfortable guy) is hitting nearly .300 since May 17, the last day his average went down (excluding an 0-for-6 game in the middle of the period); Blanco is hitting below .200 since May 12, the last day his average went up. I’ve come to like Blanco, but the kid is struggling as he tries to adjust. Unsurprising for a rookie, and not a knock on him at all. But there is absolutely no reason for moving him out of 8.
By SaltyDawg
June 5, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
“I don’t play baseball for the first and 15th of each month”
What a breath of fresh air this guy is compared to most athletes these days. I would rather have Chipper when he turns age 40 than money-grubbing A-Rod any day of the week. Both he and Smoltzie are what professional athletes should aspire to be - true to the game they play and honored to be playing. DOB nailed this one on the head when he put these guys in the top 4 all-time Braves, but I would venture to say they should be pretty damn high up on the MLB all-time list too.
By Goodoleboy58
June 5, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
do yall know anything about any of these braves draft picks? looks like we got alot of pitchers… anyone ever seen them play?
By Shaun
June 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Guillermo, interesting post.
In 1994 Maddux more than three runs only twice in 25 starts. So that’s about 23 starts that almost guarantees a win for your team. It may take other pitchers, even very good pitchers, a season and a half or two seasons to do that.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Grrrrr…Uggla……Grrrrr…
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I think I said earlier that Anderson was in CF. Sorry about that. He’s in LF, obviously. His first start out there for the Braves (his other start was at CF)
By Goodoleboy58
June 5, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
what are we doing out there?
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Freddi Gonzalez is out-managing Bobby Cox thus far. This is ridiculous.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Escobar might be a decent player someday if he can ever get over the absence of his friend….
By brian
June 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
whether Maddux is with the BRaves depends on what the Braves have to give up to get him and if there are any other young starters available without trading the farm.
Maddux will be a Brave if it takes a minor prospect and the Braves will be better for it. If San Diego keeps the asking price high the Braves will rightly say no.
I do not see an upgrade of a young starter available unless you want to trade away Morton and Schafer which would be ridiculous.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Will McCann ever throw anybody out? Everything is going Florida’s way thus far.
By Jeff321
June 5, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Well, Bobby Cox chose to use the wheel play twice in a row and it failed miserably. Followed by McCann’s throwing error and now we’re losing 5-3.
By LT200
June 5, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
DOB - Is Jurjens starting to “hit the wall?” Maybe a product of pitching more than he is used to?
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
GT, I did NOT list my four “favorite” Braves of all time. I listed what I believe to be the four “greatest” Atlanta Braves. Big difference.
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
A lot of stuff has gone wrong in this upper 4th inning, but in my opinion it all started with Josh Anderson’s timidity on that fly ball he laid up on.
Most of all the bad stuff that followed would have been avoided had he gone all out and caught that ball.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
I feel bad for Jurrjens. He’s pitching a helluva lot better than the score shoes. The Marlins aren’t hitting the balls hard at all, he’s been making good pitches. But everything is just going Florida’s way as they’re executing everything perfectly.
By kirknga
June 5, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
What an ugly 1/2 inning the top of the 4th was.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 5, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
LOL ! Fredi Gonzalez just picked Bobby’s pocket on that slugbunt. Add the two stolen bases and six singles together so far, it’s four runs in for the Marlins during the fourth inning. This is how small ball is played.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens hasn’t been helped out this inning by his defense, but still, his last three starts have been awful. I fear for this Braves pitching staff in Wrigley, Denver, Anaheim and the Silo at Arlington.
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
That was one of the worst innings I have had to witness…bleeder after bleeder after bleeder and you go from being up 3-1 to down 5-3
sheesh…….
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Josh begins to redeem himself with a lead-off triple.
Yay!
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Anderson just won me over with that Rose-esque slide into 3rd. Just the spark we might need here…
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
That country boy (J. Anderson from Kentucky) has got some serious wheels.
By Salt Lake Brave
June 5, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Way to go ANDERSON!!!
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
About Josh Anderson’s triple I must say. Run Forrest, run ! And the speed leads to another Braves run.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
EXCUSE ME MR. DOB
Does JJJ throw a split-finger pitch??
Braveheart — do you know??
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Whaddya know…DOWN BUY ONE FREAKIN RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Terrible call by the ump (Jacobs’ foot was way off 1B), but helluva play by Hanley and Uggla, one guy shoveling the ball without using his bare hand and the other guy catching and throwing without using his glove. That was pretty.
By SNIPER-69
June 5, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Losing Smoltz and the lack of a strong bullpen means the braves will not win the division or even a wild card. I’m not sure if brave fans have come to terms with that reality. Meanwhile the Mets get back Pedro who looked very good last start and if Alou comes back without any further injury issues means only the Mets can challenge the Phils in 2008.
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens has given up 5 runs in 4 innings!!!!!!!!!!!GOD!!!!!!!!!!CAN WE JUST TRADE HIM FOR MADDUX ALREADY, OR WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?
Why do we keep running guys like Jurrjens and Acosta out there, anyway?!?!?! Can’t we get some real talent on this team…you know, like Chad Paronto and Kyle Davies?
I also heard the Cardinals are making Pujols available. We need a backup for Tex, anyway, since he misses at least 3 to 4 games a year. So, we could probably get Albert for a package of Pena/Lillibridge/Carlyle/Resop. What? We don’t have Pena or Resop anymore? Fine. Then let’s put that bum Escobar in there, too, instead.
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
That Anderson kid can fly, I think they need to give him a look as a leadoff hitter. Just knowing he is on base will screw with the opposing pitchers.
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
JJ has got to be taken out…We have just got it back to one run after blowing the lead they JUST GOT HIM..
Now runners at the corners and no outs
By Original Jon
June 5, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
What is going on with Jurrjens recently? He has been getting hit pretty hard lately when he use to be so reliable. Wonder if he is getting tired or something
By McFann
June 5, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
So that “error” called on McCann ends his streak at 502.2 innings.
Somebody tell me why that was an error on McCann…please…I can’t take it…but I knew this day would come…
THREE FOR HIS LAST TWENTY-SIX!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
By McFann
June 5, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
I WAS WRONG!!! (I think.) THE ERROR IS GONE!!! THE STREAK LIVES ON!!!
C’mon, Jurrjens!
By Edward
June 5, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
THIS Kind of games show us why the Braves DESESPERATELY need a proven No.2/ No.3 STARTER..they CANT RELY on a Rookie all year as a No.2…all rookies get through this kind of games, they all happen to them…Glavine is not more than a No.4..Campillo and Reyes are No.5…This team better get a starter before they continue to fall in the standings because this kind of games..
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Sniper-69
Get a grip….keep telling yourself that about the Braves and Smoltz…
But he had only pitched in 5 games this year anyway so his continued absence is not gonna cost the Braves this season and propell your MUTS ahead…
let me just remind you…the Braves are 7-2 against those MUTS…you have just been fortunate to be playing the sad sack Giants the past 4 days
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody: are you serious? Jair has been a great suprise for the braves………….
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
* Goodoleboy58* — Thanks.
(I should have signed off my earlier comment “MMMS/FOOM”.
8-)
By Coach Smith
June 5, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
THE THING strikes back….
6-5
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
WOOOOHOOOO, GO HEAP!!!
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
What is going on with Jurrjens recently? He has been getting hit pretty hard lately when he use to be so reliable. Wonder if he is getting tired or something
Uh, I think it’s probably a little more of “getting rookie”, rather than “getting tired”.
By Salt Lake Brave
June 5, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
YES MCCANN!!!
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
McFann —
I know Tex had a head start, but why was Mac only rounding second when Tex crossed the plate???
8->
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Let’s save the Anderson for leadoff campaign until he gets a few more hits, please.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
THAT BALL WAS CRUSHED!!
Braves lead 6-5!!
By Jeff321
June 5, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson has the ability to be a menace on the bases. Which is exactly why he should be tormenting pitchers daily. (Not looking at them from the bench.)
By McFann
June 5, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Aw, sheesh! They put the error back! Make up your minds, people!
Oh, well. He made up for like we hoped he would.
By TexasBob
June 5, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
No doubt Aaron, Murphy, Smoltz and Jones are the four greatest Atlanta Braves. But Aaron spent nearly half his career here and put up major numbers here in a relatively dead ball era. That, and the HR crown, seems to tip “greatest” in his favor.
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Floridabrave: Since the Braves do not have a true lead-off, why not give a speed demon like Anderson a shot at the position? What do we have to lose? Norton batting 5th?
By SNIPER-69
June 5, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith you’re just lucky you’re playing at home. You know what happens the braves hit the road don’t ya?
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Steve Clearly not serious.
And how bout that Mac character, huh?
Oh, and I’d just like to go on record as saying, once again, about damn time with Josh Anderson. Needed him on the roster the first week of the season. Now we see why.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
As of right now, Escobar is hitting .421 (32-for-76) with five homers in 20 career games against the Fish.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
hey ncscoots
Evidently I have asked DOB a question that he cannot answer. Do you know if JJJ throws a sinker or a splitter??
ANYBODY KNOW ???
I guess I should have made a ridiculous remark if I want DOB to respond at all. Maybe something like ==
Hey DOB — why is Mark Bradley writing better columns about the Braves than you are?? I thought the “beat” writer was supposed to be the guy with the better insight.
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Caveman, the problem with those kids was they were too obvious about it. You gotta call the pitch out and be wild enough as a pitcher that people aren’t quite sure if you intended to make the ump dance by directing sniper fire at the ump’s ankles.
But ducking the way that catcher did was just plain stupid. But they’re kids and kids do stupid things when they’re ticked about losing a game or being squeezed (in their frustrated misperception). It’s ugly but alot of us as kids don’t see other people as people but rather as objects in the way to be screwed with. Hopefully, that catcher now realizes that the ump was not just an ump but a man as well who deserved better.
By Marvin's Garden
June 5, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t see how Murphy can be considered one of the greatest braves considering the scandals and the rumors of performance-enhancing substance abuse.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Hardy har, Random. Tex was about 20 feet from the plate.
8 > Back at ya.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Great poise shown by Jurrjens, rebounding from that unlucky inning and shutting Florida down the next too. He’s really doing this bullpen some good today.
Now let’s add to the lead here, boys.
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
On another note, my 4 all time Braves would be: Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Hank (how can you not choose Hank) and Tom Glavine.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Congrats Chipper. You’re my idol.
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody Good, I’d be worried about your sanity if you really thought that………
WOOOOHOOOOOOO 400 for Chipper!!!!!
By Random (QNS, FFF, TTB)
June 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
CCCC Chipper!!!
(Or should that be CD???)
Go Braves!!! Go Larrr-ryyyyy!!!
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
McFann
If Chipper fields a grounder and short hops Tex on the throw, how would you score it if the runner would have been out if the throw was good? Sorry, catchers can get errors on throws too.
Congrats Chipper on 400
By Dutchie
June 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
JJJ is strugling, but his talent, mentall poise and composure keeps him in the game. Grinding his innings (not bad for the pen, right?). The kid is doing well, even when he gets hit (not hard, also quite a couple of dribblers). Seems to have the mind of an experienced pitcher, not that of a rookie. Great hitting by McCan. Just a pitty the extra muscle of Frenchy didn’t seem to be able to carry that one the extra 5 yards…. Lets get the win!!
By McFann
June 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
CONGRATULATIONS, U KNO WHO!!!!
First player to hit his 400 while batting .400?
All aboard!!! LOL…
By Salt Lake Brave
June 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Congrats CHIP!!!! We will see you in the Hall for sure.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Rough night for Jacobs at 1B…
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
x x xxxxxxx xxxxxxx x x x x x x x x x x x x xxxxxxx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xxxxxxx xxxxxxx
Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh Baaaaaaaaaabbbbbbyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
By Kev
June 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
CONGRATULATIONS CHIPPER!!!!!! 400!!! What a PLAYER!!! a truly Brave forever!!!
By Guillermo
June 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Don’t get me wrong. I love John Smoltz, i think he is one of the 10 best pitchers a have seen in my life.
Greatest postseason pitcher ever. Great competitor.
It’s just that if we are measuring greatness. You have to start with Maddux. No other braves pitcher comes close. The level of consistentcy and performance that Maddux displayed as a Brave is all time great. You have to go to Koufax / Gibson / Clemens / Seaver Pedro / Spahn. In that category.
And the thing is, Maddux did it longer, with the same team, than all the modern (post 1970) pitchers.
If you look in the last 40 years, there isn’t one pitcher who did it better and/or longer with the same team than Greg Maddux.
It’s not a critique of Smoltz or Glavine… It’s just that you are comparing them with the best, in my opinion.
Regards,
Guillermo
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Well I stepped out right after Escobar announced this was going to be his game. I went to get all DOB at the disc store. Come back with 6 discs and the game really erupted. At least we’re leading for now. Picked up Spaceman’s latest offering and he’s just as consistent as Chipper is this season. Songs in A & E is another brilliant earful of beauty. This guy knows how to write. Write songs, write music, write lyrics and arrange it all so well.
Back to the game… Lakers tied with the Celtics… Braves up… new music. All is well.
By Dutchie
June 5, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
4
0
0
!!!
Such class and style…
Btw, who is fed up with Uggla?? Hitting ánd taking a 2 rbi single away from JJJ….
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Finally. DAMON MOSS pitches a superlative 6.1, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, and 7 SO’s!!!! Man on second Moss’s responsibility. VALIDIMER NUNEZ on in relief. Runner important. 0-0 in the top of the sixth.
By RC
June 5, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Here’s a question: Who would your top 400 Braves be? Way to go Chipper!
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
caveman, I don’t think a splitter is one his secondary pitches on a regular basis (doesn’t mean he can’t throw one, I guess), but his two-seamer has a lot of dip, and that change falls off so much sometimes that I guess it could look like a split. I’ve seen him cut that four-seamer, too, so, heck, who knows, LOL?
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Caveman, Jair throws a four seamer, two seam sinker, changeup and slider.
Here’s the scouting report on Jair
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I wish Chipper would stop hitting for average and sacrificing all his power to chase .400
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Hell Ya!!! As I typed all that Chipper reached the mark.
WAY TO GO CHIPPER!!
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Here is Chipper’s 400th.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=20080605flomlbatlmlb_1&mode=gameday
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
I think I know why Jurrjens has been struggling of late guys…
He was obviously a lot closer to Brayan Pena than we thought!
By BamaBravesFan
June 5, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Congrats UKNOWWHO on your 400th home run! You are definitely my favorite all time Brave.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Braveheart
June 5, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
400 damn homeruns without having a bunch of freakish home run seasons. Wow.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Keylargo—
Yeah yeah. I know, I know! But it’d been 502.2 innings, I couldn’t believe it had really happened. Cut me some slack.
8 ) (BTW—I kept score tonight, and when Smoltz got his 3000th K, AND when Smoltz got his 200th win. Now I’ll shoot for McCann’s 100th double.)
By J.D.
June 5, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
congrats chipper- my favorite player of all time, and soon to be first ballot Hall of Famer
By J.D.
June 5, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
congrats chipper- my favorite player of all time, and soon to be first ballot Hall of Famer
By carl
June 5, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Shame on all of you brave fans for not mentioning THE greatest player to put on the Atlanta uniform:
DAN KOLB
AKA: The Kolbinator!
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s defense is unreal. He’s saved so many runs already and add to the fact that he provides above average offense at the position…he’s just a special, special player.
Great work by the Braves’ scouting dept. finding this guy and an even better job by the Braves developing him. it wasn’t too long ago he was a .280 hitter with no pop in the minor leagues who “ticked” everyone off by whistling while playing defense. The Braves scouting department gets some credit-not enough- but our coaches on staff get even less for developing these guys.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Scoots: I was checking that out the other day. Blanco has been hitting on a pace that would leave him at .219 by seasons end. Not really a good idea to move him up to the top of the line up the way he’s been going lately.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
braveheart
I’ve taken a few shots behind the plate both as a catcher and an ump. I know what you mean about it being too obvious. The fact that they are still saying it was a “mixup” is making the situation all that much worse. If I had been the ump I would have tossed the pitcher/catcher/ and the head coach under the GA HS rules of player conduct and behavior. They are lucky that the ball hit the ump on a padded area.
By Rachael Ray
June 5, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Send Blanco back to the minor leagues, he needs more seasoning. He’s too raw and his approach to hitting has become half-baked.
By ncscoots
June 5, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Yikes. With Ring pitching to more than one batter, I thought wemight get a Stockman sighting, too, LOL.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
You think Nolasco will pitch around Chipper next time? Chipper is now 9-for-14 with three homers off the right-hander.
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
McFann
You hold BMac to one or two more errors this year and you will have done a magnificent job. EVERYONE makes errors.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Now the conversation goes, only switch hitter in history with a .300 average and 400 homers. In 5 or 6 more seasons he could be at 500+. Simply incredible.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks Braveheart
Then that sinker he threw in the 3rd was nasty!!
Now onto a more FUN topic!!
MY ALL-TIME 4 FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS B/C OF THEIR NICKNAME.
1 - SS Larvell “SugarBear” Blanks 2 - P Phil “Knucksie” Niekro 3 - OF Rowland “Stringbean” Office 4 - OF Brian “Ankle-stine” Asselstine(For breaking his ankle when he caught it in the old chain link fence at Atl-Fulco Stadium. They installed plexiglass over the front immediately after that night.)
Any better nicknames out their for our old and current players??
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Bennett sweats like a mother when he pitches.
Maybe his appendix has burst.
Ehh, no. That only happens to Baez.
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
I have a random question for everyone.
Does anyone remember Greg McMichael wearing solid black, shiny spikes that looked like dancing shoes?
That used to drive me crazy. He looked ridiculous.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Come on Soriano. We really need this win. Need the momentum with a hot Philly team coming in.
By A-ville Ranger
June 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Hey this Chipper Jones guy is pretty good.Why don’t I hear more about him ?
By Mal Aprop
June 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
francore ain’t pooling his wait.
By Bobby's Cox
June 5, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Anderson needs more playing time, especially as blanco continues to get overmatched at the plate bouncing balls back to the pitcher. He’s got serious holes in his swing at the BA keeps dropping.
No leading off for Blanco. Escobar does just fine there. If there’s a leadoff man that scores at a higher rate in all of MLB, please let me know.
Congrats Chipper on 400!
By N8
June 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Obviously, this season Smoltz won’t need an entry song, when coming in from the pen.
But, may I suggest that Chipper change his song from Crazy Train, to LOCKED IN by Judas Priest?
Unreal.
Anybody STILL think we couldn’t use Maddux in this rotation?
If he can be had for cheap, it’s time to go get him.
Anybody else, NOT that confident in Soriano just yet? He looked AWESOME the other night, but his command appears to be a bit off.
Definitely hasn’t lost any zip on the ball.
By Bobby's Cox
June 5, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
*i meant if there’s a leadoff guy that scores at a higher rate in the first inning than Escobar, please let me know
By Random
June 5, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
TexasBob: “Aaron spent nearly half his career here”
Less than 40% ain’t “nearly half”.
As a player, Aaron’s definitely a Brave, just not much of an Atlanta Brave.
We cannot let ourselves be fooled just because most of us knew him only after the Braves came to Atlanta.
Nor can we (at least in my opinion, we should not) allow ourselves to be swayed by his nearly 40 years in Atlanta Braves management.
Just my perspective.
But I’m not alone — it looks like I’m with Coach Smith on this.
Shaun, unsurprisingly, twists the criteria to accommodate his own obsessions: “actually Aaron probably at least matched Murphy as far as number of great years in Atlanta. Aaron had nine years in Atlanta with an OPS+ above 128. Murphy had six.”
That ain’t our objection. Aaron played 9 years in Atlanta and 14 years in Milwaukee. The question is one of geography, not performance. Of course, Aaron is probaly the greatest Brave — just not the greatest Atlanta Brave. (Btw, how many OPS+ years above 120 did he have in Milwaukee? Not that it matters.)
Gary: “[Aaron] also was leading part of the first Atlanta Pro Sports playoff team in 1969.”
Except, of course, for the Atlanta Chiefs.
By N8
June 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody
Everything about McMichael drove me crazy, and was ridiculous.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Nice win, 400 for Chipper. Lets take 2 of 3 from Philly.
By Random
June 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Squeezing the final out in the Braves’ win, Josh completes his redemption.
Go Braves!!!
Lar-ry!
Lar-ry!
Lar-ry!
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I know none of us know what Tex will do. Can you imagine Tex and Chipper back to back in a line up for another 5 years? That would really be something to witness!
By Steve In VaBch
June 5, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I know none of us know what Tex will do. Can you imagine Tex and Chipper back to back in a line up for another 5 years? That would really be something to witness!
By N8
June 5, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
OK. Never mind my comments about Soriano not having good command. He made Uggla look helpless and Gonzalez look older than he is…..which is REALLY old.
FloridaBrave
“I think I know why Jurrjens has been struggling of late guys….He was obviously a lot closer to Brayan Pena than we thought!”
That was VERY funny. Well done.
By Lil John
June 5, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Joe Simspon would you please stop whining about balls and strike calls? It’s getting old.
You act more like a Braves cheerleader than a broadcaster.
How about a little actual research and insight into the game?
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens gets a victory that he deserved a couple of times earlier in the year. This is the kind of game we weren’t winning before.
I heard a story that Mickey Mantle saw Wade Boggs hitting one day and said he just as soon wear a dress as hit like him. I kind of like this combination of Chippers’ with some power and .400 too.
By McFann
June 5, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
You hold BMac to one or two more errors this year and you will have done a magnificent job. Keylargo
Ah, thanks! Yeah, I do so much sittin’ here at home don’t I? ; )
EVERYONE makes errors.
Haha! You know it, man! Even Johnny Bench made a few!
GREAT game! Night, all!!
By Bobby's Cox
June 5, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
thanks for the update on prado DOB. can’t wait till he comes back, much to the surprise of many fellow bloggers.
i still wouldn’t mind him playing everyday. If we could have KJ transition back to left, put Anderson in Center, and have Prado playing 2B as our everyday lineup, that would be a good hitting lineup. I don’t see Kotsay playing much more this year, as his back problems are reminisent of the same injury while he was with Oakland, which cost him lots of time.
Sad news about Smotlz. Now maybe Shaun knows why I think we should’ve “Clemensed” him and saved him for September/October with a “severly inflamed biceps tendon”. The online doctors all say more rest than what smoltz got is needed. Oh well.
My greatest braves of all time:
Smotlz, Maddux, Chipper, Hank. The Murph can’t be if he can’t even get into the Hall.
We’re gonna need a starter. I still say Harden. Wouldn’t it be a great story if Hampton was our savior? I still have hope!
By Random
June 5, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Shaun —
If I had taken 15 more seconds on my previous comment, I’d’ve said “interprets” rather than “twists”.
No undue slight was intended — I was too much in a hurry to watch the last three outs.
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Wouldn’t you know. NUNEZ allows the inherited runner to score on a double, then allows two walks and a single. DURHAM plates three and MOSS is tagged with the loss. DAMM.
Stat on CLINT SAMMONS. He throws out his 16th runner in 49 attempted steals for 31+%. Gets two hits tonight. BULLS strike out 12 R-BRAVES.
STEVEinVABCH:
Dude. Meet me at the RAVEN and we’ll drown my sorrows in a bucket of beer. Haven’t heard when CHARLIE MORTON’s next start is supposed to be. Post you up as soon as I get the word.
By Saltywoody
June 5, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Everything about McMichael drove me crazy, and was ridiculous.
Fair point. And if that’s the case, then take a look at a couple of these gems.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=Greg+McMichael&gbv=2
Man, that dude was ugly. Even his wikepedia is ugly. Just says “Greg is a great guy and great with kids.” Guess they left out “weird looking” on purpose. Or maybe it doesn’t need to be stated outright.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
MY ALL-TIME 4 FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS B/C OF THEIR NICKNAME.
1 - SS Larvell “SugarBear” Blanks
2 - P Phil “Knucksie” Niekro
3 - OF Rowland “Stringbean” Office
4 - OF Brian “Ankle-stine” Asselstine
(For breaking his ankle when he caught it in the old chain link fence at Atl-Fulco Stadium. They installed plexiglass over the front immediately after that night.)
Any better nicknames out their for our old and current players??
By MVH
June 5, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper, congrats, it’s a pleasure watching you play
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
You know if he plays six and averages 25 homers a year plus 20 more this year, he could be a 3000+ hit man with 570 HR’s. Where would he rank amongst switch-hitters then.??
By A-ville Ranger
June 5, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,I just don’t see how you leave Glavine,Maddux and Niekro off any short list of Atlanta Braves greats.I agree with the four you chose but I’d go with the ”mag seven”. To reduce the list to four is too arbitrary in my opinion.With the seven you’ve got the whole crew,there’s not another who comes close.
By FloridaBrave
June 5, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Good series, could have been better but gaining two games on the Marlins is huge.
We have to keep it up vs. the Phillies. Thank GOD we won’t see Hamels.
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
ALL time BRAVES? Now that’s up my alley. AARON, SPAHN, JONES, SMOLTZ, MATHEWS, NIEKRO in that order. Can’t speak to BRAVES prior to 1952.
By Epinephrine
June 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Schafer goes 1-3 so far, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 1 K.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
richbrave: Where would he rank amongst switch-hitters then.??
Considering no Yankee has ever reached the 3,000 hit club, he’d be ahead of Mantle, especially if his average holds above .300 over that duration. And of course Mantle is only at 534 HR. Murray, well, he’d be behind on the hits, but far and away ahead on the HRs. Simply put, he’d be the best switch hitter in history.
By JEB
June 5, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
I will wear the Smoltz jersey #29 until it wears out! When it does wear out - I will have another one!
My FAVORITE Braves. After Smoltz: Chipper, & Hank Aaron.
BEST Pitcher I have ever watched - Greg Maddox (also another favorite Brave)
The day that Chipper retires will be a SAD day! A very nostalgic day! I will be walking down a LONG memory lane.
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Oh Capt. my Captain:
BRETT “Mandrake the Magician” BUTLER.
“The Road-runner” (can’t remember his name).
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
I posted this earlier but here it is again. In 77, 78, 79 Phil Niekro started 129 games, won 56, pitched 1006 innings. That’s starting every fourth game for 3 years and going about 8 innings a game. The Braves won 196 games over those 3 years. Not that Niekro is one of the 4 best but that effort is unbeatable.
By JEB
June 5, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Watching Chipper is like watching history take place. It’s happening right in front of our eyes and we will not realize how great it was to see him in person!
Rare occasions! Take them in - soak them in - it’s history!
By JimD
June 5, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
richbrave, Roadrunner was Ralph Garr.
By A-ville Ranger
June 5, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
There were at least 8 native Georgia boys picked of the first 70 in today’s baseball draft,including five of the first twenty.1st - Tim Beckham, 5th - Buster Posey, 8th - Gordon Beckham, 15th - Ethan Martin, 20th - Josh Fields, 50th - Xavier Avery, 56th - Joseph Austin, 70th - Zeke Sprull, That is a hell of an impressive list.Those are the ones I know of but since college kids are only listed by school there may be others.
By mr baseball
June 5, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Biggest series of the season (so far) this weekend. No Hamels, no Myers for Phillies. Hudson vs. Jamie Moyer and his 80 mph fastball Friday. 2 nondescript righties pitching for the Phillies Saturday & Sunday.
If Phillies win the series, Wren may need to start the process of seeing who might want Tex in a deal just prior to the trade deadline.
Phillies are either (a) about to take a comfortable lead in the division; or (b) ready for their recent hot streak to cool down.
Braves have the ability to make B happen. Would be nice to have Gonzalez back already & 3 lefties in the bullpen this weekend, instead of going with what amounts to an 11-man staff (Carlyle & Stockman basically of no value to Cox except in blowout losses). Good thing Ohman got the night off. Gonna see a lot of him and Ring the next 3 days.
Is Chipper somehow a better player now that he’s hit 400 dingers, as opposed to earlier today when he only had 399?
By richbrave
June 5, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
TENNESSEE PAUL:
Let’s have a drink on CHIP’s future sometime during spring training next year. Meanwhile, I get started now to be sure I’m up to speed then.
By Braves Fan in PA
June 5, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
This must be a first we have a player reach 600 (Griffey soon), 500 (Manny) and 400 (Chipper), 300 (Pujols soon) in the same year. I’m sure there is/will be a 100 and 200 person too.
By A-ville Ranger
June 5, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Add Charlie Blackmon the Techie at 72nd,thats at least 9 native Gawga boys in the first 72 picks today.
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
BravesFaninPA
Thank God and all Major League GM’s that we don’t have one approaching 800 HR.
By Efrim
June 5, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
mr baseball
If Phillies win the series, Wren may need to start the process of seeing who might want Tex in a deal just prior to the trade deadline.
Let’s not get crazy man. If we get swept, I’ll be b*** just like the rest of em, but I think things will be okay if we go 1-2 and finish at 4-3 for the homestand. Regardless of what happens this weekend, the Braves need to play better on the road or they are going no where fast.
By JimD
June 5, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I was in Publix tonight and they are selling Braves wines. The three I saw were:
McCann Merlot
Chipper Chardonnay
Cabernet Glavingon
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 5, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Richbrave I am still trying to figure out what happened to Lillibridge.. Currently batting .187 and falling. I really was high on that kid after watching him last summer.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Andres “Big Cat” Galarraga or the spanish “El Grand Gato”
Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky
Fred “Crime Dog” McGriff
Anybody got anymore??
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 5, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
PS… I think Morton is scheduled to pitch Sunday against Norfolk. It’s a day game.
By David O'Brien
June 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hoss was a happy dude after this game. Called it the second-biggest thrill of his career, after the World Series win (yes, he ranked it ahead of the MVP and anything else that happened in ‘99).
Also — and this surprised me — just the second curtain call he’s had in Atlanta, the other in ‘99 after his fourth homer in a late-season series against the Mets….
I talked to the dude who caught the ball. He was with his wife and two little kids. You could tell it was about the biggest night of their lives. They were thrilled, dude didn’t even want anything from Chipper, just wanted his kids to meet Hoss.
Chipper gave him a signed bat and wrote “400” on it, and three baseballs….
If Phillies win the series, Wren may need to start the process of seeing who might want Tex in a deal just prior to the trade deadline.Mr. Baseball
Mr. Baseball: Please. Stop. That’s not even in the realm of possibilities, regardless of what happens this weekend. Wren is not going to be starting any such process. We’ve got about 101 games to play, my man. ONE HUNDRED AND ONE.
And I’ve gotta say, this, so far, has been the most eventful first 10 weeks of any season I’ve ever covered. Hard to believe a third-place team could generate this many major stories, but they have.
By TennesseePaul
June 5, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Richbrave: I’ll have to plan on that. I’ve been meaning to get to Spring Training, what with all the fun Lew seems to have down there. I might be out that way next year anyways.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 5, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Boston Braves Nicknames:
Denton True Young - Cy or Cyclone
Walter Maranville - Rabbit —one of the best of all time !!
Aloysius Simmons - Bucketfoot AL
Paul Glee Waner - Big Poison
Lloyd James Waner - Little Poison
and Atl’s own Steve “Poison” Avery
We need to bring back good nicknames like this. It was so much of the flavor of the game.
By Robin
June 5, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Great game! Congrats U Know Who! A little indirect payback for that jerk Jacobs too, for the cheapshot he pulled on Frenchy earlier in the year. Yup, long memory.
Play much first …Jake? Didn’t think so!
By keylargo
June 5, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Captain Caveman
Do you remember how Avery got his nickname?
I think it came from Andy van Slyke of the Pirates after Avery beat them in the playoffs in 91. Play on Poison Ivey.
By brian
June 5, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
why will Chipper never leave the Braves unless the Braves force him out?
We can think Craig Biggio and the Braves watching him finish his career in Houston. All you have to do is look at Chipper tonight. The sheer joy of hitting a career milestone in front of the home crowd going crazy.
Thank you Chipper - not simply for the numbers but for being such a good role model for my 6 year old (who switch hits like Chipper and tries to do everything like Chipper)
By jukeandjive
June 5, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Chipper! I’m sorry I missed it. He would hit it the night I go to see the MS Braves in Mobile. Which by the way, here’s a few observations…
1) Not one but 2 of our pitchers hit HRs (Solo shots)! One was opposite field to give the braves a 1-run lead in the 3rd.
2) I think the Braves will be calling Schaeffer up before August 31 if he continues to play the way he’s playing. He batted 3rd tonight going 1-2 with an RBI single and 2 walks and a stolen base that put him in position to score on the following single up the middle. He seems to be very patient at the plate and will probably be slotted as the lead-off hitter in ATL. You can tell by watching him he has the “it” factor like Esco, Mac, & Frenchy, and should be counted on to be a part of that core in atlanta for years to come.
By LuisGuillermo
June 6, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan in PA: I think that David Wright guy hit his 100th like a month ago or so.
By THB
June 6, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Jason Stark thinks Bonderman might be available if the Tigers keep losing. He might be a target Wren looks at. The Tigers are thin in the minors. Trading Bonderman would be selling low so maybe Wren could snag him for a lesser deal. He hasn’t been great, but he’s 26 and has a lot of potential. This year his problems have been control, clearly. Lots of walks, but a decent ERA at 4.29. It’s been steadily coming down. I wouldn’t mind having him as long as he comes without giving up Schafer, Heyward, or Morton.
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
observations from the ted,
jjj sure pitched to contact tonight….
so did nolasco…
sat right behind arthur blank and about 10 of his grandkids….
never been to a game that both pitchers gave up 12 hits a piece and still pitched into the sixth inning….
if we hit dingers we win….
went up to the 755 club after the game to wait out traffic and have a beer, and met a lot of the braves 400 club members. lots of great stories about ralph garr, roland office, and knucksie….
it was superhero night promotion at the ted tonight, somewhat cheesy, but then HOSS hit his 400th. he stood there briefly and admired it and then trotted. it was a great moment for a great player.
batman just took the baton from superman and it took one day…
oh and the braves won…
and traffic was not terrible, dont get better then that.
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
mr. anderson has a little swagger.
went first to third faster then any brave i have seen since prime time, sorry f*******, mr anderson has better strides.
let josh play, let josh play, let josh play.
think tanner from the bad news bears.
By snowball's chance
June 6, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
If Smoltz is not able to regain his form as a power pitcher why couldn’t he come back as a knuckle ball pitcher? He has a knuckle ball now and he is one of the best competitors around. If he decided to I wouldn’t bet against him.
By Choppinmama
June 6, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Congrats on #400, U Kno Who AND a stolen base! Just an overall spendid player.
Hey Jacobs, nice hidden ball trick, but looks like Tex was safe/awarded the base anyway.
DOB- maybe I’ve missed it, but wasn’t Smoltz supposed to have gone to AL yesterday for a look at his shoulder? Or is it next week?
Please, please Xtra Innings, give me the Braves feed for the Philthies.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 6, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
uga-brave
Have you ever eaten any of the desserts in the 755 club??
I used to love stuffing myself on the roast,chicken, and fish and then try to digest for a couple of innings while they set up the ice cream sundae bar.
I really miss those corporate clients.
I used to take my parents up there at least once a year and they really enjoyed getting to talk to the former players and team officials. Hank Aaron is one of the most courteous and nice people you will ever meet.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 6, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
hey uga
you realize that triple by Josh didn’t even make it to the wall. He has got some serious jets.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 6, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
The Braves rank first in team ERA at 3.64, second in team BA at .277, third in team OBP at .352, fourth in SLG at .429, fifth in HR’s at 61, etc.etc.etc.etc.
mr baseball, you might want to pay better attention before sticking your foot in your mouth because this team is very much in the playoff picture.
Bye the way, my congratulations to Chipper Jones on his milestone 400th HR tonight ! His BA right now, .418.
By Reid in EAV
June 6, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
And now we get the Philthies just when they’re RED HOT. Well, at least it’s at home. We can do no wrong in Tedland.
Btw, forgive me if I’ve missed it, but hadn’t seen it much commented upon here. VERY glad to see Schafer again lighting up AA, and the conclusion that his prior surge probably (hopefully!) wasn’t due to HGH.
Finally, the story of the fan who caught Chipper’s ball? Made. My. Night. Excellent work, DOB.
And on that note, good night everybody.
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
cavey,
anderson has serious speed. the dude has another gear. blanco is starting to struggle. give him a shot in center.
we already know blanco aint a great defensive cf.
i dont know if anyone saw it, but when he did not get the bunt down the other night, he sprinted into the tunnell. i dont think he went down there to eat a snickers.
as far as tickets go i have always been lucky. i work for a company that has 8 seats in 108.
however this is the first year that you dont get passes to the 755.
they are now on your ticket, so bringing friends up there is a little bit harder.
cavey, as for the food there, i have never had a bite. i hear it is good though.
By BravesRule
June 6, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
How about an offseason trade for Joey Votto? He would be a nice replacement for Tex, right? What do you guys think?Efrim
Its a thought. His numbers away from Cincy aren’t as good but they aren’t terrible either. Small sample size so far though.
By Overlord (D- Day)
June 6, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
SNOOPY69 long time not reading you…. were you too depressed to come and blog with us? you dear braves friends??? Were you under medication since last sweep suffered in Hotlanta?
Just remember one thing…. in order for the MUTS to challenge the phillies, they have to challenge the braves and the fish first, since your team is in fourth place after being left on the field by the worst team in the majors on a run scoring hit by pitch by Schowein%·!$%·$%, please go get some relievers before you talk trash about brave relievers.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 6, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
Atlanta, say hello to Josh Anderson and his minor league career 251 stolen bases in 316 attempts. That’s a success rate of 79.4 percent.
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
braveheart said the other night that we need to resign tex at all costs.
i did not agree at first, but it is pretty obvious if you think about it.
we must have a transitional star, tex is that good.
we could lock up a great infield with a all-star type catcher for a while.
for the next few years, i would take my chances with, tex, kj, esco, HOSS, and heap.
a tough decision is gonna have to be made on #7, we traded laroche when he was arb eligible.
at this point if you extend frenchy, it might be a risk.
catcher and second base are plus positions. when you find good ones you keep them.
outfield is different.
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
coach,
i dont agree with you often.
might be because he reminds me of brett butler, but you are right.
anderson has a chance. saw it close up. even when he makes an out, he gets out of the box like a rocket.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
Reid, thanks. Talking to that guy made my night. Just a regular joe and his family, absolutely thrilled to be down in the clubhouse (in the outer lobby at least), meeting Chipper and giving him “his ball.” Good stuff.
Choppinmama: Surgery Tuesday in Birmingham.
By Quack Quack
June 6, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
LOL ! Fredi Gonzalez just picked Bobby’s pocket on that slugbunt. Add the two stolen bases and six singles together so far, it’s four runs in for the Marlins during the fourth inning. This is how small ball is played.Coach
But guess what coachiepoo? They lost the game.So all for naught huh? Small ball is for losers.
By Mitch
June 6, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
I’d love to see Greg back in a Braves uni. I dont think mgt would do it unless we were really in contention into late July. $$$ could be an issue, but Greg could really help by eating innings, and giving us quality starts. Smoltz is gone for the year, and maybe more, Hampton I dont see ever coming back. Chuck James in in the minor leagues. Our rotation is Hudson, six inning Glavine, Jurrgens, and then a bunch of questions.
I dont know if Frank and JS would do it, but Greg returning for a run at the playoffs would be a great idea, and the Pads might just do it, given how pitiful they are.
Mitch
By GeorgetownKid
June 6, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Chipper!!
You’re the best! I have been watching you play for most of my life, and I look forward to MANY more memories!!
By mr baseball
June 6, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
I keep forgetting, this blog doesn’t recognize nuance and inferences. It would not be the end of the world if the Braves lost the series to the Phillies. But it would be a very bad sign from a team that frankly isn’t making an especially convincing case that it’s a serious contender to win the division.
The whole home/road split is nearing absurd proportions, and who knows which side is going to move towards normalcy first. The series against the Marlins was encouraging, particularly Soriano & the rest of the ‘pen other than Acosta.
Even Coach is (very) occasionally correct. This team most definitely is capable of winning the division. But being capable and actually doing it are 2 different things, and so far, the Braves ain’t doing it, particularly when you contrast take their numbers other than W’s and L’s with their actual record.
Thanks for making my point, Coach, although I doubt that was your intention.
O’Brien:
If you missed it while Carol was filling in, someone actually opined that mr baseball was your pseudonym for posting under something other than your name. I imagine you must be horribly insulted.
Expected shallow types like Coach to miss my point. Et tu, DOB? Only suggesting that the Braves be prepared to make a move they would rather not consider if and when the time comes.
Don’t want to get caught totally clueless a la the Bush administration after Mission Accomplished & Hillary’s campaign after Super Tuesday. Equal opportunity political basher tonight. Hope it doesn’t come to that with the Braves, but hoping something good happens is not the same thing as being prepared if it doesn’t.
By Roman Gal
June 6, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
Wow! What an awesome game to go to. I loved how Batman and Robin parachuted onto the field. I swear, though, Batman must’ve been 70 years old…he sure looked it.
I got home and watched the game on the DVR and as much as I DESPISE Chip Caray, he did say something pretty funny: And Jacobs snags that line drive, which is an accomplishment in itself. (Or something to that effect.)
By Crabby Bill
June 6, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
I hate nights like this,it’s too hard to find anything sucky enough to b*** about.Oh well,congratulations Chipper,what the hell kind of name is that anyway ?
By Cherokee
June 6, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
Evidently I have asked DOB a question that he cannot answer. Do you know if JJJ throws a sinker or a splitter??CaptCave
he throws a sinker. it’s not considered one of his best pitches on a regular basis. he also throws a slider but not often or particularly well. fastball and change are his best
By uga-brave
June 6, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
well we are gonna miss myers and hammells.
dont get better. if we are contenders, time to show it.
the phill’s rake. like i said all off season, they are the team to beat.
gotta keep rollins, and victorino off the bases.
for all you bobby haters out there answer me this.
we have lost smoltz, moylan, soriano for a third, hampton was supposed to contribute, chuck-n-duck, (who was supposed to contribute,) we have been somewhat lucky.
our pitching has been outstanding.
campillo, has come out of nowhere and has been very sericable.
the glaring problem with this team is in the outfield.
how many teams that are contenders hit their outfield 6,7,and 8 in their batting order?
By Roman Gal
June 6, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this
Crabby Bill You could complain that Frenchy left 6 men on base.
Which brings up a question to all of you bright folks. When did he start employing that stupid toe tap? I don’t remember him having it before this year. It seems like when he does make a good swing, his timing is off and he fouls it off or misses the ball completely.
By moby Grape
June 6, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this
You know if he plays six and averages 25 homers a year plus 20 more this year, he could be a 3000+ hit man with 570 HR’s. Where would he rank amongst switch-hitters then.??RichBrave
You’re doing some serious dreaming there Rich. He’s 36 already. If he even manages to get to 500/3000 I’ll be surprised …but very pleased.
By MEB
June 6, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
Chipper… Congratulations! I couldn’t be there tonight but I’m very proud that may son was able to go with a couple of friends. He was thrilled! Looking forward to 500!!!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
June 6, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
I did some checking and looked up the remaining 101 game home/away schedule and applied the current trend of winning at home while losing on the road. The results are startling to say the least.
Atlanta has 48 games at home and 53 on the road left to play. The two winning/losing percentages at home and on the road are .757/.250, suggesting that the Braves could finish 36-12 at home and 13-40 on the road. Leaving the 2008 Braves with a final record of 81-81.
Sounds ludicrous doesn’t it? I agree. This dichotomy simply cannot continue or as Yogi Berra would say, it ain’t over till it’s over.
By Eddie Cook
June 6, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
Good stuff, David.
I have certainly enjoyed watching Chipper this year. In fact ever since Somltz called him out last year, I have enjoyed watching his play.
It is tough to pick the top four Atlanta Braves of all time, because you have your personal favorites and it’s tough to leave them off of the list.
So, what I have done is to make two lists - my top four and my favorite four.
My Top Four Atlanta Braves:
1) Phil Niekro - He is still the all-time winningest Atlanta Braves pitcher (with 266 wins as an Atlanta Brave), and he pitched during a time when the Braves were not a perennial contender. 2) Chipper Jones - I did not think he would be on my list, but the stats don’t lie. 3) John Smoltz - Smoltz’s stats are too impressive - over 3000 strikeouts, over 200 wins and over 150 saves amidst four elbow surgeries - truly impressive. 4) Dale Murphy - back-to-back MVP awards and more home runs as an Atlanta Brave than Hank Aaron.
Others just missing the list - Hank Aaron (not enough years in Atlanta), Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Andruw Jones
My Personal Favorite Atlanta Braves:
1) Phil Niekro 2) John Smoltz 3) Dale Murphy 4) Chipper Jones
Others just missing the list - Buzz Capra, Biff Pocoroba, Rico Carty, and Mark Lemke
By Richie
June 6, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
Good Win last night. Alot of postives from yesterdays game on top of the win. Anderson started and had 2 key contributions - the triple that led to scoring our 4th run last night and a quiet but siginificant play. The ball he cut off in the left field corner, where he kept Uggly to a single. Florida announcers were going on about that wouldve been a double if Norton started. Jurrjens didnt have his best stuff again but gutted out another win. Kid is showing stuff I wasnt sure he would have a rook. And of course, seeing Hoss blast 400 in the night time. Let’s keep it up. Hopefully anderson starts again
By richbrave
June 6, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
STEVEinVABCH:
MORTON-SUNDAY @ NORFOLK. Per Gil in Mechanicsville. If there’s any change will let you know. Be there. Next to RINGLING BROS. it’s the “greatest show on earth.”
By richbrave
June 6, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
GILinMECHANICSVILLE:
Hey buddy. Have you been going to the games.?? Me. Only two with my two grandsons playing almost every day somewhere. Both CHARLIE MORTON starts. Boy, he took a step forward last outing didn’t he.?? The young man’s learning how to pitch instead of throw.
What has happened to BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE.?? Have no idea. Maybe he got down after not making the big club, and has let it get out of control. But I see the BRAVES are not gonna’ wait much longer. his replacement is DIORY HERNANDEZ and he’s on fire here.
By Jeff R
June 6, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Healthy is the key to Chipper. Would he accept two years with a third year option? In the meantime, Braves need to develop a third sacker to take the job once Chipper says, “Adios.”
DOB is right. Management shouldn’t give away the store for a marginal or average starting pitcher. Morton is on fire. Seems that he’s ready for showtime. Bring him up. Reyes’ performances have been encouraging. Hopefully, he continues to progress.
Maddux? Honestly, is anyone really satisfied with the recycled Tommy Glavine? As DOB wrote, do we really want to add another 5-inning starter to the rotation?
Rather than going older, in terms of starting pitching, the team needs to go younger. If that doesn’t lead to a post season berth in 2008, so be it. Once upon a time, teams used to build for the future. And for the Braves, that’s only looking ahead to 2009.
By Jeff R
June 6, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Top three or four all-time Atlanta Braves:
1) Maddux (Atlanta years were greatest) 2) Glavine (Ditto) 3) Chipper Jones 4) Smoltz
Phil Niekro is a close # 5. Dale Murphy receives honorale mention. Aaron is really a Milwaukee Braves great.
By KneeJerk
June 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
OK, who was clamoring for Bobby to yank Jair after the rough start. Good job by Jair for grinding through a rough start to get the win. I know all the Bobby-haters were sitting on the edge of their seats ready to spew venom when Jair totally lost it. Kudos to Bobby for letting Jair work through it.
By Paddy
June 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Guys how quickly we forget Pat Rocket , Brian Asselstine and Mike Heath.
Oh and Acosta will get the word from his teamates. Doubt this kind of behavior will happen again.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun, unsurprisingly, twists the criteria to accommodate his own obsessions: “actually Aaron probably at least matched Murphy as far as number of great years in Atlanta. Aaron had nine years in Atlanta with an OPS+ above 128. Murphy had six.”
That ain’t our objection. Aaron played 9 years in Atlanta and 14 years in Milwaukee. The question is one of geography, not performance. Of course, Aaron is probaly the greatest Brave — just not the greatest Atlanta Brave. (Btw, how many OPS+ years above 120 did he have in Milwaukee? Not that it matters.)
Great discussion. Seriously, thanks for bringing this up DOB. These are always fun questions.
I just think Aaron’s nine great years in Atlanta are good enough to earn him a spot among the greatest Atlanta Braves. But I do think Chipper is the greatest Atlanta Brave.
By jimmie
June 6, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Chipper’s 400th homer must have been a wonderful sight to see. Too bad those of us who live outside Atlanta couldn’t see it. Such an important milestone and it’s only on PCH which most of us can’t see. I notice there are many more games only on that channel. What else will we miss? I’ve been a loyal Braves fan since 1966 and now I can’t even see them half the time.
By chrisklob
June 6, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Roman Gal (or anyone else that may know something about this),
Is Jason Heyward hurt? Rome was in Charleston this week. I went down to the park early to watch bp and infield. The entire Rome team came on to the field for their warm ups except for Heyward. As the team finished, Heyward came out of the clubhouse walking as though it was a little uncomfortable and went to do the same exercises. I stuck around for bp and I have to say, he looked awful. I don’t think he hit a single ball with authority. Lots of pop flies and grounders. Just curious if anyone’s heard anything about his health.
By Bojack
June 6, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Just give him a chance. Way to go Josh, good game.
By mitchie-san
June 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
That Brett DeVall guy the Braves picked played at my high school. (Nceville,FL) Kinda cool….
Go Eagles!!
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
How about an offseason trade for Joey Votto? He would be a nice replacement for Tex, right? What do you guys think?Efrim
Its a thought. His numbers away from Cincy aren’t as good but they aren’t terrible either. Small sample size so far though.
Votto is only 24, so while his numbers may not be as good away from Cincy, he should only get better. I don’t see the Reds trading him any time soon (unless of course they can get a steal of a deal).
By mitchie-san
June 6, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Thats Niceville, FL. My bad typing is not a reflection of Niceville High School’s education program. Thank you.
By Alan
June 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Best 4 Atlanta Braves: 1. Aaron (Hall of Famer) 2. Niekro (ditto) 3. C. Jones (ditto 5 years after he retires) 4. Smoltz (ditto) Glavine and Maddux tied at #5. Murphy at #7.
I, too, would like to see Anderson at the top of the order, followed by Yunel in the 2 spot.
Someone last night mentioned acquiring Brian Roberts from the Orioles and moving KJ back to LF. Not a bad idea — I saw the O’s and Red Sox at Camden Yards last Sunday, and Roberts looked terrible, offensively and defensively. He’s hitting around .265 and seems to have lost his enthusiasm. A change of scenery will probably rejuvenate him. I wouldn’t trade anyone close to a top prospect, though. Maybe 2 mid-level guys. He’s going to go to a contender soon, I believe, maybe the Cubs.
I’d love for the Braves to get Maddux back. He’d add class in the clubhouse and depth to the starting staff. What’s not to like about that?
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Shaun
It’s possible a team can offer a similar talent. Maybe a positional player that fills a different need for them. Delmon Young for Mat Garza was a rare challenge trade. It happens. Hamilton for Volquez. I think trades like that will happen more often in baseball.
I agree with you though, I jumped the gun on that thought. It just really made no sense for the Reds to draft Alonso instead of UGA SS/2B Gordon Beckham. He was the perfect fit for a team that needs minor league infield talent. Alonso was probably just higher on their board.
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
More Hits (Left in Chipper’s Bat)
To the tune of ‘9 Bullets’ with all due apologies to The Drive-By Truckers
Chipper’s bat got more hits in it
More hits left in Chipper’s bat
Chipper’s bat got more hits in it
Gonna find a use for every last one
Known as the ‘Hoss Man’, bustin’ my butt again, sorry Marte, but I’m not done yet
Known for my defense down at the hot corner, make it all look easy throwing each guy out
Make it all look easy throwing each guy out
One for the GM who chose to pick me, a real fine guy who stayed true
One for the team that he played with, nice enough fellas, so I’ll stay too
Nice enough fellas, so I’ll stay too
One just to put Wags out of his misery
I better hit that sucker true
I’ll leave a mark that says I’m a winner but I hit it off the scoreboard just for you
I hit it off the scoreboard just for you
One hit for my teammate Frenchy, don’t be so disappointed when the Hall don’t call
One last hit, I’ll save it for the voters
After all it’s the voter’s call
After all it’s the voter’s call
Chipper’s bat got more hits in it
More hits left in Chipper’s bat
Chipper’s bat got more hits in it
Gonna find a use for every last one
By timthebrave
June 6, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
I though Jair pitched well last night. He had only 1 ball hit hard all night and that was in the first inning. If you look at the four run inning there wasn’t any solid hits. Just dink and dunk singles. JJ was a great pick up for the braves. Congrats to Chipper on 400. 4 greatest braves of all time. 1. Hank Aaron 2. Maddux (If hank can make the list even though he played many years in milwaukee than so can maddux) 3. Chipper Jones 4. John Smoltz Honorable mention 5. Glavine (not as dominant as Smoltz but still thought about putting him on the list) 6. Phil Neikro (same boat as Glavine) 7. Andruw Jones (Don’t laugh. If you don’t count the last year he had a great run with the Braves)
By sixfourthree
June 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Chipper is now my most favorite Brave ever—he just surpassed Dale Murphy. I love the fact that he seems to play for the love of the game—-not for the love of the money.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
DOB You think Nolasco will pitch around Chipper next time? Chipper is not 9-for-14 with three homers off the right-hander.
actually, yes he is. :-)
By 'Hawk Head
June 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Four Greatest Braves of All Time:
1.) Mike Hessman 2.) John Foster 3.) Todd Hollandsworth 4.) Raul Mondesi
I acctualy saw a guy with a Hessman jersey a couple of weeks ago.
By timthebrave
June 6, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I forgot Dale Murphy honorable mention.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Alan, I don’t know if the Braves would move Kelly Johnson to left in the middle of the season. Plus Roberts is due for a big raise, which may make the Braves hesitant to give up the players it would take to get him.
Efrim, yeah, I think trades for young players do happen. And I think teams generally draft the best players more than by need because drafted players are usually 3,4,5 years from the big leagues. The only exception might be if they drafted an almost certain major leaguer/major league star the previous year. For instance the Orioles wouldn’t have drafted Posey even if they had the chance given that they drafted Wieters last year.
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Eddie Matthews should be in the discussion.
By 22oz
June 6, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Just saw Sportcenter’s Top Plays, Chipper was #6. He was beaten out by jacoby ellsbury’s diving catch, a 3 pointer, the marlins double play, and a couple walk offs. All more important than a man hitting .418 hitting his 400th homer.
By Wesley T.
June 6, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Just a few honorable mentions: Mike Lum, Rod Gilbreath, Sonny Jackson, Felix Millan, Tommy House, Jeff Treadway, Sid Bream, Darrell Evans, Earl Williams, Gil Garrido, Dusty Baker, Preston Hanna, Rick Camp, Rick Matula, Larry McWilliams, Tommy Boggs, Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss, Pete Smith, Lonnie Smith, Ron Gant, Francisco Cabrera, Kelly Mann, Kent Mercker, David Justice
By BravesFanInRockies
June 6, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ folks,
What a nice game. Jair hung in there and Heap allowed him to get the win.
And Hoss was majestic. Makes you proud to be a Braves fan.
As for the Mets, I see that they just called up the monster bat who will put them over the top: ABRAHAM O. NUNEZ.
Yeah, the same dude who hit .234 for the Philthies in that bandbox of a park last year — and has a .627 career OPS.
We’re afraid, very afraid.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I, too, would like to see Anderson at the top of the order, followed by Yunel in the 2 spot.
Alan, Anderson has a career OBP of .336 against minor league pitching. The past couple of seasons he’s been under .330 against triple-A pitching. I don’t think it’s a good idea to insert him at the top of the order.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Shaun
The only exception might be if they drafted an almost certain major leaguer/major league star the previous year. For instance the Orioles wouldn’t have drafted Posey even if they had the chance given that they drafted Wieters last year.
Or if a team realizes that their prospects aren’t very good at a particular position. Like the Astros drafting Jason Castro with their first pick, 10th overall. There must be something they really don’t like about Max Sapp and JR Towles.
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Wesley T, how dare you not include Rowland Office, Biff Pocaroba, Vic Correll, Adrian Devine, Zane Smith or Craig McMurtry.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
22oz. baseball tonight was on for 25 minutes last night before they mentioned chipper. they gave him a good bit of attetion, showing all four of his hits and dubbing in the chip caray homerun call, but it took 25 minutes to get there, which surprised me.
i guess 400 isnt as big of a deal as 500, but i thought it was pretty huge.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
18 Wheels of Love, Matthews only played one season in Atlanta.
But I do think Matthews is one of the most underrated players of all-time. Probably because he faded away rather early and was overshadowed by Aaron, Spahn and Burdette on his own team and players like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle on other teams.
By Reid in EAV
June 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
I hate that I like Jimmy Rollins so much, given who he plays for. Charlie Manuel benched him yesterday for not running out a pop-up, and I gotta say, he took it like the MVP that he is. This article should be emailed to little league coaches everywhere.
http://xrl.us/bmmvf
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 6, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Shaun, he said top Braves, not Atlanta Braves. But I guess he would have included Spahn and Matthews if that is what he meant. Still, since Milwaukee was before my time I like to be all inclusive and mention all of ‘em.
By Reid in EAV
June 6, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
All these names of former players has me in a nostalgic mood. Here’s the first Braves lineup I can remember watching regularly.
Claudell Washington (RF) Chris Chambliss (1B) Bob Horner (3B) Dale Murphy (CF) Bruce (“Bruuuuuuuce”) Benedict (C) Glenn Hubbard (2B) Rafael Ramirez (SS) Rufino Linares (LF) Niekro / Tommy Boggs / Gaylord Perry / Larry McWilliams (P)
By Lee in S. GA
June 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Got to admit Tampa Bay vs. Boston is way more entertaining than watching Yankees vs. the Red Sox these days. Coco Crisp said it was like a bunch of girls fighting between the two teams last night. Guess he was including himself in that also. I also notice Crisp is starting to look a little like Manny JR. also. I was hoping Tampa would sweep the Sox but unfortunately it was Boston who did the sweeping. Maybe a little scuffle between the Braves and Phillies may add some spark to this series over the weekend. Chipper needs to way from the dugout though. This team needs no injury to him.
By AGTfan
June 6, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
guess 400 isnt as big of a deal as 500, but i thought it was pretty huge.
It would have been a bigger deal if he were a Met, Yankee, or Red Sox.
By Random
June 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Switch-pitchers: Tony Mullane, Elton “Ice Box” Chamberlain, Bert Campaneris, Greg Harris, John Smoltz???
From Yahoo:
“There very briefly was an ambidextrous pitcher who could give switch hitters a taste of their own medicine. His name was Greg Harris, and in 1995, he threw one inning of shutout ball for the Montreal Expos against the Cincinnati Reds. Harris faced a total of four hitters — two as a righty [Reggie Sanders, Bret Boone], and two as a lefty [Hal Morris, Eddie Taubensee]](one of whom he walked [Morris]).
“This excellent article from MLB.com [link did not work - r] explains that Harris had a reversible glove with two thumbs that allowed him to place it on either his right or his left hand. It’s also worth noting that while Harris is the only person to manage this feat in the 20th century, there were a few “switch pitchers” who pulled it off pre-1900 and several more who reportedly did it in the bullpen (though never in an actual game).
By ncscoots
June 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
What am I missing, that makes bloggers think that Yunel needs to move out of leadoff? The guy is hitting .310+ since May 17, with 7 BB and only 8 K, 10 R, and 10 RBI. His worst OBP all stinkin’ year has been above .370, so geez, what is there not to like, LOL?
People here (not I, but some here) SCREAMED for the guy to hit first, and then went for “uncomfortable” when he hit the first (mild) slump of his short career. Now, when he’s back to hitting the ball often and with authority, some here want Josh Anderson at the top? Folks, I’m sorry, but that’s just ludicrous.
If Bobby were to fall for that notion, he truly would be ri-Donk-ulous.
By AGTfan
June 6, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Matthews only played one season in Atlanta.
True, but he was my favorite Brave before they came to Atlanta. And somehow the heroes you develop as kids remain with you unless they totally mess up later. My favorite players as kid were Mathews and Brooks Robinson. They’ve remained favorites all my life.
When I think of my favorite Braves, they weren’t always necessarily the best players. I’ve always loved Biff Pocoroba and Bruce Benedict. I loved to watch Rico Carty. The Beeg Boy was the best 2 strike hitter I’ve ever seen. I liked Felipe Alou and Joe Torre as Braves. The list can go on and on. How can I forget Otis Nixon or Sid Bream or Crime Dog? I don’t think anyone has ever turned the double play quicker than Hubbard.
So is the question favorites or best players? Either way I can’t limit it just 4. It’s like an 8 way tie either way.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
I watched a bit of the Padres-Mets game last night and they talked about Brian Giles power outage of late. I say that is a bunch of garbage. Giles is a very good player who I think would really turn this very good offense into a great one. He has a 9 million dollar option for 2009. I think the Braves would gladly exercise that. He should still be a very good player next year.
Giles
Escobar
Chipper
Tex
McCann
Francoeur
Johnson
Kotsay
It’s something to think about. Especially if the young starter that we desire isn’t available by July 31st. May as well beat clubs with the offense and get the starter out of the game by the 5th inning every night. The Padres should be willing to give up on this year shortly.
By Random
June 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Wesley T. —
C’mon, now — you should know that you simply cannot mention Rod Gilbreath without calling up Darrell Chaney in the same breath.
What a keystone combo they were.
:-)
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
18 Wheels of Love, Eddie Mathews would be in my top five or so if I’d said all-time Braves, just as Warren Spahn obviously would be. I said ATLANTA Braves. To me, in my estimation, in my opinion, Mathews didn’t spend enough of his career with the ATLANTA Braves to belong in the top four I listed.
To me, in my estimation, in my opinion, Hank did. The stadium club, the ballpark’s address, etc, are named for Aaron and/or his accomplishment for a reason. Because he was one of the greatest players in baseball history.
By Jersey Gil
June 6, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Nice to hear Mr. David O’Brian this morning in the Jody Mac Show 950Espn here in Philadelphia area. I feel like home…Thanks DOB…. My Daughter last night call me from the Game last night when her favorite player Chipper Jones hit his 400.. congra Mr Larry Wayne Jones so happy for you.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
random thank you for that…i have ALWAYS wondered about switch pitchers. thats pretty awesome.
what happens when a switch pitcher goes against a switch hitter? do they just keep switching sides until one of them gives up? can (would) a switch hitter or pitcher change sides in the middle of an at-bat?
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
DAP, I typed a “t” instead of a “w” at the end of a long day….
Oh, and by the way, the reason Chipper’s homer wasn’t closer to the front of Baseball Tonight, I’d imagine, is because of rather extraordinary events in Boston. One, bench-clearing brawls almost always lead, especially ones involved the Sox or Yankees, etc. Like they say in TV news, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
And two, you not only had the brawl, but also the incident in the Boston dugout (Manny shoving or smacking Youklis), plus the Manny potential knee injury thing. Lot to explain in all that, and you’re not going to break it up and scatter it throughout the show, when it all involved “The Nation,” as the Baseball Tonight hosts says ad nauseum.
As big as Chipper’s homer was, the bench-clearing brawl in beantown is going to be a better attention-grabber off the top of the show, I’m sure ESPN believed (and they’re right).
And Chipper’s been hitting .400 all season. They (ESPN and Baseball Tonight) have kept up with it quite well, and will continue to do even more the deeper he gets into the season.
By Big Easy
June 6, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
how many teams that are contenders hit their outfield 6,7,and 8 in their batting order? uga-brave
How many contenders have the luxury of hitting their catcher 5th?
This discussion just grates me. Here are how the 6 division leaders ran their lineups for their last games: BoSox: LF, 2B, RF, DH, 3B, 1B, C, CF, SS ChiSox: SS, 2B, LF, 1B, DH, RF, CF, C, 3B Angels: RF, SS, 2B, LF, DH, 1B, CF, C, 2B Phils: SS, CF, 2B, 1B, LF, RF, 3B, C, P Cubbies: LF, SS, 1B, 3B, RF, C, CF, 2B, P DBacks: SS, 1B, 2B, 3B, CF, C, RF, P, LF
The Braves last lineup? SS, 2B, 3B, 1B, C, RF, CF, LF, P
You know what that shows? NOTHING. You set your lineup based on your team’s unique makeup. Our particular lineup closely resembles the White Sox lineup (drop the DH and shuffle 3B higher) and the Phillies (shuffle a couple of positions). But, bottom line, if your catcher crushes the ball, you will hit him ahead of your LF, no matter what the traditional thinking regarding “power positions,” etc.
Sure, none of those division-leaders had all three outfielders hitting 6, 7, and 8, but, who cares? We won with that lineup, didn’t we? At least we don’t have our pitcher hitting ahead of our LF (granted, it was Owings on the mound, but still…)!
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see Blanco leading off, but right now the lineup has started working, so lets let it work. When Kotsay comes back, he’ll go back to the 2-hole, and KJ goes back to the 7-hole. No big whoop.
Sometimes, people on here make too big of a deal out of the fact that “our LF should be a power position.” Yeah, well, our catcher happens to fill the power void that LF has vacated. If you look at those lineups, 5 of the 6 division leaders hit their catcher 7th or lower. We just swap our C for LF, and there ya go.
~E~
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Mr Baseball: Yeah, I must of missed that while Carroll was filling in. Whatever.
Oh, and 3-1/2 and 101 left. Those are the two bottom-line numbers right now, my friend. You can throw any others out there that you prefer to make a case, as can anyone who views this team from either side of the pendulum.
Home/road splits, day/night splits, injuries, starters’ ERA, team BA, blah blah blah.
Bottom line: 3-1/2 out, 101 to go.
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Sorry, missed the earlier blog talk of favorit ATLANTA Braves…I was specifically referring to Tim who mentioned his favorite BRAVES.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, I agree about Chipper’s 400th.
Just saw Sportcenter’s Top Plays, Chipper was #6. He was beaten out by jacoby ellsbury’s diving catch, a 3 pointer, the marlins double play, and a couple walk offs. All more important than a man hitting .418 hitting his 400th homer.
Top Plays, from what I gather, is more about remarkable plays more than remarkable career accomplishments. I’m guessing that’s why the diving catches, double plays and walk-offs were ahead. And I’m guessing the three-pointer was in the NBA Finals, which I think is a pretty big deal…no?
It’s not called “Most Important Plays,” it’s called “Top Plays.”
By the Stranger
June 6, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Hoss! See you in Cooperstown.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
mr baseball, I would add third-best run differential in the league with one of the aces injured for a good portion of the young season, key outfield injuries, and Francoeur and Tex not playing to their capabilities for a good portion of the season. Those things a pretty significant when talking about the Braves’ chances. Those things are certainly more significant than three games against the Phillies.
By Original Jon
June 6, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Thought this was cool and weird. If Huddy makes his next two starts on schedule, not counting today, then he will face the Rockies for the makeup game that he was originally scheduled to pitch on 4/10/08.
By McFann
June 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
baseball tonight was on for 25 minutes last night before they mentioned chipper. DAP
Sheesh. Those National broadcasts…
SURPRISE: Braves.com had a photo of Chipper’s homer!! (Also had one of McCann’s first error. Why the error and not the TRIPLE? I’ll get over this soon, I’m sure…well, maybe…)
By Graham
June 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Chipper! Smoltz hits 3000 strikeouts, Chipper hits homerun #400, and we still have not hit the half-way mark of the season! Good times!
On another note, does anyone know when you can get in the stadium to watch batting practice, get autographs, etc?
By DAP
June 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
DOB yeah, i was just pickin’ on ya, bro.
and i understand about the brawl in boston, because it was interesting stuff, but 25 minutes without a tease or anything? once they got to it, they paid it alot of attention, but i was still a litle surprised. no biggie though.
By McFann
June 6, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal—
I envy you being at that game! 8 )
We here don’t like Chip Caray, either. Cann you believe four of the next six games are on PTV? We all wished they woulda been on SportsSouth or FSN South last night for “Super Hero Night” so Boog could pull out his Rally Syndrome and all that…uh, even though Syndrome is the bad guy…
By Lauren T.
June 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Graham, gates open 2.5 hours before first pitch. Best place to get autographs is on the RF side of the Braves dugout.
By Random
June 6, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
DAP: “what happens when a switch pitcher goes against a switch hitter? do they just keep switching sides until one of them gives up? can (would) a switch hitter or pitcher change sides in the middle of an at-bat?”
I know I read the rule on that somewhere — just got to dig my finger into my ear and flip through those old files up there.
One of the two has to commit first — can’t remember which. (Odds are it’s the pitcher — seems like most all MLB rules favor the hitter. We’ll see.)
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones ranks in the top six in Braves history in both total bases and walks. Aaron, Matthews, Chipper Jones and Dale Murphy are the only other players who rank in the top six in both categories. Andruw also ranks 18th in steals.
So you could make a very convincing argument that Andruw Jones is one of the five greatest hitters in the franchise’s history. That says a lot about how underrated Andruw was during his tenure with the Braves (sorry Jayson Stark).
By Lee in S. GA
June 6, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
We here don’t like Chip Caray, either
Does anybody beside Skip? This man is simply annoying and looks like Jim Carrey. Could be worse though I saw Darrell Chaney’s name mention earlier in a post. He was about as good as announcing Braves games as actaully playing in them.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Random and DAP, I have no idea, but I’m guessing the rules are rather vague regarding switch-pitchers versus switch-hitters.
Seems like the umpire would just have to force the game along. If there was gamesmanship, I’m guessing the umpire would just tell the pitcher to “throw the dang ball, already” like they do now. So the pitcher would probably be forced to commit first.
By Graham
June 6, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Lauren
Thank you for the information. Trying to do something different for my father for Father’s Day, especially this one. That really helps me out!!!
By The Crab
June 6, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
After reading some of these long lost list of names of certain Braves mentioned in this blog, it makes one wonder how in the h3ll did some of these players ever make it to the big leagues. I think fans know to which certain ones I am referring to.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I think you are stretching to say Andruw is one of the five greastest hitters in Braves history. He is not better than Murphy, Chipper, Aaron, or Matthews. I would argue he isn’t better than Justice. Hell, was he even better than Horner? McGriff?
I realize he is in the top five in walks and total bases but all those strikeouts and failing to come through in key situations. And quite frankly his last two years really diminished the rest of his time in a Braves uniform. In another five or so years he definitely will not be in the top five because McCann will be there!
By THB
June 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Efrim-You’ve got the Giles situation right. He’s a good fit for the Braves. He can hit leadoff but he still has some pop in hit bat. We’d have him til after next year, right?
If we could get him for Lillibridge and a low level prospect, would you do it? Would be nice if we could somehow snag Chris Young without giving up Schafer, Morton, or Heyward too…I would be in heaven.
By N8
June 6, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
I may have asked you this before, but have you seen the movie The Commitments?
I own it, but hadn’t watched it in a while, until last night.
Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to movies about bands This is Spinal Tap cannot (and more than likely, will not) be topped.
But The Commitments gives it a serious run for it’s money.
Andruw Strong, who played Decco the lead singer, has a serious set of pipes on him. Forgot how cool and Joe Cockerish his voice was. If I’m not mistaken, he was all of 16 when they made that movie.
Anyhow, love that show. Forgot how damn funny it was. It is actually closer to what goes on in a band than Spinal Tap is. Shows all the personality conflicts that can bring a band down.
Anyhow. Off to work. Have a fine Friday.
By Random
June 6, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Btw, how many OPS+ years above 120 did he have in Milwaukee?
I’m glad you asked. Let’s up the ante from 120 (or 128) to 142.
Aaron had an OPS+ of 142 or above in eight of his nine years in Atlanta.
He had an OPS+ of 142 or above in eleven of his fourteen years in Milwaukee (including his 2 fading twilight years with the Brewers).
Also:
DOB: “Maddux not at the top only because he spent so much of his career with other teams… . . To me, in my estimation, in my opinion, Mathews didn’t spend enough of his career with the ATLANTA Braves to belong in the top four I listed. To me, in my estimation, in my opinion, Hank did.”
So Maddux played eleven years in Atlanta, and twelve years in other cities. But that’s not enough time in Atlanta.
And Aaron played nine years in Atlanta, and fourteen years in other cities. And that’s plenty enough Atlanta time.
Know why? “Because he was one of the greatest players in baseball history.”
Well, at least Shaun gets it.
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
some here want Josh Anderson at the top? Folks, I’m sorry, but that’s just ludicrous
Ludicrous Speed…
By Random
June 6, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun: “I’m guessing the rules are rather vague regarding switch-pitchers versus switch-hitters.”
I’m sure I saw something specific, somewhere.
I know that it’s only a myth that the batter may not switch after two strikes — the batter can switch after every pitch.
I’m still looking.
By madduxfan
June 6, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
KC said: “I would guess that there are only 3 teams he would accept a trade to: The Dodgers, the D-Backs, and the Braves.” Take out the D-backs. I don’t think Maddux or Arizona would be interested. For some reason, their stadium is the only place he can’t pitch well. He has a winning record against every other NL team but is, from memory, 2-12(!) (and 1-6 at Chase Field). He’s given up 9 of his 30 ERs in one stint there.
Speaking of that stint—in which he unselfishly threw the most pitches he’s thrown in a couple years in order to save the bullpen—it followed a 22(!)-inning game, not a 13-inning affair.
I’d add the Cubs and the Brewers to the list. I think he’d enjoy sitting on the bench with brother Mike.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
THB
If we could get him for Lillibridge and a low level prospect, would you do it?
Yes, in a heartbeat. Lillibridge is a utility man for this team, nothing more. I have no idea what the Padres would ask for though. I mean, he is 37 years old. Still a productive player, no doubt, but 37 on a team that is going no where, even if they get Peavy and Young back healthy. Their farm system is quite bad, so I am sure they would ask for Tommy Hanson or Gorkys Hernandez back. Braves would never do that. I would probably offer Brandon Jones or Brent Lillibridge and then one of the lefties from Rome. Maybe Barrett or Rodgers. I’d like to think that would be more than enough. The Padres will keep him if they don’t like the offer though, so we’ll have to give them something of value. I think Brandon Jones makes a lot of sense.
By Random
June 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
DAP, Shaun —
Haven’t found nothin’ yet, but I got to thinkin’.
If the batter can switch only after a pitch, then he cannot switch more than once between pitches.
Therfore, the batter must declare first (by choosing which batter’s box to occupy), and then the switch-pitcher can choose which arm to throw with.
(As far as I know, there are no rules regarding which arm a pitcher may use.)
So, it’s the batter’s box that makes the difference — that is, which one may the batter stand in.
Does that sound right to y’all?
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), I don’t think it’s a stretch at all. Murphy, Chipper, Aaron and Matthews were all better. We agree there.
Justice - He probably was a better hitter per game than AJ (10th highest OPS in Braves history for Justice and 17th for AJ) but he played in 944 fewer games for the Braves. That’s almost six full seasons worth of games.
Horner - His OPS is only slightly ahead of AJ’s and he played in 801 fewer games. (Hard for me to believe Bob Horner played more games in a Braves uniform than David Justice.)
McGriff - 6th highest OPS in Braves history but he doesn’t even rank in the top 50 in games played for the Braves. So he played a lot fewer games than AJ.
By Kentavo
June 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Top four all-time Braves:
Bob Horner Terry Harper Claudell Washington Mike BiLecki
By Kentavo
June 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Top four all-time Braves:
Bob Horner Terry Harper Claudell Washington Mike BiLecki
By Kentavo
June 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Top four all-time Braves:
Bob Horner Terry Harper Claudell Washington Mike BiLecki
By Kentavo
June 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Top four all-time Braves:
Bob Horner Terry Harper Claudell Washington Mike BiLecki
By Graham
June 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul
Fantastic reference! Nicely done!
By McFann
June 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
In another five or so years he definitely will not be in the top five because McCann will be there! Robert (CIB)
I agree! (No kidding, but I think I’d disagree if I had to. Fact is, if he keeps hittin’ the way he has through his career, no reason why anyone would disagree.)
I’d make out my list of Top Five Braves, but I don’t really qualify. Never got to watch a lot of those guys. But in another five years or so, I think I’ll be able to make out a list. (Even though I never saw Hank Aaron play, he’d still be in mine. That goes without saying.)
My main problem with Chip Caray is he seems to think he’s still on National TV. PTV is about as local as it gets, so you don’t have to say, “The Marlins would like nothing better than to at least tie the game up here in the ninth.” I mean, duh, Chip, but I don’t think you have to worry about being unbiased when your on a station that only reaches about three counties, and everybody that lives in those counties roots for the Braves. He really gets excited when the other team scores, or keeps the Braves from scoring. (He gets excited for the Braves, too, but again, no need to be unbiased on such a local channel.)
By MGL
June 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Any chance that if Norton is still hurting today they will bring up someone for the bench. It is awful thin. How about a power bat, Canizares?
By flange1
June 6, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I agree with you the trade pieces for Giles. I just don’t see either Lillibridge or B Jones as full time players for the Braves.
Let the Braves take on some salary and give them back a couple of prospects and the rebuilding can begin in SD.
By BossLady
June 6, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for catching up to the family that caught the 400 ball.
That is pure gold.
By Braveheart
June 6, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
I think getting Giles would be similar to when the Cardinals got Larry Walker in 2004. Similar age. Giles won’t hit for quite the same power Walker did down the stretch in 2004 but I think Giles could be just as important an acquisition as a top of the order hitter for this team.
By Wesley T.
June 6, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
And mentioning: Blue Moon Odom, Buzz Capra, Craig Robinson, Gary Gentry, Steve Bedrosian and Tony Tarasco
By chrisklob
June 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
KEntavo are you going to the Carolina/California League All Star game later this month?
By ncscoots
June 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, Anderson is Mercury revisited, no doubt. Though not much of that speed will be on display during those jogs back to the dugout, LOL.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), oh, and regarding Andruw’s strikeouts: The four hitters that we agree on as top Braves hitters all rank in the top five in strikeouts. So it’s silly to say Andruw’s not a top hitter because of strikeouts when those other top hitters also struck out a lot. (A perfect opportunity to insert that a hitter’s strikeout total is not nearly as important as how often he makes an out and how many bases he earns on his hits.)
As far as AJ coming through in key situations, I’m not sure he failed all that often.
All I can see are his career numbers, but obviously that’s mostly with the Braves:
RISP - .250/.357/.437
Runner on base - .254/.346/.460
Late & close - .262/.358/.473
High Leverage - .264/.353/.472
What he did in key situations isn’t significantly worse than his overall numbers.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
hey, Kentavo, who are your top 4 all time braves?
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Robert, I also agree with you about McCann. Given his defensive position, by the time he plays out his first contract, he’ll likely be right up there with Murphy.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
N8, yes, The Commitments is a very good movie.
You want to see the things that can bring a band down, you should rent two movies that actually show it happening: “Dig,” an outstanding documentary that follows the very different fortunes of two bands that came along at same time: The Dandy Warhols, who had a couple of big hits, and the probably more-talented but incredibly self-destructive Brian Jonestown Massacre (who have a huge cult following still, and are still putting out CDs).
Great movie. Not good, great.
And the other is the Metallica doc “Some Kind of Monster.” it’s hard to watch at times, they do so much bickering. But it’s fascinating, and if you like the band at all, or even as long as you don’t actively dislike them, you’ve GOT to see the movie.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Flange1 and Braveheart
Giles to the Braves makes too much sense. I hope Frank Wren is thinking about it. Maybe around July 1. Also, thought this was interesting from a Buster Olney chat:
Jeff (Evans,GA): Buster, do you think the Braves are in serious trouble without John Smoltz or are Soriano and Gonzalez(when he comes back) going to be enough?
Buster Olney: (1:35 PM ET ) Jeff: The Braves need somebody to emerge — whether in a trade, or someone unlikely like a Hampton, or a minor leaguer. But I cannot imagine them hanging in the race without an unexpected hero emerging.
I agree with him to an extent. Hopefully Hampton or Morton will be that somebody. I think everyone is waiting for Jurrjens and Campillo to come back down to Earth and Reyes to continue to be inconsistent. Just going to have to judge it day by day. If the Braves are like 5-7 games back by July 1st, then a trade for someone is needed. I’m sure they are aware.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Shaun (Atlanta): Any discussion of the Padres moving Brian Giles? I kind of hope he gets moved to a hitter’s park so he can gain back some of the respect he deserves.
Buster Olney: (1:55 PM ET ) Shaun: Yes, I think they’ll talk about moving Giles, for sure. It’s still a little early for them to blow it up, though.
Nice man. You beat me to it. I was asking if he was a fit for the Braves.
By Random
June 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
DAP: “can (would) a switch hitter or pitcher change sides in the middle of an at-bat?”
The batter can switche batter’s boxes after every pitch.
And I’m 99.44% sure that the pitcher can switch arms similarly.
But the batter must choose which batter’s box to occupy before the pitcher has to decide which arm to throw with.
Which makes sense — when the ump hollers “play ball”, he’s telling the batter to get in the box, not telling the pitcher to immediately throw.
By Wesley T.
June 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
And finally: Cecil Upsaw, Mike Cather, Marty Malloy, George Lombard, Walt Weiss, Ryan Klesko, John Rocker, Terry Mulholland, Quilvio Veras, Steve Sisco, Charlie Leibrandt, Randy St Claire, Oscar Brown, Ron Schueler, Ron Reed, Mike McQueen, Mike Jorgensen, Alex Trevino, Julio Franco and Gene Garber.
By Braveheart
June 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
McCann is having a year similar to what Piazza did in his rookie year in 1993 at the same age McCann is now (24).
I never expected McCann to be as good as he is. I don’t think anyone did. But is it time to start thinking he could have an offensive career similar to Piazza?
By DCbrave
June 6, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels
Another great piece at 9:51. Enjoyed it immensely, as always. Keep it up, man!
By David-ATL14
June 6, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Can’t think of any single player that would be a bigger waste of money on faded(ahem) skills than Brian Giles.
Unless of course you want Wren to pick up his brother.
Brilliant idea to pay a prorated portion of a 11M dollar contract(Giles has a 2M dollar kicker if traded) to a singles hitting defensive liability.
By FED UP
June 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB
I’m thinking about quitting your blog. I am tired of the constant negative crap. Plus you only seem to “converse” with a few select people on here so what is the point in trying to ask you anything??
I guess this blog isn’t as good as it used to be.
By cabravesfan
June 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
braveheart- totally agree. It is kinda hard to believe that Mac is (going to be) a 3 time all star at the age of 24. I believe that if he stays healthy there is no reason believe he will not finish his career as one of the all time great offensive catchers.
By Lee in S. GA
June 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
I never expected McCann to be as good as he is. I don’t think anyone did.
Braveheart I agree with you, I don’t believe anyone saw this coming. I was one of the ones questioning keeping him over Salty. I am man enough to admit it. McCann barring injuries will probably go down as the greatest catcher in Braves’ history to date when all is said and done. If the Braves have another catcher better come along in the future all I can say is Braves fans have a lot to look forward to.
By PAPA 10
June 6, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Greatest Braves of all time Craig Skok Biff Pocoroba Rowland Office Mike Hampton
By Cecil34
June 6, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
WesleyT
Thanks for the mention…..
By Cecil34
June 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
WesleyT
Oh, it is Upshaw…lost the h somewhere….
By Nate
June 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why the Braves are so in love with drafting high school pitchers. Seems to me they are a total crapshoot. Its not like the Braves have a track record for developing quality starters over the past decade. The only frontline starter I can remember the Braves drafting and developing is Wainwright. Am I wrong? Is there someone I missed? Seems like following Billy Beane’s example and drafting quality college pitchers is a much surer bet. just off the top of my head I know Beane drafted Hudson, Mulder, Zito, Harden, and Blanton. Those guys were all college pitchers. Doesn’t anybody have stats on how many high school pitchers the Braves have drafted over the past decade, and how many have ever been impact players in the big leagues.
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Braves are 3.5 out with 101 games to play.
They’re also destroying their bullpen every night. The odds of the pen holding up all year when being used like this are really bad. Is this year’s Braves team one of those rare ones that can actually handle frequent abuse of its bullpen? I don’t know.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
FED UP I’m thinking about quitting your blog. I am tired of the constant negative crap.
thank you for such a pleasent and positive post. its like a shining light in this dark blog world.
david-ATL14 i think youre misinformed about giles’ offensive potential. he still posts a respectable SLG% (plenty of doubles) and is a great OBP guy. he doesnt strike out, puts he ball in play, and hes not bad in right field. i mean…hes 37, not 27. he in the twilight of his career. not everyone can put up number like chipper in their late thirties. the main thing i dont like about him is he is lefthanded…id perfer a right handed bat, but whatever. id take him if we conditions were right.
By Wesley T.
June 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Oh, it is Upshaw…lost the h somewhere….
Cecil34
My apologies for the spelling error.
By flange1
June 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
FED UP,
Dude, what is your problem? Fans can be negative or positive, it is their choice. Yes we have some negative guys on here, but if you want more positive posts, then post them!
DOB answers questions from everyone, but asking “what is going on with Hampton” every day when it was answered 5 posts ago is a waste of ALL of our time.
You got a question? Ask it!
Also suggest that you stick to one screen name. Easier for all of us to know who we are speaking to.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Right here is an interesting article converging baseball and politics. Don’t worry. It doesn’t take sides politically.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
David ATL
Dig deeper. Giles can still get on base and hit for a little bit of power. He is still a very productive offensive player. His offensive production will make up for his short comings on the defensive side of the baseball. Like I said, makes too much sense.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14, you are making a grave error ignoring context regarding Giles.
2005-2007 home: .257/.369/.377
2005-2007 road: .298/.404/.481
Dimensions of Petco:
LF line: 334’
Left-center: 367’
Center: 396’
Center just to the right field side: 411’
Right-center: 387’
RF line: 322’
Sure Giles has lost power, but he’s by no means a “singles hitter.”
By DAP
June 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
nate i think the reason the braves daft so many pitchers is that they hold their value more than position players. pitchers who have struggled or look like they COULD be pretty good but havent done much yet are valuable trade pieces. look at what people are trading and paying for pitchers these days. i think the braves draft pitchers for two reasons.
the braves trust thier minor league system, and want the pitchers in thier organization to be protected and to be instructed their way.
the braves want to have plenty of pitchers to throw in a deal if they need to get a big player like tex or a big time starter.
drafting pitchers is probably a good choice.
By flange1
June 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
I too agree on McCann. I thought he was going to be good, but not this good.
I always liked him better than Salty though.
In fact, I thought his numbers and Frenchy’s numbers would be reversed. I really thought Frenchy would be playing at McCann’s level right now and vice versa.
Sorry McFann, I didn’t have confidence in the right guy! But I admit my error and move forward..
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Random
To clarify that, the batter may switch sides up until he has 2 strikes on him, at that point he must stay on the same side of the plate as when the 2nd strike was called.
By etownbrave
June 6, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Dawgs leading 11-2 top of 9th!
By Cecil34
June 6, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
Here it is to be exact….
101 games left….58 wins to go as 90 will take it.
need 58 more wins - .574 clip must be played at least.
By snowball's chance
June 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Best band movie-Spinal Tap
By Cecil34
June 6, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
FED UP
DOB has answered my questions and even straightens me out sometime! (Brad Komminsk, LOL)
By David-ATL14
June 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DAP
Going to have to respectfully disagree.
Giles is a defensive liability in the OF. I know he still gets some doubles, but at what price?
11M per year. Pass.
If we are going to go that route Randy Winn would be a much better pickup. Winn is a switch-hitter that has the ability to play all 3 OF spots and also has more pop in his bat than Giles.
Winn had 57 XBH in 07. More than Giles. Has more currently than Giles also. Makes less money than Giles also. Win is also 33 years old. He(Winn) would be a far better acquistion than Giles.
Not to even mention the baggage associated with the Giles brand.
Wren won’t go near him.
By Efrim
June 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DAP
I agree with your response to Nate. But it would be nice if the Braves took a risk on a pitcher once and a while. You don’t have to be high risk with every pick, but a mix is nice. They went high risk with a positional player in 2005, Cody Johnson, but I hope next year they will take a shot at a high risk/high reward pitcher. They will have 3 of the top 35 selections if Tex signs with the Yanks or Mets, so it should be a more exciting draft for Braves fans.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
The Braves draft strategy seems pretty clear: Unless an impact hitter is available, draft a young pitchers in hopes that a few of the lot will become quality major leaguers. Hitters are less risky. So they go heavy on young pitching. If the grab a bunch, they’re likely to find a gem somewhere in there.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOGGAGE IS UP
FED UP: Ok, sorry to disappoint. See ya.
By Lee in S. GA
June 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I think many Braves fans are skeptical of Brian Giles because how quickly his brother Marcus faded away. I was never a Marcus Giles fan period. I see he didn’t even make Wesley T’s list. I myself was surprised they both were not mentioned in the Mitchell report. However, no need for me to speculate on anything. Brian is still enough of an offensive weapon that he could help this team down the stretch.
By Nate
June 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
DAP-
I understand drafting so many pitchers. Its the choice of drafting high school pitchers over college pitchers that I don’t understand. College pitchers may not have as high a ceiling as high school pitchers, but they are much more likely to reach the majors and contribute. Drafting high school pitchers is a crap shoot and Braves haven’t been lucky over the past decade. Maybe its time to change strategy.
By DAP
June 6, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14 i agree than winn is a more desirable player, but is he available like giles is? the fact the he is only 33 could mean that the giants would like to hold on to him.
giles wouldnt cost us 11 mil. i dont think he is worth that. we would pay half his yearly salary, and what if padres paid a little of it? would you want him if we paid him 4mil and traded b jones and lillibridge? (i dont know if that realistic, but im just asking)
so have you heard winn is available? hed be a pretty good pickup.
its cool if we arent on the same page…we aretn making the decisions anyways.
By Shaun
June 6, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14, I do agree that a Giles move would depend on if the Padres would pay some of his salary and how much.
Randy Winn wouldn’t be a bad pickup. But Giles probably has at least as much power and is a better on-base guy. Remember, Winn’s home park wasn’t as bad on left-handed power-hitters as Giles’ home park, which is probably the worst in baseball by far for left-handed power-hitters.
(But some, not necessarily you, will say that me adding context to the numbers is just me trying to twist them.)
By Original Jon
June 6, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Here’s something cool if you guys and gals want to see what the scouting videos on the players the Braves have drafted so far. You can go to MLB.com and click on the draft tracker, then you can sort it by team, then, underneath each player is their scouting video. The guy the Braves took, DeVall, looks kinda like Trevor Hoffman with the leg kick. Its pretty cool.
By AGTfan
June 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
In fact, I thought his numbers and Frenchy’s numbers would be reversed. I really thought Frenchy would be playing at McCann’s level right now and vice versa.
I think most of us and most of the “so called” experts made the same mistake. I think that’s why so many on this blog are ready to give up on Frenchy.
I think drafting high school pitchers is a wise choice too. Amatuer drafts are somewhat of a crapshoot. High School Pitchers are USUALLY the best atheletes on their teams and if they don’t don’t develop as a pitcher there’s a chance they will become a good position player. Also, if you get them out of high school you start coaching them right away as professionals.
By AGTfan
June 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun, some of don’t mind if you Twist and Shout.
By yeago
June 9, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
can we add in the value of Mad dog’s intangibles? the game he called for Penny from the dugout is the stuff legends are made of. I think Frank should go after him and take a hard look at oakland’s Rich Harden, a risk to be another hampton, but still a quality starter when healthy