AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClosing it out in hurricane-scarred Houston
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Houston — Well, we just got a reminder that we’re in a city that is still recovering from a nasty hurricane: Power is out in my entire hotel.
With that in mind, and the indicator showing a laptop battery level that’s dropping steadily — someone should tell annoying dude in the Mac-PC commercials that Mac PowerBooks have weak batteries — let’s crank out a new blog.
(By the way, it’s getting warm quickly in my hotel room. By the time I add some lyrics to the end of this, I might be naked.)
First up, wanted to mention something I was going to write last week, about how I learned years ago from a manager (Jim Leyland) not to put too much stock in anything you see in September or spring training. That doesn’t mean to dismiss performance in those periods, but just don’t put too much emphasis on it.
I say that because so many see the first two starts by James Parr and assume he’ll win a spot in next year’s rotation. Then he gets knocked around a bit, as could have been predicted, and it’s obvious he’s far from a lock for anything next year at the major league level.
Or people see Josh Anderson have a three-hit, two-stolen base game (could have been a 4-for-4 game were it not for a horrible call by an ump) and assume he’s going to hit leadoff and inject the Braves with speed next season. Voila, new offense.
Not necessarily. He’ll probably get a crack at the CF job, might even be the frontrunner if Jordan Schafer isn’t ready and assuming the Braves don’t get another one-year Kotsay-type plug for center. But we should be sure not to overly emphasize what Anderson has done in September callups with the Astros and the Braves the past two years (and I think the more he plays this month, the more we’ve seen the weaknesses in his game).
Reason I bring this up now is because on Monday in Philly, before the series opener there, I asked Frank Wren if the performance of some younger players this month has been encouraging for the organization. And I also mentioned the axiom about not putting too much importance on September or spring training results.
“I think we are encouraged by some of the things we’ve seen,” he told me. “This September has been an opportunity for some young guys to get a lot of playing time, and even some of our other guys — we’re encouraged with some of our guys that have been around for a while, that have kind of come around in the month of September.
“You can’t overly evaluate what happens in September, just like you can’t in spring training. That’s an old cliche but there’s clearly some truth in it. Because we’re not playing for anything, per se. These guys are playing for jobs for ‘09, but we’re not in the pennant race, and when you’re not in the pennant race, some of the pressure’s off.”
(This, by the way, echoes what Chipper Jones told me a couple days later in Philly, when Chipper was praising the recent performance of Kelly Johnson but added the caveat about how easy it is to relax at the plate and perform when there’s really not much on the line, with a team long since out of playoff contention.)
“And so,” Wren continued, “we’re hoping to be in the pennant race again soon, we hope that [pennant-race] pressure’s on us full-bore. And we’ve just got to make sure that we re-fortifiy this club. Yes, we’re encouraged by some of the things we’ve seen, but it’s not the end-all.”
Then I asked if Jeff Francoeur and Johnson were two of those he was referring to who had “come alive” recently.
“They really have,” he said. “They’ve played very well. Jeff is more of late, but Kelly the last month has played extremely well — I think it’s shown up both offensively and defensively. He’s looked like the player that we’ve seen over the last few years and thought was coming down the pike.
“In Jeff’s case, I think Jeff’s made some adjustments that have been more productive for him probably in the last week or two. And I also think that — and Jeff’s said it very openly — that he’s at a better playing weight for his game. I think we’re seeing his speed. I think earlier in the season, the ball he hit on Sunday [a triple in the 7-6 win against the Mets at Atlanta] in the left-center field gap, there’s no way that’s a triple [for him earlier this season].
“But now he looks more like the Jeff of a couple of years ago, you know, running the bases and fielding. Those are encouraging things.”
I should add, folks, that it’s clear to me from conversations with Frank Wren and others, that Wren is very much a realist and not viewing Francoeur through any rose-colored glasses. My impression is that the erstwhile Golden Boy’s Atlanta ties and Parkview High legend won’t have anything to do with whether he has a long-term future with the Braves.
Francoeur’s a good guy, goes a lot of appearances for the team, still very popular with most Braves fans and all that, but assuming he’s back next season, he will have to perform much better than he did this year to stay a Brave.
(OK, I’m down to shorts and T-shirt now, having shed sweatpants and socks.)
Mets fans love Chipper: At least they did on Wednesday night. I got an e-mail from a Braves fan whose brother lives in New York and was at Shea Stadium on Wednesday. He said when they showed Chipper’s homer against the Phillies on the scoreboard at Shea, a lot of Mets fans started doing the tomahawk chop in salute to the guy who’s put the dagger in their own team quite a few times over the past decade.
After the game Wednesday, Chipper said he’d been approached by a couple of New York writers last week, after the Braves had won two series against the Mets sandwiched around a Phillies sweep of the Braves, and told him some New Yorkers believed if it was a conspiracy, that the Braves wanted the Phillies to win the division.
“This should put those questions to rest,” Hoss said with that familiar smirk after Wednesday’s 10-4 win at Philly.
Speaking of Josh Anderson… Kentucky’s White Lightning (dude can fly, and won a slam-dunk contest as a prepster) hit .358 in 21 September games for the Astros last season, and the Astros traded him to the Braves in November for the Vulture, Oscar Villarreal.
Now, Anderson returns for the first time to Minute Maid Park, where he has a .410 average (16-for-39) with three doubles and five RBI in 11 games.
“I like playing there,” Anderson said of the retractable-roof stadium in downtown Houston. “I like that ballpark, personally, because I don’t have to put sunblock on or deal with the sun.”
That’s not small consideration if you’re as fair-compexioned as Anderson. He lathers on the Bullfrog SPF 30 every day at most ballparks, but not at Houston. (I should’ve asked him if he’d played any games there with the roof open.)
By the way, Chipper Jones has been a monster at Minute Maid, batting .416 (42-for-101) with 16 doubles, seven homers, 27 RBI and a .483 OBP and .782 slugging percentage in 27 games (how’s a 1.265 OPS work for you?)
That’s his second-highest average and second-highest slugging at any of 38 stadiums/ballparks Jones has played in, and the highest marks in both categories at any venue where he’s played more than five games (he’s 11-for-17 with two doubles and a homer at the Metrodome, .647/.941 in five games).
But will we see him in anything more than a pinch-hitting role this weekend? I don’t know. Day-to-day question that won’t be answered until we get to the ballpark and probably not until he tests the shoulder again today with some throwing, after the Braves’ day off Thursday.
The only other active Brave with a homer at Minute Maid Park? That’d be Francoeur, who has been sort of all-or-nothing there, going 7-for-24 (.292) with a double, a triple, three homers and 11 strikeouts and one walk. That’s a .320 OBP and .792 slugging percentage, which is a rather unusual recipe for a 1.112 OPS.
OK, I’m down to shorts. Period.
Mad Dog’s future: A friend of mine, Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News, wrote a good story on Greg Maddux last week. Here’s the link
The batting title: Chipper’s pretty much got it wrapped up. Then again, Albert Pujols did go 3-for-3 Thursday (with a homer and four RBI).
If Pujols went, say, 10-for-12 this weekend and Chipper went, say, 0-for-3, Albert would finish a point with a .364 average. So I take that back. It’s not over. But it’s Chipper’s title to lose, obviously.
By the way, he regained his commanding lead in the race by hitting .424 (25-for-59) since Aug. 28, while Pujols hit .329 (28-for-85).
This despite Pujols being the far more productive hitter in that period, with 14 extra-base hits (seven homers) and 25 RBI in 24 games, compared to Chipper’s eight extra-base hits (three homers) and 11 RBI in 19 games.
Oh, one more thing: Chipper is 4-for-5 as a pinch-hitter this season, with a homer and four RBI. Before this season, he was 4-for-36 as a pinch-hitter, with one homer and six RBIs.
Etc. Braves need two wins in the three-game series to avoid their first 90-loss season since 1990, for those who care…. Will Ohman needs one appearance to tie and two appearances to break Chris Reitsma’s franchise record of 84 (again, for those who care). Ohman is also one behind Mets lefty Pedro Feliciano for the league lead in appearances. Oh, and Ohman was on my flight from Philly to Atlanta yesterday. He flew back to Atlanta on the off day and was headed to Peachtree City to pick up his dog at the kennel, then driving with said animal 700 miles to Houston, expecting to arrive in the wee hours today. Wife and children had packed up the rental house and flown back home to Phoenix.
OK, the power finally came back on. You don’t want to know what I was wearing as I typed that sentence. Seriously, you don’t.
Diversions: Very satisfied by the season premiere of The Office last night. Great stuff. Humbled Ryan’s return to Scranton. Dwight and Angela having regular sex in the storage room, while Andy plans his wedding with Angela. Show hasn’t missed a beat…. Got the new B.B. King album One Kind Favor last night and have to say, it’s the first really strong album he’s done in, well, I don’t remember the last one. This ain’t the typical schlock we’ve heard from so many aging legends who have a half-dozen friends mail in their parts on some duets that are entirely unnecessary and just done to line pockets. This is serious blues-guitar by the venerable B.B. and friends…. Also got the new Lindsey Buckingham CD Gift of Screws and I really liked it. Dude still rocks. OK, does reviewing B.B. and Buckingham make me old? Hey, the only reason I went to the place was to get Kings of Leon’s new CD and they were sold out. CD store clerks must love seeing me enter the room.
A tune from a Texan: Since we’re deep in the heart of the Long Star State.
”NOTHIN’” by Townes Van Zandt
Hey mama, when you leave
don’t leave a thing behind
I don’t want nothin’
I can’t use nothin’
Take care into the hall,
and if you see my friends
tell them I’m fine
not using nothin’
Almost burned out my eyes
threw my ears down to the floor
I didn’t see nothin’
I didn’t hear nothin’
I stood there like a block of stone
knowin’ all I had to know
and nothin’ more
man, that’s nothin’
As brothers our troubles
are locked in each others arms
and you better pray they never find you
Your back ain’t strong enough
for burdens doublefold
they’d crush you down,
down into nothin’
Being born is going blind
and buying down a thousand times
to echoes strung
on pure temptation
Sorrow and solitude
these are the precious things
and the only words
that are worth rememberin’
Comments
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
(This, by the way, echoes what Chipper Jones told me a couple days later in Philly, when Chipper was praising the recent performance of Kelly Johnson but added the caveat about how easy it is to relax at the plate and perform when there’s really not much on the line, with a team long since out of playoff contention.) DOB
Say it ain’t so!
Did you ask Chipper about VORP, too?
By Jeff R
September 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Stay cool down there, DOB. Anxious for the winter meetings, which I believe you wrote, follow the World Series this year. Expecting Wren to be very active, or to try to be very active. Is Johnson the best trade bait Wren has to get pitching?
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Has Chipper given any indication as to whether or not he thinks he’ll need surgery?
Also, can you see any scenario with Chipper’s shoulder, wherein he might decide that at this point of his career, it’s not worth going through rehab (if there’s surgery)? And yes, I am keeping in mind that he is not a pitcher.
Thank you!
By Billsnv
September 26, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB! You make it fun to be a Braves fan! Go Braves 2008-2009!
By BossLady
September 26, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Whew!!!
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
brent a., ask Curt Schilling about VORP:
SI.com: Do you think that Internet-based baseball analysts and writers should be available for BBWAA awards and Hall of Fame voting?
Schilling: Oh, it’ll come full-circle at some point. Why wouldn’t it? They already have a much larger impact than the Murray Chass’ of the world would like to believe. I mean, you’ve got guys who are putting out what I know to be legitimately valuable statistical information and its relevance to a game in a win or a loss at Baseball Prospectus. Then you have guys that I’m not too fond of, like Murray Chass, who says, “What is VORP and who cares?” It was a stupid article. The only thing it did was show his ignorance to me in modern day baseball. Because those numbers do matter, those numbers do have value. Do they have value to me in getting a player out? No. But I would tell you that there are a lot of front offices that use those numbers for a lot of important decision making.
By Jamie in Richmond
September 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien. Thanks for the fresh blog. That said,….really could have gone without the disrobing play-by-play…
By kdbanks
September 26, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Wow…a happy song for a Friday. Question re: the batting title - Has Chipper already exceeded the minimum number of plate appearances required? I assume so, since I haven’t heard it mentioned “he needs 7 AB’s to qualify” or whatever, but just want to make sure.
By Andy
September 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
DOB does not lose contests. He wins them. Or he quits them. Because they’re unfair.
By lewie
September 26, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
the new KOL album isn’t all that great, imo….not enough umph in it
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Good post at 2:49. Red Sox sure use those stats. Wonder where it has gotten them?
By Run Heap Run
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Speaking of White Lightning Josh Anderson, he dressed as Snow White for the rookie hazing deal and I swear it was hard to tell where his white tights ended and where his leg began.
By Kim
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Speaking from a girl’s perspective, I enjoyed the “disrobing play-by-play”! I’m a happily married woman, but I ain’t dead yet!
By matt_T
September 26, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I know you had some trepidation about the Kings of Leon new disc, but I really enjoy it.
They’ll be at the Tabernacle 11/18 with Athens based The Whigs.
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Shaun, What is your VORP?
By Cecil34
September 26, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
As the end is now in sight this weekend, are you relieved that it is over?
Will you give us your final in-depth analysis of the ‘08 season next week?
I would love to hear your thoughts as the traveling grind comes to an end for another season.
Stay cool, buddy….
By Anders
September 26, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
DOB
Hope you missed me as much as I’ve missed you. As you know from last year this is my busy season with all my “important clients” and all. Anyway, figured I better show my face on here before the weekend or many would think I was hiding out while the Mets stagger to the finish.
As I said waaayyy back in April “Three team race (I actually thought the Braves would compete too) down to the wire and then , who knows?” Well here we are on the last weekend just with the Brew Crew rather than Los Bravos. Sure is fun, much better than last year. I’m sure the Marlins will be out to dagger the Mets again, weather permitting. Wish you were here - we have electricity and everything!
BTW- You still want those 5 or 6 guys ahead of Santana that you mentioned a month ago? If the Mets had a bullpen he’d be collecting his third Cy Young at age 29. If his career keeps going like this there might not be 5 or 6 guys you’d take in front of him in our lifetime.
Peace.
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
“You can’t overly evaluate what happens in September, just like you can’t in September. That’s an old cliche but there’s clearly some truth in it. Because we’re not playing for anything, per se. These guys are playing for jobs for ‘09, but we’re not in the pennant race, and when you’re not in the pennant race, some of the pressure’s off.”
I don’t think you can overly evaluate what happens in any single month. Even a great player can have a bad month.
By BossLady
September 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
KIM All I could say was Whew! Anything more would not have been printed.
By BlackberryCobbler
September 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Good ridence 2008 Braves……. good grief, what a sorry @$$ team.
Thank you Chipper, McCann, Escobar, and Jurjens.
The rest of you can go play with yourself.
By Voice from the past
September 26, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Re: the stats argument…
Do you guys ever try just enjoying the game?
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
My favorite scene from lastnight’s The Office: Michael Scott tearing up the Counting Crows tickets.
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Voice from the past is a voice of reason.
By StingerSplash
September 26, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Love my Macs (personal laptop, desktop at work and an old iMac at home collecting dust and I have a new iPhone — why doesn’t Steve Jobs just give me damn stock, for crying out loud), but you are dead on about the battery life. Leaves much to be desired. Your use of the McKay line, however … probably not a good thing. Given we just had the Olympics )in a totalitarian society) and McKay’s passing within the last year, his unbelievable and exemplary work from Munich during those dark hours was relived for all who weren’t around when it happened. Maybe the next generation.
But if you want annoying — how about the Taco Bell radio commercials? Sheesh.
By flange1
September 26, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
“Voice from the past is a voice of reason.” from Brent A.
You mean RAISINS? Is that you VOR?
By Hoosier Aaron
September 26, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH posted this earlier: The Carolina League top 20 prospects are out from Baseball America: Gorkys Hernandez is #3, Tyler Flowers is #12, and Brandon Hicks is #13.
I saw Scott Diamond pitch for the Pelicans while in Myrtle Beach this summer.
Is it surprising he is not on this list?
I realize it’s only a list of 20 - maybe he came in at 21 or something.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
matt T, that’ll be a great show. Saw Kings a couple of times, once about 4-5 years ago at the Fillmore in SF when they were just breaking nationally, and then last year at the Fox. Really good live band. And The Whigs are outstanding, one of several really strong emerging bands from Atlanta/Athens, along with Selmanaires, Dead Confederate, Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause. Black Lips have already had a national impact (in alt-rock circles) with a few albums, so I don’t include them.
By StingerSplash
September 26, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
If it’s any consolation, Victor Hugo would go sans clothing when he had writer’s block.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Jeff R: Winter Meetings aren’t until first week of December. GM meetings are after World Series. Not much happens usually at GM meetings, just talking, laying possible groundwork for some future trades, etc.
Andy, Shaun: Those were hilarious scenes in the show last night. Loved it. They packed a lot of laughs into an hour.
Anders: Yeah, whatever.
By Voice from the past
September 26, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Gee… it’s nice to be remembered.
By Millie
September 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Just heard the new KOL album and I gotta say - I went back and listened to “True Love Way” from Because of the Times three times in a row…
By brandon
September 26, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
could’ve done without the play-by-play on your attire.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Hoosier Aaron, I was surprised Diamond wasn’t on the list too. I don’t think the scouts are very high on him becuase he doesn’t throw very hard (86-89 is what I hear). But his ERA was impressive. We’ll see how he performs at AA next season (I assume he’ll probably start the season there).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Stinger, you’re probably right about the McKay line, unfortunately. Took it out just now.
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
I appreciate your response to mine on the last blog. Thanks buddy.
I’ve mentioned it a few times here, but you really are a funny guy. You think I have my own personal “wish list” I’d like to carry out on here? Wow, pretty funny indeed. Ha. That’s the equivalent of me thinking my comments won’t be considered by management.
Wow, first I find out that Santa doesn’t exist. Then they said Bigfoot was a farce. Now this? I need a lollipop.
What a great response, again DOB. Instead of giving me your opinion, or instead of Shaun responding to his ridiculous VORP stat and how it relates to the RF he supports (totally negating his Ryan Howard MVP argument), I get this. .
Wishful thinking. Guess I gotta go back to Pasadena and tie another wish on the Yoko Ono wish tree
By PMC
September 26, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, “Why I Sing The Blues”
May not have all the BB hits.. but I honestly think it’s the best album BB has done. It’s fantastic.
By Braves20
September 26, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
What a awful weekend. Either the class-less Brewers or the hated Mets making the play-offs. Was so wishing the Astros could stage a miracle and be 3.5 up in the wild card when we hit town so our sweep wouldn’t have mattered.
Oh well - under 140 days until pitchers and catchers report.
By Kim
September 26, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
BossLady - It was nice, wasn’t it? :)
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
anyone see the deniro/pacino movie? it’s not worth going to a theater to see, that’s a movie you watch when you are bored out of your mind on a February weekend after football ends and before baseball begins. you otherwise would have zero reason to watch it. those two are sadly just collecting checks at this stage of their careers. they more than deserve to cash in though …..
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Hoosier, on the BA chat, the guy said that Diamond was close, but another guy, Kyle Cofield, was closer due to his 92-95 fastball and good curve. Said that Cofield needs to work on his command.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
September 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB - And don’t forget Deerhunter.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
September 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB - And don’t forget Deerhunter.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
DOB Anders: Yeah, whatever.
Weak pal, very, very weak. You shrugged Santana off as an also ran to the elite pitchers in the league a month ago and the guy has been an absolute stud since the All Star break. Nobody near him. He has a great pedigree for the last five years as well. As usual rather than man up you just slough it off as crazy old Anders at it again. You want to throw one or two guys in front of him based on personal preference etc ok, but 5 or 6? That sounds like sour grapes to me. Oh yeah, I forgot - you just write them you don’t care who wins blah, blah blah, blah blah.
BTW- If I had a nickel for every time I heard or read on ESPN, FOX baseball, or just about any other baseball outlet over the last two weeks that Santana’s exactly what the Mets didn’t have last year I’d be playing poker with Warren Buffett and Bill Gates tonight. So I’m not the only one thinking about last year’s supposed ace.
If Santana pitches Sunday and gives up 7 runs without getting out of the first inning I’ll man up and take it all back.
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
O’Brien
Not trying to be a smart-@ss here like my last post, but maybe you can help me figure something out.
You started your blog off by saying not to put too much emphasis on ST. Then you go on to say that if the Braves don’t get a stop gap guy in the offseason, Anderson will compete for the job in ST with Schafer, who may or may not be ready.
My question is, how do we know Scafer isn’t ready if you can’t put too much emphasis on ST stats?
I have a feeling the Braves don’t think he’s ready, since if they thought he was, he would’ve been here after his season ended at Mississippi right (and dropped Corky from the 40-man)? Your thoughts?
BTW, Bullfrog sounds like a good nickname for Anderson.
By DAP
September 26, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
anders santana has been good for the mets, but whats weak is saying he would have won the cy young with a bullpen. weve had two guys in our rotation the past two years who could have won cy youngs with a little bullpen help. hudson and smoltz.
but, santana has been better than i thought he was going to be. very consistant.
By Run Heap Run
September 26, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Oh hey Anders. Your mom has been looking for you. She thought you choked to death.
By N Nine
September 26, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
By the time I add some lyrics to the end of this, I might be naked
Ha! sounds like kim has enjoyed your play by play Blog!
DOB are you over with your sickness?
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I should add, folks, that it’s clear to me from conversations with Frank Wren and others, that Wren is very much a realist and not viewing Francoeur through any rose-colored glasses. My impression is that the erstwhile Golden Boy’s Atlanta ties and Parkview High legend won’t have anything to do with whether he has a long-term future with the Braves DOB
That was the response I was looking for last blog. It was worth the wait, maybe even the put down too. sniff.
By Jersey Gil
September 26, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
DOB Muchas Gracias Amigo, Thanks for this year season Blogs, i been reading all your blog and comment this year. You are the best…. DOB it posible you ask MR. Wren which of ours Prospect player going to play Winter Ball and where?, I planning to go to Puerto Rico this winter and also planning to attend to the Classic next Year.
By Fanders
September 26, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Weak pal, very, very weak. Anders
Hiding for a week while the Mets spiraled only to show up the night after a walk off win, is NOT weak. Not when my pal Anders does it.
Anders also thinks along the same lines as ESPN and Fox. Man, top that, would ya?!?
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
DAP
Maybe Smoltz and Hudson would have won Cy Youngs with a better bullpen - It’s possible, I don’t know. But starting pitching is one area where you can absolutely identify where a guys stats (Wins specifically) can be affected soley by the performance of others. Santana has left at least 7 games with a lead. I think 4 of them were by 3 or more runs. If he gets 5 of the 7 he’s 20-7 and dusting off the mantle considering the rest of his stats. I’m not saying he deserves the CY Young (although Tim K of ESPN did say just that) but I definetly don’t think there’s 5 or 6 guys that any GM would take before him given his age, track record and how he’s still performing. Hard to find guys who out perform Santana in all three of those criteria’s. That’s all I said a month ago and I stand by it today. Apparently others only respond when it’s a slam dunk for them. Typical.
By Hoosier Aaron
September 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH-
Thanks for the good work - a lot of good players - a very short list.
It was great to see Eric Campbell this summer for the Pelicans. I saw him play in high school here in southern Indiana. When you saw him you’d say - he’s good but he’s not Rolen…also a southern Indiana kid. I’m sure many others made that comparison too.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Bobbys Cox I saw your question to DOB on Schafer. Here is the way I read it. Since he is not on the 40 man roster, another player could be protected from the Rule-5 draft by leaving Schafer off the roster.
So, if Schafer impresses in the spring, then a decision at that time could be made to put him on the roster. If he is sent back down, then the Braves would have protected one player from being exposed. Probably the same situation goes for Hanson and Medlen.
We have quite a few decent prospects that will be exposed if they are not added to the 40 man roster.
By Will
September 26, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Frank,
You better go out and get some pitching for next year or we’ll end up just like this season.
By DAP
September 26, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
anders I definetly don’t think there’s 5 or 6 guys that any GM would take before him given his age, track record and how he’s still performing.
i dont know about that, but im sure hes at least top 10 for everyone. how long is his deal with the mets? think he will hold up?
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
*RHR
Oh hey Anders. Your mom has been looking for you. She thought you choked to death.
That’s very good!
Fanders I’m afraid you’re boring. BTW- The Mets were up about 4 games two weeks ago, so me showing up now is not exactly front running - agreed?
Anyway, at least I have you guys and Fanders talking MLB ball again. I mean how much minor league ball, barbecue and DOB TV and music habits can you guys take?
By Kim
September 26, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
N Nine - Yes, I did enjoy it. Unfortunately, I’m back in “serious” mode now. Got to fight this Atlanta traffic shortly …
I’m looking forward to a great game tonight!
By jmart1951
September 26, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for the blog this year. I enjoyed it daily. Well, until today TMI. Really. You don’t have a second job do you … on the phone late at night? Seriously, thanks for the good year. I do not believe that this team, fully healthy is as far away from being a contender next year as many appear to feel. In my opinion next year is a transition year with a chance of making a run to the playoffs. The following year I believe that we will be awesome. That is, unless FW trades our most promising players for a run next year. So far his player trades and moves have been pretty good. I hope he has more patience with our young pitchers than JS and Cox had. I would have liked to have had Davies on our team this year. Dotel for two games for Davies was a deal out of frustration, I believe. I can’t wait for spring training.
By lewie
September 26, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
now, the latest dead confederates album is straight up….dig on it but the new kol is soft
they do put on a good live show (saw ‘em once solo and another time opening for PJ)
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
DAP
but im sure hes at least top 10 for everyone. how long is his deal with the mets? think he will hold up?
At least top 10? The guy is 29 with two CY Youngs and an awesome winning percentage, with the best 2nd half record in baseball year after year when it really counts. Come on. That’s just not sensible.
Will he hold up? Why not? He’s a great athlete - gold glover, who can swing the bat and run. As for his arm - who knows about these things? It can happen to any pitcher at any time. If your philosophy is not to give pitchers long term deals you will always be left at the altar for FA pitchers and even with the guys you develop who leave in their prime. To me, he was a no brainer for the Mets to acquire and sign.
While everyone talks about the Mets choking last year I think the Yanks passing on Santana for Hughes and Melky Cabrera is like a 6 year choke. While he’s exactly what the Mets needed last year, he’s exactly what the Yanks needed this year (and beyond).
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…
Don’t know if anyone else has posted this, but The Onion has offered their take on the Mets’ attempt to avoid another late-season collapse:
Struggling Mets Combine To Form Carlos Voltron
The last sentence/paragraph doesn’t bode well for Met fans, though.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Anders, there is no doubt that Santana is a good pitcher now. But why don’t we wait until year 6 and year 7 of his current contract and see if he’s worth 50 million over those two seasons. I’m betting he won’t be.
I liked the Yankees’ decision on Phil Hughes…why not gamble on a guy who could easily become a very solid #2 for 400K a season, as opposed to a guaranteed #1 for 25MM a season, especially when you have to commit seven years at that price, with the latter years being a bit of a gamble as well. The Yanks had pitching depth this season, they just weren’t very lucky between injuries and bad performance, that’s all. The wild card for the Yanks is that if their gamble on Hughes fails, they’ve always got the cash to go out and sign a guy, and probably for less than Johan got.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
DAP
i dont know about that, but im sure hes at least top 10
Sorry for revisiting this but I read it again and found it just as suprising to read the second time.
Santana has a lifetime WHIP of 1.10! That’s over 1500 plus innings. He averages more than a strikeout per inning. He has a career ERA of 3.13 (mostly AL). This year his ERA is 2.64. He’s 108-51 lifetime over 208 starts.
Who are the 9 guys you would put up against these numbers?
By Original Jon
September 26, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
OMG DOB the season opener of The Office was probably by far the best season opener they have put out yet. The whole show had me laughing from beginning to end. I especially loved the part where Michael was dressed up as Michael Klump and he says that there is something wrong with society and Jim says that maybe something is wrong with Michael and Michael says, “If it’s me, then society made me that way” and Jim just looks at the camera with that, “Hmmm, Michael just made a good point” look.’
The whole show was fantastic.
Watched it twice so far.
By MiamiBeachBravesFan
September 26, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
RE: VORP (sounds like a guy on Star Trek: The Next Generation); apparently Shaun has never heard of Benjamin Disraeli. And, have the numbers helped Billy Bean and the numbers-happy Oakland A’s in recent years?
Everything in moderation, Shaun. Even the Schilling article spoke more to the arrogant, dogmatic, and dinosaur-like nature of writers such as Chass than an absolute ringing endorsement of sabermetrics.
PS, DOB, I’d rather be an 89-loss team than a 90-loss team - it really does matter, even to the guys in the clubhouse.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Anders, how dare you cite statistics to prove your point? Go back to your nerdery, little nerd boy! How can you love the game, citing esoteric things like WHIP?
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Well, I have to admit that Josh Anderson has been everything I expected. Both good and bad.
His raw speed is incredible and he can play all three OF spots with his range and arm. Anderson’s nine stolen bases already ranks third on the team in spite of playing in just thirty-seven games. Between Richmond and Atlanta he has now stolen an impossible 51 out of 59 bases (.864 success rate).
However, my biggest fear has been realized. His pitch selection is just a bit to aggressive for me. Anderson’s last twenty-five games have resulted in 6 walks and 29 strike outs. Folks, that won’t cut it in any league much less at this level. For a slap hitting lead off type hitter with virtually zero power, he doesn’t draw nearly enough walks.
Basically, he has one single fundamental flaw in his game. Anderson has to realize that getting to first base via the walk is just as effective as putting the ball in play.He needs to stop hacking at pitches he can’t handle, draw a few more walks and bring those strike out totals down. Until that changes, he is just another fourth outfielder.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Steve from Ohio
Again, if you’re worried about a pitcher finishing out the whole long term deal you will never sign one. There is always someone who will take the plunge. All things considered I think Santana is as safe a bet as there is but you never know. I wanted the Mets to sign Hampton long term too. He was a great athlete as well - you just never know. many on here say Lincecom is a better bet than Santana yet he’s a waif with a crazy delivery. History would tell you he’s more prone to break down but he’s the guy everyone desires. Go figure?
As for the Yanks going with Hughes because of dollars - no way. That was completely ego because the Red Sox have been churning out home grown guys - they wanted to show they could too. They made a huge mistake. Santana would have earned his salary in playoff revenues alone this year for the Yanks. If Cashman had the wayback machine - trust me Santana would be a Yankee.
BTW- Cashman threw Girardi under the bus last night with the media. Basically making Girardi look like a liar to the press over why Rivera was going back to NY last night. Cashman is a FA 11/1. I think somethings up here - he doesn’t do these things by mistake.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
If I had a nickel for every time I heard or read on ESPN, FOX baseball, or just about any other baseball outlet over the last two weeks that Santana’s exactly what the Mets didn’t have last year
Is this another shot at Glavine? Why do you insist on acting like Glavine was thought to be a Santana kind of guy last year? You act as if it is such a huge insult. Dude was like 41 years old. He was no one’s ace anymore ….. just your delusional team.
Let’s look at what Glavine and Santana did from the age of 25 through the age of 29:
Glavine: 91-41, 3.06 ERA
Santana: 85-39, 2.84 ERA
Santana is now 29. Do you remember how Glavine ended his age 29 season? One hit shutout in a 1-0 game to win the World Series…..
Santana at 29 may be what Glavine wasn’t at 41 but will Santana at 29 do what Glavine did at 29?
I don’t think so……. It will be all over by Monday morning for you folks ….. just like last year
By Mike
September 26, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
DOB: I wanted to thank you for all of the information that you have provided this year. I find your articles refreshing, interesting and informative. Living up in NC and loving the Braves since I can remember, Bob Horner rookie year. Even in NC I look forward to reading your comments everyday. Have a good season off, if you can say that, and let’s get ready for some signings….cha-ching…Mike from NC
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…the late streaks are only because there is absolutely NO playoff pressure on the girly men..the real judge is how they performed when it meant something..poor leadership, no long-term starting pitching, Francouer has sucked all season when under pressure, etc etc..and Chipper won’t make it through a playoff run..good 3-5 years away from being a contender..long after Bobbys gone I hope…
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…the late streaks are only because there is absolutely NO playoff pressure on the girly men..the real judge is how they performed when it meant something..poor leadership, no long-term starting pitching, Francouer has sucked all season when under pressure, etc etc..and Chipper won’t make it through a playoff run..good 3-5 years away from being a contender..long after Bobbys gone I hope…
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Anders, I’m not saying that is why the Yankees did it. I just think that it’s sound reasoning (for most clubs, maybe not the Yanks). I like the idea of the Yankees being more selective with their free agent signings; the idea of a club being a more wise spender, if you will. That’s sound organizational philosophy, as long as there is a genuine desire to win behind the moves, of course. But from a typical club’s perspective, that’s probably a good gamble. Was it good for the Yankees? The jury is still out on that one. But I stand by my statement: I think it was a wise move, no matter the reasoning. I still like Phil Hughes a lot, and I don’t think the Yankees will have any trouble going out and getting the pitcher they need. Who would you rather have (assuming the Yanks sign CC): CC and Phil Hughes or just Johan? Becuse if they had signed Johan they probably wouldn’t feel as ready to shell out 25-30MM on CC.
Again, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want Johan on our team, I’m just not so sure I like the terms of the deal. Let’s put it this way: I’ll take Jurrjens for 400K over Santana at 25MM. And I’ll use the rest of the cash to beat your club another way.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s not in lineup….
Hampton will start Sunday instead of Jurrjens. If they were in it, Cox said Jurrjens would start, but no need to “risk it” with him already having surpassed his career-high innings by more than 40.
Jurrjens said he’s felt great his last few starts, but he’s got no problem at all with not starting.
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Glad you guys have to sit through a torn up town..it should bring you back to the reality of how poainful it is to watch the bloated and bearded Braves players try to win a division..season tix were even a worse investment than 100 shares of Watchovia Bank
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Steve, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
Calling Johan Santana a GOOD pitcher, now that’s just incredibly ignorant. And basing your criticism on money is just laughable.
I got one thing to say about that: HALL OF FAME. Now, go VORP yourself.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Wayne, exactly right at 4:40 in regards to Schafer, Hanson, etc.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
lewie, that was my take on the two Kings of Leon songs I heard them do on SNL. Not greasy, rockin’ stuff I expect from them. But hey, I’ll eventually hear the CD and decide, I guess.
Dead Confederate … those lads are ferocious live. Reminded me a lot of seeing Nirvana, though without the huge hooks (a reason Nirvana exploded in popularity).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…jimmarcpa
Well, you don’t say?
Actually, Jim, it’s the worst season in 18 years, not 15.
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I hope to God that the Mets make the playoffs. Braveheart needs a damn reality check.
Go Dawgs. Roll the Tide.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Coach, let me be clear: Johan Santana is a top 5 (or better) pitcher, in both leagues. The only pitcher that I would take ahead of him hands-down is Lincecum. To take anyone else over him (of the very, very few who can match him statistically) is either a matter of preference. As long as Johan doesn’t suffer a debilitating injury within the next two seasons, or suddenly starts to suck worse than Chuck James in a home-run ballpark, he is most likely heading towards Cooperstown. Is that clear enough for you?
And I’m glad to see that besides believing that statistics don’t exist (except for the ones that you think are “good” enough to cite, arbitrarily speaking, of course), you also think that economics plays no role in baseball decisions. While this may not be true for the Yankees (I clarified that in a later post), most clubs would seriously consider money in a scenario like that. Wouldn’t you?
And you have yet to prove to me that VORP and EqA are bad statistics. Is it becuase you are too ignorant and stubborn to look them up and critically analyze them (like a rational thinker would), or is it because you cannot? I fail to see how anyone can criticize something without either knowing how it works or having sound reasoning to back it up.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Coach, did I mention that Johan is 4th in MLB for pitcher VORP, behind only Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Tim Lincecum? What a terrible, awful, horrible statistic. I mean, it can’t even predict that Johan Santana is a good pitcher. Why don’t we just scrap it for wins and losses, and maybe something arbitrary (a stat-hater’s special, arbitrariness), like number of spitballs thrown per 4.2 innings?
By Brian
September 26, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Anders- OK, you FU— MORON!!! We know, Santana is a great pitcher but why you come on here and brag about it proves you and Mutman are CLUELESS LOSERS!! READ THIS: WE DON’T CARE!!! GET A LIFE!!!
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Here is what every single professional scout, player, manager, GM, coach, baseball person etc.etc.etc has to say about Johan Santana:
The Best Left Hander in the game of baseball, bar none.
It just blows my mind when anybody attempts to criticize Santana. Two time Cy Young Award winner, gold glove, all-star, two time pitcher of the year.
What Santana accomplished in 2004 remains the stuff of myth and legend. He reeled off twenty-one consecutive quality starts and if anyone wants to understand or even grasp how difficult that is to do, consider this. The last pitcher to do it was Bob Gibson way back in 1968. Gibson was so dominant that year, MLB lowered the mound and they are the ONLY two pitchers who have ever had 20 consecutive quality starts in the modern era of baseball
I consider it the holy grail of pitching. Most baseball people don’t even recognize it because most are unaware that it even happened..
By BravesLover
September 26, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Seems to me everytime KJ gets a hit lately he’s comitted an error immediately before or after. His 14 “official” errors pales when one looks at the boners that weren’t called an error. i.e. failing to cover second base on a sure pick off, bobbling a batted ball so that a double play couldn’t be turned, failing to get to second with his feet in position to turn a double play. In Miami the knock on Uggla is that he doesn’t have “baseball intelligence”. Looks like that could be KJ’s problem also. He looks like he has to think feet, glove, catch, throw instead of instinctively playing the game. Add ham hands to the mix and one holds one’s breath when a ball is hit or thrown to him. What ever happened to Shurholtz’s philosophy that a team has to be strong up the middle to compete? Sure seemed to work well in the 90’s. Ham hands Johnson sure brought that idea to a screeching halt.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
I hope to God that the Mets make the playoffs. Braveheart needs a damn reality check.
Huh? Explain that Chop Chop. Makes zero sense if you give no context.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Again, Coach, no one(that is rational) is trying to say that Santana is anything less than one of the elite pitchers, easily, easily top 5 in MLB. Was I not clear enough in my last post?
I’m just saying that giving any pitcher (even Johan) a 7 year deal topping out at 25 million a year is a risky propostion.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, you know there’s no more winter ball in Puerto Rico, right? El foldo a year ago.
I’ve asked a Braves guy if they have a master list of where all prospects are playing this fall/winter. He’s gonna check.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Much appreciated, those of you with the kind words above.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, I can help you out on the fall/winter ball, if you don’t mind.
Braves in AFL: Deunte Heath, Tommy Hanson, Steve Marek, Kris Medlen, Tyler Flowers, Van Pope, Brandon Jones
Hawaii Winter League: Michael Broadway, Jonny Venters, Kala Kaaihue. Broadway and Venters were in high A last year, although Venters did pitch in the Southern League playoffs.
By nolie
September 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
However, my biggest fear has been realized. His pitch selection is just a bit to aggressive for me. Anderson’s last twenty-five games have resulted in 6 walks and 29 strike outs. Folks, that won’t cut it in any league much less at this level. For a slap hitting lead off type hitter with virtually zero power, he doesn’t draw nearly enough walks.
Basically, he has one single fundamental flaw in his game. Anderson has to realize that getting to first base via the walk is justCoach
Gee what a surprise. the exact same thing that every thinking poster said about him for months while you demanded that be in Atlanta cause he was sooo great in AAA. Sheeesh
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
I was making a flip comment because:
1) I don’t like the na-na-nee-boo-boo back-and-forth between Mets and Braves fans here. It’s boring.
and…
2) You’re a Tide fan.
I’m presently holding a Tide box on a stick with a toilet roll on top. I am also holding a flamethrower.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
paying a guy over 7 years almost exactly as much money as Greg Maddux has made in his entire 23 season career sounds a wee bit risky to me as well
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, I hear ya on the Mets thing even though I often engage in it. Roll Tide!
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
The imagination conjures some pretty wild visages of you sweating over a lap-top nude with a candle on the table for light. Hang tough DAVID. Thanks for being a slave to your avocation. This is above and beyond.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH, thanks for the assist.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
DOB- Your welcome!
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
JUST REALIZED I’d screwed up quote form Wren in the blog. Should’ve said you can’t overly evaluate in September, just like you can’t in the spring. Fixing now.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Dave Houston is my old stomping grounds for the mid 90’s. We loved going to the Astrodome in the summer to get away from the heat. I would take all the neighborhood kids to “CiCi’s” pizza, fill them up for