Braves

By HeywardTheFuture

October 10, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Andruw will always be a Braves legend no matter what happens the rest of his career.

I hope they get this thing they call the playoffs over soon so we can get to the exciting stuff already.

By mbatl

October 10, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

No changes. Full speed ahead.

Braves sound awfully confident in their plans to improve the team… but reading the blog and dissecting every possibility… nothing seems possible. I look forward to seeing what Wren can come up with.

DOB, I’m 8 months behind on home projects too, but don’t have an excuse like you do. (did get the Crown Molding done, though).

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! Too weird about the CSI thing!

Flange1, N Nine—

Thanks. I didn’t think so. I’ve got a replay of the Homer on my iPod, and it gets cut off as they’re going to the dugout (it’s a very short replay). They prob’ly woulda kept going if he’da given a curtain call.

It’s a shame that Chipper has only two…good grief.

N Nine Fear the reaper nice 1 hahaha

Thanks!

And you’re right: Brian’s DA MANN!!

Or, as the FOX announcer said after the Homer off Clemens:

“We said he was money…He’s money tonight!”

By NickC

October 10, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I hope Andruw finds his swing again. It doesn’t seem to be the usual drop off of bat speed, which means it may be correctable.

Maybe a winter playing with little pressure will help him sort it out and get back to what he was.

By DAP

October 10, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

i didnt know terry mcguirk was a horse. interesting.

By keylargo

October 10, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

That, plus, “I don’t want to jinx them,” Jones told L.A. Times reporter Dylan Hernandez this week, referring to the Dodgers, who rolled over the Brewers in the division series and won NLCS Game 1 against the Phillies and Cole Hamels.

Is AJ that out of touch?

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout Pat Gillick, all casual in his private box upstairs, wearing what appears to be a red T-shirt (I think it’s one of those silky undershirt things player wear under uniforms, and it’s short-sleeved).

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Good grief…I feel stupid…Somehow I missed Tomas’ post to me at 2:02.

Tomas—

Thanks. I did see a replay. Yeah, Lowe was lucky he didn’t get hurt.

Boy. Why was I just watching that trash? The Reaper just made it 4-1 with a two-run single. Sheesh. I guess there’s no stopping that little…guy…Yuck.

By Jake

October 10, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

I’m a little tired of the Brett Myers phenomenon. All of a sudden the guy at the plate is giving pitchers like Sabathia and Billingsley problems. Well at least we know how to get Ryan Howard out now. Braves pitchers take note, you may not be able to get a fastball by him but the guy can’t lay off the breaking balls.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

The Phillies up 4-1 through two innings (after a two-run, two-out single by Braves Nation’s favorite, the Flyin’ Hawaiian), and sure seem determined to make this an easier (and cheaper) World Series to cover for us East Coast ink-stained wretches and newspapers that foot the bills.

By StingerSplash

October 10, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Did Mark Cuban refer to himself in the third person? Maybe he really is a frustrated athlete.

By Tomahawkin' Again

October 10, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, what’s you pick for the ALCS? Go with the champs or do you think the Rays have that ‘91 Braves, ‘03 Marlins mojo about them and they pull the upset?

By N Nine

October 10, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

“I can’t believe Bobby Cox is still managing.”

We have rehashed Bobby Cox for years. But really, seriously, is this going to be his final season? The feeling I’ve got is well yes, it really could be. Nothing official but the outside chance that Smoltz..and maybe even Glavine having their last year could factor in? I suppose if he really wants to continue as he is the longest tenured manager in baseball, he could pending an improving outcome of ‘09 season.

I can see Phillies-Red Sox matchup. Sox have too much experience for the Rays..but young Rays could have ‘91 Braves written all over them. They finally have talent. Go Sox ‘08

I’ve got a replay of the Homer on my ipod McFann

What a fann! Mac loves you!

This week i bought one of those new 120G Ipod. Its amazing how much you can fit in. Great idea McFann i think i’m going to throw in some video of Baseball. I’m lacking some Braves action..

By Bo

October 10, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for answering my question yesterday and info today about Peavy. I hope the Braves will move on Peavy before someone beats us to him.

Sorry to hear Charlie Manuals mother died this morning.Our prays go out to CM and his family.

By keylargo

October 10, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

I may be in the minority, but I sure would like the “problem child” Flying Hawaiian in the Braves outfield. I could learn to like him a bunch before spring training.

No telling who else would play with a little more fire if someone else on the Braves did.

By Run Heap Run

October 10, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t surprise me the Phillies are already up 4-1. Dodger fans seem shocked that they lost game 1… before Manny came to town the Dodgers looked very mediocre while the Phillies have looked sharp all year. Dislike both teams anyway so whatever.

Thanks for the blog, DOB. I would’ve thought I was hearing things too if I had been watching CSI.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

DAP, he’s a horse like you’re a comedian.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

T-hawkin, considering I picked the Cubs to win the World Series, does it really matter who I’d pick to win the ALCS (or perhaps you want me to pick it, so you can bet the other way, in which case smart move by you).

I’ll take Red Sox in six games.

By mbatl

October 10, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

keylargo, I said the same thing about Victorino earlier… but then McFann tore me a new one, so I had to let it go… You know how that goes. :)

Phillies have a real attitude about them. Not great starting pitching, but these guys play to win. Braves could use a little of that.

By keylargo

October 10, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

mbatl

I have some goodwill built up with Ms. McFann. I told her I was old enough to be her Dad and would be proud of her if I was, so maybe she will let me slide just this once. 8)

But the Braves could use some attitude adjustment and maybe our catcher wouldn’t get run over as much if they were sure a fastball would be coming up and in very soon. None of the plays that Victorino has done are outside the rules. It’s just that the Braves don’t do them and they seem overly agressive.

By Efrim

October 10, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

I picked the Phillies and the Dodgers to advance before the playoffs started. I picked the Phillies to beat the Dodgers in 6 at that same point. After watching the two teams in the NLDS, I then picked the Dodgers in 6. Guess I should of stuck to my earlier prediction. Eessh. One this is for certain, the AL winner will be the favorite, by a healthy margin.

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim, if you’re looking for a quick synopsis of the BA International Signing article, you can go to Talking Chop to get it.

By Couch Tater

October 10, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Like many of you, I’m not big on the “hot dog” of Manny, but dang he sure backs it up.

By Wayne

October 10, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

McFann I got the game stats from the previous blog. Thanks, and they tell exactly what I thought, that we need someone that can hit for average, and that will be able to compensate when Chipper and/or McCann are not in.

mbatl No contradiction. If Jurrjens doesn’t sign before he is a FA, trade him. Do not deal with SB in a FA situation. Check out the Chisox. Kenny Williams has stated he will not deal with SB.

If more GMs would take a stand against “worms” like Boras, less players would sign with him. Just guessing.

Don’t get me wrong, if we can sign JJ to a contract in a year or so, great. If not, then deal him.

Will be back later…..

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

N Nine What a fann! Mac loves you!

8 ) Ya really think so? 8 )

I got that replay off the Braves website back when they used to let you do that. But ever since they “upgraded”, there’s not button that says “Save as Quicktime movie”.

Course, they don’t have McCann’s Triple, anyway, but…

And unfortunately they didn’t have a replay of his first career Homer, so I couldn’t download that. But I do have, besides the NLDS Homer, his bases-clearing double from May 30, 2007, his first homer of the 2007 season (which was also the very first homer for any team in ‘07), an interview he did during Spring Training ‘08 on Baseballchannel.TV on MLB.com, and an interview he did during the 2005 NLDS (that one has no video, but it’s got some funny stuff).

But, I can’t get any more now. Their website stinks: Ya can’t download replays anymore, and they don’t have a replay of his Tri—

Oops, I said that already, didn’t I?

Oh, and I bought May 8, 2008’s game off iTunes. That was the day Smoltz had the mic and he and McCann were talkin’ about Joe and Boog, and John asked McCann, “So cann you and Jon Sciambi actually get your arms around each other?” McCann also told the story of why he moved to catcher. (And Diaz got the walk-off hit to give the Braves a perfect 6-0 homestand.)

They don’t have the other two games I want, though: April 24 (Triple) and June 21 (Stolen Base and Walk-Off Single). Ah well. That’s how it always goes.

Keylargo—

All right, I’ll let it slide…but just this once! ; )

They do need a little more fire, but there’s gotta be a less “painful” way to get it. ; )

But they do need to instill a little more fear in their opponents.

mbatl but then McFann tore me a new one, so I had to let it go

Haha…Sorry about that. : ) No hard feelings.

That was good wording: “tore me a new one”…Haha! I don’t know, certain phrases like that strike me funny…

By TennesseePaul

October 10, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

For the first time ever I think I might be pulling for an AL team in the post season. I would love to see the Rays win. Love to see a Dirtbag get the ring. And I just like that squad they have. More so than the RedSox, Dodgers or Phillies.

By N Nine

October 10, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong, if we can sign JJ to a contract in a year or so, great. If not, then deal him Wayne

Not a great approach there chief. He’s under our control until 2013 i think. That’s many years of pitching. Who knows how his value will rise/decline. Way too early for that.. Just let the guy pitch for cheap. No need to talking that far ahead.

As far as getting a Mac-type deal early in career. Not happening from the friendly Boras.

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

You’re welcome! Yeah, there was no surprise there. I’m sure most of us here could’ve guessed that 3-10 mark when neither of them played.

We need that bat almost as much—if not just as much—as we need that pitching!

(Even though those stats were stinky, I enjoyed putting it together. One of the many things I like about baseball…)

Will be back later…..

Me, too!

By Efrim

October 10, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH

Thanks man. Much appreciated. I would really like to see that mock draft as well. I know you gotta take the best player available when you are at #7, but again, I’d really like to go against past seasons and take a college bat like Grant Green or Dustin Ackley, or a college arm like Aaron Crow or Alex White. Provided they are there, of course.

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

AFL update:

Tyler Flowers was 2-4 with a 2B and a 3B Van Pope 2-3.

Steve Marek threw a scoreless inning. Kris Medlen threw two scoreless with 1BB and 1K. Deunte Heath threw 1.1 innings, giving up 4ER.

By Couch Tater

October 10, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Just curious, Wayne- If your Son had the talent and Boras called, would you talk to him? (I’m not defending nor being deragatory.)

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

N Nine This week i bought one of those new 120G Ipod. Its amazing how much you can fit in.

Yeah! My iPod Nano is an 8 gigger. It’s basically filled (about 52 MB left). But I got over 300 songs, one complete Braves’ game, those replays I told you about, and six movies.

But it’s the cutest little iPod! It’s one of those movie Nanos that came out last year…it’s blue!

By ncscoots

October 10, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

mbatl, I’ve been renovating my house for the last year, and if I were only eight months behind, I’d be effin’ thrilled. There’s too much of it that I know how to do, and I’m too damn prideful to pay somebody to do a job that I know I can do better myself, LOL. It’s a curse, and there are a lotta days (when I’m hip-deep in some project) that I vow to stop with all the ‘tude and start writing checks.

But I don’t. What that says about me is probably nothing good :-), but there you go.

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

DANGIT!!!

By Marc

October 10, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think the Braves are content with some combination of Miller-Sammons to backup McCann or could you see them picking up a Paul Bako (who the Reds are letting go) or someone like him?

Miller’s a good guy from what I’ve heard and experienced, but you can’t let him have a roster spot next year. It just cannot happen. I’m not sold on Sammons, and I don’t think Bobby is too thrilled by him either.

By Efrim

October 10, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Not sure if I will watch the World Series if the Red Sox and Phillies are both involved…..

I guess that means GO RAYS!!!!

By mikcam

October 10, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

any chance they go after mike cameron if his option is not picked up? cameron for 9m - trade for peavy 11m - sign a dunn or burrel for around 17m? - and trade for a pitcher like snell whose signed for only 3m next year.. thats a good lineup and a good rotation next year cameron-esco-chipper-FA-mcann-kotch-frenchy-kelly - peavy - jj - snell - hampton - smoltz campillo morton? and 2010 would be - peavy hudson jj snell which looks awesome// thoughts?

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Marc—

So the Reds did let Bako go? Nice. I’d like to have him.

I’ve heard Corky’s a good guy, too, which is why it made me sad that he didn’t hit (plus we just needed him to hit). I know that Corky loves to catch. In this month’s ChopTalk, he said, “Once I decided to be a catcher, it’s all I wanted to do. Throwing guys out is awesome.”

I’m not really sold on Sammons, either. And good point about Bobby…he wasn’t too pleased with him in Houston, was he?

But I don’t think he’s “got a problem”, so to speak, with Sammons. He was just a little miffed.

By Mitchell

October 10, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

DOB…

GREATEST SONG SELECTION EVER!

Okay, that was a little much.

Never driven down a dessert highway, not a woman, not a single mother, but dammit if I don’t get lost in that song every time.

Woah, weird.

I’m still trying to bone up on Neil Young but I have a hard time thinkin’ there’s a better album than Harvest Moon.

One of the Days, Dreamin’ Man… brilliant.

Natural Beauty… give me a minute here.

DOB, I’ve learned by now not to misunderestimate you so I’ll just assume that you’ve seen the CSN&Y documentary Deja Vu. Great movie, much better than I expected.

Some really great songs on that album… Let’s Impeach the President, not exactly one of them.

I don’t have the album but some of those songs really stay with you. The one called Roger and Out is really pretty moving.

Always good to hear stories from our returning soldiers and their experiences dealing with combat.

I don’t know, that’s all I got.

Glad to see baseball back on TBS. Freaking hate Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Those guys suck.

Not a big fan of Tom Verducci though either, that guy creeps me out. He looks like a heroin addict.

That’s all I got.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Marc, I don’t think Corky will be back, and I’m not sure if what the Braves saw from Sammons late is enough to convince them he’s the guy to back up Mac. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they went out and got another backup.

By N Nine

October 10, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I know that Corky loves to catch McFann

I could insert any punchline for corky…Good point McFann. We need backup catcher, speedy corky should not be considered by Cox(no promises please). You would think a backup catcher would be easy to find. Then i remeber this spring, First game at Disney(i was there along with Vero BCH)where Javy Lopez stepped up and the crowd roared and Javy proceeded with a homer. We were apperently “loaded” with backup catching options. That didn’t pan out as planned. Sounds a bit silly but anyway we could trade for B. Pena?

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Mitchell, hard to top Neil, isn’t it? Haven’t seen that movie yet. Got to rent it soon.

That song does it for me every time, too. Speaking of, just got back from riding over to a Vietnamese restaurant off Buford Highway here in Atlanta tonight. Riding with just a light jacket at night on Oct. 10. Weird. But beautiful night for a ride down some dark roads, I tell you that.

Need to either wait until I meet the woman in the song before I get married again, or not get married again at all. The latter probably the better option.

By Lew

October 10, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

DOB-Come on Dude-If I can find someone who has put up with me for going on our 35th year, there is hope for everyone.

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

N Nine—

Didn’t pan out well at all. Wonder what woulda happened if they had gone with Lopez? Oh well…que sara sara…or however that goes…

DOB I’m not sure if what the Braves saw from Sammons late is enough to convince them he’s the guy to back up Mac.

Didn’t convince me. But hey, they know a heck of a lot more than me. In fact, I don’t even remember what we saw late from Sammons. His first couple of games were more exciting than his last.

After they fill their major needs, they oughta just take a look at the BUC’s that are available.

As far as tonight’s game and the entire NLCS is concerned…I want the Rays to go to the WS, but I also want Z to go all the way…

So, I’ll be “happy” either way.

OK, maybe later…

By Tomas

October 10, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

There has to be something done to neutralize Victorino. Maybe knock him done, give him a little chin music, he obviously crowds the plate. I remember Julian got in a discussion with Victorino when he ran to third base, and Victorino gave him an angry look, and Tavarez started to take his glove off, and getting ready to kick his a*.

In 18 games against the Braves he had 3HR, 14RBI’s, 7SB, and hit 337. He, Chris Coste, and Ryan Howard really killed the Braves.

By Wayne

October 10, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater I realize I have some extremely strong feelings about folks like SB. I believe one of the major problems we have in our country these days (the recent Wall Street crash is a prime example) is that too many people are too greedy. Boras epitomizes this for me.

If my son were talented enough that a guy like Scott Boras called, I would politely ask him to NEVER call back, that there are WAY too many reputable people out there and that we would choose to deal with someone who both tried to get a decent money deal, but who also had some scruples.

It is clear with many of his clients, that it is all about HIM getting HIS clients the most possible money. Remember the A-Rod debacle of a year ago, the Kenny Rogers firing (I wish more of his clients would assert their independence) and now the Manny deal, where it is painfully obvious that Scott pushed Manny away from the Red Sox, so that he (Scott) could get a payday. Manny already had a payday, a huge one.

So, yes, I would try to be as polite as possible, but I would explain to my son that integrity and honesty is more important than getting top dollar.

Too many folks in our country were enticed to do stupid things by their greed and the greed of those advising them. That is one big reason why many of us has recently lost a large chunk of our retirement portfolio. (not that we are being greedy, we just hope to get a fair return for our investments).

Too many examples of SB’s greed to go into. He does not represent the best interests of his clients, if it doesn’t relate to top dollar.

Is he the only one, heck no. Is he the poster boy for greed, he certainly could be.

I would like to see more of his clients take charge like Pena did in Tampa Bay.

(BTW, I lump Tom Glavine in the greed group too!)

By Tomas

October 10, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think it would be a good idea to get a guy like Bako, Blanco, or Bard to backup mac. Sammons showed he had trouble blocking pitches, and catching the ball, and after his first game this season when he tied Corky with three hits, he struggled at the plate. I think it isn’t necesarry to get a backup guy, Sammons may get better, but the Braves really need to land a big bat to bat after Chipper.

By Jeff R

October 10, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Good to read that the economy’s woes haven’t cause Liberty Media to pull back on its financial commitment to the Braves. For the size market that Atlanta is, the Braves are under-budgeted.

If Peavy’s health checks out, I hope Wren makes an aggressive offer for him. Don’t mind giving up some talent for a 27-year-old ace.

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Wayne:

I agree. It’s not like Boras is the only option, and it’s not like he’s the only competent one, either. Bottom line is, if you’re good, you will make (really good) money, and if you’re not, you won’t. I mean, would you know the difference between, say, the 11MM Chipper is making this season and the 20MM he could be making if he had a hardcore agent like Boras? I wouldn’t (unless, of course, it was all tied up in AIG stock, in which case, I’d probably give Boras a call…).

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Tomas He, Chris Coste, and Ryan Howard really killed the Braves.

That’s for sure…with the Reaper it was almost literally. He’s gotta get plunked one of these days…

Sammons showed he had trouble blocking pitches, and catching the ball,

That was the biggest thing. And his struggles at the plate didn’t help.

But you’re right, he may get better…I think he will…

Night, all!

By McFann Ô

October 10, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Nice hit, Kotsay!!

Night, all! (again)

By AdirondackDave

October 10, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

DOB — Andruw’s been one of my favorates since he was called up by the Braves. Still hoping he straightens himself out and has some good years left… what a waste of talent if his career is coming to an end. By the way, it occurs to me that “glacial” may not have the same meaning as it had in pre-global warming days!

By JC from UT

October 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Miguel Olivo or Michael Barret would be the perfect backups for McCann

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Guys, guys, let’s worry about filling our other needs before we worry about getting a BUC. I mean, obviously, you want to improve every spot you can, but let’s address the bigger needs first.

Sammy is still young. Silly to throw someone under the bus after 57 career big league at-bats. He can (and will likely) improve. Don’t need a big basher as a BUC. Just somebody serviceable, and I think Sammons is just fine.

Hey, if we’re in contention, and he’s doing a lousy job, that’s a need we can address when the time comes. Now, not as big a deal.

By N Nine

October 10, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Dice K is 9 outs away from a no-no shutout! He refuses to lose away from home. I believe he never lost on the road this year.

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

BTW, a real good ballgame on TBS, in case you’re not watching (as I type, 1-0 Sox, top 7).

By Ron Roberts

October 10, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

All this Peavy speculation has me uber-excited. Not that they need it, but the Braves have my vote!

Snagging Peavy would certainly set the Braves up for a strong playoff run not just next year, but for years to come.

Here’s a question, though, DOB, is there a percieved lost of “untouchables” in the Braves’ organization (or on the current MLB roster)? I’d argue that there’s not much “can’t miss” stuff in the system that would have me second-guessing for a trade of Jake Peavy, but am I wrong?

Tommy Hanson might be the closest thing to “untouchable,” far as I’m concerned, but are there any others that come to mind, or that officials have sort of scoffed at the thought of moving?

By N Nine

October 10, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

….and the next batter gets a hit. sorry Dice K!

By Steve from OH

October 10, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I think that Jason Heyward and Julio Teheran are the very definition of “untouchable.” They’re not going anywhere.

Hanson, Schafer, Freeman, etc. (those named by Wren) also don’t seem to be going anywhere based on DOB’s comments, but I think that they’re more likely to go than Heyward and Teheran. Again, not very likely at all, based on all of DOB’s stuff, but more likely than Heyward, IMO.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Rays wasted a golden opportunity there, two on and none out … might not get many more of those. Got to take advantage of those against the Red Sox, at home especially.

My boys, Cliff Floyd and Kotsay, both came through tonight, albeit Kotsay on a check-swing hit (he hustled to turn it into a key double).

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

McFann, you’re gonna miss most of the important stuff in the postseason going to bed at 10 p.m….

Lew, if I was just looking for someone to “put up with me,” it wouldn’t be much of a problem finding her. After being married (to a Colombian beauty, i might add) and divorced, I ain’t settling for someone who’ll merely put up with me.

Unknown Legend.

By nolie

October 10, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

OK I admit it. I have a major crush on Liz Lemon.

By nolie

October 10, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Miguel Olivo or Michael Barret would be the perfect backups for McCannJC UTAH

This is the Olivo of .275 OBP infamy? The guy who makes more outs per at bat than almost anyone in baseball? Thanks, but I think I’ll pass….actually, I know I’ll pass.

By Wayne

October 10, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Would you bring Papelbon into the game in the eighth? I think I would.

By David O'Brien

October 10, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Okajima looks ridiculous with that braided candycane necklace….

Nolie, you ain’t alone.

By Efrim

October 10, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Longoria can’t be 100%. Not with those swings. Heck, he doesn’t look 50%. Things seem to be falling the right way for a Red Sox/Phillies World Series matchup…..

….on that note. Good night.

By Brian

October 10, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

DOB- A good woman that you can trust is VERY hard to find! They talk so much crap about guys when they do bascally the same s**, just in different ways. Can’t stand those sneaky,game playin ho’s! Just thought I’d put my thoughts out there.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, while they haven’t said specifically, I’d guess the Braves probably consider Heyward and Teheran untouchable, among the prospects.

By uga-brave

October 11, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

long week over,

just got back from watching the D-rays-sox game.

certain series turn in simple moments. 3-0 runners at first and second 0 outs eighth inning and madden green lights pena.

no WAY NOT EVER. get the tying run into scoring position, period. BAD MOVE.

i have said for two years that shane victorino is a total gamer, on top of that he is what i hope schaffer becomes.

victorino is close to being a five tool player.

since the stock markets are closed tomorrow i will close with a question.

would you rather have francoeur or victorino for the next three years?

it is a fair question. considering francoeur just promised the city of atlanta and furman bisher that the season he had will not happen again, right ?

By uga-brave

October 11, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

DOB, i know your tv schedule is full, but if you get a chance check out TRUE BLOOD.

I have just now started watching mad men and i think it is as good as anything i have seen on basic cable.

also thought breaking bad was quite good.

watching bill maher now on hbo always good for a lauch.

By N Nine

October 11, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

victorino is close to being a five tool player UGA_Brave

really i dont picture the guy as a power hitter. Maybe if you count recklessness as a tool. He is improving rapidly.

Brian

If you noticed I never picked a favorite..I’m just saying they were slipping in polls lately and this will cause major problems for the campaign. That’s all. Also leaving Iraq has almost almost nothing to do with Terrorist(AFG).

Btw Brian, You are a very animated person man. I sometimes laugh at your posts and all the cursing.

By Greg in TN

October 11, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, gang…

DOB, been a big fan of CSI since season two and I’ll be interested to see what happens with Fox and Dourdan gone and Peterson about to be. Will be curious to see how Fishburne works in with the remaining cast.

It’s been a sobering week financially speaking. Got to give a nod to ugabrave for calling some of this some time ago. I’ve learned quite a few things from my stay here at the Braves/MIB blog about all kinds of things that aren’t even baseball related.

The state of the financial certainly has already soured moods in Wrigleyville these days and Time Warner has to be breathing a little sigh of relief that the ink is dry in the books in terms of their business transaction with Liberty. Even though baseball won’t see any dramatic changes to revenue in the near term (between now and the end of the season), a long term recession will hurt some pocketbooks to be sure. Will the market reflect that over the winter? I tend to doubt it, but we will see.

Certainly Frank Wren will pick up the phone and make a call out to San Diego, and he won’t be the only GM that will do so with the Padres inferring that Jake Peavy could potentially change zip codes if the price is right. If Wren could make a deal without losing Heyward, Teheran or Hanson, I’d be happy to see Jake pulling into Dark Star in February.

Phillies are up 2-0 on the Dodgers and the Sox have temporarily interrupted the feel good story in St Pete. Glad to see Kotsay with a big hit tonight for the lads of Yawkey.

Another passing that affects Planet Braves, this time we’ve lost a real gem in Bruce Dal Canton, who was pitching coach most recently with the Pelicans and was the pitching coach at the Major League level with the Braves before the ascension of Leo Mazzone. He deserves credit for the progression of Tom Glavine and John Smoltz at their arrival in Atlanta and also helped to shape some of the great up-and-coming arms in the farm system, such as the aforementioned Tommy Hanson, who spent time with Dal Canton in MB in 2007. Rest in peace Bruce, and thank you for everything you’ve done for this organization.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

N Nine- Yeah, I do cuss alot, but I don’t say certain cuss words. My college teacher wouldn’t help me with a question which kinda embarrassed me so, “dumb old b***” slipped out of my mouth. It cracked her and the class up, if you can beleive that.

By ssiscribe

October 11, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Top of the evening, denizens. Why in the hell am I still up? After all, Saturday is the ONLY morning I get to sleep in, and I’ve spent my Friday evening writing my first hockey gamer in a dozen years (for my Thrashers blog) and researching stocks to buy (hey, gotta take advantage of all the good stocks on the cheap; uga-brave, any recommendations for somebody looking to invest $300 in the market come Monday?).

I think all Boston had to do was win one in Tampa, and they did that. I think that series ends in Boston. As for the NLCS? Wow, Myers really has raised his game in the postseason. Phils looking pretty good right now.

Celebrated nine years of marriage last weekend. Actually had to work some during the weekend, which is rare these days. Lew, 35 years? Wow, major congrats for that. Hell, I wonder how my bride has put up with me for nine years. Guess the normal work schedule now that i”ve left the newspaper business helps, since I’m actually home now to cook dinner and spend time with the kiddies.

Speaking of work, got a little bit to do before bed, some for the main job, and some for the Braves and Thrashers blogs I write. Selah, good people. As I tend to say, duty calls, even at 1:30 on a Saturday morning.

Time to spin the Snoop Dogg CD and get some stuff done.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By spotts

October 11, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

DOB - I’m not so sure I want Sammons as the backup. Yeah he’s good defensively and he’s a hometown boy, but I was looking at his stats…he looks like a young Corky. .148 in Atlanta and .237 in Richmond this year, and .243 at Mississippi in ‘07.

Do other teams have this problem with catchers? An All-Star starter and inept weenies to back him up? I mean…Corky? Pratt? Sammons? I don’t expect a silver slugger, but someone who can hit comfortably over the Mendoza/Andruw line would be nice.

By mistermak

October 11, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

The Braves need a whole new identity. Starting with Cox. Glavine and Smoltz need to retire already and the team needs to move on. Great prospects in the minors and need to spend some money on pitching and left feild!! How about Jordan Schafer? Is he ready to come up and stay? We need pitching and the old guys are not the answer!! Their time is done and they need to recognize that. Quit holding on to what was!!

By uga-brave

October 11, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

scribe,

how about that seven goal night from the thrash. seven goals and kovy only had a assist.

scribe you have three hudnred dollars more then i do, but if you are looking for a decent fund john hancock has a regional financial servives fund that went up 50% , 40% after the 80’s S&L crisis. pretty similar times.

pretty good manager on that fund, pretty sure jim scmidmt still runs it, always a great track record.

uga-brave abides,

always love the scribes good mornings.

By uga-brave

October 11, 2008 4:21 AM | Link to this

scribe,

as a old nasdaq trader for goldman sachs, the market changed when the super genius, our government decided that it would be better for everybody if the stock market traded without spreads.

the stock market traded for 90 years in 1/4’s, 1/8’s and 1/16’s.

.125 cents and .0625 cents.

some super genius congressman decided that it was not fair for the little guy.

this is how a lot of brokerage firms made their money. firms like merrill, morgan stanley, paine webber, goldman, and smith barney made their money.

the spreads were profit centers for all trading desks.

that went away with the decimal system.

spreads still exist in the bond market, no longer on equity desks.

all the good equity traders for these firms left.

there were no longer p&l’s left.

they created hedge funds. these were the same guys that were working on the equity desk.

think about this in layman terms. if the odds were reduced in black jack or craps do you think the casinos would still be in business?

so all thse great traders left, they went out and created hedge funds.

for qualified investors, they take 1 1/2 % up front and 20% of the profits.

it worked for a long time. they had the ability to go long and short.

they also found derivatives that were based on the mortgage maket.

these cdo’s were paying huge numbers..

7 and 8 %.

I ask you this, would you rather be on the casinos side or against them?

the market worked because we were playing with them. if you bought a 100 shares of cisco in the 90’s at 55 1/8 did you really care if the other 1/16 went to the house?

that is 6.25 dollars.

when cisco hit 100 dollars wrere you mad about that 6.25?

probablly not.

all the major brokerage houses had to find a new profit center.

it would be like if vegas’s blackjack odds decreased from 52.5 to 47.5.

there was no money in the equity trading business.

so in conclussion, money and business always tries to find a different epicenter.

for 90 years the market functioned on most of us traders being able to take some risk on overnight.

we at least had the inside on the risk we took.

those days are long gone.

with the decismal system there is no more profit system.

trading desks at all of the major firms are 10% of what they used to be.

close the window they come though the doors, open the window they walk right through the door.

all these firms will figure out how to make money. just like casinos. too bad that the smartest guys in the room let all of us down. collaterized debt, who would of thought?

By keylargo

October 11, 2008 5:03 AM | Link to this

uga-brave

Chrysler/GM merger?

By Kevin C

October 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks for the updates, between your blog and MLB trade rumors I get my fix in the offseason. The question I have is, and please do not shoot the messenger is if the Dodgers resign Manny—would the Braves take back Jones for 1 year if the Dodgers eat a portion of his contract like the A’s did with Kotsay? This also includes a physical and his performance in Winter Ball, then he can go back out on the market or sign a Braves friendly contract and move to left with Jordan in center and possible Frenchy in right.

Just thoughts, thanks for your time

By Supes

October 11, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

D0B

Thanks for the new blog. I have to agree with CSI…sometimes I can’t believe he is still managing, but alas it’s the fact.

I’m sure someone may have already mentioned this on the previous blog, but did you have a chance to catch Matt Diaz do some baseball playoff analisys for ESPN first take a few days ago? He seemed pretty comfortable doing it infront of the camera. Maybe something Matt can do in the future? What are the plans for Matt…to play winter ball somewhere (since he missed so much of the season) and battle for a bench/pinch hitter spot on the 2009 team?

All of the talk about Jake Peavy and Derek Lowe has me excited to be a Braves fan in 2009. I know Lowe got beat the other night, but the pitched a great game (made 2 mistake pitches, that’s it). He reminds me of Hudson, keeping the ball down to be effective. Knows how to handle playoff pressure, etc. I’m concerned about his age, but if the Braves offer him a 3 year deal with an optional 4th year (team option), I’d be happy with it.

If the Braves have to trade an “A” pitching prospect (please not Hanson, but if that’s what it takes…do it), another “A” position player and a “B” rated one for Jake Peavy…plus let’s say a Jo-Jo Reyes…I think it’s a fair trade. Peavy’s ERA, innings pitched, K’s are all near the top of the league in the last several years. I could care less about his win total. The Pads can’t score runs, so it means very little overall. Peavy is a true ace. If he can be signed, it’ll be traded for, he will be the most significant pitching acquisition since Greg Maddux in the early 90’s. (Yes I realize Hudson is also darn good, but not on the same level as Mad Dog)

I’ve read a few times on the blog as well…the possibility of Roy Oswalt? If the situation with Peavy doesn’t work, what would it take to pry him from the Astors. I’m not sure what his contract situation is, or what the Astors biggest team needs are (pitching I guess, can’t never have enough cheap, young pitching…like the Rays do)

I normally dislike Boston a lot, but it’s hard not to cheer for Mark Kotsay. He is playing his butt off right now for the Red Sox, and he was a good guy while an ATL Brave, it’ll be nice if gets to play in the WS.

Meanwhile…yes I dislike Victorino with a passion. He is a dirty player, I don’t care about the other stuff and has too much animated antics to show up the other team when he does something good on the field. Call me old-school, while I like passion (when it calls for it), I think people expect you to play the game with respect. So I’m a dodger fan right now, I want them to beat the Phillies. I’m hoping Raffy gets another shot at playing in the WS, as well as seeing Maddux maybe pitch a game 4 or 5 in LA?

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

DOB McFann, you’re gonna miss most of the important stuff in the postseason going to bed at 10 p.m

Yeah, I know it. If it was the Braves, I’d stay up forever. (Kinda like with that ASG, only way more entertainment would be goin’ on. That ASG was a bit on the dull side once it went to extras.)

Steve Sammy is still young. Silly to throw someone under the bus after 57 career big league at-bats. He can (and will likely) improve.

I’m not completely throwing him under the bus. I agree that BUC isn’t a major need. Sammons will get better. 57 AB is nothin’.

(I would point out that he didn’t catch anybody stealing, but it’d be unfair of me to use that against another catcher, now wouldn’t it? Besides, he hardly played.)

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Yeah! ANDRUW ‘BRAVE through and through’ JONES is coming back where he belongs to bash 30 HR’s and bat .300+. Seriously though, depending on his WB results, it COULD be a good rent until the new outfield arrives, i.e. HERNANDEZ, SCHAFER, and HEYWARD. Another option at least.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Supes—

I agree with you about Kotsay. Not a Red Sox fan, but I like Kotsay a lot. I’m glad we had him while we did, and I’m happy he’s getting to play in the playoffs. (I called it the NLCS in my 9:38 last night. Sorry about that.)

Meanwhile…yes I dislike Victorino with a passion.

I know this might come as I shock, but I’m with you on that one as well.

; )

I like to see guys play with passion, too, but jeez-Louise! It’s nice to show some respect while you’re at it.

And for the record, I disliked the Reaper with a passion long before he did what he did to BMac. He’s always bugged the heck outta me.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Hey! Matt did some playoff stuff for ESPN? Cool!

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

UGA-BRAVE:

I just positioned 3,000 of GOLDMAN preferred C between 12.50 and 13.30 with a 4% floor or 3 mo. LIBOR + 3/4. Want to hold until the call feature kicks in 10/31/10. If the call is at say 10.00 because of this mild depression we’re going into, its on me right.? Should I stay or go.?

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

HOW COULD ANY BOSTON/MILWAUKEE/ATLANTA BRAVES FAN LIKE THE BOSTON RED SOX.? Bean eaters don’t deserve a good team. They lost the best they had after ‘52.

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

What’s this ‘trade the farm for OSWALT or PEAVY’ business. I thought WREN said we’re keeping the farm and paying cash, or trade and cash for two FA hurlers and a CF rent. WTF. Don’t ship out the farm system for more of the same ‘win now’ BS. The time for that was LAST winter. We’ve had a fourth place finish. Let’s grind a little and bite the bullet. If these farm players are all they are cracked up to be, we’ll be champs again by ‘11 and CHIPPER can play his last two or three years in glory. If PEAVY or OSWALT are available under the terms WREN told DOB, then grab ‘um. Otherwise, look elsewhere. Frankly, I’d like two more JUIRJENS up and coming ‘under the radar’ type arms and A. JONES?? or another player who’s GOOD in CF until the young guns arrive, a MARK KOTSAY-type if you will.

By BostonBravesGirl

October 11, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

richbrave, I’ll tell you why this Braves fan likes the Red Sox; up here in Boston, they’re the only game in town. I listen to the Braves on XM and I read this blog, but the Braves were on national TV THREE times this season, and this baseball fan needs a visual fix of the game more often than that.

It helps that the Sox are a team of real gamers, a decent manager and smart but not arrogant owners. The Sox have a strong farm system, a respect for their fans and they wouldn’t even consider moving the games from Fenway, even though they can’t squeeze another dime in revenue from that tiny place.

There are worse teams to root for, I have to say.

About Victorino, here’s my two cents - keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Victorino is a real Braves-killer so why not have him where he can’t hurt us - on our team?

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Richbrave, speaking of “Should I stay or should I go?,” the new Clash live album from the 1982 Shea Stadium show is outstanding. It’s got the guy’s full intro of The Clash (“We don’t have no baseball tonight, no baseball. We don’t have no football; they’re on strike….”), then the Clash’s entire set (they played before the Who that night) and all the song intros from Joe Strummer, etc.

Great stuff from the guys known by their fans simply as The Only Band That Matters.

By larry

October 11, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

You can get “huge numbers 7-8%” with out any risk to principal, just buy an equity indexed fixed annuity.Stock market gains no risk

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

OU-Texas at noon, KU-Colorado at 12:30. Big early afternoon for a Jayhawks/Big 12 fan….

uga-brave, been meaning to get to that True Blood on OnDemand, but so many other shows re-starting in recent weeks, just haven’t had time. Watched the most recent Mad Men last night; will she ever forgive Don? I’m starting to wonder. Now he’s on a plane to L.A…..

By the way, wasn’t Real Time hilarious last night with Gary Shandling on the panel?

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

BOSTONBRAVESGIRL:

I have no use for BOSTON after they refused to attend BRAVES games and let them walk. And I wonder who you would root for if they were still in town. They were one of the greatest ML franchises from the time the leagues came into being in the 1870’s into the early 1900’s, but the town never took to them. Now everybody in BOSTON loves the RED SOX because they are the ONLY GAME IN TOWN and they FINALLY have good management. So you root for them because you have no choice. I do, and NO THANKS.

By Lew

October 11, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

DOB-Definitely check out True Blood. Not too sure where they’re going with the whole concept, but it’s been pretty good through the first four episodes. You’ll like the theme song, if nothing else.

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

YO DAVID, my man:

No disrespect, but who’s ‘THE CLASH’? STEELY DAN, CRUSADERS, GROVER WASHINGTON for some 70’s retro and DOWN TO THE BONE this decade stir my juices. You know I love music, but you man, you live for it. The depth of your knowledge is astounding regarding the musical field. I wouldn’t presume to banter with you on that subject. But I will listen and learn.

Now the BRAVES - well, I haven’t been privy to the internal machinations of the organization that you have. Just a fan. But I’ve seen a lot of baseball, and all through the eyes of the ATLANTA organization. Too bad that’s over unless TBS relents, but believe it, I’ll always be a BRAVES fan. OLD DOG - NEW TRICKS kind of thing.

ALWAYS enjoy your GREAT work here and in your first love - MUSIC even though I’m clueless in that regard most of the time. Besides, any man who can dig a HISPANIC lady(even for a while) and the ride to JEROME, ARIZONA has to have some of the same vibes I do. Now that’s RIGHTOUS ROCK.!! Solid. Stay cool.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

BostonBravesGirl Victorino is a real Braves-killer so why not have him where he can’t hurt us - on our team?

Nya…No thank you. Maybe the Fillies cann just send him to one of those AL teams that we never have to face!

Yeah right…the Fillies aren’t gonna get ridda him now.

By DAP

October 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

N Nine its not game over, that wasnt the real report. its bogus. also, try to control yourself on the politics.

youre welcome for the joke, DOB. im sure it brightened your day.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

DOB- I couldn’t help myself and just watched Real Time on YouTube. Alec Baldwin HATES any Republican that runs-most Hollywood folks do, but disagree, not hate! Shandling guy was funny and made sense. Maher actually acted normal for once. It’s comedy that turns to hate, real quick.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

DAP also, try to control yourself on the politics.

I’ll second that.

By Richie

October 11, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

The Muts have placed Carlos Beltran on the block. Any thoughts on him? While he is a pretty decent hitter, who has pop in bat, he comes across as a prima donna to me. Up here in NYC, he is always getting some type of offseason surgery, which takes him through spring training to recover so he doesnt get into a groove until mid-June. And doesnt look to talk to the media after losses like a leader should do.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Richie- I have a thought on Beltran- HELL NO!! The Muts would ask for the moon and he ain’t worth it to me!! Would I want him for cheap, why hell yeah!! Not gonna happen though.

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

And so RICHMOND has responded to MINOR LEAGUE baseball by not responding. No new stadium, and with what this country faces right now, I say thank heaven. So, no baseball above the semi-pro level in a metro area of almost 900,000. Well, how can you replace the irreplacable.? We’d rather have nothing after the BRAVES because nothing can top them in my book.

By Mitchell

October 11, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Need to either wait until I meet the woman in the song before I get married again, or not get married again at all. The latter probably the better option.

Very deep DOB.

I’ve got nothing for you on that one.

That song reminds me of Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore directed by of all people Marty Scorcese. Again, not a single mother or a woman for that matter nor have I ever been to the desert, but I dig it all the same.

Is this still a sports blog?

I need to go watch football or something.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

OU’s offense is scary-good….

Terrible start for KU, down 7-0 against Buffs in second quarter. But now ESPN’s got Bill Self in the broadcast booth, so all’s well, for a while at least….

So what’s the call here on Florida-LSU tonight? I’ve got Tigers by three….

Richbrave, it was a bit more than “a while” — 8 years (6-1/2 married) to be exact. The last year felt like 30…

Hey, if I go to Arizona again for Fall League next month, I definitely plan to rent a bike for the ride up to Jerome on a Sunday (no Fall League games on Sundays).

By A FAN

October 11, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

i dont kno if im carzy or not but have the yankees not tauhgt us anything. they didnt ant to give up kenedy or hughes for santana and look what it did for them/if we have to give up a waht if guy for a proven one like peavy you do it. granted we dont kno if hansen will be great but we could get a CY YOUNG winner for an unknown. if it was up to me no brainer give em up!!!

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

DAVID:

The last one does seem interminable. JEROME. Think of me as you go there. If I had cast off my anchor as you did, I’d bike to that destination as many ways as I could as often as I could. Enjoy.

By Big Investment

October 11, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

and a “B” rated one for Jake Peavy…plus let’s say a Jo-Jo ReyesSupes

you honestly think that JoJo is a B rated prospect at this point? Looking at his stats and his constant failure in the bigs, why in the world would any team be interested in him at all other than as a class z throw-in? It’s gonna take more than what you are proposing to get Peavy if he can be gotten at all. If available a lot of teams are gonna be bidding enough to make him very expensive. I find it entertaining to see how little so many Braves fans think it takes to get top quality players.

By StingerSplash

October 11, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Of all the things in the world that are causing people anxious moments — the tumbling stock market, Iran’s “friendly” nuclear program — nothing, and I mean nothing, scares me more than the thought of Jose Canseco reproducing. Isn’t one of him enough (OK, two if you count Ozzie, but I don’t)?

By AceCometh

October 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

If all baseball GM’s decided not to deal with Scott Boras, wouldn’t that be considered collusion?

On another note, I keep reading articles stating the Braves are looking for an Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell type outfielder to provide power next season. WHY?! They both fit the mold of low average, inconsistant power and high strike out totals. That’s exactly the kind of player the Braves don’t need to bother with. What’s your thoughts on this matter, DOB?

By Richie

October 11, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I figured the Mets would attempt to break up this team after a 2nd straight collapse. They need flexibility, not a quick fix. They have always cried the Yankees are the “Evil Empire”, along with Red Sox fans. It still bugs me out when I would go to Shea and see Red Sox fans with Mets fans, at the Mets/Braves games I would go to. How can any real Red Sox fan be comfortable or say they are cool with Met fans. They must not have watched “Fever Pitch”.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

On another note, I keep reading articles stating the Braves are looking for an Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell type outfielder to provide power next season. WHY?! They both fit the mold of low average, inconsistant power and high strike out totals.AceCometh

You sure those are published “articles” you’re reading, or rather comments on blogs? I know that I haven’t written once that the Braves are looking for a Burrell or Dunn. I think they’re looking for more of a Nick Markakis-type player.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

RichBrave: Truth be told, it was more the anchor casting me off. But the end result was the same: All good.

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think that the Braves might target Clay Buchholz? I’m not sure what the BoSox would require back (maybe the deal would center around Tyler Flowers?), but it’s definitely something I would inquire about if I were Frank Wren.

By AceCometh

October 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, it wasn’t an article on the AJC. I read it on The Official Site. It is mentioned in the section refered to as the “mailbag”. I would certainly prefer Nick Markakis or another player of similar calibur.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

What about signing Jaun Rivera and trading for Willingham? Rivera could back him up when or if he is injured again. I realize though, that Diaz would be the same as the two, maybe with just less power. Why not have all three for LF? Just a thought since none of us know whether the Marlins will even trade Willingham.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I really don’t care if they get a LH or RH bat. The lefty/righty matchups are way overated and Hamels is a good example of that. Lefties hit 30-40 points higher against him this year and I realize it’s mainly because of his changup but maybe McCann and KJ have opened eyes that it means very little. Good hitters can hit anyone!

By The Voice of Reason

October 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Daer Frank Wren, all I want for Christmas is Ryan Dempster.

Here are some other names on my wish list:

Jon Garland

Ivan Rodriguez

Juan Rivera

Casey Blake

Mike Mussina

and Milton Bradley, providing that he stays healthy, out of the managers doghouse and under contract for one year.

I think 45 to 50 million can buy four or five of those guys.

By Richard

October 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

DOB (or anyone else who might know),

Did I see Bobby Cox in an Obama commerical? I have seen it twice and it looks exactly like him. It is right at the end and he appears to be talking to Obama. Anyone else see this??

Disclaimer- I could care one way or another. Not trying to start a political discussion on the braves blog. Just an observation.

By Josh P.

October 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

AceCometh

How in the world can you say that Dunn & Burrell have “inconsistent power”?

Pat Burrel - HR’s & Slugging

2005 - 32/.504 2006 - 29/.502 2007 - 30/.502 2008 - 33/.502

Adam Dunn

2005 - 40 - .540 2006 - 40 - .490 2007 - 40 - .554 2008 - 40 - .513

On that note, DOB , if the Braves could land Markakis or a similar young slugger I’d be thrilled!

By keylargo

October 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

DOB

Can you add anything to this, which was written by your pal Mark Bowman?

Reyes has the physical tools to be successful at the Major League level. Tom Glavine and John Smoltz liked him enough that they monitored many of his bullpen sessions until he decided that the Hall of Fame knowledge they were providing was handicapping his mental process during games.

Late in the season, Reyes revealed that around the All-Star break, he told Glavine and Smoltz that he didn’t want their assistance anymore. That was only slightly less disturbing than the fact that he admitted he came to his first Major League Spring Training this year unprepared to consistently locate his pitches.

Given all of the embarrassment he encountered this year, Reyes has every reason to push himself as hard as ever over the next few months. He’s already tested the patience of a very patient Bobby Cox, and that obviously suggests his future with the Braves might be on its last leg.

By N Nine

October 11, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

DAP

Dude it’s middle of the night and in offseason mode. there was nothing else except uga-brave’s stock talks. Get over it. I forgot we are in Georgia and you might be in denial.Game over. :(

By DAP

October 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

N Nine i understand there was not much going on. im over it. when the report that matters comes out, the one from the personel comittee, we will see what happens. considering the others’ associations, this shouldnt phase them.

yeah, im in GA, how about you? if you like to talk politics you can always email me at daalper@yahoo.com

By beachcmber

October 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

DOB - As always a thought provoking blog. I’m not sure I agree with one thing Andruw said about the make up of next year’s Dodgers. October has a way of revealing flaws and Kemp has shown a bucket load of them. Bet if they can find a buyer, he’s gone in the off season - particularly if they retain Manny.

As for our Braves, I keep hearing from an inside source that they will offer only token contracts to TG and JS - a mistake I feel with Smoltz. This guy with Chipper have been the heart and soul of our club for way too long to be treated shabby at this juncture. Plus you have to believe he’s got a little gas left in the tank.

By DAP

October 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

N Nine you said WE. gotcha.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

KeyLargo, no offense, man, but I can’t keep answering the same question when the answer is not a simple one-sentence answer. The exact question about that Reyes situation was asked a week or two ago, and my abbreviated version of answer I gave then is, Reyes asked for tips from those guys, got them, had those guys watch him in bullpen, etc, then after continuing to struggle he decided that he was thinking too much about all the various tips and advice he’d gotten, and that he needed to keep it simple in his last starts. That approach didn’t work too well, either.

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

N Nine:

While I certainly do enjoy your baseball posts, I would hope that you would keep the politics off the blog, no matter which candidate you’re blathering on about. I don’t care who you support or who you don’t, I just would hope that we’d keep this sports or music related. If I want politics, I’ll turn on the news.

Not an attack by any means, just an observation.

By TabooToo

October 11, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Get over it. I forgot we are in Georgia and you might be in denial.Game over. :(N Nine

DAP’s right. Doesn’t matter what season or what time, it’s tabu on this board. You don’t like it, take your sorry butt somewhere else.

By N Nine

October 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

DAP Yes i live in Alpharetta. I respect you greatly on your Braves inputs and lets just stick to that. I do try to stay within baseball as much as i can. Leaving later…

By DAP

October 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

beachcmber if the dodgers get rid of kemp, the braves would have alot of use for him. a sure thing is that the dodgers need to resign manny, and that would mean they have one to many outfielders.

By beachcomber

October 11, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

DAP - I agree the Braves need a right handed stick in the outfield, Kemp or, as DOB has suggested, Markakis might be a good fit.

It’s going to be an interesting winter here in the South.

By NickC

October 11, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Oswalt isn’t available. The Astros have nothing on the farm and so they’re committed to remaining competitive at the major league level for as long as they can. With an offense including Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, they’ll always be chasing the wild card at least.

Don’t forget that Lee missed the last month or so and they had a hurricane, and they only just missed the wild card spot.

Currently, I’m thinking Cain, O Perez and a slugger (be it someone like Ordonez or a younger guy) is a good option, although it doesn’t give us a true ace.

Of course if the Braves keep being so confident about the inquiries they’ve had for prospects they don’t even consider our best then we can upgrade that.

The only true aces on the market this winter will be Peavy and Sabathia though.

By DAP

October 11, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

beachcomber markakis is a lefty, but he sure is good. he hits lefties well anyways, so it wouldnt matter. but he is a very good hitter.

By mbatl

October 11, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Is there any suggestion that the O’s would trade Markakis? I sure haven’t heard it…

By Moby Grape

October 11, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

markakis is a lefty, but he sure is good. he hits lefties well anyways, so it wouldnt matter. but he is a very good hitter.DAP

not too bad against lefties though his OBP if off about 40 points and his slugging is off about .50. I’d certainly take him, but I’d rather have Maggs.

By Jeff R

October 11, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Reyes has the talent to be a solid #3 or #4 starter, I think. Whether or not he has the maturity, disipline or work ethic to get there is better answered by DOB and the pros.

I’ve written this before, but it bears repeating: these days prospects are rushed into the majors. A lot of prospects sign for big money; the pressure is on to push them into the majors pronto. Come to think of it, prospects who don’t sign for big money are frequently hustled up the ladder.

But, some, if not most kids, need time to develop. Reyes may be one of those young guys who would benefit from more time in the minors. Work on command, get his mental game together, etc.

But, these days, the game is what it is, I guess. For a guy like Reyes, the first two or three seasons in the majors may be more like Quad-A for him. It’s tough to have to learn how to pitch in the glare of the majors.

By A.S.

October 11, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

The Braves should pursue Peavy hard. He is one of the premiere pitchers in the league and if we traded for him we could still go after Lowe and make a trade for that power OF, or sign one. I dont think the Braves have a chance of signing C.C. unless they want to forfeit the majority of their off-season money on one guy.

Imagine if the Braves pulled something off along these lines this off-season: (IMHO its possible)

*Get: Peavy ($11,000,000), Lowe ($15,500,000), Burrell/Dunn (13,000), re-sign Hamtpon ($1,000,000), re-sign Ohman ($2,500,00) = $43 million. *

The Braves are 99.9% guaranteed to have $40 million going into the off-season and from what I understand Liberty is willing to increase the salary.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Jeff R, you make good points about Reyes. Just don’t know yet about him, still too early to determine.

It remains to be seen whether he has the hard-to-quantify mental aspect that I believe is required to be a successful major league starting pitcher, at least for those who don’t possess competely overwhelming stuff.

By David O'Brien

October 11, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

DAP, Dodgers could be a place the Braves turn for an OF. You are correct, they have too many and Andruw’s contract is unwieldy. But if they believe Andruw has a decent chance of being at all productive, I’d imagine they’ll move one of the others, since they can get value in return for them (unlike trying to trade Andruw, in which case they’d get nothing in return and have to eat the vast majority of his $18 mill salary).

By Jeff R

October 11, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB. Hope he does. He’s shown flashes of real ability.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Ah yes! We are Reaper-free tonight! Just AL!

Let me add, though, that I saw the Reaper drive in a couple yesterday, and we then had pineapple with our dinner! Sheesh…

(But I do love pineapple…)

Hey! The Yellow Jackets were winners today! 10-7 over GWeb! 5-1, baby!

By Lew

October 11, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Hampton is going to cost someone a good bit more than $1 mil.

By steve_97060

October 11, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

I just want to say it is good to see UF put the smack down on LSU so far…

By steve_97060

October 11, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

not that like UF either…

By mbatl

October 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Hope all you guys who love small ball are watching the playoffs. Home runs are a HUGE part of the game, especially when you’re facing quality pitching (not likely to string together 3 or 4 hits).

By Andy

October 11, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Some ideas for Frank Wren: Sign Derek Lowe Trade for Bronson Arroyo Re-sign Will Ohman Trade for Eric Byrnes Re-sign Hampton Sign C Javier Valentin Re-sign Greg Norton or add Kevin Millar

Rotation Lowe Jurrjens Arroyo Hampton Campillo

Lineup CF Schafer SS Escobar 3B Chipper C McCann LF Byrnes 1B Kotchman 2B Johnson RF Frenchy

Bullpen Smoltz Soriano Gonzalez Ohman Moylan

Bench Prado Norton Valentin G. Blanco

Comments: Byrnes adds pop and great defense in the outfield. He is also a personality. Lowe and Arroyo both have postseason experience. Arroyo had a rough season last year, but ended with a 3.47 era in the second half. The bullpen will be sick, if healthy.

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

mbatl—

I agree. Homers are HUGE.

But my favorite hit is the double. Love them doubles!! Particularly two or three-run doubles…

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

This game’s exciting. Whoever wins wins. But it’s gonna be hard for the Rays to win in Boston…maybe. They did win the season series against the Sox, didn’t they?

Gotta split…

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

DAVID:

You’re a trip man. I laughed out loud at that one. Helped overcome the last play punt return touchdown that doomed my alma mater this afternoon. JMU 26 - U of R 20.

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

mbatl:

But aren’t homers selfish? Shouldn’t a team player bunt and grow a beard and high-five the batboys instead?

By McFann Ô

October 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Andy Byrnes adds pop and great defense in the outfield. He is also a personality.

Elgth…he’s a personality all right…Eesh…Gotta wave his arms like he’s gonna take off flyin’ every freakin’ time he makes contact with the ball. Not to mention he had the longest trip around the bases after that grand slam off Glavine this year.

Not a fan of Mr. Byrnes for various reasons.

Night, all.

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

BRIAN:

When I look up pitching splits, I find most pitchers have marked differences against lefties/righties. Even day/night. Artificial/grass. I think its significantly important dealing with the various situational abilities of pitchers, and position players too for that matter. Otherwise, why have managers/coaches.?

By DAP

October 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

DOB not only is anduw over paid and untradable, but juan pierre is signed for 3 more years for $28.5mil. i doubt anyone would want to trade for pierre either, unless the dodgers paid most of his salary. it seems like if they resign manny, like they should, and have to trade an outfielder, kemp and ethier are thier only options to move.

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Not a fan of Mr. Byrnes for various reasons.

I hope those reasons include his career .325 OBP or his career .791 OPS (as a corner outfielder: not too great). But wait, he’s a gamer. Falls down when he throws. Plays with passion. He only OBP’s .325 becuase it helps the team (only a true gamer knows why this is, I assume).

But in all seriousness, I agree with you, McFann. Besides being an average-at-best ballplayer, he is an arrogant jerk IMO. We can do much, much better.

By richbrave

October 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

How about Michael BARRETT as BUC.? See that he is an ATLANTA native. SAN DIEGO outrighted him and he refused. FA and made 3.5 million last year. Don’t know much about him otherwise. His stats are pretty uneven. Decent BB to SO ratio. BA better than MILLER’s, but thats not saying much. Strictly back-up. Maybe 30% less than McCANN’s making. If no other offers, he might go for it.

And mentioning MILLER. Have any of the three, NUNEZ, GOTAY, MILLER refused assignment.? Has anyone else picked them up.?

By MEB

October 11, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Ya think Evan Longoria will be available this off season? Nah… didn’t think so.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

DAP:

I’d love to get Kemp or Ethier. We’d have a better shot of getting Ethier, IMO. But I don’t think the Dodgers would be willing to trade either of them. I would hope that Frank Wren would inquire on Ethier, and maybe try to pry him away.

By Brian

October 11, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

richbrave- At first glance, I wouldn’t like to see a lineup of 4 or 5 lefties going up against a tough lefty but Mac,Kj,Kotchman all hit LHP well. I think if the Braves have a chance to get a young good LH power bat, they’ll look at his numbers against lefties. That’s why,especially with the Braves, the lefty/righty thing is overated.

By Moby Grape

October 11, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Byrnes adds pop and great defense in the outfield. He is also a personality.Andy

Nah, personality is way over-rated by fans. Guy has been very uneven from year to year and has a career OBP of .325. Not good. Let’s try for someone else who can get on base regularly.

By Steve from OH

October 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Another great ALCS game tonight on TBS…tied in the 8th.

By Brian

October 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or does anyone else think Youklis takes pride in being the ugliest guy on the face of the earth? It’s like he goes out of his way to make every guy feel like they could be a model. FUUUUUGLY DUDE NEEDS TO WASH HIS A*!!!!

By justdoit

October 12, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

any chance the braves could get matt cain from the giants for kj and another prospect?

By SeattleBravesFan

October 12, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

DOB

I might be wrong, but Shandling was on Real Time last week, not last night. But he was great, very funny.

Last night had another funny man in Dana Gould, who does much good work with the Simpsons along with good standup, he was funny at times.

And I also double taked during CSI. Caught a glimpse of the tv and swore it was a Brave’s game and then he said the line.

Now I want to know who the writer was that wrote that line? Possible Braves fan? Braves fan sick of Bobby? Mets fan sick of Bobby? My mind was wandering for sure. Pretty specific and sort of odd line to have in there for just any writer to throw in.

Anyways, thought I would throw my 2cents in…

By David O'Brien

October 12, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this

SeattleBravesFan, you were right. I was watching previous week’s show on DVR. Haven’t seen this Friday’s episode yet. Thanks for reminding me to do so….

Brian, and for having one of the strangest and most involved batting stances in recent history. If he didn’t look like a mountain man, that stance, with the hip movements and all during the pitcher’s windup, would look a bit, uh, well, funny….

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 12, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this

Two names for trade consideration.

Delmon Young and Jose Mijares. The rumblings out of Minnesota are that Young may be on the trading block as the Twins are looking for help at SS and 3B.

As for Mijares, the 23 year old lefty reliever has three solid major league pitches highlighted by a mid-nineties fastball. His k-rate in the minors is 10.83 per nine innings.

By JC from UT

October 12, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this

COACH: What are we giving up to get Delmon Young?

By ncscoots

October 12, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

Re the Bobby Cox mention in CSI, its genesis came not from the writer’s admiration of or antipathy toward Bobby. The most obvious root would be that the writer is a fan of the Braves/MIB blog and David O’Brien, LOL. Simply because Pritchard sounded EXACTLY like a whiny, moanin’ blogger when he cracked the comment. :-)

Consider the remark an homage, if you will.

Now, baseball…

It remains to be seen whether [Reyes] has the hard-to-quantify mental aspect that I believe is required to be a successful major league starting pitcher

Stephen King wrote a series of novels about a character known as the Gunslinger, by the name of Roland. Roland often referenced a mantra taught to him in his training, and one line of it goes “I do not shoot with my hand…I shoot with my mind.” A notion that young pitchers would do well to embrace, I think, but easier said than done at a young age.

Some think that every kid with tools should turn into Hamels or Lincecum just by changing uniforms and ballparks, but throwing and pitching are two different things altogether. And the patience required to determine if a player can transform the former into the latter, well, that’s not a character trait held dear by most fans and bloggers. Therefore, you can always count on plenty of posts calling for the failing pitcher to be sent to the minors, or Siberia, whichever is quicker.

Those bloggers do not shoot with their mind…they shoot with their hip.

By JC from UT

October 12, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

DOB: If Dan Uggla is indeed available do you think the Braves will inquire about him and either try him in LF or keep him at 2ND and use KJ for pitching and what would it take to get Uggla?

By TommyP

October 12, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Why would the Dodgers trade Ethier or Kemp????

Just because they gave bad contracts to Pierre and Andruw?

Torre doesn’t play that game. He proved it by benching both of these guys this year.

By JC from UT

October 12, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

TommyP: Couldn’t agree with you more LA would be stupid to trade either one of those guys. They would be better off eating the contracts of one or both Pierre/Andruw. Bottom line is they are going to have to pay the money so you might as well keep the good young talent even if you have to pay for old players to do nothing

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Ah, man…it’s already been “one of those mornings”…First The Bird throws up on me, then we’re making muffins, and I drop batter all over the pan…drop my spoon in the batter…

Good thing the Braves aren’t playing today…sort of.

Steve—

Wow. I didn’t know his career OBP was so low! Another reason not to like him…

But wait, he’s a gamer. Falls down when he throws. Plays with passion. He only OBP’s .325 becuase it helps the team (only a true gamer knows why this is, I assume).

Haha!! That was funny! Yeah, he does fall down when he throws! Puts so much into that throw…

Besides being an average-at-best ballplayer, he is an arrogant jerk IMO.

Yeah, his attitude has always driven me insane. And his hair…yo! He oughta pay Jeff Bennett a visit…

He’s one of those guys—like the Reaper—who I didn’t like even before he did what he did.

Not to mention, Byrnes went down in June with hamstring issues in both legs, and never came back. This is no offense to you, Andy, but he’s not what we need.

By Josh

October 12, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what this says about me, but last night I had a dream in which I was watching a Braves game on tv (probably from falling asleep during the 10th of rays-sox?), and Ryan Dempster was pitching for the Braves. He was getting lit up. Somehow I also knew that the other picher the Braves signed was Brad Penny and the “power-bat” that was signed was Juan Rivera. It was terrible. I woke up in a cold sweat (not really)…the $40MM spending-spree turned into the $20MM trip to the flea market!

I think Dempster would be fine as the #2 pitcher the Braves sign, but not #1. but thats just my opinion.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Richbrave on Michael Barrett: FA and made 3.5 million last year.

That’s how much BMac will make in ‘09, I’m pretty sure.

That’d be funny…pay the backup guy more than you pay the starting guy. I’m sure it’s happened a lot in the past, though.

I gotta take a look at Barret’s stats. But so far, I like Bako the best if they want an outsider.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Why do all these playoff games start at 8:22? What kind of a time is that? What happened to day games?

Or cann they not do day games on the weekend ‘cause of football?

(Hey, 8 is the Reaper’s number, and and 22 is Byrnes’ number…creepy…but that’s not why I don’t like that time.)

By cricket

October 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Rays in 7 and Philthies in 6. I always thought Arizona was not really very good and any half-decent team could overcome them in NL W. Manny acquisition did that, then cubs managed to suck life out of their insufferable fans and everyone forgot that the dodgers were not a very good team to begin with. Philthies should win easily if they follow one rule - DO NOT PITCH TO MANNY.

BTW,I hate all these tourist types that come to Tampa Hard Rock casino poker room and chase all the straight and flush draws and call bets on 2nd pairs, regardless of the odds and end up sucking out and costing good players a lot of money. grrrrrrrrr!!!

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Cricket Philthies should win easily if they follow one rule - DO NOT PITCH TO MANNY.

In that case…PITCH TO MANNY, FILLIES!!

I assure you, he’ll do you no harm……

BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

By Lew

October 12, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

McFann-Why so much love for Bako? Dude can’t hit and he’s not THAT great a defender. You seem to forget he played with the Braves for several years already and we know him and his abilities. Yes, he was Mad Dog’s catcher, but he wasn’t all that.

All we heard last season is how Corky and Sammons couldn’t hit and we didn’t need another anemically hitting back up catcher.. Well, I’ve got a news flash here-NEITHER CAN BAKO, as attested to by his career .231 BA. It’s time to investigate catcher availability a bit more, Thank You. Rather have LoDuca or Estrada-at least they will get an occasional hit to keep a rally going.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Lew Why so much love for Bako?

I don’t know. Who I really want is Chris Coste, but that ain’t gonna happen, now is it?

You seem to forget [Bako] played with the Braves for several years already and we know him and his abilities.

I didn’t forget…but see, I wasn’t really into baseball while he was a Brave, so actually, I know nothing of his abilities, which means I’m really not able to speak intelligently about him. So I guess I better shut up after this…

Well, I’ve got a news flash here-NEITHER CAN BAKO, as attested to by his career .231 BA.

.231 is better than Corky and Sammons combined for in ‘08. They combined to hit .114. Bako hit .239 with RISP to Sammons’ .133 and Corky’s .154. Just sayin’.

It’s time to investigate catcher availability a bit more, Thank You.

OK. You’re welcome.

By richbrave

October 12, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

McFANN:

Don’t forget the 30% less than McCANN proviso I mentioned plus the statement “If no other offers he might go for it.” He’s not gonna’ make anywhere near 3.5 million this year in this economy. But what he’s willing to accept is the question. No way we’re gonna’ pay an 11 year BUC 3.5 million. That’s crazy. Frankly, if he gets a seven figure offer with his record I’d be surprised.

By David O'Brien

October 12, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Why do all these playoff games start at 8:22? What kind of a time is that? What happened to day games?McFann

Not a new development. I’m guessing they’ve been starting most playoff baseball games after 8 p.m. for most or all of your life.

By the way, McFann, and this is said with a smile, good-natured ribbing only: Did you REALLY express some degree of satisfaction as a Tech fan over yesterday’s 10-7 win against Gardner-freakin’-Webb?

By David O'Brien

October 12, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Having said that, I can’t believe I was up watching a baseball playoff game, played in the Eastern time zone, end at about 1:30 a.m. last night/this morning. Ridiculous.

Helluva day for sports on the tube, though. OU-Texas game was one of the better college football games I’ve seen since since, well, probably since Texas-USC, aka the Vince Young game.

By mbatl

October 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Having said that, I can’t believe I was up watching a baseball playoff game, played in the Eastern time zone, end at about 1:30 a.m. last night/this morning. Ridiculous.

Ain’t it the truth. That game was way over 4 hours even through 9 innings. Second 5-hour-plus game in this postseason.

Baseball really needs to enact (or enforce) some rules to move the games along.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Richbrave—

Yeah, good point.

DOB I’m guessing they’ve been starting most playoff baseball games after 8 p.m. for most or all of your life.

Probably. I cann understand 8 pm, but where’d that 22 come from? Why not just say 8:30, or 8:15? Just kinda odd, I don’t know.

Did you REALLY express some degree of satisfaction as a Tech fan over yesterday’s 10-7 win against Gardner-freakin’-Webb?

Yep!

I can’t believe I was up watching a baseball playoff game, played in the Eastern time zone, end at about 1:30 a.m. last night/this morning.

I said the same thing after the All-Star Game.

Later!

By David O'Brien

October 12, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

mbatl, it’s amazing how consistently epic Boston Red Sox games get. I mean, it seems like every time I watch them play a big game, whether regular season or postseaason (but particularly postseason), it lasts over four hours. Unbelievable.

Part of it, of course, is Papelbon. Works soooo slow. Love to have him on my team, for sure. But he’s excruciating in making every pitch seem like a game in and of itself. You watch, say, Cole Hamels pitch, where he’s practically in his delivery again when the ball’s tossed back by the catcher.

Then you watch Papelbon, who gets the ball, thinks about baseball in the bigger picture of society and all that he might be able to accomplish with his fastball and his intellect, how he might be able to make the Red Sox champions again and how he heard Dennis Lehane has a new novel coming out, and perhaps the Dropkick Murphys will write a new Red Sox-themed song with a line about him in it and … oh, yeah, got to throw this 2-1 pitch. Time to look down, then toward the catcher from beneath the lid of my cap, all menace and bad intentions implied in my expression….

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

BTW—Condolences to Charlie Manuel and his family.

By mbatl

October 12, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Ha! Well said, DOB (you oughta be a writer or something).

It does seem like Boston games take forever, even on a Monday night in June. I’d hate to see MLB add a big digital play clock (a la the NBA) running on pitchers, or on visits to the mound, but something needs to be done.

Also, I don’t have any “stats” to back it up, but I wonder if the Designated Hitter rule adds to length of AL games… managers more willing to change pitchers mid-inning, not having to worry about when the pitcher’s spot comes up in the lineup.

By Robert

October 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

““I can’t believe Bobby Cox is still managing.”

Neither can I. Neither can I.

By DAP

October 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

mbatl id say your right on about the DH adding length AL games. the 5th inning of last nights game took an hour all by itself.

tommy p you might be right about LA just eating AJ and Pierre’s salaries so they can keep kemp and ethier. but, keeping pierre and andruw also hanicapps them from winning games, because they will have two outfielders on the bench, one who can only run, and the other who cant do anything. those bench spots could be used by players who could contribute. my guess is that they would try to trade pierre and eat some of his salary if they want to keep ethier and kemp. i doubt they will keep all 5 outfielders on the 25 man.

By DAP

October 12, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

tommyp ps: that senerio only applies if they decide to resign manny ramirez, which i think they will, especially after seeing what he does for thier team. they would just let him go, then, problem solved.

By InARut

October 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

“I can’t believe Bobby Cox is still managing.”

Neither can I. Neither can IRobert

Yeah, he’s getting almost as stupid and predictable as you already are

By JB

October 12, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

DOB!!! THE BLUE JAYS HAVE AN OUTFIELD SURPLUS ADAM LIND VERNON WELLS TRAVIS SNIDER ALEXIS RIOS I BET WE’RE LOOKING AT RIOS!

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

mbatl—

Good point about the DH. That thing is so annoying, anyway.

By DAP

October 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

JB rios isnt exactly in the mold were looking for…not as much power as we need. plus he has a full no trade clause he’d have to waive, has 6 more years garunteed on his contract, where he i getting paid $65mil. also, he has an option year wed probbaly have to pickup in order to get him to waive his no trade clause.

i dont think the braves are looking at alex rios. sorry, JB.

By Ben

October 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

I’ve been thinking about some of Wren’s and your comments regarding this offseason. I wanted to run it by you and see if you agree.

First, we know we have somewhere around $40 million free, since a bunch is coming off the books and Liberty is upping payroll, maybe by $10 million or so. Second, we know Wren doesn’t really think we’ll enter the sweepstakes for the top FA pitchers (CC, Sheets, Burnett) because, even with the money we’ll have, those guys are going to command too much. Third, Wren hasn’t said he wants to settle for one of the power-hitting FA outfielders (Burrell and Dunn instantly come to mind). Fourth, Wren doesn’t intend to trade Heyward, Schafer, Freeman, or Hanson.

This makes me think that we’ll have to get our 2 starters and 1 outfielder predominantly via trading at least some of: KJ/Prado, B. Jones, Lilli, Kala, Mejia, Flowers, Diory Hernandez, Travis Jones, Brandon Hicks, Rohrbough, Redmond, Locke, Diamond, and Ortegano. Maybe we include Jo-Jo and Morton, if the return merits it. Then, assuming we can do it, we re-sign/re-structure the obtained players’ contracts with the money we have. Maybe we spend a little bit of the money on a FA for the bench.

I’m glad Wren doesn’t feel limited to the free agent market. This team needs lots of help to be serious players in 2009, and that means considering trading for big-time players. We do have lots of talent in that trading pool I laid out just above. What do you think about all this?

By Brian

October 12, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

If it’s a Red Sox/Phillies WS, the only way that I could get any satisfaction out of watching that would be if they get in a brawl and hurt each other! With the Hawian-cryin midget having Youkilis stick his smelly armpits in that snotty little face! Hey, it might be fun.

By mbatl

October 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable finish in the Falcons game! Good for Mike Smith. And, we’ve got a quarterback.

Not a great team, but doing their best to play like one.

By David O'Brien

October 12, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

mbatl, you’re right: refreshing change for the Falcons, indeed. It’s early, but already significant strides.

By Couch Tater

October 12, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

mbatl- I don’t usually watch the Falcons, (what’s there been to watch?) but that was a good finish.

DOB- I’ll be doin’ that KU kickoff chant come 11/15.

By Lew

October 12, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

McFann-Just because Bako’s .231 career batting average is better than Corky and Sammons combined last year is absolutely no reason to set your sights that low. IMO that there has to be at least three or four (if not more) better options available to us. Let’s see about getting someone that can hit well enough that we don’t cringe and expect a loss when Mac’s not in the game.

As far as I’m concerned, making sure that we are not at too much of an offensive liability when any of our regulars is out of the lineup is a major concern for the Braves this winter-In Addition to the pitchers and power bats. I’m not overly worried about having Prado and Infante take up some slack in that regard, but we need a backup catcher who can hit one out of the infield upon occasion.

By mitchie-san

October 12, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Aloha, I didnt get to see the Falcons game today since there is a 6 hour difference in time , glad to see they won. I am heading out to Waipahu to see the Honolulu Sharks play. I have been to a couple games, but I have not seen Kala, Broadway or Venters play yet. Maybe today, I’ll let ya’ll know. Oh and DOB, a Tech win is a Tech win. I dont care who it is!

Mahalo

By DAP

October 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

there are plenty of catchers available as free agents that we could get for a BUC. estrada and lo duca are a couple, as well as barrett, bard, greg zaun…really, its the least of our worries. as bad as our BUC situation was this year, i could settle for sammons if the few mil it would take to sign a guy prevented us from doing other things we need. id say sign greg norton to pinch hit for us is still more of a priority than a BUC.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Lew—

OK! OK! You’re right! I want a guy that cann hit one outta the infield, too. I just didn’t think the Braves were as concerned as they should be, so I was starting small. After all, I did say “But so far, I like Bako the best if they want an outsider.”

Yeah, I also said, “I’d like to have him,” didn’t I? Well, he seemed like the best choice so far. I mean, Bard and Barrett only hit .202 last year…Bako hit .217…

Hey, what about Greg Zaun? I think he’s the guy I liked better…I knew there was someone else! All this time I’ve been sayin’ Bako…

Now, OK, Zaun only hit .237 last year, but he had 6 homers, 12 doubles, and 30 RBI…not to mention the .297 with 2 outs-RISP. That’s an upgrade, IMHO.

But, hey, if the Braves could get a guy like Pudge for a small price, then go crazy, Wren!

By Steve from OH

October 12, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

DAP, agreed on the 5:23. Let’s not allocate funds into positions where we really don’t need them. Sammons is fine by me. Hey, if we’ve got a few bucks left over, and want to sign someone, and put Clint back in AAA, that’s cool too. No need to overpay for a part-time backup.

By Savannah Guy

October 12, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s see about getting someone that can hit well enough that we don’t cringe and expect a loss when Mac’s not in the game.

Know what you mean Lew, yet with all the young arms (and heads) coming up to take the mound, a Charlie O’Brien type guy would make a good backup to McCann. Could even show Brian a thing or twelve while he’s at it. Not much bat but he knew how to catch like a goaltender.

Then you watch Papelbon, who gets the ball, thinks about baseball in the bigger picture of society and all that he might be able to accomplish with his fastball and his intellect…

Hilarious post, David O’Brien… and true. Papelbon is a human rain delay… the Tom McGuane of pitchers.

By Tim

October 12, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

And chance the Braves bring back Paul Bako for a 2nd go around?

By semiballcoach

October 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

braves ought to look at baldelli (again) for left field…maybe add edwin jackson to the deal

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy Papelbon is a human rain delay

Haha! That’s a good one!

By mbatl

October 12, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

semiballcoach, I’m pretty sure (not positive) that the Rays declined Baldelli’s 2009 option earlier this year, and that he’s a free agent.

His name is anathema on this blog, but if he’s healthy, I agree, he’s worth looking at.

By Wayne

October 12, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Never thought the day would come that I would pull for the Dodgers!

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Tim And chance the Braves bring back Paul Bako for a 2nd go around?

Funny you should mention it…there’s been a back-and-forth between me and Lew about that today…

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

Me, too. But I cann never pull for the Fillies. Never never never never NEVER!

I got a little too much pride in that regard, I guess. Huge fault of mine.

By N Nine

October 12, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

semiballcoach, mbatl

Yes the rays declined his options and will be a free agent. The rays were forced to make a decision on his future earlier in the year. At that time, he was unable to play. I too have expressed a desire to look into Baldelli. He has a good upside.

By N Nine

October 12, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

has anyone mentioned paul bako as a potential brave? I heard he might be a free agent!

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

N Nine has anyone mentioned paul bako as a potential brave?

You’re puttin’ us on…I know you are.

By N Nine

October 12, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

no..i was not tim. I saw he had the question posted

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

N Nine no..i was not tim.

Didn’t say you were.

By Lew

October 12, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

McFann-Don’t worry, I’m not trying to come down on your case or anything, I just think if The House Wren is going to go out and replace an anemically hitting back up catcher, it would behoove him (bet the Chopping Cow likes that terminology) to get a back up catcher that can actually hit. I don’t think Bako fills the bill. Honestly, I don’t know who I’d look to pick up, but if he can’t hit any better than who we already have, then why bother?.

By N Nine

October 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Ô Ô

U

By RC

October 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think that Delmon Young might be a trade target for the Braves this offseason? He seems like a bit of a risk, but also has a HUGE upside. As a player he reminds me a lot of Francouer….could end up being great, but also has a lot of question marks surrounding him.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Clint Hurdle’s BFF did a nice job of nabbing Utley! Sweet!

Lew—

I agree. I sorta jumped on the train a little too soon. Don’t think it had enough fuel to get very far.

it would behoove him (bet the Chopping Cow likes that terminology)

Haha! Yeah, sure she’d like that! ; )

I’m not too sure what else is available in the BUC depot. Anywhere I cann go to find out?

N Nine—

O…Kaaay…What?

By woogidy

October 12, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is Manny with a Tomahawk on his chest. Maybe he’ll lighten up the clubhouse like he did in L.A.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Wow!! 5-zip!

By Santa

October 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Dear Woogidy,

poof..there you go Manny Acosta, now a brave. no more wishes allowed this year. Love, Santa

By cabravesfan

October 12, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Wow- Jamie Moyer really kinda sucks…he was really their best option?

By Brian

October 12, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Maybe the brawl I want is gonna happen between Dodgers/Phils!

By Wayne

October 12, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Santa That’s cold man!

By keylargo

October 12, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

I knew Victorino would get thrown at. I so happy for McFann as I know she is ecstatic right now!

Have you seen anyone get on top of the plate like Rollins does since David Justice?

By Savannah Guy

October 12, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Raisins, just caught up and saw your 3:45 yesterday. I’m good with your Christmas wish list. No need to wrap… just deliver to Orlando this Spring.

Not sure about Mussina though, especially if we keep Glavine and Hampton, but I’ve always liked him. A gamer and seems to be in pretty good shape.

Pudge could sure solve the backup catcher spot in a big way. Good D, ultimate gamer and always a threat.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

So they threw at the Reaper?? Haha! Sweet dreams!

We flipped over from Iron Chef, and Reaper had just grounded out, and was yellin’ at the Dodger’s pitcher. Then the benches cleared, you know…

The announcers were sayin’, “Victorino said, ‘Not at my head,’” or something along those lines…

Yeah, Reaper. Bet it’s no fun gettin’ hit in the head…bet that hurts…

Brian—

He’s a punk all the way. Like I said, I gave him props for the phone call, but otherwise I dislike him with a passion, and I hope I don’t have to see him in the WS (sorry, * cabravesfan). I’m not an LAD fan, either, but I’m *so sicka the Fillies!!

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

OK, I just thought of this wording:

That’s what bugs me about guys like the Reaper. He cann knock down Consell, he cann pull down Lowe, he cann knock down guys all he wants, but if you throw at him? Oh my gosh! You gotta pay!

Dude, if knockin’ guys down is “part of the game”, then gettin’ thrown at is “part of the game”, too.

By keylargo

October 12, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

McFann

If you didn’t see it, Victorino had one thrown about a foot right over his head. I don’t know why he was so upset, he would have to be at least average height to have had been hit. 8) A midget like him had nothing to worry about.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 12, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Manny Ramirez has about as much a chance of playing for the Braves as I have of taking over for Bobby Cox, enough said.

The one thing that strikes me as being amazing concerning Ryan Dempster’s 2008 season is, he went 14-3 with an ERA of 2.83 pitching at Wrigley Field. Even crazier, the Cubs were 16-4 when Dempster started a home game. But I shouldn’t stop there. The Cubbies finished 6-7 on the road with Dempster on the mound.

His road ERA was more than respectable at 3.13 and yet he gave up 8 HR’s in 77.2 road innings versus 6 HR’s in 129 innings at Wrigley Field. Knowing the playing conditions in Chicago, I must assume that the wind must have been blowing in quite a bit during Dempster’s 20 home starts.

But still, It’s Wrigley Field. Fourteen wins at home might to be some kind of modern record.

By cabravesfan

October 12, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

McFann

No need to apologize- believe me it is very hard to pull for the phillies but it would mean I no longer have to listen to all the talk about how great the dodgers are…which is as annoying as it sounds- and the lesser of two evils for me:)

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

Yeah, of course I missed it (like when he got hit against the Braves while trying to bunt, and the ump wouldn’t give him first base), but maybe they’ll re-show it when he comes up to bat.

I don’t know why he was so upset, he would have to be at least average height to have had been hit. 8)

Haha!

Dude, something weird happened at the end of my last post.

By StingerSplash

October 12, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Is Game 2 of the ALCS over yet? They ought to start those games around noon if they hope to finish the same day.

By McFann Ô

October 12, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan—

I understand your position. It’s like us with the UGA fans in our family…

Speakin’ of family, condolences to the Reaper and his family. His grandmother passed away.

Night, all!

By Mitchell

October 12, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

I got a theory about Jeff and los Bravos in ‘09.

Jeff is going to have another odd year comeback. He’s only been good in odd years. He can’t be any worse next time out than ‘08. Okay, he’s Jeff. Maybe he can. But let’s hope not.

But in ‘05 he was genuinely great. In ‘07, he was deceptively great. ‘09, let’s hope for… eh.

Secondly, the Braves need to start fighting more. We have some unfinished business with the Cubs and the Phillies and I don’t know about you but wherever I am next year on June 2nd I’m watching the first Cubs Braves game at Turner Field and I’m going to be ready for a brawl.

I usually don’t have strong feelings about the Phillies either way but we need to start kicking their @$$e$ next year. I’ve had about enough of Victorino. That guy needs a fastball in his ribs as soon as possible.

Bobby Cox is a contradiction in terms. Deservedly or not, he gets a lot of criticism for losing in the playoffs… okay he deserves it. He’s simply not aggresive enough in October and a lot of the times it doesn’t seem like he’s that agressive during the season, at least not these days, but if the Braves could play like Bobby when he’s out there arguing and getting thrown out of games they might start getting different results.

He let’s them off the hook when he gets thrown out and they seem to like him for it but they never back him up with their play.

Winning the East next year will probably take the same thing as last year, having an MVP on your team.

Here’s to an odd year for Jeff and some fights and getting mad and doing stuff. Shaking it up. And more fights.

Just something or it’s going to suck again.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Mitchell, so Francoeur needs to be as “deceptively great” as he was in 2007, and the Braves need to fight more. Those are your two keys for 2008, or your two hopes?

Fine analysis.

By Wayne

October 13, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

I am a “deceptively great” saleperson! Anybody buying it?

:-)

Flying through ATL tomorrow afternoon/evening. Too bad the Braves aren’t still playing this year. Woulda been nice….

By TrippyHippie

October 13, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

The CSI shot, BTW, was apparently Jeff Kent sending one of Gonzo’s pitches over KJ’s head and straight at Frenchy. Does anybody know which game this was? The need to figure out this bit of useless trivia is driving me crazy….

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

Well, now we’ve got a series in the NLCS. I’m thinking this will go at least six games….

Dooes anyone believe Manny wanted a piece of someone tonight? I don’t. Classic case of waiting until a crowd’s on the field and there’s no chance of one-on-one confrontation, then acting all crazy, like, “Somebody better hold me back….”

He’s not a fighter. But he’s absolutely a hitting machine. Mercy….

When the Patriots aren’t so great, Belichick in that hoody with the sleeves cut off goes from looking like an evil, eccentric genius to looking kind of ridiculous….

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

TrippyHippie, if it was Kent against Gonzalez, it had to be in 2007 before Gonzo got hurt.

This season, Gonzalez wasn’t active for the Dodgers series in Atlanta in April, and he pitched in only one game in the series at Dodger Stadium in July. In the July 8 game, he struck out both batters he faced in the ninth inning, and Kent wasn’t one of them.

Thank you. We’re here to serve.

By Tim

October 13, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

Actually Paul Bako had a good year by his standards. He set a career high with 6 homeruns and had 35 RBIs. His .217 BA was better than Miller’s too. I just don’t won’t automatic out Miller back as BUC.

There really isn’t a whole lot of choices out there for BUC. Maybe that’s why teams go through BUCs like underwear. Lol.

By Brian

October 13, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

DOB- Hopefully the New England/Boston empires will fall, although the Red Sox look like they’re here to stay for awhile. By the way, how can you not mention Victorino in the “Somebody better hold me back..” deal? You had to have seen him do his wanna be bad a* thing after the benches cleared. Man, I can’y believe I’m still up!!!

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 13, 2008 4:56 AM | Link to this

Belichick had the most unbelievably stunned look on his face when the Patriots got stuffed inside the five yard line on four straight downs while the score was 17-3 and they failed to get into the end zone.

Talk about going down the tubes. Without Tom Brady, the Pats are done.

As for Bobby Cox being a contradiction, absolutely. part of the reason that Yunel Escobar was hurt so much is because teams kept throwing inside and hitting him. Cox did not retaliate and I don’t give a damn what anybody says concerning Cox’s ability’s at running a smooth clubhouse, when the manager doesn’t protect his players, the team falls apart and the Braves did. Both physically and mentally.

By Voice from the past

October 13, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy:

Just caught your 9:34pm from last night. That wasn’t me, dude. That “The Voice Of Reason” is not the original “Voice of Reason”, which is me. No list posting here for me. No Mussina on any wish list of mine, anyway. Dempster, yes. Rivera, maybe.

C-ya across the street….

By Maniac is accurate

October 13, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Yeah, the Cox comment by McKean caught my ear, too. But then I thought, “Well, a corrupt, evil &%^$ like that would insult one of the greatest managers ever. I liked the fact that at the end, not only did he get shot, but he survived so hopefully the state can execute him for Warrick’s murder.

By richbrave

October 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

SAVANNAH GUY:

IVAN RODRIGUEZ to ATLANTA as BUC.? You’re not serious right.? Made 10.5 million last year, 388 AB’s, .281 AVG, 7 HR - that PUDGE. Yes, he’d be sweet as back-up, but I don’t think he sees himself at that station in his playing career. NO. Look elsewhere.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Jeff is going to have another odd year comeback. He’s only been good in odd years. He can’t be any worse next time out than ‘08. Okay, he’s Jeff. Maybe he can. But let’s hope not.

Francoeur was good in 70 games his rookie year. He was not very good in 2006 but a lot of people failed to notice because he still drove in 103 runs and hit 29 homers. He was better in 2007 but not great by any means, but again he drove in 105 runs so no one noticed how mediocre he really was. in 2008 everyone noticed that he was bad because not only was his on-base and slugging awful but his AVG-HR-RBI were too.

By Savannah Guy

October 13, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

No Richbrave… not serious about Pudge being a realistic expectation for buc. Just giving a nod to an old pal for what seemed a fun, harmless, Christmas fantasy wish list. Didn’t mean to offend hot stove aficionados or budget minded recruiters.

Same goes for most others on that wish list, which turned out, per Voice of the Past (the original Voice of Reason) to not be from the Voice of Reason (Raisins) that some of us know.

What are the chances of having two voice’s of reason that have the same name on a sports blog? To use your words: NO. Look elsewhere. LOL.

By Wayne

October 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Three quick thoughts, before I get on an airplane:

1) Manny is definitely a lover, not a fighter. All talk, no action kinda guy.

2) The Braves in general need to ascert themselves as not being pushovers. They MUST be willing to administer some chin music on occasion.

3) Pudge at 1-2 million per for a year or two would be a great addition to the Braves.

(much) later…

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

OK, I’d like to begin by saying I’m sorry I called the Reaper a “punk” last night. That wasn’t called for.

Also, I said “the UGA fans in our family”…I should have said, “The high-school football fans.” So, sorry.

Now…about the benches clearing…what did Martin say last night? “We weren’t trying to hit his head, it went over his head”? That doesn’t even make sense, if that’s really what he said.

I agree that you shouldn’t throw at the head. Not a good idea to mess with the head.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

mcfann they werent trying to hit victorino last night, they were just sending a message. the pitch was a foot over his head, with no chance to hit him…the announcer even mentioned that that is the safest way to throw at someone without hitting them. if you really want to bean someone, you throw at their ribs. its a bigger target, harder to move out of the way, ect. victorino overreated and ekp talking all the way down to first, like he always does. that lead to the benches clearing. it was similar to what he did to tavares, where he was just running his mouth.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Wayne—

Have a safe flight!

Manny is definitely a lover, not a fighter.

“…But he’s also a fighter, so don’t get any ideas.”

Sorry……

[The Braves] MUST be willing to administer some chin music on occasion.

I totally agree! They at least need to throw some inside pitches. So make ‘em issue a warning! Quit letting people get away with running over Mac or hittin’ our guys. Make ‘em know they can’t do that!

And yeah, if they could get Pudge for 1 million? Ha! That’d be nice. But I don’t think that’s possible.

By flange1

October 13, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Morning all,

Fun game last night huh?

Love to see the benches clear ever so often, it invigorates the crown and both teams.

As usual Victorino is right in the middle of every scrum!

In terms of back up catchers, how about M. Barrett?

By DAP

October 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Shaun id take jeff’s 2007 numbers. they werent great, but they were good enough not to handicap our team like he did this year. id say if can OBP around .340, like he did in ‘07, and increase his slugging to about .470-.480, ill be happy. he won be an elite offensive player, but he will be a good contributor.

By richbrave

October 13, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

SAVANNAH GUY:

Missed the context. My bad. Sure would be a comfort to see PUDGE on our bench at 1 MILLION though. MERRY X-MAS.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

DAP, I agree. Just a pet peeve of mine that some don’t seem to understand that Francoeur isn’t this superstar that all the sudden dropped off dramatically. He was never great. Hopefully he will become a very solid player and I think he has a pretty good chance to. No one is rooting for that harder than I am. But people are obsessed with his RBI totals and completely ignore how often he’s made outs and how ordinary (or worse) his slugging percentage has been.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

shaun gotcha, and i totally agree. he is no superstar. he still could be a pretty solid player, but his flaws i think will always keep him from being great.

it seems like he is he kind of guy who might have huge seasons here or there, but will never be consistantly great. it wouldnt surprise me at all if he does a jermaine dye, and years from now competes for MVP, but he wont be consistantly great which means he will just be pretty good.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

The stathead community is a Jim Jones lead group that believes walks are the almighty and are worth more than a hit.

A plate appearance is a plate appearance. Francoeur has been very good at making his team mates score when they got on base until this past season. His critics seem to conveniently forget he had 40 doubles and 188 hits in 2007. They argue that is not enough, he needs to walk more to be a better hitter. Walking has nothing to do with hitting….walking actually is not hitting.

So, if Jeff had taken a walk 50 times instead of flying out to CF for 50 outs and 50 non-recorded plate appearance the stat head people would now have you believe he was a stud player. So let’s go back and see that he had 40 doubles, 42 walks (add the 50) 642 abs (takeaway 50 for the BB’s).

So, let me see if I get this thinking…188 hits..not good 105 RBI…..not good. 84 Runs scored…not good. 19 homeruns….not good….Gold Glove…..not good. played 162 games…..not good

Now if I was to agree then see if anyone agrees with this…..A player must have 250 hits , 50 Homeruns, 190 RBI, 140 Runs scored, not win a Gold Glove and only play 125 games in order to be considered good. Ok, Ok, I exaggerated a wee bit, but gimme a break, the man was clutch and drove in the runs when the hitter in front of him failed.

I have never understood the pure hatred for Jeff and how it is forgotten he is still only 24 years old. Francoeur was mediocre for fantasy baseball, but was pretty good for real, on the field basebal,l until 2008 and he admits he came in too big and he bulked up in error.

Bottom Line: Francoeur is not a good choice for your fantasy baseball team. Francoeur is a heck of a baseball player and can play the real game. Some pretty good players had down years like Jeff and ended up with good careers. Let’s give Jeff another year before we through him under the bus for good.

If fantasy baseball types would not choose Francoeur for their teams they might see he was not so bad pre 2008.

That is just my opinion and I respect other opinion even though there seems to be Bias.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

richbrave and Savannah Guy, I’m not sure Pudge is even worth $1 million at this point in his career. He hasn’t had an OBP above .330 since 2004. His slugging has declined every season since 2004 and was .394 in 2008. Corky Miller posted a better OPS+ in 2007 than Rodriguez in three of the past four seasons. Basically Rodriguez has been around as good a hitter as the 2007 Andruw Jones over the past four seasons.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

DAP—

I see…I just saw a replay of the incident, and yeah, it was pretty high. The Reaper did seem to overreact a little.

Yeah, it was just a message, like the Braves should have sent.

I mean, if it woulda been closer to his head, I could see his beef, though I’ve never liked throwing at the head in anyway. It was a bit crazy for him to go on about it like he did.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

The media is to blame for making the fans believe Francoeur was a super star in the making. I swear I missed all the press conferences that Jeff called to proclaim he was the next great star.

Everyone blasts Francoeur because of the media. The media placed Francoeur on this big huge pedestal in order to sell their goods and Jeff gets blasted for not living up to their hype.

Jeff is a good baseball player, not a great one. If the media would treat him more like Prado or Kelly the better off he would be. The better off we would be.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

It was a bit crazy for him to go on about it like he did.

I take that back. It wasn’t that crazy.

But I don’t think they wanted to hit him in the head.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Bobby, actually Francoeur would be a decent choice for fantasy baseball because fantasy baseball often overvalues counting stats like RBI. Francoeur is a poor choice for real baseball (or at least has been so far) because he makes outs too often.

Francoeur’s lack of value so far in his career has isn’t directly a result of his walk total. It has to do with the rate at which he makes outs more than anything. Plus his slugging has never been spectacular.

“Statheads” seem to like Vlad Guerrero just fine and he doesn’t walk much. But he gets on base. You see, getting on base is more than just taking walks.

So you can proceed with the name calling but until you or someone else can show us that how often a player makes outs doesn’t matter, I’ll continue on.

By brent a.

October 13, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Bobby,

Your point is fair.

However, Jeff and his agent also turned down a pretty nice contract, and he followed that up by having a terrible season. The media didn’t turn down that contract.

Also, Jeff opened up his personal life to the media, a bit more than I have seen from other young athletes (McCann would be a fair example. Where are the pictures of his kitchen and bathroom?)

By Braveheart

October 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Now…about the benches clearing…what did Martin say last night? “We weren’t trying to hit his head, it went over his head”? That doesn’t even make sense, if that’s really what he said.

It makes sense, McFann. There is a huge difference. If they were headhunting, they would have hit him right square in the noggin or thrown one right under his chin to make him hit the dirt. They threw it a few feet over his head so that the message was sent without him ever being in any real danger of getting hurt. They weren’t headhunting with Victorino last night.

By BoobyBobby

October 13, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

The stathead community is a Jim Jones lead group that believes walks are the almighty and are worth more than a hit.Bobby

you’re total moron, no question. what you don’t understand about hitting would fill at least two books, and I’m not even a huge stats enthusiast. This one ranks way up there with some of the dumber things ever posted here.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Stats are good barometers to help analyze a player, but stas only are able to a a very small look at the player. Stats don’t give you the swing by swing story or the game by game contribution of the player. Stats don’t show how a player helped his team win game after game while going hitless. Baseball is a game of failure, some players are better at failing then others.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Bobby, I agree with you that some in the media, the Braves’ PR or companies who chose him to endorse their products are to blame for Francoeur being over-hyped this early in his career. It may just be due to stupidity and some failing to understand that baseball is more than just RBI totals but it’s more about a hitter’s ability to get on base and not make outs at a good rate or gain bases at a good pace.

By flange1

October 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Bobby,

In your last 2 posts you have made a point that Frenchy is not a great player, the media has hyped him and that our expectations should not be so high.

On all of those fronts, I will agree with you.

In terms of “a walk is not hitting”, I don’t think I can agree with that.

While ALL on this blog know that I ma about as far away from a “stat head” as possible, even if we don’t get into the stat guys thoughts on walks, I think your statement is false.

In my mind, a walk is very much a part of hitting. In my mind, the MOST important part of hitting is recognizing the pitches coming into the plate and deciding on whether to swing or not.

If a batter has poor pitch recognition, he will struggle to hit because he is always guessing where a pitch will be.

A good hitter will recognize a pitch as being hittable or not, and will not swing at pitches that he cannot put into play.

If the pitcher is not throwing strikes (or pitches that can be hit into play) the batter should take the pitch and the walk.

In my mind, Frenchy’s worst hitting trait is being over aggressive to the extreme, not recognizing pitches, and swinging and missing at pitches that are not hittable.

Others have spoken on this blog about Frenchy’s hitting technique being flawed, and I will not argue that point, but again if he could recognize pithes better and not swing at un-hittable pitches, he would improve dramatically without improving his swing.

And just as important we all must realize how young Frenchy is and that he can improve if he works at it.

Hopefully he will.

Now Shaun, tell Bobby how important a walk is to someone who values stats!

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Stats are good barometers to help analyze a player, but stats are only able to give a very small look at the player. Stats don’t give you the swing by swing story or the game by game contribution of the player. Stats don’t show how a player helped his team win game after game while going hitless. Baseball is a game of failure, some players are better at failing then others.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

bobby i dont think anyone said that jeff wasnt good in 2007. he was good. it was his best year. he wasnt great. thats all.

also, people care about walks because people care about not making outs. frenchy got the hits, but he also made alot of outs, which doesnt help your offense. walk, or not making an out is a good offensive tool. frecny will probably always strikout twice as much as he walks…which isnt bad, but he would be a better offensive player if he walked, say…100 times a season. for an example, look at what chipper jones has done in his career. he is an elite hitter. he doesnt swing at pitches he cant hit (like jeff does) so he gets lots of hits, and lots of walks.

mcfann see if you can find a replay of the pitch that knocked down russell martinin the previous half-inning. now THAT pitch was at his head and was a dangerous pitch. (though i dont think it was intentional) if they had done that to the reaper, thats legitamite beef.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Bobby, the entire point of “hitting” is to “not make outs.” Jeff makes more outs/plate appearance than pretty much anyone on the team not named Corky Miller. That is not good. I don’t think too many ballplayers go up to bad thinking “doggone it, I’m going to get a hit or nothing. I will NOT walk. Walks are selfish, by God.”

Singles are more valuable than walks. But not walking, and making an out instead, is infinitely more damaging to your team compared to the small gain of singling vs. walking. I hope you don’t disagree with that.

Also, Jeff has never been a .300 hitter in a full season, so you really can’t make the argument that he’s a “good hitter,” using that logic.

Ok, let’s go through the rest of your post, shall we?

So, if Jeff had taken a walk 50 times instead of flying out to CF for 50 outs and 50 non-recorded plate appearance the stat head people would now have you believe he was a stud player.

Good Lord. So you would rather him fly out 50 times than walking 50 times? That alone should invalidate your entire argumet. Walks are not the Almighty in physical form, but they’re more valuable than outs, I think. But what do I know, I only use logic. Everyone knows that that is overrated.

So, let me see if I get this thinking…188 hits..not good

Well, that’s ok, but remeber that Jeff gets way more at-bats than almost anyone in the league. I’d take it. He had 170 hits in ‘06, but only hit .260 because of all his plate appearances. Is that good?

105 RBI…..not good.

RBI are meaningless for individual player evaluation. Come on, you can do better….

84 Runs scored…not good.

Oops. Guess not. We can, of course, base a player’s hitting ability based on how many runs he scores, becuase Jeff just wills his teammates to knock him in when he gets on base. All Jeff. 100% Jeff. Runs scored are stupid. This is like saying that Michael Anthony make a buch of platinum records. Not quite. Eddie Van Halen made a bunch of platinum records, and Mike kinda just went along for the ride (Mike is probably one of my favorite bass players ever, though).

19 homeruns….not good

No, that’s good.

….Gold Glove…..not good.

Gold Gloves are kinda irrelevant, but Jeff’s defense is above average, and he does have a great arm. You’ll never hear me bash his defense.

played 162 games…..not good

Well, yeah, its good. I’d like to see him get a day off every now and then, though. He’s dependable in that sense.

Bottom Line: Francoeur is not a good choice for your fantasy baseball team.

Well, this season, he wasn’t a really good choice for your real baseball team, either.

Look, no one is rooting harder for Jeff than me. I hate to see him going through these struggles, really I do. It’s gotta be killing him inside. But until he changes his plate approach, he’s not going to cut it. Frank Wren knows it, Bobby knows it, hell, even my dog knows it. I’m hoping like heck that he does, but I’m not holding my breath. If he comes out next season and has a great year, I’ll be the first to say that my judgment was a bit misguided, and I will be more than happy to do it. I really, really hope I’m wrong. But excuse me for being a bit cynical in the meantime. I’ve still got a little bit of hope because he is only 24.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Shaun I have seen some of your opinions here and I must say you “spin it”. I don’t know where I called anyone a name, but please “spin it” to suit your opinion. Stop me if I am wrong….you love PS2, WII, Stats, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, 360, under 24 years old. That is the vibe you give off in your responses. Please do not think I am insulting you, I am not. Your writing points in that direction.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

bobby ok, baes on your 10:59, are you saying that frenchy has been helping this team win? because in 2008, it was mostly embarrassment when he came to the plate. he looked absolulty horrible most of the time. i watched alot of games, and for alot of them, jeff didnt even look like a real MLB player. (love ya, jeff, but its true)

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

McFann, in my opinion you’re right about Martin making little sense with his comment that they didn’t throw at his head, but OVER his head. (That’s what he said, they didn’t throw at his head, they threw over his head).

To send a message, you don’t throw a foot over a guy’s head; you throw and hit him in the butt or a thigh, or buzz him inside, high and tight. You don’t throw a foot over his head.

In that same interview Martin said the Dodgers had to match their “aggressivity.” Not aggressiveness. Their aggressivity. And I thought, what an idiot.

Turns out, he was right. It’s a word. Aggressivity.

That’s like when Roger Clemens said “misremembered” and we all thought he was an idiot (well, he is an idiot, but that’s beside the point). Misremembered is an actual word, though seldom used by anyone. Much like aggressivity.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Bobby, I would like to point out that I completely agree with your 10:43. The Braves did overhype the kid, and now everyone expects him to be the second coming of Larry Walker or Reggie Jackson, and well, that probably ain’t happening.

Flange1, good post at 10:58

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Baseball is a game of failure. By your logic a player that fails 7 out of 10 times is an all star and a player that fails 7.5 out of 10 times should not be allowed to play the game? There is a fine line between the success of players at the level they play.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Braveheart—

You’re right. I worded it wrong. I think what he said was more like, “We weren’t throwing at his head, it went over his head.”

Though that kinda makes sense, too…but whatever. I didn’t see the interview, so I can’t talk. I shouldn’t have even brought it up.

DAP—

Hmm…I heard about that pitch. I’m not sure they’ve got a replay, but I’ll look. You make a good point there.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

if jeff as a 2009 similar to his 2007, i will be satisfied, because to me, that means he didnt hanicap this team, but im betting the braves dont offer him another long term contract unless he explodes, hits 30 homers, 100 RBI, .340 OBP, .500 slg%.

By Lew

October 13, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Bobby-Nice post at 10:33. Keep up with that kind of logic and you might not win over too many people, but you could end up with a Wurlitzer. The Dude was doomed as soon as Sports Illustrated Annointed him “The Natural” (still have two pristine copies of it, myself). Don’t worry-He’ll be back.

Read his interview in the current issue of Chop Talk. His head is tied on straight, despite what most people think. He’s motivated for a turnaround. He realized the weight gain didn’t lead to increased power-just tied up his swing and made him slower. He raised his BA almost ten points at the end of the season, which is difficult to do with as many AB as he had. He also lost 25 pounds the last month and a half of the season-also hard as hell to do. He’s already working on strength and flexibility rather than bulk and he’s sorry for the betrayal comment.

Shaun-BTW Dude, He was a terrible Fantasy choice. I’ve had him the past three years and finished middle of the pack. Of course, I had to dump Tex this year, too. When I did, my team moved up quickly. Go figure (or go into a paroxysm of Statistical Frenzy).

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Where are the pictures of his kitchen and bathroom?Brent A.

I don’t think we want to see pictures of Heap’s bathroom.

(Though, to be fair, now that he’s married I’m sure that’s not the disaster it probably was when he lived with Francoeur.)

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

DOB i gotta tell you, man, your putting out some gems in the comment sections of these blogs. i love it!

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

McFann, you’re right about Martin making no sense with his comment that they didn’t throw at his head, but OVER his head. (That’s what he said, they didn’t throw at his head, they threw over his head).

Thanks, Chief! (I messed up in my 11:16: it makes no sense.)

“Aggressivity” is a word? Weird…I need a Dictionary…

But Russell Martin kinda gets on my nerves, as I’m sure you all knew. He actually told McCann that he (Martin) was going in the ASG after Grove, and afterwards said, “I wasn’t in a hurry to go anywhere.”

Yeah, thanks, Russ. And of course, Mac wasn’t the least bit put-off, which is good. (I guess I do all of that for him.)

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

bobby id say a super star only fails 6 out of ten times. that would give them around a .400 OBP. if you fail 7 out of ten times, and have a .300 OBP, then you are pretty bad. somewhere in between is where most player are. seems like a fine line, but over 600 PA, that 3 or 4 times out of ten that a player reaches without making an out is really 180 times vs. 240 times, which really isnt that fine of a line.

By Braveheart

October 13, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy, through the age of 25: 552 games, .260 AVG, .325 obp, .445 slg

Jeff Francoeur, through the age of 24: 549 games, .268 AVG, .312 obp, .434 slg.

By Lew

October 13, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

McFann-Not aggressivity-aggression.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Read his interview in the current issue of Chop Talk. His head is tied on straight, despite what most people think. He’s motivated for a turnaround. He realized the weight gain didn’t lead to increased power-just tied up his swing and made him slower. He raised his BA almost ten points at the end of the season, which is difficult to do with as many AB as he had. He also lost 25 pounds the last month and a half of the season-also hard as hell to do. He’s already working on strength and flexibility rather than bulk and he’s sorry for the betrayal comment.

Good to hear, good to hear. There’s hope yet. I still like the guy, don’t get me wrong. I’m just hoping that he realizes that adjustments need to be made, and by the looks of it, he does. I’m rooting for you, Jeff.

By ncscoots

October 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I have deceptive aggressivity.

By Lew

October 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Aggressivity was a term coined by a Psychiatrist, Jaques Lacan, in the mid 20th Century. Please allow me to doubt that Russell Martin can split hairs that finely or for that matter, have a vague inkling of what the difference between aggressivity and aggression are. I think the Dude made a grammatical mistake and got lucky.

Sorry McFann, but the Dude IS a catcher, after all.

By WordWizardHobo

October 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

DOB,

The words aggressivity and misremembered are perfectly cromulent to use in conversation.

By Braveheart

October 13, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

To send a message, you don’t throw a foot over a guy’s head; you throw and hit him in the butt or a thigh, or buzz him inside, high and tight. You don’t throw a foot over his head.

Gotta disagree with you there DOB. Victorino’s reaction told you the message was sent. If they hit him, they would have put a runner on base in a game they badly needed to win. If they buzzed the tower too much, there was the risk of a brawl and injuries and suspensions and key guys getting tossed from a game they badly needed to win. Hitting or dusting him would have been dumb and reckless. They just wanted to send a message. Clearly, it was received. Otherwise, Victorino wouldn’t have said anything back about it.

By Interested Observer

October 13, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I thought the “pitch” to Victorino made sense. The Phils threw in the vicinity of Martin’s head (and Ramirez the game before) so they threw in the vicinity of Victorino’s head. Message sent without putting a runner on base.

Martin might not have made much sense but I like that he manned up and admitted they were throwing at him. How many times after an obviously intentional plunking do we hear the pitcher or catcher come out and say “we were trying to establish the inside and it got away from me”. Enough of that!

By TommyP

October 13, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

In regards to the walks vs. outs vs. whatever else we’re arguing here….don’t forget, there are “good outs” as well.

Sac bunt, sac fly, hitting behind the runner to move ‘em over….

I want my hitters to take walks and produce “good” outs.

By A.S.

October 13, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. what do you think veteran catcher and Atlanta native Michael Barrett could bring to this team?

I imagine Barrett could become a leader on this team. He would also become a great role player. Michael would be a nice bat on the bench and a useful backup compared to the piece of junk we had this year.

Andy I like the idea of singing Lowe and trading for Arroyo and Byrnes. I dont know anything about Byrnes being available but Arroyo is always being shopped.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Lew Sorry McFann, but the Dude IS a catcher, after all.

What—You mean the whole “tools of ignorance” thing?

By DAP

October 13, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

tommyp don’t forget, there are “good outs” as well.

thats true, but alot of the “good outs” dont show up as “bad outs” when a player sac bunts or sac flies, it doesnt show up as an at bat…though it does show up in his PA, which affects his OBP. i guess youre right. good outs usually dont hurt you average but they do hurt your OBP.

i love to see innings where there is a walk, a steal, a bunt and a sac fly. to some people thats boring, but scoring a run without getting a hit is fun, to me. thats why speed, on base, and not striking out a ton is fun to watch. for me, anyways.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

“Tools of ignorance”…Who coined such a phrase?

A.S. I dont know anything about Byrnes being available

Ecth…I hope he’s not. The D-Backs cann have him. After he missed 3 months with hamstring issues in both legs, I want him even less than I did before.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Stop me if I am wrong….you love PS2, WII, Stats, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, 360, under 24 years old. That is the vibe you give off in your responses.

Bobby, you are very wrong. No offense to anyone who likes those aforementioned things, but I do not. Nothing could be farther from the truth than the statement above. Fell asleep the first time I saw Lord of the Rings. Harry Potter doesn’t interest me. Can’t stand the fantasy genre. Still playing the original XBox when I do play video games. And I’m older than you think.

TommyP, I agree with the concept of good or productive outs to a certain degree. But in order for there to be a good out, there must be at least one baserunner and some outs avoided. An out can’t be productive without a baserunner or if there are two outs in the inning. In other words a team or player isn’t going to become great by making lots of productive outs.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

For anyone who skimmed my posts I will refresh for you the points you missed.

Frenchy is 24 years old. He had a lousy 2008 by my admission and his admission. I never said I would prefer Jeff to have flown 50 times rather than walk. I wrote what I wrote and you are putting words in my mouth.

Good Lord. So you would rather him fly out 50 times than walking 50 times? That alone should invalidate your entire argumet. Walks are not the Almighty in physical form, but they’re more valuable than outs, I think. But what do I know, I only use logic. Everyone knows that that is overrated.

See, I never said what you are saying. I implied other people were thinking that. I can go over all your counter points and point out similar discrepancies, but why? You would just put more words in my mouth so you can puff your chest to this Blog and say…..I am always right! I am the Rocky of this board!

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Dap you either need to get in step with what I meant or I need to be more clear…… I was referring to base hits only, not OBP. Now I think my post makes more sense, huh?

By DAP

October 13, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

bobby by the tone of your post, i think its reasonable for people to think you think a walk and a flyout to center is equal. maybe you shouldnt be so careless with your words.

by the way, i did the math, and if 50 of jeff’s outs were walks instead, he would have hit .260, with a .371 OBP (by the way, thats really good)walks dont help your slug%, which would stay at .359. that makes for a .730 OPS, which is alot better than the .653 he actually posted, and it means he probably would have been an ok leadoff hitter, and would have scored ALOT with chipper batting behind him.

anyways, you can see how trading 50 outs for 50 walks helps your offensive stats, and helps your team score runs.

By Original Jon

October 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave and all of those that may still be wondering about the Braves vs. Dodgers clip on CSI. I have watched it over and over again and this much I can tell. Number 51 (the pitcher) was right handed, so there is no way on earth that was Mike Gonzalez. The right fielder was left handed, so it wasnt Jeff Franceour. The game was played at home, but not at Turner Field, it was at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, you can tell by looking at the blue wall behind the catcher. The uniforms dont look like the uniforms they wear now. maybe late 80’s or 90’s

So, I cannot tell when this game was.

Here all the pitchers I have found that pitched in the 80’s and 90’s Forster - He was left handed Pedro Bourbon - LH Ben River - Never faced Dodgers David Cortez - NFD Joe Winkelsas - NFD Chris Seelbach in year 2000 - Did not face Dodgers

So, i Have no idea who the pitcher was or what year it was.

If anyone else can fill in the blanks, please feel free.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Bobby, the only thing I’m taking an issue with is your disregard for the value of walks. You said it yourself: “walking is not hitting.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

No one said Jeff’s 2007 was a bad season. Could’ve been better, but he didn’t hurt the team by any means with his play. No one is saying that.

And no one is saying that walks are more valuable than singles. But they are more valuable than outs. The only point I’m trying to make is that Jeff makes too many outs. No amount of silly RBI or runs scored can turn his out-making skills into real value. Not saying he’s not good, but his OBP will keep him from being a star or a superstar, unless he turns it around (I still have hope) Plain and simple.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

bobby Dap you either need to get in step with what I meant or I need to be more clear…… I was referring to base hits only, not OBP. Now I think my post makes more sense, huh?

haha, ok…i was “in step” with what you meant, now let me get YOU back in step. “failing” should not be defined as not getting a hit. that was MY point. your defineition of “failing” is flawed and shows a poor understanding of baseball and what is important on offense. “failing” should be making an out, which means OBP is a better measure. a batter who walks has not failed.

now that you are up to speed, what do you say?

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Hey, Mark Bowmen had a good response in his mailbag to a Q about moving McCann to first base:

There has been some reason for the Braves to at least discuss this possibility. But it doesn’t seem to be a probability. After talking with bench coach Chino Cadahia last month, McCann came away saying that he will spend this offseason putting a greater emphasis on his physical condition.

If he’s able to get in better shape, he’ll likely gain better footwork behind the plate, and more importantly, lessen the fatigue he feels as the season progresses.

McCann’s greatest asset is that he’s able to do what he does offensively as a catcher. Playing another position would allow him to stay stronger throughout the season and his career. But at the same time, this move would minimize the value that has allowed him to earn All-Star selections in each of his first three full Major League seasons.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Dap you are clearly the more clever man, I can’t get up to your speed. You da man.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

DOB I don’t think we want to see pictures of Heap’s bathroom.

(Though, to be fair, now that he’s married I’m sure that’s not the disaster it probably was when he lived with Francoeur.)

LOL!

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Walking is getting on base. It is not hitting to get on base, thus it is not hitting. The White Sox employed a guy named Eddie Gadel, 3 foot 7 inches tall , to get on base via the walk. They did not send him up to the plate to hit. He was only to take a walk.

By Greg in TN

October 13, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

Yes those Dodgers do have a heartbeat, but they still have a little more to go to dig out of the 2-0 hole they dug themselves in the NLCS. To me, the Dodgers must win the remaining two games in LA, because I think it’d be difficult to win both games in Philly. However if the Dodgers do go seven, I believe they have the edge with Lowe going on four days rest against what looks to be Jamie Moyer for the Phils. Lot of water to be shuttled under the bridge before it gets to that point, however.

Have to say, the bruhaha last night was amusing with former Dodger Davey Lopes getting into a jawing contest with Mariano Duncan and Larry Bowa once the benches cleared. I’m too used to see Lopes and Bowa in the other uniform. Maybe we can have a trade prior to game four tonight and restore the balance to the universe.

Who will show a little aggresivity tonight?

By Georgeofthejungle

October 13, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Good stuff on here. I, for one, am all for the walks.

And the little ball that someone else mentioned…walk, steal, sac bunt, sac fly…..love teams that do this.

Interesting take… http://theblogcabin.bustablog.com/

By nolie

October 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Misremembered is an actual word, though seldom used by anyone.DOB

I use it sometimes, especially since I turned 60. :-(

By richbrave

October 13, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

SHAUN:

Irrespective of what we think, I’m sure PUDGE thinks he is and a lot more.

By nolie

October 13, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

My ex had passive aggressivity

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Gotta disagree with you there DOB. Victorino’s reaction told you the message was sentBraveheart

Of course the message was sent. Because they WERE throwing at him, high and in. Maybe even at that shaved head of his. I was simply stating earlier than you don’t send a message by throwing one or two feet OVER a guy’s head. I don’t think the pitch was aimed for a spot one or two feet over his head. I think it was aimed high and in, maybe even at his head. But not one or two feet over it.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I wish the NL game was on this afternoon.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Nolie: Amen. I know all about that.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Just checking out liner notes on the terrific CD by The Hold Steady (“Stay Positive”) and noticed that J. Mascis (leader of Dinosaur Jr., for those who don’t know) and Drive-By Truckers leader Patterson Hood both play on it. Mascis plays banjo (yes, Mascis on banjo) on one tune. Hood sings on “Navy Sheets.”

(Ben Nichols of another fine band, Lucero, also contributes backing vocals on the Hold Steady CD.)

That means Patterson Hood is on two of my favorite albums of the year, the DBT’s “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark” and The Hold Steady disc. Those two bands are playing Nov. 1 at Tabernacle in what should be an amazing twinbill.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Ya know, some of the best pitchers only throw a strike 1 time during an AB or until they are forced to throw one. Now, if you pop out after a fifteen pitch at bat does that make you a good hitter because you were patient and did not swing at the pitchers pitches that were outside the strike zone and ran the count full with foul after foul.

I have seen some very very good hitters have very very bad AB’S. Because a players takes a lot of walks does not make that player a good hitter. Maybe the word hitter is used incorrectly at times, maybe the batter is more appropriate, huh?

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I really love Chino to death and I have the greatest respect for him so I will always wonder if McCann came away with the belief he need to come to camp in better shape after listening to Chino or looking at Chino?

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Bobby I will always wonder if McCann came away with the belief he need to come to camp in better shape after listening to Chino or looking at Chino?

Come on, now!

Later!

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Here’s a little nugget from the local San Diego paper:

Towers said he has heard from clubs interested in trading for ace pitcher Jake Peavy. “We’re having talks,” he said. The GM said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Peavy talks heat up next month.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

bobby if you pop out after a fifteen pitch at bat does that make you a good hitter

c’mon bobby. you know you cant know much from one at bat. can you say the player had a good at bat? yeah, but you cant say weather he is a good or bad hitter.

I have seen some very very good hitters have very very bad AB’S.

thats why you dont judge anyone on a small sample size, like one at-bat.

Maybe the word hitter is used incorrectly at times, maybe the batter is more appropriate, huh?

yes, if you are overly literal.

By BravesFanInRockies

October 13, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Bobby,

I can’t comprehend why you’re such a walker-hater.

As to your question, a batter who pops out after a 15-pitch AB has made an out, but he’s also performed a valuable service to the team by making the pitcher work harder than he would have if the batter popped out on the second or third pitch. The long AB not only tires the pitcher, it lets the hitter’s teammates see more of the pitcher’s repertoire, etc.

That said, I would be very surprised if a hitter (or batter) with a low OBP has a lot of lengthy ABs during the course of a season. Why? Because he can’t distinguish between balls and strikes, and is either able to regularly work a count for a walk or make solid contact often enough to get hits. Before long opponents will learn to throw him pitches he will swing at but cannot reach or he will swing at and make outs. He’ll strike out a lot on awful pitches or hit weak ground outs or popups and won’t have those lengthy ABs.

There are only a handful of big league hitters who year in, year out succeed by swinging at almost everything. Vlad Guerrero, obviously. Some of us hoped Francouer would be a similar player but his aggressivity has come back to haunt him and he may have to actually learn the strike zone to have a long and productive professional career.

There are stats (yes) kept on the number of pitches a batter sees per plate appearance. And, basically speaking, the more pitches a team takes per plate appearance, the more runs they score (and the more they win).

A writer for the Houston Chronicle looked over five years of data for all ML teams and summed it up like this:

*Through their first 87 games, the Astros averaged 3.790 pitches per plate appearance in their wins and 3.727 in their losses. That may seem like a very small difference, but consider again the limited range on which these numbers fall….

I will not say that an optimal strategy is always to take more pitches….

What I am willing to conclude is that putting together a lineup of players willing and able to run up high pitch counts has proven, over the last five years, to bring out the best in the offense.*

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

McFann Some us have been exposed to locker room humor most of our lives. Some are still in the locker room. Stay out of them or you will be tainted like the rest of us. We are worse in a sports bar after 4 beers, but we are colorful, or at least the language is.

By Shaun

October 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Bobby, you are certainly correct that patience alone does not a good hitter make. That’s why slugging matters. A singles hitter or a guy who just walks is not as valuable as a guy who hits for power and doesn’t swing at bad pitches; that is the ideal combo and what is necessary, at least to a certain degree, for any hitter to succeed and stay in the majors.

I have seen some very very good hitters have very very bad AB’S

Right. No hitter is going to have great plate appearances every time he comes up. The best hitters are going to struggle in baseball. That’s why the more plate appearances you can look at, the better. Any player can have a bad stretch and any player can have a great stretch.

I’m not sure the point of your argument here. Has anyone today said that players who take lots of walks are necessarily good players?

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Frenchy’s college coach Tommy Bowen called out on strikes at Clemson.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

DAP I can’t compete with ya man. You got me again. How did you know I was talking about one hitter and only one AB? Okay, I am going to look up the word literal so I will know if it applies to your response or not? Take it easy on me.

By ncscoots

October 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Steve-OH, two dingers from the Thunderin’ Hawaiian yesterday for Honolulu. He’s still buzzed up from his playoff performance, I guess.

Schafer opens with a 2-for-6 for Navajoa in May-hee-ko. Mucho gusto.

By Lew

October 13, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Of course Shaun doesn’t like the Fantasy genre. It requires imagination and creativity. Of course, there ARE stat geeks in Fantasy, too. They write compendiums, exhaustive analyses of others’ writings and invent such things as the Klingon language for their stat geek friends. They are the ones that Shatner referred to in his SNL Star Trek skit. They’re called Trekkies. Actually, I’m surprised Shaun hasn’t invented a Fantasy Language. Are you sure you’re not a member of a Starship group? I’m sure they’d let you be the science officer.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

hey bloggers, should the braves consider trading for a first baseman with power? laroche, jacobs and fielder are all on the block, apparently.

fielder would be interesting, but it would be a quick fix, since he will be a free agent in a few years…but, this would fulfill a power need, and allow us to be a little more conservative for a LF.

is this miking things more complicated than they need to be, or is it something we should consider?

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Bobby, we can get into philosophical debates on “is walking really hitting” all day, but answer me this: is walking a valuable tool in any player’s offensive arsenal? Yes or No? Is a player more valuable to his team by walking rather than making an out? Y/N?

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Shaun nobody has today has said anything about walks making a player good. Other days posters get on here that have been introduced to the various stat sites and find a new hobby. They come across as if they are involved in a new movement of the re-invention of baseball through Sabermetrics.

Stats have been around in abundance since 1981 and were plenty plentiful before that.

Newbies need to realize that stats are only new to them and just because those that have been around the game longer does not mean they don’t understand.

In my case I feel the on the field baseball education over many many years is enough for my needs and as much as I feel a warmth for posters who try to shove their beliefs up my …..and down my throat..

I will stick with what got me this far and players on the field always seem to understand my perspective. Most of my deficiency comes from the Nintendo mindset.

Of course, trying to type perspective without body language, hand motion, inflection and facial reaction is easier for some than others.

By JimD

October 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater

Bowden wasn’t called out on strikes, he swung and missed three times!

By MiamiBrave

October 13, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB was sitting here at the office reading over an article on Furcal,

now let me preface this by saying I am a huge Kelly Johnson fan and supporter and have no problem with him manning second base for years to come…

my question to you is, (I know this will be alot of if’s) but if indeed something happens with San Diego and you said they like a KJ type player, you’ve filled a pitching void, and you need to replace second base, signing a Furcal takes care of the leadoff spot and keeps a nice infield, do you think if they lose a Kelly or Esco via trade, Furcal becomes an option? or do we have Infante and Prado for that? Or would they not even bother because this would cut in to the money left for the other pitcher and outfield spot? Just wanted your take on this since you had written about it earlier in the season. Thanks.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry, my “d” was missing in my 3:18. (I guess Clemson didn’t have a “d” either.)

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Lew, as a “stat geek,” you have shamed me. I will now retreat into my mother’s basement and cry for a while, and then eat some cheetos and watch “Battlestar Galactica” for about seven hours before I invent a new stat called…..what’s that? I don’t live at home? I have friends? I still play sports recreationally? Oh, the humanity! The contradictions are killing me! Does…not…compute…aarrghh [computer explodes]

Lew, God knows that I love your posts, but you’re killing me today, lol.

Scoots:

Good to your that your main man is doing well. I’m hoping Schafer puts on a clinic in Mexico so he gets a good look at the starting job in ST.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

How did you know I was talking about one hitter and only one AB?

well…thats what you said. you were clearly talking about an at-bat (which can only involve one batter) and the result of the at bat, and then asked for a conclusion to be drawn.

if thats not what you meant, then you are doing a terrible job of communicating, bobby.

Dap you are clearly the more clever man, I can’t get up to your speed. You da man.

im glad im getting the respect around here i deserve!!!

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

MiamiBrave, as I wrote a few days ago, I thought a Furcal signing made a lot of sense … but that was before the Hudson and other pitching injuries. Before the Braves realized they would have to get not one, but two starting pitchers, plus a power-hitting outfielder.

They’ve got too many other needs now, I would guess, to spend over $10 mill a year on Furcal, which is what he’ll likely command even after missing much of the season due to injuries.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Bobby, re: your 3:34:

You make a dangerous assumption thinking that stats people haven’t played baseball. I’ve played since I was six. My family is a baseball family, my dad and granddad were both very good players, with a ton of experience, both playing an coachin. I know the game. Maybe not as much as someone like Bobby Cox or Joe Torre, but I’m no newbie. I could probably have played community college ball had I not elected to go to a different school through a rigorous academic route. So don’t bring that stuff my way, becuase I do have a lot of firsthand experience on the ballfield (was a P/3B).

Also, what many “traditionalists” misunderstand about “new age” stats is that they are almost entirely based on OBP and SLG, which, unless you have never, ever, been exposed to the game, should NOT be new to you. These things are very, very easy to understand. Really simple stuff. Sabermetrics does NOT re-invent the game. It merely provides a different, more logical, take on it. Front offices use it to evaluate players, so why shouldn’t you?

I’m not trying to shove my beliefs “down your throat,” but I do think that it is silly to simply dismiss something without knowing ANYTHING about it, don’t you? You probably don’t know anything about quantum physics (I certainly don’t), but do you dismiss it as being “new age” or “silly?” I don’t.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

hey bloggers, should the braves consider trading for a first baseman with power? laroche, jacobs and fielder are all on the block, apparently… is this miking things more complicated than they need to be, or is it something we should consider?DAP

Whether you or anyone else here believes it’s something “we” should consider, I can assure you it’s not something the Braves are considering. If that matters at all to you. Kotchman is their first baseman. First base isn’t on their offseason to-do list.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, so I wonder if that dude who had the harsh criticism of my assessment a few months ago of Teixeira as a “numbers compiler” will similarly assail the latest such assessment, which is in this link from Mark Bradley’s blog today (I don’t think the links are transferrable from Bradley’s blog to this one; I don’t see blue coming up, so you might have to go to Mark’s blog to click the link). Anyway, Bradley wrote:

“Mark Teixeira is considered the biggest non-pitching free agent on the winter market, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post quotes (anonymously) one of Tex’s ex-teammates as suggesting he’s more a creature of numbers than a bona fide big-timer.”

Bradley continued: “Having viewed Teixeira as a Brave for parts of two seasons, I can’t say I’d disagree with that (anonymous) assessment: He’s a very good player but not necessarily a difference-maker. (Manny Ramirez, who’s also a free agent, is a difference-maker.) But a blog from Robert Kuwada of the Orange County Register contends Teixeira’s professionalism was never going to influence some Angels teammates the way the club hoped.”

By DAP

October 13, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

DOB got it. and yes, i often pretend im actually part of the decision making process! :-)

By MiamiBrave

October 13, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

thanks DOB

you are right, I remember reading that post now, appreciate the quick response,

also wanted to note, lately on the fox rumors, says Yankees (along with many others) might be interested in D. Lowe, that can’t be good for the bidding either…

Braves are gonna have to dig deep for two top of rotation pitchers

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

For those who, like me, find it annoying going back and forth trying to find links and such, here’s the key paragraphs of Joel Sherman’s NY Post story about Teixeira

Joel wrote:

It is hard to find Yankees officials juiced up to chase Teixeira. Perhaps they don’t want to give his agent, Scott Boras, further leverage. It is amazing how many executives say almost verbatim that: “Teixeira is the ultimate Boras client.”

Translation: Teixeira will go to the team that gives him the most. Period.

Again, that usually is no problem with the Yankees. So why would it be here? Two reasons mainly:

1. Boras’ asking price will be in the 10-year, $200 million range. The industry expectation is Teixeira will come in at six-to-eight years in the $120 million-$160 million area at the same time GM Brian Cashman is trying to break the Yankees’ pathology of giving such mega-deals to make a current problem vanish. Would the Yanks be greatly improved in 2009 with Teixeira? Of course.

Giambi’s seven-year deal looked fine in 2002, but not so good last year when the Yanks were loaded with past-their-prime DHs. Now Giambi’s pact has expired and Cashman is hesitant to tie up the money again on a corner player, when he must find a center fielder and starting pitching, too. Cashman can imagine a near future in which Teixeira, A-Rod, Derek Jeter and Posada may all need first base/DH at-bats while exhausting about 40 percent of even a $200 million payroll.

1. Teixeira has a mixed reputation. He has much in common with A-Rod. He is diligent about staying in shape year-round, is durable and works hard on all facets of his game. But his detractors - and there are more than a few - say that, like A-Rod, Teixeira is an accumulator who feasts on bad pitching, does his best work when his team is way ahead or behind, and is a corporation unto himself who does not mesh seamlessly with the clubhouse culture. Essentially the overall numbers are better than the total package.

“The statistics will be there, but this is not a player who will make anyone else on the team better,” said a former teammate of Teixeira’s. “The numbers indicate an elite player, but if you watch him every day you will realize he is a very good player, not elite.”

AND BELOW IS WHAT I WROTE ABOUT TEX HERE on JULY 21:

Raise you hands if you thought that on July 21, the Braves would be opening this series in Florida with the Marlins playing for a share of first place and the Braves contemplating trading away a star this late in the season for the first time since, well, since Dale Murphy was traded away on Aug. 4, 1990?

And keep in mind, Murph was nearing the end of his career and didn’t object to being shipped away given the Braves’ situation in that last season before The Run began a year later.

Mark Teixeira is not near the end of his career, he’s 28, right in the middle of his peak years.

But that’s where the Braves are today, at least six games behind three different teams in the NL East, coming off a terrible pair of losses against Washington at Turner Field over the weekend that might well have pulled the lever on the Teixeira (and Will Ohman) trade machinery.

That miserable homestand was exactly what the Braves did not need if they wanted to try to convince anyone, including GM Frank Wren, that they had a realistic shot at turning this around and reeling in the division leaders.

Don’t know if Frank decided at some point during yesterday’s four-error debacle that it was time to ramp up trade talks, but wouldn’t surprise me (this is not something he’s going to discuss publicly, for obvious reasons; if the Braves want to trade Teixeira, they’d prefer other teams to think they’re not desperate and wouldn’t mind holding on to him and trying to re-sign him, etc.)

Oh, for those who’ve asked me if the Braves have any hope of re-signing Teixeira, or even plan to make an offer: I don’t know, but I get the distinct impression they are not planning to go down that road. Just from conversations with people connected with the team in various capacities, I haven’t heard anything since spring training to make me believe they’re thinking of, or have talked to him or agent Scott Boras about, a big offer to keep Tex here.

Some who’ve talked to Boras about it say he’s sent signals that he’ll ask for $22-23 mill a year in an eight-year deal for Tex. Good luck with that. Can’t see that happening. But if anybody is capable of getting him more than most of us believe Teixeira is worth, it’s certainly Boras, who plays one team against another team, or one offer against another supposed offer from a team that nobody can pin down and many observers will often doubt actually exists.

He’s turned that into art. Offseason art. Not the kind of thing you can pull off in midseason, which is why you don’t see Boras doing the window-to-work-out-a-contract-extension thing with his clients. By that I mean, if the Braves had a deal with, say, the Angels in place that depended upon the Angels first coming to an agreement on a long-term contract extension with Teixeira, well, I can’t see Boras agreeing to do that. Can’t see that at all.

Because what team would he use as leverage? What offer could he say he’s received from this team or that, in July?

No, the way it works is when Boras gets his clients this close to free agency, he takes them all the way through to the process, where he can work his magic and somehow, some way, usually get his clients more money than we think seems plausible.

Is Teixeira, with his Gold Glove-level defense and likely .290-30-120 to .310-45-130 offensive range for many years to come, worth $20 mill a season? I’d say only to a team that has a huge payroll, at least $150 mill or so. Not to a team with a $100 mill payroll, because while he piles up stats, he’s not a player, at least from what I’ve seen, who puts a team on his back and delivers big hits when the team needs it most.

Say, for instance, during the first six weeks of this season, when the Braves were dealing with a slew of injuries and Chipper Jones was carrying the offense with help from either Brian McCann or Yunel Escobar, but not much from Tex.

Slow-starter or not (and he’s a slow-starter, every season), the Braves needed to count on him for power and RBIs, and didn’t get it on a regular basis until about two months into the season, when they were already back in the standings.

Even yesterday, his two-homer, three-RBI game didn’t have much impact, seeing that both homers were solo shots, one early in the game when the Braves were already down 6-1, and the other, well, I’d have to look it up, it was so relatively meaningless near the end of an utter blowout loss.

Anyway, this isn’t to diminish his skills or output. He’s durable and piles up stats, year after year. But I know an impact offensive player, a player whose performance seems bigger than his numbers because he gets so many key hits. And I know the opposite.

A-Rod, for instance. Dude piles up huge numbers, year after year. Tremendous numbers. But let me ask you, how many SportsCenter highlights can you remember this year of A-Rod late-game homers or walk-off hits? Maybe a couple or few early on, but lately?

A-Rod’s the highest paid player in the game, and many will tell you he’s the best player in the game. But he’s not the player I would build a team around if I could have any player. No way.

And Teixeira will probably become one of the top-10 paid players, maybe top-five, but honestly, I can think of at last 10 other NL players I’d rather build a team around.

Tex probably will, and should, play on a big-payroll team like Boston or the Angels, a team where his money won’t be the subject of constant scrutiny every time he doesn’t come up with a big hit. A team that has plenty of other big bats.

The problem becomes, however, trying to trade him and get value in return. Because honestly, how many teams out there do you think fit the bill to trade for him right now? That team would have to 1. Be willing to pick pu the $4 mill or so he’s owed the rest of the season; 2. Not care that they probably can’t be assured of re-signing him (see explanation above); and 3. Be willing to give up a young player and/or prospect or two to make it worth it to the Braves to trade him.

By mbatl

October 13, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Tex didn’t make the Rangers good (though that’s probably not a fair assessment…); he certainly didn’t help the Braves win; and the Angels were at a .623 winning pct without Tex, and a .607 WP with him.

It’s hard to explain - he posts great numbers and plays great defense. But so far, he’s not really been a factor in making his teams better.

Honestly, I have to think it’s just bad luck, but the numbers are piling up to suggest he’s not a difference maker at all.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Bobby at 3:12—

Yeah, well……

…What?

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies Some of us hoped Francouer would be a similar player but his aggressivity has come back to haunt him and he may have to actually learn the strike zone to have a long and productive professional career.

I like how you worked “aggressivity” in there so subtly. Very funny!

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve your 3:56 response to my response that I made to the blog was not directed at you or your baseball family if you say you are who you are. It was directed at anyone who is not how you self describe your talented self. So, if you are who you say you are you need not be defensive unless I gave you a great opportunity to resume yourself here on this blog.

I was rather hoping that about 10-15 pencil necked, pocket protecting, ps2 wizards would put their dolls down and respond. Since you are of the testosterone tribe I am sure you were just making sure. Carry on and I apologize if you felt I included you in that group.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

It was meant as male humor\

McFann Yeah, well what? If you are looking for dirty jokes it ain’t me babe

By Brian

October 13, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Teixeira’s best fit would be on a vetran team, because,to me anyways, he’s too self absorbed to be a leader for a rookie or a young player. JUST SHOW THAT BOY THE MONEY!!! We just need a Peavy/Oswalt,Lowe (or a good innings eater), a guy who can hit at least 25 HR, and strong bullpen, and we’ll be set. Oh yeah, and some health for a change!

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Bobby If you are looking for dirty jokes it ain’t me babe

Shuddup. I’m not looking for dirty jokes.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Bobby, easy on the aggressivity.

By BravesFanInRockies

October 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

McFann,

Thanks!

Bobby,

Haven’t thought about pencil-necked geeks since the days of Fred Blassie …

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Bobby, I’m not offended in the least man. It’s all good. This whole converstion is in the spirit of good debate and I hope that you see it that way, as I do. I was just trying to point out (since there are probably a lot of people here who think that I probably am some “dweeb” that sits and analyzes stats all day or something) that baseball players and sports fans can still be stats people. Basically, the point I was trying to make is “don’t jump to conclusions.” Or something like that.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies—

You’re welcome!

By Efrim

October 13, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hello everyone. Not sure if anyone posted this already, but I saw some blogs on MLB.com blogs section from Tyler Flowers and Tommy Hanson. Pretty good stuff. Here is the link:

http://aflbraves.mlblogs.com/

Also, just saw that Keith Law had some comments on Hanson, Medlen and Marek in one of his AFL updates:

I missed Hanson - my flight landed about 10 minutes before that game started - but talked to a couple of scouts about his outing - up to 95, good downhill plane, very good build, command was shaky. Medlen’s maybe a middle reliever in the majors, if that. I like Marek more, 91-93 with a decent curveball..

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 13, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Another of Chipper Jones Hall of Fame career stats:

1142 strike outs versus 1242 walks.

Now, if Jeff Francoeur could grasp this concept, he would be a much improved player.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Will ease up on the aggressivity and accept personal attacks, even from boys and girls. Sure hope I never get as bad as coach.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

McFann you need to chill your little Jets too

By Braveheart

October 13, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Sure hope I never get as bad as coach

As long as you get laid at least once in your life, you’ll never be as bad as Cooch.

Cooch, you need a woman.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Tampa Rays 5 RedSox 0 top of the fourth inning at Fenway, Holy Cow!

By Caleb

October 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

I say the Braves should try trading the entire team for Evan Longoria. That dude is a freaking baseball stud.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

John Lester’s not doin’ so well today.

5-0 Rays.

By Wayne

October 13, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Who is Bobby, and why is he saying all these awful things about my friends?

(wtg TB!)

By Wayne

October 13, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Eva Longoria/Evan Longoria?? I think the Braves should trade for Eva. It would definitely help attendance and TV revenues!

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Tampa Rays 5 RedSox 0 top of the fourth inning at Fenway, Holy Cow!

Now that’s what I like to hear! Go Rays!

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

IDK who Bobby is.

Did you have a nice flight?

Oops…gotta split! Later!

By Caleb

October 13, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you seen Body of Lies yet? I’m thinking about going tonight, but the reviews aren’t very impressive, though to be honest, I usually ignore most of those in place of my own opinions.

By BoobyBobby

October 13, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Used to be a guy named either Chase or Chance on here, Bobby reminds me a lot of him. He was a moron with no knowledge of stats and too much aggressivity too.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Poor coach. Where is Robert? lol braveheart. Bobby is a baseball player.

By Moby Grape

October 13, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

I was disappointed with Body Of Lies.It’s not terrible, but it ain’t great either IMO.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

boobybobby i remember chase. i dont think bobby is him. chase was a law student and his posts had the tone of a cocky teenager. bobby seems older.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

…and on Joel Sherman’s Hardball Times blog he expands with a quote from an ex-teammate of Teixeira’s that “Mark would berate a teammate for taking an undervalued contract, telling him that hurt every player,s leverage in negotiations. But he wouldn’t say a word to a teammate who didn’t run out a pop up. That’s my problem with him.”

By Caleb

October 13, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Moby Grape, thanks. yeah, that’s what it seems like from most of the reviews. I was hoping for something of the same quality as The Departed, but from what most have said it’s not even close.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else think that Joe Maddon’s glasses make him look like he should be on a designer show on HGTV? (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Watching those high ricochets off the green monster reminds me of those ceiling shots in my old raquetball playing days. Waiting… waiting… action!

By BravesFanInRockies

October 13, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater,

So what Sherman’s saying is that Tex is like Manny … without the goofy charm. Or the WS rings…

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater:

Wow…just wow. Telling stuff on Tex. I mean, he is a really good player, but…after hearing that, I’d definitely think twice before giving him any kind of a deal. Sounds like a “true Yankee” to me. I mean, I know I’m just a simple country guy here in Ohio, but I just can’t wrap my mind around a player viewing the game like that…that’s despicable. Where’s the love of the game, Tex? If DOB has anything to add (to either prove, or hopefully disprove) about that that’s not off the record and such, it would be appreciated.

Rocco Baldelli homers. I’m digging a foxhole now in preparation for the deluge of Baldelli trade proposals sure to follow, lol.

Efrim:

Hanson is pitching tonight; you can follow the game on gameday if you wish. Just a heads-up.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

BravesFan Sounds like a typical Union vs. Mgmt. mentality. (which I can see both sides.) But, not very endearing to us fans. Especially if you OPENED your quarterly 401k statement.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

And here’s an organizational review of the Braves from milb.com.

By Efrim

October 13, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH

Thanks man.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Hmm…I think I recall a Chase on here, too. Did he post past last November?

Bobby just needs to chill……

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 13, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or are there some really crabby people in the blog today?

My advice: GET A LIFE. Stop watching the F-N political Circus.

Doesn’t Rafael Furcal look like he is back to his old self again? I have to agree with David O’Brien, F******* is the little engine that the Braves have missed since 2005.

Sign his butt, now. Roll Furcal out to SS or 2B depending on where Escobar is best on defense. Keep KJ and move him back to the outfield.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH I hope your not a simple country guy from Lancaster, OH. The home of an infamous General in Gawga history.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater, nope, not even close, lol. No, me and Sherman are from different parts of the state.

By keylargo

October 13, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Just read 4 players and 3 coaches were fined for the little control problems the Dodgers and Phillies pitchers were having. Man, has the game changed when you have to tip toe so much a ball that did not and would not even have hit anyone gets you a $7500 fine.

Progress it’s not.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

The Reaper just GIDP to end the inning/rally.

Fillies up 2-zip.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Steve- Good, I wouldn’t have loaned you any matches for your Cohibas.

Meanwhile, Manny is walked in the 1st.

By ncscoots

October 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Hasn’t Baldelli said that he still has a little trouble recovering from his fatigue? Seems that would mitigate against him playing six times a week. Maybe one of the doc bloggers on here can give us the scoop on mitochondrial myopathy.

In any event, Rocco doesn’t really fit the profile of the Braves’ stated OF need, but you gotta love the fact that he’s able to play again. At all.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Keylargo Man, has the game changed when you have to tip toe so much a ball that did not and would not even have hit anyone gets you a $7500 fine.

Yeah, that’s ridiculous. It’s not like any punches were thrown.

Sheesh.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Back to those fines (I hate it when I don’t think of these “points” until after I press “post”.):

There wasn’t really a need for the benches to clear last night—just let Kuroda and the Reaper jaw it out for a minute.

It looked a little bit like when the benches cleared in that Braves-Fillies game (no punches). They didn’t fine anybody for that.

Not that I’m complaining for the Fillies and Dodgers. I mean, what’s $7500 to someone who makes a few million? Kinda like fining me 25 cents.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

ncscoots but you gotta love the fact that he’s able to play again. At all.

Yeah. You gotta root for the guy.

See, Joe Simpson, what Baldelli had was fatigue.

By keylargo

October 13, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

McFann

Did you see Field of Dreams? That is one of my all time favorite baseball movies and I loved the scene where Moonlight Graham came up for his only AB as a MLB player. He was just a kid and the veteran pitcher knocked him down the first two pitches he saw.

I am too young (just a little) to have played in that time, but I can actually remember being coached to let the ball hit you if it were not going to cause injury. And no, I was not that bad of a hitter. 8)

By Efrim

October 13, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

I am a big Baldelli fan, New England guy, like myself. But I agree with you. He is NOT what the Braves need. Corner OF’s with 750-780 OPS should not be what we seek. Baldelli has a career 281/325/445 line for a .769 OPS. I’d say we need a little more for LF next year.

Plus, he is 27. Not old. But definetly not too young.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

The fine folks who are friends of the family are letting me use their wireless. Yes I am a ballplayer who has an attitude with some of the player bashing here. Hint… I am not in the Show yet

Fans need to chill.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

ncscoots- You can google the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation for info. and some nice letters from others diagnosed to Rocco.

By Bobby

October 13, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I was just giving a little back at some of you. You can dish it out some of you, but sucks to take it back, huh? We head out tomorrow. I will drop in from time to time.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

I gotta confess, I haven’t seen that movie.

First two pitches? That’s kinda sad…

• am too young (just a little) to have played in that time*

Where’s you play? Ever go pro?

And no, I was not that bad of a hitter. 8)

Of course not! ; )

Bobby Yes I am a ballplayer who has an attitude with some of the player bashing here.

Sorry.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

BTW—They showed some photos of Chase Utley as a kid…

Figures: He had a Cockatoo. Course, ours is a Cockatiel, but still.

(Ours is also strangely in love with me. Kinda disturbing, but it’s my own fault.)

Bobby—

I’m sorry for being that way to ya, but I just didn’t know what you were saying or why you were saying it to me.

Who do you play for?

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

I said “Where’s you play” to Keylargo. I meant “where’D”.

That whole post kinda got messed up. Sorry ‘bout that.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Caleb, I’m hearing mixed reviews on Body of Lies, many of them along the lines of Moby Grape’s review: Good, not great. Some great performances, but not a great movie. I might wait for video on that one. Will see Appaloosa soon, though.

Entourage episode last night was excellent, but what in the hell kind of shirt was Ari wearing? It looked like he bought it in the little boys’ section, or it shrank terribly.

The Shield is getting great. Gonna be a lot of stuff going down in the next episodes.

By keylargo

October 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

McFann

If you haven’t seen Field of Dreams, I would very strongly recommend it. I know you would love the movie and it would be one of your favorites.

It’s one of those movies, that whenever I see it on, I try to watch part of it at least. And your parents would probably enjoy it as much as you would.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Speaking of movie reviews, I just got an e-mail in the last 15 minutes from frequent movie viewer Mike Hampton, who gave Appaloosa a “B” and said Eagle Eye was “entertaining.”

As for free agency, he said it’s too early to know how many teams might be interested in him. Said as for Braves, sure he’s interested, but will just have to weigh his options.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

Yeah, I really gotta see that one. It sounds like a good one.

I think it was even voted Best Baseball Movie last year, but don’t quote me on that.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Now he’s GOT to pitch to Manny, with runners at first and second and none out…. This should be interesting.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, got another music question for ya: King’s X and Stevie Ray Vaughan? You gotta at least enjoy the latter, I think.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Manny being uncanny.

By N Nine

October 13, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

The league is realizing how victorino plays and he got what he needed. Funny, the reaper was accepting the fact he was getting attacked. pointing to the ribs and begging for no head shots. Fine job Joe torre!

Speaking of Torre, he produces. He lead the yankees to postseason for over a decade and jumps across the nation and takes the BLUE to playoffs. While the Yanks(and Andruw) are watching Torre on TV!

nice homer run Baldelli.

It sounds more and more like Peavy’s services will be available.

Hands off Yankees! you can have CC

The Yankees are correctly focusing on their rotation and will sign one or two free agent pitchers, thinks the LoHud Journal News’ Peter Abraham, which in turn may prohibit them from going after Mark Teixeira. Mlbtrdrm

I have monitered some yankees blogs and they are bashing TEX non stop. They all are focused on pitching. Pitching is key to success.

By Jeff in Alabama

October 13, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Tommy Hanson and Tyler Flowers are the starting battery tonight for the Mesa Suns in the Arizona Fall League. Here’s the link to the AFL scoreboard. Thought I would pass that along.

By McFann Ô

October 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

My buddy (; ) ) Russell Martin just put the Dodgers ahead!

We got a series goin’ here!

Night, all! (Gotta shut down the computer.)

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Efrim, you think KLAW will get a look at Hanson tonight? Hope so. Interested to see his report on him.

By N Nine

October 13, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

frequent movie viewer Mike Hampton

I bet. With all the time he had the last 3 years.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Steve from OH: How can anyone who’s into serious rock and/or blues not love the late, great SRV? He was unbelievably talented, and had soul.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

N Nine, you got that right.

By Brady

October 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Could someone list all of the Braves players that are playing in the Arizona Fall League and the team they are playing for?

And if anyone has a lot of time, and I don’t know if it is even available, could they also list Braves that are playing Winter ball in the Latin countries?

Thanks.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Wow, what a game this one’s turned into.

By Brady

October 13, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, nice call on Ari’s shirt…I was laughing about that too.

Appaloosa was absolutely awesome, I even liked it better than 3:10…and although I wouldn’t necessarily agree (because I love Lonesome Dove), it has gotten a Duvall/Lee Jones chemistry comparison for the acting.

And since I live in Big XII country (Lubbock) and love to bet, do you think your Jayhawks will cover 18.5 against OU?

By keylargo

October 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Just a thought - how about a trade between Phil and LA -

Davey Lopes for Larry Bowa? Those guys would probably like to go home.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Brady:

Hanson, Heath, Medlen, Marek, Pope and Flowers are in Arizona for the Mesa Solar Sox

Kaaihue, Broadway, and Venters are in Hawaii for ?

Shafer and others are in Mexico/Dominican leagues, Schafer for Navajoa (sp?) and the others…?

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Casey Blake got the house a rockin’.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

DOB:

You’d be surprised. Alot of people into the crappy “new-metal,” or whatever that crap is don’t like SRV, just as the grunge rockers I know don’t. But I don’t know if you’d call those genres “serious” rock, though.

By David O'Brien

October 13, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Brady, yes. The ‘Hawks will cover. Might even do a lot more than that. You just never know…

By Brady

October 13, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks Steve

By nolie

October 13, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Anything blues or blues based and I am in hog heaven. So that includes most early rock and about all Southern rock. Clapton was god, and Duane lives!! SRV was great, but not quite one of my all-time faves, in fact I was a tad disappointed with that album that he and his brother put out together.Was it Double Trouble ?

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

steve from OH im a grunge fan, and like the “new metal” though i hate that tag. i also think SRV is amazing. anybody who doesnt at least appreciate SRV for his musicianship and the heart and soul he put into his music, doesnt know anything. im a music lover, though i never talk about it on here…and real heart and soul is what makes good music, in my opine.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

You’re welcome, Brady. Glad to help. Sorry I couldn’t give you more. If you want, milb.com has all of the rosters. You’ll probably have to sift through all of them for the Mexican League, because I think (don’t quote me on this) that all of our players are on different teams.

By nolie

October 13, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I think Smits has added even more interest to Dexter. I love that show. Just a few more Shields left. What a bummer. Guess I’ll have to do a 7 season immersion after this ends. Is it too early to speculate on how this is all gonna turn out? Do they make up? Does everybody go down in flames? Does my guy,Shane, get out alive & in one piece? Does Vic? Oh man.Tell me the screen ain’t gonna just go black at the end . ;-)

By richbrave

October 13, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

DAP:

Re: 1B. I would stick with KOTCHMAN until he proves he’s only a #8 hitter. His glove is smooth. Now back-up, well - maybe, but who wants to only be a back-up 1B.?

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

DAP:

Agreed wholeheartedly. How SRV can get so much soul and tone out of a few relatively simple blues scales is beyond me. I’m not too much into the new stuff, mostly becuase I don’t enjoy the musicianship as much, being a (wannabe) guitar player and all, lol. You can, of course, make the distnction between “musicianship” and “songwriting,” which is all good. I lean more towards “musicianship,” (guys like Yngwie, Criss Oliva, or even classical players lol) but hey, different strokes for different folks. All good.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

by the way, looks like hanson is struggling with control 3 walks and a hit by pitch, but no runs, no hits and 4 strikeouts so far in an inning and a third.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

…I’m in hog heaven.

Nolie you must listen to Blind Pig Records. The home of Tommy Castro among others.

By DAP

October 13, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

richbrave for backup 1st base, i think that prado is fine, and norton, wo i hope we resign, is fine. if we get casey blake like id like to see us do, he can also back up 1st.

By keylargo

October 13, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Glad McFann is asleep. I sure could learn to like Victorino if he somehow became a Brave. He is a baseball player.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Anyone else think that Victorino looks like the head Samurai (Katsumoto sp?) from “The Last Samurai?”

By N Nine

October 13, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

The Reaper attacks again!

2-run homer late in game to tie the game! This guy is amazing. Back and forth jabbing going on. GO BLUE , McFann Wake up..

By Wayne

October 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

McFann (tomorrow morning) Had a great flight. As I type this, our old nemesis just tied the game. Gosh darn it!

I was going to say that so far it’s been a great day. Maybe Furcal will pull this one out for the Dodgers. I hate to see Manny do well, but I want the Phillies to lose.

Rocco Baldelli for president.

Time for Victorino to get some chin music next time up.

Coach So you would sign Furcal in lieu of a banger for the outfield? In your lineup, who would hit 3rd when Chipper is out? Just curious. Mac or KJ? (obviously depends on the year they are having)

BTW, I love the E-trade commercials with the baby….

As I type, the wheels are falling off for the Dodgers bullpen…..not good.

By Steve from OH

October 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Stairs swings, and there’s a drive, headed for South America. Ethier’s gonna need a rocket up his butt to catch that one.

By Couch Tater

October 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

uh.. Stairs wasn’t in the bandbox w/that homer.

By cabravesfan

October 13, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

And now I am happy that Broxton just blew a game for the dodgers:)

By Brian

October 13, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

So, when do any of you think the Braves will trade for Peavy? November,December, or later? I’m thinking more around early December, myself. Wren will get that done!! Still can’t figure out who will be in left field,though. Maybe he snags Giles in the Peavy trade.

By nolie

October 13, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Nolie you must listen to Blind Pig Records. The home of Tommy Castro among others.Couch Tater

yeah i got probably 750 blues CDs, from about every label there is and was, including Blind Pig,Alligator,and who knows how many others.

By cabravesfan

October 14, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

The best part about the dodgers being down 3-1 and probably losing this series is that the world series would be all but ignored out here- and the bandwagon can hang a “U” on Figueroa Street and deposit it’s crew at Staples Center just in time for the start of the Lakers’ season

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Nolie, huge fan of R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Junior Wells, Howlin’ Wolf, Bukka White … so many more.

This weekend I played the remastered version of the Fathers & Sons CD for someone who’d never heard it. Blew them away. What a lineup with Muddy on that album. Otis Spann, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Paul Butterfield and others of the newer guard at the time. Incredible array of talent, and it all came together surprisingly well. One of his best, though he had a bunch of great albums.

“Got My Mojo Working” from that album should be cranked way up.

By the way, that new B.B. King CD is legit, not just a bunch of old friends chipping in with some guitar and vocals on overproduced product designed to make the old man some money, like we’re getting lately from a lot of older rockers and some country and blues artists. This one by B.B. is actually quite good.

By uga-brave

October 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

dont really think the phills missed aaron rowand.

shane vitorino is a absolute gamer. guy keeps coming up big in big situations.

By BA

October 14, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

I always loved the stuff Muddy Waters did with the albino cat..Johnny Winters?

going away pretty baby

won’t come back no more

going back down south,

child don’t you want to go

I’m late on this one, but nonetheless- SRV was able to take MULTIPLE Hendrix tunes and IMPROVE them. Tells you all you need to know. Probably a top-five bluesman ever.

DOB, if you get deep enough in the On Demand, check out Down and Dirty with little Jimmy Norton (on HBO). Norton is a creepy, unsightly, and uterely likable comic. But admittedly better on the radio.

By BA

October 14, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Chan Ho Park was rocking the Sam “Mayday” Malone look- disturbingly tight pants.

I don’t want to like Victorino. But he handled that would-be fight well, as if to say “I know it’s coming. But hit me in the back, not the head!” Victorino seemed to attempt to reason with the enraged Martin, rather than esculate a bad situation.

Maybe if Robin Ventura had done that, he wouldn’t have gotten his arse kicked like a red-headed step-brother by Nolan Ryan.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 14, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

McFann hasn’t seen Field of Dreams?

Dude, that is sacrilege. The baseball Gods are not happy with thee. Go rent it and watch it again and again. Concerning the character of Moonlight Graham, it’s all true, he was real and everything depicted in the movie is mostly accurate.

Wayne, the Braves have many needs, including a lead off hitter. However, that does not preclude Frank Wren from finding the bat to replace some of the slack left over from the trade of Teixeira.

45 to 50 million sounds like a lot until the sum total of what is needed is added up.

Two starting pitchers.

At least one outfielder, preferably two.

A lead off hitter.

Back up catcher.

An arm or two in the bullpen.

Folks, that is a tall order and Mr.Wren has the job that nobody else is in envy of.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Dude-You don’t improve Hendrix. I saw Stevie Ray in concert about a month before he was killed and he played those Hendrix tunes note perfect. He was ABLE to play Hendrix. He did NOT improve on him. How do you improve on someone who was the originator of what he did? Before Hendrix there was no Hendrix. After he left, there were guitarists who wished they could be Hendrix.

By Coach (I POUND miller light)

October 14, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

The Braves need two things: Ryan Dempster. And Ryan Dempster.

And they wouldn’t even need that if Bobby Cox had drafted Howard Johnson, Juan Pierre and Felix Pie like I would have.

     boom.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Gonna agree with Lew on Hendrix. Can’t be surpassed.

By BA

October 14, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

I won’t be baited into the bad side of an argument. NO one has ever surpassed Hendrix. But SRV made Little Wing his own. Same with Voodoo Chile (slight return). Maybe I shouldn’t have said improved. But he made those tunes his own. Note for note? Compare the solos- Vaughan added his own style.

Plus Vaughan had a better band on his recorded versions, and (through no fault of Hendrix) was the benificiary of superior recording equipment. Jimi’s creativity was stiffled by the limitations of the Sgt. Pepper style analog stuff they used back then.

But I can’t be catergorized as anti-Hendrix. For the record, I think Nickelback and Britany Spears might not even exist if he had lived. But it’s going to make for a great show on the other side.

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

October 14, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

This is for you music lovers.

The Moonlight (Doc) Graham/Bob Dylan connection.

When Archibald Graham was a qualified doctor, he answered an ad to become a doctor in Chisholm, Minnesota, only miles away from the Burrows Lake property. He was the school doctor in Chisholm for years. As shown by the Burt Lancaster character in Field of Dreams and described in Shoeless Joe, he did wear a buttoned suit no matter how hot it was. He did carry an umbrella wherever he went; his beloved wife Alicia did love blue hats, and an office closet was filled with the blue hats he hadn’t yet given her when he died in 1965.

Doc Graham’s best friend in Chisholm was Dr. Eisenman. Dr. Eisenman died when his son, Walt, was only 8 years old. Doc “Moonlight” Graham took over as Walt’s honorary dad, and later, an honorary grandfather for Walt’s children. He spent Christmases with the family (they always went to the cabin) and told stories and read books to Walt’s children. Doc Graham was so brilliant that he read books aloud to kids by turning the text toward the child while he read upside down!

“And there were times when children could not afford eyeglasses or milk or clothing. Yet no child was ever denied these essentials because in the background there was always Dr. Graham. Without any fanfare or publicity, the glasses or the milk or the ticket to the ballgame found their way into the child’s pocket.”

Dr. Graham’s Obituary

Little Walt Eisenman, Doc Graham’s honorary “son,” also became a doctor. He also practiced medicine his entire career in Chisholm. One of the many babies he delivered was Bob Dylan. There is no record that Doc Eisenman listened to Girl from the North Country but one must wonder at the smallness of the world we live in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qhwemir1Ag

By nolie

October 14, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Gonna agree with Lew on Hendrix. Can’t be surpassed.DOB

yup, me too.

By mitchie-san

October 14, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this

I got to head out to the Honolulu Sharks game yesterday. Johnny Venters(Braves) was the starting pitcher and Kala Ka’aihue started at firstbase. Venters had a good game after starting out with a balk followed by a hit-batsman. He setteled down and threw 5 innings of shut out ball. The big story was Kala who hit two homers in the game. I did get some video of one of Kala’s homeruns and some video of Venters pitching. I know these guys wont be seeing a Braves uniform anytime soon, but if you would like to see these prospects or just a few minutes of Winter League Baseball, I am gonna put them on youtube for the denziens to take a look.

Mahalo

By mitchie-san

October 14, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

Ok, the videos are up and running. Sorry if they are a little shakey, I’ll try to keep it steady next time. Search their names to see ‘em.

Oh, and listen at the end of the Venters video for a shout out to DOB

Mahalo

By richbrave

October 14, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

DAP:

I wasn’t askin’.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

mitchie-san thanks for the video, that was pretty cool. ka’aihue hit that one pretty good.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Mitchie-san, that’s outstanding. Your reports are gonna be a great bonus here this winter while that league’s going. By the way, most of us envy one who can say, “I got to head out to the Honolulu Sharks game yesterday….”

Put those links here, if you can.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

richbrave yeah, i know you werent just putting in my two cents. my bad, ill stay out of it next time.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

BA-Dude, Stevie Ray was a good blues man. No doubt whatsoever about that. It is a fact. However, like I said, I saw him about a month before his death, when he had undergone a personal Renaissance, gotten clean and had the best attitude of his career. Dude absolutely smoked. However, that being said, he wasn’t even the best guitarist I saw that night.

He was touring with Jeff Beck and they swapped out opening and closing their shows. Beck was, without a doubt, the best guitarist I ever saw in concert, and I’ve seen damn near all of them-Clapton, Page, Leslie West, Blackmore, BB, Winter, Duane Allman, etc. Beck did more with a guitar than any of the others. He didn’t just make it talk-he made it cry, scream, beg, plead and gave it multiple orgasms. Yes, Stevie Ray was good. He covered Hendrix as well (or better, maybe) as anyone ever did. But let’s get real. He was not Hendrix. No one was and no one ever will be. The Dude started an entire genre. Vaughan added to one.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Maybe Kai’hue will attract enough attention to bring us a pitcher this winter as part of a trade package.

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Guess it depends on how you define deference-maker as to whether you think Teixeira is one. He’s certainly not an Albert Pujols, A-Rod, Grady Sizemore, Hanley Ramirez type player. But he is a great player, no doubt. He’s almost certainly not going to be worth his next contract over the length of that contract.

By blazerpunter

October 14, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Johnny Venters winterball video by mitchie-san

Kala Ka’aihue winterball video by mitchie-san

By Big Easy

October 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

BA, I agree completely about the Hendrix/SRV thing. I won’t say that SRV improved Hendrix tunes, but I agree with you that he added his own style; made them his own.

But I also agree that Jimi Hendrix was such a pioneer that people still can’t figure out how he did what he did (with who he did it with, when you look at his “supporting cast”). The Band of Gypsies stuff was insane. But I find myself listening to more SRV these days that Hendrix. Dunno why.

Oh, and Nolie: The album with Stevie and Jimmie was called Family Style and came out right after Stevie died. Double Trouble is the name of SRV’s band (consisting of Chris Layton on drums, Tommy Shannon on bass, and Reese Wynans on Keys).

~E~

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Glad you had a great flight, Wayne! Too bad the Fills had to ruin your day…They sure have a knack of doing that, especially to Braves fans (and now Dodgers fans).

Keylargo—

I’m glad I was asleep, too.

I sure could learn to like Victorino if he somehow became a Brave.

Yikes. But I don’t think the Fillies are gonna give him up now.

Coach—

I know. I know. I’m sorry.

BA I don’t want to like Victorino. But he handled that would-be fight well

I had that same feeling.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

[Preparing for the deluge of posts to come…]

BA, I agree w/ your 1:55. I think SRV played his Hendrix covers a little bit more cleanly than the man himself did, and achieved much better tone (recording equipment? Perhaps). I mean, check out his live performance of Voodoo Chile on youtube. Incredible. But still, it’s gotta be Hendrix…the man invented rock guitar. Plain and simple.

As for no one has surpassed Hendrix…well…if you’re talking blues or funky psychadelic stuff…maybe…but I could find probably 5 or 10 guitariss with better chops than Jimi. Not that Jimi sucks or anything, but if you take away his position in time, and put him somewhere else…he’s just a very, very good hard blues player. But he does get mad props from me for being the innovator in rock. Chops or not, that puts him near (not quite at) the top for me.

If you tell me he’s the best becuase you really like his songs, that’s fine, but he’s not the best from a pure musicianship or technique standpoint. But the man had soul, and you can’t teach soul.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Why is it that the more I root against a team, the more they win?

By KC

October 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Listen, I don’t like Mark Teixeira much. I think he’s a shallow, greedy b*******. However, any notion that he’s not a “difference maker” seems disingenuous to me.

For the first 4 months of the season, he’s good. Not Great. Not excellent… but good. However, when August rolls around, he becomes a difference player.

As a Brave in the final two months of last season, Tex hit .317 with 17 homers, and 56 RBI.

This year, he hit .358 with 14 homers and 43 RBI over the final two months. Then, in the only post-season appearance of his career so far, he hit .467 in 15 ABs.

And don’t forget the gold-glove defense.

It’s amazing how quickly Braves fans forgot what he did in August and September of 07 when many suggested earlier this year that he’s not an elite player.

Sorry. I don’t want him to be great. I want him to fall on his #$%^&($^ self-centered a$$. But the reality is that he IS a difference maker, and the numbers bear that out.

Personally, I think the Braves should offer him 6 years, 120. But it wouldn’t matter if they did, because the Yankess will outbid any offer.

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Of course Shaun doesn’t like the Fantasy genre. It requires imagination and creativity.

Lew, actually it probably just has to do with personality. Kind of like you do not like anyone who tries to measure anything in any objective way. You’d rather name-call and criticize than actually try to figure out whether the measurements and methods are worthwhile.

“Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

As for no one has surpassed Hendrix…well…if you’re talking blues or funky psychadelic stuff…maybe…but I could find probably 5 or 10 guitariss with better chops than Jimi. Not that Jimi sucks or anything, but if you take away his position in time, and put him somewhere else…Steve from OH

We couldn’t possibly disagree more on this subject. I could give a rat’s behind about the equipment he used, by the way. And I’d ask you for the 5 or 10 others if I I didn’t think the statement was so patently absurd.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

KC, absolutely agreed on your 10:00 post. Well said. People forget how awesome he was after we got him last season. But if some of that stuff is true, man, I just don’t know….

By KC

October 14, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Just saw Apaloosa over the weekend. Good western. Not great, but good.

I think 3:10 to Yuma and Open Range were both better movies… and Apaloosa certainly didn’t measure up to Unforgiven. But again, it was a good movie. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it.

Can’t say the same for the last movie I saw (Eagle Eye). That was a mentally challenged movie, to be sure.

By JOE

October 14, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or is Furcal the straw that stirs the Dodgers’ drink.. We have not been to the play-offs since he left and Joe Torre loves him..Is he a Free Agent after the season is over??

By Lew

October 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Dude, sit down, take a deep breath and chill. As an artist who made my living working in the fantasy and Horror genres for a couple decades, I was just busting your chops. It certainly is no reason for yet another all day Shaun Fest. Take it as it was meant-a tongue in cheek little zinger. Don’t get your statistical panties in a knot. Take Steve From OH’s response and run with it.

BTW-YOU’RE the one who doesn’t take other people’s thoughts into the equation. If a theory can’t be backed up by a Shaunism, it doesn’t exist in your world. Get over it. Exactly what is YOUR VORP, anyway?

By DAP

October 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

steve from OH and others…re: hendricks…keep in mind that alot of the “new” equipment and gear used today is made to replicate what hendricks did without it. hendricks invented overdrive by just playing as loud as possible. you cant “improve” that tone. its all subjective. many guitarists try contantly to replicate it.

KC ok, your back. please let us know how the braves will win the world series next year. you are a contant source of encouragment.

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

KC, I think some people define “deference-maker” as anyone who gets a significant number of hits or plays that they can remember and view as deference-making, which is reasonable. Except a leadoff hit-batsman in the second inning may be as big as any play in a particular game. This is the issue with subjective analysis—“he’s not a difference maker because I watched the games and I don’t remember him getting any difference-making hits.”

By Eware

October 14, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

DOB, this Kings of Leon album is changing my life…

Someone on the Braves next year needs to come to bat with the beginning of “Crawl” blaring. Kelly Johnson seems like he’d go for it. This based on him using Seven Nation Army.

Hendrix was the man for what he did and when he did it. In reading Clapton’s recent book, apparently he and Jimi would just jump from club to club in NYC during the 60’s and jam with the house band. How awesome would it have been if you just happened to be in one of those clubs.

Other great guitarists for their time and genre: Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, Bo Diddley. And John Mayer (just kidding).

By Turnin2

October 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

McFann You have a Cockatiel?? Aren’t they the best?? I’ve had Baby Bird for almost 10 years and he goes to ST with me every year! Just ask Choppinmama, she has to put up with him when she stays with me in FL! LOL

Baby does the ESPN thing, chants “Let’s Go Braves” and does a variety of other cutsie sounds like when I walk in from work, he’ll say “hello Mommy” or “Baby’s been good boy”…

They are the absolute best family members!

By Lew

October 14, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

SteveFrom OH-Dude, I would be willing to bet that in the early 90’s, when SRV was covering the Hendrix tunes, that he recorded them with analog equipment, just like Hendrix did. Yes, the equipment was likely upgraded to some extent, but at that time, very few artists were doing all digital recording (such as Genesis with their Invisible Touch CD)-they were still using analog for the recording and mixing (of course digital technology was necessary for the remastering). Not too sure SRV benefited from digital equipment and the recording revolution it brought with it.

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

BTW-YOU’RE the one who doesn’t take other people’s thoughts into the equation.

Huh? I try my best to research the objective truth and not rely on my own biases or anyone else’s.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Turnin2—

Oh yes! Cockatiels are great! (She types, as Petey Bird is chirping rather loudly, but not as loud as he cann get.)

Petey—or, The Bird—is 7 years old. We got him in July, 2001 when he was almost 3 months old (his “hatchday” is April 10).

He cann say “Hey, Big Boy!” (He said that once when McCann came up to bat this year), “Who’s a pretty bird?”, and he tries really hard to whistle the Andy Griffith theme song, but he hasn’t been able to do it as good since his big night fright in December, 2001. He also says “Petey Bird!” and then makes a clicking sound. He learned that while staying at our Grandparents house while we were in Disney World a few years back. He learned most of his talking before he was 2.

like when I walk in from work, he’ll say “hello Mommy” or “Baby’s been good boy”

That’s adorable! Petey used to say “Hello” when we came home, but now he mostly just screams. I think he got too lazy to say “hello”, LOL.

He chose me as his favorite…I guess it’s because I rub his head and give him lots of attention…and I call him my “Lovey”.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Eware-They are very difficult to find (at least they were-haven’t looked lately), but there are recordings of Clapton/Hendrix jam sessions. From those I heard, it is unreal just how good they are. Amazing music.

There were also rumors surrounding Hendrix’s death, of a band with Hendrix, Emerson, Lake and Mitch Mitchell being formed. Wow.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Objective truth as you see it, perhaps.

Dude, I believe in Extra Terrestrial Life because to me it doesn’t make sense that there could not be such. You, on the other hand, would require abduction and an anal probe, before you would admit to the possibility. Even then you would require the test results of the anal probe before you believed. Even then you would argue with the Gray People that there is no statistical basis for their existence and that their anal probe proved nothing as you already knew you had hemmhoroids.

As the Esteemed Dylan once said-“I don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows”. You require a 50 page report from the American Meteorlogical Association.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

One other thing about The Bird…he’s a little on the chubby side!

By flange1

October 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Great discussion on music this morning! I have to throw out my 2 cents on Jimi.

On playing, Jimi was an amazing guitar player. In my mind, he is one of the most innovative guitarists that ever lived. He loved to jam and was not scared to make mistakes. His songwriting was not on the same par as his playing, but he is still one of the top three guitar players that has ever lived in my view.

On equipment, the guitars, effects and amps that Jimi used are still being used today. The “vintage” models are crazy expensive, but most major manufactures are making money hand over fist in making reproductions. Being a semi-collector, I have both vintage and reproduction equipment, and the sound is VERY similar. There are more modern (updated) guitars, amps and effects that have different sounds and tones. All are great and can be used to generate modern or vintage sounds.

On recording, no doubt that recording has progressed from the 1960’s to now. While the analog/digital debate is still on going, the main difference is the recording machines them selves. Remember, the Beatles recored many of their albums on a 2 track recorder, today’s machines have 64 or 128 or more tracks.

While folks today yearn for the analog sound of vintage recordings, multi track recorders provide a far better sounding product giving the artist and the producer/engineer far better control in mixing the signals of the various players and the “overdubs” that are used in a recording.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

lew and steve from OH even today, while recording is digital, no self respecting musician want to use all digital equipment to record. (i guess unless youre a techno “musician”) im talking about the gear you play through, ect.

By BravesFanInRockies

October 14, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

If I may enter the Guitar Wars seminar —

Steve from OH thinks there are five or ten guitarists with better chops — I can think of possibly a couple:

Jeff Beck, who became bored playing variations of rock and blues from time to time and has gone off on a number of tangents, some of which you can barely listen to, even if his playing is unbelievable.

Jimmy Page may be another, but he’s not as restless as Beck, who’s constantly touring and recording and coming up with new stuff. (He even did a wonderful rockabilly tribute to Gene Vincent about 10 years ago that will put you on the floor, it’s so authentic.)

Buddy Guy comes damn close to that level of play, and he’s doing it in his 70s.

There are other guys who play faster than Hendrix. That doesn’t mean they have better chops. Unplug them and ask them to play a midtempo ballad or a slow blues and they’d probably sound like amateurs.

Hendrix had the range to play everything (Clapton does and SRV did, too).

We’ll never know what direction Jimi would have gone had he lived. He may have walked away from the Fender and gone all techno on us when synths became all the rage.

All we have is what he produced, and it’s a remarkable body of work.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

BravesFaninRockies,

I hear you on Jimi moving away from Fender. I have a friend who is a Hendix addict and he says he thinks Jimi would be playing a Parker Fly through multiple amps (Fender, Marshall Hiwatt and Boogie are his thoughts) with a HUGE group of effects.

That would be cool to think about!

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Teixeira is a difference maker. If he isn’t, then who is? Not too many guys have put up similar numbers. You have to get to that point in the season where guys can “make a difference”, right? So how do you get there? With guys like Mark Teixeira.

By mbatl

October 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

This is the issue with subjective analysis—“he’s not a difference maker because I watched the games and I don’t remember him getting any difference-making hits.

Shaun, my “analysis” of Tex not being a difference-maker (so far) was not based on whether I remember him getting big hits. It’s based on the fact that two teams, in consecutive years, have acquired Tex in order to make their teams better. Atlanta in ‘07, LAA in ‘08.

And in neither case did the team win more consistently with Tex than without him. LAA actually won more consistently without him in ‘08 (.623 vs. .607), and the Braves won more without him in ‘07 (. 523 vs .509). And that’s just counting Tex’s “hot” Aug/Sept. numbers.

Like I said, I think it’s mostly just the luck of baseball (he is a very good player); but the concept is not based just on memories.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14, full-squad reports Feb. 17, first full-squad workout is 18th.

I’m gonna start the countdown any day now.

And I’m still hoping none of our guys have to miss a lot of ST ‘cause of the WBC…but that might be a little selfish of me…

By Turnin2

October 14, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

McFann LOL a little on the chubby side would be expected of course!

My Baby is like my favorite Brave too, smaller than most! I forgot to mention while he chants “Let’s Go Braves!” he taps his beak in perfect rhythm!!

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Lew, there is a difference between what we can know with certainty (ex.: on-base percentage correlates with run scoring better than batting average) and what we are unable to know with certainty or what is extremely difficult to know with any certainty (ex.: whether extra-terrestrial life exists).

The point is why shouldn’t we try to know things with as much certainty as possible? Why settle for knowledge that is “good enough” instead of trying to know as much as we possibly can?

You don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows, but if you are a weather buff or make your living reporting the weather and trying to predict the weather, you wouldn’t settle for merely sticking your finger in the air. You would want a 50-page report from the best meteorologists in the world.

By nolie

October 14, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Just saw Apaloosa over the weekend. Good western. Not great, but good.KC

I agree with that. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t think it was great either.

By D.Ellis

October 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Check out this quote in a Philly newspaper from Stairs after last night’s home run.

“Not that I don’t feel like I’m part of the team, but when you get that nice celebration coming in the dugout and you’re getting your a* hammered by guys, there’s no better feeling than to have that done.”

There are weird thingsgoing on in the dug out.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

And the road goes ever on. Later y’all-Guess I’ll go draw a picture and listen to First Rays of the Rising Sun. Appropos, n’est ce pas?

By DAP

October 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

my main problem with tex is that he is so proffessional about what he does. that sounds kind of funny to say it that way, because i think proffesionalism is important, but he plays a child’s game for a living, and is making millions of dollars do it. yet, he comes across with as much passion and love for the game as a worker on an assembly line, or a CEO just doing his job. it seems like he look at playing baseball as a career only, and not a joy, not a love. this is why i think the eariler charge we heard about him, that he is a good player that won’t make anyone else on the team any better is so true. he just goes about his business.

now, i dont know tex, and i dont know if my perception of him is accurate at all, but the perception i get from him is that its all business, which to me, is kinda sad.

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

mbatl, how do you know those teams winning less consistently with Tex was because of Tex?

By cabravesfan

October 14, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Why is it that the more I root against a team, the more they win?

I don’t Know McFann- but please keep rooting against the phillies:)

By Brian

October 14, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

DAP- I think Teixeira’s dad is or was in the service, so that’s how he was raised. You have to think his agent has made him money hungry, and that is sad, not treating the game like a business! That’s really what MLB is anyway. I don’t know him so that sounds very ignorant, but that’s the vibe he puts out to us!

By mbatl

October 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Shaun, of course I don’t know that. In fact, LAA probably played their starters less late in the year because they clinched so early. But then, got run out of the playoffs in 4 games. I’m not blaming Tex; but I am saying he was acquired to “make a difference” (that is what we’re talking about, right?) 2 straight years, and didn’t do so.

In the playoffs, Tex hit a strong .467/.550/.467. Can’t argue with that… except it was all singles and walks… and singles and walks don’t provide the difference he was brought in to make. Maybe an extra base hit or two would’ve validated his status as a $20 million dollar man, and helped his team get past the first round.

I’m not gonna carry on the argument, ‘cause I admit there’s not much science behind it (it’s really just an observation, not an argument, on my part).

But the suggestion has been made by people that know baseball a lot better than I do, and the ultimate results (wins and losses) do seem to support it.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Turnin2—

Of course, LOL!

while he chants “Let’s Go Braves!” he taps his beak in perfect rhythm!!

That’s really cute!! Smart bird!

My Baby is like my favorite Brave too, smaller than most!

Who’s your favorite? Timmy, perhaps?

cabravesfan please keep rooting against the phillies:)

Don’t worry!

By TommyP

October 14, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t know the first thing about playing guitar but that conversation was pretty fascinating.

Kind of slow here lately….just wondering what everyone’s opinion is of the latest college football firings/resignations that have taken place the past several days. (Franklin at Auburn, Bowden AND off.-coord. at Clemson)

I think firing mid-season in pro sports is one thing but quite a different one in college.

What do y’all think?

By Couch Tater

October 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

There are so many great guitarists, who can pick one? Not mentioned, and at the Variety Playhouse on 10/26 is Joe Satriani. (with Leslie West)

By Turnin2

October 14, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

McFann LOL - nope, Glenn Hubbard!! (but shhhh…I have a thing for Glav)

and btw, it’s never too early to start the countdown to ST! I have 143 more days until I arrive! Been counting down since the last home game…

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

but I am saying he was acquired to “make a difference” (that is what we’re talking about, right?) 2 straight years, and didn’t do so.

mbatl, did he not “make a difference”? How do you know he didn’t do so? Seems quite possible those teams would have been worse with Julio Franco or Saltalamacchia or Scott Thorman or Casey Kotchman. By that line of reasoning, is Chipper a “difference maker”? His teams haven’t made the playoffs the last three seasons.

Now, I certainly agree he’s almost certain to be overpaid with his next contract. And I even understand why some wouldn’t call him a “difference maker.” But there was almost certainly a difference between Tex and Julio Franco or Salty or Thorman, and a difference between Tex and Kotchman.

Anyone who pins all their hopes on any one player is foolish. And I don’t think the teams that acquired Tex had thought like that. I think they were simply trying to improve their chances.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

brian i was raised in a millitary family and totally understand the way kids in those families are brought up. (looking back, the millitary mindset does wonders for discipline, work ethic, respect, ect., and i value it) being raised in a military family hasnt influenced my passion about the things i love, and while i wouldnt say it hasnt effected the way tex is, i dont think his shortcomings are due to that. nothing in the military mindset tell you to go about your business and just make sure your part is being taken care of. in the military mindset, you do whatever you can, weather its your job or not, to make your team successful.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Tunin2—

Ah! Glen Hubbard! We met him at Lowes in 2004! He was very nice. He even said good-bye to us as we were at the checkout and he was leaving!

Here’s a photo of The Bird doing one of his favorite things—exploring tight places!

You’re right—never to early to count down! 143 days? Dang, that’s a long time! There’s 123 days till pitchers and catchers report!

By DAP

October 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

There are so many great guitarists, who can pick one?

best guitarist ever: flange1. ive never heard him play, or met him. i just have a gut feeling.

By AZBravoFan

October 14, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear Buster on ESPN this morning talking about Peavy? Sounds like Towers is starting to talk to teams. The catch is he wants to package Khalil Greene in any kind of deal for Peavy. Where would the Braves put that guy? You can’t deal Escobar. Would they be willing to part with Kelly and move Greene to 2B? Sounds dicey, as well as expensive. Well, should be interesting. I guess that’s why Wren gets the big bucks. Hopefully he can sort it out and make it happen. You have any other info or thoughts on this DOB?

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

DAP and Brian, I would have a hard time NOT trying to get the best deal possible if I were in a career that lasted maybe 15 years if I’m lucky and could get as much money as these guys get. Not saying it’s right or wrong but I suspect most of us are lying to ourselves if we deny we would be tempted by the biggest contract offer versus other considerations.

By ANYBODY......?

October 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

DOB—- WOW! This blog has one LONG thread! Nice. DOB, Im just wondering any chance some of these young guys on RAYS/MARLINS might be available to us for our BRAVES needs?

Or,maybe the question should be can we hire some of the people/scouts/front office who find these new players that are so good on these Florida teams? We need some young power to back up HOSS. Any free agents from the sunshine state that could help? Thanks.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Hmm…My link doesn’t seem to be working. : (

Dagnabit! Oh well…I tried.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

DAP,

Thanks for the props, but while I love everything about guitars my playing ability is not so great!!!

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

It sounds like Peavy is really going to get traded. A little suprising. I thought it was all talk at first. Makes sense for their organization at the current state that they are in. But does anyone know why Adrian Gonzalez hasn’t been brought up? If you are trading Jake Peavy, wouldn’t trading Gonzalez have to happen too?

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

OK, one thing you could try for the link is to just copy this:

file:///Users/us/Desktop/Snapshot%202008-10-14%2012-44-37.tiff

and paste it in your address-bar thingy.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

shaun i agree with you, but my post about tex has nothing to do with how much money he makes or wants to make. i dont have any problem at all with that. its just my perception of the additude he puts forth.

By DAP

October 14, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

efrim probably becuase gonzalez is still making peanuts. though…after this year, i guess he is set to get a big raise in arbitration. gonzalez is the man, by the way.

i dont see why any one would take on khalil greene in a deal with peavy. greene had a year alot like frenchy, and last year was alot like frenchy’s 2006. he is only signed through 2009, but i dont know how much he is supposed to earn next year. but no team that is trying to win would really want him.

By Turnin2

October 14, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

McFann CUTE!

Easier for me to just say go to Myspace.com/tbravefan and see my little guy! And my cats BamBam and Gilly!!

By Brian

October 14, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun- I think the way Tex talked about how he idolized Chipper and the Braves growing up, we were just dissapointed that he wouldn’t take an offer from the Braves. Shoulda known, with Boras though! Also the contract that Texas offered should have been a red flag to FW and JS! DAP- Good point because we were raised by families with military backgrounds and they are very dicsiplined but also the furthest from greedy. If that makes any sense?

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

DAP

Yea, he is owed 13.5 million over the next three years, but that just makes him more valuable to other teams. If they trade Peavy, they aren’t looking to contend over the next two seasons, at least. Gonzalez is probably very attractive to several teams. Yankees, Orioles, Mets, A’s, Royals., etc. Any team that needs a first baseman. I just think they could build their farm system back up after these two trades and the draft next year. Just my two cents though. I can understand why they would want to keep him. Awesome power.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Efrim and DAP,

It sounds to me like San Diego is going to pull a Marlins and trade their existing “high” priced folks for prospects.

It makes sense, how else to you tell your fans that we made the playoffs in 2007, but are cutting payroll in 2009?

I think this will play into the Braves hands because the return for Peavy can be younger, less MLB talent and more prospects.

Greene has value and a contract that is not too bad. I think he could be flipped if necessary.

Efrim, I also agree that with arbitration raises, A Gonzales might be on the block too.

I know the Braves have said they are happy at 1B, but if you could get Gonzales, wouldn’t the Braves be happier?

By DAP

October 14, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

brian yes, and very TEAM oriented.

efrim i didnt even realize they had signed gonzalez. heck, throw him in with peavy. (though DOB has told us repeatedly that 1B isnt on the braves list, and the pads probably wouldnt trade them both at once anyways)

By nolie

October 14, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I can think of possibly a couple:

I too can think of a coupla equals, Duane Allman being one of the best, at least on slide.Ever listen to either of his Anthology albums where he is playing with some of the many artists he backed? Great stuff. I especially love Boz Scaggs’ cover of Fenton Robinson’s Lend Me A Dime,

By THB

October 14, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Efrim-I really think Peavy will be traded, and he said recently he doesn’t want to go the American League, again. My guess is his best suitors will be the Brewers, Astros, and Braves. Brewers also have the prospects, but the Astros really don’t. I bet we could get him for something like Gorkys, Flowers, Rohrbough, Lillibridge, B.Jones, and Locke. That’s a lot of quality and quantity while still holding onto our best prospects. It might require Hanson, Schafer, and Flowers though and maybe Lillibridge though.

I really think we should go hard for Peavy and then go after Oliver Perez. We’d have a young but solid rotation in Peavy, JJ, Perez, Hampton (If he resigns), and Campillo/Morton/Hanson. We’d need one more signing or trade for a power bat but we’d be in decent shape.

By nolie

October 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I also agree that with arbitration raises, A Gonzales might be on the block tooFlange

I don’t know guys. Gonz is still cheap, why would they trade him now?

By flange1

October 14, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Nolie,

The whole thing in San Diego is a bit strange if you ask me. Here are some pieces of information that you may or may not know:

The owner of the team is in the process of divorce.

The owner is looking to sell off 49% of the team.

The management team has said they are looking to cut payroll.

The management team has alluded to the fact that they are close to re-signing Trevor Hoffman.

The management team is on record saying they want to bring back Brian Giles.

The management team has filed a grievance against K Greene for punching a door/wall and injuring his hand.

The highest price Padres are Peavy, Giles, K Greene, B Giles and A Gonzales.

The team made the playoffs in 2007.

The team stunk up the world in 2008.

The team is fairly young.

I don’t understand the concept of cutting payroll on a 58 million dollar payroll when MLB.COM is paying each team between 20-30 million.

How do you spin this to your fans?

My opinion would be to do a Marlins overhaul. Sell off everyone with value (except for Trevor Hoffman) and try to rebuild with young talent.

But trying to figure out why a team would 1. cut payroll and or 2.trade one of the best 5 pitchers in baseball is hard for me to understand.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Turnin2—

I’d love to see your little guy! But I can’t do MySpace…

What I did with my picture of The Bird is very simple: I just took the picture and dragged it into my internet window, then copied the address and pasted it here.

By Braveheart

October 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting story that kind of gets into the debate we sometimes have on here about whether to draft high schoolers or college guys.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/oct/11/padres-12nlcs19451-dodgers/?padres

The Dodgers can thank Padres’ ex-scout for recent draft success

Tom Krasovic

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Sunday night the National League Championship Series will visit Southern California for the first time since the 1998 Padres and Braves met in Mission Valley. At Dodger Stadium, the Phillies, winners of Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia, will try to extend their lead in the best-of-seven series.

Whether Logan’s Run has more life to it could determine whether Los Angeles can reach its first World Series since 1988. Logan White, a former Padres scout, built the foundation for this Dodgers team via the amateur draft from 2002 to 2006. “The Dodgers wouldn’t be where they are without those drafts,” Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said.

Nine players drafted by White are on L.A.’s active roster. Four others were dealt in summer trades that brought three major leaguers, among them Manny Ramirez, who put the Dodgers on his shoulders after his arrival in early August.

Chavez Ravine likely would be empty tonight, rather than home to some 56,000 fans, but for a Dodgers farm system that has offset underachievement by several high-priced veterans. What’s more, none of the homegrown players are older than 25.

“I see what Logan and his scouts have done and try to emulate the good decisions they’ve made,” said Red Sox scouting director Jason McLeod, another former Padres scout. “I ribbed Logan recently that I’m going to poach some of his scouts.”

White, hired in 2002 by then-GM Dan Evans, teamed up with scouts such as Clarence Johns and a development staff led by Bill Bavasi and Terry Collins.

A former sidewinding pitcher who studied kinesiology and exercise physiology at Western New Mexico State University, White was willing to try new things.

“There’s a lot of outside-the-box thinking as I look back on it,” said Evans, who was fired by Dodgers owner Frank McCourt in 2004. “We didn’t use the Dodgers coffers to buy people. Our guys made real prudent decisions to draft people and develop them.”

Russell Martin was a third baseman for a junior college in Florida in 2002 when Johns recommended him; White selected him in the 17th round. A few months later, Johns suggested the Dodgers move Martin to catcher. Bavasi’s staff prepared him to play there, and Martin became an All-Star catcher for the Dodgers in 2007.

Back when Martin was a third baseman, James Loney was an ace pitcher and first baseman for his high school in Texas. “The industry at the time saw him more as a pitcher,” McLeod said. White considered Loney a first baseman and drafted him 19th overall in 2002. Loney hit a grand slam against the Cubs last week that was crucial to the club’s first advance in the playoffs since 1988.

Matt Kemp was a two-way athlete at an Oklahoma high school in 2003. His first sport was basketball, but White took him in the sixth round. This season, Kemp replaced disappointing veteran Andruw Jones in center field and batted .290 with 18 home runs and 35 stolen bases.

Chad Billingsley was a stocky right-handed pitcher for his high school in Ohio. “He was a guy that was physically mature in high school,” McLeod said. “To see a kid who was 6 (feet tall) with not much physical growth left, it would have been tough for some teams to pull the trigger on that.” White invested his first pick of 2003 into Billingsley, who now is the team’s No. 2 starting pitcher. “To hit on a Billingsley like that, where you know there were risk factors involved – you chalk it up to whatever their process is and decision-making is,” McLeod said.

Reggie Waller, a longtime scout, laughed when asked about White’s success. In 1993, Waller hired White for the Padres as West Coast scouting supervisor, a job held until late 1995. “Eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare, and Logan, without question, is one of those guys. The essence of it is he has the ability to see ability in others.”

His scouts deserve most of the credit, White has said, but he also has cited the industry’s move toward drafting college players at a time he was focused on high school talent.

“In the Moneyball era,” White told The Union-Tribune in 2006, “there were teams that wouldn’t go scout the high school players. It was an advantage for us. When teams were solely focused on a college player, it just leaves more of a pool of high school players for you to get. So I think it really helped us.”

Nine players from White’s first two drafts have reached the majors; none were from a four-year college.

Padres executive Paul DePodesta was an assistant GM with the Athletics during some of the Moneyball years. He declined comment Friday when asked if Oakland’s success with collegiate draftees – popularized by the 2003 best-seller “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael M. Lewis – created more opportunity for White and the Dodgers from 2002 onward.

Said McLeod: “Logan will be the first to say it’s definitely a group effort. But he strongly believes in what he believes. He has the confidence to make the call. He’s done very well to set up the Dodgers for success for several years.”

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Nolie

I know it isn’t the AL East, but the Padres don’t look like they have a shot in the NL West the next couple of seasons. I just think they could get a ton for Peavy AND Gonzalez. Heck. deal Heath Bell and Cla Meredith too. I know some feel that there needs to be a reason for fans to go to the game, but honestly, the Padres may be creating a bigger hole if they don’t jump on the opportunity to trade their big pieces now.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

If you are trading Jake Peavy, wouldn’t trading Gonzalez have to happen too?Efrim

No. Because in trading Peavy, you would likely get a young pitcher/pitching prospect or two in return, along with other young talent. You’re not gutting your team, just losing your ace, and possibly adding a couple young pitchers to your rotation either in 2009 or 2010.

It’s not always fire sale-or-nothing, contrary to how some see these things. It’s usually more like the middle ground, shaving some payroll while bolstering farm system and also staying at least somewhat competitive so attendance doesn’t completely fall off a year from now.

By ccrider

October 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Nolie; They would consider trading him now because by the time they rebuilt he would be either gone or unwilling to sign with a team rebuilding. I know I will get savaged about this, But I would be willing to take Greene along with Peavy as long as the trade was expanded to include Gonzalez. Greene plays good defense and hit 27 homers in 2007. He also strikes out alot and has a very poor OBP% but would be OK in the 8 Hole. I would put any prospect in our system in play except for Hanson, Schafer and Heyward. I would trade Escobar, Kelly Johnson or Prado, Kotchman, Anderson, T. Flowers, Gorky, T. Jones, Freeman, B. Hicks and any multible of pitching prospects not including Hanson or Jair. This would give us a 40 homer guy at first and a No.1 starter in 2009 for $14 million dollars. Sign ONE free agent starter(Burnett) and hope to trade for Jermaine Dye. Payroll $100 Million.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Just got back from another training session at the office, this time — you guys are gonna love this — it was math for reporters. (Like I need any help in my brilliant math, right?)….

It was hilarious to see the great discussion on seriously gifted guitar players and recording technology, juxtaposed with the comments by McFann about her bird. Go back and read the two disparate conversations going at once, it’s great stuff….

Lew, your 11:07 a.m. post was clever. Not to pile on, because I do like Shaun’s input (usually), but there’s a degree of truth to your point, or analogy….

Eware, Kelly J. also used part of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” this season for his batting/intro song….

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

They just went 63-99, 9 games back of the San Francisco Giants. They have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. The “fire sale” thing is usually a case by case basis. Obviously, if they feel they can rebuild their farm system by trading Jake Peavy, then that would be ideal. Not sure if that is possible until the trade actually happens and we see what they get back.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think you’re misunderstanding me a little bit. I still consider Jimi to be one of the top ten players ever. The dude was pretty doggone good. I mean, the man created an entirely new style of music, and every single rock/blues player today has been influenced, in one way or another, by Hendrix. That, in itself, is incredible proof of a player’s ability.

However, there is a distiction to be made between an innovator and the people who come after him and refine/expand the technique. Here’s a couple of guys with better chops, and I’ll explain why: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Criss Oliva, Randy Rhoads (did you know that he would seek out classical guitar lessons when he was on tour? Versatility for sure) for starters. All of these gentlemen (especially the former three) had extensively more musical knowledge than Jimi, and played out of a much wider range of scales, modes, chord progressions, etc. than Jimi. In additon, they played with greater speed and precision than Jimi, and understood the basic (and sometimes advanced) music theory underlying the guitar. This gives them better chops. Period. In addition, I would say that most classical players worth their salt (apples to oranges, I know) would rival Jimi, and guys like Segovia surpass him easily. Classical players, IMHO, are incredible. Just fantastic. Don’t particularly get all geeked up on classical stuff (enjoy SRV more) but…wow.

Does this make them better musicians? Yes. Better artists? Depends on who you like better. To me, Jimi probably represents a better combo of technique and songwriting/soul, but from a pure chops standpoint, see above. If you like Jimi’s songs better, then more power to ya. That’s what I love about the musical debate: we can both be right.

Oh, and I couldn’t give a rat’s behind about equipment, either. Just pointing that out. Those who posted above about it are correct.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Again, just to re-iterate: Pure chops aren’t everything. Takes more to be a well-rounded musician, and I think Jimi has more to offer than guys like Yngwie from all facets of music. But from a pure technique, music theory point, it’s not Jimi.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Steve from Ohio,

Spot on at 3:39!

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, and something else to think about for those of you who want Pudge as a BUC: He’ll likely be a type A free agent, so are the two draft picks worth a year of a declining Pudge?

By nolie

October 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

However, there is a distiction to be made between an innovator and the people who come after him and refine/expand the technique.Steve

To me inovation/creativity is more important than technical perfection in music, so I gotta rate Jimi higher than most of the guys you mention. I guess that applies to Beck,Clapton and Allman too to an extent, though it could be said that it all goes back way further than any of those guys, especially in anything blues-based, which is an awful lot of R&R.JMO bro

By StingerSplash

October 14, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Lew,

As interesting as the Jimi/Emerson/Lake/Mitchell combo could have been, a veritable Mantle/Maris of music, I also wonder what direction they would have gone in. Would they have been too art rock-y for their own good? I mean, I thought Dave Navarro in the post Jane’s Addiction breakup days (and I popped in Nothing’s Shocking on the way back from lunch. Hard to believe it’s been 20 years since that came out) with the RHCP would be a great fit, but alas, no, not at all. And of all these guitar greats being bandied about (still an EVH man myself), is there no love for Al DiMeola to be found? Now that guy can pick it like nobody since Mark Belanger at shortstop.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Nolie:

Correct. I’m looking at it from only part of the equation, where those things can be more easily quantified. You’re looking at the whole picture, and I would never disagree with that assessment (that’s why we can all be right, lol. It’s all about YOUR particular taste). I personally lean more toward technical perfection, but I still absolutely love Jimi. Please don’t forget that when reading my posts. But I definitely agree: no amount of technical precision can make up for lack of soul or lack of songwriting ability.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Nolie, I agree. I mean, Robert Johnson’s played on “equipment” that left plenty to be desired, yet he was one of the greatest innovator and most significant figures in music history. The great Bo Diddley invented his own square guitar, and again, it wasn’t exactly ‘advance’ technology. Who cares? He was awesome.

For me, it’s what is in the soul that takes precedence, long as the guy is proficient to begin with. Duane Allman, Buddy Guy, Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Reed, Albert King … those are the guys, man. None top Hendrix, of course, but those are guys — and there are plenty of others — to compare him to, because they were both tehnically sublime, but also because they played music that had soul.

Don’t give me the math-rock guys who play technically amazing stuff, or music-theory guys, as you put it, that have little or no soul coming through the sound. That just doesn’t interest me. Not at all. I know a lot of people feel differently, but that stuff just doesn’t nothing for me.

By Brian

October 14, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I taught Jimi Hendrix(or Rixie, as I used to call him), everything he knows! Lighten up people, it’s just music. I don’t know if anyone has mentioned Eddie Van Halen, but he’s pretty good.

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Right. It’s all your taste (love all of those guys, btw, no bones about it). Some of the really technically advanced guys do have soul, though, a few names that come to mind (besides Hendrix) are Criss Oliva (previously mentioned) Chris DeGarmo, and George Lynch (please, please no “hair metal” vile here, dude has great tone and amazing phrasing—that doesn’t mean I like D*%%#n, though).

We should discuss music more often here. Just awesome discussion today.

By Caleb

October 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the reply. Didn’t end up going to Body of Lies, but will probably watch on DVD. I work nights so I don’t get out to many movies, but definitely looking forward to Quantum of Solace. Hope it rivals Casino Royale in quality.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Just googled “greatest guitar players” and this popped up near the top, from 2003 Rolling Stone list of the 100 greatest guitar players of all time. I’ll let Pete Townshend, an expert, say it a lot better than me, as I’m no expert:

The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time Posted Aug 27, 2003 12:00 AM

1 Jimi Hendrix

by Pete Townshend

I feel sad for people who have to judge Jimi Hendrix on the basis of recordings and film alone, because in the flesh he was so extraordinary. He had a kind of alchemist’s ability; when he was on the stage, he changed. He physically changed. He became incredibly graceful and beautiful. It wasn’t just people taking LSD, though that was going on, there’s no question. But he had a power that almost sobered you up if you were on an acid trip. He was bigger than LSD.

What he played was fu%$ing loud but also incredibly lyrical and expert. He managed to build this bridge between true blues guitar — the kind that Eric Clapton had been battling with for years and years — and modern sounds, the kind of Syd Barrett-meets-Townshend sound, the wall of screaming guitar sound that U2 popularized. He brought the two together brilliantly. And it was supported by a visual magic that obviously you won’t get if you just listen to the music. He did this thing where he would play a chord, and then he would sweep his left hand through the air in a curve, and it would almost take you away from the idea that there was a guitar player here and that the music was actually coming out of the end of his fingers. And then people say, “Well, you were obviously on drugs.” But I wasn’t, and I wasn’t drunk, either. I can just remember being taken over by this, and the images he was producing or evoking were naturally psychedelic in tone because we were surrounded by psychedelic graphics. All of the images that were around us at the time had this kind of echoey, acidy quality to them. The lighting in all the clubs was psychedelic and drippy.

He was dusty — he had cobwebs and dust all over him. He was a very unremarkable-looking guy with an old military jacket on that was pretty dirty. It looked like he’d maybe slept in it a few nights running. When he would walk toward the stage, nobody would really take much notice of him. But when he walked off, I saw him walk up to some of the most covetable women in the world. Hendrix would snap his fingers, and they followed him….It was a high form of eroticism, almost spiritual in quality. There was a sense of wanting to possess him and wanting to be a part of him, to know how he did what he did because he was so powerfully affecting. Johnny Rotten did it, Kurt Cobain did it. As a man, you wanted to be a part of Johnny Rotten’s gang, you wanted to be a part of Kurt Cobain’s gang.

He was shy and kind and sweet, and he was f’d up and insecure. If you were as lucky as I was, you’d spend a few hours with him after a gig and watch him descend out of this incredibly colorful, energized face. There was also something quite sad about watching him. There was a hedonism about him. Toward the end of his life, he seemed to be having fun, but maybe a little bit too much. It was happening to a lot of people, but it was sad to see it happen to him.

With Jimi, I didn’t have any envy. I never had any sense that I could ever come close. I remember feeling quite sorry for Eric, who thought that he might actually be able to emulate Jimi. I also felt sorry that he should think that he needed to. Because I thought Eric was wonderful anyway. Perhaps I make assumptions here that I shouldn’t, but it’s true. Once — I think it was at a gig Jimi played at the Scotch of St. James [in London] — Eric and I found ourselves holding each other’s hands. You know, what we were watching was so profoundly powerful.

The third or fourth time that I saw him, he was supporting the Who at the Saville Theatre. That was the first time I saw him set his guitar on fire. It didn’t do very much. He poured lighter fluid over the guitar and set fire to it, and then the next day he would be playing with a guitar that was a little bit charred. In fact, I remember teasing him, saying, “That’s not good enough — you need a proper flamethrower, it needs to be completely destroyed.” We started getting into an argument about destroying your guitar — if you’re going to do it, you have to do it properly. You have to break every little piece of the guitar, and then you have to give it away so it can’t be rebuilt. Only that is proper breaking your guitar. He was looking at me like I was f’ing mad.

Trying to work out how he affected me at my ground zero, the fact is that I felt like I was robbed. I felt the Who were in some ways quite a silly little group, that they were indeed my art-school installation. They were constructed ideas and images and some cool little pop songs. Some of the music was good, but a lot of what the Who did was very tongue-in-cheek, or we reserved the right to pretend it was tongue-in-cheek if the audience laughed at it. The Who would always look like we didn’t really mean it, like it didn’t really matter. You know, you smash a guitar, you walk off and go, “F&$% it all. It’s all a load of tripe anyway.” That really was the beginning of that punk consciousness. And Jimi arrived with proper music.

He made the electric guitar beautiful. It had always been dangerous, it had always been able to evoke anger. If you go right back to the beginning of it, John Lee Hooker shoving a microphone into his guitar back in the 1940s, it made his guitar sound angry, impetuous, and dangerous. The guitar players who worked through the Fifties and with the early rock artists — James Burton, who worked with Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, Steve Cropper with Booker T. — these Nashville-influenced players had a steely, flick-knife sound, really kind of spiky compared to the beautiful sound of the six-string acoustic being played in the background. In those great early Elvis songs, you hear Elvis himself playing guitar on songs like “Hound Dog,” and then you hear an electric guitar come in, and it’s not a pleasant sound. Early blues players, too — Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Albert King — they did it to hurt your ears. Jimi made it beautiful and made it OK to make it beautiful.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

It was hilarious to see the great discussion on seriously gifted guitar players and recording technology, juxtaposed with the comments by McFann about her bird. Go back and read the two disparate conversations going at once, it’s great stuff

Thanks, Chief! That is pretty funny.

Dude! Our computer’s having a “freak out”…it half-crashed, or something.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

BTW, DOB—

Sounds like a great training session! ; )

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you’ve got the right to say that you don’t want to hear music-theory guys (that’s all good, btw), then I think I’ve got the right to similarly dismiss a list that has Kurt Freaking Cobain at #12, right ahead of Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Santana, Satriani, and doesn’t even have Andres Segovia on the list. Now THAT is a flawed list.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

By the way, the top 20 from that Rolling Stone list: 1. Hendrix, 2. Duane Allman, 3. B.B. King, 4. Eric Clapton, 5. Robert Johnson, 6. Chuck Berry, 7. Stevie Ray Vaughan, 8. Ry Cooder, 9. Jimmy Page, 10. Keith Richards, 11. Kirk Hammett, 12. Kurt Cobain, 13. Jerry Garcia, 14. Jeff Beck, 15. Carlos Santana, 16. Johnny Ramone, 17. Jack White, 18. John Frusciante (Chili Peppers), 19. Richard Thompson (and an equally incredible songwriter, as in lyrics), 20. James Burton.

I like that list. A lot.

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Looks like Francona is shaking things up for tonights game:

1. Drew

2. Pedroia

3. Ortiz

4. Youkilis

5. Bay

6. Kotsay

7. Crisp

8. Cash

9. Lowrie

By Shaun

October 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Lew, your 11:07 a.m. post was clever. Not to pile on, because I do like Shaun’s input (usually), but there’s a degree of truth to your point, or analogy….

DOB, thanks for the compliment, first of all.

But as I responded to Lew, if we were running a team, we’d likely want as much in-depth info as possible. Wouldn’t be good enough to merely “know which way the wind blows.”

As far as the E.T. example, if you could, why wouldn’t you do all you can to determine if there is or is not extra-terrestrial life? If you could look in to the far reaches of the universe, you would just believe in extra-terrestrial life because it “makes sense.”

To bring it to baseball, why would anyone reject stats like VORP or others just because to him/her it doesn’t “make sense”? That’s the issue here, it seems: Why not discover if something does or does not make sense, if possible, before you accept or reject it as useful?

For example, I was one of those that thought ERA was just fine to judge a pitcher on and that ERA had good predictive value, etc. But others did not. Instead of rejecting their ideas because I thought they “didn’t make sense” I read their points of view and lo and behold there research (that ERA is very defense-independent and isn’t as reliable as I thought) gave me some insight I had never thought about before.

Just trying to defend myself a little. Honestly, not trying to start a holy war or anything. It’s been my experience that accepting something merely because it seems to make sense is probably not a great idea.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Oh, might as well give the next 10, which include some giants, past and present: 21. George Harrison, 22. Mike Bloomfield, 23. Warren Haynes, 24. The Edge, 25. Freddy King, and 26. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, and also as The Nightwatchman), 27. Mark Knopfler (gotta love early Dire Straits), 28. Stephen Stills, 29. Ron Asheton (of the Stooges) and 30. Buddy Guy

By BostonBravesGirl

October 14, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Why is it that the more I root against a team, the more they win?McFann

If I remember correctly, you don’t like the Sox, so I would respectfully request you root against them tonight… and your chubby bird too!

Wakefield the knuckleballer is starting tonight, and it will be a knuckle-biter, I know.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

DOB,

James Burton in King Crimson? Thought those guitar players were Robert Fripp and Adrian Belew.

James Burton (that I know!) played with the King as in Elvis and lots of others (Ricky Nelson etc.)

I am sure that is a typo from the ‘Stone…..

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Hey, Steve: Take it up with Rolling Stone (I just reprinted the list … and agreed with it, for the most part. I’d probably put a couple of blues guys higher, but other than that, no disagreements.)

I’m coming at it from a different perspective than you. You place great value on music theory or the “math-rock” players’ skills. I don’t.

(And it sounds like the panel who picked Rolling Stone’s list are also coming at it from a different perspective than you. Again, I’m no expert whatsoever, just a huge music fan. But the folks who picked that list, I’m assuming they are experts. I’d have to fish that Aug. 27, 2003 issue out of my stack at home to find who voted, because it’s not in the list online, just the list and a little blurb about each guy.)

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

October 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to show some love for the late, great Alabama Wild Man…Jerry Reed. He’s not top 20 material, but being a country musician, he never got the respect he deserved as a guitar picker.

By Braveheart

October 14, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Shaun is the juror every defense attorney wants and is the prosecution’s worst nightmare. You could never prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to him. He’d expect CSI kind of sh!t in every case in order to convict a man. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Too many have been wrongly imprisoned because jurors didn’t make the State prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There is however many a man burdened with a conviction and resultant incarceration based on no more evidence than the memory and testimony of an eyewitness.

By Brian

October 14, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

BostonBravesGirl- Even though you’re a Sox fan, you gotta admit that when Youkilis wiggles his butt at the plate, it’s kinda weird? Come on, you know you would like to sling shot a rock at that thing!

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

BostonBravesGirl—

OK, will do! ; ) And see, I’ve been rooting for Kotsay in spite of my dislike for the Sox, and look: He’s batting only .214 in the NLCS! I think if the Braves get back to the playoffs any time soon, I’ll root against them—especially McCann!

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way…

My Chubby Lovey is trying his best to whistle the Andy Griffith song right now…Hmm…now he’s switched to something else…just some random whistle that sounds a tiny bit like the Leave it to Beaver song…

He heard Andy Griffith playing on TVLand, that’s what set him off!

He’ll root against the Sox, too. He will if I will…

; )

By mbatl

October 14, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I love the guitar discussion, though I have nowhere near the expertise of some here.

Those that I enjoy the most are Page, SRV, and (yes) Knopfler. Also loved Eddie VH when he was not locked in to silly poprock songs.

But probably just haven’t listened to many of the others enough. I associate Hendrix a lot with “acid” rock, and LSD influence… and maybe haven’t given him enough of a chance (great post on him, btw, DOB).

It’s really a hard argument to win, regardless. I’m sure Luciano Pavarotti has (had) much more training, talent and technical expertise as a vocalist than, say, Roger Daltry circa 1970. But, I’d rather listen to Daltry than Pavarotti.

By justdoit

October 14, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

any chance of the braves making a huge offer for gonzalez and peavy? i am sure they can make good offer starting with kotch ?

By Efrim

October 14, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Looks like Peavy being available is official:

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/13/sports/padres/zbfde541040a37bc8882574e20005978d.txt

By KC

October 14, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

DAP: “KC ok, your back. please let us know how the braves will win the world series next year.”

Well, check back in 4 months. By then we should know if the Braves have successfully landed a legitimate ace (Peavy? Please God!!!), another solid/reliable starter, and big bat.

We’ll also know much more about Smoltz and Glavine, and whether or not we’ve re-signed Hampton.

Obviously, the more they can do to improve the team, the better their chances… but they absolutely MUST get an ace and another big bat. If they do at least those 2 things, they’ll have a legitimate shot to get back to the post-season and make some noise.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Almost every list I find (and there are many, published and otherwise) on Google has Hendrix as the greatest guitarist ever, regardless of genre, but here’s an interesting different take on it. This is from a guy at the serious music online site Helium:

by Paul Schingle

I’ll end up getting myself in trouble on this one, because the fellow I’m going to name number one is not necessarily regarded by those in-the-know as “rock.”

I’ll start by naming some of the obvious choices-all of whom are among the very best ever-period. I just went to a concert which featured Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Robert Cray, BB King, Buddy Guy, a surprisingly superb Steve Winwood (I still can’t help but think of Winwood as a keyboardist), Jimmy Vaughan and about twenty others-any of whom an argument could be made for #1.

And let’s never, EVER forget the late, great Jimi Hendrix or the late, great Frank Zappa (yes, he was THAT good on guitar). No listing of rock guitarists would be complete without a mention of Jimmy Page and, in my opinion, Pete Townshend. I almost changed paragraphs without mentioning Alvin Lee.

My number two of all time is a fellow named Steve Howe-most notably with “Yes” in the 70’s and on and off in the 80’s. He could do it all and went an (until then) unprecedented five years in a row as being voted “overall best guitarist in the world,” by “Guitar Player” magazine, so he deserves a mention in any listing of greatest guitar players of all time.

But, alas, I won’t vote for any of the above. To me, there is no doubt that the greatest guitar player in the world is-Richard Thompson (England’s best-kept secret.) Now, for those who want to complain or say “he isn’t rock,” I’ll understand, but the fact is, Richard Thompson plays the guitar like he has four hands.

He began his career forty plus years ago with a band called “Fairport Convention.” They were the re-inventors of what is now called “British Folk-Rock.” He and then female vocalist, Sandy Denny, were compared to Marty Balin and Grace Slick as songwriters.

He’s since played as a duet with his then-wife, Linda, and for the last twenty-five years or so, had a remarkable solo career. He surrounds himself with amazing musicians, but any one of them would bow out to let him solo. This guy’s fingers fly up and down the frets with lightning speed and laser precision-and most of the time on an acoustic guitar, which to me is harder than on electric. (Please, don’t get me wrong-Thompson is a sight to behold on electric guitar, as well.)

I’ll alway give my props to the Claptons, Hendrixes, Pages and Becks of the world. But, for my money, there is no one, alive or dead, who has it mastered like Richard Thompson.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, so true at 5:07. So bloody true. Shaun missed his calling. Shaun, dude, if you’re not too old, get thee to law school. Seriously.

By BostonBravesGirl

October 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Brian, totally agree - Youk is so hard to watch at the plate, I have to avert my eyes. I used to think Sheffield took the prize for movement at the plate, but he just moved his bat, not his booty!

McFann, I’m counting on you and your bird! FYI, Kotsay is a big hit up here, both in the clubhouse and in the stands, and I can say I knew him when… (he was a Brave, anyway).

By nolie

October 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

is there no love for Al DiMeola to be found? Now that guy can pick it like nobody since Mark Belanger at shortstop.Stinger

I luv him, got a dozen or more of his CDs including the ones he made with Paco. Every so often though I think he relies a little too much on technique and loses a little emotion. Still one of my favorites who I did not mention since he is basically jazz and R&R guys were being discussed.

By DAP01

October 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Braves - yes Musis - no

By DAP01

October 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Braves - yes Music - no

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Flange1, good catch. Don’t know why they had that typo and how it’s stayed on there this long. Robert Fripp is the originator, right, the one who’s been with King Crimson through its many incarnation? Adrian Belew came along later, if I’m not mistaken.

Anyway, Burton played with Elvis Presley, among many others.

By mbatl

October 14, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Steve Howe! Wow, I’m back in my bedroom, 1978, with the great big headphones on! Down by the Edge, Close to the River… Seasons will pass you by…

So much else going on with YES music, I guess it was hard to single out the guitar. Interesting to hear that perspective.

By Couch Tater

October 14, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

… and speaking of birds. Can you imagine if the Yardbirds had stayed together Clapton, Beck and Page?

By nolie

October 14, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I’ll alway give my props to the Claptons, Hendrixes, Pages and Becks of the world. But, for my money, there is no one, alive or dead, who has it mastered like Richard Thompson.DOB

I agree that he is very very good, I would probably put him in my top ten, but kinda toward the bottom of it. BTW I too love the early Dire Straights, especially Sultans of Swing and Mark is also in my top ten or 15.

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

DAP01: No music or musis. Meuslix? That’s fine. Good for breakfast.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Stinger-As to the merger of Hendrix with ELP (or a variation, thereof)-Not too sure exactly where they would have headed, but it is doubtful it would have been anywhere earthly. Got to tell you though, Hendrix run through a Mini Moog and a Purple Microdot? Far F^^^king Out.

By Lew

October 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

I can picture it now-Shaun encounters ET and He gives THEM the anal probe.

By flange1

October 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thought the ‘Stone made a boo boo!

You are correct on the King Crimson guitarists. Fripp is the main man, Belew was added in one of the “re-groups”

By Lew

October 14, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

MBAtl-Nothing wrong with a little Siberian Khatru, either.

By nolie

October 14, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

and speaking of birds. Can you imagine if the Yardbirds had stayed together Clapton, Beck and Page?Couch

well they weren’t all there at the same time IIRC

By Mark in PA

October 14, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, if those training sessions are given by anyone who has anything to do with developing the AJC poll questions, you should immediately get up and walk out.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

BostonBravesGirl—

Well, I hope we come through for ya! ; )

Glad to hear (read) that Kotsay’s a big hit. Figured he would be. He seems like a great guy, and I think the Braves liked him in the clubhouse, too.

I’ll never forget the quotes Ms. Rogers gave us from Kotsay after McCann stole his first base of 2008! That was so funny!

I think I gotta split…

By richbrave

October 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

DAP:

Your 2 cents is worth a $$$$ anytime. Rock on.

By Couch Tater

October 14, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

My bad nolie. I was to quick to find a bird quip and failed the quiz.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

OK. Don’t gotta split. Still here!

Mark in PA—

Haha! Now that was funny!

By nolie

October 14, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

My bad nolie. I was to quick to find a bird quip and failed the quiz.Couch

How can you fail when you mevtion the YBs? Dem and the Stones were more my cup of tea from the British Invasion era than the Beatles & the Who.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

In his article about the Fillies comeback last night, Jason Stark refers to Jimmy Rollins as “Victorino’s buddy, Jimmy Rollins.”

Haha…is that all his is? Just some buddy of the Reaper’s? I mean, he doesn’t play for the Fillies?

Not that I’m a Rollins fan, just found that “amusing”.

By Don't Fear Me

October 14, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

THE REAPER is THE MAN!!!

By Brian

October 14, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

The Phillies don’t worry me because it’s not like they’re building a dynasty like the Rays and the Braves in ‘91. Most of the time they just out-slug opponents and Hamels and maybe Happ seem like their only pitchers with upside. Now, I don’t know a ton about there FS but from what I’ve seen,it’s not all that impressive to me! Phillies are cocky? About what? 1980 was before I was even born!! I wonder if they own us in ‘09 with a possible rotation of Peavy,Lowe,Jurrjens,Hampton,Campillo?

By JasonInFL (formerly Maine)

October 14, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Man, articles are stating that teams have already called the Padres about Peavy, that he is officially on the block, and that talks could heat up next month.

If FW can pull off a Peavy trade without giving up Hanson or Heyward, coupled with his absolute highway robbery of both the Tigers and Cubs this past year, we have to at least give the guy his props (and then some) when it comes to making trades! Peavy in a Braves uniform…that would be unbelievable. I have thought about that since the first SI article I read about him a few years back where it talked about his strong ties to the South, growing up watching the Braves, etc.

By McFann Ô

October 14, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Don’t Fear Me THE REAPER is THE MAN!!!

No! No! No!

By David O'Brien

October 14, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

special postseason P.M. blog.

NEW BLOG NEW BLOG

(OK, settle down, Beevis.)

By Steve from OH

October 14, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

It�s really a hard argument to win, regardless. I�m sure Luciano Pavarotti has (had) much more training, talent and technical expertise as a vocalist than, say, Roger Daltry circa 1970. But, I�d rather listen to Daltry than Pavarotti.

It’s not an argument that anyone can win, IMO. It’s all based on preference. I like technical wizardry (add that into good songwriting like Savatage and you’ve got a great band), where I do belive Hendrix is a little farther down on the list, and others love the complete package (I love it, too, for the record), where they think he is higher. It’s all good. Nobody’s right or wrong one way or the other. That’s why music is so great.

DOB, I’m not bashing Hendrix at all, not in the least. I’m just coming from (a very crappy) guitar player’s perspective, so I hope you don’t think that I’m some sort of classical music geek or anything (hey, I like to rock, what can I say?)

Steve Howe? My guitar teacher really likes him, but I’ve never really listened to too much YES!…perhaps I should give them a gander. If anyone wants to hear some straight-up shredding, listen to George Lynch’s studio cut of “Mr. Scary.” I don’t think Hendrix had those chops….

By N Nine

October 14, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Baseball notes:

The Braves’ advantage comes from the fact that Peavy is an Alabama native, who has told friends in the Atlanta area that he’d welcome the opportunity to pitch for the Braves

Peavy 2.95 ERA since start of 04 season.

After talking with bench coach Chino Cadahia last month, McCann came away saying that he will spend this offseason putting a greater emphasis on his physical condition.

If he’s able to get in better shape, he’ll likely gain better footwork behind the plate, and more importantly, lessen the fatigue he feels as the season progresses Bowman

Omar Minaya could have almost $30MM to spend.

Yikes didn’t know George Steinbrenner was that close to us?!??

well at this rate there is going to be a city in Florida named after him. After a nice donation, In honor of Steinbrenner’s continued generosity, the Hillsborough County (Fla.) Commission and the Tampa City Council voted unanimously to recommend changing the name of the Yankees’ Spring Training facility from Legends Field to George M. Steinbrenner Field They already had a street named after him and George M. Steinbrenner High School will open its doors in 2009 in Hillsborough County, north of Tampa. man, the guy is so rich! He needs to go ahead buy part of the planet.

By NO MORE BOBBY

October 14, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

If even a cheesy cop show on TV knows its time for Bobby to walk away, why is it taking so many in the Braves front office to come around to this?

SMOLTZ FOR MANAGER 2010!!!!

By Salty Dawg

October 14, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Man, if the Braves could somehow swing a trade for Peavy they should most definitely give up just about anything necessary to do so. I am normally not one for giving up all of your prospects, but prospects are called prospects for a reason. Peavy is a legitimate ace that would still enable the Braves to shop for a suitable #2. Couple that will the return of Hudson some time late next year and the Braves would be pretty damn close to that lights out starting rotation that built their legacy. Wouldn’t give up Escobar and definitely not McCann, but I’d put anyone else on the first plane to So Cal. Just imagine what this team could have done over the last few years with a pitcher of Peavy’s caliber in the mix. Regardless of the payroll hike (whatever that ends up being), the Braves don’t have the deep pockets to compete in the FA shenanigans with the Sox, Yanks, Mets, etc. This is really a perfect opportunity and his close ties to the southeast might just help us get our foot in the door here. Ship it!

By VolBrave

October 14, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

‘91 Braves vs. ‘08 Rays

How much does this ‘08 Rays team remind you of the ‘91 Braves? Lots of similarities. Young, power, speed, pitching, enthusiasm and with nothing to lose. And of course, Worst to First.

Carl Crawford= Ron Gant

Sonnanstine= Smoltz

Etc.

Was curious to see if you had other parallels from those two teams?

By Logan

October 22, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Is this blog open for business?

Lets start another topic.

TP is working with Jeff this off season and it’s understood that it’s all about getting back to fundamentals. Phase one of course is hitting off a tee. FORE.

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