AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves fans, it just feels late
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Thanksgiving and we’re all thankful for something, most of us for a whole lot. So have a good one, everybody, and try to be thankful for what you have despite these rough times.
We’re glad you come here to the Braves/Man In Black blog, whether it’s once in a while or all the time. We really are. All of you. Well, most of you (smile).
Now, on to biz, though we’ll hurry through because we’ve got three eating stops to make on the bike before 5 p.m. (yes, thankful it’s warm enough to motor around a traffic-free city on the bike at Thanksgiving).
Since the other blog was getting close to the magic crash number (it tends to stagger, then bend and break around 1,000 comments) we figured we should get up a clean slate since I know a lot of you are going to get tired of eating and watching some bad football at some point. So when that holiday family dysfunction gets too dysfunctional, post a comment or two. Don’t cost nothin’ (reference to the movie we recently debated here).
And speaking of the movie Animal House, they’re showing another comedy I personally rate even higher, The Big Lebowski, twice today at the Plaza Theatre on Ponce in Atlanta.
Where were we? Oh, the Braves. Yes. Hey, it’s Thanksgiving and some of you act as though the offseason is basically over and has been an abject failure for the Braves. Folks, you’re getting waay ahead of yourselves.
The offseason has barely begun. It just feel like it’s been excruciatingly long and fruitless because the Braves immediately were immersed in the Jake Peavy Saga, before most other teams even started whipping up rumors and talking to free agents and other teams about trades.
Keep in mind, it’s not even Dec. 1, the deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their free agents. Until that day, players such as Edgar Renteria and a bunch of other Type A free agents aren’t going to be signed by other teams, because those teams want to wait to see if said players are offered arbitration.
Why would a team sign a Renteria today and give up a first-round draft pick as compensation to the Tigers (who’d also get a sandwich pick as compensation) if they can wait until Monday (Dec. 1) and sign him without giving up compensatory pick if, as expected, the Tigers don’t offer arbitration? Makes no sense.
Several pitchers are in that same situation, less-than-dominant but still classified as Type-A free agents including Oliver Perez, Jamie Moyer Brad Penny, Randy Wolf, Randy Johnson. Even Ben Sheets, who’d get more than Milwaukee would care to pay him if the Brewers offered arbitration and he accepted it.
So just try to relax, folks. If the Braves are going to sign anyone like that, it was never going to be until at least next week. And most of those guys will wait until the Winter Meetings a week later in Las Vegas.
If you’re a free agent and you came this far, chances are your agent is going to urge you to wait until the buying frenzy begins and dominoes start falling in Vegas (along with some writers’ checking-account balances, I’m guessing.)
Meanwhile, the Braves are, as A.J. Burnett’s agent said, one of six teams “fully engaged” in talks for the Toronto right-hander. They’ve expressed interest in Derek Lowe and already tried to lure Ryan Dempster. Lowe is a Boras client, which means he probably won’t sign for a month or more, and Dempster re-upped with the Cubs, as most people figured all along that he would.
Is there risk in offering a four- or five-year contract to Burnett, which is what it’s going to take, probably for at least $15 mill annually, to sign him? Sure there is. Like Ben Sheets, he’s had plenty of DL stints throughout his career and, like Sheets, never won more than 12 games before this season. By the way, isn’t that amazing, that two veterans who never won more than 12 games in a season before 2008 are so highly sought as free agents?
(Well, wait, actually I haven’t heard of a great deal of interest yet in Sheets … but you get my point.)
But that’s what happens where there are a bunch of pitching-needy teams with money to spend and so few top-shelf type of pitchers available. And before anyone dismisses Burnett on that count, don’t try to tell me that a guy who goes 18-10 and leads the AL with 231 strikeouts in 221-1/3 innings isn’t top-shelf, particularly when he won 18 games for a team that plays in a division with the Red Sox, Yankees and pennant-winning Rays.
In his last 19 starts beginning June 24, he went 12-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 141 strikeout with 40 walks in 130 innings. In his last 15 starts, he had nine wins, 11 quality starts and 113 strikeouts in 102-2/3 innings, a 15-game stretch that included nine starts against the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees.
Realistically, if Burnett had pitched for an NL East team the way he pitched this year for Toronto, don’t you think he could’ve been a 20-game winner?
Not saying he’s not flawed, but he had Tommy John surgery four years ago, and scar-tissue breakup two years later in the elbow. Almost every pitcher who has TJ surgery will tell you they get scar-tissue breakup, it’s just that most of them usually get it during the months-after recovery period; Burnett’s came later, and scared a lot of people including him.
Dr. James Andrews told him after a fearful visit that it was nothing to be alarmed about, and Burnett’s had no problems with the elbow since. Folks, we could make a list of 40 accomplished major league pitchers who’ve had TJ surgery and never had another problem with their elbows.
Not saying Burnett won’t, but these days, more pitchers don’t have recurrences of elbow problems after TJ surgery than pitchers who do. Burnett’s also had a couple of shut-down periods for shoulder soreness in the past few years, but the Blue Jays said they were only being cautious bringing him back slowly from those DL stints because he’d had a big workload leading up to those periods and/or they were out of contention at the time. MRIs of his shoulder have been fine.
But yes, there are risks with such an injury-plagued pitcher, to get back to that issue we were discussing. Risks with him, Jake Peavy, for any pitcher with some mileage and especially those with multiple DL stints in the past.
But to use a cliché, you can’t swim in the waters with the big boys without taking risks. It’s the price of doing business in this industry.
If you want to compete now, you’ve got to fill holes, not cross fingers and hope that your own homegrown players continue to develop and fill those holes in a couple of years or more.
Sometimes, you can’t sit on the sideline and wait for kids to develop in a year or two. For instance, if you’re a GM whose former perennially contending team has missed the postseason three straight years, and some folks are getting antsy with attendance declining and those inroads you made with rejuvenated fans a few years ago now showing some erosion, and with a horrible economy ready to exacerbate that erosion should your team struggle out of the gate again.
And just to reiterate, I don’t believe the Braves are completely out of the Jake Peavy sweepstakes, as it were. Regardless of what’s said publicly, until he’s traded to another team I’m not going to believe the Braves are entirely out of it.
If they’re not, it would sure explain why they’re slow to trade for, say, a Ryan Ludwick or Jermaine Dye or another other outfield power bat (that’s a need they’d rather fill via trade that through a multi-year contract). Because the Braves don’t intend to trade Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson in the same offseason, don’t intend to start over with two new middle infielders at spring training.
So of there’s any chance they could still get Peavy in a deal with Escobar as the centerpiece, then they’d not want to deal Kelly Johnson for Ludwick, as was discussed at the GM meetings. As you can see, this is complicated. These are moving parts that are all part of the offseason process for the Braves, and so much depends, potentially, on the Peavy deal.
That’s why it was so frustrating for the Braves when Kevin Towers kept coming back to the table asking for another prospect, every time the deal looked like it might get done. And probably why the Braves announced publicly they were pulling out, to put pressure on Towers to get a deal done.
That’s just me speculating there. But think about it: If that’s not the case, why wouldn’t the Braves have just quietly stopped negotiating with Towers for Peavy, rather than announcing it publicly, which is so unlike the Braves’ usual policy of keeping almost everything private in all negotiations?
But anyway, the bigger point is that, as I said, it’s still early in the process. The Braves have a lot of oars in the water, many more than just the ones that are leaked (those leaks usually come from the other team involved or from agents, not from the Braves).
Oh, by the way, for those who don’t mind the potential salary and wait involved with signing a proven client of Scott Boras, but cringe at the thought of signing the injury-plagued Burnett, consider this comparison.
Since the beginning of the 2007 season, Lowe is 26-25 with a 3.55 ERA, .250 opponents’ average and 294 strikeouts (104 walks) in 410-1/3 innings. He received 4.8 support runs per nine innings pitched in that span.
In that same period, Burnett is 28-18 with a 3.93 ERA, .234 opponents’ average and 407 strikeouts (152 walks) in 387 innings. He received 5.0 support runs per nine innings pitched in that span.
For the record, in that same period, Peavy is 29-16 with a 2.61 ERA, .215 opponents’ average and 403 strikeouts (125 walks) in 389 innings, with 4.9 support runs per nine innings. And a Cy Young Award.
Diversions: For me, the DVR is neck-and-neck with the Ipod shuffle mode for most significant technological developments of the past decade, or however long they’ve been around. Just worked out and this song list popped up on the shuffle: “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” by Lucinda Williams, “Let Down” by Radiohead, “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” by Johnny Cash, “Glass” by Gang of Four, “” by The Selmanaires, “Somewhere On Skid Row” by Merle Haggard, “Cherry Bomb” by John Mellencamp, “Don’t Say Nuthin’” by The Roots, “Magic Trick” by M. Ward, and “Straight To Hell” by Hank III (not quite as great as the Clash song by the same name, but brilliant nonetheless).
An R.E.M. top 10: I was inspired by uga-brave and Braveheart’s late-night blogging Wednesday, so I thought I’d come up with my own top 10 list of R.E.M. songs from their earlier years, from their albums on IRS. A few of these were on the jukebox at Louise’s West, our favorite dive bar during college in Lawrence, Kan., where I was immediately hooked on Athens’ favorite sons after seeing them play on campus in 1983, not long after Murmur was released.
Feel free to give us your own R.E.M. top 10, but keep it to the IRS years if you can. We’ll do another top 10 of their more recent stuff later.
My favorite 10 from IRS years: 1. Begin The Begin, 2. Sitting Still, 3. So. Central Rain, 4. I Believe, 5. Radio Free Europe, 6. Harborcoat, 7. Driver 8, 8. Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars), 9. 7 Chinese Brothers, 10. Pretty Persuasion.
(“The One I Love” isn’t on my list simply because it was too ubiquitous. I just heard it too damn many times, but it’s a terrific song, as were at least 25 others that could make this list. “It’s the End of the World” doesn’t make my list. Always felt like more of a novelty song. I’m sure many will disagree, since it’s one of their most popular.)
OK, a tune: Stipe has written some strong lyrics, but he’s so often been arcane or cryptic, especially back in the day. The lyrics weren’t as crucial to me when it came to R.E.M. as they are for most of my favorite rock artists. For instance:
”CRIME IN THE CITY” by Neil Young
Well, the cop made the showdown
He was sure he was right
He had all of the lowdown
From the bank heist last night
His best friend was the robber
And his wife was a thief
All the children were killers
They couldn’t get no relief
The bungalow was surrounded
When a voice loud and clear
Said, Come on out with your hands up
Or we’ll blow you out of here.
There was a face in the window
The TV cameras rolled
Then they cut to the announcer
And the story was told.
The artist looked at the producer
The producer sat back
He said, What we have got here
Is a perfect track
But we don’t have a vocal
And we don’t have a song
If we could get these things accomplished
Nothin’ else could go wrong.
So he balanced the ashtray
As he picked up the phone
And said, Send me a songwriter
Who’s drifted far from home
And make sure that he’s hungry
Make sure he’s alone
Send me a cheeseburger
And a new Rolling Stone.
Yeah.
There’s still crime in the city,
Said the cop on the beat,
I don’t know if I can stop it
I feel like meat on the street
They paint my car like a target
I take my orders from fools
Meanwhile some kid blows my head off
Well, I play by their rules
That’s why I’m doin’ it my way
I took the law in my hands
So here I am in the alleyway
A wad of cash in my pants
I get paid by a 10-year-old
He says he looks up to me
There’s still crime in the city
But it’s good to be free.
Yeah.
Now I come from a family
That has a broken home
Sometimes I talk to Daddy
On the telephone
When he says that he loves me
I know that he does
But I wish I could see him
I wish I knew where he was
But that’s the way all my friends are
Except maybe one or two
Wish I could see him this weekend
Wish I could walk in his shoes
But now I’m doin’ my own thing
Sometimes I’m good, then I’m bad
Although my home has been broken
It’s the best home I ever had
Yeah.
Well, I keep gettin’ younger
My life’s been funny that way
Before I ever learned to talk
I forgot what to say
I sassed back to my mom
I sassed back to my teacher
I got thrown out of Bible school
For sassin’ back at the preacher
Then I grew up to be a fireman
Put out every fire in town
Put out anything smokin’
But when I put the hose down
The judge sent me to prison
He gave me life without parole
Wish I never put the hose down
Wish I never got old.
Comments
By Dean
November 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I’m just thankful for this blog - period. I don’t know anywhere else fans can get such honest, insightful writing. Thanks DOB!
By Don!
November 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving DOB!
As for our Braves, I’m still not excited about Peavy. I see him as a Hampton 2.0. I’d rather see us get one solid free agent pitcher, pick up an outfield bat — and keep our prospects.
Later,
Don!
By superadam
November 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
happy thanksgiving DOB! First?
By ccrider
November 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, Have a great Turkey Day. Unlike so many on the blog, I see the Braves as having many different directions they could go: pay big money and sign 2 Starters and trade nonessential parts for a bat or if the best long term pitching options are signed by others they could go short term R. Johnson, Hampton, Glavine, Sheets while the young pitchers mature or they could trade for Peavy and sign a 1 year guy and last of all Letting Hanson, Jurjjens, Morton, Medlin, Reyes, Redmond get their feet wet and determine whose got and who ain’t. The future is bright than most teams and with a few good moves the Braves can be right back in the race. So, all blogafiles enjoy your dinners and wait for the good news to come!
By Samuel Stiles
November 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
word DOB. Neil young is the master. Thanks for the blog over the years. long time reader, rarely poster.
By jed
November 27, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
dob
did you mean “obtuse” or “opaque”? i could see either, but i’m supposing you meant the latter. good list, though i’d have included ‘perfect circle’—that song reminds me so much of life in athens.
great job with the blog, friend. we’re all thankful for the fixes we get here.
By Lew
November 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
DOB-Have a great Thanksgiving yourself. I’m thankful for my fixed rate mortgage that’s current on payments. Now if I could only find a BBQ place, life would be perfect.
I didn’t realize that the time Burnett missed two years later was scar tissue related. That makes somewhat of a difference on the injury problems that bothered me so much. I thought it was more and different issues. If he can indeed, make 30 or more starts, he would be a good addition. Could you imagine him AND Peavy if both remain healthy? Damn.
By Ronald Millsaps
November 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I posted a lengthy blog earlier on the previous blog that didn’t even get posted.
To recap, I suggested the Braves try Blaine Boyer as a starter. Many will differ, but it’s worth a shot. He has the physical attributes needed to pitch as one and also the velocity. (Remember John Smoltz talking about how this team needs a return to power pitching? He’d provide it.)
Boyer might’ve had struggles last season, but he also had flashes of brilliance. I think he just might be like Jorge Sosa in that he’s more comfortable in the rotation than in the bullpen—and it would be foolish not to try him in this area. The Braves organization owes it to itself to do so. Let the man use his God-given talent where it’s best suited.
I also predicted the Titans to win, 41-10, and for the Cowboys to win, 34-17, and for the Cardinals to win, 30-20. I also went off on verbal tirades on Texas Stadium and the undue hype that Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals are getting. (A lot of their hype is warranted; a substantial part is not, though.)
Ever notice how these “Thanksgiving halftime celebrations” have absolutely nothing to do with Thanksgiving? Not worth watching, especially the ones in that eyesore known as Texas Stadium.
I also said the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Panthers are three of the top six teams in football, and they are (Giants, Titans, Jets).
By BravesFanChris24
November 27, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
I’ve already eaten and waiting for dessert lol. We had Ham, Turkey, Dressing, Yams, Potato Salad, Rolls, Corn, Green Beans, Deviled Eggs, Pineapples and Cranberry Sauce.
I cooked all of it except the dressing, potato salad and deviled eggs. I enjoy cooking and cooking for my family was fun.
Now I can’t wait till some trades are made and FA’s are signed.
By Should have traded Hanson
November 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
According to Yahoo Sports. Kevin Towers has found a third team to trade Peavy to the Cubs. DOB is this true? here is the link. link
By Tomas
November 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I think the Braves should take the risk of signing Aj Burnett. Think about this:
Before he had Tommy John Surgery:
He played 7 games in 1999, 13 in 2000, 27 in 2001, 31 in 2002, and 4 in 2003. That’s a total of 78 games in 5 years, an average of 16 starts per season. Horrible, almost half of what a starting pitcher usually does when healthy which is at least 30.
After he had Tommy John Surgery:
He played 20 in 2004, 32 in 2005, 21 in 2006, 25 in 2007, and 35 in 2008. That’s a total of 133 games in 5 years, an average of 27 starts per season, that’s pretty decent(3 shy of 30).
I believe since he had TJ surgery, he has been much more healthier and has turned the corner from the career he had before full of injuries.
You really can’t compare his stats with Lowe’s. Derek Lowe is in the NL west, the easiest division in baseball, with teams that can hardly hit. I mean apart from the rockies(who only hit well at coors field), Adrian Gonzalez, and maybe Aaron Rowand, there is no one that can hit.
And as you said Burnett plays in the toughest division in baseball the AL East. Boston, Yankees, Tampa, and the Orioles(who have very good hitting but no pitching). David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Aubrey Huff, Bj Upton, Evan Longoria, Nick Markakis, Melvin Mora, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, Derek Jeter, and a lot more quality hitters.
18 wins, and a 4.07 ERA, would mean 23 wins and a 3.12 ERA in the NL West, and in the East 20 wins, 3.45 ERA.
He commands a 95-97mph fatball with good control, a very good slider, (i think he also has a knucklecurve), and a changeup.
He pitched 66 innings against the Red Sox and the Yankees allowing 15 earned runs, that is a 2.04 ERA(and that includes a game in which he gave 5 earned runs against boston) with 67 strikeouts. When a pitchers has more strikeouts than innings pitch you know he is dominant.
I think 5yrs 75 million is a bargain, better than 4yrs 72 million. And I think signing a 32 yr old pitcher, is a lower risk than signing a 36 yr old pitcher(Derek Lowe) to 4yrs 64 million, specially when the 32 yr old pitcher has much better stuff and is dominant.
By Ronald Millsaps
November 27, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
By the way, Dave, thanks for referring to Thanksgiving as “Thanksgiving” and not “Turkey Day.” The latter might seem harmless, but it’s really another example of postmodern poison, much like “Happy Holidays.”
By the way, John Smoltz has a charity known as Strike Out Hunger. I think we all should contribute to such charities, especially at this time of year, and by “we all”, I mean “we all”, not just the fans who type here.
By TheAntiMe
November 27, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Thanks for the new blog, DOB. R.E.M., even. Tasty stuff. I especially like Driver 8. Once again we can count on our hardball blogmaster to be Automatic For The People.
Fortunately for me, I happened to notice as lately I’ve kind of been living in my own private Idaho. (I know , wrong band - but pretty close. Kate even sang with Michael and the guys a time or two.)
Hey DOB. I don’t know what it is that you did to get Kevin Towers all P.O.’ed but rumor has it that he started dragging his feet on the Peavy deal just to try and get you highly ticked-off. Please, send the guy a Christmas card or something so that we can get Big Jake in the opening day rotation. Happy Holidays to one and all!
By Ebravesluvr
November 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB…do you like any sort of soul music?? I’m a big fan of Al Green myself, although I’m mainly interested in rap. And say what you will about rap, but we ALL have different tastes and none of them are right or wrong.
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, thanks for the blog on day of terrible football.
Any man who holds The Big Lebowski in such high regard will always be OK by me. Cheers to having an open mind and good taste.
From the outside looking in, it would seem like Wren’s ultimate plan is to acquire all of Peavy/Burnett/F*******/Ohman then try to fill the OF power bat on the cheap. Is this the impression you get too, Dave, or do you think there would be enough money left in the budget to fit a short-term 8 figure salary after the other acquisitions?
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Great hip-hop music is just that…great. The problem is 98% of what is on the radio, which the layman interprets as “rap”, is absolute trash. Rap music can be great but it’s becoming increasing difficult to uncover anything worthwhile amongst the piles or nonsense.
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Hey why did Furcal get edited? Is “Furcal” a swear-word on this blog?
By Mark
November 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I am the walrus!
By Bryan
November 27, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
I would drop pretty persuasion and add in Don’t go back to Rockdale … and probably switch the eponymous version of Gardening at Night for Boxcars … otherwise … damn good list.
By TheAntiMe
November 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
“Hey why did Furcal get edited? Is “Furcal” a swear-word on this blog?”
Furcal certainly is a swear word, Hiawatha Terrell Wade. Why, just this morning, some mega-hottie standing next to me in the check-out line at an Alpharetta Kroger suggested to me that I should go “Furcal” myself. Hey, you can’t win ‘em all.
By GermanBravesFan
November 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
The Tigers are looking for a catcher… how about Flowers plus others for Ordonez?
By BravesFanInRockies
November 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Ronald Milsaps,
I don’t see Boyer as a starter because his fastball is too straight. This was pointed out by commentators every time I saw him pitch on a non-Braves telecast.
Sure, he has the velocity, but much like Kyle Farnsworth, you can throw the ball 100 MPH and if it doesn’t move, major league hitters will catch up to it.
He must also have a release point that’s easy to pick up because the harder he throws it, the harder they seem to hit it.
I’m also not sure he has a third pitch he trusts. The fastball is plus, simply because of its velocity, and so is the curve, but what about a third pitch?
By BravesFanInRockies
November 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Oh and BTW, Happy Thanksgiving to DOB and all the denizens!
By BravesFanInRockies
November 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Should have traded Hanson,
I no longer believe anything I read about anything Towers says.
By HeywardTheFuture
November 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Furcal of you.
By Ronald Millsaps
November 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
“…rockies”—In my original, non-posted post I addressed that very issue. I said he could use a slider and a change to complement said velocity.
Also, I’m not worried about what he has currently. Offseasons are to be used to practice and address weaknesses. Expanding his repertoire is something he needs to do this offseason.
Manny Acosta also deserves consideration. He has three pitches and also mound presence.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Ronald,
I don’t recall Boyer throwing as hard as he did in 2008 before he was injured. From what I remember his fastball was in the 89-92 range. Perhaps when he put less effort into his throws he got better movement. That happens sometimes when guys overthrow. Dunno. Guess we’ll find out in the spring.
Acosta hasn’t started since 2003 and I haven’t heard that they’re considering him for the rotation. I actually think he’s a good candidate for the 7th or 8th inning role if Soriano or Moylan isn’t fully recovered when the Braves break camp. He looked pretty shaken at times last year and it’s too bad because I agree he has a good arm and solid command.
By Gobble Gobble
November 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Ever have a friend who dated some turkey that thought he was too good for your friend? He was always telling her how much other women wanted him? That she needed to give him more? Eventually, your friend broke off the relationship with the turkey. They didn’t talk to each other for weeks.
But the turkey kept acting like a jacka@@ and sending word through other friends that some chick in Chicago wanted him, that the chick in Chicago wanted him to have a threesome?
Ever laugh when the girl says whatever turkey, I gave you the best I could give, if that’s good enough for you, come back, if it ain’t, I don’t care who wants to screw you, go have all the fat chick orgies in Chitown that you want. Something tells me though that you ain’t getting that threesome anyway - well, at least, not for free and as good as you can get it here. It’s not the quantity of who you bed that matters. It’s the quality. What I’ve got to give is better than whatever you’re paying for that two cent w******* threesome in Chicago anyway. Besides, the more a dude tells me he’s having a threesome the more I believe he’s the least likely guy in the room to have a threesome. Those who have ‘em are too busy having ‘em to talk about ‘em
Towers is that turkey. Wren is the chick.
By Gobble Gobble
November 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Ever have a friend who dated some turkey that thought he was too good for your friend? He was always telling her how much other women wanted him? That she needed to give him more? Eventually, your friend broke off the relationship with the turkey. They didn’t talk to each other for weeks.
But the turkey kept acting like a jacka@@ and sending word through other friends that some chick in Chicago wanted him, that the chick in Chicago wanted him to have a threesome?
Ever laugh when the girl says whatever turkey, I gave you the best I could give, if that’s good enough for you, come back, if it ain’t, I don’t care who wants to screw you, go have all the fat chick orgies in Chitown that you want. Something tells me though that you ain’t getting that threesome anyway - well, at least, not for free and as good as you can get it here. It’s not the quantity of who you bed that matters. It’s the quality. What I’ve got to give is better than whatever you’re paying for that two cent w******* threesome in Chicago anyway. Besides, the more a dude tells me he’s having a threesome the more I believe he’s the least likely guy in the room to have a threesome. Those who have ‘em are too busy having ‘em to talk about ‘em
Towers is that turkey. Wren is the chick.
By J.L.
November 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for the new Blog.
By northbeach Scott
November 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
In addition to Boyer’s straight fastball, he telegraphs his curve with his body language. Anyone can read that the curve is coming, consequently he is neither able to set anyone up for the deuce, nor blow away anyone with the fastball. By all means leverage Boyer in a trade while he has some value. Two pitch pitchers cannot be effective major league starters.
By Wayne
November 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Lots to be thankful for these days. Hope each of you can say the same!
Have a great holiday!
A team like the Braves, who would not lose a first round draft pick, could conceivably sign an “A” type free agent before December 1st, couldn’t they? Aren’t we exempt from losing our first round choise?
Would we lose our second round choice, or would the other team just get a sandwich pick?
By Wayne
November 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
I guess if I was as boxed in as Towers, I might do some of the same things he is doing. Trying to create some demand, where it might not exist.
That’s what many of the agents do for their players….
When does the Winter Meetings begin? Is that next week, or the week after that?
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Love Neil…one of the best songs off of the Freedon album. While sorry this is our first Thanksgiving without my father in-law, I am more than grateful that is is my first with my 10 week old daughter….Rhiannon Rae. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!
By richbrave
November 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WISHES to one and all. My wish is a starting rotation in ‘09 of PEAVY, BURNETT, JUIRJENS, HAMPTON and flexibility amongst HANSON, MORTON, or CAMPILLO all available as needed. In ‘10 PEAVY, BURNETT, HUDSON, HANSON, MORTON or CAMPILLO.
By David O'Brien
November 27, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Just back from our rounds, made it safely from one end of Atlanta (Toco Hill) to the other (East Atlanta and further East off 1-20) and back, with a stop at big Don’s for his traditional gathering of good folks on Thanksgiving.
I just ate the best piece of homemade pecan pie I’ve ever had, I do believe, with a big scoop of Blue Bell vanilla on top.
Thanks to all for the greetings, and hope everybody had a great day.
Elbravesluvr: If you saw my list above, you saw a Roots song, which should give you some indication that I love soul music and some hip-hop, though not the currently hot acts that sing about the same boring subjects over and over.
I love The Roots, the Beasties, Q-Tip (did you miss our discussion on him las week?), his old band Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang, P.E., etc.
I love all old soul music, and a few new acts including Rafael Saddiq (if you haven’t heard it, you gotta try it out; dude sounds like he was born 30 years too late, total throwback sound).
James Brown, Al Green, Marvin, Otis, Supremes, Etta James … on and on. Love all of it.
By Andy
November 27, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
This is unlikely, but what if we could pull of a trade for Francisco Liriano and Delmon Young? I know both are young and do not make much, so they would be tough to acquire, but the Twins are really creative and they always seem to come up with pitching out of nowhere. They could really use Yunel. I don’t know if this would do it, but Yunel, Morton, B. Jones, Boyer for Liriano and Delmon Young.We would also be giving up young and affordable players. Sign AJ Burnett.
Rotation: Burnett, Liriano, Jurrjens, Hanson, Campillo. Get Huddy back in ‘10 and that’s Burnett, Hudson, Liriano, Jurrjens, Hanson… Wow! Re-sign Ohman, Sign Furcal, Re-sign Smoltz, Sign Kevin Millar Lineup: SS Furcal, CF Schafer, 3B Chipper, LF Young, C Mac, RF French, 1B Kotch, 2B KJ Pen: Smoltz, Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Medlin, Ohman, Marek Bench: Millar, Sammons, Prado, Lillibridge, Anderson
The one knock is that we still lack power, but I really really like our rotation, especially in ‘10. If Frenchy regains his power stroke, that’ll really help. Young is a damn good young hitter, who will steal some bases and hit for average, and his power numbers will go up. I like this team. Adding Furcal gives us that spark that we have missed at the top of the lineup since he left. We have more team speed with Schafer, Furcal & Young.
By world-B
November 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
I thought The Shield finale was good, not great…at first. Twenty-four hours later, I had come to think it indeed was great and I’ll TIVO it Sunday night and watch it once more. Nuances of that show make it better upon reflection. Like Shane’s line: “Time for a family meeting.” Meant nothing to me at the time. Now it’s as chilling of a line ever uttered on TV SOA has been a wonderful surprise show. Season finale was perfect, setting up a great season 2. LOVE IT!
By JohnGTFan
November 27, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m already tired of hearing about Peavy. Either he comes or he doesn’t. I’m curious, do you think Vasquez and Dye will be coming to Atlanta this off-season?
By Saltywoody
November 27, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
I had to share because there was a Thanksgiving miracle at my house this year.
It came in the form of chocolate bourbon pecan pie.
If you’ve never had it, you should. Holy smokes.
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
I wonder if the Royals would get involved with the Cubs and Padres since they have Teahan who the Cubs are supposedly interested in…
By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)
November 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
GO ATLANTA FUNKY THUNDER DUCKS!!!!
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
I wonder if there will be any see an tryptophan filled trades tonight? I hope FW is working the phones!!
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
I wonder if I can write a coherent sentence?
By Ron in mobile
November 27, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
DOB
Chinaman is not the preffered nomenclature dude…its Asian American
Couldnt resist
By Eric from MO
November 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Tomas what is you obession with A.J.? “He played 20 in 2004, 32 in 2005, 21 in 2006, 25 in 2007, and 35 in 2008. That’s a total of 133 games in 5 years, an average of 27 starts per season, that’s pretty decent(3 shy of 30).” While Peavy has pitched 150 games in the past the 5 seasons and thats a average of 30. Actually he has started at least 27 games the past 5 years. Why would you pay ace like money for someone you yourself descibed as “decent.”
You went on to say,”18 wins, and a 4.07 ERA, would mean 23 wins and a 3.12 ERA in the NL West.” Peavy posted an ERA under 2.9 4 times while averageing 200 inning those years and the most he ever won is 19 games. So how is it that A.J. will post a higher ERA and yet surpass Peavy’s best in wins by 4? Its one thing to like Burnett but you just dont make sense. Use a lil thought.
By NCBravesFan
November 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Should have traded Interesting article. My gut tells me that Towers just isn’t very impressed with the ATL package, and is seeing what else is out there. I suspect he’ll find a package that works for him, leaving ATL to either up the ante or wind up with no deal.
I still think there are too many headwinds for the Braves this offseason. Quite a few teams can outspend them for prime FAs, and the Braves are committed to not trading the farm, which limits what they can accomplish via trades.
And I have to believe the status of Bobby Cox is also an issue. If you’re a FA and you aren’t sure who the manager will be in 2010, do you sign anyway and hope for the best … or look to teams that are competitive and have a longer-term commitment in place from their manager?
I wish I was more optimistic here on Thanksgiving Day, but I have been pretty down on what can realistically get done this offseason. 2010 is the year to shoot for IMHO.
I hope FW proves me wrong in the weeks to come!
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Are the Jays out of the battle for AJ?
(Jays Payroll May Be On Decline)[http://www.torontosun.com/sports/baseball/2008/11/27/7549416-sun.html]
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I am convinced that Peavy and Axlerod have been pulling strings behind the scenes to go to the Cubs. To be honest, it is the only explanation for how this thing has gone down. I know I am being repetitive, but the more Towers focuses on the Cubs when they clearly don’t have the pieces, need multiple teams, etc, the more it makes sense.
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Seriously, I obviously need to take a nap. Good night all.
By Braveheart
November 27, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Here’s something to be really thankful for:
An interesting take on what DOB is really doing while giving us these music reviews
By Rico
November 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving, DOB and fellow Tomahawkers.
FYI, DOB, The Wailers are coming to Athens in Jan.
By Ronald Millsaps
November 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
The Arizona Cardinals are supporting my earlier statements about them right now. I picked them to win because I thought the game was being played in the desert, but it’s actually being played in Philadelphia.
In fairness, they’re facing Donovan McNabb at the worst time to face the man in all of his great career; he embarrassingly got benched the other day, and any time such a thing happens to a player of his caliber, look out. (I expected a great performance from him tonight no matter where the game was being played.)
The Cardinals are a very good team, but they play in one of the worst divisions in NFL history, and their record hasn’t been hurt by this reality. I think they’re one of the best teams in the conference, just not quite as high as the “experts” have said.
Some guy on CBS earlier talked about how not having Asante Samuel really was going to hurt the Eagles tonight. Truthfully, the aforementioned motivation is a much-bigger factor than the absence of a great player. Also, the Eagles, when Brian Westbrook is as healthy as he looks tonight, are pretty strong. Part of Donovan McNabb’s struggles this year have been a direct product of Westbrook’s absence.
I’d push Jo-Jo Reyes very hard this offseason. He needs to develop his talent. Anyone who could pitch as well as he pitched at Anaheim has no excuse for turning around and pitching as poorly as he did against the Washington Nationals. Yeah, the Nationals had a lot of ex-Braves wanting to prove a point, so I can justify some of the runs he gave up but certainly not all.
This blog is nice. Nice to have a spot to voice your suggestions for the Braves.
By Braves Fan in PA
November 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Not that I want to trade the farm to get Peavy but any possibility of getting both him and Burnett or if we get one we don’t pursue the other?
Imagine the both of them JJ, a healthy Smoltz (as a starter). Then if Hudson is healthy back in August in time for the playoffs. I would like our chances :)
By J.L.
November 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
If you want a funny movie,try PORKY’S
By Vol
November 27, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
OK, so there are about 3 songs total I don’t like from the first 5 or 6 albums - hard to pick 10. I’ve done this before and there were probably about 5 different ones in there depending on my mood. Love old REM songs.
By Dadgum
November 27, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving all!! We were very fortunate to have my daughter’s boyfriend with us back from Iraq. He had spent the last 2 Thanksgivings over there and then another during training. Makes you think and appreciate.
DOB I also had a pecan pie but with Cool Whip on it. Good nonetheless.
I lived in Dallas for 10 years and picked up on the Blue Bell craze. Can’t give enough accolades for that ice cream. To me simply the best. Made in Brenham, Texas near Waco. They limit the distribution though to keep it fresh and seasonal. The summer peach is exceptional but I always judge ice cream on the good ole vanilla first then go from there.
Unfortunately it isn’t in Richmond anywhere. However, it is the house vanilla at Carrabbas and Outback. So check it out and get friendly with the manager at one of those restaurants if you don’t get it in stores. It is that good. Seriously!
Rock on……I’m thankful for a lot of things including Blue Bell.
By brent a.
November 27, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
I used to know a Blue Bell distributor in Texas. His whole family is rather obese.
By David O'Brien
November 27, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
We just saw Milk. Sean Penn = Amazing actor. But we knew that. Still, this is Oscar-worthy, for sure.
Vol: Four on your list that I could have put on mine: Man on the Moon, Talk About the Passion, Fall on Me, Maps and Legends. Those four definitely. Like I said, there’s probably 25 or more besides my 10. Can’t go wrong.
By Salty Dawg
November 27, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
I am convinced that Peavy and Axlerod have been pulling strings behind the scenes to go to the Cubs. To be honest, it is the only explanation for how this thing has gone down. I know I am being repetitive, but the more Towers focuses on the Cubs when they clearly don’t have the pieces, need multiple teams, etc, the more it makes sense.
If you really think about it that just doesn’t make sense. Peavy has a no trade clause. If he doesn’t want to play for the Braves, all he has to do is say so. There is no reason for Axlerod to be coy and no reason for Towers to act like such an a$$ clown. All they have to do is say, “hey, Peavy changed his mind and doesn’t really want to play for Atlanta.” If he isn’t going to accept a trade here anyway, he has no reason to beat around the bush.
By Thrillhouse44
November 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Happy Turkey Day to everyone. We have plenty to be thankful for. Dadgum, please tell your girl’s boyfriend Thrilla said thanks.
DOB, do you ever listen to the Robert Randolph Band? I was recently turned on to them and they’re pretty sweet. They know how to rock with a funky sound too.
Braveheart, “I’m trying to listen to the new Robert Palmer tape, but Evelyn, my supposed fiance, keeps buzzin in my ear.”
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
It would severely hamstring Towers if it was KNOWN that Peavy wanted him to try everything first to go to the Cubs. I mean, if Peavy came out and said, hey, I am not getting traded or being traded to the Cubs, how does that help Axlerod’s buddy Towers?
By 5scott
November 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Cool blog,not really into them.But yours multi tasks.Best R.E.M song,hold on!!!Saved my wife at the time her life(now happy)thank god.Enjoyed the sports.Watching texas a&m texas.Good job Happy Holiday..Scotty in Berkeley,California
By Ebravesluvr
November 27, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB I’ll check that out. I always love a little soul music! I mostly like the mainstream rap and hip hop, the stuff that other people find to be crap. Personally, Flo Rida’s CD was amazing (to me). It’s the only CD I own that I love every single song on it.
By nolie
November 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I see that Brian Fuentes’ representatives told the Mets the free agent closer is seeking a three-year deal worth $10 million to $11 million annually. Mets say that’s a tad high, but are still interested supposedly.
By Ebravesluvr
November 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Man…I’m a total loser. I went and had dinner at my grandpa’s house (which was totally depressing considering my Gram just died a few months ago and she was the glue to the holiday dinners) and then I came home, took a nap and then got up and went to do laundry at the laundromat. But hey, there was no one there so I didn’t have to fight for washers and dryers. I’m SUCH a WINNER! haha
By nolie
November 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
which was totally depressing considering my Gram just died a few months ago and she was the glue to the holiday dinnersluvr
yeah I imagine that was kinda tough. Holidays can be draining sometimes. Sorry for your lose.
By Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner
November 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Has anyone seen that SOB Van Owen? Heard he was in a barroom in Mombasa drinking gin….
Agree with REM choices, DOB, but would put South Central Rain at No. 1 and Pretty Persuasion higher, plus some more love to Don’t Go Back to Rockville.
By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
November 27, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving all!!
DOB a Wu fan, huh?? Far out…
What an AWFUL day off uncompetitive/uninteresting football, ay??
By Ebravesluvr
November 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Nolie Thanks, I appreciate that.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving….onto the sales, the f&#@ing Christmas music, backed up traffic, cranky salespeople and even crankier holiday shoppers. THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!
By The Real Joebrave
November 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Folks, Can we please ,and i mean PUHLEEZZZZE, stop with Jake Peavy???? Look I agree thst He is a very good pitcher. But to Trade Yunel Escobar, wreaks of Brett Butler, Brook Jacoby,and Rick Behenna, for Len Freakin Barker,and we all know how that one turned out!!!
By BabyGoatEater
November 27, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
While patiently (tongue in cheek) waiting on Towers to come to his senses, I have come to the conclusion that John Sherholtz’s ways were out dated. He would have never called Towers bluff publicly, and therefore, would probably not be in the situation of having Towers crawling at his feet after he see’s nobody biting on his requests. Big J (sorry in advance) would have probably told Towers to “go blow smoke” elsewhere privately, and that definitely wouldn’t have put the same pressure on Towers to find a deal better than the Braves elsewhere. Now if Towers does get forced to trade Peavy (reports say is happening) for less than the Braves supposed offer with Yunel, He has major egg on his face. Maybe I’m way off base, but Wren’s way isn’t so bad.
By Bama
November 27, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I believe Towers is playing games about a third team etc. BS. I believe Frank Wren will come through with a trade or FA that no one expects to get. I hope we get AJ and Peavy, maybe Ibanez.
Sweet Lou said” the Cubs were out of the Peavy deal. They had their 5 starters.” May just be smoke screen.
I’m Thankful for this Braves Blog, DOB and everyone of you great fans. I look forward every day to reading what each one has to say. You the Braves & Fans make my day. God Bless each of you and the USA.
By David O'Brien
November 27, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Roland, I definitely wouldn’t disagree with Rockville in the top 10, or top five. Love that tune.
Speaking of Zevon, coincidentally enough just got done listening to the second disc of that expanded Zevon debut. Phenomenal. Acoustic and demo versions of everything on the disc, including two additional versions of Carmelita, a great version of Desperados Under the Eaves … I’d strongly recommend it to any Zevon fan.
By Kentavo
November 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Okay, I”ll play the R.E.M. game.
From the IRS years:
By David O'Brien
November 27, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, I bought a Robert Randoph CD a few years back after watching him and his Family Band rock at the Midtown Music festival. Incredible slide guitar work. Alas, I don’t listen to the disc much; enjoyed the live show much more. Great live band.
By Bubdylan
November 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Roland………. ….Speaking of Zevon - DOB
I love this blog.
By David O'Brien
November 27, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, three more great ones I left off my list: Cuyahoga, Can’t Get There From Here and Green Grow The Rushes. Why did I even try to do a top 10. Should’ve been at least top 20. They’ve got too many equally terrific tunes, and that’s just from the IRS years….
.
Chuck James, when a Wu tune pops up on my shuffle at the gym or whatever, it makes me smile, gets me pumped. Love that stuff, especially with the Shaolin warrior spoken-word intros and interludes. Very cool….
Ebravesluvr, I’m out of touch with most of the recent hip-hop, the dude you cited and the various initial guys — T-Pain, T.I., etc, etc. Just doesn’t do anything for me. Too old for it, I’m sure.
By Bubdylan
November 28, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Nevermind. I thought ya did something you didn’t. Oh well. Still love it.
By Bubdylan
November 28, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Wonder what the BCS is gonna do about Texas/ OU now. Such a tough call.
Texas lost its game on the last play of a road game, playing in their 4th super-tough game in a row.
But OU demolished Tech. Beat ‘em worse that Texas beat A&M tonight.
But Texas beat OU straight up.
But it was a while ago.
MAN, that’s tough. Hate to see either of those schools get left out.
By Not My Time (I Won't Go)
November 28, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Three Doors Down rocks, I don’t care what anyone says
By Poco Fan
November 28, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
Happy Thanksgiving Dave. Long time reader, first time posting. Thanks for keeping us Braves fans in the loop, I for one greatly appreciate all that you do. I recall a time in the early 1980’s when I thought Rock ‘N’ Roll was dead. All the bands I liked were breaking up or in decline. Disco was still around and punk and pop were filling the airwaves. Then I heard a song on the radio called “Radio Free Europe” and Rock ‘N’ Roll was alive again, at least to me. I came to find out it was a band called REM and they were from Georgia! Wow! A southern band that didn’t sound like an Allman/Skynyrd knock off. So I bought the Murmur album, and then Reckoning and on and on. And now they’re legends, RNR Hall of Fame and all. It’s tough to pick their top 10; there wasn’t much filler on any of their earlier albums. As you might tell by my screen name, I listen to the stuff I grew up with and have no idea who most of the musicians you mention on here are. So thanks for the trip down memory lane.
By uga-brave
November 28, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
love the r.e.m. talk.
for me begin the begin has always been my favorite especially live.
i dont know if anyone saw their induction to rock n roll hall of fame but that was their last song. i think it is one of their favorites too.
rockville, gardening at night, passion, south central rain, man on the moon, flowers of guat, driver eight, really too many.
on the newer stuff, the great beyond is a great song.
By Tomahawkin
November 28, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Flo-Rida, LOL, a pure example of Hip Pop Garbage. The garbage that’s all about making money off of spoiled rich white kids…If you want real rap check out some old Bone Thugs N Harmony, Doug E. Fresh, old Mobb Deep, M.C Lyte, Camp Lo, The list goes on and on…
The old stuff has substance, It ain’t about all the material possessions that dominate the garbage lyrics, and Computer synchrinized crapola that gets so much press today. Even T.I. dissappointed me with that “Whatever You Like” crap. He sold out on that track, it sounds like all of the other Hip-Pop Songs that have come out over the last two years, it all sound the same…
Anyone know if the Braves F.O. will seek either James Loney, or Matt Kemp from the Dodgers…? Many Philly fans consider that a(n) viable option if they lose out on Pat Burrell…
And Its funny, a Year ago, everyone and dey mama on here (Including Myself) was on the Trade for Ryan Freel Bandwagon, What Happened to all that talk…?
By nfieldr
November 28, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
When I lived in the SF Bay Area back in the very early 90’s, one of the FM stations in the area was changing formats and they played a continuous loop of End of the World for 24 straight hours .
By Mitchell
November 28, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’m willing to bet that you’ll agree with me that “Let Down” by Radiohead is one of the greatest freaking songs ever from one of the greatest albums ever.
I try to listen to their new music but they haven’t by any means equalled OK Computer in my opinion. Most bands it would clearly be asking too much for them to make another album that completely original and other-worldly but Radiohead would be an exception. I don’t know, they’re still good but they don’t seem to care if their older fans like the new directions they go. What’re gonna do?
If I might be so bold as to make a recommendation to thou I would have to go with Electric Arguements by Paul McCartney. It’s actually music he makes under the name The Fireman. He collaborates with this electronic, ambiant composer named Youth. It’s sort of experimental. Most of McCartney’s recent music appeals to his devoted (make that commited) fan base only and I would be far too embarrassed to endorse it but The Fireman Electric Arguements is incredible. It is absolutely some of the best music he’s ever made.
Anyway, nothing like a day of some of the worst football ever played to sway my thoughts back to Braves baseball.
Perhaps it is still early in the off-season. Only in the last 2 years or so have I started caring about post-season dealings. I never needed to worry or bother with it before when I knew either way we’d still win the division. I have a hard time remembering what that was like.
I think I’m beginning to see what being a sports fan is really like, still caring about your team even though they suck. It turns out I do still like baseball and not just Braves baseball from ‘91 to ‘05. That was a lot easier to deal with, at least until October.
Oh, I did not just go there!
Yes I did.
By Mike S
November 28, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
“Would you like to try my Wu-Tang Style?” “I’d like to try your Wu-Tang style.” “Let’s begin…”
DOB, I’m thankful for you and this blog. As a Braves fan, the information you provide us is priceless. All of the insights and insider/behind the scenes info are incredible, but I also love the TV/movies/music/BBQ/pie/MIB discussions you create here (even if I’m not the biggest ‘que guy).
Most importantly, you go so far above and beyond what’s required of you to make this such a fantastic place, and for that we’re all grateful.
I know it’s not easy to post such long, insightful blogs, comment as often as you do, answer so many of our questions; all of this at all hours of the day and night. But for that, I know we all say THANK YOU!
(And thanks to the rest of you jokers too, for making this a great community and giving DOB a reason to keep doing what he’s doing.)
By uga-brave
November 28, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
good r.e.m. story, on the eve of the georgia kentucky game in athens around 87 i think, we were at the origianl uptown lounge to see then the unkown indigo girls (dont laugh) there were only about 80 to 100 there but during the show stipe, mills, and buck got up and played close to an hour with them good stuff.
so many great bands made their way through athens.
i remember seeing the smithereens, guadacanal diary, hoo doo gooros, love tractor, dreams so real, widespread panic, white animals, the call, lots of good times.
not to mention bands like the radiators, lava love, among others that actually played at our fraternity house.
wish i had one of those way back machines.
By nolie
November 28, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
And Its funny, a Year ago, everyone and dey mama on here (Including Myself) was on the Trade for Ryan Freel Bandwagon, What Happened to all that talk…Tomahawkin
nah, everybody wasn’t. lot’s of us think little of him
By nolie
November 28, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
wish i had one of those way back machines. UGA
yep, don’t most of us old codgers too.
By Chop Chop
November 28, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Rock on, Roland.
By Chop Chop
November 28, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
This Roland video is amusing.
Bedtime.
By BayAreaSteve
November 28, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this
Mitchell……wtf?
2:00, and I can’t get a Katy Temple reference?
By Vic Mackey
November 28, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this
Guess I will have more time to blog now.
So get used to me being around.
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 28, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this
Dave, do you own Gza’s “Liquid Swords” and Talib Kweli/Hi-Tek “Reflection Eternal”? Two classic underrated hip-hop albums.
By Samuel Stiles
November 28, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this
gotta say that all of the early tunes from the R.E.M. are my faves, with the one exception “World Leader Pretend” from Green. Always loved those lyrics. I played in a band here from New Orleans and we called ourselves World Leader Pretend in homage to this tune. The beauty is, a few years after our humble beginnings, we end up signing to R.E.M’s label, Warner Bros. AND get the amazing opportunity to open for them in Germany for a week. They were really great to us. Awesome dudes. They even played “World Leader Pretend” and dedicated it to us the first show we played with them. I Will never forget that. Just an awesome band.
By Joel
November 28, 2008 4:49 AM | Link to this
DOB, Huge Shield fan, but still haven’t decided about The Finale. I thought it was amazing, just not sure about what Vic does in the last scene: Does he kill himself? Does he do his real cop thing on the streets at night? Does he intentionally violate his contract with ICE to go to prison with Ronnie? Does he make a run for Mexico to get out of his own personal hell which is no family, no friends, and a desk job? Please share your opinion on what you think he did.
By BravesAC
November 28, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this
* DOB * Love most of your comedy choices and I don’t think you have to look any farther than how you could talk around the water cooler about an Animal House scene and the listener could immediately recall/relate. But Big Lebowski…management rented a theater, brought in pizza and beer for us as a thank you for some project completion and even with free beer I thought the movie was a “trip to the dentist”. Maybe your older readers like me would remember “It’s a Mad, Mad,Mad World” with the scene where Jonathan Winters tears down a gas station, terrorizing the two gas attendants (remember when they pumped the gas?)…that was another comedy classic. I like Mellencamp too…Cherry Bomb, Smnall Town…they just sound great and connect with people. They played Small Town in the opening credits on CBS when Bird played Magic for the college bball title and it couldn’t have been more electric, exciting to us from the Midwest.
Here’s hoping Wren hangs on “to the farm” and doesn’t cave on Peavy’s Towers set price tag. Midwesterners value the farm more!
By Braveheart
November 28, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this
Honestly, this isn’t even a contest, as Buddy Carlyle is, far and away, more deserving of the honor than anyone else on this list. Because of this, Buddy Carlyle of the Atlanta Braves—do a drumroll in your head—is the recipient of the 2008 Fangraphs Mop Up Man of the Year Award. Congrats, Buddy: you may not have worked out as a starting pitcher, but nobody can clean up messes or preserve the lead/deficit the way you did this past year.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-mop-up-award-goes-to
By Gil In Mechanicsville
November 28, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I noticed Diory Hernandez is playing short stop in the Dominican winter leagues this fall. Hitting around .340. I remember him playing 2nd base in Richmond this year after coming up mid season from Mississippi. As I recall, he had a pretty slick glove and some pop in his bat. Think maybe the Braves are grooming him to be the short stop in waiting ahead of Lillibridge? Any news we can use on any of the other Braves players in the winter leagues?
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
DOB I wouldn’t consider yourself “old” for not feelin’ T.I. and T-pain and various other initial rappers (that made me laugh, lol) because they really ARE crap. I cringe when I hear their music actually. I guess it’s all a matter of taste. I like ANYTHING with a good beat fromo country, rap, soul…jazz…even SWING music. As long as it has a good beat.
By TommyP
November 28, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Braveheart: That 8:56 post/link yesterday made me laugh harder than anything I’ve ever seen on this blog.
Holy Cow. That was friggin’ hilarious.
The only thing that would’ve made that more appropriate was a monologue of how AJ Burnett is worth a long term deal that DOB just wrote:
And before anyone dismisses Burnett on that count, don’t try to tell me that a guy who goes 18-10 and leads the AL with 231 strikeouts in 221-1/3 innings isn’t top-shelf, particularly when he won 18 games for a team that plays in a division with the Red Sox, Yankees and pennant-winning Rays.
He had a very good YEAR. 1 year. For every 200 inning season the guy has, he follows it with TWO seasons of much less than 200 innings.
So with the way Burnett’s career pattern has gone so far, the first 2 years of Burnett will be 100+ innings and then we’ll get that stellar, top shelf season from him followed by 2 more injury plagued seasons.
Give me Lowe for the inflated price over Burnett, thank you. At least you can count on him to make his scheduled starts.
By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)
November 28, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Random
why don’t you go ‘furcal’ yourself?
lol
By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)
November 28, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
DOB, which is your favorite coldplay album?
By AndyA
November 28, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I’m confused. You continue to say the Braves aren’t out of the Peavy sweepstakes, even saying the Braves still make the most sense for him…some of your reasons have a little bit of conspiracy theory in them, but I understand them and hope they are right. Mark Bowman, on the other hand, writes as if the deal has completely flatlined and Wren have moved on to other options. How can two “sources” so close to the team come up with such different points of view? I understand different opinions, but what gives?
By Kentavo
November 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Now, see if you can come up with a top 10 R.E.M. song list post-IRS.
That’s much harder.
I love the band, but I can’t get into any of the albums since Monster.'' The post-Monster” discs just blend into a boring mess for this listener.
Here’s my post-IRS list:
By Melly
November 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’d like to see the Braves bring in Penny and Pettite on 2 year contracts, which I think both would accept if the $$ was right. Even if they did bust out, they’d be off the books quickly. I just don’t think Burnett will win more than 12-14 games a year, and for $15mill, not worth it. Oh yeah, and please bring back Dye!
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Hey! Hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! I’ll try to get caught up…it’s one thing not to post for an entire day—quite another to not even look at the Blog for a whole day.
Course, we’re gonna be headin’ out in a little while. But I shall return!
By Philliesuk
November 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
REM top 10: 1. Gardening at Night 2. Begin the Begin 3. Fall On Me 4. Boxcars 5. Pretty Persuasion 6. Talk About the Passion 7. Harborcoat 8. These Days 9. Driver 8 10. Life and How to Live It
I have to add that I don’t think REM put out a bad song during the IRS years, so the 11-50 songs aren’t too far behind.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
I half expected to turn on the computer this morning and find out that the Braves had made a big signing or a big trade…oh well.
By Dadgum
November 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
While we wait for Peavy, Burnett, Lowe, Furcal, Renteria, Sheets, Ludwick, or numerous 2nd-tier possibilities and combinations thereof. Zeppelin Top 10? Glad to oblige:
Kashmir for me is hands down #1 and way ahead of anything they did. Stairway for all its overplaying is still great. The way I look at it they don’t overplay it for nothing. Had to stay away from Whole Lotta Love. Except for the single released not sure why that song has defined Zeppelin. When the amusement park opened in Myrtle Beach and they chose that song for the Zeppelin coaster-well nuff said. The park has filed for bankruptcy protection.
Achilles Last Stand has always been under the Radar but off a not too well sold album (Presence) it might be among Page’s best work.
Had to honor Bonham thus had to chose between Misty MOuntain Hop and Rock & Roll. Just like MMH a little better. Flip a coin.
Again as with REM just real hard to hone in on 10. Your thoughts…….
Rock on……thankful for Zeppelin
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr (Last Blog) McFann…Can we share B-Mac??? hehehe.
Hmm…I suppose so…
: >
By Dadgum
November 28, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Oh Yeah, since 1968 I will add that Led Zeppelin I is the best album ever made. I hear ya’ on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Aqualung, Quadrophenia, et al just that Zep I does it for me.
Rock on……Man On The Moon is my favorite REM song. Just to add my 2 cents there.
By Lew
November 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
In response to a few of the overnight posts-Yes, No, maybe, Lord I hope not, that’s way too much to pay for him, I hope y’all had Happy Thanksgivings and I like Three Doors Down, too
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Lew—
Very funny at 10:12!
Gotta split…be back later!
By Lew
November 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Dadgum-I agree about Zep1-definitely one of the most influential albums of all time. It set standards that are still being met. Black Sabbath is often considered to be the founders of Heavy Metal, but first there was Zeppelin. Dazed and Confused for so long it’s not true. Absolutely.
I saw Jethro Tull in ‘97-25 years after Aqualung saw it’s first release and he was talking (jokingly) about how much money it had made in royalites (he was thanking the crowd). It must be a staggering amount. Also in 97, Jon Lord of Deep Purple was talking about Smoke on The Water 25 years after it’s release. It was reported at the time that each band member was still receiving $100 grand annually on royalties JUST for that one song. Damn-wish I’d gone down to Montreaux, too.
By geauxbraves2000
November 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Here’s my trade scenarios:
1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.
2) Frenchy to the Mets for Johan, Reyes Wright & Beltran.
3) Flip Wright to San Diego for Peavy and Giles.
4) Flip Giles to the Cubs for Soto & Ramirez.
5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Geaux Braves!!
By Random
November 28, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Nice article on Fangraphs.com:
Can Jair Jurrjens Avoid Sophomore Slump? by Brian Joura
By Random
November 28, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Here’s another one from Fangraphs.com:
Tommy Hanson Will Help Atlanta in 2009 by Marc Hulet
Good “career” synopsis.
By used cars
November 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Not much after Document for me…It took a long time to come to REM…I had a friend that worked with me as a part-time sports stringer at the Macon Telegraph in the early 80’s and he was buddies with Mills and Berry…I always picked at him about rapid eye movement, but never listened to the music….The only song after Document was Losing my Religion…There were 6 of us guys that were graduate assistants that roomed together nad one of the guys came up with his own version, called “Losing my Ambition”…let’s just say we weren’t fired up and overmotivated all of the time
By Random
November 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Some day-old rumors from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus:
AL Rumors and Rumblings: The Angels are said to be willing to match the Yankees’ offer of six years and $140 million to free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, but they will not go 10 years on a contract to re-sign first baseman Mark Teixeira, who will likely become New York’s object of affection if they don’t land Sabathia. If they are unable to retain Teixeira, the Angels will consider signing free-agent outfielder Pat Burrell, and subsequently moving him to first base. … Right-hander A.J. Burnett has not ruled out re-signing with the Blue Jays as a free agent, and he is also still believed to be considering the Braves, Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies. … The Twins would like to trade outfielder Delmon Young for a left-side infielder, which they feel would have the added benefit of opening up a spot in the lineup for outfielder Denard Span in left. … The Tigers have renewed their attempts to trade for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson (who is again drawing interest from the Dodgers as well); the Tigers have also inquired about Marlins catcher Matt Treanor and made signing free-agent left-handed reliever Joe Beimel a priority, though Beimel is also being pursued by the Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Mets. … The Red Sox appear to be the favorite to sign Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa, who many international scouts insist is not worth the $6 million major league contract he is reportedly seeking.
NL Rumors and Rumblings: The Dodgers have ruled out the idea of re-signing shortstop Rafael Furcal because of concerns about the back surgery he had this year, making it that much more likely that he will land with either the Giants or Athletics, though the Reds are a potential dark horse. … The Cubs have more interest in trading for Royals outfielder David DeJesus than Mark Teahen, but it will take more than right-hander Jason Marquis to pry DeJesus loose. If they can’t make a trade, the Cubs would also prefer to sign Raul Ibanez to play right field rather than go after Bobby Abreu on the free-agent market. … The Braves have talked to the White Sox about right-hander Javier Vazquez and right fielder Jermaine Dye, though no deal seems imminent. … The Reds also have interest in Dye, but will need to offer more than disappointing right-hander Homer Bailey to get anything done. … After experiencing sticker shock on right-hander Derek Lowe (initially their chief target in free agency), the Mets are now considering signing right-hander Jon Garland or trading for Vazquez or Rays right-handers Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine, though Tampa Bay wants more in return than reliever Aaron Heilman for either starting pitcher. The Mets also would consider free agents Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood if they are unable to sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes to be their closer. There are some around the Mets who believe they will become players in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes. … The Brewers are considering going after Rodriguez if, as expected, they are unable to re-sign Sabathia. … While the Nationals would love to sign Teixeira, they know that outfielder Adam Dunn is a more realistic free-agent option to fill their need for a power hitter. … In addition to Ramon Vazquez, the Diamondbacks are also interested in free agents Damion Easley and Mark Loretta as potential solutions for second base. … The Cardinals are in pursuit of left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes on the free-agent market. … In addition to Beimel, the Rockies are considering a host of lefty relievers on the open market, including Alan Embree, Will Ohman, and Brian Shouse, while also trying to re-sign lefty Glendon Rusch. … The Astros have targeted free-agent catchers Paul Bako and David Ross as possibilities to share time with J.R. Towles behind the plate.
By used cars
November 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Speaking of great albums, how about a list of the top 10 debut albums… Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers Band, okay I’m running out of gas…Any ideas???
By Rick Long
November 28, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
The comparison between Burnett, Lowe and Peavy at the end of your blog sure make a compelling argument for Peavy, don’t they?
I will believe that the Braves will sign someone like Burnett when I see it. You are right; it’s still early, but I get the sinking feeling that those “two front line starters” are going to wind up being those “profitable gambles” (i.e. wastes) like O. Perez, R. Wolf, Brad Penny, etc.
By Steve from OH
November 28, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
used cars, don’t forget Boston and Appetite for Destruction. Good call on the Van Halen I, loved that album.
By doug
November 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
used cars,
how about Boston? GNR?
By doug
November 28, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
The Cars first album was pretty strong. Side two with the headphones on
By Random
November 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Tailor-made for the Braves?
“Outfielder Bernie Williams, who last played in the major leagues with the Yankees in 2006 and is now 40 years old, has never filed retirement papers with Major League Baseball, and has not ruled out returning to play in 2009.” (John Perrotto, Baseball Prospectus)
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Kentavo, you mean you really didn’t think Automatic for the People was a great album? That’s on Warner Bros., man, and it’s a great album. I mean, seriously. Terrific album.
By the way, now I remember why I left “Man on the Moon” off my top 10 list of IRS-era REM songs — because it was on Automatic for the People, not on an IRS-era album.
Kentavo, Automatic for the People had “Man on the Moon,” “Nightswimming,” “Try Not to Breathe,” “Everybody Hurts,” “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight”… man, it was lined with great songs. And you consider that just another post-IRS album that “blends into a boring mess” for you?
Damn, that’s tough. Can’t agree with that at all. I think it’s one of their best albums.
And from your top-10 of post-IRS songs, I can only assume you didn’t buy their most recent one, Accelerate, because at least one song from that album have to be considered among their top-10 post-IRS songs. Accelerate is a damn fine album.
And so was New Adventures in Hi-Fi. Now, other than those three albums, I can pretty much agree with you that their post-IRS stuff has paled by comparison and been relatively boring next to their IRS treasure trove of albums.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’m willing to bet that you’ll agree with me that “Let Down” by Radiohead is one of the greatest freaking songs ever from one of the greatest albums ever.Mitchell
Yes, I would agree on that.
BravesAC: You found “The Big Lebowski* to be a snoozefest? Hey, different tastes in comedy. Lebowski is a movie that seems to be a polarizing choice. Those who love it put it in their top-10 (or higher) lists of comedies, and the rest (like yourselves) tend to not “get” at all why some of us can watch it 50 times and never tire of it.
By Salty Dawg
November 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Here’s my trade scenarios:
1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.
2) Frenchy to the Mets for Johan, Reyes Wright & Beltran.
3) Flip Wright to San Diego for Peavy and Giles.
4) Flip Giles to the Cubs for Soto & Ramirez.
5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Geaux Braves!!
Dude, you are dreaming or still intoxicated from yesterday’s feast. I say we trade Diaz for Lidge, but make the Phillies throw Howard in as well.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Those who’ve asked me about Braves’ interest in Vazquez. Yes, they’ve discussed him with White Sox, probably because they were already calling more about Dye, but also just because Braves have to have a lot of pitching options if higher-sought guys go elsewhere.
Frankly, I’ve just never been overly impressed with Vazquez, but the innings (more than 200 in eight of the past nine seasons) have to be attractive for a team that’s lacked reliable starters for a few years. And he did have a very good year (15-8, 3.74 ERA) for the White Sox in 2007.
Would certainly be an upgrade for the Braves in middle of rotation, long as he’s not expected to be a No. 1 or No. 2, and preferably not even a No. 3 (rather have Jurrjens in that role, with two veterans ahead of him). To me, Vazquez would be a good No. 4 or very good No. 5 in a contending team’s rotation, or a serviceable No. 3 in a good/not great rotation.
But that might be wishful thinking for a Braves team trying to acquire two better veterans.
By Salty Dawg
November 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, Huge Shield fan, but still haven’t decided about The Finale. I thought it was amazing, just not sure about what Vic does in the last scene: Does he kill himself? Does he do his real cop thing on the streets at night? Does he intentionally violate his contract with ICE to go to prison with Ronnie? Does he make a run for Mexico to get out of his own personal hell which is no family, no friends, and a desk job? Please share your opinion on what you think he did.
Seems like that is the trendy thing to do these days leaving the end sort of hanging a la Sorpranos. It would be cool though if they did that to lead into some type of Vic spin off. I doubt that will be the case though because they would have already started planning the show and it would have undoubtedly leaked by now. The way I interpreted the ending was that he settling in to his life as a caged animal. Unpacking the family photos, but still carrying his firearm.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
SAMUEL STILES: Great to have you here, man. You’re in World Leader Pretend, huh. Very cool. I actually own your band’s debut album (I assume it was your debut). Can remember buying it at the Virgin Superstore in Times Square right after it came out. Are you guys still together?
JOEL: Watching Vic at the end, when he first reached for the gun I really thought he might blow his head off. Then the look on his face, the smirk, when he got up and walked out, told me he was saying to himself, ‘OK, this is my new B.S. existence, so I’m gonna deal with it.’ And carrying that gun was going to be essential because he fully expected to have to use it to defend himself, as he was quite a hated man in many circles now.
By Eric in HSV
November 28, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Long Time Lurker - really enjoy following the blog - but for IRS REM - I had to add my 2 cents 1. So Central Rain 2. Feeling Gravity’s Pull 3. Maps & Legends 4. Pilgrimage 5. Perfect Circle 6. Begin the Begin 7. Cuyahoga 8. Gardening at Night 9. Finest Worksong 10. Can’t Get there from Here
10 songs is hard. Fables is still one of my favorite albums - esp in the fall and winter for some reason. Never bought into the post-Monster albums. Something about being able to understand Stipe lost my interest. His voice was almost like another instrument in the IRS era. Thanks.
By Salty Dawg
November 28, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Wonder what the BCS is gonna do about Texas/ OU now. Such a tough call.
Definitely. I personally think OU wins that game if they played again next week. They are just such a good team on both sides of the ball. But Texas is also a great team and you can’t discount the fact that they won head-to-head. To me, Florida and OU are the best teams in the country right now and, as it stands, neither would play in the NC game. No matter what the talking heads say, this further illustrates the need for a playoff system in div I football. I would like to see them use the same BCS criteria, but to decide playoff brackets rather than deciding which two teams get a shot at the title. I never have understood the current system because it would seem to me that a series of playoff games would generate a lot more interest and a lot more revenue than the current bowl setup. The current system just sets up a bunch of games that most people couldn’t care less about and usually leaves everyone wishing the match-ups were different.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Mike S.: You’re welcome. Thanks for the kind words — not to mention the Shaolin/Wu exchange. Love it….
Hiawatha: I’ve got Liquid Swords. Great CD. So is Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Method Man’s Tical most if not all of Ghostface’s solo stuff, and ODB’s Return to the 36 Chambers. Believe it or not, this Cash/Haggard fan has each of those Wu solo CDs I just listed.
By longtimeago
November 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
While we’re on the topic of REM: One of the former semi-regular bloggers on this here site was the first MSM type to interview the band for a story in a daily newspaper (not Athens). Mills and Buck did most of the talking and one of them offered up the bands’ ulitmate goal — to record one killer single and then all die in a car wreck. May have been the beer talking. They did a nice take on the Monkees’ “Stepping Stone,” although they insisted it was the Sex Pistols’ version. Haven’t seen ‘em since.
By Salamander
November 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Great debut albums (non EPs):
Health - Health, Slayer - Show No Mercy, Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath, Tool - Undertow (Opiate doesn’t count), Metallica - Kill ‘em All, Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes…
I could go on, but I’ll stop there.
Also, The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite movies of all time, from any genre. How could anyone think it was a snoozefest?! Different taste in humor for sure.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Eric in HSV, very good point about Stipe’s voice, his muddled lyrics, being like another instrument of the band in the IRS years.
Finest Worksong and Pilgrimmage — how could I have overlooked Pilgrimmage? Great tune. I did my list in a hurry yesterday, and as many of us including yourself have pointed out, it’s virtually impossible to pick 10. As someone else here say, Nos. 11-50 aren’t far behind from the IRS years, when the band created very little that wasn’t truly outstanding.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
SaltyDawg, agree with your take on Vic as a caged animal now, having to carry his firearm for protection. And also agree with you on OU being better, albeit only slightly, than Texas (but I wouldn’t argue strongly with someone who disagreed and rated Texas better. That’s how close they are in terms of overall talent, QBs, etc.)
And yes, OU and Florida would also be my choice for the title game. We’ll see if it happens.
By TommyP
November 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Been sick today so had time to do a little research.
To those that have been criticial of Derek Lowe claiming he’s basically a product of Chavez Ravine, take a look at these stats.
Let’s not look simply at his career road ERA. If you look a little closer, you’ll see something that skews those numbers.
Let’s take out how Lowe has done on the road in the AL. Most of his struggles on the road have occurred in AL parks.
In current NL parks, Lowe has pitched 399.2 innings while giving up 398 hits and 167 earned runs. That comes out to a 3.76 road ERA in NL parks.
Now…let’s take out his struggles in Coors Field over his career and see what it comes out to.
356.1 IP, 340 hits, 137 earned runs….for a 3.46 ERA.
You could say that you can’t take out his Colorado stats because he benefits from pitching in San Diego as well.
Still, a 3.76 road ERA is not bad at all.
Almost all pitchers will do better at home than on the road. If he can give us a 3.76 road ERA, we’ll gladly take that and the fact that he consistently takes the mound.
By Braveheart
November 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Lewbowski a snoozefest? Whatever. Animal House is a snoozefest. Lebowski most certainly is not.
“I’m trying to listen to the new Robert Palmer tape, but Evelyn, my supposed fiance, keeps buzzin in my ear.”
Thrillhouse, even though american psycho may not be the cultural icon animal house is, it’ll just have to settle for being a much funnier movie.
By Random
November 28, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Thre’s an article on the Braves and CC Sabathia by Kenny Doyle Dugout Central.
Here’s a couple of excerpts:
The New York Yankees are widely believed to be the frontrunners to obtain the services of Sabathia, with many believing the Yankees have offered Sabathia up to $150M over six years. If the Braves stole Sabathia from the Yankees by offering him $132M over six years, it wouldn’t be an unprecedented move. The Braves stole Greg Maddux from the Yankees in similar fashion during the 1992 offseason.
In that 1992 offseason, Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves. If one examines today’s salary scale relative to the salary scale of 1992, that $32M Yankee offer is now the equivalent of $147M (321.1^16). The $28M dollar deal Maddux signed with the Braves is now worth $129M (281.1^16). So $132M over six years for Sabathia now is less, on a relative basis, than what the Braves spent on Maddux in 1992.
The question then becomes, does Sabathia deserve the same kind of contractual offer that Maddux received during the 1992 offseason? The answer is “yes.” Sabathia’s last three seasons were arguably even better than the three seasons Greg Maddux had before joining the Braves: [stats comparison omitted —R]
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
gaeuxbraves2000 1) B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge.
5) Just kidding. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Haha…oh yeah—you’re kidding all right!
: >
By nolie
November 28, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Seems like that is the trendy thing to do these days leaving the end sort of hanging a la Sorpranos.Salty dawg
I was hoping they would make it seem like he was gonna get away with it all and then in the last scene have someone like Kavanaugh or another that he had wronged earlier in the show, show up and gun him down. You gotta think that might still happen, like DOB says he is a hated man.
By Nocturnal Owl
November 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves
28M for five unbelievable CY type years. Baseball inflation is through the roof. I guess we can get a hand full of bat boys for that price now. Hey we can get CC for ONE year!
Happy Holidays everyone!! Gotta love leftover day..mmmmmmmmmmm
By John
November 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
The Braves apparently do not have enough “prospects” to trade and still have a nucleus for development. That means only one thing— they need to spend big money on top free agent pitchers. And one “ace” won’t do it either. They need at least three new arms to go with Jurrgens, and that is only in the rotation. They need relief too. All of this sharp bargaining etc makes me very nervous. about the Braves real intentions for nexyt year..
By Steve from OH
November 28, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
River Ave. Blues thinks Ben Sheets would be a better FA bargain than AJ Burnett. I happen to think Sheets wouldn’t be a half bad signing for the Braves. Thoughts?
Random, I agree that the Braves should at least inquire about CC. I’d bet he’d be intrigued about playing for Atlanta.
By Philliesuk
November 28, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
By Nocturnal Owl
November 28, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Braves should at least inquire about CC
Starting bid is 150-160M. Did you still want to knock on Boras’ door?
By Random
November 28, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
TommyP—
Thanks for some baseball talk on the REM blog.
;->
“Almost all pitchers will do better at home than on the road.”
I’m sure you’re 100% right — an interesting exception, of course, is the Braves’ own Jair Jurrjens: 4.05 home ERA; 3.32 away ERA (but 80 home Ks in 93.1 IP v 59 away Ks in 95.0 IP).
Walks were about the same home-away — he just gave up more hits (108 v 80) and HRs (8 v 3)at the Ted.
An article I linked to above is pretty optimistic for him to do as well and even better next year.
By Joel
November 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, This may have already been answered a thousand times in your blogs but I don’t remember having seen an answer from you regarding the Braves and CC Sabathia ( usually I go through them all looking for your comments…the others get a little long and pointless). Will/have the Braves talked to CC’s people at all? He seems like a great, young ace to bring in, even if it were for $22M+ a year.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH the Braves should at least inquire about CC. I’d bet he’d be intrigued about playing for Atlanta.
Yeah…then maybe McCann could teach him a thing or two about eating right!
By Steve from OH
November 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Starting bid is 150-160M. Did you still want to knock on Boras’ door?
Doesn’t hurt to make him an offer in our price range, does it? You never know what might happen.
We don’t have a realistic shot to sign him, I know, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, does it?
By Random
November 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Nocturnal Owl: “Starting bid is 150-160M.”
The New York Yankees are widely believed to be the frontrunners to obtain the services of Sabathia, with many believing the Yankees have offered Sabathia up to $150M over six years. If the Braves stole Sabathia from the Yankees by offering him $132M over six years, it wouldn’t be an unprecedented move. The Braves stole Greg Maddux from the Yankees in similar fashion during the 1992 offseason.
In that 1992 offseason, Maddux turned down a five year, $32M dollar contract offer from the Yankees to sign a five year, $28M dollar contract with the Braves.
(sourced above)
By Clark Kent
November 28, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Top ten old REM? Must not forget me. I can do anything.
And I know what’s happening.
By Tomas
November 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH,
I disagree with you, here’s why.
First off the right elbow soreness (Wikipedia says a piece of scar tissue from TJ broke loose) Aj suffered in 2006, was just an effect of reabilitation of TJ surgery, and Dr. Andrews said it was nothing to worry about, and he just pitched 35 games in 2008, with no problems what so ever. How many times has a pitcher gotten TJ surgery twice? non(that I know about). Since he had it in 2004 he has pitched 133 games that is an average of 27 starts per season. In that same time Sheets has pitched 94 games that is an average of 16 starts per season, and he finishes the 2008 season with torn muscle near his throwing elbow. He hasn’t had TJ surgery, and for someone like injury-prone as him, he is bound to have it. The average of a normal SP is 30 starts, in the last 5 yrs Aj has averaged 27. I believe he has turned the corner, and until Sheets doesn’t get his elbow fix once and for all he is going to keep getting injured. That means who ever signs Sheets(even to 1yr deal) he could have to get TJ surgery and that means he loses a complete year if not two.
By brian
November 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Vazquez would be a luxury for the Braves. He is of no use to the Braves unless we get a #1 and #2 starter. Once we have acquired those pieces and if Vazquez does not cost much in prospects, then make the deal.
1 starter, #2 starter, Jurrjens, Vazquez, and Hanson is a solid rotation.By used cars
November 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Why don’t we just do this…Add Johnson and Mussina to Glavine and Smoltz…get Maddux for one more year, add Hoffman to the bullpen, then petition for a seniors’ pitching rubber 5 feet closer to the plate and see how it works out….At the worst, we would have 6 former Braves pitchers competing to go in the hall of fame in 6 years…Reckon which 3 would get in???
By geauxbraves2000
November 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
B-Mc, Chipper and Esco to the Phillies for Lidge
I thought that catch your attention McFann, especially knowing your die hard love for the Phillies :)
Geaux Braves!!
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
He seems like a great, young ace to bring in, even if it were for $22M+ a year.Joel
Joel, Sabathia at $22 mill per year? Where you been? It’ll probably be more like $25 mill per year in a six-year deal, which would be longer than any contract the Braves have ever given a pitcher, and about $10 mill per year more than they’ve ever given any player.
Chipper’s six-year, $90 mill contract was/is the biggest the Braves ever gave.
That said, of course the Braves would love to have CC (who wouldn’t?). He’s the best pitcher available, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball right now. Definitely in the top three or four.
Maybe the Braves change course and decide to throw a huge chunk of what they have at CC just to see if he’d go for it. They do have things in their favor, including being an NL team in a city with a large black population.
That said, my understanding is that if Sabathia doesn’t take the largest offer (probably Yankees or another offer at about $150 mill or more), then he’ll likely sign with a West Coast team. He wants to be in California if not with the team that blows him away financially.
But again, maybe Atlanta would appeal to him. I know the West Coast certainly does.
Also, ask yourself when the last time a baseball team won anything significant with one player — a starting pitcher, at that — taking up about a quarter of the entire team payroll.
(Though if any pitcher is worth it, it’s arguably him right now, if he stays anywhere near the durable. But would he, four or five years from now? Who knows?)
By nfieldr
November 28, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
For you guys who think FL vs. OK should be the BCS title game, let’s just wait and see what happens in the SEC Championship. Alabama is pretty good and who knows they might actually have a chance to win. As for the Big 12, doesn’t head to head count? Ok, so TEX beat OK early in the season, they still beat them, right? I hate the BCS… I’d sure like to see all of this settled on the field.
By TexasBrave
November 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
DOB in your opening you said that the Braves do not want to have to replace both middle infielders duing the same offseason. Why? If we have to move Escobar to get Peavy we are going to suffer defensively one way or the other. Not trading KJ is not going to help improve the new SS’s defense. Wereas we have no one internally to replace Yunel we at least have Prado to replace KJ. Yes Prado doesn’t have the pop that KJ has, but KJ is very streaky wereas Prado is a more consistant hitter. As for defense to me they are both about the same.
I still like KJ, but to me he is more replaceable than Yunel and if you really want to help the team and get Peavy with Escobar then I don’t see the harm in using KJ to get the outfield or pitching help we need.
By Nocturnal Owl
November 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Cashman will not make the same Santana mistake this offseason. With the Moose retiring (thats right used cars) the Yankees need pitching help. Their approach to CC shows they clearly will acquire the ACE. This 150M bid had its intentions. This was the First bid. They will scare off the teams in need (ie..Braves). Who knows other teams will bid too. I don’t see Wren even attempting with dangerous Steinbrenner Sharks in the water.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
DOB in your opening you said that the Braves do not want to have to replace both middle infielders duing the same offseason. Why?TexasBrave
Because they don’t want to. Don’t want to start over from scratch in spring training with two middle infielders. TexasBrave, I’m telling you what I’ve been told directly on that one.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000—
Oh…yeah! Love them Fillies! : P
; )
By Steve from OH
November 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I didn’t say that I’d take Sheets over Burnett (River Ave. Blues did), I’m just saying I wouldn’t dismiss Sheets as easily as most would. If the Braves can sign Sheets at a below-market, short-term deal (if he would want to try to re-establish his value, lets say), then I think its certainly a much better idea than signing Garland long-term or trading for Vazquez. At least Sheets can dominate when healthy.
For the record, notables who have had multiple TJ surgeries include: Chris Capuano, Hong-Chi Kuo, Jose Rijo had it 3 times, and Vance Wilson and Victor Zambrano each had it twice.
By TexasBrave
November 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Hey it never hurts to throw your hat in. What is the worst they could say? NO! We are no worse off than we were before and it didn’t cost us anything to find out. I at least hope Wren makes some type of water just to see if CC goes for it. What if CC pulls a Maddox and decides he would like to play for the Braves. We could have a pitcher who is in his prime for 5 to 6 years. I say role the dice and see what happens.
Can you imagine a rotation of CC, Peavy, JJ, Campillo and Hampton or Glavine or Hanson. Sounds good to me.
By Kentavo
November 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
HEy DOB (and Denizens) I said post-Monster'' was a boring mess - everything afterMonster.” “Automatic for the People” came before Monster'' and is a great album and my list included songs from it. "Automatic'' washed away the bad/silly taste ofOut of Time.”
Here, I’ll quote what I said: “I love the band, but I can’t get into any of the albums since Monster.” The post-Monster” discs just blend into a boring mess for this listener.”
By TexasBrave
November 28, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Ok but these guys are professionals. Its not like they will be starting with two rookies. To me KJ’s offense and defense is replaceable, so loosing him should not be such a big deal. However, loosing Escobar would be. But if you are going after Peavy I understand you are going to have to give up quality to get quality.
So in order to replace at least Escobars offense we will need another offensive player in the form of a Left Fielder. If it takes KJ to get him and you have an adquate replacement already then go ahead and ship him and then go get a strong defensive SS to replace Yunel.
DOB I am not griping at you I just think it is foolish to think if you trade away Escobar that you will hurt the team any more by trading KJ also.
By keylargo
November 28, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I’m a little late with this classic movie but tonight on Turner Classic Movies at 8:30 EST is one of my all time favorites - Sergeant York.
Yes, it was made in the 40’s. No, it will never lose its’ appeal if you have emotions.
I have seen it 20 times and will TIVO it tonight so I can watch it again.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Nomination for best debut album: Dire Straits.
You can make the case that some of the following albums were as good as the first, but none were better. (And I’ll confess, Making Movies never floated my boat. Knopfler was trying too hard to make a Springsteen album and fell short. Of the later ones, Love over Gold was more like it for me.)
By Mr J
November 28, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Of course the Braves don’t want to trade both middle infielders in the same off-season. They may not want to trade either of them, for that matter. But if Escobar is the price of aquiring Peavey, and KJ turns out to be the priceof a power hitting LF, would we be willing to go into the year starting Prado and say, Edgar Renteria, with LilBridge and D. Hernandez working in Gwinnett?
Also, DOB- Watched a movie yesterday that made me think of you, and many others who post here: High Fidelity, with John Cusack. Not new to you, I’m sure, but I’d never seen it before. Laughed and laughed….
By Original Jon
November 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Not sure if this got mentioned or not, I searched the blog and couldnt find if it had been, but, Paul Kinzer (Furcal’s agent) told Yahoo Sports that there are two teams interested in Furcal and neither of them are the Dodgers. He continues to say that the two unnamed teams “Have to make some moves first” before they could become serious about Furcal. Sound like a team we know??? I think so!!!
By scottbravesfan
November 28, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Looks like Peavy is going to end up with the Cubs. If they have Zambrano, Harden, and Peavy in their rotation and they still don’t win the world series then they should just be contracted because they are never going to win.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, you’re right. I misread your comment. My bad.
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Dave, all those Wu albums you mentioned are of great quality, definitely. And the fact that you are confident enough in your tastes to give credit to both Merle Haggard and Ol’ Dirty B*******…enforces that you’d be a cool guy to grab a beer with.
Please trust me and pick up Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek’s “Reflection Eternal” if you con’t already own it. That’s one of those CD’s you listen to and think “why can’t all rap music be like this.” Kweli is a master wordsmith…just put on the tracks “Memories Live” and “For Women” and you will be sold.
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
November 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Dave, all those Wu albums you mentioned are of great quality, definitely. And the fact that you are confident enough in your tastes to give credit to both Merle Haggard and Ol’ Dirty B*******…enforces that you’d be a cool guy to grab a beer with.
Please trust me and pick up Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek’s “Reflection Eternal” if you con’t already own it. That’s one of those CD’s you listen to and think “why can’t all rap music be like this.” Kweli is a master wordsmith…just put on the tracks “Memories Live” and “For Women” and you will be sold.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
BravesFaninRockies, good call on Dire Straits. And especially on Love Over Gold, which often seems to get overlooked. Damn fine album, start to finish.
Telegraph Road is one of the best long-a$$ songs ever on a studio album by a rock band. Terrific song, and it goes on … and on … and on.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Mr. J, that’s one of my favorite Cusack roles. Good movie, lot of great scenes in it. Made me want to work in a record store more than ever … until I was reminded what those cool folks who work in record stores are paid.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Keylargo—
I LOVE Sergeant York!!
Another very good war movie is The Fighting Sullivans.
By Original Jon
November 28, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
scottbravesfan Looks like Peavy is going to end up with the Cubs Do you have a link to this?
By Kentavo
November 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Anybody remember when 96 Rock would play the long version of “Telegraph Road” It was usally later at night.
That and “Industrial Disease” were in heavy rotation.
By 18 Wheels of Love
November 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
R.E.M. IRS Top 10
I consider my top 10 all equal. It’s impossible for me to rank these 1-10. So in no particular order…
Can’t Get There From Here
Cuyahoga
Pretty Persuasion
Finest Worksong
Radio Free Europe
Disturbance at the Heron House
Hyena
Pilgrimage
Welcome to the Occupation
So. Central Rain
My REM story: I worked for a celebrity golf tournament for a couple of years and got to meet a bunch of musicians that were invited. I cornered Bill Berry one night and talked his ear off. Super nice guy - found out we had a mutual friend who was his financial advisor. One of the highlights of the event was an after party at a local bar with the following folks on stage: Bill Berry, Mike Mills, Darius Rucker, Tico Torres, Mark Bryan, Dan Patrick, and Greg Humphreys.
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 28, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Alchemy Live is a great Dire Straits album as well…
By GermanBravesFan
November 28, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
DOB - if you think the studio version of “Telegraph Road” is long, you should listen to the live version on “Alchemy”…
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin Like I said, we ALL have our own tastes and I happen to like Flo Rida. It’s not about the lyrics for me so much as it’s about the BEAT. I like something I can shake my badonkadonk (haha, love that word) to. On the flipside to what you said, I also LOVE Bone Thugs in Harmony. Crossroads is one of my favorite songs by them.
DOB My favorite Cusack role was in Con Air. Gotta love a smart a*! That’s why I keep reading your blog, haha.
McFann We don’t have to if you don’t want to :-( BUT I DO LOVE HIM!!!
By nolie
November 28, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
I like Sultans of Swing, both studio and live. Matbe the studio version a tad better.
By cabravesfan
November 28, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr
I think you are going to have to get in line for the “I Love Mac” fan club:)
Meanwhile- anyone else watch LSU just get beat by Arkansas? Nice way to defend your national title…
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr—
It’s OK…we cann share…
BUT I DO LOVE HIM!!!
Can’t really blame you for that. ; ) But like cabravesfan said: You gotta get in line! And I dare-say it’s a long line!
Guess there’s not much question as to who’s in front…Eh-heh, sorry…
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Yes, I’ve got Alchemy (from back when they actually sold a two-disc CD in two separate jewel-box cases). Great live album. Love those versions of “The Sultans of Swing” and “Romeo and Juliet.”
Ebravesluvr: You should check out Cusack in The Grifters, if you’ve never seen it. And of couse Say Anything and The Sure Thing.
By TNScott
November 28, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
DOBi think my favorite Cusack movie is Better Off Dead. I love the Camaro. Oh by the way, I want my two dollars.
By nolie
November 28, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
You should check out Cusack in The Grifters, if you’ve never seen it. And of couse Say Anything and The Sure Thing.DOB
all three are great movies. especially love The Grifters. The guy has become such a consummate actor, in a quiet unflamboyant way.
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 28, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, I love those too as well as Tunnel of Love, Expresso Love, Telegraph Road, Private Investigations, etc. Great stuff.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Is this thing busted?
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
McFann: No, should it be?
By cabravesfan
November 28, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
McFann
Think everyone is still recovering from food overload from yesterday:)
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
DOB I own Say Anything but I was laughing through the whole movie because my gals and I were being our silly selves, lol. It was a great movie though, and John Cusack is an awesome actor. I can’t stand his sister, though.
McFann You can be in the front of the line as long as I’m third behind you and cabravesfan lol!
I’m more partial to the latin fellas anyway wink, wink
Gregor Blanco and Omar Infante sure get my motor runnin’!
By brian
November 28, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
best REM I have ever heard was a bootleg CD from an all acoustic performance in Italy. It was one of the shows where they showed up in a bar under a different name and it was recorded. Incredible. If REM did that show as an unplugged back in the day (I heard that album in 1993 and it consisted of most of the songs mentioned above) it would have been a number 1 best seller. I wish REM would put that one out there now to buy because I would love to have it. I have not found it again. The Driver 8 version on that CD was the best I have heard as was the Drive.
By Samuel Stiles
November 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB for being one of the 5700 people that bought Punches It was indeed our major label debut with Warner’s. and.. No, we are not a band anymore. Another one bites the major label dust. Being a band from New Orleans, Things got really complicated after Hurricane Katrina. Warner’s had this big plan to exploit the fact we were a NOLA band, post-K. They wanted to boost our paltry album sales. Frankly, it was pretty disgusting. I think the majority of us in the band, just wanted to go home and help our families rebuild. Warner’s didn’t really accept that, so they effectively dropped us. WLP got to record another album, but Warner owns it and it will be forever lost in the vaults and never be released. But on a positive note, it was a good ride while it lasted. We got to play with some really great bands and got to tour the world for 3 years. :)
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I’m going crazy for lack of Braves. The months in the offseason that are the worst are October, November, December, January and February. That about sums it up, eh?? hehehehe.
By TennesseePaul
November 28, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Good Thanksgiving. Hope everyone else had a good one.
DOB: Have you heard this report?
Tazawa has officially declined offers from the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers according to the Kyodo Wire, says the article.
It claims he has signed with the BoSox because he is a huge fan of Dice-K. The offer was a major league 3 years, $6 million.
Also read Padres are much closer to shipping Peavy to the Cubs. It appears Towers sure is working hard to find a third team to get him to the Cubs. That’s nice of him.
By UGAFan
November 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
I am part of the younger generation that really loves the type of music you primarily listen to. I purchased REM’s greatest hits album a few weeks ago, and I love “Nightswimming” and “Losing My Religion”. I know that album doesn’t have all the great songs though for REM. What songs would you recommend for someone who is just starting out listening to REM?
And…do you predict that A.J. Burnett will sign with a team during the Winter Meetings? Or do you have a feeling that he and his agent will wait a few weeks afterwards?
By brent a.
November 28, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
When I heard Mark Knopfler play at Chastain Park back in the summer, he played Telegraph Road and the place went nuts. (Not me, I had no idea what it was). But, it was one of about 3 songs that folks actually recognized.
Is the song about some place in Michigan? I remember that comment being made. (Or, I thought I heard someone say that).
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Kevin Towers can bite me. I’m so over the Peavy mania, it isn’t funny.
Still waiting for us to ship Kelly Johnson to the Cards and re-sign Marcus Giles to a minor league contract a girl can dream sigh
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Samuel Stiles: Yeah, after I asked you about the band and if it was still together, I went to your personal website and saw that you’d moved on to another band. Heard from so many people that major labels can be a real nightmare, huh?
Guess the best thing is to be able to start your own label like Conor Oberst and those Nebraska cats. But that was an easy thing to do, I guess everyone would do it.
You ever hear of the fledgling Atlanta label, International Hits? They’ve signed a couple of local bands I really like, inclduding The Selmanaires, who should be a lot bigger than they are. Very good band….
TENNESSEE PAUL: Yes, saw the Globe report that Junichi “Taz” signing with Sox for $6 mill and a major league contract. Only higher offer was from Rangers, apparently.
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Rockin’ out to Kanye West right now…..his Graduation album is pretty awesome. Too bad he’s a cocky jerk.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
UGA Fan, for REM singles, skim the lists above of mine and others who posted a top 10. They’re all great. Did you get the IRS best-of set? That’s the one to get, preferably the two-disc version.
But you really should start buying their whole albums (or CDs, obviously) if you can, since it’s a band best appreciated by listening to the whole albums, in my opinion.
If I were you, I’d get as many of these CDs as you can, in any order; Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, Reckoning, Document, Life’s Rich Pageant, and Automatic for the People.
I also love Out of Time, New Adventures in Hi-Fi and the band’s most recent CD, Accelerate.
By the way, folks: In our discussion of post-IRS REM, can’t forget Out of Time. To me, that was a damn fine album as well (especially if we could remove KRS-One’s part in Radio Song. And though I know a lot of people like it, I could do without Shiny Happy People).
It’s not as good as Automatic for the People, but a very solid album.
By Bubdylan
November 28, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
A great John Cusack performance = The Jack Bull. Sad, though. Never, EVER saw a more fitting end credit song(Dylan’s “Ring Them Bells).
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr: I’m with you on Kanye. Don’t like his personality at all, but dig that trilogy of CDs that includes Graduation. Haven’t heard the new CD he released last week, but I read it’s nothing like those three and not as good.
Also like a couple other substantive rappers I didn’t mention to you earlier, Common and Mos Def.
By brent a.
November 28, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I heard some guys on 680 earlier (not sure who, don’t know any of the local personalities) lambasting the idea of anyone allowing OU in ahead of Texas.
Look, I understand the concept of Texas beat OU, everyone has 1 loss …
I’m not a doofus.
But, it is by no means irrational to reward Oklahoma for being the one-loss Big XII South team to win a blow-out against one of the other 1 loss teams.
Personally, I would probably give the nod to Texas. As unjustifiable as this might sound, I would remove TT from the discussion for getting blown out., moreso than I would look to reward OU for winning in a blow-out. After-all, this was not OU blowing out Texas, it was OU blowing out Texas Tech. I have trouble punishing Texas for something (the OU-TT game) that was utterly out its control.
But again, if you want to rationalize OU, you can. They whipped TT soundly and Texas lost to TT. The OU-Texas game was sort of a toss-up, with Texas playing much better after the OU defenseman (a linebacker?) was injured.
By UGAFan
November 28, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
DOB
I bought the album “In Time”, which I suppose now is just the greatest hits album of the post-I.R.S. days. I didn’t even see “And I Feel Fine” which is the best of the I.R.S. days. I will have to make that investment. Which album would you say is your favorite?
I enjoy reading your blog daily, by the way. I always check here first hoping to see that the Braves made a move or if any new rumors have surfaced.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Sorry. I sent a post and ten minutes or so later the Blog looked the same as it did when I sent it. The post didn’t go through, but it’s no biggy. I just quit Safari too soon for it to process. My fault!
cabravesfan—
Yeah, you’re prob’ly right! Haha.
Ebravesluvr—
Actually, I’d have to be second…I think first in line is Ashley, heh heh heh…
But thank you for the generous offer! : ) I’ll take you up on that—I’m first as far as regular fanns go! LOL!
Latin players, eh? Hmm…they get all the attention…Just ask Javy…Everybody seemed to have liked Javy!
(That was before I was a big fan!) : > Just givin’ you the business.
Well, gotta get rested to watch the big game tomorrow! Night, all!
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, Kanye is a lyrical genius and when he puts a good beat into it, his music is awesome but his new CD, well, I’ve only heard the new song and it BLOWS! I have to change the station when I hear it. It’s called Love Lockdown and if the other songs on it are as bad as that one, it could be his worst.
Mos Def is good. He’s definitely not mainstream. He’s in one of my favorite movies which is based on hip hop (it’s a chick flick so you may not want to check it out).
Then you’ve got old school. Jermaine Dupri and Russell Simmons. Good stuff.
By Samuel Stiles
November 28, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Yeah.
Major Label= Drag= Inefficiency
I have heard of International Hits. The Selmanaires are great as well as Anne Kramer( I think that is her name.)
My favorite all time performer,that resides in Atlanta now, is James Hall. He was my rock n’ roll idol growing up in NOLA. He also should have been massive but it never really happened. You never know. Timing and luck have a lot to do with it.
I really loved alot of the Saddle Creek over the years. They definitely lucked out with the success of Bright Eyes. Conor Oberst is an amazing songwriter. Can’t listen to him much after we played some shows with him though. He is a royal a**h$%# to a lot of people in his band/crew. Hard to pull for people like that. Its a shame because his music is fantastic. Maybe he took all those Bob Dylan references too much to heart.
The way to do it, ultimately is the way Fugazi did it. Fierce unwavering integrity and total independence from the music industry.
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA just typed in Jermaine Dupri “Welcome to Atlanta”….LOVE IT!!
By Ebravesluvr
November 28, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
McFann I, of course, thought Javy was amazingly gorgeous but I was not as head over heels for him as all the other ladies. THAT was reserved for Marcus Giles. You wouldn’t believe my bedroom. It’s full of Marcus Giles memorabilia, lol.
By 18 Wheels of Love
November 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Not a fan of Kanye - well, I can’t say that, I haven’t given his music a listen yet.
As far as rap, I do love The Pharcyde’s ‘Bizarre Ride to the Pharcyde’. Beasties, Tribe, De La.
An Atlanta band we haven’t mentioned on here is Drivin n Cryin. Drivin n Cryin’s early stuff was right up there at the top of my list way back in the day. Mystery Road is a southern alternative classic. Dillon Fence too - great outfit. A lot of people were into Jupiter Coyote but I wasn’t a fan.
I remember a New Years Eve trip to Athens to see Allgood and Aquarium Rescue Unit at the Georgia Theater. It was my first trip to Athens and I was just excited walking down the street that day.
By 18 Wheels of Love
November 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Ahh, fugazi. I think I’ve seen them 3 or 4 times. I remember them turning down Lollapalooza b/c the tickets were $20 and they had a rule that tickets to see them would never be more than $5.
By David O'Brien
November 28, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Samuel Stiles: Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause, definitely an interesting band. Very eclectic, play a country tune one minute and a punk tune the next. Very good live show. Saw them with Selmanaires at a CD-release party for both bands at The EARL a while back. Both albums are very good, by the way.
Had heard that kind of thing about Oberst, that he was a bit of a prima donna. Too bad, because you’re right — he’s a terrific songwriter. I like the new solo CD he put out a few months ago.
18 Wheels of Love: De La Soul, I should’ve mentioned earlier. They had some really good stuff at the start of their career, and I still love hearing anything off 3 Feet High & Rising album or “A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays” off one of the later albums.
By TexasBrave
November 28, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
brent a. although I live in Texas I am a diehard Sooner fan. You made a good point on how after our best linebacker went out Texas scored 32 of its 45 points. If English were able to play the whole game or even the way his replacement Box (a freshman) is playing now I have to think the game would have turned in OU’s favor. Texas smartly took advantage of English’s absence and Box’s inexperience.
To me if OU wins by more than 7pts and can hold OSU to 24 pts or less and score 28pts or more then OU deserves to be ranked #2. Texas beat OSU at Texas by only 4pts. Thus my reasoning above.
With that being said it is a shame there is no end of the year playoffs of at least 8 or 16 teams. Let it be decided on the field and not by computers or bias humans (like myself). You can keep the individual bowls, letting the smaller bowls host the early rounds and the larger bowls hosting the final rounds. Let now doubt remain and no split championships.
By keylargo
November 28, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Lane Kiffen to Tennessee? Kiffen to replace Phil Fulmer? Who saw that coming?
By Mitchie-san
November 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I, for one would “create a gold brick in a whole new way” if we snuck in and stole Sabathia.
By Don!
November 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
DOB,
That informative font of sports news, Yahoo,com says that San Diego has found a third team to do a Peavy deal with the Cubs.
Not the sarcasm in the first six words of that last sentence — especially since it’s not attributable. Have you heard anything about that development? And who exactly would be feeding that sort of stuff to Yahoo (which is then passed on as ‘reliable’ by other outlets) to gain an edge?
That doesn’t sound like Tower’s work, and the Cubs don’t ‘need’ Peavy as much as they did two weeks ago … so I smell a rat!
Did Boras pick up Peavy as a client this weekend, or is someone in the SD front office trying to rub two sticks together over with the Yahoo folks to make some smoke?
Later,
Don!
By 18 Wheels of Love
November 28, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Old DeLa is great…not up to speed on their latest Art Official stuff.
Anyone remember the mid-90’s Judgement Night soundtrack that was a mix of rock and rap bands? De La and Teenage Fanclub, Sonic Youth, Livng Colour and Run DMC, Booya Tribe and Faith No More….
Speaking of Faith No More, I’m a fan of pretty much all their stuff.
By Salty Dawg
November 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Lane Kiffen to Tennessee? Kiffen to replace Phil Fulmer? Who saw that coming?
As a Dawg fan I love it because Kiffin isn’t fit to carry Fulmer’s dirty undies. But I gotta think that all of the UT fans who were calling for Fulmer to be fired must have let out a collective “Oh dear God, what have we done” when that little gem was announced. Seriously, Bama goes out and gets Saban, UT brings in Lane Kiffin? Talk about a regression.
By Salty Dawg
November 29, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
But again, if you want to rationalize OU, you can. They whipped TT soundly and Texas lost to TT. The OU-Texas game was sort of a toss-up, with Texas playing much better after the OU defenseman (a linebacker?) was injured.
In truth it isn’t about number of losses or who beat who. It is about which team is perceived as being the best. Even though Texas (barely) beat Oklahoma, I think OU is the better team. That is why undefeated teams don’t always play in the NC game, or even a BCS bowl game. Because, despite their record, they aren’t perceived to be as good as other teams, some of which have one or two losses. If the goal is to have the two best teams in the country play for the title, then the voters have to be willing to overlook a head-to-head loss in some situations. What if in the first game of the season team A’s qb gets knocked out on the first play and they lose a close game to team B. They subsequently dominate every team they play for the rest of the season and finish with the same record as team B, which won a bunch of close, sloppy games. Should team B then be considered a “better” team? It just doesn’t seem right.
By bsj
November 29, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
okay so I leave town and the R.E.M. discussion heats up. It would be impossible for me to argue any IRS choices, and particularly anything on Murmur. It is simply end to end a classic all-timer. I do have a problem with leaving Pilgrimage off a “best of” list. Sitting Still and Pilgrimage are great tunes.
Country Feedback and Me In Honey from Out of Time, and New Test Leper, So Fast So Numb, and Binky The Doormat from NAIHF, are gems. I disagree with the notion that the music on Up, Reveal, and Around the Sun was subpar (though Buck pretty much said as much). I think Mills and Stipe got sucked into some sort of mid-tempo morass where nothing rocked. I mean, Ascent of Man and I’ve Been High are awesome tunes (Chorus and the Ring could be added), but nothing around them rocked. If you took all the songs like Wendell Gee, World Leader Pretend, E-Bow the Letter, Electrolyte, etc. and packaged them together as an album, they don’t shine the same way. But an album with Leave, Bittersweet Me, and So Fast So Numb is perfect for Electrolyte. Don’t get me wrong. The Up through ATS period was a blur, and showed a lack of focus from the band, but there are quite a few great tunes in there.
Accelerate was cathartic. I saw the bands tours for the Up through ATS albums, and you knew they still rocked. Accelerate was just the sort of bombast all of us needed. Wow.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
By uga-brave
November 29, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
DOB,
the last 36 hours or so of blogging by our great neighborhood of denizens is proof, not that we needed one, that this place is unique.
braves, bbq, pop culture, music, and movies are a tribute to you.
we all have some things to add, but you as the lead in obviously sets the tone.
we all have one common thread we love the braves but the exchange of the other derivatives keep most coming back.
kinda nice for a change the blog was not dominated by the jake peavy talk.
this is the off season, and college football is now at the forefront.
have not heard one georgia or tech prediction?
tech seems to be the sexy pick. jeff schultz picked them. three of the so called experts on cbs sportline picked them.
so who of all experts pick?
my take?
you will know in the first three series.
if tech moves the ball effectively early georgia will have their hands full.
willie martinez is overmatched when it comes to in game adjustments.
either he has prepared his defense or he has not.
if his initial game plan does not work, then the dawgs are in trouble.
either way it is somewhat a disapointing season in athens.
yes we are 9-2 but we have struggled to get there.
our defense can never get off the field, and richt continues to make excuses for his best friend martinez.
as a georgia grad, let me say this i love mark richt as a head coach but i think at some point he needs to make the right decision on martinez.
if willie martinez was a pitcher it would be obvious.
his defense has given up 35 plus 4 times this year.
for a program that has so much talent that is not acceptable.
either way vince gets his staue dedicated tmmrw. larry legend gets his due, and it is senior day.
hunker down boys, play hard, play fast, and kick tech’s arse.
By Bubdylan
November 29, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Salty Dawg, I agree with your angle up to a point, but we can’t go strictly from the question of who are the best two teams. If you have the most talented, capable team in the country, but don’t play to your potential each Saturday, it’s legitimate for a less talented team who does play its hardest in every game to get the nod over you.
Not talking about injured QB’s, etc. Just, somewhere in the conversation, you should allow for the less talented team’s grit and determination. Perfect example: this year’s Alabama squad. If Florida self-destructs and Bama wins an ugly game in the SEC CG, they will and should go to the NCG. Even though in my supposed scenario (ugly game, FLA self-destructing), there would be no reason to think Alabama is REALLY better than OU and Texas. They’d be undefeated, and within reaching distance of those other teams’ schedule difficulty.
By Roach
November 29, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
Does anyone else think Mark May on ESPN is an idiot??
By Bubdylan
November 29, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
Also, there is one thing about OU’s rout of Texas Tech that I haven’t seen mentioned:
Yes, Oklahoma dominated them plenty. BUT there were several chances Leach took, just as it looked to get out of hand, that were text book if-we-make-it-we’re-back-in-the-game-but-if-we-don’t-we’re-going-to-add-to-the-blow-out plays. And sure enough, they didn’t make it and the blow out got worse. Not saying OU isn’t plenty better than Tech, but when sizing up Oklahoma’s dominance, it ought to be considered: Leach took huge gambles just to get back in it. Those gambles made it worse.
I’m leaning toward Texas, as must be obvious. But not leaning with much confidence that I’m right.
By Mitchie-san
November 29, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
DOB Have you ever heard of Dinosaur BBQ? There is one in Syracuse that has to be the best I ever had…and I am from the south. Its a total biker bar with BBQ that does incredible business. Live bands all the time too. Great atmosphere. Apparently there is one in New York City as well. You should hit it up next year if you havent already….
Oh, Go Tech! Beat them Dawgs!
By uga-brave
November 29, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
roach,
not only is mark may an idiot, but his partner lou, the slobbering idiot, is worse.
lou holtz is absolutely a disgrace.
he is not prepared, he has no diction, and for lack of the better word, he has no idea what he talking about.
this is a guy before the season started said notre dame as gonna win 10 games.
just like digger phelps in basketball, they both think their names supercede being somewhat professional.
By Wayne
November 29, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
Hard Rock or Country. It’s all good. Country Rock, maybe my favorite. Good Country groups?
How about Diamond Rio’s debut album in 1991. Good stuff.
Greatest country song…. (sorry DAC, it’ not “You never even called me by my Name”) no, but good.
Actually, the greatest country song in my humble opinion is George Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.
George
By Mitchie-san
November 29, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this
Oh, I almost forgot. The Shed in Mississippi has award winning stuff. Its another great place that literally is adorned with junk that the owner has retrieved from junkyards and other trash. last time I went there, my friends and I sat in a bunch of old student desks outside. We circled them up to face each other and chowed down while listening to some great live blues. Best I ever had in the south….
By Bruce's Pearl
November 29, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
SaltyDawg: Really,carry Fulmers dirty undies? Well they are soiled lately,thats for sure.But really outside of beating Georgia 2 0f the last 3 what has he done lately? I know he was in the SEC championship game last year but everyone knows they backed in.Truly Fulmer minus Cutcliffe equals Ray Goff.Everybody has to start somewhere.Mark Richt was a Co-ordinator wasnt he? So was Kiffin (at least co co-ordinator)at USC.And no one blames him for the firing at Oakland under that idiot Al Davis.If he assembles the staff that has been rumored,it could be interesting.That said he wasnt the locals first choice,or mine (I sort of liked Brian Kelly of Cincy).But we will just have to wait and see how it works out.Hamilton (UT AD) made a good hire in basketball,didnt he? Just messin’ with ya Salty.Have a great night!
By Roach
November 29, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
UGA,
ESPN is becoming very biased. All the commentators they have for college football are always talking about their alma maters. I went to ball state and I was watching the Central Mich/Ball State and had to mute the game because I couldnt stand to listen to Ray Bentley (who went to Central Michigan) anymore. Its getting bad what happen to announcers being subjective they arent supposed to have favorites. Thats something I give Skip, Pete, and all the TBS guys credit they were Braves announcers but they wouldnt just talk about the Braves all day they talked about the opponent.
By nolie
November 29, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
Actually, the greatest country song in my humble opinion is George Jones’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.Wayne
great song no doubt.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this
mitchie-san: I can believe they have a very good BBQ joint in NYC. In fact, I know for a fact they have at least two or three. But come on, now: Best you’ve ever had? Have you had BBQ in either A. North Carolina, B. any other part of the South, C. Kansas City, and/or D. Texas?
Because if you have, at one of the more reputable joints in any of those locales, then I can’t believe you’re going to tell me the best you ever had was in NY. Can’t believe that.
That said, I’ll certainly give it a try if I’m near the one in NYC. And if it’s the best I’ve ever had, well, I’ll eat my laptop with some BBQ sauce slathered over the keyboard….
uga-brave: Thanks, dude. But couldn’t do it without the great participation….
bsj: Love the REM input, and I agree with you.
18 Wheels of Love: Someone else who has the Judgement Night soundtrack! Yes. Great tunes. They coupled bands like Sonic Youth & Cypress Hill (I’m sitting here staring at the CD right now. Had forgotten about it till you mentioned it). De La did a tune with Teenage Fanclub, and Helmet & House of Pain did the rockin’ first song.
By Wayne
November 29, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this
Last one for the night, Doug Stone’s (name is Brooks, but didn’t want to be confused with Garth back in 1989) first hit was some decent classic country lyrics: “I’d Be Better Off (in a pine box)”
Nite my friends.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
Oh, and right on about Fugazi: They rocked hard, and with integrity. Their album 13 Songs is an absolute classic.
By Mitchie-san
November 29, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this
DOB I was supprised too. It was great stuff. I have had some BBQ all over the south and Dinosaur BBQ stands up with the best of them. No, i havent had any in K.C. or North Carolina but I have had some in Austin,Texas.
The beef briskit at Dinosaur was phenomenal. I liked it so much, I made my newlywed wife eat there two days in a row. (that was hard to do, when I say newlywed I mean mere days after we got married.) Hopefully you will be able to give it a shot in the future, I would love to hear about how your laptop tastes!
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this
Wayne, I’d definitely put “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on the all-time list. But it’s impossible, in my opinion, to name one or 10 greatest country tunes (as it is top 10 rock tunes or albums).
I mean, you’ve gotta include stuff like “Ring of Fire,” “Mama Tried, “King of the Road,” “Hello Darlin’,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (and just about every other Hank Williams song, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “Behind Closed Doors,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walking The Floor Over You,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Stand By Your Man,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “San Antonio Rose,” “Luckenbach, Texas,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” … wow, as I said, it’s impossible. And you just kept me up an extra 20 minutes thinking of songs.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
Oh, and of course, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”
By nolie
November 29, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this
Oh, and of course, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”DOB
I’ll add more KK-Help Me Make It Through The Night,For The Good times. Lovin’ Her Was Easier,Me & Bobbie McGee
By Random
November 29, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Don!: “That informative font of sports news, Yahoo,com says that San Diego has found a third team to do a Peavy deal with the Cubs… . who exactly would be feeding that sort of stuff to Yahoo (which is then passed on as ‘reliable’ by other outlets) to gain an edge?”
Don’t know that it was passed on (or picked up) as “reliable” or as anything other than another rumor, but you’re right — it has been picked up by CBS Sportsline, Elis MLB Rumors and MLB Trade Rumors.
The latter is of interest for the quantity and quality of comments provoked.
(You don’t need to be “registered” to read the comments, only to post one of your own.)
By Dr. Mike Marshall
November 29, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
Dear Sir,
On May 2, 2008, someone wrote an article they titled, “Real concern for pitcher’s health-just no knowledge on how to stop it: Are pitchers doomed to injury?”
I know how to eliminate all pitching injuries. I provide this information in my Baseball Pitching Instructional Video, which I provide without charge on my website; drmikemarshall.com.
I would like to speak with the author of that article. Together, we might be able to convince someone in professional baseball to stop the madness.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike Marshall
By JimD
November 29, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be interesting if the Braves wind up being the third team?
We get Peavy. Cubs get some of our Bullpen prospects. Padres get IF and OF from Cubs.
By Random
November 29, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Gerry Fraley of Sporting News has some interesting things to say about CC, AJ and Lowe on Yahoo.
Here’re some of his comments on AJ:
Righthander A.J. Burnett will test the gambler’s instinct of every interested team. Does anyone feel lucky?
Burnett has had his two best seasons immediately ahead of free agency. In addition, history suggests this past season took a lot out of Burnett. Burnett pitched 221 1/3 innings with Toronto in 2008. Each of the previous two times Burnett logged a 200-inning season, he followed it with a two-year, injury-plagued funk.
After pitching 204 1/3 innings with Florida in 2002, he worked only 143 innings in the next two seasons combined. After pitching 209 innings with Florida in 2005, Burnett worked only 301 1/3 innings in the next two seasons combined.
Despite the warning signs, teams clamor for Burnett.
(I note that Dan made a similar observation here nearly a week ago.)
By Random
November 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
JimD and brent a. have the best takes so far on a three team trade for Peavy.
(But JimD, SD would also insist on a couple of cheap, good ML-ready SPs, I think.)
By New Braves Fan
November 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I had not read this before but it does make sense. I went to the MLB.com Blog for Hot Stove Activity and 2 of the stories reference how teams have seriously slowed the pace of any free agent activity due to the financial conditions. Even the Mets are expecting problems with suites and other luxury seating due to activity on Wall St. Is a loss of 200,000 jobs there alone possible? This is really going to get interesting. It appears the upper 20 or so players will get theirs, but then it will be Look Out Below.I have read that Cleveland, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and obviously Detroit are preparing for ticket price Armageddon. Well, I’ve often said we need dimunition of the market. Would be sad if 100 players would lose jobs due to contraction. Union probably thinks they could fight this as well. I’m sorry if this does not belong here, but I just recently moved here and thought you might find it interesting going forward. Great Blog!
By JimD
November 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Random
I just said it would be funny, I don’t think there is a chance though.
But … the Cubs have 6 starters, so maybe they could send a SP and maybe an OF like Felix Pie.
We could send Boyer and Acosta to the Cubs.
And we could send some prospects to SD and they could Peavy to the Braves.
Braves get Peavy Cubs get Boyer and Acosta Padres get Pie a SP, and a couple of Braves prospects.
But these 3 team trades are complicated and when you add in the seemingly weird personality lately of K-Towers… Well, let’s just say I think there is a better chance of the Detroit Lions making the NFL playoffs as the Braves being involved in a Padres-Braves-Cubs deal.
By Braveheart
November 29, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
We get Peavy. Cubs get some of our Bullpen prospects. Padres get IF and OF from Cubs.
So we get Peavy, the Cubs get from us the garbage arms Towers doesn’t want, Towers gets all the garbage from the Cubs that he already doesn’t want and that the Cubs were only offering because they though they were getting far more than our garbage arms?
Huh?
By Efrim
November 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Just saw this from Peter Gammons article:
The Braves, Cubs and seemingly everyone else claims they’re not in on Jake Peavy. What’s going on? The Padres absolutely believe Cubs GM Jim Hendry can make this a three-way trade to get the Padres the pitching they need in addition to third base prospect Josh Vitters. The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.
A lot of holes to fill. That Single-A pitching can be used in other trades.
By DAP01
November 29, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Enough about music and food.
What up with the Braves?
By Ann Jo Burnett
November 29, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
If the Braves do sign Burnett, I do not want any complaining. You have been suitably warned. The man will break down. Do not argue with history. Last year he finally pitched like a “horse” sad thing is that he is basically a “FILLY” and you know what happens when a filly has brought extra effort in the past. They won’t be able to put Alicia Joan out to stud, but expect conversation related to “What was Wren thinking?” Ask yourself, if it was YOUR money would you give Arlene Jassmine 5 years??
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr—
I was never “head over heels” for Javy, either—like I said, he was before I was a big fann. I know Roman Gal liked him though…
; >
You wouldn’t believe my bedroom. It’s full of Marcus Giles memorabilia, lol.
Really? Sounds a little bit like my room—if you replace Marcus Giles with Brian McCann.
And speakin’ of which…I was looking at the back issues of ChopTalk and I found one that I wanted, so I sent away for it……3 VORPing weeks ago, and I still haven’t gotten it.
GO TECH!!!
By Vol
November 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Dave recommended some early REM CD’s. Thought I’d mention that a couple of them are listed on Amazon for $5.99. I’d rank Life’s Rich Pageant first, followed closely by Reckoning, Murmur, and Fables of the Reconstruction. If you grab those and don’t like them, then you don’t like REM. Many other good ones - those are just may favorites. Still rotate them in my car and they get as much play as anything else because almost every song is at least good. Most are great.
What’s a bigger gamble, Lane Kiffin or AJ Burnett? Lane seems like the hire with the most upside, but potentially the most risk for the Vols.
By JimD
November 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Efrim
As I said earlier: I just said it would be funny, I don’t think there is a chance though.
By JimD
November 29, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Excuse me, my previous post was directed at Braveheart not Efrim. I am not multi-tasking too well this morning.
GO JACKETS!!!!!!!
By Patrick
November 29, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!
If you can bet Peavy without giving up Hanson and Heyward, that is a win win rigth there. Give me a break Wren and get it done!
By Deep Throat
November 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Peter Gammons on the Braves and Peavy:
“The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.”
I miss Schuerholz.
By Efrim
November 29, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Patrick
If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!
Gammons is just speculating, but I could understand why Frank Wren would back away from Peavy for that. You can’t treat all Single A prospects like they have no chance to become special. That’s how you end up with no farm system…like the Astros.
By 18 Wheels of Love
November 29, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Sign Burnett
Trade Escobar for Grienke
Sign Furcal
Trade for Dye
Make a late run at Peavy
By Kentavo
November 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Life’s Rich Pageant is the best R.E.M. album in my opinion - not necessarily loaded with hits - “Superman” and “Fall l on Me” got the most airplay - but pound for pound is incredibly solid.
By roan st
November 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Why would a third team want to ship a top notch pitching prospect for the cubs 19 year old third baseman who is still several years away from the bigs? I wonder if towers isn’t blowing smoke in hopes of getting the braves back to the table.
If the the cubs do make this deal it looks like the braves won’t even get one top of the rotation pitcher let alone two. Anybody who thinks the braves will win the bidding war for Burnett is kidding themselves. Somebody will pay way to much for Burnett and it won’t be Atlanta so why do we even go through the motions talking about it when it’s not going to happen. The best thing the Braves can do is continue to build their farm system until the new owner comes along in 2011. And I believe that A Blank will make a strong play for the Braves once again and that will be a glorious day for braves fans.
By Andy K.
November 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I wish the Braves would make a move already…the excitement from claiming Eric O’Flaherty didn’t last long enough…
And in case you were wondering, I like DOB beleive a Peavy deal still gets done, and it will most likely include Escobar, but not as many prospects. It is then my hope that Furcal is still a FA, because I think he’d be a great addition to this team, and fill the SS gap Peavy and Axelrod are worried about. Then RE-Sign Ohman, Hampton. Although if FW sacrifices some things, DOB, would it be possible for the Bravos to have Peavy and Burnett in their rotation?
By Braveheart
November 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
The Braves, Cubs and seemingly everyone else claims they’re not in on Jake Peavy. What’s going on? The Padres absolutely believe Cubs GM Jim Hendry can make this a three-way trade to get the Padres the pitching they need in addition to third base prospect Josh Vitters. The Braves were not going to have to surrender any of their five-best prospects, but have hesitated over Single-A level pitching. Peavy is a Cy Young winner, in case anyone’s forgotten.
There’s no other offer close to the Braves offer in case Gammon has forgotten. Why should the Braves overbid themselves when there is zero market out there besides the Braves for Peavy? Gammons is slipping. If there was a market, I’d trade Hanson without Escobar in the deal. But there is no market so next time Towers come around I wouldn’t even give him Escobar.
Wren needs to go offer Sabathia 6 years, $138 million. One of two things can go down from there: (1) Towers’s knees buckle once he hears the Braves did that and he calls Wren and takes what he can get or (2) Sabathia signs and the Braves no longer need that trade …….. or have the increased leverage needed to come back and steal Peavy too. I’d rather have Sabathia and Peavy for $39 million annually over the next five seasons thatn Burnett and Peavy for $32 million.
By rotty
November 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Not to be a negative but why do people keep wheeling out Greinke as an option?
Moore has said he is untouchable and unless God intervenes :) or the Braves offer Hanson (it would take that much folks) Greinke is not going anywhere.
On the flip side people are lusting after Vaquez who is biblical decoy with a career losing record, high 4 ERA and has failed to win on the Yankees and Sox (two strong offensive teams).
The Braves don’t need a 4+ ERA innings muncher who will have a losing record.
Vaz is an over priced 4-5 starter people want as a #2.
He would be a step backwards for the rotation and this team.
Dye is too old and they Braves need more than a 1 year bridge for LF. Even if they pick up his option he would be 37 at the start of the 2010 season.
Heyward is 2-3 years away not 1-2 and will be replacing Frenchie if Jeff manages stay on the team for the next few years (I have my doubts).
Schafer is not a HR hitter.
So the Braves need a 29-31yo (perhaps a tad younger) power bat in the LF they can control for years not 1-2.
If you want a bridge until a better LF option comes along in the winter of 2009 then fine but I would sign a FA for that job versus trade anyone of value.
He may have baggage but a 2-3 yr deal for Bradley may be the best bet. Of if Wren shoots the wad on SP offer Griffey an incentive based deal for 1yr and platoon him in LF with Diaz (barf).
I really don’t like that idea but I would be willing to do it for a dominate TOR.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, sounds good but isn’t going to happen. For one thing, Braves aren’t in on Sabathia, never have been. They’ve not called his agent, much less made a preliminary offer. And from my understanding, they have no plans to get involved in that bidding.
So you might as well focus your attention on pitchers other than CC if you’re looking for the Peavy alternative.
By Random
November 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
*JimD: *”I just said it would be funny”
Well, sure — that’s what I thought.
That’s why I coupled your comment with brent a.’s — I thought that was pretty funny, too.
Did you check it out?
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Heard an amazing stat: It’s been 65 years since a D-1 football national champion had a losing record in its conference the following season. Until now. LSU.
By Philliesuk
November 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
DOB You’re right, 13 Songs is a classic, but Repeater is by far their best work. Not a weak track on that one. Also, Fugazi is (was) one of the best live shows you will ever see. I’m not sure if you listened to much of that genre, but D.C. produced some other amazing bands in the late-80’s/early 90’s (Jawbox, Circus Lupus, Soulside, Slant 6, Holy Rollers, etc.). Another great band is one of Guy Picciotto’s pre-Fugazi bands, Rites of Spring, considered to be the first emo band.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
If that’s true and Wren is holding the deal up over freaking Single A prospects, he should be fired!Patrick
You may have noticed, more than a few regulars here disagree with you.
(For the record, I’m told the reason the Braves said they were pulling out of these negotiations is because Towers more than once came back to ask for another player to be added when it looked like the Braves and Padres might be getting close to a deal.)
And I do agree with Efrim, you certainly can’t just lump all Class-A prospects in the same group and say you’ll give up any of those not named Heyward.
Flowers, Freeman, Locke, Rohrbough, Teheran … none of them have been above the Class-A level. Patrick, you just gonna throw as many of them in the deal as the Padres need to get a Peavy trade done? Come on, man. Doesn’t work that way….
That said, I’d probably cave and include Locke if that was the deal maker or breaker. Don’t know if it was/is, though….
ANDYK: possible, but not likely (for the Braves to get both Peavy and Burnett).
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Rotty, you make some very good points (11:35 a.m.)
By Braveheart
November 29, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Going after Burnett is a dubious decision that will be treated by the fans with a big freaking yawn the day of the signing and a big freaking groan on his first of many visits to the DL.
Burnett is not an alternative to Peavy. Burnett is nothing more than a complement to Peavy. He doesn’t increase any leverage in getting this trade done. Dude is 31 years and has been in the majors for 10 seasons and has not established himself as reliable from one year to the next. But 5 years, $75 million is what Wren wants to give Burnett?
DOB. I understand what the Braves tell you they will or won’t do. What I care more about is the logic. Over the next five seasons, Peavy ($16 mil annually) and Rafael Furcal ($12 mil) will cost just as much in money, even more in injury and age risk, and even more in traded farmhands than signing Sabathia ($23 mil) and holding on to the league minimum/arbitration eligible making Escobar ($400 K to $6 mil). What’s the logic?
By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)
November 29, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB:
Tazawa looks almost clearly signing for Boston and Peavy is almost clearly heading to the Cubs…
Is the latter correct, or am I another victim of falling for false trade rumors?
How are we on AJ Burnett because it seems to be getting late for us acquiring Peavy?
By Ebravesluvr
November 29, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Deep throat and Salty Woody…..we’ve got some interesting nicknames on this blog LOL
McFann Can’t go wrong with B-Mac!!
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I like the way you’re thinking but I’m afraid that offer for C.C. would be pretty transparent as to its purpose. No way it is accepted and I’m assuming Towers is no fool (but I could be wrong). Assuming MLB still perceives the Braves as doing their work behind the scenes, I think laying low should be worrying Towers. The thing is, maybe Wren rates our prospects higher than Towers does and the trade as offered, doesn’t make sense to either. When it comes to prospects we’re all only guessing. DOB, got to thinking about the thread on Animal House and your take on comedy hitting different folks differently. I started putting together a list of my 5 favorite movies but, like the BCS this year 6 was the least I could go. I start with Pulp Fiction and Last Picture Show slightly ahead of A Few Good Men and 3 Coen Bros.; Oh Brother, Lebowski and Fargo. Thing is, I’ve only seen 4 Coen Bros. movies and I thought Raising Arizona was one of the worst movies I’d ever seen. Saw it when it came out and didn’t know who the Coen’s were at the time and maybe I need to revisit it now, and definitely need to see the others.
By Ebravesluvr
November 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Let’s just forget Peavy and keep my…er, OUR Escobar! That guy plays with lots of heart! I wish rest of the team showed some fire like that!
By Ebravesluvr
November 29, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
In regards to my remark about Deep throat and Salty Woody….maybe I’ll change my name to Gargle, spit and swallow :/………OR NOT.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 29, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
New Braves Fan,
We’ve discussed (off and on) how the economy might affect MLB and the consensus is, nobody knows. Liberty has said the Braves’ budget for next year won’t be changed, but I do wonder about Detroit, New York (both teams) and even LA. This is certainly the biggest meltdown since the 1980s. We haven’t seen anything like this in the era of free agency.
Detroit has a couple of players who could help the Braves a lot — starting with Magglio Ordonez — and the Tigers might need to dump some salary.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr Can’t go wrong with B-Mac!!
You got that right!!
Dangit, Tech! Let’s get goin’ hear! Sheesh…
By Deep Throat
November 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Peavy and Burnett would be nice. I’d much rather have Peavy than injury-riddled-past Burnett though.
If not Peavy and Burnett, than whom? Burrnet….and? Wolf? Perez? Garland? Please God, no.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Hey, that Matthew Stafford’s a pretty good thrower after all…
Too bad our guy didn’t snap it right for the extra point.
By Greg in TN
November 29, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Afternoon folks…
Will Knoxville have to find a street to rename to Lane Kiffin Drive (or maybe we just make things easier and call it Kiffin Lane)? I think any idea of Butch Davis coming to Knoxville was reaching (I really like Chris Peterson in Boise, but I’d say even that would have probably been a reach as well. Leach? Hmmm, not sure that would have been a good fit at Rocky Top).
Have to have a strong recruiter and while Kiffin doesn’t have a lengthy track record for that, all of the reports out of So Cal says he’s strong there. Monte Kiffin as D Coordinator would be a nice thought, however. The timing was not the best for UT in terms of making a change, however when is it a good time to make that type of change? Job number one for the affable Mr. Kiffin will be to find a QB, stat. Things will improve next year, but I don’t see them improving as much as Vol fans would like.
Interesting offseason in Tennessee football, and a quiet offseason on Planet Braves. However it’s not from lack of effort by FW. Patience is notoriously a four-letter word in blogs, however I believe our patience will be rewarded, at some point and the glacier pace of offseason moves will melt next week as the arbitration deadline passes.
Hope everyone had as good a Thanksgiving as Mrs. Greg in TN and I did. Nothing beats my mom’s potato salad denizens.
To be sure, there are a lot of things that I am thankful for in 2008. Below is a small subset of things I am thankful for denizens:
I am thankful we have #10, the Offensive Assassin manning third base. I am thankful we have Everybody’s Favorite Catcher behind the dish. I am thankful for JJJ, and Tommy Hanson, and the Bearded Icon. I am thankful that Marquiss Grissom squeezed out number three in October of 1995 in the old ballpark. I am thankful that Bruce Benedict didn’t break his wrist trying to catch a Phil Niekro knuckleball. I am thankful Sid slid ahead of Spanky’s tag. I am thankful for the Hammer, who reached 755 with respect and dignity. I am thankful for Greg Maddux’s tailing fastball and for Otis Nixon’s leaping ability. I am thankful for Gary Matthews Senior.
I am thankful for Dale Murphy, for winning and losing with class and for being one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise era of bad baseball in Atlanta.
I am thankful for the late, great Skip Carey. For Pete Van Wieren, who has earned every day of a peaceful and restful retirement. I am thankful for Joe Simpson, for Boog Sciambi, for Jerome Jurenovich and Katy Temple. I am thankful for having Ernie Johnson Sr, Don Sutton, Billy Sample, John Sterling and Darrell Chaney in the booth over the years.
I am thankful we have BC in the dugout, and JS and FW in the front office. I am thankful for Paul Runge in Danville, Rocket Wheeler in Myrtle Beach, Randy Ingle in Rome, Phillip Wellman in Pearl and Dave Brundage in Gwinnett.
And folks, I am especially thankful for having DOB and CR to feed the hungry denizens baseball inside stuff from our favorite team.
By cabravesfan
November 29, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN
When Lane Kiffen was at USC he handled most of the recruiting- needless to say he is pretty good at it…from someone who knows, he will either be loved in TN or totally hated (he has a tendency to go ultra-conservative at exactly the wrong time-3rd and 25 with a run up the middle for example) but give him a chance- he may surprise you…
By Big and Long
November 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Burnett is not an alternative to Peavy. Burnett is nothing more than a complement to Peavy.
Amen. Wren surely can’t believe getting A.J. Burnett is tantamount to acquiring Jake Peavy and/or that getting either is just as good.
By Jim Hertel
November 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Notwithstanding strong opinions to the contrary, I’m beginning to feel that A.J. Burnett might be the a better risk than either Peavy or Sabathia. Consider that Burnett has already had ligament replacement surgery four years ago. It takes a while to comeback from that procedure, but Burnett seems strong and better than ever. Peavy has not had this surger, but most certainly will. This is just the life of pitchers not named Maddux or Glavine. You can almost certainly be sure that if we have Peavy for the next 5 years, 1 or maybe 2 of those years will be recovering from surgery. Sabathia is just big, and big bodies break down and fall apart more rapidly.
By Daybed Wagmoe
November 29, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Having been out of town and not on my laptop much in the last couple days, I’m sorry that I’ve missed all of this R.E.M. talk. Here’s my attempt at a top-10 list from the IRS years:
(In no particular order) Wolves, Lower Gardening at Night Driver 8 Kohoutek These Days Cuyahoga Laughing Harborcoat (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville Welcome to the Occupation
This was a pretty difficult task — SO many strong songs on all of the IRS records, and there were many others that I had to leave off. I’ll look forward to the Warner Bros. list-making…
DOB — I just noticed that you’ve got the same song listed twice on your list. You have: “8. Carnival of Sorts 9. Boxcars.” I mean, I know it’s a great song, but to list it twice? Man, you must really like it. I guess you get to take one off and put another on. (Or did you already do so and I missed it?)
By rotty
November 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB re: 11;35am post.
By jim
November 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
If the Cubs trade Vitters + others for Peavy, they are “shooting the works” for a chance to win now (2009 or 2010) and they have the veteran team with a reasonable chance to do just that. The Braves + Peavy and a bigger bat in LF (minus some of our current more productive talent) will be no more than a long shot to win in 2009 or 2010. For a team that is not Yankee-Red Sox rich, a nucleus of young, home-grown talent needs to be in place before the addition of one or two prominent veterans is likely to put them over the top. That situation should be the case for the Braves by 2011. We need to give JJJ, Hanson, Morton, and others time to develop much as we did for Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, et al in the late 1980’s. By 2011 we could have three top of the rotation starters to go along with maturing talent such as McCann, Yunel, KJ, and Kotchman or Flowers, with Schafer/Hernandez and Heyward ready to make an impact. The Braves have had unprecedented success for a decade and 1/2, whereas the Cubs haven’t won the WS in over 100 years. The Cubs have about a two year window before their aging roster starts to decline, and the Braves’ fans need to be a little patient and enjoy watching the development of their young pitching staff to be in a position to compete for a WS title.
By Greg in TN
November 29, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan Thanks for the info. That is certainly what I’ve read and I personally believe that’s what is needed. Fulmer was a strong recruiter, however recruiting in the southeast has changed rather dramatically in the past few years. Eric Berry was certainly a huge pickup from Georgia, however Richt, Spurrier, Meyer and Saban have cut into areas where UT could come in and pick up talent.
I think Kiffin was the best choice given the circumstances. Many around town aren’t happy with it, but I think he certainly has the tools to do well here.
By Tomas
November 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Rotty I agree with you, Vazques is nothing more than a #4-5 over priced starter with a good fastball and curveball, but doesn’t have good control. I also agree with you in the fact that Greinke won’t be traded this winter, Moore has said that if they fail to sign him to an extension, then they will trade him maybe in the trade deadline at the earliest. Cain forget about it, Halladay too.
But I disagree with you in your comments about Dye. He is old but hits 290, and hits 35 HR, and has a very good arm, but not a lot of range or speed. He is however a much better fielder than Carlos Lee, Pat Burrel, and Adam Dunn. And the Braves don’t need a long term guy, they have good quality outfield prospects(Jayson Heyward who may be ready in 2-3 years, Gorkys Hernandez who may be ready in 2 yrs, and Jordan Schafer who is ready for this year) plus lets not forget our current RF who is only 22 years old and already has two 100RBI seasons, give him a break(yeah he looked bad, but he IS 22 years old, i’d be worried if he were 32(like Andruw), Frenchy just suffered his “growing pains”. But he is very athletic, has a tremendous arm in right field, and is a very strong guy, don’t lose faith on him just because he hit 240 11HR and 71RBI’s.
Look at what happen to McCann, he hit 333, with 24HR, and 93 RBI and a 388OBP in 2006. In 2007 he hit 270 with 18HR, and 92 RBI’s and his OBP dropped from 388 to 320. In 2008 he hit 301, with 23HR, 87RBI, and an OBP of 373.
He had his growing pains in 2007, but he was able to make the adjustments and get that AVG over 300 again.
The only reason nobody made such a big deal out of it, was because Frenchy has always been a star, and you always expect him to be the best.
I strongly agree on Wren with his faith for Franceour to bounce back.
By keylargo
November 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Sylvester Croom resigns as Miss. St. head coach.
There is your defensive coordinator Mark Richt. Can you take the next step up or will you be content to recruit your way to the top 10 and be content there?
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Whoa…that was ugly.
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jim, I agree with you. Patience would, I believe pay off, but iI don’t think it’ll happen. Liberty wants to increase the value of the Braves and will need to have owned them for 2 years (I believe) before selling wouldn’t create a major tax ramification for them. If they wait and the fans don’t come, which they probably won’t, the value of the asset isn’t as great when they sell. The caveat that I haven’t heard discussed and maybe some here know, but if Obama, as has been reported, is able to have the capital gains tax repealed, that creates a whole different outlook for Liberty (I think).
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
But 5 years, $75 million is what Wren wants to give Burnett?Braveheart
That’s news to me. Where’d you hear that? I think the Braves would probably “want” to pay him about $52 mill for four years, or even less. Of course that almost certainly wouldn’t get it done. But I haven’t heard that they’ve made any offer yet, much less that they’d like to pay $15 mill a year for five seasons to a 31-year-old guy (32 in January) who never won more than 12 games before this season.
By Lew
November 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Life is now almost perfect (or would be if I only weighed 150 and had hair again)-I found a BBQ place in Vermont-owned by a Dude from South Georgia, no less. Now anytime you can only identify the establishment from the street by the Flag outside stating BBQ-you might be on to something.
Then you go inside and the store’s logo is a Pig with a Sh!& eating grin, you know you’re getting closer.
However the sign on the wall Was the final confirmation, stating “Big Fatty Says Don’t Ask.
1.Can I have a pizza?-NO
2.Can I have a hamburger?-NO
3.Do you have honey mustard?-NO
4.What’s Gator taste like?-Gator
5.What’s Fat Free?-Air
6.Can I have a side salad with Field greens?-NO
7.What’s the yellow stuff in the cornbread?-Corn
8.Are your chickens Free Range?-NO
9.Are your collard greens local?-NO-shipped from Georgia.
10.Do you have soy based BBQ?-NO
11.Who makes your sauce?-We Do.
Got some pulled pork with Carolina style sauce, fried okra, Bourbon Pecan pie and some collards and hush puppies. I’m a Happy Georgia Boy in snow country.
By jim
November 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
f. n.
Who knows what is going on in the free agent/trade market, but it seems quite likely that Wren might not be able to get Peavy without overpaying, and that the top FA targets, Burnett, Lowe, Ibanez, etc. will get better offers elsewhere. Bobby has been an asset in bringing free agents to Atlanta for less than they might get elsewhere in the past, but he is now a lame duck who is not likely to be the manager for more than a year or two into a FA contract. If that is the case, Wren should not panic and feel pressured to make bad trades and signings just to give the impression that he is doing something. I’m not sure that the financial situation would be any better if we increase the payroll by 30 million and field a third place team or leave the payroll where it is and field a team that still may finish third. The Braves could market themselves as the Young Stars Rising in the manner the Mets did 3 or 4 years ago.
By jim
November 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Also, given the current economy, who knows what the value of a sports franchise will be in a year or two. I don’t think that they are anymore immune to market conditions than housing prices are and the value of other businesses which have seen their value greatly reduced over the past two months.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Braveheart: I think explaining the logic has been an ongoing process here. Not that the logic is explained to me, usually, by team officials, so their exact thinking won’t be known until after they make this move or that.
Though I would ask again, as I have of others: When’s the last team that won a title of any kind, pennant or World Series, or even a division title for that matter, with one player (a starting pitcher, no less) making a full one-quarter of the team payroll? I’m just asking. Because I can’t think of a single championship team that had one player making anywhere close to that percentage of the total payroll….
By the way, you mentioned $23 mill as the annual figure for Sabathia. Where’d that figure come from? Same place as the $75 mill the Braves “want” to pay Burnett?
Conventional wisdom is that Sabathia will get at least $25 mill per year in a five- or six-year contract.
I’ve not heard that the Braves have even made an offer for Burnett, and if they did I don’t think it would’ve been a five-year deal right out of the gate.
Daybed, thanks. Can’t believe no one (including me) noticed that before now. It’s been changed. 7 Chinese Brothers as replacement (though could’ve gone with Pilgrimmage or a dozen others mentioned here in the past 36 hours)….
OK, gotta get back to watching my Jayhawks try to complete this upset of Mizzou.
By cabravesfan
November 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Lew
Soy based BBQ? People really ask for that? That just sounds…wrong
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
TIE GAME!!! 28-28!!
By cabravesfan
November 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
McFann
Looks like someone woke up your Yellow jackets…
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Never mind!
: D
By Lew
November 29, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Tomas-So Vasquez is over priced at $11.5 million and has no control? Did you even bother checking his stats and doing some math?
Vasquez, in an 11 year career, has a 3 to 1 K to BB ratio (2015K, 604BB according to Baseball Reference). He has averaged 6 1/3 IP per start THROUGHOUT his 11 year career. He has pitched over 200+IP per season in 8 of the past 9 seasons (the one he didn’t have 200 was a 198IP campaign). His career WHIP is 1.26-not bad at all. His career ERA, though not at stud levels, is 4.32 which is not all that bad, either. He will keep you in games, which would damn well be an improvement over what we’ve seen in recent years.
Now, no one is stating he would be a better upper rotation option than either Peavy or Burnett, or that we should forget anyone better that might be available, but if we had to sign him for a number three or four starter, I’m thinking we’ve improved our staff, given ourselves an inning eating pitcher who will strike out a fair number of batters and will give you a performance that while not exemplary will certainly give you a chance to win most of the time. In addition, he is only under contract for two seasons at reasonable (not overly expensive by today’s standards) cost, which would leave us some contractual breathing room should better options appear the next couple of off seasons.
I sure as hell would feel better with him at three or four than I would be with Jorge Campillo.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
How is this happening IN ATHENS? Wow. Tech has arrived, no doubt.
By Lew
November 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan-It IS wrong. Terribly, terribly wrong. I think that’s what Big Fatty was saying. No Tofu, either.
By Moby Grape
November 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
He is however a much better fielder than Carlos Lee, Pat Burrel, and Adam DunnTomas
actually he is not. he is listed as one of the worst fielding outfielders in BB
By Josh
November 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
DOB: Great Article once again
2 ?’s
1) Ryan Ludwick, he had one good year right? how do we know for sure he is capable of doing that again?
2) Why with the way Tommy Hanson is pitching is he not a lock for at least a spot in the rotation? He excells at every challenge in front of him.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan—
Sure does!
Unfortunately, there’s still looots of time…
DOB—
No doubt!
By brent
November 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Ok i am likign this idea of Flowers and somethign for Magglio.. DOB is there any possibility Wren would do this because you get teh Of bat you covet and a star.
Also are the braves gonna get peavy??
why isnt John Garland up for any discussion?
Kenny Williams likes to wheel and deal coudl the braves put a package together for Mark Buerhle if the peavy thing goes south?
Cant wait and always enjoy the blog I am addicted now and wiser because Dave O Brien put me in ym place about Drayton Moore and I thank him.
I love baseball thats why i am in so many fantasy sim baseball leagues and why I shuddered when iw alked across the Field of Dreams field in Dyersville because baseball can run throough your blood and be a very good passion of a hobby and this week in Vegas is liek Christmas for the Braves I hope
Greeting all from nebraska and dont talk warm weather DOB because it is spitting snow here and wacky weather all the time thank you..down south in dixie I know is better and some of us are envious with a capital E
By Josh
November 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Also whats the latest on Jordan Schafer?
& how long til will start seeing Jason Heyward and Freedie Freeman?
By Mikey
November 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
i hope the jackets pull it off, but if they dont…its been a heck of a game
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Dagnabit!
That Masiquwhatever is really annoying…so is Knowshon. Sheesh…
By ShawnB
November 29, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Georgia deserves to lose this game….kickoffs out of bounds, penalties, turnovers, missed tackles. And this was supposed to be a title contending team coming into the year?? This season is a disaster on so many levels, recruiting will definetly suffer after the way this team has crapped out.
By Wayne
November 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Been working all morning, and missed the “big game” between Clemson and USC-East. At least we can hold our head up around the state….
By brian
November 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
DOB - if Peavy does not work out, have you heard any other potential fits as a #1 or #2 starter mentioned as being available?
Obviously AJ Burnett would be appealing. If Sheets continues to get luke warm interest and no appealing long term offers, I wonder if he would take a 1-2 year contract to prove he can stay healthy and then try to break the bank with a 5 year deal.
On the trade market people here like mentioning Matt Cain. He would be a great addition but I have not seen anything from SF to say he would be available but if Escobar was included, or a package with KJ, Morton, and Hernandez then would there be any chance? Roy Halladay at Toronto but it would be hard to give up a lot of prospects for 2 years of service. Maybe if the Angels sign CC then Santana could be available - or Joe Saunders (though he is not and probably never will be a number 1 and it would push it to be a number 2). Grienke would of course be a great addition but his price would be very high and I cannot imaging Dayton trading Grienke (he will build around Grienke). A trade centering around Verlander for Escobar would be intriguing but was this past year a sophomore slump or a sign of things to come.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
FINALLY!!! After seven years, WE WON!!
Dang! But that was a good game!
: D
By brian
November 29, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Congrats on Kansas DOB. What an ending!
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Congrats, McFann. Your boys were pulling out a huge win over their rivals at the same time my guys were doing the same. KU 40, Mizzou 37, winning drive in the final two minutes, in the snow in K.C. Awesome to watch.
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Hey McFann, do you have a connection to Tech or just a fan (or is it fann)? I’ve lived in Georgia all my life and have always pulled for both teams and whoever had the most at stake when they played each other. It was a great game today. I slipped over to Tower’s blog during the game and man it was ugly. College football fans can be very passionate, but i just don’t get the venom towards your own team. I’m sure GA fans aren’t alone in that but it’s amazing that some folks are so emotionally invested.
By Roman Gal
November 29, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
I was never “head over heels” for Javy, either—like I said, he was before I was a big fann. I know Roman Gal liked him though… McFann
You betcha! I still have a hard time believing he would have been worse than Corky Miller last year. But alas, it was not meant to be. I’m just glad he retired a Brave.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Josh, there is no latest on Schafer (I’m assuming you know he got hurt in winter ball). He returned two weeks ago from winter ball in Mexico after hurting a finger when hit by a pitch. He’s home in Florida where he’ll rest three weeks (which is about another week or so from now), then rehab for a few weeks. Supposed to be fully recovered well before spring training.
As for Heyward and Freeman, they’re still teen-agers (both are 19). it’ll likely be at least two or three years before they compete for a big-league job. Neither has played above A-ball, and Freeman hasn’t even played above low-A (Heyward spent the last few weeks of the season at high-A Myrtle, but the rest of it at low-A Rome with Freeman).
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB! Congrats to you, too! Sounds like a great game for your guys! Final two minutes…wow!
F.N. Hale—
My Dad went to Tech. Yeah…that was a great game! A good, come-from-behind close win for GT!
I’m sure GA fans aren’t alone in that but it’s amazing that some folks are so emotionally invested.
That’s for sure.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal—
Yeah, it’s is strange they picked Corky over Javy. But good point—at least he retired a Brave!
I sure my mann cann do the same!
By Tomas
November 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
DOB,
4 yrs 52 million for Burnett. Ryan Dempster just signed to that deal with the Cubs, and he “took a pay cut”, to stay in Chicago. I think that if the Braves are seriously interested in Burnett, they’d have to offer him much more than that. He was being paid 12 mill/per year, would he opt out for 1 million more per year. I think we all agree Aj is better than Dempster. If the Braves are not willing to offer him 5 years, it would at least take 4 yrs 68 million(it would be better to just offer him 5yrs 75 million).
Lew
11.5 million for a #3-5 starter is too much. When I said he didn’t have very good control, I mean’t he left balls up in the strikezone and that’s why he gets hit hard. I have seen him pitched, the guy has a great fastball 93-95mph, and a very good slider. Why does he have a high ERA, then? He has bad control and leaves balls in the middle of the plate. Unless the Whitesox pay at least 4.5 million of his 11.5 million per year, there is no way it’d be a good idea.
Moby Grape
He has a good arm, but no range or speed specially to play RF. He won a gold glove in 2000. If he were to be moved to LF(which is less demanding than RF), he’d be an average fielder. I guarantee you he is better than Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn, and Pat Burrel.
If the Braves only offer AJ 4 yrs 52 million, I would be very discouraged. It would demonstrate that this team is not willing to win. If that’s what they offered AJ, I wouldn’t even try’d, it’s obvious he wants much more.
By Roman Gal
November 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I sure my mann cann do the same!
Let’s hope so.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I didn’t say the Braves wouldn’t offer Burnett more than that. Read what I wrote.
I was merely responding to Braveheart’s suggestion that the Braves “would like” to pay Burnett $75 mill for five years, when they’ve said nothing of the sort and not made that offer, at least not yet.
All I was saying was that they’d “like” to pay him, say, $52 mill for four years, but that that almost certainly wouldn’t get it done. They know that. I’m sure they realize they’ll have to pay him at least $15-16 mill per season in a four-year deal, but I’m also sure they’d like to avoid going to five guaranteed years if at all possible.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal* Let’s hope so.
Yeah! I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t!
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
How dumb…yeah, I meant to say “I sure hope my mann cann do the same”.
Can’t stand it when I forget words! It always happens when I type in a hurry.
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
McFann, I have a very large extended family with some going to UGA and a couple to Tech, but most who didn’t go to college pull for the dawgs. I went to GA State but it was just a place to get an education. Of course no football, but not much college life at the time either. Go you hairy business people just doesn’t inspire.
Hey DOB (or others), any recommendations on Coen movies? I’ve seen Oh Brother, Fargo, Lebowski and Raising Arizona but none of the others. I googled them and didn’t realize they had made so many. The wife isn’t a movie fan so I catch em later.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
F.N. Hale most who didn’t go to college pull for the dawgs.
Same way here.
My Mom went to GA State. Hey, it’s a good school!
By Josh
November 29, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Thx DOB
What about Flowers? With McCann likely to have the catching spot for the next 5-10 years hopefully, why not have flowers work at 1st base or use him as trade bait for one of the pitchers or a bat that we need?
By Andy K.
November 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna through a possibility out there. The Braves are always looking for relievers. Former Brave C.J. Nitkowski has been released from his two years of service in Japan in their version of MLB. He became quite popular over there, and pitched decently for the most part. Minor league contract anyone? I think he may just be able to help us out on any level…plus, he’s a darn good guy.
By Lew
November 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Tomas-Let’s see know- Aren’t you the Dude who just last week wanted to give Tazawa a three year, $15 million package to sign and you’re claiming Vasquez at $11.5 is too expensive? Dude, do you ever really listen to yourself?
What, exactly do you expect to pay for a 3-4 starter with his credentials these days? How much do you think either Brad Penny or Jon Garland-names often mentioned here as possible acquisitions -are going to command next year? Hell, Garland made $12 mil last season and neither he nor Penny stack up to Vasquez at all-not in consistent durability (IP EVERY year) or strike out ability and neither is any better in ERA or WHIP.
I’ve got news for you-whether or not you might think that $11.5 mil that Vasquez is due to make the next couple years is equitable or not, it isn’t anywhere near as expensive as you seem to think. It is a quite realistic amount to pay for someone of Vasquez’s experience, number of IP and a 3-1 K to BB rate. As to his ERA-no it is not a League leader, but it IS league average-year, after year, after year……..Dude is a Veritable Energizer Bunny the way he eats innings.
By nolie
November 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB (or others), any recommendations on Coen movies? I’ve seen Oh Brother, Fargo, Lebowski and Raising Arizona but none of the others. I googled them and didn’t realize they had made so many. The wife isn’t a movie fan so I catch em later.fnhale
well you hafta watch No Country For Old Men if you haven’t already. Blood Simple and Miller’s Crossing are very good though a bit slow paced.. It is not a Coen movie, but if you have never seen Out of Sight with George Clooney based on an Elmore Leonard novel, I highly recommend it. Just won ET’s poll of 50 sexiest movies ever made… but you should still watch it anyhow ;-)
By MattyRoss
November 29, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I’m a little worried for the Gators here. If the Baylor-Tech score holds up, that would mean Texas wins the Big XVII South. If OU beats OK ST, that’s their last game of the year (in that scenario). Would UF’s win over Alabama be enough for them to jump Texas and/or OU? Maybe not, right? This could get real messy, real quick…
By brent a.
November 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
How is this happening IN ATHENS? Wow. Tech has arrived, no doubt. DOB
I haven’t followed UGA very closely for that long (I’m from Kentucky, and did my undergrad education at UK); but, I have noticed in the last 3-4 years (since the time I went to school there, and post-graduation) that they lay 1-2 absolute defensive stinkers a year, every year.
They will just look completely lost at times. The UT game 2 years ago, really stands out, and the BAMA game from earlier this season.
Also, this is the same UGA team that got blasted by Florida (yes, a lot of teams have, but UGA is not Kentucky, Vandy, or the Citadel), and gave up 38 points to an offensively-challenged Kentucky team.
UGA didn’t “wrap up” in this one, but the real back-breaker was the fumbled kick-off.
If that doesn’t happen, UGA probably gets the 3 point win.
By nolie
November 29, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
A few more movies that are not well-known but that you might enjoy if you like Coen Movies. Red Rock West with Nick Cage, and for really cold-hearted villianesses try Romeo Is Bleeding with Gary Coleman, Body Heat with Kathleen Turner, and The Last Seduction with Linda Fiorentino.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
OK, in my last post, scratch that first part. Some of my family members who root for UGA did go to college, just not Tech or UGA.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
brent a. but the real back-breaker was the fumbled kick-off.
That was so much fun!
: )
By TennesseePaul
November 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
All I was saying was that they’d “like” to pay him, say, $52 mill for four years
Well, I’d speculate that if we are discussing what they would like to do, they’d probably like to have him healthy, always on his game and for free… but as you said, that won’t get it done.
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Red Rock West with Nick Cage, and for really cold-hearted villianesses try Romeo Is Bleeding with Gary Coleman, Body Heat with Kathleen Turner, and The Last Seduction nolie - thanks for the lists. I’ve seen all the ones in your second post. Not generally a Nick Cage fan but I liked that one. I haven’t seen Out of Sight, but I have the poster. We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. Well, of course for Christmas I got a framed poster from Out of Sight signed, Love always George. Never saw the movie but I’ll check it out. Thanks.
By rotty
November 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Tomas - JF is 24 and will be 25 in January 09 versus the 22 mentioned above.
Correction from my post: Dye will be 35 in Jan 09 and 36 in 10 should he get his option picked up. My error.
Anyway JF is backed into a corner in 09 given his ML tenure thus far which has been manic.
If he presses in 09 to show everyone that 08 was a freak year he may actually repeat 08. His mental toughness and focus will be tested in 09.
Given that JF could go either way - good OF or total bust.
I don’t think you can trade for 1-2 yr rentals when there is no one in the system that will be an impact & experienced bopper in the OF - a questionable JF, possibly Anderson in CF (for part of the season), etc. will Dye really make or break things for one year?
For that reason I would stay away from Dye and players of his ilk b/c the Braves need more than a 1yr bridge an call ill afford to trade players to get such a bridge (even if it were feasible).
FA sure for the right deal but I don’t think you go very far trading for mid 30 players with tons of OF miles on their legs etc.
Some one will need to be the Braves answer to AJ in his prime (120+ RBIs, 30-40 hrs etc) and ideally for years not a year. I doubt Schafer will put up those numbers though Dye would certainly make a run at solid numbers.
The Braves need a 3yr bridge to get to Heyward and Dye does not fit that MO.
To trade for Dye would be a move you make for a 09 playoff run not for a team that is climbing back into being relevant as a post season contender.
I think Dye is a fine player but his age, contract and what the Braves need to get back in it makes trading for him questionable.
They have too many holes to fix in one year and since Dye is not a ling term answer why give up trade pieces you can use to fill positions for more than a year.
I would much rather sign a FA for a 2-3 yr deal than trade for a 1yr maybe 2 bookmark albeit a very good one.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Hale, in addition to the four Coen Bros. movies you mentioned, my other favorites of theirs include No Country For Old Men, Miller’s Crossing, Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn’t There and Blood Simple.
All are great, but you must see the first two on that list ASAP.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Josh, I’m going to skip one blog without covering the Flowers/1B question, since I know we’ve covered it at some point in every one of the last six or seven blogs.
By David O'Brien
November 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. f.n.hale
Way more information than we ever need from you again. Ever.
By Wayne (not attracted to swarthy guys!)
November 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Tomas and Lew
Campillo at 400K, or Vazquez for 11.5 mil?
I take Vazquez in a heartbeat.
(what is a swarthy?)
By Josh
November 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
okay DOB
sryy about that
but say they get the 2 pitchers and the bat that thy covet, what do you think that will do for next season? we got a shot at all?
By MattyRoss
November 29, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Definitions of swarthy on the Web:
I’m sure Mr. Clooney appreciates your support.
By Wayne (Micah Owings for LF and 5th starter)
November 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Thank you Matty!
By Tomas
November 29, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Lew
What I said about Tazawa, was that I thought they were going to pay him 5 million per year, but that was just a bonus, DOB later explained that to me. Vazquez has 127 wins 129 losses( I really don’t care much about that), but he has a career ERA of 4.32, and last season he had a 4.67 ERA. I prefer to give Charlie Morton, who earns the minimun, than to waste payroll of 11.5 million on a 4-5 starter.
Here is a stat you probably don’t know about, Vazques gave up 25 HR, the most a Braves pitcher gave up this year was 18 by Jorge Campillo. And if he had kept a low ERA it wouldn’t matter that much, but he had a 4.67 ERA, so it does. Plus he gave up 214 hits(in 208ip), lots of baserunners, and homeruns are not a caracteristic of a #2 guy in a rotation.
I would like Vazques as a number 4 starter, only if he is paid 7 million max. He is the White sox # 4 starter, Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and Javier Vazques.
By f.n. hale
November 29, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Not saying I’m attracted to swarthy gentleman, but IF I were a woman…oh never mind. I didn’t convince them either. Thanks for the Coen recomendations though. I’m debating on a Blue Ray player for my wife (grin) for Christmas. Hard to go back to standard def once you’ve been watching hi-def. where are the best deals on movies, online or in stores?
By Ebravesluvr
November 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Lew I live in Vermont. What BBQ place are you referring to??
By BravesFanInRockies
November 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Lew,
A real BBQ joint in Vermont! I’m very happy for you.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 29, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Also agreed re: Vasquez. If it’s him or Campillo, give me the proven veteran every time. I was waiting for the league to catch up to Jorge after he’d made a dozen or so starts and I think they did, just a bit.
If Campillo’s going to be an effective starter in 2009 and beyond, he needs to show he can throw more than the 85-mph fastball and the change. He could be a Hernandez-type (Livan or El Duque) if he breaks out a couple more pitches. If he doesn’t, I’m seeing some long-term problems getting people out.
By Ebravesluvr
November 29, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, don’t knock Vermont til you’ve been there!!!
:-)
By Tomas
November 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Rotty,
Yes you’re right he is 24, but still that is very young, considering that the average player makes it when he is 25. I mean I understand how awful he looked, I specially remember an at bat against Rick Vanderhurt with the bases loaded in which he swung at three straight pitches head- high. I would be worried if he were 30 yrs old or more but he is 24, he should be in AAA, but he has been in the majors for 4 yrs. He is not fat, he is in great form, he is working hard to get his swing back in track, eventually he will come back and be the Frenchy he was 2 yrs ago. He at least finished the season on high note, hitting 286 in september with 12 RBI’s, and he lost all those extra pounds he had at the start of the 2008 season, which he claims was one of the reasons of his struggles(which makes sense).
Dye isn’t exactly the best guy, but the Whitesox want to trade him, he hit 34HR, and would be a 2 yr fix. He would be cheaper than Ibañez, Burrell, and Dunn. Who cares he is below average defensively if he can hit 34HR, like I said before LF is the less demanding outfield position because you’re not required to expect a tricky spin, and normally the LF is shorter, and less complicated. It would definitely be an improvement over Infante both defensively, and at the plate wouldn’t you agree?
Appart from Dye, there isn’t a lot of choices to play the outfield. Carlos Lee would be great but I doubt he’d waive his no trade clause to come to Atlanta, and the Astros would ask for a lot in return. Ty Wigginton might be another option, but he isn’t a LF(although he was able to play in that position this year, but he would be even worst than Dye defensively, and won’t give you as many HR), Aubrey Huff but I don’t know if he can still play the OF, Ludwick, we’d lose Kelly Johnson, and Teahen(isn’t worth trading for).
Personally if Huff could still play the OF, i’d trade for him(I think they’re looking to trade him).
Or the other option is move Kelly Johnson to LF, and give Prado 2B. But that won’t happen, I don’t know why because it makes sense to do it. But it’s Bobby Cox’s team not mine.
By Mikey
November 29, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Thomas
I agree w/what your saying, 11mil is a lot to pay for a pitcher on the wrong side of 30, who hasn’t consistently pitched like a #1 or #2.
But your argument in regards to his HR allowed is somewhat irrelevant. The reason Campillo didn’t give up as many homers as Vazquez is because he pitched 50 fewer innings. Vazquez gave up one homer every 8.32 innings pitched, while campillo gave up a tater every 8.77 innings pitched.
If the worst case scenario comes about, and we can’t get any of the top tier pitchers on the market, then I don’t see much of a reason to go after someone like Vazquez. But if we can get a Peavy/Burnett or somebody to rely on at the top, plus an addition to the middle of the lineup, then maybe we take a stab at him. At that point you could make an argument that we could be contenders.
By nolie
November 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
DOB
In the next to last episode of SOA when they kill Opie’s wife by mistake, the Dylan song May You Stay Forever Young* played in the backgroung a coupla times. My audio wasn’t the greatest. Do you know who sang that version?
By Mike S
November 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Count me in for fans of the Judgement Night soundtrack. Loved that Helmet/House of Pain song.
Jackets pulling out a great victory today. Too bad UVA couldn’t do the same against VT to send the Jackets to the ACC title game next weekend. Oh well. After not beating the Dawgs for 7 years straight, I’m happy enough with just that victory!
By dirtyfrank
November 29, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
So, the Peavster to the Cubs after all. The Orioles are the third team, and will probably send Olson for Pie which in turn gives the Cubbies Olson/Vitters/Marshall for Peeves. This thing is about to be over. Thank God. Boy what a great rotation the Cubs are going to have next year. WS in 09 BABY!!!
By nolie
November 29, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
I’m debating on a Blue Ray player for my wife (grin) for ChristmasHale
I take several of the Audio/Video Home Theater magazines and the reviews on the new Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-Ray player retail $ 299 has just received very good reviews including it’s up-conversion of standard DVDs through it’s HDMI port, which has often been disappointing on many earlier makes of players. You might wanna check it out
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 29, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Is this broken? It’s acting like it’s broken.
By Jake
November 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB or anyone who knows
I know this story is a couple days old but my internet has been down for a while. I want to know what you make of Pinella saying the Cubs no longer need Peavy but they should focus on bullpen help. I know the manager may feel that way but that doesn’t neccisarily mean that the organization feels that way. Especially now since the Padres are saying they have identified a possible third party for a trade and I read somewhere that that might be the Orioles who want Pie. Is the potential package that they might offer the Cubs better than what the Braves supposedly offered or do you feel the Padres are just posturing to see what the braves do?
By Jake
November 29, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB or anyone who knows
I know this story is a couple days old but my internet has been down for a while. I want to know what you make of Pinella saying the Cubs no longer need Peavy but they should focus on bullpen help. I know the manager may feel that way but that doesn’t neccisarily mean that the organization feels that way. Especially now since the Padres are saying they have identified a possible third party for a trade and I read somewhere that that might be the Orioles who want Pie. Is the potential package that they might offer the Cubs better than what the Braves supposedly offered or do you feel the Padres are just posturing to see what the braves do?
By Lew
November 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr-It’s a place called Big Fatty’s and is in Hartford, VT-right over by the NH line down by White River Junction. Apparently they have one in Burlington, too, though I’m not too sure where. The pulled pork with the Carolina style vinegar based sauce was great. The hush puppies were pretty good too.
Where are you in Vermont? We’re over in Randolph and my wife works at the Law School in Royalton. I met Buster Olney at Spring Training. He’s from Randolph Center.
By Salty Dawg
November 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
If it wasn’t mentioned yet, mlbtraderumors is reporting that the Orioles are the mystery participant in the threesome Towers has going with the cubs.
By Lew
November 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Tomas-Dude, I’m not too sure you really understand how much pitching costs or how rare pitchers are that log 200+ innings and 30+ starts continually over a ten year period . You say that you’ve seen Vasquez pitch. Well Dude, so have I. I live three hours from Montreal and I used to go up for Expos games on a regular basis. The guy has pitched for some really p!$$ poor teams, so his won loss record (as DOB has pointed out repeatedly to me and to others) is virtually meaningless.
His IP, His WHIP, his 3-1 K to BB rate is what you should be looking at along with an amazing track record of absolute consistency. That is what you get with him. Not Ace numbers. Not a sub 3.00 ERA, but loads of starts, loads of innings pitched and the ability to continually pitch 6 or more innings over an 11 year career with at least a league average ERA.
I mean it’s not like anyone’s claiming he’ll be a 17 game winner, but he ain’t LIvan Hernandez or Odalis Perez, either. $11.5 mil is a reasonable salary for his experience and his consistency. You’ll pay that much or more for Garland or Penney, whose numbers are not as good as Vasquez’s are.
Along with Burnett or Peavy he would be a good addition,. With Burnett/Peavy and Hudson back next year he would give us an amazingly good rotation without a huge commitment in years or salary, leaving us with options for the more near future. If you can pick him and Dye up as a package, you would likely be avle to get them and have the White Sox pick up some salary, seeing that they will be jettisoning a two year total of $46 mil between them, but let’s get real here-Vasquez is hardly as bad as you seem to think he is. He’s no Ace, but he’s damn sure as solid a pitcher as most who are available that are not named Peavy, Sabbathia, Burnett, Lowe or Petite
Wayne-It’s not a matter of either or. You may need Campillo and Vasquez before all is said and done-at least for 09. Besides-I know what to expect from Vasquez for that $11.5 mil. Are you sure what Jorge will give you for that $400K? Whose track record are you betting on?
By Lew
November 29, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Tomas-Actually Dude, I was aware of the HR (likely to be less in Atlanta with our stadium). I can read what is printed in Baseball Reference quite well, thank you.
By Bubdylan
November 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Nolie and Hale, try The Limey, too. Fits perfectly with these you mention. A strange little badass flick in sort of the the same mood as Red Rock West. Same director as Out of Sight. Terrance Stamp, Peter Fonda, and Luis Guzman.
By doc
November 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
great to see the classy man in black with a classy lady out and about at eddie’s attic. listened to a very fine songwriter and wordsmith in kate campbell. dont miss her if you ever get the chance.
also stunning movie out in the boy in striped pajamas.
saw kansas in front just didnt see the final score maybe that was also something for the mib to celebrate.
for the new year bring in peavy, let escobar go in the trade and sign renteria.
oh yeah ….. go bees.
By Steve from OH
November 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Great game on ABC right now (OU-OSU), 30-26 Oklahoma, 3rd quarter.
By Wendell Gee
November 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
We were at dinner with friends one night years ago and were discussing sexy people. I said something like, if I were a woman I think I would be attracted to swarthy guys and mentioned Clooney and Depp as examples. f.n.hale
Holy Crap!
By Wendell Gee
November 29, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
If Campillo’s going to be an effective starter in 2009 and beyond, he needs to show he can throw more than the 85-mph fastball and the change. *BravesFanInRockies *
Why? Jamie Moyer and Tom Glavine (for example) throw the same basic repertoire from the left side. They throw the occasional curve, and can’t break a window pane with the fastball. Campillo throws a decent curve, though location is a bit of an issue. That’s when he got hurt most. Bad location on the curve, and the second time around the league does make a difference. But, as all successful pitchers do, he has to make an adjustment, too, and locate better. I don’t think the first half was a fluke. I think he can do it.
By mitchie-san
November 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…Tech beat them Dawgs….life is good….
By uga-brave
November 30, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
well like i said,
willie martinez’s defense was exposed.
no excuse for it. martinez is simply overmatched.
he cant stay anymore, richt will circle the horses around him. try all you will CMR, but it is obvious.
this is about your responsibility to the university. richt has to make the tough call.
our defense gave up 35 plus points FIVE times this year.
our offense was as good or better then any team in the country. stacy searles did wonders with a beat up injured offensive line.
our defense is a absolute embrassment. willie martinez should be flogged.
coach richt will say this, or that.
at the end of the day he has to either demote or fire his best friend.
it wont happen though. willie will make excuses about how he does not have the talent on the defensive end thing.
if willie was a man he would fall on the sword and take the pressure off richt.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Anyone around?
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
Doc, great seeing you at Eddie’s Attic, and seeing our man Don P. on the bass. He can seriously play and sing. And Kate Campbell — wow. Terrific performance. Can’t believe I didn’t own any of her CDs. Bought one tonight, had to have that “Crazy in Alabama” song in my possession. She puts on a hell of a show.
By Deep Throat
November 30, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Campillo was obviously on the down-trend towards the end of last season. I got a bad feeling about him in 2009.
Burnett is not a replacement or substitute for Peavy or a true ace. Burnett is not a #1, even in the eternal optimism fantasy land in which many fans live. Saying “oh Peavy or Burnett, either is just as good” is simply not true.
Burnett/Jurrjens/Campillo/Hanson/whatever, assuming the Braves were to even get Burnett and even if they add dredge in addition to possibly (though in no way certain) like Wolf or Oliver Perez seems like a fourth-place rotation to me.
In conclusion: for the love of God do I hope this Orioles third team stuff is a lie leaked by the Padres’ camp and that Lou Pinella was right that the Cubs were done with Peavy and that they don’t need any more starters. The Braves need Peavy. I hope next week for a story somewhere that the Braves are back in the hunt.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
The more this drags on….the more I hope we don’t get Peavy. Screw Towers. I hope Wren stands his ground and proves that he’s NOT going to be taken advantage of.
By Hammy the Brave
November 30, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Have you asked FW about the Braves actively using the Rule 5 draft this year, to add depth to their team? In the past, I believe they’ve turned their noses up at this prospect, thinking it’s not a good method to acquire talent. But at this point, I consider the Braves to be rebuilding, and they should try every avenue, to acquire talent.
I believe they should look into Donald Veal-Cubs, David Welch-Brewers, and Brad Kilby-A’s, as lefty pitchers. Then they can look at Bobby Wilson-Angels, and Anthony Recker-A’s as backup catchers.
Thanks for your reply Hammy the BraveBy f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
wendell gee Holy Crap! - Dude, just trying to see the world thru the eyes of others, though maybe not all that successfully. In the immortal words of Eric Burden, “Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood”.
While things are at a snail’s pace here I thought I would mention a few things I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend: 1. first and foremost that my wife isn’t into swarthy men. 2. the holy trinity of Macon, Memphis and Muscle Shoals where so much great music was introduced to me. 3. for artists that “speak” to me. My world would be much less meaningful without the likes of Hendrix, Duane Allman, Frank Zappa, John Prine, Steve Earle, Otis, Aretha and Townes Van Zandt, to mention just a few. 4. for people, like Knowshon Moreno that do their job with a smile on their face. 5. that my daughter is one semester away from graduating from GA Southern. 6. for catchers, songwriters, bass players, and the other unsung heroes, that toil in obscurity filling in the blanks for the rest of us. 7. that my business is surviving (so far) thru these tough times. 8. that my mortgage is up to date. 9. for Al Gore’s invention of the internet. 10. for this blog, where I mostly lurk and learn about my favorite team, and sometimes about how little I really know about stuff.
By doc
November 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
yeah dave, quite a song by a very prolific artist, poet, storyteller, songwriter. such a marvelous poignant way with words and really great sense of humor without the cynicism with the likes of her story about the immaculate confection and starbuck’s coming to tennessee. cant wait to see her again. in the meantime feel my kids are going to get quite a collection of songs so i can add them to my i tunes selections.
would have liked to chat a bit about the concert but it was quite a press at the end and you seemed to be well occupied. dont miss striped pajamas, well done film.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
fn hale-Never thought I’d hear Eric Burden quoted on this blog. Saw the Dude with War back in the Spill The Wine days. He wasn’t that good, but War cooked.
I spent quite some time in Macon where I graduated from Mercer (back in the Roots days of Southern Rock). Not too sure there’s anything Holy about that town. It’s more like a Metaphysical Obstacle course-a training ground for weirdness and breathing toxic fumes (3 pulp mills when we were there). Ask Carroll Rogers about covering the Go Cart races down Eisenhower Pkwy. in July sometime.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
One more thing about Macon. Has anyone noticed that the Braves have not made the playoffs since moving their Minor League operations from Macon? No one is paying true minor league dues anymore. Macon built character (and did little for the careers of many middle infielders with that terrible infield).
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Lew I guess my dark side is showing. I was listening to the Animals when all my friends were Beatles fans. I liked the Beatles o.k. but they just didn’t “speak” to me like some others.
We meet our daughter in Macon sometimes and, yeah it’s just a place, but the music that came out of Capricorn and from Otis have a special place in my heart. Hey, I think you missed it the other day, but you mentioned Tinsley Ellis in one of your posts. Said he played sax with someone. Didn’t he play guitar in the 70’s with an Atlanta group, Eric Quincy Tate, or is my early dementia showing?
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
My world would be much less meaningful without the likes of Hendrix, Duane Allman, Frank Zappa, John Prine, Steve Earle, Otis, Aretha and Townes Van Zandt, to mention just a few….f.n.hale
You mentioned a few who rank near the top of my list, too, Hale. Any man who’s a fan of Townes, Earle and Prine almost has to be a good dude (not to mention Hendrix, Otis, Duane, and Aretha — how can even a casual listener who’s heard them not be a fan of those four?)
(But still having a tough time with you and “swarthy” … oh, nevermind.)
By the way, Prine guests on the recently released CD by the singer-songwriter whose show Doc and I were both at last night, Kate Campbell. And she’s opened for him on tour.
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Hammy the Brave: While there are obviously some huge exceptions (Johan Santana comes to mind), the Rule 5 draft generally includes a lot of marginal talent that is unlikely to have any impact on a major league team in the near future.
That’s particularly so with the revampled Rule 5 draft, since teams now have an additional year to evaluate players before they must be protected.
There are very, very few future major league players who come out of the minor-league phases of the Rule 5 draft — that draft exisits mainly for teams to be able to pick guys to fill out their minor league rosters.
And if you select a player in the major league phase, you have to keep that player on your big-league team all year or offer him back to the club you took him from at half the $50,000 claiming price you originall paid. You can’t just option the guy to the minors.
For that reason, it’s usually hard to find a Rule 5 player worth taking that gamble on, worth committing a major league roster spot all season.
That said, I’m sure Wren and his many assistants and scouts are going to be ready if a player is available who can help them.
By THE BEAR
November 30, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
DOB, speaking of music have you heard that 15 year old kid who sounds EXACTLY like Johnnie Cash? I thought it was a sound track playing in the background but learned he is for real. He has appeared on Good Morning America and on the Ellen Degeneras shows and he is (to put it plainly) terrific. His name is Vince Mira.
Here’s the link if you are interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB6xEXLunaU&feature=related
By Lew
November 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
fn hale-You missed my response, Dude. I was at Mercer during the hey day of Southern Rock and saw Eric Quincy Tate numerous times along with Wet Willie, Allmans with and without Duane, Grinder Switch, Marshall Tucker, Goose Creek Symphony and most of the rest-remember White Witch?
What I said about Tinsley was that I had a friend (also from Macon) who has played sax with Tinsley’s band in Central Florida (haven’t talked to him since I’ve been in snow country, though). Met Tinsley backstage at a BB King show in St. Pete. You just misunderstood me. Tinsley didn’t play sax, my buddy David Fortner did on a couple of Tinsley’s albums. I’ve known David since around ‘72 or so and we keep ending up in the same town-Macon, Athens and St. Pete..
By Salty Dawg
November 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Deep Throat Campillo was obviously on the down-trend towards the end of last season. I got a bad feeling about him in 2009.
Good Lord. It was Campillo’s first full major league season. Of course he was on the down-trend towards the end.
2006: 2.1 innings pitched at major league level, 0 starts 2007: 13.1 innings pitched at major league level, 0 starts 2008: 158.2 innings pitched at the major league level, 25 starts AND 14 appearances out of the bullpen.
Before August he had 3 outings where he gave up more than 3 runs and only 5 where he gave up more than 2 runs. Clearly fatigue set in towards the end of the season. Give the guy a little time to adjust before passing judgement.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
DOB-One of our two Indie Music stores up here is closing next month and I’ve been trying to take advantage of some of the sale Cd’s. Picked up a Tony Joe White greatest hits compilation yesterday. Realized that Polk Salad Annie was my introduction to Southern Music around ‘68. I’ve always had a soft spot for that song. Chomp Chomp. I don’t think he gets the press as one of the major founding influences of that genre, but I think he’s almost as influential as JJ Cale. Great songwriter with a unique voice. Love Tony Joe’s Heroines cd and recommend it for all who like Lucinda, EmmyLou, Jessie Colter and several other Dynamic Women vocalists. I know you will second that endorsement.
I suppose the Cosmic balance is still in force-Lose a Record Store, gain a BBQ joint. You’d have loved the Carolina BBQ I had yesterday. In Vermont, no less.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Ted Turner is on “Meet the Press”. Maybe he’ll announce that he wants to buy the Braves? Haha. Probably not….but you never know with Ted.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Lew are you a Braves fan in Vermont, too??? I thought I was the only one.
By Tomas
November 30, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Lew
I agree with you in the fact that Jon Garland sucks and is over paid, Brad Penny will not earn that money, because he just passed an injury plagued season, he is better than Vazques, but there is no way I’d risk gambling on him after this season. I’d prefer to trade for Vazques than to sign either one of those two. But there are other options for a #4-5 starter that would come cheaper, Paul Byrd, Branden Looper, Randy Wolf. All of those pitchers would earn less than 11.5 million.
I think Vazques would be perfect, but if the white sox pay at least 4 million. And you’re right the reason he has a losing record was because he has played for some pretty bad teams, but like I said I really don’t care much about his win-loss record if his ERA is low. And his HR allowes would be lower in the NL, because theirs no DH.
Also it all depends on what the White Sox want in return. If they were to agree to Jo-jo Reyes, Blaine Boyer, Brandon Jones, and Gregor Blanco for Jermaine Dye, Javier Vazques, and cash(like 7 million). If they were to agree to that which I doubt it, then I would be happy to get Vazques.
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Lew, my bad on Tinsley. I used to see those same groups at the old Sports Arena and Piedmont Park. Allmans were kind of a cult band around town for years until the Filmore East album and Layla came out and they were “discovered”. I hadn’t thought about Wet Willie in years but those guys played some really good blues with the great harmonica from Jimmy Hall.
DOB, Otis and Aretha were on my list of those who smile thru it all, and even Townes with all his troubles could see the good side of life. Folks like that are truly an inspiration.
By Mikey
November 30, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Scott Wuerz from the Bellville News Democrat says that the Reds could be the 3rd team involved in Peavy talks. He mentions the Baltimore possibility as well.
“Rumors out of Chicago indicate that the Reds may be the third team in to help facilitate the trade of Jake Peavy to the Cubs.”
http://bellevillenewsdemocrat.typepad.com/viewfromthecheapseats/2008/11/walt-jocketty-could-be-a-thorn-in-the-cardinals-side-ii.html
By Roman Gal
November 30, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
One more thing about Macon. Has anyone noticed that the Braves have not made the playoffs since moving their Minor League operations from Macon? No one is paying true minor league dues anymore. Macon built character (and did little for the careers of many middle infielders with that terrible infield). Lew
Don’t be dissin’ Rome now, Lew or I might have to send some of our ninja deer up to Vermont to turn all that pretty white snow yellow. They’ll teach you some character alright. ;-)
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Roman Gal
In my part of Vermont, we don’t even HAVE snow yet :-) (Thank GOD!)
By Lew
November 30, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Tomas-The big difference between Vasquez (and don’t think he’s really my first choice here) and the others you mentioned is that none of them have his track record of innings pitched and games started. Vasquez is a horse and none of the others is (ten years of all those starts and innings is somewhat rare). As to his ERA, did you see his game logs? His ERA was only about 4.13 before the final three games of the season. The final total is a bit skewed because of those games. He should also, like I said, be more effective in Atlanta and benefit himself with that deep, right field power alley.
Like I said, I’m just looking for dependable starts and innings-which is what you get from Vasquez-something sadly lacking the past couple years after you got past Smoltz (before 08) and Hudson-you know exactly what to expect from him. I’d rather have say Burnett and Petite, but I’m far from certain either one of them will be wearing a Tomahawk next season.
If such is the case, I wouldn’t mind seeing Wren do a deal for Javier and Dye (though I’m not sold on Dye being the answer, either). I also agree that considering the White Sox will be giving up all that salary and the Braves damn little in a trade for those two, the CWS should eat considerably salary.
fn hale- While I was living in Atlanta from 70-71, I was lucky enough to see the second of the Allman’s legendary Piedmont Park shows. It was immediately after they had released Idlewild South. The performed all of both their first two albums and played for around 3 1/2 hours. Duane never took the slide off his finger the whole time-best slide performance I ever saw and had it been recorded, would definitely have rivaled the Fillmore sessions.
Was also lucky enough to see the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium show where they debuted Hotlanta. Oh! The History!!!
By Lew
November 30, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Roman Gal-No argument from me on which location is nicer. Just sayin, though-strange about the lack of success since they left the obstacle cour…excuse me-Luther Williams Field.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
As to the Ninja deer-they are no challenge for Ninja Moose.
By rainman
November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
dob dont forget uggla, hamelton, and roberto clemente. this year will be worse than ever with the league now allowing an extra year.
By rainman
November 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
dob dont forget uggla, hamelton, and roberto clemente. this year will be worse than ever with the league now allowing an extra year.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr-Apparently you’re from the southern part of the state, then. The central and North have snow. More is due tonight-another 3-6 inches.
By Mike
November 30, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Just thinking out loud:
If most agreed that Peavy for Escobar, Gorkys, Morton, & Boyer was good enough to go for it, and its true that it was the addition of another player like Locke that frustrated the Braves and made us pull out, then if we dont get Peavy (and its starting to feel that way), are we going to regret it when Peavy continues to pitch as he has most of his career and we are left with some 2nd teir pitcher. I mean is not giving in on 1 more prospect that not on of our untouchables to get Peavy going to be something we look back on and say, crap, we should have just gotten it done? I hope not, but my gut teels me otherwise.
By ncgary
November 30, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
if burnett did accept braves offer then toronto is gonna do 1 of 2 things either try and replace him or sell off halladay and start a rebuilding project, whats he signed for ? 2 more years with an option maybe?personally id take the chance on sheets at 3 years and 33 million or if hed bite maybe even 2 for 25. sheets when healthy is probably a lttle more dominant than hudson. if he stays healthy , he is ace caliber.
halladay would be the coup deal of the year. what would it take to get him?morton reyes and medlin? 3 prime time ready 2009 rookie of the year candidates?
halladay sheets and burnett might put you over budget, but youd have a playoff ready staff if ya made it
find a platoon for diaz maybe norton? or go get dye and move francouer to left or dye. just my 2 cents duh
By Deep Throat
November 30, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Good Lord. It was Campillo’s first full major league season. Of course he was on the down-trend towards the end.
You say that like he was some young rookie (though he was technically a rookie I believe.) Campillo is over 30 and was a rookie in 2008 for a reason. The odds that Campillo pitches like anything more than a back-of-the-rotation starter in 2009 and beyond are very slim in my opinion.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Lew Actually I’m on the border of NH. About a half hour East of Montpelier.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 30, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
mitchie-san Ahhhh…Tech beat them Dawgs….life is good…..
Yep! Part of what made so special for me was that yesterday was Grandma’s (my Dad’s Mom’s) B-Day. She passed away last year, and was a big Tech fan, too.
By mitchie-san
November 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
McFann, I am sure she is smiling up there too….
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Mike: Your 12:15 p.m. brings up a good point, and I think you’re right, could well be something Braves regret if we find out that was indeed the only thing that stood between them and a deal.
By Andy K.
November 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
DOB: You’ve long been confident that the Peavy to Braves deal will eventually get done, saying it’ll just take some time. Do you still think Peavy will end up here?
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
mitchie-san—
Oh yeah! : )
By Yars
November 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Wren should go for broke & sign Burnett. Reading what Chipper said not too long ago while driving to his ranch in TX, Burnett could dominate in the NL again. I think it was braves.com where I read that, & yes I’m paraphrasing. We need to put an end to these middle of the pack type 3rd place finishes. The NL East will again be a tough division in ‘09. As I see it, Peavy is still a Padre. I don’t believe all the hoopla when I read that a dozen teams are still in the mix for Peavy. The right deal will land us Peavy. Sure, we may have to give up an Escobar & some prospects. Do you think the Padres will take a few minor league journeyman for Peavy? Don’t be ridiculous. I guess I’m one of the few on here that isn’t all high & mighty with Escobar. Sure, he’s a great player & could turn into a potential all star, but right now, our weakness is starting pitching. Looks like the A’s, Giants, or some other team is gonna sign Furcal. I would love to see Furcal in a Braves uniform again, just don’t see it happening. Hell, what do I know? I’m just some guy who loves the Braves & comes on this blog in my spare time to get insight on what other Braves baseball fanatics are thinking. I also love the fact that DOB chimes in. Gives us the latest baseball scoop, along with music & food news. All that being said, I will not put up with another 3rd place finish. Let’s shake things up. Signing players & trading for players is always taking a gamble. now playing: twentieth century fox by the Doors.
By travis
November 30, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Lets back up about 2 weeks and look at how suddenly talks with the Padres evaporated. With free agency looming and the availablility of so few front end pitchers, the friars and their GM had very little to lose by waiting for an offer that was acceptable to PEAVY not Towers. If you had a choice between Atlanta an Chicago from “a desire to win and spend the money to do it” stand point, where would you want to play? Since Ted Turner left, the payroll hasn’t been there and the days of signing big name players like Sheff and Drew no matter what it costs are gone. Wake up Atlanta…we could have had this all done but Peavy wants to play in Chicago.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Mike
You bring up a valid point, but I think the Braves had to draw the line somewhere, ya know? Who knows, maybe Towers wanted Flowers to replace Gorkys Hernandez, AND include Locke. That is far too much to give up.
And yes, it is starting to feel like we aren’t going to get him. It’s not a good feeling, based on the fact that we may not get Burnett either. Braves aren’t going to sign Derek Lowe, I don’t think they have a chance. I have changed my mind over the last few weeks, I’d rather have Peavy over Burnett, even if it means giving up Yunel. I’m just a little suprised that we haven’t heard anything about Wren and Towers engaging in talks again.
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Mike re: your 12:15, I think you have to have some kind of value system regarding all players if you’re going to make any trade. Let’s say, for the sake of argument that Wren rates Peavy as a 25. If he values Escobar at a 10, Gorkys at a 7, Morton at a 6 and Boyer at a 2 then you have your 25 there. If you don’t have some system for valuing players how could you begin discussions. Wren’s goal would be to try to get a 25 for less and Towers goal obviously to get more. Thing is though, they may be playing chicken or they may truly value their assets differently.
By Yars
November 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Efrim…….but wouldn’t you say that players such as Flowers & Gorkys Hernandez are blocked in Atlanta? McCann is going to be our catcher for years to come, & Schafer is higher on the depth chart than Hernandez. Hell, Schafer may be our CF in ‘09, at some point. now playing: down in it by nine inch nails.
By Travis
November 30, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
The no trade clause that Peavy has…is it different than a player with 10 and 5 like Andrew had? I mean once a player has waived his clause and goes to another team he loses his 5 right? So peavy has a no trade that carries the length of his contract and the player always has control of his destination. So I guess his destination is what he wants or he won’t leave San Diego.
By Random
November 30, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Yars: “As I see it, Peavy is still a Padre. I don’t believe all the hoopla when I read that a dozen teams are still in the mix for Peavy.”
Actually, there’re only 2 or 3 teams “in the mix” (Braves, Cubs and (maybe) Dodgers), with 2 other teams with their noses pressed to the window, wishing they were “in the mix” (Angels, Yankees).
“The right deal will land us Peavy. Sure, we may have to give up an Escobar & some prospects. Do you think the Padres will take a few minor league journeyman for Peavy? Don’t be ridiculous. I guess I’m one of the few on here that isn’t all high & mighty with Escobar. Sure, he’s a great player & could turn into a potential all star, but right now, our weakness is starting pitching.”
I think most here are more than willing to lose Escobar in a trade for Peavy (or other ace), or have at least reconciled themselves to the possibiliy.
By TennesseePaul
November 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
What I don’t get is why the Padres weren’t interested in bringing in a third team for the Braves. If the hang up truly was that the Padres didn’t think they were getting enough talent in return for Peavy, why weren’t they seeking a third team to work with the Braves? They obviously think the Cubs can’t return enough talent to get the deal done, and thus require a third team. So why the double standard? Is it because Wren doesn’t want to do a three team deal? For some reason I doubt it. This is why I’m sceptical about these three team reports for the Cubs. But we’ll see. I still would rather have no Peavy than to over pay for Peavy.
Wren had a plan, or least I hope he had a plan, prior to the knowledge that Peavy was available. Hopefully he can fulfill that plan. And hopefully that plan wasn’t filled with the Ryan Dempsters of the world. If so, I’d consider his off-season moves a failure.
By Yars
November 30, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
random……if you read through the last 4 or 5 blogs that DOB has had, you will see that a lot of people can’t believe that we are willing to let go of Escobar. In order to get a Peavy like type player, we would have to give up an Escobar. Seems to me the Padres have their eye on Escobar, as opposed to a Kelly Johnson, whom I hope we keep. Speaking of KJ, I am not a fan of those KJ to the Cardinals for Ludwick rumors. It’s obvious the Cards don’t think Ludwick is gonna have a repeat of ‘08 season. We can say what we want to about KJ, but I still think he’s going to develop into a .290/20/80 type hitter. Hell, we can moan all we want to about his defense, but I still say he’s worth keeping around. His defense aint all that bad, as some on here have suggested. now playing: pork & beans by weezer.
By Wendell Gee
November 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
f.n.hale,
understood. I was just ribbin’ ya.
And I’m all for your top 10, although I’ve got 2 grade schoolers to be thankful for, as well as a one-man business I’m trying to keep afloat. Good list.
By N8
November 30, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Mike (and DOB)
Your point is a good one (about possibly regretting not giving up Locke - or another prospect).
But the flipside to all of this, is that what if Morton turns out to be a damn good middle of the rotation guy (when - if- he ever gains the confidence that DOB thinks he lacks), and along with Hanson and JJJ leads the rotation (add in Hudson in 2010), for years to come? To boot, for the time being, we STILL have Escobar.
The only people really bumbed about us NOT getting Peavy (if we don’t get him), appear to be the people that are insisting we will contend THIS YEAR.
Surely Peavy could be the Ace of a rebuilt Braves team for the next 4 years or so, but there will be other Aces to be had in the next 12 months, IMO. Who knows? After this season, maybe we look back and are glad that Escobar is still here.
By JC from UT
November 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Is there any chanc eMinnesota could be interseted in Escobar? Could we get back either Scott baker or Nick Blackburn along with Delmon Young? Another young pitcher they hve is Glen Perkins. Does anyone think there could be a match with Escobar as the centerpiece with perhaps a lesser prospect?
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
wendell gee no problem man, believe me I’ve taken a lot of ribbing over that comment for the last several years.
N8 I just looked at Morton’s numbers for his first year versus those of Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux and they really are comparable. Not saying he’ll be what any of those guys were, but I don’t think we can reasonably project him as a failure based on his first partial year, which is what some seem to be doing.
By Mike
November 30, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
N8,
I agree…ots all a crap shoot. Morton could continue to struggle a but and never be better than a 3/4 guy. I do believe as do the Braves that we need to do what we can (within reason of course) to compete. The Braves have had declining ticket sales and holding off this year because you dont think you can compete, waiting for young guys that may or may not contribute will only lower ticket sales even more, make us less attractive to free agents next year, and maybe even lower payroll next year.
f.n. hale,
By Mikey
November 30, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I’ve noticed that there seems to be little interest in Ben Sheets around the league. I know its still early in the offseason, and interest will likely increase at the meetings, but if this continues then his price tag should lower w/time Perhaps if Hampton goes elsewhere we could take a shot on Sheets for a somewhat reasonable salary.
If he stays healthy, then maybe he could be the ace that everyone has always expected him to be. Then we have our ace. But if he doesnt perform that well, then at least we won’t have spent much money on him. Or if he has done well and we’re not in contention, then his value will have gone up and maybe swing a trade for young talent at the deadline.
Just kinda thinkin out loud here, but might be worth the risk. Again, only if there continues to be a lack of interest, lowering his price tag. And also as long as we dont sign Hampton. I dont know how I’d feel if we had Hampton AND Sheets.
By Mike
November 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
f.n. hale:
I see what you mean about the point system, and I agree that a GM has to draw a line, but I dont think its that simple. When you have some depth in your farm system as we do, you have to make a gamble every now an again and overpay, or in this case over trade, for a GOOD player you will have for years to come. I dont agree with giving up the farm for a short fix (or no fix) as was done with Tex deal(though I was excited at the time) but in this case I truly beleive that esspecially looking at whats out there as far as pitchers is concerned, aside from CC (which we know wont happen) Peavy is the best option. And I think if it is truly a difference between 1 extra mid tier prospect and getting the deal done, you bite the bullet and do it.
I respect the opinions of those that feel we should hold on to our young guys and let things play out, but you are asking alot of a finicky town like Atlanta to stick around and continue to comes to games (even with the economy the way it is) and keep saying wait till next year when so and so is ready and comes up. The Braves just arent that type of organization any more.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Kiss Jermaine Dye good bye if the White Sox don’t bring their demands down. They want more than Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine. Or more from the Reds than Homer Bailey. Yikes folks.
Yars
Efrim…….but wouldn’t you say that players such as Flowers & Gorkys Hernandez are blocked in Atlanta? McCann is going to be our catcher for years to come, & Schafer is higher on the depth chart than Hernandez. Hell, Schafer may be our CF in ‘09, at some point.
I think the Braves should hold onto Flowers. His value will only increase as time goes on.
Padres fans don’t understand that Yunel Escobar is in this Peavy proposal. I mean, he is comparable to TWO top ten prospects. So the addition of Flowers is not needed. Heck, the addition of Locke isn’t either. Although it looks like that may be the only way a deal ends up getting done.
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
After this season, maybe we look back and are glad that Escobar is still here.N8
You’re assuming he will be here if he’s not traded for Peavy. I’m not so sure that’s the case, though I don’t know if they’re talking to any other teams right now about deals that involve Yunel.
I just wouldn’t be surprised if one of the middle infielders is traded in order to fill one of the priority needs the Braves have identified.
Remember, Braves officials, whether you or others believe it’s possible or not, are making moves with every intention of competing in 2009.
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Mikey, it’ll certainly be interesting to see what happens with Sheets once the other pitching dominoes start to fall. Most of us who cover this stuff have conceded we really don’t know what to expect in terms of a market for Sheets, given his undisputed talent but also his track record for assorted injuries.
The lack of bonafide aces available and the high number of teams with money that are looking for starting pitching could translate to a bigger contract than most folks believe Sheets is probably worth, given his spotty health record.
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
mike I think within your valuation of all these guys you factor in everything from your possible need for them, their dollar cost, when they will contribute to the major league team (and how much), demand for the position they play, and their ability to put butts in seats. Obviously a shortstop has potential to put more butts in seats, but you still need a backup catcher. If you take the names out of it, these guys are assets and to be successful you have to be good at valuing yours and other’s assets. I have no idea how to put a value on fan draw and haven’t seen most of the prospects play, but Wren knows all this (hopefully). He may not be putting the right value on players or he may be guessing wrong. The best GM’s are going to be right more than they are wrong, but they won’t be right every time. I still their is a reasonable chance these guys are staring each other down to see who will blink and I hope that’s the case, but they also may have moved on.
By Marc
November 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Just thinking of possible steals (though steal potential comes at a risk). Would any of these guys be touchable this offseason?
Felix Hernandez Aaron Cook Jarrod Washburn Jeremy Guthrie Bronson Arroyo Edwin Jackson Aaron Harang (coming off a bad season but I like him next year)
Think any of these guys could be gotten for cheap?
By JasonInFL (formerly ME)
November 30, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, I agree with you…what’s up with the double standards? It just seems a little suspicious to me that Towers has been concentrating solely on the Cubbies…
By Lew
November 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
EBravesluvr-Sounds like you’re around St. Johnsbury? No snow over there? I’m surprised. We’ve already had about 8-10 inches over here in Randolph.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I’m okay with trading Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson for Jake Peavy or Matt Cain(not available) or Zach Grienke(not available). But I see no reason why the Braves would trade one of them for a corner OF. That is a position/need you can fill without having to trade a piece like Yunel or Kelly. Frontline starting pitching? Sure. Corner bats? No.
But like DOB said, Braves want to win now. Is Cox going to even be here when Heyward and Freeman get to the majors? I’m guessing no, considering they probably won’t be here until 2011.
By Random
November 30, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Travis—
Peavy’s accepting a trade would not cause him to lose his no trade clause.
Peavy’s no trade clause in his current contract is already scheduled to be phased out — he’ll have full no-trade powers thru 2010, and limited no-trade powers in 2011; and then none in the last year (2012) (or, presumably, in the option year — don’t really know).
That was no big deal if he stayed with the Padres, because by then he’d meet the 10 & 5 criteria.
If traded, the contract would remain the same, unless renegotiated. So he would still lose his phased out no trade clause, and it would not be replaced by the 10 & 5.
That’s why it’s being speculated that one of his conditions for accepting a trade is a “refreshening” of the no trade clause via renegotiation of the contract.
By BravesFanInRockies
November 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Wendell Gee (from last night),
You’re right that Jamie Moyer and Tom Glavine get away with the same repertoire Campillo uses. Then you ask why he couldn’t do the same. I can’t explain it, but lefties seem to be able to get people out with a mid-80s fastball and a curve or change and righties can’t. Maybe it’s because hitters see fewer left-handed pitchers so junkballing southpaws can survive in a way that junkballing righties cannot.
Maddux in his prime threw four pitches, including a slider, and while he rarely threw harder than 86-88, his pitches moved and he had that pinpoint control. Notice however that he now throws in the 82-84 range and he gets smacked around with some regularity.
As for the workload taking a toll on Campillo, well, maybe. But he made 22 starts in the minors in 2007, and pitched 160+ innings between AAA and Seattle, so I’m not sure fatigue was the reason he wasn’t as consistently effective late in 2008.
Love to see him baffle hitters in the rotation in 2009 and beyond. But I think he needs a larger array of pitches to make that happen.
By N8
November 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
You’re assuming he will be here if he’s not traded for Peavy.DOB
Totally aware of that possibility. But the odds are, that if Escobar is traded for anybody NOT named Jake Peavy (or Halliday), the Braves aren’t giving up 4 other prospects in the same deal.
Say for instance, if they trade Escobar or KJ straight up for a power hitting LF.
Remember, Braves officials, whether you or others believe it’s possible or not, are making moves with every intention of competing in 2009.DOB
That’s just fine. I’m not in denial of what they are TRYING to do. But correct me if I’m wrong, wasn’t JS and Wren trying to do the same thing the past three years?
Besides, all I was really trying to point out was that their is two possibilities when talking about future “regrets”.
One side in which we regret NOT trading for Peavy. And one where we regret trading the guys that we gave up to trade for Peavy.
The bottom line, is that even when a trade does what it is supposed to do for a team, and is successful, there can STILL be regret. Take the 87 Tigers for instance. The got EXACTLY what they wanted out of the Doyle for Smoltz trade.
But don’t you think they’d like to have had Smoltz for 20 years? Same with the JD Drew trade. JD was a very important piece of the puzzle that season for the Braves. After all, keeping the “streak” alive, was what was at stake (only a bit of sarcasm there). But ask any Braves fan if they would have rather had the streak end that season and kept Wainright in the mix for 4 or 5 seasons.
Giving up 4 prospects AND Escobar, has the makings of a trade that has more chance of failing (at the ultimate goal), than succeeding, IMO.
No doubt would Peavy be a GREAT addition to any ball club. But the subtraction of the other guys (including Escobar) from the system, might set the team back more than it steps it UP.
After all, we had 3 HOF pitchers in our rotation for the better part of a decade, and only won one WS. Is Jake Peavy really THAT GOOD to do it all by himself?
That’s not even beginning to jump into the conversation of what happens to the team if he goes down with an injury.
Long point short…. I think Wren’s offer (if his offer is what was reported), was fair enough. No need to start adding prospects to it.
but you are asking alot of a finicky town like Atlanta to stick around and continue to comes to games (even with the economy the way it is) and keep saying wait till next year when so and so is ready and comes up.
A) I’m not asking the town of Atlanta to do anything. You’re talking about a town that pizzed and moaned and didn’t show up for game one of many playoff games in recent memory.
B) What do you mean by “keep saying wait till next year…” ??? The Braves have NEVER stated “wait till next year”, and haven’t actually acknowledged that they were/are rebuilding until after the fact.
If Wren came out and said that the Braves were going to hang on to ALL of their prospects and grind out this season, (officially calling it a rebuild), I’d have more respect for him, than trying to sell the fans chocolate covered sh!t, claiming it was/is a winning product.
It takes more ballz to commit to youth, than to “go for it”.
As far as ticket sales? How about lower them?
I’ve said it 1000 times. I’m not looking for the Braves to be young for the sake of being young. I want them to be young and GOOD. Build this team the way JS built it in 1990 and afterward.
That 91 team was NOT built by overspending on the free agent market and trading multiple top prospects for expensive free agents.
The last three years have not been quite as bad as the late 80’s were (in terms of losses per season), but the baseball has often been as ugly as that was.
Anyhow, didn’t mean to “rant” today.
Sorry.
By Bubdylan
November 30, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
In regards to my remark about Deep throat and Salty Woody….maybe I’ll change my name to Gargle, spit and swallow :/………OR NOT. Ebravesluvr
So, you’re gonna work this shtick on two boards now?
By Mike
November 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
N8,
I never meant to insinuate that you or anyone else said we should throw away the season to rebuild. I was simply pointing out that the Braves organization has now moved into the big boys club, and with it comes the need to take calculated risks to compete every year. I truly beleive that the Braves feel (as do i) that with the right moves, we can compete next year. And I feel that giving that 1 extra mid teir prospect to get Peavy is one of the moves that you need to risk it and make to take one of the steps toward competeing next year.
By nolie
November 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Padres fans don’t understand that Yunel Escobar is in this Peavy proposal. I mean, he is comparable to TWO top ten prospects Efrim
It really doesn’t have much anything to do with Padres fans, or Escobar. Towers wants more quality pitching back than he feels he is getting from Atlanta in Morton/Reyes and Boyer, and I do not blame him.He is giving up an ace and wants someone back who he thinks will at least be an assured top of the rotation starter to replace him. Looks like he is not that confident in Morton or JoJo and i can’t blame him. Morton may develop into a #2 or #3, but there is almost no reason for Towers to feel secure about that happening. He mostly wants more pitching that he feels better about. Wren should include Locke. The odds are 60% that he never makes the bigs other than for a cup of coffee, 80% that he never becomes a regular contributor of any importance and 96% that he never becomes another Peavy. Meanwhile we have accrued the value of having Peavy for the 3 years or so that it takes Locke to do whatever he will do. Which in itself is a lot of value. I would immediately do Escobar, Hernandez, Morton/Reyes, Butler and Locke. Preferring that the Pads choose Reyes over Morton.
By Roman Gal
November 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr We’re supposed to get snow here tonight. I doubt it’ll happen, though. I guess ya’ll would rather wait for the snow to come, whereas most folks here see it as an opportunity to skip school/work. Nevertheless, by the time the deer make it up there, I’m sure it will have snowed.
Lew Our ninja-deer are college trained. They can take cars at full speed…plus I’m pretty sure they’re immortal.
By f.n. hale
November 30, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
N8 “chocolate covered sh!t”? Great line!
I’m with you, though. Let’s say we get Peavy with the pieces advertised, sign Burnett and get Dunn or something comparable for LF. We bring a rotation of Peavy, Burnett, JJ, and some combination of Hampton/Reyes/Campillo/James or comparable. Not bad. Bullpens can be built and we’d have potential for a pretty good one. We could feel good about catcher, 3rd (assuming health) and ???. Kotchman looks like a good bet at 1st and I like KJ but he has question marks, doesn’t he? We then have serious question marks at short, center and right. I don’t think this scenario is better than the Phillies, unless Schaefer is all that and Frenchy is way better than last year, so in my mind we’re playing for the wildcard. And this is all dependent on Peavy and Burnett being healthy and JJ not taking a step back, we sign Hampton and Reyes gets his act together. Plus you’ve committed way too much of your budget to 3 positions for several years. Not saying there aren’t risks either way, but too many questions and not enough answers in my book.
By N8
November 30, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Mike
Like I said, I wasn’t trying to rant.
I think it’s fine if you think that Wren can build the team to contend next year.
I have my doubts (too many holes, IMO - especially if Escobar is dealt to fill one of the holes). But that doesn’t mean, he shouldn’t try to do it. I just wouldn’t sell the farm.
I guess the part that I’m forgetting to address, is that if Escobar (and a slew of prospects) are dealt for Peavy, maybe Wren has 2010 more in mind (when Hudson returns and the prime prospects - Schafer, Heyward and Hanson - are not only up, but ready to contribute consistently).
All while the same time, giving the team a better chance to succeed in 2009 and giving the impression to the fans that he is trying his hardest to put a winning team on the field.
But, I’ll restate what I said before. The only time that JS traded prospects for proven (expensive) veterans, was when we were a player or two away from making a SERIOUS run at the WS (IE: McGriff, Grissom, Neagle, JD Drew, Sheffield).
JS never attempted to build the foundation for the future, with a big trade. Maybe Wren has a different “plan” or a way of doing things. But last I remembered, his tenure didn’t go so well in Baltimore.
We finished 20 games out of first place last year. I don’t care what anybody says, but Peavy is NOT making up that difference by himself. Especially if Escobar is going the other way.
That’s why I think signing Burnett (or a 2nd tier starter), is the wiser choice for competing NOW. We’d be adding to the foundation that is already there. Not taking one step back to take two forward, which a trade does. Free agents only cost money (and maybe future draft picks - NONE of which will cost us our high first round pick next year).
One might argue about the Renteria for JJJ trade being a case of giving something up to get something back. Sure. But we were trading from an area of strength (Escobar waiting in the wings), to gain some pitching.
I guess I’ll just do what everybody else is doing and wait until after arbitration has been offered to players, and the free agent chips start to fall.
By nolie
November 30, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Even if we don’t compete well this year we would still have Peavy for likely 4 more years after that to solidify the rotation, and the added time to successfully replace Esco, etc. It’s not like he would be here for only a couple of years or would not have value if we do compete better in ‘10. Hey, h’s not a real good SS but maybe Diory could poke his nose into the mix. Dude has hit fairly well most everywhere.
By Efrim
November 30, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Nolie
I know it isn’t about the fans of the Padres. Reading other Padre blogs, it seems as though they don’t care much for Escobar. They see .766 OPS and don’t understand why we value him so much. I don’t agree with them, as I think Escobar is one of the best overall shortstops in baseball.
But like you said, Towers wants pitching in return for Peavy. But I’m not so sure that we really have any pitching to deal that is major league ready other than Tommy Hanson. I wouldn’t be sold on Morton/Reyes either, if I were Towers. Maybe including Locke will get it done, or maybe Towers will want Flowers too. We really don’t know.
By mitchie-san
November 30, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
So if the Twins are looking for a left-side infielder, who could we get? Obvioulsy Delmon Young…but who else could we honestly get? Any ideas DOB ?
By nolie
November 30, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Looming arbitration may force everybody’s hands by Ken Rosenthal
Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX.
Updated: November 30, 2008, Monday, the deadline for teams to offer salary arbitration to their respective free agents, could offer the first true glimpse of how much the economic crisis is affecting the way clubs do business.
In a better economy, most teams would not hesitate to offer a one-year deal through arbitration to attractive Type A free agents. Some teams would want such players back on one-year deals, even at arbitration-inflated salaries. Other teams, knowing that the players likely would depart for multiyear contracts, would offer arbitration to ensure that they received draft-pick compensation in return.
In most cases, little has changed. The Brewers, for example, are certain to offer arbitration to left-hander CC Sabathia, knowing they have nothing to lose and high draft picks to gain. The Yankees, on the other hand, do not figure to extend such an offer to lefty Andy Pettitte. If they wanted to give Pettitte a one-year contract with an increase from his $16 million salary, they would have done it by now.
Other decisions, however, are less clear-cut. Multiyear offers for some free agents are not as probable as they were in previous offseasons. And while teams remain eager to collect draft picks, the economy might discourage them from offering arbitration and risking a payroll hit.
Certain players, too, are in a different position than in the past. Those who are offered arbitration on Monday must decide by midnight Sunday whether to commit to their previous teams for another season.
In a slow-developing, potentially weak market, some players will be tempted to do just that, preferring the certainty of a one-year deal to the uncertainty of a volatile free-agent period.
A look at three of the closer calls:
Adam Dunn
The Diamondbacks traded three players for Dunn on Aug. 11, figuring they would get two youngsters back in the draft after he left as a free agent. At the time, few doubted that the team would offer Dunn arbitration — and few doubted that he would reject it and seek greater riches elsewhere.
Dunn, the only major leaguer to hit 40 or more homers in each of the past five seasons, still appears likely to command a sizable multiyear deal, most likely from an American League club.
But the D-backs, who recently cut 31 employees from an admittedly bloated front office and parted with Randy Johnson over financial differences, might be unwilling to risk that Dunn would return at a salary of $15 million to $16 million.
Then again, if the D-backs made the offer, it’s doubtful that Dunn and his agents would determine by midnight Sunday that a multi-year contract was beyond their reach. What’s more, the D-backs always could trade Dunn if he accepted their offer. In that sense, he would be an asset on a one-year deal; the Nationals, among other teams, would jump.
Kerry Wood
The Cubs aren’t keen on keeping Kerry Wood. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
The Cubs traded for reliever Kevin Gregg because they were unwilling to sign Wood long-term, believing he would land a lucrative contract as a free agent. But now the trade and free-agent markets are flooded with closers, and Wood is not certain to receive such a deal.
The Cubs want Carlos Marmol to close. They do not want Wood back, even for one year, at a salary of $9 million to $10 million. Their greater priorities are finding a left-handed hitting outfielder and another starting pitcher, either through a trade for Padres righty Jake Peavy or the signing of a free agent such as Johnson.
Wood said after the Cubs announced his departure that he would have returned on a one-year deal, even though his agents never raised that possibility, according to a major-league source. If he accepted arbitration, the Cubs could try to trade him to a team such as the Rangers, who might embrace Wood on a one-year commitment.
Contracts secured through arbitration are not guaranteed, so the Cubs also could release Wood in spring training and pay only a fraction of his salary. But, to avoid a grievance by the players union, they would need to demonstrate that every one of their other relievers was superior to Wood. Not likely.
Ben Sheets
At first glance, offering Sheets arbitration appears to be a no-brainer. The Brewers need starting pitching. They are secure enough financially to make Sabathia a $100 million offer. And they already figure to get extra draft picks if, as expected, Sabathia signs with another club.
Why, then, would the Brewers waver? Well, Sheets might command $13 million to $14 million in arbitration. Such a salary would be reasonable for a pitcher of Sheets’ quality if the Brewers were confident of his health. But while Sheets worked 198 1/3 innings last season — his most since 2004 — he pitched only 4 1/3 regular-season innings after Sept. 11 because of an elbow problem and was not available in the Division Series.
Sheets’ agent, Casey Close, says that Sheets had no structural damage in the elbow, and simply needed time to rest and heal. But the Brewers might not want to repeat the poor $10 million investment they made in reliever Eric Gagne last season. Their big offer to Sabathia, GM Doug Melvin has said, was a special case.
If the Brewers fail to offer Sheets arbitration, it will be a clear indication that club officials are concerned about his ability to stay healthy in 2009. And remember, the Brewers know Sheets better than any other team.
Peavy update No. 473
The Padres continue to discuss a trade of Peavy to the Cubs, but obstacles remain.
Moving Jake Peavy is becoming harder and harder. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
First, the Cubs are in the process of being sold; offers from their four remaining bidders are due by Monday. The Cubs already have re-signed free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster for $52 million over four years. They almost certainly would need the blessing of a new owner to take on Peavy, who is owed $63 million over the next four seasons — and might ask for even more money to waive his no-trade clause.
The teams, meanwhile, are not close to a trade agreement. Padres general manager Kevin Towers is trying to involve a third club so he could get the package of players he desires. The Cubs almost certainly will need to move right-hander Jason Marquis, who is earning $9.875 million next season, to clear both payroll and a rotation spot for Peavy.
The Padres could take Marquis, with the Cubs including enough money in the deal to reduce his salary to say, $7 million. Or, they could spin Marquis and the cash from the Cubs to another club. The Rockies, Reds and Giants have shown varying degrees of interest in Marquis, according to a major-league source.
Another possibility is that the Padres could spin one or two of the prospects that they receive from the Cubs. A team might value a player such as outfielder Felix Pie more than the Padres do; the Orioles are again talking with the Cubs about Pie, according to The Baltimore Sun, and could emerge as the third team in the deal.
Jack Wilson update No. 2
A few days ago, I reported that the Dodgers backed off their pursuit of shortstop Jack Wilson after the Pirates asked for shortstop Chin-Lung Hu, outfielder Delwyn Young and a third player.
Well, there’s a reason the Pirates asked for a third player, according to a major-league source. The Dodgers wanted the Pirates to include cash that would help defray Wilson’s $7.25 million salary next season and $8.4 million club option or $600,000 buyout for 2010.
The Pirates did not rule out the idea, but wanted an additional prospect for their money, a player whom they essentially would “buy” from the Dodgers. The better the prospect, the greater the amount the Pirates would pay.
The negotiations apparently broke down over this aspect of the deal. The Dodgers believe that Wilson isn’t strong enough offensively to justify his $7.25 million salary; hence, their desire for that number to be reduced. The Pirates want more for Wilson and cash than Hu and Young
By TexasBrave
November 30, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Well my Sooners will be playing for the Big 12 Championship Game Versus Missouri. And while I am happy about this I can’t help but feel sorry for the Longhorns who, in my unbiased opinion is the better team. Although the Sooners have the better offense, the Longhorns O is good enough. It’s Texas’ defense and special teams that makes Texas the better team and it showed on a netural field. I thought OU’s defense had gotten better since that game but OSU proved last night that it hasn’t and it took the Sooners high powered offense to seal the victory.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
RomanGal-While I appreciate that your college educated Ninja deer may well be the baddest creatures youve ever known, have you ever seen a Moose up close? Suckers are about 7 feet tall at the shoulder (seriously) and where you will probably walk away from an accident with a deer, several people every year are killed in collisions with Moose up here. Your car will NOT survive the impact. They are absolutely the biggest animals I’ve ever seen-but then again, I’ve never been up close and personal with a Grizzly-nor do I have any intention of being in their neighborhood if I can help it.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan What’s it to you? If I recall correctly we used to be friends. Don’t know what happened there. If you have a problem with me, why don’t you send me an email rather than air crap on this blog that nobody else needs to be involved in.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Lew I actually live in Bradford, so it’s probably about 45 minutes from Montpelier.
Romangal We’ve got a mix of slushy, sleety, rain and freezing rain tonight. Blech…I HATE winter.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Lew LOL @ the Grizzly comment and you’re absolutely right about moose. I almost hit one once and it was the scariest moment I’ve ever had on the road. I had to pull over because I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
EBravesluvr-And we’re about 30 minutes southeast of Montpelier.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
You’ve heard the old commercial that a day without Orange Juice is like a day without sunshine. A rant by Nathan is like…well, a day without sunshine. Go drink your Tropicana, Dude.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Cool! It’s hard to find other Braves fans in Vermont. I have alot of friends who are Mets fans though (booooo!)
Do you get to Atlanta at all to see the Braves??? I usually go once a year. I used to go to every Montreal series. Wish they were still up there.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
EBravesluvr-Haven’t been to Atlanta for a few years, but have seen the Braves play in Montreal, Cooperstown (HOF Game), Boston (will see them there this year, too) and last year we flew to Toronto and caught the Braves’ series. I usually go to Spring Training as well, but won’t be there this year. It also means I won’t see my kids in Orlando, either.
By chopper2chipper
November 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Lew
Do you live in Boston? I’ve lived up here for a while and went to the doubleheader at Fenway last year. I had food thrown at me when the Braves were killing them the second game.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
I went to Spring Training in 2005. I LOVED it.
Too bad about your kids. Are they young?? Have they ever been to Disney??
By That's Mr. Gil to You
November 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
The only thing Campillo needs to do is throw a change up that doesn’t stay waist high in the strike zone. You can throw high heat, you cannot throw a high change up, that is, unless it is to Francoeur.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Lew—
You’ve seen moose up close?? Sweet!
I’d love to get up to Washington or some place to see moose, bald eagles, and wolves in real life—a safe distance from the moose and wolves, of course.
I swear I heard a Bald Eagle in Jamestown (or was it Yorktown?) Virginia, though. Ha—they sound nothing like what you’d expect!
By Random
November 30, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Yars: “if you read through the last 4 or 5 blogs that DOB has had, you will see that a lot of people can’t believe that we are willing to let go of Escobar.”
Looking at the last two blogs covering the past week (because I was talking “realtime”, here and now), here are the for’s and againsts’s trading Escobar (for Peavy, Greinke, Cain, Verlander, Liriano, Dye, or whoever):
This blog’s “Okay, I guess” — 14 (Texas Brave, Mr J, 18 Wheels, Andy K, Braveheart, brian, doc, Mike, Yars, f.n. hale, JC from UT, Efrim, N8 & nolie).
This blog’s “No way” — 1 (The Real JoeBrave). (I have not included Ebravesluver — hormonal protestations are justifiably disregarded.)
Previous blog’s “Okay, I guess” (eliminating repeats from this blog) — 18 (BravesFan79, Original Jon, Wayne, Andy, ncscoots, Eware, Daybed Wagmoe, Salty Dawg, Tomas, skull, Jason in FL, GermanBravesFan, Miami Brave, Padres Owner, Chipper 4 Pres, Dan, Mark R & Explicit).
Previous blog’s “No way” — 9 (Steve from OH, Miami Beach Braves Fan, Bobby’s Cox, Alan, Cameron C, mr baseball, DAP, Dadgum & Philliesuk).
“I think most here are more than willing to lose Escobar in a trade for Peavy (or other ace), or have at least reconciled themselves to the possibiliy.”
By a 3:1 margin.
By cabravesfan
November 30, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
McFann
My family has a place in the Sierra Nevada mountains- there is a Bald Eagle nest across the lake from us- nothing more beautiful then waching them hunt…they all but float in the air (we also have an Osprey nest right above our cabin- had babies last summer- last time I was there they were just starting to fly…really cool)
By Wendell Gee
November 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies,
I hear what you’re saying: Lefties have a certain je ne sais quois. And it is a stretch to compare Campillo with two Hall of Famer’s like Glavine and, probably, Moyer. I had Maddux’s name typed and erased it. I guess the bottom line is he can do it, but he has to be exceptionally smart and crafty. Another pitch or two certainly wouldn’t hurt. I think he needs a chance to show he can be that kind of pitcher. He was on in the first half.
As for the fatigue issue you raised, that’s a little different from what I was trying to say. I meant that the league was basically getting a second or third look at him as the season wore on, and made adjustments to his stuff and tendencies. He, in turn, needs to make adjustments as all good pitchers do.
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
What do you mean by “hormonal protestations”?? Just wondering. I’ve made more conversation about music, Braves and other stuff than I have about anything remotely hormonal.
In the interest in letting my opinion be known, I’m for trading Escobar to get Peavy although I would HATE losing Escobar but I’m also ok if we don’t get Peavy, if it also means that we keep Escobar. So, I guess I’m ok with however it turns out. You can put in both “No way” and “Okay, I guess”.
What I want to know is…..if we don’t get Peavy or Burnett, do you guys think we’ll still be able to field a competitive team??? I have my doubts but I’m not ruling out Wren coming up with something magical to fix the mess that we have of a pitching staff right now.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
chopper2chipper-No, I’m in central Vermont, about three hours from Boston and Montreal. I was at the first game of the double header where we got beat 13-3. I had to listen to the entire Fenway crowd derisively doing the Tomahawk Chop when Willie Mo made it 13-0 at the time. Saw the game you were at on the tv in the hotel room and my wife and I met DOB the next morning to say hello.
By Lew
November 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
McFann-I used to donate artwork for auction (check out the Panther piece on my website) for an animal rescue operation in Tampa. They had several Florida Panthers they were mating with Carolina Panthers-they also had a tiger or two. I got to hold a three month old Carolina Panther. THAT was pretty cool.
By Steve from OH
November 30, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Random, I’m in the “okay, I guess” group. More of a grudging acceptance, but I’d do the Yunel/Gorkys/JoJo/etc. deal for Peavy. You’ve got me all wrong, lol!
Wouldn’t trade Esco for Dye and/or Vazquez, however.
By DCbrave
November 30, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
What I don’t get is why the Padres weren’t interested in bringing in a third team for the Braves. If the hang up truly was that the Padres didn’t think they were getting enough talent in return for Peavy, why weren’t they seeking a third team to work with the Braves - TennesseePaul
Maybe that says something about the rumor that Peavy actually prefers the Cubs to the Braves, or maybe the Braves just never gave them the chance to do so by issuing the Ultimatum too early.
By McFann O –[zzz]
November 30, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan—
A Bald Eagle nest?? That’s awesome!! The cool thing about them is that they come back to the same nest every year. So if you have them nesting nearby, you’re in for a yearly treat!
Osprey, too? Dang…we hardly got any babies this year. We had some titmice nesting in our birdhouse that has a camera in it, but……a raccoon or something opened up the box and spilled all the eggs a few days before they were supposed to hatch. (Luckily that didn’t get caught on film.)
I love to watch baby birds fly for the first time. Never seen a bird of prey do it, though. But I gotta tell you this—when my Jenny Girl was alive, she would have her babies in our yard (she was a Carolina Wren and the cutest little thing). After I trained her, she and her mate, Boogity (whom I also trained), had 3 nests in our yard—one in 2004 and two in 2005. The one in ‘04 was in a shoe that we nailed up under our deck!
The last one (in ‘05) was in a home-grown gourd. She would let me get right up to it to take pitchers of the babies every day! Sometimes she would get a little impatient and stare at me until I left, though. But I got some of the cutest pitchers! I even saw one baby hatch! Although it was dark inside the gourd, so it was a little hard to see.
Lew I got to hold a three month old Carolina Panther.
Aww! That is so cool! I bet he was cute! Sounds like a pretty cool job! Drawing animals is one of the most satisfying things…especially when you give the drawing to someone.
Whoa…it got late, didn’t it? Dang…Night, all!
By Travis
November 30, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
You just gotta know that Frank Wren is laughing his patookis off at what we blog about…We speculate and postulate about what has happened, what will happen and what we want to happen but these GM’s have big egos too!! There is no way that half the stuff we read is even remotely true…Sports writers and professional bloggers would never let out the real skinny told to them by inside sources or they would never get info again…This really entertains us and thats the purpose. Only one thing talks in this MLB game and that’s money…everything else walks. DOB is the greatest at keeping us going but I think even he is depressed about how this Peavy thing is going.
By Random
November 30, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Ebravesluvr “What do you mean by “hormonal protestations”?? Just wondering. I’ve made more conversation about music, Braves and other stuff than I have about anything remotely hormonal.”
“Let’s just forget Peavy and keep my…er, OUR Escobar!”? “Can we share B-Mac??? hehehe.”? “I’ll get my brother to do it since I’m such a delicate female, hehe.”? “Marcusbmacluvr”?
My mistake — I should have said “juvenile protestations”.
>(
JK!
8)
By Ebravesluvr
November 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Random LOL that’s not juvenile or hormonal, that’s just me! I’ve got a sense of humor. I used to be hormonal when Marcus Giles was on the team but now, not so much. Nobody to get hormonal about.
Who’s your favorite Brave?? I can’t really nail down a favorite since Giles left.
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Travis, I wouldn’t use “depressed” among the adjectives to describe my thoughts about the machinations of this Peavy saga.
Fatigued, numbed, confused (at times), surprised (at other times) … but not depressed.
By cabravesfan
November 30, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
McFann
The bald eagle has been there for a couple of years- doesn’t like to be seen much but every so often we are able to catch him hunting…I have gotten to see the Osprey catch fish out of the lake on several occasions, which is really cool
By nolie
November 30, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
I’m OK with esco for Peavy or Halliday, not so for anybody else mentioned so far like Burnett or Greineke(sp).
By cabravesfan
November 30, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
nolie
Burnett is a free agent- wouldn’t cost any players- just money
By brent a.
November 30, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
1 hour until December 1st.
Looking forward to a productive December for the Braves. Or someone.
DOB, I have to ask (and I know you won’t comment if you don’t think it’s appropriate); but, have you by any chance followed up with your source in Alabama who was a friend of Peavy’s?
I’m not asking if he/she would have any additional inside information about actual dealings; however, with all the chatter about Peavy perhaps not really wanting to come to Atlanta, as well as Axelrod’s “hypothetical” statement regarding Escobars inclusion in the deal, and how it might reduce Atlanta’s attractiveness, combined with the fact that Towers seems to be going out of his way to “force” Peavy onto the Cubs, I’m just curious if you have followed up with this source to find out whether or not Mr. Peavy’s feelings toward Atlanta may have soured at some point.
Sorry for the intrusion, but it has been a curiosity of mine for the last couple of weeks.
Thanks,
brent a.
By Steve from OH
November 30, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I’m ok with Yunel for Peavy, but not so for Halladay/Greinke/whoever unless we’re sure that we can sign the guy to an extension (Greinke and Hallady are under control for 2 more seasons, right?). Considering that we’re giving up 4 (5? Sorry, I’m being exceptionally lazy tonight, not gonna look it up) seasons of Yunel plus 6 prospective seasons of Gorkys/Locke/Morton, I think it’s important that we receive a player under team control for at least 4 seasons in return. Peavy satisfies this requirement.
If we can sign Halladay/Greinke etc. to an extension, then go for it. If not, find a different guy to center the deal around.
By David O'Brien
November 30, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Brent A., in fact I did get an e-mail from the guy a few weeks back, and he said something along the lines of reports of Peavy “souring” on the Braves were inaccurate, at least to his knowledge.
Hopefully the guy sees this and contacts me again. That, or I’ll look for his e-mail address and check in with him, see if he knows anything.
By nolie
November 30, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Burnett is a free agent- wouldn’t cost any players- just money *CaBravesfan8
yeah i know that, don’t know why i typed his name in.I guess I was thinking in the back of my mind that i did not see him as an ace on the level of Peavy or Halliday.. Thanx
By