AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUnsigned Ohman, others waiting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We found another reason to like Will Ohman: His wife’s apparently as sarcastic and dark-humored as many of us here.
To wit, last night we called Ohman’s house in Arizona to see if there was any update on the free-agent lefty’s contract status. He was holding a crying baby when his wife, Allyson, came in and Ohman told her he was talking to me.
Her immediate reply: “Doesn’t he want to talk to actual Braves players?”
Ouch.
Anyway, Ohman is one of the 100 or so unsigned free agents in this glacial-like market, guys who still don’t know where they’ll be playing when spring training opens in less than three weeks (Braves pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14).
Ohman said he’s not getting antsy, but he didn’t sound too convincing. When I told him that I thought there’d be a flurry of free-agent signings this week, after teams took care of arbitration matters last week, he seemed to agree.
But he also didn’t indicate that he was on the verge of signing. He still wants to return to the Braves, and the offer they made to the reliever in November is still on the table.
Ohman has not divulged the length or dollars involved in that offer, or said how many other teams have made him offers, though he did say a while back that about 10-12 had expressed interest.
This is a guy who’s held lefties to a .197 batting average throughout his career, including .200 with a .257 OBP last year in his first season with the Braves. The numbers were better before his late-season slide, when Ohman pitched like a man who’d led the majors in appearances much of the season, which he had.
He had a 2.52 ERA and .185 overall opponents’ average in 63 appearances through Aug. 14, and a 10.38 ERA and .409 opponents’ average in 20 appearances over the rest of the season.
The Braves have potentially one of the best bullpens in the NL, headed by a trio of Mike Gonzalez, Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano and young power arms Blaine Boyer and Manny Acosta. But Gonzo, Moylan and Soriano all are coming back from surgeries (though Gonzalez showed enough last season after Tommy John surgery to lead us to believe he’ll be near full strength in 2009).
With Moylan and especially Soriano still coming with some question marks, the Braves could take a big step in solidifying that ‘pen with Ohman. Right now, they have two talented but not exactly proven lefties, Boone Logan (acquired with Javier Vazquez from the White Sox) and the splendidly named Eric O’Flaherty, who was claimed waivers from Seattle and has a 5.91 ERA in 78 big-league games.
They need Ohman or a similarly experienced lefty. What separates Ohman from most lefty relievers, besides his appreciation for The Big Lebowski, is the fact that he’s also quite tough on right-handers, which makes him a viable closer option in a pinch.
Then there’s the fact that Ohman says he wants to be in Atlanta, provided offers are equal or even close to equal. Though he and his family make their home in Arizona, he has said consistently that he enjoyed everything about his year with the Braves (except not making the playoffs) and wants to be back in Atlanta.
When I asked him if he was waiting to sign because the offer from the Braves was such that it just didn’t make sense for him to sign until seeing what else was out there, etc., he said: “Ostensibly, when there’s an offer, you counter-offer and go from there. If things had gone to the point I was comfortable with it, it could be done…. I’m waiting to get to the point where for me, with my family situation, it’s right.
“It’s about what the market will bear, and whether a situation is right for the family, a lot of things. Money isn’t necessarily the major factor. Everybody says that, but for me, I honestly believe it’s not the only factor.”
OK, read into any of that what you will, folks.
In the meantime, in light of our weekend blog discussion about movies, and knowing his passion for all things Lebowski, I asked Ohman if he wanted to a favorite-movie list. I told him don’t give us what you believe to be the best movies ever made, but rather, the ones you’ve enjoyed the most.
It didn’t take him long to get back to me:
“I had to divide it,” Ohman said, “based on the fact you can’t say the greatest five movies for you are all comedies, or you’d be typecasting yourself. It’d be like saying drama is the only genre. So I divided it like this.
“The top four comedies were easy — The Big Lebowski, Dogma, Blazing Saddles, Fletch. And No. 5 was a tie, just due to difference in styles — High Fidelity and Snatch. They’re both dark comedies, but I love British humor, so Snatch had to be in there.
“Then I had the category of ‘other,’ and I went with Glory, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, Fight Club, The Departed, and then I had a three-way problem — Tombstone, The Untouchdables, and The Boondock Saints, which is a great movie I bet you haven’t seen.
“Then for honorable mention, have Kentucky Fried Movie, Life of Brian, Office Space, Princess Bride, Vision Quest, In The Name of the Father, Zoolander, Dumb and Dumber, and Anchorman. Oh, and one more, PCU, with Jeremy Piven before he was big.”
(Have I mentioned the Braves need to re-sign this guy? And that we need to get Allyson on the blog?)
By the way, Ohman (the pitcher, not the wife) said he’d be glad to come on the blog, but until he signs with a team he doesn’t think he’d be much good, because he’d have to be so vague with answers to a lot of the questions he thinks he’d get about contract offers, etc.
But he said he’d be glad to do it, now or later, to have some discourse with the denizens.
As for Chipper, I don’t know when/if he’s coming on. He said he’d be here at some time after the New Year, but so far, nothing. So we’ll see. Unlike Ohman, I’m pretty sure Chipper won’t be carrying a laptop to spring training. So if we don’t get him in the next three weeks, it probably ain’t happening with Hoss.
In the meantime… Still waiting for announcements about Don Sutton’s likely return to the Braves’ broadcast booth (this time on radio) and Andruw Jones signing a small one-year contract with either the Braves or another team.
The Braves were still negotiating with the network that carries Nationals games to get Sutton out of the remainder of his contract.
As for Andruw, agent Scott Boras told me Friday that it probably would be late this week before Andruw signed with a team. Whether that’ll be the Braves, I’m not sure. I’ve heard that Andruw has told some people he’s returning to the Braves, but Boras seemed to downplay that when I mentioned it to him.
Maybe that’s just posturing, trying to get more than a minimum-salary deal for the center fielder, even though Jones is being paid the full $21.1 mill still owed him by the Dodgers from the two-year, $36.2 mill contract he signed with them before the 2008 season.
Whether he can get his career back on track remains to be seen, and there were some mixed feelings in the Braves organization about giving him a chance to do it in Atlanta.
Regardless of whether the Braves sign him, you all should understand: If they do, he’d not be considered the bat they’ve been looking for in the outfield. He’d be signed to a low-salary deal and given a chance to show what he’s got this spring, not guaranteed of a job for the 2009 season.
The Braves continue to search for another productive bat, either for their outfield or possibly (though it seems less likely) for second base, if they could get leadoff man/2B Brian Roberts or Orlando Hudson and move Kelly Johnson to the outfield.
Stay tuned. Should be a lot of teams signing a lot of players in the next week or two. Don’t know if Braves will be among them, but it’s going to get interesting seeing where the likes of Adam Dunn, Hudson, Bobby Abreu and so many others end up, and how big their contracts are going to be.
“WHENEVER KINDNESS FAILS” by Robert Earl Keen
I crossed the desert on a dining car
In the spring of ninety-one
I met some people drinking at the bar
They were laughing having fun
I told ‘em that I hadn’t heard the joke
That was so hilarious
They said that I was just a dumb cowpoke
I didn’t want to make a fuss
So I shot ‘em down
One by one
Then I left ‘em ‘long the rails
I use my gun
Whenever kindness fails
The moon was in the sign of Scorpio
The sun was at my back
I didn’t know how far the train would go
Until the law would find my track
I saw the brakeman and the engineer
Drinking wine and eating brie
I asked ‘em who would brake and who would steer
They started pointing back at me
So I shot ‘em down
One by one
Then I left ‘em ‘long the rails
I use my gun
Whenever kindness fails
I only have a moment to explain
Just a chance to let you know
When it’s time for you to board the train
There are two ways you can go
You can ride the wheels into the sun
Feel the wind upon your face
Or you can laugh into a loaded gun
and you’ll likely lose your place
So I shot ‘em down
One by one
Then I left ‘em ‘long the rails
I use my gun
Whenever kindness fails
Yeah I shot ‘em down
One by one
Then I left ‘em ‘long the rails
When I use my gun
That lonesome whistle wails
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Comments
By jojobo
January 26, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
1
By Seymour1948
January 26, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Have you heard anything about the young Japanese player the Braves just signed to a minor league deal?
By macdwolfpack
January 26, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
Dave you might want to go back and proof read, you referred to Ohlman as Moylan a couple of times at the end of your piece on him. Nice update thanks
By stupup74
January 26, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
FIRST?????
I want Ohman back just so he can do his Harry Caray impersination when doing the lineups again. Also he is an excelent LHP and that should really let BC mix and match the bully in any game the bravos have the lead after the 5th inning.
I brought this up on the other blog, but what about someone like a Ty Wigganton who had a 1.055 OPS vs. LHP. I think he would be a perfect fit at least on paper for this team. He can play mulitple positions and hit LHP. He would not be the ‘impact’ bat, but he should be servicable for this team as a utility guy and Chipper insurance. Of course he did play in Houston and be a jerk, but we HAVE to get a right handed, left hand pitching hitting somebody for this lineup.
BTW love the blog, thanks for what ya do.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Boondock Saints is a great movie. And so is High Fidelity. That scene when Tim Robbins character confronts Cusack in his store is one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever seen. Especially the part where John Cusack says “Get him man” and the other guy(can’t remember his name) throws the air conditioner on Robbins after they have stomped him. Good stuff.
By 18 Wheel s of Love
January 26, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
Peterbilt
Peterbilt
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
DOB
Did you mean Orlando Cabrera, or Orlando Hudson as potential 2B/leadoff hitter?
By tlj
January 26, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
DOB:
You mentioned Moylan as a lefty specialist did you mean Ohman?
By JMar
January 26, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
I agree with Stupup74 re: Wigginton. Back when free agency started, I’d hoped we’d take a good hard look at him. Now he should come even cheaper, since apparently no one else is interested. Exactly the type of player we need coming off the bench.
By NY Braves Fan
January 26, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
DOB do you mean Orlando Hudson??
By propp
January 26, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
PCU is one of the best comedies ever!
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
tlj: just a typo, as mac pointed out. relax, bro.
By Ron Roberts
January 26, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
It’s an interesting idea, signing O-Cab and moving Kelly to LF, but it’s a markedly different team for Bobby Cox to manage than what we Braves fans have been accustomed to him excelling with, ya know?
What I mean is, during the playoff run, it seems we were built with the “hopes” of a big bat knocking in base-runners with a HR, and if we go with Cabrera and KJ, our only power threats are Chipper, BMac and (if his head’s right) Francoeur on occasion. Chipper - to me - is like Tony Gwynn, in that if he wanted to hit 40-50 HRs he would, or if he wanted to hit .330 he would, but with McCann, yeah, he’s capable of hitting 20-25 HRs, but in this era, that’s not a “home run threat” per se.
I’m not altogether against going with more batting-average laden lineups, anyhow, personally. It would always be frustrating to watch as our big bats would be at the dish in key situations and whiff while aiming for the fences when getting anything would’v ebeen a plus - even a walk.
The 1980s Cardinals didn’t have a lot of power in their lineup, but they did have speed on the bases, so that’s not a great comparison, just one of the few successful teams that come to mind who lacked 2-3 power hitters.
Thanks for the update, DOB. Sounds like Mrs. Ohman’s a little tired of waiting on knowing where the paycheck’s coming from, to me. haha.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
ditto Hudson. Typo. Glad you guys are here. I’m rushing to get to another training class/meeting downtown, didn’t look over the blog before posting.
By GTI in Chicago
January 26, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Just posted this to the last blog as the new one was going up…
DOB, wouldn’t bother to bring this up here if there hadn’t already been so much (good & welcome) movie talk - And now that Lebowski has gotten such a prominent place in the new post…
Roger Ebert has an excellent blog post currently up relating a tale of the big man who was the real-life inspiration for the THE DUDE in the Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski.
Apparently, THE DUDE managed to get into a somewhat one-sided altercation at Sundance last week, and Ebert’s got a great and funny take on it in his blog, as well as plenty of photos of the real-life DUDE. (Btw, IMO, Your MIB Blog and Ebert’s are the two best blogs on the web.) It’s probably worth a few minutes if you have them.
Not the kind of thing I’d bother to mention here, but it seems prudent, given the course of recent conversation here.
By stupup74
January 26, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, many apologies, you answered my question via the exchange with DAP, I just did not see it before I posted. The contract issue would be a huge sticking point.
DAP, I agree with you that TW is not an ideal solution to anything. This team needs someoneone to hit LHP. Chipper needs some days off and to keep him healthy if you have a guy who slugs a ton against LHP, maybe it makes some sense to let Chipper sit on a hot July Sunday vs. Cole Hammels (on rare occasions, not in Sept in a pennant race or anything like that)or someone of that ilk.
I dont mean to bash Chipper or anything. I think sometimes I come off of on here as bashing him. I love the guy. He is my hero and one of the top 5 switch hitters EVER. I get frustrated with the Braves ORGANIZATION because SO MUCH is on Chipper’s shoulders. This team does not have a TRUE run producer outside of Chipper and McCann. While they are great, Chipper only played 128 games last year and McCann is a catcher, because of the nature of the postion, needs an off day once a week. When Chip and Mac are out of the lineup, who is going to hit? I think Dunn and Abreu are great players they are both lefties, and Dunn strikes out too much (exactly what this team does NOT need, more unproductive outs). Abreu is almost too picky up there, but is probably a better fit for this team as it is currently constructed.
By Ron Roberts
January 26, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Ha, I meant O-Hud, too. :)
By 1eyedJack
January 26, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
I am so ready for baseball.
By ppaddy123
January 26, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
The 2009 Braves starting Left Fielder will be:
A. Kelly Johnson
B. Adam Dunn
C. Bobby Abreu
D. Ken Griffey, Jr.
E. none of the above
By dogsbrekky
January 26, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
DOB - Anyone (Ohman) who loves “The Dude” as much as we do should be signed IMMEDIATELY for big bucks
I like Ohman even more after reading his movie list… let FW and Homeboy know we want him back asap !
Does everyone prefer “Snatch” to “Lock Stock”..?
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
ppaddy123, I’m going to go with E. none of the above.
By Rufio
January 26, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Man, Ohman just moved up a notch in my book. Sounds like a fun family. and to list Boondock Saints as on his list is awesome… I love that movie.. and have heard the rumor of a sequal for years now (All Saints Day)
Well IMDB just updated their page saying it is in post-production and may come out this year… that would be a treat, haha.
By Bubdylan
January 26, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Mr. Ohman, sign with us, man. This blog. NOBODY will appreciate your non-baseball gifts like this blog. That side of you will be so appreciated around here, you’ll get to blow, like, five more leads than any cheesy-music/movie-loving reliever before we start screaming for you to be strapped up to a….
Sign here. We’ll be loyal. Mostly.
By Joe
January 26, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
I really hope they re-sign Ohman quick. He hit a late season swoon when he reached a certain number of appearances. We recently signed two pitchers that average over 200 innings per year. If we had that last year, we would have had a fresh bullpen and definitely would have been in more games. Out of the three Moylan, Gonzalez, and Soriano, the best would be having Moylan coming back to full strength. That buy is money when he is on. Beyond that, BRING BACK SUTTON PLEASE!!! Also, one move I would like to see the Braves make is to let Josh Anderson be the starting CF and let Schafer platoon with Francoer. This would give Jordan valuable experience against righties in the bigs and it would give Jeff hitting opportunities against lefties. Let Anderson lose the CF job if he can’t handle it. But sink or swim give him the opportunity. He was a good looking player and he is still young. If Diaz is not producing than we do have options in the minors that could platoon and get experience. But that’s just my opinion.
By ----go braves----
January 26, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
future MLBTR
“I’ve heard that Andruw has told some people he’s returning to the Braves, but Boras seemed to downplay that when I mentioned it to him.”
By Harry
January 26, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: I can’t recall whether this has been discussed in the past. Have you seen the Black Cab Sessions? Pretty cool concept you should check out. This link is MMJ’s edition.
http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php?id=1212166715
By dmack
January 26, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
I really hope the Braves do not move Kelly to the outfield. It would kill his trade value.
Sign Dunn.
By Greg in TN
January 26, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Dinner at the Ohman house must be a real hoot. Had to chuckle when DOB relayed Allyson Ohman’s reaction to her husband’s revelation that he was talking to the Notorius One. I am hopeful the Braves can resign Will for next season, not only because he’s an entertaining guy, but he’s also a very effective southpaw reliever and with several members of the Atlanta bully coming off injury, it’d be nice to have him ready to roll.
David-ATL14: Welcome back David. Good to see you back after the new year. Been busy here, but looking forward to ST and seeing a little baseball not too long after that.
TommyP: Would have loved to have seen Friday’s game against Oak Hill, however I know you guys had a packed house and had other things going on, but I’ll drop by and catch some hoop action as soon as I’m able.
By dogsbrekky
January 26, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan, I started drinking some lagers early today to celebrate “Australia Day” but as usual you made me laugh so much I kind of choked on my last swig…. nh sir !
By WestPalmDawg
January 26, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB
Heard that Pat Green just released a new CD….you checked it out yet?
If you’re into REK & Cory Morrow, Pat’s in the middle of the triumverate. I’m sure there are more “Texas-singer-songwriter’s” out there that you know of, but those 3 dudes and Bud Light got me through 4.5 years of UGA.
By McPoyle
January 26, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
i love the quick response to a non-baseball related question. he’s probably so fed up with all the talk about free agency and whatnot, a different topic (no matter what) was a welcome sight. obviously the wife is tired of it too. appreciate you chuggin away though DOB, don’t let mrs. ohman sass you!
By McPoyle
January 26, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this
has anybody seen these pictures from autograph fest? looks like frenchy is signing autographs in somebody’s kitchen. then there’s the picture of moylan with all his arm tats, signing a bat for a 5 year old kid. if i would be intimidated of the crazy aussie!
By Random
January 26, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
From a Baseball Prospectus chat about MLB prospects](http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=561&nocache=1232999677#new) this afternoon:
Dan (Denver): Does Hanson start the year in the Bravos rotation? Or is mid-season more likely?
Kevin Goldstein: Personally, I think he should. At the same time, I believe the Braves disagree, and he’ll likely start the year at Triple-A.
Bodhizefa (Durham, NC): In terms of pure hitting ability, who wins between Matt Wieters, Brett Wallace and Jason Heyward?
Kevin Goldstein: Wieters.
DKANDREWS1 (DC): What do the Braves do with Jason Heyward in a few years if Jeff Franceour rebounds and is good again?
Kevin Goldstein: Franceour’s best full year was a 782 OPS — I’ll bet the Heyward blows that out of the water.
By Hillbilly
January 26, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
Ohman is right. So is Effrim and Ruffio. The Boondock Saints is indeed a kick-a$$ movie, and yeah, Ruffio…I also read about the sequel. Heard it’s supposed to get more theater exposure than the first. I can’t wait.
By Random
January 26, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
GTI in Chicago —
Your Ebert-Dude link isn’t working on this or the previous blog — I think you left out the end of the URL (“#more”).
Try this one for the Dude story, or this one for the main Ebert page.
Cheers!
By brent a.
January 26, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB:
When you speak to someone on the phone, how do you take notes?
Do you use a speaker phone feature on your phone, or are you just really good at scribbling down legible notes?
I’m curious.
thanks
By Jersey Gil
January 26, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
DOB If Ohman mention anything about the new Braves Rotation and the team in general in your interview?
I hope he sign with the Braves, this will be one of the best Pen in the league.
By i can't take it anymore
January 26, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
dap not finished yet, but we cant wait. we have enjoyed mcg, but ready to move on. good to see we got some mcg bloggers in the house.
By Spare us your Propaganda Noddy Dred
January 26, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
Only uneducated, ignorant fools actually listen to the two live stewpids. That is just plain terrible raido. It is completely unlistenable if you have an IQ above 80.
By GTI in Chicago
January 26, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Random Sorry about the faulty Ebert link, and thanks for trying to help me out by posting a better one. You are a gentleman and a scholar.
Anyone else who gave my links a shot: It was a total Dud, but Random’s links are flawless, so check out the Ebert article there.
I promise, I’m not a complete web dufus, but I admit, the text format commands here on the blog have defeated me. Apologies…
By DAP
January 26, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
really, as this team is constructed, getting a guy who strikes out as much as dunn wouldnt be that bad. weve only got francouer and kelly johnson who stirkeout alot, and KJ is still pretty average. abreu would be nice, because we would have a team that put the ball in play ALOT. but dunn would be nice because he would be on base a ton and hitting homeruns…. what a dilemma. i do think the braves oughta sign one of those guys, though, if they have the money. (which wren says they do)
By Jersey Gil
January 26, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
I Just read a couple of notes in MLBTR, That the Braves Sign to a minor league contract another Japanese Player, Yoshinori Yamarin, and also mention that the Rumors of the Braves get in Hudson was died down because concern on his Defense,Ahh, Defense? hello Hudson did not play in the off season,???????Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense.
By DAP
January 26, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
i cant take it oh, im not an MCG guy, im a radio guy. i work at a station in north augusta. i figured since you were looking at “programs” up north you might be a student there. we’ll miss you when you go!
By Tomas
January 26, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
I wish the Braves could resign Ohman, Glavine, Andruw, and Dunn. If they do that I think there is no doubt they have the best team in the national league east.
Lineup:
2B Kelly Johnson- SS Yunel Escobar- 3B Chipper Jones- LF Adam Dunn- C Brian McCann- RF Jeff Franceour- 1B Casey Kotchman- CF Andruw Jones-
Bench:
LF/1B Greg Norton- C David Ross- UTIL Omar Infante- UTIL Martin Prado- OF Josh Anderson-
Starting Pitching:
SP Derek Lowe- SP Javier Vazques- SP Jair Jurrjens- SP Kenshin Kawakami- SP Tom Glavine-
Bulpen:
RHP Jorge Campillo- RHP Blaine Boyer- LHP Will Ohman- RHP Jeff Bennet- RHP Peter Moylan- RHP Rafael Soriano- LHP Mike Gonzalez-
Tough left outs of the 25 man roster:
Manny Acosta, Matt Diaz, Jordan Schafer, Brandon Jones, Boone Logan, Eric O’Flaherty, Jeff Ridgeway, Jo-jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, and Tommy Hanson.
I have a friend(big yankee fan) that tells me, that even if the Braves do that, they won’t have a better team than the Mets. I told him, that the Phillies were the team to beat, not the Mets, then I asked him why did he thinks the Mets would have a better team than the Braves? Because they lack pitching, Derek Lowe is not a true number 1, Kawakami according to Keith Law lacks an out pitch, and will have trouble adjusting to the major leagues, and Javier Vazquez is a number 3 starter not number 2. After an hour arguing we just agree’d to disagre.
He may be right with Lowe, Vazquez and Kawakami, but they just have so much depth, and I just think it’s a better rotation than both the Phillies and the Mets even if the Mets sign Oliver Perez.
By GLI Fahrenheit
January 26, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
It’s gotta be Dunn over Abreu. Five years younger, has averaged 40 homers and 96 RBI a season. I’ll live with the 180 strikeouts…
By DAP
January 26, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey
this says he will start in austrailia
By Boondock saints rocks!
January 26, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
DOB, you are totally on the mark about Boondock Saints. Utterly awesome, and if anyone on here ever finds a girl that likes boondock as much as my ex, tell her to call me.
As for the Braves, lets sign Ohman, and then make a run at Abreu and Sheets…both can be had cheaply, and for a low number of years.
By Random
January 26, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
GTI in Chicago —
Thanks for the kind words.
Always remember, it’s better (and easier) to copy and paste than to type — I noticed later that you had also omitted a couple of underscores.
(Btw, check out my own screwerd-up link at 3:19 PM — I forgot the first bracket! Irony abounds.)
By DAP
January 26, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
tomas tell your friend kawakami throws a cutter that induces ground balls, vazquez was 9th in the majors in Ks last year and would be the best 3rd starter in the easy by far, and lowe led the staff of the division winning dodgers in 2008, what did the mets do with santana?
also, he forgot about jurjjens.
By Jersey Gil
January 26, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
DOB I Miss your Weekend Movies Blog, but in case i like to summit my favorite Movies that i watch over & over Again: From Here to Eternity,1941,The Shawshank Redemption,Casablanca,The Godfather,The Killing Fields,Saving Private Ryan,Pulp Fiction,Basic,Get Shorty….As you see The last three Movies are Travolta Movies.1941 with Belushi is my favorite.
By TNJeff
January 26, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
Gayle - You out there?
By mbatl
January 26, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves are a little squeezed (squoze??) on payroll. Three arbitrations (frenchy, KJ and Kotchman) - the Braves’ offer vs player demands would amount to a year’s salary for Ohman. Then there’s Glavine, possibly, and hopefully a solution to LF.
Not saying they’re tapped out… I don’t think there’s a firm payroll limit. But they’re watching their pennies a little, and another LOOGY is not the biggest priority at this point.
I’d love to have Ohman back, just think the Braves have him slotted 2nd, maybe 3rd, as a priority.
By Jim
January 26, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
Jeff Kent recently retired as a probable HOF second baseman. His defense never reminded anyone of Bill Mazeroski, and it took a number of years and 4 teams before he developed into the player he was to become. In addition to his defensive shortcomings he had a somewhat aloof personality that rubbed some people the wrong way. But once he emerged Kent became an MVP and a perennial all-star.
The Braves have a young second baseman who is relatively new to the position. He is no Mazeroski either, and, although he has never been identified as anything but a team player, he is a bit too understated for some on this blog. PLEASE, let’s be patient with Kelly. I think that he will blossom this year and will reward the team for the patience they have shown in him. If Utley misses any significant time because of his off-season surgery and is slow in returning to form, Kelly could be the top offensive 2b man in the league this year. I will not be surprised if he makes the all-star team.
By Reality
January 26, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
“Last week an unnamed agent told The Washington Post that he believed Dunn “will get a max of $5 million per year.” Given that Dunn has hit at least 40 homers each of the past five seasons, this initially seemed somewhat ridiculous. But two other baseball sources have since indicated they believe that projection could prove accurate. As Spring Training approaches, the market may continue to come closer to where the Braves would be comfortable signing either Dunn or Abreu.” -Mark Bowman
If true, sign Dunn already! Does it really need to come down to five million? The Braves have around ten million and Wren swore on the radio money was not the issue; so why not give Dunn 8-9 million and get a young slugger?
By Mike
January 26, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thoughts on Bowman’s article that just came out? Main points: Sounds like a lot of interest in Swisher; Orlando Hudson is off of Wren’s radar; and AJ won’t get more than a minor-league deal from the Braves.
By dogsbrekky
January 26, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
mbatl This is hardly the blog nor time for sound reasoning sir !
By Jersey Gil
January 26, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand what is first starter,second starter or who is third starter…every Pitcher in the Rotation to me is a STARTER…Any one can pitch and win the CY in any position in the Rotation . Look Back in this rotation since 1993, Glavine,Maddux,Smoltz…Maddux as Second in the Rotation won Cy in 1993,1994,1995,Smoltz as Third won in 1996 and Glavine won in 1998 as Number one in the Rotation…what is the Different?…Who is in first….Who is in second…doesn’t matter.
By mbatl
January 26, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
Mike, I was pleased at all of those points in Bowman’s piece. Also glad to read that Diaz has lost a bunch of weight (20 lbs) and is feeling great. To me, that was a very positive report on all counts.
By Random
January 26, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this
mbatl: “another LOOGY is not the biggest priority at this point.”
Ohman is not just “another LOOGY”.
DOB: “What separates Ohman from most lefty relievers, besides his appreciation for The Big Lebowski, is the fact that he’s also quite tough on right-handers, which makes him a viable closer option in a pinch.”
Dig?
By propp
January 26, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this
The thing that makes the Dunn possibility better is that he will be more willing to take a short term deal and become a free agent again when the economy is better
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
mbatl
“I was pleased at all of those points in Bowman’s piece. Also glad to read that Diaz has lost a bunch of weight (20 lbs) and is feeling great. To me, that was a very positive report on all counts.”
As was I. No on Hudson, preference with Swisher and patience with Wren. Good things.
By mbatl
January 26, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
“Ohman is not just another LOOGY” - Random
I’ll accept that… bad wording on my part. He’s a solid reliever. I still say he’s not the Braves’ top priority right now, so it may take solving LF and solidifying the payroll before (hopefully) signing him.
By Josh Bruce
January 26, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
The Braves are shaping up to be a better team that I was expecting three weeks ago, but I would really prefer to have Ohman back in a Braves uniform because you could really count on him. As for the outfield I think that Dunn would complete the puzzle, but then again there are some others out there that will suprise and hopefully we can get him. But either way I’m still a Braves fan and always will be.
Go Braves!!!
By Seymour1948
January 26, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
I tried to have google translate the Japanese webpage on the new signee by the Braves, and the results were pretty great:
“Braves in the major leagues on April 26, three high school pitchers forest Nippon Hyogo (18) = 186 cm, 85 kg, throwing right-handed and right = minor deals were announced to join in Osaka. Pitcher forests and rough around the 140 kilograms of weapons to the high fastball. “In two or three pitches GANGAN上GARITAI a major player in the press,” and targets “(who joined the Braves) want to play with Ken Shin says Kawakami. Japan will continue to adjust, plans to develop a training facility in Australia to invest in the major leagues.”
I think my favorite line is “Pitcher forests and rough around the 140 kilograms of weapons to the high fastball.”
140 kilograms of weapons!! Dude, he sounds like he’s lights out!
By brent a.
January 26, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this
Pujols gets foreclosed upon
By jbutler
January 26, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Ohman has a good side kick in his wife. Sleep deprivation from babies can cause most sane women to start spouting just about anything like we have tourettes..but funny all the same. Hope he’s back..
Any guesses on how the BP will shape up this year?
By Saltywoody
January 26, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
Kentucky Fried Movie
Totally forgot about this flick. I used to love this thing in high school. Absolutely hilarious. And Boondock Saints rocks, too.
Man alive. We need to sign Ohman for no other reason than so he’ll come on the blog and hit us with some awesomeness.
The fact that he’d be killer in the pen is, for me, just an added bonus.
By richbrave
January 26, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
The end of the world is at hand BRAVES. REPENT. SIGN OHMAN.
By TennesseePaul
January 26, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Fletch. Awesome. I just re-watched that one last week. And the sequel. That was back when Chevy Chase was funny. Good stuff.
Thanks for the blog DOB.
By Max Power
January 26, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
Dude, everyone knows that “The Mets and Phillies have better pitcher forests” and the Braves “rough around” is not a true ace. 140 kg is not just going to cut it in the NL east this year, no way, no how.
LOL Great translation, no wonder we signed him.
By Slugger
January 26, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB -
Last blog someone talked about not knowing Medle’s potential until recently…
I was able to meet the whole Danville squad when they were all there…Tommy,Kris, Willie C etc. when my former college teammate was playing his first year of minor league ball alongside those guys in Danville.
You were spot on about everyone knowing Medlen’s talent… My first two years of college ball was JUCO ball, so I talked to Tommy and Kris about CJCAA vs. the NJCAA. Anyways, both guys were nice and had ridiculous arms. I saw Medlen close, and his hammer was absolutely disgusting…one more thing - I’ve met/know quite a few pro ball players, and Atlanta fans are going to love Tommy’s personality. He’s a cool dude, and there isn’t an ounce of cockiness in him off the field (usually never the case).
It must have really been like Bull Durham for those guys because about 8 of them lived in a house and fought over FIFA and NHL on Xbox…they won the championship for Danville that summer.
Oh, and DOB, you never answered my question about blu-ray. Make the jump, man. It’s worth it (you gotta see Godfather restoration, Shawshank and Band of Brothers).
By Slugger
January 26, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
Seymour’s post on the article about the young Japanese player’s signing = WIN
By BBFCFM
January 26, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this
I just clicked the link above that shows Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey.
Now, thats a winner anyway you look at it, but I think the true measure of the greatness of the article lies just above the print- in crazy funtime japanese ad land.
I just saw an ad that (i assume) promotes hair redistribution from your body to your face
By Einstein
January 26, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
Teams will continue to vastly overpay for relievers until MLB changes the way they fiqure ERA to accurately reflect how well a reliever actually does. And, look how all relievers are made to look really good. Can you say “players ubion”? For example, it should be as follows: Inherit a runner on 1st and he scores=.75 earned run. A batter on 2nd= .50 earned run; batter on third= .25 earned run, etc. As in life, relievers should bear some responsibility. Peace
By BBFCFM
January 26, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this
I can say “players ubion”. it’s a lot of fun
By BBFCFM
January 26, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
oh, and brent a.
thanks for the inside track on Alberto.
ha! the picture sealed the deal for me
By Graham
January 26, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
BBFCFM
Your 6:04 is freakin’ hilarious!!!
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, I hear you on Hudson. But I did hear that injuries have taken a toll on his defense, which I’ve always considered to rate near top of the NL’s 2B….
Diaz has indeed been working very hard since early fall to get in best shape of his career. We say it every spring, that this guy’s lost weight or that guy’s added muscle, etc, but I hear from everyone that Diaz, McCann and Chipper are all in either the best shape of their careers, or in Chipper’s case, close to it (he was pretty ripped in his ‘99 MVP year)….
Heard from someone who knows that Andruw was to go to Texas over the weekend to work with a former Rangers hitting instructor. Not sure if he did, but as of late last week that was the plan. Sounds like Boras is trying everything to get him back to something resembling the hitter he formerly was….
Slugger, funny that you mentioned it: I ordered a Sony Blu-ray, and it arrived today. I kid you not.
By Bravesfaninmetsland
January 26, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
I have always loved Ohman as a pitcher. But now, listing The Princess Bride he’s alock. I have met Mandy Patinkin a few times and he has told me how fond he is of the time he spent making that movie (especially the part where Andre the Giant could hold Mandy’s then only son in the palm of his giant hand) Sign this man now!!
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 26, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
Will Ohman, my kind of man. His listing of Dogma tells me we have another Kevin Smith fan, which is cool by me. Glory is an absolutely fantastic recreation of the US Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company. I have both the DVD and VHS in my collection.
Over one hundred free agents still unaccounted for. Interesting. Out of thirty teams in 2008 the Braves were 15th in RBI, 23rd in HR’s and 27th in stolen bases. Nothing as of yet has been done to upgrade the offense, defense, outfield etc.
Speaking of Kevin Smith, one of his lesser known films is Big Helium Dog. It’s something along the lines of a bunch of different comedy skits loosely strung together. It’s Incredibly dark humor which might be offensive to just about anybody but also insanely funny. The movie never came out on DVD, so finding it on a shelf can be challenging. Check out the IMDB link
Among the rest of Kevin Smith’s films are Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy ( my personal favorite of his films ), Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II.
By Mitchell
January 26, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
I guess Ohman isn’t the only member of the Braves Nation with bad taste in movies.
Okay, most of those are good. But Boondock Saints?
That movie is terrible. Come on people.
Here’s a movie for you, it’s called Overnight.
It’s a documentary about the director of BS, Troy Duffy, who got the script for the film and even his bar of all things purchased by uber-producer Harvey Weinstein only to let it go to his head, abuse and alienate his friends and brothers, who also had a band together, spend all his money on alcohol, burn every bridge in Hollywood and lose it all.
I highly recommend it.
Jeez, I’m a party pooper aren’t I?
By BBFCFM
January 26, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Mitchell
I recommend you repeat over and over “players ubion”.
it’ll take the poop right outta the party
By Run Heap Run
January 26, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Hey let me know how you like that blu-ray, I’ve been pondering the switch.
And I cannot believe in the link brent a posted above that Pujols is complaining about how expensive food, heating gas, and electricity are to a CNN article. I mean, it’s true, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I see a guy living his dreams and making millions upon millions to play a game try to act like his money and his bills are like regular folks bills. I can’t stand that “we make a lot but we spend a lot” mentality on parade. If you have it, at least have the sense to be quiet about it when real folks out here are losing their jobs and homes every day.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame the Braves for waiting to sign players now, why pay $10 million when if you wait you could only pay $5million. The difference means signing two or 3 players instead of just one with your remaining dollars, or holding on to as many dollars as you can so you’ll have the ability to take on a contract in a trade at the deadline.
Ohman should be the priority,he was the last of the relievers to pucker out at the end. His signing would give the Braves the, potentially, the best and deepest pen in the NL.
Orlando Hudson is a great option, he doesn’t have power, but he hits well in the clutch. He gets tougher with runners on, especially runners on and two outs. Those are clutch numbers Dunn could only dream about. Hudson hits when it counts the most and the Braves could use another player like that.
When all is said and done, RocknRolla will be seen as better than Snatch and Lock, Stock.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
mitchell, you are 100% correct about Boondock Saints. Some great action scenes, but otherwise terrible.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
Bravesfaninmetsland: Speaking of Mandy Patinkin, you want to guess where he went to college? That’s right, he’s a proud University of Kansas alum.
By No Time
January 26, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
Taken with Liam Neeson is pretty decent as is Pride and Glory with Colin Farrell.
By T-ghost
January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Mitchell,
Boondock Saints is a GREAT movie.
By Bryan
January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Love the Braves chatter. Read but never blog in. Just thought I had to add my favorite two movies to the discussion as they may not have been mentioned yet (as far as I saw). What are your thoughts on Grosse Pointe Blank and Go (w/Katie Holmes and Jay Mohr)? Just thought they warranted mention in the great movies banter. I’ll chime back in when I again have something to say.
By Brandon13
January 26, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, you may have covered this in an earlier blog and if so my apologies, but what are your personal feelings on Dunn as a player? I see that quite a few Braves fans hate the idea of signing Dunn because of his strikeout totals and defense, but his home runs and high number of walks would bring a lot to this team, imo. Just wondering what your feelings are on him. Thanks.
By BravesFanInRockies
January 26, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
Orlando Hudson is a great option, he doesn’t have power, but he hits well in the clutch. He gets tougher with runners on, especially runners on and two outs. Those are clutch numbers Dunn could only dream about. Hudson hits when it counts the most and the Braves could use another player like that.kirkinga
Actually, Dunn’s career OPS with runners on and 2 outs is .840. O-Dog’s is .839.
Hudson’s average is higher, yes. But he’s essentially a singles hitter, which could score a runner from second but also do nothing more than move a runner from first to second. Dunn’s more likely to get a runner home via double or HR. Or keep the inning alive with a walk.
Look, I’m not making a case for the Braves to sign Dunn. Not happening anyway. I just think O-Dog is not who they need. Especially if the purpose of signing him is to move KJ to the outfield or heaven forbid trade him for a LF.
Makes a lot more sense to sign a left fielder than to use Hudson as part of some perverse game of musical chairs.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this
Realized today I had a glaring, inadvertent omission from my best-of-2008 music list. Should’ve had The Baseball Project on there, with Peter Buck, Steve Wynn and Co. rocking to all-original, all-baseball-themed songs, including the immortal “Ted [Bleeping] Williams” (that’s part of the profane and hilarious chorus).
If you Google “The Baseball Project” you can call up the myspace page that automatically plays two great tunes from the album, “Pasttime” and “Harvey Haddix.” Pasttime mentions Oscar Gamble’s afro, and there’s a little picture of that ginormous ‘fro while the song’s playing on the myspace page.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
Brandon: Dunn’s a pretty terrible defensive player who has huge power, gets on base a lot, and takes a load of walks, sometimes in situations where you’d prefer your biggest power hitter to drive in a couple of runs instead of not swinging at anything near the plate.
That said, he’d be a big upgrade offensively for the Braves, and I recommended a month or more back that they sign him and Lowe.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this
Bryan, I really liked both Grosse Pointe Blank and Go. Terrific soundtrack in Grosse Pointe Blank, and one of my favorite Cusack movies.
High Fidelity is another good one with him and a great soundtrack.
By Jim
January 26, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
What does O Hudson add that B’s don’t already have?
DOB noted injuries have slowed him down defensively in last few years. That is confirmed by decline in his RF to 4.82/.982 in ‘08. KJ’s comps. were 5.16/.980. And, Prado’s were 5.58/.967, and 6.72/.941 and 6.05/.976 in ‘07 and ‘06. Infante’s #s at 2B were 4.92/.986; 5.07/.977 and 5.16/.988 in ‘08, ‘07 and ‘06. Diaz and Prado (.330, approx) hit very well against RHP. Infante is a little better against LHP than RHP (approx .321 v. approx. .275 in ‘08).
So, for nothing, B’s could play KJ (2B) and Diaz (LF) against LHP and KJ and Prado (2B, or LF) against RHP. That would fee up salary for Ohman and maybe a “cheaper than we thought,” Bobby Abreu, who could also play RF if JF flames out early in season. In this scenario, Diory H. could be the extra utility player since Infante can also play OF.
By BravesFanInRockies
January 26, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this
BTW, folks, Manny’s still holding out for a 4 year, $100 million deal. And a pony.
By Brandon13
January 26, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks. I feel the same way.
By Jack G
January 26, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
FW will screw around and drag his feet until Ohman signs with another team. Then it will be just another FW blunder.
You cant have too many closers
By Tomas
January 26, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
Have you all realize NICK SWISHER might make more money than Dunn? Swisher has 3 years 22 million left on his contract, and Adam Dunn is projected to be payed 5 million per year, how the hell are the Braves interested in Swisher when they have such a bargain in Dunn. It’s not like Swisher is an awesome defender either. Sign Adam Dunn, Will Ohman, and if there is something left Tom Glavine(and Andruw if he takes a minor league deal which he has said he wouldn’t).
By BravesFanInRockies
January 26, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this
Tomas (7:03)
Not a bad point re: Swisher.
Personally, I’d rather have him than Dunn. For one thing, Swisher’s faster than Heap!
But if you can get Dunn for fewer years, less money and not have to give up prospects, then it does make some sense.
By Salamander
January 26, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this
Dunn (or another OF with power) = yes
O. Hudson (or another 2B) = no
Boondock Saints = meh
By Reality
January 26, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
“….where you’d prefer your biggest power hitter to drive in a couple of runs instead of not swinging at anything near the plate.”
I’ve never liked this argument. What is a hitter supposed to do? I find it hard to believe people would prefer a slow-running hitter like Dunn to swing at a ball three inches off the plate that they can’t do anything with and ground out (possibly into a double play) instead of just taking a walk. If the pitcher refuses to throw strikes, the hitter should not swing. Don’t bail the pitcher out and swing at their bad pitches.
Dunn + Johnson > Hudson/Roberts + Johnson
By Tomas
January 26, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn:
Last two years he has made 14 errors, with a 1.86 RF(range factor) on the outfield in 285 games. Also had 14 outfield assist.
Pat Burrell:
Last two years he has made 12 errors, with a 1.61 RF(range factor) on the outfield in 293 games. Also had 20 outfield assist.
Adam Dunn is a superior offensive player. Higher OBP, higher SLG, averaging 40 HR per season. Burrell’s is gonna make 8 million, Dunn should make around the same or a little higher.
By True Bravaes Fan
January 26, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Frank Wren: You are going good with your signings. Now sign Ohman and Glavine….QUICK!! Don’t mess around with them, ala John Smoltz.
By NewYearNewTeam
January 26, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
Ohman - If he wanted to sign with the Braves he would have signed. Hes waiting on the Yankees to deliver that big pay day.
Diaz - He cant hit right handed pitching worth a flip. I dont care what kind of shape hes in, if he cant hit right handed pitching hes worthless.
Johnson - They just need to leave him alone. I dont get where everyone thinks hes a liability. Hes not.
Pitching looks real good. Add Hudson and Hanson and you have a powerful rotation. Only question is where do the rest of the pitchers go. Its a five man rotation?
By TommyP
January 26, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN: The Oak Hill game was a sight to see. I’m on the girls coaching staff so we had the night off. I decided to stay home and watch the game on the internet (wazoo.com) ‘cause I didn’t want to fight that crowd. We kept it close but they just had too much talent. We play Austin-East tomorrow night at Bearden.
DOB: PLEASE tell me that Andruw is working with one Rudy Jamarillo. You said a “former Ranger hitting coach” but Jamarillo isn’t just another hitting coach….he’s a legend.
IF Andruw is working with Jamarillo, it’s the first MAJOR sign that Andruw realizes he has to change his hitting approach.
We could see some very good results if he sticks to what he’s taught.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies, ah yes the razzle dazzle OPS%, well this is a great example of the limitations of OPS%.
I’m shocked that the OPS%’S are that close. I would think Hudson’s would be much lower than Dun’s.
But all that tells me is that Dunn slugs better in that situation.
The real deal is Dunn is hitting .212 with Runners On and 2 out. Hudson is hitting .275. That means Hudson is more likely to get a hit in that situation than Dunn. Hudson is the guy you want up there in that situation.
There were so many times last year the Braves just needed a hit, not a homer but a single or double and couldn’t get it done. Well here is a guy that has gotten it done and has he’s gotten older, he gotten it done even more because in the lasdt 3 seasons, he’s hitting .297 with Runners On 2Out. Dunn .238.
Again, in crunch time it’s great to have a big bopper up there, but give me the guy who is more likely to get a hit.
By f.n. hale
January 26, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
DOB
I was thinking this morning about a discussion yesterday about availability of contract figures. Isn’t Liberty a publicly held corp. and aren’t they required to disclose contracts? I don’t know that I’m right about either but I thought that was the case.
Also, I caught a great movie on IFC last night. State of Grace with Sean Penn, Oldman, Ed Harris and Robin Wright. Oldman and Wright stole the show for me, both were incredible. I can’t believe it, but I wasn’t at all familiar with the film.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
TommyP, that’s the guy, Rudy Jaramillo. Not certain that Andruw went, but I was told that was the plan, for him to go out there and work with Rudy over the weekend.
By TommyP
January 26, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this
DOB: Wow…what a smart move on his part. I would have to believe that Boras put this together for Andruw’s sake.
I want to say that Jamarillo’s success dates all the way back to Julio Franco.
He has churned out excellent hitter after excellent hitter.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
TommyP
“Adam Dunn is a superior offensive player. Higher OBP, higher SLG, averaging 40 HR per season. Burrell’s is gonna make 8 million, Dunn should make around the same or a little higher.”
I’m pretty sure Dunn is going to make that much. I know he was asking for four years and 56 million, but that isn’t going to happen. What is absurd is the idea that Dunn is going to sign for 5 million per season. I mean, really, come on. If that were the case, than there are several GM’s who should be fired for not signing the guy. 5 million? I think Dunn will sign a two-three year deal for 10 million per year. He has to sign for more than Pat Burrell. Abreu will probably get the same contract Burrell got.
By Jim
January 26, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this
agree that Dunn + KJ better than Hudson/Roberts + KJ. Think Abreu + JK woulb be even stronger. Much stronger. Because Nady is RHB, he +KJ might be strongest of combo’s. (Can FW talk to SB about extending XN’s contract or is that verbotten until B’s get him?) What would it take to sign Abreu for 2 or 3 years if Dunn’s value is in $5MM/per range? XN, at $6.5 for ‘09 looks like the highest paid of bunch.
Think SB would probably be inclined to wait until Fall and hear all other offers on XN, but there are certainly some reliable economists who might look at what is going on re deflation of AD/BA contracts and conclude that if B’s were willing to pay XN same $6.5 for another two or three years beyond ‘09, SB might be willing to recommend to his client that he take it. Always assume the other side is under more pressure to make a deal than you are.
By Chief Nock A Homa
January 26, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
Any insight into why Dunn isn’t being pursued more heavily by ANYONE??? It seems as if his price is right now…
DOB: What do you think Wren might be waiting for at this point?? Do you think he believes his price will drop more??? Or is he just not that interested in him??
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry about that at 7:52. That was to Tomas, not TommyP.
By BravesFanInRockies
January 26, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
Chief Nock A Homa
I think that’s exactly what’s happening. Starting pitchers like Garland and Wolf who were expecting perhaps 3-4 years at $10mm per are looking at one year, $5-7 mm.
There are still a half-dozen corner OF unsigned who are or have been marquee players — Dunn, Abreu, Edmonds, Anderson, Manny, Griffey. And the Phils are looking as if they overpaid for Ibanez.
I’d be stunned if Dunn’s price dropped to $5mm per. But he might jump now at a 2/$15mm offer. That’s what some folks thought he might make for one season back in October.
Makes you wonder how cheaply you could get Edmonds or Abreu.
By Mike
January 26, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
For the OF, I feel that the best thing to do is just sign Dunn and be done…HAHA…get it? Okay, that was retarded.
Johnson could play LF if you signed or traded for a 2nd baseman (though he had TG surgery and we don’t know if throwing from that distance over time would cause issue again). But Johnson doesn’t solve your clean up hitter issue. Folks…we need a smasher in the 4 hole. I would take Dunn’s lousy fielding and high strike outs if he walked a lot and hit 40+ hr. How many more games would that have won us last year? We need a true clean-up hitter.
Lets assume that Andruw isn’t on the team to start the year (I say that because this is my scenario, and Andruw would just complicate it). You have Dunn in LF, (a hopefully much improved) Frenchy in RF, and then Blanco, Anderson, Schafer as the potentials for CF. Then your line up is…
CF’er as your lead-off base stealer Escobar Chipper Dunn Bmac Frenchy Johnson Kotchman pitcher
Guys…that’s 2 guys in your 7-8 spots that can hit .300 or close to it. I really feel that Johnson is best served at staying low in the order. He has always done better there. And Escobar is much better in the 2 hole than lead-off.
Do this and re-sign Ohman and you spend an additional 8-12 mill on both. The Bravos gotta have at least that left to work with. Then you aren’t losing guys in a trade for an OF and with the right years on a contract for Dunn, he can keep the spot warm for Heyward. And if Heyward is ready sooner then just trade Dunn. He should still have decent value, he isn’t that old.
What do ya’ll think?
By BravesFanInRockies
January 26, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this
FWIW, folks, my S.O. gave me a #29 Smoltz jersey for my birthday. In the always-lose-on-the-road blue. In many ways, it was the perfect gift … She’s the best!
By Bubdylan
January 26, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
Great Apocalypse Now Spoof, especially if you’ve seen A. Now a bunch of times.
By richbrave
January 26, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
GENRE FLICKS and a few obscure favs.
1860’s - PHAROAH’s ARMY(American Civil War) with CRIS COOPER, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, and PATRICIA CLARKSON.
1870’s - THE MOLLY MAGUIRES(Coalfield Unrest - Pennsylvania) with SEAN CONNERY, RICHARD HARRIS, and SAMANTHA EGGAR.
1880’s - HEARTLAND(American West - Wyoming) with RIP TORN.
1890’s - BREAKER MORANT(BOER WAR - SOUTH AFRICA) with EDWARD WOODWARD, JACK THOMPSON and BYRON BROWN.
1910’s - GALLIPOLI(WORLD WAR I - Turkey) with MEL GIBSON in his coming out feature.
1920’s - MATEWAN(Coalfield Wars - West Virginia) with CRIS COOPER, JAMES EARL JONES(his personal favorite), and MARY McDONNELL.
1930’s - GAL YOUNG ‘UN(PROHIBITION - Central Florida) with DANA PREU and DAVID PECK.
TIN MEN with DANNY DeVITO, RICHARD DREYFUS, BARBARA HERSHEY, TONE LOC and the FINE YOUNG CANIBALS.
WRESTLING EARNEST HEMINGWAY with ROBERT DUVALL, RICHARD HARRIS, and SHIRLEY MACLAINE.
DON JUAN DeMARCO with JOHNNY DEPP, MARLON BRANDO and FAYE DUNAWAY.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
BravesFaninRockies
“There are still a half-dozen corner OF unsigned who are or have been marquee players — Dunn, Abreu, Edmonds, Anderson, Manny, Griffey. And the Phils are looking as if they overpaid for Ibanez.”
The Phillies look really bad in my opinion. Sure he is consistent and “clutch”, but three years and 31.5 million will probably be the most money a LF not named Manny Ramirez gets this winter. They jumped the gun and didn’t assess the market correctly. Good for us, when they are paying a 39 year old corner outfielder 11.5 million dollars.
By BlawgDawg
January 26, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run if your considering getting a Blue-ray, as long as you have a HD TV, get it. The picture is absolutly amazing. If you like games as well, rather than just getting a Blue-ray, get a Playstation 3. It has a built in Blue-ray as well as having the ability to play the games, music, regular DVD’s, and connecting to the internet with an ethernet or wifi connection.
But if you don’t want all that comes with the Playstation 3, a Blue-ray player by itself is well worth the money. Amazing picture and sound quality.
I mentioned it on the last blog, but I saw Slumdog Millionare over the weekend. Fabulous movie!! Would recommend it to anyone, and as soon as it comes out on Blue-ray and DVD, if you haven’t seen it, it will be a great addition to anyone’s collection, I certainly plan on getting it in Blue-ray when it is released.
By Bubdylan
January 26, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Mandy Patinkin, you want to guess where he went to college? That’s right, he’s a proud University of Kansas alum. DOB
Fitting. He does a mean “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Seriously, he does. A singer of some reputation, but I imagine you know that.
Ever seen him in Lumet’s “Daniel?”
By TommyP
January 26, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this
That wasn’t me that chimed in on the Dunn discussion. That quote was someone else’s.
I think Mike Gonzalez has a career year this year. Just going on record early with that. :)
By Bubdylan
January 26, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this
You HDTV Owners, I’m shopping them tonight, and I see that there’s a PC do-hickey on the back as if it will operate as a monitor. Will they? Are they as good as a monitor as a regular new monitor? I need both, you see.
By Bravesfaninmetsland
January 26, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Patinkin went to University of Kansas but he never graduated from there correct? Didn’t he leave there to go to Juliard?
By TommyP
January 26, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim: I disagree when you say the Phils look really bad with the Ibanez situation.
There really wasn’t any way of knowing that the market for OFs would be so low. The Phils decided Ibanez was the guy they wanted and they went out and got him.
Of course, they could’ve played it close to the vest like the Braves…with Smoltz. :)
If you have the money and identify the guy you want, just go get him. That’s what the Phils did.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
“They jumped the gun and didn’t assess the market correctly. Good for us, when they are paying a 39 year old corner outfielder 11.5 million dollars.”
Efrim, I predict as the season goes on, we’ll be asking why the Braves didn’t sign Ibanez because he “only got $31.5 million/year”.
I know some don’t but much stock in being “consistent and clutch”, but those are the players pitchers least want to face in pressure situations.
Jeter doesn’t hit many homers, but is there anyone who consistently comes up more clutch than him? All those great Yankee teams had hitters who were just “consistent and clutch” and all they did was win rings.
I know many enjoy the majesty of he homer and it’s all macho and stuff, but there are pitchers who are very good at keeping the ball in the park, especially in the playoffs, so in those situations, more often than not, teams win with something other than a homer.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
TommyP
“If you have the money and identify the guy you want, just go get him. That’s what the Phils did.”
Right, but I think they could of waited and still got him for a lower price. It’s all good. I’m glad they signed him, because I think it made them worse.
By rico carty
January 26, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this
This offseason is starting to get a lot more interesting. How about this lineup?
Escobar SS Johnson 2B Jones 3B Dunn LF McCann C A. Jones CF Francoeur RF Kotchmann 1B Lowe P
Rotation of Lowe, Kawakami, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Glavine (or Parr, Carlyle, Campillo)
Moylan, Acosta, Boyer, Gonzalez, Soriano, Ohmann in bullpen
With “innings eaters”, could carry 11 pitchers. I think that would help this team a lot, carrying 14 regulars. Bench of Prado, Infante, Diaz, Norton, backup C (forgot his name), Blanco or Anderson. Keep Heyward, Hanson, Schafer, other top prospects another year in minors.
Looks like a team that could contend, and youth is intact for 2011. Plus, with no-trade clauses, could trade Lowe, Vazquez, etc. for even more prospects if terrible again. Flexibility, built for the future, and, as ugly as it was, the Smoltz questions now behind us.
Getting excited about spring…..
By Daybed Wagmoe
January 26, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
Anybody watching the Hawks-Heat game right now? It’s been a BRUTAL night for the Hawks. They scored 27 points in the first half, which is a new franchise record for lowest total in the 1st half.
By #1Brave
January 26, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Haven’t seen you mention it, but have you seen In Bruges with Colin Farrell? Not a big fan of his, but the movie was hilarious! It’s definitely worth a watch! I believe it got an Oscar nom for best adapted screenplay…
By BlawgDawg
January 26, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
Bubdylan yes, you can connect your PC to a HDTV with that input. Picture will be fine, but understand that websites aren’t in HD so the picture won’t be any better than a nice monitor.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
kirkinga
“I predict as the season goes on, we’ll be asking why the Braves didn’t sign Ibanez because he “only got $31.5 million/year”.”
Will you say that two years from now when we are looking to make room for Jason Heyward and we end up having to trade Raul Ibanez for a bag of big league chew and a rosen bag? I mean, how many teams will be giving up a ton for a 39 year old corner outfielder? I’m pretty happy we didn’t make that kind of commitment to Ibanez. Rather make that commitment to someone a little younger. Plus the guy hasn’t hit left handed pitching, and isn’t that what we need?
And Jeter is a career .316/.387/.458 hitter as a shortstop. I don’t care if he doesn’t hit home runs, the guy is just plain good(although probably regressing).
By Bubdylan
January 26, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this
BlawgDawg, no, that’s fine. Not aiming for a monitor improvement, it’s just that I keep a small t.v. and my computer on the same table in my study, and both are punking out (the t.v. and the monitor). And there are nice 19” HDTV’s for just a hundred bucks more than the nicest monitors, so… you see. Save money and space.
Thanks.
By Moby Grape
January 26, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this
Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense Jersey Gil
he used to be, but his numbers are going down about every year. losing range, he no longer ranks that high as has been mentioned on here a number of times with supporting data
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
Efrim, yes I will still say that because I believe Ibanez is worth what we got if not more. I also believe based on his track record that he could turn into another Brave killer and if he doe, then we can’t point a finger at the Phils and laugh.
The Braves could afford the contract the Philles gave Ibanez, it wasn’t outrageous. Frankly, I thought he’d get more, but he was the smart one and recognizing that he should sign while the signing was hot. That tells me he’s wiser than the bunch that’s left too.
I’m not going to pass up on a player who is consistent and clutch just because I have a great prospect coming along two years from now. I think what you’re asking though is if he sign Hudson and move KJ to LF, then what do we do when Heyward arrives?
If that’s what you’re asking I say trade him assuming Heyward is ready.
And yes, thank you for emphasizing my point using Jeter as an example. A team that lost 90 games, but does a great job in getting men on base, need clutch hitting more than they need power.Jeter and those guys won because they were clutch, teams that advance in the playoffs get more clutch hits than hits that leave the park. The Braves need those kind of players any way they can get one.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
Patinkin went to University of Kansas but he never graduated from there correct? Didn�t he leave there to go to Juliard?Bravesfaninmetsland
Who in their right mind would leave KU for Juilliard? Ain’t no Allen Fieldhouse at Juilliard.
(No, but seriously, he went to KU for two years before transferring to Juilliard School of Drama. Unlike Paul Pierce or Mario Chalmers, neither of whom attended Juilliard.)
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
1Brave, I keep meaning to rent that. Heard it’s a good movie (In Bruges). Will see it soon, I’m sure.By Random
January 26, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this
mbatl: “I’ll accept that… bad wording on my part. He’s a solid reliever. I still say he’s not the Braves’ top priority right now, so it may take solving LF and solidifying the payroll before (hopefully) signing him.”
I’ll accept that.
;-)
By Moby Grape
January 26, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
Ohman is not just “another LOOGY”. Random
if Sori and Moylan are both healthy, then LOOGY is what he will be for the most part though better than many. And he has had some not so good years, so I don’t see him as all that necessary unless they have some bread left over after helping the OF.
By Efrim
January 26, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
kirkinga
The Braves were 10th in slugging in the NL. That’s not good. And consider Tex was on this team for the better part of the season. I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor. One thing I do agree with you about, the Braves should be looking to get a good player and not think about 2011. They have time to figure that out. Of course, that isn’t to say that Ibanez would be a good idea, because again, he’ll turn 39 in 2011 and will be owed 11.5 million that season.
By northbeach Scott
January 26, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for the info last night regarding Spring Training and World Baseball classic. Appreciate it. My wife is devistated that ARod will not be playing in the 3/7 ST game in Tampa vs Yankees. Guess we will try to catch them at the Ted in June.
As always appreciate your efforts and perspective. Thank you!
Just say no to Andruw, Braves, or at least do not give up a spot on the 40 man for him or more than the minor league minimum unless he proves otherwise.
By The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher
January 26, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
boondock saints rocks - as does Princess Bride. I almost named my son Westly because of that movie - no lie. Sign Ohman now just cause he’s cool - and because he’s a really good pitcher.
By nolie
January 26, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
Slugger, funny that you mentioned it: I ordered a Sony Blu-ray, and it arrived today. I kid you not. DOB
shoulda got a Panasonic, does a better job of playing regular dvds when upconverting them to HDMI. best one out there right now.
By Random
January 26, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
BBFCFM: “I just clicked the link above that shows Yoshinori Yamarin in a Braves Hat and Jersey.
“Now, thats a winner anyway you look at it, but I think the true measure of the greatness of the article lies just above the print- in crazy funtime japanese ad land.”
Have you seen the website Engrish.com?
Check it out.
8-)
By The Artist Formerly Known as Too Hot For Teacher
January 26, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this
One last movie I meant to throw out there - The Terror of Tiny Town. Everybody should watch it. It was made in the 30s or 40s and it’s the funnies thing ever made. It is a western made up entirely of midgets (not sure what the PC term is - for that I apologize) riding Shetland ponies. Many of the actors had been munchkins in Oz…the best part is the movie is made to be serious and all of their guns are full sized.
I’m really excited about Spring Training - gonna try to head down there and catch a couple of games and a ride on the Tower of Terror. Good to hear you say that Chipper, McCann, and Diaz look to be in great shape. Hopefully that works out this year really well.
By nolie
January 26, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
When all is said and done, RocknRolla will be seen as better than Snatch and Lock, Stock. *Kirk8
I hope you’re kidding. It isn’t near as good. I was kinda disappointed, though it was definitely better than Revolver. . Not that it’s that big a deal but it is definitely rated lower on IMDB, so I don’t think you assessment is gonna sweep the nation. How about “In Bruges”?
By Wide Right
January 26, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
In my opinion there is not a free agent outfielder available that is better than a platoon of Johnson/Diaz in leftfield. Brian Roberts is, therefore, the answer provided we dont have to give up too many prospects. Otherwise, Orlando is the best fit.
By Heath
January 26, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this
Ready for a busy week of FA signings…if you had to guess DOB…who do you think the Braves end up signing? Dunn, Abreu and the like might be too much $$$…so, in the end, you think it will be Ohman, AJ, and see what happens in ST?
By Mr. Egger
January 26, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this
“It’s about what the market will bear”
Sounds like he should have had Raising Arizona on that list too.
By Rahul
January 26, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should go after Luke Scott. The Orioles are going to go with Markakis, Jones, and Pie I think, leaving him expendable. He would be the most productive player in our outfield currently, unless Schafer were to come in from the start of the season and just tear it up.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
What about Kevin Millar?
I am hearing rumblings and though he is maybe more looked at as a 1st baseman, he has played a good bit of OF in his career.
One of the best clubhouse guys in baseball, (though not in the MLBPA because of starting his career as a replacement player during the strike) you can pretty much pencil in 20 something HRs, 80 something RBIs and .280 average. And only making 3.8 mil last season, and probably much less this season, could be a steal for 1 yr. Might be a good stop gap fit.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this
nolie, no I’m not kidding. I believe RocknRolla is Ritchie’s best work to date. I saw it last night and can’t wait to watch it again. I hope he gets to make the entire trilogy. Lock and Stock is rated only .6 bettet which is understandable as it is 11 years old.
If you read the comments on IMDB, you’ll find that I am simply agreeing with others, I’m not alone in my assessment. Many believe that after awhile as people rent the DVD, the movie’s popularity will grow a it wasn’t heavily promoted here in the U.S.
Revolver was disappointing, it lead you on as if it was a wild ride of a movie, but sadly it never delivered.
In Bruges I had to come back to several times, it’s slow going at the start, but is a very good movie and has great acting by all including Colin Farrell.
By brian
January 26, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this
what is there in Kansas besides Allen Field House???
Just kidding.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this
I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor.
Wow! Ok, no problem, we’ll just disagree on this point. Who is going to get a hit when it counts the most, not who is more likely to homer at some point. And with Dunn, it’s who is least likely to even make contact with runners on.But that’s what makes the blog interesting right?
I like clutch players. I don’t care what sport, give me the player who can make the plays when it counts the most. Clutch is Derek Jeter Manny Ramirez;it’s Tom Brady, Rice/Montana, Peyton Manning; and it’s Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,Kobe Bryant etc…
Clutch is also Mark Lemke in the playoffs.
Clutch wins more games than power IMHO.
When the Braves get men on and fail to get them in and lose the game, you will say “gee we didn’t hit a homer with those guys on base”, I will say, “gee we needed a hit and couldn’t get the runner(s) in”.
By Random
January 26, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this
Jersey Girl: “I Just read a couple of notes in MLBTR, That … mention that the Rumors of the Braves get in Hudson was died down because concern on his Defense,Ahh, Defense? hello Hudson did not play in the off season,???????Hudson in one of the best defender second Baseman that i know, that comment not make any sense.”
Have you seen [this Baseball Prospectus article on Orlando Hudson]{http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8378} by Joe Sheehan from just last month?
It offers a different perspective that might help make that comment make some sense.
Here’re some excerpts:
“I do not consider Hudson to be an elite player, and while he has been a good one, I would be extremely wary of signing him for his age 31-33, or 31-34, seasons. He strikes me as a good example of the kind of middling player who falls off a cliff in his early thirties.
“A big part of Hudson’s value has been his defense. He ranked fifth among MLB second basemen in Plus/Minus in 2006, third in 2007, then slipped to 23rd last year. Hudson’s defensive statistics have always been strong, thanks in part to very strong numbers on balls in the air; balls that reflect, to some extent, discretion rather than range. In any case, the falloff by Hudson last year could be a one-year blip, or it could be a sign of decline, and it’s not easy to tell which without more information. That he’s 30 and a second baseman who’s had an assortment of physical ailments would lead you to believe that it’s not merely a fluke. Because so much of Hudson’s value has come from his defense, any loss of range or skill will take a chunk out of his value.
“Hudson is 31, not durable, and at his peak has been a good, not great, player. He plays a position that exacts a physical toll on all players, one that has already chipped away at his playing time over the years. Hudson’s defense took a turn for the worse last year, and while that’s not necessarily predictive, it’s something to worry about. Second base is a spot that you can generally patch fairly easily, as opposed to shortstop or catcher or the rotation, so it’s not the best use of resources. With any decline, Hudson, as a second baseman only, could go from a starting player to not worth a roster spot—think Luis Castillo.”
By richbrave
January 26, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
Are we going to the mat with KOTCHMAN? I hope not. Give the dude what he wants and let’s see what he can do with a smile on his face instead of a frown or bitter taste in his mouth. Course, I don’t know the guy. ARB b-s may not faze him one way or the other.
By kirkinga
January 26, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Najeh, I didn’t know Millar played that much OF.His stats are primarily listed as a 1ST Baseman.
Seems like Diaz and Jones could give us .230 20 Hr’s and 72 rbi’s, but an interesting suggestion.
By GSU-Lee
January 26, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this
DOB, you have seen Boondock Saints, right? Just wanted to clarify after Ohman’s comment. Also, don’t know if you are much of a Will Ferrell guy, but Step Brothers is freaking hilarious. It might actually be funnier than Anchorman or Old School or any of his movies.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 11:47 PM | Link to this
Richbrave, what’s the deal with asking again about Kotchman and arbitration, second time in the past two or three days you’ve brought this up. Just curious, why the concern? Dude, it’s really not a big deal at all. There are dozens of players around baseball who swapped salary figures with their teams and haven’t come to agreements yet.
Whether the Braves sign Kotchman now or go to arb, he’s under contract. He’s playing for them in 2009.
You act as if a player is going to go out play poorly because he’s upset the team took him to arbitration. That wouldn’t make much sense now, would it? LIke he’s thinking, “I’ll show them — I’ll go out and play poorly, show them I’m worth what they said I was instead of what I say I’m worth…. Oh, wait. Nevermind.”
Keep in mind, this is probably not a guy the Braves are going to sign to a long-term contract (they’ve not said that; I’m speculating, what with Freeman on the way in a few years, etc.) So while he’s here, it would certainly help Kotchman’s cause for future free agency to put up the best numbers possible, not to mention it’ll help him in arbitration a year from now.
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this
Nolie: No, you shoulda got Sony. It’s better.
No, it’s not.
Is too.
No, it’s not.
Is too…
(Sorry, but that’s kinda how your comment came across. I’m sure my Sony Blu-ray will do just fine, my man. But thanks for the post-purchase advice.)
By David O'Brien
January 26, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
GSU-Lee: No, I have not seen The Boondock Saints.
By MrNeutral
January 27, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
BETAMAX
By N8
January 27, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this
And I thought some of us on the blog, had some hard core musical “stances” when it comes to who we like or dislike. Check this dude out. LOL!
Billy Joel Rant
By Bubdylan
January 27, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
lol, mr neutral
By N8
January 27, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this
DOB
“Regardless of whether the Braves sign him, you all should understand: If they do, he’d not be considered the bat they’ve been looking for in the outfield. He’d be signed to a low-salary deal and given a chance to show what he’s got this spring, not guaranteed of a job for the 2009 season.”
With all due respect (god I hope you’re right), you have to smirk a little bit when typing that, not?
I’m putting the over/under at about 15 games, before Andruw is batting cleanup, between Chipper and McCann and playing CF.
I’ve said all along, as a platoon guy in LF, maybe with Brandon Jones, or he could platoon with Schafer in CF, if a guy like Dunn or Nady is picked up, and batting NO HIGHER than 7th.
But I’ve got little fait that IF he makes the roster, he won’t be given Bobby’s “full trust” and thrust into the order (in a rally killing position).
Of course, he could completely turn his career around and DESERVE to be there. LOL!
I guess the only glimmer of hope that Bobby wouldn’t do this, is that he passed on Javy last spring (or was that two springs ago? Man that seems like a long time ago).
We shall see. Andruw can definitely help this team, if too much is not asked of him. But as soon as he is given the opportunity to be a main cog in the lineup, will be the day that he’ll hurt the team more than help it.
By Nelson S.
January 27, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this
Royals sign Greinke to 4 yr deal
Maybe now we can finally stop dreaming about him coming to ATL…
By Shawn G
January 27, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this
You must see Boondock Saints this weekend. Willem Dafoe steals the movie as a cop with an “alternative lifestyle”.
By Depressed in NYC
January 27, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this
Oh My Gosh!!! Do you think Boras and other “Phi Beta Kappas” might have been wrong about a Global Economic Meltdown not affecting Major League Baseball?? I mean, just because Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are about to implode, just because luxury suites will be considered taboo by corporations not wanting to rile up over 10% unemployed and just because these OWNERS finally got it that it might not be too good of an idea to be tossing around millions to utility infielders—-Well, so what?? The economy has no effect on MLB. Right?? Right?? David??
Idiots!!
By Bubdylan
January 27, 2009 12:47 AM | Link to this
N8, I made it through the guy’s rant until he claimed “Always a Woman” was a cop of “Just Like a Woman.” That’s a real stretch. Those songs feel pretty different, and really just ARE different. Okay, they’ve each got “woman” in the title and they each call up the “little girl” thing, but, geez, you could go through any weekly top 40 and find more “theft” than that. There are only so many things we like to hear sung about over and over again.
(of course, I’m not saying you were agreeing with this guy.)
By Bubdylan
January 27, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this
waves at lou
By scottbravesfan
January 27, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this
I”ve seen the Boondock Saints. Good movie. They actually sell shirts for that movie seen them online and in those Hot Topic stores that all the emo kids hang out at.
Braves need to sign Dunn or Hudson.
By brent a.
January 27, 2009 1:18 AM | Link to this
I think with the additions of Lowe, Kawakami, and the projection of Tommy Hanson being an Atlanta Brave by no later than mid-summer, most people had kind of forgotten about trying to acquire Mr. Greinke.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 1:23 AM | Link to this
Wow! Ok, no problem, we’ll just disagree on this point. Who is going to get a hit when it counts the most, not who is more likely to homer at some point. Kirk
not trying to disagree with you all night. Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.It tends to vary a good deal from season to season, and the larger the sample size becomes the more it tends to regress to the mean of an entire career. One of the reasons that some are not more enamored of the two 100+ RBI seasons of Frenchy when he hit better during clutch at bats, because they don’t believe that he can keep repeating that every year. as bad as he was last season, he was even worse in clutch at bats. BTW, I still don’t think RnR is as good. LOL.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this
DOB is not!
By Yars
January 27, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this
I say let’s go for broke. Invite Andruw to spring training & see what he does. Throw an offer at Dunn & if that falls through, see what the Bronx Bombers want for Nady or Swisher. I think our only flaw at the moment is our OF. There’s just no telling how it’s gonna pan out! I just can’t believe all this 2B talk. Ain’t nothing wrong with KJ’s offense or defense. If the Braves front office really doesn’t think he can hack it @ 2B, then perhaps another team thinks he can. I truly believe KJ is going to put up .280/18-20/75 type numbers with decent defense. Bobby just needs to find a permanent spot for him in the lineup & keep him there. I’d like to see him either in the #2 or #5 hole. Signing O. Hudson wouldn’t be much of an upgrade. I want to think that our infield is set, the starting pitching is set, & hey, I love Glavine, but I hope he’s not serious about becoming a Nat. If Glavine is ready for April, throw him in the #5 slot. Whatever happens, I am stoked about this upcoming season. The Mets, Phils, & Fish don’t impress me. We’re gonna be contenders this season! I know I ain’t the only one counting the days until pitchers & catchers report. DOB….I want to thank you for all the news you give us. Your insight not only on our Braves team, but also on music, food, ect… is priceless. You just don’t know how much it is appreciated. Thank you.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 27, 2009 2:01 AM | Link to this
Like many DH types, Adam Dunn has what we call “old player skills”; they walk, they strikeout, they don’t hit for average, and when they do hit the ball it goes a very far. The theory produced by Bill James is that players with old player skills will age worse than those with “young player skills” (contact, speed, ect.). I have no idea how accurate that is, but I do know that a player’s peak is around 28 years old. Dunn’s defensive inadequacy’s are well documented.
Put all that aside, my gut is telling me that he has no chance of playing for the Braves in 2009 and I’ll explain why. Bobby Cox dislikes players who strike out an inordinate amount of the time. The previous nine seasons have seen just two Braves teams with more than two players who eclipsed the century mark in strike outs. 2006 and 2007.
2006: LaRoche, Giles, A.Jones and Francoeur hit the mark. Two of them didn’t play for the Braves in 2007.
2007 saw A.Jones, K.Johnson and Francoeur eclipsing one hundred whiffs. A. Jones played for the Dodgers the next season.
2008, Francoeur and K.Johnson again passed 100 K’s. Frenchy’s 2009 season and career with Atlanta is on the bubble.
Again, Cox and especially Terry Pendleton detest the strike out. I seriously doubt that Adam Dunn’s DH skill set is a probable match for the defensive minded Braves coaching staff. For all you good folk’s who love the HR, too many Chiefs and not enough Indians won’t get the job done.
By Eric from MO
January 27, 2009 2:07 AM | Link to this
Brent A. where would we pitch Greinke? That is dumb. We have no room in our rotation for him. We need offense, not starting pitching.
By kirkinga
January 27, 2009 2:14 AM | Link to this
“Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.”
nolie, I’m not sure what most stat guys is relevant. I’m not even sure what “repeatable skill” really means to be honest with you.
But I do know that some players are able to get a hit with runners on base more often than other players in the same situation.That sounds like they repeat to me, but apparently not so with stat guys…lol?
I believe the Braves, a team that does a good job of getting men on base, would be well served by adding players who have shown they can get a hit with men on base, more than they would be helped by adding players who hit homers, but find making contact with men on base difficult. That too seems like some repeated, but I dunno.
As far as RocknRolla, I’m not saying it’s The Godfather, just that it’s Ritchie’s best work. I mean as goofy as Pitt’s character was in Snatch, Johnny Quid in Rocknrolla is incomparable. And the Russians are great too. Like I said, I hope he is able to complete the Rocknrolla trilogy as he clearly left some key questions unanswered in the ending.
By kirkinga
January 27, 2009 2:18 AM | Link to this
Coach, good point, I didn’t think about that but it does make sense. If they bring Andruw back I would say that lessens the chance they sign Dunn.
Cox has made statements about the need to cut down on strikeouts and the Braves did lower their k’s last season.
By Eric from MO
January 27, 2009 2:21 AM | Link to this
Efrim,”The Braves were 10th in slugging in the NL. That’s not good… I think we need more power, I could really care less about the clutch factor.”
Yeah, who cares if someone drives runs in when we need them. As long as they hit a bunch of meaningless solo homeruns that make our stats look a little better who cares.
By Mike S
January 27, 2009 2:21 AM | Link to this
N8, and others worrying about Andruw being thrust back into the cleanup role if re-signed, don’t forget that Bobby batted him almost exclusively in the 7 hole against RH’s and in the 6th spot vs LH’s the last two months of 2007. Granted we did have Tex then, but still: the only way Andruw makes his way back into the heart of the order is if he proves in ST and early on in the season that he can produce runs. I’m confident that will be from the bottom of the order until he proves he’s back [although I’ve thought all along that he (and Adam Laroche) are not cleanup hitters, but rather ideal number 6 hitters in a lineup].
By Eric from MO
January 27, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this
I hate Dunn…that said if he only cost 5 mil then maybe sign him. Give him 2 years 10 mil. By 2011 Heyward should be ready.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 3:13 AM | Link to this
2008, Francoeur and K.Johnson again passed 100 K’s. Frenchy’s 2009 season and career with Atlanta is on the bubble Coach
yeah that did them a world of good didn’t it? Fewer Ks but the worst offense in years. The two are not all that related. Lot’s of teams with high K totals score lots of runs. Frenchy’s career is not in tatters from the number of his strike outs.
By N8
January 27, 2009 3:19 AM | Link to this
Bubdylan
“There are only so many things we like to hear sung about over and over again.”
Add to that, there are only 12 notes to be played. So the song that actually is new and refreshing, is never really as new and refreshing as it might appear to be.
And no, I wasn’t agreeing with him. In general, I appreciate Billy Joel. My mom was a big fan and listened to him a bunch, so I grew up with it playing all the time.
Just thought the guy’s rant was over the top, yet funny. Not unlike some of the musical rants on here. He just seemed to put WAY too much effort and time into determining WHY he didn’t like Billy Joel. Me? If I don’t like it, I turn it off. LOL!
Mike S.
I totally agree. But you are right on the Tex part. I know Bobby would like to seperate Chipper and McCann (and preferably not have McCann hitting cleanup).
So unless we seemingly find another RH hitter to go between them (or if Jeff decides to reach his potential), IF Andruw is on the roster, I’m gonna find it hard to believe that Bobby won’t resist the temptation to put him there.
In a perfect world, we find a RH cleanup hitter, and IF Andruw makes the roster, he’s hitting 7th or 8th, regardless of what defensive position he’s playing, or whether he’s in a platoon or not.
We shall soon see, huh?
Of course, they have to actually sign him before we can all continue this speculation and arguing (all in good fun), for real.
Anyhow, off to watch Reservoir Dogs. Gonna make it an all nighter.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 3:21 AM | Link to this
y’all can make fun of modern stat approach, but there is a whole new generation of fans growing up with a large percentage of them believers. and the next generation will have even more. pretty soon the old argument between pro and con will be no more than a footnote in their history. Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.
By Dylan w/o the dead
January 27, 2009 3:23 AM | Link to this
5 best sports movies- bull durham,caddyshack, the wrestler,on the waterfront,62*
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 27, 2009 3:46 AM | Link to this
Eric, sarcasm aside. Did you know that the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks were 60-58 when Adam Dunn joined them? They finished 82-80.
Adam Dunn hit .233 with 32 HR’s and 74 RBI in 114 games for the Reds in 2008. His OPS was .901 while primarily hitting in the five hole for Dusty Baker.
Adam Dunn hit .243 with 8 HR’s and 26 RBI in 44 games for the Diamondbacks. His OPS was .889 while batting in the cleanup spot for Bob Melvin.
Coincidentally, the Cincinnati Reds had one winning season during the eight season’s that Adam Dunn was with them, finishing 82-80 in 2006. It’s strange but true stuff.
By kirkinga
January 27, 2009 3:48 AM | Link to this
FadeAway, no one is making fun of the so-called “modern approach”, but the things that make the most sense will be those that stand the test of time.
It’s not as if there weren’t any statisticians before contemporary times.It’s great to have information, but with the understanding that it’s impossible to reduce this game to a single set of equations that will lead to a number that tells us all we need to know in order to evaluate players.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 27, 2009 3:59 AM | Link to this
One more thing and I’ll shut the hell up. The Braves are going after a right handed cleanup bat. Dunn bats lefty, Nady swings it from the right side and Swisher is a switch hitter. I prefer Nady as Swisher and his anemic .244 career BA (.219 BA in 2008) will hardly be capable of hitting in the four hole.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 4:28 AM | Link to this
The new stuff has a higher correlation with winning and that is what will stand the test of time. There is a much higher correlation between team OBP for instance than there is between winning and home runs or stolen bases. That’s why they were developed in the first place. Things will keep evolving. we’ll all be dinosaurs some day. LOL
By Mike S
January 27, 2009 4:31 AM | Link to this
Coach, why don’t you normally blog like the way you have tonight? Good stuff.
Stick to that instead of the normal drivel and name calling and this blog is a much better place.
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this
Add a new movie to the list: “FadeAway Discovers OBP”. LOL
He may be right that a new generation of fans will be more conversant with VORP and Win Shares and other statistical methods of evaluation, and no one will care about the three stats anymore. “Dinosaurs” such as nolie and I and others here are kinda in the middle there, I think. Those of us who cut our teeth on newspaper box scores can still see the relevance of OBP, amazingly.
But, the large (large in the number theory sense) quantity of variables at play in deciding success and failure in a baseball game tend to diminish the importance of any small set of measures of that success or failure. It’s not that OBP, OPS, park-adjusted numbers, etc., etc., lack informative value, but that some spout them as mantras and dogma. When something such as OBP alone is given as a reason for a player’s or team’s value, I know that there has to more to the story. That alone is not enough to sway me. I need more data, and, for me, the three stats are still important points.
Maybe I’ll change my screen name to T. Rex…
By Aaron
January 27, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
Boondock Saints is a terriffic movie. They are making a second one.
DOB, why no interest in Jeremy Hermedia? He is an Atlanta kid who I think would blossom in this enviornment.
By Threadkiller
January 27, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this
Coach; I do not know the answer but, who did Adam Dunn have around him on the Reds & Dbacks teams? Just imagine yourself as a pitcher coming out to start an inning and the first 3 hitters are: Chipper, Dunn, McCann ! That to me is a potent 3-4-5!!
By getnathan
January 27, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
They can’t carry Gonzalez AND Ohman AND Logan AND O’Flaherty. Logan or O’Flaherty will be the odd man out if Ohman signs.
When Moylan comes back, I think Braves bullpen will be one of the best in the league.
By getnathan
January 27, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
TOMAS - I think Boyer will be dealt if Acosta outpitches him. The bullpen to start the season (from closer-setup 1-setup 2 on down) will be Gonzalez-Bennett-Soriano-Acosta-Logan-Carlyle-Campillo (if Cox decides to carry 13 pitchers)
By DAP
January 27, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
Logan or O’Flaherty will be the odd man out if Ohman signs.
maybe both of them.
coach
i think if the braves get nady or swisher, they should bat them 5th, not 4th. neither one of them are ideal cleanup hitters, to me.
By Efrim
January 27, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
kirkinga
“I like clutch players. I don’t care what sport, give me the player who can make the plays when it counts the most. Clutch is Derek Jeter Manny Ramirez;it’s Tom Brady, Rice/Montana, Peyton Manning; and it’s Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,Kobe Bryant etc…”
Weren’t those guys good, like, all the time? Regardless of the situation?
“Clutch wins more games than power IMHO.”
I quit.
nolie
“not trying to disagree with you all night. Sure a clutch hit is great when it occurs, but most stats guys do not see it as a repeatable skill.It tends to vary a good deal from season to season, and the larger the sample size becomes the more it tends to regress to the mean of an entire career. One of the reasons that some are not more enamored of the two 100+ RBI seasons of Frenchy when he hit better during clutch at bats, because they don’t believe that he can keep repeating that every year. as bad as he was last season, he was even worse in clutch at bats. BTW, I still don’t think RnR is as good. LOL.”
Thank you.
By rubbertoe
January 27, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’d def recommend boondock saints, good movie. Also I’m not sure if you’re a fan, you seem to have a good spread when it comes to music, but ben folds is gonna be at the tabrenacle (the best concert venue in atl imo) at the end of february. He’s got way more great songs outside of “brick” and “landed” and puts on a great live show. Def worth checkin out. Anyhow, If the bravos can afford it I say go for abreu if he’s not going to command a ton of money, gets on base and has power.
By JC
January 27, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Lets get more REK!
By Efrim
January 27, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
Why are we blaming the Reds win/loss record on Adam Dunn? I don’t think that’s fair. Shouldn’t we look at their entire roster during that time? Are we always going to blame the clean up hitter when the pitcher on the mound(his teammate) can’t keep their ERA under five?
And I don’t think OBP is the holy grail, but it’s damn important…..
By theclipper
January 27, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
Some thoughts… I never see a suggestion of Infante at second and KJ or KJ/Diaz platoon in LF. OI played well wherever Cox put him, and if I recall was good in clutch. Or signing Hudson, too, would make this the best defensive infield in N.L. In ‘91 it was pitching (which we seem to have enhanced greatly, barring injury) plus intro of solid, if not spectacular players (Pendleton, Bream, Belliard, Lemke, Olson, L. Smith, Nixon) that started the winning ways. Good fundamentals, solid tem.
By Efrim
January 27, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
DAP
“i think if the braves get nady or swisher, they should bat them 5th, not 4th. neither one of them are ideal cleanup hitters, to me.”
If they got Nady, I’d bat him cleanup against LHP and lower in the order against RHP.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
DOB
“SONY BLU-RAY”, name dropper !
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
Random
That was a good call on Engrish; I have a new brog to rite on now
And someone mentioned last night or this morning about Swisher making more money than Dunn. I saw that too, with Swisher set to make 8+ over the next 3 years I think. With people saying Dunn might not make more than 5 a year….Why do we want Swisher again?
Estimated costs:
Swisher: 8mil+ 3 years contract Prospects in trade Francine like could block a prospect or better acquisition- while good, likely replaceable defense (or replaceable defense with superior offense) unable to unload after another abysmal year- could eat contract
Dunn: 5mil+ 1-3 years contract A draft pick (i think) Ryan howard like could block a prospect- but likely irreplaceable offense (but replaceable defense) will likely be tradable even after a bad year based on rep (see Andruw- he wasnt traded, but thought highly enough of to get a ridiculous contract)
I Dunno. sounds like a Dunn deal to me.
By Lew
January 27, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Scoots (or is that T Rex?)-I agree wholeheartedly with your 6:23 post. OBP just ain’t all there is.
By Lew
January 27, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Efrim-I’ll take that Montana/Rice platoon in left.
By Lew
January 27, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
If Kelly Johnson goes to left (which I’m not seeing), I’m doubting they will platoon him-he hits LH pitching quite well, eliminating any need for a platoon.
Time to give up on the acquire a new 2B mentality. It won’t happen. We need a left fielder with some pop in his bat. Re -working the infield to get KJ in left is plain stupid. It doesn’t fill the need we have and why would we want a player in left who had to re-learn the position (that he didn’t play much anyway)? Wouldn’t Dunn make more sense in this scenario?
By Efrim
January 27, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
Lew
“Efrim-I’ll take that Montana/Rice platoon in left.”
Made me laugh. I’ll take that as well. I’m actually a Niner fan.
By Dadgum
January 27, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
Denizens….apologize for the 40 item post from yesterday. Not the right forum for that however well intended.
Still some talk about a big LF bat although I feel the Braves will wait to see what shakes out in Dark Star. Definitely nothing urgent there as they have several options already on the team.
I am not a big fan of adding an Abreu or Dunn as I have said numerous times in the past blogs. As for Dunn, why pay 5-6 mil for a guy that is very subpar defensively, hits poorly for avg., and has never it appears makes any team he plays for better.
Sure he has big lumber but KJ in LF could pull in 20-25 homers if removed from the intense work at a 2nd base. Put Prado at 2nd and you instantly have a better team than last year without spending the 5-6 mil. Time to insert youth and maybe even Diaz will come around. This team has enough options (if they pan out in ST). We’ll see.
Rock on…..best sports change-the shot clock in college basketball. Worst sports change-the DH in baseball.
By Efrim
January 27, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal has a new article up:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9138948/Dodgers-still-look-like-best-fit-for-Manny
He says some of the prominent free agents out there may end up taking one year contracts and going back to the free agent market next year.
Imagine getting Dunn on a one year deal for 8-10 million, not having to give up any picks, and then at season’s end when he signs with another team, collecting two draft picks for him. For a team that wants to compete in 2009, not weaken the farm, this seems like it makes too much sense. You actually end up strengthening the system after he leaves.
By Dadgum
January 27, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
Lew, I agree. No platoon in LF as it is counterproductive in the long run. If a player isn’t working there someone else needs to play. Not sure the Braves want to play Prado at 2nd and lose his utility man status off the bench but if I was managing the Braves I would go into ST with the thought of KJ playing LF and Prado playing 2nd. I just would until they proved otherwise.
Also I would look hard at putting a Blanco or Anderson there as well. But under no circumstances would I bring in a suspect player in Dunn until mid-season once all my other options have proven not to be working. With the talent we have in the pipeline I am very reluctant to throw 5-6 mil at Adam Dunn or anyone else for that matter. It appears the Braves are thinking somewhat along those lines for the moment but I guess that could change tomorrow.
Rock on………
By GSU-Lee
January 27, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
DOB, you must see The Boondock Saints. It is a fantastic movie and the kind of movie you would like. If I were to do a top ten movie list it would be in their, maybe even top 5. Seriously, take the time one day to watch it. Also, did you ever get around to Appaloosa? I am gonna get on that today
By Bubba
January 27, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Gents; Just a warning, since not much seems to be going on here. If your wife or girlfriend ever brings “Mama Mia” home, RUN. Run fas’ you can, thru a window if necessary. Unless your idea of a good time is listening to three teenage girls squealing, watching three more ageless bimbos recall the seventies as though they had actually participated in them, wondering how anybody ever thought Pierce Brosnan might be able to sing, all the while being bombarded by in your face ABBA, as I say, RUN YO A** outa there.
But she’ll love it. And want to se it again.
By GSU-Lee
January 27, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
Dylon w/o the dead, I like your best sports movie list, but didn’t you mean 61*? The Billy Crystal movie? Barry Pepper is great in that.
My best sports movies- Caddyshack, Bull Durham, The Natural, Miracle, Cinderella Man
By DAP
January 27, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
dadgum
why do you consider adam dunn a suspect player? he is very consistent and predictable.
By Butch Haynes
January 27, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
I have some terrible news for everyone. I hate to break this to all of you, but I just learned that John Smoltz is no longer on the Braves and is now a member of the Red Sox! I am so angry! No, it’s worse than that. My faith in all that’s good and right is shattered. Life no longer has any meaning for me. How will I go on?!?!? Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhllllmphttth!! Also, the Braves should sign Adam Dunn.
By Chris
January 27, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Why not give Adam Dunn 2 or 3 years at 5 to 6 million plus incentives that could get it up to around 8 if he maxes them out. He could play LF for the 1st year or two and maybe move to 1B when heyward is ready? He is more versatile than Abreu and that power would be VERY welcome in between Chipper and McCann. I would rather give him that money than Ohman, as valuable as Ohman would be I’d rather have the offense. Thoughts?
By rotty
January 27, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Dunn is the right move not the perfect move. You don’t get perfect moves very often and certainly teams with 100mm payrolls rarely see them MLB today.
Look at what the Braves picked up with 45mm to spend this off season. Good guys to very good in Lowe but not superstars.
Dunn will do what we need him to do - hit 40hr/100+RBIs in the 4 hole.
If the rumors are true re: price drops then there is no reason for Wren to play chicken much long with Dunn & an offer.
Just like in the stock market you buy at a value level to you not try to set the low price for the market.
If Wren wants to buy at the absolute bottom he may come back with nothing and be force to trade prospects for Swisher who IMHO is terrible and a complete waste of prospects.
Even Nady makes little sense b/c the Braves need a LF for two years not one. 19-20yo Heyward is not going to be your 2010 opening day clean up hitter. Great kid but totally unrealistic notion.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
DOB-since your a KU fan, maybe you’ll enjoy this video I saw…..or maybe not. LOL The bigger question is will KU ever live this down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0N1uXaaWjA
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
Lew: I agree with you on KJ in left. If he goes there, no platoon. And I, like you, don’t see him moving to LF at this late stage of the offseason. Moving for Furcal, and doing it a month or more ago, is one thing. Doing it now for anything less than Brian Roberts is quite another. And I can’t see Roberts trade happening now.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
rubbertoe: I’ve got a bunch of Ben Folds CDs, including his latest one. That said, I’m otherwise occupied at end of February. Something going on down in Central Florida….
By 6-4-3
January 27, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
I’m starting to prefer the idea of going after Abreu over the other options available. Not quite the power guy we need but he’s a very professional hitter. He gets on base a lot and is actually a pretty clutch hitter. He also takes a lot of pitches and works the count. Combine him with Chipper’s plate selection and we could be working into the opposing teams bullpen earlier in most games.
I think Abreu is a pretty good fit. Lack of true power and a left handed bat are the drawbacks but if his price comes down I think he’d help this team a lot.
By Reality
January 27, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Fadeaway (3:21 AM); and thank God for that. I’m sick of supposedly knowledgeable baseball fans using absolutely stupid arguments involving dumb junk like batting average, RBIs and strikeouts to determine if a hitter is good.
Francoeur’s RBIs did not make him good in 2006 or 2007.
Dunn’s strikeouts don’t make him a bad hitter.
Anyone arguing this, essentially saying Francoeur is better than Dunn, is what is called a ‘moron.’
By bobby
January 27, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
What is the love affair with Andruw? For over 2 years he couldn’t have made any AA team with the way he played.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
“Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.”
No, it won’t, because there is value in batting average, stolen bases, et al. The objective is just to find what exactly that value is. Like Efrim said, OBP ain’t the be all and end all, but it is damn important.
kirkinga:
Clutch plays exist, clutch players do not. Given a large enough sample size, all players will be pretty close to their career numbers in “clutch” situations.
Heck, y’all already know what I think I don’t even know why I’m posting this.
By TheManMike
January 27, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
Glad to hear Diaz, McCann and Chip are in the possibly best shape of their careers. Boy knows we need it. I have always liked Diaz, he used to be the crunch hitter you WANTED at the plate. Lets hope he returns to full stride +.
Im excited to venture down to Dark Star this year to check out some of the new and young faces - Hanson and Heyward are my personal favs to watch for, and of course our new Kamakazie and LoweLowe. Exciting stuff…
Hope Andruw battles back and regains his past - let Scheffer chill a while or even as backup if Frenchy cant make it happen, which i hope he can.
Movies:
Now, having lost credibility, obviously, with my lack of love for The GodFather, i must say The Boondock Saints, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels are straight up kick arse flicks. Boondock Saints really makes me want to throw a toilet off a roof onto the head of a loser and Snatch really makes me “like dags..” “Doya like dags?”
Oh and i cannot, CANNOT forget the scene when the Pigs are explained - i never knew pigs could slip thru bone like butter…ha, whoda thunk it?
GREATNESS!
This is a great, all around MANs blog. Good job D.O.B. - even though we cannot agree on TGF. sorry.
But, we obviously share a love for the Dude, as this movie really makes me want to drown in a pool of White Russians and Maude…..bunny too….If i can find that DAMN cash machine!
Viva Los Bravos!
By Fan-coeur (Frenchy has heart)
January 27, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
DOB:
What do you know about Japanese amateur Yoshinori Yamarin? Read in MLBTRADERUMORS that the Braves signed him for a minor league deal.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
And for the record, I’d be fine with offering Dunn a 1-year deal worth 8-10MM, if it fits the budget. If it’s a 2 or three year deal, I’d like to see the annual value in the 6-7MM range. I know that that’s probably not feasible, but hey, I’m just some guy blogging, right?
Dunn does have a lot to offer this club, like power, which we sorely, sorely lack. Plus, I’m a sucker for a good OBP :). Eh, and 40 homers next season can’t hurt either, especially with Chipper on base about 40% of the time ahead of him (that’s not including KJ and/or Yuney, who should post robust OBPs too)
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
That’s gotta be 2 1/2 minutes of quality entertainment for KU fans surely. And for non-KU fans here on a slow, foggy morning in Mid-GA.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
Clutch plays exist, clutch players do not. Given a large enough sample size, all players will be pretty close to their career numbers in “clutch” situations.Steve from OH
Wrong. But you’re entrenched in your belief on it, so I won’t bother.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
dylan w/o the dead: No Slap Shot on your all-time sports movies? No Hoosiers? No Rocky? No Raging Bull?
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
Y’all’s approach will eventually just fade away into obscurity. LOL.FadeAway
So will ending blog comments with LOL.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
Meant to ask how will KU Men’s basketball live that video down. The girl’s volleyball team was worth watching.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
“Wrong. But you’re entrenched in your belief on it, so I won’t bother.”
Far from it. Hey man, I’m always happy to accept I’m wrong and I’ll gladly change my opinion if you’ve got info that supports your opinion that I’m not aware of. I’m not that unreasonable, dude.
By albert
January 27, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
Heyward is not the “left fielder in waiting”- he is a prototypical right fielder and will probably push Francoeur to left or out of Atlanta - maybe sooner than many believe. Remember Andruw debuted in Atlanta at 19, Furcal was 19 or 20 (or maybe 22). Heyward may move just as fast.
By theclipper
January 27, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
All due respect DOB, you know these guys egos better than the rest of us. Hudson’s glove wouldn’t be worth KJ moving to LF? Making the infield Gold Glove quality isn’t stupid, my friend Lew. Move to left should be workable for KJ, or most anyone for that matter. BTW, if he ends up in LF, fact he hits lefties well may not matter to Cox, with Matty back. His managing mostly goes by the book whether or not a LH hitter hits LHP well. Could do a lot worse than Diaz and/or Johnson in left.
By dmack
January 27, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
Can someone please explain what the Brave see in Nick Swisher. For the sake of argument, lets compare him to Adam Dunn.
The averages are similar. Dunn hits more home runs, and drives in more runs. Dunn is also more durable.
Yes, Dunn might be a little more expensive, but I truly hope that Swisher is not the alternative.
For what it is worth, if I were the Giants, I would go balls to the wall for Manny. It keeps him out of LA. Plus, with that pitching staff the Giants have assembled, they need to start adding some offensive pieces. With Manny, they could win that division.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this
Efrim
Regarding your 10:21 post, you skipped the part where Dunn is playing LF like your uncle at the family picnic and then striking out in a big spot while Bobby Cox unfolds his arms takes off his hat and scratches the top of his head while they go to commercial.
The stuff you wrote could all come true, but there’s gonna be a price to pay for that.
BTW- Pettitte signing the deal he did with the Yanks is a shot over the bow for the rest of the guys still out there. What a deal for the Yanks! I have no idea what will happen with Oliver Perez. Who can read what’s left of this market?
By theclipper
January 27, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
Also, I think Wren is wise to wait re Dunn, Abreu, et al. Type A free agents can cost a potentially valuable draft pick. And after so many memories of Andruw’s K’s in the clutch, Dunn?…Ugh
By 18 Wheels of Love
January 27, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
Fadeaway must text with Doc Gooden.
By Random
January 27, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
Lew —
Chase Utley says his rehab from hip surgery is on schedule, and the Philadelphia Phillies second baseman expects to be ready by opening day.
By The Record
January 27, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
And for the record, I’d be fine with offering Dunn a 1-year deal worth 8-10MM, if it fits the budget. Steve from OH
Thanks, man.
By No More Morans
January 27, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Ugh, please tell me theclipper’s 11:28 post was a joke. Strikeouts again?
Also; Dunn was not offered arbitration. There is no loss of draft pick with him. And if there were, waiting wouldn’t make it go away AND the Braves’ seventh overall pick is protected so they’d only be losing their third round pick signing Dunn (second round pick gone with the Lowe signing.) But that is all moot since signing Dunn won’t cost a pick because he was not offered arbitration by the poor Diamondbacks.
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Steve-OH, isn’t Dunn pretty puny against LH, though? If it turns into a Dunn/Diaz platoon in LF, does that really address the need? The Braves last year hit just as well lefty-on-lefty as they did righty-on-lefty, and that shouldn’t be. Oughta be a discrepancy in favor of the latter.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this
“Thanks, man.” The Record.
Anytime. Let me know if you need anything else, glad to help.
By Jim H.
January 27, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this
I think anyone that uses LOL, smiley faces, etc., in their text should be locked in an 8’x8’ room for about four days with John Rocker, Rosie O’Donnell, Barry Bonds, and that guy that screams at you on all those TV commercials (I think his name might be Billy Mays….I always hit mute as soon as he comes on).
By Threadkiller
January 27, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
If i’m reading the Baseball Reference Stats correctly, Adam Dunn made 11 errors last season while playing 3 different positions LF, RF & 1B! Yunel Escobar made 16 Errors while missing quite a bit of time! How many of those errors cost runs? How many more runs does Dunn generate being in the line up??
By dmack
January 27, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Dunn will not cost a draft pick.
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
—Move to left should be workable for KJ, or most anyone for that matter.—
Yes, in the world of XBox baseball, players can switch positions on the fly, no sweat. Heck, ANYBODY can play LF or 1B, right? As long as they are athletic and are smarter than a stump?
Geez, it’s not enough that folks here want to trade the guy for just about anybody with a pulse, but some want to move him to a new position and replace him with just about anybody who owns a 2B glove. You get guys here bewailing his lack of ability and advocating the trade of him for Matt Cain, all in the same breath.
How ‘bout just letting the kid play and produce, rather than thinking of him as a badminton shuttlecock? Anybody got that in their 2009 scenarios?
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
BlawgDawg, I think the fellas will be able live that down, given that it was all benchwarmers doing the video. But it was actually kinda funny, I thought.
Anyway, here’s one you might enjoy, though the video reproduction’s a bit grainy as it was taken by a fan shooting it off the scoreboard video at Allen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xT_dB5hbeE&feature=related
By Rufio
January 27, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this
Good call Bubba. Guess we cant all be blessed with a wife that turned that movie off half way through cause it was “unwatchable” in her opinion, haha. I mean, she does love Boondock Saints, so that makes her a keeper in my book.
Speaking of keepers, has anyone seen the movie, “Green Street Houligans”… now that is an awesome movie.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this
Best Sports Movies
Once Were Kings
The movie with Jimmy Stewart playing the one leg pitcher (cannot for the life of me remember the name)
Caddyshack
Love of the Game
Bull Durham
By GSU-Lee
January 27, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
Jim H, Billy Mays is correct…have you seen the ESPN Billy mays commercials? HIlarious
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
—I always hit mute as soon as he comes on—
As do some bloggers with some other bloggers’ comments.
By propp
January 27, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
how about Dodgeball as a sports comedy
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
scoots, here’s Dunn’s career splits vs. LHP:
.235/.359/.474, .833 OPS.
By William
January 27, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Mrs. Ohman:
Please don’t let Will go anywhere else. We got him some inning eaters in the FA market and our bats are gonna sing this year. Being incredibly intelligent, you should know, I have placed the Iocaine in the cup in front of you……
Will Two or Too.
By Billy Mays
January 27, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
Hi, Billy Mays here for David O’Brien’s blog. Whether it’s baseball, movies or music; this blog has it all. Doesn’t matter if you live in the south, north, east or west, this blog never rests. On this ever-growing blog, you can talk with other opinionated fans, see an occasional post from a Braves’ player or even have the honor of having your post ripped to shreds by the President of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA).
Post now and I’ll throw in a free one-week trial of the print edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Atlanta’s largest newspaper, absolutely free, you just pay separate shipping and handling.
You get it all. Here’s how to post.
By Scott
January 27, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
Hearing reports that Dunn may think about a one-year deal, with the market so dry. That way he could re-enter next year with a better situation, perhaps. If so that would be a perfect for the Braves in LF. Let him play this year and hopefully Heyward is ready to rock n roll next year. If not you can bid with the rest of them on Dunn again for 2010.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
dmack
swisher is dunn, but just a little less. swisher is better than the bad thing about dunn, and worse than the good things. slightly better batting average, a good bit less power, way better defense, a little less OBP, strikes out a little less often…a “poor man’s dunn” in almost every way.
the thing about swisher is that he is versatile defensively, he can play all three outfield spots, and 1st. dunn cant play any position well. he also has very good power (though not overwhelming like dunn) and is a switch hitter, which is valuable.
im not not saying swisher is better…i honestly would be happy if the braves get any of nady, swisher, dunn, abreu…i thinl any of them would improve this team. swisher is a nice player. id love to have him.
theclipper i dont think dunn or abreu will cost a draft pick since they didnt get offered arbitration.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky: good call on When We Were Kings (I’m assuming that’s what you meant by Once Were Kings, right? The Ali-Foreman movie? Great movie.)
By Anders
January 27, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
Sports Movies
How about “Rudy”? Classic David vs. Goliath tale set in America’s most historic college and it’s true. Plus they didn’t doll the whole thing up with some plastic actors (i.e. Benn Affleck as Rudy)and fake looking sets. Had a real middle America feel to it.
And if you don’t get goosebumps at the end, well then you’re not alive.
Honorable mention - I’m not even sure this movie was ever released into theaters or was just an HBO deal but how about “Miracle”? Defintely has an after school special feel to it, but Kurt Russell absolutely nailed the Herb Brooks part. When they beat the Ruskies and he looks up in the stands at his wife with that ” I can’t believe this actually happened and I have no idea what to feel or do right now” look without saying a word. Great acting.
Plus they actually scripted all the hockey scenes to mimmick exactly what happened on the ice in the atual games. It was painstaking but the director insisted on it. The action was real, not forced.
Anyway, that’s my two cents.
By Random
January 27, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
Lengthy interview of John Smoltz on Sporting News Radio.
May be old, but it was new to me.
By Arkansas Braves Fan
January 27, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t like the idea of signing a 2nd basemen and moving KJ to left. I don’t care if you get a leadoff guy in Roberts. You still have a glaring need for a run producer. The Braves would still only have two feared hitters in their lineup, that being Chipper if he’s healthy and McCann. McCann will need adequate rest. This is still a very weak lineup.Pitching is better, but the Braves lineup is nothing compared to the Phillies or Mets.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Funny 12:07 post whoever constructed that.
By N8
January 27, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
*”So will ending blog comments with LOL.” DOB
LOL! How about starting a blog comment with it?
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
DOB
Yes, I meant, “When We Were Kings”, gutsy inspiring movie..
Think I got the title mixed up with “Once Were Warriors”, which if you have NOT seen it, is an excellent KIWI movie about the modern “Maori” culture….
By Scott
January 27, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
Just thought about Bobby’s experiment with AJ at leadoff, WTF???
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
DOB Very nice counter. Yeah, I thought the Jayhawk Musical was funny too, just poking a little fun at you since when I saw it on SI.com you were the first one I thought about. And the Volleyball team was well worth two minutes out of a day anyway.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
Anders, I just watched Miracle again, and you’re right, it’s very good.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this
No Mighty Ducks anywhere? c’mon people…Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith…?
or “Sandlot”? that was epic when it came out. Great afternoon burner still. In fact, that might be my favorite sports movie when it’s all said and done.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
Anyone hear the CD by Jesse Baylin, “Firesight,” that came out in 2008? I just got it, and it’s really good. Sort of jazzy/Americana feel to it, and I mean this: She’s as gorgeous as her voice is.
Beautiful blonde with a voice that’s sort of a cross between Rickie Lee Jones, Edie Brickell and Norah Jones, and she writes (or at least co-writes) her own songs. Will Kimbrough plays guitar on some songs, and Brett Dennen adds background vocals on at least one tune.
It was recorded in Nashville, and it’s on the Verve label….
OK, and as I type that, the CD ends and my multi-changer thing moves on to … Hank Williams as Luke The Drifter. Yes, now we’re immersed in hard country. God, this is good.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky:
I went to NZ and stayed on a wwoof (willing workers on organic farms) and for some freakin reason they recommended me and my compadres watch it in the yoga room one night. Excellent and gripping it is. Sad and disturbing it also is. It’s quite scary, especially whne the Maori are all around you (well in a sense) and your just in some little hut in the NZ jungle….
By Scott
January 27, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this
If Jordan Schafer makes the team as the starting CF is he the leadoff man? That is one reason I don’t think AJ helps us much, we need a leadoff bat, and at this point it almost has to come from CF. Johnson needs to be hitting 7th or 8th, where he is much more productive.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 27, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim , no one is blaming Adam Dunn on the Reds win/loss record. I was simply pointing out an odd statistical coincidence. Nothing more. But, you are mistaken in assuming that Dunn hit clean up for Dusty Baker, Jerry Narron, Bob Boone, Pete Mackanin or Ray Knight. Yea, all those managers !!!
2004 was the only season that Adam Dunn was primarily used to hit in the four hole and the Manager was Dave Miley. The other seven seasons saw Dunn hitting in the fifth hole for the majority of his games while in Cincinnati. The Diamondbacks manager (Bob Melvin) did use Dunn as his clean up hitter during the 44 games he played in Arizona last season.
The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 game later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.
It’s both interesting and revealing in that Adam Dunn led the Reds in HR’s and RBI from 2003 through 2008 and yet he wasn’t used as the primary clean up hitter? Anybody care to speculate as to why because this has me scratching my head.
By ChipperFan
January 27, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
Coach
You’re right that Bobby Cox is not a big fan of players who strike out a ton (what manager does?), but he is also aware that power hitters tend to strike out a lot. Is your argument that Bobby likes to play “small ball” with a bunch of high-OBP, hit-and-run, base-stealing speedsters? Because, if that’s what you think, then I have to say, you have not watched a single Braves game in the last 2 decades. We have never, EVER been a small ball team.
In fact, the opposite criticism has been made (in my opinion, correctly) of Cox time and time again: that he doesn’t play station-to-station enough, instead waiting for the 3-run homer that never comes.
So, while you may argue soundly that Adam Dunn would not help the Braves as much as a similar player who strikes out less and has a higher batting average, but hits far fewer home runs, you simply cannot argue that Bobby Cox would prefer that player. He’s in love with the 3-run HR and always has been and always will be.
All of that said, I’m really intrigued by Rosenthal’s take on the FA market at the moment…particularly the likelihood of Abreu or Dunn signing a 1-year deal (a 2-year deal would be good, too, just nothing longer than that). If that is indeed the case, then we should very seriously consider signing one of these players. This is a classic case of “buying low.”
As far as where they’d fit in the order, I think that’s pretty straightforward: Dunn would hit cleanup between Chipper and McCann, and Abreu would either cleanup, or bat 3rd, with Chipper switching to the cleanup role. Neither is particularly good defensively, but they’re both such incredible bargains right now, and they’d both be just stop-gaps anyway, that I don’t see that as an issue.
So, which one should we get? Abreu runs better, plays slightly better defense, and has a higher batting average; Dunn has a higher slugging and OBP % and hits about twice as many home runs. Their RBI totals are virtually identical. Pretty even, overall. Realizing that we need someone who hits left-handed pitchers well, I’d have to lean towards Abreu. Their career splits show that both hit right-handed pitchers far better than LH….but over the last few years, Abreu has shown dramatic improvement against LHP, while Dunn has actually regressed a bit.
BA vs. LHP: Abreu Dunn 2006: .293 .270 2007: .262 .239 2008: .315 .195
We need a masher in LF who can really hammer LHP; and while I would be elated with the signing of either of these guys, I’d probably prefer Abreu.
Of course, that’s just one man’s opinion. What do you say, Denizens?
By ChipperFan
January 27, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I forgot: Neither Dunn nor Abreu would cost any draft picks if signed. Neither of them was offered arbitration.
By propp
January 27, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
you’re killing me Smalls
By Lew
January 27, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this
Random-That’s what he’s been saying for weeks, but every Doctor I’ve spoken to or heard talk about the injury swears he’s out until late June or after the All Star break. Who knows-maybe he’s a quick healer. We’ll just have to see how it all shakes out. I do know that people who try to come back from injuries too quickly tend to have relapses, though.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
props to propp on that one
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
Not sure why everyone is saying DUNN is a bargain
The reason he HAS NOT SIGNED is he and his uber-agent still think he is worth $14 per year for 4 years….. the bid may be $5-7 per year and the seller is $14, kind of like Manhattan real estate at this time…. eventually one side will budge..
By mbatl
January 27, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
“The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 game later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.”
Coach, one could say the same about the 2007 Braves and Mark Teixiera. Braves were 56-51 when they acquired Tex, and finished the year 84-78… played 1 game over .500 in 55 games with Tex. And Tex hit like a beast for that 2 months. Judging a player based on his team’s performance is just not a very reliable practice, IMO (okay to use IMO?, LOL).
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
—[Cox is] in love with the 3-run HR and always has been and always will be.—
And, amazingly, there’s probably a reason for that. As in winning ballgames.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
It’s both interesting and revealing in that Adam Dunn led the Reds in HR’s and RBI from 2003 through 2008 and yet he wasn’t used as the primary clean up hitter? Anybody care to speculate as to why because this has me scratching my head. coach
its probably because those reds teams had griffey batting 3rd, and the manager didnt want to to have lefties back to back in the middle of the order, so he split them up with a righty.
By Threadkiller
January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Coach” 3 Words why Dunn hit 5th in Cincy:
Ken Griffy Jr.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB will we be able to get the italics fixed on the blog? its a useful formatting tool.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Dear Chipperfan, check out the Braves stolen base totals from 1991 through 1994. A couple of fella’s by the names of Otis Nixon and Deion Sanders will tell a whole different story compared to the nonsense you just posted. Then there is this dude by the name of Rafael Furcal. Ring a bell?
If there is anybody in this blog who has never watched a single Braves game in the last two decades, IT’S YOU.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
I just watched the new advertising agency show “Trust Me”. I did NOT like it….. very pretentious
By ChipperFan
January 27, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
Coach
So, because you can list 3 base-stealers out of the entire 20 years of Braves rosters in question, that proves that the Braves and Bobby Cox have played small-ball over that entire span of time? Gimme a break, dude. Cox is not that kind of manager, and everyone but you knows that. Never played small-ball, not even with Otis and Deion, and certainly not with Furcal.
I’m pretty sure your idiocy is appreciated by most on here (they seem to refer to you like a lovable loser or “dufus”, which you undoubtedly are), but I’m sick of it. If you insist on being grossly misinformed, at least think before posting. Either wise up, be reasonable and stop complaining about DOB, or go post on atlantabraves.com. Your whining would be welcome there. This blog is for folks who are Braves fans and who respect DOB and each other. Doesn’t seem like that’s you, Coach.
By Bobby's Cox
January 27, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Sounds like you have a pretty good rapport with Boras. That’s cool.
Also, Boondock Saints was a pretty good movie. Like how Ohman threw Dumb & Dumber on his list too. I’ve been reading all weekend with everyone’s lists, and it’s just too hard to come up with one of my own.
By 18 Wheels of Love
January 27, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
The Endless Summer…best sports movie.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
chipperfan boy, youve got coach pegged. except for the “lovable” part.
By AZBravoFan
January 27, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
While Dunn may not have had an impact on games won, he did do what the D-backs got him to do. When they made the trade, they were 20th in the majors in runs scored. At the end of the season they were 10th. He had a clear effect on the other D-backs hitters who started to adopt his patient approach at the plate. He didn’t have any control over the pitching staff running out of gas or Brandon Lyon having a 12 ERA in August, etc.
By mbatl
January 27, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
To me, the hands-down best sports movie is Hoosiers.
By Flamenco the Foot
January 27, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Any Given Sunday is a personal favorite of mine.
By ChipperFan
January 27, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
DAP
LOL!
By Graham
January 27, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
Chipperfan and Coach
“This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let’s not bicker and argue over who killed who.”
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
I’m told that Don Sutton’s been released from his Nationals network contract and Rob Dibble hired to replace him as Nationals analyst.
I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before Braves have an announcement that Don’s coming back to Braves broadcast booth, though this time doing radio.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
graham “This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let’s not bicker and argue over who killed who.”
God be praised!
By Kentavo
January 27, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings?
By Bobby's Cox
January 27, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Miracle’s gotta be one of the best sports movies. It’s very uplifting. They took one of the best sports stories of all time and made it into a very good flick.
Anyone see Lucky Number Slevin? Very good flick. Wouldn’t be on my top movie list, but it reminds me of a Boondock Saints in that few people have seen it and it was very good. Good cast too.
By Will
January 27, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
Even if braves, on paper, have one of the best pens in the NL we cant forget that Bobby Cox is still the manager and seems to make it his job to misuse the bullpen year in and year out.
By Thrillhouse44
January 27, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Good call on The Sandlot, Big Black Furry Creature. I’m going to throw Major League out there and if White Man Can’t Jump is considered a sports movie, I have to include it.
By Lee in S GA
January 27, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
DOB - thanks for the update on Sutton. I know many don’t like or appreciate his announcing but I do.
By PiersonBrave
January 27, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
I just do not understand why people on this blog insist on including AJ in the opening day line-up. Until he proves that he is willing to change his approach at the plate, let alone signed to a contract, do not include him in the discussion. IMO he is washed-up. IF he shows some improvement in his approach to batting and gets signed then maybe he can platoon in the outfield. Notice I say outfield not CF. Go Braves. You Know Who, you out there? See ya at Dark Star.
By Harry
January 27, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
Excellent news on Sutton. MASN has already announced that Dibble is his replacement. This is arguably the Braves’ biggest offseason acquisition.
By Schrodioski 3000
January 27, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
Kentavo,
that would produce the worst defensive outfield in baseball.
All our pitchers would quit.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this
I am tired of the hatred for Bobby Cox, I love the guy………..
And if you want to see someone mismanage a bullpen and game tactics look at the great Joe Torre, he could ruin any reliever, bull pen and winnable game !
By Lee in S GA
January 27, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this
If you consider jogging/running a sport as I certainly do there was a movie in 1985 called “On the Edge” with Bruce Dern. Highly entraining for runners and called a “thinking man’s Rocky” by some critics that is one of my all time favorites. It never really got the credit it deserve probably because of the sport itself.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Slow down guys, I hear the Yanks are talking with Sutton too. Apparently they’re not happy with Micheal Kay these days. He’s been very critical on his radio show.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings? -Kentavo
OK, I’ll bring the keg.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
I forgot one of my all time faves on both the sporting and all time gr8 flicks
Anyone remember “Breaking Away” the cycling movie set in a small town Indiana (I think)…. a young Dennis Quaid is one of the supporting cast
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
I forgot one of my all time faves on both the sporting and all time gr8 flicks
Anyone remember “Breaking Away” the cycling movie set in a small town Indiana (I think)…. a young Dennis Quaid is one of the supporting cast
By Trent
January 27, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
Had to jump in on the favorite sports movie discussion: 1. Hoosiers 2. Bull Durham 3. Bang the Drum Slowly 4. Raging Bull 5. Rocky 6. Cinderella Man 7. Million Dollar Baby 8. Pride of the Yankees 9. Miracle 10. Slap Shot
Honorable Mention: Any Given Sunday- There is something about Pachino’s speech at the end that gets me going.
By Inigo Montoya
January 27, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
Ah, the Princess Bride….such a great movie.
By Voice of Reason
January 27, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
The 2008 Diamondbacks were two games over .500 when Adam Dunn joined the team. 44 games later, they were two games over .500. Dunn had no impact on the Diamondbacks win/loss record.
I think it is a very relevant statement.
Judging a player based on his team’s performance is just not a very reliable practice
Perhaps, but seeing the effect he has on his team’s success is. If he doesn’t obviously improve your team, what’s the point?
One more thing. In 2008, he had 40 HR’s and only 100 RBI. Pitchers know his extreme patience, and give him nothing with guys on base. Don’t you want your middle of the order guys to drive in runs? He drew 122 walks and drove in only 100 runs. Who won the majority of those battles? He is a self-contained intentional walk. I want my 4-5-6 guys driving in runs, not just standing on first.
By Random
January 27, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
DAP: “DOB will we be able to get the italics fixed on the blog? its a useful formatting tool.”
Yes, yes, yes — I second the motion.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
January 27, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
If pool is considered a sport, then no movie with sports as a central theme comes even remotely close to “The Hustler” — none.
Minnesota Fats: “Shoot pool, Fast Eddie.”
Eddie: “I’m shootin’ pool, Fats. When I miss, then you can shoot.”
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
Kentavo Frenchy in CF and Dunn in LF huh….ummm, sure, if you want to set a record for most extra base hits given up in a season. Think thats about the worst idea written on here today, congrats.
By KC
January 27, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
Why aren’t the Braves planning to give Sutton any TV time??
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
Why don’t we move Chipper back to LF and……oh, heck, nevermind. Even that can’t top Kentavo for worst idea of the day.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Little Giants, ladybugs (with the late great Rodney D)….I might just put them in a top ten. There is something so ridiculously nostalgic about afternoon TBS movies that they can never be omitted, and are thus deemed instant classics.
also Skipatrol, skischool, and skischool 2 were popular on HBO and TBS around the same time. I don’t really remember them much as I was like 9 when Skipatrol came out- but I do remember loving to watch them. That, and they had hot girls and fullys. i don’t know if there is anything a 10 year old boy would like to see more than a fully at that age. Well, i speak for myself i guess.
By Voice of Reason
January 27, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
Excellent news on Sutton… This is arguably the Braves’ biggest offseason acquisition.
Wha? Uh, I like him OK, but he’s not exactly Vin Scully. He’s not even Ernie Johnson. He uses alot of cliches, and always emphasizes the wrong number when updating the score or count. For instance, if the Braves score a run in a tie game to make it 2-1, Sutton will say, “And the Braves plate a run to make it 2 to 1!” I think it’s a smart business move to bring a familiar name and voice to a new booth, but let’s not get too carried away.
Anyway, isn’t Eric O’Flaherty their biggest offseason acquisition? Kidding… :-)
By mbatl
January 27, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
“One more thing. In 2008, he had 40 HR’s and only 100 RBI. Pitchers know his extreme patience, and give him nothing with guys on base.”
VOR, I get this, but… Let’s assume a runner on 2nd, 2 out, and Dunn at the plate. Obviously, a K is bad (but no worse than any other out). Just as obviously, a HR is good.
But a walk is fine… so we have 2 on and McCann at the plate. Dunn is more likely than most to keep the inning alive for Heap (and much more likely than most to hit a HR). I’ll take either of those outcomes any time.
I’m not saying he’s the ultimate - probably wouldn’t lead the league in RBI - but our choices are limited. Put a good RBI guy behind him, and I think 2 years of Dunn would be just fine.
By winterville
January 27, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, I don’t comment too much on here but I read every day. I graduated from UGA in December with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and I have a job interview on Thursday with an insurance company. I was just wondering if anybody on here might have any tips about interviews and how to make an impression. I have had jobs since I was 15 but I always knew someone so I was a shoe-in for most of the positions. This is my first real interview and I want it to go well and I figure most of the people on here have real jobs. I’d really appreciate any advice you guys can come up with. Thanks in advance.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
KC i wish Sutton would get some TV time, especially if it takes time away from Chip Caray, that guy is annoying.
By Voice of Reason
January 27, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
… that’s what I get for “spot blogging”. I was using italics when the italics are not working…
By Butch Haynes
January 27, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
This is not even open to debate. Greatest baseball movie ever is Air Bud - Seventh Inning Fetch. How that dog can hit with a bat in his mouth is remarkable. I’d like to see Chipper do that.
By ryan c
January 27, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
the proposition….best western in quite a while. 3:10 to yuma’s remake couldnt hold its jock.
oh brother where art thou…best comedy/drama (and soundtrack)
black snake moan….best samuel l. jackson movie ever (soundtrack is also incredible). he was born for the role. “I will suffer you”.
new comedy…tropic thunder…slapstick, immature, innapropriate and downright hysterical
and, mamma mia, with the exception of pierce brosnan, not terrible.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
winterville - interview
Learn about the company and show that in the interview
dress immaculately, be punctual
be yourself !
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
Trent, good list. Except the part about Any Given Sunday as honorable mention. Not a very good movie, if you ask me.
And by the way, if The Hustler is a sports movie, then it goes on any list. Just don’t know that I’d call it a sports movie.
By the way, Breaking Away also belongs on the sports movies list, if it’s a sports movie, which it probably is.
By Roger Miller
January 27, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
When Sutton and Chip Caray work together, I’ll have to hide all my knives and guns from myself.
By Brandon O
January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
DOB,
one of the best sports movies YOUNGBLOOD. Always gets overlooked.
By ô¿ô
January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
Greatest sports movie of all time Cool Runnings
feel the rhythm feel the rhyme get on up its bobsled time
no but seriously - my favorite three are Raging Bull - Remember the Titans - and i personly like Ali - i have never seen When We Were Kings and will be seeing that tonight.
By DAP
January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
winterville im not a really a type A personality, so maybe im not the one to ask, but i always say just be yourself, and be confident in what you can do. go in there KNOWING you can do the job they need done, and let your credentials speak for themselves. also, be just a little bit early, dress nice but dont over-do it, and smile.
By Roger Miller
January 27, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
King of the Road
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?
By Joe W.
January 27, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
“Air Bud - Seventh Inning Fetch”
I’m serious: that is truly the best baseball movie ever made. I love it.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
BUTCH I’ll give you air bud. Way to step up to the plate on that one
By Random
January 27, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Lee in S GA: “If you consider jogging/running a sport as I certainly do”
Ooooooo — what a suck-up.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
A few movies that I didn’t include on my list earlier but have thought of since that I like a lot: Blow, American History X, and Traffic.
And from movies I’ve seen that came out last year, I have to add Dark Knight and of course Slumdog Millionare, hands down the best movie made last year IMO.
By Steve McP
January 27, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
What about the worst sports movies?
I can start you off with, Escape to Freedom, Jerry Maguire, Rocky 5, Slapshpt 2 (shame as the first was great), any of the Mighty Ducks seres, Caddyshack 2 (once again shame as the first one was so good),
By winterville
January 27, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky and DAP
Thanks for the advice, I have been studying the company online to try and get a grasp on what type of things they do. Your comments help. Preciate it.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Kentavo’s outfield will have the look of the Cheer’s reunion softball game with Norm, Frasier and Cliff playing the outfield.
By Random
January 27, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
winterville —
Heed dogsbrekky, and remember — an interview is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Good luck.
PS: Dress and groom “immaculately”.
By KC
January 27, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
BlawgDawg: Can’t argue with you there. I really like Sutton’s commentary. And while Chip seems like a really nice guy, he just doesn’t add the kind of character to the broadcast that his dad did.
By ADC
January 27, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you think the Braves would be more interested in a one year deal for Adam Dunn or a multiyear deal with a lower AAV?
By Butch Haynes
January 27, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
If you consider eating and talking a sport, which I certainly do, then one of the all-time great sports movies is My Dinner with Andre.
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
—Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?—
You’d have to hide poster Roger Miller’s knives and guns from EVERYBODY.
By mbatl
January 27, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
Also, Dunn has had an uncanny ability to avoid hitting into double plays. In his worst year (in terms of DP’s), he hit into 12. Last year, 7. Braves had 6 guys hit into more than 12 last year alone.
Guess it’s because he hits fly balls.
In the words of the great Jesse Jackson, “Keep hope alive!” (of course by “hope”, Jesse meant “the inning”)
By Anders
January 27, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
Sports Movie
How about “Brian’s Song”? By today’s standards pretty lacking, but it held it’s own in it’s day. Defintely has a theme song you can’t get out of your head for a few hours after watching - you’re humming it now - aren’t you?
Also the first movie I ever watched on Beta when that new contraption came out some years ago. The crap we can remember -huh?
By rammerjammer
January 27, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
Really like Field of Dreams and The Natural. And the old Pumping Iron documentary with Ah-nold is fascinating. Also, Le Mans is good stuff.
By winterville
January 27, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks Random, I feel like I’m getting there as far as being ready.
By Lee in S GA
January 27, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
“What about the worst sports movies?”
The Replacments, Summer Catch, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan
By Tom in ATL
January 27, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
“Ohman’s List” is spot on - good flicks across the board. If you’re a fan of Dark Comedy - you gotta see True Romance - an old Tarantino film with absolutely some of the most memorable scenes ever shot - (10 times better than Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, IMO). Suicide Kings is another great one - Christpher Walken is in both - nuff said.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
Chip may lack the commentary skills of his father, but he did say one of the best lines i ever heard an announcer say:
chip: referring to Bobby Cox I believe “he’s taking more trips to the mound than Timothy Leary!”
Pete: “what?! Who is Timothy Leary?”
Chip:”Nevermind. I’m ashamed I even know who that is.”
By Mark
January 27, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
My favorite sports movies are Cinderella Man, Blue Chips, and Sandlot.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Lee in S GA Agree Summer Catch was a bad movie, but worth watching just to see the young Jessica Biel emerge from the pool in her teeny bikini.
By Jonathon
January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
Worst sports movies:
“Angels in the Outfield”
“Ed”
“The one with Brendan Fraser as a nutty Yankees prospect”
“The one with the stupid kid who can throw 100mph for the Cubs”
“The one where the kid inherits the Twins and manages the team”
Movies that other people will say suck, but that I actually like: “For Love of the Game” “The Replacements”
By Lee in S GA
January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
BlawgDawg Agree on that.
The only good thing about “Any Given Sunday”” to me is that scene with Elizabeth Berkley also.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
January 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
Dave, it’s not my call whether or not pool is a sport, but if you decide it is, then “The Hustler” is every bit the “sports movie” that “Raging Bull” is. And then “The Hustler” is No. 1 and “Raging Bull” is No. 2. So we all can start our lists at No. 3.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
Cinderella Man = Seasbiscuit
just assume Russ Crowe is the horse and Rene Z is the horse’s a* (sorry couldn’t resist, she gives me a soft on)
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the tip on Boondock Saints guys. It comes out on Blueray in two weeks, think I’ll add it to the collection. Wish they would hurry up and release Pulp Fiction in Blueray.
By McPoyle
January 27, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
hahah “seventh inning fetch” well played Joe W. But don’t forget “Air Bud: Golden Receiver” man that dog can do it all.
Blue Chips for sure is top notch, the opening scene were Nolte is just goin nuts in the locker room, can’t be beat. Although i think Gordon Bombay of the mighty ducks gives him a run for his money at ‘all time best movie coaches’.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head: One’s got billiards as its “sport”, the other boxing. That’s all I’m saying. (And I LOVE playing pool, and have a table in my house. But whether it’s a sport is open for debate.)
By Pete Van Wieren
January 27, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
The greatest sports movie is “The Slugger’s Wife.” Hands down.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this
Winterville
Don’t forget to make consistent eye contact. Especially during the initial greeting with a firm handshake.If you don’t know something during the interview or forgot to bring something relevant- say so, tell them you’ll follow up with it and make sure you do. Don’t make something up just to answer a question. Take notes during the interview and jot down questions that come to you while you’re listening - don’t interrupt the interviewer, wait to be asked. A good interviewer will ask. If they don’t then at the end you can raise your questions. Plus the notes will come in handy when you write a follow up letter thanking them for the interview and reiterating your strengths etc..
Take an extra second after each question you’re asked to organize your thoughts. Organized answers make things much easier on the interviewer which can only help you.
Spend some time today listing your experiences that your bring to the job, what your strengths are as well as your weaknesses. Have them prepared in your head. When asked these types of things - tilting your head and staring at the ceiling to come up with answers is never a good thing. You’d be suprised how many times I’ve seen this.
Overall, be prepared, be confident (not cocky) and be professional. Tough market out there these days - good luck.
By Elements
January 27, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
An old but good sports movie is The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh.
It was more of a comedy w/an all star basketball cast than an inspiring sports movie.
By GTI in Chicago
January 27, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this
This s a very interesting observation made by a Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter regarding the a possible reason why teams are so reluctant right now to make anymore big signings or costly trades (pulled from Sports Illustrated’s website):
“There’s a reason why the Cubs are the only team believed to be actively pursuing Jake Peavy, just as their is a reason why stars such as Manny Ramirez and Bobby Abreu remain free agents at such a late date. If owners and general managers are hesitant to increase their payrolls now, what will happen when their teams are 12 games under at the All-Star break and attendance and revenues are tumbling? Teams out of playoff contention will be looking to slash salaries by unloading talent, which means more players will be available at the trade deadline and fewer teams will be buyers. It has the makings of a trade-deadline sale of the century.”
An excellent point actually, and perhaps a decent argument for the Braves to stand pat with what they currently have heading into the season.
Why shouldn’t FW just wait until mid-season before he tries to add another Outfielder to the mix? Besides, of course, the possibilty that the Braves will be one of those 12 game under clubs looking to do the unloading if we don’t start the season with a quality LF to bat clean-up.
But if we think positively, what if some combo of Frenchy, Diaz, Schafer and Blanco have solid (not great, but solid) season through June and FW waits until closer to the Trade deadline to see who else might then be available.
Maybe there’s too many “if”s in that scenario…
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
SUTTON comes back to the BRAVES. I was rejoicing because I thought he’d be on T.V. Woe is me. I have to hear him innane drivel on BRAVES radio which I get on XM. So now I not only have to LISTEN, but pay for it as well? What a bite in the rump!!!! BTW there IS no replacement for PETE. He simply was the best. Enjoy retirement VAN WEIREN. Maybe the NATS will dump DRIBBLE - oops, DIBBLE in a couple of years and you’ll be bored of resting and take the job. That would be FINE.
By nitram odarp
January 27, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
i would have to say that for the love of the game is one of the best movies ever. any true baseball fan would love that movie.
on a braves note i think if the price is right ben sheets could be a huge pick up
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
January 27, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
BluRay, motorcycles, pool table, thousands and thousands of CDs and DVDs — Lord, Dave, you have more disposable income than Mike Hampton!
By Lee in S GA
January 27, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Winterville
As both an interviewer and the one being interviewed the past few years I will also advise you to ask if the person / persons interviewing you if it is o.k. to write down a question if need be like a technical one. Some do not object to this and believe me if helps you gather your thoughts better, especially if it is a 2 part question. Many people forget to answer part of the question and this will count against you..
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
Nitram - I watched Mr Costner in “For the Love of the Game” again 2 days ago….. very good movie.. and even chicks think it is a love story (sure for baseball but let them believe whatever)
Ben Sheets - has an extremely high risk action and is a walking death case (as far as pitchers go)
Remember he could not even start a play off game…. STAY AWAY damaged goods
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Winterville, you can do all that stuff that Anders suggests at 3:42 (you, too, may one day be able to service important clients), or just do as I used to do…
Slide your Glock holster a little further toward the front.
By Jonathon
January 27, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
Glavine to meet with Wren this week, according to ESPN.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3864398
By glove51
January 27, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
Speaking of movies with ‘Kings” in their title: what about Three Kings with George Clooney and Makr Wahlberg? Good flick, IMO.
Sports movies: absolutely best of all time is Hoosiers for sure.
I also liked:
8 Men Out, The Natural, Bull Durham, Miracle, Slap Shot, Brian’s Song (even though it was a TV Movie), North Dallas Forty, Remember the Titans, Breaking Away, Field of Dreams, Hoop Dreams
By winterville
January 27, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
Anders
Thanks alot for the advice. All that stuff is great information. I know people have given you sh!t in the past about your big “clients” and what not but that is exactly the type of response I was hoping someone would give me. It’s a sales job which kind of sucks but it is pretty much all I can find right now. I will be able to keep my current job and work nights and weekends if I get the insurance gig so it’s not like I’ll starve. I’ll still have income but if I can land this job, it will at least give me some experience in the field. Thanks again for the advice.
By BravesAC
January 27, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
Breaking Away’s been mentioned on this blog…great movie. Every character in it seemed perfectly cast - especially the dad. The scene where they walk through the campus and talk about belonging was straight out of the Ward Cleaver-dad knows everything school.
And for sports movies - what about The Slugger…the one with DeMornay in it and a Braves background to it all? When you’re making the best movie list - make sure The Slugger’s not on it. I think Braves broadcasters were the only ones to every work a day after that one…it was a career killer like the Ford Fairlane movie.
By theclipper
January 27, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
The info I referred to on “Type A” free agents was posted as of yesterday on ESPN website http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/features/freeagents?season=2008 Anyway, FWIW, I believe K’s are generally a detriment, Dunn’s and Swisher’s career OBP make the only case for buying into their power. Folks who disagree are not idiots. Let’s be civil here. We learn and we teach
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Thanks for the tip boss. I though arb tended to mess with people’s heads. That’s the take I have on the procedure from info here and other sources. Just felt KOTCHMAN was a little uncomfortable in ATLANTA and a settlement might sooth things a bit. Didn’t think he’d tank on purpose, but some guys cannot handle the buzz in their noodles. I suppose they’re the ones in the minors or leaving baseball. No problemo.
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Oh, and sign OHMAN unless FW thinks the trade piece or the waiver guy will take his place.
By winterville
January 27, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Lee in S GA
Thanks for that, I will definitely bring that so I don’t screw up an answer. One of my friends just went through one of these interviews so hopefully he’ll have some good stuff for me too.
ncscoots
I was hoping people would provide me with information that I didn’t already have. The Glock trick is the oldest one in the book. Intimidation is a must!! But seriously, do you own a Glock? I own a Glock 23 .40 cal and I love it. Smooth gun.
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
glovemeister51:
BA, BA, BA——BA. That I do poot, that I do. Great flick, ND40.
By Trent
January 27, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
The Hustler is a great movie but as far as sports movies go not really sure that’s in the category. The ESPN top 25 had Searching for Bobby Fischer in it’s Top 25 so if that’s in there i’d say a movie about poll should be there…
By BigHittas
January 27, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
looks to me like Ohman needs a 5 yr contract. Come on Bravos, sign the guy.
Saw Slumdog Millionaire this past weekend. Pretty good flick, but I ain’t sure it’s Academy Award winner material.
By Norton Dances the Hucklebuck
January 27, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
And let’s not forget “Requiem for a Heavyweight.”
By Roach
January 27, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
Hey cant forget a great movie with about sports “RUDY”.
By ppaddy123
January 27, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
By David O’Brien January 27, 2009 2:53 PM Kentavo: Are you serious about an outfield of Francoeur in CF, flanked by 35-year-old Abreu and Dunn?
Why not? There have been worse outfields. BUT, do the Braves have the “resources” to sign these two guys?
By ChipperFan
January 27, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
Butch Haynes Your 3:08 was maybe the funniest post I’ve ever seen on this blog (right up there with a few of Bubdylan’s).
GTI in Chicago Good points all around, but I have to agree wholeheartedly with your last point. Too many “ifs” in that scenario, at least from a fan’s perspective. I guess if I were Frank Wren, considering the likelihood that other teams will get desperate to shed payroll as their stadiums start the year half-empty (or worse), I might stand pat. But as a fan I’m hoping he signs Dunn or Abreu or pulls off a sweet trade. I’d rather get a LOT for my money now, than go with MAYBE getting even more for my money later on. Maybe that’s just me…
By Anders
January 27, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
Winterville
The “client” thing doesn’t bother me. I come to a Braves blog I have to expect some guff.
Also, in the beginning of the interview ask what they like to be called. Write it down (You’ll be suprised how the pressure in an interview can make you forget even one name). Then sporadically use the name. It creates a bond between you and the interviewer. I use this all the time when trying to corral important clients. Of course if that doesn’t work I go right to ncscoots glock method.
Again- good luck.
By nitram odarp
January 27, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
dog—
i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good. braves have depth for the 5th spot but some of the more qualified will not be ready out of spring training. i understand the penanant is not won in the first months of the season. sheet vs hamels sounds better on opening day then does lowe vs hamels when healthy sheets is an ace. and dont you think he would be more willing to come to atlanta then texas
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
winterville, I no longer own a Glock, no. I’ve gone through any number of pistols over the years (especially in my younger days), but I pretty much cleaned out the cabinet four years ago. Kept my Colt 1911A because it’s what I learned with, my Beretta 92 because it’s just fine, and an old .38 Chief’s Special hideout gun for the sock drawer, LOL.
Too bad we never see Grinch here anymore. You and he could talk weapons for days on end.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
Lew, I agree. No platoon in LF as it is counterproductive in the long run. Dadgum
please tell me what in the devil is counterproductive about a platoon. Do you realize just how many teams built multiple winning seasons around platoons? What is counterproductive is to leave some schmo in the game who hits .225 against lefties when you have an alternative who does much better. Geeze oh pete.
By Jersey Gil
January 27, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
DOB Did we have to Give the National an Announcer to be names later for Sutton? The Braves can give Fernando Palacios in that Trade.
By Jeff R
January 27, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
I’ll add two Paul Newman movies Hud and Cool Hand Luke.
The only way Wren should trade for an Outfielder/bat is if he doesn’t have to give much of anything up. Nady’s and Swisher’s price tags may come down, but not right away.
Dunn isn’t a defensive wonder, but if he could be had for the right price and short term (2 years), then I think he’d be worth the investment.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this
“i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good.” - nitram odarp
Not me. I don’t change my sheets for the whole season.
By BBFCFM
January 27, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
oh and lets not forget “Tin Cup” and a personal fave of mine “mr baseball” with Tom Selleck. its such garbage that I ruv it long time
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
So will ending blog comments with LOL. DOB
nope, never gonna happen
By nitram odarp stopped being funny a long time ago
January 27, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Platoons suck. Platoons stunt growth, like with Adam LaRoche. Poor LaRoche had his development as a hitter against lefties stunted by a manager who insisted on hurting his growth to let immortals like Julio Franco and Brian Jordan play.
No platoons.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
I think anyone that uses LOL, smiley faces, etc., Jim H
LOL. Jimmy. the problem is that so many people on boards are too damn stupid to be able to figure out when you are being somewhat facetious without the help of an LOL or smiley fave. You might even be one of those people and not even know it until you react seriously to a tongue-in-cheek comment.
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this
So on an important note I am getting into USA wines and beer, never been a fan until now
I really like this Boston Adams stuff, Winter Lager, Sam Lager and White Ale.
Also throw out a high 5 for Brooklyn Winter Lager, Magic Hat 9, Magic Hat Amber, Dogfish etc.
Cali Cabernets/Clarets are bloody good, really good, Heitz, Opus 1, Jordan, Shafer, on and on
By KC
January 27, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear Glavine and Wren are meeting this week. If Glavine is health and strong enough to return to his 2007 form, he can help this team a great deal. Some argue that he wasn’t even good in 07. I disagree.
Glavine had 23 quality starts in 2007, which is a total usually reserved for aces in that category. To put that in perspective, Glavine’s 23 QS’s the year before last was more than Burnett, Sheets, Lowe, Hamels, Haren, Halladay, Dempster and many top-end starters had in 2008.
The quality starts statistic has limited value, but it DOES have value. It tells you how often a starter gives his team a good chance to win. And the better your bullpen, the more meaningful quality starts are to your team.
If healthy, the Braves pen should be outstanding. So if Glavine can regain his 2007 form and stays reasonably healthy, he could wind up winning 12 or 13 games this year, with a respectable ERA.
Now, I’m not trying to say that he IS back at 07 level. I have no idea. No one will know until this summer. And I wouldn’t dare predict that he will remain healthy. But IF he’s healthy and strong this year, and in 2007 form… it would be a valuable addition to this rotation.
By Lew
January 27, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Fade Away-You need to go back to the original discussion-The point was that platooning Kelly Johnson in left (should they go that route, which we also discussed likely won’t happen) with a right handed hitter was not necessary (counterproductive) since Kelly hits LH pitching quite well.
Honestly, like you point out, sometimes a platoon is a good thing (it sure worked when we had Eli Marrero), and might again be good should we decide to stay within the organization for our LF solution. I would like to see a Matt Diaz/Brandon Jones platoon if that turns out to be the direction they take. Might not be a powerful duo, but I think we could expect some offense from them.
Rather have Adam Dunn, though-poor defense and low Batting Average notwithstanding. Dude will drive in a few runs and probably do a fair job of protecting Chipper in the lineup-especially with runners on base.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
Dunn has a higher slugging and OBP % Chipper Fan
Abreu has a noticeably higher OBP that Dunn. Dunn does have a higher S%. Add the two together for standard OPS and they are almost the same. Since many consider OBP to be the slightly more important. well LOL * :-)* etc and so forth and so on
Abreu OBP .405 S% .498
Dunn OBP .381 S& .518
By Murphy
January 27, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this
“i think get a half a season outta sheets still is good.” - nitram odarp
Not me. I don’t change my sheets for the whole season.-Anders
I bet those sheets were really nasty after the “accidents” you may have had with your bullpen blowing all those saves last year.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
chipperfan boy, youve got coach pegged. except for the “lovable” part. DAP
but he is always hilarious LOL
By Anders
January 27, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
KC
Sounds like the Braves are getting Sutton. Why would they still need Glavine? I think their stuff is about the same these days - no?
By Lew
January 27, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
Anders-You should be glad I didn’t pick up on the dirty sheets/servicing clients thing. Oops.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this
“I bet those sheets were really nasty after the “accidents” you may have had with your bullpen blowing all those saves last year.” - Murphy
Clever thought but the clumsy writing killed it. Keep at it.
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout break the bank, go for broke and sign Abreu and Dunn and move Frenchy to CF, with Schaefer in the wings? Kent
now that one definitely needs an LOL after it. Cann you imagine the number of balls dropping in between fielders. Pitchers would flinch every time the gave up a pop fly. LOL
By N8
January 27, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
DOB
Some may BLAST me for this. But Billiards is just as much of a sport as Nascar is, IMO.
Sure, there is endurance, strength and what not that goes with driving a car in a circle for hours on end.
But there is precision, skill, patience, strategy that goes into billiards. Had a table at my parents growing up and my grandfather had a table he hand built (obviously not the slate and cloth), but the pockets were all done by hand (leather weaved). Wich I would have taken that table when he passed, but I had nowhere to put it.
The Hustler belongs on any list of all time great shows, and if it is deemed to be a sports show, then of course it belongs on there as well.
Color of money is good too. One of the only shows that I can stand to watch Tom Cruise in anymore.
As for an outfield of Dunn, Francoeur and Abreu??
Yikes. That’s not even that good of a FANTASY outfield, where defense doesn’t count.
No thanks. Lowe might be able to function with that OF, but others… not so much. I’d take ONE of Dunn or Abreu IF the price drops considerably, and it only has to be a one year deal.
By Anders
January 27, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
LEW
Good point. It was right there for ya. Thanks for passing.
By JustKidding
January 27, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
How about “Perfect” as the perfect sports movie?
By Bill
January 27, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I think we should put a deal together with the O’s & get Roberts, he would give us a real base stealing threat & the O’s are looking for pitching & middle infielders of which we have plenty of, Prado & a few of our young pitchers could go & we would finally have a REAL leadoff man with some pop, what do you think? Thanks Dave & Go Bravos!
By rotty
January 27, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Dunn/Abreu - LF Schafer, Druw, Anderson - CF JF - RF
Book it Danno.
Please no Swisher, Ken Griffey Jr., Diaz/Blanco, KJ or a one year rental.
The Braves will need slugging LF for two years possibly three. Heyward will replace JF and Schafer is not a slugger nor is Gorkys.
By nitram odarp
January 27, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this
clean or dirty sheets is better than no sheets at all. injury risk but the depth the bravos have is enough to take the risk. when healthy he is a true ace. think about sign to a one year deal till huddy gets better and can be a true ace next year. sheets helps us compete
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Lew I saw the original discussion, I just got the impression that he was talking about more than that in that post. Maybe not, but I always look for an opportunity to stand up for platoons. I even luv the movie.
By BeauX
January 27, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
Best sports movies? in no particular order
61* Major League White Men Can’t Jump Rocky
By ppaddy123
January 27, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this
I think the only defensive liability of a Dunn, Francoeur, & Abreu is Dunn. Frenchy and Abreau are great athletes. Abreu might be getting older, but he is still a solid outfielder. I don’t think Frenchy would have a problem in center. (if Craig Biggio can do it, so can Frenchy and Frenchy’s a better, younger athlete) His problem is he was “labeled” a corner outfielder from the start. Has he ever played center? I know, I know, it’s crazy talk. But, IF the deal could get done for 2 years with an average cost of about $15-16 MM a year, the Braves could potentially add 200+- RBI’s to their outfield.
By LT-A blogger
January 27, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
Slap Shot.
By Roach
January 27, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
Rudy
By BravesFanInRockies
January 27, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this
Lew (5:10)
I think I’d rather have Abreu than Dunn, simply because other than HR power, Abreu does everything better than Dunn.
That said, if the Braves want to wait for the price of LF free-agent bat to go down, I agree that a B. Jones/Diaz platoon in LF would not signal the end of the world.
By brian
January 27, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this
KJ needs to stay at 2B. His bat is much more valuable at 2B than in the OF. He goes from being one of the top offensive 2B to a mediocre offensive LF. His defense will not be spectacular in either place but with his improvement at 2B I would leave him there unless the Braves are overwhelmed by a trade offer that will acquire us a left fielder that is not a 1 year rental
By THE BEAR
January 27, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
Winterville I spent 30 years in corporate management and did a lot of interviewing during that time. The suggestions you have received so far are terrific and I would only add a couple more suggestions.
Don’t ever be a wiseguy regardless of the temptation you may feel. Some interviewers shouldn’t be there and you will sense it if it is true this time. Always put forth your best foot, i.e. talk straight and sincere.
Inquire about their training program as that will indicate to the interviewer that you know you have a lot to learn.
Make sure he understands your desire to work hard in order to succeed. Interviewers look for that trait. If two or three of you are pretty even the guy who impressed most with his sincerety and desire to work hard and succeed will often times get the nod.
Good Luck and remember the world doesn’t begin or end with this interview. In other words don’t let fear or nervousness show because you have nothing to be nervous about.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
BluRay, motorcycles, pool table, thousands and thousands of CDs and DVDs — Lord, Dave, you have more disposable income than Mike HamptonBring Me The Head of Francisco Cabrera
Dude, I don’t have kids, which is where a lot of folks dispose of most of their income….
Why not? There have been worse outfields.PPaddy*
Well, then by all means sign ‘em. The logic there being, if it’s not the absolute worst defensive outfield in history, then the Braves should do it?
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
brian Intelligent analysis should be reserved for Wall Street not a baseball blog
By KC
January 27, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
Anders: Yes, you’re right. I’ve heard Glavine in the broadcast booth, and he’s excellent. I would say that he and Sutton have very similar stuff. Both are very articulate and bring a unique perspective to the play-by-play. But… I don’t think Glavine’s ready for that yet. ;o)
By N Nine (eta68)
January 27, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
Glavine #5 slot?
After reviewing and pondering all available options, If Glavine accepts a friendly contract, I think we should get this deal done.
Morton and JoJo should no be relied on. Campillio is a legit option but he did much better in the pen. If we don’t sign Ohman, we might need him in the pen. We do have ?’s for the pen.
Hanson could go either way but It should be in the teams best interest not rushing him. He comes on his term..
Glavine brings the experience and he feels good. As we have learned the last 2 seasons, you can never have too many starters. Bring him in and put less stress on youngsters and the lack of power. Speaking of power, I believe we will get a decent servicable player like Swisher, Nady, or even Abreu. Not too worried.
Welcome back Sutton
By BigHittas
January 27, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this
LOL on Slap Shot, it did have some good laughs in it.
Best sports movie of all time has to go to “The Natural”
I saw a golf movie recently put out by Disney that was pretty darn good. “The Greatest Game Ever Played” I believe was the name of it. Story about Ouimet and how he beat Vardon and another for the US Open.
I also liked the sappy “Babe Ruth Story” and the movie about Ben Hogan. Two good old school flicks.
OF = KJ, JF, and another in CF possibly Druw. 2B will be Roberts.
Glavs is my opening day pitch. ;)
By Chop Chop
January 27, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
DOB and others:
Author John Updike passed away today at age 76. I’m sure that many of you have read his work before. For some strange reason, I had never read (well, before today) Updike’s piece on Ted Williams’ last ballgame at Fenway Park.
If you’re a fan of baseball and good writing, you’ll want to read (or re-read) this piece:
Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu
By KC
January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
WELCOME BACK DON!!!! Not that he’ll read this, but I sure am happy to have him back. As I’ve said before, with several recent difficult goodbyes… Smoltzy, The Professor, and of course, Skip… it sure is nice to have an old friend back in the fold.
I just wish they would carve out a little TV time for him, even if his primary duty is radio.
By Treadkiller
January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Since everyone claims Dunn is a defensive liability I did some checking on Baseball Reference. Adam Dunn made 11 Errors last year! Let’ take a look at a couple of other Braves! Kelly Johnson made 14 Errors Younel Escobar made 16 Errors And Chipper Jones made 13 Errors! Adam Dunn made less errors than your hero’s and on top of that he even played in more games than Chipper & Esco! And Btw, He did have an error at all 3 positions he played, LF, RF, and 1B. Looks to me like we have more defensive liabilities to look at other than Adam Dunn!
By dogsbrekky
January 27, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
Treadkiller - errrrrrrrrrr……….
A Dunn, plays the easiest, no risk position in baseball, 13 errors at LF = like 60 at 3rd base…
yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Brian
January 27, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why anybody would want Abreu over Dunn. To me, Kelly can hit 15-20 HR like Abreu will for a lot cheaper. Dunn would be here for one purpose…to hit homers. Abreu sucks donkey a—, while even though Dunn might have worst defense, at least he’ll serve a more important need in Atl…homerun hitting OF.
DOB, hey I’ve been reading the blog and to be honest, I kinda got tired of you yappin’ about Gran Torino, but I have to admit it was a da— good movie. It was a lot funnier than I thought it would be.
By cabravesfan
January 27, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller
I really hope that was sarcasm…11 errors by an outfielder is awful- by contrast Jeff Francouer made 4 (which I still think is a lot for an outfielder). Infielders are going to make more errors because they get many more chances…please tell me you were being sarcastic!!!
By N Nine (eta68)
January 27, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
Brian Bad day?
I agree Dunn should be focused on more if he comes cheap. I just don’t see 5MM per/Y that some have suggested. But yes, we do lack power.
By cvbraves
January 27, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this
Rest easy, folks, all is well.
Wren and Glavine are talking and…
…in the Bowman article, he quotes Chipper.
“Frenchy is going to hit cleanup for us this year,” Jones said with a sense of confidence earlier this month.
When asked if he’d seen Frenchy (aka Jeff Francoeur) hit recently, Jones replied, “Yeah, and he looks better than I’ve ever seen him. His weight distribution, his approach, his mind-set … everything looks great. He’s killing the ball right now.”
Forget Dunn, Abreu, Swisher, Nady, et. al.
All is well in Braves’ land!
By Reality
January 27, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn plays poor defense. But you know what? Who cares? His bat will win way more games than his defense will cost. Left field is the least important defensive position in the game; in the NL it is where you most want to stick your cruddy defensive player who can hit.
The Braves put up with Klesko, they can more than put up with Dunn if his slugs .500, gets on-base over 38% of the time and hits 40+ homeruns.
By Schrodioski 3000
January 27, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
Ppaddy,
are you and Kentavo watching the same game?
Frenchy looked like he was running in sand last year in the outfield - and him in center???
The 2b and SS wold have to play in shallow center just to help.
That outfield is about as realistic as the Anderson, Blanco, Frency i have seen proposed …
Unfortunately, any outfield with Frency in it will be a liablity in my mind - until i see him perform in spring training.
I WANT to believe - i want him to succeed - but my objective mind is hesitant.
By f.n. hale
January 27, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this
Yes, platoons will stunt your growth and some believe cause testicular cancer as well.
I know there are guitar players here but any collectors? I recently acquired a ‘78 Fender bass guitar that was in terrible condition. I thought it would have good collector value so am having it restored but when the 4 coats of paint were removed we realized the body is a Precision and the neck is from a Jazz. I’m sure that kills collector value but where’s the best place to establish a value? I’ve never played electric, bass or otherwise but am inclined to keep it, though that might change if it’s worth enough. I obtained it when I evicted someone from a property so it didn’t cost anything (though they owed me a couple thou in rent) but I’m paying $500 for restoration.
By Salty Dawg
January 27, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
Schrodioski 3000
“Frenchy looked like he was running in sand last year in the outfield - and him in center???”
I could be wrong about this, but I believe Francouer had persistent ankle pain last season and never really got a chance to rest it. That being said, I don’t see him in CF either. But I expect he will have more closing speed in LF this season. Plus from what I hear he has dropped about 20 lbs, which should help his cause too.
By Salty Dawg
January 27, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
cvbraves
“Rest easy, folks, all is well.
Wren and Glavine are talking and…
…in the Bowman article, he quotes Chipper.
“Frenchy is going to hit cleanup for us this year,” Jones said with a sense of confidence earlier this month.
When asked if he’d seen Frenchy (aka Jeff Francoeur) hit recently, Jones replied, “Yeah, and he looks better than I’ve ever seen him. His weight distribution, his approach, his mind-set … everything looks great. He’s killing the ball right now.”
Forget Dunn, Abreu, Swisher, Nady, et. al.
All is well in Braves’ land!”
Can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or not, but that quote from Chipper actually makes me pretty optimistic about ol’ Frenchy. Chipper knows hitting fundamentals better than anybody on the team, coaches included. He also calls it like he sees it. If Chipper says that Frenchy is killing the ball then I expect he is looking pretty good. Of course, we still have to wait to see if it translates to ST and the regular season. But I am hopeful.
By genegarbage
January 27, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this
DOB- I love the fact that Vision Quest was on Ohman’s list. I would love to have a beer w/ that dude.
would you consider Rad & Gleaming the Cube sports movies? both are classic
ever been to BBQ 1 or Pappy Red’s? thoughts?
Cheers, GG
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this
January 27, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this
I think the only defensive liability of a Dunn, Francoeur, & Abreu is Dunn. Frenchy and Abreau are great athletes. Abreu might be getting older, but he is still a solid outfielder PPaddy
you got to be kidding. Dunn & Abreu are rated as two of the 5 worst defensive outfielders in captivity, and Jeffy does not have the speed necessary to play center regularly, let alone between two such defensively challenged corners. Too horrible to even imagine. Keep up man. LOL
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
fn hale, I’m not a bass player or a collector of guitars (don’t have the cash). But that sounds like a pretty valuable instrument. You could check this ebay page to see if any of those instruments match yours. The ones on the page are pretty expensive.
Hope that helps. If it was an electric guitar I might be able to offer a bit more advice!
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
January 27, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Since everyone claims Dunn is a defensive liability I did some checking on Baseball Reference. Adam Dunn made 11 Errors last year! Let’ take a look at a couple of other Braves! Kelly Johnson made 14 Errors Younel Escobar made 16 Errors And Chipper Jones made 13 Errors! A Threadkiller
now there is a post that if serious, proves that the poster has not got a clue in his itty-bitty brain about the game of baseball. You can not compare defensive stats of any kind across different positions. How long have you been a baseball fan not to know that. 16 errors for a shortstop is a very acceptable total, 11 errors for an outfielder is horrendous especially considering that he is too slow to get close enough to some catchable balls to even get an error on. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming you are making a ha-ha, but you really should put an LOL at the end of such facetious statements or unsophisticated readers might believe you to be serious.
By Treadkiller
January 27, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan; Not sarcastic..3 of Dunn’s 11 errors where made at 1B so he had 7 outfiels errors. That’s only 3 more than Frenchy! Since you feel that Dunn is a poor feilder, how many of those errors cost the team runs or better yet, how many of those errors cost the game? How many games will Dunn win us with his bat? To win games, we need to score more runs than the other team! With Dunn in our line up we will score runs!
By Phil in GA
January 27, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, or anyone else who knows — do we know when the first round of spring training cuts have to be made? I’m planning on taking in a few games over a long weekend and would like to make sure I’m there before first cuts to see all the promising young kids who got the invite this year. Thanks for the info.
P.S. - DOB, speaking of sultry songstresses who can sing and wow - have you ever heard of Robinella. Greg in TN - have you? She’s an East Tennessean, too. WDVX music. I’m a knoxville kid originally and love her. Bluegrass music with a jazzy voice. Amazing.
By Bryan
January 27, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
I heard a rumor on a Mets blog that if we sign Hudson we still might land Jake Peavy with Escobar as trade bait????? Is there any truth to that Dave???? Peavy, Lowe, Vazquez, Duece-K-, J.J……sounds like the best in the majors. Tim Hudson Back next year also, plus Hanson….Dang!
By KC
January 27, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this
Salty Dawg: Chipper’s comments give a great deal of hope as well. If the praise came from any other source, I might write it off as one teammate trying to encourage another. But Chipper doesn’t BS.
When Chipper thought Francoeur’s (then) new approach sucked last spring… he said so (in his own way). And Chipper’s comments about Andruw Jones’ progress this winter have been less than glowing.
Chipper’s candor was also on display last year when talking about the Braves chances of retaining Teixeira. He said something to the effect of “He’s a Boras lover, and that tells me all I need to know” (paraphrasing). And It was Chipper who vocally ripped the team just a couple weeks ago when Smoltz parted ways with the Braves.
Chipper speaks his mind, and doesn’t seem to be one for false flattery. And he sure as hell knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hitting… so yes, Chipper’s comments about Francoeur (with whom he’s been hitting all winter) definitely mean something.
Of course we won’t know anything until Frenchy starts hitting against live pitching again. But for now, Chipper’s confident praise is certainly cause for optimism.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
Treadkiller, it’s not an error if the fielder can’t get to the ball, which Dunn has a penchant for doing. I agree that Dunn’s bat is going to more than counterbalance his defense, but let’s not kid ourselves…he’s going to be our worst defender bar none.
By Treadkiller
January 27, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
FadeAway; Yes I’m being funny!! Lol!! But anyway, because I have no baseball knowledge please can you tell me the difference between an Infielders error and a Outfielders error?
By DAP
January 27, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
f.n. hale i suggest you learn to play the bass guitar.
By f.n. hale
January 27, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
Steve in OH
I had looked on Ebay but most of those look to be pretty much original so I’m guessing the value would be much less for mine. Is that a good place to find a value? I’ve bought stuff on Ebay but never sold anything so I’m not even sure if you can find out what has sold in the past. Also, I’m pretty busy right now and not sure how much time I’ll have to play around with it, but I have a Roland AC60 amp that I use with my acoustics. It’s great for what I use it for but I wouldn’t want to blow out the speakers with a bass. Do you see a problem with just plunking around on the bass with that amp?
By keylargo
January 27, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the baseball movie named It Happens Every Spring?
It was a comedy about a Chemistry Professor who invents a solution that repels wood. Of course he takes it to baseball and has some of the wickedest movement every seen when the juiced up baseball avoids the wood bat. Classic comedy at its finest.
Top ten? Probably not, but a good way to spend a couple of hours.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this
“f.n. hale i suggest you learn to play the bass guitar.”
I second that. You’ll enjoy it.
By cvbraves
January 27, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
**Salty Dawg”
“Can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or not, but that quote from Chipper actually makes me pretty optimistic about ol’ Frenchy.”
No sarcasm at all intended.
Bowman’s most recent article on Francouer, with Chippers’s comments, is on the Braves’ page. And I respect Chipper’s comments as much as anyone.
By Tko
January 27, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
What is the big problem with Josh Anderson?
I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield. The kid busts his tail every opportunity he plays in the bigs with good results. Houston traded him away after a solid stint in 2007, the Braves brought everyone else in the world up from Richmond before him in 2008,and then when he finally gets to play he hits for average, was an effective base stealer, played solid defense, and even popped three homeruns the last week of the season. When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson.
By ncscoots
January 27, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this
People, I have all the respect for Chipper’s eye on hitting, but he also predicted DeRosa would hit .300 and 20 dingers playing every day at 3B. Missed that one a little.
Having said that, I don’t think he’s motivating by prevaricating, either. I’m more interested in the comments about the approach taken by Francoeur. Anything the guy does that will relieve us of uga-brave’s nightly post about “hitting off his front foot”, I’m ready to believe in!
By CharlieAlphaBravo
January 27, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Gotta say I’m a bit stunned you haven’t seen Boondock Saints. It’s a great movie, and would’ve been even better if the writer/director had not been a total head case. Willem Dafoe gives one of the most amazing comedically over-acted performances of this generation, and Billy Connolly’s small part is superb.
More suggested viewing is the documentary Overnight, a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible self-destruction of the promising young director of Boondock Saints. If there was a bridge left in Hollywood, he made sure to burn it, and then spit on the ashes. Hollywood rule #1: Don’t p** off Harvey Weinstein.
Ohman showed again he has impeccable comedic taste. Just when you thought you had him figured out, he pulls Kentucky Fried Movie and PCU out of his wonderful bag of tricks. I’m not gonna protest!
I suppose it’s not suprising for the man who coined the timeless classic “Nitram Odarp.” Recently declared “Most Side-Achingly Funny Moment of 2008” by, well… Me. What other suprises does he have for us in 2009? It’s up to the Braves front office for us to find out. Please Frank, don’t let Ohman leave!
Go Bravos!
By N8
January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
“Dude, I don’t have kids, which is where a lot of folks dispose of most of their income…” DOB
Ain’t that the truth? You pretty much nailed that.
But you have to admit, the jab at Mike Hampton was a “little bit” funny.
f.n. hale
I’m not into collecting and actually for a guy that’s played for 20+ years, knows very little about the perceived (and very real) value of older models, and which one’s could allow somebody to retire if they’re the original owner of such vintage gear.
But the guy that plays bass in the country band I play with, is the editor of Vintage Guitar Magazine, which is actually located here in Bismarck. He’s got quite the collection (not quite the collection the owner of the mag does, but…).
My photo studio shoots some photos for him once in a while (actually had a shot make the cover once), and I get a kick out of him grabbing guitars and handing them to me and saying: “That one’s worth about 75K”. Nothing like holding a guitar that cost more than my first house did!
I’d have to have disposable money (like DOB and Mike Hampton), to every consider collecting. I’d have a hard time not playing something, regardless of it’s worth.
Probably more info than you needed. But if you’ve never checked out the magazine, it’s pretty cool. Especially if you’re into that stuff. Not sure how much info is on their website, but I know they have one.
I just think it’s cool, because Ward will every now and then call up and say: “I’m interviewing Neil Geraldo (Pat Benetar’s guitarist and husband)… Is there anything you want me to ask him?”
By Tko
January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
What is the big problem with Josh Anderson?
I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield. The kid busts his tail every opportunity he plays in the bigs with good results. Houston traded him away after a solid stint in 2007, the Braves brought everyone else in the world up from Richmond before him in 2008,and then when he finally gets to play he hits for average, was an effective base stealer, played solid defense, and even popped three homeruns the last week of the season. When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson.
By big o
January 27, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB did you catch Zack Browns Performance on Jimmy Kimball last night. DUDE ROCKED IT !!!! It reminded of the Dixie Tavern days in Smyrna. I hope the Braves sign Ohman and Jones
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
Treadkiller good grief man, here’s one example of why outfielders shouldn’t make as many errors as an infielder. If an outfielder doesn’t make an accurate throw and doesn’t throw a guy out at a base, no error. If an infielder doesn’t make an accurate throw and the runner is safe, error.
Also, ground balls once they reach the outfielder, usually aren’t traveling as fast as they are when they are hit at say the third baseman. So obviously the hard hit ball at a third baseman is more difficult to field, but if it isn’t fielded cleanly, and the play isn’t made, error. So obviously more ground balls hit hard on the infield are going to end in errors. Where ground balls 200 ft away from home plate should be fielded cleanly. And even if it isn’t, as long as the runner doesn’t advance an extra base, no error.
Hope this little tutorial will help.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this
fnhale, it’s hit and miss to find value. I personally bought my LH Kramer there for $70, when it was probably worth $250-400 (after a setup, of course). If you restore the guitar to “like new” condition, I don’t think it’ll lose it’s value too much if the neck isn’t warped, the frets are in good condition, etc. Like I said, I’m not a bass player, so I’m not really up on bass valuations. If I were you, I’d take it to a (good) music store and ask them for their opinion (being clear that you’re not looking to sell, o’course). And I wouldn’t mess around with plugging it into a guitar amp, myself, though it might be ok.
A good person to ask would be N8 or maybe Wayne-Utah. That’s about as much as I know about bass!
By Captain Obvious
January 27, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this
“What is the big problem with Josh Anderson? I don’t understand why his name doesn’t come up often as a possible solution in centerfield.”
If you really can’t, then all I know to say is this is why you’re not the one being paid to make these decisions.
By theclipper
January 27, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
f n hale, Have to disagree on platoons, Braves have had great success with em over the winning years. I own a 1970 P bass, and as for yours, for playability that Jazz neck should be really sweet. Before I spent a dime I’d check with David Tiller, owner of Midtown Music, an expert on vintage instruments, and one of the few honest folks in the biz, on the values and what the restoration should cost. I’ve bought many items from him for many years, plus he’s my landlord @ the barber shop. Funny, I own rentals too, and tenants have left cars, tv’s good furniture etc, but I expect we’ve still come up short in the long run. Good luck.
By keylargo
January 27, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
cvbraves
Unfortunately, Chipper said essentially the same thing about how the “new Jeff Francoeur” was tearing the cover off the ball with his 20 pounds of new muscle.
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this
Tko:
JOSH did a swan-dive at the plate after his return to RICHMOND, but once he got his head screwed on straight, he picked it up on the offensive end. So many he’s matured somewhat, and he surely deserves a shot in ST. I don’t think he’s gonna’ be handed the job outright, but looks like he’s got a chance. Manbe that’s why WREN is in no hurry to sign up that outfield bat. Problem is that ANDERSON is not a BIG bat for the middle of the order in my estimation. And a big bat surely would help strengthen the middle line-up.
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
Anybody got a line on my man CHARLIE MORTON’s aches and pains from last season. Is he fit and ready for ST?
By winterville
January 27, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this
Anders, BEAR, DAP, dogsbrekky, ncscoots, Lee in S GA and anyone else who helped out with my interview question, thanks again for the advice. I feel alot better about it and like someone else said, if it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. Seriously guys, thanks.
By Treadkiller
January 27, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
Blawgdawg; An Error is an Error!! Period!
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this
“THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING.” Now there was a “king” movie.
By shawn
January 27, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
Here’s the thing- there are defensive and avg. drawbacks with Dunn BUT there are only so many options left out there. None of them other than B. Roberts would be GREAT selections. If the choice comes down to who is actually left available I would much rather have 40/100 than anyone else. We have 2 holes in the outfield at least plug one.
By f.n. hale
January 27, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
Steve in OH
Thanks for the help. Hopefully those guys will see the post and respond.
theclipper
Well, the money’s already spent. I haven’t picked it up and paid yet but have committed. I was already in over $100 before we realized it wasn’t completely original and at that point I decided to push on anyway. I trust the guy doing the work. He’s sort of a friend and does great work restoring and even building custom guitars. I know it’ll be a great instrument when he finishes. It was in terrible shape so he’s had to just about rebuild from the ground up. I have several rentals and manage for others for a living. I’ve gotten a lot of stuff left when folks move, usually just junk, but occasionally something worth while. The bass actually came from a church that I evicted. My wife gives me a hard time about evicting them, but hey, we all got to pay the rent. Thanks for the head’s up on Midtown Music.
By cabravesfan
January 27, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
If the choice comes down to who is actually left available I would much rather have 40/100 than anyone else. We have 2 holes in the outfield at least plug one.
Let’s be honset with this one (and shawn this is NOT a criticism of your idea at all because I kinda agree with you)- signing Dunn fills a hole in the lineup NOT in the outfield- in fact he would make the outfield worse- but all things being equal, if this turns out to be the best remaining option AND we can get him for less (much less) then he is curently asking, I could be talked into supporting, if not totally liking, this idea
By Lew
January 27, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller-Could it be that a middle infielder touches the ball maybe three times as often as an outfielder?
RichBrave-Man Who Would Be King is number one on my all time list of great movies. Best thing ever done by either Sean Connery or Michael Caine. One of John Huston’s best.
By JimD
January 27, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn’s lifetime fielding %age in LF - .969
Kelly Johnson’s lifetime fielding %age at 2B - .979.
10 pts is huge in fielding %age. Adam Dunn is a far inferior fielder than KJ.
By BlawgDawg
January 27, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this
Treadkiller yes, an error is an error. The point is that infielders make more errors than outfielders. 11 infielder errors is not that many since they have so many more chances that can end in errors. And the smallest bobble or mistake by an infielder usually causes a runner to be safe, thus an error is charged. 11 outfield errors is a ton, because of the reasons I pointed out earlier, including the fact that a bobble or small mistake many times is not charged as an error because the runner doesn’t advance, thus no error. You really are showing your ignorance here my man, maybe you should stop while your…….umm behind.
And as a side note, you said 3 of Dunn’s 11 errors were at 1B, so he only had 7 in the outfield. uhhh, I was taught in school that 11-3=8. Which is twice as many as Frenchy made last year, and the point was made earlier, correctly, by one of the other guys that Frenchy’s 4 errors is too many for an outfielder.
By JimD
January 27, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
My above post notwithstanding …
I would still rather the Braves keep KJ at 2b and find another LF. I would like to see them bat either KJ or Esco 3rd and hit Chipper clean up, but I don’t think that is going to happen. Chipper prefers hitting 3rd.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
January 27, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the baseball movie named It Happens Every Spring?
It was a comedy about a Chemistry Professor who invents a solution that repels wood. Of course he takes it to baseball and has some of the wickedest movement every seen when the juiced up baseball avoids the wood bat. Classic comedy at its finest.
Top ten? Probably not, but a good way to spend a couple of hours. KeyLargo
yes sir, I mentioned it the other night. I also like the original “Angels In The Outfield” and “Rhubarb”, the same kind of comedies from the same era. Certainly not top 10, but cute IMO.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
When I think of a Brave capable of being solid lead-off hitter in 2009, I’m thinking Josh Anderson Tko
It’s possible that he could become that, it’s just that his minor league stats don’t show it as likely if he plays on a regular basis. But some do improve as they mature even in the bigs sometimes. I think for many of us that’s why we don’t get all excited about him up front and take a wait and see attitude. I personally would prefer someone with a better history of getting on base and with a larger more projectable past performance history. He has played pretty well in the limited chances that he’s had so far in the bigs.
By Mike
January 27, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this
DOB
In Bowmans article about Glavine on the Braves site he says we only have about 6-7 mill left to spend. That seems kinda low. I thought we had a little more than that. I also wonder if that figure takes Ohmans offer into account. I was hoping that we would have about 2-3 base left for Glav, 5-8 left for Dunn and about 3 left for Ohman. But what I hope and what is always seems to be different…in any situation.
By mbatl
January 27, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
“Man Who Would Be King is number one on my all time list of great movies. “
Wow, Lew, that’s a strong endorsement. You can be a curmudgeon [insert equivalent to banned “LOL” here], but I respect your views. Never seen that movie, but will make it a point.
Article up on Braves.com…Bowman reports that Glavine is meeting with Wren, and feels great… most interestingly, Bowman seems to have a real firm grip on the Braves remaining spending cash, and suggests it’s only “$6 to $7 million.” Hope we’ve got a little more flexibility than that (and for no real reason, I suspect we do).
By shawn
January 27, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
Yeah I know Dunn has drawbacks but we aren’t going to get a CF and LF 5 tool all star 3 weeks before spring training unless of course we deal Heyward and Hanson- which we shouldn’t. I love Chipper but he sucked in LF too. I love Ichiro but then he has no power, Bonds couldn’t play D… my point is no one is going to be perfect in all phases of the game. Our pitching starters are a great improvement but none are in the top 5 in the league at their position. Heck other than Chipp and McCann no one on our team is. You go into the season with what we had last year in the outfield/lineup and this team is going no where (I prefer B. Roberts myself) So just wait till the prices drop to nothing and sign Griffy and A.J. which would’ve be great - ten years ago.
By GT
January 27, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
” SUTTON ” - The best pick-up all year !!
By shawn
January 27, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
God forbid we spend ANY of that money on Glavine to be a number 5 starter… we have much bigger needs and plenty of options at the 5 spot
By Lew
January 27, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
mbatl-You’re right, I am a curmudgeon-Andy Rooney is my Idol. This is a great flick though-an all time classic. If you like full out adventure, this is taken from a short story by Rudyard Kipling and couldn’t have been any better-not the acting, the Directing or the photography. If you liked any of Huston’s other movies like African Queen or Treasure of Sierra Madre, you’ll love Man Who Would Be King.
By keylargo
January 27, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
Sorry nolie about not seeing your post. I assure you I read your posts when I see them. Just missed a few days lately.
I’m going to have to see Angels in the Outfield. I did not realize the one I have seen was the remake of an original.
By keylargo
January 27, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this
Lew
Did you know Sean Connery came in third in the 1953 Mr. Universe contest?
By Bubdylan
January 27, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Lew, Roger Ebert suggests that Daniel Day Lewis borrowed quite a bit from John Huston’s voice and mannerisms for his There Will Be Blood character.
Here’s a good Huston interview for anyone who wants to test the claim.
In any case, Huston was a cool dude.
By Random
January 27, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
Treadkiller (January 27, 2009 7:59 PM): “But anyway, because I have no baseball knowledge please can you tell me the difference between an Infielders error and a Outfielders error?”
Treadkiller (January 27, 2009 8:46 PM): “An Error is an Error!! Period!”
My, how quickly they grow up these days — hoefully, this one will leave the nest soon.
By Random
January 27, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
Lew: “this is taken from a short story by Rudyard Kipling”
IF
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run –
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And - which is more - you’ll be John Smoltz my son!
By richbrave
January 27, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
LEW:
Third time you and I have seen eye to eye on flicks - The ILLUSIONIST and another I don’t remember now. What have you reviewed this season that you liked.? I have seen “BENJAMIN BUTTON” and “DOUBT.” Excellent acting. Not my absolute favs though. If you know anything about CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, “DOUBT” should send shivers down your spine. Being a Historian “BUTTON” was too far fetched for me, plot-wise. Maybe it’ll grow on me. Have you seen “7 POUND?”
By KC
January 27, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
JimD: The fielding percentage for an outfielder is SUPPOSED to be MUCH better than that of a middle-infielder. Middle-infield is far more challenging, and there’s more that can got wrong. Every year, there are many outfielders with fewer errors than some gold glove infielders.
Dunn is NOT a better outfielder than KJ is an infielder.
By Random
January 27, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
shawn: “Our pitching starters are a great improvement”
Where you fum, bo? You down here chasin our wimmin around?
8-)
I take it you meant “starting pitchers”?
PS: and it’s “Chip”, not “”Chipp” (but preferably “Chipper”, to distinguish him from Chip Caray). Okay, that’s all.
.
(“Griffey”)
THE BEAR — good advice — I too will keep it in mind. Thanks.
nitram odarp: “clean or dirty sheets is better than no sheets at all.”
That reminds me — I started writing a poem once that began “My bedclothes reek — a lockerroom bouquet Of saltines, socks and nameless stains” — never did get any farther than that.
Perhaps that says it all, huh?
By JimD
January 27, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
KC I am confused. Are you agreeing with me or not. Go back and read my [9:21 post.] (http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2009/01/26/unsigned_ohman.html#comment-237094903)
The point I was trying to make is precisely your point Adam Dunn is NOT a better outfielder than KJ is an infielder. Hence the word inferior.
By Chris from the Rock
January 27, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this
With all this movie talk, how about the 2009 classic, “Dude, Where’s my Left Fielder?”
By rotty
January 27, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
No offense to Bowman but the only people who know what the Braves have to spend are Wren, McGuirk, JS, Malone and maybe Bobby.
He is doing math based on what he thinks not what he knows.
No harm in that but don’t take it as more than an guess.
What the need a is a slugging LF for 2yrs not a 42yo Glavine or a clearly done AJ.
If they spend 7mm total on those two (assuming w/incentives) when they could of had Dunn for 7-9mm I will be very disappointed.
There is no way you can say you need a 42yo #5 when you have no LF worth a darn (sorry Diaz/Blanco nightmare platoon) and Hanson + a pile of other prospects ready to take the job.
Time to look forward not back.
By Steve from OH
January 27, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this
Or maybe we can all realize that judging fielders on fielding% isn’t the greatest idea in the world?
By Bubdylan
January 27, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this
nameless stains” — Random
Too
Much
Infor
Mation.
By KC
January 27, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this
Jim D: Sorry man… didn’t look closely enough at your post. My mistake.
By spring hopes
January 27, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this
How about the old movie, “it Happens Every Spring” with Ray Milland.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
Phil in GA: There’s no specific date when first cuts have to be made. Braves generally make them after first couple of split-squad games, after they’ve made sure they have enough players to get through those games without problems.
I want to say it’s generally in the second week of March when they make the first cuts.
Oh, and yes sir, Robinella is mighty fine, and she makes some very good music.
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this
RichBrave, I saw Seven Pounds — good, not great. I’d wait for the DVD.
I still haven’t seen Doubt and Frost/Nixon, the last two of the big Oscar nomination movies I haven’t seen. You didn’t like Doubt as much as most of the critics, I take it? (it got strong reviews)
By FadeAway
January 27, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Back in the days when men were men, and some of the women were too (especially the Russian ones)
n 1963, Warren Spahn of the Braves squared off against Juan Marichal of the Giants. The game lasted 16 innings. Both pitchers threw complete games. The game was decided in the bottom of the 16th inning when, with one out, Willie Mays homered, resulting in the Giants claiming a 1-0 victory. Spahn pitched 15 and 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run on 9 hits. Marichal was even better that day, throwing 16 innings of shutout ball while scattering 8 hits.
In reviewing that season , specifically Spahnie, I note that he was 42 years old that year, had a 23-7 w/l, 259 IP, started 33 games completed 22 of them with 7 shutouts with a 2.6 era and a 1.11 whip. And amazingly, Marichal had a better season than Spahnie, except that he was only 25.. That was Spahnie’s last good season though. I mean, he wasn’t no John Smoltz or Tommy Glavine. :-)
By David O'Brien
January 27, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this
For those of you who might be doubting the $7 mill figure Bowman came up with, I really don’t understand why you are surprised.
I mean, we said over and over that $40 mill was the best educated guess, give or take a few million, about what the Braves had to spend, to add to the 2009 payroll, given what was coming off and the expected modest increase the Braves indicated they planned to make to the overall payroll from 2008.
The $40 mill figure was what those of us who cover the team came up with after discussions with some people and taking into account what Wren and McGuirk had said about their payroll plans (no details, just that the payroll would likely rise a bit).
And after running that $40 mill figure by team officials and not having it quashed or being told it was significantly off in either direction, it’s the figure we have been working with.
OK, so let’s count it up, in terms of 2009 salaries added: $11.5 for Vazquez, $15 mill for Lowe, nearly $8 mill for Kawakami (including prorated portion of signing bonus), $1.4 mill for Dave Ross, $3.45 mill for Gonzalez (up $1.1 mill from his 2008 salary).
That’s about $37 mill added for the four newcomers and Gonzo’s raise.
By nolie
January 27, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo
Thanx. BTW Both the original Angels and Rhubarb are both out on dvd now if you have Netflix or Blockbuster on line. They are silly , but so was It Happens Every Spring. In fact Ray Milland (from Spring) is in Rhubarb and Paul Douglas, the catcher from Spring is the star of the original Angels. I hope you get a few chuckles if you get a chance to see them.
By Saltywoody
January 27, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this
If anyone has any interest, check out Alexi Murdoch
Can’t get this guy’s cd out of the rotation, though I’ll admit I’m discovering him a little late.
Also looking mightily forward to Dan Auerbach’s solo album next month.
Oh and Jesse Baylin’s voice and her appearance both haunt me. In different but exquisite ways.
By ColoradoBravesFan
January 27, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this
“By keylargo
January 27, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
cvbraves Unfortunately, Chipper said essentially the same thing about how the “new Jeff Francoeur” was tearing the cover off the ball with his 20 pounds of new muscle.
No That isn’t what Chipper stated about Francouer at all. I might be wrong, but Chipper’s comment about Frenchy, his new muscle and approach to hitting last year was… “lose and Andruw, gain an Andruw”…
Go Bravos
By Steve McP
January 27, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this
DOB- So given the figures that you quoted and extrapolating this to include the raises for the remaining arb eligible players, where is the money to sign Ohman, let alone a big hitting OF?
By FadeAway
January 28, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this
Anybody seen Apartment Zero or Shallow Grave? Pretty good roommates gone bad thrillers.
By Moby Grape
January 28, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this
So given the figures that you quoted and extrapolating this to include the raises for the remaining arb eligible players, where is the money to sign Ohman, let alone a big hitting OF? SMcP
and I thought that money spent to resign Glavine was going to be above and beyond what they had budgeted for necessities? Guess they didn’t budget enough for the two starters and an outfielder they promised. And didn’t Wren just indicate that the money was available for said power-hitting productive outfielder? Guess he must have meant an inexpensive power hitter. Like another poster said in the last day or so, they always stop short of what it takes. Looks like that might happen again. Hope not.
By Ron in mobile
January 28, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this
Looking at the first few comments and seeing people give DOB grief over a couple of typos made me chuckle.
DOB just tell em you cant drive the car, handle the money and talk on the phone at the same time. Your just the bag man…man
May Jeff Bridges live forever!
By Plato
January 28, 2009 12:50 AM | Link to this
Don’t understand the Braves’ approach with Ohman. He’s a good major league pitcher who obviously wants to play for Atlanta. It’s prolly just a pride thing with Ohman; just a small numbers bump would bring him back. What are we waiting for? For some other team to acquire him while we’re playing hardball with chump change (baseball-wise)?
I’m Flabbergusted….
By Plato
January 28, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this
You’re right O’Brien, we’ve blown a whoppin wad already… Good moves though.
By Mike
January 28, 2009 1:02 AM | Link to this
Given these numbers of salary left…as much as I would love to have Glavine back, unless the money for him would be above and beyond what is left, I would rather spend it on an OF bat like Dunn or Abreu. But I still believe that we need Ohman. And since Bowman didnt mention Ohman in the article, maybe the offered salary to Ohman is already taken into account in the 6-7 figure. If that is the case, AND the money for Glavine would be above and beyond the 6-7 figure, then just offer Dunn the 7 mill a year and see if he takes it.
By MiaBchBravesFan
January 28, 2009 1:19 AM | Link to this
Unless we do something silly within the next several weeks, I am somewhat happy with the Braves - and Frank Wren - this winter.
Not for the Derek Lowe signing, but for the excellent restraint Wren showed in not parting with our minor league talent. Already, the damage that was the Mark Teixeira trade has reared its ugly head. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Perez, and Matt Harrison will all be with the big club this year - in Texas, with the Rangers.
The fact that we avoided the Jake Peavy trade, as well as other temptations that would have further fleeced our farm system, were great things indeed. Proving the old adage that the best trades are sometimes the ones you never make.
Instead of trying to win the division every year, it is instructive to note that if the “Ranger Four” were with us today, 2009 would be a good year to really rebuild and allow young talent to grow together and flourish. The money is not there like it used to be, to reload like we used to.
We have done a much better job of growing our own talent - either for keeps or for trade - in the past six to eight years than we did in all of the ‘90’s. This year was a year for letting the Tommy Hansons, Charlie Mortons, and Matt Harrisons of our world show their wares in preparation for a 2010 run with Tim Hudson and Jair Jurrjens at the helm - all the while saving the $60 million we spent on Lowe for the next four years.
The $15 mil per year will hamstring us when it comes time to sign the youngsters. What if Jeff Francoeur has a good/great 2009? What if Kelly Johnson breaks out? How about Yunel Escobar? Or Mike Gonzalez?
The Indians had an excellent run in the ‘90’s. The reason they lasted for more than a little while was because they locked up their youngsters before year five was up. The Braves have the start of something really cool with the present cast of youngsters. I hope management gets smart and intelligently evaluates the youngsters and signs them before year five proves to be too late.
As for RF, why not Andruw Jones? If he learns to hit to the opposite field, you can sign Tom Glavine and have a solid chance to compete in ‘09.
Just think - Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, and Glavine. Wow, if paper dreams could translate to field results.
By YankeeDawg
January 28, 2009 1:35 AM | Link to this
Props to Schiller for recognizing the legacy and attachment many fans have (positively) to Don Sutton and securing his return. I’m sure the advertisers will appreciate this as well. Schiller does know what he’s doing.
By YankeeDawg
January 28, 2009 1:42 AM | Link to this
DOB, any chance of Campillo going to “Long Relief” spot in the pen to make room for Glave? How do you think he would respond? Seems like you could trade him to a team w/ a need for SP for a 4th OF.
By ccrider
January 28, 2009 1:46 AM | Link to this
Regarding remaining payroll: Bench: Infante $2,Diaz $1.2, Norton $.8, Prado $.5, Ross $1.5=Total $6 Mil. Rotation: Lowe $15, Vazquez $11.5, Jurjjens $.5, Kawakami $8.5, Hudson (Non Insurance) $7= Total $48.5 Mil. Bullpen: Gonzo $3.5, Soriano $6, Moylan $.5, Boyer $.5, Campillo $.5, Acosta $.5= Total $11.5 Mil. Lineup: McCann $3.5, Kotchman $3, Kelly J $3, Escobar $.5, Chipper $11, Franceour $3= Total $24 mil. Total Payroll-$90
This leaves a bullpen spot(Ohman?), 5th Starter(Glavine?), CF(Schaffer,Anderson,Andruw?) and LF(Dunn,Abreu,Nady,Etc.?) Ohman $2, Abreu/Dunn $7, CF $1, Glavine $3 with incentives of $2 mil.. It would add up to $105 and I think that will happen or close.By YankeeDawg
January 28, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this
South Beach, I agree that if we can have that SP rotation, an OF of Frenchy, AJ & Rookie will have enough Def, lowest Run Scored that the upside of AJ’s Offense if he lets go of Pull Mentality AND JF get’s back to 25 & 90, then it’s a steal and a legit NL East contender.
By Chris
January 28, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this
Actually DOB, Bowman and others guessed that $40 million would be the amount spent on this offseason before thw announcement of the payrooll increasing. back a couple of years ago the payroll was on a strict $80 million and based on the opening day 25 man roster payroll. I’ve also added $37 million that the braves have spent this offseason. After the announcement of the payroll increase in october, bowman and others guessed it would be ATLEAST a $45 million dollar spent offseason. So the raise (if bowman is accurate about $7 million left) then the payroll increased approxiametly $million. right now $7 million wont be enough to spend on ohman, a left fielder, and glavine, let alone two of the three probably…which is a problem.
By BA
January 28, 2009 2:08 AM | Link to this
To the pinhead that posts constantly under various un-funny names, platoons “suck”? That’s a kind of dumb thing to say, considering Cox has used platoons for 20 years with a lot of success. The LaRoche platoon that “stunted his growth” (so dumb) resulted in 29 hr’s and 110 rbi (using ‘05 as an example). Platoons are part of baseball, dummy.
And why not just pick a nice name and use it throughout your constant attacks on people? How gutless, to post attack after attack, laying in the weeds for someone to say something you can use a smartazz (but almost never funny) zinger?
How dumb is it to consider Anderson as a viable CF option? Maybe unlikely, but I don’t think it’s dumb. Not as dumb as dismissing platoons because they “suck”, and not nearly as dumb as suggesting that we sign Sheets to a one year deal (yeah, that’s going to happen).
I’m almost certain this is the goo guy- same repetitive, unfunny crap.
By nolie
January 28, 2009 2:19 AM | Link to this
hat’s a kind of dumb thing to say, considering Cox has used platoons for 20 years with a lot of success. BA
as did the Yankees, Orioles and any number of other teams over the years. Cox of course is a Yankee product and Houk disciple so it’s no surprise that he should like platoons.
By mr baseball
January 28, 2009 2:26 AM | Link to this
ccrider:
Assuming your numbers are accurate (still a question about how much they’re on the hook to Hudson for), I wouldn’t bet on anything more than minimum salary players for the final 4 spots, with the possible exception of Glavine. And based on his performance last year when healthy, I think it’s a stretch to mark him down for a roster spot, with Morton, Reyes & Campillo all possibilities as a No. 5 starter.
The Braves have never spent on a bullpen. Ever. They have invested almost $10 million alone in Gonzalez and Soriano. Unless Wren completely breaks away from Scheurholz’ precedent, no Ohman. Team will make do with one of the second-rate lefties they picked up in the off-season. Doesn’t matter if none of them can pitch at the major league level. They’re cheap and that’s what matters most.
No Dunn or Abreu either. Either one will put the team over $100 million, and given the economy, chances of signing either are remote at best. Maybe Andruw, who fits a favorite franchise profile (cheap, washed-up ex-Brave).
One player who would make some sense in the OF picture and may be affordable is Jim Edmonds. but haven’t heard a peep here or elsewhere about his status. Somebody is going to give Dunn & Abreu a reasonable deal, but doubt it’s going to be the Braves.
Wonder how nervous the agents for guys like Dunn, Abreu, O. Hudson, G. Anderson, O. Cabrera, I. Rodriguez, even Manny are getting? Not to mention the agents for the mediocre group of starters left.
Looks like Lowe may have gotten the last big bucks deal of the signing season.
)
By BA
January 28, 2009 2:38 AM | Link to this
The guy has made a number of platoons work, nols- Diaz/Harris, Franco/LaRoche, Tucker/Williams, even Bream/Hunter worked for a couple of years back in the glory days.
I see a lot of posts about Glavine, but I don’t really think they’ll bring him back, and I’m not sure Campillo or Morton wouldn’t be a better option anyway. Of course, there’s always the possiblity (I guess) that Reyes could nail down that fifth spot, he’d be a much needed lefty starter.
I’m very pleased to see Sutton return, in my opinion he’s a great radio guy, so is Simpson. Now if they could get rid of the stupid “country” music trailers…
By ccrider
January 28, 2009 2:43 AM | Link to this
mr. baseball, you could be right, particularly about the way the Braves always go cheap on the bullpen. I’m with you on the Edmonds idea, I mentioned it 3 weeks ago that a platoon of Diaz/Edmonds, and Andruw/Anderson would be a cheap but potential way to add power. I still believe that the Braves will go over $100 million if they have the right players become available at the right price. I guess we will get an answer pretty soon and I hope we will be pleasantly surprised!
By nolie
January 28, 2009 3:02 AM | Link to this
e guy has made a number of platoons work, nols BA
yes he has. Williams /Klesko in LF was pretty good IIRC. I’m all for a platoon if you don’t have a starter who can do a pretty good job on all pitching. Seems to be some kinda stigma attached to it to some here though
By brent a.
January 28, 2009 3:38 AM | Link to this
Considering that the Braves have an offer on the table for Ohman, I think it might be a little premature to assume that Wren won’t break from the Schuerholz bullpen mold.
Who know? Maybe it’s a tiny offer. No one is saying. And also, if someone beats the offer, perhaps Wren won’t counter.
However, with what little I know about negotiations, I can only imagine that there is some wiggle room in Wren’s initial offer. It only makes sense that there would be. How much, and whether or not it will be enough to keep Ohman around is anybody’s guess.
By brent a.
January 28, 2009 3:42 AM | Link to this
“Hoop Dreams” should make anyone’s list of best sports movies.
It is a documentary, but it’s better than any made for film sports story I’ve seen.
By BA
January 28, 2009 3:47 AM | Link to this
I think a lot of folks think of it as settling, as opposed to making good use of your roster. It’s unrealistic to think you can field a McCann type at every position every year. Even if you did, 30 hr 100 rbi players aren’t exactly a dime a dozen.
What about (to go really far back) Sanders/Nixon? He did it briefly, in ‘92, while also starting both of them in a handful of games. It was chaotic, and I loved it.
With all the movie talk around here lately, I don’t see a lot of Slingblade mentions. Not the greatest flick of all time or anything, but a great movie. I thought it really captured the essence of low down white trash life in Georgia/Alabama etc.
Also, it’s a damn travesty that they’re cancelling Steiner on XM. That was the best reporter type baseball show I’ve ever heard. Steiner was a charming, creepy delight.
Every show doesn’t have to be Joe Shmo caller driven. That’s allright sometimes, but shows like the Steiner show, and Kennedy/Dibble (hey, guilty pleasure- dumb guys doing an informative show) are what made it worth it to pay for XM.
Instead, I’m paying for glamorized AM radio. Nice move, XM.
By BA
January 28, 2009 3:49 AM | Link to this
What about Hoosiers? Solid sports movie.
By BA
January 28, 2009 3:57 AM | Link to this
My favorite sports documentary (they used to rerun it on the Documentary channel that I no longer have) was King of the Hill, about when they broke up the 1972 Chicago Cubs. They fired Durosher, traded Fergie Jenkins…my favorite scene is when Joe Pepitone is cursing the first base umpire like a dog!
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 28, 2009 4:59 AM | Link to this
Mark Bowman’s article has offered a very sobering answer to the question of whether or not Frank Wren is planning on adding another outfielder through trade or free agency. The answer is almost certainly NO.
Here is why.
The Braves already have six outfielder’s on the 40 man not including Jordan Schafer. Among the players who are locked in are Francoeur, Diaz and Greg Norton. Although Norton will mostly pinch hit , back up at 1B and see a handful of games in LF. He can really be counted among the seven infielders that Cox will carry on his 25 man roster.
Among Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer, two of them will make the team and Cox never carries more than four regular everyday outfielders on his 25 man roster.
In other words, we already six outfielders fighting for four roster spots. The only real questions left to answer are Glavine and Ohman. Frank Wren will make an offer to Glavine, whether or not he accepts it remains to be seen. Will Ohman is an unknown. I’ll be disappointed if the Braves don’t offer him a contract as the lefty pitched great last year.
Of course, the 40 man roster is full and if the Braves need to make room for another pitcher or two, they will likely remove someone from among the 24 pitchers already on the roster.
If both Glavine and Ohman sign, then 21 of the 25 available roster spots are all but locked up as the catching corp., rotation, bullpen, infield and bench are set. The situation doesn’t leave much wiggle room for payroll or another big contract unless someone is traded and that is unlikely at the moment.
On another note, if the Braves don’t sign Ohman. Then Frank Wren has screwed up. He should have traded the lefty when the opportunity presented itself, except that the Braves were operating under the belief that they would receive a second round compensation pick if Ohman left in free agency and the Braves won’t get anything should Ohman leave.
By Random
January 28, 2009 5:33 AM | Link to this
Coach: “the Braves were operating under the belief that they would receive a second round compensation pick if Ohman left in free agency and the Braves won’t get anything should Ohman leave.”
I don’t know — if it were true that they were operating under that belief, wouldn’t they have offered him arbitration?
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 28, 2009 6:06 AM | Link to this
Random, not after what happened with Greg Maddux.
I’m referring to the type A or B classification. The Braves thought that Will Ohman would qualify as a type B free agent based on his numbers in 2007 and 2008. Guaranteeing the Braves a draft pick irregardless of whether or not he was offered arbitration.
In other words, had the Braves known that Ohman wasn’t going to qualify as a type B free agent, they would have likely traded him before the July 31st deadline.
By nolie
January 28, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this
I’m referring to the type A or B classification. The Braves thought that Will Ohman would qualify as a type B free agent based on his numbers in 2007 and 2008. Guaranteeing the Braves a draft pick irregardless of whether or not he was offered arbitration. Coach
I must be missing something. they still would have had to offer him arb in order to get free agent compensation, but you then say that they wouldn’t do that because of what happened with Greg. That’s likely true that they wouldn’t, but that negates any possibility of class B compensation. Can’t have it both ways, coach. You are absolutely wrong aboput getting comp without offering arb. It just doesn’t happen that way.
They already have more invested in their pen than they normally do and they are always cheap when it comes to middle relievers and specialty pitchers which Ohman would be if Soriano and Moylan are both healthy. IMO if Ohman gets a decent offer from another club, the Braves are unlikely to bid it up. I’d like to see him come back, but he has not been all that consistant from year to year( I couldn’t believe someone posted of him as a possible closer) and I can see why they might not re-sign him.
By GermanBravesFan
January 28, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
DOB: Have you had a chance yet to listen to the new Springsteen CD? According to www.backstreets.com, reviews have been mixed so far…
By Josh H
January 28, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
TreadKiller:
You don’t get an error if you’re just flat out not there…
By Mac
January 28, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
Good lefty relievers are as valuable as diamonds. And last season, there was a great deal of handwringing about the need to re-sign Ohman (if they didn’t trade him). Now he’s sitting around like dirty socks in the corner? Man, what a crazy world. Sign the dude.
By Random
January 28, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
Thanks, nolie — my thoughts exactly.
But Coach does (blind piggedly) bring up an interesting question — are the Elias Type A/Type B classifications of free agents known to clubs prior to the deadline for their offering arbitration?
I’d think that’d be highly useful info in making the decision whether or not to offer arb.
PS: nolie: “I couldn’t believe someone posted of [Ohman] as a possible closer”
HEY, DOB — NOLIE DON’T BELIEVE YOU!!!
*(Sorry, bud, I had to drop the dime — I’m way behind in my suckupologistics.)
8-)
By Random
January 28, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
Poesy Update: replace “nameless” by “gravy”.
*(Whew!)
By rubbertoe
January 28, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
DOB, Oh yea the whole “beat writer has to cover spring training thing”…..yea forgot about that one.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
I thought the Braves had already offered Ohman a contract and he’s still waiting for other teams. Seems to me that when an offer is made you go back to the team and say either, “OK, I take the deal” or you tell them “I got an offer of $X from team B, do you want to meet or beat it?” Just sitting around waiting for them to boost the offer makes no sense to me. It’s stupid for a team (unless they’re the Yankees) to just go back and say, “Gee, I realize you don’t like this offer, let me offer you so much you can’t refuse.” There has to be give and take. Ball’s in Ohman’s court, IMO. If he’s not happy with the Braves’ offer he needs to tell them so.
By Rufio
January 28, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
The Air Up There
The Big Green
Hardball
By JimD
January 28, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
Coach I’ll be disappointed if the Braves don’t offer him a contract as the lefty pitched great last year.
It is my understanding (per an earlier DOB blog) that Ohman has an offer on the table from the Braves and that he is just waiting around to see what else comes down the pipe.
I WOULD hope if he receives a better offer that the Braves would offer a counterproposal. Within reason, of course.
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry but 7 lbs ain’t worth a damn. I wouldn’t even rent it on DVD, it’s that bad.
What happened to Blanco? I don’t see him in anybody’s line-up :)
By Dadgum
January 28, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this
Glavine is somewhat of an enigma. He appears to be leaning toward pitching in Dark Star. If the Braves sign him that is. Do the Braves sign-should the Braves sign him.
The #5 slot is the only one open. Do you slide Glavine in there as opposed to a Hanson or Morton? I don’t think so. You can entrust a #5 slot to a young talent more so than give it to a pitcher near the Pearly Gates of his career. The Braves need to inject youth into the starting pitching staff. Only Jurrjens is under 32 I think.
Perhaps the Braves will keep Glavine to give him a spot start or as a lefty with Ohman out of the pen in middle relief. Don’t think Glavine would go for that though. The scenario I see unfolding is that Glavine goes to Dark Star. Does OK but not enough to crack the starting rotation. He retires and enters the HOF with Maddux.
Rock on….Have A Nice Day
By Poorbrave
January 28, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this
Lew-You are right, the balls in Ohman’s court. Whats he gone do?
By DAP
January 28, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
i think the braves oughta sign one of hinske, griffey jr, or edmunds to platoon with matt diaz. that might leave enough money to still sign either ohman or glavine, but probably not both.
hinske might be the best bet. he is younger than the other two, will probably sign for cheaper, has has the same power potential. the pirates are talking about signing him for a bench role…i bet hed rather platoon in atlanta.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
i also think the braves should sign ohman and pass on glavine. we have so many options for the 5th starter, our other needs out weigh it. a very strong bullpen is a huge asset.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
As much as I would love to bring back Ohman and Glavine, they aren’t worth it if it means having to go cheap in leftfield. I think they should spend the full 6-7 million on a bat. Nady and Swisher are in that price range. Not sure if Dunn or Abreu would sign for one year and 7 million. I think if that were the price, than more teams are going to get involved. In my opinion, over the course of a 162 game season, a fifth starter(when we have so many other candidates to fill it) and a left handed reliever aren’t as important as getting a middle of the order bat.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball you are right. Scherolz never spent much on he bullpin but the bullpin has become more important the last 5 years. Also Wren dont have the luxury of 3 HOF pitchers in his rotation.
By ncscoots
January 28, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Efrim, I mostly agree with your 10:19, with this caveat: with an all-righty rotation (if it comes to that), I would want to stock the bullpen with more than one middle-innings lefty, given my druthers. Whether the Braves think Logan, O’Flaherty, Ridgway, or other flotsam can fill those slots is the question, I think.
People cried last offseason when Mahay wasn’t re-signed, and they’ll do likewise if Ohman suffers the same fate. I’d like to have him, for his humor if nothing else, but I doubt his presence or absence is difference-making.
By rotty
January 28, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
Bowman was reporting less than a week before Lowe signed that the Braves had zero interest in him.
Things change with one call or internal meeting. Reporters only know what GM’s tell them and that isn’t much lately.
Between the Peavy and Smoltz’s PR disasters do you actually think Wren is going to tell anyone something specific? Being vague gives him options.
He won’t confirm or refute anything so saying he didn’t refute x or y figure, comment or interest in a player means little.
No offense but Bowman will know what the Braves are going to do when they do it not before.
How many false completed deals did we all see this off season? More than I can remember.
Wren is not sharing anything specific with anyone as well he should not.
What we do know is the bargain bin is getting very attractive and teams that have glaring holes -like the Braves in LF - would be foolish to pass them up.
Dunn or Abreu is not going to hurt the franchise or kill attendance.
Having a good rotation and lousy OF which kicks off another 1 run loss record will.
The rotation is good but not so good they can afford to go to ST with the OF they have today.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
People, I could be wrong but let me try what I think Coach meant. I think he meant that the Braves would of offered Ohman if he would of qualified for Type B free agent but when his stats didn’t allow him to qualify there was no reason to offer him aribitration. It could only bite them in the a$$. He either takes their offer or he doesn’t. However if he qualified for Type B then they would of offered him arbitration. If I am wrong Coach, Im sorry. Thats my guess with what he meant.
By Greg in TN
January 28, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this
Morning folks, and a soggy one at that in this neck of the woods…
I am happy to see Don Sutton resuming broadcast duties for the Braves. Losing Skip and Pete both in the span of a few months is a whole lot to bear and having a familiar voice paired with Jim Powell will help bridge the gap (not that I think Powell won’t do a good job, I think he’ll be fine).
Phil in GA: I haven’t heard of Robinella, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for her. Have to have a pretty good Bluegrass pedigree to appear on WDVX’s Blue Plate Special (at least from the performances I’ve caught before). Thanks for the tip.
By Bryan
January 28, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Efrim I agree, let Glavine walk, I’m not sold on letting Ohman go, but I’d rather see the money spent on a LF. Let Hanson/Campillo/etc. compete for the 5 job
By Mark C.
January 28, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
I think Coach is talking about not trading Ohman at the trade deadline last year. Wren thought he’d be a class B free agent and a 2nd round pick looked better than any offers. Only Ohman had a rough last month (I believe. Haven’t looked anything up.) costing him his type B status. Which as it turns out is probably better for Ohman anyway.
By flange1
January 28, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
f.n. hale,
Sorry for the delayed response, I have been traveling and just saw your post on your 70’s Fender Bass.
I am a collector, here are my thoughts!
A refinished guitar or one with changed parts is normally worth about 1/2 of what an all original one is worth.
The combination Jazz/precision will cut the value even more.
Normally, collectors don’t buy refinished guitars, so you will be selling to players.
Is all the hardware and electronics original? Is the logs still on the headstock?
You would be better off stripping off the old paint and NOT refinishing the bass. By finishing it in any color, you are eliminating some customers.. “If it had only been red..”
You won’t get your refinishing money back, just strip it and let the next owner finish it the way he wants.
Email me at flangebox@yahoo.com if I can help any further!
By Butch Haynes
January 28, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
My wife told me she’d never divorce me because I’d be a Type B free agent, so she’d only be entitled to Class B compensation.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Random: Yes, teams know the free-agent Type A’s and Type B’s before the deadline to offer arbitration….
YankeeDawg, Campillo will pitch to the best of his ability in any role they give him. He really does fully appreciate being in the bigs, having been a 29-year-old rookie and having spent nearly a decade pitching in the Mexican leagues. He’s a good guy to have on your team, a guy who can start or relieve and who’s dirt-cheap for another couple of seasons.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan: Not surprising that reviews have been all over the board on Springsteen’s new one, because it’s so different than any album he’s done. It’s a lot more upbeat than most of his stuff, a lot more accessible (for lack of a better word), with simpler songwriting rather than his rich character studies.
That said, I really liked it on first listen last night. Made me smile, a few songs. Some are so out of character for him. But it’s got a lot of “Hungry Heart” sounding tunes, and that’s not a bad thing for me, not like it is for some others.
But I can understand the lesser reviews, because the lyrics are, by his enormous standards, quite underwhelming. But the music is really good, Bruce and the band in fine form. And the album seems, I don’t know, fun.
Not an album I’d want to see him repeat next time out, but a really good one to put out just 15 months after releasing “Magic,” and pretty strong considering he’s been on the road doing his epic shows for most of that time between albums.
To me, it sounds like a guy happy to be home after a long, tough job that kept him away from family and friends. I don’t know, that’s just how it sounds for some reason.
Hey, if I remember correctly, a lot of people didn’t like “Lucky Town” when it came out (and many still don’t), either. And to me, that’s a very good album, albeit a “happy” Boss album.
Obviously, many/most Springsteen fans prefer his deeper stuff, especially his dark and/or rebellious stuff (I know I do) more than anything else he might occasionally put out.
But no reason one can’t like this other stuff, too. Especially when it’s this easy to listen to. It’s just that it’s not the Boss we’re used to.
By Gene Garbage
January 28, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
Dumb question- why do they call the Bravos spring training ” Dark Star “?
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
ncscoots
I responded to your 10:34, but I am not sure what happened to it. Anyway, I agree that having Ohman on the team is pretty important. Would be great when the Braves face Utley, Howard, and Ibanez back to back to back. But with that said, if the Braves give Ohman one year and 3 million, and then only have 3-4 million to work with for leftfield, than I am not for it. All depends on the amount we end up signing Ohman for. 3-4 million might only get you Ken Griffey Jr.(although in this market, he might have to settle for a minor league deal), who could platoon with Diaz. That would be a productive platoon, but nothing that would get me too excited. And certainly nothing that would get Mets, Phillies or Marlins fans worried about.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Mark C: You don’t have to look up Ohman’s stats to know he had a rough last month — because I posted those stats in the original blog above.
In case you skipped that paragraph: “He had a 2.52 ERA and .185 overall opponents’ average in 63 appearances through Aug. 14, and a 10.38 ERA and .409 opponents’ average in 20 appearances over the rest of the season.”
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
Glavs = opening day pitch. :)
By glove51
January 28, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
Dave:
With Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, and apparently Glavine set as our rotation, and with Campillo and Hanson waiting in the wings, it appears that at least 1 of Morton, Reyes, and Parr and least 1 one of Carlyle and Bennett should be available to be dealt, no? Maybe Boyer too?
Also, assuming the Braves will sign/trade for SOME OF (Dunn, Andruw, Swisher, Nady, other), it appears Brandon Jones and either Anderson or Blanco are superfluous as well.
Could maybe add either Prado or Diory Hernandez to that list as well. We ought to be able to piece some of that together for an OF bat, recognizing that no one player out of that group has tremendous value.
Of the ptichers listed, I’d hope we would keep Morton and Bennett. Any of the others can be replaced IMO, althoguh I like Prado quite a bit.
If Francouer recovers, my gut feeling is he will be traded out of ATL, so long as Heyward, Schaefer, and possibly incuding Gorkys continue to progress smoothly. Gorkys is maybe to distant from the majors to greatly affect this equation, though.
By flange1
January 28, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
On your 11:19, I think a Griffey Jr or and Edmonds for LF is what the Braves will end up getting.
The Braves signed Diaz to a 1.2375 million dollar deal, not a HUGE amount, but more than a pinch hitter would normally get.
I believe they are thinking platoon in LF.
It would be helpful if the platoon partner could also play CF (as a backup) because I am not sure the Braves would be happy for Infante to be the #1 backup at SS and CF.
I would love a basher in LF, but the signing of Diaz and Norton lead me to believe the Braves are not going that route…
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Flange1
Forgot about Edmonds. He’d make some sense as well, if they are going the platoon route. He can still play CF too, obviously, so I’d probably rather have him than Griffey Jr. Edmonds hit .250/.362/.521(125 OPS+) in 349 PA’s against RHP. Griffey hit .272/.379/.462(117 OPS+) in 388 PA’s against RHP. Good call dude.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
flange and efrim
i think the braves need to steal hinske from the pirates before they sign him. they are courting him for a bench role, and i bet the braves could sign hinske for the same $1.2mil or so they gave diaz. hinske will easily give you 15 homers in a platoon role. easily.
By KC
January 28, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
IF the Braves can’t get anyone like Nady or Swisher via trade (or Dunn/Abreu)… I would be ok with getting Griffey. You can certainly platoon him in left with Diaz, who wears out lefties. I’m confident that the Braves would get very solid production out of LF with that platoon. And Griffey can play any outfield position if needed to fill in elsewhere.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
Flange-If Griffey Jr. or Edmonds are our options, I’d say dsave the bucks, sign Ohman and platoon Diaz/Brandon Jones. Failing that, like someone mentioned, we have trade pieces, both prospects AND ML ready or experienced players. Trade for a younger player.
Enough already with the 42 year old often injured players. Despite what KC and a few others may think, Griffey won’t hit 25-30 Home Runs ever again (and he did it all in one of the most hitter friendly parks TWO years ago). Edmonds had an offensive resurgence in Wrigley, for crying out loud. Both of them have legs made of string that are held together (not well) with duct tape. Let’s just go with the kids and a killer pitching staff.
By Mike
January 28, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
I think in the end I will be happy with whatever the Braves do for the OF as long as they pick up someone else that can help. Dunn would be my preference, but Abreu would be good too. And to a lesser extent, Griffey Jr. or Edmonds would work in a platoon I guess. Ohman is important, and getting Glavine back would help, but not a season breaker IMO.
By ncscoots
January 28, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
—I am not sure the Braves would be happy for Infante to be the #1 backup at SS and CF.—
flange, as I remember, that’s exactly why they signed Infante in the first place. Although he’s only played 60 or so games in the OF, he’s no slouch.
Bobby isn’t going to carry 5 OF, I think that’s a given, and Diaz looks to be on the club already. Whoever plays CF, seems to me Infante backs up there for the odd game off. Or plays against tough lefties, maybe. I doubt that an Edmonds or Griffey (also lefty) would backup any of the current CF options (also all lefty).
By sri
January 28, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
I know that we all like to beat up on Boras, but here is a different perspective.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-truth-about-scott-boras/
By ChipperFan
January 28, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
Rotty Your 10:41 is SPOT ON. Couldn’t have said it better myself, brother. When the bargains get too damn good to pass up, but you don’t have a lot of cash, you put it on the credit card. That’s what I’m hoping we do with Abreu or Dunn or Nady or Swisher or some such. Buy when the price is low (now), then pay for it later (with the insurance money from Huddy).
Come on, Wren. Get us a cleanup hitter so we can truly compete.
By Saltywoody
January 28, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about letting Glavine wallk.
But if he’s even remotely healthy, I think the Braves should sign him in a heartbeat. Morton/Jojo are unreliable, Campillo very well could have been a flash in the pan and might be better suited to spot start and for long relief, and surely one of Lowe/Vazquez/Kawakami/Jurrjens will have a point this year where they’re off or injured. In that case, you want Glavine towards the back end of the rotation to hopefully pick up the slack.
The last few years should teach everyone how quickly a rotation can fall apart. What if Kawakami doesn’t make the adjustment to the majors? What is Jurrjens regresses? What if Vazquez is awful? What if Lowe gets hurt?
The Braves need to be prepared for all these scenarios and the best way to do that is by having Glavine, a proven (albeit older) pitcher to anchor the back end of the staff.
Much as I’d like to see us put someone like Abreu or Nady in left, I’d much rather go into the season hoping someone like Diaz or Brandon Jones can put up solid numbers out there, and being sure that we’ve got Glavine and Ohman on the staff.
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Flangie!
Why in the world would the Bravos sign Griffey or Edmonds, two washed up geezers to play outfield? The only place geezers are acceptable is at pitcher. :)
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
With Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, and apparently Glavine set as our rotation, and with Campillo and Hanson waiting in the wings, it appears that at least 1 of Morton, Reyes, and Parr and least 1 one of Carlyle and Bennett should be available to be dealt, no? Maybe Boyer too?Glove51
I don’t know about that. Would it surprise me if they traded one of the young pitchers or Campillo? No. But it also wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t, at least not immediately.
I think you forget just how many pitchers have been hurt during Braves spring trainings in recent years. You can never go to spring training with too much starting pitching. Never.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
“And Griffey can play any outfield position if needed to fill in elsewhere.”
He can play every outfield position. But so could any other outfielder. Whether they play it well enough is another story. Griffey Jr. shouldn’t be allowed to play CF.
By Jim
January 28, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Hinske:
Just looked at his splits. 31 yrs old. In ‘08 - .262/.844 with 19/55 in 332 ABs against RHP. That’s about 1 HR per ever 17 ABs. Had about 190 ABs both home and away and 12 HRs Away and 8 Home. He would make a very strong LF combo with Diaz, and the dude came up as a 3B (over 425 ML games at 3B), so could cover for Chipper on CJ’s days off. 10 SBs in 13 attempts last year, so he’s got a bit of speed. He’d be a lot cheaper than Abreu, Dunn, Nady etc. No doubt Bs could sign him for 2-3 years at
Dave - why hasn’t he been on the radar. What’s the rap against him?
By StingerSplash
January 28, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Did it seem like Ohman was getting up in the bullpen and getting loose on every day that ended with a “y” toward the end of the season (as his numbers shot skyward?). (And talk about annoying commercials — I get Ken Nugent, ambulance-chasing attorney. I’d rather get Ted Nugent, string-bending maniac. And I followed up a parenthetical statement with another parenthetical statement).
There’s the old joke that if it wasn’t for golf courses and strip joints, sports writers wouldn’t have anything to do before or after games. Since the MIB has yet to reveal his handicap or his favorite place for a table dance (don’t know and don’t care if he’s ever darkened the doors of such establishments), methinks there goes a lot of disposable income that is not getting disposed of. As someone who does play golf, it can get expensive. As for the other … uh, well, I, uh, you know, uh, I’m just helping with their tuition, that’s all.
By Random
January 28, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
KC: “IF the Braves can’t get anyone like Nady or Swisher via trade (or Dunn/Abreu)… I would be ok with getting Griffey”
KC, Efrim, **DAP, flange1, et all —
Ferget Grumpy Old Men Edmonds & Griffey, Jr — how does this sound?
The Braves sign Dunn to a 1- or 2-year contract @ $10 mil a pop, and then trade him and a PTBNL to the Yankees for both Nady and Swisher?
Now, does that sound like a wiener, or what?
:-|
PS: And a tip o’ the hat to glove51.
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
On an unrelated note to Ohman, movies and music…
I JUST
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
On an unrelated note…….
I just looked at a condo here in NYC. The selling agent is one Eriko Kawakami ….. no relation to the kamikaze though
By DAP
January 28, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this
again, guys, dont forget about hinske. he will put up numbers as good as edmunds or griffey, hes only 31, and will even steal you a few bases.
the braves have let several great deal go to other teams so far this offseason, such as the original trade of swisher, and the gabe kapler signing. the pickins are getting slimmer, and there are great deals to be had. the braves need to get one.
By Kentavo
January 28, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
No, I wasn’t serious about that OF.
By glove51
January 28, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Dave,
I hear you on never having too much startting pitching. BUT, that is 13 starters/spot starters I listed. Some of those guys are goign to have to go, at least at some point this season. We also have Medlen and then a couple of other guys who look to be at least on the Parr/Reyes level (Diamond and Redmond) in the near future, and then Hudson will come back.
Not surprising at all they let Chucky james go IMO.
If we really wanted Nady or Swisher, I’d think the Yanks might have some interest in Prado as a back-up. But, to me, it makes too much sens to sign Dunn, especially at the current asking price. Maybe if he has a really strong spring, they deal Diaz in a package (assuming they have signed Dunn).
I will not be surprised if the Braves do it, IF they can get it done at a very small contract, but to me it makes little sense to waste time on Andruw at this point, unfortunately. If he can’t get a good deal elsewhere, then take a flier on him, with a bunch of pefromance incentives.
By KC
January 28, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
Random: Well it sounds good, except… if the Yankees wanted Dunn, they’d already have him.
I wouldn’t mind signing >and keeping< Dunn, but not at 10 mill. The Braves probably don’t have that kind of spending cash at this point. 2 Years - 15 million might get it done, and that might be something the Braves can handle.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
cinema ransacked for showing “slumdog millionaire.” i thought you guys might be interested in this, since weve discussed the movie a little bit. all i can say is that people who think being called a name violates civil right have a weird understanding of rights.
By glove51
January 28, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Kapler = no thanks
Dunn could be had at about 2 years for $13 Mil, I suspect. Seems the Braves are disinclined, however.
By Brian
January 28, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, what, in your opinion, will the Braves do now with aprrox. $7mm to spend? Sign Glavine to $2-$3mm and wait to see if they can get a better deal on an OF during or after ST? Or, offer Glavine a lower amount and risk loosing him to be able to sign Dunn/Areu?
By Billy Walsh
January 28, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Nady or Swisher would have to be dealt before the Yankees could acquire Dunn. I wouldnt touch Griffey or Edmonds…didnt the braves have enough injuries last year? Abreu sounds very intriguing..very consistent and could be had for a one year contract or a club option type of deal. I wouldn’t having him hitting between Chipper and McCann. I guess it all depends on how much the braves have left to spend and would the owners be willing to stretch the budget if they feel that a signing of a productive outfield bat would catapult them into the playoffs. On a different note…Duke at Wake Forest tonight. Should be interesting to see if the Duke defense can contain Jeff Teague who reminds me a lot of Chris Paul. I would give the edge to Wake.. Duke does not play well in that building.
By GermanBravesFan
January 28, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
DOB…. thanks for the opinion on The Boss’ album. I am listening to it right now for the first time and I like it! I gotta admit that I got drawn into his stuff by “Born in the U.S.A.” However, what that did for me was to take a look at the stuff he had done before that album. Gotta say, it was simply amazing. I still love listening to the entire Born To Run album and Darkness on the Edge of Town. Just masterful lyrics (as well as in Nebraska).
Gotta love a guy who has gone about his business for thirty-some years and has always been a down-to-earth guy.
I agree with you on Lucky Town. I like it much better than Human Touch… it had some pretty good songs on it.
I still do enjoy his shows, too. I remember your mentioning the show in St. Louis last year as being one of the best. Too bad I wasn’t there, but I gotta tell you that the one in Cardiff, Wales, was up there, too. A great summer night in a soccer stadium and he and the E Street Band going all out. I have seen a bunch of his shows over the years, but this one ranked way up there. I just got tickets to see him in Munich in July… I might try to get away from here for a bit to catch a show in the U.S., too.
Anyways, great to hear your opinion on the album! I also appreciate your work on the Blog here - keeps us die-hard Braves fans informed and gives us a chance to voice our (most of the time not-so-well-expressed opinions!).
By Pulpwood Smith
January 28, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this
DOB- Excellent review of Working on a Dream. The album is growing on me. I can live with a hppy Boss every once in a while. How do you see the new songs working live? I think “Outlaw Pete” would be a killer opener, but I’m sure the rest of the album will translate well in a live setting.
Also, “Surprise Surprise” has now joined “Real Man” and “Let’s Be Friends” as the worst Springsteen songs ever.
By Daniel
January 28, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
DOB
Any thought on what the Yanks are looking to get for Nady? How does Jordan Schafer and his semi-apology/defensive statements affect his status within the organization and/or trade value? Also, I am still reccomending Apaloosa(the movie) and K’naan and Animal Collective as the best releases in the last month.
BTW I heard the new Franz Ferdinand its so-so
By Random
January 28, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
sri —
“Dhanyavaad” for the link — interesting article on agents’ conflict of interest.
By PatioDaddio
January 28, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
The Braves have been going through around 25 pitchers per season lately and have lost too too many games not because of the adequate depth they always have each year, but because of the lack of quality depth they don’t assemble, and because of that they have been giving away games they may had won had they had deeper quality pitchers to call from.
Frank Wren…keep hoarding the pitchers. They are young and still have options. They will continue to fine tune their craft in AAA Gwinnett and be just fine.
By N8
January 28, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
DOB
Your review of The Boss’ new album is a refreshing one. No offense, but it’s nice to see you come around a bit.
Too often, critics, fans and anybody wanting to rave (or rag) on an album or an artist in general, use the assumption that if said artist isn’t grieving or singing about sorrow, that it’s not good work, or isn’t to be taken seriously.
Every now and then, people need a little bit of fun…. even serious musical artists.
The desire and fascination about sorrow, misery and pain in general as being signs of a “true artist” speak more to the listener’s state of mind, than the artist, IMO. People who WANT to be happy people are gonna gravitate towards happy music. People who aren’t….aren’t.
For example: Why is it that young, angry teen-age boys that hate their parents love Metallica (at least that’s the way it was around the Ride the Lightning” album), as opposed to happy, bubbly cheer-leaders?
What came first? The chicken or the egg?
Just a question. Not calling you out, saying you’re angry and don’t like to have fun. Not at all. You own a Harley, you cover an MLB team for a major newspaper, you obviously ENJOY the hell out of music in general. But I’m just sayin…
By N8
January 28, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
DOB
One more question (forgot to ask it on the last post). You’ve obviously got great respect and love for Springsteen. It appears as though this isn’t the type of album you’d prefer from him, yet you’ve given him a “pass” on it. Not saying you don’t like it, but it appears your toleration is higher than it would normally be, based on your review of it.
If it wasn’t The Boss, would it be the type of album that you’d “give a pass” on, or would you discard it faster than you opened it?
I often do that with some of my favorite bands, especialy when they go off in a direction that is against the grain of what they normally do.
I remember reading an interview with Gene Simmons (I’m a HUGE Kiss fan), talking about the horrific Kiss album, otherwise known as “Music From the Elder”.
Gene and Paul (Stanley), often refer to that album as a GREAT album, just not a great KISS album. Which I guess makes sense. Except for the fact that it’s NOT a great ablum, for ANYBODY.
Not starting an arument with you about this. Just curious as if you like Springsteen that much as to give him a pass like that.
By richbrave
January 28, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Well BA, we agree on many things, but not that wind-bag SUTTON. In this case, “to each his own” is apropos I suppose. I used to enjoy the barbs exchanged by SKIP and DON back in the day. Course in the late 80’s that was the only entertainment on TBS. It surely wasn’t on the field.
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
“cinema ransacked for showing “slumdog millionaire.” i thought you guys might be interested in this, since weve discussed the movie a little bit. all i can say is that people who think being called a name violates civil right have a weird understanding of rights. “
interesting DAP, guess we’ll have the natives back in the ATL this year protesting the team’s name? :)
By beekay
January 28, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Spingsteen should keep to his music, his loud political views have caused him to lose many fans. He should run for office or keep his mouth shut….A couple of movies not mentioned that were solid are Swingers, Suicide Kings, Clerks, King of NY
By nolie
January 28, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
People, I could be wrong but let me try what I think Coach meant. I think he meant that the Braves would of offered Ohman if he would of qualified for Type B free agent but when his stats didn’t allow him to qualify there was no reason to offer him aribitration. Eric
I don’t think so Eric,, he said the exact opposite of that. he said that if he was a 1 or 2 that we would get comp without offering arb. and that they wouldn’t offer because of the Maddux experience which is likely true. I can’t see how to read it any other way.
By richbrave
January 28, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Nothing wrong with the acting in BENJAMIN BUTTON. I just can’t get my brain around the topic - growing young, slowly. As for “DOUBT” I thought the acting SUPURB, really first-rate by both PHILLIP SEYMORE-HOFFMAN and MERYL STREEP, but I never attended a CATHOLIC institution, so I can relate only based upon hear-say. Not that being grounded in a flick has ever bothered me before. It hasn’t. Maybe it was the ending, or maybe senility is setting in I don’t know. Somehow, I just couldn’t make them part of my permanent psyche as I have numerous others like MICHAEL CLAYTON or THERE WILL BE BLOOD from last season. Thanx for the heads-up on 7 POUND.
By PatioDaddio
January 28, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Cleanup on Aisle 5
The Braves have been going through around 25 pitchers per season lately. They have lost too too many games recently, not because of the depth they always have each year, but because of the quality depth they don’t assemble. Because of that they have been giving away games they may had won had they had better quality pitchers to call from.
Frank Wren…keep hoarding the pitchers. They are young and still have options. They will continue to fine tune their craft in AAA Gwinnett and be just fine.
By albert
January 28, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
Maybe Wren is waiting too see how much money is left after arbitration eligible players are settled before looking to sign Glavine, Ohman and/or a left field bat.
By GermanBravesFan
January 28, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
beekay… I am sure he won even more fans than he lost. On the other hand… who cares? I always thought the U.S. was a free country where everyone can say what he/she wants to? That means, even you…
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
January 28, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
Whoo-hoo! The Cubs got Heilman! The Braves will get to face him after all!!
By BadRandom
January 28, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
The Braves sign Dunn to a 1- or 2-year contract @ $10 mil a pop, and then trade him and a PTBNL to the Yankees for both Nady and Swisher?
Now, does that sound like a wiener, or what? Random
I assume you’re joking since there is no sign and trade in baseball, just like there is no crying
By cricket
January 28, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
*DAP *
cinema ransacked for showing “slumdog millionaire.” i thought you guys might be interested in this, since weve discussed the movie a little bit. all i can say is that people who think being called a name violates civil right have a weird understanding of rights.
Let me try to explain as a Mumbaikar (from Mumbai, in local language). First of all, I liked the movie and think that though it is not greates of all time, it is the best of the lot from the Oscar nominated movies and should win the award. The only part I wish was avoided - where the kid jumps in sh!t to get Amitabh Bacchan’s autograph, would never happen - at least getting the autograph part.. I also think that at least in India’s case, sometimes the movies made with the western perspective resonate truer as they can escape unwanted Indian infulences. E.g. Gandhi - great movie compared to one made by acclaimed Indian director Shyam Benegal.
As far as these protests are concerned, let me focus first on the protest in Patna. Patna is part of state of Bihar, poorest and most hopeless state in India. This state is ruled by the most corrupt and ruthless politicians who use caste, relegion, money and muscle to control the poor masses. The common man really has no hope. A lot of people from this state come to Mumbai for survival. The people participating in this protest have no idea what the heck they are protesting. It is not a spontaneous protest where the issue has really touched a nerve in common public. This is all orchestrated by the politicians always on a lookout for some issue .
The protesters from Mumbai are only lucky that they are not in Bihar. But here again, most of these people will not have enough money to even watch this movie. They have no understanding of what the word means, they are just manipulated by some local politicians. Please understand that the poor people don’t really care about all these pseudo issues when they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. As shown in the movie, at least in the slums of Mumbai, they still go through their seemingly hopeless and miserables life everyday hoping for better things. It is easy to wonder why these people don’t spend the energy spent on protesting, instead on improving their situation and that is a valid point. However, at an individual level it is a very hard thing to do when you can’t even afford a 5 rupee street meal. Still, most of the people in Dharavi (Mumbai’s and world’s biggest slum) try and ear their working hard. This huge slum has world’s biggest leather goods industry. There are no wrong parts in that slum where you will be definitely robbed or assaulted. This is just a reality of life in a developing country that is facing nearly unsurmountable challenges as it tries to bring its huge masses over poverty line.
Sorry for the rambling, just trying to present the other side’s point of view.
By beekay
January 28, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
His sales since he started running his pie hole about how awful NYC police are and how our military was slaughtering innocent Iraq’s and how we need to treat the terrorist better at Gitmo have plummeted. IF he were to run his mouth about Obama being a Socialst weakling would you want to hear that every stinking interview?
By brent a.
January 28, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
Rotty Your 10:41 is SPOT ON. Couldn’t have said it better myself, brother. When the bargains get too damn good to pass up, but you don’t have a lot of cash, you put it on the credit card. Chipper Fan
That sounds pretty much like how America got into much of the mess it’s in.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
cricket
thanks for the perspective from that part of the world. just know i wasnt really offering an opinion, just reposting a news article.
the one thing i do take issue with is the quote in the article that the title of the movie was a violation of civil rights, which is retarded. not getting your feelings hurt is not a civil right.
but it is sad to know the local politicians use the people to accomplish their selfish goals.
By N8
January 28, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
“The Braves sign Dunn to a 1- or 2-year contract @ $10 mil a pop, and then trade him and a PTBNL to the Yankees for both Nady and Swisher”
I’m gonna assume you’re kidding and (or) using a heavy dose of sarcasm.
For starters, I believe is a player is signed as a free agent, he CANNOT be traded until after the season starts.
Secondly, why on earth wouldn’t the Yankees just sign Dunn to the same contract and KEEP Nady and Swisher?
Third, that’s gonna be too much money for Dunn. Not saying he won’t get it, but it’s to much money for a guy that is that big of a liability in the field. He’s as bad defensively as Andruw has been the past two years with the bat.
In fact, one could argue that if an AL team had both Dunn and Andruw on their team, said team might be better off, using Dunn as the DH, for Andruw Jones instead of the pitcher.
By RaleighBrave
January 28, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
I really loved Frost/Nixon a lot. I thought it rivaled Slumdog and Benjamin Button. I also liked Doubt a lot but not as much as the previous 3. What did you think of The Reader?? I’m still mad that was chosen over The Dark Knight or Wall-E which were two underdog picks to make Best Picture. I still have a few more to see, Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler, The Reader, and Milk.
By KC
January 28, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
For some reason, I have been under the impression the Dunn was a right-handed hitter. Just looked and discovered that not only is he a lefty hitter… he doesn’t handle lefties well at all. Now I understand why the Braves haven’t had much interest.
We’re vulnerable enough to lefties as it is, without adding to that problem. Abreu, on the other hand, hits lefties very welll.
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
cricket - The autograph scene is my favorite in any movie in the last 30+ years, just cracks me up thinking about it…. just loved that movie, so sweet and yet powerful.
on a separate note - I met the GREAT Sunil Gavaskar when I was a wee lad in my native Adelaide, a class act and one of the best cricketers EVER (even counting Sobers and Bradman) !
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
KC, Dunn hits lefties to the tune of an .833 OPS, so that doesn’t really qualify as “not handling lefties well.” Besides, at his point, we can’t be too picky about who we get in LF, we have to get the best bat available to us in our price range. I think that if Dunn is in our price range, he’s the best bat out there.
And did you notice that he hits righties to the tune of a .931 OPS for his career? That’ nothing to sneeze at, considering we’re going to face more righties than lefties.
By cricket
January 28, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
DAP
I agree, the title has got nothing to do with the civil rights.
Another interesting aspect here is that India is finally finding its voice after hundreds of years and this mix of pride and nationalism is sometimes misguided and sometimes not. This was evident in the game of cricket recently. Cricket was completely managed by England and Australis until recently and no other country had any power to challenge their hegemony. However, now suddenly India has become the biggest source of money in the game and the tables are turned. This is evident in the way the international cricket body is dominated by India. It was also evident when India played Australia (the best cricketing nation for a long time) and stood up to them very well. Not only did India managed to win and establish itself as the potential future power but the younger generation of players refused to take any sh!t on the ground from the bigger and abrasive Australians, the masters of sledging, and gave back as well as they took. This came as quite a shock to the Australians as the Indians and Indian players are normally considered very docile and meek.
By jojobo
January 28, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
i would be dissapointed if Wren does not get a LF after all that has been done this offseason - i really believe that they are just one bat away from being in serious contention this year and if they can get Adam Dunn @ 8M/YR how can you possibly pass on that?
By sri
January 28, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
Random you’re welcome..
McFann but it is not fun when he is not on the Muts team and we are beating up on him..
By cricket
January 28, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
* dogsbrekky*
I know, that scene is the Danny Boyle special.
Gavaskar is a real class act. I am jealous of you now. So many years in Mumbai and couldn’t meet him or Tendulkar, my favorite and a player under most pressure ever from the tender age of 16. He’s of my age and we used to watch him play in local Mumbai games when he was 12 and knew that he was the next great thing.
BTW, my current favorite Aussie player is Shane Warne. His absence shows how valuable he was and he was a gem as the winning captain in IPL.
Sorry for the cricket hijack of the blog folks.
By Nick
January 28, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, Wouldn’t it be a good idea for the Braves to trade Soriano and a prospect to STL for Ludwick? That would fill our need for a power-hitting LF while also saving us around $5 million in payroll so that we can afford to resign Glavine, Ohman, and take a chance on Andruw. Just a thought.
By Steve McP
January 28, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
wow great to see talk of the noble game here. I started watching baseball when I came to live in the US 4 years back and am now hooked, but would love to see and hear cricket over here. DId get the summer series one year, but dish no longer offers that. Any ideas on watching in the US?
One of my best boyhood memories was watching Bishen Bedi bowl to Sobers in a county game when I was about 11 or 12. I also talked to Gary Sobers in the pavillion, it was wonderful that an icon like him could find time for what was surely an annoying child.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
From Jon Heyman:
“More teams have shown interest in Nick Swisher than Xavier Nady, but it’s possible now that the Yankees take both players to spring training. After getting Pettitte back so cheap, they don’t appear to be in quite the rush to unload one of the outfielder’s contracts. While Swisher may be drawing interest, the value of Nady, who outhit Swisher by quite a bit last year (.305 to .219), has to be much higher.”
Just for reference:
Dunn’s career line against LHP - .235/.359/.474 = .833 OPS(1,506 PA’s)
Abreu’s career line against LHP - .280/.372/.404 = .776 OPS (2,104 PA’s)
By Bryan from Kansas ( Go KU)
January 28, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
GO GET MANNY!!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
January 28, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
From Jim Callis’ ongoing ESPN.com chat:
Trevor (Washigton, DC): What sort of ballplayer does Heyward project to be? What current/former player is he comparable too?
SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:08 PM ET ) I think he’ll be an all-star. He’s a big lefthanded hitter who often draws comparisons to the likes of Willie McCovey and Dave Parker.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
cricket
cricket is a game i have basically zero understanding of, but it seems interesting.
By chippercjop
January 28, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
I just heard on XM radio that there is a mystery team that is in on Manny Ramirez, and they were wondering if that team was in fact our Bravos. They went on an on about how Frank Wren’s “nightmare offseason” would be eliminated if that were to happen and that they Braves would be favorites to win the East. I don’t think that this will happen in a million years, and I doubt the Braves are that team (2 years 50 million is what they proposed), but thought that was interesting nonetheless. Imagine Manny hitting between Chipper and BMac!!
By Renegator
January 28, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget that Frank Wren specifically said that money to pay for Smoltz and Glavine wouldn’t come out of the 40 mil they were spending this off-season to improve the team. That money was reserved for them if they decided to try to return.
If that is correct - then Wren should spend the 7 or 8 mil on an outfield bat (shouldn’t be hard considering the current market) and then sign Glavine to an incentive laden deal.
By cricket
January 28, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Steve McP
I came here 8 years ago, lived in ATL for 3 years and got hooked to baseball and braves. DirecTv normally offers cricket packages. willow.tv offers all packages on the net. For free links, you can check http://www.cricketlivelinks.com/.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Really Terrible music News-Billy Powell, piano player for Lynyrd Skynrd has died in Florida. He had a history of heart problems and it is believed he had a heart attack.
Bummer. Dude could play some wicked Honky Tonk piano.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
nick no one is going to trade anything for soriano since he is coming off injury. his performance is uncertain and price is to high. if the braves were going to trade gonzalez, st louis might listen.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
Nick-Cards aren’t going to pick up on Soriano’s $6.5 mil salary with him ending the season last year with elbow surgery. They have no idea how effective he will or won’t be.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
“Don’t forget that Frank Wren specifically said that money to pay for Smoltz and Glavine wouldn’t come out of the 40 mil they were spending this off-season to improve the team. That money was reserved for them if they decided to try to return.” regenerator
no, thats not what he said. money for glavine will in fact be part of the $40mil or so projected.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget that Frank Wren specifically said that money to pay for Smoltz and Glavine wouldn’t come out of the 40 mil they were spending this off-season to improve the team.Renegator
Sorry, but this is just incorrect. Wren NEVER said that. I suggested that toward end of season, said the Braves should make offers to both if they could pitch, but that it should be a special-exception thing where they spend that money in addition to whatever else they planned to spend or had available, not out of that budget.
The Braves never approached it that way, however.
By flange1
January 28, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
Afternoon all,
It is 85 in sunny Boca Raton today! Hope all of you in the great NE are safe from the nasty storm going on there.
I would like to get back home to the ATL for some nice rainy 50 weather myself…..
Anyway, Lew, KC, Efrim, DAP,
In terms of LF, I think the Braves thoughts are on a platoon and I think they want to go with a geezer for experience.
I would try B Jones and sign Juan Cruz and Will Ohman if that was the case.
I agree that we have some trade pieces and that a trade would be a great idea.
I am not so high on Nady or Swisher because I don’t think either of those guys are cleanup hitters.
My preference is for Dye. He has a 1 year deal + an option and should get us through to Heyward. He can hit cleanup, is RH, and the move to LF from RF should help his defense.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
“i really believe that they are just one bat away from being in serious contention this year” - jojobo
I agree, assuming that bat is Albert Pujols.
By THE BEAR
January 28, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
For those who harbor continuing thoughts that Adam Dunn is acceptable as a fielder take a look at some comparable fielding percentages.
Dunn .966 Connor Jackson .981 Young, Ariz. .993 Frenchy .980 Blanco .991 Diaz .988 Kotsay 1000
Any way you slice it Dunn is a horrible fielder. He can hit for power but not percentage. He strikes out more than the vast majority of MLB players who still have a job. He will lose you some games in the field. He will win some with his bat. And he will leave a ton of runners on base with his low BA.
Is he worth big money? Not in my book. Is he worth a small salary? Depends on the meaning of small and if you are willing to watch him whiff with runners in scoring position. One factor in his favor is that he seldom hits into double plays although I don’t know why since he is so slow. Maybe it is because he is a fly ball hitter when he does hit.
By BlawgDawg
January 28, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
chippercjop- No way the Braves are involved in any talks about Manny. It has been established by Mark Bowman and our own DOB that the Braves only have around 7 or 8 million left to spend this offseason. So obviously $25 million would be a bit over budget.
Nick Why in the world would St Louis take Soriano and a prospect for Ludwick. Soriano is coming back from surgery and no one knows how he will bounce back from the injury.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Bryan from Kansas: Sure, why not. His $22-25 mill salary would fit nicely into the Braves’ budget.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
Flange1
“My preference is for Dye. He has a 1 year deal + an option and should get us through to Heyward. He can hit cleanup, is RH, and the move to LF from RF should help his defense.”
Wouldn’t mind him, but he’ll probably cost a lot.
By Honest Question for Manny-Shills
January 28, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
What part of “the Atlanta Braves have around ten million left to spend for 2009” and “Manny Ramirez wants about a 25 million annual salary” confuses you guys?
By Lew
January 28, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
Flange-Only problem there is that Dye will make around $11 mil each of those two seasons. No way the Braves take on that much salary.
BTW-We’re in the middle of what is being predicted as a 16 inch snow storm. My wife’s already home from work. Great day to paint Braves’ Icons.
By RC
January 28, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I actually think that St. Louis would take Soriano, a prospect, and the Braves covering a large portion of Soriano’s salary for Ludwick. However, I’d say the amount of salary the Braves would have to eat, combined with the level of prospect St. Louis would require in that deal, makes such a trade extremely unlikely. If Nady is unavailable at the price the Braves would be willing to pay, I think it’s very likely they go to spring training with an OF of Francouer, Blanco, Anderson, Diaz, and Brandon Jones. If B. Jones has a solid spring, I would not be suprised at all for the team to use him and Diaz in a platoon role in LF again this year. People seem to forget that it wasn’t that long ago that Jones was a pretty solid prospect (although never “elite”).
By Free Buddy
January 28, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
3.59 ERA in over 62 innings…I gotta think the Braves will keep Buddy Carlyle around.
By Graham
January 28, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
Scott Boras’s final words to Manny - “Send me postcards from L.A.”
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, Wouldn’t it be a good idea for the Braves to trade Soriano and a prospect to STL for Ludwick? Nick
Yeah, unless you’re the Cardinals. Then it’d be a pretty terrible idea, trading for a pitcher with a $6.1 mill salary who was on and off the DL all season before having season-ending surgery. Braves don’t even know for sure if he’ll be ready to begin the season, and you think they could somehow trade him to the Cardinals for Ryan Ludwick before Soriano’s even shown he can pitch? Uh, no. Doesn’t work that way.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this
Jerry Manuel of the Mets has gone on record that he’d like to have Manny. I’m liking this Manuel. Definetly not just a company guy. Say’s it like it is. I actually think he could “handle” Manny at least in the short run.
Hey, if the Mets get Perez on the cheap like they did K-Rod and Putz - who knows? Maybe they make a late play for Manny. Backload the deal since Delgado and Wagner come off next year. Hmmmm..
By Renegator
January 28, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
My bad, DOB
I thought it was Wren who said that about Smoltz and Glavine’s money.
I didn’t realize it was you who said that…
By Jonathon
January 28, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
I can see why people pine for Manny. Put that guy in the lineup, in between Chipper and McCann, and we’re every bit as dangerous as the Phillies and Mets. But the money isn’t there. That doesn’t mean I can’t dream that Atlanta somehow winds up as the Boras “mystery team.”
Rumor has it that Abreu is coming around to the idea of playing under a 1-year deal. If the Braves have approx. 10-mill (and I realize that only FW knows how much the Braves really have to spend), is Abreu worth it? A one year deal, with a club option for a 2nd, might be a great bridge to Heyward, and it also puts some more punch in the lineup. He’s also not nearly the defensive liability that Dunn is.
By mbatl
January 28, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
DOB, has Wren (or JS or MgGuirk) ever said what the Braves have to spend this offseason? I seem to recall a report that Liberty hadn’t set any particular payroll, that it was completely up to McGuirk to make sound business/baseball decisions.
(I’m not advocating signing Manny or anything like that… just wondering if the payroll numbers we’re all assuming are based in fact, or just speculation… and if I missed the report on the payroll ceiling, sorry ‘bout that)
By Lew
January 28, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Anders-Dream on.
By Rolf
January 28, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB- Few questions - 1) Why isn’t there a stat (there is for everything else in BB) for team “killed saves?” So when K-Rod is up by one in the bottom of the 9th and a Bravo hits a two-run homer, the Braves would get credited with a “killed save” and K-rod would get a “blown save.” (If you pursue, it could be the MIB-Rolf Killed Save Statistic (MR. KSS) and we could get $0.0001 every time it is mentioned.) 2) Can you check on the stats of Lowe vs. Mets, Phillies, & Marlins and did Vasquez have any interleague games with those teams? 3) How many “quality starts” did the Braves starters have last year?
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
I really loved Frost/Nixon a lot. I thought it rivaled Slumdog and Benjamin Button. I also liked Doubt a lot but not as much as the previous 3. What did you think of The Reader?? I’m still mad that was chosen over The Dark Knight or Wall-E which were two underdog picks to make Best PictureRaleighBrave
Did you see The Reader? And if so, you really thought Benjamin Button was a better movie? Not me. Not even close.
I thought Slumdog was best movie I’ve seen this year, and The Reader was probably the second-best I saw. But I’m with you on Dark Knight, thought it was more deserving of a best-picture nomination than Benjamin Button.
I liked Benjamin Button a lot, but to me it wasn’t in a class with Slumdog, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler, Milk, or Gran Torino. I haven’t seen Frost/Nixon yet.
By Steve McP
January 28, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this
Cricket - Thanks for the link, should assuage my yearning a bit! I tried Williow before but did not get on with it, maybe the technology is better now though.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
Anders
“Hey, if the Mets get Perez on the cheap like they did K-Rod and Putz - who knows? Maybe they make a late play for Manny. Backload the deal since Delgado and Wagner come off next year. Hmmmm..”
Would three years and 33 million be cheap for Perez? I think Boras wants four years and 44-48 million, but that isn’t happening. A lot of things fell the Mets way this offseason, but I’m still pretty shocked that they are serious about having a Murphy/Tatis platoon in LF, Church in RF, Castillo at 2B and Schneider/Castro at Catcher. Their big payroll and that is what they are putting on the field at four positions……
Just suprising, that’s all. So maybe they do make a late play for Manny. They could sure use him.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
mbatl, the Braves have a payroll figure they’re operating with, but no, they have not divulged it.
By Daybed Wagmoe
January 28, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Jim Callis just finished a chat on espn.com and had quite a few positive things to say regarding Braves’ prospects…
Trevor (Washigton, DC): What sort of ballplayer does Heyward project to be? What current/former player is he comparable too?
SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:08 PM ET ) I think he’ll be an all-star. He’s a big lefthanded hitter who often draws comparisons to the likes of Willie McCovey and Dave Parker.
Ben (Atlanta): Freddie Freeman: buy or sell?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Buy.
Brad (Georgia): Cole Rohrbough or Jeff Locke?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Rohrbough, though I like them both.
Ben (Atlanta): Gorkys Hernandez or Jordan Shaffer?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Schafer.
Ian (Atlanta, GA): Schafer Over or under rated.
SportsNation Jim Callis: Underrated.
John (Miami): Heyward or Snider
SportsNation Jim Callis: In the long run, Heyward.
David (New York, NY): Which team has the better farm system overall, Atlanta or Minnesota?
SportsNation Jim Callis: Braves.
By McPoyle
January 28, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB
Abreu or Dunn? Andruw or Glavine? Country or Rock and Roll? Always Sunny or Arrested Development? Paper or Plastic?
By Thrillhouse44
January 28, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this
Anders, by “handle”, do you mean that Manuel will be able to defend himself when Manny is Manny and tries to push him down? Or do you mean he can “handle” the media when Manny is Manny and decides he doesn’t want to play minutes before the game? I don’t foresee any problems with Manny NEXT year, but once the stigma of a new city and team wears off, Manny will be Manny. Manuel will find out handling Manny will be different than handling Big Hurt.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
“One factor in his favor is that he seldom hits into double plays although I don’t know why since he is so slow. Maybe it is because he is a fly ball hitter when he does hit.” THE BEAR
no, i think that would be his strikeouts again. by the way, he still get on base at a very high rate with runners on. he is the same type of hitter no matter the situation, really. weather hes facing a lefty or righty, runners, on, bases empty, two outs, no outs, he is a guy who has a low average, high on base% and high slg%. even thought people keep bringing up his splits, they really dont matter, since he is generally the same all the time.
By Bryan from Kansas ( Go KU)
January 28, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
I was just kidding David… I know he wouldnt fit… But can you imagine what Chipper would hit!
XM’s Holden Kushner said he heard there was a mystery team in on Manny… He said he thought it should be Atlanta… I dont think so either but it would be a fun season to say the least…
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Beekay: I’m fairly certain that Bruce Springsteen is not the least bit worried about offending anyone who might disagree with his views. That’s been pretty clear for some time. So hey, if you don’t like him or are so turned off by his views, don’t buy his music. Pretty simple.
Should Lennon have not sang “Give Peace A Chance”?
How ‘bout Haggard singing “The Fightin’ Side of Me” or “Okie From Muskogee” (even if he was singing about his dad’s views in the latter)?
How ‘bout Steppenwolf singing “Draft Resister”?
How ‘bout the country artist singing about putting his boot up your butt if you don’t agree with his political views?
Or Johny Cash singing about mistreatment of Native Americans?
Or Dylan singing “Blowing In The Wind”?
Or Green Day’s “American Idiot” CD?
Should they all, all artists, just shut up? Or just the ones you, or I, or someone else, disagrees with?
Or is it just if they’re hugely popular and/or respected, like a Springsteen, that their views becomes more offensive?
You know, Beethoven originally called his third symphony “Bonaparte” and dedicated it to the man. Was that too political?
Not trying to be a smarta$$ here, I’m really not. I just think we all should be grateful for freedom of speech, whether we like what’s said or not.
And no, that’s not an invitation to political discourse here. We like to avoid the subject in this forum simply because it’s polarizing, divisive, and tends to destroy the free-flowing nature of our spirited (but civil) discussion on other matters.
By Reality
January 28, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
Anders, he was asked if he’d like to have Manny Ramirez on his team and he said yes. Probably every manager in baseball but Francona would say the same thing.
McPoyle (3:24 PM): Dunn, Glavine, country, neither and plastic.
By ChipperFan
January 28, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
Anders While it’s never a good idea to rule out either NY team (nor Boston) from signing a big free agent like Manny, it’s been pretty clear for some time that the Dodgers and the Giants are the only 2 teams with any interest. Manuel may have interest, but the Mets GM is Omar, and he’s never said he wanted Manny. With the Wilpon financial distress I just don’t see it. Your Mets are going to opening day with an Ace, a superior bullpen, a real good SS and 3B, and not much else. I think that as of this moment, the Braves and Mets are about even. And we’re both 5-10 games back of the Phils, as currently constructed. We both have too many holes compared with the Phillies.
By Threadkiller
January 28, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
BlawgDawg,cabraves,coach and others
Thank’s Guy’s for helping me understand things last night! I really appreciate the imput. I learned alot! I now understand that the 8 outfield errors, plus the balls Adam Dunn can not get too, is too much of a liability to justify his 40 hrs’ & 100 rbi’s After thinking about it, it makes sense. Thank you. Now lets go after Abreu!!
By Henry V
January 28, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
I have also been wondering about a deal involving Ludwick and Soriano. I see where you’re coming from, DOB, but what about sending Rafy, a medium prospect, and most importantly eating a substantial portion of Soriano’s salary as well? It would be just one way to turn some of our strength (the bullpen) into a more balanced team. Even while eating a lot of Soriano’s salary, I see Ludwick as a pretty good deal.
By N8
January 28, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
Why can’t the bloggers and Braves fans just accept the moves Wren has made so far?
The rotation was BY FAR the greater, more pressing need this off-season.
I think Wren filled those needs nicely. One can only hope that Chipper stays healthy and Francoeur steps his game up.
But why is it life or death for Wren to acquire somebody to play in our outfield RIGHT NOW?? Why are you all not OK with going to Darkstar “as is”, letting the young guys battle it out, let other teams sort out there “mess”, and see who else becomes available?
Nady would be a nice fit. But surely you all don’t think he’s the prototypical clean-up hitter that this team needs, do you? The ONLY thing he has going for him, is he’s RH.
Dunn, is so pathetic in LF, that even IF he batted RH, I’m not sure Wren pulls the trigger. Fact is, is that he DOES bat LF, can’t field and is gonna cost a ton of money.
So, while you all might not be willing to find out what the “kids” can do in spring training, the fact remains that OTHER TEAMS will do just that. Say for instance, another team that has payroll restraints to think about, or would like to add a pitcher to upgrade the rotation, suddenly has a kid step up and WIN an OF job, leaving somebody we have yet to mention as a trade possibility, become expendable for that team.
Pitching is a more rare commodity, thus Wren pulled the trigger, sooner and spent more (possibly even over-spending for Lowe). But this outfield will solve itself, by the end of spring training. Either with somebody winning the job and surprising us, or Wren making a trade.
None of the guys on the open market do much for me. Obviously Wren feels the same way, or he would have pulled the trigger by now.
Of all the guys available, Abreu makes the most sence. But he’s LH too, so there you go….
By N8
January 28, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
“Not trying to be a smarta$$ here, I’m really not. I just think we all should be grateful for freedom of speech, whether we like what’s said or not.” DOB
Amen. I for one, am pretty good at separating an artists political views from their music. As a music lover, I can appreciate good melody and composition, regardless of lyrical content. As a song-writer myself, I certainly respect ANYBODY’s view on something that inspires them enough to put it to music.
Every now and then, an artist that I like, also happens to pen a tune, that has a political or a view on society in general, that I also agree with (and it just so happens to be a good tune, as well). Imagine that.
But I ususally go for the music first, then lyrical content second. I’m more likely to jam out at loud volumes in my car listening to a tune that “moves me” musically, with questionable lyric content, than I am to crank up a tune that has good “meaning” behind it, that I can’t rock out to.
If I agree with an artists “view” on things, but the songs suck. It doesn’t mean much to me. I’d rather read poetry.
Take Stairway to Heaven. Lyricaly, it doesn’t mean much to me at all. In fact, I’d be lying if I said I’ve ever paid much attention to any Zep lyrics. But their music kicks serious azz. Period.
By Bobby's Cox
January 28, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree with DOB, Slumdog was the best movie of 2008.
Button was good, but it lacked something. Good acting, screenplay, setting, etc…, but something from the story failed to do it for me.
Revolutionary Road was very good. Haven’t seen Frost/Nixon, The Reader, or Gran Torino yet, but they’d have to be very good to top Slumdog.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
DOB-Or Steppenwolf doing Monster. Still an appropriate epic for today. Great band. I saw them severl years back and got to talk to John Kay after the show. He’s a really small Dude. His voice is big, though.
By keylargo
January 28, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
There seems to be some question about the real meaning of Chipper’s infamous “lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw” quote. He was needling JF in batting practice last year after an impressive power display because Francoeur had pulled most of the home runs to left.
Anyway, here’s to hoping JF can make the comeback the Braves need so badly. Here is DOB’s account of the BP session.
Check egos at clubhouse door
By David O’Brien | Monday, February 25, 2008, 10:56 AM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Top of the mornin’ to you. Still rubbing sleep from my eyes and slamming coffee after staying up watching the Oscars and the Jimmy Kimmel Show (if you didn’t see the latter, which I’m fairly certain most of you probably did not, because you have real jobs and enjoy sleep, then ask someone or Google the segment with Ben Affleck, Kimmel’s response to girlfriend Sarah Silverman’s recent announcement of an, uh, “affair” with Matt Damon.)
Anyway, Jeff Francoeur.
You might say Francoeur has the world by the tail. In fact, Chipper Jones has said exactly that a few times (Hoss likes to weave in a homespun saying now and then).
But if any of you ever wonder about Francoeur, or any other young Brave, facing the danger of an unchecked ego, it’s only because you haven’t spent time in the clubhouse or around the batting cage.
Most of the stuff overheard is not suitable for a family newspaper, or even for its sometimes uncouth offspring, the blog. Besides, guys wouldn’t say anything around us if we started printing everything we heard in their workplace.
But here’s an innocuous slice of life at camp, a G-rated slice of an often R-rated pie, to give you some idea of how egos are kept in check around a baseball team.
Francoeur, whose offseason weightlifting regimen and significantly increased muscle mass have been well documented this spring, hit one towering fly ball after another onto the grass berm beyond the left-field fence Sunday at batting practice.
He was pulling everything to left field, which doesn’t always sit well with Chipper or hitting coach Terry Pendleton. Disciplined hitters (and old guys) want to see the kids practice going the other way, hitting to the opposite field.
Anyway, Francoeur pounded five consecutive batting-practice pitches from bench coach Chino Cadahia onto the berm. It was an impressive power display, drawing oohs and ahhs from hundreds of fans.
Chipper was in the same hitting group, and he stood by the batting cage and smiled. “Throw some outside [pitches],” he said to Cadahia, because Jones wanted to see Francoeur hit some balls to right field.
“Those are outside,” Cadahia said from the mound. “He’s just got that kind of power.”
Chipper smiled again and said quietly, to a couple of players nearby. “Yeah, he does.” Then he gave it one of those Chipper smirks and said a little louder, “What time is it?”
Someone answered, “3 o’clock.”
And Chipper nodded and said, “They don’t play a lot of games at 3 o’clock.”
Francoeur heard it all and just smiled. He can take it, and dish it out, as well as anyone on the team.
So 5 minutes goes by, Chipper and Mark Teixeira each take their turns in the cage, each hitting some line drives up the middle and the other way, and then Francoeur gets back in the cage. Again, he starts pulling balls over the left-field fence.
Chipper chimes in, this time sharpening the needle: “Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw.”
Ouch.
Francoeur immediately responded. “Chino, outside.”
Cadahia threw the next pitch outside, and Francoeur blistered it back up the middle off the screen the coach was pitching from behind.
And that was that. Chipper smiled. Francoeur smiled. Pendleton chuckled.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I have no problem with Church in right if he’s healthy. Tatis/Murphy in LF isn’t the answer long term, I agree. The Mets see Murphy at first after next year. Castillo, well enough said there. Schneider/Castro - I’m ok offensively with this as that’s not what the Mets need from that spot. But defensively I was a little dissappointed in Schneider. I liked his game better in DC. Hopefully he steps it up.
Bottom line, all four spots you mentioned had the same or worse problems last year and the Mets were right in the middle of it at the end. The bullpen killed them (29 blown saves) and they addressed that big time. Would the Mets like to upgrade those 4 spots? - sure. Do they absolutely have to in order to compete for the division? Last year’s results don’t say they do.
Perez is a 27 year old lefty who has shown he can pitch in a big city in big games. He’s inconsistent, yes. But he does have electric stuff when he’s on and he absolutely has a possible big upside - no guarantees of course, but at $11 mil per for 3 years not a major risk. He’ll give you 11 or 12 wins in a down year. 15 or 16 in a good year and if by some magic he fires on all cylinders he could give you 18. On average 13 or 14 wins per over 3. This is how I see him, but to be fair the fact that it appears no one else is remotely interested in him gives me pause. Like I said the other day - who knows?
Lew - You used to tell me to dream on about Santana. Sometimes dreams come true!
By Random
January 28, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
BadMe: “I assume you’re joking since there is no sign and trade in baseball, just like there is no crying”
Doesn’t that apply just to amateur draft picks (no trading draft picks, and like a year moratorium on trading drafted/signed players), and not necessarily to Free Agents?
By Reality
January 28, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
“Should they all, all artists, just shut up?”
Yes. “Shut up and sing,” just like the Dixie Chicks.
They have every right to say what they want. I get that. But they should know there are consequences; people have just as much right to complain about what they’re saying and stage boycotts or whatever. I personally hate when they say something they know for a fact is going to rile up a certain large segment of the American population and then subsequently act surprised when that group says something back.
By Steve
January 28, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
David, Glad you’re liking the new Springsteen album. I think it’s among the best things he’s ever done. Regarding the lyrics — they’re a lot deeper than they first appear. This is an album about coming to grips with one’s mortality, and part of the brilliance of the album is how there is a deeper cohesive thematic message buried beneath what on the surface appear to be more trivial sentiments. But dig and you will find there is far more than meets the eye, far far more. One of the best reviews, imo, of the new album can be found at: http://soundcheck.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/26/springsteens-working-on-a-dream-among-his-very-best-work/4108/
By brian
January 28, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
I guess the Padres are going to end up keeping Peavy. Unless the Padres want Heilman from the Cubs, it seems the Cubs just traded away the pitching prospect that the Cubs said was acceptable.
Still, looking at what the Cubs offered versus what the braves supposedly had on the table, either Towers is one greedy GM when he was drooling over the Hanson, etc or Peavy really did not want to come to the braves
By beekay
January 28, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB I as well as several other people I know no longer buy his political albums. Is it a coincidence that his record sales have dropped since he started becoming Sean Penn Jr.? The Dixie Chicks weren’t affected by their political stance were they? They couldn’t even sell out concerts in their own home state! My point is just play music, do what you are good at. If he were to bash Obama like he bashes our country and previous leaders than the other side would be upset as well. Freedom of speech is one thing but spouting off about how terrible our military and police are every single interview is another.
By Reality
January 28, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Random, it applies to free agents. Signed free agents can’t be traded before May 15th I believe. So if the Braves signed Dunn, the earliest they could trade him would be May 15, 2009.
By glove51
January 28, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
The difference between Dylan and Springsteen is Dylan lets his music do his talking for him.
In the last few years, Springsteen has taken to preaching politics and occasional polemical diatribes from the stage.
Dude puts on a great show when he sticks to music, though. He has a great band.
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
Movies?
I thoguht Slumdog was good but not Oscar winning material.
I never bought in to the ‘romance’ part of the flick. Not believable to me. The rest was excellent.
I need to go see The Wrestler and Gran Torino. The last time I checked The Wrestler wasn’t playing on the southside of ATL where us poor dumb rednecks reside.
Will the new pitcher we have from the AL fare better in the NL?
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Schultz has a good column on Glavine’s situation, just posted on our Braves page on the website.
By Tomas
January 28, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
DOB, regarding you’re post yesterday at 11:36pm.
You forgot a few names. Omar Infante, Greg Norton, and raises to McCann and Rafael Soriano.
Salaries added: 11.5 million Javier Vazquez, 15 million Derek Lowe, 8 million Kenshin Kawakami, 1.4 million David Ross, Mike Gonzalez raise from 2.35 to 3.45, Infante’s raise from 1.4 million to 1.85 million, McCann’s raise from 800k to 3.5 million, Soriano’s raise from 2.4 to 6.1, and signing Norton 800k.
44.65 million, and Jeff Franceour, Casey Kotchman, and Kelly Johnson will also get their raises in arbitration.
By my calculation the Braves will have at least 4 million left from last years payroll, and that is if they give Frenchy, Kelly, and Kotchman the raises they’ve asked for. And if the payroll is going to go up a little bit, maybe the figure Bowman gave was right on the money, 6-7 million.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
“Anders, he was asked if he’d like to have Manny Ramirez on his team and he said yes. Probably every manager in baseball but Francona would say the same thing.” - Reality
Dead wrong. Especially if they were in the environment that Manuel is in. The perception here in NY is that the Mets (some say specifically the Wilpons) want nothing to do with Manny. The guy is out there to be had but Omar appears to be staying away. They need a LF’er. And then the manager says “he’d love to have him”. That’s putting your boss and the owners out there. Most mgr’s would have said ” I don’t make those types of decisions” blah, blah, blah. Not Manuel.
I haven’t heard Cox publicly say he wants him and I’m thinking he’d be an upgrade for the Braves in LF.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Beekay: Again, then don’t buy his albums. Sounds like you and a bunch of people you know aren’t. Good that you stand up for what you believe in. And don’t go see Penn’s movies. How hard is that?
But no, sounds like that’s not enough. Sounds like you’d prefer to dictate to them what they can and can’t say. When you know it’s not going to happen. Should there be legislation to bar them from speaking about certain topics? Boycotts of Springsteen albums and Penn movies?
Because beyond that, what do you want to happen?
Everybody with a public forum is not going to self-neuter their comments and let money dictate everything — in other words, everyone isn’t going to take the stance of Michael Jordan, who famously said, when asked why he wouldn’t endore a black candidate for N.C. senator in 1990, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.”
To me, personally, that’s a more offensive stance to take, and would be regardless of whether he or anyone else had said that about Democrats, Republicans, blacks, whites or anyone else. That’s just such a cynical view, in my opinion, where nothing but money matters.
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
cricket - Shane Warne is the most devastating Australian sportsman I have or will ever see, simply the best, and despite all of his off field problems remains a good bloke… I rate him right there with Nicklaus, Tiger, Michael Jordan and Mike Shumaker ……
On a trivial note I am named after the great Sir Gary Sobers, but alas I NEVER PLAYED cricket… EVER !
The Aussie cricket team’s sledging started when Waugh stood up to the great West Indies teams in the late 1980s… for one, I do not like it one bitm, but it is certainly in vogue downunder in ALL SPORTS nowadays… I prefer the Barry Sanders style, just keep it quiet and let your performance speak for itself…
PS I talk cricket with the Indian doctors who live in my apt building here in NYC
By Thrillhouse44
January 28, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
That’s putting your boss and the owners out there. Anders
Winterville, if you’re reading and you get the job you’re interviewing for, putting your boss “out there” publicly is NOT a good idea.
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
PS ON 2008 movies in order I liked
and a few French flicks which for the life of me I have forgotten the titles to..
I did NOT like Benjamin Button, was so so about the Reader and liked Revolutionary Road..
I loved Yes Man …
By Jim
January 28, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
Dave - what about Hinske - to platoon in LF w/ Diaz - at bargain price?
By ncscoots
January 28, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this
—Freedom of speech is one thing but spouting off about how terrible our military and police are every single interview is another.—
You and the Founding Fathers have slightly differing views of the question, I’d say.
Say whatever you want, loud and often, and agreement be damned. Vocation has nothing to do with it. If someone should “just play music” and shut up, should someone else “just serve coffee” and shut up? Or “just make widgets” and shut up? So, we all end with shutting up, and eventually one guy with a voice starts telling us all how to think?
No thanks, my man. I’ll go with “let the idiot spout whatever he wants. Right or wrong, at least he’s not indifferent.”
By the way, if your beliefs caused your wallet to shrink, would you change those beliefs for monetary gain? If so, I would suggest that those beliefs are not very well-rooted.
If not, I guess that makes you just like Springsteen.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
January 28, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this
sri—
You are sooo right. But it’s still fun to beat up on the Cubs…I think. Been a long time since they did that…
By DOB 2010
January 28, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien, would you consider running for Governor of Georgia in 2010? You have my vote if you say ‘yes.’
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
By the way, beekay, Springsteen’s still got record sales almost every other artist would kill for: When “Magic” was released in October 2007, it was the highest-selling album in the country that week at 335,000 copies, bumping Kid Rock out of the top spot).
Billboard projects that his just-released album “Working On A Dream” will debut at No. 1 on the charts this week, ending Taylor Swift’s eight-week stay in that position.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
“Your Mets are going to opening day with an Ace, a superior bullpen, a real good SS and 3B, and not much else. I think that as of this moment, the Braves and Mets are about even. And we’re both 5-10 games back of the Phils, as currently constructed. We both have too many holes compared with the Phillies.”- Chipperfan
I’m thinking the Mets are a pretty good in CF and 1st base too but let’s not get bogged down in details.
So you think the Braves moves this off season versus the Met’s moves have closed the whole 17 game gap they finished with last year?
Vasquez must be a heck of a lot better than I thought!
By N8
January 28, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
“That’s just such a cynical view, in my opinion, where nothing but money matters.” DOB
You mean like a Scott Boras client signing with a team for a bunch more money than the next best offer?
Or like Mike Hampton signing with the Rockies because he liked the schools?
Just a joke.
By Gary82
January 28, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this
I highly doubt Springsteen will miss an hour of sleep over whether or not you dont agree with his political views, or if you buy his records. He’s made his money.
Hey at least he isn’t Roger Waters floating around an inflatable pig with “IMPEACH BUSH” written on it’s behind during his concerts.
(something that i cheered ferociously)
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I purposefully only included players the Braves had brought in from outside since last year, and made the exception with Gonzalez only because his raise was significant. I didn’t try to compute every raise and arb-eligible guy, just tried to show that yes, they’ve spent in the mid-30 mill range on those new guys alone.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
dogsbrekky: Agree on Rachel Getting Married. Good flick, and Anne Hathaway was great in the role of the troubled train-wreck daughter. Many years, I’d say she deserved the Oscar. Just not this one, in my opinion. Winslet and Melissa Leo (in Frozen River) were even better.
I also liked Vicky Cristina Barcelona (with Penelope Cruz and Scarlet Johanson, how could I not?) but wouldn’t put in on my best-of-2008 list. Rachel Getting Married would crack my top 10.
By DAP
January 28, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
DOB without taking a stance at all on springteins political views, because i dont pay attention to him, and dont have an opinion, beekay may just be saying that just because we have freedom of speech, doesnt mean we should always use it.
maybe, i dont know. sure, springtien can say whatever he wants to from stage. should he? beekay says no. its a matter of opinion.
By Reality
January 28, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
“So you think the Braves moves this off season versus the Met’s moves have closed the whole 17 game gap they finished with last year?”
Teams make that up all the time. And it’s not 17 to begin with:
2008 Mets: Pythagorean W-L: 89-73
2008 Braves: Pythagorean W-L: 79-83
As Dayn Perry, the ultimate Mets media apologist, wrote recently, the Braves as they stand right now are about an 85 win team. With some luck or a good bat, they can easily catch the Mets, whom added nothing more so-far than Wagner’s replacement and an injured set-up guy.
By Gary82
January 28, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
You should always feel free to exercise your freedom of speech. However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect any push back from others who dont agree with you. But if you feel you’re right then there’s no reason not to stand up for your beliefs.
Sometimes the truth hurts and people don’t want to hear it. It’s easy to live life with your head in the sand.
By winterville
January 28, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44
Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind too!
By Lew
January 28, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Anders-Yeah, sometimes dreams come true and other times dreams are stolen by people like Madof. Your owner just lost a sizeable portion of his fortune. Since that happened, you’ve signed Tim Redding, passed on Lowe for a reported $1 mil a year difference and still haven’t signed Oliver Perez because Omar is lowballing theVORP out of the Dude. You’re going to sign Manny? Sure you are.
Now that it’s come outthat the Citibank Honcho used around a mil or so of the Bailout Bucks to re-decorate his office, how long you think it will be before the Senate asks Citibank to pull back the $20 mil per they’re paying for naming rights?
Time to you to face facts-If the Mets actually had money left to spend, they would have grabbed Lowe and replaced that LF tandem with someone worthwhile and signed someone to play 2B. They don’t have enough for Manny, though he and his attitude would likely fit right in in the new clubhouse.
By mbatl
January 28, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
I’m not worried about artists speaking their minds … I’m much more worried about voters who think those opinions matter just because they can sing, act, play guitar, etc.
By Anders
January 28, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
“To me, personally, that’s a more offensive stance to take, and would be regardless of whether he or anyone else had said that about Democrats, Republicans, blacks, whites or anyone else. That’s just such a cynical view, in my opinion, where nothing but money matters.”
OK, who turned off the blog and put the Oprah Winfrey Show on?
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
DAP: yes, I understand beekay was expressing an opinion. I was just trying to state a differing view, while also avoiding a political discussion.
By Harry
January 28, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
On the shut up and sing topic, I disagree with you, DOB. There is a big difference between writing political songs and going on political rants during a concert. Most music lovers pay steep concert prices to hear music, not a 10 minute anti-Bush diatribe that the Boss is famous for. I couldn’t care less what Bruce or Natalie Maines think about foreign policy. If I did, I would stay home and watch c-span. I go to concerts to hear music. If the lyrics are political- then so be it. By the way, the Rick Rubin-produced Dixie Chicks follow-up album was pretty good. I’ve always thought that Springsteen was extremely disingenuous: Mr. Blue Collar American living in his $40 million dollar estate and hobnobbing at the Golden Globes. Not to mention, his blatant gratuitous post-9/11 tune “Rise Up”. Not exactly Dylanesque.
By nolie
January 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t that apply just to amateur draft picks (no trading draft picks, and like a year moratorium on trading drafted/signed players), and not necessarily to Free Agents? Random
nah, he’s right Random. If you sign a new FA you can’t trade him B4 June or July I forget which.
By beekay
January 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
DOB…enough t** for tat first off I said his sales have shrunk big time, check out the facts if you want. Are you now comparing him to Taylor Swift or Kid Rock? I’m not saying he can’t have an opinion I just said I’m sick of him putting down our military and our police force. These brave Men and Women risk their lives everyday so he can run his mouth and degrade them like he does. I respect the people he bashes so I refuse to buy his records, end of story!
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this
Anders
You’re asking a lot for Fernando Tatis to repeat his 2008, Church to repeat his first half 2008, and Daniel Murphy to continue his .313/.397/.473 major league success when he is just a .290/.352/.444 career minor league hitter. And the catchers are terrible offensive players and are really overrated defensively. I know I know….. They won a lot of games and finished 3 games out of first and fixed the “only glaring weakness”. But I’m just sayin, a lot of other things can go wrong and they haven’t exactly brought in the players just in case…..
By Anders
January 28, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
Lew
You hold onto the “bankrupt” dream. As for Lowe - where did you hear the Mets passed over $1 mil per? They passed over the 4th year guaranteed. Can’t blame the Braves for giving it based on Hudson going down but let’s be honest, in this market the Braves overpaid. Again, I think the Mets were more concerned that the Phils would get Lowe and stayed in it to make sure that didn’t happen.
Did it ever occur to you maybe Omar is playing the market just right? He grabbed Santana for nothing, got K-Rod at a discount, picked up Putz for spare parts and now he may get Perez for well below what Boras came out of the box asking for. If Wren was on this type of run you’d be painting a picture of him rather than Hammerin Hank!
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
mbatl:
Amen, bro. That goes for Oprah, too.
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB- Oh bugger, bollocks _ I always forget “Frozen River” and Miss Leo when talking about flicks, think it is the brain damage…. oh well…
Miss Annie Hathaway rocks… in “RACHEL”
ON a political note - I get so p** about people blaming George W for every wrong thing happening today, the whole worled is in an economic tsunami, DO NOT BLAME GWB for that.. I for one thasnk the GOP dudes for keeping my lame a* safe here in the liberal METSY, Yankees cold world up north..
As for Springsteen, my ex went out with the guy for a LONG while in between his marriages (b4 me) and the guy who got me my 1st USA visa 6-7 years ago introduced me to the great artist……..
For one I WILL NEVER forget the “Rolling Stone” article, “I have seen the future of rock n roll article”. Then again, I have not bought a Bruce album in 15 years…
FWIW… Bono etc are full of bs, but still love U2’s music (and do NOT quote his world wide Save Africa fund, most of the money is squandered on promotion and private planes etc)… Lennon was a loony radical for his time… ad infinitum,..
Political music…. I grew up in Australia listening to Midnight Oil and Cold Chisel, Springsteens views are very tame in comparison to those 2 great groups…
TY
By dogsbrekky
January 28, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
Anders - sadly for the Wilpons, they are in a very bad finanical postion because of property developments and Mr MADOFF, I know because I run a hedge fund, move in similar cirlces (as it were), they are, sadly in a lot of bother… so if they (METS) sign MANNY I am a “monkey’s uncle”
I cannot say I am sad, karma is a biatchhhhh, the way Omar and Wilpon/s treated Willy was a disgrace, the worm turns……. etc etc
By Lew
January 28, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
Anders-Like I said, Dream on. If the Mets had that money, Omar would have gone out and gotten everyone he wanted just like your crosstown betters did. He would have improved the middle relief, he would have solidified left field and taken care of the 2B situation. He would have gone that extra year with Lowe (hey, if money is no object, why not? Fiscal responsibility? Right. Hold on to that delusion). Funny they went right out and got those two relievers, then the excrement hit the rotating blades and all of a sudden all the Mets do is sign Tim Redding? And you’re NOT broke? Hey, I’ve got some great swampland I’d like to sell you as beachfront property.
Omar waiting until less than 3 weeks before Spring Training and still waiting out the market to fill out his rotation, get someone like Manny and fill his other needs? Sure he is. Time’s awastin’ and the Mets don’t have the bucks or it would have been done already.
Will the Braves really contend with the Phillies and Mets? VORPed if I have any idea-I could make a case for it going in any direction. However, one thing for sure-The Phillies are not the team they were last year and the Mets haven’t improved themselves nearly as much as they should have if they really wanted there to be no doubt. It’s all in play and without Manny in the equation.
By Steve McP
January 28, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
Most political artist I have seen was Neil Young - didn’t like it, but I was not going to leave the concert over it.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If it is so important to the artist then it will come through in their songs, most (good) song writers write about things that matter to them and instill them with passion, that passion is often what makes their music so good.
DOB got it right in saying everyone has the right to buy or not, if you choose not to because of somebody’s views then that is fine, but you should not say that nobody can listen to the music, or we are where Russia was and China is.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Why are you all talking about the Braves catching the Mets and beating the Mets. We should worry about the Phillies. They have won the past two division titles and won the World Series. What have the Mets done, other than choke?
By N Nine (eta67)
January 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
Is Chipper getting that extension he was hoping for? Are we even close?
By Nate
January 28, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
So does Garland signing for around six million on a one year plus and option contract make the trade for Vazquez look bad? Garland and Vazquez have pretty similar stats. Could the Braves have signed Garland to that contract and kept Lillibridge and Flowers? What do you guys think?
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
Anders, I am going to be completely serious. Why are you here? I can’t figure out if you are a Mets fan or a Braves fan. If you are a Braves fan, then why? You have never, ever had a positive comment. Just leave. None of your posts ever have any value to them. They are just full of complaints. If Wren had not signed Lowe then he would be a gutless moron. It is no win with guys like you. Just leave.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
Lew
“The Phillies are not the team they were last year and the Mets haven’t improved themselves nearly as much as they should have if they really wanted there to be no doubt.”
I agree.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO: I’ve asked myself (and him) the same question. But it’s just one of those great mysteries for which there are no answers. Like the popularity of Clay Aiken.
By Efrim
January 28, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
“Garland and Vazquez have pretty similar stats.”
Sigh….
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Harry, I guess I’d only ask, why would you pay the high prices that a Springsteen or U2 charge for tix, then be upset when they go on a political rant? Or did you honestly not know or expect that from them, even during a time when politics has been such a front-burner issue?
I’m just asking. Maybe you honestly hadn’t heard that Bruce, Bono, Neil Young, REM (Stipe) etc, more often than not in recent years have included a strong political message during their shows. And if you didn’t know, then yes, I can certainly see where you’d be upset — and have every right to be upset.
But if you did know that going in, that they’ve been overtly political and known to espouse their views at their shows, why would you spend your money to see them (if you find it offensive, I mean)?
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
beekay: not trying to one-up you. No worries.
By Daybed Wagmoe
January 28, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
Nate — No, I don’t think the Braves could have signed Garland to that contract. Here’s why: a) if they signed him around the same time that they traded Vazquez (which they wouldn’t have), then the market would’ve likely yielded a higher salary for Garland, and b) I don’t think the Braves would’ve gone this long without securing their rotation needs and letting other options (Peavy, Burnett, Lowe, etc) pass.
Even if all things were equal and the Braves had their choice between Vazquez and Garland, I’d want Vazquez. Garland is a surely a workhorse — he’ll start 32 games a year and pitch over 200 innings — but his strikeout totals absolutely stink. His season high for strikeouts is 115, and that was in his “all-star” year; Vazquez routinely strikes out 200+ hitters a year.v Both pitchers give up a lot of home runs, but Vazquez’s career ERA and WHIP are better.
Losing Flowers and Lillibridge — meh. Flowers didn’t have anywhere to play in Atlanta and Lillibridge wasn’t very impressive last year. I’m not worried about losing them.
By Moby Grape
January 28, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
Garland and Vazquez have pretty similar stats. Could the Braves have signed Garland to that contract and kept Lillibridge and Flowers? What do you guys think? Nate
Garland sucks, Thank God they didn’t get him. Vazquez is a much better pitcher. so no it doesn’t.
By winterville
January 28, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this
DOB
I was just wondering, when is Camp Roger and will you be covering it at all? I am just so ready for any sort of real baseball. Waiting on people to sign is soo monotonous. Thanks.
By FWIW
January 28, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
If I may chime in on the music/politics stuff…I am a conservative through and through, but I love a wide spectrum of music because as musician I appreciate music for what it is- an expressive art form. I don’t like Springsteen or Pearl Jam…but I wouldn’t like them if they were republicans…or at least I wouldn’t like someone’s music just because it told me they think like me. Where is the art in that? I like Jon Voight because he is a good actor, not because he is a republican. On that fact, Paul Giamatti is one of my favorite actors, and he is a devout atheist/ As a christian, I am nont going to boycott his movies becuase of that.
We gotta learn to respect and appreciate art and expression, because if we can’t do that we aren’t American
By GSU-Lee
January 28, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you think Brandon Jones will get a shake in spring training? I know they may not be as high on him as they were, but the guy is still very young with less than a year under his belt in the bigs
By Anders
January 28, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
“Time’s awastin’ and the Mets don’t have the bucks or it would have been done already.” - LEW
Yeah, because Boras is always so fast top jump on a deal. Please.
As for Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia etc.- perhaps you saw the blogmaster’s earlier post about never having enough pitching to bring to ST. It appears he and Omar are of the same mind when it comes to such things.
As for the Mets improvements - 29 BLOWN SAVES!!! They went out and got the best that was available plus one. If they cut that number by 1/3 it will be enough.
As for comparing them to the Yanks, you’re being hypocritical. One minute you hit them for their high payroll and then the next you knock them for not spending more.
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this
So how’s the boy we signed from the White Sox gonna do in the NL? Better or worse?
Anyone see the recent reports on Erik Compton, pro golfer who’s had two heart TRANSPLANTS and is still swinging the club?
Pretty darn impressive.
Sign Roberts, please Frankie!
By TexasBrave
January 28, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this
Just finished reading Bowman’s and Schult’s articles over Tommy. And while Tom could solidify the rotation at the back end I am more concerned what we might not do if we signed him. If signing him means that we can’t afford sign a Left Fielder then we shouldn’t do it. We desperately need someone who can hit behind Chipper. And although Chipper gave Frenchy a glowing report I would much rather have someone in place going into spring training because by then all the free agents should be signed. So if Jeff is not the answer behind Chipper, and even if he returns to 06 or 07 form I don’t think he is, then that would leave a huge hole in our line-up.
I say we make a play for Abreu. Although he doesn’t hit as many home runs as Dunn he did have the same number of extra base hits, albeit in more at bats, than Dunn did but he did hit for a higher average and less strikeouts. I would much rather get a base hit than the strikeout, fly out or walk that Dunn will give us more time than not.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
Winterville, the early pitching camp starts Friday. I’ll do a story Friday on the first day. Carroll will also do at least one story during the camp, and we’ll have a columnist go out there a time or two….
Watching SportsCenter, and they have Donovan McNabb added to the mix for their Super Bowl coverage. What’s amazing is seeing him standing next to Tom Jackson, a former Pro Bowl linebacker. McNabb dwarfs him. Granted, Jackson is 57, but the difference is still pretty startling.
By David O'Brien
January 28, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this
GSU-Lee: Brandon’s status could depend, obviously, on whether the Braves trade or sign another LF before camp or soon after camp begins. If not, then yes, I do think he could get a chance to compete for the platoon job in LF.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this
Anders, you have not even pointed out that Delgado and Beltran have steadily declined and they are going to be a year older and probably worse. That is why none of your posts carry any weight. Do I think the Braves will win the East? No, I dont. I think they will compete in 09 but I have stated all offseason it will take he Braves two years to rebuild. However, I know the Mets wont do it. If they couldn’t do it the last two years what makes you think they can close out the Phillies this year. Im sure with about two weeks left the Mets will have a 5 game lead and Im sure on day 1 of the playoffs the Mets will be home watching the Phillies defending their title.
By winterville
January 28, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the response DOB about Camp Roger. I look forward to hearing about it.
By Don't take the bait
January 28, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this
“So how’s the boy we signed from the White Sox gonna do in the NL?”
“Sign Roberts, please Frankie!”
By spotts
January 28, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
I was just looking at Gorkys Hernandez’s stats…his SBs went from 54 with Detroit to 20 with Atlanta.
I didn’t realize Bobby Cox coached single A ball too.
By Random
January 28, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
Coach: “The Braves thought that Will Ohman would qualify as a type B free agent based on his numbers in 2007 and 2008. Guaranteeing the Braves a draft pick irregardless of whether or not he was offered arbitration.”
Eric from MO: “People, I could be wrong but let me try what I think Coach meant. I think he meant that the Braves would of offered Ohman if he would of qualified for Type B free agent but when his stats didn’t allow him to qualify there was no reason to offer him aribitration. It could only bite them in the a$$. He either takes their offer or he doesn’t. However if he qualified for Type B then they would of offered him arbitration.”
Mark C.: “I think Coach is talking about not trading Ohman at the trade deadline last year. Wren thought he’d be a class B free agent and a 2nd round pick looked better than any offers. Only Ohman had a rough last month (I believe. Haven’t looked anything up.) costing him his type B status.”
Nice try, dudes, but no go. Spin it as you will, Coach did say what he said above (empahasis added).
Now, with most fellers, we expect them to say what they mean, and to mean what they say.
But with Coach? Well, we’d be happy with either the one or the other, and would count ourselves fortunate to get either.
8->
By Random
January 28, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller (or Treadkiller???): ” Thank’s Guy’s for helping me understand things last night! I really appreciate the imput. I learned alot! I now understand that the 8 outfield errors, plus the balls Adam Dunn can not get too, is too much of a liability to justify his 40 hrs’ & 100 rbi’s After thinking about it, it makes sense. Thank you. Now lets go after Abreu!!”*
Jackass.
By Lew
January 28, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
Anders-Nothing whatsoever hypocritical about anything I said. Yes, I think what the Yankees did was borderline obscene. If the Mets did the same thing, I would feel exactly the same. However, the point I was making was that IF the Mets truly had the money you think they do -they would have spent more of it by now-just like the Yankees did. I’ve been hearing this same line from Mets’ fans for four years now about all this money they have and so far what have they bought since they got Beltran? Johan Santana (a great pick up, no doubt) and KRod? Wow. Talk about economic stimulus.
By Salty Dawg
January 28, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
FWIW
“If I may chime in on the music/politics stuff…I am a conservative through and through, but I love a wide spectrum of music because as musician I appreciate music for what it is- an expressive art form. I don’t like Springsteen or Pearl Jam…but I wouldn’t like them if they were republicans…or at least I wouldn’t like someone’s music just because it told me they think like me. Where is the art in that? I like Jon Voight because he is a good actor, not because he is a republican. On that fact, Paul Giamatti is one of my favorite actors, and he is a devout atheist/ As a christian, I am nont going to boycott his movies becuase of that.
We gotta learn to respect and appreciate art and expression, because if we can’t do that we aren’t American”
I have no idea what you just said. You lost me at “I don’t like Springsteen or Pearl Jam”.
By Salty Dawg
January 28, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this
Anders
“So you think the Braves moves this off season versus the Met’s moves have closed the whole 17 game gap they finished with last year?”
“Vasquez must be a heck of a lot better than I thought!”
Let’s be honest here, the Braves out of the gate last year were very much capable of running with the Mets & Phillies last year. But very few teams could sustain the rotation injuries that the Braves did last year. Rotation injuries leads to overworked pullpen. Overworked bullpen leads to late inning collapses. Sure, there were some offensive disappointments as well. But if the Braves had their full starting rotation healthy last year it could have easily been a different story. Point being that if the Mets start April by losing a few starting pitchers they will be in the same boat the Braves were in. By the same token, if the Braves starting rotation can stay healthy, rack up innings, take some heat off of the bullpen, and give the offense a chance to win some games, the Braves will be far from the 79 win team we saw last year. Can they win the division? Not without both the pitching and offense coming around this year. Will they be competitive? If the rotation holds up, absolutely.
By Salty Dawg
January 28, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
“Say whatever you want, loud and often, and agreement be damned. Vocation has nothing to do with it. If someone should “just play music” and shut up, should someone else “just serve coffee” and shut up? Or “just make widgets” and shut up? So, we all end with shutting up, and eventually one guy with a voice starts telling us all how to think?”
Scoots, I’m right there with you on freedom of speech. But there is such a thing as an inappropriate forum. For example, you don’t walk into an elementary school and discuss your views on the legalization of marijuana or prostitution. Granted, that is an extreme example. But if I pay to hear someone play music I shouldn’t have to have their political (or other) views forced on me. Or by your analogy, if I am paying a guy to work in my factory making widgets, he needs to shut the f**k up and make widgets while he is on the clock. He can say whatever he wants at happy hour after work.
By Random
January 28, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave: “I say we make a play for Abreu. Although he doesn’t hit as many home runs as Dunn he did have the same number of extra base hits, albeit in more at bats, than Dunn did but he did hit for a higher average and less strikeouts. I would much rather get a base hit than the strikeout, fly out or walk that Dunn will give us more time than not.”
Dunn made fewer outs than Abreu, relatively and absolutely — why get hung up on the types of out they were?
Or if you are gonna get hung up on that, consider that Abreu grounded into twice as many double plays as did Dunn. A rally-killing GIDP is certainly worse than an “ignominious” K, isn’t it? At least twice as bad?
By NO POLITICS ON BLOG
January 28, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
Springsteen is a tool. He uses his position of fame to try and dictate his followers beliefs. Him, rush “drug addict” limbaugh, “big mouth” rosy, “i’m as middle as a socialist” letterman, and the head bigot himself mr. oreilly, all in the same type of human. They all believe they are too smart to not share their beliefs with us “idiot” poor people. Give me a break. The only difference being, oreilly & limbaugh advertise that they are political puppets, the other guys don’t.
The truth (as always) lies somewhere in between. Let’s not forget.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this
Random when are you morons going to get it. You ask why does it matter what kind of outs he makes because you cant drive anyone in striking out. Yeah Dunn gets over 100 rbis but he hits clean-up in one of the smallest parks. Dunn was hitting 7th, 8th, or 9th in the order and still knocked in as many runners. Also you all fall in love with Dunn’s OBP, well Abreu’s is even higher. Yeah, Dunn made fewer outs but only because Abreu had more at bats. I’m not really a fan of either, but I don’t see how you would want Dunn. He is Andruw pre-07 without the defense. How many times did Andruw’s SO kill rallies? As for not hittig in Double plays, that is weak. If I go up and not put the ball in play then I wouldn’t hit into a double play either.
By Jim
January 28, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
Dave - don’t mean to keep bugging you on this - you can kill him (or me) if you wish, but Hinske had his best RBA/AB year last year - and he kills RHP. Is he on B’s radar, and if not, why? Seems like he could be signed for a couple of years at
Thanks
Doubt is very good, especially if you went to a Catholic grade school and were an altar boy. Great ensemble playing between PSH, MS and AA and the kids.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this
No POLITICS ON BLOGS don’t those guys have their own talk shows either radio or T.V. I think them giving their opinions is kind of the point of their jobs.
By Random
January 28, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
nolie: “nah, he’s right. If you sign a new FA you can’t trade him B4 June or July I forget which.”
Reality: “it applies to free agents. Signed free agents can’t be traded before May 15th I believe. So if the Braves signed Dunn, the earliest they could trade him would be May 15, 2009.”
Hmmmmmmm — never knew that. Thanks, fellas. (And N8.)
(My outlandish trade could still work, then.)
dogsbrekky: “on a separate note - I met the GREAT Sunil Gavaskar when I was a wee lad in my native Adelaide, a class act and one of the best cricketers EVER (even counting Sobers and Bradman) !”
I’ll take Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya.
N8: “why on earth wouldn’t the Yankees just sign Dunn to the same contract and KEEP Nady and Swisher?”
Maybe because the Braves get him first because the Yankees wouldn’t sign him until they were well rid of Swisher and/or Nady. They would not keep all three, I don’t think.
beekay should run for office or keep his mouth shut….
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby Abreu OBP, 2008: .371
Adam Dunn, Same: .386
Keep trying slugger! Maybe one day you’ll get it.
You also can’t drive anyone in hitting into a double play, grounding out to the pitcher, popping out to the infield, flying out to shallow center, or anytime you make an out and someone is not on third base (among other situations). An out is an out is an out. People, for whatever reason, seem to think that a player hits with a runner on third and less than two outs 3 times a game. They don’t. The vast, vast majority of a player’s strikeouts are meaningless.
Seriously dude, strikeouts aren’t as detrimental as you think. Perhaps you could try finding facts to back up your opinion?
I have facts!
And for the record, I like Abreu a lot too. But let’s not kid ourselves—Dunn would be a valuable asset to our team, and there are a lot of good reasons to value Abreu over Dunn. But strikeouts are not one of them.
By FadeAway
January 28, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this
whats with the Hinske crap all of a sudden? He is a 100 OPS+ hitter just like Frenchy was before last season. dead average. On top of that he’s a left handed hitter. Damn folks, another red herring to go with Hudson I guess. I’m no Swisher fan but I’d take him over Hinske any day. At least he is a 112 OPS+ hitter. Bah on Hinske. Where do y’all come up with these crappy ideas?
By Salty Dawg
January 28, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this
NO POLITICS ON BLOG
“Springsteen is a tool. He uses his position of fame to try and dictate his followers beliefs. Him, rush “drug addict” limbaugh, “big mouth” rosy, “i’m as middle as a socialist” letterman, and the head bigot himself mr. oreilly, all in the same type of human. They all believe they are too smart to not share their beliefs with us “idiot” poor people. Give me a break. The only difference being, oreilly & limbaugh advertise that they are political puppets, the other guys don’t.”
Personally I don’t have a problem with someone using their stature or fame to promote their beliefs. It is no different than John Q. Public standing on a street corner supporting a cause. The only problem I have is when they force their opinions on an audience. In the case of Springsteen, I wasn’t aware that he does that at concerts and if I paid to see him play I’d be p**. If he does an interview and states those same beliefs, I don’t have to read or watch. One could make a case that it would be irresponsible for a famous person to not use their fame to promote something they think is a worthy cause. Think of all of the famous actors, musicians, etc. who draw attention to causes that would go otherwise unnoticed by the general public. Again, it is all about using an appropriate forum.
By nolie
January 28, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Bobby Abreu OBP, 2008: .371
Adam Dunn, Same: .386 Steve-Ohio
yeah but career totals, Bobby has a good bit higher OBP than Dunn has done. Might be higher again in 09. Who knows? I like Abreu better myself, but then I’ve already said I have trouble with BAs that low even with Dunn’s power and OBP. The question about Bobby is can he keep it up at the same level a few more years. Seems like the Braves would be more interested in an affordable 2 year contract than just one year, cause Heyward is unlikely to be ready spring on 2010.
By N Nine (eta67)
January 28, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
With Spring approaching quickly and we still have many FA looking for a decent contract. I’m expecting a busy month for rumors around the MLB.
I don’t think we have the money and commitment to sign Dunn. Abreu would probably want 8 to 10MM per and we apparently won’t pay that much up. I just don’t know. We have many average OF players all lined up and we still need Ohman(DOB’s best friend). A trade seems more reasonable for this situation.
Nothing will be a given in ‘09. Just because Phillies had a good playoff run does mean anything. The Mets improved their biggest weakness and chances are just as good for a division title.
By nolie
January 28, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
Fade
I think they are talking about Hinske as a platoon with Diaz, maybe ?
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
Just an honest question bout a new pitcher. Guess you must be one of the groupies baiter?
I been on here few more than a few days, enjoy talking the Braves and asked an honest question about Druw only to have a few wise-a*******e$ go off.
I was just wondering if the new pitcher from the AL would fare better in the NL and how much he might help out. Guess you’re not qualified to offer up an answer.
By Random
January 28, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO: “when are you morons going to get it. You ask why does it matter what kind of outs he makes because you cant drive anyone in striking out. Yeah Dunn gets over 100 rbis but he hits clean-up in one of the smallest parks. [Abreu?] was hitting 7th, 8th, or 9th in the order and still knocked in as many runners. Also you all fall in love with Dunn’s OBP, well Abreu’s is even higher. Yeah, Dunn made fewer outs but only because Abreu had more at bats.”
All right.
29 year-old Dunn’s 2008 OBP: .386; SLG: .513.
35 year-old Abreu’s 2008 OBP: .371; SLG: .471.
Plate appearances in 2008 with runners on base: Dunn - 297; Abreu - 330.
Total runners on base during all PAs in 2008: Dunn - 408; Abreu - 447.
Abreu had more RBI opportunities than Dunn in 2008.
Total 2008 RBIs: Dunn - 100; Abreu - 100.
Total 2008 PAs: Dunn - 651; Abreu - 684; delta = 33.
Total 2008 outs: Dunn - 408; Abreu - 455; delta = 47.
Every plate appearance Abreu had in excess of Dunn in 2008 resulted in an out. Plus fourteen.
Moron?
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH can you read because I never said 2008. Where if the f**k did I say 2008? Learn to read before you tell me to keep trying slugger.
Abreu career OBP .405
Dunn career OBP .381
In the 8 seasons Dunn has been in the majors Abreu has had a higher OBP 6 of those seasons.
As for your other scenarios, what about runners 1st and 3rd and you hit into a double play and the runner scores. What if you hit a shallow fly and the 2nd baseman or ss catch with their back turned or if you hit the ball and their is a throwing error. I do believe in all of those a runner scores. So keep trying slugger.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
BigHittas can you at least learn the name of the new pitcher from the AL.
By Nick
January 28, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, don’t forget Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On” in songs with political undertones. I realize the list is infinitely long, but that’s at the top of my list.
By Salty Dawg
January 28, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
DOB
If the Braves don’t acquire a LF slugger between now and ST, have you picked up any hints (or do you have any speculation) as to what the middle of the batting order might look like initially? Or do you think Cox would try different combinations to see what he likes best?
Any musicians lurking about
I’ve had an itch for a while to learn the guitar. I like all types of music, but my interests primarily lean towards classic rock, blues, and (real)country. Any advice on a solid and not too expensive acoustic guitar for a beginner? A reputable place to buy said guitar would help too. I really don’t know jack and don’t want to get taken for a ride. Also looking for lessons if anybody knows a guy who knows a guy.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
Random can you read? Did I say 2008? NO!NO!NO!
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
my bad Eric from Mo, you are correct.
Vazquez would be the man I am referring to. The guy that is supposed to be a workhorse type.
By Random
January 28, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this
BigHittas: “So how’s the boy we signed from the White Sox gonna do in the NL? Better or worse?”
Better, imo.
First, since he’ll be facing a pitcher every 9th batter, he’ll have two or three more easy outs per game, won’t have to face a DH every 9th batter, and may likely go deeper in games before facing the good batters a third or fourth time.
Plus, some say the NL is currently overall weaker offensively than the AL (aside from the DH difference).
Finally, he’ll be playing for Cox, not toiling for Guillen.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
Politics don’t matter much to me when it comes to music. However, there is one bad I refuse to buy or listen to their music and that is Green Day. It pi$$es me off that they are making millions of dollars off of our country and they straight up bash us. At least when people like the Dixie Chicks bash our country, at least they are from here. Also makes me mad when people like Darryl Worley made money off 9/11. One of the worse events in our country’s history and what does he do? He tries to make a buck. What a slime ball.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this
Random everything you said in 10:43 was correct but also add that Vazquez was doing much better til Guillen began throwing him on three days off.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this
Random you were right in your 10:43 post but let me add that Vazquez was doing quite well til Guillen began throwing him on 3 days rest like he was C.C. Sabathia.
By N Nine (eta67)
January 28, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO You are on fire tonight! Live baseball will calm the nerves down a bit….
By BigHittas
January 28, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this
Hey thanks Random. To be honest I hadn’t thought about your last point on the difference in managers although it should be an obvious one to think of; but it is good one. He should have more support there and I hope he can do better as a result.
By Random
January 28, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO: “Random can you read? Did I say 2008? NO!NO!NO!”
It ain’t gonna be an Oldtimers’ Game.
Can’t you read? Dunn — 29; Abreu — 35.
2009 performance is better predicted based on 2008 performance rather than 2005. Abreu peaked around 2004-2006, and has been slipping slightly since. I figure his slide will recommence in 2009.
Dunn is in or entering his prime productive years.
Aside from that, what about the rest of my comment (eg, RBI opps v RBIs, PAs v outs), which pretty much blew the rest of your reckless comment out of the water?
Keep trying, sluggard.
(Oh, and only 36 of Dunn’s 100 RBIs in 2008 came “in one of the smallest parks”.)
YES!!!
By tim
January 28, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Harry and Salty Dawg- you sound like the kind of people that go to concerts at chastain park and bring your wine and cheese to be “entertained” by the whatever seems most popular on the E channel. Music is an emotionally driven art, and the contexts from which any song is written often come from places of discussion that inspire musicians and writers to sometimes be provocative. I’d sit through any political rants from any artists if the passion they have for their art is moving and thought provoking, even to the point of offending..But I guess you’ll be getting your Kenny G tickets any day now…
By Jim
January 28, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Hinske is an OF with a bit of speed and more power who killed RHP last year. Diaz kills LHP. 2 + 2 = 5. Loook at their splits. They are an approx. 30 HR/ .320 hitting LF for
By Random
January 28, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO: “you were right in your 10:43 post but let me add that Vazquez was doing quite well til Guillen began throwing him on 3 days rest like he was C.C. Sabathia.”
Agreed — I noted when the Braves first acquired him that 3 of his last 4 starts were on short rest, and you could tell that it affected his performance.
By Eric from MO
January 28, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this
Yeah Random I said that too about Vazquez. Seems we agree on that. Might as well just agree to disagree about Abreu and Dunn because you can throw out age and I can just point out Chipper when he won his first batting title.
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Eric, the point I was trying to make is not that Dunn>Abreu, but that your disdain for Dunn’s strikeouts is unfounded.
Let’s take an example from 2008, shall we?
Dunn struck out 164 times, which is bad, according to you (and hey, I don’t really like it that much either). Now let’s take a common situation in which a strikeout would actually be worse than an out on a ball in play—runner on third/less than 2 outs (not those far-fetched situations you cited that a hitter might encounter like 4 times a season or whatever). Dunn came to the plate 46 times with runner on third/less than 2 outs. Dunn struck out 13 times. So thirteen times out of 46 he failed to score the runner via strikeout. In essence (very generally, mind you), thirteen of his strikeouts were bad. The rest, in general, were just another out, the same as a generic fly ball, ground ball, etc.
Adam Dunn’s strikeouts do not, repeat, DO NOT negate his on-base and slugging ability. Do you think that those thirteen isolated k’s in 2008 really were so bad as to make his .381 OBP worthless? His .513 SLG? His 129 OPS+ (park adjusted, mind you, so don’t bring that “he plays in Cincy” bullcrap here).
And answer me this: which of these two scenarios is far, far more likely happen—Dunn K’s with no-one on or a runner on 1st. Or, with a man on second, Dunn sultanly swats a grounder to second, and then Chuck Knoblauch chucks it into the stands, allowing the runner from second to score? Be honest.
nolie:
That’s my main concern about Abreu, is his age. He seems to have been declining these last two seasons, and he doesn’t hit for as much power as Dunn. OBP, ISO, BB%, BB/K and SLG all trending slightly to moderately downward. He’ll probably be fine for one or two more seasons, but going three would be a horrible idea, and I’d have reservations about guaranteeing two years to him, myself. But I do like the higher average, and I think he will be an effective player next season for sure (but I do think his .400 OBP days are behind him, as are his .500 SLG days). Dunn, OTOH, has been a model of consistency over the past 4 seasons, consistently OBPing .380 and hitting 40 bombs. That’s the big plus, for me, about Dunn—he gives us the power threat we so desperately need. I guess it depends on your preference: Dunn will give you a sucky average and monstrous power, and Abreu will give you a good average and moderate power. Both OBPs will be better than solid, and they both play the field with the skill of a blind rhinoceros. I personally am taking the power, not only because we really need it, but I think that the extra homers Dunn gives us outweighs the extra value Abreu brings with his singles vs. Dunn’s walks. But, like I’ve said before, I’d be perfectly fine if we snagged Abreu for a 1+option deal. Dunn I’d be willing to go two years on.
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this
Vazquez? Better. Like, 3.80ish ERA better, I’d guess.
By Random
January 28, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO: “Yeah Random I said that too about Vazquez. Seems we agree on that. Might as well just agree to disagree about Abreu and Dunn”
Fair enough. (Like Steve from OH, I wouldn’t kick Abreu out of bed, either.)
By Random
January 28, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH: “nolie: That’s my main concern about Abreu, is his age.”
That was me, not nolie … me.
*(sob)
By Steve from OH
January 28, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this
Random, my bad. I get to a’typin, and things start gettin’ all jumbled up…
By BA
January 28, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Random- might as well agree to disagree since you’ve proven me completely wrong.
By Mike
January 29, 2009 12:15 AM | Link to this
I seem to remember in the past that Liberty Media said that they would not put a specific dollar amount on the yearly payroll, assuming that the front office would be responsible while also working to field a competitive team. Now of course I’m not privy to the Braves overall budget as far as revenues so as to turn a profit each year, but that being said, if we needed an extra 2-3 mill to be able to sign an OF and offer Glavine a respectable contract, then couldn’t they just do it, or at least ask Liberty Media for the permission to spend the extra dough? i feel that both these pieces along with Ohman are important.
If Glavine’s arm truly feels better than it has in years, as he has recently stated, the we could hope to see a 2007 version of Glavine when he was a quality number 2-3 guy in the Mets rotation. And he would be filling our 5 spot. That would be bigger than I think most realize.
And of course we need a power bat in the OF. Our OF was terrible last year, and even if Frenchy rebounds and adds another 7-8 hrs onto last years total, that’s still not great. Remember, we have NO legitimate clean-up hitter right now.
And resigning Ohman is vital to our bullpen. He is an above average lefty, and he is able to get guys out on both sides of the plate.
Hopefully the Braves find a way to make these happen. We have done a lot of good in this off-season that started off looking so bleak. It would be a shame that 2-3 mill keeps us from completing our goals.
Just my 2 cents…..Although maybe I should have saved it and given it to the Braves to help with their payroll…Get it……
(crickets…)
By Deester
January 29, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this
Gorkys stolen bases went from 54 to 20 due to an injured hamstring….not that hard to see why. Before his injury he was performing better than other heralded players of his ilk….he’s going to be good.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this
for all you dawg fans, i got it from a pretty reliable source that felton will not see the end of the season.
damon was at the game and it was a disgrace. felton and his shined nails and double breasted suit will make a ton of excusees.
25 games under .500 in sec play says it all.
nice job dennis, hope you enjoyed the four day vacation you took in the middle of the season last week.
good luck on the third seat at dayton next year.
By Ryan W.
January 29, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this
Do the Braves really want to win?
I would assume so since they just gave Derek Lowe an obcene amount of money, more than he should be getting.
It seems to me that during the entire Braves run one thing was missing and now that they have an opportunity to solve their biggest problem we here nothing about the possibility of it happening.
Why is nobody considering the option of signing Manny Ramirez?
The Braves need a clean up hitting LF, preferably RH, and their sits arguably the greatest hitting RH of our generation, probably ever, in FA and the Braves are doing nothing to sign him.
People say he can be a cancer in the clubhouse….Ask the Red Sox, but be sure to wait after they are done polishing their 2 WS titles.
25 million per year for 3 years? Hell, what else are the Braves going to spend 25 million on that would be better than Man Ram.
At 35 years old he took the freakin Dodgers from sub .500 joke to the NL Championship.
3 years is worth the risk for the guy. It isn’t like in 3 years he is going to hit .220 with 20 hr and 80 rbi. The guy wants 700 homers and 3000 hits. To do that he needs to keep up the same pace he is on until he is 40+ and can any of you honestly say he can’t do it.
Step up Braves and do what needs to be done. That is if you REALLY want to be the champs. Sign Manny Ramirez!
By Mike in LA
January 29, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this
DOB, I know you mentioned several times that the money the Braves receive from insurance for injured players is not disclosed but just curious if you suspect that the Braves will receive some money for Hudson’s injury? I’m just hanging onto hoping that FW can resign Glavine, Ohman and get creative for an outfield bat.
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 12:42 AM | Link to this
Ryan, you answered your own question. The Braves have 7 million left. Not 25 million. They are not the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, or Angels. Like it or not the Braves are not a big market team. Now I want Manny as much as anyone but it aint happening. If they were going to do that why not just sign CC too earlier in the season. Also Tex and K-Rod would of been nice too.
By FaninFaytown
January 29, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this
Ice really sucks by the way, for those of you not in the Northwest Arkansas/ NE Oklaoma corridor. Can everyone who is STILL doing it PLEASE stop with the manny comments. We dont even have close to enough money to sign him. The only reason thats my argument is because people who still want to sign him based on all the other intelligent ones maybe will just pay attention to that.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this
So, I went to 2 REM shows this past year. On both occasions (and the 5 other tours I’ve seen them on) they made no secret about who they supported for president, and what they thought of the (then) current president. They’ve been doing the political thing for decades now. It’s in their music, people.
As Stipe himself says, “You know which side we butter our bread on.” And at both of these shows last year, I happened to be beside, or in front of, people who didn’t appreciate the political statements and booed and cussed lustily. Obviously, they were expecting to hear Losing My Religion and One I Love, with a lot of thank yous and “you’ve been greats*. They even tried to pick fights with other concert-goers at the show. You can go see Clay Aiken or Shakira or Miley Cyrus so you can avoid the politics if you want, but don’t play dumb about what these musicians stand for. Don’t pretend you’re shocked and dismayed when they make a politically charged statement. It’s been in the music forever. And don’t expect them to care a whole lot if you disagree with them.
So now your panties are in a wad because Stipe, the Boss, or Bono, or Eddie Vedder or Sean Penn or John Mellencamp, doesn’t like W, like you do. I’d be willing to bet, if I were stupid enough to go to a Toby Keith concert with an eff u attitude, there would be 10,000 yahoos ready to tell me what’s wrong with me. The thing is, I wouldn’t go there. If I attended such a concert, I’d know what I was getting into. And if, by chance, I stumble into something unexpected, I’m pretty sure my first thoughts wouldn’t be about the best way to show my @ss to the rest of the audience. It’s not Toby Keith’s fault I’m there, it’s mine. It’s not the rest of the audience’s fault, it’s mine.
And if you attend an REM, or Springsteen, or U2, or Pearl Jam, concert and you aren’t prepared for a little political razzing, then it’s your fault. And if you’re surprised/unprepared, maybe sucking it up and getting through it without embarrassing yourself is the better option.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this
At 6:15 pm, Moby Grape wrote:
Garland sucks, Thank God they didn’t get him. Vazquez is a much better pitcher. so no it doesn’t.
Um….in a word, WRONG.
The truth is, they both stunk last season. You’re comparing a skunk to a skunk.
Garland was 14-8 with an ERA of 4.90 in 2008. But look closer, he had an ERA of 7.18 in his last five starts.
Vasquez was 12-16 with an ERA of 4.67 last season. His last five games: 1-4 with an ERA of 7.01
If there is to be a real comparison made, it will be in the contract that Garland sign’s with the Diamondbacks and Arizona won’t be forking over four young prospects.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this
salty woody,
well said. i read everthing that was said today and i thought it might evoke opinions.
we all have them.
i thought it would bring a powderkeg.
if you want politics watch bill maher, right or wrong he makes me laugh.
let us talk about what chipper said.
he said francoeur wiil hit cleanup for us?
dont laugh,
i think it is possible.
he definetely has the talent. he has the desire, but does he have the mechanics?
it will be fun to watch.
prediction, it wont be great but i see .265 21 90 ish type of season.
it could go over or under but i believe it wont be because the guy is not trying to be better.
remember it is really hard to change things that you thought that made you good.
my only problem with frenchy all along was his sense of entitlement.
i think he is over that.
offensively he probably is the difference, he is somewhat the X factor.
By nolie
January 29, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this
That was me, not nolie … me Random
no man it was me. I said it too !!! he just picked my name to respond to. heh heh.
Steve, you were right to begin with. Don’t let that pushy ol’ Random scair ya.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this
Sorry for the rant. I don’t want to be political, and I don’t think was. It’s just that I’ve heard this stupid argument about how music stars are spreading their corruption from the stage and on the airwaves and so forth. It gets ridiculous. And it’s insulting to those who listen to music to suggest they can’t think for themselves, but somehow you avoided the trap.
By Moby Grape
January 29, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this
Vasquez was 12-16 with an ERA of 4.67 last season. His last five games: 1-4 with an ERA of 7.01 Coach
that’s about as stupid as your comment about getting comp without offering arb. I love how you are always so overbearing in your ignorance, dude. It’s funny as h3ll. Keep the laughs coming.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this
Mike in L.A.: Yes, the Braves will get insurance for Hudson. No, I don’t know how much. Fifty percent is probably a ballpark figure, but I’m not sure. I’ll try to find out eventually, but that’s one thing that’s not readily available, not like salaries and arb figures, etc….
OK, I’ve spent the better part of two nights reconfiguring my sound systems, after arrival of the new home-theater thing. I should have hired the Geek Squad to come out and do it, but I’m too cheap.
So last night I moved my old, first-generation Bose 1-2-3 home theater thing (10 years old now) from living room to bedroom, hooked up my turntable to that, and had to drill a new hole in the floor on one side of my room to move the TV over there. But man, was it all worth it. Better access to my turntable now, and in smaller room the acoustics are great. This morning I’m listening to Tom Waits’ “Small Change” on vinyl, and it reminded me how much better certain recordings really do sound on vinyl. Young kids out there are never even gonna believe that.
Tonight was spent installing the new system, which included some weird calibrating mic thing for the five speakers, hooking up the separate rear-speaker amp to plug into which are plugged the (not actually) “wireless” speakers, etc, boring details, etc.
Alas, it’s done. We have Blu-ray. Haven’t watched a Blu-ray disc yet, since I don’t have any. But regular DVDs are now high-def, so that’s pretty cool.
Now it’s back to real work tomorrow, after two days of Carroll covering things with the team and me only doing some blogging, amateur stereo installation, and getting this gold crown put in.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 1:15 AM | Link to this
Politics? I thought the election was over.
NO WAIT! We still don’t know who the senate representative from the state of Minnesota is. Will it be Al Franken ( Democrat) or Norm Coleman (Democrat who thinks he’s a Republican). I better go cast my tenth absentee ballot and mail it in just to make sure they get the count right the third time around.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 1:20 AM | Link to this
wendell gee,
glad you set us staight. never thought about that.
i think you missed the point. well then again ask mike mills, he is a huge braves fan, and plays a little golf.
look most artist’s lean one way, dont argue it is a fact.
they still believe mcarthy is trying to blacklist them.
but then again that is how to get a job. no problem with that.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 1:20 AM | Link to this
I haven’t commented on the Braves lately, but I’ve followed quite a bit. I have to give the thumbs down on Dunn. I don’t want to give up the defense. I’m coming at it from a pitcher’s point of view. I’d say he costs us big time in a pitcher’s park. Yes, he’ll hit the 3-run dinger occasionally, but he’s going to cost us runs and games over the long haul. Singles become doubles, doubles become triples, sure outs become 2 base errors. I want the defense. I’d rather give up prospects and get Nady for a year than go with Dunn.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this
DOB,
blu- ray darn cool.
the dark night on your system will vibrate.
still come home at night and crank up private ryan.
the first 20 minutes are awesome.
blu-ray or not are the first 20 in ryan the best in movie history?
pretty hard to beat.
By Marv Kleeman
January 29, 2009 1:30 AM | Link to this
Hello fellow Braves fans:
I’d like to critique some of Frank Wren’s off season moves.
The most colossal blunder of the off season has been Frank Wren’s failure to sign Juan Rivera to play left field.
Why am I the only person on the blog to realize this?
Why is everyone else blind but only I can see?
Why do I feel like the Roddy Piper character in the John Carpenter movie “They Live”. That’s the movie where Roddy Piper dons those special glasses and only he can see reality for what it is.
I would have made signing Juan Rivera the number one off season priority for the Braves. Of all the left fielders available to us in the off season (via free agency or trade) ONLY Juan Rivera fit the profile of what the Braves were looking for.
I am convinced heading into the off season the Phillies were our main competition for signing Juan Rivera.
With Pat Burrell declaring free agency; I am convinced the Phillies choice to replace him came down to two players; Raul Ibanez and Juan Rivera.
When the Phillies announced they had signed Raul Ibanez to a 3 year 30 million dollar contract on Dec. 12, 2008; I was ecstatic. I thought it left the field wide open for the Braves to swoop in and grab Juan Rivera.
I waited and I waited and I waited but nothing happened.
Then on Dec. 19, 2008; the Los Angeles Angels announced they had re signed Juan Rivera to a three year 12.75 million dollar contract. I nearly fell off my chair.
How could Juan Rivera sign a contract at such bargain basement prices? How could he sign a contract for mere pennies on the dollar? And why didn’t Frank Wren blow away the Angels offer? Surely; a 3 year 18 million dollar offer could have gotten it done.
ALL of the Braves off season problems stem from our inability to sign Juan Rivera.
You don’t believe me? As punishment for failing to sign Juan Rivera; we have been subjected to reading tens of thousands of posts regurgitating the same tired names over and over again.
Our search for a left fielder has taken on the feel of going to a junk yard and rummaging through it trying to find a part that fits.
And the piece that fits was available all along. His name was Juan Rivera.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 1:31 AM | Link to this
uga-brave,
yeah, I think I did miss the point. Did you have one?
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 1:32 AM | Link to this
OK. stop laughing. Back to baseball.
I have some projections for the upcoming 2009 campaign,er season.
My predictions for our vaunted pitching staff, assuming that Tommy turncoat will be with us.
Kenshin Kawakami, I have no clue. It’s kind of impossible to base anything on his Japanese stats.
Javier Vasquez: 13-12, 18 quality starts, team record of 17-16 and an ERA of 4.50 in 32 games total.
Tom Glavine: 13-11, 21 quality starts, team record of 18-16 and an ERA of 3.96 in 32 games total.
Derek Lowe: 14-10, 19 quality starts, team record of 18-15 and an ERA of 3.91 in 34 games.
Jair Jurrjens: 15-10, 18 quality starts, team record of 18-14 and an ERA of 3.82 in 34 games.
Bear in mind, those are just projections based on the previous five years of stats except in the case of Jurrjens who I don’t see as having any kind of sophomore slump.
By Ryan W.
January 29, 2009 1:32 AM | Link to this
I can’t say that the site I looked at is 100% accurate by I would guess 95%. It looks as if the upcoming payroll is looking to be around 70 million, and that is without a LF.
Now I have read multiple sources that claim the Braves payroll would be increased to the 100 million mark by Liberty Media.
All winter long it has been reported that the Braves had 40 million to spend this summer. What happened?
Now we have only 7 million left? I know the Braves didn’t spend 30 million this winter.
70 million now plus 25 more for Manny puts that Braves at a sub 100 million payroll. Sup 100 million is a mid market payroll nowadays, hell that still leaves us 5 million for Glavine and others.
Now I know I am no GM, but I know what I have seen in print and a 70 million payroll was never mentioned. A ball park 100 million was….multiple times.
Do they want to finish 3rd in the NL East again or do they want to win the WS? Seems to me the “BEST” piece to do that is Manny Ramirez. Anyone else will not get the job done and be a waste of money….that is if the Braves are serious about winning the WS.
By Ryan W.
January 29, 2009 1:32 AM | Link to this
I can’t say that the site I looked at is 100% accurate by I would guess 95%. It looks as if the upcoming payroll is looking to be around 70 million, and that is without a LF.
Now I have read multiple sources that claim the Braves payroll would be increased to the 100 million mark by Liberty Media.
All winter long it has been reported that the Braves had 40 million to spend this summer. What happened?
Now we have only 7 million left? I know the Braves didn’t spend 30 million this winter.
70 million now plus 25 more for Manny puts that Braves at a sub 100 million payroll. Sup 100 million is a mid market payroll nowadays, hell that still leaves us 5 million for Glavine and others.
Now I know I am no GM, but I know what I have seen in print and a 70 million payroll was never mentioned. A ball park 100 million was….multiple times.
Do they want to finish 3rd in the NL East again or do they want to win the WS? Seems to me the “BEST” piece to do that is Manny Ramirez. Anyone else will not get the job done and be a waste of money….that is if the Braves are serious about winning the WS.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 1:38 AM | Link to this
Hey, Moby Grape, those are FACTS. STATS. Not my opinion. If you cannot handle reality I suggest that YOU go back to kindergarten and learn how to count. O yea, the childish ranting and insults will fit in just perfect with the rest of the school children.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 1:39 AM | Link to this
Marv Kleeman,
Really? ALL of the troubles this offseason are the result of our inability to sign Rivera? I don’t get it. Can he pitch?
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 1:45 AM | Link to this
wedell,
the difference is some of the bands you mentioned have a platform. no different then michael, kobe, charles, jeter, or a-rod cant believe he is doing that hag.
a-rod? kate beckinsdale, marissa miller, kate hudson, oh back to the story.
they have a platform, right or wrong some people really listen to what you say.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 1:57 AM | Link to this
uga-brave,
it’s true that musicians have a particular platform. but there are a lot of different platforms, and a lot of different messages. Radio talk shows, tv shows, pulpits, street corners, locker rooms… Some on here want to lambaste some musicians for using their platform in the manner they choose. I think that’s pretty shallow.
By ccrider
January 29, 2009 1:58 AM | Link to this
I don’t know who will be signed, but I predict the Braves will spend at least $10-$12 Million to fill out the roster. Maybe: Ohman, Glavine, Dunn/Abreu. I think Bowman’s $7 Million figure is flexable and Wren will delay incuding Kawakami’s signing Bonus $1.5 and defer some of Lowe’s 2009 salary to make the pieces fit, If the right players can be signed at the right price’s.
By Mike Scioscia
January 29, 2009 2:00 AM | Link to this
Hiya Marv Kleeman. Want to know what team has won four division titles, one World Series and led the entire major leagues in wins and stolen bases the last seven seasons?
That would be my team, the Anaheim Angels. Of which Juan Rivera is an integral part. Don’t you guys in Atlanta just love getting your brains beat out with Bobby Cox and his three run bomb mentality leading the way.
One more thing. The two fastest teams in the National League just happen to be the Mets and Phillies. Enjoy getting run over, again.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 2:03 AM | Link to this
Ryan W,
Serious question: Does Manny strike you as being professional enough to handle the Braves clubhouse? How likely is it that he pushes the envelope with Bobby?
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 2:08 AM | Link to this
wendell,
are you famous?
are you responsible enough to dump your opinions on people?
because believe it or not those people are sheep if you are famous.
there are a ton of people that are not as smart as you wendell.
they are sheep.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 2:16 AM | Link to this
wendell,
guarantee manny and bobby aint gonna share space this year.
though if there was one manager that would support manny being manny it is cox.
bobby would do it. he would hate it, but bobby loves the three run homerun.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 2:18 AM | Link to this
uga-brave,
hmm, are you saying that you have the same problem with Rush Limbaugh and Faux News as you do with Springsteen and REM?
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 2:21 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Can you speak to some of the differences in the Braves clubhouse versus say, the Marlins or Mets or Phillies? I know you covered the Marlins. Does Bobby still stick to the “no loud music” rule, for instance?
By winterville
January 29, 2009 2:25 AM | Link to this
Coach
Your numbers don’t add up. When you say that a team will go, for example, 18-16 in 32 starts that is impossible. Your numbers are off for every pitcher. The team win-loss record doesn’t add up to the number of projected starts. Just thought you should know.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 2:27 AM | Link to this
scoots,
nice to see we agree on one thing, the skip has always loved the three run shot.
thats why he loved crime dog, big cat, klesko, tex,.
somewhat lahroche, 32 90 in his last year.
guess what, the braves left more people on base then anyone in the n.l. last year.
a dinger here nor there would not hurt.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 2:32 AM | Link to this
Can’t see Bobby bending the rules for Manny, even for the three run jack. and I can’t see Manny choosing to come into a situation where he might be restricted from being Manny.
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 2:34 AM | Link to this
wendell,
quit while you are ahead.
you are about to make jackoff about yourself.
By Moby Grape
January 29, 2009 2:40 AM | Link to this
Hey, Moby Grape, those are FACTS. STATS. Not my opinion. Coach
you Coach are the biggest ranter and blow-hard on the board, and almost always wrong. Gee if bluster could equal intelligence you’d be a genius, but alas for you it doesn’t.
BTW You never did explain to me how the Mets stole 3 times as many bases as the Braves but were outscored by the Braves in 2007.I’ve been waiting a long time now, but you are curiously quiet about that one.
And of course there is your new rule that the teams get compensation for A or B free agents whether they offer arbitration or not. that one was a real dilly. and now you are b*** about Vazquez’s last 5 games while being too ignorant to know that he was run out there on a days less rest for each of them, but had done well before that span.
Every time you open your mouth so to speak, you prove to any knowledgeable reader that you have no clue about major league baseball. I am eagerly awaiting your next proclamation concerning another totally incorrect item. Stick with the T ball dude, it’s more on your level..
yeah yeah I know. You’re going to rip off my head and crap down my throat. I’ve seen that one from you in print already. I an so afraid.
By Wendell Gee
January 29, 2009 2:43 AM | Link to this
uga-brave,
I was serious. I think it’s a fair point. Music isn’t the only way to lead sheep down the wrong path. I was being cheeky by using Faux instead of Fox, but otherwise, I think it’s a valid point.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 2:45 AM | Link to this
Like I said before, those numbers are just individual projections. Nothing more. Some will be way off and others will be spot on. Those five pitchers won’t make every single start because the average MLB team uses between eight and nine starters during each season.
On another note. I looked at the pitching depth charts for both the Rays and Red Sox. Those poor Yankees are never going to see it coming, N-E-V-E-R. The two deepest starting pitching staffs in baseball reside in the A.L. East. I am so going to enjoy watching the Bronx Bombers and their 200 million dollar payroll go up in smoke this year.
By Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
January 29, 2009 2:49 AM | Link to this
Moby Grape needs a diaper change. O the smell! Those little baseballs are ripe.
By Moby Grape
January 29, 2009 2:51 AM | Link to this
CoachThe team win-loss record doesn’t add up to the number of projected starts. Just thought you should know Winterville
you need to consider the source. Just lean back and get a chuckle when he posts such foolishness. He’s the funniest guy on the board and doesn’t even know it.
By Cameron in NC
January 29, 2009 2:53 AM | Link to this
My Predictions of Position By Position Teams in the NL East In The 2009 Season!!
Catcher
1. Brian McCann - Braves
And well all the rest are a coin toss. Brian McCann IS the best catcher in the NL East, and I think he will be the best in the Major Leagues. And I also think he will be the starting catcher of the 2009 AllStar game.
1st Baseman
1. Ryan Howard - Philadelphia Phillies
2. Carlos Delgado - New York Mets
5. Casey Kotchman - Atlanta Braves
4. Jorge Cantu - Florida Marlins
5. Nick Johnson - Washington Nationals
I think that Ryan Howard will, like always be the best 1st baseman in the NL East. Carlos Delgado is getting up there in age but last year he had 38 HRs and 115 RBIs, so I think if he keeps that up he will be the 2nd best. Jorge Cantu puts up good numbers but I think Casey Kotchman will get used to the NL and be a very good overall 1st baseman, and produce good HR numbers and good RBI numbers. But you could flip Cantu and Kotchman, but I think Kotchman will produce this year. Also it being his first full season and he will be used to all the Braves players around him.
2nd Baseman
1. Chase Utley - Philadelphia Phillies
2. Kelly Johnson - Atlanta Braves
3. Dan Uggla - Florida Marlins
4. Ronnie Belliard - Washington Nationals
5. Luis Castillo - New York Mets
Well I think Utley will be the best 2nd Baseman, because hes probably the best 2nd baseman in the majors. But I think Johnson will have a great year hitting wise and fielding. The way he finished off last season was great. You leave him down in the order where he can feel comfortable and produce and I think he will. He has prower but what I think he will be really good at next year is driving in the runners on base and hit a lot of doubles, as he has great gap power. Dan Uggla is a great player and one of the best 2nd baseman, and you could flip him and Johnson, But I just think Johnson will have a great year, and have a high OBP.
3rd Baseman
1. David Wright - New York Mets
2. Chipper Jones - Atlanta Braves
3. Ryan Zimmerman - Washington Nationals
4. Pedro Feliz - Philadelphia Phillies
5. Wes Helms - Florida
You could put Chipper or Wright 1st, and im one of the biggest Chipper fans in the world but when you add the 30+ HRs and the 100+ RBIs with the .300+ average, I think you have to put Wright 1st. Chipper can hit a lot of homerun, and he can have a lot of RBIs but what puts him up there on the top is the .360+ average with the high OBP, and all that. Two of the two greatest 3rd basemen in the majors. And Zimmerman down are ok but it drops off a lot from Wright and Jones.
Shortstop
1. Hanley Rameriz - Florida Marlins
2. Yunel Escobar - Atlanta Braves
3. Jose Reyes - Mew York Mets
4. Jimmy Rollins - Philadelphia Phillies
5. Cristian Guzman - Washinton Nationals
In my opinion Rameriz is the best SS in the NL East. When you put his HR totals and RBI totals with the SB totals and average you get a 5 tool player. Now I know Rollins and Reyes are really great players, they have top of the order speed anyone would want on thier team. They can hit homeruns, drive in RBIs. But this year my money is on Escobar to really show what he can do. Escobar has average to little above average speed, but he is so strong, way stronger than the other two, that I think he will be a around 20 if not a little over 20 HRs this year. Also he could become a gold glove shortstop with that arm and range. Also Escobar plays hard, he thinks, like the time the pitcher was tieing his shoes and he stole 2nd. I think ths kid will have a great season this year. High Hopes.
Left Field
1. Raul Ibanez - Philadelphia Philles
2. Trade/Free Agent - Atlanta Braves
3. Cody Ross - Florida Marlins
4. Josh Willingham - Washington Nationals
5. Daniel Murphy - New York Mets
Im still hoping but I think the Braves will trade for a left fielder or sign one that will be much better than any left fielder in the division. Raul Ibanez is good, and I think he could be the best in the NL East, but if the Braves trade for Nady or Swisher, I think the Braves would have the second best left fielder in the NL East. If the Braves get Adam Dunn, I think he could be better than Ibanez. But we will see, cant really tell yet.
Center Field
Carlos Beltran - New York Mets
Andruw Jones/Jordon Schafer - Atlanta Braves
Lastings Milledge - Washington Nationals
Shane Victorino - Philadelphia Phillies
Cameron Maybin - Florida Marlins
Now center field I have to put Beltran 1st because hes a great player with very good HR, RBI, AVG totals. And you may be schocked but I put Andruw Jones 2nd if they do sign him, because hes gone nowhere, hes being released, he has something to prove. In that video on the Atlanta news, he looks slimmer and he dont have that smile, he looks serious. Hes been working out with Chipper and McCann, and I think he will let Chipper teach him something about hitting. I think Andruw will be the comeback player of the year. And if its not Jones and its Schafer I still think he can be better than Milladge, Victorino, and Maybin, if he shows his power and speed.
Right Field
Jeff Francoeur - Atlanta Braves
Jason Werth - Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Church - New York Mets
Jeremy Hermida - Florida Marlins
Elijah Dukes - Washington Nationals
In right field I think Francoeur will do what he said and never have a year like he did last year. I think he will have a 20+ HR, 100+ RBI year. Last year was a fluke for Jeff and this year he will be the best right fielder in the division. Jason Werth is good and puts up 20+ HRs and good RBI totals but I just think Francoeur will rebound and be a really good player we all thought he would be.
Starting Pitchers
1. Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vasquez, Kenshin Kawakami, Tom Glavine/ Tommy Hanson - Atlanta Braves
2. Cole Hamels, Bret Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick - Philadelphia Phillies
3. Johan Santanta, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Tim Redding, Oliver Perez - New York Mets
4. Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller, Anibal Sanchez - Florida Marlins
5. John Lannan, Scott Olson, Daniel Cabrera, Shawn Hill, Cillin Balester - Washington Nationals
Pitching Pitching Pitching. I think the Braves have the best rotation in the NL east. Since signing Lowe, that gives them a great rotation. The Mets and the Phillies have the best ACE. But after that all they have are qestions. Can Bret Myers be good, can John Maine rebound, Jamie Moyer etc. Jair Jurrjens is the best number two in the division in my opinion. I think Javier Vasquez will be the best number 3. I think Kenshin Kawakami will be a good player and be a good solid number 4. And I think Tommy Hanson will be in the majors SOON if not from day one. He is a ACE to be, and he might even become as close as a number 3 this season. I have HIGH expectations for Hanson and I think he will show it. Plus the Mets might not even get signed by the Mets.
Division
1. Atlanta Braves
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. New York Mets 5. Washington Nationals
Thats my predictions for the 2009 Season. I am 18 and I am a huge Braves fan. These may not happen and I may just be dreaming. But I love baseball and these are my predictions. =]
By uga-brave
January 29, 2009 2:53 AM | Link to this
winterville,
we all want to know how did that interview go?
i took many risk management clases at georgia.
took them from the legend levert.
graduated with a finance degree, but took many risk management clasees.
loved caldwell hall and the food machines.
nothing better then studying at caldwell hall and eating rudy’s farms out of the machine.
By Moby Grape
January 29, 2009 2:57 AM | Link to this
Moby Grape needs a diaper change. O the smell! Those little baseballs are ripe Coach
gee you are not nearly as funny when you try to be as you are when pontificating on baseball. Don’t give up the regular job for either coachie poo. STILL haven’t answered that question I’ve been waiting a year to learn from the great guru. Roll that hole dude.
By Terry Mcguirk
January 29, 2009 3:54 AM | Link to this
We will not be adding a left fielder.
We like our young core.
Besides, it would be finacially irresponsible, like spending the extra 2.5 million to retain our hall of fame ace.
By jason
January 29, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this
the braves will finish fourth according to these guys:
nofiltersports.com
By Braves Fan in PA
January 29, 2009 6:52 AM | Link to this
See the talk is of movies. Did anyone hear anything on the movie Sugar? Seems from the trailer like it might be a nice baseball movie about a Domincan player adjusting to US/minor league ball.
http://indiefilm.movies.yahoo.com/video-11751267-sugar-trailer/
By Random
January 29, 2009 7:08 AM | Link to this
Coach: “The truth is, they both stunk last season. You’re comparing a skunk to a skunk… . Garland was 14-8 with an ERA of 4.90 in 2008. But look closer, he had an ERA of 7.18 in his last five starts… . Vasquez was 12-16 with an ERA of 4.67 last season. His last five games: 1-4 with an ERA of 7.01 … If there is to be a real comparison made, it will be in the contract that Garland sign’s with the Diamondbacks and Arizona won’t be forking over four young prospects.”
Yeah, Coach, Vazquez had a 7.01 ERA in his last five starts.
But all the damage was done in the last three — the two before that, he went 6 IP (98 pitches) with 2 ER (L) and 7.2 IP (106 pitches) with 0 ER (W), for 2 quality starts, a1-1 record and an ERA of 1.32.
Of his last three starts, two were made on three days’ rest - the antepenult (after his 7.2 IP and 106 pitches the previous game) and the ultimate.
In those three games, he pitched a total of 12 innings (3.2/4.0/4.1), 239 pitches (88/78/73) and 18 ER (6/5/7), for an ERA of 13.50.
An overworked and abused pitcher in the last three games of a meaningless season — exactly what conclusions are you so eager to draw from that situation again?
Without those last three games, Vazquez would have had a 4.13 ERA in 196.1 IP, which would have been in the top 20 lowest AL ERA for pitchers with similar innings pitched.
The first of Garland’s last five starts came on five days’ rest, as did the fourth. He had four days’ rest for the other three.
In addition to Vazquez’ superior 2008 ERA, his WHIP was 1.32 (V Garland.s 1.51), his OBP against was .317 (Garland — .355) and he racked up 200 Ks compared to 50 UIBBs (Garland — 90 Ks/55 UIBBs).
Garland pitched for the 100-62 Angels piloted by Mike Scioscia; Vazquez toiled for the 81-81 Indians, driven by Ozzie Guillen.
It should be apparent to most here that Vazquez was superior to Garland in 2008, by a not insignificant margin, and that Vazquez did not stink.
PS: The Braves also got a needed LH reliever for those “four young prospects”.
By Random
January 29, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
Typo alert: Vazquez had 59 UIBBs in 2008, not 50.
By beekay
January 29, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
DOB and others What are your opinions on the MLB Network Hotstove show. I think Lark, Reynolds, Leiter have been great. They have had great guests, their instuctional piece on the fake diamond has been fantastic as well. Every now and then they come up with some stuff that is way off like Tommy going to the Nats but I think they are solid and it’s well done. The guy who could imitate the batting stances of almost any MLB player was the best so far. I love how he had the Klesko Brave swing and the Klesko Padre swing…..DOB, do shows like that call you for input on the Bravos?
By Voice of Reason
January 29, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
Salty Dawg
Don’t know if anyone answered your musician question, but I can make a few suggestions.
First, I don’t know where you live, even if you’re in ATL, but if you’re near the Gwinnett area, Music-Go-Round in Lilburn is a great place to shop for a used instrument. I would definitely go “used” since you’re learning and should make a minimum investment to gain a higher yield. Anyway, MGR on Hwy. 29 is a very good place to go, and Anne will shoot straight. She’ll guide you to what is the best investment for you, not just the most profit for her.
As to lessons… I might know a guy…
By Larryville Brave
January 29, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
Looks like Jeff Schultz had a vistor to his blog yesterday and nobody noticed
DOB can you verify?
By UKnoWho January 28, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this Bring him back, we already lost my old friend smoltzie
By Dadgum
January 29, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
I consider myself one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s biggest fans so I am deeply saddened today to hear of the death of pianist Billy Powell. Simply one of the greatest pianists in rock and a very good dude.
It was me and a few other people that sat around a table looking at lists of bands our school in North Carolina could afford for homecoming in 1973. We chose a twin bill of Marshall Tucker / Lynyrd Skynyrd. All good dudes and to this day I consider it a privilege to have met the original Skynyrd Band. Got to talk with Billy Powell a few years back at a meet and greet and he remembered that very concert. It was right after he joined the band. Very approachable guy.
Many considered him an original but he was not there in the formative years. He was on the first album “Pronounced” so that is original enough for me. A tremendous talent gone too soon. Age 56.
Rock on……Play it pretty in Heaven. Oh yeah and tell Ronnie hi.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
isn’t greenday from california?
“Abreu peaked around 2004-2006, and has been slipping slightly since. I figure his slide will recommence in 2009.” random
no, abreu has stayed pretty consistent through most of his career. he had a slight down year in 2007, though he still put up great stats. then he improved in 2008, so the current pattern would say 2009 will be even better. not saying he will, but the stats dont really spell out that he is “sliding”. he isnt, he has stayed very consistent in his career.
coach dont forget that vazquez struck out 200 batters, while garland struck out about 90. i think that sets him apart, as well as his WHIP and BAA. vazquez is a much better pitcher.
By Bill Robinson in VA
January 29, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this
Cameron in NC—-Good to see a position by position breakdown like yours, in the eyes of a young Braves fan. Takes me back to when I was a 13 yr old Braves fan in Boston, before they bailed for Milwaukee. Hope your predictions are close to being accurate. Jeff could very well have a good year, IMO. I don’t feel as sure about Andruw, but bring in the kids in the spring and maybe he will be motivated to get in the hunt for a roster spot.
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
January 29, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Cameron “And I also think [BMac] will be the starting catcher of the 2009 AllStar game.”
Hope you’re right.
Wish he was gonna be the Braves starting catcher in March, but…
By GermanBravesFan
January 29, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Here is a question: will Vazquez do better in the National League?
By Dadgum
January 29, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
To numerous posts….politics and rock are linked arm and arm. While Bruce takes it to extremes and is very visible in no way do I feel it is offensive. Ditto Bono. Ditto The Who, Ditto Chrissie Hynde, well I could go on and on. Hell the whole genre of rap is predicated on going up against the establishment just as in the early days of rock. People want an unabridged version of their artists. Think where comedy would be today without Lenny Bruce.
Rock on…..remebering the original Lynyrd Skynyrd Band on this very sad day.
By Dadgum
January 29, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
German Braves….yes Vazquez will do better in the opinion of many. No DH and pitchers have the edge on hitters, generally, until the hitters become more familiar with him in the NL. I am looking for a sub 4.00 ERA with about 190+ innings from him.
Rock on…..
By spotts
January 29, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
DOB
or anyone, really. Should there be a concern that Gorkys Hernandez’s stolen base count dropped from 54 last year with Detroit to 20 this year with Atlanta? Did Bobby Cox start coaching single A too?
By Random
January 29, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan: “Here is a question: will Vazquez do better in the National League?”
See above, ff.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
random
another typo alert: vazquez pitched for the division winning white sox, not the indians who played meaningless games at the end of the season.
By Random
January 29, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
spotts: “Should there be a concern that Gorkys Hernandez’s stolen base count dropped from 54 last year with Detroit to 20 this year with Atlanta? Did Bobby Cox start coaching single A too?”
See above.
Oh, heck — here you go:
Deester: “Gorkys stolen bases went from 54 to 20 due to an injured hamstring….not that hard to see why. Before his injury he was performing better than other heralded players of his ilk….he’s going to be good.”
By cvbraves
January 29, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
From what I read, it looks like Mr. Wren has about $7.5 mil or so for Tommy and/or LF (assume offer to Ohman on the table excluded).
That being true, how does offering Glavine a $2 or $2.5 mil guarantee with some incentives; Andruw, 5.mil with some incentives; and, Moises Alou $2.5 to $3 mil to play LF sound?
Know about the injuries and fact that Alou will be 43 YOA in July, his injuries, and he only played in 15 games last year. In those 15 games, he had 49 at bats, avg. .347. OBP .389, slg. .388. Career totals: .303 avg, .369 OBP, .516 slg. Career vs. lefties, .462; vs. righties, .306.
If he passes physical and is ready to play, could be a big help and relatively inexpensive. If he gets injured, Braves have a depth of young outfielders (either Josh, Jordan, Gregor, etc.) and Diaz, Norton, Infante, Prado (won’t count on Andruw yet!) to fill in on short notice.
Not an idea that will probably be met with much enthusiasm, but it won’t hurt to opine.
Keep up good work, Mr. Wren.
By keylargo
January 29, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
Felton out at UGA.
By ncscoots
January 29, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this
More like Hernandez had 80 fewer ABs and at least 30 fewer steal opportunities last year. His success rate was about the same, so, if SBs are important to you, I wouldn’t sweat the dropoff in the count. I’d be more concerned about his SLG than that. He’s still young, admittedly, but so far slugs like an IF.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
cameron in NC
its cool that you put that much time into it. we will see what happens. some things are going to have to go the braves way for them to win the division, i think. but, it could happen.
for instance, if cole hamels goes down from his huge workload alst year, the phils are in big trouble. if john maine cant make it make this year, the mets are in big trouble.
of course we have our own issues, but i think the braves are due for some good luck!
By Lee in S GA
January 29, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Anyone happen to see the “PETA” commercial on Bill O’Reilly last night? The one that was banned from NBC for the upcoming Super Bowl…….WOW
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
Now we have only 7 million left? I know the Braves didn’t spend 30 million this winter.Ryan W., 1:32 a.m., Jan. 29
Me, from my 11:36 p.m. comment two days ago on this same blog: OK, so let’s count it up, and we’ll not even include the $1.1 mill raise for Gonzalez. Just in terms of 2009 salaries added this offseason: $11.5 for Vazquez, $15 mill for Lowe, nearly $8 mill for Kawakami (including prorated portion of signing bonus), $1.4 mill for Dave Ross.
That’s $35.9 mill, for those four additions alone. So you’re right, Ryan W., they haven’t spent $30 mill — they spent more than just for the three new starting pitchers.
By 18 Wheels of Love
January 29, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
You watch O’Reilly? I’d rather be waterboarded…legally of course.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
beekay, I keep forgetting the MLB network has started. I want to see the Hot Stove show they do, but I just haven’t remember to look for the time or whatever. I should set my DVR for that, if it’s on at a given time. Thanks for the reminder.
By Dadgum
January 29, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this
Don’t even get me started on PETA….what I would really like Springsteen to do is make a song railing against PETA. Now there is politics for ya. Duh huh.
Rock on……where is Mad Max when you need him?
By mbatl
January 29, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
‘scoots, looking at his splits, Gorkys had an odd year in ‘08. Got off to a blazing start in April (.309/.378/.568 in 81 abs), hardly played in May (9 abs); had a very good June (.318/.383/.430 in 107 abs); and then was just flat awful (statistically, anyway) in July/August.
I read somewhere that the hamstring nagged him off and on all year (I think he first pulled it in late April, came back fine for a while, then limped through the last 2 months). He’s supposedly got the ‘tools’ to be a solid OF hitter … hopefully he can put together a full season in ‘09.
By Lee in S GA
January 29, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
“You watch O’Reilly? I’d rather be waterboarded…legally of course.”
18 Wheels of Love
Yes sometimes I’ll watch him; he’s a jerk alright but then they’re everywhere these days.
By Big Easy
January 29, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this
SaltyDawg, I’ll second what Voice of Reason’s 8:54AM: Music Go Round is a pretty good shop, if you are in Gwinnett. Traded for an acoustic there a couple years ago, because I wanted something a little smaller for traveling/playing at church, etc.
Good shop, pretty nice guys. Prices are pretty reasonable too.
~E~
By Mark
January 29, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Its on everyday at 7 pm I believe.
By Bruce's Pearl
January 29, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
DOB: The Hot Stove show on MLB Network is on weeknights at 7:00pm and replayed at 10:00pm.
By The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
January 29, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
DOB:
Are the Braves really being this patient with the LF situation or are they extremely tight-lipped about who the are interested in? The current group of FA OF’ers is relatively solid (Dunn, Abreu, G. Anderson), especially at the prices it seems they are going to have to settle for. Is Wren playing Russian Roulette with the market like everyone else?
By Blenny
January 29, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’m curious, what makes Slumdog Millionaire the best (or one of the best) movies you’ve seen this year? I saw it, tempering my expectations against all the critical hype, but I just don’t see it as a great movie. An entertaining one, sure. But best picture? Hardly. it’s probably just personal taste, but I feel that this one is riding an unstoppable wave of trendiness and hype that blinds many to its shortcomings.
You often mention a lot of great movies here, but rarely give any real critique on them. What’s your take on slumdog?
By Tomas
January 29, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
Would Tom Glavine agree to a deal worth a guarantee’d 1 million +incentives that could get him 5 million.
If he does, then I think he is worth it.
Andruw should accept a minor league deal worth 400k or go elsewhere.(Money isn’t really important, he won’t add to the 22 million he is owed.) It’s up to him, if he really wants to play for Atlanta, and is sure he will be productive once again.
I hope Will Ohman’s offer isn’t part of the 6-7 million it has been rumored they have left. I think they should sign him, maybe a 3 year 7.5 million sounds fair in the current market.
Nick Swisher, and Xavier Nady would be worth more than 5 million per year, and would require young talent to get them. Why not just sign Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu who are cheaper, and better hitters than both Swisher and Nady.
I would prefer the Braves traded for Ryan Ludwick which I’m guessin will get 3.5 million depending on arbitration(he submitted 4.3 million, the Cards offered 2.8). I’m not talking about trading Yunel or Kelly, no way. Either way they seem to be set at both positions, and they have a lot of good outfield talent, but they really lack pitching if you ask me. Chris Carpenter is a serious doubt(kind of a Mike Hampton but better), and apart from Kyle Lohse, and Adam Wainwright, they’re other starters aren’t good. They also urgently need bulpen help. Luckily for the Braves they have a lot of pieces they could trade to the Cards to fill those roles.
Blaine Boyer, Jeff Ridgeway, EITHER Charlie Morton, Jorge Campillo, James Parr, or Jo-jo Reyes. 2 or 3 of those guys for Ryan Ludwick seems pretty fair considering they would have traded him for Kelly straight up and even a prospect from their part.
That way the Braves can sign Tom Glavine, Will Ohman, and acquire a power hitting outfielder(who bats from the right side of the plate). They will still have a lot of depth, and a tremendously improved team from last year.
By Random
January 29, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
DAP: “no, abreu has stayed pretty consistent through most of his career. he had a slight down year in 2007, though he still put up great stats. then he improved in 2008, so the current pattern would say 2009 will be even better. not saying he will, but the stats dont really spell out that he is “sliding”. he isnt, he has stayed very consistent in his career.”
I don’t know —
From 98-06, his OBP was in the low .400s (except .393 in 01, and .446 in 99).
2007: OBP = .369; 2008: OBP = .371. Not a real improvement, comparatively.
From 98-02, his SLG was at or well above .500; 03-05, SLG fluxed under, over and under .500.
2008 was his fourth consecutive season with SLG substantially below .500 (~.463 cum SLG for 05-08).
From 99-05, he drew 100+ BBs a year; 2007 = 84 BBs; 2008 = 73 BBs.
From 00 to 08, he’s had right around 700 PAs a season. From 00-06, his groundouts hovered in the mid 100s (high - 160; low – 129; avg - ~145).
In 2007 & 2008, his groundouts skyrocketed to 172 & 192, resp.
All in all, I think Steve from OH is pretty much right, and may have understated it a bit.
By GermanBravesFan
January 29, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
Random: thanks for pointing that out…
DOB: I finished the Springsteen album last night. Was okay IMO… I bought the version that includes the DVD and it was fun to watch Bruce and the guys in the studio. Also, my apologies for possibly starting the entire political discussion by replying to beekay…
By ncscoots
January 29, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
mbatl, correct-a-mundo on Gorkys, gotcha. I don’t know how much the hammy bothered him, I only saw him play one series last year and that was early. Whatever else he eventually brings to the dance, the kid can play some OF and that’s a fact. I still think Schafer is (and will be) the better player, but nothing wrong with Mister Hernandez.
By Fred
January 29, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this
Since you are discussing the Hot Stove show on MLB network, I have to agree that it good with useful information. However, Harold Reynolds needs to do his homework. Did any of you catch him discussing Chris Carpenter’s possible move to the bullpen? Reynolds said that it may be difficult to do as compared to John Smoltz, who Reynolds said had previous bullpen experience before going back there a second time. The other guy asked when did Smoltz have previous bullpen experience because he started, relieved, and then started again. Reynolds replied that Smoltz was in the bullpen, was moved back into the rotation, and then closed games again. The guy is an idiot! Smoltz only pitched one game out of the bullpen last year before having season ending surgery, and he plans to start for the Red Sox.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
Blenny: I simply think Slumdog was the best (and most entertaining) movie I saw this year. Great acting from a bunch of relative unknowns (at least unknown in this country), terrific story, great directing and cinematography, good music, a cool two-hour ride that was unique and made me smile and also think. Don’t know what else to tell you. I’m no movie critic, I just know what I like. And that was a great movie.
By Random
January 29, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
DAP: “another typo alert: vazquez pitched for the division winning white sox, not the indians who played meaningless games at the end of the season.”
D’OH!!!
Ise and IDIOT — that’s tons worse than a typo.
Sorry, folks.
By beekay
January 29, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO4GTrCuTY0
Here is the link to the guy they had on the hot stove…he can do any player from any team.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan: Weren’t you startled by the opening track, Outlaw Pete? I just wasn’t expecting that from a Springsteen album. But I gotta admit, I really like the song (some others have panned it, along with the album, which has gotten reviews ranging from A to C-minus).
By 18 Wheels of Love
January 29, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
DOB, question….
How would the braves handle a budget situation where some players like a Glavine, Andruw, and even Chipper, are incented on performance? Meaning, if the budget is 100m and you have 100m spent on fixed guarantees, what do you do when these guys hit their incentive clauses or get bonuses for All-Star games, MVP’s, etc.? Do they generally leave a buffer or do they project the full possible amount of the contract towards the budget? Or does it even matter???
By DAP
January 29, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
tomas i wish the cards were gonna trade ludwick, but it doesnt seem to be an option for them. he would be a GREAT guy for the braves to pick up. i havent heard anything in months about him being moved. i think they want to keep him.
By beekay
January 29, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
German Braves Fan I thought we had a civil discussion. I have no hard feelings toward you or DOB on the topic. Not sure if you lived in Germany but I had the pleasure of living there for 3 years in the early 80’s. My Dad was working in Wiesbaden
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
Coach in your 12:54 post you were saying Garland and Vazquez both sucked in their last 5 starts. Yeah but which one was pitching on 3 days rest? Vazquez has a legit excuse. Garland has none. While neither is a great pitcher Vazquez is better and we only gave up one legit prospect and we had no room for Flowers. Just because you are in the minors doesn’t mean you are a prospect. I doubt the others actually do anything in their career.
By beekay
January 29, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq_e2Q2HxXg
here is the braves….this guy is awesome!
By Blenny
January 29, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for sharing your opinion on Slumdog. When I heard about it, I thought it would be one I’d really like. To its credit, the child acting was phenomenal, putting many adult actors to shame. The directorial style was also well done. Very kinetic filming that accentuated the chaos of an urban lifestyle most of us cannot come close to imagining. But, I felt the story structure was contrived and predictable, and the love story element was very thin. All it needed was an extra scene in the end where you flash forward a few years and find the two protagonists happily married with a son named after the older brother.
But, yes, it was still entertaining.
By Voice of Reason
January 29, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
Looks like Dennis Felton is out at UGA. Nice guy, but I can’t say he’ll be terribly missed. He did help to clean up the mess left behind by Harrick, though. And he ran a clean, if not very successful program.
By Saltywoody
January 29, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
This is somewhat unrelated, but I thought it merited including here, maybe as it applies to Frenchy or Andruw.
Never heard/read Sandberg’s entire HOF speech, but now I wish I had. Here’s an excerpt I found included in a NYTimes article on something else.
In 2005, Ryne Sandberg was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. Heclo cites his speech as an example of how people talk when they are defined by their devotion to an institution:
“I was in awe every time I walked onto the field. That’s respect. I was taught you never, ever disrespect your opponents or your teammates or your organization or your manager and never, ever your uniform. You make a great play, act like you’ve done it before; get a big hit, look for the third base coach and get ready to run the bases.”
Sandberg motioned to those inducted before him, “These guys sitting up here did not pave the way for the rest of us so that players could swing for the fences every time up and forget how to move a runner over to third. It’s disrespectful to them, to you and to the game of baseball that we all played growing up.
“Respect. A lot of people say this honor validates my career, but I didn’t work hard for validation. I didn’t play the game right because I saw a reward at the end of the tunnel. I played it right because that’s what you’re supposed to do, play it right and with respect … . If this validates anything, it’s that guys who taught me the game … did what they were supposed to do, and I did what I was supposed to do.”
By GermanBravesFan
January 29, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
DOB - it was quite stunner to open the album, I have to admit, but not as bad as people made it out to be. As a matter of fact, I liked it, too. This might be one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen to it. I am not sure, though, if/how the album will play in concert… By the way, there is a great interview with Nils Lofgren on backstreets.com
Simply amazing to read that they played about 160 songs during the last tour!!
By StingerSplash
January 29, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Guy writing for the Boston Globe (not Massarotti nor Cafardo nor any of the regular baseball people — all FOUR of them! I include Massarotti in that count) is clamoring for the Sox to get a Dunn deal. He’s one of those sabermetric acolytes. 40 HRs a year and his walks total are great. His strikeouts and defense and other things that baseball players are asked to do are not. I’d pay to watch Dunn take BP. That would be a show. But everything else … hmm, not real sure. He’d make a great DH for somebody who had some good on-base/high contact guys around him. Putting him in a Braves lineup where he might be next to or close to Frenchy in the lineup (and he’s been known to swing and miss with the best of them) may not be such a good idea.
By Lew
January 29, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
Tomas-Not too sure why you would want to trade Campillo, Reyes or Morton to make room for Tom Glavine. Campillo and Morton are under contractual control for several more years each and Glavine is lucky if he can return for one season.
In addition, why in the world would you trade 2-3 Pitchers with anywhere from 3-5 years of cheap contracts for an outfielder who is about to turn 31 and has ONE productive season in the bigs in which he played more than 120 games who will make $3-4 million dollars?
By GermanBravesFan
January 29, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
beekay… no worries! A very famous contryman of yours was born in Wiesbaden while his dad was in the service: John McEnroe. I am German but lived in the U.S. for 20 years (10 years in Georgia: Brunswick, Milledgeville and Augusta). I recently moved to Switzerland working for a big tour operator in Zurich. Damn, I am going to miss watching baseball on tv!!
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed
Vasquez: 13-12, 18 quality starts, team record of 17-16 and an ERA of 4.50 in 32 games total.
Tom Glavine: 13-11, 21 quality starts, team record of 18-16 and an ERA of 3.96 in 32 games total.
Derek Lowe: 14-10, 19 quality starts, team record of 18-15 and an ERA of 3.91 in 34 games.
So let me get this straight the Braves will go 17-16 in 32 games. Will go 18-15 in 34 games and go 18-15 in 34 games. Im confused.
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Ryan W. our payroll is over 90 million. You said we havent spent 30 million this offseason, lets see Lowe 15, Vazquez 11, and Kawakami 7. That is 33 million. You are a moron. We can not afford Manny. Stop posting it.
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
Marv Kleeman first I thought this was a joke but then you posted under Mike Sciosca’s name so I guess you are serious. You say he will help steal bases. He has 9 stolen bases in h is 8 year career. That is total. He averages 9 homeruns a year. He also has a .280 BA, which is decent, with a .330 OBP, not that good. I dont know why you are in love with him. When did he become the greatest player on Earth. You want him to be your number one pick up. Why?
By mbatl
January 29, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
“here is the braves….this guy is awesome!” - beekay
That was priceless. We used to do that as kids… both with baseball and basketball players. I had my Phil Ford imitation down pretty good but could never quite duplicate him on the court, somehow.
Anyway, the guy’s got it down… you can almost see the actual player at the plate.
By dogsbrekky
January 29, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
beekay My old man worked in Wiesbaden in the late 70s-80s for a time. He was an engineer at GM..
By Tomas
January 29, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Lew, I prefer Campillo, Morton, and Reyes over Glavine, but you have to give the Cards something for Ryan Ludwick. Ryan Ludwick hit 299, 37HR, 113RBI’s with a 375OBP, while playing much better defense than Adam Dunn. I just don’t think it was a fluke. Plus Boyer is out of options, and probobably wouldn’t make the team out of spring training unless there is an injury, with Ohman, Eric O’ Flaherty, and Boone Logan, I doubt that you would see Jeff Ridgeway anytime soon. And Campillo may very well be a fluke, because his stuff isn’t that good and he is 30 years old.
By Greg
January 29, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Beekay:
The batting stance guy is amazing. I especially loved the “crime dog” and Otis. Absolutely dead on.
By dogsbrekky
January 29, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
The Dave Justice imitation was too beautiful from batting stance guy
By BigHittas
January 29, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
Marv from 1:30A. You had those panties on again? :)
sorry, wrong Marv, I know.
Juan Rivera, eh? If they signed Julio, why not?
By nolie
January 29, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Roger Clemens prep on starting Day from Torre/Verducci book
The story comes courtesy of Yankee trainer Steve Donahue who told Verducci about what Roger Clemens did as part of his usual routine to get ready for facing the Mets in Game 2 of the 2000 World Series. Donahue said Clemens’ usual pregame preparation included taking a whirlpool bath at the hottest temperature possible.
“He’d come out looking like a lobster,” Donahue said.
But here’s the money quote:
Then Donahue would rub the hottest possible liniment on his testicles.
“He’d start snorting like a bull,” the trainer said. “That’s when he was ready to pitch.” Man, talk about way too much information. That must be why Roger was such a crotchety b******* on the mound. Well, that and the steroids.
By Lew
January 29, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
Tomas-Sorry, but I have much more faith that Francoeur can come back strong than I do in Ludwick continuing his New Found power stroke. What from his past record gives you so much confidence? Dude’s played in 120 games once and more than that once and he turns 31 this summer.
Maybe he’s a late bloomer, but I’m not taking a chance he might be, especially were he to come from a hitter’s park to a pitcher’s stadium-much less give up 2-3 pitchers to get him. I’d sooner go with a Diaz/Brandon Jones platoon or trade some of those pieces for someone with a bit better track record..
By beekay
January 29, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
I was in Wiesbaden 80,81,82 attended Wiesbaden Middle School. My brother was in High School and was named All-Europe quaterback by the Stars and Stripes Newspaper. Fun time but couldn’t get the Braves results/boxscores until the following day!
By BravesFanInRockies
January 29, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
nolie
Clemens sounds like one disturbed you-know-what.
By Lee in S GA
January 29, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
“I’d sooner go with a Diaz/Brandon Jones platoon or trade some of those pieces for someone with a bit better track record.”
Lew You have been saying this about a possible Diaz/B.Jones platoon for some time now and I agree with you. I really do think Brandon Jones may in time develope into a fairly good hitter with 15 - 20 HR potential. Diaz will be fine as a platoon player. The Braves may be leaning towards giving this duo a chance also.
I would not be surprise if the Braves do not wait until spring training or even months into the 2009 season to see what happens and then make a trade if necessary. No way the Braves will platoonn Blanco and Anderson. Too much of a power shortage with those 2.
By BravesFanInRockies
January 29, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Agreed on Ludwick. The guy’s patched together with chewing gum and bailing wire. (Plates, screws, partial joint replacement, etc.) He could crumble at any moment. — or he might hold together for another four or five years.
Still holding out for a Dunn or Abreu or Edmonds signing, but that may not happen.
I have decided to reserve any final judgment about Francoeur until Memorial Day at the earliest — unless he’s hitting .220 or less on May 1. Maybe he has adopted a balanced stance and will lay off a few more terrible pitches.
For now, he has the benefit of the doubt. I would be very happy to say mostly nice things about his this year. That would mean the Braves are doing quite well.
By dogsbrekky
January 29, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
Lew
There are several baseball “experts” who advise me that post mid 2007 statistics are very significant… ie players who did well 2007-08 and are improving are better value than those who say did well in 05’- 06’ and before ……
especially HITTERS….as such I will take Ludwick versus Frenchy or other 2006 stars anyday, but hopefully Chipper is correct and Jeff starts to improve again (he is only 25 afterall)..
on that thinking Chipper, Manny, Ludwick, Ankiel, Nady etc look even better for 2009
By GermanBravesFan
January 29, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
beekay - I left Germany in 88… graduated high school in 85… Never cared for baseball until I came to college in the U.S.
By Random
January 29, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
Shaun—
Hey.
Remember discussing the comparative defensive deficiencies of Manny Ramirez v Jason Bay last Aug or so? You held that Manny was hands down (so to speak) the worse in the field.
Now, according to Baseball Prospectus’s 2009 PECOTAs, Manny is projected as being 13 runs below average defensively, and Bay is projected at 15 runs below average on defense.
Comment?
By rammerjammer
January 29, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
Swisher in LF is looking better to me. He’s under control through 2012, he just turned 28, he has good power numbers, can hit from the right side, and he gives us long-term insurance in case our three OF phenoms don’t develop as hoped. He also helps us survive if Frenchy has another awful year.
All in all, I see why the Braves are interested.
NY got Swisher (and a minor league pitcher) for a utility infielder and two minor league pitchers. I say offer Prado and a minor league pitcher NOT on our top ten list.
By nolie
January 29, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this
So let me get this straight the Braves will go 17-16 in 32 games. Will go 18-15 in 34 games and go 18-15 in 34 games. Im confused Eric
yeah coach can be confusing . take it all with a grain of salt
By Random
January 29, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
You know what’d be great?
It’d be great if the Braves signed Manny for one year at $15M with an option.
Manny could show all of MLB (again) how much he’s worth, and we could help.
By Jim
January 29, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
Glavine, Ohman and Hinske - all for
By richbrave
January 29, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
From your litany of expenditures that you supplied at 10:45 a.m. this morning, there surely are other financial factors which limit additional revenues being expended. I surely would like to see WIL OHMAN in the fold though. With BOTH MOYLAN AND SORIANO on the mend and rounding into shape, a LEFTY arm in the bull-pen that isn’t recovering from anything would surely be nice. Assuming the waiver wire and the trade haven’t already filled the hole there. Just sayin’.
By cabravesfan
January 29, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Random
Yes it would be great (for those of you seemingly obsessed with Manny- I am NOT amoung them) but it’s NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. He has already turned down a 2 year deal worth $35 million (that’s $17.5 million a year for the math impaired) from the Dodgers, with Boras throwing in that they would wait for “serious” offers. He is looking for a 4-5 year deal worth upwards of $25 million per…will he get it? Doubtful, but there is absolutly no way he signs for less then what the Dodgers have on the table right now (and even if he didn’t have all the baggage the Braves don’t have the money)
By richbrave
January 29, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
You’re a human blow-torch, you’re a human blow-torch. Na-na-na-NA-na-na.!!!!! JEFF SCHULTZ says hello and that you are one.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
Jim
i guess you got cut off there, but i like where you are going. for $8mil you could have all three of hinske, glavine and ohman in 2009.
hinske platooned with diaz is easily going to give you .285 average with 25 homers and 90 RBIs. Easily. Its easy to see those two combining to be a 30/100 left fielder that we need. gotta hurry, though. the pirates are trying to get him.
i think ohman is very important. the braves need to have a loaded bullpen.
i can take or leave glavine, but he would would provide stability to that #5 slot.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan: actually it was two years, $45 mill from the Dodgers that Manny/Boras rejected.
So Random, one year at $15 mill to give him a chance to “prove” himself, huh?
Hello? Is this thing on?
By cmac1919
January 29, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
Why in the he11 are the Braves so interested in Nick Swisher? His batting average was .219 last year and I don’t understand why people say that was a fluke, seeing that he his career high in batting average is .262. Really, they might as well sign Adam Dunn for that. At least he’d pop 40+ homers.
And the fact that the Braves will most likely have to give up a boatload of prospects for him makes it even more mind-boggling.
I think I’d prefer for Wren to just sign Tom Glavine and let the likes of Brand Jones/Matt Diaz/Gregor Blanco duke it out for the LF spot than get Nick Swisher.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
richbrave: Schultz would certainly know what it is to be a human blowtorch, so I can’t argue with that assessment.
By cabravesfan
January 29, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB
My bad- thanks for the correction
By Canadianbrave
January 29, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
What about Delmon Young? I read somewhere that he might be available by trade. I think he would look good between Chipper and Brian
By Canadianbrave
January 29, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have an opinion on acquiring Delmon Young. I understand he might be available for trade and I think he would look good between Chipper and Brian
By No More Morans
January 29, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
“It’d be great if the Braves signed Manny for one year at $15M with an option.”
Things wrong with Random’s post:
ONE: That Manny Ramirez already has a much better offer
TWO: He wants 22-25 million annually
THREE: The apparent delusion that if Manny would accept such a deal, another team wouldn’t match/better it.
FOUR: That the Braves don’t have 15 million anyways.
That 2:02 PM Random post FAILS.
By Bubdylan
January 29, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
Hello? Is this thing on? -DOB
lol….
By DAP
January 29, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
“Why in the he11 are the Braves so interested in Nick Swisher?” cmac1919
its really not all that “mind boggling” when you consider swisher’s over all game.
he is not only a much better fielder, but more versitile, having the ability to play all three outfield spots and 1st base. ive read that he is above average defensively at all those positions except for center field. other than that, he is alot like dunn. low average, high OBP and good power. i see him having a comeback year, especially if he gets traded to the NL or a smaller AL team.
By Reality
January 29, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
“Why in the he11 are the Braves so interested in Nick Swisher? His batting average was .219”
Maybe they’re smart enough to not be looking at batting average?
They probably see a good OBP guy who can WALK (paging Frenchy) to the tune of 100 times in 2007, 97 times in 2006 and 82 times in 2008. Maybe they also see a guy who has hit at least 21 homeruns for the past four straight years?
By BravesFanInRockies
January 29, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
*cmac1919 *
Because a lot of Braves fans can see that it’s pretty dumb to talk about his “career high” .262 BA in isolation. You’re getting a guy with a proven ability to hit 20-25 HR, 30-35 2B, walk around 90 or 100 times, and score between 90 and 100 runs. For a lot less than you’d pay Adam Dunn.
Any Braves LF done that in recent years?
By Lee in S GA
January 29, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
“Why in the he11 are the Braves so interested in Nick Swisher?”
The Yankees must have been very interested in him at one time also. If Tex had not been signed by them I not so sure trade talks about him would even exist in the 1st place.
By BA
January 29, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
Maybe change “no more morans” to “gutless mousy pr*”.
Dude, you really stink.
Guess we need somebody to make Cooch look smart.
By propp
January 29, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
Dunn may cost a LITTLE more, but the Braves wouldn’t be giving up talent for him
By Steve C.
January 29, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
Not to beat a dead horse…
DOB,
I am following you on what the Braves have spent in new additions for this year. What I wonder is this, what was last year’s opening day payroll? With Smoltz (14 mil?), Hampton (15 mil), Tex (12.5 mil), and Kotsay (7 mil) all gone from this year’s opening day roster, and let’s use a 50% cut from Hudson’s salary (7.75 mil), doesn’t that add up to subtractions of 56.25 million, so that with those additions of 35.9 mil, that leaves over 20 mil left. Now I know that then you have folks who have raises in their contracts, along with raises for the arb eligible guys, but does that really only leave 7 mil left? And that is only to keep the payroll the same, when they said it would go up. Just curious…
By Efrim
January 29, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
Couple of Braves notes from ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:
“After trying to push Xavier Nady as the outfielder they’d most prefer to trade, the Yankees are telling teams they’re softening to the idea of dealing Nick Swisher. The Braves head the list of clubs who prefer Swisher because of his versatility and because he’s three years from free agency, not one.”
“The Braves may bring Andruw Jones to camp as a favor. But every indication is that most of their baseball operation is as wary of Jones as the rest of the sport. “What does he do for that team?” one scout asked. “He can’t come off the bench. He’s regressed defensively. And he’s a horrible hitter. Over the last 1½ seasons, he might have been the easiest out in the major leagues.”
I’m glad the Braves are after Swisher instead of Nady. The only thing is that it would be difficult for me to stomach a trade of ANY of our top prospects. Yanks didn’t have to give up any to get him. Now, the White Sox obviously didn’t value Swisher as much as the Yanks or Braves do. But that still doesn’t mean that the Braves need to part with pitcher like Locke or Rohrbough for him. Maybe Wren is willing to do that though. I hope not, but we’ll see.
By Jayson Stark
January 29, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this
“After trying to push Xavier Nady as the outfielder they’d most prefer to trade, the Yankees are telling teams they’re softening to the idea of dealing Nick Swisher. The Braves head the list of clubs who prefer Swisher because of his versatility and because he’s three years from free agency, not one.
The Braves may bring Andruw Jones to camp as a favor. But every indication is that most of their baseball operation is as wary of Jones as the rest of the sport. “What does he do for that team?” one scout asked. “He can’t come off the bench. He’s regressed defensively. And he’s a horrible hitter. Over the last 1½ seasons, he might have been the easiest out in the major leagues.”“
By nitram odarp
January 29, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
wouldnt it be possible to get dunn or abreu for about the same amoutn of money as swisher with out having to give up to prospect? to me it would make more sence to get one of these guys through free agency then it would to give up prospects. it seems like we would be giving up prospects for nothing. now if dunn and abreu are going to cost a ton more money then i understand, but seems like this thing could be managed a little beter
By DAP
January 29, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
steve c.
count hamptons salary for 2008 as $8mil instead, cause that what the braves did for accounting purposes. that automatically takes your figure down to $13mil, before any raises…and there were alot of them.
also, the braves only paid kotsay $2mil.
of course, last year, glavine, smoltz, hampton, tex, kotsay, soriano…all of these players (and maybe others) probably had some of their salary recouped y the braves because they were either traded, or hurt (insurance) during the 2008 season, so you might still be right.
payrolls and how much money teams have to spend is tuff to figure out, especially when you factor in partial salaries from traded players and insurance recoups.
By ncscoots
January 29, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
—hinske platooned with diaz is easily going to give you .285 average with 25 homers and 90 RBIs. Easily.—
Man, how do you get “easily”? If you can show me where that is a logical assumption, I’ll get on your Hinske bandwagon. Otherwise…
—Any Braves LF done that [hang and bang] in recent years?—
No, but they didn’t need to do so, with the Braves’ CF hitting 30+ HR every year. Not that I’m down on Swisher, or Nady, or Dunn, or any other breathing human who can help in LF.
Other than Eric Hinske, of course.
By Steve from OH
January 29, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
nitram, you would think so (and I agree with you), but maybe the Braves think that Swisher’s defensive upside is worth it, or maybe Abreu and Dunn are still out of our price range.
By rammerjammer
January 29, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
And Swisher shouldn’t cost a “boatload of prospects.” A utility infielder and minor league pitcher should do the trick, because that’s what NY traded to get him. Prado and, I don’t know, some dude from Rome or Myrtle…and there you have it. Problem sol-ved.
Gotta remember, it’s just not likely that Heyward, Schafer and Gorkys will ALL become bonafide major leaguers - not this year, obviously - nor are we guaranteed a Frenchy bounceback. So we need someone now AND later. Swisher is that guy.
By help me out here--
January 29, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
so the braves would rather give up prosepects and pay 3 years and a little over 21M to Swisher when they can have Dunn who would hit more Hrs More rbis and probably around the same avg for around the same money and no prosepcts?? i am sorry i just think Dunn makes so much more sense than Swisher - does anyone else agree??
By DAP
January 29, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this
“—hinske platooned with diaz is easily going to give you .285 average with 25 homers and 90 RBIs. Easily.—”
“Man, how do you get “easily”? If you can show me where that is a logical assumption, I’ll get on your Hinske bandwagon. Otherwise…” ncscoots
ok, thats fair. ill explain my thinking, and you can form your own opinion.
last year, hinske hit 19 homers in 332 ABs. he was used primarily as a platoon player, since he has only about 30 ABs against righties.
in 2007, diaz last full year, he hit 9 homers in 188 ABs vs lefties. i figure he would get around that many ABs platooning.
thats 28 between them those two years, which i know is loose evidence, but its an example of what they are capable of. if we had hinske, and we went into the season with them understanding their roles as platoon players, i think they would both really hit well.
just look at their splits and youll see that they have very impressive OBP and slg% against oppo handed pitchers, and it just makes sense that they would thrive in a platoon. its a combined .904 OPS if you take 2008 for hinske vs righties and 2007 for diaz vs lefties. thats good.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
help me out here
i think where you go wrong is the assumption that dunn would cost the same as swisher in $$$. we dont really know that. plus defense is important to the braves, so that probably weighs pretty heavy.
By Trent
January 29, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
I could be way off here but i’m not seeing why a lot of people on this blog are so high on Swisher…is career stats are average at best. He’s a liftetime .244 hitter and the guy hit .219 last year. Granted he has 104 career hrs but is this the guy we should even consider trading any prospects for? He sounds an awful lot like a guy we had a few years ago who would hit a lot of hrs but would suffer when it came to batting avg. (Minus the constant gold glove defense) With that said if the Braves feel this is the right decision I will be a huge Swisher fan in hoping he helps the Braves but judging on his body of work I just don’t see it…just my opinion…
By FunFunFun
January 29, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
I am going to have so much fun if we get Swisher and he plays as poorly as I think he might. Making up my list now, that includes you Ram man. If he does well, I’ll just use some other name and say I was for him all the way. Ho boy.
By DAP
January 29, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
help me out here
by the way, swisher only earns $5.3mil in 2009, $6.75mil in 2010, and $9mil in 2011. plus a $10.25mil option for 2012, with a $1mil buyout.
so far, i havent heard dunn budge from his $14mil a year for 4 years demand, though the market demands it.
By Efrim
January 29, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
My guess is that Dunn and Abreu are going to be getting more than 6-7 million. I don’t know that for sure, but I just can’t imagine them settling for 5-7 million. There has to be a team out there willing to give them a one year 10 million dollar deal, right?
By Jonathon
January 29, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
The Stanifesto, which includes a neat story on Rocker from ‘99.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/01/the_stanifesto.html#more
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this
Steve C. you didnt mention that the Braves didnt pay all of Kotsay’s contract. The A’spaid almost all of it.
By David O'Brien
January 29, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOGGAGE
By Eric from MO
January 29, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
I have to admit I am starting to get on the Hinkse bagwagon. He doesnt hit as many homers as Dunn but he does great in a platoon which is what we are looking for. I havent watched him much so I dont know how he defensively but he cant be worse than Dunn. Now I will admit I dont want Dunn. I think he is overated and I believe every supporter will be cursing him when he strikesout with runners on. Dont worry I have been writing down every Dunn supporter and I will be here to tell you to shut up.
By Random
January 29, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan: “it’s NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.”
W3LL, H3LL — 90% of the stuff said here NEVER HAPPENS.
Since when was that a prerequisite?
cabravesfan, DOB, No More Morans—
BP’s Joe (he’s way smarter than me!) Sheehan:
“Manny Ramirez has been inscrutable for the better part of two decades; why are we now supposed to think that he’s predictable? He’ll sign somewhere for less than anyone thought he’d get and hit a bunch, play poor defense, and be lampooned by the local media. There’s some Andre Dawson potential here, where Ramirez just signs for a pittance on a one-year deal wherever he wants to play the most, and goes nuts for the six months.”
(Et tu, Bubdylan???)
PS: Maing, wouldn’t it be GREAT if the Braves signed Manny for one year at $15M with an option?
By Ryan W.
January 29, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this
CF Gregor Blanco
Derek Lowe
This does not inspire confidence. This line up may not even be the 3rd best in the NL East, certainly not close to the Phillies or Mets. And we are to believe that this is the best we can get?
There are some “nice” pieces there, but look at it from the other teams point of view. Does anyone named above bring fear? Does any of them scare you when the game is on the line? Can any of them really be considered clutch?
I’m a Braves fan through and through, will be for the rest of my life, win or lose. As a fan, though, I want to see my team win and when I have to try and talk myself into believing there is a chance that the team above has a shot at winning the WS it makes me want to shake my head in disgust.
I’ve seen enough baseball in my life to know that the team up there is not a winning team. I can have faith, which I will, but deep down I, and so do all of you, know that come October we will not see our team dog-piled on the pitching mound, and that makes me sad.
So I say sign Manny Ramirez. Why the hell not! If the Braves expect me to live in a fantasy world where I am to believe the team they assembled has a shot at winning the WS then I am going to shout at the top of my lungs, possible or not, that the Braves should sign Manny Ramirez.
I mean could the Braves do anything, other than that, to make winning the WS seem possible?
By McFann O –[zzz] (Braves Fann For Life)
January 29, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
Everybody on this Blog who subscribes to ChopTalk—
When you get your February issue, CHECK OUT PAGE 62!!! Great stuff!!!
Hey, I may be too young to have seen Hank Aaron play, but I do have one “connection”, if you will, to the Hammer—I was born on the anniversary of his record-breaking homer!!