Chop Chick

By geekboy

April 9, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

I am not worried. This is a good team, but the black hole that is Mark Texiera has to get his act together.

If he was hitting .280 we’d have won most of the games we lost.

Other than that, I see a lot to be happy with. Good pitching, especially from the starters. The Bullpen will come around, they’ve had some tough pitches hit hard.

That “close and late” stat is pure garbage. Always remember what Twain said about statistics. The Braves 4-6 hitters simply aren’t hitting reliably.

By Raleigh Brave

April 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

The history of baseball shows that most teams win about 60 and lose about 60 no matter what. George Will talks about this so did Earl Weaver I think. What matters are those close games, those other 42. So in those the Braves are 1-5. That means they’re looking at 36 games to make up the difference. Forecasting way ahead then, they can count on 61 ones and 65 losses, theoretically. To me, that means they have a small margin for error with those remaining 36 close games that could go either way. If the rest of this road trip goes downhill, I’d say the Braves will be in trouble. I know it’s early but history is what it is. They have to start winning those close marginal games. That’s where champions are made.

By Realist

April 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

They’re not going to dump Schafer. He’s too central to their future plans. But it sure would be a bold statement (and a positive one) if the Braves said they didn’t have a place for him in their organization after this. I’d applaud it as a fan.

By AJK

April 9, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Schafer’s future with the team will be determined by how he responds to the suspension, and how he plays after his return. It’ll be interesting to see if he hits for less power and average after his return. One thing is certain - we won’t be seeing Schafer patroling Turner Field this summer.

I doubt Kotsay is the long-term answer, but the Renteria trade suddenly looks even better with the hot-shot CF we obtained with Jurrjens.

By chemdawg

April 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Statistical analysis shows that 1 run games are won or loss largely due to luck. The team with the better record usually holds a slight advantage. The braves have been unlucky given the circumstances (small sample size of games thus far).

By Georgia_Independent

April 9, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Why keep Jordan Schafer? He hit 0.240 and then led the minors in hits last season as he was clearly cheating. This guy is a middle of the road prospect and only rose because he was cheating. The Braves should dump this kid and move forward. Jordan Schafer is not Atlanta Braves material. I know it and evey Brave fan knows it too.

Do you know how RARELY professional baseball players are tested? Schafer hit 0.240 in Rome before the juice. Jordan Schafer leading the minors in hits is to Mark McGwire hitting 70 homers is to Barry Bonds hitting 73 homers is to Sammy Sosa hitting over 64 homers three seasons straight. Give me a break!

By Georgia_Independent

April 9, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

AJK writes that “one thing is certain - we won’t be seeing Schafer patrolling Turner Field this summer.” I have news for you AJK, we will not ever see Jordan Schafer patrolling Turner Field. He is small and he is not a prolific hitter (without juice). Atlanta is better than this guy being the centerpiece of the franchise.

There is no doubt that Schafer will not hit for nearly as much power or average. His confidence will drop and this guy will drop off of the map. Again, our Brave organization is much better than this guy. We should have no place for users of HGH. Keeping Schafer around enables unethical athletes like him, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Roger Clemens.

Many Braves like Tom Glavine and John Smoltz have been outspoken about steroid us in MLB. I commend them and I hope the organizations speaks loudly and gets rid of Schafer.

By Headlines

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

Should anyone be surprised that the Braves have hitched their centerfield wagon to a CHEATER ……

By OneBummedFan

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

This is really disappointing!!! I was really proud that none of our players considered by most as TRUE braves (except David Justice, who later came out and stated that it was a misunderstanding) were named in the Mitchell report as users of steroids. Schafer had really impressed me in spring training and I was looking forward to seeing more of him later this season. Now I have to assume that his sudden accelleration in the minor league rankings from 27th to 1st is to thanks of his HGH use! I hate this whole steroid/HgH thing! It is sooo hard, as a true fan of the game, to be able to get behind these guys and put yor faith in them, just to find out that they are CHEATING!!! This just SUCKS!!!

By Trippy Hippie

April 9, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

I bet this news secretly made Josh Anderson’s day. Seriously, though, I seem to remember some denizens of the AJC blogosphere who were suggesting we forget about Schafer and look to Anderson way back in Spring Training—seems more plausible now, doesn’t it?

The day Schafer makes the team, unless he’s on a very strict testing policy, is the day I stop rooting for the Braves. Cheaters never prosper.

By bf54

April 9, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I am unclear as to how HGH improves performance, and would appreciate if someone will make arguments that support (or undermine) the proposition concerning its effect on performance.

By Drew

April 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I also do not think they’ll deal Shafer. Not only are the Braves proud of their character, they’re also BIG on second chances (look up Scott Spezio). They are really counting on this kid to do big things for them. I’ll project him as a .290 20 90 guy with a good on base % and around 15-20 SBs once he starts to figure things out. Maybe this will help out his apparent ego issue and bring him back down to earth. If this doesn’t check him, that’s when you start to think about dealing him.

By Jack G

April 9, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

All these close losses are still loses——close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenad

A loss is a loss is a loss

By TBraveFan

April 9, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Whatever the outcome, I’d be totally happy with Mark Kotsay in CF for a long, long time… and I’d welcome Josh if (God Forbid) an injury to Mark occurred. But so far so great with having Mark on the team!

Now, about the 1 run losses - I’m not so happy about those but have no doubt that it won’t always turn out that way — just hope come late September that these early losses don’t come back to bite us in the arse…

By Andruw

April 9, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

What’s wrong with HGH? Huge Gargantuan Hamburgers aren’t cheatin’ as my .103 and falling average can attest to.

By Trippy Hippie

April 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

bf54, outside the world of sports HGH is used in aging clinics, and is somehow supposed to counteract the effects of aging by allowing faster healing, cell regeneration, and whatnot. In sports, faster healing means faster recovery time between weightlifting sessions, which means a person could build muscle faster. If used sparingly for a short time, someone could increase their strength, then stop taking the stuff and just maintain what they’ve built, but when taken for a longer period or in higher dosage, the extra growth gets too hard to maintain once they’re off the stuff. Also, like most hormones, there’s a chance that taking the stuff could harm the body’s own ability to produce it naturally, so that when the person stops taking HGH, they could suddenly start to break down.

At least that’s how I understand it. I’m just going on how a doctor friend of mine explained it to me.

By Mark

April 9, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

They won’t get rid of him … yet. Let’s see how he responds. Those of you bashing Schafer: How many of you have done something wrong (ie. cheated on a test)? He deserves a second chance, and the Braves will let him play it out. If he missteps, then trade him. If he doesn’t and continues to play well, why can’t you say that he learned his lesson. People make mistakes, especially when they’re young.

By RRchemo

April 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

How come Pettite, Guillen, Mathews Jr, Lo Duca, Byrd, etc who are active players don’t get suspended but this kid does. I’m all for the suspension but what I hate is Bud “I made like 50 million dollars last year” Selig make a show of the Mitchell report and then let these clowns go while punishing a kid. Also, there is no test for HGH so it’s all about the evidence; what more evidence than the Mitchell report to hammer these rich clowns?

By Andruw

April 9, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Seriously, HGH, Huge Gargantuan Hamburgers, with this salsa they got out here in LA…it’s the bomb…now let me back in the cage, I gotta work on pulling the ball…speaking of pulling…hand me some of that pulled pork over there…thank ya , thank ya very much.

By Georgia_Independent

April 9, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

You are unclear how HGH improves athletic performance? bf54, are you serious? See track & field stars Marion Jones or Tim Montgomery. See former St. Louis Cardinal & Oakland A’s star Mark McGwire. See San Francisco outfielder Barry Bonds. See former pitching great Roger Clemens.

If it did not provide an advantage, why would athletes take them? It helps prohibit prolonged injuries. A track star told ESPN’s Outside the Lines that she felt no pain. She had a broken foot and said that she actually forgot which foot hurt and that she significantly improved her time out of the starting block. In the meantime she became the first and only woman to win the 100 m and 200m dash in the World Championships.

My proof to you that HGH improves performance is that everyone who takes them improves. See Jordan Schafer’s numbers. Are you kidding me? Hank Aaron NEVER hit 50 homers and Babe Ruth topped out at 60. Sammy Sosa went something like 68, 64, and 65 in 3 straight seasons. Before him, only 3 baseball players hit over 60 (Ruth and Mantle’s 60 along with Maris’ 61) in over 100 years of the game. Sosa goes over 64 in 3 straight years!!! McGwire hits 70! Bonds goes for 73. Give me a break! HGH significantly improves performance. Watch Schafer fall off of the map.

By 22oz

April 9, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Schafer will be looked at very closely once he returns from his suspension. I also think his future in Atlanta may also hinge on how Gorkys Hernandez does this year.

By TN Jeff

April 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Why is it that the chances of a player getting a hit off a certain pitcher increases the more times he sees him in a game. Case in point - Chuck James last year had a very good era the first time through the opponent’s line-up. But by the 3rd time his era had ballooned up.

HOWEVER, the braves hitters chances of getting a hit seem to deflate the more they see a certain pitcher in a given game. The 3rd time through against a pitcher they seem less likely to get a hit.

Its called the Choke Factor.

By atlantasportsfan

April 9, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

“Is Schaefer Done With The Braves?” This is the kind of dumbass alarmist headline that makes me angry…they’re just putting it up there to get clicks. Have the Braves done anything in the past or present that would lead you to believe they would be done with him?

By bravosfan

April 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I have a great idea for the Braves. I think that they could save a whole lot of money by firing everyone in the bullpen. They can use the money to purchase a nice pitching machine. Bobby can set it up on the mound when the starter is finished. The pitch can be set right down the middle, since that is what the bullpen does anyway.

By ChampDawg

April 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

The fact that Booby Cox says the Braves are a good team despite 5 1-run loses shows he is full of it. Really good teams and good managers don’t get beat like this. He can spin it any way he wants to but the fact is that 1-run loses will put your @$$ out of contention just like any other loss. A loss is a loss. The team needs to get their act together real quick.

By JJ

April 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Mark, What Shaffer did was not a “mistake”. What Clifford Harris did with all those guns was NOT a “mistake”. What the Barbie Bandits did was NOT a “mistake”. They are all calculating, self conscious actions to break the law or in Shaffers case a corporate policy. A mistake is when you forget to carry the 1 when doing a math problem, or forget to stop for milk on the way home.

My love for baseball took another hit with Shaffer. Maybe I’m naive but the idea that this kid would take this risk at this time tells me baseball is screwed up more than I thought.

By bravedawg

April 9, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I completely agree. I am all for giving the kid a second chance, but not with the Braves. Deal him and let him earn it somewhere else. This steroid crap is rediculous and I am extremely proud that no current braves were involved especially our big dogs like Chipper, Glavine, Smoltzie. No use for cheaters!!

By Smoke Shield

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

Why blame this kid when a lot of you have done a hole lot worse things.Like smoking dope-sniffing cocane. You hipocrits are pathetic.

By Spezio anyone?

April 9, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, they gave a chance to Spezio. He is what, 95 years old with declining skills; not to mention he has got a substance abuse problem (where he tried to mow ppl down). I think shaefer will stay.

By Take_The_Needle

April 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

He “apologized” for his “mistake”? He is a cheat, like Clements, Bonds, Palmero, and every other “steriod and HGH” using clown.

This is why Baseball is a joke, the oners are a joke, and the players are cheats!

Why test? Teams turn and look the other way, players know beyond their “vacation” they will be welcomed back with open arms and wallets, and cheating IS rewarded in minor and MLB. Man, even Roger Clements with all his baggage will get a look from clubs this year.

Is there no shame to MLB? It is the most pitiful pro sports out there……

By Take_The_Needle

April 9, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Great post Georgia_Independent !!!

By WTF

April 9, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I want to know why K. Johnson was standing on 2nd base when Holliday hit a perfect double play ball that turned out to be the game winner.

By ballgirl

April 9, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

You are totally overreacting to both situations, Chop Chick. One run games are a good sign! It is a long season and the one run games are an indication that the Braves WILL be successful over the long haul. Much too early to jump to any conclusions. If they were losing by 4 or 5 runs, I would agree to be concerned but good grief! Give them a break! I can’t believe this is even a discussion at this point.

Anyway, in regards to Schafer, this is baseball’s way of saying that they are still in control (even though they aren’t and the overpowered union is). From my understanding, baseball really can’t do anything to the major league players because of the union (read: impotent) but they sure can to the minor leaguers! This is a half-hearted low-brow attempt for the commissioner to save face in the steroid debacle. Of course they picked a top prospect for the team everyone seems to love watch fail. I wouldn’t worry too much about it; it is a “lame duck” attempt to regain composure with no real effect. The owners shouldn’t have caved back in the ‘94 strike; we wouldn’t be having ANY of these steroid related problems now. Grow a collective (pardon the pun) spine, owners! Take care of the underlying issues NOW!

By Steve

April 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I would like for someone to tell me how he got caught. From everything I have heard and read, HGH doens’t have a certified testing method. Now if he was caught by some secondary means busted by someone ratting him out, or being physically caught with the stuff, that information needs to come out. It could be a sign that maybe someone in our minor leaugue system is supporting its use and they need to be rooted out. As for Jordan, we don’t know if this use started in the past of it was his first time. I would reserve any thoughts on his future and his talent until you get all the facts.

By supa

April 9, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Let’s see how well Schafer does without drugs. If he’s the same high-caliber prospect, I think they’ll keep him. If he struggles, I think you can tie it back to his performance-enhancing drugs. Keep in mind, this guy had a lousy 2006 season. He’s a one-season wonder…that’s not a good sign.

I would also applaud the team for making a statement and trading away a cheater.

By NS from kennesaw

April 9, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

About the five one-run losses, a loss is a loss. It hurts.

Sure we have positives about starting picthing and bullpen, but 2 things to improve quickly:

(1) Hit more consistently - TEX, I love the way you play but can you get back in your groove sooner?

(2) Stick to basic and avoid making mental errors like #7 last night - caused the team a run.

Certainly, starting pictchers of the opponents are very good too, but our offense need to demonstrate that we are “as advertised”

If our offense starts hitting it more consistently, Braves will be and stay on top in the NL East in no time.

By Trippy Hippie

April 9, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

The reason Schafer got suspended while the MLB stars from the Mitchell report didn’t is that MLB players are protected by the MLBPA and the CBA, while minor-leaguers aren’t. In short, the Union protects cheaters. Look at the minor-league drug policy, and compare it with the MLB policy. the differences exist because the MLBPA protects cheaters. If the MLBPA didn’t protect cheaters and drug users, the policies would be identical. The players and their union need to step up and agree to wipe out cheating. The ONLY people benefiting from a lax testing policy are the cheaters, and that puts honest players at a financial disadvantage by having to compete with cheaters for contract dollars. WAKE UP, Mr. Fehr!

By ballgirl

April 9, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Trippy Hippy,

Try Wake up, Mr. Selig and Mr. Owners!

By LivininAL

April 9, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

One run games..Couple of reasons the Braves suffer =don’t/can’t bunt and they don’t/can’t steal. Is 64 steals as a TEAM last year correct??

By Serge

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

Schafer dealt ? What an idiotic suggestion. Maybe its time the chop chick gets dealt too

By TomaHawkMatt

April 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Tex is a slow starter… check his career numbers by month. No player deserves to be criticized in the first week of the season anyway.

It’s been 35-40 degrees in Colorado these past couple of days. Speaking from experience, playing ball in cold like that is totally unpredictable, unusual, and very uncomfortable. The Braves bats will heat up with the weather so look out NL.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

April 9, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Georgia_Independent…

Jordan Schafer not Brave material

Scott Spiezio is Braves material

Stop being a moralist!

By Trippy Hippie

April 9, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

ballgirl, I would say that, but Donald Fehr, ahem, pwns the MLB. No question.

By MDawg

April 9, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Deal him? Cut him NOW! This will send a clear message that the Braves will not toleralte there players using HGH.

By Rick

April 9, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I think more needs to be known about JS’s HGH use before making a decision on him. Did he take it once or twice to recover from a particular injury? If so, then take your punishment, learn from it, and move on. Or did he take it systematically over 2 or 3 yrs to improve performance? If this is so them maybe he doesn’t need to be a Brave. Also, if this is true, his production will decline sharply now so we wouldn’t need him as a Brave. Every situation is not black and white. More needs to be known.

By James

April 9, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

No way Kotsay stays in Atlanta long-term. He has done very well so far, I feel like we are getting our money’s worth. He is, without a doubt, past his prime. He still has a great nose for the ball and he’s a true baseball player if I’ve ever seen one. But, despite all that, you cannot ignore his age. Don’t even get me started on how short-sighted many of you are being with Schafer. Flowers is killing it in Myrtle Beach right now and I would venture to guess that he had his doubters as well. How do they compare? I cannot be certain. I just feel like Schafer can and will succeed at the major league level. Maybe I am appealing to emotion only here, but I think he’ll still be a success.

By James

April 9, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

No way Kotsay stays in Atlanta long-term. He has done very well so far, I feel like we are getting our money’s worth. He is, without a doubt, past his prime. He still has a great nose for the ball and he’s a true baseball player if I’ve ever seen one. But, despite all that, you cannot ignore his age. Don’t even get me started on how short-sighted many of you are being with Schafer. Flowers is killing it in Myrtle Beach right now and I would venture to guess that he had his doubters as well. How do they compare? I cannot be certain. I just feel like Schafer can and will succeed at the major league level. Maybe I am appealing to emotion only here, but I think he’ll still be a success.

By James

April 9, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

No way Kotsay stays in Atlanta long-term. He has done very well so far, I feel like we are getting our money’s worth. He is, without a doubt, past his prime. He still has a great nose for the ball and he’s a true baseball player if I’ve ever seen one. But, despite all that, you cannot ignore his age. Don’t even get me started on how short-sighted many of you are being with Schafer. Flowers is killing it in Myrtle Beach right now and I would venture to guess that he had his doubters as well. How do they compare? I cannot be certain. I just feel like Schafer can and will succeed at the major league level. Maybe I am appealing to emotion only here, but I think he’ll still be a success.

By Bill in VA

April 9, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I’m a Braves fan since Boston in 1948. Dump Schafer!! Schafer, you are an idiot!! I know you are too greedy to resign/retire, but, if you had a spine, you would. The Braves don’t need the likes of you on their team!! Fans, like me, will defect, from the park & from mlb.com, etc.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 9, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t know a damn thing about Schafer, but I do know that Kotsay is a career journeyman. If he is gonna have to settle in as our starting CF we are in trouble. Hopefully Schafer’s success was due in equal part to his talent as it was to steroids.

By RD

April 9, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Get rid of him. Who knows how long he has been doing HGH and how much of his success is due to it. We don’t need that kind of reputation as a dirty organization. send a message to all the other players that this will not be tolerated! Drop him and get another arm for the pen.

By Take_The_Needle

April 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Lowcountry Bulldawg wrote “Stop being a moralist!” I guess in sports crime & cheating is OK….spoken like a true SEC faithful!

By coopdawg

April 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

There has not been enough information for me to play judge, jury, and executioner but some of you are already building the gallows. Chill, and let a week or two go by and more details will come out. He will be sitting in a recliner for the next 50 games while the Braves get to the bottom of this anyways so let it play out before you get the torches and pitch forks.

If it were Tex, Chipper, Frenchy or Mcann would you be so quick to judge?

By richbrave

April 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

coopdawg:

yes, rightous post. Just said the same on David O’Brien’s blog.

By DP

April 9, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

I say get rid of Shafer! After all the Roger Clemens/Brian McNamee/Jose Canseco drama this offseason, the kid has the NERVE to get into HGH? It’s like trying to bring a bomb into an airport the week after 9/11. Not only is it a terrible judgment call, it is an embarrassment to the entire Braves organization.

Shafer doesn’t “deserve” a second chance. He knowingly broke a clear, unambiguous rule and took HGH, knowing full well what the consequences would be if he got caught. Now it’s time to pay for what he did. Just because he’s young doesn’t mean it’s ok to break a clear, unambiguous rule.

By TheCutMan

April 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a bit early to pass judgment on Schafer given the paucity of facts known at this time. Certainly, at first blush and the action taken thus far, it doesn’t look good for him or his future with the Braves.

Until we know more of the circumstances and to what level of his usage or length of time involved with HGH is concerned, I’ll reserve judgment on his status.

By BrandonC

April 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I think it would be rash to trade him to be honest. We don’t know how long he’s been taking the stuff, so nobody can automatically say it’s the reason he started getting better. It seems logical to say that, but the truth is nobody has a clue except Jordan. The Braves should give him a chance to redeem himself and show that he’s a changed person.

People react different to certain situations in life. The pressure of making it to the majors obviously got to him so he made a bad decision. He’s not the first and he’s not going to be the last. If he comes back clean and can prove that the numbers he put up last year were not a fluke then he should be given a chance to make the club next year.

I just find it funny how people on here act like they have never made a mistake in there life, and they come down on this kid like he murdered somebody. I’m not making excuses for Jordan, because what he did was REALLY stupid and dissapointing, but everybody deserves a second chance. I’v made bad decisions in my life and always learn from them.

Now if he comes back and acts like he didn’t learn anything, then they should start looking in a different direction. All I know is Mark Kotsay should NOT be considered the long-term solution in center field. That’s a scary thing to say. I know he’s doing good so far this year, but he is still an injury risk. And honestly I don’t like Anderson as the solution either, so everything is up in the air in my opinion. Gorkys is a long way away from being ready, so you can’t even put him in the equation yet.

By Georgia_Independent

April 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Lowcountry Bulldawg sounds like a person who will call any person who holds other people accountible a “moralist” when they don’t do what he/she wishes. Jordan Schafer is not Brave material!!! I can assure you that the Brave organization will identify another centerfielder. Do you really believe that there are not other outfielders? The Braves are bigger than this HGH using little no name. We (Braves) have had so many top 10 minor league prospects. This kid does not even make the top 25 on many list and people are writing about this guy being the symbol of the Braves youth movement. Get real. The Brave youth movement starts at catcher, second base, and right field for the Braves. This HGH using double A (AA!!!) player is simply a distraction, who will be in another uniform before this season end.

That is what is funny. People believe that the Braves will not continue to have success without them. Jordan Schafer? Are you kidding me?

I was raised in Middle Georgia and I have had the pleasure of seeing some monsterous minor league numbers from Brave players in the minors when the Braves played in Macon through my childhood. Players like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Jermaine Dye, Ryan Klesko, and even Wes Helms were off of the charts. Schafer hit 0.240 for the Rome Braves. He had a big year last season on HGH. So what!

I actually can name about 10-15 Brave outfielders who hit over 0.240. This guy is just Jordan Schafer, the HGH guy. He is no Chipper or Andruw. The kid hits 0.240 and now the organization can’t survive without him. He is a “former Brave walking.” The organization is going to counsel him until they send him packing. Don’t hold your breath on Schafer ever wearing an Atlanta brave uniform, Lowcountry.

By BrandonC

April 9, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Everybody is in the freak out mode right now, but once things calm down I think a lot of people will be willing to give the kid a another chance. Again, I just think it’s rediculous that people on here act like Jordan just shot there dog or something.

By Pastor John

April 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Wow - AA player getting this much attention? Imagine, 21 yr old’s making mistakes, shocking. Meanwhile big leaguers much older get less than a third of the punishment. As for the Chipper posts, its really funny how he’s viewed as such a great guy. Time heals, God forgives.

By roan st

April 9, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Another braves prospect named Tyler Flowers was also caught and suspended for using HGH. The Braves forgave him and in fact Cox raved about this kid during spring training. So if schafer returns from his suspension and cleans up his act he will get another chance from the braves org. The real question in this matter will be whether or not his 2007 seasons performance was aided by drug use. Because like many others have pointed out, prior to last season, his numbers in the minors were below average. So the question of whether he has a future with the braves depends on his performance once he returns from suspension. Was his performance real or drug aided? That is the question Braves officials are pondering right now.

By Joel

April 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Good bye Jordan Schafer and hello Josh Anderson. These guys must learn that using these substances will never get them to the major leagues, especially not with the Braves. Schafer is more than likely done as a Brave. Hopefully Anderson has not and will not make the same mistakes.

In a side note, glad to see Kotsay is working out, because Schafer isn’t going anywhere soon.

By monty

April 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

With all the suspicion and talk of steroid use that has been going on in the last year or so, you would think a kid wouldn’t dare risk it. It says to me that the kid didn’t really trust in his own God given abilities, that they were good enough. Or maybe he was thinking “it worked for Barry, it can work for me, or instead of being good, I can take this stuff and be great. I don’t know where his head was.

By Robert

April 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

THen we better trade Tyler Flowers because he cheated too.

By Phil

April 9, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

We just signed Scott Spiezio - do you really think we’re going to get rid of Schafer??? PLEASE!!! This will blow over.

By ballgirl

April 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

OK. Let’s have a grammar lesson, students! “There” is a place. “Their” indicates ownership. Get it right!

By Pastor John

April 9, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Redemption is a wonderful thing. We all have been given a second chance at one time or another. Time heals, God forgives.

By longwayfromhome

April 9, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Yes, we all make mistakes….just no on the platform that Jordan has been blessed with. Drew, where are your #’s coming from? “I’ll project him as a .290 20 90 guy with a good on base % and around 15-20 SBs once he starts to figure things out.” No one really knows what he can do if he doesn’t cheat. Those numbers, Drew, may be accurate, but really will we ever know, without at least a little doubt if he succeeds?

Maybe Jordan should be given a second chance…I’m not sure yet. But even if he is I’m not sure I would trust him to be a man of integrity and do the right thing, and that distrust of the fans of the Atlanta Braves is his just reward.

As for Bobby’s statement about at least the team staying in the game and not getting blown out early proves that it’s time for him to go. I’ve been a big supporter of him for a long time, but a loss is a loss.

By Gran Jen 1

April 9, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I am sooooo tired of cheaters saying they made “a mistake” and are “sorry”! The only thing they are sorry about is getting caught! With all the media coverage of drugs, and the preaching the teams do to the players, no one makes “a mistake” like that!! Makes me sick!

By Chop Chick

April 9, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to jump in and point out that Tyler Flowers said he used a performance-enhancing substance while he was in junior college — in 2006, before the hysteria generated by the Mitchell Report. Schafer, on the other hand, apparently used HGH while he was with the organization.

Don’t know if that will matter in the eyes of the Braves, but there is a difference.

By BamaBrave

April 9, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why this Schafer thing surprises me… Did anyone else see his picture in the recent Choptalk? With the hat pulled down like some sort of hip-hop wanna-be? He looked like an idiot…now we have confirmation.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 9, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

You can say Schafer made a mistake or you can say he cheated.

But unless he had just started with the HGH, it calls all his achievements so far into question.

Let’s see how good he is clean, and then make a decision.

By Pastor John

April 9, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

As God’s children I think it is time to step back and examine the anger some have. Are we really so consumed with young men’s athletics that we are blinded by God’s teachings. Time heals, God forgives.

By rekkidbraka

April 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

The AJC is a newspaper and it’s fair to ask if the Braves might deal Schafer - not necessarily because he was caught using HGH but because he’s now suspended a whopping 50 games.

He’s just set himself way, WAY back by cheating (and there’s NO excuse now; the policies for drug use are well-known in the majors and minors) and if he’s eventually dealt - for whatever reason - it’s completely his own fault that he cost himself 50 games’ worth of chances to hone his major league skills. Perhaps he can grow up a bit now that he’s got so much time on his hands.

By Big Braves Fan

April 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

The Braves must have THE SLOWEST OUTFIELD in the wholer league…oh yeah, they can’t hit either!!!!

By 30YrBravesFan

April 9, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

They will keep him. They brought on Spiezio, didn’t they?? They tried with Aybar, right? Why give up on Schafer??

By davey

April 9, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Georgia_Independent

HGH helps you hit the bar 50 yards further, not hit for average 50 points higher.

By davey

April 9, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Georgia_Independent

HGH helps you hit the bar 50 yards further, not hit for average 50 points higher.

By David Duke

April 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Baseball is dead of a drug overdose! Baseball doesn’t matter anymore. It’s records are a joke and thrill is gone. Baseball was once a fun game but now it’s boring, bloated, addicted to drugs and infested with criminals, on and off the field. Give it a decent burial and forget it!

By tim

April 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

oh goody we have replaced AJ with Tex. now in the last yr of his contract hope he doesn’t replicate what Andrew did last year. Scott Boras must be pulling his hair out

By tim

April 9, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

oh goody we have replaced AJ with Tex. now in the last yr of his contract hope he doesn’t replicate what Andrew did last year. Scott Boras must be pulling his hair out

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

April 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Taketheneedle:

YOur right, I am busted! I am a true SEC fan. If you have reading skills you would get the point.

Jordan Schafer is not Braves material b/c of HGH, but Scott Spiezio is?

Explain the logic? I’ll be waiting……

By RBrave

April 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

What the heck is Schafer thinking and then that sheepish “I’m sorry” (for getting caught). Has he not heard of Palmero, Bonds, Clemens at this point in time, its not a mistake. He’s not done, but I think the punishment is light should be at least a year. Its not a mistake when its drilled into their thick skulls not to do it. Go Braves!! Really glad LA has A Jones.

By tj

April 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

We heard all about his “strut” and Hummer during spring training. Maybe that’s what made him do it.

By Tom

April 9, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones, Gorkys Hernandez, and Gregor Blanco are viable options in center field. We just need to wait and see how they develop in the minors. Schafer is done as Brave. From what I’ve heard and read hear on AJC, he is extremely cocky, like a Gary Sheffield or J.D. Drew. We need to have a center fielder that will fit in well with the team, Kotsay is doing that. When he is gone we need to look at the three options above and try to use Schafer as trade bait between now and then.

By old timer

April 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Well, darn, that’s a shame about Schafer. But let’s just follow the rules and see what happens. He misses the 50 games and then he gets to come back and if he stays clean he has paid for his mistake. But you have to wonder, as many have here, will he be as good, or reasonably close, without the HGH? If that was all he was taking, no cream or clear or other steroids, maybe he can be.

By old timer

April 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Well, darn, that’s a shame about Schafer. But let’s just follow the rules and see what happens. He misses the 50 games and then he gets to come back and if he stays clean he has paid for his mistake. But you have to wonder, as many have here, will he be as good, or reasonably close, without the HGH? If that was all he was taking, no cream or clear or other steroids, maybe he can be.

By THE BEAR

April 9, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

By Smoke Shield

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

Why blame this kid when a lot of you have done a hole lot worse things.Like smoking dope-sniffing cocane. You hipocrits are pathetic.

SMOKE SHIELD, is this a confessional? I particularly like your name. And how do you know many of us have done the same thing? It is possible that none of us have taken such drugs. I know I haven’t. Have you?

By Larry

April 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, Braves fans sure have short memories. If Schafer fails to play for the Braves, it will not be because of HGH. The Braves have a track record of second chances - can anyone say Lonnie Smith. Yes, THAT Lonnie Smith, the cocaine snorting, pigeon toed Left Fielder whom JS chased out of KC after a drug suspension, only to land in Atlanta and become a key contributor to the 91 worst to first campaign (and primary reason for the WS loss in 1991 for those who recall).

Schafer’s problem is that, as a CF, he is supposed to be smart. How smart can a guy be to be using HGH today!! Baseball is looking for this stuff left and right, the Feds are all over the distribution network. The guy obviously is a little short on the brain cell count.

The Braves will bring him up, let him play some and protect him a la Wilson Betemit, Willie Harris and Charles Whatever-His-Name was.. He will bat against lousy pitchers, late in the games when they are tired so he will look good and have confidence. Then they will let him start some and hope he keeps hitting so they can trade him.

By THE BEAR

April 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

By Smoke Shield

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

Why blame this kid when a lot of you have done a hole lot worse things.Like smoking dope-sniffing cocane. You hipocrits are pathetic.

SMOKE SHIELD, is this a confessional? I particularly like your name. And how do you know many of us have done the same thing? It is possible that none of us have taken such drugs. I know I haven’t. Have you?

By THE BEAR

April 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

By Smoke Shield

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

Why blame this kid when a lot of you have done a hole lot worse things.Like smoking dope-sniffing cocane. You hipocrits are pathetic.

SMOKE SHIELD, is this a confessional? I particularly like your name. And how do you know many of us have done the same thing? It is possible that none of us have taken such drugs. I know I haven’t. Have you?

By THE BEAR

April 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

By Smoke Shield

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

Why blame this kid when a lot of you have done a hole lot worse things.Like smoking dope-sniffing cocane. You hipocrits are pathetic.

SMOKE SHIELD, is this a confessional? I particularly like your name. And how do you know many of us have done the same thing? It is possible that none of us have taken such drugs. I know I haven’t. Have you?

By Pastor John

April 9, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

I’d like to start with the positive, but the only thing I can say is thanks for the help in writing Sunday’s sermon. It’s a shame so many are writing this young man’s obituary. I hope to see some of you on Sunday. Time heals, God forgives.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Concerning Jordan Schafer, the kid is innocent until proven guilty.

I have the feeling that there is much more to this story than meets the eye.

By 3Pitch

April 9, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Jordan Shafer will be fine. This is not the Michael Vick case all over again. The penalties are too steep for him to ever consider doing this again, and besides, the Braves believe in second chances. And yes, I expect to see him in center field next year in Atlanta.

By BrandonC

April 9, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Jordan’s dad even commented that lawyers aren’t letting him talk about it, and there is more to the story that people don’t know. Everybody needs to calm down until all the info is out, let Jordan explain what’s going on before you give him the death penalty.

By rekkidbraka

April 9, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

My main complaint with Schafer is that he’s managed to get himself suspended for 50 games. Those are 50 games that he really needed to play.

By joesizzle

April 9, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

way to freak out, chop chick. the kid and his father say that he’s innocent, so let’s wait to hear his story before we publish trade rumors in the ajc! jeez!

By GO Braves

April 9, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Is Jordan done, I dont think so. There have been other braves minor leaguers that have tested positive. They will make him walk a tight rope but they wont trade the next great center fielder. Im sure that not happy with him, but hes only a baby and needs time to grow up. Kotsay might still be with us next year till he has done that. The braves wont throw a talent like that away though. To many teams dont care and theres total proof of that. He will end up in the braves center field. Count on it.

By Big Braves Fan

April 9, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris should be in centerfield.

By prattvillenolzfan

April 9, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna change the subject real quick….Did you see where Torre benched Andrew “McWhopper” Jones today…..He came in the 7th inning, and had a chance to tie/win the game in the last inning…….Struck out……I think Kotsay will stay this year and the Braves will evaluate Jordan when he comes back……If he succeeds, he’ll stay, if not, then we’ll sign a CF free agent….either way, I have complete trust in Wren/Scheurholz to do the right thing…..

By Ron Fowler

April 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding? If they signed Spezio that is an indication of how lenient they will be. The kid does not need to worry about the first offense but I am sure that he has been read the riot act on what future responses to a positive test would be.

By Pete H.

April 9, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

After carefully examining the records from the first two Rockies games and running the numbers through my copyrighted analysis software, I have come to a universal and highly accurate conclusion:

Let the Rocks score first. Oops, too late. BOBBY, I blame you.

By BRAVES FOLLOWER

April 9, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

I KNOW IT IS VERY EARLY IN THE SEASON BUT THE BRAVES WILL END UP LAST IN THEIR DECISION. BOBBY WILL CALL IT QUITS AFTER THIS SEASON. TO ME, THE BRAVES, AT BEST, HAVE 3 DECENT PITCHERS AND NO BULLPEN. THE BATTERS ARE SO INCOSISTENT AND SO IMPATIENT AT THE PLATE THAT THEY MAKE MARK REDMAN LOOK LIKE A CY YOUNG PITCHER. OH YEAH, REDMAN PITCHED FOR US AND WAS DROPPED LIKE A ROCK AFTER GOING 0-4. IS MARK TEX GOING TO BE LIKE LAST YEAR’S ANDRUW JONES? WHY ARE WE LETTING CHUCK JAMES PITCH. HE CAN’T KEEP THE BALL IN THE PARK. DIDN’T WE SEE ENOUGH HOME RUNS LAST YEAR? I HAVE BEEN A BRAVES FOLLOWER SINCE THE 80’S. I ENJOY THE LOSING YEARS IN THE MID 80’S BETTER THAN WHAT I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE LAST 2 YEARS AND POSSIBLY THIS YEAR AGAIN. IT IS EMBARASSING.

By richbrave

April 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

R-Braves Win 9-6. Record now 4-2 tied for first in the South Division of the International League. Rouwenhorst the winner. Nunez a save. Team line: 9 runs,14 hits,1 error. Nunez gets save with 1.2 innings of shutout relief. ERA now 1.80. BUDDY CARLISLE started, went 4.0, 6 hits, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, 4 runs allowed, 3 earned. ERA now 7.50.

LIL’Bridge gets a Texas-leaguer to right-center over a drawn in infield in the bottom of the 8th with 0 outs scoring 2 and adding to his RBI total for the year. Lines tomorrow.

By scott boras

April 10, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

im confused about this strange start to season. bravesv tied #2 in runs scored in MLB!!! and were 3-6 with 5 games already at 1run loss..offense steps on it exactly wrong time???? our prospect gets 50game ban. Were short 2 best relief pitchers in Gonzalez and Soriano!!! And hampton…dont even start with me..wow what else im speechless..well im not but im clearly feeling on the edge with EVERYTHING POSSIBLE has gone wrong..wow what a cursed season