ajcsportstalk

By TI

February 18, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Bobby Dews is the man!

By Mark Lemke

February 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Mark Kotsay, Yunel, Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, Johnson, Diaz ( last two are interchangeable)

By David

February 18, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Escobar should leadoff…KJ would do a better job in the two hole…put Kotsay low in the order..he has not shown he can do much of anything yet.

By John English

February 18, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

With Brandon Jones Starting I would employ this line-up:

1st Brandon Jones 2nd Yunel Escobar 3rd CHipper Jones 4th Mark Texirera 5th Jeff Francour 6th Brian McCann 7th Marc Kotsay 8th Kelly Johnson

With Diaz playing I would Bat Kelly Johnson 1st and also switch Kotsay and Escobar around to create a balenced line-up.

the Braves genuinely have 3 solid leadoff pssibilities.

Most importantly for me is the second hitter, this is important in regards to what pitches Chipper sees on a re-occuring basis especially in order to generate runs early in a game, which sets the tone for winning low scoring games… which by the way will be what the Braves are all about with a better pitching staff.

I predict not only will the Braves win the East, they will also get 15 win from Hampton and 17 or 18 from Glavine and Huddy will win the Cy and Brandon Jones will compete for Rookie of the Year.

Although I’m in Germany I still folow my Braves and wish them much success during 08! Go Braves!

By MiamiBravesFan

February 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB

I am traveling to Orlando this weekend. And on Sunday I want to stop at Champions Field to see the Braves workout.

Could you tell me what time they start, what time they finish, any info that could help me know when to be there so I can see them up close on Sunday the 24th

By TI

February 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

I think Johnson should lead off. It would help to have Escobar’s clutch hitting late in the lineup.

As for Diaz, I can’t believe platooning is still an option. He has done more than enough to prove himself of being an everyday starter!

By Eli

February 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

If we’re facing a RHP, it should be KJ first, Escobar second. If it’s a LHP, Escobar one, KJ two.

By Luke

February 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

It should go Escobar, Kotsay, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Frenchy, Johnson, Diaz, Pitcher!!!!! MY MY MY… How many runs we will score this year!!!!!

By givemeabreak

February 18, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

15 wins from Hampton and 17-18 from Glavine? Maybe 15 between the 2 of them is more like it.

By GC

February 18, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I have an idea..Carl Crawford!!!

By Trev

February 18, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

A lot could change before the season starts, but I think Escobar deserves a chance to leadoff. He’s shown he can consistently take the ball to right field and get on base. Then I like Kelly batting second. 3rd and 4th should be Chipper and Tex, followed by Frenchy, McCann,Kotsay, Diaz, then the pitcher. If healthy, this lineup has enormous potential. I have a lot of confidence in Diaz, and if he’s the 8th hitter, that says a lot about the strength of this team. Plus, it’s nice to have solid hitters in the pitching staff like Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, and Glavine. Barring an enormous setback, I’m extremely excited about our chances this year. I bought MLB.tv this weekend and am ready for Spring Training games to begin!

By GT

February 18, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Escobar, need the speed.

By Brave Dawg

February 18, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

no! no! no! it’s Escobar,KJ,Hoss,Tex,either McCann or Frenchy(up to pitcher),& then LF & Kotsay. But regardless, everyone is correct…will the scoreboard be able to keep up w/ the runs!!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 18, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

here’s the lineup vs. righties that i think cox will utilize:

KJ kotsay chipper tex mccann francoeur escobar brandon jones

vs. lefties:

escobar diaz chipper tex francoeur mccann kotsay KJ

By rainman

February 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Kj or Escobar it does not matter to me but kotsay better be hitting 8th or bobby should take a pay cut. I still much rather have cory patterson out there because he is a much better all around player and at this stage in kotsays life after all the health problems is a much much better defender. All in all though I hope kotsay comes back strong because he sounds like a good dude and I love my braves.

By Workinlkeadawg

February 18, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Whoever can get on base, don’t forget Kelly’s probably got a better eye than Escobar. But Escobar’s probably faster, we have to steal bases this year. How many wasted hits have Chipper and McCann had the past couple of yrs. I’d probably go Escobar, Johnson, HOF Jones, Tex, McCann, Frenchie, Diaz, Kotsay, pitcher. That line up one way or another is going to hit somebody and hit them hard. Soriano is on the hot seat all of the pitching staff will need him to be a killer.

By Nelson

February 18, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t know (both Yunel and Kelly could do it. Kotsay? still we don’t know about him, we have to see how he is playing) but I’m sure Francouer should be the 5th after Tex, remember he was the RBI leader last year and he should be even more patient at home plate. I really like the Braves this year, I also hope that Matt Diaz will get the everyday job at left. What we really need is a healthy Yu Kno who and that one-two and the whole team will rock! Go Braves!

By Josh

February 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I would hit Johnson in the 2 hole because he takes a lot of pitches and is very apt to get on base in front of Chipper and Tex. I like Escobar in the lead off spot until Kotsay shows something. Lets just hope that Escobar does not have a sophamore slump. I like Johnson in the two hole so my opening day line up would be the following:

Escobar, Johnson, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Frenchy, Diaz, Kotsay.

By Ryan

February 18, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

It seems to me the most logical thing to do is Kelly Johnson against righties and Yunel Escobar against lefties. Those of you who said Escobar for his speed… I don’t know what you watched last year but Escobar doesn’t have much speed. This again isn’t going to be a team that really steals any bases. The 1 and 2 hole guys just need to find a way to get on base then hope Chipper, Tex and Francouer can drive them in.

By beeniez

February 18, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I think Yunel Escobar should bat leadoff. I think he is best suited for that role since he has an uncanny knack for being a spark plug and getting on base.

Escobar also wins by default, since I think Kelly Johnson should bat 2nd - where his power will be better implemented; his patience will allow the leadoff hitter several pitches to steal on, to drive up the pitch count early in the game, and make the pitcher show his repertoire for everyone else later in the lineup; and his left-handedness will cause trouble for right-handed catchers trying to throw out baserunners. Kelly Johnson needs to bat 1st or 2nd.

I think Kotsay will benefit from hitting 7th or 8th, to keep pressure off him while rebounding, to have a veteran presence deep in the lineup, and to protect whoever bats infront him.

By sammymiller/beetlebum

February 18, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Go to hell los mets!

By Chip

February 18, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

OMG Sports Illustrated.Com is reporting that the Braves have traded Jordan Schaefer, Jair Jurrjens and Scott Thorman for Joe Blanton and a player to be named later!! Way to go Braves management, another bold move!!!

By Ryan

February 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

wow…the Braves clearly the best rotation in baseball with the addition of Joe Blanton! This is great!

By Tom A. Hawk

February 18, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

DOB are the Blanton/Schaeffer rumors true???? can anyone else confirm this?!?! Did the braves really just become the best team in baseball?!?!?! We are goin to the WORLD SERIES!!!!!

By Del

February 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Whoever bats in the #2 hole should be a player who consistently is successful in advancing runners along. Lets look at the stats for moving people along for the players we are considering for that spot in the order.

By David

February 18, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t see any mention of a Joe Blanton trade anywhere on the internet, guess you were joking and I fell for it.

By SittinDockofBay

February 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I agree with Eli (above). Depends on a leftie or righty opposing the Braves. Bobby Cox knows his players and he will switch up and platoon depending on opposition. It truly is a chess match most times.

By timmy

February 18, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I think we should have Escobar batting lead off in his first full season. So he doesnt have to think too much, just hit. Maybe we can re-visit that next season. Sometimes Johnson can be TOO patient at the plate, and gets called out on strikes because he hasnt gotten the leeway veteran hitters get from umps on the borderlines pitches yet. Escobar’s agressive demeanor screams leadoff hitter, and his hustle on the basepaths justs creates excitement like in Arizona last year when he went to 2nd on the pitcher not covering him. You really cant go wrong either way but I see KJ as a masher/RBI guy more than a run creator. Eventually he will hit 3rd in our lineup because of that patience he has. I dont ever see that coming from Escobar, he will hit 1st, 2nd or 8th in his career unlike KJ who will hit 2nd, 3rd or 5th - in a real RBI situation

By Frank

February 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

I would play Kotsay just to have his wife around.

By Frank

February 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

I would play Kotsay just to have his wife around.

By William

February 18, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

I have to say after hearing Andy Pettite’s news conference today I think he is sincere. Believe me it pains me to say anything good about a Yankee or NYM but I was really impressed. Finally someone who admits something he did wrong. You have to respect that. It’s nice to see someone actually have a little integrity.

By Workinlkeadawg

February 18, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Why do the Braves platoon Diaz. Kotsay should be platooning with Anderson. This team needs speed in the lineup not Diaz having to sit every other day for this B. Jones. With Kotsay’s back problems better have a CF ready. NO EXCUSES!

By Missouri Bravesfan

February 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

I think when the Braves face a lefthanded pitcher, it should be 1. Yenel Escobar 2. Matt Diaz 3. Chipper 4. Tex 5. Francouer 6. McCann 7. Kotsay 8. Johnson/Prado , when they face a righthanded pitcher it should be 1. Kelly Johnson 2. Mark Kotsay 3. Chipper 4. Tex 5. McCann 6 B. Jones 7. Frenchy 8. Escobar. The only thing that might change my lineup is if Bobby decides to platoon K.Johnson this year. If that is the case, then I switch K. Johnson and Prado when facing the lefties.

By Workinlkeadawg

February 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Make a starting line up and stick with it. If the guy can’t hit lefties or vice versa then put somebody in who can. i don’t like Bobby’s platooning, anyone else?

By Missouri Bravesfan

February 18, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

I would agree with you Workinlikeadawg, if everyone hit equally against righties and lefties. Those that do should play every day. Those that don’t should platoon. If we are getting more production by platooning, then I don’t understand why we should not do it. Yes in a perfect world, I would agree, put a lineup in and stick with it.

By joebrave

February 18, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Chip,do you have those fantasies when Mommy puts you to bed????? You must be really strved for attention to post an idiotic rumor like that. Anyone here knows that DOB would have the dirt on any Trade the Braves make,and as if D.O.B. isn’t enough we have 790 the zone,and 680 the fan blanketing the Atl sports like white on rice… Dude keep it real,and don’t post that kind of Garbage,You did’nt see any such a thing on S.I.com.. That org has too much class for stupidity!!!

By joebrave

February 18, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

You guys can look for a rotation of Kelly Johnson,andYunel Escobar at the Lead off spot!!! Kotsay will flip back and forth between 8&2 in the order!!!

By Jim@PineMountain

February 19, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this

Who is the fastest? Escobar or KJ?