ajcsportstalk

By Realist

February 19, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Javy Lopez. This is Bobby Cox we are talking about. He will go with the veteran. Always has and always will. Giving Sammons a look makes the most sense to me, but as long as Lopez has a pulse, he will get the job.

By Stone

February 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Javy will fill a couple extra seats @ the Ted. He gets the job. Hopefully he can get some cream and clear and hit some homeruns.

By DecaturDog

February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

JAVY! baby….and the women LOVE HIM…makes it easier to bring them to the stadium….

By TBraveFan

February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

The only sane answer to that question is JAVY, JAVY, JAVY!

The man brings experience to mentor Brian, determination to make an immediate impact, and a fan favorite to put behinds in the seats… how could there even be any question about it?

Pena’s had his chances and weren’t impressive … Sammons is the future backup but can use more seasoning…

My only question is - will Javy get an offer from another club to be their starting catcher? …if that occurs, then Corky and Clint can duke it out. But NO! NO! NO! to Pena…trade him.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

February 19, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I think Javy Lopez enters spring training as the favorite because Cox loves veterans and because he is a fan favorite. In some ways I would prefer it be B. Pena just because he is so versatile and can also play 1B, 3B, and LF. I will admit I’m a mark for guys who can play multiple positions. In an ideal world both Pena and Lopez make the team while Sammons gets one more year of seasoning in Triple A and takes over the backup role next season.

By humbug

February 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Let’ see…..Sammons is learning, getting experience, and will get a shot, Pena has had a shot that wasn’t bad but not great, Javy is a fan favorite, is an established catcher, is not looking for a long term commitment, and his experience could help McCann grow. It needs to be Javy.

By Jeffc

February 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

In securing a long-term deal with Atlanta, McCann’s agent did the best job in the history of Major League sports. Althought he’s a fine player, he is not a hero. Much like Jeff Francoeur, McCann does not hit when it really counts. Is there anyway to resurrect Greg Olsen?

By Mark

February 19, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

JeffC are you on CRACK? Francoeur doesn’t hit when it really counts, McCann doesn’t hit when it really counts? Do you even watch this team? Seriously dude, you need to pay attention, they are both well known clutch hitters. If you don’t believe me look up their RISP numbers.

By are you serious

February 19, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Jeffc,

Go check and see who was the best 2 out hitter in baseball last year, if he wasn’t #1 he was pretty close. Thats right Jeff Francoeur. The year before Brian McCann was in the same position. The fact that you can say that neither of these guys can hit when it counts proves you know little about baseball. By the way the braves got rid of the only guy on the team that couldn’t hit when it counts. Thats right the $100 million man Andruw Jones, who in 2 years will be out of baseball.

By Stephen

February 19, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

There is no competition for backup catcher and any Braves fan who thinks otherwise is mistaken. This job is all for Javy.

By athensdawg

February 19, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

JeffC , Are you on meth? McCann is…well, arguing with you over that point is like arguing with any idiot over anything…pointless. Javy can’t hit anymore, he was never very good defensively and now figures to be worse with age, and as for ‘mentoring’ McCann, Brian has two straight All Star appearances. How many did Javy have? In his prime? Keep Clint, youth with an upside is always better than age with none. Of course, it is Bobby.

By Eric from MO

February 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

JeffC???????????????

Anyways the answer will be Javy and if he can still hit its a decent decision. I mean we are only talking about a backup catcher.

By Lee U

February 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Give it to Javy if he performs well in Spring Training. Let Sammons go back to the minors for some more seasoning. If this doesn’t work, Pena is probably the more versatile and experienced player between him and Sammons. Unless Clint really shows exceptional play in Spring, it’s either gonna be Pena or Lopez.

By eagles35

February 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

it’ll be Javy if he hits..if not i think the job will go to Pena…one more season in the minors for Sammons

By Supes

February 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

It’s gotta be Javy, and he’s gotta be Tommy G’s personal “catcher”. Those two did well for many years together, and now that they are both back, it’ll be a good way of giving BMac a day off every 5 games, and keeping Javy fresh as far as AB goes.

By the truth

February 19, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Who would be a better catcher? Johny Bench would be a better catcher. I mean, if we are going after catchers that are old. He is better than Javy.

By prosport

February 19, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

If he has a good spring, then go with Javier. Sammons continues to develop by playing everyday in Richmond and then is available in case the Javy slips or is injured (or is injured by slipping!)

By Mr. Cox

February 19, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

By are you serious “Thats right the $100 million man Andruw Jones, who in 2 years will be out of baseball.”

Looks like you are the baseball fool here. AJ is not the hitter we all thought, but he will be in baseball at least 6 more years. He could be the best defensive center fielder of all time. You’re crazy!

By are you serious

February 19, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Mr. Cox,

I was just trying to imply the same thing with my statement that he did with his. I don’t actually believe that he’ll be out of baseball in two years. I was just trying to make a comment similar to his. But after rereading it I guess I took it to far.

By McFann

February 19, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

JeffC, what a dumb thing to say!! Do you ever listen to people talking about Francouer? They’re always saying how great he is with two outs. McCann doesn’t hit when it counts? What planet have you been on? Dude, he saved a game for Tim Hudson that was almost lost 2-1 on WP by hitting a bases loaded double, in 2006 he hit .471 with RISP. In ‘07 he only hit .278, but that’s still not too bad.

Sheesh, dude, I mean, think a little.

By chase

February 19, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

What difference does it make, none of the catchers the brave have hold the fountain of youth for that ageless staff, and neither of them is name PUDGE RODRIGUEZ, so its a moot point!!

By drew

February 19, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

The logical move would seem to be use Pena as the 2nd string 1b and emergency catcher, etc. He is a switch hitter off the bench and can play almost anywhere. Keep Javy, but only if he is good enough to make the team. This would open up a slot for Sammons? Thorman is just very limiting as just the back up at 1b with a .222 career average off the bench.

By richbrave

February 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

JEFFC:

Who told you hibernation season was over? Back to your cave. Hide there for another ten years. Emerge a grown bear and leave this cub stuff alone.

By beeniez

February 19, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

This is a lot trickier subject than it should be. There are obvious benefits to Javy Lopez being the backup besides him being easy on the eyes. He could boost attendance, which could turn around and boost payroll. It’d be a great story if Glavine, Cox, and Lopez win the World Series in their final year in Atlanta.

However, giving the job to Javy will leave no room for Pena, who could be very useful off the bench since learning multiple positions and switch hitting - giving Bobby multiple scenarios. However, he and Thorman, I believe, are out of options. While I don’t think Thorman has truly tapped into his potential, it seems that he won’t be as useful as Pena might be this year. Teixeira will likely get 95% of the starts, and Thorman is very low on the outfield depth charts. However, if Teixeira moves on after this year, the Braves will have no apparent heir to the position.

Giving Pena the job and releasing Javy Lopez would be painful, but might help the Braves position player-wise after this year. Perhaps the ultimate best scenario, would be to trade Thorman and a prospect for a not-yet-ready 1B, give Pena his spot on the bench, and give Javy the backup catchers spot.

A little off topic: DOB, there’s a significant amount of payroll coming off at the end of ‘08: Glavine’s $8 million, Hampton’s $15 million, potentially Teixeira’s $12.5 million, Kotsay’s $8 million, and potentially Ohman’s $1.6. The Braves realistically have about $30 to $45 million dollars coming off their payroll. I couldn’t help but look at next year’s free agent class and notice that it is particularly weak, well, for the Atlanta Braves needs. However, C.C. Sabathia is very likely to become a free agent and the Braves are going to have a lot of money to spend. Do you think the Braves would drop $20 million on him if they can’t resign Teixeira? Because I’m guessing that since the Braves will have so much money, that it won’t come down to money figures, but rather that “No Trade” clause that Teixeira is seeking. Is Sabathia looking for that same clause and if not, do you think the Braves would be interested in him if he got into a little better shape?

By Jim Staudt

February 19, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

To me, it’s a no-brainer — go with old pro Javy. He was a bust in Boston and Colorado, but maybe, just maybe, he got fat and lazy. Attitude and conditioning mean a lot, and if he has both of those things back on target, he could help both in the clubhouse and on the field. On the other hand, if he really is washed up, Pena and/or Sammons are just a phone call away.

By Jim Staudt

February 19, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

$20 million on Sabathia? No way! He’s an overweight slob (300 pounds if he’s an ounce), and fat out-of-shape players have proven to be very injury-prone. Besides, he has had only one really outstanding season (2007), and in an unbelievable stunning surprise, wound up with the Cy Young…can you say “affirmative action voting”? I’d say stick with the young guns already in the rotation and spend the money on Tex.

By Daybed Wagmoe

February 19, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Jim Staudt: Sabathia’s Cy Young award is “an unbelievable stunning surprise”?? Why? Because he had ONE LESS WIN than Josh Beckett? Because that’s the ONLY category in which Beckett beat him. Look at the stats of the top 3 guys:

CC: 19-7, 241 IP, 3.21 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 209 SO

Beckett: 20-7, 201 IP, 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 194 SO

John Lackey: 19-9, 224 IP, 3.01 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 179 SO

Pray tell, who should’ve won the Cy Young last year? Who had a better all-around year and was more deserving?

“Affirmative action voting”? Wow. That’s just ridiculous, man. Unbelievable.

By boone

February 19, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

The job should go to who does the best out of spring training. I want to see this team win. I dont care about past success and who is the fan favorite. If Javy is the best, then he deserves it. Not because of what he did in the past, but for what he can do now. The window of opportunity has eeked shut over the last two years and if we dont put a winning team on the field now, I fear it will slam shut. Possibly jamming in the process to stay shut for several more years.

By Bob Sacamano

February 19, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

St. Cox will do what he always does, pick the “veteren” over the two guys who actually have upside and deserve the shot. Lopez will then go out and be as automatic an out as Andruw ever was, but St. Booby will keep on playing him. And then if this team is good enough for the playoffs, St. Booby Cox will play the light hitting Lopez in the win or die game of the first round, where he’ll promptly go 0-5 with 5 strikeouts. Oh, and McCann will be sitting on the bench with a .330 average, but St. Booby won’t play him, because he needs to “conserve” his catchers.

People, this is what St. Cox does. He’s cost this team October after October because the idiot thinks he can manage October like he does April. St. Booby Cox is the definition of insanity, as posited by Einstein: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result every time. This team has no chance, unless while digging for some gold up his nose, he lobotomizes himself by accident. Maybe that’ll job his brain into realizing that you have to manage October different than April. I won’t be holding my breath, though.

By Jeff Treadway

February 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Do you think Terry Pendleton feels like this year will be a vacation since he doesn’t have to watch Andruw Jones repeatedly ignore everything he tells him? Sure we all will miss his diving catches in the outfield, but the truth is you can defend that guy with two defenders. A third baseman hugging the line and a LF standing on the foul pole. And even they are unnecessary if you have a pitcher throwing outside sliders.

By Nelson

February 19, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

May be too dramatic but SACAMANO is RIGHT Bobby manages October like April, nobody can deny that because is the real true!.

By stew

February 19, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Sammons is the best defender of the group. Defense and pitching wins games. Home runs win slugfests. The Braves have to go back to the days when they won the ERA crown year in year out. Unfortunately, the best defender in the history of the game no longer plays CF for the Braves

By Ron H

February 20, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

As much as I like Javy, I don’t know if he’s the best backup. Sure, he’ll fill seats, he’s a vet (and thus will be bobby’s choice), but remember:

he was let go b/c of his lack of defensive skills. he had to “go back to the drawing board”. he worked on his defensive skills the whole off-season…

sure, he can hit somewhat, but defense is what’s important in being a catcher…no way he can be an effective mentor for McC.

with that said, i still hope they go with Javy.

By joebrave

February 20, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I tell you @ss klowns what,I take Bobby Cox in my Fox hole any day of the week!!!! You really don’t know $hit about Baseball do you????

By bravesfanbob

February 20, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Maybe I missed it, but I haven’t seen anyone mention that Javy was Glavine’s everyday catcher for years, and is extremely underrated in his ability to call a game. He has caught 3 different Cy Young winners, (Glavine in ‘98, Smoltz in ‘96, and Maddux in most of ‘94), and 2 more 20 game winners, Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton. He is a perfect choice to be Glavine’s personal catcher, and give McCann a well deserved 5th day off. His offense will be less that what we are used to, but will hit about .265 and will be a nice bat off the bench in the 8th or 9th. Forget spring training. It’s Javy!

By rossella

February 20, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I guess this is gonna be the least technical comment in this blog, but as long as the survey is open and as the women-at-the-stadium issue was mentioned…BRAYAN PEÑA!!! no doubts. why? - ‘cause it’s 100% fun to see him running (or trying to) - ‘cause his bald head shines impressively under the lights..it’s part of the show - ‘cause I adore him. and it could be a good reason to come to US..while waiting for the Dominican season next winter. with my italian flag, of course.

By The Mitt

February 29, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

i’ll do it. put me in coach.

By The Mitt

February 29, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

hey i’m not doing anything