Show #136: Braves Spring Training Storylines

March 01, 2011

Show #136: Braves Spring Training Storylines

Starting pitching. The new team captain. McLouth. And Chipper.

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116 Responses to “Show #136: Braves Spring Training Storylines”

1
Wiley Says:
March 1st, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Hey, I am one of those 2 fans and I am very disappointed!!!! But Actually . . .

I was there friday and tonight. I am depressed. I deeply care about the thrashers.

I am typing this while listening and the hawks are miserable.
2
Runnin Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 am
No, Bobby hanging around is smart. It’s simply organizational cohesion. Of course it depends on “how” he hangs around, but we all know BC won’t be sticking his nose in where it’s not needed or wanted. It’s another example of how the Braves do things the right way, but it also proof of what a great coach and asset BC always was to the team. It says a lot that he never wore out his welcome.
3
Anne Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:42 am
Absolutely nothing to do with this week’s show (she said, not having listened to the show yet). Poor Mark Wohlers! http://www.11alive.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=180278&catid=5
4
Anne Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:43 am
…addendum to #3 that I shouldn’t type, but will, anyway. After I told him about the fire, a guy at my office said that he heard Woh Daddy tried to put out the fire by tossing a bucket of water at it, but threw wide…
5
DAP Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 10:03 am
Love the podcast guys, but sometimes y’all say some crazy stuff. You’ve got blinders on when it comes to McLouth. You say he was only an all star in 2008 because the Pirates HAD to have somebody there? Bull Crap! The first half in 2008, Mclouth had 19 homers and 33 doubles for a .899 OPS!!! Thats not just all star worthy, those are “on your way to an MVP” numbers!

Obviously, his second half numbers were much lower, but to say he didn’t have all star numbers that year is ridiculous, revisionist history.

Still love you though ;- )
6
Curt Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 10:09 am
DAP, thanks for the clarification. I gladly stand corrected. If we could get 10 homers and 20 doubles before the break from him, my head would explode.

Weighing in on the Bobby Cox question, I wish he was a little less present. I want Fredi to control the team completely, and I feel that while I’m sure he and the players genuinely appreciate Bobby being around, it would be best for the transition if he was a little less visible.
7
Curt Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 10:16 am
Wiley, I hear you. I used to go to Flames games, and to lose another hockey team to some half-rate Canadian city would kill me. Remember we lost the Knights to Quebec too. Things look good on the potential new ownership front though, so maybe better things are on the horizon. The shoestring budget that the team is operating on right now certainly doesn’t help them. They need some depth.
8
Nate Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 10:46 am
New Show. Day Off. Nice Weather Outside. I think I’ll lay in the hammock and give it a listen. Thanks ABT!
9
Nate Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:53 am
Bobby being around doesn’t really bother me. One of the ESPN guys did a piece on the transition, and it is a really nice read. Essentially the article explains that Bobby only chimes in when asked, which Fredi hasn’t been shy about. I think it has to make things easier on Fredi when he has Bobby to consult. I don’t think it’s like Pat Riley with the Heat, where the old guy could come in and take over at any time if he feels the young guy isn’t going a good job. Therefore, creating a looming presence on the new guy as he tries to establish himself as the new coach. It’s all up to Fredi now. I think Bobby is there to offer an opinion when asked. Also, I bet Bobby will have more of role in player development throughout the ranks of the organization, which I find really exciting. In the end, Jayson Stark -the Espn guy- explains that it is a brilliant move by the organization to allow a smooth transition.

On the rah-rah leader topic. What about Dan Uggla? He played that role on the Marlins’. He’s good at it, too. I think that’s part of what makes him a huge acquisition. It might take a little while because he’s new, but I think he can eventually find himself in that role.

In case anyone missed it, our Braves are on ESPN at 1 pm EST tomorrow against the Tigers.
10
Steve Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Nate – I agree with you 100% on the Bobby thing (and was heartened by the Stark article as well last week). If Bobby knows nothing else, it is how to lead a team (a point that Hammy has made numerous times), how to be a leader. I think that he, more than many, knows where the line is and how not to cross it.

Also, the day to day with the baseball team is not like a corporation. Players are creatures of habit, and weird and fragile and superstitious. If my head is not quite in it during my 9 – 5 IT job, I can still perform pretty well. With these guys, the mental aspect is so important, that having Bobby around can only help in the transition and make it less impactful – imho.
11
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Sights from the first home spring training game. Monday, Feb 28th Braves Win! 13-3

Great day at the ballpark, but hot! Predicted to reach 87 degrees in Orlando. But had a strong breeze from right to left that kept things relativity comfortable. It also factored into several plays during the game.

Highlight of the game: Great day for Nate McLouth. After the miserable spring (then season) that Nate suffered though last year, it was great to see him get off to a hot start. He was 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI, and two walks. He also made a couple of nice catches in center field. His first at bat was a wind-aided popup single that dropped into left-center. Nice to see him get a break for a change. He worked the count well on his two walks and didn’t seem to be swinging at everything near the plate as he was last year. His double was a no-doubt about it shot to the left-center field wall.

Other highlights: Chipper 1 for 2 with a sharp single to right, an RBI and a walk. Most encouraging after the walk, Brian McCann had a single down the left field line and Chipper ran from first to third with no indication of problems with the knee. Brian was 2 for 2 with hits to left and right-center. Eric Hinske had two solid doubles. Uggla just missed a home run down the left field line. In fact all the starters, except Jason Heyward, had at least one hit. The only regular missing from the starting lineup was Freddie Freeman (Hinkse played 1st). Brandon Hicks played 3rd and Chipper DH’d.

On the pitching side, Derek Lowe looked good. Got into a bit of trouble by letting to first two hitters each get singles, but pitched out of it with a fly out to left and neat 4-6-3 double play. Sailed through the second inning 1-2-3. In all, threw 18 pitches in two innings: 17 strikes, 11 balls. Scott Linebrink followed and started out well – two outs on five pitches. But then ran into trouble. Hit a batter on the foot with a curve ball, followed by three singles for two runs. His teammates didn’t exactly help him out here. One single went sailing pass a leaping Dan Uggla that “might” have been caught. Brian failed to catch a tough popup over near the fence by the Astro’s dugout (had to dance around the guy in the on-desk circle – no contact but it didn’t help Brian.) Then had an infield popup drop in for a single when Hicks called everybody off but tripped going over the pitchers mound. Hinske could have easily caught it. Oh well. Next came a long sequence of one-inning pitchers mostly AAA and AA types that only gave up one run, but made my scorebook look like a horrible mess. Keeping a book at spring training is a real challenge with all the substitutions. Also, poor Brooks Conrad couldn’t come up with a ground ball at 2nd base late in the game. But it was a very tough chance, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt here. Pastornicky, subbing for Alex Gonzalez, started a great double play in the 9th by diving for a ground ball, touching 2nd base with his glove, then throwing to 1st.

All-in all a good first win. Looking forward to Thursday’s game against the Tiggers! (Hey, we are at Disney here folks.)

P.S. I’ve been around camp a couple of time and have yet to see Bobby in the flesh. So I don’t think he’s causing a problem. It’s been clear to me that Fredi’s in charge.
12
Curt Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Right on Tim. Great stuff. Keep those updates coming. I’m sitting at Mellow Mushroom in Buckhead watching Boone Logan mow down the Astros on ESPN. Who would have thought he would be the main LHRP for the Yanks.
13
Danny Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Glad to have Bobby sticking around. I think this let’s Bobby do what he does best, which is encourage and build confidence in players and coaches. Now he just doesn’t make horrible lineup decisions (see any Sunday roster). Bobby is a huge part of the Braves legacy. We are lucky. So is Freddie.
14
Danny Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Oh yeah, Chipper’s fragile body makes it impossible for me not to root for McOut redemption. We will likely need Nate and Jordan in the outfield for at least half of the year.
15
Leah Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:00 pm
T in O, keep the updates coming! Bobby rarely butts into his own business so I doubt he’ll put his nose in someone else’s.

I totally agree with all the BMac is our leader talk. My favorite is when a guy hits a homer and everyone is congratulating him in the dugout Mac lifts his batting helmet off his head. Kinda like, “I’ll take that. You’ve done enough.” He can do that cause he was one of the first out of the dugout and has already hugged his neck, slapped his butt, high fived the heck out of him…you get the picture.

I just don’t know about McLouth. Part of me feels like he can only go up which might relieve some pressure. Maybe…I don’t really like crow so I’m trying to find middle ground.
16
Leah Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Also, do you think some of Chipper’s struggles and even injuries have been partially due to trying to carry the team? Just a thought.
17
Ham Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
I think Bobby knows better than to get in the way. I think it is nothing but good for Fredi, plus you gotta give Bobby a little leeway here. This is the first spring in 95 years where he hasn’t been managing a team.

I am loving Fredi so far. Glad to see him make guys run, work on the fundamentals, etc. Always thought that was a weakness of Bobby’s and I always thought the team suffered for it.
18
Curt Says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Leah, I think so much of it dates back to him playing left. I think it has forever screwed up his hamstrings, and as a result he has altered the way he plays. You compensate for something and hurt something else. Outside of the knee last year, most of his injuries were from swinging and running the bases. Just a thought.
19
Walker Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 3:04 am
Nobody has said this but I will. I feel like Bobby wasn’t ready to retire yet. I think Bobby is a very aware of his surroundings and felt like we all did these last couple years, that maybe 20 years is enough. He didn’t want to be put in a position where he was told to retire. Now if the braves went to the playoffs in 2009 Bobby Cox would still be managing the Braves right now. However after missing the playoffs in 4 consecutive years he decided to announce his retirement right before last season. Then BOOM!! we make the playoffs in 2010 and I’m telling you this old man still has the fire to manage. If the Rays had a managerial opening or if there was another major league team in the southeast he would still be managing now(He would never manage the Marlins). Just my take on it.
20
Walker Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 3:10 am
Also Bobby was the difference maker last year. How many other mangers put Jason Heyward in the 2 Hole in the middle of the season. If he doesn’t do that we don’t win the wild card by one game. One of the reasons he’s one of the greatest mangers ever.

Side note: I hate Mark Buehrle.
21
Danny Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:15 am
Interesting Phillyfan article about the Braves intimidating defense. Ahh, feels good.
http://www.thegoodphight.com/2011/2/11/1983089/projecting-the-2011-division-race-phillies-vs-braves-run-prevention
22
Danny Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:16 am
Should read intimidating OFFENSE. Sorry Brooks.
23
Nate Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:40 am
A lot of hype about our 3 young arms new to camp this year. Check out the ajc page. Exciting stuff. Eddie Perez pumped about it. Can’t wait to watch Delgado today on ESPN. I remember 2 years ago when I first got a glimpse of Tommy Hanson in a ST game on ESPN against the Astros. Big Red beamed Miguel Tejada in his first inning and has been one of my favorites ever since. Sweet memories.
24
Leah Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:06 am
#19 made me break out in a cold sweat. I don’t know if I agree. I think he’s tired and in a rut. The game is constantly changing and I don’t know that he had the energy to change with it. All that said, the man loves Braves baseball. I’m glad he’s around and hope he continues to hang around throughout the season. I think he can still be a source of motivation.
25
Nate Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
Just read the Prado article by Schultz. Wow. Just. Wow. Lock him up now, Frank.
26
Curt Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Not to be WAY ahead of myself, but I was really pleased about that game yesterday. Sox played a lot of their regulars, as did we. Good to slap those guys around a little since they are getting all the AL love.
27
Steve Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Walker – I don’t disagree. I think Bobby would manage until he was dead. That said, I don’t think he’d ever manage another team or do anything else with any other organization.
28
Steve Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
By far my favorite Sheen send-up so far. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7AS25hyiBI
29
Leah Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Nate, can you post the link? I know…google…but I’m lazy. Plus I’m stealthily feeding my baseball addiction at work.
30
Steve Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Anyone heard of this before? Someone introduced me to it today. I love it and have wasted a bunch of time on it already. http://www.fiverr.com/
31
Curt Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Leah – http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/03/02/braves-prado-sees-success-lead-to-problems-in-venezuela/
32
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Beware Tigers Bearing Gifts. OK…. We’ll Take’em.

I’ll assume most of you saw the game on ESPN so I won’t go into a lot of detail. Just a few things I noticed at the game.

About 20 minutes before game time, Jim Leyland came out of the Tigers dugout and started walking towards the Braves side. Fredi popped out of our dugout and the two men gave each other a giant bear hug. It was really nice. Also, Dale Murphy presented the lineup card for the Braves and got a real nice round of applause. It’s great to see some of the “classic’ Braves of the past in person. A lot of Tiger fans at the game. They were louder than us Braves fans in attendance.

Notes from the game: Chipper playing 3rd base. No problem with the knee noted. Surprising that with Chipper on 1st base after his single, Fredi had him running with Brian McCann at the plate. Prevent the DP but makes me think that Fredi and Chipper are willing to test the knee. Also, Chipper easily made 3rd on the wild pitch to Freddie Freemen. All-in-all a good sign. Noted that Chipper came out of the game early but I haven’t heard of any reason (knee?) to remove him. Taking it slow I guess.

Great 8th inning comeback. Marti Prado in the clutch, again. Big time error by the Tigers SS but we would have tied the game on the ground ball anyway. Lucky that Joe Mather’s base running blunder didn’t cost us the game.

Defense: Great hustle by Constanza in right field in the 8th to get to Jackson’s double in the 8th and hold Boesch at 3rd. Prevented a run for the Tigers.

Great bottom of the 9th. Braves fans go home happy, Tiger fans not so much. A lot of trouble getting out of the stadium after the game. ESPN was holding a weight-in for a prize fight (to be held here tomorrow night) right outside the main entrance. Sigh!

Blue Jays tomorrow. Let’s hope the Bravos keep rolling.

BTW: Disney’s holding ESPN The Weekend here the next three days. No telling who just show up!?!?! Tony Dorsett today.
33
Curt Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Steve, I’m waiting for the “I’ll get you to invite me to your house under false pretenses, chop you up into pieces, and bury you in your crawlspace, for $5″ entry
34
Steve Says:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
So Curt, in response to your #33, I wrote the following joke “that particular service is at http://www.tenerr.com” Then, I figured I should check out that made up URL, just to make sure it wasn’t some crazy porn site – but check it out – it freaking exists already.

Tim – your #32 was fantastic. Love that kind of stuff. Keep it coming.
35
Anne Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Agreed – Tim, your game re-caps are just great. You’re our Boog Schiambi.
36
brandon Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Hey anybody know if both games today have a radio broadcast or just one and where is it?
37
Steve Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Hey Brandon – locally one of the games is on 1230AM (680′s sister station)

From Buster Olney: One thing that was pretty clear in Braves’ camp:Players are putting in more time under Fredi Gonzalez in drills.Repeated PFP’s for pitchers.
38
Curt Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Interesting take from Bobby Valentine yesterday about ST under Bobby. They were discussing the perception of a lack of drills on the part of the braves. He was saying that one of the reasons he felt the braves were attractive to players was because of the easy springs. He also pointed out their success and how other players were driven crazy that they couldnt beat them. Hinting, to me, that there was a belief that the braves were soft and didn’t work hard.
39
Curt Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Oh, bullpen
40
Steve Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Curt, re #38 – if that belief was true (the Braves were soft and didn’t work hard), shouldn’t that be changing with the pub Fredi is getting about his tougher spring and more focus on fundamentals?
41
Steve Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Does everyone realize that McLouth is 5 for 10 so far this Spring?
42
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Oh Those Walks Will Kill You.

Split squad today. We got Chipper, Gonzalez & Uggla. McCann, Prado, McLouth, Freeman & Schafer @ Nationals in Viera (near Cocoa). Think the better team might have been on the road. Oh well. Murph here again taking out the lineup card. A little spitting rain at the game but not enough to worry about. Joe West behind the plate calling the low ball strike but not the letter high ones. At least he was consistent.

Chipper DH’d today. Got solid hit, ran bases well. Uggla impressive – two hits, two RBIs. We scored three in the 4th to take 3-1 lead, but should have scored more. Two strikeouts with the bases loaded (Hicks, Gonzalez). Back and forth whole game: trailed 1-0, led 3-1, tied 3-3, led 5-3, tied, 5-5, lost 7-5. Ugh!

Pitching…. What can I say? Minor gave up one run, but didn’t look sharp. Five hits, three strikeouts, two walks & 58 pitches (32 strikes, 26 balls) in three innings. Saved by a DP in the 2nd inning. Lopez not much better. Two runs (1 earned), two hits, three strikeouts, two walks & 44 pitches (27 strikes, 17 balls) in three innings. Unearned run came on a strange error after two leadoff walks. Ground ball to Uggla, attempts to tag runner, runner avoids, throws to 1st for out, Mather (playing 1st) throws to 2nd to get runner and Gonzalez literally misses a decent throw (error charged to Mather), lead runner scores when the ball sails into left field. Tie ballgame 3-3. Ouch!

Linebrink looked OK. Sherrill – oh my. Two leadoff walks, sacrifice to move runners to 2nd & 3rd. Gets second out on popup to SS, then…. single – two runs score. Tie ballgame 5-5. Ouch again. 25 pitches (13 strikes, 12 balls). And then came Moylan. Leadoff double, three sharply hits singles, two runs – Braves lose 7-5. No joy in Disneyville.

At least our others guys came back to beat the Nats. Although I see that Kimbrel did not have a good day.

Let’s get the whole team back together and thump the Mets tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing Derek Lowe pitch for the first time this spring.

P.S. Sorry for the late report. Old office reunion at Cape Canaveral.
43
Walker Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Listening to the game yesterday, It sounded like Bobby Valentine and Orel were still bitter from the 1999 NLCS. The Spring Training’s Bobby ran over the years were more than adequate seeing that we won 14 straight Division Titles. STOP HATING!!
44
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 9:07 am
Tim: Two questions for you:

1. How does Chipper look coming out of the box heading to first? Is he taking it easy, holding some back or does it look like he is all out?
2. Did Sherrill face any lefties? Was most of the damage against him done by righties?
45
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Steve -
1. I would say he’s coming out of the box at about 3/4 speed. On his hit, as soon as he saw the left field get the ball he cranked it bacvk to 1/2 speed.
2. Here iss batting order Sherrill faced: Arencibia (Right) – walk, Jeroloman (left) – walk, McCoy (right) – Sac [5-3], Mastroianni (right)- popup SS, Wilson (right I think, minor leaguer) – hit [2 RBIs], Cooper (left) – flyout center field.
46
Nate Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Tim, how does Kimbrel look? I saw his era was at like 15.45 the other day. Has he been a victim of bad luck, or his just getting rocked out there? I must say I’m getting a little worried seeing Linebrink, Sherrill, Moylan, Proctor, and Kimbrel all struggling.
47
Nate Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 11:54 am
*or is he just getting rocked out there
48
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Just got back from the open house at the G-Braves stadium. It was pretty cool. They took you into the clubhouse (looked very nice for a minor league clubhouse) and then let you into the indoor batting cages and threw batting practice for folks.

Niekro was there signing autographs, too. Even in a nasty cold and wet day in Atlanta, there were over 100 folks waiting in line for him.
49
Curt Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Steve, I think that’s why they made the point of talking about it. That it wasn’t simply a continuation of things as usual with Bobby gone.

Walker, almost brought that up too. Loved hearing those two jokers whine about Kenny Rogers walking Andruw to bring in the winning run. Eat it losers.
50
brandon Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Hey guys of all the things we worried about in spring. Most looks ok right now chipper, mclouth. But I’m seriously starting to worry about our 5th starter and bulpen. It’s getting scary.
51
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Hey Brandon – I hear ya. And very nice to see Chipper get a homer today.

For what it’s worth, I’m more worried about middle relief than anything. I think that either Beachy or Minor will be fine. And Kimbrel was damn good last year. There’s no reason to think he can’t do that again. It’s Sherrill and Linebrink and Moylan that worry me most. All three of them were either pretty bad last year (Sherrill and Linebrink) or had worrisome stretches (Moylan). Those are the guys that concern me.
52
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Wow. I know it’s the Phillies and all, but this is a tough blow: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110305&content_id=16834084&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
53
Walker Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Just looked through the Braves regular season schedule for the first time and I have to say it looks extremely easy. The only teams we play that scare me are the Phillies, Brewers, and Giants. Every other team in the NL has major flaws. We also get to play the weakest division in the American League for inter-league(AL West). No Yankees , Redsox but instead we get the Orioles for 1 series. There’s no excuse not to make the playoffs this year. Expectations are extremely high for the first time in awhile.
54
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Walker – and we get all our Brewers games done early (by May 6) which, I think, is only a good thing. Before they gel with their new additions.
55
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
LOVE this quote from Chipper on McLouth:

“What I want to see him do is come unglued on 2-0 pitches, 3-1 pitches. Because he’s a guy who can hit 20-25 homers in a good year. And I just saw him too passive in those situations [last season], like he was too scared to pull the trigger. We want to see him pull the trigger. There’s a time to draw your walks, and a time to be aggressive. 2-0 and 3-1 is time to be aggressive. He can do ultimate damage, and we need that from him.”
56
Walker Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
I completely agree with Chipper. I’ll take a low average from McLouth if he can hit 25 homers. Home Runs are instant DAMAGE!! It’s way better than having to get 3 hits an inning to score. Hope the whole team takes note from Chipper’s quote.
57
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Nate – I haven’t gotten a chance to see Kimbrel in person. He was with the travelling split-squard team yesterday and he hasn’t pitched in any of the other games I’ve been to this year. Sorry.
58
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 5th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Let’s Welcome the New York Kets

Nice day at the ballpark. Linda Cohn of ESPN SportsCenter fame threw out the first pitch, a rainbow to J.C. Boscan. Hey, she did better than the HP Executive that bounced one to the plate yesterday. HP is a major sponsor of spring training this year. If fact, they’re giving away a laptop each day if you get the ball under the ballcap shell game correct. No one’s missed yet – sweet. Murph again takes out the lineup card. Biggest crowd so far this year – 8,200.

The Good: Pitching for the most part. Derek Lowe was excellent – no hits, two walks, two Ks, 2 DPs & 44 pitches (29 strikes, 15 balls) in three innings. Also sharp were Proctor (3Ks), Gearrin (2Ks), Abreu (1K) & Delgado (1K). In fact, the Kets struck out 10 times (get it Kets, hee.. hee.. hee..) Delgado was particularly nasty throwing 96 MPH fastballs. No wonder the poor batter was flailing after an 86 MPH changeup.

Chipper played 3rd and started a nice DP, his only chance in the field. Played five innings and hit a towering home run over the right field wall into the Hayward tests. Don’t need to stress the knee doing a home run trot. Braves fans were going bonkers. My oh my, he does like to play the team from Queens! Pitchers batted today and Derek Lowe had a line shot to the left-center gap for a double. He scored from 3rd on a fielder’s choice when David Wright’s throw to home was wide right. Dory Hernandez had a clutch double down the right field line in the 8th to plate an insurance run in a tight one-run game.

The Bad: Dan Uggla had a bad error. Missed a sure double play ball when he moved to his right to backhand the ball and it ran up his arm into right field. No harm though. DLowe got a DP ground ball from the next batter.

So we’re cruising along with a 5-0 lead after Chipper’s huge HR and the Kets have yet to get a hit. We bring in Anthony Varvaro to pitch and the wheels almost come off the truck!!! Goes 2/3 of an inning and gives up 3 runs on four hits, two walks, a wild pitch, a stolen base on 30 pitches (18 strikes, 12 balls.) Would have been much worse if sub-catcher Wilkin Castillo hadn’t thrown out a runner at 2nd on a ball in the dirt. At least, Fredi got him out of there before the lead was lost. He was removed for Stephen Marek who had a strange outing – 1 run, 1 hit, 2 walks 42 pitches (26 strikes, 16 balls) in 1 & 1/3 innings. He seemed to get ahead of the hitters but had real difficulty putting them away. Batters fouled off 9 pitches after he had two strikes on them. But he put the fire out and held the lead for us. And a W for the Bravos.

A few days off for me while the team is on the road. We’ll be tackling that other team from New York on Tuesday. Can’t wait.
59
Curt Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 1:34 am
Might be the last one on the planet, but saw King’s Speech tonight. Really great. I was worried the hype wouldn’t match the film itself, but for once in a long time, it was well deserved.
60
Steve Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 1:50 am
Curt – agreed. It was amazing in ways I didn’t even picture. And I’d forgotten about how really great Geoffrey Rush is.

So, I’m watching Weeds on Netflix streaming. Just started the 3rd season. I’m like a stupid addict (no pun intended) – episode after episode after episode. Going to be so tired tomorrow. Good night.
61
BRAVEinNY (Matt) Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Steve, good call on Weds! I think Kevin Nealon makes the show.. Season 6 just came out on DVD, so you have a lot of good episodes to watch.
62
Steve Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Matt – a buddy of mine said that while seasons 1 and 2 of Weeds were great, it really goes off the rails in season 3 (I watched the first two eps of season 3 last night and thought they were good). Did you have the same opinion of season 3?
63
Nate Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Steve, Weeds does get a little strange in the middle seasons (3,4,or 5 ?). I can’t remember which seasons frustrated me the most, but the show is good. Kevin Nealon is freakin hilarious. The last season was better, but there will be episodes where you will say to yourself, okay where is this show going. I kind of feel that way about Dexter sometimes, too, but both shows are great and highly enjoyable. It’s a tough debate between Showtime and HBO. I think Boardwalk Empire and Eastbound and Down give HBO a slight edge.
64
BRAVEinNY (Matt) Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Well, it definitely isn’t the same- it’s still good in my opinion. It gets a little far-fetched at times, but the whole thing is anyway. It’s better than most things on TV now-a-days…
65
Leah Says:
March 6th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Cool photo blog!
66
Walker Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 1:11 am
I gotta say. I’ve been watching MLB Network Spring Training games and I’ve been listening to other team’s broadcasters. THEY ARE BORING!!!. It makes you appreciate Joe Simpson even more. And even though Chip Carey won’t go to any Broadcasting Hall of Fame, he at least has some sort of personality. I may the first and last person to say anything good about Chip Carey. Anyone else want to try?
67
Steve Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 9:28 am
He has really nice hair.
68
Anne Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Nate – way to give Eastbound & Down a shout. Well-done show – miss Will Farrell @ the car dealership from Season 1.
69
Leah Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 9:59 am
Chip had a super cool dad.
70
Curt Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
He’s tall

I thought EB & D, Season 1 was brilliant. Not so much Season 2. Felt forced. Hopefully, now that he is back from Mexico it will get back on track.

Archer, people. I can’t keep saying this. 10 p.m., Thursday nights, FX.
71
Nate Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
FX shows are underrated. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, though last Season wasn’t as good as some of the previous ones, is one of my favorites. Damages is a decent show. I like Sons of Anarchy, but I just never stay up to date with it. I keep hearing good things about Justified and Archer.

Eastbound Season 1 was epic television. With Kenny coming home, Season 3 should be strong to quite strong. I hope we get more Ashley Schaeffer moments.

Omar Infante off to a 2-2 start against his former team.
72
Walker Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Does anyone watch Friday Night Lights? Probaly one of the best shows in history. Very realistic.
73
Steve Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Walker – I’ve never watched FNL, but have heard/read that it is amazing. I’ll rent it one day.

And I will never watch Archer, just to spite Curt.
74
Steve Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Holy hell! McLouth hit a homer this afternoon.
75
brandon Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
I told you guys watch out for mclouth.
76
Leah Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Curts gonna have to eat crow!
77
Steve Says:
March 7th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Brandon – it’s true. You did. And, again, I hope you’re right. I do more than I think you believe. But you sound a little too confident for March 7.
78
Nate Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 1:32 am
Friday Night Lights is pretty solid. I just got through season 1.

When McLouth hits .250 or above during the regular season i’ll be sold. Until then… it’s spring training… He is doing better than I would have thought, but my expectations were very low to begin with. He has played some pretty horrendous baseball in a Braves uniform. I can’t even remember what he did in 09 because memories of last year still linger. He gave opposing 2nd basemen a lot of work, and even Melky Cabrera could have gone 2nd to home on him with a sharp single to CF.
79
brandon Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 10:59 am
I’m confident . Yes its March, but getting off to a good start is most important for mclouth above anybody else on our team. It’s a huge confidence builder. What gets me most excited about mclouth is not what he or the coaches have said. It’s more what chipper and McCann has said about his aggressive approach. He’s just different this year more confident than ever as a brave.
80
Nate Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
I hope you’re right. I also hope this group of relievers has a good day.
81
brandon Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
I totally agree with the relievers they need a good day.
82
Curt Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
It’s gotta be the hair.

What happened with this game? I turn it on and Freddie Garcia shut us down and JJ got slapped.

Is Linebrink making this team? More runs today. (He’s bad).
83
brandon Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Sherril is worse
84
Steve Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
I think we are absolutely stuck with both Linebrink and Sherrill. It was never a question of them making the team. It’s cool – they’re just working on their delivery and mechanics. Nothing to worry about here.
85
Curt Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
And the Frenchy strikes again. Bases loaded, none out, 1 run on a DP. Yeesh. Game over.
86
Anonymous Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I think the bullpen will be solid. Linebrink and Sherrill are who we thought they were… Scott will have a 4.00 ERA and provide some leadership and Sherrill will pitch against Ryan Howard and be taken out…

It wil be interesting to see who the long-man is going to be… Martinez looks like he has the early lead. Proctor is an insurance policy- and if they need a guy in a pinch, they can always bring up Marek. They really miss Medlen…
87
BRAVEinNY (Matt) Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
#86 was me… just for the record!
88
Curt Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Wagner, why hast thou forsaken me?
89
Leah Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
How awesome would it be if Wags showed up at camp and said,”I miss baseball. Just call me Favre”. It won’t happen but a girl can dream. How about JJ? Was he also just figuring out mechanics? He settled in nicely but mercy me…he started out rough.
90
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
It Was A Grand-erson Day At Disney

The Yanks are in town. Always the biggest crowd (10,750) of the year at Champion Stadium. Today was no exception as the long line of traffic into the Wide World of Sport Complex would attest. No big celeb throwing out the first pitch today, just a local TV news person. Fans feel a bit cheated since there were very few Yankee stars in the lineup. No Jeter, no ARod, no Cano, no Teixeira. We did have Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada (DH.) And Mr. Curtis Granderson, who definitely showed up to play!

Chipped DH’d today, Bowman played 3rd. McCann, Freeman, Hayward & McLouth sat out. Schafer play center. Hinske 1st. Ross caught. Young in right. Our pitchers are starting their 3th rotation of the spring beginning with JJ. He went 4 innings, threw 76 pitches (49 strikes, 27 balls), 6 hits, 2 BB, 1 HP and 4 runs. Got into trouble right out of the gate by walking the first two batters, but got out of it with Ross throwing out the runner at 3rd and striking out Granderson. I guess the K fired up Granderson because he killed us the rest of the day. JJ struck out the side in the 2nd, but had big trouble in the 3rd giving up 3 runs on 4 hits. The big blow a Granderson triple over Schafer’s head in deep center to drive in two runs. Granderson scored from 3rd after Posada drove the ball passed a drawn in infield. JJ gave up a double, wild pitch and a sac fly for another run in the 4th. Pitchers looking good included Moylan (struck out the side), Proctor and Kimbrel. Sherrill gave up two hits to start an inning but recovered with a fly out to right and two K’s. Linebrink had tough luck. Ahead 0-2, Nunez hit a good pitch (low-outside) through left side of the infield. It was like it has eyes. A stolen base and single later plated the Yank’s final run. The Yankees ran a lot today: five stolen bases and two successful hit and run plays.

The offense had a rough day. Freddy Garcia completely shut down the Braves for three innings: 0 hits, 0 walks, 2 Ks. 9 Braves up – 9 Braves down. Granderson made three beautiful running catches in center on balls hit by Schafer, Hinske & Prado. We scratched out a run in the 4th when Chipper grounded in to a double play with Prado on 3rd. Scored 2 in the 6th on a clutch 2-out, 2-RBI single by Hinske. Had a chance to tie or win it in the 9th. Down by two had the bases loaded with no outs. But Bowman hit into another 6-4-3 DP’ like Chipper’s, that scored one run to pull us within one. With the tying run at 3rd, Constanza tried to drop a butt down the 3rd base line (good idea) but popped it up (poor execution) and it was caught by the catcher. Ball game!

Oh well. At least we made a game of it at the end. Play the Cardinals the next two games. Always big crowds when the Cards are here. Great fans. Let’s break this losing streak!
91
Bubdylan Says:
March 8th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Word to your mothers.

Good show.

McLouth is back. Doubters are incorrect. Remeber when a Derek Lowe revival seemed impossible.

*POOF*
92
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 2:04 am
Bub, good to have you back.
93
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 2:06 am
McLouth should just stick with the long hair. It keeps the swing nice and level.
94
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 8:59 am
Balm-in-Gilead!
95
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
If you can’t tell us who IS hurt then please tell us who’s not!
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Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Scary situation, somebody on the Braves just got hit by a foul ball off McCann’s bat. They’ re guessing on the radio that it hit the player in the mouth. The player went down immediately. We don’t know who it is. A medical vehicle has just come on to the field. All I can tell is that it is not Mac, McLouth, Gonzo, Chip, or Uggla, as they were all on the field at the time. The player was standing next to McLouth. This sounds awful. They are describing it as a screaming line drive, and the announcers are saying that from Fredi’s gestures it looks like it hit the player in the mouth. An ambulance is now in front of the Braves dugout.
97
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
It’s Luis Salazar, minor league manager in the Braves system.
98
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I must say, that was the most intense 15 minutes I have ever experienced while listening to the radio.
99
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Luis Salazar is being air lifted to the hospital. This is awful for that family. McCann must feel absolutely terrible.
100
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Yikes. Poor Mac.
101
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Minor gave up 1 run in 4 IP, and he had 7 K’s in the B squad game.
102
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Jonny “3 up, 3 down” Venters.
103
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Nate, any news on Salazar?
104
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Leah, it’s bad. There’s an update on the ajc site. Multiple facial fractures, possible damage to an eye, and he was unconscious for about 20 minutes. There was a period when they were in the dugout where players, coaches, and trainers feared he might be dead. The doctors have ruled out brain damage. Scary stuff. My thoughts and prayers are with the Salazar family.
105
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Thanks Nate. Just read about it. I wasn’t able to continue listening to the game and was wondering if they were giving updates.
106
Curt Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Here is a video update with some comments from FW.

http://www.ajc.com/video?bcpid=97471435001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAFAsZ1c~,8MkVRvW0DmauKT3uAriKKf2yHzTPz5MP&bclid=1717763724&bctid=820145697001
107
Steve Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Nate – what were they doing on the radio? Were they describing the scene moment by moment or trying to talk about other things?

By the way, word is no brain damage and he’s talking to his family.
108
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Poor Mac. I hope he plays tomorrow. Gotta shake the psychological trama.
109
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Steve, I was listening as it happened but had to stop shortly after. They were just describing what was going on between players and coaches, who was talking to whom, what Mac’s demeanor was like…that kinda stuff. They said McLouth was immediately waving for the medics when it happened and later talked about how when Fredi G was describing the event to Tony L he was pointing to his mouth/lower jaw area. The game literally mattered to no one at that point. There was no talk of anything but what was taking place. I hate it happened to anyone but I just knew it was going to be Heyward or Freeman or one of the starting pitchers. Is it bad to say I was relieved it wasn’t one of them?
110
Steve Says:
March 9th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Yes, Leah – you’re a monster. Sorry.

Just posted a bunch of pictures from the aftermath from our buddy Tim. Check it out beneath the latest show. There’s nothing graphic.
111
Nate Says:
March 10th, 2011 at 8:29 am
Steve, it was pretty crazy. I thought Jim Powell did an exceptional job, if that’s even possible under those circumstances. The only thing we knew was that it wasn’t Mac, Gonzo, Chip, Uggla, or McLouth. I’m really glad to hear that he has been able to communicate to his family and team personnel at the hospital. That really is an excellent sign. I hope McCann is doing alright. You know he has got to be beating himself up over this. I’m surprised this doesn’t happen more often, especially in the Spring when they cram so many into those dugouts. It was even crazier when Uggla was the next batter and he ripped one that almost went into the Cards’ dugout.
112
Leah Says:
March 10th, 2011 at 8:35 am
Growl.
113
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 10th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Back in the Win Column on a Cloudy Day

Rained all night in Orlando – 1 inch at my house on the east side of town. But it stopped raining when I left to go the stadium and it held off the rest of the day. Murph took out the lineup card again today. Tom Glavin did it yesterday.

Great pitching by the entire staff holding the Cardinals to just 1 run in 9 innings. No Pujols today, but we did get Holliday. DLowe did a great job getting out of trouble twice in situations set up by errors on the field (Mather playing for Chipper in the 1st & Freeman booted a sure DP ball in the 4th.) DLowe gave up 0 runs, 2 hits, 1 walk on 56 pitches (39 strikes, 17 balls) in 4 innings. The rest of the staff also pitched well especially Abreu and Teheran. Martinez gave up the one run (started by hitting a batter), but he should have gotten out of the inning when Freemen dropped a low throw from Uggla that would have ended the inning on a DP.

Prado had a great day – legged out two infield hits, and basically generated our first run with his running ability in the 1st. He also made a great running catch in the 5th that saved a run. David Ross (catching in place of Mac) made a great play in the 4th catching a runner off the bag at 1st to end the inning with the tying run at 3th. The way he looked the runner at 3rd while keeping the runner caught between 1st & 2nd in his sights was masterful! Jay-Hey came up with the big hit, a double, to start the rally in the 8th and it was great to see J.C. Boscan drive in the lead & ultimately winning run. I have to say I’m really impressed with Wilkin Ramirez. He played center field today. Had good discipline at the plate drawing a walk in the 5th and stole two bases. I’ve now seen him play three positions (catch, 1st & center.) Frank & Fredi are going to have to think long and hard about him.

Glad to win this one. It felt like we were blowing our chances to score and you just knew that the Cards would fine a way to push another run across. Whew!

One last comment about yesterday’s incident by Coach Salazar. Frank Wren was right on when he praised the emergency folks at Disney. Security was on the scene within a minute and the stadium paramedics were by Coach Salazar within three minutes. Mike, the usher on our aisle which is the main access route to the field, kept it clear for all these folks to get to the critical areas. DOB likes to make fun of “Dark Star.” I get it – the place is expensive and squeaky clean. But I hate to think what might have happened to Coach Salazar at any other facility. There I said it.
114
Leah Says:
March 10th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
My son got overheated when we were at Disney. I got him back to the room where he proceeded to be very ill (no details necessary). I called the front desk and within 3 minutes two “customer care” staff members were there and within 10 minutes the ambulance was there (led by a 3rd “customer care” staffer). They all walked with the gurney, stood and watched as they loaded my son and we drove away. The best part? Mickey covered the bill. Not even kidding. Obviously our insurance paid the hospital bill but the ride was all on Mickey.
115
Steve Says:
March 10th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Tim – great stuff about the staff during the incident with Salazar. Seriously, it’s really interesting to have your additional eyes on the scene for us.

How did Linebrink look today?

Leah – that is a pretty amazing story about your son.
116
Tim in Orlando Says:
March 12th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Steve – Sorry it took so long to reply but my internet was terrible yesterday (overloaded due to earthquake I guess.)

Linkbrink pitched OK. 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 SB on 19 pitches (7 strikes, 6 balls) in an inning. He started the inning with a flyout to short left field. Next a single between 3rd & SS. The runner then stole 2nd base. Next came the key play of the inning, a line drive that Alex Gonzelez speared over his head for the 2nd out. Linebrink closed out the inning with another flyout to short left.

FYI – Did not attend today’s game against the Mets.

Show #136: Braves Spring Training Storylines

116 Responses to “Show #136: Braves Spring Training Storylines”

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