Show #212: Our Interview with Braves Legend David Justice

February 17, 2013

Show #212: Our Interview with Braves Legend David Justice

David talks about the early ’90′s, the real story of his comments before Game 6 and being traded in 1997. David also shares his experiences with Fox’s Spring Training for the Troops.

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117 Responses to “Show #212: Our Interview with Braves Legend David Justice”

1
Walker Says:
February 18th, 2013 at 8:49 am
Great Interview and Thank GOD for that HR. At least we are NOT the Buffalo Bills. I might be mistaken but wasn’t the Justice trade for budget reasons? I guess the Braves knew Andruw was in the wings so they packaged their two highest paid outfielders for one year of Lofton to bridge the gap. They had no leverage to get more just like the Millwood trade. All the money was in the rotation that’s why we trade Dye and get back two cheap mediocre players in Tucker and Lockhart. All in on the rotation and be cheap at other positions was the strategy and it worked in the regular season at least
2
Mike Says:
February 18th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Awesome interview, guys. That “Forget you” thought gives me a new perspective on that HR.
3
Steve Says:
February 18th, 2013 at 11:26 am
@Mike – in what way did it change your perspective?
4
Mike Says:
February 18th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@3 – I guess at the time I just wasn’t caught up in the whole controversy between Justice and the fans (Probably because I was seven years old). I was behind him 100%, so I never thought of him as having to prove or redeem himself.
5
George Says:
February 18th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Everything David Justice said is Right On. I’ve been a Braves’s fan since ’75, and I must admit, I couldn’t or didn’t go to see the games that I’d like to. I lived in Augusta and watched on TV. David was one of my favorite players, more clutch than most I’ve seen. And, he WAS the face of the team. Just as it was awful to see him go, it’ll feel somewhat the same way when McCann leaves.

What I’d like to know, and no one seems to really care, is how it was to play with Deon Sanders. One thing, I thought, even with his Prima Donna attitude, Deon helped to add to both the confidence and swagger. I don’t feel the “old school” baseball traditionalists would give Deon the credit for being as good a baseball player as he was…even with his grandiose and megalomanic type personality. I STILL have never seen anyone, other than maybe Ricky Henderson, ALWAYS take a triple on what usually was a double.

Anyway, I always felt that the media drummed up something out of nothing. Fact is, what he said was true…just as what Evan Longoria said about Tampa fans was true, and I don’t think he should’ve been criticized for that.

My Favorite Justice moment, and it seemed like it happened TWICE that same year, was the homerun he had against Cincinnati in the early 90s, after Atlanta had given up a seemingly insurmountable lead and the braves came back to beat ‘em. INCREDIBLE!!! He was the go to Guy back then, thankfully, he past the torch onto Chipper. Hopefully, some of our young core will be able to consistently hit like that, when the game’s on the line…other than McCann, since he will likely be heading out.

I must admit, I’m still hyped to see Gattis. I’d like him to at least get an opportunity, if for no other reason than to showcase him to American League teams, so that Atlanta can get a good return on a prospect for him.
6
Bubdylan Says:
February 19th, 2013 at 7:13 am
This is up there with the Javy interview. A really enjoyable listen. Congrats on the great get.
7
Steve Says:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:38 am
Thanks, Bub.
8
Leah Says:
February 19th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Super cool!!

And, my heart hurts every time I hear Prado’s name. Especially when he’s described as the best baseball player in the D-Backs lineup.
9
Biff Pocaroba Says:
February 19th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
He’s still cocky as all get out. Seems like a good dude though.
10
Shaun Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:45 am
Great interview. In hindsight I think trading Justice was perhaps Schuerholz’s worst move.

If judging hitters by things like on-base and slugging was more en vogue back then, perhaps the Braves would have hung on to him. They had a centerfielder coming up, in Andruw, so they didn’t actually need Lofton.

I suspect the move was mostly about the Braves thinking they needed a prototypical leadoff hitter instead of just trying to put the best team on the field, and worrying about batting order later. The game was different back then and the knowledge that batting order isn’t all that important wasn’t readily available, even to front offices.
11
Mark in Memphis Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:45 am
The “Braves Kingdom” was build on Turner’s broadcasting company… OF COURSE the fans watch from home – that is the way they learned growing up… it is the only way they know. Going to the ballpark was a once-in-a-while treat, to see their favorite team play in person – not an every day occurrence.

It is how they were taught…
12
Mark in Memphis Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
A piece of “trivia” I picked up the other day:

No team with 1,300 Ks (batting) has ever played in a World Series, much less won one.

The Braves finished last year with 1,289 Ks.

Anyone think that number will go down (adding the Uptons-J-121-BJ-169 & C.Johnson-132, sans Chipper-51 & Prado-69, of course to the positive dropping Bourn shed 155 Ks…)?

This years Braves’ offense should really challenge the connection/balance between productivity and strikeouts…
13
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@12, yes, well, no team ever lost a World Series while fielding two Upton Brothers and Jason Heyward. So something’s gotta give.
14
Shaun Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Mark @12, I’m sure there are teams from back when the game was much different that struck out a lot and still won.

The last three seasons there have been over 7 strikeouts a game in the majors.

Strikeouts have more or less been rising throughout the history of the game. So it’s best to see if a team with a high strikeout rate for its time has ever won the World Series. I don’t know the answer off hand, but I would guess there have been at least a few.

The 1927 Yankees, perhaps the best team in history and one of the best offensive teams in history, if not the best, led their league in both strikeout total and strikeout rate. The struck out 610 times, which doesn’t seem like a lot. But only one other team struck out over 500 times, the Cardinals with 511.
15
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
I just like looking at this:

Jason Heyward
Justin Upton
BJ Upton
Brian McCann
Freddie Freeman
Dan Uggla

We have six offensive studs on this ballclub (with all the caveats about Uggla and McCann, and about strike-outs). Still, that’s six batters that pitchers have to be thinking “great, now THIS guy is up…”

It might not work out. There are legitimage concerns. But damn is it sexy, and potentially thrilling on a game-by-game basis. Throw in Kimbrel’s closes and Simmons’s web gems. Some players just make the game fun. I think we have a good number of those. I wish we had more starting pitchers that fit that bill (I still miss Javier Vazquez – that’s the most fun I’ve had watching a starter since Smoltz *spits*). But at least with Kimbrel, there’s a chance to see exciting pitching every day. And yikes, the offense. I’m officially pumped. (It won’t last. 8) )
16
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
lol, legitimage. Sounds like a bad name for a photo studio or printing service.
17
Steve Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
M in M @11 – you sound put off by Justice’s comments. Were you? I know that some find Justice arrogant (he didn’t strike me that way, but I’ve certainly heard that sentiment).

Shaun – love the 1927 Yankees stat. That makes me feel good.
18
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
I guess my hunch about Chipper’s return was bad.
19
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
I think what’s become crystal clear from Javy and Justice is that crowd enthusiasm is a big deal to the players, and affects their play.

I dunno what to hope for in that department. A full and rowdy Turner Field seems out of reach.
20
Jo Bu Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Does anyone know if David Justice has ever fielded any questions on the subject of playing for his hometown team, the Reds? I can’t find anything out there on this.
21
Steve Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@18 – Bub, I’ve been fighting the urge to post quotes and such from Chipper on this topic. Thank you for taking the high road. : – )
22
Bubdylan Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
@21, my career of Wrong Opinions of Chipper Jones might as well go down blazing. I swore he would drag out retirement and make a fool of himself. Then when he didn’t, I wanted him back. Such is life.
23
Steve Says:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:29 pm
New blog up from Shaun. Good stuff about the strikeouts we’ve been discussing here.
24
Curt Says:
February 21st, 2013 at 3:55 pm
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/51388/the-mets-outfield-could-be-the-worst-unit-in-professional-sports-and-maybe-all-of-life
25
Walker Says:
February 21st, 2013 at 6:06 pm
The Mets should be a powerhouse with their resources. What a horribly run franchise. My 12 year old nephew and his buddies could do a better a job.
26
David Says:
February 21st, 2013 at 8:32 pm
24 — that’s good. This is also good: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjkiebus/reasons-why-it-aint-easy-being-a-mets-fan
27
DJ Says:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:44 am
BTW, forgot to mention Halle is a big fan of the show…Curtis is her favorite.
28
Ham Says:
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:02 pm
#27 – you almost fooled me until the “Curtis is her favorite” part. Maybe before he lost his gall bladder.
29
Leah Says:
February 22nd, 2013 at 6:02 pm
http://t.co/Qqhe2KDhUi

I like it.
30
Steve Says:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:54 pm
From the SI article on today’s game: The brothers both went 0 for 2, then scooted out of the clubhouse before the media was allowed in.

I hope that doesn’t mean anything. C’mon guys, stick around and talk to the media.
31
Leah Says:
February 23rd, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Did anyone else hear the story about Simmons? He traded his first class ticket to Taiwan for two coach tickets. He wanted to take his Mama. Knew I liked that kid.
32
DJ Says:
February 24th, 2013 at 4:04 am
Halle is my blue tick hound. When Curtis speaks she howls and rolls on the floor like when a coon crawled under the back porch.
33
Will Says:
February 24th, 2013 at 4:06 am
Classic show guys. Well done.
34
Leah Says:
February 24th, 2013 at 7:21 am
#32 You win. Comment of the year right there.
35
Walker Says:
February 25th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Does anyone know how good Gattis is defensively at catcher?
36
Steve Says:
February 25th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
Every article and comment I’ve read about Gattis and defense uses the word “serviceable.” Not really glowing.
37
Walker Says:
February 25th, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Ok thanks. I guess Laird will be in there opening day.
38
Walker Says:
February 26th, 2013 at 8:43 am
I just looked at the Yankees depth chart. They are relying on so many declining older players its pretty sad. I don’t think they will make the playoffs this year and I’m pretty happy.
39
will Says:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:03 am
http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/uptons-first-braves-hit-epic-homer/nWZCk/

this
40
Curt Says:
February 26th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Think you can replace Yankees with Phillies and the sentiment would be the same. Except the Phils might have better starting pitching.
41
Steve Says:
February 26th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
@38 – And the Granderson injury is just brutal.
42
Leah Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
If Walker makes a hitter our of Schafer I’ll be very impressed.
43
Tim In Orlando Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Greetings from Spring Training

Sorry that I haven’t been able to keep you updated on the goings on around Champion Stadium, but I’ll try to do a better job this year. I did go to the two games earlier this week

Great to be back at the ballpark, but with some sadness. Bob and Pat from Minnesota, who sat behind me and have been coming to spring training since the Braves were in West Palm, are not coming to Florida this year. Also, one of our favorites ushers, Mike, pass away in January. Time marches on. Lots of new additions and events during the game this year. Old standards like “Braves trivia”, “name that tune”, “what’s in your pocket” and “Brave cap shuffle” have been joined by “steal second base” (a fan has to run from the right field line to ‘steal’ second base while the ground crew drags the field in the fourth inning), “dance for your dinner” (best dancer get free bar-b-cue), find a baggage tag in a pile of clothes gets a free set of luggage, and…… the Home Depot tool race (does the drill ever win?) Nothing like fun at the old ball park.

Monday, February 25th – Braves vs. Marlins
Cloudy day at the stadium but no rain. One of the smallest crowds (3,105) that I’ve ever seen at the ballpark, not too many people want to watch the fish I guess. But that’s too bad because they missed a great game. This game showcased the potential of this year’s Braves squad: good pitching (except for the 8th inning), home run power, great outfield defense and speed on the bases. As I said more than once on Monday: “I like it!”
Kris Medlin had a solid start for his first outing of the spring: 2 innings, 2 hits, 1 wild pitch, 2 strike outs, and no runs. He was followed by good outings by Craig Kimbrel (much improved over his “wild” 29-pitch first start), Luis Avilian, Cory Gearrin, and Christian Martinez. Things got squirrelly in the 8th when one of our minor leaguers, Yohan Flande, allowed the Marlins to score 5 runs to get back into the game. But the real highlights were on defense and offense.
We had two great throws from the outfield. One from Jordan Schaffer in right field (JHey was DH’ing) to prevent a runner from tagging from third and an outstanding throw from B.J. in center to nail a runner trying to advance from second to third. Freddie had a couple of good digs on low throws to first. Uggla had an “exciting” day in the field. First, Giancarlo Stanton hit a line-drive that ate him up in the first, but he had enough time to recover and throw out a runner advancing from first to second on a fielder’s choice. Next, he had a throw that pulled Freddie off first base. Then he bobbled a ball deep up the middle than was a going to be a hit any way.
The real excitement was on offense. First, JHey hit a line-drive shot that cleaned the right field fence to tie the game. Next, Justin Upton hit a ball than was incredible. When you heard it hit the bat, you knew that something special was about to happen. The left fielder didn’t even move. He just watched the ball sail over the left field fence, then over the berm, then over the tall advertising pennants, and finally, over the fence around the players’ parking lot. In my 16 years of coming to the WWS complex, I have never seen a ball do that! Just wish that there was some video of his shot. Justin’s HR gave us our first lead of the spring. Freddie F. was next and drove the ball to the fence but was caught, so we almost had three back-to-backers. Next B.J. hit a double and then easily stole third base. Speed – you gotta love it! He then scored on a wild pitch. All-in-all a great day at the ballpark (forget the 8th). By the way, keep your eye on Evan Gattis. He had a hit and an RBI.
There’s been a lot of discussion about the number of strike outs we’ll have this year, so I’ll track the number of strikes out we have per game. FYI: In 2013 the Braves averaged 7.95 Ks per game.
K Kount: Game – 4; KGA (Ks per game average – calculated like ERA) – 6.43

Tuesday, February 26th – Braves vs. Nationals
Rainy day. Start of the game delayed one hour. Another small crowd (3,750) but that was probably due to the rain. Good game – Braves came from behind twice to win.
Mike Minor pitched well but gave up two runs in the first mainly due to a funky double by Brice Harper. With a runner on first due to a walk, Harper hit a cropper to first base that bounced so high that it was over Freddie’s head. But it was hit hard enough that Dan Uggla couldn’t catch up to it before it died in the wet grass in right field. Result: runners on second and third – one out. One run scored on a ground ball to third base (good play by Francisco to prevent a double down the line) and the second on a single from Ian Desmond. Harper had two other hits (solid double, infield single) to go three-for-three.
Quite a few of the starters (JHey, Justin [DH today] & B.J.) left the game early. I guess Freddie G. didn’t want to risk an injury on a wet field. Jordan Parraz had a long home run to left. Most interesting was the spring training strategy of Nationals Manager, Davey Johnson. Most starting pitchers only pitch two innings in their first outing, but Davey had Ross Detwiler attempted to go three. And it hurt him. We scored two off him in the third. Likewise, the next Nationals pitcher, Ryan Perry, pitched in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Again, he seemed to run out of gas in the fifth and we scored five runs. Thanks Davey. Love swatting those pesky Nats. FYI: Evan Gattis – two hits, double, scored run.
K Kount: Game – 7; KGA – 6.70
44
new kid on the block Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 5:15 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/21779868/jayson-werth-phillies-not-braves-are-nats-biggest-threats
45
Walker Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Ok Mr. Werth. I think you are in for a huge surprise. If you think a team will the personel the Phillies have pose a huge threat you are delusional. Rollins, Utley, and Howard are past their prime.Howard was overrated to begin with. Delmon and Michael Young both add negative value.

Meanwhile the Braves will score many runs to go with a very good rotation and an excellent bullpen. Our outfield defense is amazing and the defensive value we will get from our SS will be through the roof.
46
new kid on the block Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
amen, walker !!! the nats are becoming so arogant day after day ! and i cant stand it ! answer me this ? can prado hit 30 homers and can bourn hit 30 homers ? no ! bj upton has already replaced two players at once and bj has replaced the steals with 38 ! okay, his brother justin, is the power leftfielder we needed in a long time. that is at the very most, 25+ more extra homers. then there’s chipper, chipper i believe played 125 games last year and produced 14 homers and 76 rbi’s. chris johnson played 130+ games produced 15 homers and 77+rbi’s. you see how very easy they have replaced those players !? and i havent mention the pitful bench we had last year ! hinkse replaced by gattis, are you kidding me !? diaz, overbay, with ernesto mejia ! juan francisco , reed johnson… we are stacked ! and the bullpen. i read today that the coaches are thinking real hard about putting sean gilmartin in the bullpen. thay clocked him today at a 100mph !! its going to be a rude awakening for captain caveman wife stiller !
47
new kid on the block Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
stealer,…..
48
new kid on the block Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
sorry ! that was jr graham is the one the coaches are watching. clocked at 100….
49
Walker Says:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
Carlis Ruiz is also suspended for the first 25 games of the season. In order for the Phillies to make the playoffs Hamels, Halladay, and Lee need to have absolutely amazing near career years. Because as much as they kill us Lannan and Kendricks wont cut it.
50
will Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 8:23 am
43 great post, more please

for the first time in a long time I am thinking it is entirely possible that we come out with a 6 – 8 game win streak to start the season… remember those?

havent even looked at the schedule..just 1000% homer
51
Steve Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 8:36 am
@43 – Tim, thanks for the news from Orlando. That is awesome stuff. And how exciting that you were there for the Justin Upton home run.
52
Steve Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 9:49 am
Just got Press Release about TV coverage for 2013. Two big items:

1. Fox Sport South/Sports South will now carry 152 games (an addition of 45). So Peachtree TV continues to shrink it’s presence.

2. From the Pre and Post Game show, Ron Gant is gone (presumably because of his new Good Day Atlanta gig) and Paul Byrd is in. It can only be an improvement.
53
David Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 10:49 am
52 – Gant gone from the broadcasts? That is a good thing. As much as I love Lemke as a player from the 90s, I wouldn’t mind if he found another radio job elsewhere.

I saw that Buster Olney has some notes about Gattis in his daily blog today. I’m not and ESPN Insider – anybody here who is and wouldn’t mind copying and pasting?
54
wonz in oregon Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 11:56 am
Forget y’all
55
Walker Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Its ashame about the shrinking of the Peachtree TV games. Ever since TBS the Braves were a team that you didnt need cable to see alot.
56
Shaun Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Tim @43, have you seen Gattis catch? How does he look? It would be awesome if he can handle catching duties at the major league level.
57
Steve Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@55 – agreed

@56 – I second that question. We need a scouting report!
58
eric Says:
February 28th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@53

NL evaluator says Gattis has looked good. More exciting to watch him take BP than any other Brave, including Heyward and the Uptons. Crazy power. Terrible infielder, acceptable outfielder, and improving catcher. Thinks Gattis will make an impact on the 2013 Braves.

Also, Olney says industry expectation is McCann will not be with the Braves in 2014.
59
Tim In Orlando Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 12:06 am
@51 – Yeah Steve, the home rule was awesome. I was fixated on the left fielder as he watched the ball just keep on going, and going, and going, and………

@56 – Shaun , Gattis caught three innings on Monday vs. the Marlins and was behind the plate during the 5-run debacle in the 8th. Can’t say I noticed anything special about his efforts. No stolen bases, but the fish didn’t have to steal while they kept hitting doubles and triples off Flambe. He DH’d on Tuesday.
60
Walker Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 12:37 am
Since we are making changes to Braves broadcast, I’m ready to get rid of Chip Carey who’s not that bright and bring back Boog Sciambi. I wonder what happened to him?
61
Curt Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 7:52 am
He works for ESPN and does national games
62
David Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 8:15 am
58 – thanks!
63
Walker Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 9:04 am
@61

Thanks. I should have just Googled it.
64
Shaun Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 9:54 am
Sciambi and Simpson were awesome together.

I feel uncomfortable listening to Simpson and Carey. It seems like they don’t like each other.
65
Steve Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@64 – funny you say that. I have felt for years that Joe does not like Chip – AT ALL. But Chip really, really wants Joe’s approval.
66
Curt Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Latest Onion headline:

“Braves not sure how they ended up with 15 Uptons”
67
The Dude Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 8:00 pm
DOB tweet – 9 Ks in 15 ABs for Uggla.

Ugh.
68
Leah Says:
March 1st, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Hey! Rev just caught an infield fly rule!
69
Tim In Orlando Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 1:07 am
The Good, The Bad & The Really, Really Ugly

Chilly night at the ballpark (at least for us Floridians) with a gale-force wind blowing into left field. Good crowd of 6,226 for the first night game of the spring.

THE GOOD – The pitching was excellent except for one inning which I will discuss later. Julio Terheran looked great: 3 innings, 1 run on a wind-aided HR, 1 hit, 5 Ks on 35 pitches. The HR was hit by Bryce Harper (him again?) When he hit it, we didn’t think it was hit that well. Justin cruised to his right and seemed to be under it, but then he started drifting back, and back, and back. Then we see him climbing the wall trying to catch the ball. No such luck. Yep, the wind got that one. Braves defense was good – one error at short for Pena on a ball hit by Harper (again?) Offense was good. Line-drive HR by JHey over the left-center field wall – no wind needed on this one. Two hits, one RBI, one run scored by Reed Johnson. Clutch double by B.J with two out to drive in two runs.

THE BAD – Strike outs! 11 in the game. Uggla struck out four times and looked really bad on each one. He looks like he’s really out of sync. We also had missed additional scoring opportunities in the second, fifth, and ninth innings.

THE HORRIBLY UGLY – Relief pitching the 8th inning once again. We’re cruising along with 4 to 1 lead going into the top of the eighth. The Nats have had three hits and four base runners up to this point. In comes Cory Rasmus. He promptly give up two singles through the left side, walks a batter on 4 pitches, then a single to drive in a run, walks in a run, gets a batter to pop up, then gives up a double in the gap to drive in three runs. Oh, the horror – Nats lead 6-4. Bye Bye Mr. Rasmus. But this is one of the curses of spring training baseball. Winning the game is not high on the priority list. Evaluating pitchers is.
The Braves did attempt a comeback in the ninth. They scored one run to make it 6 to 5. Then had runners on first and second with two out. Jordan Parraz hits a hard ground ball up the middle for a single – tie game? No, the second baseman, Will Rhymes, makes a fantastic diving stop to keep the ball in the infield, so no run scores, but the bases are loaded. Then, Elmer Reyes hits a weak tapper back to the pitcher on the first pitch. 1 to 3 – ball game. [Enter expletive here ?!??!]

No Gattis in tonight’s game. K Kount: Game – 11!; KGA – 7.33
70
Walker Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 1:21 pm
I wonder why Uggla forgot how to hit?
71
Curt Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 2:26 pm
The Where Atlanta curse. He and JJ were my 2 covers. Sorry about that.
72
Leah Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Shameful Curt.
73
Bubdanugglasucksdylan Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 3:39 pm
I can’t believe I lobbied so hard for two years to get this guy on the team. What a different team we would be if he were playing like he did before we picked him up. Such a shame. Who is the last pricey free agent we had that was worth a damn? My memory only goes Uggla, Lowe, and then the pain blocks out any further information.
74
Walker Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:45 pm
All I know is if Uggla keeps hitting like he’s been, stops walking, and goes back to his old ways on defense he will be a HUGE negative.

But hey, he’s a stocky white guy who “hustles”. Maybe the D Backs will take him….. Just kidding:)

But seriously, he’s a great guy, its still early and I’m fairly confident he’ll turn it around. He HAS to.
75
wlll Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 10:02 pm
@73 I would count Tim Hudson @ Billy Wagner as good deals…so 2-2 is not all that atrocious. Uggla and Lowe are possibly greater disappointments than Huddy + Wagner are/were successes, perhaps.
76
Bubdylan Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 11:02 pm
@75, good points. Maybe B J Upton will be the tie breaker. In a good way.

The Uggla fail, if it persists, just really feels like the worst sucker punch ever. Especially in the wake of McLouth coming here and just falling right down a production manhole.

Honestly, I have way more hope that Francisco will put up numbers close to Uggla’s old days than I have for Uggla recovering. Seems like we’ve seen an abnormal amount of hitters just totally tanking out of nowhere, starting with Andruw Jones and stretching to Uggs. Maybe it happens in the majors more often than I’ve noticed.
77
Bubdylan Says:
March 2nd, 2013 at 11:14 pm
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-rapid-fall-of-dan-uggla/

I’m late seeing this. Those K rates … why is it, again, that we’re holding out some phantom hope that he’ll get well?
78
Steve Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 7:00 am
@73: Don’t forget that one game of KK’s where he pitched better than Roy Halladay in Toronto.

@76: I have that same feeling, too. That the Braves have suffered an inordinate amount of players who should be good and then just drop off the face of the earth to such a degree that you’re left saying, “if they would just be barely average, we’d be in good shape with the rest of the talent around them.”

A Jones, Frenchy, McLouth, JJ, Hanson, Venters (last year), Uggla. It seems impossible but maybe it does happen to all teams.
79
Bubdylan Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Max Scherzer struck out zero batters of the first five. Uggla was battter number six. Guess how that ended.
80
Walker Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:43 pm
I wouldn’t put Andruw Jones in the same category with those players. Andruw actually had all his good years with us. According to baseball reference even in his worst season with the Braves he compiled a 2.8 WAR.
81
Bubdylan Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Yeah, well, Frenchy had all his good years with us, too. 8)
82
Walker Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
True. Trust me Dayton Moore will be fired after this year. Trading Will Myers and keeping Frenchy makes no sense. James Shields wasn’t worth that.
83
Bubdylan Says:
March 3rd, 2013 at 2:48 pm
UGGS! HR!
84
Bubdylan Says:
March 4th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
…. h’llo?
85
Leah Says:
March 4th, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Howdy Bub!
86
Bubdylan Says:
March 4th, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Hey, Leah. We never had a moment concerning the end of Pixar’s greatness. We should have huddled together crying in some coffee. You do agree Cars 2 is fairly terrible, right? Right?
87
Steve Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:54 am
@86 – I know you didn’t ask me, but yes – Cars 2 is a complete waste.
88
Curt Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 9:27 am
It’s really the first time I felt that a Pixar movie was strictly made to sell toys. That, and the, what I found to be, excessive violence. Really awful.

But I found Brave to be delightful. So a nice bounce back.
89
Curt Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 9:30 am
P.S. Regular shows start Sunday
90
Shaun Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:32 am
Does anyone find it weird that Uggla led the NL in walks in 2012? I don’t think of Dan Uggla as an extremely patient hitter. Looking at the span of his career (2006-2012) his walk rate doesn’t rank all that high but it is decent. His total walks rank 15th in the majors over that span.

I think the best things we can say about Uggla is that he has some power, he has an idea of the strikezone and he’s durable. All these things keep him from being an absolute disaster but he needs to find his power stroke again. If we see the walks from 2012 and the power from 2011, the Braves will be set.
91
Curt Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 11:30 am
That’s like the old joke –

In Heaven: the cooks are French, the policemen are English, the mechanics are German, the lovers are Italian and the bankers are Swiss.

In Hell: the cooks are English, the policemen are German, the mechanics are French, the lovers are Swiss and the bankers are Italian.

Let’s see what combo we actually get from Uggla.
92
Bubdylan Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@91, that’s great, haven’t heard that before.

Shaun, it’s the power from 2012, walks from 2011 version I’m afraid of. And with the K-fest in Spring Training so far …

@87, wow, so bad that Stevie hated it. That’s when you know you’ve made a bad flick.
93
Bubdylan Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Huddy and Maholm’s outings have been luckier than good so far.
94
Bubdylan Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:28 pm
please hit Joba.
95
Leah Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@86 yes…terrible. I also loved Brave. I can’t believe we made it through the Oscars without great debate. We’ve slipped!
96
Leah Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
I hope the Braves bust it wide open. Spring Training or no…hate the Yanks.
97
Curt Says:
March 5th, 2013 at 10:28 pm
The Oscars were awful. I would watch Cars 2, Clockwork Orange style, with my eyes pried open, before I would watch 3 more minutes of that crap. The genius who hired Seth McFarland should be flogged.
98
Walker Says:
March 6th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
The Braves are willing to trade Venters.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/mlb-rumors/21823845/report-braves-could-be-willing-to-trade-johnny-venters

But why? We dont have any needs and his value is lower than it should be coming off of last season. Frank, dont get too trade happy.
99
Walker Says:
March 6th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Fun read: http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=sweetspot&id=33502&src=desktop
100
David Says:
March 6th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Another fun read: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/03/offseason-in-review-atlanta-braves.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter — though not as fun as the read in #99.

This link poses a good question: are the 2013 Braves better than the 2012 team? Entering into the season, is this team better than last year’s team when they entered the season?

I think it’d be an interesting question, and one that can’t be answered with, “well, they’re just different.” Duh. Which one is BETTER?
101
Walker Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:39 am
@100

I will say that we come into this season with way more upside than last year. Justin Upton going back to his original form, Andrelton Simmons for a full year, Medlen in rotation for full year, Minor being consistent, Uggla hitting better, and McCann coming back stronger should more than compensate for the loss of Prado, Bourn and Chipper.

I would say the 2013 team is better.
102
Walker Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:47 am
I wasn’t aware we gave Ramiro Pena a major league deal. It feels like a lazy signing. I may be wrong but I think we could have done better finding a backup infielder.
103
David Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:29 am
101 — I agree, and I think this team has fewer question marks than the team did last year entering into the season.

Our rotation last year included Hanson, Jurrjens, Minor, Beachy, Delgado (Hudson started year on DL).

Our rotation this year includes Medlen, Minor, Hudson, Maholm, Teheran. Better, IMO.

Last year’s question marks: Can Chipper stay healthy all season? Will Heyward bounce back and be healthy? Will Jurrjens be healthy all season? Hanson be healthy and step into “ace” form? How good will Pastornicky be at shortstop?

This year’s question marks: Can Uggla improve or will his decline continue? Will BJ Upton’s pros (power, speed, defense) outweigh his cons (Ks, low OBP)? What kind of production will we get from 3B?

Overall, I feel more confident about the 2013 team than last year’s. There’s no reclamation projects/veteran-but-not-very-good pickups (Durbin, Livan, Jack Wilson). While health is always a question, I think that there are fewer obvious health questions on this year’s team than last year’s. The rotation seems more solid.

I don’t think it’s a slam-dunk, though, because last year’s team apparently had better clubhouse chemistry and this year’s team will pile up the Ks. Is the 2013 team a 90+ win team? Yes, I think so.
104
Shaun Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:40 am
Braves could be looking to trade Venters because maybe they don’t feel his value will get much higher. Plus they seem to be loaded in the bullpen.

David @100, I honestly think the 2012 team and the 2013 are about even. I like the 2013 team’s upside and I like the future of the 2013 team. With the way the offseason unfolded, the Braves are in good shape for about 2-3 more seasons, at least. Last year’s team obviously had great young players but the Upton’s, particularly Justin, takes that to another level.
105
Bubdylan Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
In the spirit of spring, it’s hard for me to not see this team winning about 98 games. Because: Homers, Rotation, Kimbrel, Simmons. In that order.

But I’m sure the realities of April and May can cure that feeling.
106
Bubdylan Says:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Bullpen building is such a fickle sport. I wouldn’t cry if Venters was dealt. Especially if somebody gambled on a big turnaround for him and gave us a good return.
107
Steve Says:
March 8th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
I don’t buy the Venters trade talk. Especially with Walden’s back issues.
108
Shaun Says:
March 8th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
I’m thinking they may be ready and think it’s time to sell on Venters, if someone makes them the right offer. But I don’t think they are desperate either.

It’s possible that they also think J.R. Graham and Alex Wood are ready or near-ready and could step in to big late-inning, high-leverage roles.
109
will Says:
March 8th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=atl#game_type='S'&playerType=ALL&elem=%5Bobject+Object%5D&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+hitting&sectionType=sp&statType=hitting&page=1&ts=1362791646548

this is a link to the spring training stats. Do we worry about Heyward’s .172 average? I know we are worried about Uggla 14 SO vs. the team average of about 6 or 7..

I like Gattis, Johnson & Francisco stats…rockin it.

i wonder out loud how much we read into spring training…
110
Leah Says:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
RA Dickey is stinking it up in the WBC.
111
Leah Says:
March 8th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
So good to see Cantu in there.
112
Nate Says:
March 9th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Turned on the WBC to see Prado getting a hit. I had to turn it off. It’s just too soon.
113
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Literally in tears during his 9th inning at bat. Where he hit an RBI double by the way.
114
Leah Says:
March 9th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
USA needs Meds like nobody’s business.
115
Steve Says:
March 9th, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Was at a restaurant tonight with the MEX/CAN game on when the fight broke out. Pretty damn fun.
116
Will Says:
March 10th, 2013 at 8:59 am
Uggla lookin good
117
Bubdylan Says:
March 10th, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Wayta go, Kimbrel. 3 up, 3 down, 2 K’s.

Show #212: Our Interview with Braves Legend David Justice

117 Responses to “Show #212: Our Interview with Braves Legend David Justice”

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