November 22, 2009

Show #86: Checking in on the 2009 Braves’ Off Season

Tim Hudson’s extension.  Trading Lowe or Vazquez?  Outfield acquisitions.  The closer situation.  And the 2010 broadcast team.

Show #86 [ 50:03 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 

110 Responses to “Show #86: Checking in on the 2009 Braves’ Off Season”

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  1. 1
    Will Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 am

    Good show.

    Nippon Ham is the nickname of a big food company called Nippon Meat Packers.

    So its like saying the Oscar Meyer Fighters.

  2. 2
    Will Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 9:20 am

    If he has a good spring, I’m for taking a risk, starting Heyward and setting the roster early. Isn’t he supposedly very mentally mature/of above average intelligence? I guess you can platoon him or send him down quickly if he strikes out like Shafer. I know we cant make the mistake we did this year which was leaving Shafer and Frenchy in too long. But just because Shafer was a bust won’t mean Heyward is. Would be good risk/reward balance to have Heyward + another proven expensive big bat + McClouth.

  3. 3
    Will Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am

    meaning by setting the roster that I’d love to see us do less tinkering with the outfield roster. Do the Braves tinker more than other clubs?

  4. 4
    Steve Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 9:53 am

    Will, if we go “Heyward + another proven expensive big bat + McClouth” where does that leave Diaz? Do you want him on the bench? It’s possible that his everyday production last season was an anomaly, but I think he should be starting. I don’t think the Braves tinker more or less than other clubs given their payroll and the unique situations of farm talent, injuries, etc.

  5. 5
    Hammy Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 11:32 am

    I wish their nickname was just the Nippon Meat Packers. I mean, come on. The jokes would just write themselves.

  6. 6
    Leah Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    Great show! I feel like I’ve been binge drinking. So much info I’m going to have to listen again. I go back and forth about Heyward as well. Will, you make an excellent point about being willing to take a risk but will BC send him back down if he starts striking out? I’m thinking no. I’m with Stevie re: Matty D. He was so great starting last year and I’m sure he wants to redeem himself after the base running mistake that made me cry the last week of the season. I’m ready for the predicted big move
    in the weeks to come

    Oh and don’t forget about the potential closer DOB was talking about from the Minors. Hyde?

  7. 7
    Leah Says:
    November 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    I guess maybe sending guys back down isn’t BC’s decision. Who decides these things? So much I have to learn. How do you people put up with me.

    Curt, I hope your hour under the knife was uneventful and your recovery is swift.

  8. 8
    Anne Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 8:28 am

    “Can we re-sign Garrett Anderson and trade him for [Willingham]??” Holy crap that made my drive to work worthwhile. Hilarious. Thank you, Hamilton!!

  9. 9
    Will Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Steve…good point. How about Heyward/Diaz/proven expensive bat and nix McClouth? He sort of underwhelmed, no? I know he had a ham problem. Or was it a meat packing problem? badumpump….tsshhh….I digress… I have to re-listen to the cast. Did you guys pass judgement on McClouth? I most likely spaced out when you got to him…

    But I agree about Diaz. Totally worth keeping him in full time. He was consistent, not a fluke I think.

    Get well soon, Curtis.

  10. 10
    Leah Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am

    “The thing that turned me off Willingham was his stats cause he sucks.”

  11. 11
    Anne Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 10:20 am

    Oh, and re: TV commentary for the coming year…another reason I’m thrilled I have season tickets so I won’t miss Boog so much. I guess Simpson doesn’t have much say-so, since he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who enjoys sitting in the booth with an idiot. He clicked really well with Boog and Chip, so we’ll see how this goes. Where’s Don Sutton in all this mix? Did we lose him AGAIN?

  12. 12
    Curt Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Back home and feeling well, all things considered. Thanks for the well wishes.

    Don will continue to do radio with Jim (did we ever figure his name out). I think TV and radio are now completely independent of each other. Hence why there is no cross over between the crews. Rathbun is awful though. I’m deeply disappointed by this move. It is such a lazy effort on the Braves part to just resign him.

  13. 13
    Curt Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    I dont think DOB was talking about Hyde as a closer per se. I think he was just discussing his importance for the future. I’m not sure he will even be with the Braves this season. But good lefty relievers are nice to have.

  14. 14
    Anne Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Curt – good to hear you’re doing well. Just puttin’ it out there: I work for a healthcare institution in Atlanta – the one connected to the University – and I can pull strings. If you’re being seen here, awesome – let me know if they are treating you well. If you’re not, that’s fine too. Just sayin’.

  15. 15
    Curt Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks Anne. I was actually at the directionally named facility in Sandy Springs. I feel pretty well. The landscape of my belly button has been permanently altered, but other that that everything seems to be functioning properly. Thanks for the offer. If I need anything I might take you up on the offer. I’m right around the corner from you.

  16. 16
    Tcc Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    ABT guys, thanks for the podcast and update. Great to hear your thoughts again about the future. Curt, get some rest after losing your “non vital” organ. You may be sore but it’s not like losing a short series in the playoffs to the Astros! Easy for me to say, yes! I still have mine!

    Nippon Ham??? Whatever happened to good old Country Ham??? BTW, Curt, that’s off your menu now for a little while!

    I agree we still should spend some bucks on a 25+ HR guy for the outfield, but why not bring Heyward up to platoon with Diaz. Matty was very good last year on his own, but has also been great off the bench. If Heyward needs more work just send him over the county line for some fine tuning. I think Diaz could be a great mentor for an up coming guy.

    Rathbun…really!!! Are we talking about “Combover Rathbun”?? No prob. I’ll just turn down the sound of the tv and listen to Joe and the other guy on the radio and I don’t give a damn about the delay.

    Go Braves.

  17. 17
    Leah Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    Huh…I could not pick Curt out of a line up yet I know that he has an altered belly button. Funny…the nature of an Internet community.

  18. 18
    Steve Says:
    November 24th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    Non-baseball topic for a moment. Has anyone read, “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo?” Not for the feint of heart but, dear God, it is some of the best fiction I’ve read in a long time. On the surface, it is a mass market thriller. But, it is EXTREMELY well done and interesting.

    Leah – Curt has model-good looks and a chiseled body. This news of the belly button mutilation is an absolute crime.

  19. 19
    Curt Says:
    November 25th, 2009 at 12:13 am

    It’s true. It’s like they painted a mustache on the Mona Lisa.

  20. 20
    Tcc Says:
    November 25th, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Steve, I’ve had that one recommended to me. Speaking of the not for the feint of heart, have you tried “Blood Meridian”?

    Back to BB, just heard that Andruw has signed a one year deal with the Pale Hose for half a mil.

  21. 21
    Steve Says:
    November 25th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Tcc – thanks for the recommendation. I’ve not read it (nor have I read any of his stuff). Here’s a review for those that care: http://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/28/books/mccarthy-meridian.html

    Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

  22. 22
    Leah Says:
    November 25th, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    Same to you Steve and all you other ABTers. And…Go Braves!

  23. 23
    Tcc Says:
    November 26th, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday. Big article on Jason Heyward in this month’s edition of Chop Talk. I saw him play one game this Summer against the Tn Smokies. He truly looked like a man among boys. Freddy Freeman is big too but not nearly as athletic.

    Steve, you should check out McCarthy but please don’t start with “Blood Meridian”! Get a used copy of “The Road”, or “No Country for Old Men”. A better introduction I think..

    Go Braves!

  24. 24
    Leah Says:
    November 27th, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Watching the Alabama Auburn game and wondering how many F-bombs Bub’s dropped during the first half.

  25. 25
    Leah Says:
    November 27th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    Bub, I sure hope you’re happy cause my 8yo has shed his tears and is now being hateful to everyone he comes across. WDE! Good game.

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