Show #88: Updating the Braves’ 2009 Off Season
The Roy Halladay trade. Soriano accepts arbitration. Gonzalez signs with the Orioles. And Lowe and LaRoche speak out.
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December 20th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
FINALLY!
December 20th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
You guys made the Buzz Report…do you always make the buzz report? I think that’s freakin awesome! Can’t wait to hear the show…tomorrow.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Lowe gets traded
December 21st, 2009 at 12:11 am
Great show, as always.
Steve, I dunno about holding onto Soriano yielding a higher return. I’ve read a couple articles this week about how overpopulated the closer/ late inning market is this year. I predict the Rays will end up seeing they could have done better by holding off.
Also, consider this: by the time the Rays took the bait, they were the only suitor left. Astros, Yanks, Orioles, and other rumored suitors had officially bowed out. We were down to one stinking team, and the fact that we only got the bare minimum in return AFTER the other teams backed out tells us that the other teams were wanting the Braves to eat money. I mean, it’s not likely the other teams were offering to take the whole salary, but Wren wouldn’t pull the trigger because the player offered was less than Chavez.
Soriano was suspect to a lot of teams. Even fan sites were lit up with distaste for the guy. Reporters loved him, thought he’d be at the top. But teams just didn’t come calling as if they believed that. ANY of those teams could have gotten him for a return approximately equal to Chavez. And they all passed. As hot as some of Soriano’s stats were, he wasn’t coveted.
I think Wren dodged a MAJOR bullet by getting the Rays to take his salary. And to be honest, I think it’ll take a second near-miracle to deal Lowe without eating some serious cash.
Enjoyed hearing about the kids.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Chip Caray received an early Christmas present on Monday morning, when Fox Sports Net hired him to serve as their play-by-play announcer for all the Braves games televised by Fox Sports South and SportSouth.
This was the role previously held by Jon “Boog” Sciambi, who accepted a full-time role with ESPN at the conclusion of this past season.
Later this morning, Fox Sports Net is supposed to officially announce this hiring of Caray, whose role as TBS’ lead baseball announcer was terminated on Nov. 30. That decision ended his association with Turner Sports, which handles all of the Braves games broadcast on Peachtree Television.
This arrangement will allow Caray to once again call a majority of the televised Braves games. During the past two seasons, he saw his workload with the Braves limited by the travel requirements that came with TBS’ national baseball package.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Better than Bob Rasmus… I guess
December 21st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Rathbun
December 21st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I’d take Bob Rasmus over the both of them.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Nationals sign Jason Marquis.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Oh Steve made a joke. HAHA! He’s SOOO funny… NOT!
December 21st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Poor Jason Marquis! That’s terrible. Worse than his latest hairstyle and “look.” My hairdresser was highly disappointed after seeing him – his wife (girlfriend?) used to send him to her in Vinings when he played for the Bravos. Yeek. Well, at least he’ll have a nice place to pitch in…and no one to watch.
December 21st, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Thanks, guys for the latest installment of ABT. What?? We have whiney players?? OMG! I guess we or they will just have to get over it.
Really I don’t think much is going to change in the near future. Trade a pitcher, our rotation will be ok. Sign or trade LaRoche, we still have Freddie coming. Heyward will come up and hopefully have an impact but he’s still going to be a rookie.
The Braves biggest concern for the future is third base. Chipper, hurt and part time is still miles better than anyone we have in the minors. We won’t have him much longer.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:12 am
Tcc,
I suspect Prado will be the future 3B until further notice. He had above average 3B defensive skills.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 am
Trade Lowe to the Mets. Do it. It’s beautiful. Check it out:
1. Mets are desperate for a starter.
2. The last player we dumped on them, at this point, looks like gold to them.
3. Eat 3 million per year and take a minor league scrub, it doesn’t matter.
Then sit back and watch the dream:
1. Lowe hangs a 4.90, 5.54, and 5.99 ERA over the rest of his horrid contract.
2. Frenchy falls to pieces about late May after Wright calls him “On Base Percentury” in the press.
3. And since our signing of Lowe last year forced NY to sign Perez, they’ll have TWO terrible Boras contracts, and one Frigged Frenchy, all because of ATL!!!
4. BOTH Atl whiney babies got shipped to the funkhole of baseball.
It’s the most elegant sucker punch in baseball history.
(okay, lame maybe, but “On Base Percentury” is pretty good. Come on.)
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:22 am
Front Sports page AJC article on Chip Caray but why does the AJC devote front page and nearly full inside page to Jeff Francoeur and his dad and their golf holiday. Lame.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 am
Lame AJC is an oxymoron, Will. Too bad – it’s a crime that our newspaper “of note” looks more like my high school newspaper these days.
Is it just me, or was the sound quality this week better? I listened on my iPod, just like always, and raspy rough voices aside…I thought everybody was clearer. Maybe Santa got me better hearing for Christmas (early?).
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
Let’s not give up on Wrenta Clause just yet. Granted this is my first year to really pay attention to the offseason but it seems like there’s still time to get a big bat. Whiney Behiney ain’t it.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
Man were we wrong. Braves have apparently traded Vazquez to the Yanks for Melkey Cabrera
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/reports-braves-sending-vazquez-251942.html
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:08 am
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Crap, Curt! Why you got to bring us down?? Guess the whiny wheel gets the grease.
How do we feel about Cabrera?
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Huh…who knew the baseball gods hated me in the offseason also? Never posting again…ever. Wrenta Clause my ass.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I don’t hate the trade, but I sure don’t love it. I had NO idea why anybody EVER thought we would be able to trade D. Lowe. I mean, when we signed Tim Hudson, I was like, “well, see ya later Vazquez.”
Then it was reported, something like “it didn’t take long for Wren to discover there is definitely a market for Derek Lowe” and I was like, “okay, maybe, if that’s what they’re saying.” But what were we thinking? That’s an untradeable Scott Boras contract right down the middle.
So, is the writing on the wall at this point: Adam LaRoche?
Hudson
Jurrjens
Lowe (I am absolutely pissed that he’ll get more starts than Hanson, but he will)
Hanson
Kawakami
McLouth (20+HRs)
Prado
Chipper (20+)
McCann (20+)
LaRoche (20+)
Escobar
Heyward/Melky (15+)
Melky/Diaz (15)
I know we got burned on the several-guys-who-hit-twenty argument last year. But two of those guys were KJ and Frenchy. This looks more reasonable.
Poor Javy Vazquez. Bobby was a tonic for his fidgety mind. He might get killed up there.
This has been a very BLAH turn of events. Not terrible, but… not happy. There is no big bat coming here, we are going to keep our worst contract, and whatever dreams we had of being the beastliest pitching staff east of the Mississippi (waves at Leah)… we’re going to have to settle for just being pretty good. Not gonna cut it without a slugger.
Some positives: As albatross contracts go, Lowe’s is small beans. Remember Mike Hampton’s millions?
Here’s the happy Math:
Lowe: 6.7 million
Hanson: 6.7 million
Jurrjens: 6.7 million
Kawakami: 6.7 million
Hudson: 6.7 million
That’s our staff’s salary divided evenly. Not bad.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Note to Derek Lowe:
Do you see now that it was just business, dummy? Would you like to have those words back? Would you like to not be the guy who hurts the chemistry for the whole Bobby’s Last Run thingy they’re trying to build, before the thing even begins? We traded our Cy Young vote getter instead of you. What does that tell you? It isn’t personal, or even very much about performance. It’s business.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I hate it! I feel like we can seriously hand the trophy right on over to the Yankees. Steve, where are you with your positive outlook on life? Bub doesn’t hate it and Curt’s not allowed to comment unless he finds a silver lining. I feel like eating my unopened package of Trader Joes Brandy Beans in it’s entirety. My dream is dead. I have to stop typing or I may type words I will wish deleted as soon as submitted.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
“I feel like we can seriously hand the trophy right on over to the Yankees.”
Not a chance. Listen, the Yankees were already going to win the division or wild card, so we’ve increased their presence in the playoffs by 0%.
Once they get there – and I LOVE Javier Vazquez – he is not going to handle it well. He’s just not. It’s not just regular Yankee pressure, it’s Yankee pressure in that freaking new stadium of their’s, where they give out HR’s like candy on Halloween. To me, Javy in the NY postseason is subtraction by addition.
But I LOVED him here, please nobody think I’m down on him. LOVED him. Wanted very much for him to use ATL to prove Ozzie wrong. But he won’t do that up in Yanktown.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Ugh. Cabrera hit 13 homers last season, 9 in Yankee stadium. I wanted Lowe gone. I wanted a big bat. Do you think this is the first step in a series of moves?
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
To a certain degree, it’s impossible to say yet. I certainly wanted Lowe to go and not Vazquez. Can we assume this all means that Frank found no buyers for Lowe, probably. And, Melky is very nice player. Not a world changer, but a damn good player. And we save about 8MM in the trade. So, what does Wren do with this money about getting us a clean-up hitter? That’s the measuring stick of this trade. If this off-season becomes Melky and LaRoche, I will not be happy.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
And Bub – I totally agree. I do not foresee a bunch of success for Vazquez up in NY.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Maybe hate is too strong…very disappointed. I feel like we will be one piece short of really contending.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
The silver lining is that we have an outside shot at 3rd in the NL East.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
the Yanks fans don’t seem to like the trade on MLB.com…that has to be good??
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Wrenta Clause…i knew we should have purchased. Bub, are ya proud?
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
especially the female Yanks fans seem to be against it…ok..one called Yankeegirl. others are split about 2 against 1 for. Melky seems to have good defense, spotty offense. NOT really what we need.
I agree w Steve’s take…trade seems adequate, while we were holding out for spectacular.
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Cabrera is a very overrated player. If he puts up numbers (offensively and defensively) better than GA’s, I’ll be a little shocked. The players I’m most excited about is Arodys and Dunn. Huge potential for Arodys and Dunn could one day be a very servicable set up man and spot closer. I like the fact that he could also be flipped for someone good like Billy Butler.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
We got a decent cheap OF, a lefty RP, and the Yankees #1 pitching prospect.
I hate losing Javy but this deal is better than giving Lowe away paying part of his salary and only getting a couple c level prospects.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
http://media.790thezone.com/Podcasts/1346/Frank_Wren_12-22-09.mp3
Braves are not done.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Great link JJ. *deep sigh of relief*
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Article re: Padres offseason silence stated,
“Next season may not be as much about winning as it is about laying the foundation for something better than the last three or four year of Padres baseball…
Could Hoyer send third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff packing, figuring that Chase Headley can play that position? What about Adrian Gonzalez? He could bring the Padres a plethora of young talent…
Hmmm…which team now has a plethora of young talent to spare? I’m thinking…I’m thinking…
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
NO AGON!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
AGON?
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Welcome Melky to the Bravos! I hope you have a career year!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
As the day has gone, I’ve grown more and more critical of the trade. My thinking being that if we traded Lowe (our assumed Plan A) that would be salary dump and we pick up a great OF free agent player to hit in the 4 spot. A trade of Vazquez, after his career year, would most certainly yield the big bat and that would be that. But now the Vazquez trade seems like a bit of salary dump itself and none of the 1B FAs seem to fit the bill to be the big thumper. Again, I hope that Melky and LaRoche are not the end result here.
All of that said, here’s a more positive view from FanGraphs:
Vazquez is a quality pitcher and the Braves will miss him, no doubt, but they saved roughly $8 million in salary (once you account for Melky’s arbitration award), added a league average outfielder and one of the best young arms in baseball (Vizcaino). Perhaps it isn’t the price that top flight starters used to command, but when viewed in today’s market, this is a pretty decent deal for Atlanta. This is a significantly better return than what Philadelphia got for Cliff Lee, for instance.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Looks like our new first baseman is………………………Troy Glaus. He of the 20 at bats last season. A man who has played 6 games in his career at first.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34572635/ns/sports-player_news/
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Are we nervous with so little experience at 3rd? It seems like a good fit if he’s healthy. I hope he’s out there taking in some infield practice before spring training. I know it’s only a one year deal but he could play 3rd if Chip retires when Freeman comes up. I think I like it. Do I like it?
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I just read that Glaus probably can’t play 3rd at this point in his career.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
It seems a little dubious to me. they are clearly relying very heavily on freeman being ready to play for them in 2011.
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Glaus has a above average defense at 1B. At 2M, this is a great signing.
Steve –
The Vasquez trade was good for the Braves. Arodys is an awesome pitcher and prospect.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Steve, do you feel better about the trade now? It’s hard for me to be comfortable if you question the trade. You know…cause you’re brilliant and all.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
At least all the suspense is over….uh, maybe the suspense was better? Cabrera and Glaus are a bit underwhelming, but maybe they’ll surprise us!
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Tcc, I live your ever positive outlook. Are you that way with life as well as baseball?
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Leah, Glass half full here, in all things
I share other’s concerns on here because I want the Bravisto Mens to win every game, forever. I get upset, to a degree, when they lose or make a seemingly boneheaded trade. But considering that over the last, almost 20 years you could tune in and have an above average chance of seeing/hearing the Braves win…I’m ok!
I’m a nurse and a fiddle/banjo player. Good, happy stuff.
I really appreciate that ABT and many posters here know a lot more about the ins and outs of baseball than I do(that’s why I’m here). Maybe they know more and so they feel it more when things aren’t what we want. They may express that in a negative way, but I’m sure it’s because they want what we all want. Go Braves!
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I appreciate the half empty posters and host as well. If Curt says it’s good you know it’s frickin’ awesome. When his hope meter reached 5 last season I about died. The banjo…WOW! You should listen to The Avett’s older albums.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
That, I will do. Thanks!
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
790 was dissing Glaus today, saying his big numbers came in early 00′s, that he was using PED, that his name was on the Mitchell report, that his injuries are post-PED related, that this is a big gamble. that all these trades are big gambles – Wagner, Saito, Glaus…that of course like any gamble could go the right way, but that we are loading up with injury prone, slightly above average guys. Heavy on prayers, light on players. I made that line up…
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
there are a lot of ifs we are counting on. again. i prefer more certainties in my life.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Will – keeping Soriano and Gonzo were injury gambles as well. I still like the Wagner/Saito better.
The Glaus thing has me a bit stunned. If he can put up his ’08 numbers (or, hoping against hope, his ’06 or ’05 numbers) for a full year, than sure – this is great. But why did the team spend only a fraction of the money they dumped via the Vazquez trade on our big bat? They got creative by grabbing a FA 3rd basemen that was on no one’s radar. I’m all for that, but the team’s got 5 – 10MM more to play with – there was no more sure thing out there?
JJ – where did you read that Glaus has above average defense at 1st? His entire sample size is 4 games. Did FanGraphs or some site like that really rate him on that? Source, please.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Could the Braves still afford LaRoche? It seems he’s going to have to lower his asking price due to the lack of demand. He could platoon with Glaus and step up big in the second half when he tends to shine. Again, I have no clue what I’m talking about. Also, do we know FW is done? Could he have some magic left?
Bub, I hope you’re having a blast with family during your time off. It’s back to “work” after the holidays. Ya hear?
December 24th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Steve –
The reason why Glaus can’t play 3rd anymore is because of his shoulder injury, the man can not throw. However he does have a gold glove caliber glove at 3rd and has for many years. Last year he was working on playing LF and 1B in the minors, I know this because I was advocated him for the bench mid season last year. When I said he has above average defense, I might have over-exaggerated. Of all the average defenders at 1st, he is above them. I suspect he’ll do fine defensively, if he can stay healthy. [Knock on wood]
However fangraphs has rated his defense with 16 UZR/150 for 38.2 innings over the past 2 years.
December 24th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I like baseball,
I doubt it. I think he’ll sign with the Giants. I do hope we sign DeRosa for LF, his versatility will come in handy if Glaus or Chipper goes down.
December 24th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I love hearing players talk about their families etc. I dig the personal angle…maybe it’s a chick thing. So, Merry Christmas ABTers. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091221&content_id=7840314&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
December 24th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Steve -
They may be saving the rest of the money for midseason trades.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I like baseball,
Thanks for post that, Merry Christmas, and I don’t think it’s a chick thing, I enjoyed it.
Merry Christmas to all!
December 24th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Merry Christmas, Leah.
Merry Christmas, ABT.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Merry Christmas everyone!
December 25th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Merry Christmas and…GO BRAVES!
December 25th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Got the Jersey Boys soundtrack for Christmas, AWESOME!
December 25th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Merry Christmas everyone. Wish that Wrenta Claus had brought better presents.
Looks like we are gonna do a show this Sunday – too much going on to sit silently by.
December 25th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
A new ABT podcast was on the top of my list to Santa. I didn’t tell you guys cause I didn’t want to add the pressure of making my Christmas dreams come true to your busy holiday plans. It’s a Christmas miracle!
December 25th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
The Braves are going to the playoffs in 2010. Not a doubt in my mind. Division or Wild Card. They’re going.
For the first time in years, Bobby Cox will add wins to the team instead of subtracting. (Emotion. Storyline. Momentum. These things win more ballgames than we think. See: Rockies, Rays, many more)
Young/ Prime: McLouth, Jurrjens, McCann, Escobar, Prado. Diaz, Moylan
AWESOME super-young: Hanson, Heyward
Veteran Groove: Tim Hudson, Chipper Jones, Derek Lowe, BILLY WAGNER, Saito
Wild Cards: Kawakami, Glaus, Proctor
Addition by Subtraction: -Schafer, -Francoeur, -Jo Jo Reyes, -Jeff Bennett
That’s a helluva mid-market ballteam, folks. I’ll see you guys at the Ted in OCTOBAH!
I expect all you podcasters to go on record pretty soon on making the post season or not, now that the line-up is set. And I get MAD credit for being the lone Nostradamus if you all don’t join me.
p.s. I got Whiskey for Christmas, so…
December 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
p.p.s. if Prado falters, mid-season $$ and prospect wealth = Dan Uggla.
December 26th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Merry Christmas Steve (My middle name btw,
) Hammy and Curt!
December 26th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Ditto Bub! Well, I didn’t get whiskey for Christmas but I’m getting stoked about 2010!
December 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Hey, I know! In October we can all wear our ABT t-shi…oh that’s right. We don’t have ABT t-shirts. I forgot.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I’m with you, Leah. I’ve SEEN an ABT shirt, but Ballpark Frank didn’t offer to rip it off his body like he used to when he modelled for romance novels.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
You mean there is such a thing? They actually exist?
December 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
p.s. NL MVP 2010 = Chipper Jones.
Just watch.
December 26th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Bub, I’m a believer! Did I say this before? If the 09 Braves had won 2 more games each month of the season, they would have easily won the Division. Slightly less than that and they could have been the Wild Card. Chipper rebounds and they send BC out in style. Can’t wait.
December 27th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Happy holidays, gang. I hope that everyone’s had a terrific time with family and friends. And thanks for all of the well wishes, I’ve unplugged for a few days and am just getting to them.
Leah, it is true. There are a few shirts out there. I ordered some a year ago when we ordered up business cards. I promise that we’ll set up a way to order shirts, hats, etc. before the start of the 2010 season.
New show coming Sunday night.
December 27th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I’m a reasonable lady. You are forgiven.
December 27th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I’ll call one more thing in advance: If Jair Jurrjens has a good spring, he’ll start on opening day. Call me crazy. I think they’ll do it.
December 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Yeah, Bub, that’s a great question for the ABT’ers if they’re not already sequestered.
December 27th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Tcc, I found a sliver of evidence for my Jurrjens opening day prediction. Ladies and Gents, I present the Braves depth chart according to MLB.com. Have no idea if it means anything. But with the other teams I checked, the pitchers were in an obviously correct order for opening week.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/depth_chart/index.jsp?c_id=atl
December 27th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Hey, we could leave exactly 88 comments to show #88. That would be… “good booga-booga,” as Tea Leone says in Spanglish.
December 27th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’ll help. Just took the tree down. It was making me angry.
December 27th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Stupid tree.
December 27th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Smelly and messy. Did you have a good holiday with the fam? I bet you’re everybody’s favorite crazy uncle. I like all your predictions by the way and hope they all come true.
December 27th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I did have a good holiday, thanks. I’m only a favorite crazy uncle to one kid, my cousin’s boy, Josiah. He’s four. He’s awesome.
You and yours have a merry Christmas? All the piggy flu gone?
December 27th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
We did…no more piggy flu thank goodness. Only Christmas goodness. 4 year olds are a blast. One more comment…make it a goodie!
December 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Best CD gift I got for Christmas: Essential Standards of Vince Guaraldi, which includes this beauty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PddZZ83Be8E
December 27th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Bub,
Don’t hate me.
Steve,
I’d order one, maybe a hat too, if the Braves logo was on it, or at least a cursive “A.”
So what did you guys get/give for Christmas? I’d like to know.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
You broke the booga-booga, Kristopher Steve. You’re in biiiiig trouble.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
big screen tv for the play room along with a dvd/blue ray player. The Rev cleaned out my van…best gift ever. daughter got Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince which we are watching now thus the distracted comments. I would absolutely by a t-shirt and what about coffee mugs? Am I getting too greedy?
December 27th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I mean flat screen.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I like baseball,
Ooooh, what kind of TV?
December 27th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Sony something blah blah blah. I just know it’s the first time we’ve ever had more than one tv in our home. I think my need to watch EVERY Braves game may have been a contributing factor.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Show #89: A Cold Glaus of Melk
(I stole that, approximately.)
December 27th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Show #89: Lowe’s Sinker Hired for Homerun Derby
December 27th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Show #89: Payroll Reductions Win Championships
December 27th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Lowe’s HR/9 is very good, Bub!
I like baseball,
That’s awesome, you could see D Lowe sweatin in HD!
December 27th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
How do you come up with this stuff, Bub. I love cold Glaus of Melky. Did you see #31. It’s not brilliant but the best I can do so I was quite proud.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Show #89: We Interview Chuck James
December 27th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Leah, 2 thumbs up for #31. Nice.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Show #89: Chipper Tries BMac’s Yoga Routine, May Require Nine Surgeries
December 27th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
What I got for Christmas: Six pack of Newcastle from a tall blonde!!
December 27th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Ugh. I’m out.
I was out before I started.
New Show! Let’s go, boys!
December 27th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Tcc, brunettes rule.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
The JETS? OHHH, Indy…..
December 27th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Who will pitch if D. Lowe absolutely falls apart? Any chance it would be Minor?
December 27th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Bub,
Medlen
December 27th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Isn’t there an amazing kid on the horizon? Hyde and watch Bub, HA! Seriously…would he be ready? I’ve been blonde and brunette just for the record.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
What if Heyward is a dud?
December 27th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I don’t know much about Hyde. I think Jurrjens4NLCY has it right with Medlen. I wasn’t sure if Minor had climbed over him.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Ahhhhhhhh. JJ! That kinda crazy talk is unacceptable! I bet Curt talks of his dislike of all the goings on. I bet he sees all that’s risky and little profit. Will someone scrape me off the floor after this week’s podcast?
December 27th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Heyward can’t be a dud. The baseball gods wouldn’t do that after the dues we paid w/ Schafer last year. They’ve been appeased.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Show #89: Curt’s Top 89 Grumpy Podcasts
December 27th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Oh my, we have to get Nady so we can have “Nady’s Ladies” in the stands.
December 27th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I’m so curious what podcast #100 will bring. PARTY!
December 27th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I dunno. Show #100 should be an hour long, like the sit com specials of old. And there should be at least five flashback scenes, cued up by that flashback chime noise. I vote for a couple of ballpark Frank Flashbacks.
I’ll do up the Glavine interview with laugh tracks for y’all.
December 27th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Oh, btw, did you guys know Schafer actually took the HGH? I found out 2 weeks ago when a substitute teacher and I were discussing baseball. Turns out he played in Florida State, and was friends with guys like Buster Posey and Schafer. So I asked him if he took HGH and he said he did, and was bragging about how ripped he was going to be.
Whatever! I kinda don’t even care anymore.
December 27th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Did ya’ll see this from DOB?
“The Braves probably have at least $7 million left in their budget, maybe closer to $9 million (they won’t say exactly) and are still considering adding another hitter, possibly a left fielder (Xavier Nady?) who can also play first base. Or maybe a second baseman (slugger Dan Uggla?), if they decide Martin Prado could still be in the lineup regularly at a mix of positions. The Braves could use Cabrera or another outfielder in a trade for Uggla or another slugger.”
December 27th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I care. If he’s ‘juicing” then Screw him! There’s no place for that.
December 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Good get, Leah. I hadn’t seen that.
Lowe will blow a fuse if Uggla’s defending behind him. I’d rather have Nady. I only want Uggla if Prado buggers up the 2B job (by struggling with the bat, I mean).
I do still like Uggla’s reliable bat a lot. But I just got scareder and scareder thinking of his defense.
December 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hey Tcc. I’m with ya. Maybe he’s wiser in his old age and he’s clean now…since he’s in the big leagues and all. A girl can hope.
December 27th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Uggla really does stink it up on defense. I think Prado’s gonna rock. Heyward’s gonna be awesome too. I BELIEVE!
December 27th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Here’s hoping that Heyward IS the Francoeur that wasn’t. Uh, does that make sense?
December 27th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Tcc,
Lets play it safe and hope that Heyward is nothing like Francouer in any way shape or form… like, AT ALL!
December 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Where IS show#89?
December 27th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
JJ, there’s lots of good stuff to say about #7, and about Heyward. I’m hoping Heyward doesn’t disappoint.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Tcc,
I don’t really like Jeff Francouer at all, as a player that is, as a person, I think he’s great, but as a player, uh UhuH.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
#89 Curt drops bombs on everyone. Hide the sharp objects.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a safe and happy new year.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Would you guys trade Arodys for Josh Vitters?
December 27th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Aw Curt. Couldn’t we wait until the New Year to dash everyone’s hopes?
December 27th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Hope springs eternal.
I’m always hoping, just not always believing. And right now, I’m not buying what they are selling. But there is plenty of time to convince me still.
Always the optimist.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Last time I started a count down and it produced the next podcast, so…
10 … 9 … 8 …
December 27th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
No show?
December 27th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
It’s coming. We had a long post-show conversation that pushed Steve back 20 minutes or so.
It’s a knee slapper.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
7 … 6 … 5 …
When I try to picture Curt slapping his knee in laughter, my brain crinkles up.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Any dog lovers? I want to get another dog, but I don’t know what kind to get, 60 pounds or less though, any suggestions?
December 27th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Maybe I meant tear jerker. It was something. Rib tickler? Head scratcher?
December 28th, 2009 at 12:00 am
There is a huge difference between knee slapper, tear jerking, rib tickler, and head scratcher.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Dog-love of my life was a Collie/Rottweiller. The sharp colors of a rott, but longer hair. An awesome looking dog. Gentle spirit of a collie. 45 pounds.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:04 am
4 … 3 …
December 28th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Hello all. It’s coming. The post show conversation plus some computer issues have slowed me down. It’ll be about 30 minutes or so from now.
JJ – no on Vitters. I get that we need a 3B in waiting, but I prefer *ss-kicking pitching prospects to their position player counter parts. I think you either get more for them in trades or they are of more value to you if you keep them.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:07 am
… … … …
… … 2 …
… … …
December 28th, 2009 at 12:09 am
JJ, I’d do the Vitters trade. Hot-stuff minors pitchers with questionable mound presence scare me. I read two scouting reports suggesting that about Vizcaino.
‘Course, he’s young…
December 28th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Plus… Vitters is a cool name. And we could have “Vitters Critters” in the stands.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Leah, you sticking it out till midnight thirty? I HAVE to. The whiskey is gone and these stinking blue laws… it’s 45 minutes (Central Time) till I can get my suds on.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:15 am
“Jason Heyward might be the best offensive prospect i’ve seen in fifteen years. His game is solid. I would trade any of the current players we have on our 25 man roster for Heyward. He’s that good.”
- NL Scout
(It’s an old quote, but I felt the need….)
December 28th, 2009 at 12:19 am
This picture of JaHey makes me freaking giddy.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/files/2009/07/2659818248_62762c7880.jpg
Hey, did I just make that up? JaHey? Cuz it’s pretty good. I bet it’s been said before. Has it? JaHey: pronounced Jay-Hey. As in Say-Hey. yeah? No?
December 28th, 2009 at 12:21 am
More of the kid. Love the presence at the plate. What a monster this kid’s gonna be. Don’t dout it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc7JHbh0Czg
December 28th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Bub – that’s all well and good, but Heyward is a top 5 prospect. Vitters is top 20. Lots of potential difference there.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:27 am
I wouldn’t trade Heyward for Vitters. What are we talking about? Maybe you zigged and I zagged.
I said I’d trade Vizcaino for Vitters.
December 28th, 2009 at 8:37 am
No Bub…can’t stay up til midnight 30. As soon as JJ asked about dogs I was out. I knew you would answer and it would make me sad. Love Jay-Hey. I’m just realizing you won’t read this cause there’s a NEW SHOW!