Show #93: Our Interview with Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus
Kevin talks all things farm system. Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Mike Minor, Jordan Schafer, and much more.
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February 16th, 2010 at 7:46 am
カートとハミルトンとスティーブ面白いですね！頑張れ日本！！川上万歳！！！
February 16th, 2010 at 8:14 am
That’s what SHE said…
February 16th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Gotta hit the books this morning, but looking forward to the show tonight.
I’m majorly deflated to hear of Jair’s alarming soreness and reminded how heavily windows of opportunity play a role in baseball. If you get a year where you’ve got some hot talent still making relatively low salaries to compliment your expensive vets, and you’ve got good pitching and a healthy club, you’d sure better go for it.
It makes the run of 14 division titles seem amazing and unbreakable.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Bub – FANTASTIC use of “that’s what she said.” Have you seen the collection clips on YouTube of all the “that’s what she saids?” Really good stuff.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Wheel – is that you? Did you forget that you were talking with your Merican friends?
February 16th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Yeah Will. Clean that stuff up. This is a public forum.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Um, there are ABT mugs? Where can I get one, and who is (not) doing the ABT marketing that is dropping the ball on getting these things to the clamoring masses?
I really enjoyed the banter about the philosophy behind the near-term picks vs. the success of picks from the past, although I historically despise these things much like College Signing Day or NFL Draft rambling. Maybe I just despise Kiper and McShay in particular, and that’s really it.
92 wins? Really? Methinks someone will need to whack a few of the Marlins 25-man roster with a 2×4 first . . . sign me up.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Patrick – before Leah chimes in and points the finger at me, I’m the one dropping the ball on the ABT schwag. It’s coming, I promise. Before opening day.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Patrick, see Steve for all of your ABT tchotchkes and/or memorabilia.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Who me? Would I? Although, I literally salivated at the thought of an ABT mug…literally. It was very messy. I honestly forgot most of the information and perspective given by the brilliant Mr. Goldstein during the last 2 minutes of the podcast. Haven’t laughed that hard since Curt’s spanking his children tweet.
I love Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban but the devil can take the rest of We are the World 2010.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Great and funny show.
Curt should just inhale helium to end the confusion. C’mon, at least for one show.
(In a chipmunk voice) “I just don’t see it guys. There’s just too much up in the air. These IFs are making me thirsty.”
February 16th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Come to think of it, I do remember some conversation about Johnny Damon. What was it he said? Can’t remember. Bub, do you remember what the fine guest host said about Johnny Damon and how he would benefit, I believe he said “add”, to the team?
February 16th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
He also said it in a tone pretty dismissive of Matt Diaz. I enjoy Goldstein a lot, and if I had to put money on his opinion or my own, I’d bet on his. But have you ever checked out old articles of baseball experts like Olney and Stark? Littered with very confident observations that ended up as wrong as half of what you see on any message board. (With all respect to our qualified guest.)
February 16th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
That was wifey not me… She put up with me sitting in the kitchen last night listening to the cast while i ate. Her message says- Curt, Hamilton and Steve- this is interesting. Go Japan! Kawakami Banzaii!!!
She kept interrupting me with all kinds of interesting stuff so i will probably have to listen again.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
See, I told you that’s what she said…
February 16th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I cracked up when i read that…I thought – Bub can read Japanese! a man of many talents…
February 16th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Tell her my name is spelled with a C not a K
February 16th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Great show, guys, thanks for all you do. Audio was sometimes, well, inaudible. I guess Goldstein has to occasionally duck into an alley to make sure he’s not being “tailed” by Mike Minor fans.
Not surprised to hear his less than glowing opinion of Freeman. I think many of us have been guilty of linking Heyward and Freeman together in the same sentence as they have come up together. Hoping for a dynamic duo..
So, what’s the big fuss about JJ?? I mean we still have Hanson, Huddy, Vasquez, Lowe and KK, right? RIGHT?? We still have all those guys don’t we???? Oh, dear…
February 16th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Freeman as a good hitting 1B without typical mash ability for that position will be more than fine as long as McCann is here out-mashing his own position. Especially while Freeman is cheap.
If Freeman ends up as a legit 1B, power or not, and Heyward works out, that would be an amazing rate of graduating players from the minors. Hanson, then Heyward, then Freeman in back-to-back-to-back years.
Not to mention Minor and Schafer are real possibilities.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Bub, thanks for pulling me back from the abyss. You’re right. And, how cool would it be to have a 1B who would be there for more than one season! Even 2?!?
February 16th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Yeah, Tcc, it surely would be nice. Better than Kotchman! (And hey, I wasn’t miserable with Kotchman if we’d had an outfield.)
I don’t know if anybody else felt this way, but the most comforting tidbit to me in Goldstein’s interview was when he said most every team’s got huge holes in their farm system at postions the big league club will need soon.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Yeah, and I think that goes back to the Brave’s history of drafting more pitchers, developing them and then trading them for position players. Granted, there are some former Braves pitchers we would love to have kept.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Honestly, other than the two guys in the Tex trade, I can only really think of three guys we gave up who ended up biting us over the years: Jermaine Dye, Jason Schmidt, and Kevin Millwood. The Braves have done an amazing job keeping their top talent and dumping guys who had a lot of hype that they never lived up to – Andy Marte anyone? Only guy they refused to give up was George Lombard and I’m sure they regret what might have been if they had been willing to move him.
As Lou Piniella once said: ‘If the Braves want to have a conversation with you about a pitcher, leave the room.’
February 16th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Good point about Marte, he seemed like as sure a thing as we could get…but. Goldstein’s comments about Andrus were interesting too. I hated losing him, but when you look at past deals, Schuerholz and Wren have been right on.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Great quote, Curt. Hadn’t heard that one.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I agree on Andrus. His numbers aren’t even in the same league as Escobar’s. But he is young and playing the toughest position in the field so I think this year will tell us more.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Late Night Post.
LEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Leah was too busy scanning the Lost message boards last night. Am I right?
February 17th, 2010 at 8:11 am
Hey Bubdylan! Leah was actually at Bible study last night but will be gettin her Lost on today fo shizzle. Hammy, give me a link to your fave Lost message board…too many. Happy MRI Results day everybody! Here’s a pic to get everybody ready for spring.
http://tinyurl.com/yfor7ut
February 17th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Tweet from Bowman: Jair Jurrjens was “relieved” this morning to learn MRI results showed no structural damage to rt. shoulder.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Yeah. Just heard it was a mild inflammation. Think they gave him a salve for that.
Such good news.
February 17th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Yee Haw!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
February 17th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Oy vey…such a relief. Spring training hasn’t even started yet and I need heart medication.
February 17th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
And sorry guys for the audio quality on this show. Kevin Goldstein was all set to be on a headset and Skype with us, but his headset broke so we had to go retro and call him on his cell. Not ideal. Hopefully you were all able to pick up his nuggets.
February 17th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Easy Curt…easy.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
all together now . . . WHEW.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4921440
February 17th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
and Leah, I am a Doc Jensen junkie on ew.com. It’s a little scary – my wife says it takes all of the fun out of watching, but I think it makes it better. Who knows?
Last night was awesome.
February 17th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Dork
February 17th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
“Leah was … at Bible study last night but will be gettin … Lost … today fo shizzle. Hammy, give me a link to your … Happy … body! … a … body ready for spring.”
I heart ellipses.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Funny Bub but…ew. No offense Hammy. Great link! I’ve heard quotes from Jensen but never took the time to read in depth. I miss so much without a little help and rewatching episodes. Like when Locke gives Ben a copy of “The Brothers Karamazov” to read while being held in the hatch and he uses the title page to draw a map to Henry Gale’s balloon. Totally missed it the first time. What you, Hammy, may not know is the main characters of this novel were fathered by a total narcissistic jerk with little, if any, mothering. Sound familiar?
I think Bub (aka Pawpaw) would enjoy the literary parallels of Lost if he ever watched TV but that will never happen.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Oh…and don’t listen to Curt.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Dork
February 17th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
That might have gone better with a
Sorry, Princess.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I just started thinking about watching the first televised ST game in a few weeks. And particularly seeing Heyward, Glaus, and Chipper at-bats. Imagine how off the charts geeked up we’ll all be if those three look good to go in ST. I know, I know, I used the “if” word. But, c’mon – those three looking good is exceedingly possible. And the thought of it opens up my unabashed optimism in a ridiculous way.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Those three fellas hitting well would be strike a very imposing figure.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Would strike. No be.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Princess Dork to you old man.
Steve, bring on the optimism! Although I’m sure it has something to do with JJ’s happy MRI today. I just read a lengthy explanation why Frank should take a look at trading for Adrian Gonzalez if the Braves are seriously in the hunt come mid season. Dude made a good argument but I got kinda lost in the numbers and charts etc.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
I’m kinda just ignoring the JJ stuff and deciding not to worry given the negative MRI results today. THAT SAID, the whole thing is still pretty worrisome, right? Is his shoulder more susceptible now to inflammation/discomfort/injury? He hurt it throwing across his body. I’m a little spooked by the whole thing.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
la la la la la la la la la la la la la…not listening (fingers stuffed in ears to the knuckles).
February 18th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Steve, the eternal pessimist
February 18th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Frank Wren was just on 790 again this morning. Interesting stuff about guys like Russell Branyan, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Delgado, and of course Johnny Damon. He also talked about some kid in our farm system. Justin Haywood or something. Said he had a chance to make the team out of Spring Traning. Never heard of him myself.
I’m sure they will post it later. Worth listening to.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Yes, the interview was quite good. It’s amazing, the progression that has taken place the past few months when the FO talks about Heyward. They were so non-committal about him getting the starting job on Opening Day a few months ago and now they are absolutely definitive in their answer that it’s his to lose. In breaking news, I cannot wait for the Jason Heyward era.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Steve, you need to get Frank Wren, or Jason Heyward, on ABT. Get on that.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Chipper is now on 790 and is discussing how Tiger Woods should come out and talk about cheating on your wife with a Hooters waitress. It’s like he’s having his fingernails pulled out with pliers.
It better news, he guaranteed that this was Bobby’s last year.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Was there the sound of a shotgun being pumped with Chipper’s guarantee?
February 18th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Prediction: By February 26, Damon will have signed a one year deal with the Braves. It’s happening, people. I feel it.
February 18th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
What’s the bet?
February 18th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
no shotgun sound, but he was apparently wearing camo for his in-studio visit. seriously.
February 18th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I’m with Steve!
February 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I thought this was funny. There’s one for Met’s fans but it wasn’t as good.
http://www.bravesblast.com/2010/02/15/tribute-to-phillies-fans/
February 18th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Steve, I’ll bet you a week of signing on as “Steve Was Right” against you signing on as “Bub Was Right” that there is no way Damon comes here in ’10.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Curt – We already had Frank Wren on. Remember? Frank with Frank? Ring a bell?
February 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
In fact, Steve, I’ll put up a week on my part to one day on yours.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Do it Steve! I double dawg dare ya!
February 18th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Folks, I am very seldom confident in any prediction of my own, but you all have lost your minds if you think Damon is coming to ATL. What possible lines are you reading between? I’ve read my eyes dry on Damon ink. It’s not there.
February 18th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
(Holding back his vomit) I agree with Bub
February 18th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Michael Clayton is a damn fine film. Wow.
February 18th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Stevie – do you have any current intel that is getting your gut going, or is it just wishful wanting that happens with prolonged stretches of no baseball?
February 18th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Bub – I totally agree. Thoroughly entertaining. George Clooney has some serious chops. The ending is fantastic.
February 18th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Bub – you’re on.
Curt – how about a similar bet where we have to address each other in some “you’re the smartest” guy way through the entirety of an upcoming show.
Ham – Regarding inside intel, I had my weekly one on one call with Schuerholz this morning, but we ended up talking about other things. From what I’ve read, Detroit’s offer is the biggest, but he (and his wife, more importantly) don’t want to play there. And that leave us and the ChiSox. And I’ve seen nothing that indicates that Chicago’s offer is any bigger than ours. Next Tuesday or Wednesday, Boras is going to call FW, tell him for 500K more Damon will get in his car and report to Orlando – and it’s done. I’m telling you.
February 18th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
And this isn’t even about wishful thinking (Glaus’ 30 HRs, McLouth’s 25 HRs, and Esco’s 20HRs fall in that category). I really just think the writing is on the wall.
Yes, yes, yes on Michael Clayton. Anyone see State of Play? Had that same 1970′s smart, political thriller vibe. Very good movie.
February 18th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
“I really just think the writing is on the wall.”
Look closer. It just says “Damn”
February 18th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Haven’t seen State of Play, Steve. I’m gonna hole up during Spring Break with some DVD’s. I’ll put it on the list.
February 18th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
I’ll tell you a movie I saw recently with the wife that we enjoyed was “An Education.” Don’t know if anyone has seen it. The girl in it is up for an Academy Award and she is great. Peter Sarsgaard is his normal weird, kind of smarmy self. Really a clever little film.
Michael Clayton really was great. George Clooney, the only person to appear on both “ER” TV shows.
February 18th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
One more comment on Clayton. *spoiler alert, for anyone who hasn’t seen it*
The movie’s brilliant in a ton of ways. But the rarest one to me was how they let the audience in on the car bomb not killing Michael right from the beginning. Think how easy it would have been to integrate a “gotcha” into the plot right there. I mean, the other characters think he’s dead, how did they avoid the temptation to drag the viewers into that? Especially since the movie begins with the car bomb. You can even see how it would have been edited in.
Well, anyway, it was a mature decision. One of many. The lack of that sort of thing really lends a lot of weight to the film.
Alright, I’m done gushing. But this really is the best movie I’ve seen in months. Don’t know how I neglected it for so long.
February 18th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
FINALLY listened to the show…nice work, fellas. I like that Goldstein fellow even if he’s not so hot on Diaz.
Curt: way to bring up E/R and ER. “Clark Street ER…” damned funny.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Johnny Damon’s 2009 success really seems tied to Yankee Stadium when I look at the splits. Maybe he just had more confidence there.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=damonjo01&year=&t=b
Scariest part is that his BABIP was fifty points higher on the road. So, on top of hitting only 7 of his 24 “homeruns” on the road (in just 10 fewer plate appearances), and OPS’ing a hellalarge 120 points lower on the road, this was all while having better luck (BABIP isn’t all luck, but it’s much luck, right?).
I’m thinking he may flounder in ’10. Braves will be glad they lost out on this one.
February 18th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Bub, go back to the last show’s message board. We covered this buddy. Remember? I believe!!!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Well, you and Steve have UNcovered it for some sadistic reason. And if you only mean the homers-that-would-have-been-homers-at-the-Ted graphic from Joe What’s-A-Wind-Tunnel Fan, then this is a slightly different set of stuffs.
But I must be out of my mind for getting back into this anyway. I think I’ll go look for some Jo Jo Reyes outings on video.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
I hope the above post doesn’t seem as unpleasant to you as it does to me on re-reading it. I suck at life.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Bubdylan doesn’t suck at life. You’re wrong about Damon and you may be a Paw Paw but no sucktitude.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Wait. WHAT? Okay, just… scratch that. I’ve misunderstood something or something.
James has Chipper for 87 doubles and 1 homer. I, uh… okay. I’ve officially been educated beyond my intelligence.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Pfff. Okay, scratch me scratching that. Because my post that needs to be scratched is awaiting moderation. Too bad, too. It was oh so clever.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
We ALL appreciate your moderation. Who the hell is James?
February 18th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Bill James. He makes baseball projections.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
He’s just plain wrong about that one homer.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Okay, I see what happened now. On the Bill James chart I looked up, all Chipper’s stats got bumped over by one column. The 87 doubles are supposed to be his singles. And the 21 runs they had Chipper scoring are his HR totals. James predicts 21 homers for Jones. It’s just a bad chart. I’d link it for you, but that’s what I tried above and it got BANNED.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Steve, I was just scanning the Wiki article on Michael Clayton and noticed that the screenwriter also co-wrote State of Play.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Whew…that sounds much better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1fWmc1y4qc
February 18th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Back to movie talk – my wife and I just watched Couples Retreat. It is not Michael Clayton and Vince Vaughn is not George Clooney.
(One other thing about M.C. was the ending – I think I actually clapped or said “Woohoo” when Tilda Swinton and Co. got her comeuppance at the end. Just a great, great ending. I also think that she (Tilda) really earned the Oscar with that scene alone.)
Stevie – I follow your logic, and I am beginning to believe you on Damon. I am still totally on the fence if it is a good thing or not. I know the thinking behind him being at the top of the lineup, McLouth going lower etc, but I could also see him laying a colossal deuce at the plate and in the field and Bobby not being able to bench him because of his blind loyalty to veterans. Can J-Hey play all three positions? At once?
Also, anyone want to start taking bets on Opening Day starter?
February 18th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hammy, if the Jair Scare goes completely away, I think he’s the most diplomatic, and the best choice. The best because he can handle it and he’s ready. The most diplomatic because if Bobby doesn’t pick either of the veterans, there’s no subsequent weirdness between Huddy and Lowe. They’ll both feel benevolent about passing the torch along to the next guy, etc. Maximum warm fuzzy potential.
But if I had to put money down, Huddy.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Dear God, agreeing with Bub again. It’s Hudson. No doubt. Then Lowe, JJ, Hanson, KK.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Yeah, I mean, they’re on record saying Huddy’s the best pitcher (from the Vazquez trade conversations) on the team already. Unless he lays an egg in ST I think he’s definitely Bobby’s man.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
I meant to throw mine out there as well. I’m with you, Bub. I think that Bobby realizes the message of confidence the opening day nod gives to someone, and I think that Bobby thinks that Huddy needs it more than any of the other guys do. I also like DOB’s theory that starting Lowe on the road (as the 4th) might be the best thing after all of the acrimony (real or perceived) in the off-season.
I would love it if it were Hanson. That way he is on the fast track to win 30.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
DOB’s theory makes more sense than even that. Putting him 4th will set him up to face a #4 hitter, giving him a better chance to make his first home start with at least one win under his belt.
Also, there’s potential for double disaster if they start Lowe on OD, because I think that lines him up to face Lincecum in SF.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Shoot. I mean’t “Putting him 4th will set him up to face a #4 STARTER”
February 18th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
mean’t??
Night night.
February 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Pitchers & catchers report in…21 minutes. I’m liking Hamilton’s idea, and my money’s on Hanson to start on Opening Day.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:28 am
I agree with Curt on the rotation to start the year. I think there’s no chance that Bobby would start JJ or Hanson and, between Huddy and Lowe, it’s got to be Huddy. So, the rotation will be; Hudson, Lowe, JJ, Hanson, KK
February 19th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I say Huddy, JJ (shoulder willing), Hanson, Lowe, KK.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:39 am
i’m changing mine to KK, Medlen, Buddy Carlyle, Jorge Campillo, David Nied. They’ll never see it coming.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:50 am
No Jo-Jo, Curtis? Doesn’t he have a streak to uphold?
February 19th, 2010 at 11:03 am
I pick Huddy also unless D. Lowe starts to cry and blubber something about how he’s the veteran ace blah blah blah. Then Bobby will tear up, rub under his nose with his forefinger and say “go get ‘em kid.”
February 19th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Jo-Jo is my closer
February 19th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hubby’s most recent tweet:
Braves spring training starts today which means that my wife will be distracted until October. I love you babe!
February 19th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
He’s a little confused. I’ve been distracted since Oct and will be distracted through Oct!
February 19th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I’m just sitting here soaking up the Twitter feed and found this tidbit. Hilarious!
http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/2/19/1317691/bobby-coxs-iphone-bullpen-manager
February 19th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
WTF, Nate?
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/02/19/mclouth-i-can-see-clearly-now/
February 19th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Leah, that’s pretty good. My favorite app, since you aksed, is Shazam.
And Ham, no kidding. is Nate McLouth 8 years old? Get it together dude. Hopefully it pays off this year.
February 19th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
“Braves spring training starts today which means that my wife will be distracted until October. I love you babe!”
Tweeting to your mistress is pretty bold. 8)
February 19th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
This is actually pretty freaking great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGakNOdoJcY
February 19th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
The McLouth thing is pretty crazy. It’s like Schafer’s wrist last year. Tell someone! It’s a selfish act and hurts the team. On the bright side of this McLouth news, I’ve got even more to hang my hat on for my overly optimistic predictions for his bounce back this season.
February 19th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
From DOB earlier today: “So guess who left a workout early today with a respiratory problem, a former Braves pitcher now with a another team. You get one guess. C’mon, think hard. Why, Rafael Soriano, of course.”
I realize it makes me a small person, but this piece of news brought a smile to my face.
February 19th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I mentioned here before Sori has a hypochondriatic streak and somebody took me to task for it.
Hamster, was that you?
February 19th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Manditory eye exams along with every drug test!
February 19th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Seems like the Braves have a problem with this sort of thing – the whole hiding injuries and/or the fact you are going blind. Remember, if you must, Jeff Bennett and his broken hand. Anthony Lerew and whatever his deal was? Forearm?
February 19th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Things are a foot on the future of the infield.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100219&content_id=8100178&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
February 19th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Report reveals Chipper Jones has secretly played without a femur in his right leg since a 2008 bass-shooting incident. Said Jones, “Well, you know, I still had my other one, so…”
February 19th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
My Bff and I are laughing at Bubdylan. Curt, I’ve often wondered if Shazam really worked. Interesting.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Leah, Shazam is great. It works every time I have used it. A must have for music listeners.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Here’s salcedo at BP. On the set of Syriana.
http://www.prospecttube.com/video/edward-salcedo-1
February 19th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
He needs to keep his bat still
February 19th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
*waves at Leah & BFF*
February 19th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
We’re about to watch Sense & Sensibility or Mansfield Park…haven’t decided yet. After today’s posts I’m thinking I soulda rented Michael Clayton.
Ole Edward looks gi-normous!
February 19th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Gotta pick S & S.
Did you know Emma Thompson is married to Greg Wise (Willoughby)?
February 19th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Oh… nevermind… you authentic Austen people probably watch the BBC, not Emma T’s version.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Obviously you haven’t seen Mansfield Park. I had no idea Emma T. fell for Mr. Willoughby (the ole so and so).
February 19th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Off to see Beauty and the Beast off off off broadway. Losing major man points.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Bub – i would never take you to task on Soriano (I did coin the nickname “Sorey-Armo, after all).
The fact that you are going to see a musical that is low rent on top of it is an entirely different story.
(I don’t know why I have to say this at this point, but Steve loved Waterworld. Sorry, Stevie. I don’t want Bub to feel so culturally bankrupt).
February 19th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Man card revoked…unless you found a really cute lady friend to tag along.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Can anyone explain why pitchers and catchers go first to st? Hitting and fielding easier ???
February 19th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Beauty and the Beast musical was 100% win. Freaking loved it. Of course I was stoned on Loratab (toothache). I’d forgotten how much I like theater. Even just a little university show like this one.
Leah, I found a really cute lady friend to tag along. But we have the same mother, so I think we’ll just be friends. 8)
February 19th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Will, I imagine you want to break in your pitchers arms as slowly as possible, being that they are the biggest injury concern in the sport, but I don’t really know the official explanation.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Awe Bub. That’s sweet. Glad you had fun. Since Will asked a simple question I have one of my own. The order of the rotation seems like a big deal but why? I understand needing an order so each pitcher has suitable time in between outings but why the big deal what order they pitch in? I mean there are so many games does it really make that big of a difference who starts? I’m sure when I hear the answer the question will seem even more juvenile than it does right now.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Steve, I’m worried for you after the Tiger’s two year deal. I wonder just how much Damon loves his wife’s happiness?
February 20th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Leah, its all about pitching matchups, as far as I know. It seems that over the course of the season that you would not continue to have the rotations match up, but it stays pretty set. Each team runs the same 5 man rotation and has the same number of days off. But you want your top guys going against their guys to have the best chance to win. In theory anyway. But then think of how many top starters KK faced last year.
February 20th, 2010 at 8:42 am
I am the Princess…you must put up with me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgnZ0wEi2JU&sns=em
February 20th, 2010 at 9:21 am
After watching Tiger, I know believe Mark McGwire to be one of the most genuine and sincere people in sports.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:12 am
or now believe
February 20th, 2010 at 10:26 am
and just as timely.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I’ve decided to take a pass on even watching it. We all know how this plays out. All he has to do is go through the motions. He probably has a checklist.
1. Hide away while speculation builds. Become hated.
2. Make an apology nobody believes. Remain hated.
3. Lose some money, but not enough to destroy my lifestyle.
4. Quiet divorce. Hated some more.
5. Books by the some of the women hit the shelf. Hate me, hate me.
6. My wife’s book hits the shelf. Uber hate.
7. Play some golf again. Snobby smile at camera. Hatey McHateville.
8. Wait one more year for the American public to get bored out of their minds with this scandal.
9. Play more golf.
10. Win tournament. Host charity event. Give “things I learned” interview.
11. Everybody loves me again. New sponsors calling every day. New wife. Behold I am Cheater that Rose from the Ashes #79. And I never had to lose control.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Is being a cynical homer some kind of schizophrenia, do you think? You know what, don’t answer that.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Leah, that link lead me over to their NPR tiny desk appearance, or whatever it’s called, which was great as well.
February 20th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
“If the Tigers only offered Damon a one-year, $7 mill offer that includes some deferred money, well, then the Braves’ initial offer — believed to be worth about $4.5 million with some money deferred — might be just about enough to ultimately bring Damon to Atlanta.” -DOB
I swear we’re in the movie Groundhog Day. Seven million dollars is 35% more than 4.5 million. And this horse is dead. Spring Training is cranking up for pete’s sake. It’s not like there’s nothing else to talk about. Our beat writer needs rest.
February 20th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Bad math. 35%? Somebody help.
It’s WAY more than 4.5 million.
February 20th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
“And who stood out so far? No question: Billy Wagner. I was among those standing at the cage while ago when Wagner threw bullets for 10 minutes, heaters and sliders that looked like midseason form. He really was impressive.”
-DOB
Now we’re talking.
Okay, I guess I’ll stop copy-pasting the blog that everybody here already reads.
February 20th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I have to say that I never liked Tiger. He always struck me as a phony and the throngs of fans he brought to tournaments had no sense of decorum or etiquette for any of the other players. He’s sorry he got caught, not sorry he did it. In fact, I think the only reason he got married was for PR purposes. He clearly doesn’t care for his wife at all.
February 20th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I liked Tiger for the same reason I liked Mike Tyson. The spectacle of complete dominance. But his downfall is boring to me. For time out of mind, power corrupts. Super-rich men marry trophy wives, get bored, cheat on them recklessly, being careful at first and then slowly slipping into self-sabotage. Get caught. Fake repentance. Weather the storm. Repeat. Grow old. Die. Get eulogized as a great man with a weakness for the ladies. I’m not making any special judgment on it. Maybe it could happen to me. But I’m so bored with it I can’t even believe it raises eyebrows.
February 20th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
- Loved that video of Salcedo. By 2013, I want the entire team to be made up of guys 6’3″ or taller.
- Leah, I’ve still not read any confirmation that the Tiger’s deal is two years since those initial reports over a week ago. And Bub, I agree that DOB’s comparison of 4.5 and 7.5 as not that far apart, or whatever, glosses over the numbers a bit. I just think this not wanting to live in DET thing is a significantly big deal.
- Regarding Tiger, the complete dominance was always the thing for me, too. Because, he’s never been interesting to listen to (even when talking about his passion). The thing yesterday was just awful. Aside from how over-wrought and manipulative the speech was, straining to hit ever right note and every step in the mea culpa handbook, it suffered terribly from Tiger himself. Arod was like DeNiro on the Gammons interview compared to Tiger. Absolutely painful. Particularly the stuff about defending his wife and yelling at the media to leave his family alone. It was like freshmen acting class. I did laugh out loud when he went for the Bhuddism card. That one did take me by surprise.
February 20th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Mercy I’ve got a lot to say.
1st- The fever has subsided, chills have been warmed by the sun and the shakes are all but gone. Ahhh, the Heels are own by one but watching the game with my boys feels like balm in Gilead.
2nd-Bub, is that the video where Scott is asked if he swallowed an amp? If so, it’s amazing.
3rd- Steve, it was bad info bounced around last night and nullified today. Trouble in Twitterverse.
4th- I’ve enjoyed watching Tiger dominate as much as the next girl. I don’t really care when, where, or how his public apology took place. I guess the only part that rubbed me the wrong way was his apology to parents of kids who saw him as a role model. I found that a little cocky. If my kid’s character is in jeopardy due to any athlete’s negative, vile, corrupt life choices then I have failed.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
A little help? Guy hit foul ball down right field line then took first base. What’d I miss?
February 20th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Sounds like me on a date.
February 20th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Not that I would like it one bit, but if Frank really wants to spend 4.5 and get Damon for a year, why doesn’t he just trade Melky for beans in a salary dump? Voila: 7.6 million dollars.
Heck, he could pay a million of Melky’s salary and still offer about 7 to Damon. Some team wouldn’t take Cabrera for 2.1 million?
February 20th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Johnny D to Tigers is all but done, according to Tim Brown at Yahoo. Looks like he’s taking the one year version, Stevie. Combination of money-talks and build-my-value-and-then-get-the-heck-outta-Dodge?
Five dollars says his value plummets in that ballpark. Of course, he could run a long way on a gapper, so maybe not?
February 20th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Billy Wags says so much “lively” stuff to reporters. It’ll be a good thing if we have a good year. If not, his sound-offs are gonna get tiring. Here’s hoping the chuckles outnumber the winces.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Holy Toledo. Tim Brown reporting EIGHT MILLION on Damon’s deal. That is a bad, bad way to spend 8 million dollars.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I wouldn’t have wanted the Braves to pay more than 4, 5 at the most. Still a little bummed.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Jim Edmonds – still available
February 20th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
From another message board:
“Nobody throws a curve ball to Matt Diaz. It’s just that some of the fast balls see where they’re headed and kind of freak out.”
February 20th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
A mini report on our potential new pick up:
Edward
Salcedo is a FA SS with a 6’3”, 190 lb. frame from La Vega, Dominican
Republic. Big League body, strong and athletic. Smooth, easy defensive
actions, easy plus arm, can really play SS. Aggressive swing, power
projection, deep load from wide base, good bat speed, geared to drive
fastballs, timing will be an issue. All the tools to be a top player.
Potential 1st round type if in draft.
(from “CSG” at Talking Chop)
February 20th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Damn.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Wow…that must suck.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
LMAO at Mark Bowman’s story title!! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA! This is the funniest thing ever in the DOB/Bowman “wars.”
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100220&content_id=8106442&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Steve, you’re a good man. You can go ahead and change it back. Truth be told, I was just about to waffle anyway.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Thanks, Bub. You’re a gracious winner. I’m not expecting as much from Curt on that front.
The DOB/Bowman thing is pretty interesting. Not just this Damon stuff, but their relationship in general. I’d love to get the skinny on it one day. They seem to be kinda/sorta friends (DOB told a story about Bowman helping him get his car out of some lot last year in ST), but how much professional competition is there, really? And is Bowman crazy jealous about how much traffic DOBs blog gets vs his own? Bub – have you noticed other example of the “war” in the past?
February 20th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Look at us all gettin along. The short track speed skating is stressing me out.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Yeah, I’m totally uninformed on the DOBowman War (see what I did there?). I would say “I’m sure it’s a friendly war,” but DOB’s conflicts have been real enough on other fronts, so…
The Bowman jealousy angle seems pretty likely. They’re both writers, and O’Brien’s certainly the better craftsman. And he’s got the music/BBQ/baseball shtick working pretty well.
But I like to see Bowman win this one. [And here I erased a long paragraph loaded with antiDOBian pathos].
But to answer your question, this thing with Damon is the most clearly I’ve ever seen the battle lines drawn. I dunno if it’s ever been this defined before. We need another defector to come give us the scoop.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Leah, I don’t remember that amp comment in the version I saw. I’m sure I’ll run across it, though.
February 21st, 2010 at 12:04 am
Have you guys considered that we had four black holes in our offense the first half of last season? Kelly, Schafer, Frenchy, and Kotchman.
My optimism for our offense comes from replacing those guys with Prado, McLouth, Heyward, and Glaus. The power numbers might not explode, but turning the line-up over is huge. We were so anemic first half of last year. I don’t know if we’ve properly reflected on how much better this is going to be.
Did you know Kelly and Frenchy sported identical .286 OBPs in the first half? TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX for an OBP. Schafer was at .313 OBP. Pretty sickly.
This line up won’t be anything like the first half of last year. Those black holes just tear a team up. Pitchers work towards them, so McCann and Chipper don’t get good pitches. I think the consistency of our 2010 line up will create runs. I think we’re going to the play offs.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Bub, that post got me so fired up I galloped around the house on my pretend horse. The sad thing is no one seemed to notice or find it at all odd.
BTW, I know you are all wondering about the batter I saw yesterday take first after hitting a foul ball. I missed a very speedy balk by the pitcher.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:08 am
Leah – what baseball are you watching and referring to?
February 21st, 2010 at 10:43 am
UNC v. GW. Go Heels!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:03 am
..an odd time of year for Tarheel fans to be focused on the Baseball program! My sympathies, Princess Leah. As a lifelong Clemson fan..”been there”.
Go Braves!
February 21st, 2010 at 12:40 pm
It’s ok Cledus. I’m not so much a Tar Heel fan as a baseball fan. I care nothing about basketball but I try to keep that fact to myself.
February 21st, 2010 at 1:53 pm
There was a person who sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would get a laugh. No pun in ten did.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Really? Wow!
February 21st, 2010 at 4:10 pm
That is the greatest comment EVAH!!!!
I love it. About to send it to my best punnin’ bud. He’ll be happy for a week.
February 21st, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Now I wished I had signed in as Princess instead of 4Bub.
February 21st, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Bobby Cox was told Joe Torre announced he’ll retire after 2011 season. “See what I started,” Cox said, smiling between bites of a sandwich.
So sorry DOB had to see that. Yikes.
February 21st, 2010 at 5:47 pm
“Last year I did some good things and bad things,” Kawakami said. “This year I just want everything to be good.”
A man who cuts to the chase.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I’ll admit it…I cheered on accident when Eric Staal scored.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
New show coming tonight, gang.
Bub – I am so with you on the vast addition by subtraction thing the team has going for it heading into the new season.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:27 pm
New Show! Excellent!
February 21st, 2010 at 8:33 pm
*I should add to my “replacing black holes” spill that I think KJ will rebound in AZ. I just don’t think he would have here.
[sheds one tear]
And while I still have my suspicions that Prado will drop down to about .280, I’m optimistic he will pull his weight.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Wahoo! Excited about the new show. I hope Curt was kind to ya Steve.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Come on Bub…give Prado him .300.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:09 pm
*electric guitar music*
“Your listening to AtLANTa Baseball Talk… your weekly podcast for all things Atlanta Braves…”
*guitar jam*
“Welcome to the show! Today is Sunday, February 21, 2010, and my name is Curt-is-my-daddy-and-I’m-thankful-about-it, and I’m here with my co-hosts, Hammy and Daddy.”
February 21st, 2010 at 9:14 pm
New show? Cool! Prediction time? or too early for that? I don’t care, just love to hear stuff about the Bravos.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:21 pm
ps: please don’t talk about TW. please. I’ve had enough.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:49 pm
no Tiger. no way.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:55 pm
no kindness from Curt. no way
February 21st, 2010 at 10:56 pm
It wasn’t that bad.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Steve made it a 3 minute show just to get it over with
February 21st, 2010 at 10:59 pm
That’s what she said.