Sorry, I can’t publish the next player analysis. It’s written but it’s not on this computer. Extra stuff on Monday. Consider this an open thread.
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Sorry, I can’t publish the next player analysis. It’s written but it’s not on this computer. Extra stuff on Monday. Consider this an open thread.
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
Your post is such a waste of server space.
Can we trade server space for Puljos?
LMAO, Joey.
Hey guys and girls,
My agent just informed that I was dealt to this website for server space and future considerations.
I look forward to working with Mac and the rest of the contributors to this fine program.
YES! I am glad I pushed for this trade I think Puljos is the bat this website needs!
…I hope I am not part of future considerations. It would be cool to play probaseball, but I hate the Cards, so i would be torn
The Cards are choosing between you and Another Alex R.
Well I will say that I don’t want to go, but I understand the orgainization has desicions to make reguarding their future. I enjoy my teammates, they are like family to me and I think I have become a better player under Mac’s guidence. I will do what ever the orgainization feels is best.
Braves signed Jeff Bennett, formerly of the Brewers, to a minor league deal. Another guy to compete for a spot in spring training, and probably start the season in AAA; he’s got a lively fastball and the potential to be a decent setup man in time.
VILLAREAL GETTING CLOSER? Report on mlb.com says that Villareal may be the new closer for the braves.
Mitch,
Oh God!
“might indeed be somebody capable of being” doesn’t sound like much of an endorsement.
I’m actually optimistic about our bullpen this year. I’m kind of hoping Foster doesn’t make the team, though I know he will. Is that wrong of me?
Has anyone here read Bill Shanks’ book? My parents gave me a gift certificate for books and, happily being FORCED to buy books I like, is this one any good? Some people say it’s great for Braves fans, some people say it’s a vendetta against Moneyball (which I wouldn’t like), some people say it’s not written too well and is too vague…is it worth getting?
“might indeed be somebody capable of being” doesn’t sound like much of an endorsement.
In fact, it doesn’t sound much like writing. Here, let me try:
Well, whaddaya know, it is writing!
Possibly the Braves are thinking about considering trying Villareal out in an attempt to see if maybe he can take a stab at closing.
Oooh! I like the Bennett signing. He was pretty solid as a Rule 5er a year ago and seems to have some pretty solid stuff
Wow….of all the luck. I mean, Scheurholz didn’t sign Furcal and traded Marte. Furcal had surgery on his knee, Marte was/is rumored to have an injury, and the guy we get who we know is injured, Villarreal, is recovering nicely. How does JS work his magic?
I ain’t saying anything, you know, but I’m just saying. JS reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld in the episode where he was “Even Steven”…everything always worked out for him. Js’s moves don’t always work in our favor, I know, but it sure seems that way! (Dan Kolb…just don’t mention him…)
I agree about Jeff Bennett. I saw him several times last year and he seems pretty solid. Should make a good middle relief/set-up type guy.
Haven’t read the Shanks book, but a friend who did recently told me that it will help you understand the Braves whole a lot better. (I have a vacation coming up, so that sounds like beach reading to me.)
A vendetta against “Moneyball”? That wouldn’t concern me. It’s all just information. Take what you like from it. I mostly loved “Moneyball,” but it wasn’t perfect either.
Jenny,
The Shanks book is terrific for a Braves fan. It describes the manner in which the Braves organization scouts and signs young players, and how it uses these players to make the big club better. It is far from a vendetta against Moneyball, although in a weak final chapter, Shanks tries to separate the Atlanta philosophy–which concentrates on signing high schoolers and developing them within the system–from the Moneyball approach which is more concerned with maximizing the use of every dollar the organization can spend. Shanks either did not read or intentionally chose to misinterpret Moneyball. However, for a Braves fan, Scout’s Honor (or is it Scouts’ Honor?) is well worth the time you’ll spend reading it (which isn’t much–it’s a fast read).
Jenny,
Read my review of it. Just so you know my bias, I don’t care much for the author, and I don’t think he cares much for me.
I liked Moneyball, even though it edged into sycophancy a bit too often, and Lewis seemed to relish playing up the scouts as Neanderthal slobs. Still, a great behind-the-scenes look at the drafting process. Haven’t read the Shanks book, which I guess is what we’re actually talking about. Forgive me, I’m needy — I have to talk, even if I have nothing to contribute. Hi, how’s everybody doing? I’ve been fine.
I didn’t read the Shanks book, either. But I did just finish reading “The Agile Gene” by Matt Ridley, which I highly recommend. I, too, have a need. And that is to point out that I’ve been reading a lot of books which I do not understand.
Seriously, read the book and let us know what you think. I got about half of a small library for Christmas, so maybe I can read it vicariously through you. JC’s review actually increased my interest, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen.
I went ahead and ordered it on theory that hey, it’s a gift card, the money’s there to waste. I HAVE to spend it on something. I just wish my parents had sent it before I blew about $50 on a bunch of other books yesterday (Bill James’ newest Historical Abstract being one of them; I got his 2006 handbook for Christmas but it was basically a pile of stats I could have gotten of Baseball Reference).It should come some time next week. I read REALLY fast, so I’ll let you all know what I think.
Great review, JC, thanks for that. I think if I go at it with a priori knowledge of exactly what it is, it’ll be fine.
JC,
Thanks for the review. Well done.
I probably would have held onto it until The Mind of Bill James comes out in mid-March.
Eh, well, I buy books like nobody’s business, so I doubt the lack of a gift card for that will stop me. It never has before. I have no idea what I’m going to do with all of the ones I’ve accrued over the year during the summer, put it in campus storage I guess. Worry later, is my motto!
Have you bought the Hardball Times Annual?
There was another review on BP. Not sure if you can get to archives over there. Pretty much what JC said. It would be interesting to see what you think Jenny.
Did I waste too much server space?
Just finished Fantasyland by Sam Walker. It’s fantastic. It should be out soon. I second the THT Annual. Fantastic guest writers. 😉
i would say bill shanks’ writing ability is at about a 5th grade level. the book is still worth it just for the cool stories about current and former braves. loved the murphy info. you can skip the last chapter, though.
There is a rumor going around that the Braves are close to minor league agreements with pitchers Dennis Cook,Mike Bilecki, and yes, the one and only Mark Wohlers. I guess the youth movement is over for a while.
Mac,
It’s one of the books I ordered 😉
I think they organization is making a war of attrition against the bullpen problem. Sign enough people and some of the will do well enough to make them time. There’s certianly some logic to that.
Cook is 43 and Bielecki is 46 — I’m skeptical, to say the least.
Isn’t that “war of attrition” technique more like flinging poo against a wall and hoping some of it will stick? This is starting to look like the Braves’ version of Boston’s annual Theo Parade of Bargain Basement Bums of the Waiver Wire.
Oh, well. “When in doubt, trust JS.”