Major League Baseball : News : Major League Baseball News
Fox has canned the Rathbun and Torborg team, thankfully (I assume Rathbun will stay on with the Hawks) and the new team will be Joe Simpson with Jon Sciambi, a former Marlins play-by-play man who worked with ESPN last year. Here’s a chat he did with Baseball Prospectus. He can hardly be worse than the incumbents.
As you’ve probably heard, Pete is going to be radio-only this season, with Skip mostly working radio, plus about ten games on the Ghost of Braves Baseball On TBS with his son. There’s no full-time partner for Chip named yet. It can’t be Gant, can it? Actually, probably not; it’s been rumored for several months that TBS is going to bring in Harold Reynolds when they start broadcasting non-Braves games.
Don is expected to sign on with the Natspos soon.
I’ll add that this is more or less what I expected once Fox became the Braves’ primary broadcaster; they would bring in one of the traditional announcers, either Simpson or Sutton, and after consideration Simpson seems the logical choice. Sciambi is a young guy who fits the Fox mold, I suppose.
from last thread:
Does anyone know how much MLB.tv is?
Cause it looks like this may be my only option for watching our beloved Braves…
thanks Ryan C…
For what it’s worth, I do like Harold Reynolds. But it’s been the end of an era in a lot of ways the last couple years; I guess this is just another stake in the coffin of my childhood.
It’s still amazing to me that in this era where teams are starting their own local cable networks that the Braves have essentially dismantled their functioning national cable network. Of course it makes no sense, but everything with this franchise is going downhill these days.
Looks like I might have to make that switch to DirectTV finally.
I’m pretty sure Joe is Chip’s color guy.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2006/12/20/1221bravestv.html
see?
Harold Reynolds is horrid unless you enjoy wordy, insightless commentary — you can see the point he’s tying to make before it forms in his head, yet he never gets it to his lips. I would prefer Skip to Harold, though not by much. Too bad Pete can’t be the TV voice of the Braves.
Joe Simpson with Jon Sciambi is much better than Bob Rathbun and Jeff Torborg.
I think the signing of Woodward may allow Bobby to consider starting Aybar at 2B because Woodward can play at all four infield positions.
I agree KC, Woodward might spell the end for Orr, Play Aybar at 2nd and Leadoff, Woodward utility, it at least gives them more options if the do not get a LF leadoff guy, makes a Laroche trade less likely(in my blurry eyes).
Buh Bye, Don…oh wait, I live in the DC area which means I am stuck with Sutton even more now. Dammit.
Alex, that’s only if you actually watch the Nationals. And they’re not looking like they’ll be a whole lot of fun to watch for at least another decade.
By the way, let’s get a beer this offseason.
From the previous thread:
– I have to say the Licey Tigers make a lot of roster changes. How many guys have pitched for them? About 30?
Anyway I like Aybar’s stats there, particularly the BB’s vs. K’s, and his OBP.
I think we should sign his brother also. If we can’t have two Giles, make it two Aybar’s.
Gonzalez and Castillo/Duffy for LaRoche?
http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17618475&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478568&rfi=6
I like Sutton; he has to be better than Ron Darling was the first year of the Nats.
Duffy > Castillo
Plus, we could break out all the Simpsons quotes:
“Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem….OH YEAH”
Could Duffy be a poor man’s Scott Podsednik? Isn’t Scotty Pod available too???
Duffey looks to be worse than Langerhans. I don’t like that trade.
So it looks like I have a year to save up for the MLB extra innings package since I don’t get Fox South. 70 games on TBS this year, which is about all I would watch anyway. They will probably be clustered at odd times though. I bet the televise every west coast 10:30 game.
Duffy is better than Langerhans. I’ll take him and Gonzo
Duffy is better than Langerhans????????? Really?????? Do you mean defensively? You’d have a hard time proving that one.
I’ll miss Don
Did I say defensively??? I dont think I did. I just said he was better.
Duffy is .280/.336/.364 for his career over 440 ABs.
Langerhans is .254/.347/.399 for his career over 657 ABs.
They are the same age. At best, they are the same player, so I don’t see the need for Duffy. What am I missing?
I like that the Braves asked for Maholm and Gonzalez. That would be a great trade for LaRoche. I like Duffy better than Castillo, but I wish we would try to get another arm instead of a position player. If we want a future replacement for Andruw, Duffy is not the guy.
I would rather keep LaRoche and try trading Salty/Escobar for the pitching that we need. We can throw in one our our 6 2B’s that we have for next year with any deal.
Kind of ironic that we couldn’t find a market for our former starting 2b, but we are trying to stockpile 2b like they’re canned goods and Y2K is approaching.
Duffy can steal bases and he had a monster September, pretty poor for the first 80% of last year. Castillo, a very weak 2B is worthless to the Braves.
Does anyone know how much MLB.tv is?
I don’t recall the cost (maybe 80 bucks?), but before you sign up, check out the list of blackout dates for your team. There are usually a lot.
We are rid of Torborg. This is a happy day for Braves fans.
Don’t be so quick. The braves could be readying Torborg to platoon at 2b with Woodward.
Brilliant JoshQ
More on LaRoche from Mlb rumors
Latest On Adam LaRoche
This thing just won’t die. John Perrotto reports that the Pirates’ talks with Atlanta about Adam LaRoche are “picking up steam again.”
The Braves originally wanted Paul Maholm, but are backing off and could go for Mike Gonzalez and Jose Castillo/Chris Duffy. Bucco Blog has been on this one for a long time. Perrotto writes that the Bucs want Kyle Davies in there if it’s going to be a four-player trade.
Meanwhile, the Yankees wouldn’t include a second player for Gonzalez and the Red Sox aren’t offering anything interesting.
LaRoche/Davies for Gonzo/Castillo/Duffy….I’ll pass
LaRoche for Gonzo and Duffy – sure
Would you flip Gonzo for Cabrera and Proctor, if possible, or keep him? Or just keep LaRoche all together and forget this trade.
I think I still like the Angels or the Orioles over this deal
I’d refuse to take Duffy or Castillo instead of Maholm. If they want LaRoche badly enough, they can give us what we want. We shouldn’t just settle.
what about Penn and Ray?
“Would you flip Gonzo for Cabrera and Proctor”
Both? I guess. But the Yankees have, through their NY media, stated they aren’t giving up both. So I’d keep Gonzalez since the Yankees only want to surrender Melky Cabrera. And I highly doubt the Braves can get Ray and Penn for just LaRoche. Ray alone may work.
Stu, Maholm and Gonzalez for LaRoche alone is asking too much. If the Braves are backing off, it means they want a deal. Asking for both is like the Devil Rays asking for Chuck James, ain’t happening.
I like the Penn and Ray for LaRoche deal much better than the other rumored deals.
Chris Ray (24 years old) is a good, young reliever. He’s not the dominator that Mike Gonzalez is, but he doesn’t have the injury question at this point either. The last two years, Ray has put up:
2006: 66.0 Innings/51 Ks/27 BBs/10 HRs/2.73 ERA/1.091 WHIP/33 Saves
2005: 40.7 Innings/43 Ks/18 BBs/5 HRs/2.66 ERA/1.279 WHIP/0 Saves
That would look very nice in our bullpen, no? Plus, he’s going from the AL East to the NL East, which I would expect to improve those numbers, frankly.
Hayden Penn (22 years old) isn’t perfect, but I prefer him to Kyle Davies and think he’s closer to Chuck James’ ability. We need young starting pitching as the farm system looks a little pitching barren for once. Here are Penn’s numbers:
2006 (MLB): 19.7 Innings/8 Ks/13 BBs/8 HRs/15.10 ERA/2.593 WHIP/0 Wins in 6 Games Started
2006 (AAA-Ottawa): 87.7 Innings/85 Ks/27 BBs/5 HRs/2.26 ERA/1.18 WHIP/7 Wins in 14 Games Started
2005 (MLB): 38.3 Innings/18 Ks/21 BBs/6 HRs/6.34 ERA/1.748 WHIP/3 Wins in 8 GS
2005 (AA-Bowie): 110.3 Innings/120 Ks/37 BBs/3.83 ERA/1.251 WHIP/7 Wins in 19 GS
So Penn has bombed in the Majors, but that was as a 20 and 21 year old, mind you. He has been very strong in the minors which indicates some talent.
Bottom line, if we must trade LaRoche, let’s get a couple of young arms, rather than going the Chris Duffy/Melky Cabrera/Jose Castillo route.
There we go! Perfect scenario – everybody wins. Or at the very least, the Braves win, which is what matters.
I see at least 3 good starters in farm 06 records
w l era ip h bb k
Matt Harrison 11- 8 3.35 158.2 160 33 114 MB, M
Jo Jo -Reyes 12 -5 3.51 141.0 114 61 142 R, MB
Jamie Richmond 7 -1 1.21 67.0 51 4 52 D
None of whom has pitched above Myrtle Beach, where everyone looks like a good pitcher.
Cary, totally agree. If we move LaRoche we need to get back young pitching.
fjensen, Those 3 pitchers are good prospects but they are too far away to help us for a couple years. We have good talent at the lower levels. We just don’t have a lot at the near major league ready level.
Greetings gents and ladies –
Gawd bless Don Sutton and his jheri-curl, may he RIP…. ahem, wait a minute, he’s still alive?!?! Well we can only hope he returns to the Braves booth this year then. His velveteen voice has cooled many a summer nights for yours truly. Anyone got his 66 Topps RC btw? I need one for my set. I just picked up a 69 Topps PSA 9 of the Suttonator….lanky little turd.
Back to business. I wish you all a happy new year. As for the skeptics who dogged my Gators all year…I wish you continued envy. Have fun watching my boys run laps around those trogladytic suckeyes. Except for Troy Smith, that dude is f’ing good.
Here’s to peace on earth, Erin A. in the Braves Booth next year, and a Tostados Fiesta Bowl victory in Glenview, NM for UF.
Warmest regards,
JH
True, except Harrison who could be there in 2008, 21 yo, 6’4″ 221 lefty
If you do LaRoche for Ray & Penn, you let Davies and Penn fight it out in spring training for #5 starter behind Smoltz, Hudson, James and Hampton and send the other one to AAA to keep in reserve for injuries/ineffectiveness from the current starters. That gives the starting rotation some depth without having to rely upon Cormier and the Vulture for that immediately.
The bullpen is then fronted by Wickman (closer), Soriano and Ray. That’s very good, and it pushes last year’s crew down into more manageable roles and gives time for Devine and others to possibly develop on the farm.
To me, that’s a lot of benefit against the risk that LaRoche is for real as an offensive force rather than poised for a return to .790-.820ish OPS.
Plus, going forward, with Wickman gone and Smoltz retired, there’s a head start on getting future Braves pitching staffs in order.
Cary,
Once again you are dead on…we need to make the deal for Ray and Penn…we will go from the worst bullpen to the best and our starters will be above average(overall)…
I don’t understand why the braves brass have suddenly decided relievers are worth paying for (money or trades). In the past few years they didn’t wanted to invest in them and stated like it was some law that relievers were too risky to put money into. Maybe Kolb, Reitsma and cast of others finally convinced them. I hope they allow McBride, Boyer, and Devine to get innings and build experience.
I hope Devine is in AAA this year, he’s not ready
If we get another top reliever, then we will be able to have the luxury of putting Devine in the minors. That would be the best possible situation.
Not to mention, with Soriano and Ray/Gonzalez in the bullpen, Devine doesn’t have to be labeled as our future all star closer. He can just concentrate on being the best pitcher he can be.
Saban makes strong denial for the UA job today…
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/16292289.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_news
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/sports/epaper/2006/12/21/1221saban.html
Finebaum: “Well, he’s being pressured by local media, so I won’t put any stock in it.”
Go for it. Hire a coach in April, see if I care.
Chris Duffy is a bum. Why would we ever want him? Also, I am tired of hearing about Devine, can we all just start thinking of him as a bust and then maybe, just maybe, he will surprise us.
I wouldn’t say he’s a bust at all. A pitcher who is capable of going from college to pitching in the MLB playoffs in the span of a year is extremely rare. He is not that type of pitcher, so what. He should be just starting out this year in AAA with the possibility of breaking through to the majors in 08. Clearly the Braves rushed him and it’s time to step back and let him develop.
I think patience is a virtue, Wryn… and frankly, at this stage, there’s no reason not to wait until the New Year. Recruiting this year is shot anyway, and nothing gets done in the second half of December because everyone’s involved in the bowl prep. So why not wait and see if Saban (or Gruden) becomes available?
Gruden at Bama makes me laugh! The worst fit for any possible coach is “Chucky” at Bama. I would love to have him, but that wont happen. Look for Paul Johnson or Steve Kragthorpe to emerge soon
Again, Bama should go after George O’Leary.
Still with the Saban pipe dreamin’, Mac?
Jeremy, its not Mac or Bama fans, its the media that wont let this thing go away. It wont stop until Bama has a coach
Well, Mac seems to imply with his last sentence that he thinks Saban still remains a possibility.
everyone is a possibility!
updates on our players in winter ball, actually some decent #’s
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765765&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
I am more likely to believe that Saban is a possibility than at any prior point in the process. It’s still less than one in ten, but there are a couple of things. First, there are persistent reports that the Dolphins are for sale, and if that’s the case Saban is much more likely to either leave of his own volition or be forced out. Second, hiring a pro coach after the pro season is over is a lot more likely than during the season, and (since the pro season ends on New Year’s Eve and it’s clear we’re not getting anything done until after New Year’s) it’s a lot more doable.
Moore wants Saban, he always has, so if Saban becomes available (which is still less likely than not) Moore will do everything in his power to make it happen.
the dolphins aren’t for sale, mac. that report, which stemmed from an internet rumor on profootballtalk.com, was refuted by both huizenga and the papa john’s pizza that was alleged to be buying the team.
take that for what you will.
you can watch saban’s exchange with the reporter with the reporter on the alabama situationhere.
saban could be lying. it wouldn’t be the first time a coach lied, but i just don’t see it.
i heard an interview with a former scout and close friend of saban’s the other night. while he made it clear that saban isn’t exactly thrilled with the dolphins and the NFL in general, and that he wouldn’t be surprised if he did bolt back to college at some point in the next few years, he was pretty definitive that it wouldn’t be to a job like alabama.
who knows. i do agree with you theory, mac, that saban is more likely to consider it AFTER the season. still a longshot, but if there’s any chance of landing him then it’s worth it from bama’s perspective.
Maybe Bama can get Jim Mora. God knows he’ll be available soon.
From an outside perspective, I feel Nick Saban is strong stretch for Alabama. Alabama has to be considered in total shambles:
1) They were only 26-23 under Schula
2) This years recruiting class is in shambles; meaning the future is not looking any better
3) Alabama’s fans expectations have not dropped any even after going 26-23
…Saban was the hottest college coach at LSU, so why in the world would he want to go to a huge rebuilding project only to have the fans hate him in 4 years for going 26-23 all over again? I’d say its far less than 1 in 10.
Also, I’m from Nebraska, did you Alabama fans like Buddy Wyatt?
I don’t recall Wyatt coming up much. (Most of the praise was for Kines, most of the complains about the OC and the OL coach.) He coached only the the tackles, who were not very good (another coach handled the ends) but that may be a scheme issue.
Saban’s a longshot, but worth the effort if we’re not going to get anything done sooner. Shula’s prior recruiting classes were actually pretty good (10-15 ranks) so the talent is there, and the default setting of the state is to Alabama; even Shula (prior to this year) was generally able to at least hold his own against Tuberville. As I think Wryn will grudgingly admit, Auburn’s best times usually come when Alabama is a mess (Whitworth, Perkins, and the recent troubles).
First of all, about Wyatt – I actually thought he did a great job for his 1st 2-1/2 years at Bama. He didn’t have a lot of talent, but seemed to make the most of it. Things really seemed to go downhill for the O-line last year after Bama’s center (Closner) got hurt. Wyatt’s tackles played a large role in allowing the infamous 11 sacks a/g Auburn last year. I thought the O-line would be much improved this year, but they weren’t – especially in the running game. I don’t know what was wrong, but I was definitely ready to see him leave. Maybe I was overestimating Bama’s personnel and it wasn’t his fault though. The one major thing I have a/g him is that the tackles and the rest of the O-line played just about every snap unless there were injuries or there was a blowout. Again, maybe they just didn’t have the depth, but I still think he should have played more players.
On to Saban. For all anyone knows, Moore may have given up on him 3 weeks ago or he may be prepared to make him an offer to be the highest paid college football coach in America. I believe Saban has in his contract that he can’t talk to other teams during the season, so the only contacts made have been indiscreetly through his agent. I will bet money that no offer has been made.
Moore has been silent about the search and his inner circle has been very quiet too. After the pain of losing Rodriguez, Bama went into bunker mode. I think about a week after the RR debaucle, it became apparent that Bama would wait till after the new year. It is a dead period for recruiting, and few college coaches will leave halfway into bowl prep. Pro coaches will wait till after the season. I think there’s a remote chance that Saban takes it, but it’s not high. IMO, the most likely candidate is Paul Johnson from Navy, but not by much. Gruden has a zero chance! If anyone says they know, they’re lying!
Oh no doubt Mac, but Alabama’s best times were in the bad times for Auburn – it’s all cyclical.
However, I do believe Auburn has the better BoT (that’s scary), the better athletic department, the better coaches, the better facilities, and the better team? Will it last forever? No. But it’s fun while it does.
My bad about Wyatt – I’m thinking of the O-line coach. I will say about the same thing on the D-line though. The tackles (like most other positions) were much worse than expected – sorry!
But c’mon Mac, if it’s not Saban.. it HAS to be Kines. Any other HC will bring in crappy assistants, you’ll lose the current group, and you’ll make a total wash out of this recruiting year that will set you back another 2-3 years.
Alabama’s fans expectations have not dropped any even after going 26-23
That’s your key point right there. That’s why they aren’t lining up for this job. It’s a career death trap. Throwing away this year’s recruiting class doesn’t help matters any.
There have been a lot more good times for Alabama than for Auburn, and Bryant and Stallings were both able to impose their will on the state pretty quickly. I suppose I may be biased, but I think that Auburn has to be better, in particular to have a markedly superior coaching staff, to be Alabama’s equal. Shug Jordan was a great coach — but Bryant, after taking over an utterly collapsed program, beat him in only their second meeting and wound up going 13-5 against Jordan. Pat Dye was a great coach — but Stallings took him out. Tuberville is a great coach, but if Alabama can find his equal, he’s in trouble.
I think you’re right that Auburn’s staff, athletic department, and team are better right now. (Actually, if I were you I’d be troubled that such a markedly superior coaching staff can’t produce a team that’s dramatically better than Bama.) The facilities are probably pretty equal after the stadium expansion here. Your BOT is better in football matters, but at least ours haven’t gotten us in accreditation trouble.
I really don’t think that Alabama fans’ expectations are that high. We looked at the schedule and figured that we’d go 7-5 unless we got lucky. We got lucky, but blew the Arkansas and Florida games anyway because Shula coached with his hands around his neck both times, and went 6-6 because Shula lost an unloseable game at home against MSU, which is the game that got him fired. He’d have been back if he hadn’t lost that game, or if he’d pulled the upset against Auburn. Nobody thought that this was a national championship contender going in.
A 7-5 or 8-4 regular season next year will be okay because it would at least be progress. As long as you’re moving forward we’re fine. We won’t start calling for the new guy’s head until at least 2009 unless the team utterly collapses.
The word I’m hearing is that we had a decent recruiting effort going – (top 15 at one point), and we’ve definitely lost a few good prospects, but they haven’t left in droves. A top notch coach could come in and retain most of the guys that are still hanging on and probably bring a few good recruits with him. When it’s all said and done, I think we could wind up with a top 20 class. This isn’t good enough year in and year out, but it won’t be devastating either.
I would like for us to keep the entire defensive staff that’s left (especially Kines and Ball (2ndary)) and I wouldn’t mind losing the whole O staff except for Sparky Woods. I’m afraid Moore is still going after a proven head coach and that’s definitley why we’re waiting. I’m not thrilled about this approach either.
Mac, Matt Harrison had 77 innings at Mississippi last year. He did not pitch badly, but I would not be surprised if we see him start there in 2007.
Otherwise, the signing of Woodward (to go back to the previous post) might mean that the Braves are getting ready to part with Aybar. The LaRoches deals which they couldn’t get done over the last few weeks might be possible if they throw in Aybar…
I really don’t think that Alabama fans’ expectations are that high.
I would believe you if I only read post 75. But when I read that Alabama is still the default in state and Bama will beat Auburn if they can just get an equal staff, I’m skeptical. Trojan fans used to think those things for a good decade or so of the Bruins kicking our butts until we realized neither were true. Kids have short memorys.
(Actually, if I were you I’d be troubled that such a markedly superior coaching staff can’t produce a team that’s dramatically better than Bama.)
Mac, we won the last 5. You guys haven’t even won 4-in-a-row over us since ’78-’81
What I meant by that is that the games have been close (except for 2005) while the coaching staff competion would be a blowout.
Robert, the new guy will be under pressure to win. But he won’t be under pressure to win big, right away. As long as the team shows progress he’ll be okay. But there should be pressure to win, and it’s inexplicable to me that anyone would think otherwise. Sooner or later, he will have to compete for a national championship.
If you didn’t understand my point about the “default”, I’m sorry, but the thing is that Alabama has inherent advantages over Auburn — it’s the state university; it has a larger number of powerful alumni; Birmingham, by far the largest city in the state, is an Alabama town, more than twice the size of Montgomery, Auburn’s equivalent; and the tradition still does mean something. That really isn’t the case with USC/UCLA, except the last one; Texas/TAMU, Oklahoma/OSU are the proper parallels. A&M and State have had good teams, but if everything else is equal they’ll still usually lose to the state universities.
Great points Mac – ignoring the Wilson quarterback tree, Auburn’s getting most of the top prospects out of Birmingham and the 20-59 corridor, starting with Bo in 1982.
Likewise Michigan/Michigan State
Stephen, that’s a great guess. I never thought about that possibility. However, what deal do you have in mind? Do you think the Braves will go back to the O’s?
kc,
I’d be willing to bet it would turn into LaRoche and Aybar for Penn and Ray. So essentially, that would be what the trading the Meat Man would turn into: Penn and Ray. Not too bad.
It will be great if it is Thorman and Orr for Penn and Ray!!! In my dream perhaps !!!
Once Alabama gets beyond probation and gains coaching stability, it will once again rise to the top of the SEC. Even in its darkest times (pretty much since Stallings left after 1996), the Tide has had a few 10-win seasons and even won the SEC in 1999. During this entire period, the Tide has dealt with NCAA issues. Phil Fulmer has still not beaten a full-strength Bama team (though I’m sure he’s not losing sleep over it).
The only state in the SEC that has more recruiting talent each year than Alabama is Florida. Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi have as much talent available as the Heart of Dixie, while other SEC states produce less.
LSU has Louisiana to itself, with no other significant Division I programs, but does have to defend itself from Texas to an extent.
Georgia has to compete with Auburn, Georgia Tech and Florida, primarily, for in-state recruits.
Mississippi’s top recruits come to.. the Alabama Crimson Tide (see Mr. Footballs of Mississipppi on the Alabama roster, 2004: Jimmy Johns & 2005: Terry Grant). Plus the Tide clearly takes Alabama when it’s stable. Auburn is the 2nd banana for the reasons Mac mentioned and many more, which is why they go so heavy at Georgia talent (location-wise, it makes sense).
Tennessee does not have a great high school system, but has been able to recruit well beyond the state. Arkansas, Kentucky, and South Carolina have fewer top quality recruits as well.
That leaves Florida, which obviously has to compete against Florida State and Miami, not to mention pretty much every other program east of the Mississippi. Florida has a tremendous built-in advantage and should always do well. There are also more than enough guys to go around because of the enormous population.
So the natural state of things is Florida vs. Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
A head coaching job with a program that naturally sits at the head of the premier conference in college football placing it in prime position to compete for national championships (as has been proven many times over before–National Championships before Bryant, National Championship after him) while being extremely well compensated and damn near deified is a HELLUVA GIG IF YOU CAN GET IT!
Alabama has won 12 National Championships and 21 SEC Championships (the most, followed by Tennessee way back at 13).
The Crimson Tide football program leads all NCAA schools in bowl game appearances (53) and bowl game wins (30).
Simply put, these numbers speak.
Only one Alabama head coach since 1920 (!) has failed to win 10 games in a season.
Xen Scott 1919-1922
Wallace Wade 1923-1930**
Frank Thomas 1931-1946**
Red Drew 1947-1954*
Bear Bryant 1958-1982**
Ray Perkins 1983-1986
Bill Curry 1987-1989*
Gene Stallings 1990-1996**
Mike Dubose 1997-2000*
Dennis Franchione 2001-2002
Mike Shula 2003-2006
This is the list of Alabama coaches who have won 10 games. One star denotes that, that coach has won an SEC Championship. Two stars denote that he guided Alabama to a National Championship in addition to an SEC title.
That, Ladies & Gentlemen, is a Program–not some one coach wonder. It endures. We will be back undoubtedly.
All claims to the contrary can be interpreted as fear. Compete with us equally when we are strong. We welcome the challenge and respect it.
Roll Tide.
I don’t understand why the braves brass have suddenly decided relievers are worth paying for (money or trades).
I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that, if we had converted even half of last years blown saves, we’d have been in the wildcard.
Mac, you are the jam! I love this board and everything you do for the braves’ faithful. Can I get someone, anyone, to join me in the devine does not exist club? If he is a servicable reliever I will be more than happy. I was one of the LaRoche haters at the start of last year, but now I want him long term. I admit, I was wrong. However, if it means gonzalez and a maholm, or some other fourth or fifth starter prospect from the pirates I would take it. I love Thorman. He will be me more than acceptable (probably better than adam offensively in the long run, not defensively, I will admit that), and at least more handsome than adam. Aybar should start at second. My best friend (a diehard mets fan) said I would love woodward. Starting tonight I pray Woodward becomes the super utility man that aybar was destined not to be. McDowell is money! Count me in the Hampton is a stud pool.
I may be completely crazy, but I want Shannon Stewart in LF at the Ted next year.
I love Druw, let’s hope his dad negotiates this deal.
Let’s go Wildcats. Davidson that is. Stephen Curry, Dell’s son, is the jam. Davidson alum, excuse me.
I love the Dawgs. Joe T is my friend. I’m done.
Also, Why didn’t Alabama look at Neil Callaway?
Would you guys agree that if a deal isn’t done for LaRoche today, it probably won’t happen? I’ve seen articles implying that, but I wonder what you guys think. I’m hoping we get Penn and Ray or we just say no!
On the Neil Callaway question above, the first answer is that he’s not a proven head coach. Secondly he didn’t have a great reputation when he coached at Bama. Finally, he would be the least popular pick in the history of Bama football. He is probably a good coach, but a terrible fit for UA – possibly a bad fit for UAB.
I hate the idea of only going after a proven head coach. A top class assistant would have the hunger to win and would be a cheaper solution. An AD should have an idea of the best new head coaching candidates out there. As pointed out earlier, it would also mean that much of the current staff could be retained.
Shannon Stewart? Isn’t he like 50?
Is it true that Woodward now owns the pictures?
Mac;
I know you’ve got plenty to do. A $50 a week book habit is a big monkey.
But if you’d consider another elimination tournament as you had last winter, I’d like to propose “Athlete We’d Most Like to See Voted Off the Planet.”
I’ll take T.O. and give even odds against the field.
Hahaha…..
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Florida Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis was arrested early Friday on suspicion of drunken driving, police said.
Cary,
I’m sorry, but the state of Georgia has a lot more and better football players than the state of Alabama. Also, Georgia’s mainly competing with Georgia Tech, Auburn, Florida State, and Clemson.
Drunk driving is funny? I disagree.
I guess it’s possible he found it funny that Willis was arrested after he stopped, got out of the car, and started urinating in the street.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2705991
thats what I thought was funny Stu, not the DUI, but what he did…
Do you think our organization thinks the Betemit trade was bad? They say we traded for Aybar, but I think we made the move for Baez and hoping that he would resign along with Wickman. I think they are disappointed in Aybar or just dont want to admit that he wasnt what we were trading for……JS all along has talked about pitching, that deal was for Baez and Aybar was the throw in, not the other way around.
Rumor this morning…
Atlanta seems focused more on discussing 1B Adam LaRoche with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels, teams better equipped to suit the Braves’ needs.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06356/748148-63.stm
From espn.com:
“Willis has been Florida’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award — presented annually to major league players displaying a commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others — in each of the last two seasons.”
Atta’ way to lock up your nomination for next year, D-Train. Aren’t there ANY decent people anymore?
Did you guys read the chat with the new PBP guy Sciambi? Am I the only person getting excited? Here are some excerpts:
Wow. Something tells me Don Sutton doesn’t buy into DIPS. Also, how refreshing to hear the term “rate stats” used by a broadcaster.
He reads Primer daily? Wow. Maybe he’ll make fun of my idiocy on air. That would be sweet!
Tennessee Brave,
I don’t think one DUI should take Willis out of the realm of “decent person.” He’s done an awful lot for inner city kids and the game of baseball in general. Let’s wait and see how he responds to this mistake to give up on him.
csg,
You may be right, but I still don’t understand WHY we would have soured on Aybar. He played well when we played him last year. What did I miss?
Stu, I dont think we soured on him. I just think JS never really wanted him, he was just another throw in and they might be willing to move him. Maybe it was his base running blunders, I have no clue. He looks decent to me
Interesting…
A Montgomery County man has filed a lawsuit against Atlanta Braves star Chipper Jones, alleging that he was hurt and suffered emotional distress in a brief scuffle that began when he reportedly taunted the ballplayer. Stephen M. Cohen of East Norriton contends that Jones inflicted an “illegal, outrageous and violent assault” on him at the Hyatt Regency hotel at Penn’s Landing at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 3. He seeks more than $50,000 in damages. The suit, filed in Philadelphia last week, says Cohen asked to be taken to a hospital and was released the same day. It does not identify any injury that he suffered. It says Cohen, a construction foreman, and his friends saw Jones at the hotel and “yelled to get Chipper Jones’ attention. Chipper Jones ignored them.” Later, it says, Cohen saw Jones inside the hotel and yelled at him again. “To Cohen’s shock, Chipper Jones turned, looked at him in a hostile… volatile manner,” the suit says. It says Jones then “threw Cohen down on the marble floor, and began to physically assault Cohen.”
Just a thought…
In the past JS has put a bullpen together by throwing a bunch of players against the wall and getting a few to stick. We all know where that left us last year as everyone slid down the wall and into the gutter. When JS made the trade for Soriano, it seemed that this way of thinking was now in the past. However, it seems he has just transferred that train of thought into finding a second baseman. We have like 10 potential players to play 2b. I guess we had better hope that one of them sticks.
JoshQ,
It looks like you’re right. What I just don’t get is this: when you have a team that’s so cash-strapped that you are apparently forced to a very, very productive, young first baseman because he makes all of 3 million dollars, why are you wasting $750K (or more) on Tanyon Sturtze and $850K on Chris Woodward? For this team, those are apparently not insignificant amounts of money, and these guys are no better than the cheap guys with whom they’re brought in to compete. I just don’t understand.
csg,
Whatever that Cohen guy did I’m sure he deserved it. I only wish Chipper would’ve done it in a back ally. I’m sick of people suing people b/c they were @ssholes in the beginning. The guy did prolly yell at Chipper….but probably yelled something vulgar. Chipper, according to this report, ignored him, but again, how much can one man take? Chipper did what he needed to do (if this really even happened).
Totally agree Stu…Don’t you think Prado could provide as much production as Woodward? I guess the thing with Woodward is that he can play so many positions, but I though Aybar could as well. The Sturtze signing is a remnant of JS and his scrap heap philosophy. Old habits die hard.
the back ally thing meaning so no one could say it was chipper
Stu,
You are right, Dontrelle has done a lot for kids, community, etc. And he also (if all this is true) just did a lot to reverse much of his own good work. Inner city kids need consistent role models, not another rich, spoiled athlete setting the wrong example. And when I said “decent person,” what I really should have said was, “can’t anyone ACT decent anymore?” As far as role models go, it really doesn’t matter if you ARE a good person or not, it’s much more about the image you portray through your actions. I have always liked Dontrelle. Seems like a nice guy. Probably IS a nice guy. But you know what? Now he just looks like another punk athlete who got a DUI in his Bentley, putting his own life as well as others in danger. I hope he responds to this appropriately, and I am sure he will. But that doesn’t change what he did, and his credibility is damaged for good.
Johnny I agree, he probably deserved what he got, but trying to get free money is now THE AMERICAN WAY. I dont think Chipper would do that either
Like I said, TN Brave, we’ll see how he responds. I’m not denying that what he did was wrong and stupid. But you’re a Christian, right? I would think someone who understands concepts like mercy and grace would be willing to give Dontrelle a second chance.
Willis deserves a second chance if this is true. Furcal got a third chance, right?
Speaking of drunk Braves:
http://static.flickr.com/49/142904594_4004bef3ae_o.jpg
TN Brave,
I believe pretty strongly that everyone makes mistakes, everyone can earn redemption, etc., etc. In the major leagues, there are fewer than 10 African-American starting pitchers, and Dontrelle is by far the most famous, exciting, and successful, followed by C.C. Sabathia. Both of them have done a lot of good in their communities with community service work, charitable giving, and generally presenting a positive image of a professional athlete.
I understand and respect your position, but I don’t think I’d have much trouble as a parent explaining to my children that pissing in the street next to a police officer at 4:30 AM is a terrible idea. The time and money he’s invested have more value, I think, than one DUI. Of course, if he does it again, like Furcal, I’ll probably feel differently.
And Stu, though I’m not a Christian, I agree with you.
If….IF…we trade LaRoche, is there a possibility we could sign Craig Wilson to…PLATOON…with Thorman? I’d like that more than just having Thorman be the only man with 1st base experience.
Well most of us have done things that we’re not proud of. The key will be whether he learns from this mistake or not. I’m hoping he does.
RE Dontrelle:
Everyone can make a mistake, and some of those mistakes can be big ones like a DUI. I am always willing to grant folks a second chance to see if they’ve learned from their mistakes. If DWillis admits he messed up and is contrite, then I won’t hold this against him.
Stu,
Yes, I am a Christian.
Yes, I understand the concepts of mercy and grace.
I guess I have been a little unclear in the last couple of posts. PERSONALLY, I have no issue with forgiving someone for doing something like getting a DUI. Actually, I have a friend who got a DUI this past week. Of course I forgive him. Of course I hope for his well-being and recovery, because he has a problem with alcohol. Do I think he is an idiot? Yes. A moron? Yes. Inconsiderate towards others? Yes. But I forgive him, because that is the example that Christ set for us. But you know what? There are a lot of other people out there who might not adhere to that philosophy of forgiveness. There are also a lot of kids who look up to Dontrelle Willis that are highly impressionable. This is the kind of thing they remember. So while I forgive him (and my friend) for what he did, I was merely commenting on the unavoidable negative impact.
My earlier posts didn’t reflect what I was truly feeling. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone…”
When do the SEC bowl games start?
Sports is so boring right now I went to Blockbuster & bought 6 DVDs last night. Now that’s bored…
What the Northern Illinois v. TCU game wasn’t gripping to you?
I watched the replay of the Office Christmas episode last night. Now that’s some good T.V. Here’s to hoping season 1 and 2 are under my tree on Christmas morning.
No, and I couldn’t quite get it up for Oregon last night either…
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone…”
It’s funny, when I was little I thought that meant Jesus was going throw the first stone.
The first bowl games I am interested in aren’t until the 29th, when Clemson and Carolina both play.
Johnny W. – Wilson would be a better addition than what his face that we just signed. He can play left or right too. But I bet he is worth 2 mil or so in this crazy Effed up market. I guess the Braves think that we already have a Craig Wilson named Matt Diaz.
I agree Johnny, I think we have Craig Wilson-Lite in Matt Diaz. He has to have the most F&$#’ed up batting stance…i couldnt get set that quick. He usually looks like crap on his first swing, then he’s right on….
As for the Dontrelle thing, I laughed earlier because living here in FL, he is the face of that franchise along with Cabrera. Lots of PSA’s with him in it. He does do alot of good for the Miami area. I agree everyone should have a second or third chance. It doesnt detract from how good of a player he is. but from here on out, when I see him pitch, all I will be able to think of is him wizzing on the curb…..
Andy,
I laughed out loud at that one.
TN Brave,
Glad you cleared that up. Like AAR said, though, I think for all those impressionable kids and the parents who are trying to shape them, the good Dontrelle has done has vastly outweighed this bad incident, at least assuming he apologizes and fesses up to the consequences of his actions, and assuming this doesn’t develop into a pattern.
Dontrelle Willis will burn in hell covered in the alcohol-filled urine for what he did. There is no forgiveness and everything that he’s done positively before that is now null and void.
I’m just kidding. The guy blew it. He’ll pay for his mistake and restore the respect that people have for him in Miami. I really like him, myself.
Ken Griffey hurt again….he broke his hand at home…
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2706196
Rape charges against the 3 duke lacross players have been dropped…
link…
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2706267
What does this team get you:
QB- *Tom Brady, *Marc Bulger,Vince Young
RB- *Shaun Alexander, *Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Bush
WR- *Larry Fitzgerald, *Anquan Boldin, *Lavernanues Coles, *Lee Evans, Devery Henderson, Mike Furrey
TE-* Chris Cooley
K- *Nate Kaeding
DEF- *Chicago
A 5th place finish…. 🙁
*starter
Philip Rivers is good, but Brady should be at the Pro Bowl
So Chipper bodyslammed this guy in the middle of a hotel lobby, started beating him down, and all the guy wants is $50,000? In this litigious world? One could probably get six figures these days for the bird alone. I don’t think so.
“So Chipper bodyslammed this guy in the middle of a hotel lobby, started beating him down, and all the guy wants is $50,000? In this litigious world? One could probably get six figures these days for the bird alone. I don’t think so.”
Screwed up, isn’t it? Tort reform is needed badly in this country, something like Georgia did with certain kinds of lawsuits (medical ones or maybe all of them, it’s been too long), cap the money you can get. It’s $350,000 in Georgia I think. No one needs 100 million for this accident or a million for some overly hot coffee. It’s beyond absurd.
Um, if that really happened, why didn’t anybody call the police? That’s assault and battery, right? I have a hard time believing this guy’s story. Chipper beat the crap out of him in the middle of a lobby and everybody just walked away? Sure. Plus I have absolutely no sympathy for fans that bother players in public. Mind your own business and shut up, they deserve their space.
While genuinely frivilous lawsuits are certainly annoying & ridiculous (I speak from experience), I can’t say that a cap on payouts is always a great idea. When you have things like Love Canal, I can’t say I’m for that kind of “tort reform.” Big fish should pay for their big mistakes.
My point was that I don’t think the guy’s story checks out, but I agree, Dan.
I took a business ethics class in college entirely on torts, and the types of suits a person can file are ridiculous.
ububba – Pay whom? Millions in punitive damages to plaintiffs above their proven damages? The big fish also had to pay to clean up Love Canal on top of that. The anti-tort reformers are right that companies should have to pay enough to be deterred from wrongful conduct, but at what cost in creating too great incentives for wrongful lawsuits?
Discussing Tort reform on a Braves forum seems close to discussing politics. Perhaps we ought to fry the appropriate fish here–JS, Bama football, and athletics in general. Otherwise, this board is going to get ugly in a hurry. And though I have a definite opinion, I’ll start by keeping it to myself or by moving to the discussing politics politely page. Happy Holidays Ya’ll (from Texas)!
My father, sister, and brother are all plaintiff’s attorneys. So let’s not.
Go Braves.