Do we actually try to find the most useless ball players just to help us fill rosters….GEEEEZZ
Alex R.
on January 4, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Brayan Pena with 2 broken arms is still better then Fernando Lunar.
I mentioned this to Mac earlier…why did we waste whatever we spent on useless Chris Woodward when I see that Houston signed Mark Loretta today for probably not much more for 1 year.
I like Kelly Johnson and I get they want to give them a chance but I think many of us wouild feel better to turn the 2nd base job over to a proven veteran like Loretta for 1 yr. and it appears we could have gotten Loretta easily, 6 weeks ago.
Dan
on January 4, 2007 at 8:25 pm
David O’Brien today:
I get the distinct impression the Braves want Kelly Johnson to nail down the second base/leadoff job this spring, after talking to Bobby Cox a couple nights ago. He didn’t say that specifically, but that’s what I took from the conversation.
I’m being taped in a commercial tomorrow to air during halftime of the Florida/Ohio State game.
LanceInFL
on January 4, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Let us know which one Wryn, would love to see it. If my cousin runs for President this year, I imagine you will see some of me as well….
Jeremy
on January 4, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Who’s your cousin?
Dan
on January 4, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Who is your cousin? The only presidential name I can think of from Florida is Jeb Bush, but I’d doubt that.
What is the commercial, Wryn?
LanceInFL
on January 4, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Gov. Mike Easley of NC
LanceInFL
on January 4, 2007 at 10:14 pm
If anyone is interested and will be in the Orlando area on March 10th, the Braves and Blue Jays are playing. My dad’s supervisor is Vernon Well’s uncle, and can get us into the clubhouses….anyone wants to g, let me know.
Mark Gordon
on January 4, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Hopefully KJ’s more recent Richmond numbers are more indicative than his more numerous (AB wise) Greenville numbers are. He’ll need to keep his OBP up to hit leadoff, because I’m guessing about .265 BA.
LanceInFL
on January 4, 2007 at 10:51 pm
I would be ok with a .265 ba if his OBP is closer to .360 or higher. Just having someone who is a minimal threat to steal a base will help Edgar and the rest of the lineup…….
I just read that the Astros inked Loretta for 1 year @ 2.5 million. Here is the link to the story. While Loretta wouldn’t solve our leadoff problems, he would be a great glove and bat for a small commitment (both time and money).
urlhix
on January 4, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Hey Lance,
Me and the s.o. might be down there then. We’re definitely going to spring training again this year, but I’m not sure when yet. It all depends on how our deadlines shake out. If we’re not down there that day maybe we can just meet up at a game while we are there. We usually spend three or four days in Orlando and three or four somewhere around Tampa/St. Pete.
Obviously, Kelly Johnson is seen as the solution for second base, which is why they didn’t go after Loretta. That’s the only explanation I can come up with.
Lunar is a Willie Harris-type signing anyway. I don’t think the Braves can do much more anyway.
Just spent an evening at a pal’s house, a guy I haven’t seen in awhile. He’s a Macedonian dude who likes hockey–so we watch hockey. He digs the NY Islanders, me the NJ Devils. He’s a jazz/blues freak. HIs dad is the radio king of Macedonia, so I just let him play whatever & he usually turns me onto some fairly obscure jazz or blues stuff (more jazz, actually.)
So I go over there tonight, among many other things, he breaks out “Decoration Day” & says, “Do you know this CD?”
I said, “Yeah, all too well. Got any more of that Clifford Brown?”
Big D
on January 5, 2007 at 2:24 am
What I wanna know, Mac, is how did you remember what you wrote almost four years ago?
Wryn
on January 5, 2007 at 2:58 am
Two best Bama lines I’ve heard:
Have you seen the picture where Saban is in a crimson golf shirt, holding up the National Championship trophy?
Apparently now Bama fans are resorting to photoshop in their quest for more mythical national championships.
But really, Saban is a perfect fit for Bama. He’s a smug, arrogant, cocky liar. Thank goodness he’s not a drunk, then he might be the Bear.
Jeremy
on January 5, 2007 at 4:39 am
I liked how he placed the blame on Huizenga for making him leave LSU when he really didn’t want to. As if somehow he was kidnapped in the middle of the night and forced to sign a contract at gunpoint.
The little man is a freak.
Stephen now in the UAE
on January 5, 2007 at 6:57 am
Going back to the previous thread–Another Alex R.: Boola, Boola! It is nice to hear from another Old Blue….
Brodhead is a good schlolar and fundamentally decent man who happens to be the president of university which has managed to gain lots of bad publicity. Sure, the lacrosse charges were dropped, but the man has had to smile when the world met Charlotte Simmons…
td
on January 5, 2007 at 8:50 am
It used to be that Tide stood for Totally In Denial Everyday because Bama fans were stupid enough to think that they could get a coach the caliber of Saban to come.
I have to admit that I’m upset by the way Saban lied to the media, but knowing the circumstances and the media’s persistence, I can at least give Saban a chance to prove that he is honest and just made a mistake. I wasn’t crazy about Saban at first, but I like the stuff I’ve read about his philosophy and character – we’ll see if it’s true. As a Bama fan I had huge distaste for Tuberville because of the way he lied, but I have to admit that I’ve developed a lot of respect for him as a person and a coach over the last few years. He is also viewed as cocky and arrogant by some, but I see it more as being confident and a good leader – the same can be said for most any coach.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I see this as a Braves forum and an opportunity to intelligently discuss other sports when there is absolutely nothing going on with the Braves. I’ll have to admit that most of the posters in the Bama forums have such Crimson colored glasses that it gets ridiculous sometimes – I also think this applies to every other school. This forum has been refreshing and I appreciate the diversity and mutual respect. I’ll continue to appreciate the job of Tuberville, Richt, Beamer and others (yes, even Fulmer although I don’t like him) and try not to trash Bama’s opponents. I hope others feel the same way,
Stephen, I didn’t know we were co-alums. What were your years as an Eli?
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 8:56 am
Its funny how Auburn fans are trying to find ways to show us that Saban isnt a great hire. My brother in law for example, a huge Auburn fan, says “You can have him because we are 2-3 against him and he lost to UAB.” “He is also a liar, who wants someone thats a liar.”
I just sit there quiet thinking of Tuberville’s comments before he left Ole Miss – “Pine Box”. I also cant help to think about how Auburn also lied to Tuberville and went behind his back and tried to hire Petrino. Just funny I guess…
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 9:00 am
#23 – td …we are in the same boat. If you go over to Tide Sports you can see all the died hard Tide fans and one reason I dont post there is because they only take your comments seriously after you have made several hundred post. They were bashing some guy just because he had just made his 1st post. Its ridiculous that some act that way, seems to me that everyone’s comments are appreciated here and we can have a diverse group with minimal arguments.
Marc Schneider
on January 5, 2007 at 9:11 am
td,
What is it about Saban’s character that attracts you? Is it the lying through his teeth? His willingness to jump ship whenever things get tough? I mean, c’mon, all the talk about “character” in sports is just rubbish. If Lawrence Phillips could play, he would still be in the NFL even if he beat up a hundred women. And it’s pretty much the same in college. Saban’s “character” is tied to his ability to win football games. So long as he does that, everything else is secondary other than maybe getting caught with the AD’s daughter or something–and even then, if he is coming off a national championship. . .
LanceinFL
on January 5, 2007 at 9:12 am
Good lord, what is it with pitchers and misbehaving….
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) – San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Thursday at Mobile Regional Airport.
Apparently he had double parked his car. The cop said to move it, and he said “Write a ticket, I’ll pay whatever it is…..”
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 9:37 am
Peavy has been hanging out with some of the Bengals players…..
td
on January 5, 2007 at 9:39 am
Call me gullible, but I believe there is at least some truth to Saban’s desire to return to college being based on his desire to impact kids – you don’t do this much in the NFL. Saban’s players at LSU showed major academic improvements and he’s been involved with several philanthropic activities to help kids. He may be a weasel for all I know, but I at least see some positive signs.
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 9:43 am
I dont really care what Saban said to the media. They lie to us everyday in every article and journal that they write. If he’s dedicated to getting the players into college in order for them to graduate,while also helping them to enhancing their career opportunities, then he will be and should be welcomed with open arms.
Sam Hutcheson
on January 5, 2007 at 10:46 am
Vainly attempting to swing the discussion back to baseball…
1. Read the article. Lunar was assigned to *Mississippi.* He’s not a real threat to make the ML squad. The Braves have Corky Miller at AAA if Pena or (G*d forbid) McCann go down. Most likely the Braves want an experienced game caller on the AA roster to help mentor the young pitchers at that level.
2. Kelly Johnson is more the player from Richmond and Macon than he is the Player from Myrtle Beach. In MB he was learning a new position (the OF) and injured. As the starting 2B in 2007 he’ll outproduce Marcus Giles’ 2006, and very well could outproduce Marcus Giles’ 2007.
Johnny W.
on January 5, 2007 at 10:51 am
I think KJ will be a big surprise for us this year (positive way), but I’d rather see him hit lower in the order or at the bottom really and find a leadoff hitter/next year’s CF for leftfield this year. I like KJ, but I think putting someone with good OBP skills and a good eye at the 8th slot would allow our pitchers to bunt him over and have him in scoring position more of the time.
Rob Cope
on January 5, 2007 at 11:20 am
Arizona seemed to give up a lot to get Randy Johnson. Is it just me or is Randy Johnson just not a centerpiece of a trade anymore? 5.00 ERA? And you give up half your farm for him? I dunno…
flournoy
on January 5, 2007 at 11:21 am
In MB he was learning a new position (the OF) and injured.
Not that I disagree at all, but I found this particular piece ironic.
flournoy
on January 5, 2007 at 11:23 am
Arizona did not give up half their farm for Johnson. They are loaded with quality prospects. Losing Ross Ohlendorf and Alberto Gonzalez doesn’t even make a dent.
Stephen now in the UAE
on January 5, 2007 at 11:23 am
Another Alex R.–I am afraid that I go back aways: I was in TD and graduated in 1981 (and I so shamefully missed the 25th reunion this summer). What about yourself?
Sam Hutcheson
on January 5, 2007 at 11:29 am
Not that I disagree at all, but I found this particular piece ironic.
Understandable. I’m not terribly worried about it this year because 1) his injury from 2005-6 is already healed, unlike his injuries in MB which he tried to play through IIRC, and 2) he’s already played MI before unlike in MB where he was transferred to the OF for the first time in his career. But there is some basic fan optimism going on here too.
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 11:32 am
#34, yeah three players seem like a lot, but those players are pretty useless. Not much talent lost in the trade by Arizona, my biggest question is why not get the Yanks to pay more than 1.5-2 mil. Johnson is greatly overpaid
Also it’s Myrtle Freaking Beach! At the time, MB was playing with a park factor of about 90 (where 100 is average, lower favors pitchers, higher favors hitters). It distorted offense more than any park in the major leagues but Coors Field does (in the opposite way).
I think Johnson will at least match his career minor league line of .281/.366/.464, more or less, which is awfully good for a 25-year-old second baseman. The question is if he can be adequate with the glove.
Stephen now in the UAE
on January 5, 2007 at 11:42 am
Agreed–the major issue will be his glove. The other point to be made about KJ is that he tends to be a streak hitter which will some frustrate Braves fans. Still, there ought to be a lot to like….
Marc Schneider
on January 5, 2007 at 11:43 am
The Randy Johnson trade is strictly about bringing in fans. Otherwise, it makes no sense to extend a 42 year old pitcher with a bad back who is clearly a shadow of his former self. I don’t understand how the D-Backs can afford his salary given the fall in attendence. If this was Time Warner, they would have gotten rid of every player making more than the minimum. He can probably give them some decent innings, but it’s mostly about bringing in people to the ballpark.
Cary
on January 5, 2007 at 11:46 am
Wryn, Nick Saban is not a drunk!… yet. The Bama job can be overwhelming though, you know.
No, Nick will be fine in T-Town, and he’ll have us running like a well-oiled machine in short order. He’s already putting one helluva staff together.
I’m not at all concerned with him lying about his vocational intentions. Coaches move up the ladder to more prestigious, well-paying jobs. That’s simply upward mobility in action and occurs in other occupations frequently. It’s not unusual.
Also, since you don’t always know that you will get the next job, you can’t speak truth without potentially burning your current situation. If you don’t then get the next job and have to stay, it’s not good for anyone.
[The move from the Miami Dolphins to Alabama is not “up,” but if you’re moving from the NFL to college, it sure is a soft landing to arrive at a top program in the top football conference. I’m sorry if I don’t feel that leaving a professional team is heart-rending. The athletes are well-paid to play for whomever. I’m supposed to feel sorry for the owner?? bwaahaahaa.. yeah, right. I think WH will be okay. Really. So that leaves the fans, most of whom seemed to want Saban gone already. Besides, the NFL is mercenary football–it’s all business, period.]
Coaches are not in a position to tell the truth. A “no comment” would work better, I agree, but then you’d have a situation where some coaches “no comment” and others categorically deny. The “no comment” becomes the non-denial, denial and is regarded just as poorly. Then the coach is pressed to make a more definitive denial, as in Saban’s case.
I’m excited to see the new coaching staff come together. I’m excited to see the recruiting class they are going to assemble. And I’m excited to go forward with Nick Saban.
Cary
on January 5, 2007 at 11:55 am
I really like the Randy Johnson move for Arizona. They didn’t give up much in terms of prospects and they can afford to pay the $14 mil if it gives them a chance to compete in the NL West–which it certainly does.
The new rotation is Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and #5 starter. That’s very solid and beats moving everyone up a spot and having two questionable starting slots.
Randy’s numbers will improve dramatically simply from moving out of the American League to the National League and getting to face the pitcher again (not to mention that the NL West doesn’t possess offensive juggernauts). Plus, he will be much more comfortable back in Arizona where he’s already a hero and maintains his residence.
I’m not taking him for my fantasy baseball team or anything, but he’s a solid addition to a playoff contender. Pitchers are expensive.
csg
on January 5, 2007 at 11:56 am
rumor for today…
With Adam LaRoche’s name floating in a few different trade rumors, some Braves officials have indicated that they may soon start preparing Jarrod Saltalamacchia to play first base. But for now, it appears he’ll begin this season back in Mississippi as a catcher.
Sam Hutcheson
on January 5, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Also it’s Myrtle Freaking Beach!
That too. MB was a death’s head for offense when KJ went through. That’s why you used to see a lot of Braves “great pitching prospects” traded after stupendous numbers in MB, before the league caught onto the park factor.
With Adam LaRoche’s name floating in a few different trade rumors, some Braves officials have indicated that they may soon start preparing Jarrod Saltalamacchia to play first base. But for now, it appears he’ll begin this season back in Mississippi as a catcher.
Lunar probably give Salty a defensive role model and MS a catcher for the days he tries out new positions.
bmac
on January 5, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Per ESPN, Chris Reitsma just signed with the Mariners. It’s beginning to look like an unwanted Braves pitching staff here in the Pacific NW.
Do we actually try to find the most useless ball players just to help us fill rosters….GEEEEZZ
Brayan Pena with 2 broken arms is still better then Fernando Lunar.
I mentioned this to Mac earlier…why did we waste whatever we spent on useless Chris Woodward when I see that Houston signed Mark Loretta today for probably not much more for 1 year.
I like Kelly Johnson and I get they want to give them a chance but I think many of us wouild feel better to turn the 2nd base job over to a proven veteran like Loretta for 1 yr. and it appears we could have gotten Loretta easily, 6 weeks ago.
David O’Brien today:
I get the distinct impression the Braves want Kelly Johnson to nail down the second base/leadoff job this spring, after talking to Bobby Cox a couple nights ago. He didn’t say that specifically, but that’s what I took from the conversation.
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/01/04/just_wait_till.html
Just did a quick check of KJ’s minor league numbers….they would translate well to a leadoff spot:
586 2084 325 580 125 21 70 264 267 470 70 36 .360 .459 .278
I’m being taped in a commercial tomorrow to air during halftime of the Florida/Ohio State game.
Let us know which one Wryn, would love to see it. If my cousin runs for President this year, I imagine you will see some of me as well….
Who’s your cousin?
Who is your cousin? The only presidential name I can think of from Florida is Jeb Bush, but I’d doubt that.
What is the commercial, Wryn?
Gov. Mike Easley of NC
If anyone is interested and will be in the Orlando area on March 10th, the Braves and Blue Jays are playing. My dad’s supervisor is Vernon Well’s uncle, and can get us into the clubhouses….anyone wants to g, let me know.
Hopefully KJ’s more recent Richmond numbers are more indicative than his more numerous (AB wise) Greenville numbers are. He’ll need to keep his OBP up to hit leadoff, because I’m guessing about .265 BA.
I would be ok with a .265 ba if his OBP is closer to .360 or higher. Just having someone who is a minimal threat to steal a base will help Edgar and the rest of the lineup…….
I just read that the Astros inked Loretta for 1 year @ 2.5 million. Here is the link to the story. While Loretta wouldn’t solve our leadoff problems, he would be a great glove and bat for a small commitment (both time and money).
Hey Lance,
Me and the s.o. might be down there then. We’re definitely going to spring training again this year, but I’m not sure when yet. It all depends on how our deadlines shake out. If we’re not down there that day maybe we can just meet up at a game while we are there. We usually spend three or four days in Orlando and three or four somewhere around Tampa/St. Pete.
Obviously, Kelly Johnson is seen as the solution for second base, which is why they didn’t go after Loretta. That’s the only explanation I can come up with.
Lunar is a Willie Harris-type signing anyway. I don’t think the Braves can do much more anyway.
Mac,
Brayan Pena is a hamster? Don’t know about that. Sure, he’s hitting like a hamster in the winter leagues, but still. 😉
sounds great urlhix….just let me know when!
urlhix,
Just spent an evening at a pal’s house, a guy I haven’t seen in awhile. He’s a Macedonian dude who likes hockey–so we watch hockey. He digs the NY Islanders, me the NJ Devils. He’s a jazz/blues freak. HIs dad is the radio king of Macedonia, so I just let him play whatever & he usually turns me onto some fairly obscure jazz or blues stuff (more jazz, actually.)
So I go over there tonight, among many other things, he breaks out “Decoration Day” & says, “Do you know this CD?”
I said, “Yeah, all too well. Got any more of that Clifford Brown?”
What I wanna know, Mac, is how did you remember what you wrote almost four years ago?
Two best Bama lines I’ve heard:
Have you seen the picture where Saban is in a crimson golf shirt, holding up the National Championship trophy?
Apparently now Bama fans are resorting to photoshop in their quest for more mythical national championships.
But really, Saban is a perfect fit for Bama. He’s a smug, arrogant, cocky liar. Thank goodness he’s not a drunk, then he might be the Bear.
I liked how he placed the blame on Huizenga for making him leave LSU when he really didn’t want to. As if somehow he was kidnapped in the middle of the night and forced to sign a contract at gunpoint.
The little man is a freak.
Going back to the previous thread–Another Alex R.: Boola, Boola! It is nice to hear from another Old Blue….
Brodhead is a good schlolar and fundamentally decent man who happens to be the president of university which has managed to gain lots of bad publicity. Sure, the lacrosse charges were dropped, but the man has had to smile when the world met Charlotte Simmons…
It used to be that Tide stood for Totally In Denial Everyday because Bama fans were stupid enough to think that they could get a coach the caliber of Saban to come.
I have to admit that I’m upset by the way Saban lied to the media, but knowing the circumstances and the media’s persistence, I can at least give Saban a chance to prove that he is honest and just made a mistake. I wasn’t crazy about Saban at first, but I like the stuff I’ve read about his philosophy and character – we’ll see if it’s true. As a Bama fan I had huge distaste for Tuberville because of the way he lied, but I have to admit that I’ve developed a lot of respect for him as a person and a coach over the last few years. He is also viewed as cocky and arrogant by some, but I see it more as being confident and a good leader – the same can be said for most any coach.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I see this as a Braves forum and an opportunity to intelligently discuss other sports when there is absolutely nothing going on with the Braves. I’ll have to admit that most of the posters in the Bama forums have such Crimson colored glasses that it gets ridiculous sometimes – I also think this applies to every other school. This forum has been refreshing and I appreciate the diversity and mutual respect. I’ll continue to appreciate the job of Tuberville, Richt, Beamer and others (yes, even Fulmer although I don’t like him) and try not to trash Bama’s opponents. I hope others feel the same way,
Stephen, I didn’t know we were co-alums. What were your years as an Eli?
Its funny how Auburn fans are trying to find ways to show us that Saban isnt a great hire. My brother in law for example, a huge Auburn fan, says “You can have him because we are 2-3 against him and he lost to UAB.” “He is also a liar, who wants someone thats a liar.”
I just sit there quiet thinking of Tuberville’s comments before he left Ole Miss – “Pine Box”. I also cant help to think about how Auburn also lied to Tuberville and went behind his back and tried to hire Petrino. Just funny I guess…
#23 – td …we are in the same boat. If you go over to Tide Sports you can see all the died hard Tide fans and one reason I dont post there is because they only take your comments seriously after you have made several hundred post. They were bashing some guy just because he had just made his 1st post. Its ridiculous that some act that way, seems to me that everyone’s comments are appreciated here and we can have a diverse group with minimal arguments.
td,
What is it about Saban’s character that attracts you? Is it the lying through his teeth? His willingness to jump ship whenever things get tough? I mean, c’mon, all the talk about “character” in sports is just rubbish. If Lawrence Phillips could play, he would still be in the NFL even if he beat up a hundred women. And it’s pretty much the same in college. Saban’s “character” is tied to his ability to win football games. So long as he does that, everything else is secondary other than maybe getting caught with the AD’s daughter or something–and even then, if he is coming off a national championship. . .
Good lord, what is it with pitchers and misbehaving….
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) – San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Thursday at Mobile Regional Airport.
Apparently he had double parked his car. The cop said to move it, and he said “Write a ticket, I’ll pay whatever it is…..”
Peavy has been hanging out with some of the Bengals players…..
Call me gullible, but I believe there is at least some truth to Saban’s desire to return to college being based on his desire to impact kids – you don’t do this much in the NFL. Saban’s players at LSU showed major academic improvements and he’s been involved with several philanthropic activities to help kids. He may be a weasel for all I know, but I at least see some positive signs.
I dont really care what Saban said to the media. They lie to us everyday in every article and journal that they write. If he’s dedicated to getting the players into college in order for them to graduate,while also helping them to enhancing their career opportunities, then he will be and should be welcomed with open arms.
Vainly attempting to swing the discussion back to baseball…
1. Read the article. Lunar was assigned to *Mississippi.* He’s not a real threat to make the ML squad. The Braves have Corky Miller at AAA if Pena or (G*d forbid) McCann go down. Most likely the Braves want an experienced game caller on the AA roster to help mentor the young pitchers at that level.
2. Kelly Johnson is more the player from Richmond and Macon than he is the Player from Myrtle Beach. In MB he was learning a new position (the OF) and injured. As the starting 2B in 2007 he’ll outproduce Marcus Giles’ 2006, and very well could outproduce Marcus Giles’ 2007.
I think KJ will be a big surprise for us this year (positive way), but I’d rather see him hit lower in the order or at the bottom really and find a leadoff hitter/next year’s CF for leftfield this year. I like KJ, but I think putting someone with good OBP skills and a good eye at the 8th slot would allow our pitchers to bunt him over and have him in scoring position more of the time.
Arizona seemed to give up a lot to get Randy Johnson. Is it just me or is Randy Johnson just not a centerpiece of a trade anymore? 5.00 ERA? And you give up half your farm for him? I dunno…
Not that I disagree at all, but I found this particular piece ironic.
Arizona did not give up half their farm for Johnson. They are loaded with quality prospects. Losing Ross Ohlendorf and Alberto Gonzalez doesn’t even make a dent.
Another Alex R.–I am afraid that I go back aways: I was in TD and graduated in 1981 (and I so shamefully missed the 25th reunion this summer). What about yourself?
Not that I disagree at all, but I found this particular piece ironic.
Understandable. I’m not terribly worried about it this year because 1) his injury from 2005-6 is already healed, unlike his injuries in MB which he tried to play through IIRC, and 2) he’s already played MI before unlike in MB where he was transferred to the OF for the first time in his career. But there is some basic fan optimism going on here too.
#34, yeah three players seem like a lot, but those players are pretty useless. Not much talent lost in the trade by Arizona, my biggest question is why not get the Yanks to pay more than 1.5-2 mil. Johnson is greatly overpaid
Also it’s Myrtle Freaking Beach! At the time, MB was playing with a park factor of about 90 (where 100 is average, lower favors pitchers, higher favors hitters). It distorted offense more than any park in the major leagues but Coors Field does (in the opposite way).
I think Johnson will at least match his career minor league line of .281/.366/.464, more or less, which is awfully good for a 25-year-old second baseman. The question is if he can be adequate with the glove.
Agreed–the major issue will be his glove. The other point to be made about KJ is that he tends to be a streak hitter which will some frustrate Braves fans. Still, there ought to be a lot to like….
The Randy Johnson trade is strictly about bringing in fans. Otherwise, it makes no sense to extend a 42 year old pitcher with a bad back who is clearly a shadow of his former self. I don’t understand how the D-Backs can afford his salary given the fall in attendence. If this was Time Warner, they would have gotten rid of every player making more than the minimum. He can probably give them some decent innings, but it’s mostly about bringing in people to the ballpark.
Wryn, Nick Saban is not a drunk!… yet. The Bama job can be overwhelming though, you know.
No, Nick will be fine in T-Town, and he’ll have us running like a well-oiled machine in short order. He’s already putting one helluva staff together.
I’m not at all concerned with him lying about his vocational intentions. Coaches move up the ladder to more prestigious, well-paying jobs. That’s simply upward mobility in action and occurs in other occupations frequently. It’s not unusual.
Also, since you don’t always know that you will get the next job, you can’t speak truth without potentially burning your current situation. If you don’t then get the next job and have to stay, it’s not good for anyone.
[The move from the Miami Dolphins to Alabama is not “up,” but if you’re moving from the NFL to college, it sure is a soft landing to arrive at a top program in the top football conference. I’m sorry if I don’t feel that leaving a professional team is heart-rending. The athletes are well-paid to play for whomever. I’m supposed to feel sorry for the owner?? bwaahaahaa.. yeah, right. I think WH will be okay. Really. So that leaves the fans, most of whom seemed to want Saban gone already. Besides, the NFL is mercenary football–it’s all business, period.]
Coaches are not in a position to tell the truth. A “no comment” would work better, I agree, but then you’d have a situation where some coaches “no comment” and others categorically deny. The “no comment” becomes the non-denial, denial and is regarded just as poorly. Then the coach is pressed to make a more definitive denial, as in Saban’s case.
I’m excited to see the new coaching staff come together. I’m excited to see the recruiting class they are going to assemble. And I’m excited to go forward with Nick Saban.
I really like the Randy Johnson move for Arizona. They didn’t give up much in terms of prospects and they can afford to pay the $14 mil if it gives them a chance to compete in the NL West–which it certainly does.
The new rotation is Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and #5 starter. That’s very solid and beats moving everyone up a spot and having two questionable starting slots.
Randy’s numbers will improve dramatically simply from moving out of the American League to the National League and getting to face the pitcher again (not to mention that the NL West doesn’t possess offensive juggernauts). Plus, he will be much more comfortable back in Arizona where he’s already a hero and maintains his residence.
I’m not taking him for my fantasy baseball team or anything, but he’s a solid addition to a playoff contender. Pitchers are expensive.
rumor for today…
With Adam LaRoche’s name floating in a few different trade rumors, some Braves officials have indicated that they may soon start preparing Jarrod Saltalamacchia to play first base. But for now, it appears he’ll begin this season back in Mississippi as a catcher.
Also it’s Myrtle Freaking Beach!
That too. MB was a death’s head for offense when KJ went through. That’s why you used to see a lot of Braves “great pitching prospects” traded after stupendous numbers in MB, before the league caught onto the park factor.
With Adam LaRoche’s name floating in a few different trade rumors, some Braves officials have indicated that they may soon start preparing Jarrod Saltalamacchia to play first base. But for now, it appears he’ll begin this season back in Mississippi as a catcher.
Lunar probably give Salty a defensive role model and MS a catcher for the days he tries out new positions.
Per ESPN, Chris Reitsma just signed with the Mariners. It’s beginning to look like an unwanted Braves pitching staff here in the Pacific NW.