The AJC is doing an interesting poll where you vote for your Braves All-Era team. Just wanted to share my picks and who is currently winning:
C: Greg Olson - Javy is currently winning with 80.29% of the vote
1B: Andres Galarraga - McGriff is currently winning with 69.04% (incredibly tough choice - also loved McGriff and Bream)
2B: Mark Lemke - currently winning with 71.88% of the vote (honorable mention from me to Jeff Treadway)
3B: Chipper Jones - currently winning with 75.15% of the vote (I'm also a huge Pendleton fan)
SS: Jeff Blauser - Furcal is currently winning with 60.55% of the vote
P: Greg Maddox - currently winning with 41.49% of the vote, closely followed by Smoltz with 40.52%
Closer: John Smoltz - currently winning with 65.42% of the vote
OF: Andruw Jones - currently winning with 66.95% of the vote (honorable mention from me to Gant - partly because he gave me my one and only game-used ball)
I think those were the hardest choices I've ever had to make. We've had so many great guys over the years, both on the field and off!!
Get your vote in now: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/interactive/allera.html
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Is the Post-Cox Era Upon Us?
I won't always double post on both here and the new trio I've joined on http://www.chop-n-change.com, but I'm going to today. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go to Chop-n-Change though, because there are two other fabulous Braves bloggers there!
Now to the matter at hand:
The quotes surfaced a few weeks ago, but I've just now gotten around to posting my thoughts on the matter. Bobby Cox looks like he'll be gone after the 2008 season. I know that's not shocking news to anyone, but I'm surprised there hasn't been more commentary on who his replacement might be and how it'll impact the future of the Braves.
For those unfamiliar with what Bobby said:
“I’d like to start doing the things I need to do instead of the things I want to do — like manage,” Cox said. “I don’t need to manage — I want to manage."
“I still love it. I feel great. I want to do this year and next year, and then probably hang it up."
First, I don't think the Braves will ever be the same once the Cox/Schuerholz duo have retired. That being said, their unique and successful style has been observed for years by the other coaches and administrative staff. Because of that, I have a very strong preference for promotions from within to replace both Cox and Schuerholz.
First off, I'd like to see Frank Wren replace Schuerholz. After reading Schuerholz's book "Built to Win" (which I read twice and really enjoyed), I feel like Wren is in the best place to replace Schuerholz. Although he was previously fired from the Orioles, he seems to be indoctrinated into Schuerholz's style and manner of managing operations. One article I read actually said that one of the issues that lead to his being fired was his refusal to hold a team plane for Cal Ripken, Jr., who was running late. While I'm a huge fan of Cal, I think this is a great example of how he fits in with the Braves. Cox and Schuerholz are always emphasizing that what thing that makes the Braves different from some other clubs is that they seek team players, not individuals. Every player has the same size locker, they all abide by the same rules on jewelry and facial hair, and those who have been there only for themselves haven't worn a Braves uniform for long.
As for Cox, I've known for quite some time who I want to replace him: Terry Pendleton. After both playing and coaching in the organization, I think he has great pride in the club and would continue to manage things in the same manner as Cox. He's seen firsthand as both a player and colleague the demeanor Cox has around the clubhouse that numerous players over the years have applauded and thrived under. He wasn't a "showboat" as a player and seems to have the same calm, never-diss-a-player-in-front-of-the-rest-of-the-team sort of attitude Cox is known for having. And after taking himself out of the running for the Nationals manager position, I'm even more convinced that this is who can fill Cox's shoes. His loyalty to the Braves and his indoctrination into the Braves organization make him a fantastic candidate and make me feel far less nervous about Cox's inevitable departure.
Now to the matter at hand:
The quotes surfaced a few weeks ago, but I've just now gotten around to posting my thoughts on the matter. Bobby Cox looks like he'll be gone after the 2008 season. I know that's not shocking news to anyone, but I'm surprised there hasn't been more commentary on who his replacement might be and how it'll impact the future of the Braves.
For those unfamiliar with what Bobby said:
“I’d like to start doing the things I need to do instead of the things I want to do — like manage,” Cox said. “I don’t need to manage — I want to manage."
“I still love it. I feel great. I want to do this year and next year, and then probably hang it up."
First, I don't think the Braves will ever be the same once the Cox/Schuerholz duo have retired. That being said, their unique and successful style has been observed for years by the other coaches and administrative staff. Because of that, I have a very strong preference for promotions from within to replace both Cox and Schuerholz.
First off, I'd like to see Frank Wren replace Schuerholz. After reading Schuerholz's book "Built to Win" (which I read twice and really enjoyed), I feel like Wren is in the best place to replace Schuerholz. Although he was previously fired from the Orioles, he seems to be indoctrinated into Schuerholz's style and manner of managing operations. One article I read actually said that one of the issues that lead to his being fired was his refusal to hold a team plane for Cal Ripken, Jr., who was running late. While I'm a huge fan of Cal, I think this is a great example of how he fits in with the Braves. Cox and Schuerholz are always emphasizing that what thing that makes the Braves different from some other clubs is that they seek team players, not individuals. Every player has the same size locker, they all abide by the same rules on jewelry and facial hair, and those who have been there only for themselves haven't worn a Braves uniform for long.
As for Cox, I've known for quite some time who I want to replace him: Terry Pendleton. After both playing and coaching in the organization, I think he has great pride in the club and would continue to manage things in the same manner as Cox. He's seen firsthand as both a player and colleague the demeanor Cox has around the clubhouse that numerous players over the years have applauded and thrived under. He wasn't a "showboat" as a player and seems to have the same calm, never-diss-a-player-in-front-of-the-rest-of-the-team sort of attitude Cox is known for having. And after taking himself out of the running for the Nationals manager position, I'm even more convinced that this is who can fill Cox's shoes. His loyalty to the Braves and his indoctrination into the Braves organization make him a fantastic candidate and make me feel far less nervous about Cox's inevitable departure.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Can't Get Enough of Me?
The new blog I joined made its debut today: www.chop-n-change.com. I'll continue to blog here about Braves issues and also about baseball in general. My posts on the new blog will focus solely on the Braves.
Today on the new site you'll find an introduction to our new blog and also our combined top prospects list. We look forward to interacting with you all over on Chop-n-Change.
Hope you enjoy the new blog and also that you continue to join me here!
Today on the new site you'll find an introduction to our new blog and also our combined top prospects list. We look forward to interacting with you all over on Chop-n-Change.
Hope you enjoy the new blog and also that you continue to join me here!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Future of MLB Extra Innings
There's been a request that I update everyone on the status of MLB Extra Innings and the possibility that it might only be offered on DIRECTV in the future. There was a press release a couple of weeks ago from MLB that said this:
"Additionally, in keeping with MLB's desire to provide as much MLB programming to as many baseball fans as possible, MLB and DIRECTV have agreed to include a provision that allows MLB EXTRA INNINGS to be offered to other incumbents - In Demand and DISH Network - at consistent rates and carriage requirements with a deal to be concluded before the baseball season begins. The provision also requires the incumbents to agree to carriage rights to the MLB Channel proportionally equivalent to DIRECTV's commitment. Should the incumbents decide not to match DIRECTV's commitment, the MLB EXTRA INNINGS package will be exclusive to DIRECTV. All out of market games continue to be available on MLB.com. "
Basically, it means that unless In Demand and DISH Network agree to match DIRECTV's contributions for the new MLB Channel, then they will no longer be allowed to carry the MLB Extra Innings package. The MLB Channel isn't set to unveil until 2009, so this isn't an issue yet. I would imagine that In Demand and DISH Network will cough up the money to support this new MLB Channel. I'm sure they bring in enough money from subscriptions to MLB Extra Innings that it makes good economic sense to support this new endeavor to keep their rights to the package. Plus, they've got to be counting all the subscribers they'd lose who'd jump ship to DIRECTV just to keep MLB Extra Innings.
My prediction is that In Demand and DISH Network will step up to the plate and help fund this new MLB Channel and we can all continue to enjoy MLB Extra Innings through whichever provider we choose.
Side note: There's no real word on what this new MLB Channel will provide as far as programming. Apparently DIRECTV will be working with MLB to develop it for 2009.
"Additionally, in keeping with MLB's desire to provide as much MLB programming to as many baseball fans as possible, MLB and DIRECTV have agreed to include a provision that allows MLB EXTRA INNINGS to be offered to other incumbents - In Demand and DISH Network - at consistent rates and carriage requirements with a deal to be concluded before the baseball season begins. The provision also requires the incumbents to agree to carriage rights to the MLB Channel proportionally equivalent to DIRECTV's commitment. Should the incumbents decide not to match DIRECTV's commitment, the MLB EXTRA INNINGS package will be exclusive to DIRECTV. All out of market games continue to be available on MLB.com. "
Basically, it means that unless In Demand and DISH Network agree to match DIRECTV's contributions for the new MLB Channel, then they will no longer be allowed to carry the MLB Extra Innings package. The MLB Channel isn't set to unveil until 2009, so this isn't an issue yet. I would imagine that In Demand and DISH Network will cough up the money to support this new MLB Channel. I'm sure they bring in enough money from subscriptions to MLB Extra Innings that it makes good economic sense to support this new endeavor to keep their rights to the package. Plus, they've got to be counting all the subscribers they'd lose who'd jump ship to DIRECTV just to keep MLB Extra Innings.
My prediction is that In Demand and DISH Network will step up to the plate and help fund this new MLB Channel and we can all continue to enjoy MLB Extra Innings through whichever provider we choose.
Side note: There's no real word on what this new MLB Channel will provide as far as programming. Apparently DIRECTV will be working with MLB to develop it for 2009.
Top 10 Braves Prospects
The guys and I over at the new blog decided to each come up with a list of the top 10 Braves prospects. The unveiling of the new site is set for early next week and I'm hoping we'll start with some lively debate over whose top 10 is more accurate. In the meantime, I want to share mine with you all.
1. SS Brent Lillibridge - I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love this kid. I think I want to see him make the move to 2B, but I definitely think we'll see him in the Big Show soon. I think he might make a good leadoff hitter and I know he'll make an excellent baserunner.
2. 3B Eric Campbell - After batting .296 in Rome last year, with 77 RBIs and 18 stolen bases, I think this kid will be a terrific replacement for Chipper one day (although I hate to see the day come when Chipper is gone).
3. LHP Matt Harrison - Has the potential to be a middle starter for the Braves later on in this season or by next season.
4. SS Yunel Escobar - I think most people are picking Elvis Andrus to take Renteria's place, but I'm picking Yunel Escobar. Andrus might do a little better offensively, but Escobar is better defensively so far. I'm just feeling that Andrus has been over-hyped and Escobar will be the one that can step up and take Renteria's place in a couple of years.
5. 1B Kala Ka'aihue - A good power hitter, I've heard him compared several times to Gallaraga. Having been a huge fan of Gallaraga, I'm excited to see this guy up at the Big Show in the next year or so.
6. OF Brandon Jones - One thing you never get tired of with the Braves is the Jones name. Kinda makes me like this kid instantly. He throws right-handed, but is a terrific left-handed batter. Not sur where he fits in with the Braves or if he'll just be trade bait, but he'll be up in the Big Show soon.
7. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia - If you'd asked me this time last year after I saw him at spring training, I would have told you that Salty was the number one prospect in the Braves organization. However, after having a less than stellar season last year at Double A and being injury plagued during the AFL, I'm not so hot on him now. I'll never want to see him over McCann, but I think he'll be great trade bait and will go on to have a successful MLB career elsewhere.
8. RHP Joey Devine - I saw this kid play several time while he was at North Carolina State. I was very excited when the Braves signed him. Unfortunately, he didn't have the best outings during his brief stint in the Big Show in 2005, but don't count him out just yet. I think he learned a lot from his first outings and will be on the active roster at some point this season.
9. LHP Jo-Jo Reyes - Another strong lefty like Harrison, but with a little more power. These two could be part of a strong rotation as early as 2008.
10. SS Elvis Andrus - I'm probably the only one ranking Andrus this low on the prospect list. However, like I said I've said before, I'm not sure he's developing fast enough. I think he had far too many errors last season (32) and is over-hyped. That being said, I think he'll be in the Big Show with either the Braves or someone else in the next year or two.
1. SS Brent Lillibridge - I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love this kid. I think I want to see him make the move to 2B, but I definitely think we'll see him in the Big Show soon. I think he might make a good leadoff hitter and I know he'll make an excellent baserunner.
2. 3B Eric Campbell - After batting .296 in Rome last year, with 77 RBIs and 18 stolen bases, I think this kid will be a terrific replacement for Chipper one day (although I hate to see the day come when Chipper is gone).
3. LHP Matt Harrison - Has the potential to be a middle starter for the Braves later on in this season or by next season.
4. SS Yunel Escobar - I think most people are picking Elvis Andrus to take Renteria's place, but I'm picking Yunel Escobar. Andrus might do a little better offensively, but Escobar is better defensively so far. I'm just feeling that Andrus has been over-hyped and Escobar will be the one that can step up and take Renteria's place in a couple of years.
5. 1B Kala Ka'aihue - A good power hitter, I've heard him compared several times to Gallaraga. Having been a huge fan of Gallaraga, I'm excited to see this guy up at the Big Show in the next year or so.
6. OF Brandon Jones - One thing you never get tired of with the Braves is the Jones name. Kinda makes me like this kid instantly. He throws right-handed, but is a terrific left-handed batter. Not sur where he fits in with the Braves or if he'll just be trade bait, but he'll be up in the Big Show soon.
7. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia - If you'd asked me this time last year after I saw him at spring training, I would have told you that Salty was the number one prospect in the Braves organization. However, after having a less than stellar season last year at Double A and being injury plagued during the AFL, I'm not so hot on him now. I'll never want to see him over McCann, but I think he'll be great trade bait and will go on to have a successful MLB career elsewhere.
8. RHP Joey Devine - I saw this kid play several time while he was at North Carolina State. I was very excited when the Braves signed him. Unfortunately, he didn't have the best outings during his brief stint in the Big Show in 2005, but don't count him out just yet. I think he learned a lot from his first outings and will be on the active roster at some point this season.
9. LHP Jo-Jo Reyes - Another strong lefty like Harrison, but with a little more power. These two could be part of a strong rotation as early as 2008.
10. SS Elvis Andrus - I'm probably the only one ranking Andrus this low on the prospect list. However, like I said I've said before, I'm not sure he's developing fast enough. I think he had far too many errors last season (32) and is over-hyped. That being said, I think he'll be in the Big Show with either the Braves or someone else in the next year or two.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Joining a New Team
No, it's not one of the Braves joining a new team...it's me. I've been asked to join a more professional level blog with a gentleman who writes for Hardball Times and another gentleman that runs http://tomahawkmania.blogspot.com. We're joining to become the holy trinity of Braves prognostication. It's gonna be fantastic!
I'll update you with the new site address and the unveiling date soon. I'll be keeping up this site as well - it's just your chance to get double the BabeonBaseball!
I'll update you with the new site address and the unveiling date soon. I'll be keeping up this site as well - it's just your chance to get double the BabeonBaseball!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Strength in the Middle Infield
I'm sure more of you will disagree than agree with the statement I'm about to make, but I've never really subscribed to popular theory. So, here goes...I think that despite the loss of Giles, the Braves are in great shape as far as middle infielders go. No, it's not the same. And no, not all of the guys I'm about to discuss are ready for the Big Show, but I'm optimistic about the future. Here's why...
Probable Starting Middle Infielders:
2B, Kelly Johnson : In last Thursday's 7-2 win over the Dodgers, Kelly Johnson had a leadoff single to start the game and a sacrifice fly to score the first run. In addition, he recorded 4 of the 6 outs made during his playing time Thursday. Not bad for the first real game of spring training. In yesterday's win over the Nationals, Johnson had 2 hits and scored three runs. So far I like what I see! It may take a little time to transition from the outfield to 2B, but I'm feeling comfortable with his ability to become a solid leadoff hitter for the Braves this year.
SS, Edgar Renteria : If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - I love Edgar Renteria! I knew when he came to us from the Red Sox he would have the chance to flourish here, in what I consider a far more supportive environment. With a .293 AVG, .436 SLG, 17 SB and a .978 FPCT from last year, I think we have a nice solid SS. I also think he gets far less national press than he deserves. Just because he's relatively quiet and more of a consistent player than a spectacular flash-in-the-pan-type, I think he's often overlooked. He's a good team player and I like him in a Braves uniform.
Those I Like Coming Down the Pipe:
Martin Prado - I got to see him several times at spring training last year and liked what I saw. Although I think he's a stronger defensive player than Johnson, I think the Braves will go with Johnson as their starter because of his major league experience and ability to fill the important leadoff role. On top of that, Pete Orr, Willy Aybar and Chris Woodward are there to fill in if Johnson hits a rough patch, so I don't think this is the year Prado will make it to the Big Show. To his credit though, in spring training he's batting .571. He?s had 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base. I think he's so close to the Big Show he can taste it and he's gunning hard after Johnson.
Yunel Escobar - Following Prado's lead, Escobar is having a terrific spring training thus far. Batting .462 with 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base, I like the idea of him being our SS in a couple of years. During the offseason, he was crowned the Arizona Fall League's batting champion. He was also the only Braves player selected for the Futures Game. I think we'll see Escobar taking Renteria's place in a couple of years.
Elvis Andrus - I remember seeing this kid when I was at spring training last year and now all the sudden I'm hearing about him everywhere. Honestly, I only remember that I saw him because his name is Elvis - hard to forget. However, he recently made the list of top 100 prospects, so obviously it's more than just his name getting him attention. I heard a brief bit about him on the radio today and it sounds like he's still developing. Everyone is saying he'll make it to the Big Show after Renteria's contract is up following the 2008 season. He needs to work on his fielding (32 errors with the Rome Braves last year), he's been noted as having great potential as a hitter and runner. He batted .265 last year with 23 stolen bases. I think he's got some definite potential, but right now I?m leaning towards Escobar as Renteria's replacement.
Brent Lillibridge - All of the sudden, I'm hearing this name a lot during spring training. As a part of the deal for LaRoche, Lillibridge is an up-and-coming middle infielder. Although he's been playing SS, I imagine he'll have to move to 2B to make it in the Big Show. Like Andrus, Lillibridge is capable of being a real base stealer. As a matter of fact, he already has two in about 6 at-bats. Think that's impressive? How about 51 stolen bases last season down in Class A! Add to that his .305 AVG, 13 HR and 71 RBIs and I'm in love with this kid already! While he's got Johnson, Aybar, Woodward, Orr and Prado in his way for now, I think we'll see him in a year or two up in the Big Show. Just a gut feeling, but so far hes my favorite Braves prospect.
Probable Starting Middle Infielders:
2B, Kelly Johnson : In last Thursday's 7-2 win over the Dodgers, Kelly Johnson had a leadoff single to start the game and a sacrifice fly to score the first run. In addition, he recorded 4 of the 6 outs made during his playing time Thursday. Not bad for the first real game of spring training. In yesterday's win over the Nationals, Johnson had 2 hits and scored three runs. So far I like what I see! It may take a little time to transition from the outfield to 2B, but I'm feeling comfortable with his ability to become a solid leadoff hitter for the Braves this year.
SS, Edgar Renteria : If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - I love Edgar Renteria! I knew when he came to us from the Red Sox he would have the chance to flourish here, in what I consider a far more supportive environment. With a .293 AVG, .436 SLG, 17 SB and a .978 FPCT from last year, I think we have a nice solid SS. I also think he gets far less national press than he deserves. Just because he's relatively quiet and more of a consistent player than a spectacular flash-in-the-pan-type, I think he's often overlooked. He's a good team player and I like him in a Braves uniform.
Those I Like Coming Down the Pipe:
Martin Prado - I got to see him several times at spring training last year and liked what I saw. Although I think he's a stronger defensive player than Johnson, I think the Braves will go with Johnson as their starter because of his major league experience and ability to fill the important leadoff role. On top of that, Pete Orr, Willy Aybar and Chris Woodward are there to fill in if Johnson hits a rough patch, so I don't think this is the year Prado will make it to the Big Show. To his credit though, in spring training he's batting .571. He?s had 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base. I think he's so close to the Big Show he can taste it and he's gunning hard after Johnson.
Yunel Escobar - Following Prado's lead, Escobar is having a terrific spring training thus far. Batting .462 with 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base, I like the idea of him being our SS in a couple of years. During the offseason, he was crowned the Arizona Fall League's batting champion. He was also the only Braves player selected for the Futures Game. I think we'll see Escobar taking Renteria's place in a couple of years.
Elvis Andrus - I remember seeing this kid when I was at spring training last year and now all the sudden I'm hearing about him everywhere. Honestly, I only remember that I saw him because his name is Elvis - hard to forget. However, he recently made the list of top 100 prospects, so obviously it's more than just his name getting him attention. I heard a brief bit about him on the radio today and it sounds like he's still developing. Everyone is saying he'll make it to the Big Show after Renteria's contract is up following the 2008 season. He needs to work on his fielding (32 errors with the Rome Braves last year), he's been noted as having great potential as a hitter and runner. He batted .265 last year with 23 stolen bases. I think he's got some definite potential, but right now I?m leaning towards Escobar as Renteria's replacement.
Brent Lillibridge - All of the sudden, I'm hearing this name a lot during spring training. As a part of the deal for LaRoche, Lillibridge is an up-and-coming middle infielder. Although he's been playing SS, I imagine he'll have to move to 2B to make it in the Big Show. Like Andrus, Lillibridge is capable of being a real base stealer. As a matter of fact, he already has two in about 6 at-bats. Think that's impressive? How about 51 stolen bases last season down in Class A! Add to that his .305 AVG, 13 HR and 71 RBIs and I'm in love with this kid already! While he's got Johnson, Aybar, Woodward, Orr and Prado in his way for now, I think we'll see him in a year or two up in the Big Show. Just a gut feeling, but so far hes my favorite Braves prospect.
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