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Around SBN: Bracketology 2012: Duke Finally Steps Up To The No. 1 Line

Respect for Garrett Anderson



He suffered a leg injury in spring training and had very few at bats.  When the season started, he wasn't hitting well and because he was careful with his injury some fans showed him no mercy.  There were lots of personal criticisms about how he lacked heart.  He's not a good defensive outfielder and it would be nice to have a guy who hit 30 homeruns in left instead.  Still this is a guy that had already had a major league career that anyone could be proud of.  He deserved more respect than he got early on.  I'm glad to see him turn it around and see people warm up to him a bit.

This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.

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he cost us the game today

that play on hanley ramirez’s two run double cost us the game as far as im concerned. so yeah we have a right to disrespect him a bit.

by adamlawson on Jul 28, 2009 10:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Funny.

It wasn’t Jurrjens for putting those runners on in the first place? It wasn’t Soriano for blowing the lead that ANDERSON was the cause of?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 28, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

this

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by HEYJUDE on Jul 28, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

A hanging changeup for Hanley,and that ball should be out of the park

by p7682 on Jul 29, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

He did cost us the game but he gave us the LEAD…Iam all over it if you make an error, make up for it and he did. He’s been hot lately, raising his BA over .290. I still want the braves to upgrad next season in LF.

by AlRoBraves95 on Jul 29, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sure they hope to do so as well.

But given they have hopes of a Heyward/Schafer/McLouth OF before too long, they’re likely to go the same route again. Cheap vet retread who will offer low risk and low upside.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

dude… totally unnecessary… ur absolutely right… and u just ruined my night… nothing against Anderson he has played like he is supposed to….but i would like a legitimate power hitting LF at some point

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Jul 29, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I feel like we're getting our money's worth out of GA

I mean what do you expect for 2.5 million out of a 36 year old dude. We knew he sucked defensively when we signed him. He has put up some really nice offensive numbers and played about the way he always plays in the outfield. I doubt Wren or Cox could have hoped for much more from him. He has definitely earned his money this year in my opinion. Do I love the guy? No way……but we went the cheap way out and we got a player that has been as good as we could ever expect. No reason to continue bashing a guy who is exactly what he was when we signed him. A good hitter with very little patience at the plate and poor defensively.

by KC Ryan on Jul 28, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions  

+1

he’s pretty much putting up the exact line he has in recent years so the Braves have gotten what we paid for, someone to not be a black hole in left.

by was385 on Jul 28, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

he blew the fucking game today

by fizzbot on Jul 28, 2009 10:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Misspelling someone’s name isn’t disrespectful IMO. Also, its okay to think someone is a bad player and voice your opinion about it. When people talk about how folks “don’t care” because they are playing carefully during an injury is another matter. This is a guy who played over 15 years in the bigs (most with the same club) and will end his career close to 2500 hits. Fans were challenging his integrity.

And no, Soriano lost the game. If he closed the door like he usually did, GA would have had the game winning RBI.

by niekromurphy on Jul 28, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Nice post!
At the beginning of the year I voiced my frustrations with him. I have grown to appreciate him, he has been getting us some timely hits and runs.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by HEYJUDE on Jul 29, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

I still don’t respect him because he hates signing autographs.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 12:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Cherish it, cause it’s rare.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

He’ll sign 1 item per person as long as it is sent to the clubhouse. He’s about as automatic as it gets in the through-the-mail autograph world.

by penno on Jul 29, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I’ve heard that about him through the mail, but the fact that he’s so bad about it in person leads me to believe that somebody else signs the stuff though the mail for him. If he can’t take 5 minutes out of his day to sign for people in front of him, it just doesn’t seem likely he’s going to spend all that time signing stuff and mailing it off.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks Cb

I will remember not to ask him….that is sad though :-(

by bravestatoo on Jul 29, 2009 3:36 AM EDT reply actions  

It’s an Angels thing, they’re just terrible about it.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

way to characterize an entire team based on one person

classy

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Jul 31, 2009 2:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Or based on the numerous first hand accounts and stories on autograph boards throughout the years that have, for the vast majority, characterized the Angels organization as one of the worst ones for trying to get a few autographs. But thanks for chiming in.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 31, 2009 3:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

You mean like Jeff Mathis who signed autogrpahs forever in ST

or like Torii Hunter who always signs autographs? Or during every game during warm ups when there are always a few players signing, no matter how big the game is (got a few autographs in the playoffs as well)? Yes there have been a few players that didnt sign autographs. That doesnt mean its an organizational philosophy.

p.s. I really didnt get the Kotchman deal

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Aug 1, 2009 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think it’s just his lack of emotion that pisses people off. When he gets a homerun or makes a good play he will be all smiles. But when he screws up or strikes out in a key spot he looks like he couldn’t care less.

So how are we supposed to be a big fan of a guy who doesn’t look like he even cares about the game? He’s a veteran and could have helped be a motivator to the team whether he was a leader or not. Just by playing with passion. He’s a guy that is in it this year for a pay check.

IMO he retired last year with the Angels and he’s just going through the motions this year to get paid.

by Fischerking on Jul 29, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Sorry, that's not how it works.

A guy doesn’t need to fling his equipment off or break his bat over his knee following a bad AB. He doesn’t need to curse at coaches and teammates. He doesn’t even need to look like he’s choking back tears after every loss. None of that is necessary to show he cares. If he didn’t care, he’d be at home. He’s made about $75 million in his career; another $2+ isn’t going to bring him out to play if he doesn’t want to.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

I completely disagree

I’m not saying that he needs to “Curse out coaches and teammates” or “look like he’s choking back tears at every loss”. I am saying that, right or wrong, it’s hard to get behind a guy that looks like he doesn’t give a shit.

Fans want to see the guys playing for their favorite teams play the game with passion. You want them to play like they really want to win. GA plays like he could care less. So why should the fans care about him?

I’m not saying it’s right or wrong to feel that way. I’m saying that’s how it is.

by Fischerking on Jul 29, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

But that’s not how it is. That’s your perception. What you see as stoicism, others may perceive as maturity and level-headedness.

"When life gives you lemons, just say 'F*ck the lemons,' and bail."

by Bravely going forward on Jul 29, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

So I'm confused.

I’m a fan. I care about him. Am I wrong? Or are you imposing your own opinion and standards on any follower of sports?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Where did I say it pisses EVERYONE off???

Ohhhh, I did not. I was simply referring to a pocket of fans, myself included, that sometimes think his lack of emotion in an emotional sport is hard to take. As far as the dude above you with the “That’s your percception” line…your exactly right. That’s the only one I’ve got.

And for the “are you imposing your own opinion and standards on any follower of sports?”…no. I am imposing my opinion and standards on sports in general.

by Fischerking on Jul 30, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Fans want to see the guys playing for their favorite teams play the game with passion.”

There’s no comment there about a “pocket.”

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 30, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ll add that I’ve definately noticed him show emotion during his at-bats of late. He gets disgusted with the umps just like everyone else, I think he’s just been around long enough to know he’s not helping team by getting tossed, a lot like Chipper or Heap.

"When life gives you lemons, just say 'F*ck the lemons,' and bail."

by Bravely going forward on Jul 29, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

What about Chipper? He rarely shows emotion after striking out. Should we dislike him too?

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jul 29, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think I figured it out: Garret never smiles. Like, never. I really can’t remember seeing it. Maybe I’m wrong. But that’s why people, myself included, have this perception that he doesn’t care. Chipper, on the other hand, looks like he’s having a blast most of the time.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

interesting…so really, when people are saying that they don’t like it when he doesn’t get mad, they are really saying that they don’t like that he doesn’t smile. I wonder what kind of psyco-analysis that would be?

:)

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jul 29, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did you miss this?

Real live proof! So, if for only that moment, he cared so much.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

I said I could be wrong. It’s just a perception I got about the guy from day one, hell from when he was with the Angels. I’m glad he’s producing now though. But still, I’m not exactly embracing him.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Jul 29, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

/photoshopped

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Jul 29, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

lol

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think this post is spot on. I, personally, was still bitter about not getting Dunn and while I wish we did have Dunn, GA has been acceptable.

by rocket8188 on Jul 29, 2009 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

well so far this season Dunn is worth 6.6M and he’s gettin paid 8M for negative 1.4M value

whereas Anderson is worth 1.3M so far this year and his salary is only 2.5 for negative 1.2M value

now i used their year’s salary and their value will increase as the season progresses, but since i did it for both players i think it balances out. Someone more educated could do the projection on this, but Im kinda lazy and don’t know how to do it.

I would almost claim that ANderson has been the better investment (which is damn near blasphemous). Dunn’s value ranges from 6- 11M a year.. meanign he will not come close to his salayr next year, which is 12M. whereas GA wont provide negative value for us next year unless we resign him.

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Jul 29, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’re doing it wrong. Dunn is worth 6.6 for half a season…OK, so double that for the full season. That gives him a positive value of (god I hate using valuations like this) 5.2 million, while Anderson’s 1.3 is doubled to give him a positive value of…100 grand.

by bigjoe on Jul 29, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Frankly...

I expect Anderson’s value to more than double over the course of the rest of the season. He was pretty awful in March and April.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

ok thnx for that… i dont really know how they come up with their valuations… and such

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Jul 29, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

You were comparing a player’s value for half the season to what he’s making for the entire season. If you doubled the value, or halved the salary, you’d get a true figure as to how they’re performing in comparison to their salary.

by bigjoe on Jul 29, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ahhhh Flip-Flops ...

I’ve learned to appreciate the good things he brings and accept the things that just are what they are. It’s no secret I’ve razzed him without fail for his lack of speed and hustle in LF. Anyone who thinks he’s more than simply adequate out there is reaching for straws IMO.

However, any pitcher that throws him a fast ball is an idiot. He can and frequently does handle those, usually with great results for our team. I give him kudos when he does well, always will.

If I had my preference, I’d get rid of Norton, make HIM our PH off the bench and put use a guy to play LF with some speed.

"Well behaved women rarely make history" ~ Laurel Ulrich

by NCChopper on Jul 29, 2009 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

the problem with that… is pinch hitting is a very difficult thing to do… your cold and havent swung a bat since BP, about 2-3 hours earlier… and your expected to get a hit or at least work a count… usually in a big situation.. You can’t always expect a guy who is a good hitter to be a good pinch hitter. There is a psychology behind it.. Like closing a game, some relievers got it some don’t.

The thing with Norton is, he was really really good last year for us and has been pretty good over his career. He has absolutely sucked, but his track record has shown he can hit. So its tough to draw the line when to get rid of him and when he is about turn it around, especially considering he gets so few ABs. I think the time has passed on Norton, but i can understand using him (despite the fact he hasnt shown anything he showed last year). Can Barbaro do a better job, maybe? But i don’t think we are ever gonna see it.

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Jul 29, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

GA did not cost us the game last night

Yes, his defense his sucks. He also hit a homerun, that should have WON us the game. His win share from last night was the highest of anyone on the squad.

Since June 1st, over the last 46 games, he has posted a .315/.351/.500 line with 7 HR. Not bad at ALL from a 5 or 6 hole hitter at GA’s salary.

This guy was killing us in the beginning of the year, but there can’t be any question that he isn’t earning his paycheck right now, despite below average defense.

by Sid Bream's Moustache on Jul 29, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

At least we missed out on Griffey!

What we are getting from Garret Anderson this year is everything that Frank Wren could have hoped for under the best possible situation. Here are his stats from this year and last: H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLUG OPS
2008 LAA 163 27 3 15 84 29 77 .293 .325 .433 .758

2009 Atl 80 16 0 8 38 16 41 .295 . 328 .443 .771

As you can see Garret is putting up almost exactly the same stats as he did last year. It is safe to argue that he is currently exceeding Frank Wren’s expectation of his potential production level for this year, by not showing signs of regression at the plate from last year given his age.

Furthermore lets not forget the panic that ensued when we missed out on Griffey. Fortunately for us he opted for the Mariners and we were able to acquire Anderson instead. Heres a look at Griffey’s stats (also he is currently injured while playing as a DH so who knows how long he would have been able to hold up for us):
           HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLUG OPS
2009 10 27 44 46 .211 .325 . 375 . 700

After looking at these numbers and realizing the limited payroll that we had to work with, one has to be very content with the production we have recieved from Anderson and the lack of production that we could have potentially recieved from the alternative.

"There are only two seasons -- winter and Baseball"

by el crime dog on Jul 29, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions  

we missed on Griffey but we missed on Abreu also, he’s batting like a rbi machine!

by JoeyBraves on Jul 29, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

sorry the stat headers got put in the wrong spot and I don’t know how to edit a post.

"There are only two seasons -- winter and Baseball"

by el crime dog on Jul 29, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

You can't.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

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