Ranking Your Current Favorite Braves
by JForde on Jun 22, 2011 12:39 AM EDT
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This may have been done before, but I'm fairly new to Talking Chop and definitely new to posting on here(more of a outside observer than a commenter). That being said I'd like to gauge what your thoughts were as to your favorite current Braves players. This isn't meant o be rosterbation or who has the best numbers. This is meant to include intangibles such as hustle, personality, team loyalty, etc. I've never been the type of fan to base my appreciation of a player on their stats alone. This is meant to be basically a ranking of who you LIKE the most on the current Braves roster(including those on the DL but hopefully trying to limit the players that are constantly in flux from being on the roster to the minors.)
I post this only because I'm a lifelong fan of the Braves and I enjoy seeing what other fans think about them, so if I'm repeating an earlier post I'm not trying to be repetitive just curious. So without further ado, I'll go ahead and start off with my list.
1. Chipper Jones - Not much explanation needed here, he's been my favorite for just about as long as I've been a Braves fan (since I was 7 for the record). I even styled my batting stance after him and became a switch hitter in little league. No matter how his age affects his play he will always be my favorite.
2. Brian McCann - Clutch hitter, great on defense, a home town hero, and an all round great guy from everything I've heard. I hope he stays in a Braves uniform as long as possible.
3. Tommy Hanson - Hanson is arguably our ace right now, and you can't help but love a guy who intimidates opposing batters with now only his pitches but with a scruffy red beard as well.
4. Jason Heyward - The proclaimed future of the organization won me over with his first at ML bat, and then continued to do so throughout the season with his outstanding play. I really think had it not been for injuries he would have been/should have been ROY. He started this season off in similarly awesome fashion, though has considerably slowed down. Hopefully he'll break out soon and become the beast we all know he can be.
5. Jair Jurrjens - The reason I said Hanson was arguably our ace was because of him. While not necessarily dominating to opposing hitters, the man has been able to keep the runs down with the best of them. In my opinion, he's one of the main reasons the Braves are doing as well as they are this season.
6. Martin Prado - When he's healthy he's an on base machine. He's also got a great glove and a great attitude. When Uggla came in he selflessly and almost seamlessly moved to LF for the better of the team(well sort of). I still believe had he been healthy at the end of last year we would have made the WS or at the very least kept the Giants from winning that series.
7. Tim Hudson - His numbers are down this year and he's been injured a good chunk of the time he's been on the team, but I really like Hudson not just when he's on as a pitcher but because he seems like a great person off the field and in the dugout as well.
8. Johnny Venters - I honestly don't know much about Johnny Venters the person, but damn if he isn't awesome to watch on the mound.
9. Eric Hinske - Another example of a man whose character speaks louder than his numbers. He always seems to bring a positive attitude to the clubhouse and when he steps up to the plate there always seems to be a chance that his could be a game changing hit. As bad as I felt after losing game 3 of the NLDS I felt even worse knowing that Hinske was robbed of his what should have been game winning home run. One of the few players who I can forgive the fact that he played for the Yankees.
10. Freddie Freeman - Like Jason Heyward he's got the potential to be one of the future faces of the franchise, but obviously I don't need to tell anyone on this site that. I love what he's brought to the team and that his first home run was off Roy Halladay. I can also look past the fact that he looks like a more in shape version of Kevin Heffernan(Farva from Super Troopers...yeah think a bout it)
11. Craig Kimbrel - Blown saves aside, when the kid is on he's just about as dangerous as almost closer in the league.
12. David Ross - He could be a starter on a lot of teams with the kind of skill he has, so I've got a lot of respect for a man who can take a back up job even when other opportunities are available. He's also got a flair for the clutch.
13. Eric O'Flaherty - Along with Venters, he's one of the best set up men in the game. If either he, Johnny or Kimbrel are on the mound and we've got the lead there is a good chance it's going to stay that way.
14. Alex Gonzalez - Gonzo's glove speaks for itself, his bat on the other hand could use some speech lessons. Then again the whole team's could at this point.
15. Nate McLouth - I really really couldn't stand McLouth the first season and a half he was here. I've warmed up to him this year even though he still hasn't been the guy we traded for, but it seems more often than not guys that are traded here take while to get adjusted. I like his selfishness as of late and his play.
16. Derek Lowe - If only he pitched as well at during most of the season as he does at the end of the season he'd be a lot higher on this list. That being said he's still a great pitcher from time to time, but when he's off it can be brutal.
17. Brandon Beachy - He's really only this low because I haven't seen a lot from him. The one game I was actually able to watch that he pitched he blew me away. Since then he's gone from so-so to just disappointing.
18. Mike Minor - Again haven't seen much of him which is the reason for his placing so low.
19. Jordan Schafer - I wish he got on base more often because he's probably one of the best base runners we have.
20. Dan Uggla - I really really WANT to like Uggla, but he just makes it so damn difficult. It's kind of ironic that he was brought in for his bat, but his defense has been far better than his offense, which isn't saying much.
The rest aren't on the list because I fear for the fate of the game when they either pitch, step up to the plate or have a ball hit their way(Linebrink, Sherill, Hernandez). Or I just plain haven't seen enough of them to make an honest judgment. So that's it, I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, and of course your own personal lists. Remember this isn't about stats or numbers but about your own personal subjective feelings for each player on the team. So let's hear'em.
This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.
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I really only have two that would crush me if they weren't Braves.
1. Martin Prado – plays the game correctly.
2. Johnny Venters – I have never seen anything like this. In fact, I asked my father if he could recall a pitcher with this sort of stuff and he couldn’t. Thats 60 years of baseball fandom never getting to see what Johnny does.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the rest of the guys, but these two are my absolute favorites.
If Martin Prado leaves the Braves, I will lose faith in humanity.
And then I’ll root for Martin regardless of what team he plays on.
Chicks dig the long ball.
This is how I feel about Matt Cain. If he ever left, I’d break down.
LIVE EDT
Tape-delayed for the West Coast
what if he came to the Braves!?
Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT
by Klemson Krash on Jun 22, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I’d have a good, long cry and then hope for his success and happiness.
LIVE EDT
Tape-delayed for the West Coast
True fan then. :-) I admire that...
I couldn’t imagine if someone like Hanson went to my “other” favorite team… If he were a Ray (I love rooting for them because their underdoggedness in the AL)… I’d probably be distraught but resolute in loving him still. :-)
Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT
by Klemson Krash on Jun 23, 2011 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Venters
Still doesn’t strike me like Chris Hammond did. The way that man simply befuddled players in 2002 was remarkable. Then again, that has been argued as possibly the greatest bullpen in the last 25 years, and I have a tough time arguing against it.
Closer – Smoltz 55 saves, 3.25 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
Setup – Hammond 0.95 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
LOOGY – Remlinger 1.99 ERA, 1.12 WHIP
Groundball Specialist – Gryboski 3.48 ERA, 1.68 WHIP
Holmes 1.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
Ligtenberg 2.97 ERA, 1.28 WHIP
Spooneybarger 2.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
— Albert Einstein
Twitter: @biggentleben
by biggentleben on Jun 22, 2011 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Team, eh
The team hitting of the infielders (and Javy) that year was putrid. The three outfielders were the only regulars who put up a 100+ OPS+. The pitching was great, though, even with Bobby’s fixation on using Albie Lopez despite his suckitude.
"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
— Albert Einstein
Twitter: @biggentleben
by biggentleben on Jun 23, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
What was amazing about that bullpen was how Hammond and Holmes came out of nowhere and quickly faded back into obscurity.
Hammond hadn’t had a solid season since 1995, when he was a starter, and actually failed to appear in the bigs for the three years prior to that season. He had a decent season with the Yanks in 2003, but it was nowhere near as good as his 2002 season, and then he pretty much returned to being worthless after that.
Holmes similarly had some decent seasons as the Rockies closer in 1993 and 1995, but also didn’t play the year prior to appearing in that vaunted Braves bullpen. He became decidedly meh in the year after that and was never heard from again.
by Ivan the Great on Jun 23, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
It's like picking ice cream....
there really is no wrong answer, and the difference between 1 and 15 is pretty slim.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
In the “stats only” world? Probably. But a team needs guys like him in ways that stats don’t show. There aren’t a lot of guys out there that can give you what he can (play multiple positions well without bitching, hit well enough to be a solid two hitter, and be a “team-first” player who in the end, took a pay-cut when he was at his highest value as a player (for arb.) at second. He isn’t “the guy” to build a team around (who builds a team from the two spot?), but he isn’t exactly a dime-a-dozen easy-to-replace cheap kind of guy, either. And this is a list of who is your favorite, not who is the best player. Reyes is a fantastic player, but I’d pray for him to get hit by bus if he were on my team. Favorite does not mean “best.”
"Baseball is the only place in life where a sacrifice is really appreciated."
Was I ranking impact or personal favorites?
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 22, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you. I just thought that the concept that Prado isn’t an impact player is hilarious. Apparently someone missed the 2010 season. Just felt like the right time to completely indict everything going on over at CAC when the admin doesn’t understand that “impact player” extends past the 6 war mvp types. Just thought it was worth noting. It was directed at no one but the original offender.
As he said in that thread...
the man just holds the term “impact player” to a higher standard than you or I do.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 22, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, yeah...
I love Heap, but in my list he’d hit 4th as well….
1) Prado- Heart of the team (sorry Chipper). His team-first, and drive to win gives you a lot to like.
2)Chipper- The face and voice of the clubhouse. He is Mr. Brave (Sorry Glavine)
3) Venters- God, I love this guy. Find a nasty pitch late in your minors career and ride it to be the best reliever in baseball. So afraid his arm is going to fall off from overuse, but enjoying what we get from him now.
4) Heap- He just does the job. I still think his catching calls/plays are a bit of a liability, but he has worked to improve. But he is a great hitter.
5) Ross- Another team-first player. A guy who also gels the club-house. A guy you need on any team.
6) Hinske- Diesel is a hitter, who will play mediocre defense, but at a number of positions. Again, if you are building a team, you want/need a guy like him. A veteran presence you can’t count on.
7) Freeman- Looks like a good solid player on both sides of the field for years to come.
8) Heyward- May still be ranking him too high. I love what he could bring, but really worried he is going to be a DL rider his whole career. We may never see him reach his potential (and that will break my heart).
9) Moylan- Class clown and a reliable middle-relief arm. We need him back to ease the work load off our three top relievers.
10) Kimbrel- Fun and scary. Really the definition of 90% of the great closers in the game. He seems to have the stuff and the moxy, but I am still worried he might have a mental breakdown from using him in this position to young. For every young guy the makes it, there are 10 you can find that fall apart. (and the Braves have seen enough of those)
11) Potatoes- The “O”-man is a solid middle reliever. Love guys that don’t scare you when they come in the game.
12) Jurrjens- I can’t believe it was this far before I got to a starting pitcher. The Braves success counts on these guys, and over-all they have done the best, most consistent job on the team this year. The only thing they lack is real “star.” Any of the top three (of my opinion) could start a game one. But then, they’d probably be a two on many other teams. Anyway, I like Jurrjens. He reminds me a lot of Mad Dog in style and make-up. Except, he is going to get “Paid.” I’ll hate to see him go, but the Braves can afford not to overpay for any pitcher (which why you’ll see Lowe so low).
13) Huddy- Solid starter, who will usually give you a lot of good innings. Again, he is just one of those guys you need on any successful team. A veteran presence on the pitching staff. Sadly, I think we one too many of those.
14) Hanson- A lot too like, and a lot to fear. He is pitching like an Ace right now, but he is prone to set-backs. Hate, hate, hate his mechanics. Anyone that doesn’t take second on him is just not trying. Overall, though, he is a good long term two/three/four guy.
15) Medlen- Like the kid. I think I like him more in the pen than as a starter, but he can do either. Reminds of a young Kent Merker, but I think he’ll have a better career.
16) Beachy- Another guy who came out no where, really, and has earn his spot. I would keep him over Medelen in the rotation, and I could see him become a 3-4 guy in the future.
17) Schafer- He has become (ignore his past stupidity) a scrappy player that is working on doing what the team needs him to. My opinion (and it would probably piss him off to hear it), is he just isn’t bright. I think that is not a prerequisite to be a good ball player, though. He just needs to work on making good habits at the plate instinctive. I really think he has it in him. And I will always take a light hitting but very good to great fielding center fielder (or ss) over a big bat that gets lost in the field. Move those guys to the corners, and don’t let them hurt the team on defense. In this case it is the difference between a great fielder, and a decent fielder who is not a great hitter either. Not a tough decision for me.
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Big Drop off
30) Gonzo- I mentioned I’ll take defense over offense at ss and cf, and Gonzo definitely can play the d. My only problem with him is the fact his bat tantalizes Fredi to make him think he should hit higher in the line-up than he should. He is a decent 8-hole hitter. Not a great one (strikes out too much), but when does make contact, he drives the ball and can get the run in in front of the pitcher. Sadly, he doesn’t seem to make contact when there are players on the bases. So, that down grades him even more (which is why he so low on this list). I just don’t think it would be that hard to dump him and find a really solid defense short stop to hit 8th. They are a dime a dozen.
31) Lowe- A solid inning eater who is waaaaaaaaaay overpaid for what he does. He is a three/four pitcher getting paid like an Ace. I don’t mind him being on the staff (a guy that rarely misses time and can give you solid if not spectacular work is valuable), but at half the money he is getting paid. Wish/hopes/prays he gets traded before the deadline, but I doubt it.
32) Sherrill- He is not a bad pitcher to have for situational work, and has really done a good job most of the time, and that is all you really expect out of the average relief pitcher (and teams always are going to have those. No bullpen is going to be filled with Venter clones.)
The rest of guys? Either they are meh (insert most of the AAA revolving players here, or Martinez), or we could dump tomorrow and I’d be happy (McOut, Ugga(ly), Linebrink, Proctor, etc.).
"Baseball is the only place in life where a sacrifice is really appreciated."
I kinda like the "if these guys weren't Braves it would crush me" thought process...
To me, the people, in order who I would be crushed if they weren’t Braves are:
1) Chipper – He’s my boy. I’ve followed him my WHOLE life. I have no rational reason for loving him other than he’s the type of guy I want to be… Loyal, selfless (even though he tries to play injured and will NEVER retire), and a great mentor.
2) Prado – Another all team guy. Will do anything for the fans, anything for the team, anything to win. I love it.
3) Heap – There is a trend here… Another team guy who I could not see playing catcher for another team.
4) Hudson – Honestly, I want him to retire a Brave. He was our new Maddux. Let him build a foundation somewhere else and then hire him on for the best parts of his career. No he’s not the same pitcher, not really the same calibre… but I view them as Braves and hope they retire that way.
5) Heyward/Freeman/Kimbrel/Venters/Teheran/Hanson – I view them the same way. The future is now… Granted each has their merits but I am glad we own them and don’t have to play them. What a foundation to build on…
6) Schafer – I pull him out of the group (and put him below them) because I think he has something to contribute to this team… and I would be heartbroken if we gave up on him before we let him become who scouts have said he will become. Call me a homer or whatever else but I love this kid. He has what our team needs. I would hate to play against him for 10+ years.
I love our Braves, all of them… But I would sincerely hate to be without these guys. Yes I omited some names but that’s ok… It’s my opinion and if you don’t like it, i’m sure you’ll let me know. :-)
Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT
1. JJ- loved him from year one we had him. All my friends made fun of him calling him “Jair Jair Banks”, but now I’m laughing at them
2. JHEY- Awesome
3. Tommy Hanson- Awesome Beard(better than Wilson’s), with the great long red hair. Pure lumberjack, pure awesome
4. McCann- What you expect a catcher to look like
5. Prado- I love players that can do everything
I could make a case for anyone of those players being my favorite though
Steak, Shrimp, Liquor, and Pasta
My top 10
1) Lowe…he just cracks me up, always has
2)Prado…baseball player, hard worker, selfless
3)McCann…the best
4)Chipper…the leader
5)Hudson…the joker
6)Heyward…the protege
7)Kimbrel…the wild child
8)Venters…the beast
9)Freeman…the rookie
10)Gonzo…the glove
"Bunting's my favorite." Fredi G
Pretty sure we did this at the beginning of the year but I guess things change
1. Chipper….. If I have to give a reason.. I named my dog after him when I was 7
2. Prado…. He might love this team more than everyone here combined
3. Mac…. Best we got and I rode the tower of terror with him… Hell of a guy
4. Schafer…. I’ve loved him since he was our top prospect
5. Kimbrel
6. Medlen
7. Heyward
8. Gonzo
9. Venters
10. Huddy
Spring Training is the greatest thing that can't end soon enough
i love gonzo
I got a thing for homegrown talent but I’ve he is really grown on me. I don’t know if it’s cause of the hate he often receives on here or the change he was from Yunel, but i love what he brings to this team. And I’m sort of old school and think SS should be defensive first.
Spring Training is the greatest thing that can't end soon enough
BFV! BFV! Join the campaign and we’ll make it happen!
Ryan's the name, Call of Duty and Braves baseball's the game.
Twitter: @RyanMarby
Ban him now
That is all
"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
— Albert Einstein
Twitter: @biggentleben
by biggentleben on Jun 22, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice post
What happened to this series? When did ave something like this going, but it stopped at like 12. Anyways, here’s my top five.
Chipper
Heyward
JJ
Mac
Prado
lol a couple of fails there
We not when and have not ave
Here goes.....
1) Jason- Future and present.
2) Jordan- What can I say I like the change and attitude the kid has.
3) Johnny- Love his swagger!
4) JJ- Read above on Johnny’s.
5) Brian- Constent force in our line-up.
6) Prado- Our most intense player! He wants to do everything pefect.
7) Freeman-May already be the best defensive 1B man, not bad with the bat either.
8) Hanson- Has the best stuff on our current staff.
9) Chipper- Most will think this is low for the HOF’er. But it is my list and his attitude has worn on me over the years.
10) Huddy- Just an all around good guy.
My order changes every week, but these 5 stay in no matter what...
1) Chipper (fav. since day 1 in the bigs)
2) Mac (clutch at premier position)
3) Huddy (Auburn man, took less $ to stay in ATL)
4) Prado (hustle, hard work, selfless)
5) Heyward (I still get excited every time he comes up to bat)
1) BMac
2) Jason
3) Chipper
4) Timmy
5) MARTEEEEEEEN
6) Freddie
7) Jair
8) Tommy
9) Ross the Boss
10) Jonny V
11) Meds
12) Aussie
13) Uggs
14) BlitzCraig
15) Brooksy
The rest are all pretty close with EOF being near the top of the best of the rest and Schaf near the bottom.
As for future Braves
1) JULIO – going to the the izz, if we trade him I quit life
2) Andrelton – really like his d and see him as our SS of the future even w/ everyone else
3) Arodys – great name, throws the gas
4) Bethancourt – b/c reading and hearing Christhian Martinez’ name has forever made me question the pronunciation of his
5) Salcedo – I’m a believer
1. Chipper – The Captain, heart of the team, always will be the face of the Franchise
2. Prado – Most selfless player in the game today, team first second and third with him.
3. McCann – Biggest threat at the plate anytime, fun to watch and seems fun to be around.
4. Hudson – How can’t you love a guy that shaves his head, has a soulpatch, and looks that damn good.
5. Jurrjens – Quietly shuts other teams down. Don’t know how he does it but he flat out pitches. Almost Mad Dog like
Honorable Mention:
a) Venters – Owns everyone, mows them down like a brush mower.
b) Heyward – The future, plays the game right (usually)
c) Gonzo – Great glove, if he cut down on strike outs he’d be awesome.
d) McLouth – I know this will raise eyebrows but no matter how he plays and is criticized, he handles it with class and never loses his cool, very quiet and cool player, reguardless of his success.
well said about McLouth and I'd have to agree w/ your statement. :-)
Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT
by Klemson Krash on Jun 23, 2011 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
1. Brian Mccann
2. Chipper- In my mind the changing of the guard has happened to a certain extent. Chipper is still the man, but B-Mac is my guy
3. Hudson- Call it silly, but after pitching out of trouble in Game 3 of the 2010 playoffs (too soon) I was screaming at him and pointing from primo seats and we made eye contact. I know athletes and the guy was loving every second of having intensity on his shoulder. I love his competitiveness and intensity
4. Prado- Impact player
5. Venters- I love watching the guy pitch. Watching him dominant is always a favorite of mine
6. Hanson- “Let’s go a’ viking”
7. Craig Kimbrel- Almsot as good as Venters..if only he didnt throw so many damn pitches per batter..Still an incredible pitcher and lots of fun to watch
8. Jason Heyward- I haven’t given up on him, but I can’t wait to see him play to his skill-level this year.
9. JJ- Love the way he pitches. Shades of Maddux.
10. David Ross- I wish I could put him higher, but I love the way he inspires and leads the team primarily from the bench. I love the way the guy plays the game. Love it.
“17. Brandon Beachy – He’s really only this low because I haven’t seen a lot from him. The one game I was actually able to watch that he pitched he blew me away. Since then he’s gone from so-so to just disappointing.”
What? From so-so to just disappointing? I must be watching a different Brandon Beachy. I really really really hope they don’t ever trade that kid.
1. Chipper.
2. BMac – In Frenchy’s shadow as a youngster, even though he made the bigs first. His best years are starting right now. Let’s enjoy watching a HOFer in his peak.
3. Prado – For all the reasons already listed, it’s hard not to love a guy like that.
4. Hudson – Veteran presence, still a fantastic pitcher, great person.
5. Heyward – This ranking is tenuous, but I still think he’ll own this list before it’s all said and done.
6. Venters, Medlen, Beachy, Moylan – all kind of similar, albeit totally different. All came up over shadowed by higher rated prospects, but all have turned themselves into really great players with underrated stuff. Take Beachy. For a guy with “mediocre stuff,” he manages to strike out guys at a high rate and keep his walks down. I think he has a chance to be really good. Sometimes we overlook intangibles in favor of stats. Beachy has both. Venters is just . . . well, he’s just mean. It’s not fair to be the one guy in the league with an exploding 95 MPH lefty sinker that just disappears. And then to back it up with that slider. Moylan just makes me laugh.
7. Hanson, Kimbrel, JJ – Hanson, like Heyward, suffers from my unrealistic expectations. He’s been fantastic so far in his career, but I just expect more, even if that’s not at all fair. I want to see him pitch 9 scoreless, or consistently get into later innings. Also like Heyward, he may own this list some day. Kimbrel is just fun to watch. Even if I miss 8 innings, I’m still super stoked to tune in to see him pitch.
8. Hinskebomb, Dan Uggla, Gonzo – I like that Uggla always hustles, and know he’ll break out of it one day or another . . . hell, he’s got another 4 years to keep trying. Watching Hinske track down fly balls is at once hilariously awesome and nerve wracking. I really didn’t like Gonzo last year, but this year is a different story. A big part of that is just recognizing him for what he is: a mediocre to bad hitter with some pop and a great, steady glove.
9. Lowe, Minor, EOF, others.
Why not - my top 10 (and why I like them)
1. Prado (Impossible not to love. Can’t say a bad thing about him)
2. McCann (Same as above)
3. Heyward (Humble, extremely talented, superstar potential)
4. Chipper (Needs no explanation)
5. Schafer (Have been a big fan since 2007)
6. Kimbrel/Venters/EOF (package deal securing wins)
8. Hanson (Quiet, dominant, ours for a long time)
9. Freeman (dorky, looks like buzz, big upside)
10. Gonzo (professional, consistent, web gems)
I know that Uggla will make his way onto my list and many others when he starts going homer crazy like he inevitably will. He’s typically always been a fan favorite.
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. - Muhammad Ali
How do I feel? Like f**king success - Jordan Schafer
1. BMac: just a boss. Game changer offensively and defensively.
2. Chipper: Going to retire soon, but a true Brave.
3.J-hey and FF: Salt and Pepper.
4.Venters: How can you not like a setup man with a nasty, nasty Sinker that touches 96.
5.Prado: Team first, durable, rock-solid.
6.Hanson: Icy, bulldog demeanor on the mound.
7.Hudson: Not a bravo from the beginning, but he’s welcome into the nation.
8.David Ross: Same as huddy, but rock solid on the bench. Team leader.
9.Kimbrel: Explosive, nasty, and ice-cold. Stuck out Jose Bautista in the 9th with two people on.
10.Uggla: Former Marlin that has come over to the good side. He’ll get it together soon, hopefully, and his hustle is always appreciated.
by Austin Jackson on Jun 23, 2011 12:17 PM EDT reply actions
Hanson
McCann
Heyward
Venters
Chipper
Kimbrel
Beachy
Prado
Freeman
Hudson
EOF
Twitter: @Ben_Duronio Stop calling Tommy Hanson "Big Red"
Eh
Mac
Venters
Chipper
Jurrjens
Martin
The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault. -Ty Cobb
1) Chipper. He sets the tone for the right attitude. The team pulls for each other way more than others because of him. This is an intangible that translates to winning games we otherwise would not win.
2) BMac. High energy, team guy. Constantly improving. Genuine, fun person.
3) Prado. Drive, commitment. Everyone works harder just to keep up.
4) Jair. Has that fierce competitive instinct, along with a deceptive, crafty pitching style.
5) Kimbrel. I love his kind of wild man intensity. A love that he just attacks the batter.
6) Schafer. A new favorite. Love that speed! Makes the game more interesting.
7) Hinske. Just a real clutch player with a great attitude.
8) Ross. Fire in the belly. Always exhorting everyone to do their best. Great all around catcher.
9) Freeman. I believe he is becoming a major force in baseball. I never take for granted how important it is to have a good fielding 1st baseman. And he can really scorch the ball.
10) Hanson. Our intimidating Viking pitcher.
11) Uggla. I think we will be very glad to have him on our team at the end of this season. Great work ethic.
I really like most of our players. This is just a personal list which is subject to changing conditions, as always.
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