Talking Chop: FanPosts

Jair is always very gracious to sign and take pictures with you. I was lucky enough to watch him pitch in High A with Detroit's Florida State League team in Lakeland, FL(where I live)

Tim Hudson Pictures

2009-11-05T19:15:35Z

2007 Spring Training

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My wife with Tim.

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2008 Spring Training

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I don't have any from 2009 he was rehabbing then. I'm hoping he stays healthy in 2010. Whomever they decide to trade away I hope it doesn't come back and bite them in the butt.

Best part about the '09 WS...

2009-11-05T16:10:54Z

It's over.

It was painful, but not too painful. I mean, at least our NL East rivals didn't win back-to-back years, and the Series wasn't that great (none of the games were very close, or dramatic).

Unfortunately, I think the more painful part will come later, when we will have to hear about the Yankees, and how Joe Girardi is a saint for leading a $220 million team to a championship (how did he do that?!?!), and how great Mariano Rivera is, yada, yada, yada.

Martin Prado Pictures

2009-11-05T16:03:14Z

2007 Spring Training

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2008 Spring Training

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2009 Spring Training

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I also just realized I have a lot more Yunel pictures. I'll post them also. I got plenty more to go.

Good Old Baseball Question

2009-11-05T03:11:14Z

This is a flat out baseball/stats question. And I'm getting the feeling that a lot of you, especially royhobbs, are going to like this question. Alright so as for the question: Why is batting about .330 considered -good- best hitter in the league? These guys are professionals! If you were to go to a surgeon and he told you that he had a success rate of 33% would you really go to that guy? No, you'd want the surgeon who has somewhere between 85 and 100 percent success rate. Also, If a pitcher has a win percentage of .330 then they would be a crap pitcher. For a pitcher, to be considered good based on win percentage they have to be at least 70%. So why for hitters is .330 considered the best in baseball, and why do we throw millions of dollars at the people who have a 33% success rate? Am I missing something?

Yunel Escobar Pictures

2009-11-05T03:04:05Z

Here are some of my past spring training pictures of Yunel Escobar.

2007 Spring Training

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2008 Spring Training

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2009 Spring Training

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chipper needs a change....

2009-11-05T01:49:08Z

No, not to first base. Chipper Jones is the greatest Atlanta Brave of all time. In my opinion, he is even greater than Maddux only for one reason: loyalty. Chipper wanted to be a Brave and stay a Brave so badly that he restructured his contract and moved to left field so Vinny Castilla could take over at third base. Chipper, because he will leave baseball the same way he came into baseball (as a Brave), is probably the greatest Atlanta Brave I will ever know.

Chipper will not move from 3rd base again....ever. It's not happening. Even though there are defensive metrics out there that says he's worse than a little leaguer with ADHD, he's not moving. Defensively, he's staying put.

Chipper isnt really a power threat anymore. Sure, he might hit 15-22 homeruns per year, but for a #3 hitter, that is quite below average (the average #3 hitter last year hit 26 homeruns). With that being said, I propose a promotion to Chipper:

Chipper for the 2 hole.

Let's think about this for a moment. Chipper Jones has the ability to hit the ball all over: in the gaps, over the fence, and blooping it in over some poor soul at the middle infield position. Plus, we all know that he's pretty decent at working a count and taking a walk (+100 career OBP). Adding to this is the fact that he rarely strikes out (less than 16% last year and 13% for his career), he would make a great #2 hitter.

With Mclouth obviously set to begin things off for the braves (I would still rather have diaz leading off), martin prado has been the #2 man for the braves. While Martin was a valuable piece when inserted into the #2 hole, he will never have the on-base capability of chipper. Putting Chipper in the 2 hole allows the braves (bobby cox) to get out of the "bunt-minded" mode that plagued them last year and allows them to work on creating big first innings. When the Braves offense started struggling, Bobby started utilizing the bunt earlier and more often. With Chipper in the 2 hole, Bobby has no choice but to let his superstar swing away.

Proposed Lineup (against righties) This is assuming we bring laroche back and sign someone equivalent in power to xavier nady, which is who I will be using in my example. I do believe that the braves will find 2 bats similar, if not better than Nady and Laroche. I believe in Frank Wren.

Mclouth

Chipper

Mccann

Laroche

Escobar

Diaz

Heyward

Prado

Against Lefties (dream, but bare with me)

McLouth

Chipper

Diaz

Nady

Escobar

Mccann

Prado

Laroche

In my lefty lineup, Matt Diaz hits in the #3 hole. In 152 abs against left-handed pitching, Matt Diaz hit .412 last year with a 1.103 ops. For his career, Matt Diaz has hit .347 against lefties with a .921 ops. To say Matty D. is a lefty-killer is an understatement. He is a LEFTY DESTROYER! Matt Diaz deserves to be in the middle of the order against left handed pitching.

Uggla for Vazquez?

2009-11-04T22:10:10Z

ESPN Reports: "The Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins may match up on a trade involving a couple of valuable pieces". This is an insiders issue in which I refuse to pay for. Yes, i know it's less then $3 a month but who pays for baseball news in the era of internet? Not Me. I dont know much about the deal but this is what is out there. Hudson re-signs so let the rumors begin!

Favorite Baseball Writers

2009-11-04T15:31:12Z

This is my first post, but I've never seen this question asked. Who are some great baseball writers that I can read online, whether it be for the braves or in general?

I've noticed most people hate ESPN writers except for Jayson Stark. I still highly respect Peter Gammons. Also I noticed that its the general consensus that Ken Rosenthal makes most his stuff up. What do you guys think of the SI writers, like John Heyman? Anyway's who do you guys respect?

More of a rant against ESPN

2009-11-04T05:37:14Z

Is everyone there who writes baseball for the website on Insider now? Is there anyone who writes for ESPN that's worth paying for to read? I used to go there after here to see if Jayson Stark was still holding out. But, alas, when the page loaded tonight after clicking on MLB, everything had a little orange box with the word "in" inside of it. It won't be too much longer before you have to pay for a box score there.

Big kudos for the guys writing and running this site.Your coverage of prospects is second to none. You guys do a fabulous job. Just wanted to say thanks!

Thoughts on Ralph Garr/the Richmond Braves?

2009-11-03T21:42:03Z

I'm Arne Christensen: I have a blog called Misc. Baseball. Back in June, I put together a post on Ralph Garr, the early '70s Braves star, after I noticed that he'd led the N.L. in batting average in 1974 and finished second two other times, and yet I'd never heard of him. Some weeks later I received a long comment addressed to Garr, from a man named Jeff Lynch who had some cherished memories of watching Garr play ball for the Richmond Braves in 1969. He was hoping to let Garr know about the memories, but I haven't been able to pass his comment on to Garr, who's been a Braves scout since the mid-'80s.

I thought I'd reprint the Richmond man's recollections here to see if any of the Talking Chop readers remember Garr in Richmond or Atlanta. Or more broadly, remember the Richmond Braves circa 1970, and might share their own memories of Garr and the team. I'm not a Braves fan, and I'm on the West Coast, so only a few days ago I saw that the Richmond Braves played their last season in 2008, and I suppose Jeff Lynch wrote about Garr because there was no team to root for in Richmond this year. So, here's the (slightly edited for readability) comment:

I appreciate this article on I'd say one of the games most exciting players. Living in Richmond, Va in 1969 and loving baseball, I walked with my friends from the streets of west end to Parker Field on many a Sunday to see the Braves play.

It was a great walk and escape for me. What made it great was 1) the fact that I got a chance to witness major league baseball for apx $4.50 maybe less not certain now as time has passed.

Also what made it great was 2) to witness the coming of age of Ralph Garr.. before the Roadrunner stuff. Yes, I remember Ralph and I wish to thank you for your performances in Richmond that year and I am sure you recall, as many of you will not, 3) that you were AWESOME.

What also contributed to your success was the team..that consisted of a baseball who's who... Coach Mickey Vernon, Hal Breeden, Dusty Baker, Tommy Aaron (on occasion) and Darrell Evans and many more. Ted Turner

-Atlanta was not joking during those years.

What a AAA team and organization.

I don't actually recall the R-Braves record that year as I am much older now but will always recall you at bat, drag bunting, beating out the throw, then stealing 2nd. You know I think I was there one Sunday game when you stole home :)

It's been a while, but I wanted to say that I recognized your skill, courage and heart and believe it or not as a young impressionable teen, was very proud of knowing you even as a fan.

I am aware that you moved on to the "Bigs" but this is where I was not able to follow you except now and then on National TV. Cable was not around in those days.

So, in closing, what you did regardless of compensation mattered and I'd bet that you will find many more like me that witnessed one of the best to play the game.

Thanks for your inspiration. I am hopeful that you write a book about those "early" days of your career.

Cody Johnson BA #9 Prospect

2009-11-03T16:45:48Z

2007

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2008

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Full Name: John Cody Johnson Born: 08/18/1988 Birthplace: Panama City, FL Height: 6' 4" Weight: 195 Bats: L Throws: R

We all know about his light tower power but will he ever cut down on his strikeouts, 1 every 2.5 at bats. The Carolina League mid and post season all-star had 32 HRs to go along with his 177 Ks. Let's hope he learns to be more selective or we may have a Adam Dunn in the making.

Robinson Lopez Sickels #16 Prospect

2009-11-03T15:39:03Z

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Full Name: Robinson Lopez Born: 03/02/1991 Birthplace: Moca, Dominican Republic Height: 6' 2" Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R
Robinson was 3-1 with 1.29 ERA in the GCL this year. He pitched 48.2 innings giving up only 41 hits with 42 K and 12 BB. He had a Opp AVE of .229. Interestingly, considering he is a RH pitcher, LH batters hit 46 points (.207) lower than RH batters(.253) in the same amount of innings.

Rome 2009 - In pictures

2009-11-03T15:22:20Z

Here are just a few pics from 2009. If you'd like to see more, I'll be glad to post a link to the albums. They are on facebook but you can still see them, even if you are not on FB. Hope you enjoy them. If you take time to look at the albums, you will really see why Rome is THE most fan-friendly place. (and you'll also see who my son's fav players are because there are lots of pics of hime with them..lol). I'm not too good with all the stats and descriptions, will leave those to CB and the guys, so I just stuck names under the pics. I do have to say that this ENTIRE bunch was really good to our son and I'll always be big fans of all of them, just for that reason. They are great ballplayers, but really nice guys too. Wish them the best of luck always.

Rome Braves - ParrotHead Paradise Night

Yoel A. Campusano

Adam Milligan

Paul Clemens

JJ Hoover

Matt Kennelly

G-Rod and Tom Glavine

G-Rod (Gerry Rodriguez)

Braeden Schlehuber

Mike Minor

Christian Bethancourt BA #6 Prospect

2009-11-03T15:17:38Z

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This is Christian Bethancourt this season in the GCL. He just turned 18 and currently ranked #6 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization by Baseball America. Right now he is very lanky but has plenty of room to fill his 6'2" frame. He definitely needs to cut down his strikeouts but he he did however bat .277 between GCL and Danville with a little pop having 4 HR and 14 2B in 166 ABs.

A few R-braves pics from 2008

2009-11-02T22:41:40Z

Cody Johnson

Double Trouble.....

There are a few more if you click on the link, including the ones of John Smoltz. Somehow in my newness I deleted my original post when I added the photos.. lol. Will put 2009 in it's own post there are TONS of pics from there.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=32286&id=1071090848&l=7b9634d921

Hope you like them, it's not a fancy camera... but we have a good time up here !!!

Any merit to the Jurrjens trade rumors?

2009-11-01T21:10:14Z

I read a rumor the other day that the Braves may look to trade Jair Jurrjens for a bat. Any chance this actually happens? At 23, Jurrjens is one of the best young pitchers in basebal, and is not yet arbitration eligible. I don't have the link to the actual rumor, though the one justification given in the snippet I saw was that he is a Scott Boras client. I'm not sure why that is a factor for a non-arbitration elibible player.

So, two questions for Braves fans: 1) Is it realistic to think the Braves would trade Jurrjens? 2) Any interest in Luke Scott and a prospect package in exchange for him?