Braves Dugout: Blogging on the Atlanta Braves
and the world of Major League Baseball

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Marquis Grissom Retires



Grissom only had a breif stint with the Braves but it couldn't have come at a better time. Grissom is the type of guy teams love to have in the clubhouse. He came up through a young Montreal team that included Delino Deshields, Cliff Floyd, Jon Wetteland with an outfield of Grissom, Moises Alou, and Larry Walker all rookies in 1990. This team's best effort was cut short due to the strike in '94. Would they have won the division?
He came to Atlanta in a trade that sent Roberto Kelly, Esteban Yan, Tony Tarasco to the Expos. Grissom's two year stay in Atlanta was solid. Perhaps his best year coming in '96 where he put up .308/.349/.489 23HR 73RBI numbers. Who could forget his play in the '95 series? Better yet, Grissom was awesome the entire playoffs. We all know that after '96 Grissom and fellow Brave Dave Justice were traded to Cleveland for Allan Embree and Kenny Lofton. A move JS would surely repatch if he could go back in time. Grissom saw the series again in '97 with the Tribe but they were beat by the Marlins. After Cleveland he went to Milwaukee where I forgot he played for 3 years. The Brewers were making the jump to the National League in '98 but still would put out the same results. The Brewers later traded him to the Dodgers for Devon White where Grissom began playing CF and LF as a fourth outfielder. In 2002 Grissom was granted free agency and signed with the Giants where he would see the postseason again in 2003. Grissom's Giant days were good. He was able to reproduce the good ole Grissom numbers he had done in years past. In 2005, Grissom became injured and eventually found his role from the bench in his last season. This Spring he signed with the Chicago Cubs for a chance to make the team as a bench/fourth OF. Not seeing this in sight Grissom decided to retire. So here's my tribute to a guy that's was not only good for the game but a good person to all.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

The Lineup Card

What about this possible batting lineup?

Giles-2B
Renteria-SS
C.Jones-3B
A.Jones-CF
Francoeur-RF
LaRoche-1B
Langerhans-LF
McCann-C
*P*

I think Renteria and Langerhans could easily switch spots. Will Giles remain at leadoff? Yes, as long as he can get on base, simple put. I hate to say it and hopefully I'll be wrong but sometime this year Chipper will have a stint on the DL. Betemit could see some significant playing time shared between 3B-SS. The LF position is still up in the air. Langerhans will have the upper hand coming into the season but we still will have another platoon (Diaz/Jordan?). Tommorrow I'll cover the starting rotation.

ESPN 2006 MLB Predictions

This is worth taking a look at. ESPN Analysts picked who they think will win each division, Wild Card, MVP, Cy Young, ROY, and World Series. The Braves made it to 2 world series getting beat by the A's and Yankees. These were picked by Jerry Crasnick and Mark Simon. Everyone had the Braves either winning the division or atleast making it as a wild card. Most people have the Cardinals in the World Series against either the A's or Angels. A suprise for me was that only one person picked the Padres to win the West while others had the Dodgers or Giants. Take a look for yourself and see if you agree with some of the picks.

Reitsma strains hamstring

If you didn't catch it last night, Chris Reitsma left the game against the Yankees in the 9th after slightly straining the middle of his left hamstring. It didn't look good at first, but Reitsma thinks it's a slight strain that should go away in a few days. If all goes well he should be back in time for the start of the season. In the meantime Oscar Villareal will take over the closer duties. As for the game, Atlanta came back from trailing early to win 5-4. It's always fun beating the NY teams even if it doesn't count.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Back To Baseball

I haven't had much time to post new stuff lately so today I'm finnally going to get back into the swing of things. Around the clubhouse the John Thomson rumors are arriving daily with new headlines. Now it appears that Atlanta has offered Pittsburgh Thomson in exchange for Solomen Torres and Craig Wilson. It seems that Pittsburgh wants a little more than just Thomson. A more realistic trade would be Thomson for Wilson straight up. I'm not a Torres fan and Wilson is a good player but do the Braves really need him? Before Spring Training I would have said Yes, defintely make the deal. Judging from the play of Matt Diaz and James Jurries I don't think Wilson is a bigger need for the team than say a reliever. Although Jurries will start the year in Triple A (Richmond), Brian Jordan seems like he'll make the team and is also capable of playing 1B/OF.

If Thomson is traded he should rake in a quality reliever. The dreamers can wish for a Thomson/Lidge deal but that's not going to happen anytime soon. Blaine Boyer could be ready by Opening Day after all. Boyer pitched one inning against the Dodgers recently and retired the side. As for Spring Training, this is the last week and I can't be more happier. Atlanta's remaining ST schedule looks like this:

3/27-Yankees
3/28-Astros
3/29-Mets
3/30-Nats
3/31-CHW (exh)
4/1-CHW (exh)

And of course Opening Day is just one week away. The Braves will be in L.A. and first pitch is 4:10ET on ESPN. Thus begins a week long West Coast Road Trip. In fact the first two months of the season the Braves will accumulate the most mileage. Only 21 of their first 54 games will be played at the Ted. Here's a home/road ratio per game.

9:16-April
12:17-May
14:13-June
15:10-July
15:13-Aug.
15:12-Sep.
1:0-Oct.

Looking at the last 2 seasons the Braves have been average at best coming out of the gate (April/May rec. 53-47). Thankfully the season doesn't end in May. Tommorrow I'll cover the starting lineup.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Rumor Mill: Bullpen Help Needed!

The AJC is reporting that due to injuries already accumulated in the bullpen this year, the Braves are seeking to add another reliever. Blaine Boyer and Macay McBride are both out right now. Boyer is slowly throwing but won't be ready for the start of the season. McBride might have a muscle tear in his wrist according to Cox. It's not 100% sure and he most certainly won't be ready by Opening Day. It is confirmed that John Thomson is on the trading block.

Names mentioned in the article: Franklyn German(Detroit), Jeremy Affeldt(KC), Jimmy Gobble(KC), and former Brave Juan Cruz(Oak).

Juan Cruz pitched pretty good with Atlanta in '04 but last year he was just terrible; spending most of the season in the minors. Affeldt, Gobble, and German are all young pitchers that have done well with their respected teams.

Scott Williamson is another name the Braves have been linked to. Getting him would add fuel to the fire with his injury ridden past.

The more news that comes out, the sooner I expect something to happen. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Braves expand to Japan

Will talent be scouted from the entire Japanese League or just specifically to the Hanshin Tigers?

Monday, March 20, 2006

Rumor Mill: Wilson, Thomson, & Villareal

Here's a few interesting tidbits of rumors that are currently being circulated:

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that Atlanta has asked about the availability of OF/1B Craig Wilson. You might know that Wilson's name has been mentioned in talks of a possible deal with Boston involving Clement and Arroyo. The Boston swap is more likely to happen. In my opinion, Wilson could be a good pickup for the Braves. He's a proven OF and 1B is needed. This would secure a patch the Braves have been trying to do this Spring.

**update** The Reds/Red Sox made a trade that sent Willy Mo to the Sox for Arroyo. I assume this will end the Wilson/Red Sox rumors and now allow the other teams interested to step up.

The Rangers remain interested in John Thomson. This trade seems more of a possiblity closer towards Opening Day.

The White Sox are taking a closer look at Oscar Villareal. Villareal who has yet to pitch for the Braves officially has been impressive in the WBC.

Friday, March 17, 2006

More buyers show interest....

I'm a couple of days behind on this story. Two new potential buyers have risen and shown interest in the Atlanta Braves. Lew Dickey Jr. and Ron Terwilliger are approved by MLB to begin negotiations with Time Warner. Dickey and family own a number of radio stations while Terwillinger is a cheif executive of a multiresidential housing construction firm. Liberty Media has also claimed interest of the Braves. I'll be happy as long as the Braves get out of the corporate ownership and back into the individual ownership.

Team USA eliminated

It wasn't pretty; as the WBC ended last night for Team USA. Mexico won 2-1 led by some really good pitching. Roger Clemens in his last appearence!?! He tried to save the US from another loss but fell short despite a good performance. I don't think this is the end of Clemens. Check back around the middle or end of July, he'll return. Before the tournament know one really expected the US to have much trouble. The Dominican/USA championship game was already penned in some people's calendar's. Where does this leave us for the future? I'm sure there are plans for another tournament, but when is the question.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Braves make first round of cuts

The first cut list of the Spring has been posted. Nine players were given their assignments at camp this afternoon. Brad Baker, Scott Thorman, Luis Hernandez, Martin Prado, Josh Burrus, Jose Ascanio, Kevin Barry, Clint Sammons, and Schuerholz, Jr. were all sent to the minors.

If you haven't heard already John Foster has been suffering severe pain in his elbow and is unable to do simple functions. An MRI was performed yesterday and the results are soon to follow.

Update: An inflamed ulnar nerve is Foster's prognosis. He'll rest for a few weeks before throwing again but Tommy John surgery is not out of the picture.

ST: The Braves put away the Dodgers this afternoon 8-5, led by a 6 RBI game from Langerhans/Kelton/Renteria. Smoltz went 4 innings allowing 3 runs off 5 hits and a walk. Joey Devine pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Cox signs extension and ST bits

Two more years of Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz. You may or may not like it. Cox will bring in $2M/year for '06 and '07. These two are going to go out together, bottom line. I assumed this year would be the last ride since both contracts ran out after the season.

ST Bits: Braves beat the Mets (one of the many times I'll be saying that) led by a 9 RBI game from James Jurries and Matt Diaz. Davies went 3 innings allowing 2 hits. There's no doubt in my mind Davies should be in the starting rotation on opening day. Atlanta split the squad Sunday to play the Yankees and the Cards. Braves dropped one to the Yanks struggling mightily. Salty's 3 run HR was the only good from that game. Horacio Ramirez took his second loss of ST going 4 innings allowing 5 hits off 2 runs and 2 walks. Could he be the odd man out? In a happier result Edgar Renteria homered to lead the Braves over the Cardinals. Chuck James pitched 3 innings giving up 2 ER's on 4 hits. Joey Devine had 5K's in 2 solid innings.

Today Atlanta will once again face St. Louis this afternoon. John Thomson against last year's CY Young winner Chris Carpenter.

Braves sign Damian Moss




Hmmmmmm...Well Atlanta brought back one of their farmhands from the past. Saturday, Damian Moss signed a minor league deal with the Braves. Moss will probably start in Triple A and if good enough make some appearences during the season. Braves fans might remember Moss as a big part of the deal to bring over Russ Ortiz from the Giants. He's hit some hard times since his departure from the team. After going 9-7 with the Giants he was traded to Baltimore where he went 1-5. In 2004 he started out in Tampa, stunk it up and went through the minors league systems of the D'Rays and later the Reds. Last year he pitched for Triple A Tacoma in the Seattle organization and improved his numbers. Call this a contingency plan for the Braves. Atlanta seems limited to their LHP and Moss could be a good gamble to take.

"I'm glad to come home," Moss said.

Friday, March 10, 2006

AJC: Bonds was a Brave for 15 hrs!

The AJC has an article about the new John Schuerholz book "Built to Win". The book takes an insider look at the wheelings and dealings of the man atop of the organization.

In March 1992, Schuerholz and Pittsburgh GM Ted Simmons negotiated a trade to bring Pirates star Barry Bonds to Atlanta in exchange for pitcher Alejandro Pena, young outfielder Keith Mitchell and a prospect to be named later. The morning after the GMs agreed to terms, the Braves were setting up a news conference to announce the deal at their West Palm Beach, Fla., spring training home when Schuerholz phoned Simmons, who told him he couldn't do the deal, apparently because Pirates manager Jim Leyland was furious that Bonds was being traded with a year left on his contract.

Later the article mentions other players like Reggie Sanders, Kenny Lofton, and Deion. Click on the link to read along, it's a interesting piece. Schuerholz's book is due out soon.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Gammons Blog: More Thomson Ramblings...

This comes from Peter Gammons blog over at ESPN:

The Braves reportedly will move John Thomson or Horacio Ramirez to make room for Kyle Davies. One rumor is Thomson to the Mets for Victor Diaz, but it seems hard to believe that the Braves would give a starting pitcher to the Mets.

If either Thomson or Ramirez are traded to Mets, I'm going to be sick. Trading away a starting pitcher to a division rival doesn't seem Brave like to me. I can't see this happening. I prefer the thought of a Thomson or Ramirez for Austin Kearns. Although it is noted that the Mets are seeking another pitcher and Jason Marquis/Victor Diaz rumors are floating around.

3/8 ST: Detroit 5 Atlanta 5

Thomson turned it around going 3 strong innings allowing no hits and 3 K's. Atlanta took the lead in the ninth with jacks from Jurries and Schuerholz. The Tigers rallied putting together a string of hits to tie the game.

Positive: Thomson performed well. Jurries is putting together an impressive Spring and easily is the frontrunner to backup LaRoche.

Negative: Braves blew the 9th inning lead.

Today, Atlanta goes to St. Petersburg to play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Huddy takes the mound for Atlanta while Tampa sends Seth McClung to the hill.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

WBC: USA 2 Mexico 0

Team USA opened the WBC with dominant pitching cruising to victory over Mexico. Derek Lee and Chipper Jones provided solo shots for the US. Chipper's HR came off newly acquired Brave Oscar Villareal. Unfortunately I haven't been able to watch the games, only clips. The atmospehere seems pretty exciting. Team USA's next opponet will be Team Canada.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

3/7 ST: Pittsburgh 10 Atlanta 5

The Braves dropped another one today. As 3 different Pirates had 2 run jacks. Chuck James got the start and did pretty well giving up 1 run on 2 hits in 2 innings of work. Remlinger pitched a scoreless third. The Pirate's took off in the fourth as Brad Baker and John Foster took most of the beating giving up a combined 9 runs off 9 hits over a span of 3 innings. Betemit lead Atlanta with 2 hits. Tommorrow Braves/Tigers give it another go around. Thomson takes the hill for the Braves. Wow! Did anyone catch the Florida-Washington game? Marlins 22 Nats 12.

3/6 ST: Detroit 8 Atlanta 2

Not a good day at all for Braves pitching. The Tigers were able to score early and maintain their edge for the remainder of the game. Horacio Ramirez started for the Braves his first real outing after pitching the exhibition against UGA. Ramirez allowed 3 runs off 5 hits in 3 innings of work. Anthony Lerew worked the seventh giving up four runs on just 3 hits including a throwing error. Today Atlanta goes to the Pirate ship as Chuck James will get his first start of the spring.

Here's something to ponder. Brian Jordan played 1st base in this game. Jordan actually volunteered in hopes of making the team anyway possible. Brian Jordan as our backup first baseman? Hmmm....

Competition for First Base 2nd string
James Jurries
Matt Diaz
Dave Kelton -former Cubs prospect, ST invitee
Brian Jordan?

What does everyone think of Brian Jordan? Does he need to just hang it up and retire? Is he just taking up a roster spot that could be filled by someone more productive? Does he provide the veteran leadership we need in the clubhouse?

Monday, March 06, 2006

ST Weekend Wrapup

It was a busy weekend for the Braves. Atlanta faced the Astros Saturday and went split squad Sunday against team Netherlands and Cleveland. Atlanta beat Houston 10-6 in Saturday's contest. If only this happened in the postseason. Tim Hudson took the mound going 2 innings allowing 1 run on 5 hits with 1K. I provided a link to the box score if you care to read. Jurries looked impressive going 3/4 with 2 doubles. Sunday Atlanta and team Netherlands played in a warmup game for the WBC. The highlight from this game was Smoltz vs. Andruw. The result was Jones grounding out to third Cesar Crespo to be exact. Smoltz's first pitch to Andruw was a knuckler something he has been working on. That will be interesting to see how it progresses. Atlanta easily won this game 4-0. Later, Kyle Davies went 2 scoreless innings allowing one hit, a walk, and 2K's in a losing effort to the Indians 6-4. Today Atlanta welcomes the Detroit Tigers to the confines of Disney.


In other rumblings, the AJC has reported that the Texas Rangers are interested in reacquiring John Thomson. The article later goes on mentioning Phil Nevin as a possiblity to trade. What's the point in getting Nevin? Sure he may have lost some weight but his clubhouse attitude isn't so great. The Braves already have plenty of people that can play first and Nevin's numbers doesn't justify a need.

Friday, March 03, 2006

3/3 ST: Atlanta 8 L.A. 7

I was able to go home for lunch and catch the 1st inning of the Braves/Dodgers game. What a stinker. Thomson came out and looked bad allowing 4 runs off 4 hits and 2 walks. I just checked the latest scoreboard and the Dodgers have a 7-4 lead in the bottom 6th. Final Score 7-5 Dodgers.

**The final score I posted earlier was wrong. Apparently ESPN Scoreboard was screwed up at the time. In short, Mr. Jarrod Saltalamacchia's walk off home run provided the Braves a 8-7 victory. Get used to that name cause he's got a bright future ahead. This weekend's opponet: Houston, it's payback time!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Grapefruit League Debut: Braves vs. Dodgers

Atlanta drops one to the Dodgers 3-2. Jorge Sosa started and gave up 3 unearned runs as the Braves produced 3 errors during the first 2 innings. Atlanta outhit the Dodgers 8-4. Todd Pratt doubled followed by a single from Betemit to score the first run. Atlanta would score again in the 8th on a Jurries bases loaded walk.

Positive: After Sosa's departure in the 2nd. The Braves pen only allowed one hit for the remainder of the game.

Negative: Errors. Well this isn't really a negative, just yet. It's Spring Training and errors are acceptable to a certain extent.

Tommorrow at 1:05ET Braves and Dodgers will do it again, televised on ESPN.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Let the Games Begin



Finnally some baseball action on the first day of March. Atlanta will hold their annual college exhibition game this afternoon. The Braves will play against the University of Georgia. You might remember last year when the Braves pulled a no hitter against Georgia Tech. Even though these ST games don't count it's nice to finnally see some baseball again. The Braves will begin their Grapfruit League opener against the LA Dodgers tommorrow and Friday's game against the Dodgers will be shown on ESPN. Both games start at 1:05 ET.

If you haven't heard already Tim Hudson will get the nod as opening day pitcher. If you would like to print out this year's schedule here's a link 2006 Schedule

Update: The Braves handily took care of UGA beating them 10-1. I've only seen the score and no recap. If anyone watched the game on MLBTV or knows a recap feel free to comment on how the team looked.