2009 Atlanta Braves

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

meh...I personally would have liked to see Anderson in CF and Schafer in the minors getting a little more seasoning. Alot of things need to go right for our outfield to be successful. Too many question marks in my opinion. Will Francoeur turn things around this season? Will Schafer's good performance this spring carry over into the regular season? Will G. Anderson be healthy?

I agree...Schafer is striking out a lot in spring training and has shown he barely has any plate discipline w/only 3 BBs compared to 16 Ks (if I recall). I think Schafer will struggle mightly (I hope I'm wrong) especially if Bobby puts him at the leadoff spot which is my other concern. Kelly Johnson is a good player who works the count but he simply is not a leadoff hitter...He had a tremendous second half of the season last year because he was hitting 6th, 7th in the batting order and it took a lot of pressure off him.

[bravesfan1984]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I agree...Schafer is striking out a lot in spring training and has shown he barely has any plate discipline w/only 3 BBs compared to 16 Ks (if I recall). I think Schafer will struggle mightly (I hope I'm wrong) especially if Bobby puts him at the leadoff spot which is my other concern. Kelly Johnson is a good player who works the count but he simply is not a leadoff hitter...He had a tremendous second half of the season last year because he was hitting 6th, 7th in the batting order and it took a lot of pressure off him.

i agree..im concerned he will fail in the leadoff spot..he needs to bat down in the order until he gets comfortable and shows he can get on base and not strike out..he can definitely steal bases so thats a plus but would bobby utilize that strength???? does anyone have yunel's stats from the leadoff position? i mean it is basically escobar or johnson to leadoff in my opinion but i would hate to see johnson leading off again because he is so much better when he is not in that role.

[Greenevol]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I don't think Schafer will end up leading off at the beginning of the year.

Probably KJ, Yunel, Chipper, Bmac, Gerald Anderson, Kotchman, Frenchy, then Schafer.

Schafer just had too good a spring, K's being the exception.

Jason Anderson was all but handed the job, and just didn't do anything this spring. Yeah, he has blazing speed, but little else. You can't steal first base. It was good that they got something for him, let along Darrow, who looks like he can be a nice specialist for us (95mph sidearm would make righty's fear for thier lives).

Sure, its a little risky, but what did J.Anderson do all spring that would inspire confidence that he's the leadoff guy we are looking for?

[Kohlstar20]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I don't think Schafer will end up leading off at the beginning of the year.

Probably KJ, Yunel, Chipper, Bmac, Gerald Anderson, Kotchman, Frenchy, then Schafer.

Schafer just had too good a spring, K's being the exception.

Jason Anderson was all but handed the job, and just didn't do anything this spring. Yeah, he has blazing speed, but little else. You can't steal first base. It was good that they got something for him, let along Darrow, who looks like he can be a nice specialist for us (95mph sidearm would make righty's fear for thier lives).

Sure, its a little risky, but what did J.Anderson do all spring that would inspire confidence that he's the leadoff guy we are looking for?

But on the other hand what did Schafer do that was so great to have the job handed to him? Sure he hit .344 with an OBP of .373 but that was in limited action. 64 ABs to be exact. He also had a 22 hit to 16 strikeout ratio. Im no expert but im pretty sure that isn't a good thing.

[Greenevol]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

But on the other hand what did Schafer do that was so great to have the job handed to him? Sure he hit .344 with an OBP of .373 but that was in limited action. 64 ABs to be exact. He also had a 22 hit to 16 strikeout ratio. Im no expert but im pretty sure that isn't a good thing.

Schafer outhit Anderson .344 to .271 this spring.

For a lineup that may be challenged to produce runs, that's a big deal (plus he led the team in SB this spring). Not to mention, Schafer's got a cannon in CF, while Anderson, eh, not so much.

Anderson is average defensively, has little pop, and is a leadoff hitter who can't bunt. His only use to a team is a 4th outfielder/pinch runner.

[Bamafan3723]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Alright fellas! It's here! Opening Night!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!

[Brandon13]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Finally...

[Brandon13]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

There we go!

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

We've had bullpen issues all spring so I hope these guys bring their A-game. I'm also loving the navy jerseys...

[Heelfan71]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Hell yeah! First career AB is at HR.

[p_rushing]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Good game, same closer issues. Its looking like it will be closer by committee again for another year.

[VTPack919]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Wow, I just saw Howard hitting a homerun in the end. Heck of a game by Jordan and way to pitch yourself out of a jam Mike. So glad baseball is BACK!

[CWood2]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Frenchy looks like he's ready to have a comeback year, and what else can you say about Schafer and a fun debut. I'll also admit to questioning the dollars DLowe got, but you can't pitch more efficiently than this guy does. Low and away, all night ... tail on the sinker, and his breaking ball was filth.

This could be a fun team to watch ... and Hanson and Heyward aren't even here yet.

Couple changes I see coming; Schafer to lead off, and Gonzalez to middle relief!!

[VTPack919]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Frenchy looks like he's ready to have a comeback year, and what else can you say about Schafer and a fun debut. I'll also admit to questioning the dollars DLowe got, but you can't pitch more efficiently than this guy does. Low and away, all night ... tail on the sinker, and his breaking ball was filth.

This could be a fun team to watch ... and Hanson and Heyward aren't even here yet.

Couple changes I see coming; Schafer to lead off, and Gonzalez to middle relief!!

Then who closes? I mean if we put Soriano there you could guarantee quite a few blown saves.

My favorite pitcher in the BP is Moylan, but he is not closer material AT all. Add to that to whole Tommy John thing. Oh well, I still have a bit of faith in Mike!

[CWood2]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Then who closes? I mean if we put Soriano there you could guarantee quite a few blown saves.

My favorite pitcher in the BP is Moylan, but he is not closer material AT all. Add to that to whole Tommy John thing. Oh well, I still have a bit of faith in Mike!

I don't think Gonzalez throws enough strikes to close. But you're right, he's the most qualified of the group. Wouldn't have minded trying to pick up a Chad Cordero type though ...