And as we narrow in on February 14th, we prepare to hear one of the most beautiful phrases in the English language:
"Pitchers and catchers report."

(just don't tell my wife I said that)

Truly, I enjoy the off-season almost as much as the regular season. Its so cool to see the moves Wren and company make to build our team.

Whos in?
Whos out?
Whos out of options?
Whos ready, but not quite as good as the other guy?

I love this time of year.

I think, looking at the rotation, we can see:

1) Hudson (super Ace stud)
2) Smoltz (ol reliable)
3) Glavine (optimistically eating up 200 innings)
4) Hampton (yes, I know he hasnt thrown a pro pitch in 2 years, but I am an optimist.)
5) Chuck James (I know he has to earn this spot, but Atlanta is also thinking about 2009. Given that Glavine and Hampton most likely go away, the Braves will be counting on Chucky to be a #3 or 4 starter in 2009 and I think they really want to give him the innings in 2008.)

Given that, I am thinking we see Jo-Jo Reyes (he makes me nervous as a cat every time I see him head to the mound) and Jurrjenns going to Richmond, with Bennett and/or Boyer being a possible 6 starter and/or long reliever. They are both (Bennett & Boyer) out of options, so they can't go to Richmond–they gotta go somewhere.

However, Jurrjenns is about as pro-ready as a player can be given that he was 3-1 with the Tigers last season with a 95 mph speedball. Yes, 95 mph. He will be Chuckys only real competition. In just a year or three, Jerrjenns could be a #2 starter.

With respect to Rue, I think Buddy Carlyle needs more time to develop. The good news is that if Hampton gets injured (imagine!), we are looking at a corps of starters most teams would already have at the bottom of their rotation.

Look for Morton (I forget this first name) to put in some real innings at Richmond. Bobby is quite taken with him. Maybe a late season call up?

Finally, if I were Jo-Jo and Chucky, I would follow Tommy Glavine around like a lovesick 14 year-old girl, taking notes and listening to every vowel he utters. Where in the world would they have a chance to be discipled by a fellow southpaw who is bound for Cooperstown?

At last count, we had, I think, 24 pitchers on the 40-man, so hopefully, pitching wont be the problem next year.

And I leave you with words of wisdom from one of the greatest pitchers ever, Mr. Satchel Paige:

1. "Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood."
2. "If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts."
3. "Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move."
4. "Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society the social ramble ain't restful."
5. "Avoid running at all times."
6. "And don't look back something might be gaining on you."

Blessings,

Smitty

I ran through this with the Bravescast guys (by the way, one of you needs to message/email about the extra details as well as going on their show), so i don't need to retype it.

As for Buddy, he's not starting. And i doubt he will develop more. he is an old man by some standards (30 i believe) and has already conceded that he's just "average." whereas i don't accept that, i do realize it will make it much easier to get his autograph.

I want to see Jurjens.

I ran through this with the Bravescast guys (by the way, one of you needs to message/email about the extra details as well as going on their show), so i don’t need to retype it.

As for Buddy, he’s not starting. And i doubt he will develop more. he is an old man by some standards (30 i believe) and has already conceded that he’s just “average.” whereas i don’t accept that, i do realize it will make it much easier to get his autograph.

I want to see Jurjens.

And as we narrow in on February 14th, we prepare to hear one of the most beautiful phrases in the English language:
“Pitchers and catchers report.”

(just don’t tell my wife I said that)

Truly, I enjoy the off-season almost as much as the regular season. It’s so cool to see the moves Wren and company make to build our team.

Who’s in?
Who’s out?
Who’s out of options?
Who’s ready, but not quite as good as the other guy?

I love this time of year.

I think, looking at the rotation, we can see:

1) Hudson (super Ace stud)
2) Smoltz (ol’ reliable)
3) Glavine (optimistically eating up 200 innings)
4) Hampton (yes, I know he hasn’t thrown a pro pitch in 2+ years, but I am an optimist.)
5) Chuck James (I know he has to earn this spot, but Atlanta is also thinking about 2009. Given that Glavine and Hampton most likely go away, the Braves will be counting on Chucky to be a #3 or 4 starter in 2009 and I think they really want to give him the innings in 2008.)

Given that, I am thinking we see Jo-Jo Reyes (he makes me nervous as a cat every time I see him head to the mound) and Jurrjenns going to Richmond, with Bennett and/or Boyer being a possible 6 starter and/or long reliever. They are both (Bennett & Boyer) out of options, so they can’t go to Richmond–they gotta go somewhere.

However, Jurrjenns is about as pro-ready as a player can be given that he was 3-1 with the Tigers last season with a 95 mph speedball. Yes, 95 mph. He will be Chucky’s only real competition. In just a year or three, Jerrjenns could be a #2 starter.

With respect to Rue, I think Buddy Carlyle needs more time to develop. The good news is that if Hampton gets injured (imagine!), we are looking at a corps of starters most teams would already have at the bottom of their rotation.

Look for Morton (I forget this first name) to put in some real innings at Richmond. Bobby is quite taken with him. Maybe a late season call up?

Finally, if I were Jo-Jo and Chucky, I would follow Tommy Glavine around like a lovesick 14 year-old girl, taking notes and listening to every vowel he utters. Where in the world would they have a chance to be discipled by a fellow southpaw who is bound for Cooperstown?

At last count, we had, I think, 24 pitchers on the 40-man, so hopefully, pitching won’t be the problem next year.

And I leave you with words of wisdom from one of the greatest pitchers ever, Mr. Satchel Paige:

1. “Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.”
2. “If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.”
3. “Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.”
4. “Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society — the social ramble ain’t restful.”
5. “Avoid running at all times.”
6. “And don’t look back — something might be gaining on you.”

Blessings,

Smitty