The slumping left fielder was traded to Oakland for cash or a player to be named, a deal announced after the Braves' 11-inning loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Braves have purchased the contract of utility man Willie Harris, who was batting .362 at Class AAA Richmond.
Source: AJC
May-03 Update:
Athletics acquired outfielder Chris Snelling from the Nationals for outfielder Ryan Langerhans.
er .... What we get from this deal? small cash and two parking lots??
Monday, April 30, 2007
[+/-] |
Langerhans traded to A's |
Friday, April 27, 2007
[+/-] |
Braves, Smoltz agree on contract extension |
Smoltz, who turns 40 next month, will receive $14 million in 2008 as part of the deal. The new contract also includes a $12 million option for 2009 that becomes guaranteed if Smoltz pitches 200 innings the previous season. The club has an option for 2010, at a cost of $13 million if he pitches 200 innings in '09 or $12 million if he falls short of that total.
Source: ESPN
Smoltz will finish his career as a Brave, it's a good news. But the financial problem seems out there. Between Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, and Chipper, the Braves have about $46M invested next year. Add in McCann, Gonzo, and Soriano...that's a good $7M. Then, plus Reteria's $8M, the budget would be set around $61M.
** I had Hampton's part with average $8M/yr. If with $15M instead, the total amount would be about $68M.
這樣看來,Andruw 季末應該是走定了。原本我認為,不考慮情感的因素、就球隊有限的預算,以 $14M/yr 留下明年就 41 歲的 Smoltz 值得商榷,因為 Smoltz 畢竟已經逐漸走到球員生涯的末段,而今年剛滿 30 歲的 Andruw 至少還有五、六年的好光景,留 Smoltz 捨 Andruw 到底是不是個好主意?當然,這裏假設的前提是「如果不留 Smoltz,就會留 Andruw」。
而就情感來說,能看到 John Smoltz 這位偉大的球員一生都待在 Braves 是件令人興奮的事,尤其現今銅臭味十足的 MLB 更屬難得,閃過我腦袋瓜裏的印象就只有於 2007 同年入選名人堂的教士先生 Tony Gwynn (1982-2001) 和金鶯隊的鐵人 Cal Ripken Jr. (1981-2001) 二位偉大球星。
Smoltz 對續約這件事的反應也讓球迷動容。
"I'm the most blessed man in the world," Smoltz said. "To have had the opportunity to have played all my career in one city and for pretty much just one manager, I just couldn't have asked for more."
"Words can't describe how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to finish my career as an Atlanta Brave," Smoltz said in a statement. "I am thankful to the Braves organization for giving me the chance to play this long and to play out my entire career with one team."
管他媽的鳥預算,我決定繼續當個快樂驕傲的勇士球迷。Smoltzie, you are THE MAN!
Reference:
Cox pleased with Smoltz deal
Braves give Smoltz an extension
Thursday, April 26, 2007
[+/-] |
First blown save this season made a tough loss |
Bobby Cox let Hudson pitch the ninth inning, is it a bad idea?
IMO, it's not a bad decision.
我不認為 Cox、McDowell 或 Hudson 的這個決定是錯誤的。Hudson 是投了超過 100 球,但他直到八局結束還是非常 dominant,8 IP、106 pitches、6 H、12 SO、0 BB,完全沒有疲勞或不穩的狀況;如果比賽的結果是 Braves 獲勝,everybody would say: "Hudson pitched like Cy Young, what a great game.".... blah blah blah,所以由結果論來否定一個事件是不智的。
倒是在 Hudson 被擊出第二支、甚至第一支安打的時候 Bobby 應該考慮換投,Actually he did send McDowell to the mound to check the situation. 但沒換的結果是被塞成無人出局滿壘的狀況。Bob Wickman 在這個時候上來也有討論的空間,也許是 closer 的尊嚴,但事實上 Wickman 的三振能力不強,他主要靠的是穩定性,或許有製造滾地球的能力;但在這種情況下,我覺得讓 Gonzo 或 Soriano 這種具備高三振能力的 power pitcher 上來可能會好一點。
Another key: 很多人指出是牛棚熱身不夠。How could Bobby bet on Huddy at the risk of losing the game?
It's only an unhappy ending, though. Tim Hudson still pitched like a Cy Young winner. 只能說,出來混的總是要還的。Welcome to the real baseball world.
It's my first thought about this SOB game. I'll think again and make more adjustment.
------ Update ------
Shit, I am damn wrong. 果然印象比不上真相 :P. Look at the charts below,
Wickman's K/9 is pretty good since arrived Atlanta ('06=8.65 & '07=8.10), or at least, is above average.
But his BB/9 this year is not that brilliant as '06 ('06=0.08 & '07=0.60) until today.
His GB/FB ratio changed significantly this year. For now, he is not close to a ground-ball pitcher as before.
So, perhaps Wickman is not a bad choice at that situation. But I still like to see Rafael Soriano stood there.
p.s. I think that a reliever is only as valuable as his ability to keep inherited runners from scoring. And I don't believe reliever's ERA or even WHIP, too few samples to prove something. I'd rather check his strikeout ability, RA or opponent's AVG.
順便看一個數據,BABIP : Batting Average on Balls in Play = (H - HR) / (IP * 2.82 + H - HR -SO)
前一篇談到 Tim Hudson 今年超猛的表現,現在看了 BABIP 呈現的有趣現象,可以說前幾年他太不幸了, or, 他今年幸運多了。
而今天這場只能說 Hudson & Wickman 霉星高照,得不到幸運之神的眷顧,打出去的球剛好都找得到洞,夠鄉愿的解釋吧 :D.
上圖:Bob Wickman's BABIP
下圖:Tim Hudson's BABIP
Reference: FanGraphs
Monday, April 23, 2007
[+/-] |
Braves rally to win at Shea |
What a game!
John Smoltz 與 Tom Glavine 本季的第二度對決,原本期待的是一場經典的投手戰,結果意外的變成精彩刺激的打擊戰,而且所有可能和不可能的狀況都發生了。Kelly Johnson 的第一球 Homer、Smoltz 金手套級的守備功夫、Mets 的炮火及速度、Shea Stadium 爆滿嘈雜的觀眾、六局下 Bobby Cox 生涯第 127 次的被驅逐出場 (差 John McGraw 四次)、Smoltzie 被打爆、以及七、八兩局在二出局後的追平和超前全壘打,a nice comeback win, I'm speechless. 球賽紀錄請參考 ESPN Recap。
前一天才吃下四張老 K 的 Kelly Johnson 意外地成為這場比賽最讓人興奮的球員,不但在面對今天整場比賽的第一球就轟出全壘打,更在八局上半以一支三分 HR 狠狠地為 Mets 釘上棺木的最後一根釘子。這位 2006 因為動 Tommy John 手術整年沒有出賽的年輕人,小聯盟時擔任 SS、2005 登上大聯盟是 LF,而直到 Braves 去年球季結束後在幾乎確定不再續簽 Marcus Giles 的時候,他才開始跟著 Glenn Hubbard 練習如何擔任二壘手,甚至內定將擔任第一棒的角色,但今年春訓時的表現並不搶眼,而且開季後頭幾場的成績也不很理想,很多人開始懷疑 John Schuerholz 和 Bobby Cox 是否做了錯誤的選擇。現在,相信沒有人會懷疑這項決定。
來看看 KJ 的表現有多好。
打擊率 (AVG):.297
目前 MLB 先發二壘手排第十
全聯盟平均 AVG 約 .250
2005 成績 .241
今年前 11 場是可憐的 .150,而近 6 場是火熱的 .542。
上壘率 (OBP):.423
目前 MLB 先發二壘手排第一
全聯盟平均 OBP 約 0.320
2005 成績 .334
肇因於棒透了的選球和耐心,BB/K = 1.4,而大聯盟的平均還不到 0.6!
長打率 (SLG):.547
目前 MLB 先發二壘手排第六
全聯盟平均 SLG 約 0.400
2005 成績 .397
今年至目前為止轟出四支 HR,SLG 在隊上僅次於 Chipper 和 McCann。
Referred to Yahoo Stats & Fangraphs
比照季前各系統預測最樂觀的表現 .275/.369/.457 看來,KJ 的成績著實讓人大吃一驚。當然現在才四月,談一個球員的表現還太早,但 KJ 已經讓所有勇士球迷「傷當」感動,我們又看到了一位自己農場出身的優秀球員,誰說一定要砸大錢才能買到好球員呢?
12W-6L and 2-for-3 at the unfriendly Shea, oh, I love this team.
Also Read: Ejected Mets fan pleads not guilty in court
Saturday, April 21, 2007
[+/-] |
Hudson on Fire |
Tim Hudson 開季以來連續四場精彩的表現,應該足以證明他總算不負 Braves 的期盼回到 Oakland 時代的版本,Hampton 本季養傷、Redman 尚未帶給大家什麼希望、Davies & Cormier 兩個年輕投手還有待時間證明,Hudson 的復活絕對是 Braves 的超級大利多。回頭看看 Baseball Prospectus 的 Marc Normandin 今年三月中旬對 Hudson 的分析裏,分別提到三段過去的觀察描述
Baseball Prospectus 2000:
We told you to watch out for him last year, but nobody could have expected him to be this good this fast. His assortment is dynamite, from the darting, moving sinker to a good forkball, a nice changeup and a slider he mixes in for show. For a strikeout pitcher, he's economical with his pitches, ....
Baseball Prospectus 2001:
Tim Hudson changes speeds aggressively and well, his sinker moves, and his forkball drops on batters like an anvil on Wile E. Coyote. The key is that his release point is almost identical for every pitch, making it incredibly difficult for hitters to figure out what's coming.
Baseball Prospectus 2002:
Hudson was great all year except in May, when he was collectively lit up by the AL East. His K rate hasn't been what it was in 2000–2001, which is a cause for some concern, but he is keeping his GB/FB ratio up above 2. He's a good bet to continue to be among the best pitchers in the game, but there is some mileage there, and lefties do hit him pretty hard—.283/.334/.448 in 2002.
Hudson's Stats:
YR | TEAM | IP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | H/9 | RA | ERA |
1999 | Oak | 136.1 | 8.7 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 8.0 | 3.70 | 3.24 |
2000 | Oak | 202.1 | 7.5 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 7.5 | 4.45 | 4.14 |
2001 | Oak | 235 | 6.9 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 8.3 | 3.83 | 3.37 |
2002 | Oak | 238.1 | 5.7 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 9.0 | 3.29 | 2.98 |
2003 | Oak | 240 | 6.1 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 7.4 | 3.15 | 2.70 |
2004 | Oak | 188.2 | 4.9 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 9.3 | 3.92 | 3.53 |
2005 | Atl | 192 | 5.4 | 3.0 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 9.1 | 3.70 | 3.52 |
2006 | Atl | 218.1 | 5.8 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 9.7 | 5.32 | 4.86 |
2007 | Atl | 29 | 5.9 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 5.0 | 0.62 | 0.62 |
Total | -- | 1680 | 6.3 | 2.9 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 8.5 | 3.85 | 3.48 |
由上述早期的報告裏,再搭配他的生涯成績來看,可以知道 Hudson 從 1999 登上大聯盟在運動家隊的表現,憑著精準的控球以及包括 Sinker、Forkball、Changup、Slider 球路的搭配,雖然三振率逐年下降,但投出保送、被全壘打的頻率也逐年下降,所以他的自責分率一直都很不錯。而在 2004 球季結束後來到勇士隊的頭二年,三振率差不多,但保送及被全壘打的比率明顯變高,去年 4.86ERA 是生涯最差的一年。不少人懷疑 Hudson 是否有傷,2001-2003 這段期間的高投球局數,手臂的疲勞是否在這二年浮出效應。而幾套系統對 Hudson 今年的成績預測雖然比去年好一些、但也沒有多大的進步,大約在 12-14 勝、3.75-4.46ERA、5.57-5.97 K/9、2.87-3.16 BB/9、0.77-0.96 HR/9 和 2005 年的成績差不多。儘管今年春訓期間 Hudson 一再宣稱自己已經調整完畢,但他是否真的能重拾過去在運動家隊的身手;另外三振率的下降,意味著守備重要性的增加,Braves 今年球季內野右半邊的二位新人 (Scott Thorman & Kelly Johnson) 是否能夠頂下來,這些原因都使得季初時仍在大家的心中留著不少問號。
也許從數字的角度來看,今年的樣本數還不夠多,而且仔細看今年的 K/9、BB/9 與去年還挺接近的,RA 大幅下降的原因,除了被 HR & H 的數量很少,是否守備及運氣也佔了不少成分,我不是那麼熟悉數據,但這部份的資料 (ex. BABIP) 我會查一查後再補上來。
However, Tim Hudson 今年到目前為止的表現儼然成為球隊的 Ace,內野的防線也可以讓大家放心,或許 Kelly Johnson 的防守永遠不會成為金手套級,但不得不順帶稱讚一下這位去年季後才開始跟著 Glenn Hubbard 練二壘的年輕人,還有 John Schuerholz 和 Bobby Cox 對球員的耐心與信賴。
Oh, one more thing, Redman pitched better yesterday. I'll put away the rope and wish I'd never have to use it again. :)
Reference: Fangraphs
Saturday, April 14, 2007
[+/-] |
Hanging Redman now! |
Mark Redman is horrible, Braves better get rid of this guy quickly.
Usually I won't curse our player that soon, even Danny Kolb or Chris Reitsma. But now I don't even want to waste time to talk about this guy.
Let the pro do it.
Marlins 11, Braves 4, Die Redman Die
Today's Worst Arm Action… in the World
Redman Sucks !!
Friday, April 13, 2007
[+/-] |
Baby Braves: Rome Preview |
該關心一下 Braves 的小朋友了,以下是 Baby Braves 的 Zach Jett 評析今年的 1A Rome Braves。
Lineup | SP |
Chase Fontaine (SS) | Jeff Lyman |
Jordan Schafer (OF) | Deunte Heath |
Danny Brezeale (3B) | Thomas Hanson |
Concepcion Rodriguez (OF) | Tim Gustafson |
Larry Williams (1B) | |
Cole Miles (2B) | RP |
Jon Mark Owings (OF) | Beau Jones |
Phillip Britton (C) | Carlos Sencion |
Josh Morris (DH) |
這支球隊的才華不如近幾年,雖然很多球員的身體素質和待琢磨的天份都不錯,但大部分的球員還沒證明自己的確是塊料。
投手群的潛力不錯,所以很難預知他們的表現會如何。雖然 Lyman 和 Jones 仍然是未完成品,但還保有當初進入農場時的天份。Tommy Hannson 去年的表現很好,滿有機會成為一匹在投手新秀排名裏竄升的黑馬;而去年才從 Georgia Tech 選進來的 Tim Gustafson 則剛要在 Rome 尋求成功的開始。
特別注意到一位長中繼投手 - Carlos Sencion,雖然去年的 ERA 差不多 4,但實際上應該比數字所呈現出來的好,因為他的三振數非常高,今年的表現很可能會讓人大吃一驚。
p.s 作者大概記錯了, Carlos Sencion 去年在 Danville 的成績 0W-4L、2.56 ERA、52.2 IP、60 SO.
Chase Fontaine 的棒子不錯,但守備的位置還不那麼確定,雖然目前擔任游擊手,但有可能會移到別的位置。
Jordan Schafer 和 Mark Owings 這兩位體格健壯的外野手曾有些受傷的問題。他們都還不夠成熟,但只要花些時間培養,應該很快就能有所進步。Schafer 開季打的不錯(8G、29AB: .310/.429/.586),今年可要好好注意他的表現。
Larry Williams 去年是 Danville(R+) 最好的幾個打者之一,Phillip Britton 則是 Braves 農場裡另一位打擊出色的捕手。
總而言之,這支球隊今年的表現可能很不穩定,也不看好他們有爭奪分區或聯盟冠軍的機會,然而球隊裡仍然擁有不少引人注目的新秀,就看誰能破繭而出、蛻變成 Braves 的下一個頂級新秀了。
Reference: Baby Braves: Rome Preview
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
[+/-] |
Mike Hampton hurt ... again |
I am a team fan. I like Hampton as well as other Braves' players.
昨天經過醫生檢查後,Hampton 投球的左臂要立即接受手術,"torn flexor tendon" (屈肌腱撕裂 what's that?),預計要 6-9 個月的復原時間,本季確定不會在球場上看到他了。
春訓時左側斜肌(oblique)的傷復原得還不錯,沒想到又發生這樣的結果,應該是 2005 年 9 月的 Tommy John 手術並不太成功。I won't blame Hampton for this, it's not his fault. 只能說投手真的是很脆弱的動物,即使現代醫學如此發達,很多不確定的因素還是難以掌握,像 John Smoltz 那樣動過韌帶更換手術回來還能那麼猛的,我只能說:"How lucky the Braves and we fans are."
Hampton 會被很多球迷抱怨的原因,在於他的大合約。Hampton 的合約是我見過最詭異的一份,內容還牽涉到落磯山、馬林魚二隊,2002 年底是 Rockies 把 Hampton 先交易給 Marlins、Braves 再用 Tim Spooneybarger 和另一位球員與 Marlins 交易來 Hampton。(Where are you, Spoony?!)
原先在網路上發現合約的二個版本,但今天官網有比較詳細的說明(Click here),就以官網為準 Hampton 的合約與各隊分攤金額如下:
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 03-09 | |
Hampton | $11M | $12M | $12.5M | $13.5M | $14.5M | $15M | $6M | $84.5M |
Rockies | $2M | $2M | $2.5M | $6M | $12.5M | |||
Marlins | $7M | $8M | $8.5M | $23.5M | ||||
Braves | $2M | $2M | $1.5M | $13.5M | $14.5M | $15M | $48.5M |
** Insurance covered part of Hampton's salary last season and will cover an undisclosed amount this season.
Rockies 和 Mike Hampton 簽下八年(01-08) $121M 破紀錄的合約,而 2002 年底 John Schuerholz 把這份合約變得在財務上對 Braves 較為有利,哪知人算不如天算,Hampton 來到勇士後,只投了 72 場、413.2 局,成績是 32W-20L、3.96 ERA,自 2005 年 9 月手肘掛掉就長掛傷兵名單,而近年來 Braves 預算的緊縮,這份合約成了極大的負擔,還好有保險負擔一部分,不致血本無歸,但就如 Schuerholz 講的:"Injuries are a part of what we do",只能說 Braves 真是太背了。
Hampton is a bulldog, he'll fight to be back here .... I hope.
4/11 Update:
Mike Hampton had successful surgery on his left elbow Tuesday morning in New York to repair the torn flexor tendon in his elbow. The prognosis was as predicted — he'll miss six to nine months, Braves general manager John Schuerholz said.
Bobby Cox on Hampton's situation:
"It's unfortunate. He was ready to go," Cox said. "Now he's out again for the whole year."
"It's just that Mike is real special. This will be the third year we haven't had him, really. Two and a half years. He's been a 20-game winner before and he was fired up to get going. We thought he was ready." Cox said. "I was counting on him to win 15 games. He's that good."
"He'll be determined," Cox said he expects the 34-year-old Hampton will be back for the 2008 season, adding "I don't think there's anything left in there to tear."
Hampton is owed $14.5 million this year and $15 million in 2008. Insurance will refund at least part of Hampton's 2007 salary to the team. General manager John Schuerholz said he wouldn't discuss the insurance on Hampton.
Mike Hampton Statistics
Reference:
Atlanta Braves official site
Cot's Baseball Contracts
MLB4U.com
Monday, April 9, 2007
[+/-] |
Who's the Team to Beat in the NL East now? |
It's only six games, but what should I say. BRAVO !!
It would be so nice to see the "experts" failed again at the season's end.
CBS SportsLine.com baseball staff 's 2007 NL East picks:
Place | Miller | McCarthy | Mack | Gonos | Rosen |
1. | |||||
2. | |||||
3. | |||||
4. | |||||
5. |
ESPN.com's 2007 PREDICTED NL STANDINGS:
EAST | W | L | PCT | GB |
z-New York | 90 | 72 | .555 | - |
y-Philadelphia | 89 | 73 | .549 | 1.0 |
Atlanta | 86 | 76 | .531 | 4.0 |
Florida | 72 | 90 | .444 | 18.0 |
Washington | 60 | 102 | .370 | 30.0 |
Reference:
ESPN prediction
CBS Sportsline prediction
Saturday, April 7, 2007
[+/-] |
Tom Glavine is a Traitor ? |
再過幾個鐘頭,Tom Glavine 與 John Smoltz 的對決就要展開,他媽的民視和 ESPN 只會播洋基是不是?兩位很可能進入名人堂的投手,未來再碰頭對決的機會屈指可數,這兩家電視台竟然還是選擇了二流的比賽,SHIT!
回到主題,開宗明義的說,I hate Tom Glavine。
Tommy 1995 年世界大賽第六場的精采演出,為 Braves 在亞特蘭大拿下唯一的一座世界冠軍;他和 Greg Maddux、John Smoltz 共構了 90 年代最強的先發組合;他為勇士拿下 242 場勝投、獲得 2 座賽揚獎;不像 Maddog 是從自由市場簽來、Smoltzie 是與老虎隊小聯盟交易來,Glavine 是勇士自己農場培養出來的正統子弟兵;他未來進入名人堂會穿著勇士隊服;他去年球季結束還想回勇士 ....... Sorry, 這些理由還是不能讓我改變對他的印象:a traitor, for the money and went to the division rival.
我知道也許大多數的勇士球迷還是很喜歡 Tom Glavine,但不包括我。John Schuerholz 的一本爛書「Built to Win」內容述及當年 ( 2002) 與 Glavine 談續約的場景,Schuerholz 親自到 Glavine 的家裡,Glavine 經過包括與老婆的討論、仔細考慮,最後決定繼續留在 Braves;會談的氣氛很融洽,Tommy 的小孩還坐在 Schuerholz 的膝上玩,甚至連 TBS 都被通知隔天會有大消息宣佈 ....... 結果隔天 Glavine 沒打電話來,Schuerholz 急忙撥電話給 Glavine,然後才被告知他和經紀人已經決定和 Mets 簽約了。
以下摘自去年 AJC 的一篇敘述此事的文章 (全文 Click Here):
-------------------------------------------------------------
Schuerholz said he called Glavine and the pitcher invited him to come to his house at the Country Club of the South in Alpharetta.
"He and his wife, Chris, and I talked," Schuerholz wrote. "The three of us talked and talked and talked. It was a tough visit. At times, we were all on the verge of tears. Tommy did most of the talking — about what was on his mind, about remaining a Brave. . . .
"I said, 'Tommy, we would be happy to have you remain with us if that's what you want."
"After a lot of soul-searching, Tommy decided he was going to stay," Schuerholz wrote. "Quite obviously, he was relieved. His wife was relieved. And I was bouncing their son on my knee. . . .
"Stan alerted TBS that there could be a major news conference the next day. . . ."
But when Glavine didn't call him Saturday, Schuerholz called Sunday, and Glavine told him "simply that he had decided to stick with the Mets deal. . . . The issue ended with Clifton, and I suppose the union, persuading Tommy that it would be in everyone's best interest if he did not change his mind about the agreement he made with the Mets."
-------------------------------------------------------------
He turned down Braves' three-year, $30M offer and followed three-year, $35M with the division rival. How about that?! 所以去年底 Glavine 放話想回勇士,我早就認為不可能發生,甚至覺得 JS 根本不會和他談,倒不是 Schuerholz 小心眼,是預算問題嗎?Yes, 但不是全部,Braves 後來還簽了 Chris Woodward、Tanyon Sturtze、Craig Wilson、Mike Gonzalez,我不覺得 Braves 付不出一年 $8M 給 Glavine,只是得到 Glavine 的代價太大,牛棚的補強以及留住未來球隊的核心才是 Braves 的當務之急。
anyway, Glavine 在表達了希望回到 Braves 的意願後,沒多久就匆匆忙忙的又和 Mets 續約了。
Is Glavine's leaving one of the Braves' heartbroken trade? Of course not, it's not a trade. But definitely made fans heartbroken, this time including me.
Update: Glavine was one of the leading representatives of player's union, they decided to break the 1994 season. That's another reason caused fans' bad feeling.
Probably that's also the reason why he regretted his verbal commitment to John Schuerholz and chose the richer contract .
Reference:
Glavine's first game at Atlanta. A rude welcome
We got Chuck James. James makes Glavine unnecessary
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
[+/-] |
Interesting Article: Q&A / AL GOETZ, Braves scout |
AJC 滿有趣的一篇文章,Q&A / AL GOETZ, Braves scout: 'I believed they would both be major-leaguers'。Al Goetz 自 2001 年開始擔任 Braves 的球探,就是他發掘出 Jeff Francoeur 和 Brian McCann 這二位重要的新世代球員。AJC 的 John Manasso 最近與他的訪談,透露了一些 McCann 和 Francoeur 較不為人知的故事,Brian 有位目前在馬林魚 2A 的哥哥?Francoeur 差點變成投手?原始全文請參閱 Q&A / AL GOETZ, Braves scout。
問:第一次看到 McCann 和 Francoeur 打球是什麼時候?
答:他們 12 歲的時候。1995-2001 年我在亞特蘭大經營一家棒球場,Brian 的爸爸 Howie McCann 90年代末曾在那裡工作,所以我很早就認識他們一家人。至於 Jeff Francoeur,是因為他所屬的球隊曾來我們的球場打球。
問:你在什麼階段開始評估球員並且認真的視他們為新秀?
答:我想大部分是從他們高中三年級(美國高中四年)開始仔細觀察,因為從那個時候開始,已經可以大致看出一些人的潛力。我很早就認識 Brian,他個子不大、胖胖的,那時我看不出 12 歲的 Brian 將來會成為大聯盟的明星球員,但他在高中二年級時就非常棒,那時我就認為他會有不錯的未來。
問:會不會因為很早就認識他們,以致很難客觀地評估?
答:不會。因為這使我從人格特質的面向上,更了解他們的內在及外在,像是他們努力的程度、競爭性和動力。在面對比較陌生的球員時,雖然你可以觀察他們在球場上的表現,但並不能由此了解到所有狀況,而你了解的越多,犯錯的機會就越小。所以我絕不會看錯 Brian 和 Francoeur。
註:之前 post 的「球探的故事」提過:「... 一位運動員的「心」才是能否成功最關鍵的地方,而無法看穿他們的「心」正是球探和教練最無法準確預測的盲點 ...」
問:那時你覺得 Brian 和他目前在 2A 的哥哥 Brad McCann 那一個比較好?
答:他們不是同時間出現的。我認為 Brad 在高中時是塊料,雖然不如 Brian 但仍然受到期待;或許因為 Brian 是捕手的關係,所以讓他的價值比較高,而且Brian 在高中時的打擊進步很多。Brian 的 power 較強,而 Brad 是個比較道地的打者(pure hitter)。
問:通常最好的高中球員會被培養成游擊手或投手,為什麼 Francoeur 沒有?
答:Francoeur 原本有機會成為投手,他的球速可以達到 96mph,如果把他丟上投手丘也許會是個還不錯的投手,但他就是不適合當投手。游擊區的話,雖然他的防守範圍夠寬廣,但他不是典型的游擊手,因為他的步伐比較大,屬於外野手的類型,那才是適合他的位置。或許他可以勝任游擊手,但這不是他天生的位置,他是天生的外野手。高中的時候還不是非常的熟練外野的位置,他是透過學習和訓練才成為一個優秀的外野手,所以如果要挑出他當時的弱點的話,就是不太專心於這個位置。還好他的運動細胞非常棒,而且最後也想清楚了,而現在我認為他是個非常棒的外野手。
問:他的臂力不是一直都很好?
答:是的,他在 Parkview 高中同時擔任外野手和 closer,當他上場投球時,總是投得很強勁而且勇於挑戰打者。
問:當時 McCann 需要加強那些方面,以成為一位大聯盟球員?
答:我認為 Brian 在高中時需要加強的是敏捷度(quickness)。他雖然還不是世界上最敏捷的人,但是他非常聰明,他懂得運用身體來加強自己的敏捷度。高中畢業後,他也需要再加強接球的技巧,雖然已經很不錯了,但或許這仍是當時最需要加強的地方。
問:他需要加強的接球技巧是什麼?
答:包括很多方面的組合。以前他沒有蹲捕過這麼長的時間,他小時候是個二壘手;而且他處理球的時候過份積極了些,常常主動去接球而不是讓球來找他;還有擋球的技術也是。他的打擊技巧比防守技巧好太多了。
問:他們最讓你驚喜的是什麼?
答:我很早就相信以他們的實力會登上大聯盟,但沒想到會這麼快就站上了。這個球團裡大概除了 Andruw Jones 與 Rafael Furcal 外,沒有人看過像他們這麼快就適應的那麼好的。他們面對競爭而且不喜歡輸,他們就是要贏過你。
問:你覺得當時 Jeff Francoeur 耍了小手段才被 Braves 選上嗎?大家都知道,當時他想要一筆很大的簽約金,以致很多隊伍都放棄選他。
答:Jeff Francoeur 一點也沒有對 Braves 耍手段,那時他敞開胸懷並且誠實地告訴我。我認為如果他去 Clemson 大學打棒球和美式足球會一樣的快樂,他的確曾經公開說過:「棒球是我的最愛,但是要有一大筆錢才能讓我斷絕與美式足球的關係。」或許當時付給他的錢超過他的實際價值,但這足以使他選擇進入職棒界;他原本可以在成為全美大學明星球員後再參加大聯盟的選秀,但那時我們希望他能儘快地加入 Braves。
問:請告訴我更多你和 Howie McCann 的關係。
答:當我的地方弄好時就雇用 Howie 了,我們一起工作了差不多五年,直到後來他開設了自己的棒球學校(Windward Baseball Academy in Alpharetta)。我們的關係非常密切而且相處融洽,我們既是好朋友、也同為棒球人。他的事業很成功,因為他是一位非常好的打擊教練,而且非常明白自己的角色。是一位朋友介紹我們認識的,那時在 Marshall 大學擔任教練的 Howie McCann 剛好來到城裏,而且正想換個工作跑道,我很幸運當時能見到他。
Monday, April 2, 2007
[+/-] |
Braves gameday audio links |
今年 Braves 的電視轉播一定少得可憐,果然四月份一場都沒有。如果沒有訂 MLB-TV 的朋友,可以收聽 Internet Radio,我找出幾個有 live streaming 的廣播整理一份如下。
** 想了一想,下面的方式有點麻煩,乾脆附上播放清單,直接 download 再用 Windows Media Player 開啟即可。有問題就 email 我吧。
只要點 Station 欄位即可,不敢保證每場、每台都有轉播,就多試一下囉。
Station | Radio Website | Station | Radio Website |
WIQR | Website | WBHP | Website |
WOHS | Website | WJCW | Website |
WXSM | Website | WSCC | Website |
WMSR | Website | WSTP | Website |
WVWI | Website | WNGM | |
WJOX | Website | WCSL | |
WCOS | Website | WKLS | Website |
p.s. Braves 四月份第一週賽程 (美東時間):
Apr-02 | ATL @ PHI | 01:05 PM | Apr-06 | NYM @ ATL | 07:35 PM | |
Apr-04 | ATL @ PHI | 07:05 PM | Apr-07 | NYM @ ATL | 03:55 PM | |
Apr-05 | ATL @ PHI | 03:05 PM | Apr-08 | NYM @ ATL | 01:05 PM |
Sunday, April 1, 2007
[+/-] |
Spring Training Summary |
Braves 今年的 25 人名單:
SP | RP | C | INF | OF |
J. Smoltz | B. Wickman | B.McCann | K. Johnson | A. Jones |
T. Hudson | M.Gonzalez | B. Pena | C. Jones | J. Francoeur |
C. James | R. Soriano | E. Renteria | R.Langerhans | |
M.Redman | M. McBride | S. Thorman | M. Diaz | |
L. Cormier | C. Paronto | C. Wilson | ||
O. Villarreal | C.Woodward | |||
T. Yates | P. Orr |
胡亂總結一下 Braves 春訓的狀況:
一、Mike Hampton 又掛了
Hampton 自從 2005 年動 Tommy John 手術歷經十九個月的復建,總算在大家的殷殷期盼下可以重披戰袍,而且他也被視為 Braves 今年能否再起的重要一環,結果連一場春訓都還沒投就因打擊練習傷到左側肌肉進了 DL,不過還好是傷在投球的一側,復原會比較快,預計五月初可以上場。
而 Schuerholz 以$750K 很快地簽來 Mark Redman,效果如何還有待觀察,不過以一個負責吃局數的四號先發來說,加上改頭換面的牛棚,撐到五月份應該沒有太大的問題,而且原本 Bill James 的預測 Hampton 是 7W-8L、4.50 ERA,Redman 是 9W-11L、4.35 ERA,所以影響應不致太大。而 Lance Cormier 春訓精彩的表現,也讓大家抱以期待,嗯,至少還有 Kyle Davies 在 3A Richmond 待命中。
二、Brian McCann 簽下六年合約
Braves 不尋常地與才 23 歲的 McCann 簽下六年長約,若加上 option 的一年,這份總金額在 $26.8M 至 $41M 的投資回報是,勇士至少在 2013 年以前都保有一位優秀的捕手。
而 Francoeur 不知道是不是犯了大頭症,之前竟然拒絕了球團提供的薪資 (咳咳 ....),不知道這是不是沒能和 McCann 獲得 Braves 同樣重視的原因之一。
三、Kelly Johnson 擔任先發二壘手
Braves 從春訓剛開始,就似乎已經鎖定由 Kelly Johnson 取代離隊的 Marcus Giles 擔任二壘手,即使 Kelly Johnson 的守備還不是那麼令人放心,而 Martin Prado 在春訓也有不錯的表現,Braves 仍然將這個位置和第一棒交給 Kelly。anyway,Kelly 的打擊和上壘能力是比較令人放心的,速度?咳咳 ...,勇士才不屑盜壘咧!
四、Chipper Jones 虛驚一場的受傷
Chipper 上週把大家嚇了一跳,因為同樣位置的拉傷讓他去年進了二次 DL,還好休息幾天、停賽三場回到球場後的表現沒有問題。Chipper 一向是 Braves 重要的打者,尤其今年 Adam LaRoche 離隊後,Scott Thorman 的火力看來還接不上棒的時候,更需要健康的 Chipper 留在隊上。
Willy Aybar 左腕的傷讓他開季留在 DL,不只是受傷,我覺得 Aybar 還有態度的問題,春訓似乎出賽的意願不高。如果今年 Chipper 受傷的話,除了替補的 Pete Orr、Chris Woodward 可守三壘外,3A 的 Martin Prado 和 Yunel Escobar 也能叫上來,今年 Braves 內野手的深度非常足夠。
五、牛棚的徹底翻新
去年破紀錄的 29 個 blown saves 是球隊無法打進季後賽的最主要原因,今年除了 Bob Wickman,又簽來左右二位門神 Rafael Soriano 和 Mike Gonzalez,算是徹底地改造了積弱不振的牛棚。也許 Gonzalez 的成績會比去年退步一點點 (去年實在太驚人了),但絕對增強了球隊後半段保持勝利的機會;而在看過今年春訓 Soriano 的投球後,我覺得明年 Braves 的 closer 就是他了,Thank you, Mr. Bavasi。
同內野一樣,今年勇士的牛棚深度也很足夠,3A 的 Peter Moylan、Joey Devine、Blaine Boyer、Phil Stockman、Anthony Lerew,以及一位不知道哪裡冒出來,流浪大小聯盟多年、待過日本阪神虎的 Buddy Carlyle 也能頂上來。噢,差點忘了,還有個不知道簽來幹嘛用的 Tanyan Sturtze。
Let all those stupid predictions go away, it's time to play real baseball!!
Reference:
2007 MLB Preseason Statistics - Atlanta Braves
AJC - Best Spring since '94