Larry Parrish expected to be announced as Braves hitting coach.

The news it out on the wire that the Braves will soon announce Larry Parrish as their new hitting coach. It appears that the finalists were Parrish and former Braves third baseman Jim "Hound Dog" Presley. Presley was on Freddi Gonzalez's staff in Florida and it would have been ironic to have the third baseman that Terry Pendleton replaced, replace him as hitting coach. 

Presley appears on the brink of signing on with Buck Showalter's Orioles. 

For those of you who don't know(or weren't born yet) Parrish was a slugging third baseman/outfielder primarily for the Expos and Rangers and was a two time All-Star. He finished up his career in Japan in 1990.

It's a bit ironic that both of the men interview to replace Terry Pendleton were more power hitters than he was. Perhaps that is a statement about the direction that they hope to be going in the future. Parrish was most recently a manager for the Tigers AAA team the Toledo Mud Hens.

He was briefly the Tigers manager in 1998-1999 compiling an 82-104 record in that time. He has only served as a hitting coach briefly as a traveling instructor, but the brass seem to think that he is the best man for the job, and his hitting credentials as a player were impressive.

The Claw

The World Series approaches and the story is this: No Yankees, No Phillies. 

No, we have the "misfit" Giants and the Ginger Ale spraying Rangers, and the Series is Wide open folks.

Nearly all the great minds in the MLB media were wrong, including myself. I didn't even think that either team would finish atop their division. 

Both teams are very intriguing, but after watching the Rangers play and seeing the resilience of their organization, it doesn't do to shortchange them again. Despite what many baseball pundits are saying about the Giants, the Rangers are the team that never should have made it.

They began the season bankrupt, and under different ownership. Their number one pitcher was Scott Feldman, and the rotation, and pieces of the lineup looked very shaky. 

Then before the season even began manager Ron Washington came under fire for repeated substance abuse problems, but the team stood by Washington. Not only the players, but team president Nolan Ryan. This seemed to set the tone for their season

They were full of question marks, first closer Frank Francisco is very ineffective in the early going. Should be a stumbling block, but no rookie phenom Neftali Feliz(2,000 Braves fans just cringed) took the rains and was a shutdown closer the rest of the season. 

The anchor of their outfield should probably never even achieved Major League stardom, former number one overall pick Josh Hamilton, after years of being mired down in substance abuse came back to the game with a vengance and a few short seasons later he is putting up MVP caliber numbers. 

Nelson Cruz after being a hot prospect, falling out of favor and being traded twice, finally nabbed a starting job at age 28 and has made everyone pay attention when he steps up to the plate.

Pitcher Colby Lewis that just clinched the fist World Series berth for the Texas franchise was in Japan last year, working hard trying to get back into the American game.

C.J. Wilson was trying to recover from being a mediocre closer to become a starting pitcher.

Michael Young last year made his second position change for the sake of the franchise moving to third base, to clear room for Elvis Anrus(again sorry Braves fans) and with both players have preformed well making the Rangers left side of the infield one of the most formidable in the American league.

They never should have made it...but they did. 

Then they got Cliff Lee, Lee wasn't amazing for them down the stretch, but in the playoffs he took off and became the unstoppable superbeast at the front of the rotation they envisioned.

They have embodied reliance, and more recently class.

After star outfielder Josh Hamilton sat out of the celebration of the team clinching a playoff berth, and much ado was made about it. They came up with a better idea. 

After the deciding games for advancement to the next two rounds of the playoffs, they used ginger ale. In doing so they made a situation that could have been very uncomfortable for their star player into an even more joyous occasion.

I am impressed, and that is not a common occurrence. So thank you Rangers for setting a good example, being resilient, confidant, and pretty classy. Also thank you for providing the best baseball specific celebratory gesture in recent memory: The Claw.

An honest goodbye.

Yesterday Melky Cabrera was released by the Braves, and everyone who watched him play this year breathed a sigh of relief. Acquired last off season in a trade that sent Javier Vasquez to the Yankees, Cabrera didn't play up to the same standards that he had in pinstripes. 

Lackadaisical outfield play, a strong arm suddenly very inaccurate, and on base skills that headed south as soon as he did. Just a few reasons keeping him around made no sense. GM Frank Wren has said that they never expected to keep him for more than one season, but probably hoped that he would earn himself out of their price range instead of leaning on past successes for his arbitration raise.

So goodbye Melky we hardly knew ye', and that may be a good thing.

Also released yesterday was veteran reliever Takashi Saito, he preformed well in just over 50 innings this year. It was a contractual clause that was designed to allow him to hit free agency early, not his performance that was the reason for him being released. At 41 he feels he can still play at a high level, but the Braves will search for a more durable veteran arm this off season.

Removed from the 40 man roster was long time minor league catcher J.C. Boscan. After 14 minor league seasons he finally got a call up this September, in his only at bat he walked and scored a run. Speculation is that he will either be brought back on a minor league deal or could be offered a job within the organization.

The Yankees felt the full force of the Rangers Claw last night, with home runs by Hamilton, Cruz and Molina the Rangers are one game away from going to their first World Series. Tonight in game five the Rangers will send lefty C.J. Wilson against the immovable C.C. Sabathia  in a game one rematch that could decide the series.

Wilson out dueled Sabathia in game one only to have the bellpen spoil his electric performance.  

Frank Wrens Shopping List

With the Braves organizational meetings well underway, it's time for the brass to be weighing the needs of the team coming into the 2011 season. Who of their prospects are ready? Who might be ready soon? Who will we keep? What injuries do we have to deal with?

Well the prospects that we have that are ready or very near it are these, Freddy Freeman(of course), Craig Kimbrell, Stephen Marek, Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy.

Most of these players figure to play a part in the 2011 Braves team weather or not they are on it or not. Freeman of course is projected to be the starting first baseman an will bring excellent defense and some power potential to the table.
Kimbrell impressed in most of his call ups this year especially near the end of the year and in the playoffs, he will be a strong candidate to close in 2011. Don't expect him to be handed the job, but don't be surprised if he has achoke hold on it by May.

Marek is the final holdover from the Mark Texeria deal, since everyone in Atlanta either gags at the name Casey Kotchman or has forcedly forgotten he was ever here, it's a good thing Marek has become a viable bullpen option. Coming off a strong season at AAA Gwinett he could serve as a middle reliever on next years team.

Minor and Beachy will probably be fighting it out for the five slot in the rotation this year. It's a dead even heat with both impressing in their late season call ups with the big club, Beachy even facing the dreaded Phillies twice and preforming admirably. Minor may have more long term upside, but Beachy, an undrafted signee, has surprised at ever level so it would be unwise to count him out.

Prospects who are possibilities to make an impact on the team(in some way) in 2011 are Julio Tehran, Randall Delgado, Aroydis Viscaino, Tyler Pastornicky, Myke Jones, and Matt Young.

Tehran has a huge arm and a bright future, he can hit 98 on the radar gun at times with a plus curve and could be the Braves ace by 2013, expect him to get a look sometime in the year.

Randall Delgado is a pitcher pure and simple, he hit's his spots with three plus pitches that can reach 95 at times. Though he isn't likely to make a big impact on the field this season, it appears that he is guy most likely to be traded. I doubt this will actually happen, but it could and he could be the guy that lands the Braves a big bat.

Viscaino has Tehran like upside, but suffered from some ligament damage that shortened his 2010 season. He is reported to be doing well, and could be a September call up, or another big deal trade candidate.


Pastornicky is the shortstop most likely to replace Alex Gonzalez in 2012, he is comparable to Brendan Ryan or Jason Bartlett. A plus fielder, with little to no power, but he can run stealing 11 bases in 38 games after he was acquired in the Yunel Escobar deal. He had 24 already in the Blue Jays system in 77 games. If he impresses in the Arizona Fall League, and preforms during net season it wouldn't be surprising to see him get an emergency call up instead of the punch-less Brandon Hicks.

Myke Jones will not be called up this season barring a blow up season, but he has advanced so quickly in two pro seasons that he could be a big factor in the 2012 picture or the trade market. He is a fair defender at short, and it has been speculated that he could be a plus center fielder. He has plus speed and some power to pull hitting 15 hrs through three levels this year. The knock against Jones is that for a guy just cracking AA he's a little older at 23, but he's moved quick enough that it might not be an issue.

Matt Young, is an interesting name to throw around, he can play all three outfield positions and 2b was a .300 hitter this season and has some speed. At 28 he's more of an organizational guy, but if a better fourth/fifth outfield option is unavailable he may get a look.

Guys with options include Omar Infante, Alex Gonzalez, Kyle Farnsworth, and Rick Ankiel.

Infante and Gonzalez are near locks to get their options picked up.

Farnsworth and Ankiel are gone they have expensive options and unless they can be renegotiated much cheaper are long gone.

Melky Cabrerra and Matt Diaz are possible non-tenders, Diaz probably has a better shot to stay than does Melky, because of a cheaper price tag. Either can help a team, but having both could be a counter productive move. Melky's lackadaisical play makes him most likely to be packing.

So the wish list for Mr.Wren this year reads like this:
1.Outfielder, preferably RH who can hit for power.
2.Possibly another outfielder.
3.A veteran bullpen arm maybe two, preferably RH to help groom the young bullpen corps.
4.A first/third baseman who could fill in for Freddy Freeman against tough lefties, and could sub at third if Chipper Jones has issues coming back.

Guys who could fill said needs:
Only listed are guys who fit the need and are in Braves budget.
1.Free Agents:
Pat Burrell-Resurgent season makes him a viable option.
Andrew Jones-Still has good range in left, and can hit for power.
Marcus Thames-Crushes LHP, not a great LF.
Austin Kearnes-Not the answer.
Xavier Nady-Should be a bargain coming off down year, Scott Boras Client means he wont be.
Jason Kubel-Great fit, but option will be picked up.
Scott Podsednik-Probably will have option picked up, by LAD.
Johnny Gomes-Reds will bring him back with affordable option.
Bill Hall-Could be useful in a spot role, and versatile. Can be exposed by playing everyday.

Trade Candidates:
Cody Rasmus-Fills need, steep price.
Matt Kemp-Wearing down welcome in LA, again steep price.
Adam Jones-Not much pop, plus defender.
Chris Young-Coming off big year, erratic performance.
Hunter Pence-Pop + speed=on the Braves radar.
Cody Ross- Braves will ask on him so he won't be hitting against them anymore.
Michael Cuddyer-Twins may not want to trade versatile OF.
Jacoby Ellsbury-If Sox get Crawford/Werth expect him to be shopped.
Brett Gardner-See above insert Yanks.
Ryan Ludwick-Padres might not want his salary for a full season. but do we?
Coco Crisp-Intriguing when healthy.

2. Free agents:
Brad Hawpe-Could be acquired as a project with a small commitment.
Jermaine Dye-Can he still rake LHP?
Willy Harris-played well with 2006 Braves.
Jeremy Hermida-ATL product never lived up to potential, maybe could realize it at home.
Jose Guillen-Doesn't seem to be a fit.
Johnny Damon- Probably too expensive for what he offers at this point.
Mark Kotsay-Old friend better suited for a part time roll at this point.

Easy option bring back Eric Hinske if a deal can be worked out.

3.RHP:
Octavio Dotel-May want a shot at a closer role.
Frank Francisco-Braves won't want to give up draft pick.
Chad Qualls-Uncle roger could help him find himself again.
John Rauch-Big RHP could be a fit.
Kerry Wood-May cost too much.
Grant Balfour-Will want to go back to Rays.
Joaquin Benoit-Could be had with a multi year deal.
Jose Contreras- Could work out.
Jesse Crain-Another potential fit, wont cost a pick.
Juan Cruz-Could be cheap after down year.
Aaron Heilman- should be cheap.
Bob Howry-Former closer.
J.J. Putz- Good comeback year/former dominate closer.
Tyler Walker- Good clubhouse guy/former closer.

LHP:
Brain Fuentes-May look for CL job.
Randy Choate- Slinging lefty may not be needed in ATL.
Scott Downs-May cost too much.
Will Ohman-Braves often bring back former players.
Hinsanori Takahashi-Live arm, could close.

4.
RH Hitters:
Garrett Atkins-Project for sure.
Lance Berkman(Switch Hitter)-Still wants to play everyday.
Jorge Cantu-Proven RBI man is a good fit, could sub at 3B/LF.
Fernando Tatis-Cheaper option.
Ty Wiggington-Still has power/versatility.
Melvin Mora-Strictly a backup at this point.
Joe Crede-Historically good defender, injury questions.
Pedro Feliz-Good defender, declining bat.
Juan Uribe-Still has some pop.

LH Hitters:
Russell Branyan- needs regular AB's to be productive.
Aubry Huff-Can also play LF.
Lyle Overbay-Probably a better AL fit.

so take from that what you will, and good luck Mr.Wren.

Hero Time

Last nights heartbreaking loss is enough to get anyone down, but don't boo Brooks Conrad. He is just another guy having a terrible day at work, and after a decade in the minors, he knows a lot about bad days. It's easy to point fingers and say ,"that is the reason the Braves lost". It may have been, and he knows that, but teams who hit under .200 in a series aren't doing themselves any favors. 

When Tim Hudson looks like the best hitter on your team, you have problems.

The good news is, Derek Lowe is pitching tonight. That can only mean one thing, it's Hero Time. Lowe was a key cog in the Red Sox machine that took down the Yankees after being down 3-0 in the ALCS in 2004 and Lowe sealed the deal on game seven.

Maybe in May fans would be moaning  after hearing that their best chance to advance in the playoffs would be Derek Lowe on three days rest. Now not so much, he's a big game pitcher who has a wealth of experience against insurmountable odds. 

So Braves fans stop bashing Brooks Conrad, the Braves wouldn't be here without him, and I guarantee that because of him Fransisco Cordero is still having leprechaun nightmares.

So instead cheer Derek Lowe and the rest of the comeback kids and hope they still have a couple bullets left.

#27

The probability of scoring four runs off the Giants bullpen is so low that the odds aren't worth calculating. Don't tell the Braves that, they did it last night and have probably been hearing it from everyone all day.

In the tenth when Billy Wagner went down trying to avoid Troy Glaus on an Edgar Renteria bunt, everyone on Braves country held their breath.

When bench coach Chino Cadahia managing for the ejected Bobby Cox made the call to the bullpen to bring in Kyle Farnsworth, hearts began stopping. As Farnsworth loaded up the bases on a hit batsman and a walk, the 2005 flashbacks begun. Especially when Buster Posey the Giants most dangerous hitter and rookie of the year candidate stepped to the plate.

But the rookie hit a sharp ground ball to the hardly mobile Glaus, who made a perfect throw to second baseman Omar Infante who flipped to first baseman Derek Lee to get out of the jam.

After a giant Derek Lee fist pump, the faithful could finally take a breath.

The Braves then came to bat in the top of the eleventh, and the Brave with the most home runs this season came up to bat. Shortstop and former playoff hero Alex Gonzalez, who bounced out to shortstop.

Then came Rick Ankiel.

Rick Ankiel whose career as a top flight starting pitcher had been derailed against Atlanta ten years previous. Rick Ankiel who had clawed his was back to the majors as an outfielder with a little thunder in the stick.
The Rick Ankiel who had played great defense, but failed to hit much since his trade to Atlanta at the trade deadline.

He didn't disappoint.

As your probably aware Ankiel knocked what would be the game winner into the bay beyond the right field wall at AT&T Park.

The momentum turned, Farnsworth got through the eleventh with just one base runner, and was forgiven by most Braves fans for his 2005 meltdown. That makes it 27 final at bat wins in 2010.

And now they head home to Atlanta, the place where they are the best in the league, with Tim Hudson going to the mound with another chance to prove everybody wrong.

They don't have Chipper Jones, or Martin Prado. They wont have Billy Wagner. They may not have Jair Jurrgens, or Takashi Saito. But they have the guts, and sometimes thats all you need.

NLDS Braves vs. Giants

The Braves are all set to take on the Giants in what promises to be a very exciting and evenly matched NLDS. Bobby Cox due to injuries and other considerations has gone with seven rookies on his post season roster; Heyward, Venters, Dunn, Beachy, Martinez, Kimbrel and the Rawdog himself Brooks Conrad. They have also packed Diory Hernandez who is denied rookie status by something like six at bats.

That is the most ever carried by a Braves team to the post season, more than the 2005 "Baby Braves" who relied on rookie contributions all year. Much like this team.

The Bravos will send past playoff hero Derek Lowe, against two time Cy young winner Tim Lincecum. Lowe is coming in hot , but you can never count out Lincecum because of his repertoire. The diminutive righty has a history of getting over hyped for big games so the Braves will look to cash in on that before he gets into a grove.

The Braves will have to get some runs somehow, and play better defense than they have in recent weeks to win this series. With two of the most impressive bullpens in the league most of these game could be decided early. The top of the order for the Braves does a good job of getting on, but with the best franchise hitter in the last two decades(Chipper Jones), and their current best offensive player(Martin Prado) out with injuries it's up to Brian McCann, and Derek Lee to pick up the slack.

The Giants lineup can be potent, but isn't without holes. The key to their lineup is Andres Torres, if they can keep him of the bases then they can pitch around Huff and Posey to make the lineup a lot shorter.

Keys to the game for the Braves:
Score early.
Play better defense.
Keep Andres Torres of the bases.
Score at all.

Thoughts on the other post season series:

Twins vs. Yankees, the twins put up a good fight, but ultimately fell to the Yanks in game one. If The twinkies can win the next game they have a shot to win. If not they can pack their bags.

Rangers vs. Rays, for one of the first times ever I disagree with a move Joe Maddon is making sending an ice cold James Shields to face the potent Rangers lineup. Matt Garza seems like the obvious choice for their most important game thus far, but he's the boss. C.J. Wilson has had a great year and the Rays can be neutralized by a tough lefty. Wilson will likely give them a hard time, and Shields will be out by the fifth. Prognosis; Rangers win in four.

Phillies vs. Reds, after watching Roy Halladay singlehandedly demoralizing the entire state of Ohio the Reds will try to bounce back tonight against Roy Oswalt, but Bronson Arroyo has had his troubles with the lefty heavy Phillies lineup. If the Reds can't win tonight they probably wont make it past this round. They have to generate some sort of momentum to counteract last  nights no hitter.

Rays vs. Rangers is on TBS right now so I have to go see what's happening, remember Braves tonight at 9:37(weird huh?) again on TBS.

Go Braves!

NLDS Preview/ Season Review

The Braves are headed to the post season, they will face the Giants on Thursday in a match up that is probably the most favorable they could have drawn. They scrapped, clawed and bled for Bobby Cox and will send him off in the post season.

 In all statistical likelihood they never should have made it, Nate McLouth was a central offensive piece they were counting on and he was of little value to the team this season.

Kenshin Kawakami their solid number five starter from 2009 managed to only win one game, and has been relegated to bullpen duty.

Kris Medlin who was probably one of the most important pieces of the Braves first half is down for the season with a torn ulnar collateral tendon.

Chipper Jones their clubhouse leader and suddenly productive third baseman, torn ACL out for the year.

Martin Prado, arguably the most productive Brave this season is hampered by a broken finger and then a torn oblique/ hip pointer.

They probably shouldn't have made it this far, but they did. They are the resilient fighters of the NL East that refused to give up. They had surprise hero's in final at bats all year, they had rookies come through in the clutch, and refused to lose when it mattered most. Congratulations Braves, you earned it.

Expect a though fought series against the Giants, both teams are ready to prove themselves in the post season. Both have outstanding pitching staffs that will make every game tough on the offences, both have Rookie of the Year candidates and both have trouble scoring a lot of runs. My guess is it comes down to the final nine outs of game five and neither team scores more than five runs in any game.

On another note, I told a lot of people that I didn't know where I would stand on all of Frank Wren's acquisitions in the past year until the season was over. Now it's over, so I can safely give an opinion.

Resigning Tim Hudson for three years, good move I think he's a big reason they made the post season, and shows no signs of slowing in 2011.

Signing Billy Wagner to a one year contract, he's been the anchor of a dominate bullpen in a resurgent 2010 campaign two thumbs up.

One year deal for Takashi Saito, overall a good move. Wren didn't know what he had in Kimbrell or Venters at the time and Saito has been a great stabilizer for the team.

Troy Glaus get's a one year deal, I'll give Frank seven out of ten for creativity. He fulfilled a need and didn't pay much for 70+ RBI, Glaus's health issues were unfortunate, but given the price it wasn't a bad move.

One year deal for Eric Hinske, another shrewd move, his numbers aren't gaudy but he's a versatile player who knows how to win. Hinske's good luck charm effect may or may not have had an effect on getting Atlanta into the post season, either way he has helped win games.

Trading Javier Vasquez and Boone Logan for Melky Cabrera,  Mike Dunn, and Arodys Viscaino. Wait and see, but okay so far.  Vasquez has been abysmal for the Yanks, but the Melk man hasn't been all that great for the Braves either even costing them a couple of games with mental errors on defense. Mike Dunn has been fantastic since his call up and should factor into the Braves playoff plans. Boone Logan is also doing well for his new team so it's hard to say that the lefty reliever on either end was the big factor in this deal. The future of Viscaino is what will decide if this is a good move or a wash, he's been good when healthy and if he can remain so may factor into the Braves 2012 plans.

Claiming Christian Martinez off waivers, turned out to be a good move. He's been an effective long man out of the pen and has come up big down the stretch.

Trading Yunel Escobar for Alex Gonzalez, probably a good move for the team to make, Escobar had made it clear that despite his talent the Braves had no space for him in their future plans. Gonzalez has been good for the Braves and has further stabilized the clubhouse.

Trading three minor league pitchers for Derk Lee, Chipper Jones going down for the year made this acquisition necessary. The players the Braves gave up to get Lee are probably not going to be impact players, though they are intriguing prospects. How far the Braves go into the post season, and the future of the prospects are going to determine how good this deal was for Atlanta.

So those are my thoughts, take from them what you will. Make sure to tune in to the Braves, Giants game on Thursday at 9:30 ET on TBS.