Nope, it is my belief that if the “boy-wonder” retired today he would finish his career in Cooperstown in 2015.

He currently stands as possibly the best 3rd baseman in Atlanta history and perhaps Braves history. He is also one of the top 3 most prolific offensive switch-hitters of all time. One can only wonder, if [...]]]> Newsflash huh?

Nope, it is my belief that if the “boy-wonder” retired today he would finish his career in Cooperstown in 2015.

He currently stands as possibly the best 3rd baseman in Atlanta history and perhaps Braves history. He is also one of the top 3 most prolific offensive switch-hitters of all time. One can only wonder, if he hadn’t had the Hooters incident, …well, we might be seeing his commercials all day long right behind Peyton Manning’s.

There are certain numbers that are a given to enter the HOF. Usually the criteria, among hitters, are 3,000 hits or 500 HR’s. Chipper is on the threshold of both.

His career stats include:

2,406-Hits

426-HR

.307-Avg

.406-OBP

.947-OPS

…and he was also MVP in 1999.

Here is what Chipper, who is now 37 years old, will need to do in order to cement his place in MLB history.  This is based on projected years played.

If Chipper plays another:

3 years, he will need to average: 198 hits and 25 HR’s. (Doubtful.)

4 years, he will need to average: 149 hits and 19 HR’s. (Do-able.)

5 years, he will need to average: 119 hits and 15 HR’s. (VERY do-able.)

Let me put this into perspective, …and perhaps elaborate on the elite company that this monumental achievement will elevate him to.

There are only 10 people who have achieved the 3000 hit / 300 HR mark in all of baseball history. As it turns out, 24 pitchers have hit the 300 Win plateau...Clemens, Maddux, Glavine, and Johnson being the latest…that coming on the heels of sportscasters nationwide proclaiming that MLB will never again see another 300 game winner.

Even more, there are only 8 players with 3,000 hits and 400 HR’s, …and to top that…

only 4 players with 3,000 hits and 500 HR’s:

Hank Aaron

Willie Mays

Eddie Murray

Rafael Palmeiro (wont make the HOF because of the congressional finger wagging incident!)

Chipper can quite possibly be the fifth guy on this list.

…I can hear them in NY now as we speak, …..”Larry……Larry…”

It’s got to be humiliating when a guy beats your own team down so bad that he names his own SON after your home stadium!

Thats probably why they tore the crap-hole down.

Chipper is the absolute best pure hitter that I have ever seen come out of the Braves own system…or even traded for. He is a once in a life-time commodity for this franchise and I hope they allow him to go out on his own terms, …as I would have wished for Glavine and Smoltz as well.

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I am going to just throw some names out:

T.O.  (Terrell Owens)

Chad Ochocinco

Bill Belichick

Barry U.S. Bonds

Mike Tyson

Jeff Kent

A-Roid

Roger Clemens (Remember Piazza?)

Pete Rose

Steve Spurrier (Yes, he was in the NFL and ran up the score when he could, he ultimately paid the price for his actions.)

Scott Boras

Kobe Bryant

Michael Vick

Bill Romanowski

David Beckham

Jim Rome

…This [...]]]> World being the key word here folks.

I am going to just throw some names out:

T.O.  (Terrell Owens)

Chad Ochocinco

Bill Belichick

Barry U.S. Bonds

Mike Tyson

Jeff Kent

A-Roid

Roger Clemens (Remember Piazza?)

Pete Rose

Steve Spurrier (Yes, he was in the NFL and ran up the score when he could, he ultimately paid the price for his actions.)

Scott Boras

Kobe Bryant

Michael Vick

Bill Romanowski

David Beckham

Jim Rome

…This is pretty much what I came up with, I am going to do my best to list them, in my opinion, from worst (10) to worst-EST (1).

Here is my top 10:

(...)
Read the rest of Jadarms’ Top 10 Biggest “Richard’s” in the Professional Sports World (1,746 words)

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They came [...]]]> Now, to put this in context…I listen to ESPN on the radio (1370 AM locally for those of you that are interested) and it comes in just a little bit louder than the Rap station that is right next to it so…well, more often than not, I can understand what the hell they are saying.

They came up with a good relevant baseball question last night, and one I would like to propose to you.

I want everyone to put out their all time all star team, …starting with the year 1970 and on…mainly because, I didnt see Mays play, I didnt see Ruth play (neither did you), and well, …you get the point.

So lets start with 1970 and go from there (hence the reason for the “*” in the heading):

I want 1 position player from every postion, 1 thru 9, along with a right handed pitcher, a left handed pitcher, and…well yes, a DH. I absolutely despise the DH but its good for conversation no?

Here are my picks by position: (1=P, 2=C, 3=1b, 4=2b, 5=3b, 6=SS, 7=LF, 8=CF, 9=RF)

1. Roger Clemens (Righty)…yeah, he may have a needle in his ass but cummon. Its hard to deny what the man has done, steroids or not.

1. Sandy Koufax (Lefty) …yeah, well, he may have had a short career but when he was on it was “lights out!”

2. Johnny Bench …Ok, I know Piazza is the all time prolific offensive player in the history of the game at that position, and I love him for it…but lets face it, he didnt have the defensive skills to match. Johhny will turn it on and turn our good starting rotation into a great starting rotation.

3. Albert Pujols …Cummon, gimme an argument on that one!

4. OK, here is where it gets tricky. I know everyone is expecting me to say Joe Morgan but I am going to go with Roberto Alomar. He only had a few good years during his prime…and then got the flu one day and managed to clear out his phlegm on an umpires face. That part aside…when you consider gove work along side of what you can do in the box…he was the best I have ever seen. I know Morgan stole a ton…but that has a lot to do with the manager as well.

5. Mike Schmidt…but Chipper Jones might have something to say about that before he retires…so might David Wright.

6. Alex Rodriquez …people forget that he was a shortstop once. I love Jeter with all of my heart…and I once thought that Garciaparra might have been beter than both of them. At the time though, I didnt realize that he was more brittle than Chipper Jones.

7. Barry Bonds …I know the “juiced up” Bonds played better than anyone else in the history of the game…but lets take a look at the skinny Bonds…the one prior to the McGuire/Sosa era…he wasnt so bad either. Steroids or not, he is the most prolific offensive player I have ever seen on the field…and probably ever will. He is the perfect combination of speed and power. No other player in the “history” of the game has ever reached the 400/400 plateau….(that is 400 HR’s and 400 steals to you science geeks that might happen to read this article.) ….but Barry reached the 500/500 plateau…and might have even reached even higher had he not turned the juice on. He is the absolute best I have ever seen…Pujols is close.

8. Ken Griffey Jr. …Griff’s main problem is…well, hell. He gets hurt to damned much. But when he was younger and when he wasnt hurt…no pitcher in either league wanted to face him. He can go back on a ball as well as anyone, he can leap, dive…hell, he used to be worth the price of admission just to watch him play defense. I would have loved to have witnessed his career come to an end without all of the injuries that he has endured and to see what kind of numbers the “Kid” could have put up.

9. This is kind of a toughie! …I guess, off the top of my head, I am going to go with Ricky Henderson because I need a leadoff hitter and why not start w/ the best?

10. DH …Manny Ramirez…one of the most prolific right handed hitters of our day…and one of the most entertaining outfielders of our day…thats why he is my DH.

So, if you got the mojo to put your team up on the board then I am all ears!

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Now, we have had some outstanding dark horse teams over the last few seasons, teams that virtually no one saw coming. Like the Rockies in [...]]]> Ok folks! We are well into April now and spring training is coming to a close. It is time for me to make my “2nd annual” predictions on the upcoming MLB season.

Now, we have had some outstanding dark horse teams over the last few seasons, teams that virtually no one saw coming. Like the Rockies in 2007 and the Rays in 2008 but I am not completely convinced in their ability to maitain their lofty status. The Phillies were the world champions last year but they would not have even made the playoffs had they not gotten hot during the last month of the season.

It’s all about getting hot at the correct time…especially when you consider that the first playoff series is a best of five. You cant necessarily gear your team anymore for a 162 game season. You have to build a playoff capable team and then pray that they make it through the 162 games with minimal injuries.

…which leads me to my next subject. Youth and payroll capability.

The current economic climate has touched MLB…maybe even smacked the hell out of it! This is an economy that, as of today, prohibits players such as Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, and Pedro Martinez from gaining employment and that also allows a player of the magnitude of a Manny Ramirez to negotiate all winter long with one single team.

One single team.

$ome team$ have it but mo$t dont!

Truth? …The Yankees got it done this offseason ladies and gentlemen.

As for the other teams in my predictions? Well, …I have given a few teams some extra credit based solely upon who their manager is…such as Jim Leyland, Lou Piniella, Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, and Ron Gardenhire. These guys know how to squeeze every last bit of talent out of what they have on their roster.

So here it is;

NL East
1. Phillies
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Brewers
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates

NL West
1. Dodgers
2. Diamondbacks
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres

AL East
1. Yankees
2. Red Sox
3. Rays
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. White Sox
2. Indians
3. Tigers
4. Twins
5. Royals

AL West
1. Angels
2. Rangers
3. A’s
4. Mariners

NL Wildcard: Braves
AL Wildcard: Red Sox

NL Cy Young: Jake Peavey
AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay

NL MVP: Albert Pujols
AL MVP: Mark Teixeira

WS Champs: The New York Yankees.

Thoughts?

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Yes, I know I am insane, and YOU know that I am insane…but how do these bastards know that?

Dr. Basketball (Gary Haskew), Quake (Scott McMahan), and Cowboy Joe (who earns his pay by trying to insert something into the conversation very quickly every [...]]]> A sports show on a local Talk Radio station has recently called me insane!

Yes, I know I am insane, and YOU know that I am insane…but how do these bastards know that?

Dr. Basketball (Gary Haskew), Quake (Scott McMahan), and Cowboy Joe (who earns his pay by trying to insert something into the conversation very quickly every 25 minutes or so) form what 102.3 calls SportsTalk.

Now, since the name itself implies that they should be covering all sports doesnt mean that they actually do. They are good at basketball (I guess)…they are good at NASCAR (I guess)…they are OVER THE TOP UT Vols fans…and I am good with that since I am a Vols fan myself but some of the stuff that comes out of their mouths just…well, its embarrassing. Almost as embarrassing as when Lane Kiffin actually speaks.

That “Lane Train” TOOT-TOOT has been quieting a bit over the last couple of weeks.

Folks, what I am suggesting that the 102.3 SportsTalk team are lacking in and what I am writing about is their apparent lack of interest in and their authority of coverage of Major League Baseball. They cover the headlines…about as well as any 2nd grade sports lover should. They sort of read the highlights…like “Manny finally signs with the Dodgers” but are not really interested in the specifics…like “I dont know how much he is making“…when all you have to do is read the damned ariticle.

Nor are they concerned with other minor things like statistics, Won/loss records, money, administration, how the game works, three strikes and you’re out…etc.

They are just reading the highlights from Comcast.net…not because they like baseball, but because they are trying to fill air time until their next beer break. (I dont really think they drink beer on the air, …I just know that they are huge Vol fans and would NEVER drink Gatorade)…so…maybe I am suggesting that they are drinking Powerade?

Whoknowz?

Anyway, I am known as “Johnny Brave” when I call in. (Its a little thing they like to do, give knicknames to people who call in…like the nicknames kids get in little league I guess…I just felt stupid calling in and saying “Hi, I am John Armstrong“…when everyone else is saying “I am the Gator-Terminator” or “I am the Bama-Pajama.”)

So I call in wanting to talk about our local MLB franchise…the Atlanta Braves. The questionable topic of the day was “American Sports Iconic Figures”…and who should be on that “list“.

I called in and asked if front office management should be considered into the equation in addition to atheletes. They all mumbled and stuttered a bit and then agreed that it should. Then I suggested that John Schuerholz should be included because of what he has accomplished in regards to the streak that has never before been equaled in American sports history in a climate of free agency.

Ever!

14 consecutive division titles.

Folks, not even the pinstriped Yankees have ever done that!

And all of their millions $$$$ suggests that they have tried their best!

I couldnt get an argument from them on why he (Schuerholz) shouldnt be there…on their little “list“…so then they start asking me about how I feel about this years Bravo’s.

So I tell them.

First, let me say that I am forever a Braves optomist. What I mean by that is that when I make projections that I am considering that everyone remains effective and healthy.

Should I project failure and injuries? Well, if I could, I would imagine that I am in the wrong line of work and that I should work for an insurance company.

“No Mr. LaRussa, we cannot insure Albert Pujols this year because I think he will tear an ACL this June.”

N’uff said!

I talked about the Vasquez trade. The Kawakami signing, the Lowe signing, the Glavine signing, about Jurrjens success as an infant last year and about Hudsons projected arrival around August.

Folks, thats a deep friggin’ rotation. Maybe not a pure ace on the staff but a helluva lot of innings eaters on there. Which brings me to my next point.

Tommy Glavine is projected to be our 5th starter…and 2 years ago he was among MLB leaders in quality starts (that means pitching at least 6 innings while giving up 3 runs or less whether you win or not)

Our 5th starter??

Ok, Soriano is healthy, Gonzalez is healthy, Boyer is healthy, and we have got friggin’ Hanson just dying for a spot in our rotation. Yes, Hanson, the boy wonder with the 99 MPH heater that he can cut butter anyway he wants with, a slider that Cox compares to Smoltzs (among the best ever), and a 70 something 11 to 5 over the top curve that is going to buckle many knees. Yup, he will indeed need a spot too come September.

I read an article today where our AAA pitching coach Hansen thinks that this is the deepest pool of pitching prospects that he has ever seen in any organization and in anytime in Atlanta’s history.. Yes thats right, including when Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, and Mercker were coming up.

The best in its history…

Our main problem last year were one run losses. If we can cut those in half then what would our record be this year at the same projection?

Thats my whole point about the rotation. The bullpen is healthy but the rotation is also much deeper meaning less work on the bullpen which means a more effective bullpen which translates into better one run situation scenarios.

I think we have a helluva chance to cut those one run game totals in half…which to me translates into a 92 win season.

…and thats exactly what they asked me. I cut the team apart, discected it for them…they couldnt argue with anything that I said, …they tried to talk smack about the Braves for signing Mike Hampton and paying him for not pitching but I threw up the fact at, numbers to dollars, that the Greg Maddux signing may have been one of the best in baseball history.

They finally asked me for an over/under. I told them 92 wins. They immediately hung up on me at that point and called me “completely insane“. ..and went on and on and on about it. Hell, even the caller behind me said that “Well, he brought up a helluva lot of good points…then he dropped that 92 win bombshell.”

102.3 SportsTalk has officially labled me as head of the Bravo’s fans. And folks, they mean it condenscendingly.

I have got credible backup though…by people that actually know and understand baseball…you know, the whole three strikes and you are out thing. Check this out ….read this article…from the website that Peter Gammons from ESPN gets most of his MLB rumors from. I know Tim folks, he is a die hard Cubbies fan…and this article was written after my phone call and my over the air diagnosis of insanity.

Enjoy!

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My take on the first point is [...]]]> The AJC’s Terrence Moore stated Saturday that the Braves intend to keep Big Tex throughout the remainder of the season. Moore listed two reasons for keeping him. 1. The Braves are still in the hunt for the playoffs. 2. He is one of the best first basemen in the game.

My take on the first point is simple. The Braves have set the MLB record for consecutive 1 run losses on the road, now standing at 24 games since Aug. 10, 2007, and are 4 – 22 in one run games overall this season and 15 – 32 on the road. They are currently 6 games under .500 and will have to pass 3 teams in order to reach 1st place in their division and reach the playoffs, as the wild card will most definitely come from the Central division this year.

That hardly makes me think that the Braves brass honestly believe that we are still in the hunt.

My take on the second point is more pessimistic. Sure, there is no denying that Tex is one of the premier first basemen in the game today and he is truly a 2nd half guy for his career and is currently in his prime. But his agent is Mr. Scot Boras. While Schuerholz was still the active GM he wouldnt even negotiate with Mr. Boras’s clients or even return a simple email. New GM Frank Wren may have a more agreeable disposition with the super agent but the final decision will still hinge on dollars and ¢ense. The Braves will definately free up a huge chunk of payroll this year with the loss of Hampton, Glavine, Tex, Kotsay, and possibly Smoltz. Will they….should they use the money to re-up Tex?

I am thinking that this is a wonderful time for a fire sale…get good young talent. Thats why I dont believe either of these two “reasons” that were given to the AJC for the Braves to hold on to Tex.

If Tex leaves through free agency at the end of the season then the Braves will be awarded two supplemental draft picks. If we were to trade him now for the best offer then we would lose those draft picks.

They tried to trade him, couldnt get what they wanted, and will opt instead for the two draft picks this winter.

I wouldnt pull the plug on this just yet. I dont care what Terence Moore said in his article, there are still 10 days left until the trading deadline and the Braves will not let a “no-brainer” slip through their fingers.

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I am not going to talk about Tony Stark though…I am going to talk about the Iron Man record held by Cal Ripken [...]]]> Well, that seems to be what is in the media today. I would personally love to see the movie because I was a Marvel comics fanatic when I was a kid (no, …not DC…Marvel)

I am not going to talk about Tony Stark though…I am going to talk about the Iron Man record held by Cal Ripken who surpassed Lou Gehrig in order to claim the mark…which currently stands at 2,632.

I have never been a big fan of this record. Its hard to talk to baseball people sometimes and say that because they will look at you with disgust. But I was watching the game and Carey and Simpson echoed my beliefs on the matter so I thought I would bring it up.

Right now, Frenchy has the current Iron man record for active players…but what does that mean?

Yes, It tells your manager that you will play hurt…that is great. But what about the other guys in the dugout? Like Skip said…the object is to win games…so if Frenchy or Cal…or Andruw was not entirely healthy enough to play then why sacrifice the efforts that the other 8 guys do out on the field so that one guy can have his record entact?

Ripken made “cameo” appearances in order to prolong his streak. He also had back problems…medical problems…along with that huge multi-million dollar contract…and he wouldnt even allow his own team to review them.

How is THAT for a team player??

The “record” was more important to Cal than the “team” was…that is why I am not a big Cal fan…I think he changed the position…he changed the game for that matter…but, from a managers perspective, …thats like trying to win with one hand tied behind your back.

To hell with records, streaks, whatever….that is what is SUPPOSED to make them special…its that the BEST player is in the game to help the team win…whatever happens from there…well, it happens.

…and with no asterisks.

Me?? …well, I would rather watch the movie.

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“Jeff Borris (Bonds’ agent) said no team has made any kind of offer to Bonds, even at the league minimum. Borris might not take $400K for Bonds, but he’d listen.” …this courtesy of MLBTradeRumors.com

He’d listen??

Barry Bonds is a tragedy. Had he not ever been implicated in the PED’s phenomenon in the [...]]]> Well, what are the possibilities?

“Jeff Borris (Bonds’ agent) said no team has made any kind of offer to Bonds, even at the league minimum. Borris might not take $400K for Bonds, but he’d listen.” …this courtesy of MLBTradeRumors.com

He’d listen??

Barry Bonds is a tragedy. Had he not ever been implicated in the PED’s phenomenon in the last decade…hell, had he not even came within 150 HR’s of Hanks record…I would still regard Barry as one of the best 3 offensive players to have ever played the game. (The only 400/400 guy in history…check that, the only 500/500 guy in history…yeah, I know his SB days are behind him)

Having said that, I know clubhouses dont want to deal with the negative publicity, the constant questions, the supposed lack of integrity by any team that would sign him…the inevitable indictment.

But, MLB minimum for this kind of production? (He has made comments to suggest that he would even be willing to play in Japan)

I am not necessarily saying that the Braves will pick up on this, probably not.

…but some other team will…eventually.

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