Braves Skipper Shuffles Lineup

Skipper Cox's Lineup Changes Lead To Wins?

Bobby Cox hasn't always been a huge person on switching the Atlanta Braves lineup around, but, I guess things change, right? What a surprise! The Braves' skipper shuffled the lineup for the Braves, and since then the Braves have won every game, scoring many runs, rallying, and playing great baseball. So here's the question - Will he stick with this lineup? Some of you probably don't think so, but it looks like it's working! As long as it is working, it shouldn't be changed. Cox's notorious lineup changes could make the Braves serious contenders in the division! If their was one thing I would do different, it would be to put Schafer at leadoff. He is the only speed threat, and has a great OBP. It certainly must be better than KJ, and KJ hits better low in the lineup. Swap them, and the Braves could be near unbeatable! I will be taking a closer look to the moves Bobby make and I will be studying them. I hope to see more great decisions!


-DeepRally / Clyde

Braves add Veteran OF....Chipper Talks about Tommy Hanson

The Braves and 14-year veteran Garrett Anderson reached a one-year agreement today. The deal is believed to be worth $2.5 million. The signing comes only a fews days after the Bravos missed out of Ken Griffey Jr. (in case you missed out on the drama of that saga, the episode will be re-aired on Oxygen Network sometime this week) An official announcement of the Anderson signing could come as early as Monday morning. Anderson is expected to join the Braves in beautiful Lake Buena Vista, Florida for Spring Training this week. Bobby Cox raved about Garret Anderson in an interview earlier this week. Cox said, "He's got one of the sweetest swings baseball. He's a guy you want up with the game on the line, and he uses all field. I hope we get him." As Hank Hill always says "Dangit Bobby!", we'll guess what, you got your man! 

Anderson is a career .296 hitter and has drove in 80+ RBI's eight of the past nine seasons. Anderson may not be the home run threat he once was but is still capable of hitting 15-20 HR's with under 500 AB's. Anderson will platoon at LF with Matt Diaz.  Oh by-the-way, did I mention Anderson is three-time All Star, winner of the 2003 Home Run Derby, two-time Silver Slugger and is a member of the "Top 500 Home-Run hitters of All Time." 

As for 6-6 Tommy Hanson, Chipper Jones absolutely raved about this kid in a interview with AJC.com Braves beat-writer David O'Brien. Chipper said this about Tommy's control, "Very impressive. He's probably got the best stuff of anybody in this clubhouse, he throws 93-94 with good movement. Great slider. You're talking about a kid that young who can command four pitches. To do what he did in the Arizona Fall League, which has never been done... pretty impressive kid." In the A.F.L. league Hanson made five starts. He posted a 5-0 record, 0.63 E.R.A., and struck out  49 hitters in 28.2, yes 28.2 innings. There's no typo there folks this kid is the real-deal. Oh and don't forget about the no-hitter Tommy threw in Class AA for the Mississippi Braves, while striking out 13 batters. 

Folks, Chipper has been around the league for 14-years and has been teammates with future H.O.F. pitchers such as Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Those are some pretty strong words coming from a guy of Chipper notoriety. 

Hanson is currently aBn's #2 prospect in the Braves organization and a strong showing in Spring Training could definitely benefit Hanson for an attempt to make the Braves roster mid-season this year. 

What type of numbers do ya'll expect from Anderson this year? What do ya'll think about Tommy Hason? Is a stud is he going to be a bust?