Latest DOB Blog

[Runnin]

Braves building middle-infield strength to last long time
That said, I won’t be at all surprised if we see Swanson in the big leagues by late summer....

Much like an organization having more top pitching prospects than can fit onto one team, having a bevy of elite shortstop prospects in the same organization is a good problem to have. Here’s how Blakeley explained it when I asked him about that last week.

“If you’re going to play short you’ve got to be a pretty good athlete,” Blakeley said, “and a lot of shortstops eventually move to other positions — Mickey Mantle was a shortstop, he went to center; Robin Yount was a shortstop and he went to center; Chipper was a shortstop and he went to third base. What ends up happening is you take these guys and they’re good athletes, they go to the corners and become plus defenders at other positions.”

[Runnin]

A.J. and Flowers: Braves have solid duo behind dish


“I believe in the (Braves’) plan, believe in the organization and the people,” Flowers said on the December day he signed. “I’m on board ready to help the young players develop into what this organization was when I was coming up. This was an organization that was dominant. The expectations are to get back to that, and I’m glad they want me to be a part of it.”

Braves general manager John Coppolella already likes what he’s heard about Flowers working in recent weeks with young pitchers.

“It was a big thing for us,” Coppolella said of the signing. “Flowers ranked, I think, as the second-best framer. That will really help our young arms as they keep getting better and start to come through our system. Just as with A.J., this guy cares greatly. He works with our guys, wants them to get better. I think it’s a huge factor for us.”

[bravesfanMatt]

I am ready for the season to start. I hated to give up on CB like we did last year. But man I think flowers will be good for this team.

[Julio3000]

I think Flowers was a very good pickup. He'll add a little something on both sides of the ball and hopefully in the clubhouse.

[GovClintonTyree]

I think Flowers was a very good pickup. He'll add a little something on both sides of the ball and hopefully in the clubhouse.

I do, too. Sounds like Chris Sale will miss him. Pretty good terms, too.

[NinersSBChamps]

I do, too. Sounds like Chris Sale will miss him. Pretty good terms, too.

We should add Chris Sale then. Oh never mind he wouldn't crack the rotation because of the great young starters littered on this team.

[praeceps93]

We should add Chris Sale then. Oh never mind he wouldn't crack the rotation because of the great young starters littered on this team.

I feel like someone is constantly peeing in your coffee to make you this grumpy all the time.

[WaitingFor2017]

I was 75% expecting to read about DOB's latest underground musical fascination or read about his latest meal he had in Savannah.

[Knucksie]

I feel like someone is constantly peeing in your coffee to make you this grumpy all the time.

I did it but didn't think he'd notice.

[UNCBlue012]

I love how exciting this teams' future is. I just hope it continues to go up up up!

[Garmel]

I was 75% expecting to read about DOB's latest underground musical fascination or read about his latest meal he had in Savannah.

Or the constant belittling of others who dare challenge his POV. I really don't have a clue how he keeps his job.

[clvclv]

Or the constant belittling of others who dare challenge his POV. I really don't have a clue how he keeps his job.

Doesn't happen to remind anyone of any other Braves' "insider" in that respect at all, does he???

[Julio3000]

Doesn't happen to remind anyone of any other Braves' "insider" in that respect at all, does he???

Heh.

[MadduxFanII]

Say what you will about DOB (and I've said a lot), but at least he gives you reason to believe he has more than one phrase he can write in any given piece.

[Julio3000]

Say what you will about DOB (and I've said a lot), but at least he gives you reason to believe he has more than one phrase he can write in any given piece.

I have been given reason to believe that isn't a phrase, but a catch phrase. Branding, baby.

[MadduxFanII]

I have been given reason to believe that isn't a phrase, but a catch phrase. Branding, baby.

Bowman will have the last laugh in 2018 when the Braves win 110 games and every kid under the age of 18 in the Atlanta area is wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "Reason to Believe!" in big white letters. With Bowman's portrait on the back, of course.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Bowman will have the last laugh in 2018 when the Braves win 110 games and every kid under the age of 18 in the Atlanta area is wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "Reason to Believe!" in big white letters. With Bowman's portrait on the back, of course.

This would be awesome, and highly likely that it could happen....as in a way to honor Bowmans passing.

[Runnin]

Perez Could Be Managerial Candidate

When a team managed by Braves bullpen coach Eddie Perez won the Venezuela Winter League title and advanced to the Feb. 7 Caribbean Series championship game against Mexico, a whole lot of people were pulling for Venezuela who had no connection to the country. They were pulling for Perez.

He has that effect on people. Seems like everyone who meets Perez, 47, comes away feeling better about things. He’s very smart, funny, loyal, candid, upbeat, and always smiling – at least away from games.

In games or workouts when the situation calls for it, Perez can be deadly serious. Anyone who’s been around the fun-loving guy knows not to screw around near him when it’s time for work.

[UNCBlue012]

I love Perez, so please!

I've never met a coach who has been as respect to me as he was. Awesome guy.

#Perez2017

[Runnin]

Braves prospect Swanson arrives early, excited for 1st spring training

Dansby Swanson will share a locker with fellow shortstop prospect Ozzie Albies at spring training, the projected future of the Braves’ up-the-middle defense getting acquainted in close quarters for at least the opening weeks of camp.

“I just heard he’s a really good guy, “Swanson said, smiling, “and that he’s pretty darn good. So that’s a good combination.”

It's starting.