Braves

By Jim

October 5, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

Not starting Langerhans and starting the inactive and rusty Brian Jordan is typical playoff Cox…. and an example of why we have only one World Series title…

Bobby’s loyalty has bit us in the past… ex: Liebrandt

Hope this isn’t the factor but…

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 04:27 PM | Link to this

WHAT THE HELL??!!! Where is everyone??!! The Ted looks like a ghost town and sounds like a damned funeral parlor! I guess Peter Gammons was right…it is just a pathetic baseball town, plain and simple!

By Nicholas Irwin

October 5, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

Hopefully the crowd will fill in as the game goes along. But still this is truly pathetic. I know somebody’s gonna come on here with some lame excuse as to why they didn’t come (traffic, work, prices, etc.) but the fact of the matter is that none of those excuses matter for other cities. I really am sick of it. It’s not a plausible excuse.

By fred

October 5, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

Well Jordan just flashed the glove in a serious way. Let’s hope the bat follows.

By A Lifer

October 5, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

Great catch in the first by Brian….not so bad of a call so far!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

This ump SUCKS!!! And Hudsy is wild high. This could be a LONG day!

By Jim

October 5, 2005 04:53 PM | Link to this

Cox has a weird way of managing … stats don’t matter to him! Hunches do!

By bren

October 5, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

Brian Jordan should NOT even be on the playoff roster, much less starting. End of story. Bobby counted on the rookies to get us here and should not abandon any of them in the post season in favor of no-count Jordan. Inexcusable move by the manager of the year. It’s contrary to this whole year and not even debatable.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

I hate you Tim Hudson!

By Max Sizemore

October 5, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this

Dave, it’s the lefty-righty thing. You should know about platoon baseball. Jordan, at least in the past, has hit lefties real well. Langerhans will be in if and when the Astros go to a righthander.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

Why does it always seem that our opponents are always so much better prepared than we are? It’s not that they are the better team, but they always come out and play smart, confident baseball. We come out looking like it’s spring training!

By Tony

October 5, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

Typical Tim Hudson…overrated and underperforming as usual. There is a reason why Oakland never made it out of the div. series and it wasn’t always their hitting. This s** sucks…Damn.

By JOHN MOON

October 5, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox lost the 1991 WS as much as bad base running did,and now this the first game lighting in a bottle he must know the Braves don’t have a prayer he can manage good during the year but he can not win the big. Lucking for him before 91 the Brave for the most part
always sucked!!! If we were a winning club before 91, getting knocked out of the playoff early and blowing “WS” he would not lasted this long

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 05:14 PM | Link to this

This SUCKS!!! I want BC gone, trade Hudson, trade AJ, trade Gilys, let Fooky go in free agnecy, trade the whole s** bunch of losers! I don’t care if we miss the playoffs for a few years or even if we NEVER get back in my lifetime. I CAN’T TAKE THIS S** ANYMORE!!!

By CJC

October 5, 2005 05:14 PM | Link to this

Is that Tim Dudson or has the spirit of Greg “Big Game” Maddux invaded his body. Either way the same results. Tony is right-this is how Dudson always pitched in Oakland.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 05:17 PM | Link to this

NEVER MIND!!! HA!!!

By Chris

October 5, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

You people are the flakiest fans on the face of the earth, especially you Carroll. Aside from the fact that yes, it’s sad you can’t sell out a playoff game. But geesh, let the game play out people! You moan as if it’s 10-0 Stros! The Braves are underdogs and are going to have to excel beyond expectations to win this series. At least wait until they are down 0-2 in the series before screaming they need to trade everyone. They’re playing a team that would be tough for anyone. Patience!!!

By A Lifer

October 5, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this

If furcal could just get on before the jones’….we’d be tied or ahead, even with the bad pitching!!!!!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this

Chris: I get a little emotional…been through this way too many times. But I’m shutting up til the game’s over.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 05:32 PM | Link to this

I will say this though..these announcers, especially Karros are about to drive me crazy! God I wish I was in the Atl and could listen to our guys on the radio.

By Nicholas Irwin

October 5, 2005 05:34 PM | Link to this

Looks like I was right about the crowd. Not a sell out but it’s definitely filled in and livened up a bunch.

By Tony

October 5, 2005 05:35 PM | Link to this

yea Carroll…relax. You kind of making a mockery of being a fan. Now Hudson has been a major dissappointment and the Brian Jordan decision is questionable…but please give this squad a chance.

By Nicholas Irwin

October 5, 2005 05:45 PM | Link to this

Hudson has looked really damn good in the last two innings. We may yet be able to dodge this bullet somehow.

By A Lifer

October 5, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this

I am tired of losing…come on….do something!!!….and that means take apitch every now and then franceour!!!!!!!!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 06:20 PM | Link to this

Seriously, how can we look so hideous after such a great season. This is so sad. They look like they don’t know what the hell they’re doing.

By mizb

October 5, 2005 06:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why BC started Brian Jordan, Johnny Estrada, and Julio Franco in Game 1. I believe the rookies (Langerhans, Laroche and McCann) would have made it more exciting somehow (even without playoff experience) than this same old same old stuff!!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

every freakin inning for us is a complete abortion and yet they get us out so easily. I swear BC needs to go. He never has his team adequately prepared and they’re never able to make necessary adjustments during games. Pitiful.

By Tony

October 5, 2005 06:31 PM | Link to this

Just embarassing. What else can you say?

By Eric

October 5, 2005 06:35 PM | Link to this

There is a silver lining. Hudson can’t pitch again until game 4, and there probably won’t be a game 4.

By Jeff

October 5, 2005 06:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if the pitcher agreed to only pitch underhand to Jordan, he should NOT play. He definitely shouldn’t be on the roster. Nice double play he hit into. Real nice. Why not just put Charlie Leibrandt in.

By CJC

October 5, 2005 06:38 PM | Link to this

Now I know why almost none of the experts gave the Braves a chance in this series. Today was their best chance to win & look how that’s turning out. We’ll be VERY fortunate to salvage one game out of this series. Let the Phillies win it next year. They’ll be more competitive than this bunch.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 06:38 PM | Link to this

What’s worse is the fact that the Astros “anemic” offense without even a healthy Bagwell starting at 1st could do this to us. I mean…Palmeiro? Lane? Tavarez? These guys are nobodys and they’re killing us!!

By mizb2005

October 5, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this

With that bullpen, who could give the Braves a chance in this series?? If the bullpen were just competent, they could have kept the score 5-3 and let the Braves hitters go to work. Except they coughed up 5 more runs in less time than Hudson gave up his 5 runs!!!

By Eric

October 5, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

Hudson was belt-to-letter high his whole time in there. Did anyone really expect Reitsma and Foster to save our bacon?

By Michael

October 5, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

Brilliant Cox moves so far

Starter LAROCHE out. FRANCO: 0-3

Starter LANGERHANS out. JORDAN: 0-3

Starter MCCANN out. ESTRADA: 0-3

Pitching changes

REITSMA: 2 Runs FOSTER: 4 Runs

By Tony

October 5, 2005 06:49 PM | Link to this

Yea now that DC has a team…Furcal, Estrada, Jordan, Franco, Bobby Cox, Tim Hudson, Chris Rietsma…Thanks for showing up..bunch of sissies. Like I said earlier…Hudson is already use to going out in the 1st round…Oakland never did and he showed today why that is. No one on the Braves can match the heart, intensity of Clemens and Petite…and then the bulldog of Oswalt. No not even Smoltz…Furcal, Giles, Chipper and Andruw…tomorrow is your day.

By Jim

October 5, 2005 06:49 PM | Link to this

10-3 Bases loaded again and Jim “home run derby arm” Brower throwing…. not pitching cause he cannot pitch….

Bobby “no clutch” Cox calls in his reversible no pitch bullpen to blow the game completely ….

…and true to form the rookies get us here and Cox starts Brian “easy out” Jordan…. great move Bobby, your boys 0 for 3 with a nice catch which Langerhans would have made as well..

Welcome to the playoffs folks where “Dr.Cox and his “Mr. Hyde” personality always arrive on schedule and swap places…

By will

October 5, 2005 06:52 PM | Link to this

this is typical braves baseball win the small games and lose when it really matters in the playoffs new year same braves and same coach.. hey this isnt the biggest game this week the falcons and patriots will be way more intresting

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 06:54 PM | Link to this

Screw this…

1. You people within driving distance from the ballpark who call yourselves “fans”… you’re an embarrassment to those of us who live all over the country who call ourselves “Braves fans.” There should almost be a freaking asterisk next to the term when those of us who are supporters use that term, so that we can differentiate ourselves from you belly-aching, sit-at-home-and-give-up-the-home-field-advantage, no-gooders.

2. If all we can do is get to the postseason and embarrass ourselves with pitiful fan turnout, pitiful bullpen pitching, and give up a DOUBLE-DIGIT effort by the least lethal offense in the postseason, then what’s the point in getting there?

3. It’s time to give up on these freaking “warm-n-fuzzy” loyal old goats that we bring back every freaking season. Hulio.. love ya, man, but LaRoche was on fire going in. Jordan, dude, I’m a Falcons AND Braves fan, so you’re always welcome at my dinner table, but Langerhans was hitting .350 in the month of September, leading up to the playoffs. Todd Hollandsworth would’ve been more valuable, with healthier knees and a faster swing.

Just think, Braves fans… next year, we get to lose Furcal (Betemit should replace him alright), PAY for Mike Hampton’s year-long DL stint and have NOTHING to spend to replace him! In other words, we MIGHT get back to the postseason, but what ya see now is what we get at this time next year, too.

By Jim

October 5, 2005 06:54 PM | Link to this

Oh one more thing…. playoff experience with guys that have lost year after year may not necessarily be better than rookies that just know how to win…

Give me the rookies Cox and send all your losing bullpen veterans away… they’re horrible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Fredo

October 5, 2005 06:55 PM | Link to this

HEY COX…DANCE WITH WHO BRUNG YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MCCANN, LAROCHE AND LANGERHANS not starting summarizes your inability to properly manage in post-season baseball and your unhealthy obsession with veterans with overrated “experience”.

By Michael

October 5, 2005 06:59 PM | Link to this

Over anxious, trigger happy Braves’ Hitters. What a shock. How many years in a row must we continue to have every hitter in our lineup swing at the first pitch before we finally learn our lesson? Oh, but wait - isn’t that why Cox says he plays his veterans like Brian Jordan and Julio Franco - for their patience and experience? And no, Bobby Cox and Atlanta players going up against good pitchers is no excuse. For the love of God, some accountablity please.

By Jim

October 5, 2005 06:59 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Cox … let Franco hit again against a righty now after an 0 for 3 day when LaRoche ended the season as the only hot bat…

And Jordan is standing in the dugout with a bat?????????

too much Bobby … during the season you get great respect, but now, during the post season it is a different story… here Bobby you manage poorly…

sorry folks, the truth hurts…

By G.

October 5, 2005 07:02 PM | Link to this

Anyone else feel that the Braves are working with a handicap every postseason…Bobby Cox’s “instincts”.

By ray

October 5, 2005 07:07 PM | Link to this

Jordan in left is a joke. He is no longer a major league player. Estrada should have been given the rest of year off. Poor guy is in a daze. Oct and brainlock for BC go hand in hand.

By William

October 5, 2005 07:07 PM | Link to this

This also what happens when you come into the playoffs on a 4 game losing streak!!! I never thought that things could get worse than last year, I was wrong!!! I’m starting to understand why everybody wants to see someone else win the Division other than the “sad sack” Braves!!! How embarassing!!! Go Sox!!!!!

By Eric

October 5, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this

In fairness, it wasn’t Bobby who was the starting pitcher who couldn’t throw strikes. It wasn’t Bobby who didn’t stretch on Marcus’ throw to first, thereby opening up a big inning. It wasn’t Bobby who made little effort to block a pitch in the dirt with the bases loaded.

Bobby’s reliance on veterans is offset by the fact that he won’t hold a team meeting and read the freakin’ riot act. If he were to do that, the veterans could join in. As things stand, the adrenalin level appears to be about -3.

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 07:14 PM | Link to this

I can hear it all over right now “Here we go again”…”Time for Bobby Cox to go” etc etc etc My question is this: Would you have Bobby Cox and get to the Playoffs each year with varying degrees of success, or another manager and be subject to years without a postseason appearance? There is no other manager in the game that can take a differant bunch of players and mold them into a winning ballclub. Without Cox, the Braves are not even close to the Playoffs. I’d rather have Cox and lose in the Division series thank you. As the old addage goes “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”

Oh BTW: Why is the Division Series only five games? Why can’t we make all the postseason rounds best-of-seven? You lose the first game in a five-game series and it is pretty much toast for you. That’s not fair at all, especially to teams who have won 100+ games. On the other hand a weaker team has less of a chance to climb out of a 0-# hole. I think seven-game series are much more fair to everyone.

By ted

October 5, 2005 07:15 PM | Link to this

isnt this the same game 1 for last year…odd and the past 3 years

By HAROLD LEE SCOTT

October 5, 2005 07:16 PM | Link to this

BIG MISTAKE TODAY! ALTHOUGH THEY ARE LEFT HANDED HITTERS, LANGERHANS AND McCANN HAVE HAVE BEEN TWO OF THE MAIN REASONS THE BRAVES HAVE PRODUCED THIS YEAR. THEY ARE WINNERS AND HAVE BEEN TWO OF THE GREAT ROOKIES SAVIORS OF THIS SEASON. THEY HIT AND FIELD THEIR POSITIONS BETTER THAN THE PLAYERS PLAYING TODAY, A BIG REASON FOR THE LOST. ALSO THE PLATE UMPIRE FAVORED PETTITTE ALL DAY, TAKING AWAY FROM HUDSON AND GIVING TO PETTITTE. LETS DON’T CHANGE THE GAME PLAN FOR THE SERIES. WE’VE GOT OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR US NOW. WE NEED THE GOOD LORD! DON’T GIVE UP BRAVES, REGROUP AND REFUSE TO LOSE! GO BRAVES!!! WE NEED YOU TO COME THROUGH NOW MORE THAN EVER!!!!!!!!!

By William

October 5, 2005 07:16 PM | Link to this

I’m glad that Francour is going to “prove them wrong” This is the worst example of major league baseball I have ever seen!!!

I don’t know about anybody else, but after all these years, it’s getting really old!! I rather they lost the division and had hope for next year, that the same deje vu !!!!

You could have just taped the post game press confrence from last year and play it today!!

Same old excuses!! yawn!!!!

Instead of “Grounghogs Day” its “Braves Playoffs Day”

Please someone wake us up!!!!

By bobbie

October 5, 2005 07:16 PM | Link to this

Why in the HELL is Chris R. and Dan K. even on the playoff roster

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 07:21 PM | Link to this

What did I tell you bunch of redneck, inbred hicks?

What did I tell you dumb sons a b***?

Bobby Cox sucks.

I told you he does.

I told you he would make p** poor managerial decisions.

Who knew he would do that before the game?

Roberts, you’re an idiot.

You don’t platoon your hottest bats going into the postseason.

Stop making excuses for your idiot manager.

You Craplanta fans and your Craplanta Braves suck.

Always making excuses for your crappy manager and your crappy team.

Guess what, excuses are like a*****, and you guys are a bunch of ‘em.

HAHAHAHA!

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:21 PM | Link to this

The positives ya HAVE to take from this game…

1. Tim Hudson didn’t pitch back-to-back duds, best as I can recall.

2. We’ve hit their best pitcher. 3 runs off Andy Petitte is better than he’s averaged all season. If you’d told me we’d score 3 off Petitte and knocked around their bullpen to the extent we have, I’d have guessed WE were blowing THEM out.

That being said, GAME TWO is huge. There’s no pitcher I’d rather have on the mound than Smoltzie, that’s for sure. But we have to have that, or it’s lights out.

Jorge Sosa’s never shown anything BUT icewater in his veins, either. So let’s pray for that for Game 3 in Houston. Either way, I’d guess that Hudson in Game 4 would bring us back to Atlanta (where we, of course, let down in a deciding Game 5, right?

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this

Hey “HaHa….”

Grow a pair, pal. You wanna hide in anonymity w/no legit email address?

Yeah, you’re a real man. Step up or shut up, p^^^^ cat. Capiche?

By queerasbaseball

October 5, 2005 07:29 PM | Link to this

i’ve been a braves fan since 1978, through thick and thin. but this SUCKS! they don’t want to win. hurray for our really good regular season team.

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 07:32 PM | Link to this

Oh no, the Idiotic Redneck Excuse-maker, Roberts is speaking italian to me!

Oh, whatever shall I do.

I tremble in my shoes at the thought of that inbreeding, sister-kisser being mad at me!

You suck, and your excuses suck, and your Craplanta Braves and their terrible manager sucks!

HAHAHAHA

By Jim

October 5, 2005 07:32 PM | Link to this

“BULLPEN … bullsh—! What a bunch of sissys!!! I thought men played this game! This is the absolute laughing stock of ALL baseball … Cox and Leo have no excuses. They chose it. What happened to the guys that threw strikes … the ladies take over?

By Jim

October 5, 2005 07:35 PM | Link to this

Sad thing here folks is that Bobby won’t read this blog and do the obvious and ban Jordan, Estrada and Julio to pinch hitting duties the rest of the way…

Reality is that the way this team played the last four games of the season is really what we have to go with now and it isn’t great…

Cox should give the game to the rookies and let anyone else on the bench make the decisions… couldn’t possibly be worse…

By Jim

October 5, 2005 07:35 PM | Link to this

I take that back, there ARE high school fast-pitch softball ladies that are better than any of those sissies you call your “BULLPEN”!

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 07:35 PM | Link to this

With John Smoltz on the mound tomorrow you have to like your chances. However will we even play tomorrow? The weather forcast is not good. No matter what something yo ucan take from today’s game is that you hit two home runs off of one of the best pitchers in the game. Why can’t you hit Clemens hard too?

I think the winner tomorrow wins the series. Astros win…and it is a no-brainer. Braves win and I don’t think we even have to come home to a Game 5 (Especially if the games 2,3,& 4 are played consecutively due to a possible rainout tomorrow)

By Eric

October 5, 2005 07:36 PM | Link to this

We saw the difference between a patient, disciplined hitting team and us. 60% of our 5 runs came on 2 swings of the bat. 0% of the Astros’ 10 runs came on homers.

Everyone in the universe knew that Jordan would hit into that DP when it really made a huge difference. The way I see it, I saved about $100 by not going, and then I could go mow the lawn instead of making the long trek home.

By Jim

October 5, 2005 07:37 PM | Link to this

Can Pat Corrales take over during the playoffs … and let Cox go on home?

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:39 PM | Link to this

Haha…

How ‘bout taking your bullsh** out on your own team, since it apparently can’t get in the playoffs (I’m going to assume it’s because the Braves ALWAYS F-ING BEAT ‘EM and ya have such anger towards ‘em), alright?

Now, I’m sure there’s a transgender nightclub somewhere for you to “flourish” with your act. This ain’t your kinda crowd, alright?

By Jim

October 5, 2005 07:43 PM | Link to this

Was this a shock to anyone? Typical Cox managing … it’s October and he wants to watch the trees change colors on his farm!

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 07:49 PM | Link to this

Oh, look at the dimwitted inbreeder trying to peg me with his redneck psychology.

Roberts, who to say I like any baseball team?

I just like making fun you sister-kissing dumb hicks. You who would call yourself Craplanta fans.

It’s so easy. You idiots make it easy. You keep on creating excuses for why your crappy manager is anything less than a bumbling fool in October.

You have to be the most delusional, stupid, inbred, redneck hicks in the world.

And you are.

Keep on celebrating those division titles Roberts.

Those of us out here outside of incest land, we only celebrate Champions. Those who win the whole enchilada. The ring is the thing, so to speak.

You Craplanta fans deserve your Craplanta Braves.

Keep on making excuses, if it helps ease your pitiful existance.

HAHAHAHA!

By queerasbaseball

October 5, 2005 07:50 PM | Link to this

no shock at all, jim.

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Cox fouled up on Jordan, Estrada and Franco, if ya ask me.

But the trend came early on when some perfectly good Hudson pitches weren’t getting called, either.

I could see it Huddy’s face, early on. He was frustrated, ALREADY didn’t have his best stuff, and didn’t get it back together til late in the game, but by then, he was about outta gas.

We lost this game when he gave up the double to Andy Pettite. He gets through that inning, and he’d have been cruising and pitched the next one, too.

I also don’t get Cox/Mazzone going to the ‘pen to call on Reitsma when they have other starting rotation guys out there. The psyche of those bullpen regulars can’t be confident, Farnsworth notwithstanding.

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:56 PM | Link to this

Then MAN UP, “hahaha…”

Who’s your f-ing “team?” If you pulled for a winner, wouldn’t you be BUSY cheering them on rather than giving a rat’s @ss about the Braves?

Go knock back a cosmopolitan and do a number, tranny.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 07:56 PM | Link to this

In spite of my anger and borderline hatred for BC and the vets right now, my heart goes out to BC. I know as much as we are upset it has to be killing him. He lives and dies for the Braves. I’m sure deep down he feels responsible and regrets his decisions and prolly won’t sleep tonight.

Old man, just stop trying to outsmart yourself….Now is NOT the time to get cute. If you put the rooks in and live and die with them, NOBODY on this board would complain. If we never saw those p*** losers Foster and Reeksma again, we would never complain! I’d rather see Devine give up another granny than see Foster wild pitch and walk in runs or see Reeksma give up bloop hits left and right.

Thoughts?

By Ron Roberts

October 5, 2005 07:58 PM | Link to this

Oh, and one more thing, Hahaha…

Get spellcheck, you dimwitted man-toy.

It’s

E-X-I-S-T-E-N-C-E.

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 08:00 PM | Link to this

I have a good feeling. We have been in this situation before against the Astros. Last year it didn’t turn out so well. However I think we have a differant kind of team. I think we have a team similar to the 1999 squad that lost game one of the NLDS to the Astros and never lost another game to Houston. In fact we gutted out way to the World Series that year. I think we have a similar team with a similar mindset.

However all I want from the Braves is to get to the Playoffs. Everything else is gravy. You can’t even have a shot to win the World Series without getting to the Playoffs.

By Thomas

October 5, 2005 08:07 PM | Link to this

The platoon system certainly worked for the Braves today, just as it did in 1996, 97, 98, 99,00, 01,02,03,and 04. Of course, if I were Bobby “I have a job for life” Cox, I certainly wouldn’t change the way I managed now.

By Cory

October 5, 2005 08:09 PM | Link to this

Why is it always the Braves pitchers that seem to pitch not to lose rather than not to win? Maddux did the same thing.

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this

Roberts, yours is the intelligence I expect from the 49th stupidest state in the country.

Your continue excuse-making of your Craplanta Braves points to a miserable existence, as well as your fey-like need to correct spelling/gramar.

The fact remains that you’re a delusional sister-lover, and your manager and team starting choking before a pitch was thrown!

HAHAHAHA!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 08:13 PM | Link to this

you’re right brian except that this team just seemed defeated from the time they took the field today. That 1999 team hadn’t yet learned how to lose in the divsional series. This team expects it. Plus, winning that series required an act of god in the 10th inning of game 3 when Weiss made that unearthly play to stop the game-winning run at the plate. I think that one play propelled us all the way (we weren’t a very good team that year). It would take a similar event to get this team motivated and confident. It’s gut-check time.

By Del Young

October 5, 2005 08:15 PM | Link to this

Move over Jordan, Estrada, and Hudson and let us rookies have a shot at them.

And by the way Reitsma, Foster and Hudson you can sit down also.

By Thomas

October 5, 2005 08:17 PM | Link to this

Regarding Cox, all Cox supporters should ask yourselves this question, Would “the Boss” tolerate a team reaching the playoffs this many times and not winning it all? and then count the number of rings he has won with the Yankees. and I can’t accept payroll as an excuse, when I look back at 96,97,and 98

By Sergio

October 5, 2005 08:20 PM | Link to this

Seccond guessing?

It cost us the game. Had Brian come through with 2 runners on base

the score would have been 5-4 and we would have won the game.

instead he killed our rally and murdered our momentum. It was a stupid move. obvious to the least knowledable baseball fan. Good Job Bobby!

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 08:25 PM | Link to this

ok…we can play “What If?” Brian Hunger made a key play in the top of the 4th and made a spectacular catch to save a two run homer. What if Jordan wasn’t there to make that play?

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 08:25 PM | Link to this

whoops why did I put hunger instead of Jordan??? LOL

By Jim

October 5, 2005 08:29 PM | Link to this

Cox has a “book” on somebody that’s in the decision-making end of the Braves organization or he would have been gone already … not much attention given “attendants” (14) these days … how many Series could have been won by another manager with the same talent???

By Brian Donegan

October 5, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this

Several managers could have won more sereis with the same talent. But could those managers get them to the playoffs over a long season-I don’t think so.

By GW

October 5, 2005 08:42 PM | Link to this

On Sept. 1 Brian Jordan was a forgotten man and today he starts game 1 in the NLDS. Was Cox trying to “catch lightening in a bottle” or bring back the dead? I like Jordan but he’s hardly played all season. I just don’t understand.

By Braves Fan Since 84

October 5, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this

You people are funny. You cant blame the game on Brian Jordan for not getting a hit with runners on base. Last time i checked walks and extra outs = runs. You cant give up runs like that and expect to win in the playoffs. The Astros were one of the worst hitting teams in baseball and we gave up 10 runs, and a double to the pitcher!. And id rather see some of the veterans playing in this game than some of those rookies. At least the vets made the pitcher pitch to them. Our rookie right fielder swung at the first thing he saw everytime he came to the plate. You have to make pitchers like Andy work. And Cox walked Berkman to pitch to Ensberg who already had like 2 rbi’s. Whats up with that? Thats like walking one of the Jones boys to get to the other. Anyway you people can keep going crazy about winning the division every year but I would trade 7 of those for 2 more Rings. But like allways the Braves will get to the playoffs and get exposed.

By Les

October 5, 2005 08:56 PM | Link to this

Well, I for one am sick of this CRAP! I’ve been a loyal Braves forever and still am, but this stuff is getting old. No fan support in the stands, but then again, I can understand why with the way the Braves looked today.

By Marc Spoor

October 5, 2005 08:58 PM | Link to this

There was 1 reason, and 1 reason only for the Braves loosing today, TIM HUDSON. JS traded for this guy and then paid him 12 millon a year for this. AN ace, one of the winningest pitchers in the American League over the last 5 seasons. 6 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 5 walks, 1 HBP, and 5 earned runs. You have to be freackin kidding me. This is an ace. Why does JS consistently go out every year and get guys that can’t pitch in the post season. I have not been impressed with Hudson all year. He is small, injury prone, he doesn’t throw that hard, he has bad control, and he is a horrible bunter and hitter. But of course this is our game 1 starter. I don’t care how bad of a shoulder Smoltz has he is the winningest pitcher in post season history, he is our game 1 starter. We needed to win game 1, and now we are in a hole against Clemens.

Now to nit pick. DOes BC or anyone really think because it is the playoffs Reeksma and Foster will suddenly turn into good pitchers. They suck. Why not give Devine another inning, bring in McBride. Johnny Estrada is worthless, he can’t hit and he can’t even block balls in the dirt. The Braves have no real number 5 hitter. Someone please tell Frenchy to take a friggin pitch. Terry Pendelton should do some coaching. Why is it that all the Braves can do is hit homeruns, how about stringing soem hits together, bunting, getting men on base. We need some rallies.

Honestly, if you give up 8 walks and a passed ball, and a hit batter, you don’t deserve to win. We should all realize, Braves teams are built for the regular season, not for the post season. I hope they can turn it around, but I doubt it.

By Les

October 5, 2005 09:01 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell ya what. Terry P. needs to get off his fat lazy butt and do some work. I’m going home and burnign my SI with Franky on it. He NEVER takes a pitch. And Hudson sucks!

By HobNailBoot

October 5, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this

Chris Reitsma will not be effective against the Astros or the Cardinals. They are very familiar with him from his days as a Red in their division. They know enough about him to be able to get the bat on the ball against anything he throws. He would be valuable against an American league team in the World Series though. I think Hudson tried too hard early in this game; he tried to be super human and his control suffered. We’ll see two masters on the mound tomorrow.

By Sergio

October 5, 2005 09:06 PM | Link to this

“What if Jordan wasn’t there to make that play? “

Langerhans would have made that play as well. He would have also cought the Ground Rule Double… Because Langerhans is also a better Defender than Brian.

Bobby gambled on Brian. He rolled Snake Eyes.

I just hope he doesnt pull this stunt again

By dewan lee

October 5, 2005 09:09 PM | Link to this

Need I make any more comments about Reitsma and Foster as they were true to form and totally jacked up a close game. Bobby if you are listening, try removing those 2 since they cannot seemt to do the job. Reitsma has had 2 years to get this right and time and time again he blows. Talent alone does not equate to production so dont use that when discussing Reitsma.

By Nicholas Irwin

October 5, 2005 09:14 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt in my mind that HAHAHA is a Phillies fan. Only someone from Philadelphia would be that idiotic. He knows however that if he declares that he’s a Phillies fan, he wouldn’t be able to continue his b****** because guess what, are the Phillies in the playoffs? I don’t see them, do you? If you don’t declare who your team is, why should you be making fun of us? What do you expect us to do, abandon our team because some Philadelphia a***** tells us our team sucks? If everybody abandoned their team every time that happened, no one would be a fan of any team. Nice of you guys to not show your ugly faces on the Falcons message board after the game after all the s** you gave us before the game. Grow a backbone, you jackass.

By F*ing Tired Braves Fan

October 5, 2005 09:16 PM | Link to this

What the HELL was that S! BC needs to stop pulling off this last-second, wishful thinking with Brian Jordan and get rid of these fing good-for-nothing SOB’s Reitsma & Kolb. How many fing games do these bastards have to blow before we send them packing. I never thought I would say this, but you have to admire the Yankees for having an optimistic & agressive approach to the playoffs. Braves are just fing pathetic. Good job Reeksma, BC, Foster.

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 09:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, you poor, deluded inbred hicks.

You don’t stand a chance as long as Bobby Cox is managing your team.

Brian Jordan?

HAHAHAHA!

I couldn’t have come up with a better line-up for your Craplanta Braves to lose with than your purpoted “manager” came up with today!

You know why Bobby Cox is so rich?

Because he bets on his team to lose, and than makes the worst possible mangerial decisions, decisions a 5-year old wouldn’t make, to ensure an October choke for his team.

He decides to start Hudson. He decides to start Jordan, Franco, and Estrada. He decides whom to bring in from the ‘pen.

You inbred rednecks are so stupid.

You can’t see the truth when it’s been staring you in the face for 14 years.

No wonder you guys in incest-filled Dixie are the lowest common denominator when it comes to literacy and standardized test scores.

You are just some dumb sons a b***.

HAHAHAHA!

By Rodger

October 5, 2005 09:20 PM | Link to this

I hate to say I told ya so, but… Reeksma (hey-I like that Mark) and Foster looked as good as in the regular season!

While Jordan doesn’t, and didn’t, hit, he made a great catch to save a couple runs.

Chipper and Andruw show again they’re studs-however, waiting for the homer looks like postseasons past.

By Rodger

October 5, 2005 09:28 PM | Link to this

Hey HAHAHAHAHAHA-

HArtsfield has hundreds of flights a day out of ATL- IF YOU WERE SO DAMN SMART, YOU SHOULD BE ON ONE!

By HAHAHAHA

October 5, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this

Who’s saying a live in that bastion of ignorant redneck idiocy?

I just like making of fun of you guys, and pointing out the blatantly obvious:

You and your Craplanta Braves and Bobby cox suck!

HAHAHAHA!

By Eric

October 5, 2005 09:43 PM | Link to this

Ignore this cretin. We’re probably the only ones who have ever paid any attention to him.

By Nicholas Irwin

October 5, 2005 09:48 PM | Link to this

The fact that he didn’t answer me points to me being right about him being from Philly, by the way.

By Jim

October 5, 2005 09:57 PM | Link to this

It’s like ol’ Cox once said that the playoffs are nothing but a crapshoot. Maybe the Braves may have to settle on throwing parades for division titles!!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 10:07 PM | Link to this

Hmmmmmmm. Peter Gammons thinks something may be wrong with Hudson. NO SH-T!! He’s been terrible most of the year. I’m with Ha Ha to the extent that I get so sick and damned tired of the endless excuses! To borrow from the WS CHamp BoreSox, “Cowboy up”! Good lord are you men or what??!!

I think Farnsy had better be ready to go 2 innings per outing if need be. Dude is a hoss, and making millions….I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask him to go 1+ innings if need be for a couple weeks. We don’t stand a CHANCE if FOster or Reeksma comes into the game. And It’s iffy with Brower and Devine… Thommy and/or Rammy might be decent but our mgr is too stupid to use them….just keep throwing out the same s** you already know doesn’t work!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 10:10 PM | Link to this

And to that end, I find it interesting that BC is quick to stray from the things that HAVE worked all year (ie: Langy, McCann, et al), but he continues to go with the same s** outta the pen that has pretty much NEVER worked all year long on a consistent basis (ie-reeksma, foster, et al)! What gives Bobby?! I know you’re not really stupid….so what’s with the bonehead decisions?

By ron

October 5, 2005 10:11 PM | Link to this

AREN’T YOU FANS SICK OF THIS.EVERY YEAR LOOKS UNBEATABLE UNTIL PLAYOFF TIME,THEN THEY PLAY LIKE WIMPS. I WOULD BE MORE PROUD OF AN 81-81 TEAM.IT’S TIME TO HOLD THE GM ACCOUNTABLE ALONG WITH COX,BOTH NEED TO DEPART THE CITY.I’LL HOLD THIS OPINION EVEN IF THE BRAVES TURN THE SERIES AROUND & BEAT THE ASTROS. IT’S GOOD THAT WE HAVE THE DAWGS & VOLS TO CONCENTRATE ON FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.MAYBE THE BRAVES CAN FADE OUT WHILE OUR MINDS ARE OCCUPIED WITH THE DAWGS AND NO ONE WILL NOTICE THEIR ABSENCE.

By JR2004A

October 5, 2005 10:18 PM | Link to this

I agree with another post that said to Kick Cox out of the dugout during the postseason. Let someone with fire and some sense manage the postseason. His repeat bad moves EVERY YEAR during the postseason reminds me of the definition of insanity being “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” What’s worse for the Braves is that Phil Garner could potentially join fellow Managers Mike Scioscia, Terry Francona, and Jack McKeon as winning as Many World Series Titles as Bobby Cox, despite the Braves “so-called” Run during the last 14 years.

By eb

October 5, 2005 10:43 PM | Link to this

The reason the old ball park was about 10,000 short is we now expect BC to act like the playoffs are 162 games long and make starting decisions like he did tonight. Jordan and Estrada for Langerhans and McCann..even Franco for Laroche..He always messes with what got him there..he is a great season manager-but horrible in the post season. The Braves beat our brains in when we go to one of these games..parking cost me $30..and this is what we get.

By Tony

October 5, 2005 11:01 PM | Link to this

Marc Spoor…I said the exact same thing about Hudson when we got him. There is a reason why Oakland was willing to trade old Huddy. Honestly, against a weaker hitter national league he has been far from an ace. Even though he’s only 30…I don’t see him doing much improving. Today however, was just horrible. Forget about the hitting, we pretty much knew Furcal and Giles would do their overswinging. RAFAEL FURCAL…PLEASE ASK 40y/o CRAIG BIGGIO WHAT A LEADOFF HITTER IS SUPPOSE TO DO….why are people so anxious to resign him? He had a great contract year…I see Carlos Beltran written all over that. Next year he will be garbage…can guarantee you that. Plus he is probably 30 or 1 year from it.

The managerial decisions and pitching are the most disheartening about today. Brian Jordan and Estrada basically are useless…everyone in the world knew BJ would hit into that double-play. Franco…it’s been nice, but please retire. I would feel much better if we lost with the kids instead of these old crusty has beens. Francouer…please shut-up and just play. Maybe you were overhyped, seeing how Howard is going to be rookie of the year. Where is all this power you are suppose to have? Terry Pendleton isn’t your tenure about up?

Have the Braves ever had a starter who was actually dominant since Glavine in ‘95? I’m so sick of these small, soft-tossing, control pitchers who get killed in the post-season. I wonder does the teaching of outside-inside from Mazzone make Braves pitchers cowards. Always tryin to hit the outside corner, blah, blah, blah, blah…

Clemens is hurt and so is Smoltz…so who knows what tomorrow will bring. At least Langerhans, La Roache and McCann will be in.

By Viper

October 5, 2005 11:40 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me why Cox didn’t send Betemit to second in the bottom of the 9th? The Astros weren’t holding him on, and his not taking the base they were giving him resulted in a game ending double play…..This is the kind of bonehead baseball I’ve come to expect from Cox…..Manager of the year my a$$!

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 11:56 PM | Link to this

You’re right Viper. It’s like he gets so bogged down in stupid s**…doing things differently than he did all year long, that he neglects to do the obvious things.

And I didn’t notice that anyone else talked about this, but what about that pathetic effort by CJ on the soft liner hit by Bagwell in that disastrous 8th. That hit is what really did us in, and I noticed on the replay that CJ made a half assed effort to get it and it was right to him! This lax effort and stupid mistakes is why we can’t even play a decent game in the playoffs!

By Rick

October 5, 2005 11:57 PM | Link to this

Some of you people need to get lives and grow the f** up its 1 game. How do you think the Red Sox fans feel right now??

By Christopher Fowler

October 6, 2005 12:30 AM | Link to this

How do Red Sox fans feel? We’ll probably all know around tomorrow night at this time.

By Brian Ivey

October 6, 2005 12:58 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is the best regular season manager in history and the worst playoff manager in history. Why can’t he, for once, just make the obvious common sense decision of playing the players who got him there? If those players lose I can deal with it, but Cox doesn’t even give them a chance. I’m just glad Mondesi is gone because I guarantee he would have been starting too. Here’s a good idea…let’s start Hollandsworth for Andruw the next two. After all, he bat’s lefty against right-handed pitchers. Makes perfect sense doesn’t it, Bobby? I mean that’s all that matters, right?

By Big G.

October 6, 2005 01:15 AM | Link to this

The kids got us to first place, they got us to the playoffs. Play them. Bobby needed to leave Jordan on the bench and should have put McCann behind the plate too. Franco and LaRoche are a wash. Bobby never plays the players that are hot, instead going with lefty/righty mathcups. A good reason why there is only one World Series banner up there.
And what the heck is the deal with the red jerseys? Not the time to pull on the softball togs.

By Chop Chop

October 6, 2005 02:41 AM | Link to this

“We wore the red jerseys because we were 10-3 during the regular season with them on and, hey, good luck never hurts.” - Bobby Cox (indirect quote…teehee)

In other words, players doing their job and the manager making good decisions isn’t good enough for the Braves to win in the postseason. Gotta love the thinking on that one. I guess we just ended up seeing red a little earlier than we thought we would, huh?

By Braves Fan Since 84

October 6, 2005 03:34 AM | Link to this

Some of you people are funny to me. Most of you people probably never played baseball a day in your lives. A lot of you dont even know what your talking about. And you same people yelling that the rookies should be in are the same people that would be crying if the rookies played and did nothing…. Last year Estrada was the next big thing in Atlanta when he made the all star game, now all of a sudden he shouldnt be playing because now he cant hit. Thats why atlanta fans are looked at as the worst…. I dont like a lot of the moves Cox makes but it could be worse. And I dont like taking up for Cox a lot but there is a reason he is where he is, because he knows baseball. If Cox feels better playing the Vets, then he should play them. Our bullpen has been looking bad, and if you add 3 rookies in the batting order that arent going to be patient at the plate its going to look even worse. If you go to the plate swinging at every thing someone like Clemens throws you, you arent going to have a good day. Anyway this loss doesnt surprise me, im going to cheer them on if they lose or win, but just face it we get exposed by teams in the playoffs. And another thing, The Astros have been playing playoff ball for the past month keeping Philly off their a$$ while Atlanta has been chilling. So what do you expect?

By Mark

October 6, 2005 04:45 AM | Link to this

I say if the Braves can’t get past the first round again that Cox needs to be graceful and step aside to let someone else see if they can get this team to another level.This lineup was shocking in game one Brian Jordan a player who hasn’t played all year , Johnny Estrada another injured player who without doubt had not been the same since that homeplate collision. Brian Jordan should have not come off the disabled list just to play in playoffs, knowing his career is over.It was also really scary when with Hudson having two outs and Cox putting the most inexperienced rookie pitcher in the major leagues in the game. You might as well let Hudson and his 10 million dollar contract get the 3rd out.In retrospect its not fair to Braves fans that attend these playoff gamess year after year spending their good money, then have a former Braves player on a radio show make comments that Braves fans don’t support their team.All of us are glad the Braves can finish first year after year , but the human goal in life is always to take another step up.Sure this is only one game.It was ugly!The score could have been way more lopsided.

By andy

October 6, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this

how are these people griping about fan turnout while they are on their computer. i was at the game, so i did not have time to type on a computer about the poor turnout, and i don’t even live near atlanta by the way. so think before you speak please. the braves should do better in game 2 with the regulars in there, until a lefthander comes out of the bullpen…..i think we all know what happens next.

By Fabrizio Di Muro

October 6, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

The series isn’t over yet, but we HAVE TO WIN TODAY. That’s, of course, obvious.

Hudson wasn’t good enough, overall he didn’t pitch good, but he kept us in the game. When he left, we were down 5 - 3 and still had a chance to win it. The middle relief, as we all figured, killed us.

We did manage to get their bullpen in the game, and almost brought the tying run to the plate, and had Lidge throwing. These are little things, but the more they have to get guys up and throwing in the bullpen, and the mroe they have to bring them into the game, the better that is the longer the series goes. Small things, yes, but they do make a difference.

It’s a new day, and Smoltz is on the hill. If the offense can do its job again, then we have a good shot at winning. We could be up 2 - 1 in this series within a couple of days.

By Kenny

October 6, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

Wow.. I was going to post about how Laroche, McCann and Langy should have been in there, but I don’t have to thanks to other intelligent Braves fans. I don’t know, even an S-L-O, short bus riding fan would know that Brian Jordan is useless, the bat boy has a quicker swing. When I saw that Jordan, Franco and Estrada were in the line-up, I just kinda knew it was going to be just like last year and the year before that… IF BC can pull his head out of his arrrsssse for the first time ever we still have a shot at this as long as The Rooks play and Smoltzie can remember how it felt to sit there the last few years and watch our flea-market starters blow the game. I live in Okla. City (thanks to the Air Force) and will be traveling to Houston for Games 3 & 4, red Andruw jersey included. The last time I went to a playoff game the Braves beat the Asstros. Maybe I can be the Bravos Rally Monkey.

By Carroll

October 6, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Braves fan since 84: If you truly have been a Braves fan since 84, and you claim that the Astros did better because they fought all the way up to the last day of the season whilest the Barves “chilled”, THEN HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU EXPLAIN 1993??!! The Braves fought for their lives til the very last day….the result?! The first in a long line of embarrasing playoff flops. Bottom line, SHUTTY!

Again, anyone who finds this crap acceptable or doesn’t care about the Braves ebarrasing failures, basketball season starts next week…go watch the Hawks!

By Rodger

October 6, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Cox’s loyalty is what makes him a great season long manager, but in the playoffs you don’t have time for guys to come around. The great postseason managers know you have to go with who’s hot. BC knows that too, but just can’t change his nature. On Reeksma “he pitched good”!?C’mon Bobby, get a clue! Back in his first stint with the Braves, pitchers would go out and get shelled, but BC would put them right back in the next night-same result. Back then he didn’t have the players or pitching coach to get them straightened out in the long run even. My bet, tho, is if Smoltzie can’t go 8, we see Reeksma or Foster in again tonight. See ya next year!

By Carroll

October 6, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this

I didn’t have a problem wth Estrada playing yesterday, in all honesty. He’s been about as good as McCann offensively and better defensively. Julio and Laroche is kinda 6 in one, half dozen in the other…I mean, you have the righty lefty matchup but Julio’s been struggling….Laroche on the other hand has been good of late but it’s not too long ago that we all wanted his head on a plater. So I could live with that one too I think. But BJ Jordan…a man who played maybe 20 or so games this season and looked bad in the process…that’s a head scratcher…no…a head banger agianst the waller.

By Carroll

October 6, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this

Andy: I for one live over 5 hours away, and I think many others on here live far away as well. But even if we all “got off our computers” and went to the game, I don’t think the 10 or so of us would’ve made much of a diff. in the gaping holes of blue in the upper deck.

By david

October 6, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this

Braves pitching-9 innings-11 hits,9 walks, 2 HBP- no team is going to overcome that type of pitching.All the fans clamoring for the rookies,they would not have made a difference,with this type of pitching.Not knocking Langerhans,I’m a big fan but he came up and struck out.Bottom line no team is going to overcome the type of pitching that we received yesterday.

By Andrew

October 6, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

I was at the game and I think for a 4pm game it was pretty packed. I guarantee that tonights game will be a sellout (unless the weather scares people away), we just keep getting crappy time slots while NY and Boston get the prime times. Why cant we have two games on at 8pm? Now Houston gets a Sat and Sun game which will be easy to sell out. They are taking away our Home Field Advantage with these time slots.

Also, stop placing blame anywhere other than on the bullpen!!!! 5 runs against the Astros is the best I could have hoped for. Hudson had an off game of course, but that 8th inning was a joke. I don’t even know how many times I have seen us go through 4 pitchers in an inning this year. I say we give the ball to HoRam and John Thompson and McBride before Foster, Reistma. They could not do much worse.

And hey Hahahaha. You have to be the biggest p*** in the world. Seriously you call yourself a man? Who are you? Where are you from? I would take 14 straight division titles (and that one WS title) over your pathetic Mets or Phillies or Marlins or whoever has been chasing the Braves for more than a decade. You are sad person. Now why dont you come back at me with some combination of Redneck or Incest. That really shows you have a brain and balls!!!! LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By CJ

October 6, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

Well put, Fabrizio. It’s one game, people. Get a grip.

By Carroll

October 6, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this

CJ: brilliant insight! We haven’t heard that one a million times before!

By Rodger

October 6, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this

HAHA’s attempts to put down Atlantans as stupid is pretty pathetic, considering his spelling, and poor vocabulary. And besides, who said he was a man! Usually, only women are that jealous (sorry ladies).

Let’s hope Smoltzie doesn’t get “too worked up” like he did in the opener. We need the kind of dominating performance he’s capable of!

By Austin

October 6, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

I know our bullpen is struggling, but I’m going to put game 1’s loss on the fans in Atlanta. I’m from Atlana and have been to many games this year, but who honestly wants to play at home when the city comes up 10,000 seats shorts of a sell out? That is flat out pathetic. Maybe we as fans should start realizing we could be half the reason we keep losing every year.

By Doug Elkins

October 6, 2005 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Bobby ever heard of dancing with the ones that got you there???

By dannycardwell

October 6, 2005 11:32 AM | Link to this

carroll, im staying home next year as well. we left 3 hours before game time from 80 miles south. when we got there, they had intentionally filled the side lots first causing us to take another 45 minutes to park and a 15 minute walk. 30 dollars to park. i spent a weeks pay just to go to one game. tonight will be my last. we go 25-30 times a year. next year im cutting that at least in half. the organization has always been terrible to the fans. letting the millionairs that own aaramark sell 500 pork hotdogs. 4.00 cokes. its not hard for me to understand the lack of attendance. they have 300 greeters they dont need. the money is wasted. these people just dont get it. but they will. we spent a lot of money there this year. thats going to change for me. theres a minor league team in columbus along with a hockey team that would love to see more people. food is better and one third the price.

By Carroll

October 6, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t balme ya Danny. The Atl sucks…full of DANs that hate their jobs and take it out on the paying customer. It’s the same way here in Tallahassee….nobody wants to work so they treat customers like crap….and they wonder why there’s a poverty problem in this country.

Anyway, what I would suggest to you…for a WONDERUL Braves/baseball expereince, try to get down to Disney next March and take in a week or weekends worth of spring training games…Disney gets it right! It’s very organized, plenty of parking, shuttles from your car to the stadium…parking is free. It’s not like the ATl where they shut of all the interstate ramps and make you crawl through the slum ghettos of downtown trying to find 85. Also, tickets are much cheaper, and you’ll get to sit so much closer to the players and get more autographs than you ever imagined. Dodgerland is cool too! You shuld really try it.

By Luther

October 6, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

Who gave the braves the information that they should pitch Ensberg inside?

Can’t Cox see from Franco’s second half performance that he can’t hit a big-time fastball anymore?

Where are you sucky Braves fans? I live in a different country and thought about flying in for the series.

Bobby blew this game with bad decisions. Lets hope Smoltz can bail us out.

One more thing. We have to get a real bullpen next year. If not, we should all stop watching and coming out to games. Most of the guys we have now in the pen are LOSERS.

By Brett

October 6, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame Bobby Cox couldn’t have kept himself off the postseason roster along with Kolb. The reason the Braves keep laying eggs in the playoffs is that Bobby never learns from his mistakes and insists on repeating them over and over and over. Starting Hudson instead of Smoltz, walking Berkman (twice) to let Ensberg beat you, taking the spark and enthusiasm that carried the team all season out of the lineup by playing Jordan and Estrada instead of Langerhans and McCann … I could go on and on and on and on and on. Let’s hope Smoltzie can will this team to victory tonight and change the momentum around. Then, when the postseason is over (next week), let’s pat Bobby on the back, put him out to pasture and hire Lou Pinella.

By Gail

October 6, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Hahahaha, obviously you are an expert on incest and not baseball. Hahahaha THAT !

By Eman

October 6, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this

Lets get real for a minute. The Braves does not have the heart to win in oct. In the years past, its has been the hitting now its the pitching. Atlanta is a half hearted sports town and we are now a football town and the braves does not have the heart to compete with any of the teams in the play offs. I love the braves but we need to stop and realize that there run is over!!

By James in TX

October 6, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

I have enjoyed the fine folks of Atlanta tearing up your team and your town. At least you can look forward to Football and Basketball season…maybe not Basketball. You complain about 14 post season appearances in a row. You complain about one of the best managers in baseball.

The Astros will win because they have the best group of 3 pitchers to ever play in the post season together. All 3 are better than anyone on your rotation. I don’t care who stands at the plate. If you throw Lidge in there..that would make 4 better than anyone on your roster.

Enjoy watching the K’s pile up and your team collect Losses. Stop crying about the umps..stop crying about Cox..stop crying about Jordan. You just might have the most pathectic sports town in all of sports…Enjoy!

By Bill

October 6, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this

Ain’t it funny — last month, people on here wanted to minimize Adam Laroche’s playing time. He slumped in August while Julio seemed pretty hot. Somehow people think that Julio goes from 48 yrs old to 48 plus 1 month and he loses all his skills. With a lefty starter, from the offensive end, starting Julio made sense. Laroche has not hit lefties well. Julio hits about as well against lefties as he does against righties.

The same does not extend to Jordan / Langerhans. Langerhans has been successful against lefties.

BTW, for all the posts wanting to get rid of Dan Kolb — you might be interested to know that he is not on the playoff roster.

By Ron Roberts

October 6, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll….

Some of us know what “DAN” stands for, and as a college-educated white guy, it sickened me to see you use it.

Go starch and bleach your sheet and hood, and leave the racist b.s. for your klan blogging, ok?

By Tony

October 6, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

James..just shut-up. Most of us on here are not even in Atlanta. And what the hell is so great about Houston? When was the last time Houston went to a World Series…oh never. And the pitching staff is overrated. How many really good National League lineups did they really face? If they are any…if the Astros do win this series, I can’t wait to watch them get pounded by the Cardinals. Clemens is Clemens, Petite is overrated…Oswalt is definitely hittable. And the offense is the worse in the postseason, especially considering they play in a joke of a stadium for a joke of a city. Too hot with big azz mosquitos. And no one never said Bobby Cox was not a great regular season manager, he just has a Gene Mauch(God rest his soul) quality about him.

By Eric

October 6, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

Ron, thanks for clearing that up. I wondered what DAN stands for, but now I don’t think I want to know.

By David O'Brien

October 6, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, Max Sizemore, are you serious with the “You should know about platoon baseball” line. My man, come on. I and most everyone else who’s ever followed baseball knows what a platoon is _ it’s what Bobby’s done for two years at first base with LaRoche and Julio, and what he did in left field last year with Marrero and Chuck.

The point of the post, in case you missed it, was that Langerhans has hit lefties better than he’s hit righties all year, and that Bobby HAS NOT used a platoon in LF all season, so it was kinda curious that he’d start now, especially since B.J. was 1-for-11 against Pettitte.

But I guess if you’re defending the move, then Langerhans’ stats vs. lefties and B.J.’s stats vs. Pettitte shouldn’t count, only what B.J.’s done in past, when he was healthy, should count. Interesting point, and I get it. But I disagree with it, that’s all.

By Fabrizio Di Muro

October 6, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this

It’s great to see so many people on here talking about Braves baseball, but I can’t believe it’s all so negative!

We didn’t play well. That’s true. But we did do some things well. Did anyone really expect us to sweep the Astros? I realize that we’re in a hole here — it’s obvious and not even worth mentioning. But facing two guys who are 1 and 2 in ERA in NL, did anyone really expect a sweep of the first two games? I would have loved for that to happen, but the reality is that if we win tonight, we go into Houston with a fighting chance!

Remember, things turn quick in the postseason - we could be up 2 - 1 in the series in a couple of days.

I envy all of you in Atlanta who have the CHANCE to go watch the game tonight. I’m Canadian, and I can’t even get remotely close to postseason action. We’re lucky our TV networks let us watch the postseason.

I believe John Smoltz WON’T LET US LOSE!! You just know he won’t disappoint!!

Last I checked the winner of the first game isn’t guranteed to win the series!

By david

October 6, 2005 02:19 PM | Link to this

The most disturbing aspect of the managerial moves yesterday was the not taking second base in the ninth by Betemit when the Astros had clearly conceded the base. Betemit was still holding the bag on a full count when Furcal hit the game ending DP.We can all debate the lineup that was used yesterday but the simple truth of the matter is we do not know how other players would have fared.When a base is handed to you and you refuse to take it,I find that highly questionable?.True, it may not have altered the outcome,but at this point we gave the appearance that it just wasn’t worth the effort.Highly disturbing signal sent to your own team,your fans,and the opposition.Before any one else replies that Betemit could have been thrown out,let me point out that the Astros were not even holding him on at 1st base.He could have taken 2nd easily.The signal sent was GAME OVER from our own dugout.You do not quit managing or give up until the 27th out is recorded.

By Rodger

October 6, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this

You know, while we’re bashing fans for not attending, lets look-in addition to the ridiculous cost of tickets, refreshments, and parking, and traffic already discussed, lets add in that it’s a school night (yeah, we actually still have school here in GA), and even if you could find a sitter on a school night, you’re adding another $40-$75 to your costs. Some responsible parents can’t hack that!

That said, I’ve been supporting the team for40 years, and will continue to do so-good, bad, or other.

By Jim

October 6, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this

Fabrizio,

Unfortunately, recent Braves history (2000. 2002, 2003, 2004)shows that when we lose the first game of the division series we are done. I hope you are right. Maybe Bobby Cox will quit trying to think so much about left/righty match ups and put out the young guys and see what happens. He may want to walk Ensberg too!!!

By MT

October 6, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe people who live in Atlanta that didn’t go to the game are making excuses, especially using cost. Let’s look at Game 1, for a family of four. You could eat lunch before you get to Turner Field, so you wouldn’t have to spend $$ on the exorbitant concessions (let’s say $20 for fast food for a family of four). If you could get there early enough, traffic wouldn’t have been that bad. You could park at Lakewood for $5, and ride a 5 min. air-conditioned bus to the game. You could walk up and buy as cheap as a $5 ticket (maybe even cheaper, I don’t know). You can bring in your own refreshments and food if needed, also (maybe $20 for drinks and snacks from a gas station or grocery store). And you’re all set. Add that up, and you’ve spent $65 for a family of four to see a MLB Playoff game. You simply CANNOT use money as an excuse. If that’s a weeks pay for you, then you have your own problems, man.

By Jason

October 6, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this

Hey David! I think the most disturbing move of the game was a three-headed monster. 1) Franco not bothering to stretch to catch the grounder that giles dived to get. 2) Brian Jordan swinging on a 3-0 count down by 3 runs in the 7th and 3) NOt pinchhitting LaRoche for franco against the rightie reliever wheeler!! JIm hit the nail on the head when he said COx’s loyalty bites him in the A**, especially come playoff time! Its groundhog day all over again! AUGGGGH!!

By Tommy

October 6, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this

The fix is in once again. No joy in Mudville. It’s controlled by the bookies anyway.Padres have a better chance. No one is betting against them like the Braves. Booby”Pete Rose” Cox can not be questioned for his record.Everyone who doesn’t play will get traded to Tampa eventually.Maybe all the kids get to be taught the “Dirty Bird” now.East Coast bias says Jordan is a fan favorite so how can him being in the line-up be questioned. If you love Mike Vick then you have to love Brian Jordan.

By Kirby

October 6, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

I agree with david. No amount of moaning about BC’s lineup moves will drown out the deluge of very bad pitching, both starting and relief. The hitters produced 5 runs. They did their job, and that homerun from Andruw is a good sign. Hudson, Reitsma, and Foster were awful. The Braves have now lost 5 games in a row. They haven’t done that all year, have they?

By Tommy

October 6, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Jordan and Franco left 5 men on total. What success do these two have in the post season anyway.It’s not their overall experience or statistics that matters ,it’s what they do in the clutch.Two has beens’that never have been much of anything in a long long time. What’s it going to hurt to play a rookie and a guy who hit a 3-run homer last year against the Astros.(I think that was a pinch-hit homer(?),but still what does a guy have to do to earn a chance or get a chance to perform?)”Boring Booby ball” for the Braves. Booby Cox never has confidence or faith in young players.He always plays it safe with “old has beens” or just total losers.Remember Bautista over Klesko in ‘98?

By Joe

October 6, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

I have long been a non Bobby Cox fan but the one absolute killer to me is how he can continue to let Chris Rietsma always lose games. Think back to last year same thing. And if only somone could get a player to take a few pitches.

By david

October 6, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this

I’m not an apologist for BC there are several moves that I would do differently,but this mindset that exist now about the rookies is not realistic,I’m convinced that some of the bloggers would be content with a lineup that consisted of all rookies. NO Chipper,Andruw no any non rookies.We could field a team with 7 rookies in the field ,no 1st baseman,no 3rd baseman and J.Devine could pitch every inning.But some of the bloggers would state “at least we lost with the rookies”.Fans it takes a good mix of both veterans & rookies.Like the previous blogger questioning J.Franco the man is a lifetime .299 hitter,but that means nothing,let’s see if Orr can play both 1st and second or maybe we could have kept Pena to catch and let McCann play 1st just as long as its a rookie.

By Tommy

October 7, 2005 05:11 AM | Link to this

What Franco has done was in the past ,mostly in the American League.LaRoche is still a better “clutch” hitter these days.It’s all about who’s hot and who can deliver in the post season in the clutch.

By Tommy

October 7, 2005 06:00 AM | Link to this

Let me add RISP W/2 OUTS

By Ken

October 7, 2005 10:17 AM | Link to this

Opinion time: Estrada, Jordan, and Franco should not start another playoff game for the Braves unless someone gets injured. I’m not saying someone is better than another, but they just seem to play with more spirit when those guys play.

By jeff hutchison

October 7, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

bobby bobby bobby, the rookies got you here let them take us all the way

By Ralph I. Avila

October 10, 2005 09:09 PM | Link to this

When I listen to the Braves announcers on TV make excuses for the Brave players and what a great season they had, and the miracle work Bobby Cox has done, it take me back to all the past years the Brave have blown it the same way they do every year since the accidental World Series Win way back when, from there on the same excuse year in year out . Bobby Cox is all out for his players and that’s good and all that BUT isn’t it about time to think of the fans. The fans who put up the money so the overpay player can live a big range in Texas and drive very expensive cars. Isn’t it about time the money hungry organization that owned the Brave think of the fans. Don’t tell what a miracle worker JS is or what a job the pitching coach LM did explain the number of starting pitchers on the disable list not just this year, every year, or what a job BC has done when he has become predictable, when fundamental baseball is not taught. Where the player play like they would rather be at grandma senior citizen center playing a bingo play. Watching LaRoche play is like a slow motion movies, especially when he runs. The sad part was watching Devine being hammer, they should have left him in the minors for a couple of more years. The Brave big wigs better get off their hats or they will see one heck of decline in attendants next year and the years after that. I will still watch them on TV, but I don’t think I will spend any more of my money to watch a bunch of quitters. I would rather see them get the wild card and win the series than lose everything and list to stupid excuses.