Braves

By Chop Chop

April 3, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Early observations:

Giles is the best leadoff hitter ever!

Signing Renteria was the worst mistake ever!

Chipper’s bunions almost kept him from beating out a Kent error!

Andruw will drive in a million runs this year! 1-0 Braves! Braves win the World Series!

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 3, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Looks like Giles starts out okay in leadoff. Just get on base, baby!

Now that LaRoche has hit his 3-run homer, he’ll have to play spotless ball or the “trade him” drums will start pounding.

I’m JACKED now. Let’s see how Huddy looks, now! :)

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

LeTwan is so excited he dropped his pie on the floor and Mama is fussing. LaRoche just hit a HR. Everybody looks good. LeTwan loves baseball. Go Braves!

Win today. Don’t let the Mets have even one day in first place.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 3, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

That’s it… now we can talk about trading LaRoche.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

LaRoche didn’t hustle at all on that 4-bagger. I’m surprsed he wasn’t thrown out at second.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 3, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

LeTwan… do ya’ll have a pup that’ll enjoy licking up that pie off the kitchen floor, once it cools?

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

LeTwan reports the pie was a lemon custard. Mama has cleaned up the pie and has refused to serve LeTwan anymore pie today. LeTwan is lucky the pie did not land on the sofa. Go Braves!

By forcesaberz

April 3, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Giles 2-2, Furcal 0-1 :-D

By old timer

April 3, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

We all know enough not to make much of one game, win or lose. But ain’t it great putting up a 4-spot in the 1st, on the road? Who can explain why we care so much about this team? Doesn’t matter. They’re gonna be fun to watch.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 3, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Ya’ll aren’t pet-people, LeTwan?

Giles is 2 for 2 and took off on a fouled pitch in the 2nd!!!

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

LeTwan reports we used to keep a jackass in the bog but he got too objectionable, so we had him removed from the bog. No other pets.

LeTwan had the worst feeling when Chipper was going down the line and danced around the bag. He looks like an injury waiting to happen. Hope LeTwan is wrong. Andruw is hitting the ball hard!

By Jman

April 3, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

C’mon old timer give the guy a chance!

By Jason Grubbs

April 3, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Our offense has really cooled since the 1st, and Lowe seems to be locating his pitches better. This may be a close one with our bullpen. Huddy has thrown a lot of pitches so far.

By Chop Chop

April 3, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Hudson’s doing his best Jorge Sosa impression today.

By Jman

April 3, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

We havent won on opening day in a while. So I would like to see that change this year! Well on our way! Go Braves!!!!

By Jman

April 3, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Dont forget the lucky error we got from Mr. Kent. Without that the first is nowhere near as successful.

By Aleem

April 3, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

We’re up 8-1 ya’ll. Stop whining…

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Now it’s 8-4, and Hudson couldn’t make it through 5. Do I get to whine now?

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

God dangit Bobby! Let the man get the dang win! He’s just as apt to get out of this as any of the clowns in the pen (remember game 4 anyone?).

And what the hell is the deal with Langy??!! Why he was he lollygagging to get that ball in the corner?

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Thank God Fox Sports Net got rid of Tom Paciorek. My faith in humanity has been restored.

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

82 pitches to get 12 outs, Carroll. Not Huddy’s best day.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Nuck: don’t speak too soon. You will be sick of Jeff Torborg before too long.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Eric: what’s 8-12 more pitches? He could’ve done it. Nice work by Cormier so far.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

April 3, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith notes bobby cox goes to pen and in comes cormier. not on club last year. promptly gives up run. time will tell if pen any good. three run lead not enough last year. journalist jimmy smith will have commentary after game. reitsma in ninth. good time for prayers.

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

I know a lot of folks didn’t like Paciorek, but is Jeff Snoreborg really an improvement? Knowledgeable but boring.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Where on Earth did the Dodgers dig up Sandy Alomar? That man must be 50 years old.

By Jman

April 3, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Carroll: Let it go! Last year’s NLDS is in the past. Let it go!!!

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Jman: if we don’t remember/learn from the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them.

And don’t tell me what to do. If you don’t like my posts, just skip them. Personally, I’m tired of all the make-believe journalists, and southern jackasses, etc, but I don’t give them s**, I just ignore their posts.

By MontgomeryDoug

April 3, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Carroll is tired of all the make believe posts and stuff. he just skips them so he can read his own.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

The way Giles has been playing, I’m starting to wonder if we would have been better off the last five years batting Giles first and Furcal second.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Carroll sure is grumpy for opening day. LeTwan thinks it’s because the Braves had to go to the pen so early. LeTwan hasn’t seen Carroll like this since he had bird flu and the big blowout with RR. LeTwan is mailing Carroll a pie, no charge.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Cormier, Remlinger, Villarreal, who’s next? Gotta get to the ninth and see what happens. LeTwan thinks if all the games are like this one we won’t have a pen by late May.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 3, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

excellent offensive day, nice to see. right now i’m watching villarreal come in and look terrible as he hits kent.

looks like furcal has gained some weight. i wonder if that will result in a lower number of SBs this year.

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, I was thinking the same thing, only it was back in the 3rd inning when it was obvious that Hudson’s pitch count would be out of sight before long. Our starters need to throw some strikes or our pen will be a pile of smoldering embers before the all star break.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Repeat after LeTwan, “b-u-l-l-p-e-n”. Reitsma comes in, in the 8th.

Is Boyer having arm problems? “Rusty” doesn’t get it this time.

Good thing we had so much offense today, but how many times will we have 11 runs? That may not be enough. Sad.

By Tommy Hawk

April 3, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Bobby, go ahead and use the entire bullpen today.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

That was as good as Reitsma has ever pitched to a single batter in his career. He pitches like that all year, he may work out after all.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

open mouth, insert foot.

By JasonInMaine

April 3, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Bullpen sux…won’t be long before Devine is called up. All of the fears may come to life.

Another negative point that people will get mad at…is Hudson really the ace we think he is? Either Rob Neyer or Jason Stark had a good article a while back regarding Hudson’s increase in hits allowed as well as his declining strikeout to walk ratio. Now, I am not saying he isn’t good…he just not may be the ace we think was worth $13 mill. One thing is for sure…Reitsma sux and should be replaced by Devine!

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Jason: I was saying that all last year about Huddy and nobody could understand why. I was all excited thinking we had the second-coming of gregg maddux. As it turns out, to me at least, Huddy was just painfully average. All he ever really throws is that tailing fastball. I never see a devastating slider, changeup or splitter that would make great hitters look like fools. I have been, and continue to be extremely dissapointed. But I guess that’s the moral to the story of my life as a Braves fan.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

Yeah…I had a feeling I might regret saying that. But he did also pitch really well after he put the tying run at the plate again. I dunno…I do think we’ll be forced to make a switch at some point this year, he really isn’t a closer, but maybe he’s not totally helpless.

Also, nice of Villarreal to look like crap today after making the U.S. look like fools in the World Baseball Classic. Perhaps he should pretend he’s facing the U.S. every time out.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

Of course it doesn’t really mater what our starters do…even if our staff consisted of Cy Young, Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, etc….if we have nothing but steaming dung in our bull pen, we’re never gonna win the division. And the few guys that did decently today, Bobby inexplicably yanked ‘em. At least we’re already in October form.

By Justin

April 3, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

Is there such thing as a bad win. The bullpen is very average. We won’t score 11 runs everytime out but we may have to. Hudson is at best a 2 stater, not worth the money but still solid. Giles looked great at leadoff spot.

By forcesaberz

April 3, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Carrol, my guess is that Huddy will just take a few games to get into his element. Do you remember him last year in the last game vs the astros? The guy was untouchable. Granted I never feel the same as when Smoltz is out there (man am I gonna miss him when he retires), but I think that last year w/Huddy was a result of the injury. Once he warms up this year we should see some magic.

By Justin

April 3, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Huuddys just so damn inconsistent. Looks great one day, horrible the next then average, a true 1 is good most of the time.

By Jman

April 3, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Same old Braves! Reitsma was lucky this time. Bullpen issues are still going to haunt us this year. The story is the same, only the names have changed! Villrreal was solid, and so was Rem. I am a little surprised that Bobby didnt let Huddy go at least 5. He did look kind of bad in the 5th, but probably should have let him sweat it out. Thomson was decent. Bobby should have let him stay in as well. Something has to change in the pen though, and soon!

By Jimo

April 3, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Great Bull pen Bobby and John! Same old problem no relief. Reits gets save, gives up two runs,6 batters not bad. Hope we score 11 runs ever game.

By Chris

April 3, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, that was a nice cheap shot against Hootie and the Blowfish. Actually, why don’t you just stick to covering the Braves and stop giving us your musical opinions. I’ve seen yours and you have no room to talk. Kanye West? Ha! At least Hootie plays their own instruments and has talent. Sheesh.

By chester

April 3, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Need Jorge Sosa as our closer! Not gonna be able to watch us lose games all year cause of our bullpen. I know it was one game but its been a problem since the beginning of the 2005 season. We need to stop hoping that we can get threw it and just fix it. Chris just doesn’t have it hasn’t had it since the days when we played the astros in 2004

By Jman

April 3, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Whoa! Carroll calm down man. Just suggesting not telling you what to do. Just saying we need to let that Game 4 debacle ease out of our minds. Still have nightmares about that game. This is a new season, new year, new day! We’re 1-0 in 06. 05 doesnt matter anymore. We do need a bullpen solution though. Reitsma aint gonna get it done!

By MBATL

April 3, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Never seen a bandwagon unload so fast!

By Patrick

April 3, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Why not let Thomson close..could prolong his career..almost Smoltz like

By BO

April 3, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

DANNY BAEZ DIDN’T lOOK BAD boys.

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you have a short memory if you think you were the only one who was disappointed with Hudson last year. A whole lot of us were. Today was more of the same - - ball 1, ball 2, strike 1, ball 3 - - and the pitch count keeps soaring. With a few exceptions when he was very good last year, it seemed like his performances were Sosa-like - - always in trouble, high pitch count, out too early in the game.

It was an ominous win. It says a lot about our pen when Villareal was named the winning pitcher. It was a case of who stunk the least.

By mike

April 3, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

all I wanted for Christmas was a closer. I guess I was bad boy. SORRY!?!?!

By former gwinnettian

April 3, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

C’mon everybody, a win is a win.

Plus, it’s a long season; our offense will put up some runs this year. The bullpen will have to do better, I agree; but it’s still early.

By DollarDawg

April 3, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

I didn’t notice any Braves starter going much more than 3-4 innings in the spring. How can any of them expect to do much more now? You don’t exercise for fifteens minutes a night for one week and progress to an hour at a time on week two.

This limited work load may well pay off in the fall but we are going to be forced to overwork a subpar bullpen in the mean time.

By TennesseePaul

April 3, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

What a game. Wish Hudson had pitched better and I wish that pen had looked better. But W is what we got. Renteria is so amazing! Chipper and Andruw were on it today. Giles looked fabulous in the lead-off role. Can’t wait for tomorrow.

Go Braves!

By Adam

April 3, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

How much did Remlinger have to pay us to take him back?

By Matt

April 3, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Well, I watched most of the game (dozed for a couple of innings, so I missed Andruw’s homer). From what I saw, it looked more like an extended Spring Training game. However, they did pull it out, which is a good sign for the Braves. I think that if they keep their win-by-any-means thinking that they’ll be in their 15th straight postseason. Also, a couple of extra thoughts: 1) Didn’t Edgar look great? 2) LaRoache could be our next big hitter. Maybe…just depends if he doesn’t hit a swoon in the middle of the year like he did last year 3) What about the closer situation. Anybody think that John Thompson could be a closer at some point this season? Well, that’s all from this longtime Braves fan. I hope we can do it all again!

By Adam

April 3, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

When I think of Remlinger I think of other Braves greats: Len Barker, Bruce Sutter, “Perimeter Perez” etc.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 3, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

LeTwan hopes Smoltz doesn’t feel like he has to finish the game tomorrow because there’s no one in the pen. Lots of innings will end his season early. Think they can get him 11 runs?

By the way, the Lemmer said on the radio that he doesn’t see a problem with the Braves bullpen. Guess that settles that.

By Leo Mazzone

April 3, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Ha! 10 runs!! Get used to it pennypinchers!

By old timer

April 3, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Easy, people. This game says little about anything. First, it’s the opener. Starting pitchers often don’t go deep in the game their first start of the year, except for Rick Mahler. Bobby probably had Huddie on a pitch count and he was near it and struggling, so he took him out. Must have been the right move. We won the game. I don’t think it can be the wrong move when you win the game. Bullpen didn’t look good, but it’s JUST ONE GAME. We have a lot of new guys down there. I promise you they won’t be as bad as last year. Really, though, I wish I was wrong. I wish this is how everyone would play. I’d love to score 1,782 runs this year.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 3, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Carroll, if you’re so damned tired of make-believe journalists and “jackasses” then take your own advice and just skip on over them!

By Jeremy

April 3, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

So JS couldn’t have gotten a decent closer this offseason with trade bait like Wilson Betemit, John Thomson and Kelly Johnson? I’d even take Danys Baez at this point. Huddy looked good early on and was just beginning to struggle when Bobby pulled the quick hook. I would’ve liked to see him at least face Saenz again. You can’t tell me that Cormier was a better option at that point than Hudson. I thought Villareal was going to be better than he looked. I’d take Devine over any one of those guys in the pen, whoever has options or not, he needs to be up! At least the offense looked good. I’m excited by the way they looked today, especially by the top 5 in the order. Langerhans should bat ahead of McCann, if not 2nd. My rant is done, thanks for your time. Oh wait, one more thing: WE NEED A RELIABLE CLOSER!!! We can’t go through another year of having an ulser everytime the starter exits. Okay, now I’m really done!

By Tyryztoll

April 3, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

It will be this way all year….when you don’t spend $$ you rarely get results. I don’t blame Bobby or John for the bullpen, what can we expect from a bunch of castoffs & ham & eggers? The alottment is all wrapped up in Hudson, Smoltz, Chipper & Andruw. Time Warner has been clipping the wings of this team for too long - nothings gonna change until they’re sold and the new guy comes in ready to spend. Maddening as it was to watch, we still sent 55,000 Dodger fans home unhappy, so it was worth it. Btw, Hudson is a little puzzy….they need to get that guy on some Big Macs & powder stacks so that he can throw 80 pitches without collapsing in a heap every time out. The guy looks like a meth wretch for criss sakes!!

By old timer

April 3, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

I went out to dinner in the middle of the game, recorded it and came home to watch the rest of the game. In the 8th, a hockey game came on Sports South where I live, so I didn’t get to see Reitsma slam the door in the 9th after teasing them by allowing 2 useless runs. Did hockey pop up everywhere on Sports South?

By Ken Lukyamuzi, Ugandan Citizen

April 3, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

My name is Ken Lukyamuzi from the Bundibugyo District of Uganda. I enjoy the baseball blogs very much, however, being a very well-educated and refined Ugandan man, I find remarks made by certain individuals under the guise of “ugandan journalists” as being mordacious and disrespectful, and in no way being a true reflection of my culture. I respectfully ask that these types of comments stop. Thank you, and Go Braves.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Jman: fair enough….I was mainly p** off at the game when I posted that. But I do get tired of the same ole garbage all the time with the Bravos….same ole b.s. from our pen, same ole b.s with cox mismanaging the relieving corps. For instance, there was absolutely no reason to pull: Rem, Villareal, or Thommy. He just yanked ‘em for no apparent reason. Here we go again. Ain’t it grand.

Eric: I didn’t mean that I was the only one saying that about Hudsy last year…just that when I did say it, people like Fab jumped all over me. Huddy had a great first game against the Marlins last year and then the epic duel with Clemens. Those two starts sorta exempted him from criticism in the minds of many on here, it seemed. But the reality is that he wasn’t that number one horse….not even close.

And as far as everyone saying “it’s only the first game” etc…when should we get worried? I mean…all spring it’s been “oh well, the WBC…” or “oh but all the injuries…” or “it’s only spring”. When do you worry for real? We should’ve had all of our scrubs in the game by the 5th inning with all the runs we scored. Instead, our starter couldn’t even get the win, and we had to eek it out to the very last out.

By Mark

April 3, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about anyone else but I miss Tom Paciorek. Just doesn’t sound right without him.

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

On a positive note, thank gawd we didn’t go after Nomaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah this offseason like some people on here were clammering for. That guy is just a walking injury waiting to happen.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you have every right to not enjoy being a Braves fan. A win isn’t good enough. Gotta be a perfect win. And no, I’m not skipping your posts. Some of them are good. But damn, did you complain in ‘95 because the Braves only scored one run in Game 6?

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Come on now, old timer. This isn’t nit-picking or being hard to please. This was just a flat-out awful game. If we played like that again, then 99 times out of 100 we’d get our lunch handed to us.

By David O'Brien

April 3, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m not going to jump to any conclusions, but…

I just didn’t see the rationale for keeping Boyer over Devine, though I think Boyer is going to be key piece of the bullpen. Just thought he could’ve used a brief rehab assignment after only pitching a few times at end of spring.

Devine’s high strikeouts did gloss over the fact that he gave up a lot of hits this spring, and the strikeouts were mostly against less-than-stellar players. But… just thought Boyer needed more work

How ‘bout using Thomson for two batters and one out? Not exactly a resounding vote of confidence to replace him after he gives up that double, but hey, Reitsma came in and got out of the jam (only to then create another jam in the ninth, but that’s another story).

Where’s all the anti-LaRoche yakety-yak? Seems no one talks about him when he does anything good.

Very good first day in the leadoff hole for Giles. But Furcal reminded everyone what the Braves will miss, too.

Hopefully they’ll play tomorrow. Since the forecast didn’t turn out as bad today as they said, maybe same will hold tomorrow. But it does look pretty poor, from what I’m seeing on weather.com, etc.

Cheap shot at Hootie and the Blowfish, huh? You’re right. That was unfair of me. “I’m such a baby, yeah, the Dolphins made me cry…” (hope I didn’t mess up that lyric. That wasn’t writen by Hank Williams or Dylan or Springsteen, that was Hootie (or whoever writes their songs).

By Carroll

April 3, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

On the other hand, game 6 was completely flawless. We win that game 100 times out of 100. Shame on you for even mentioning it in the same blog as today’s game.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Well, yeah, Carroll, you give up 10 runs, make 3 errors, etc. etc., you almost always lose. But each game is different. In this one, we had a big lead and hung on. I’d rather give up 5 in the last two innings in a game like this than give up 1 in the last three innings and lose 2-1. What I mean is, if the pen is going to give up runs, this was the game to do it. Seemed like last year, the pen did well when it didn’t matter and sucked when we needed them to do well. Lots of positives in this game, starting with A. Jones, who got of slowly last year, but now appears to believe in himself totally.

By MBATL

April 3, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Carroll, most of what you say is accurate, and you do know your baseball, but man you sure look for the down side of things, it seems.

I like most of the arms in our ‘pen. Talent will tell, over a long season. Not to say we may not need to tweak by the trade dl, but I just don’t see the sky falling like you do. Hate to sound too naive, but there’s SOMETHING to be said for pulling for the guys you have, rather than wishing you had “someone else.”

Funny how Devine is suddenly the best since Dennis Eckersly, according to this blog. I like him… don’t get me wrong… but he pretty much got pounded last year and I’m glad to see him in the minors, getting the work he needs. I wonder: if he’d have pitched today and given up a couple of hits (which is all anyone but Boyer gave up, btw), would everyone still consider him “the answer?”

Opening Day 2005: Florida 9, Braves 0.. with Smoltz on the mound.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 3, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

They said something about switching North Carolina viewers to the Hurricanes game, old timer. Must have been what happened to you.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Actually, we win Game 6 about 60 times out of 100, and only because we’re good. That game was scoreless until what — the 7th? —and we got the solo jack, not Cleveland.

And then we were able to hold on to that lead without Reitsma.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Nicholas, thanks, I guess that’s what happened. Next time, I’ll watch on ESPN.

By Greg

April 3, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

David, I noticed today that the nameplate letters on the Braves’ jerseys were not vertically arced as they had been since the change to the current uniform design in 1987. Can you find out why the change and if they plan on going back to the arced letters?

I know it’s not a big deal and most fans probably don’t even notice such things, but I always thought the arced nameplate letters were a classy, stylish look that helped make the Braves uniform one of the best looking in professional sports history.

I’d appreciate it if you could pass on my thought to whomever decides those sort of things.

Thanks and keep up the great writing.

By supa

April 3, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

whew! we eeked out a close one today.

the offense was great, against a pretty good pitching staff. the top 4 in our line-up are as strong as they come. i’d put giles, renteria, chipper, and andruw up against anyone. they are the veterans and they sure played like it today (despite the errors).

i’m not too worried about huddy. he has been inconsistent as a braves, i’ll admit that. it looks like he’s still a bit overwhelmed to be the ace for the team he grew up following. once he gets a few wins under his belt, the confidence will be back. i’m sure of it.

the bullpen makes me nervous. someone has to step up. i think even bobby was visibly frustrated today, pulling thomson after one hit after he had just over-powered the previous hitter. did you see the look on thomson’s face - i think he was surprised too. it’s still too early to panic, but schuerholz can’t wait til the trade deadline to make a move this year.

By eric the elder

April 3, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

For those who have not been around this blog for very long, there is something you need to know about Carroll. He is the savviest baseball guy on the blog, or at least in the top three. His off-season posts were reasoned, calm, and sensible. But when the ump says, “Play ball,” Carroll becomes very, very excitable. He said so himself last year. When he seems to be frothing at the mouth, understand that he is just kicking the blog rather than his TV set. Let’s enjoy most of what he has to say, and just figure that he is Carroll being Carroll when the games are underway. Otherwise, we’re in for a long season of bickering and sniping.

I was glad to see DOB’s comments about Boyer. It was a worrisome outing, and I was counting on him to be a star this year.

By old timer

April 3, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Eric, I think you are right about Carroll. Except, are you sure of the gender? Some of the flashes of wisdom and some of the ways Carroll puts things, I don’t know. I am not trying to be funny here. I picture Carroll as a woman, but you’re right, that is the spelling men use.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

April 3, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith farewell - journalist jimmy smith has had good time with friends on baseball blog. now, time for jimmy smith to go. carroll sick of jimmy smith. new ugandan in town insulted by jimmy smith. sja no longer like jimmy smith - only friend sja have. apparently, blog not big enough for two ugandans. jimmy smith go now, wish for dob great future at ajc … next jesse outlar. wish for braves fans much happiness this season and longer. just to be certain ken really ugadan, jimmy smith ask one question: what best selling lawn mower in bundibugyo district? ken know, jimmy gone for good. weraba from jimmy smith.

By Jim From Tenn

April 3, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

did anyone tell the pitchers that we are playing for real now, no trying out pitches. Throw strikes fellas. Looked more like yanks vs. red socks than a national league game today. It was nice to see the boys bashing the ball like they did. I think Renteria will turn alot of heads this year also langerhans, kid just looks like a “ballplayer”. Bound to excel one way or another.

By Kentavo

April 3, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

I forgot why I had been so calm for the last six months until I watched the game today. Can we please get some relief pitching? What is it with these guys? Can McDowell still toss it? I’m very happy they won, but it seems to be a rather ominous beginning by using every pitcher in the bullpen.

By Dave Knockahomer

April 3, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly about today’s game:

Good: we Won, Hudson looked purty good for a short time; the Bats were alive with the sound of hits….

the Bad: they almost came back to beat us; we can’t hold a lead worth a _hit; bullpen stunk worse than a polecat on a wet day in middle of summer;

the Ugly: we won Ugly!!!! pitching was lousy for us and for them. Iffen ya like offense today was a blast, especially since we ended up one run up to win. The ugliest part is that we could just have easily lost it with the ?pitching? we had……

BUT……in the standings tomorrow we will be 1 and 0.!

GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SCORE LIKE CRAZY SO WE WON’T CARE IF WE HAVE PITCHING OR NOT!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A YEAR THIS IS GONNA BE!

I’m lovin it!

By Alan

April 3, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, everybody, lighten up. The Braves won today. Yeah, it was ugly, but they won and they’re in first place. I’ll take an ugly 11-10 win over a flawlessly played 3-2 loss every time. And so would all of you. Now, relax, drink a glass of warm milk (with a piece of pie, LeTwan, if you wish), and get a good night’s sleep. There’s another game tomorrow - and it’s a late-night game. ‘Night, all.

By Dave Knockahomer

April 3, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

oh yea…one of the announcers said that even Cox was not happy with the few innings pitchers got to work. They need more innings in spring training to truly be ready and that has gotta be right cause look at all the blowouts today! Wild day in many places. any of y’all hear that about pitchers needing more mound time in spring training? makes sense.

By Miles

April 3, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

chill out guys, its been just 1 game. Remember how much the team sucked in last year’s opening day against the Marlins…smoltz got absolutely annihilated and everyone acted like the sky was falling. Hudson will get it together, he has too much talent not to. We are going to need a month to determine what the strengths and weaknesses of the bullpen are. I thought Cormier and Remlinger were solid while Boyer and Villareal were god awful. The top of the lineup looks terrific with a great balance of speed and power. It was good to see some of the sophomores like Langerhans and McCann get in some key hits. Frenchie was a dissapointment but its only been 1 game. We have Smoltz on the mound tomorrow against Brad Penny, so you who ius favored in that matchup. Im willing to bet the dependable smoltz goes 7 strong innings with 8 K’s…an ugly win for the braves today, but a win is a win.

By tigger101023

April 3, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

I read an article on vertically arched lettering just a few weeks ago and found it interesting: Welcome to Arch Madness. I agree that I hope it doesn’t go away. Maybe the equipment manager just didn’t get it done yet. Because as the above article says, it’s all computerized these days, it’s not like it’s much more expensive.

Bring back the VAL!

Oh, and Langy with the homer today, very nice :)

By Fale Durphy

April 3, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

From what I saw in this game:

We are screwed with this bullpen.

I like Giles at leadoff more than Furcal at leadoff, Giles realizes he has to get on base instead of trying to jack it out of the park every at bat.

Renteria is a nice player… not as good as Furcal but I think we will like him by the time the season is over.

Is Hudson ever gonna show his Oakland consistency while he’s in a Braves uniform?

If Jeff Francoeur doesn’t learn how to work the count and take pitches, he’s gonna hit .240 this year.

Looks like Andruw’s picking up right where he left off.

In 20 years, when Kanye doesn’t have to do Burger King commercials with Jenna Jameson to make money, you will see that he has more talent than Hootie. It’s OK to not like hip hop, but don’t show your ignorance by insulting the entire genre.

Having said all that, good to start off the season with a win. Go Braves!

By Tomahawkin

April 4, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Carroll, How bout the Job Reeksma did today among others in our Blowpen, I thought Thompson looked good, he had a lot of movement

Anyone else thinks Reeksma is the man 4 da job, He had me about ready to throw my remote at the TV…

By Tomahawkin

April 4, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Carroll I got your back, I think with Carroll its frustration with that Blowpen that has gotten us, I mean we had a 8-1 lead with Huddy on the hill and we almost fcked that up…I dunno about you guys but I was ready to kick the TV, So Carroll I feel your pain…

By Mark

April 4, 2006 01:46 AM | Link to this

yea the pitching was ugly , but I knew we could pound the ball. a win is a win , I’ll take it. hudson and boyer stunk , everybody else did okay. Reiysma pitched the ninth smartly , giving up two runs for two outs. It’s only one game , 161 still left , ya’ll get off the ledge and come back inside and have a beer.

By Tomahawkin

April 4, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

D.O.B. Where are the Roachie haters? I still hate his carefree attitude, but he cma through today…I just hope he begins to use all parts of the field and not get to pull happy, smae 4 Langerhans

D.O.B. I think that was the best performance hitting with RISP I’ve seen in years

That saved our A-$-$es today

By Hawaii Brave

April 4, 2006 02:44 AM | Link to this

One Game - I still say, Leo gonna be missed.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 4, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

A few things I noticed…

1. Huddy looked good - for the amount of time spring training starts conditioned hime to be ready for. Obviously, with our ‘pen, we need 6-7 innings out of him, though.

2. That $5 million or so the Braves have on stand-by to fix what ails ‘em will probably by burning a hole in Schuerholz’ pocket soon, the way the ‘pen looked ysterday.

3. Bobby didn’t look all that thrilled to have to pull the hook so much, and I don’t really think he liked anything he called on, either. If he has the kind of leverage he should have in this organization, there’ll be better options in this bullpen sooner rather than later if they continue to perform like that.

4. Wasn’t part of the problem with Reitsma last year an “over-use?” So there he was, in the 8th and 9th inning, on day one of the ‘06 season.

By ssiscribe

April 4, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Ugly as it was, it was, folks, a win.

Not wanting to draw any conclusions from just one game, but if the rains hold off in sunny Southern California today, it’d be nice for Smoltz to go at least six, if not seven.

Hudson got way, way too many pitches up and pitched from behind too much. But, fortunately, the offense came to play.

LaRoche had a great game at the plate. So did A.J. So did Giles. Edgar was impressive.

I just don’t understand Thomson in the pen. His outing isn’t going to have many teams lining up to play let’s make a deal.

Oh well. Win, win, win, it looks the same in the standings. 1-0.

By Carroll

April 4, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

RR: wow, I agree with all your points. Especially about BC already overusing Reeksma…especially when there was no good reason to pull Thommy so quickly. Dude is a starter…I think he can handle more than 2 batters.

Eric: you’re right…I do get worked up during the games, so I hope people can kinda sort through the venom. I’ll try to take it easy ;)

Tommy: thanks

Old timer: in re: game 6, I think if we’re able to hold the most prolific offense in the modern era of baseball to one hit in 9 innings, we will win that game 100 times out of 100…..even with our history of postseason offensive woes.

By Carroll

April 4, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

By the way, just to be fair, I do give props to LaRoche for a great game all the way around. I was just watching the highlights and that was a terrific play to end the game on what would have been ANOTHER Chipper error. I just hope he (roach) can be more consistent this year.

By MontgomeryDoug

April 4, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

i think he should have left thomson in a little longer. looked good against first hitter, then gives up a double on a good breaking ball on outer edge. I was really hoping he would have stayed in and finished the game. have two starters down there could be a good thing. let them go two or three innings at a time. maybe james goes three today after smoltz tires. just a thought but thomson and james are starters and used to logging innings.

By TBird

April 4, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves theme song should be “Flirting with Disaster” by Molly Hachet

By P'Cola Michael

April 4, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

speaking of Thompson….why not try him?? I know he is not the “nasty” prototypical closer, but, if we’re going to drop that kind of cash on him and only keep him for a short time….let him try the 9th?

By CK

April 4, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Leo… LEO where did you go? Remember how Leo used to rock the bench next to Cox? Rememebr how Leo always seemed to get the best out of his starters?

Looks like Roger (Dodger) Mcdowell has got a lot to learn about preparing his pitchers before a game and before the season. Huddie and the whole bullpen stunk today. Of course it is only one game. Lets see what effect the master (Smoltz) has on the team tonight. I beleive the Bravos win 5-2.

Smoltz’s demeaner and control will can’t help but inspire Reeksma and the other BP pitchers to do their best.

But like one blogger said earlier… an ugly win is better than a purty loss.

By Ryder

April 4, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Leo come back all is forgiven!

By old timer

April 4, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Leo’s Os held those dangerous Devil Rays to 6 runs, 5 earned. We don’t need Leo. We need somebody who can throw 96 over the plate with movement and mix in something off-speed. But we knew that going in. JS will make a deal at some point.

Tonight’s game, 10:10 start. Too late for aging fan.

By Ceepster

April 4, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

I just finished reading all the posts. Would we feel better if the Braves had won 11-0 with Hudson pitching 5 or 6 innings and several of the same relief pitchers from yesterday pitching a scoreless inning each? Wouldn’t they still be the same pitchers? Wouldn’t it just be masking for another day what we’ve discussed all winter and spring long? We need bullpen help. I truly believe that the GM will get it for us. But I also believe that things in the bullpen are not as bad as it looked yesterday. Bright notes for me from yesterday: AJones, Laroche, Giles and Renteria. And thank goodness Langerhans hit what seemed to be a meaningless homerun. I hope there is a game tonight! Go Smoltz! Go Braves!

By Stats

April 4, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Braves are trying a new approach in their 2006 assault on the record books. Don’t worry about strikeouts and get as many batters to hit as possible. Just hope they hit to someone. This also gives more opportunities for errors. So far resulted in #1 among MLB teams in errors and tied for #1 in hits allowed. Got edged out by Phillies for lead in team ERA 11 for the Phils vs only 10 for Bravos.

By John Adcox

April 4, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Four words: Roger Clemmens, Braves closer.

The campaign begins today! ;-)

Myth, Literature, Entertainment, Fantasy, Philosophy, Cool Stuff, and More!

By Voice of Reason

April 4, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

I absolutely love all of the conclusions being drawn after one game. Let’s see, LaRoche and Langerhans will lead the NL in HR’s, Hudson will have the league’s highest ERA, and every reliever will vie for the league lead in innings pitched. It’s one game, one game! The same concerns remain today that were there last week: closer, (Reitsma gets a save, albeit ugly.) 1B, (LaRoche powers the Braves to an early lead, can he be consistent?) Leadoff, (Giles had a great day, can he be consistent?) I’ll take the win…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 4, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

My conclusion - Braves suck as Usual!!!…

By Bryan

April 4, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Just remember last year and the season opener in Miami … all the speculation that Smoltz is done! Well, one of the wisest things I have ever heard from an ESPN baseball tonight mouth (maybe Gammons) - “I would not want to be the next team Smoltz faces”… I would say the same for the next team that hudson faces.

Bryan

By Tomahawkin

April 4, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Yea Carroll You were wiled up yesterday…I was too, I had a 6-pack and everything was all good even though I almost threw my remote if Reeksma gave up that last run

By P'Cola Michael

April 4, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

man…could you imagine Clemens coming in with an A on his hat in the bottom of the 9th! WOW!!!

By Bo

April 4, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Why does JS and BC believe Hudson is so d—- good?

By Alan

April 4, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

You guys who are all over Reitsma need to get a grip. As he himself said after the game, he earned the save in the 8th when he struck out Saenz with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Granted, he made it interesting in the 9th, but he finished the game strongly and the Braves won. Let me say it again: THE BRAVES WON. Can’t we move along now and get ready for tonight’s game? I, too, like our chances with Smoltz vs. Penny, but anything can happen and it very likely will. That’s what makes baseball the best game, bar none. But, really, this whining has to stop. Are we going to go through this before, during and after every one of the next 161 games? I guess we are. Carry on, girls and boys.

By P'Cola Michael

April 4, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Alan,

I agree….we’re 1-0 and claiming a sinking ship…..What happens when/if we go on a losing streak? Trade EVERYBODY?

By glennbo

April 4, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

its time to bust up the dynasty. trade everybody making more than 1 mil. send chipper to the yankees or bosox to help his offensive numbers for hof. use the money saved to buy out hampton. he’ll never be a real pitcher again. try to send as many of the guys to winners as possible, except for thomson. send him to the cubs and lets hope the wind blows out a lot and dusty baker pitches him till his arm falls off. lets wipe the slate clean and try to build something better than a 14 time division champion.

By Ernesto

April 4, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t agree more, one game doesn’t mean anything in terms of a trend. And an 11-10 win counts the same as an 11-0 win. But, after worrying about the pen all off season, and then again all through the spring - and then seeing them come out and cough up 5 runs in 5 innings (2 from our “stopper”) I can see why the Bravos faithful are gripping a bit. It hardly promotes confidence.

By glennbo

April 4, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

and bring back cheif nock-a-homa, darrel chaney and al hrabosky. lets get this franchise back to its roots.

By glennbo

April 4, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

i’ll just have to start watching “the guiding light” ,”the young and the restless” and “the bold and the beautiful”. you know, trade one sort of drama for another.

By Empty Seats at the Ted

April 4, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, no one is going to spend money on a team that would be LUCKY to be called a mid market team. No one shows up at the games! Is the Braves home opener even going to be sold out? Probably not. No fans = no money for FA’s (I don’t care WHO owns the team)

With the success the Braves have had for the past 15 years, you’d think they’d get some more fan support.

By pcwood

April 4, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, whoever writes their songs? Maybe you should quit being so ignorant and check out the liner notes buddy. They write their songs. An ignorant Kanye West fan? Ha, can’t imagine that.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

dude, enjoy Hootie and the Blowfish. and lighten up just a tiny bit, OK. (wow, never heard anyone so passionate about Hootie _ what, 12 years after their big moment. I mean, they’re playing center field at Dodger Stadium an hour before a 1 p.m. game, to a crowd of perhaps 5,000 filing into their seats. Too bad you weren’t hear to support them).

And you’re right _ they’re more talented than Kanye. Whatever you say, my man. I think all the critics would agree with that assessment (oh, I can hear the reply to that now _ “who cares what critics say?”)

It was a great set, OK? One of the best I’ve seen.

Sorry I brought it up.

By Poor Man

April 4, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Why so many negatives about the Braves my friends? Just one game, we have won for crying outloud, the Braves are going to be just fine folks we need all the support we can get. We beat LA in their house for the season opener. Yes we have to work on the bullpen, closer position Etc. you guys are right on that but which MLB team doesn’t have to? I LOVE THE WAY THE BRAVES PLAYED THE GAME AND WON IT. Yes baby that’s what I am talking about…By the way O’Brien is doing a great job…GO BRAVES

By glennbo

April 4, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

and how about gene garber? he never relied on velocity anyway. misdirection and herky jerky motion. he could always save a third of our games in odd numbered years.

On another note, i feel that hootie and the blowfish are a bunch turncoats for entertaining any baseball fans outside of the ATL. they came up only three hours from atlanta and they’re playin’ LA on opening day. its bolscheveck. of course, gigs for those guys might be few and far between now that their one hit wonder status is a distant memory. but still.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 5, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

You moron losers talk about low class music to avoid facing the truth about your low class, no closer, no bullpen, lackluster, mediocre, effortless, half-azzed, bum Braves!!!…GO DODGERS!!!…