Braves

By Patrick

April 7, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

OB,

Given the fact that LaRoche has 2 HR’s and the rest of his AB’s he’s struck out (mostly)..and with Betemit proving even further that he needs to be in the lineup everyday, is there any thought on the Braves part to let Betemit play first or move Chipper there and have Betemit play 3B if LaRoche continues to struggle?

Thanks

By P'Cola Michael

April 7, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

I’d love to see Chipper move to 1st and let WB begin his career as the “new Chipper”. You somehow figure out how to pull this off, you have Adam L. platooning, increase his value even more, trade him….ROCK ON!

By Chop Chop

April 7, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

The only thing that Sosa really did better last year (according to the raw statistics) was give up fewer hits. He has the movement on his pitches to be a very effective starter, but I don’t think he has the determination to do it. I pity Roger McDowell’s nose for having to deal with the smell around the mound after all of Sosa’s brain farts yesterday.

By the way, I was a little disturbed by something Brian McCann said yesterday:

“When you get two guys on base and you’ve got Barry in the hole, you’ve got to go at the [guys in front of him]…He’s a game-changer. That’s why he’s the best player in the game — you look four batters ahead.”

First of all, Bonds is an old guy who has injury problems. He’s been amazingly unstoppable over the last seven syringe-filled seasons, but you can’t constantly be afraid of a soon-to-be 42-year-old hitter who can’t run and is caught up in a swirl of all manner of controversy. I certainly can understand that most major league managers and players would rather not take a chance on implementing a different strategy for dealing with Barry, but if (as ESPN’s Buster Olney posted on his blog yesterday) he can no longer generate power from his lower body and is all arms and wrists, you shouldn’t have that uncontrollable fear of him anymore. From now on, I think teams should treat Bonds like a normal cleanup hitter. Pretty soon, he’ll just be another washed-up slugger…with some of the greatest numbers of all-time.

By Coop

April 7, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Boy, I know we’re only 4 games in, but this pitching staff is really starting to p** me off. Particularly yesterday when Sosa seemed to forget that it’s okay to throw strikes, not that the strikes that he was throwing fooled anyone anyway.

In my opinion, the offense looks good other than ADD LaRoche - clearly this kid has a hard time “paying attention” to the strike zone. Bobby C., please either do one of two things, bench this guy or give him some Ritalin quickly.

I’m excited about the team, and I think we’ll do well this year, but (here’s the understatement of the week) the starting pitching has to give us a chance and the bullpen has to stop making the end of the games so interesting.

By TennesseePaul

April 7, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Great post DOB! Nice perspective. I certainly hope it gets better. It hasn’t been pretty so far. I love this line up. The top half is so freaking good. And I’m impressed with Renteria’s “typical slow start”. Can’t wait until that guy gets warmed up! And lastly, I’m ever so pleased that Thomson is still on the team.

Also, Chipper will not be moving to first base. Betemit will be playing the bench. With the exception of Jordan, this bench has been doing pretty good. Orr was sneaky quick the other day beating out the play at first. That guy is fast! Who knew canucks could run like that?

By bravos11

April 7, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to relax. The Braves start off slow every season. The is only the first time through the rotation. Let the pitchers get into their rythm, they will be fine. Betemit, although a good bench player could not provide the same offensive punch that chipper provides and WB does not ever have the power that LaRoche has. Give the team some games to gel together, they will be fine.

By TJ

April 7, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

The idea of Chipper moving to 1st was raised during the off-season. We were clearly told then that Chipper was not going anywhere- period. I don’t see why that would have changed, especially with Salty lurking in the minors.

By James

April 7, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

I also thought of mixing Betemit in the lineup some how.Maybe playing first or third with chipper going to first.Betemit could start for alot of teams now. Wow,what about Ray the other night pitching to B Bonds. Got that Bruce Sutter splitter going. Could be an option if he continues that and our closer falters. Maybe the feel good story of the year.As for the starters it just might be a blessing in disguised. They will come around. Its just April folks.

By John Hoar

April 7, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

If anyone missed the “in depth commentary” by the sports writer without a country, Jimmy Smith, you should check back and read it. I’m talking about the one comparing Brian Jordan to a stuffed Trigger and the presence and leadership “the smartest horse in the West” provided for the Cowboy Horse Hall of Fame Museum. Of course Bobby C.., uh Roy Rogers then rode the younger horses down the trail. Pretty funny if you missed it. Even though I’ve always liked Brian…..still pretty funny.

By dannycardwell

April 7, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

the boys will be fine. langerhans needs to play every day and betemet and orr more often. the pitching will settle in in a couple more times in the rotation. sosa is out of shape and it shows. cant wait for monday night. everybody is picking the mets again so we are in good shape for another title.

By Todd

April 7, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else get the feeling that Davies and James are both going to be factors this year? That being said, I’m not worried about Hudson and Smoltz - they’ll be fine. Look at all the good pitchers who lost big this week: Buerhle, Schmidt, Zito, Millwood, Pettite, Garcia, etc. I’d have our guys over anybody else’s any day of the week. Sosa and Ramirez, however, those guys I worry about…

By Voice of Reason

April 7, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

The first four games have been nothing short of baffling, baffling. HoRa picked up right where he left off, as did JoSo, but Huddy… Smoltz…? Well, I’m a positive kinda guy, so I’ll stick to the positives so far. Langerhans is a real major leaguer and I for one am glad he’s our left fielder. I look for him to really rise up and show that baseball pedigree his father instilled in him. And gotta give credit where credit is due… LaRoche is pounding the ball, when he hits it. I hope it’s not a “Rob Deer” season for him. You guys remember Rob Deer, don’t ya? The guy could crush a ball, when he hit it. He could also personally air condition a stadium with the numerous whiffs of the bat. Edgar’s got the kind of bat the Braves have long needed; he puts the ball in play and knows how to go with the pitch. McCann looks sharp… you know… there’s actually alot of positives. It’s kind of funny that the things we worried so much about coming into spring - bullpen, leadoff, left field, shortstop - have been pretty good. The thing we took for granted - the starting pitching - has pretty much sucked. I love this game…

By MBATL

April 7, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

FYI, I’ve read for a long time that Chipper has no interest (or willingness) to change positions again, and that the Braves have no interest in trying to force the issue. It’s an intriguing idea, but from what I hear, it just ain’t gonna happen. Maybe DOB can shed some light, if anything has changed.

Let’s hope Davies can step up and do the job tonight; he had a great spring. It’s no fun watching our staff get kicked around, but we should maintain some perspective. You pretty much know that Smoltz and Hudson will be at least good, and Thompson, Ramirez and Sosa have earned the benefit of the doubt.

By Jim from TN

April 7, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

How come Matt diaz’s OBP(.222) is lower than his batting average(.250)?

By David O'Brien

April 7, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s not moving to first base. Nothing has changed.

By Miles

April 7, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

moving chipper to first base would considerably weaken the infield D. Now I know he’s only mediocre defensively at 3rd base (and im being generous at that) but LaRoche is one of the best defensive 1st basemen in the game. Say what you want about his inconsistent bat but you cant deny the guy is like a vacuum on defense. He’s pretty much the main reason why Furcal didnt average 45 errors a season while he was with us and you can see the same affect on Renteria. Having Chipper at 1st base would really hurt the team’s defense as well as groundball pitchers like Hudson, Thomson and Sosa.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 7, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

first in a series - gout in toe nasty business. famous major league ballplayer kirk reuter career ended after gout settled in big toe. most famous sufferer of gout henry viii, play in milwaukee. others include khubilai khan, nostradamus, john milton, isaac newton, henry fielding, samuel johnson, charles v, pablo neruda, alfred lord tennyson, george iv, john hancock, thomas jefferson, william pitt, 1st earl of chatham, benjamin disraeli, william b. finneran, famous kirk reuter, lennart torstenson, peter gomes, and benjamin franklin. all in american league except reuter.

gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75% of first attacks), however it can also affect other joints such as ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. In some cases condition may appear in the joints of the small toes which have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life and there is poor blood circulation.

toes make athlete. bad toes, bad ballplayer. toe injury can take you out - fast. sixto lescano and one-time brave antonio alfonseca reach major leagues because two extra toes each. healthy toes. no gout. extra toes, extra edge.

kyle davies rumored to have good toes. toes take him through 6-7 good innings tonight. not gnarly, no gout. regular shoes and great changeup - best pitch. journalist hopes davies real stopper. if not, no stopper in rotation first time around. in fact, rotation changed already - never see first rotation again. thankful for that.

seal should soon have home. several bloggers express interest. one blogger not under consideration, have funny business in mind. seal must go to good home. if not, make good wallet.

By Sir Stealth

April 7, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

I disagree that Chipper’s D at 3rd is “mediocre.” He’s looked pretty solid to me ever since he came back from left field. The point about LaDouche’s D being strong is especially pertinent given Brian Jordan’s inability to make a play at first that could have completely changed the game yesterday. I’ve always liked Brian Jordan, but I don’t think anybody beside Bobby thinks that he should be anywhere near first base, the outfield, the dugout, or any stadium in major league baseball right now. The guy is playing with a gigantic fork sticking out of his back, meaningless homer with the game nearly over notwithstanding. You want the guy to succeed but it just ain’t gonna happen. Its unfortunate that Willy B can’t get in the lineup more, but you get the feeling that being Chipper’s backup these days isn’t exactly gonna leave him without opportunities. As for our pitching, I’m pretty optimistic. Jorge and HoRam are question marks but I’ve always thought the bullpen had a lot more potential this year than people gave it credit for. Johnny T. looks good - his attitude about going out to the bullpen was great and it looks like he’ll be able to help us out wherever he is. My biggest worries so far are actually Francoeur’s inability to get it going (though he helps out in other ways) and Chipper’s ability to stay healthy. I always find myself questioning Bobby’s individual moves just like anybody else, but when it comes down to it, he always knows better and gets us where we need to be. Greatest manager in the game and we’ll be fine this year.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 7, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

DOB - thanks for the article. i view it as a true optimistic opinion, rather than a local sportswriter doing his best to keep the public morale of the team high.

any word on if langerhans will ever be considered for lead-off?

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 7, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

journalist scoop- visit mlb website. they have villarreal with two wins leading major leagues. picture of player, nice hat with “a” on it. glad to know have winningest pitcher in baseball. what fans complaining about?

gout not pretty. hard topic for blog tonight when braves try to climb above .500 and reclaim lead from mets. journalist to avoid further mention of gout for a time, concentrate on tonight’s game. facing rhp matt cain tonight, so brian jordan not on first unless presence needed there for some reason. adam laroche should get start and seek to get third hit of season. tie him with chipper. .133 average not good until see francoeur with .063. betemit 3 hits, 7ab hitting .429 - not seasoned enough to play every day. stay in clubhouse with jordan for a time. journalist anxiously awaits first pitch. jimmy smith out.

By Voice of Reason

April 7, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Stealthy: I absolutely love the name WillyB. You can bet I’ll use that a time or two…

By Voice of Reason

April 7, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Oh, yeah, StealthDude, I’m with you on your post, too. I pretty much agree with everything you said, although I think Jeffy will turn it up before long… at least I hope so.

By TennesseePaul

April 7, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Say what you want about his inconsistent bat but you cant deny the guy is like a vacuum on defense

Kolb was quite the vacuum at pitching last year as well.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 7, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

tennesseepaul said something bad about laroche without actually saying something bad. this is a tactic taught to journalists. this tactic was used very skillfully by tennesseepaul. journalist jimmy smith is impressed. kudos to tennesseepaul for saying in such a refined manner that laroche suckks. should be vacuuming up the place in just a few hours.

By Gramps

April 7, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Why don’t you fellers try a puttin on a good pair o’ Brogans on, and a wearin em on the wrong feet, and don’t take em off fer nothin, fer at least a year and a half. Now in the mean time, you need to stick em in a tub o’ warm salty water with a tad bit o’ Epsom salts, alum, sage, & spirits o’ turpentine every nite durin that year and a half. And don’t fergit to drinks lots o’ water too. I’ll garruntee ye that yer foot ailments will be a thing o’ the past if you foller this here remedy. Why yer feet will be nice and straight, and purty much rigidified…..that’s all fer now.

By Russell

April 7, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Chop Chop you may be right about generating power, but Bonds is strong steroids or not, according to the excerpts from the books that I have seen he did not start taking the roids, if he took them at all, until 99, and he was crushing the ball long before then. More over, Ted Williams once said that good hitters, which Bonds definately is, become better power hitters near the end of their careers. He said that the hands slow down and work in better coordination with the rest of the body and everything comes together to make more solid contact. The reason it does not happen with most power hitters is that most of them are not very good hitters. Barry happens to be both, a very good hitter and a very good power hitter. Tony Gwynn is a good example of a good hitter that increased his power numbers toward the end of his career, and that is who Ted Williams told the above statement to. Williams himself hit for more power toward the end of his career.

By Brian

April 7, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

DOB - Chipper may not be moving to first, but have you heard any rumors about 1B? I think LaRoche is a fine player, but we really need more production out of 1B. I still think we will see Salty there in a year or two, and it would not surprise me for our midseason trade for us to pick up a big bat at 1B (Aubrey Huff?)

By john

April 7, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

The youngsters are going to fail. Trading a very good catcher was a mistake you Braves will be sorry for. Smoltz is over the hill. I love it. The Braves suck!

By Brian

April 7, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Smoltz have a rough first outing last year? There is no way this is McDowell’s fault and I agree Smoltz and Hudson will turn it around well. Davies will be solid. It doesn’t surprise me to see Sosa struggle a little - out of shape, WBC, career year last year. I expect to see James take his spot in the rotation soon, or see JT traded and thus James and Davies in the rotation

By Brian

April 7, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Get a life John. You must have more of a life than to post anti-Braves posts on a Braves blog. Trading away Estrada looks great right now. McCann is solid and Villareal and Cormier are looking good.

By old timer

April 7, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

I am absolutely unconcerned about Smoltz and Hudson. Hudson had an off year last year and still had pretty good numbers. HIs main fault is he sometimes tries too hard, gets too pumped up, and I can live with that. Smoltz was that way for yaers. The other three spots we all know are questionable. What you figure is, at least one will do well, giving us a strong trio, or two will do well, which would make things a lot easier. Bullpen still a concern, but as I’ve said, it can’t possibly be as bad as last year. Even the guys we had last year weren’t as bad as that; they just all picked the same year to stink.

By TennesseePaul

April 7, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

DOB: What’s the word on the field? TBS isn’t saying much other than it’s raining. Does it look like it’s going to start tonight or what?

By TennesseePaul

April 7, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith… That shot was intended more for Kolb than LaRoche. I will agree with Mr. Miles in that, LaRoche is the best defensive first baseman on the team.
I would disagree with him on the ‘Chipper is an average defender’ remark. Chipper has looked really good since moving back from Left Field.

By ssiscribe

April 7, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Well, I just might break these chains from the desk a bit earlier. I hear they are shooting to start the game at 11 p.m., but it’s raining again and 11 p.m. may be when they make the call to postpone the game (which, by the way, gets me home at least 2 1/2 hours earlier).

Pregame show reports Cox will start Hudson in Game 1 tomorrow and Davies in Game 2 tomorrow night. Day-night DH if game is postponed, 4 p.m. Eastern for first game, 10 p.m. for nightcap. Personally, I’m off tomorrow, it’s gonna rain here and I’d love to just lounge around and watch the ballclub twice.

And congrats to Maddog on No. 319.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 7, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

tennesseepaul, jimmy smith (please not call journalist, mr. smith - call journalist jimmy smith) confused by apparent analogy now found to be unintended. tennesseepaul messing with jimmy smith? journalist not self. major injury while in canada but healing slowly. sometimes journalist think find deep thought on blog, sometimes not. kolb no longer on braves. gone to milwaukee. brewers 4-0. closer have 4 saves. guess what? kolb not closer! watch milwaukee trade kolb to team need closer. fool jimmy smith once …

By Jeremy

April 7, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

What’s the latest on the game? Is it postponed?

By David O'Brien

April 7, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

They just took tarp off infield. Outfield saturated from the water that was on the tarp, but that should drain, I guess. Field still entirely soaked around warning track, bullpens, etc.

If they play, it won’t be for another 30 minutes, I’d say. And by then it might be raining again.

They’re not good with the announcements here, so I don’t know much else.

By David O'Brien

April 7, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

This just in: 8:45 scheduled start, or 11:45 your time. Brew the coffee, boys.

In the process of this rain delay, Giants have had two separate announcements regarding lineup. Big shocker: Barry was scratched. Then an hour later, Moises Alou.

The older, broken-down Giants ain’t having anything to do with this waterlogged tilt, if they ever start it.

By ssiscribe

April 7, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Ah, hell. For my purposes, it’s gonna end too late. Forget it. And, the field sounds like it’s a joke. Just hope nobody gets hurt splashing around tonight.

Gotta run and do plan B. Nite, all.

By langnewmurf

April 7, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Jordan always hits well at first (not 1B ob), remember the grand slam last year in one of the first games? He never did anything else. New batting order: Renteria Giles C Jones A Jones Langerhans McCann Francouer LaRoche

By Penn

April 7, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Everybody keeps talking about Betemit only playing 3rd or SS. What’s wrong about him playing first base? I think the man is a good ballplayer, at least he’s shown it whenever he gets to play regularly, like last year.

Put him at first and let him play. Bench LaRoche or send him down for Jurries. Use Jurries as a bench player. You could always do the double switch with him and Betemit in late innings. WB could play 3rd any time and Jurries could put in a few innings at first. Rest Chipper during late innings. He will be stronger for the rest of the year.

Betemit and Jurries are being wasted in favor of a guy who has too damned many “issues,” LaRoche. As for Jordan, let his sub in LF and pinch hit or cut him loose. He sure as hell isn’t cutting it at first.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

So much for Davies providing that good start…

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

The way the rest of the starters have gone, I guess three runs in the first can be considered “stopping the bleeding” for Davies.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Look at Davies Go!!!!! Finally it looks like a real start. Could have done without that first inning though. But still, over 9 innings, this is a 3 ERA he’s working on. That ain’t bad.

By matt

April 8, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

IS ANYBODY ELSE SICK OF THESE BELLSOUTH COMMERCIALS???? THE ONE WITH JUSTIN MARCIANI IN PARTICULAR???? GEEZ, THAT BELLSOUTH GUY GETS ON MY NERVES SO BAD!!!!

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

Davies is out now.

Not bad at all. Great start compared to the other four starters’ first turns. Fewest hits (five), fewest runs (three) and tied with Smoltz for most innings (five),

And three of the hits and all the runs came in span of the first six batters in the opening inning. After that, he gave up two hits, three walks and no runs over his final 4-1/3 innings.

Hey, Braves will take it. And by the way, not that it means anything, but conditions almost indentical to his first start last year at Fenway, when he went five scoreless.

Temps in 50s and breezy, with soaked field, though it’s not raining now and hasn’t been during game.

Everybody’s hitting again tonight, including Renteria, who hit a bomb out at straightaway center and also hit another near-homer to right.

But GUESS WHAT? Devine’s in now, and put first two guys he faced on, the second an RBI double by Pedro Feliz….here we go again.

Score’s tied 4-4 after that, no outs, bottom sixth

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

Oh, I should say, everybody’s hitting except Frenchy. He’s 0-for-3 so far with strikeout and two groundouts, 1-for-19 for season.

By Young Jeezy

April 8, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

Can someone tell Chip Caray that nobody cares about the NL Central and we don’t need to hear about the Cubs and Pirates during the Braves game? Y’all complain about Don Sutton, but Chip Caray is the worst thing to happen to the Braves, other than Leo Mazzone leaving. Yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh.

Would dropping Francoeur to 8th get him to take a pitch every once in a while? Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

The Braves usually get off to slow starts, true. Yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh. But it’s usually because our hitters don’t heat up until mid-June at the earliest. I can’t remember the last time our pitchers had such a bad start to the year. McDowell better pull something out of his azz quick. Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this

OK, well, I thought the Braves pitching was bad, questionable, iffy, scary, fill-in-the-blank… I stand corrected.

By David

April 8, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this

Another comeback!! Just think, when our pitching commes around … what a team!!

By geechee

April 8, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this

It’s only the first week. These guys will be fine by summer. The pitching will come around. It is usually the bats that are off now but they have to be near the top in offense which is awesome this early for them. Francoeur is suffering from missing spring training and not really getting any playing time in the other baseball farce. It only took Bobby 5 games to get thrown out but the guy knows when to get thrown out. He protected Druw’s butt tonight.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 02:43 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith is way past bedtime. braves hitting ball well. langerhans big story. hitting everything. great at bat in seventh inning. hr in 9th. time to revamp batting order? jimmy smith will sleep on that one. barry still at ballpark? ha!

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this

So glad we didn’t package Langerhans with Thomson for some relievers. What a bust that would have been.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 02:53 AM | Link to this

8th. langerhans went yard in 8th. it is late. renteria good player don’t you think? journalist thinks we score plenty runs but batting order may need change. Diaz may need play right while francoeur seasons from bad slump.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

3AM game over. remlinger winner. 14 runs. file story. go to bed.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 8, 2006 03:18 AM | Link to this

Well, if I’m gonna stay up until 3 AM to watch the end of a baseball game, it might as well be one of the most ludicrous games I’ve ever seen. Yikes…and we thought our bullpen was bad. Felipe Alou is a freaking saint. Just stood there, no demonstrative reaction of any kind. Had it been me, I’d have thrown a clipboard at Daschner’s head.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 8, 2006 03:44 AM | Link to this

Aside from Devine, our bullpen actually looks GOOD!

But I question Bobby Cox bringing him in when he did. Why would you bring a kid in with a slim 1-run margin, when his confidence at the MLB level hasn’t been established yet? Put this kid in when the game’s not on the line, I say. Tonight’s performance didn’t do a thing to bolster his confidence.

Good post, DOB. Think this way… with Smoltz and Hudson coming up in SF, we should do no worse than splitting this 4-game series, and leaving California with 4 wins in seven games.

Over the long haul, going .500 or better on the road all season bodes well. These pitchers left warm and dry Florida weather to play in rainy and unseasonably cool (for L.A., anyhow) weather. Smoltz, Huddy and Davies will do fine over the long season. HoRam’s got me scratching my head and I’m just not solid on Sosa yet, this year.

By teoa

April 8, 2006 04:09 AM | Link to this

I just want to say that I think Langer’s a really, really solid player. I was a big fan of his last year and continue to think he’s one of the best clutch hitters on the team. He could have very easily been the hero of the last game in the playoffs, as he kept getting big hit after big hit while everyone else choked. He’s as good as they come in left field and has the speed to become a base stealer. I think Kelly Johnson has a lot of potential too, but I don’t think he’s got a place on this team. If Langer’s not in left for the next several years, it’s a mistake in my opinion.

That being said, I’ve got a question for all the Joey Devine fans on this board…Can someone please explain what you’ve seen that makes you think he is future closer material? I haven’t seen a whole lot, but he looks like a border-line major leaguer in my opinion. Maybe another Brad Clontz on a good day. Average fastball, average control, and a hanging slider. Not a good combination if you ask me.

By doc

April 8, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

hope frenchy can turn it around like roachy and andruw did last year after their horrendous slumps. anything in particular standing out as to the way they are getting him out or is it just he has a bat in his hand and standing in the batters box?

By eric the elder

April 8, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

imho, Francouer would do well to adopt the Andruw approach and spread out more. He is throwing himself forward, and his back leg and back arm are both collapsing. This is causing him to top the ball, resulting in all those weak choppers. He can’t keep his weight back when he is bending his right knee. Finally, he says he will be more selective this year, but I’m not seeing it. TP needs to really get in his face about all those whiffs at outside balls in the dirt. Let’s remember, too, for all his blazing success when he first came up last year, and for all his athletic ability, his minor league records were only slightly above modest. Lots of raw talent that needs lots of work.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Eric: I said the same exact thing in the last blog about Francy. He is chopping down, and swinging over every pitch. He does need to stay back.

But for all the complaining, things aren’t going too badly, all things considered. I mean, as I said before, west coast swings are ALWAYS tough for any east coast team. Plus the weather, plus the fact that it’s early and Bobby doesn’t get the players in top notch shape in spring training; plus the WBC, plus all the injuries in spring. And yet, we could could come home 4-2 after all of that, and no worse than .500. I’ll take it.

By jdutton

April 8, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

All I can say is the Braves pitching staff has been “Rocked” since the Braves did have the guts to admit that Leo was the “Rock” or foundation of their pitching staff. Shame on the Braves.

Leo, can we have you back?

By jdutton

April 8, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

All I can say is the Braves pitching staff has been “Rocked” since the Braves did not have the guts to admit that Leo was the “Rock” or foundation of their pitching staff. Shame on the Braves.

Leo, can we have you back?

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

And I agree with the guy who said WB should play some 1B. I also think he’d be a good candidate to lead off should anything happen with Gily. He makes good contact, has okay speed and gets on base. Plus he’s a switcher.

Devine….bless his heart. I wish we would’ve traded for Baez when we had the chance.

By David

April 8, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

As Mr. O’Brien said it might be just too early to worry about the starters jdutton. There is no way Huddy and Smoltzy will be like this all year. Anyone think by the end of this year the Sox will be upset by giving up Renteria? I completely enjoy watching that man play cough except for that error that almost cost us the game against LA cough. But, I suspect many games to be crazy like this the first stint of games of the season. Who said braves wouldn’t have hitting power?

By Penn

April 8, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

I was just thinking about all you guys during spring training when you were raving about the Braves’ world class starters and their horrible bullpen. And all your ugly comments about JS.

Where would the Braves be had JS traded Thomson and Langerhans for anyone? And where would they be without his trade with Arizona? Villereal and Cormier for a medium quality catcher who can’t run? JS sure looks like a genius now doesn’t he?

Suggestion No. 1: Let’s sit back and let the man (JS) do his job. He is better at it than any of us would be.

No. 2: Why not bat Frenchy 9th? THAT ought to get his attention even more than being benched. He looks lost even when he walks to the plate. His stance even looks goofy. He is flailing away at anything and everything.

TS needs to step up and earn his money. This kid needs harnessing. His ability at the plate is nowhere near his press clippings and until he realizes he is a “great glove/no bat” kind of player he will never see stardom. So much for Frenchy.

By David

April 8, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

wow Penn ..maybe you should take Suggestion 1 on frenchy as well…yes he has had an ugly first start…but he is the type of player that can go on a tear also..but I have a feeling we might see langer hitting infront of him until he gets his bat together

By Joe Roman

April 8, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Y’all ever hear “Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative.”? I think the story of Ken Ray is about as encouraging and heartwarming as it gets. At the Braves site, it chronicles how sixteen messages from friends and family were on his cell phone after he flew all day to San Francisco and struck out Barry Bonds in his first ever major league appearence after living in obscurity in the minors for a decade. Look for the good things in life. It’ll make your life a little happier.

By Joe Roman

April 8, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Here’s a couple of quickies. 1. The starting pitching woes are not caused by Leo’s absence. This is the most inpredictable game there is. Also, take a look at the Orioles’ pitching so far. 2. This Chipper to first to play Betemint stuff is nuts. Perhaps a product of early season dispair, but nuts. 3. The Jordan at first experiment is an indication of Bobby’s reputation for loyalty to players. It is not lost on the rest of the team meaning it pays long term, subtle dividends. If it doesn’t work, there is time to make adjustments. Remember, Jordan and Mondesi starting last season at the corners? 4. Bobby’s greatest strength is always keeping sight of how long the season is. All followers of the Braves would to well to remember that.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

journalist just waking up. long game. langerhans key player on this team. move up in order. fast player, too. move up to leadoff? chipper still number three hitter? jimmy smith knows not supposed to go there. journalist hopes bobby cox not make langerhans share left field with diaz. francoeur future star (face of team*) but he not hit at all. if diaz play, let him play right field until francoeur makes some adjustments, back in box or drop hands or something. renteria will be good brave. he plays national league baseball on national league team that does not. oh well, if someone on base ahead of him, he not selfish. he puts ball in play instead of trying for homerun. devine not a baby. throw hard but not effective. mcdowell teach him how to relief pitch? teach sinker? journalist still worried about francoeur, not make adjustments when swing obviously off. lots of walks last night. francoeur walk? last thing, laroche liability on bases, though jimmy smith credit him for being on base to showcase no speed.

By Penn

April 8, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Quote: By David

April 8, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

wow Penn ..maybe you should take Suggestion 1 on frenchy as well…yes he has had an ugly first start…but he is the type of player that can go on a tear also..but I have a feeling we might see langer hitting infront of him until he gets his bat together

David, in my piece above I did not mention Bobby Cox. I was talking about John Scheurholz and his duties. I suggested we leave him alone. He has never been associated with a loser all the way back to his first days as a GM.

As for Frenchy, I am talking about an entirely different thing. That is Bobby’s world. Although I think Cox may well be the best manager in the history of the game I still think leaving a batter in the fifth slot when he is hitting .048 is not good.

I was also criticizing Frenchy for one scratch single in 7 GAMES. The kid has (in my opinion) let his press clippings get to him. Why else would he have applied to be included on the WBC squad?

Major league pitchers are not going to groove him with fast balls like they did his first time around the league last year. And until he learns that he is never going to hit them. They will simply outsmart him.

Langerhans is far superior hitter to Frenchy and should be (and likely will be) moved up in the order. Frenchy should be dropped to the bottom and made to work his way back up.

Heck, even McCann is proving to be a better hitter than Frenchy and if that doesn’t bother him what is it going to take?

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Well, I wouldn’t say Davies was great as he didn’t have a “quality start”. Comparing him to the rest of the starts so far isn’t saying much either. But, he did enough, and right now; that’s all that counts!

I too am getting on the Langerhans bandwagon. I wasn’t sold on him playing LF, but he is a player. We have all known about his defense, but it appears he is carrying over his 2nd half success from last year. Do people think that .280 18-22 HRs and 75 RBIs out of the question?

As for Devine, I always heard the guy could throw between 95-97. I have watched every appearance in the majors so far, and I can’t remember him breaking 92. He is consistently around 91-92. I realize speed isn’t everything, but has he lost velocity or am I mistaken that I ever heard he could throw that hard?

Regards, Jason

By Joe Roman

April 8, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Penn, I appreaciate your acknowlegement of Cox’s talents. As I said before, two of his greatest strengths are his loyalty to his players and always keeping site of the fact that it is A LONG SEASON. Both mitigate staying with Francoeur. Is Jeff causing the offense any problems? You tell me. Cox can afford to give Frenchie more time to adjust.

By eric the elder

April 8, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Agree, Joe. Remember Kelly Johnson’s 0 for 30 last year? BC stayed with him, and he will stay with JF. However, I wish I knew whether TP just isn’t helping him or whether JF is too stubborn to accept help. This isn’t a matter of minor tweaking. His whole hitting approach is so out of kilter that even he must know what a mess he is. Maybe his roomie can help him.

By Bobbymahlon

April 8, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

I know Francoeur is not hitting but my main concern is as I said before our starters. After five games not a one of them looks like outside of Hudson and maybe Smoltz they can give us seven good innings.I agree that Pendeleton ought to earn his keep and work with Francoeur on getting his balance and stop failing away. I will say it one more time Francoeur is like Beltran in that neither one of them has showed that they can hit for average and that is all they can’t do.

By tigger101023

April 8, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Yes jimmy, Chipper is still the best hitter and should still be batting 3rd, IMO. He’s the leat of our worries.

I think Langer could leadoff, but with Giles and Renteria as hot as they are, I wouldn’t change a thing. Matter of fact, that’s the one problem with dropping Francoeur in the order: 7-8-1-2 hitters are so productive right now, you kinda don’t want to stick another struggling hitter in there. They gotta work around the pitcher as it is.

I think I remember reading that Francoeur was mired in a horrible slump in Mississippi right before his callup. He had finally broken down and asked for help. These guys are confident, even cocky, but he’ll ask eventually. I’m not worried about Francoeur just yet.

But if he does get benched temporarily, put Langer in RF and Diaz in LF, not the other way around…

By old timer

April 8, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

So many teams seem out of whack right now. Is it the WBC? That was the main difference in spring training.

The main reason for 14 straight is Bobby’s patience. (Which might be a drawback in the postseason.) Not much patience on blogs. Don’t think many managers on here would have won 14 straight.

By mike

April 8, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

I think frenchy needs to be benched for a game or two in favor of Matt Diaz. I mean this guy has a great swing. He’s a good contact hitter and excellent situational hitter. This might get frenchys attention and help the braves drive in some runs from the 5th spot.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 8, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

While it’s all very well and good to just blame the WBC for every single problem every single player is having, it’s just not the case. The only player on our team that might be able to legitimately claim that the WBC screwed him up is Sosa, as he wound up not pitching for a week.

Many of the people who are currently having problems weren’t even in the WBC. Sosa was the only starter in the WBC, so you can’t blame the issues the rest of the starters have had on it.

Also, it hasn’t seemed to hurt Chipper, Andruw, Villarreal, Reitsma and Orr. I really don’t think it hurt Francoeur either. He came back to spring training and was tearing it up for like a week. I think if anything, the WBC helped a lot of these players get ready for the season. And besides, you’d better get used to it. It’ll be back in three years, and more players will play this time, I think.

By Penn

April 8, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

I fully appreciate Bobby’s patience but Frenchy is now 1 for something like 20. How long is he allowed to stay in the middle of the lineup. That is the area where you don’t want a rally killer residing. Nos. 3,4,5,6 hitters need to be your best RBI guys. 7,8,9 are always the least productive.

If not benched Frenchy should at least be moved down and I would simply put him in the 8 spot. Let him work his way back. His glove and arm are just great. He’s likely to prevent 50-60 runs a year with that rifle he has attached to his right shoulder….and his speed to get where he needs to be. He’s making some Andruw type plays in the OF.

By old timer

April 8, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

I am not talking about just our team, or individual players. It’s too early to draw conclusions about one team or player. But when was the last time you saw so much bad pitching and defense to start a season? With guys off playing for various countries during spring training, teams didn’t have all their guys together for much of the time.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

I know they won’t because they think Renteria is a prototypical 2nd hitter (and he is hot!), but they could bat Langerhans 2nd and move Renteria to 5th to protect Andruw. With his career average with RISP and having his best offensive years batting 6th for the Cards, might be a good move long term. He doesn’t have as much power as most 5th place hitters, but he has driven in 100 and hitten .330. Just a couple of thoughts…

Regards,

Jason

By tigger101023

April 8, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I know they won’t because they think Renteria is a prototypical 2nd hitter (and he is hot!), but they could bat Langerhans 2nd and move Renteria to 5th to protect Andruw.

I have also read that 5th has, surprisingly, been his most productive position. Then again, if a lot of the 5-hole AB came in his great 2003 year, you gotta take it with a grain of salt. I’m not sure Bobby will do it, though. Bobby loves alternating righties and lefties whenever possible in the lineup. But I’d certainly consider putting Renteria 5th.

However, I’d make Langer leadoff and move Giles back to 2nd. Marcus has more power and Ks more - better for the 2-hole, IMO.

By Penn

April 8, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with both these last two posts.

By John Adcox

April 8, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Predictions from way out on a limb:

McBride gets some quality innings in rehab, regains his veloity and location. He is called up to the pen. James goes to the rotation. Sosa to the pen.

HoRam’s injury takes a long, long time to heal, and he gets some serious quality time in the minors to regain form.

Frenchy watches loads of dusty old Bob Horner tapes from the days when he used to go 0 for April, and realizes that it IS possible to climb out of a severe slump and have a great year.

Okay. Coming back in now…

John Myth, Literature, Entertainment, Philosophy, References, and Cool Stuff. = text to be linked

By old timer

April 8, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, since we don’t really have a 5-hole hitter, ER might be the best bet to protect Druw, something I mentioned during spring training. We don’t have a leadoff man, either, and I like Langerhans better than Giles in that spot. I’ve never considered Giles a 2-hole guy, either. Rather have him hitting 6th. Ideally, Frenchy gets hot and hits 5th (though that might be a year or two down the road when he learns to lay off bad pitches) and ER hits second, where he fits perfectly. The whole thing revolves around Andruw now, and we need for his switch-hitting Jones bro to stay healthy.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Giles is fine in the leadoff spot. Look at his career numbers. He gets on base enough (.366 career OBP) to handle it and he hits enough doubles (162 game career average of 41) to make up for not stealing a ton of bases.

By Patrick

April 8, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Hudson looks awful. DOB, the Braves didn’t pay 50mil for this?! He’s hurt right? He’s gotta be hurt…

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

My GAWD Hudsons sux!!!!!!!!!! All this time I thought we ripped Oakland off…guess it’s the other way around.

And ROger McDowell needs to just start going out to the mound and telling the pitchers, “whatever the old guy used to tell ya to do….do that!”

By Justin

April 8, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I really hate hudson, he cant throw strikes and we he does the get ripped, i dont think he will ever be a good pitcher for us

By J-dogg

April 8, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I thought hudson was bad last year, but this is the worst i have ever seen him, he is a joke.

By Tom E. Hawk

April 8, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

How can a guy be so dominating in one league and so terrible in the other? Hudson looks more like a mop up guy. This guy is terrible.

By Joe Roman

April 8, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

This game is why God invented the remote. There’s a great documentary series on the Presidents on the History Channel. This game is much too brutal to watch pitch-by-pitch. It’s amazing we’re 3-2.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Did a little digging: 2003, Braves were 3-8, had been shut out twice, given up more than 10 runs four times. (I knew I remember this… had to find out what year).

lost 10-2 montral; lost 3-0 montreal; lost 4-0 montreal; won 12-7 Florida; lost 17-1 Florida; won 3-0 Florida; lost 4-3 Florida; lost 16-2 Philly; won 6-2 Philly; lost 7-4 Philly; lost 12-5 Florida; Not THAT’S a bad start. Ended up winning 101 games.

I’m not saying I’m not concerned at what we’re seeing - ‘specially Hudson and, last night, Devine. But I really think this cold wet weather doesn’t suit the Braves, never has, and we’ll ‘warm up’ when the weather does.

At least we’re hitting, and Francour may need some work, but he’s not a .050 hitter, either. Bet he’ll hit a hot streak soon.

Uh, it’s 8-0 as I post this…

By tigger101023

April 8, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Have to wonder if Huddy is hiding an injury - again. When his oblique is bothering him he leaves everything up in the srike zone and gets absolutely drilled.

It’s mere speculation, but with the great ST he had and the implosion in the 5th inning of Opening Day, I won’t be surprised if we find out that he hurt himself in the 4th or 5th inning of his first start. It’s the only reason I can imagine why he is this bad after a good ST.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

As we blogged about before, Hudson’s has been slowly declining for a few years. While there hasn’t been an awful year yet, the indicators for a sharp dropp off have been. I am not surprised at all. He will never win 20 for the Braves or have an ERA under 3. Period.

Davies isn’t the future ace either. Better look somewhere else to replace the Maddux, Glavines, and Smoltzs of the world.

By Jeremy

April 8, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

The Braves should dump some salary and bring Leo back for $10 million a year. He really was a genius! (He just hasn’t met Daniel Cabrera yet!)

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

What the…

By J-dogg

April 8, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Jason I agree with you about Davies, he will never be a great pitcher for us, however I like what I see in James, reminds me a little of galvin in his better days, Hudson is the most overrated pitcher I’ve ever seen.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

With every outing, Hudson is resembling Kevin Brown more and more. Sign a big deal, then stink the place up and cripple the team with your payroll. He’d have the top spot if it weren’t for Hampton. At least insurance covers part of Hampton. I bet we could trade Hudson for a really steller first baseman and relief pitcher. Then move Chuck James to the rotation. Far fetched, I know. I don’t think it would ever happen. But this is getting annoying. I pleased the offense is on fire, but I’d rather we be winning 11-1, 4-2, 9-3, 4-3, 14-2, and 2-0.

Go get ‘em Remmer.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

MBATL: i was at that 17-1 game against Fla…I have to take responsibility for that one. Doggie looked horrid…gave up a towering homer to steroids-boy (Pudge Rodriguez).

At least Chuck James looks great. I’m ready for them to just cut off all the fat….release HoRam, trade Hudsy for a bucket of spit, get what you can for Thommy or just throw him in the pen, same for Sosa….let Chucky, Davies, Lerew and the young guns take over and infuse some life, promise and hope back into this staff.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

This bullpen is looking great! Too bad it will be over used by the end of the month. But I knew it wouldn’t be bad. Just wish these starters could get their act together. I disagree with the assesment of Davies. I suppose if Davies went 7-17 with a 4.56 ERA some would say he’s not going to amount to much. But it is his first full season. Give him time. A start like that can produce an ace.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

J-dogg,

I agree about James. To be honest, I wouldn’t lose any sleep if he replaced Horacio in the rotation. I think James will have a better career than Davies.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Carroll, much as I disagree with you (sometimes), I don’t think you can take all the blame for that Marlins game. Might’ve been that Doggy’s head was still on the golf course.

Surprisingly, the ‘pen looks good; the bats look good, but the starters have stunk. Not likely to be the pattern for a full season.

I just get a laugh out of the calls for the guys who have proven nothing, like Jurries and Devine and James are the saviors of the franchise. Maybe so… we’ll see when they actually play full time.

It’s April, it’s the left Coast, and it’s cold and wet. Give it some time, on ALL these guys.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Here comes Jordan, double play is only moments away.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gawd I wish Jordan would just retire already!!!!!!!!!

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

commentary - atlanta braves success built on pitching and defense. journalist jimmy smith is sick with worry. starting pitching missing. starters will kill bullpen soon. then everybody on mound bad.

braves may not score 9 runs today, if not, game is lost. five-hitter hitting .190, six hitter .083. diaz now 2-2 today. imagine playing best hitters in same game!

loaded for adam laroche. think he will see a left hander?

bobby cox keeping brian jordan in dugout, very friendly man with presence, soon bobby cox send jordan out to win game. good luck wished to brian jordan. five run homer should do the job.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

BJ=DP

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

What did I just say?! If LaRoche had been left in, he would have struck out, at least the inning would have still been alive. Of course, Francouer would have been up, and so far that’s a given out.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Looks like BJ is this years Kolb. How many freaking games/rallies will he have to kill for us before BC stops using him….at least in key spots!

Oh boy, here’s Devine…..how may people will be on base when he gives up a homer?

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

April 8, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

flash - bobby cox recognizes laroche limitations, sends brian jordan to plate as predicted. brian jordan hits into dp as predicted by tennesseepaul.

betemit must not have presence, only hitting .375. fast bat no good. presence better.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I guess you are right. We should continue to give washed up veterans shots instead of younger players hungry to prove themselves.

While I do not think Jurries, James, or anyone else is the minors for that matter is the savior of the franchise, they certainly aren’t any worse than say 6-4-3 Brian Jordan!

Now that you mentioned Devine, I didn’t get an answer from my previous question. I always heard he threw 95-97, but have never ever seen him get close to that. He did just throw one at 94, albeit 27 feet outside and to the backstop. I am just wondering if what I read was wrong or if he has lost velocity? He seems to be in love with that hanging slider…

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Juuuuuuuuust a bit outside!!!!!!!!!

What the hell was that? That’s the 4th one in two days!

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Washed up veterans? We have ONE, excatly ONE, old guy, and that’s Jordan. Unless you’re counting Smotlz and Chipper, who are fairly productive players.

Brian Jordan as a 5th outfielder/backup 1B is NOT going to win or lose a pennant.

We played (I don’t know the number) rookies last year, and half our starting lineup now is 2nd’ or 3yrd year now (LaRoche, Franceour, Langerhans, McCann)

If you insist on “blaming” somebody for a mediocre start, blame Smoltz, Hudson, Sosa, Ramirez and Davies. Not Brian Jordan, for goodness sake.

By Bryan

April 8, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

ohhh gawd not another grandslam … ohh a wild pitch … no more grandslam …

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

Jimmy: now I’m really p** at Bobby. I didn’t even think about Betemit sitting ont he bench while worgthless-arse Brian Jordan effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.

WHAT THE F*** IS WRONG WITH YOU BOBBY???!! WHAT MORE DOES THE GUY HAVE TO DO TO PROVE HIS WORTH??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And goddang, chipper! Heaven forbid you shoudl have to make an effort for a ground ball! And you people think he coud play first where he’d have to actually move to the bag on every play to cover first?! Bah!

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

We played 18 rookies last year.

What about Remlinger? Is he young? What about journeyman Ken Ray (who looked good by the way)? What about Todd Pratt?

Now I agree with you, we are young. But, the people you mentioned (Jurries, Devine, and James) WERE kept off the team by old washed up veterans, right? That’s what I was talking about.

Devine has thrown the worst three wild pitches that I have ever seen!

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith wonders about chipper’s toes. of course, well known he cannot move to left, but announcer say he in, “quick-sand”. announcer fired tomorrow for criticizing franchise player. devine not looking good, mcdowell finally coming out see why.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Oh, and JasoninMaine… Regarding Devine, I have no idea. Seems like EVERY Braves pitcher is throwing everything up, and without any real speed. I don’t know what’s up with that.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

apparently mcdowell not have answer for devine. maybe he will come out again.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

Now, that being said, I was one of the ones calling for Devine to get a shot after the spring he had. But, after his first two appearances this year, I will be the first to admit…I WAS WRONG…SEND HIM BACK!! (:

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

something wrong with bobby? not go to pen. not go to nose. just sit there in daze.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Wha… how… uh… where… uhh.. wha… Man, I can’t even come up with any words for this!

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Poor kid. I just don’t know what’s wrong with Bobby anymore…seems he’s lost his mind all the way around. Devine shouldn’t be in there to begin with, and he surely should’ve pulled him about 4 hitters ago. We had Ray up who actually looked great the other day….but instead we just give the game away with Devine.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 8, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

LeTwan intends to drown his sorrows in pie.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

I can’t read lips, but I think Roger just told Devine, “Man, you suck!”

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Does Sweet Lou have a job yet? Maybe he could at least be a “consultant” for Bobby.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, what if our pitchers started throwing with their toes? Could that help? No, wait… then they would have to “finger” the rubber. I don’t even like the sound of that…

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

April 8, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

now, nine run homer required.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

J.I.Maine… I’m one of the few people in this blog who have a little trust in BC and JS (after 15 years of success). That if they evaluate some guy as worthy of playing on the ML level, they probably know what they’re doing. I don’t really know what their motivation would be to put “losers” on the field.

It’s just early… I would guess that Jordan and Remlinger (I forgot about him, btw) won’t be on the roster come August. But I also wouldn’t assume that whoever replaces them will pull a “franceour” and knock the lights out when they’re called on to play every day.

By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist

April 8, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

bobby just put betemit in, journalist disgusted. where was betemit with bases loaded? journalist has answer to own question, “seasoning”.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Devine is not looking too sharp. I was shocked he wasn’t on the opening day roster, but now I’m starting to see the wisdom in it. I still think Jurries could have been helpful. But Devine obviously needs some time in the minors. If this keeps up, this kid is going to be toast. He’ll go down like Rick Ankiel.

Remmer, Ray and Pratt I think should be on the team. I have no issues with this. I did before the season started, but Remmer has looked amazing. Totally worth it and especially better than Devine. Ray, I’m just stoked the guys on the team, he looks pretty good. I like his story as well. Todd Pratt has to be on the team, some one needs to be there for McCann. Can’t have two young catchers on the team, hasn’t worked for the rockies or royals when they’ve tried it. Though, if we had our choice of veteran backstops to back up McCann, I think there are others out there who would be better.

Knock it out of the park Willy B. Show cox what could have been instead of Jordan.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Now WillyB bats with nobody on… If BJ were batting now, he’d still find a way to hit into a DP.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

A walk. exponentially more productive than BJ’s DP.

By old timer

April 8, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Obviously we can’t win without a couple touchdowns. But if the early ERAs were misleading yesterday, I guess they’re still misleading today. The good news: 3-3 on the road, west coast trip. Game 7 tomorrow with Smoltz on the mound.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

seagulls coming in, game over. felipe alou outmanage bobby cox today. jimmy smith waiting for hate mail sure to come.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

OT, It’s still a two possession game. Even if you get the TD, you’ve gotta get the onside kick…

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Take out that at-bat by worthless-arse BJ last inning, and WB walks in a run, it’s now 8-5. Then Diaz singles up the middle, 2 runs score and it’s 8-7, still 2 on, and only 1 out. Oh what could have been…

Raisins: priceles ROFLMFAO!!

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Turn out the lights…

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

Absolutely right, old timer.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Well, I wanted Devine on the Opening Day roster, so I’ll admit that I was wrong. In fact, neither Boyer nor Devine should’ve been on the team.

Devine looked like Mark Wohlers out there today. Not good. He’s earned a ticket to Myrtle Beach or Rome, I think. His mechanics completely fell apart about ten or fifteen pitches in. Bobby let Devine throw about 50 pitches. I guess he would’ve figured it out on the 51st, eh Bobby? Ridiculous move on his part. If I were Joey Devine, I wouldn’t have any confidence right now. Every time I enter a big league game, I get smoked.

James, Cormier, Remlinger, Ray, Villarreal, Reitsma…maybe McBride when he comes back. That’s your pen after the first week.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Giles has 4 walks in a game. Now, I know some say he isn’t a good lead-off hitter, but has Furcal ever walked that many times in a game? out of 5 plate appearances, 4 times on base. That’s .800 OBP for the day. I like Giles in the lead off hole.

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

…the party’s…

By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist

April 8, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith bothered by play chipper fail to make going to left. try hard? not try? hurt? best we can expect? toes? if toes, we deserve to know.

renteria plays hard until end.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Renteria likes this wonderful NL pitching, I guess.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Renteria is going to be amazing when he gets warmed up! I see why Boston was furious with him. This is the slowest start I’ve ever seen…

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop good call. I was the same with Boyer and Devine. They need more seasoning I suppose, maybe a little more Rosemary and Time.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

No, I don’t necessarily disagree with you. James is a starter, and will probably be sent down when McBride is healthy anyway. I was just pointing out that the people that were specifically mentioned were kept off the rotation as a result of a couple of older players. But, Rem is a lefty and we certainly needed one on the roster. And, he has done well. I agree with Pratt as well. A veteran catcher is a good idea. Now, I don’t know if I agree on Jordan or not. Jurries is 27 and had a great spring. The one thing is that Jurries had options left and if Jordan doesn’t work out, Jurries can replace him. I am sure that factored in as well.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

chipper at bat, gull circling overhead, jimmy smith thinking mean thought …

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Curse this park! I wish it was old Chavez Ravine. Wild Pitches would travel several exits down the 5.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Come on, Bunions!

By Voice of Reason

April 8, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

…over.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Missed it…by a bunion.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 8, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

Oh, the humanity! LeTwan is off the pie wagon. LeTwan sure is glad baseball is back.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop…that was great. I am still laughing my a$$ off!

By teoa

April 8, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

The good news: Devine actually lowered his ERA today from 81.00 to 63.00.

The bad news: BRIAN JORDAN!!! Does anyone think that an old outfielder who can’t run, hasn’t hit for the past 5 years, and is attempting a position change could even make the roster of any other major league team?

Also, I know it’s too early to make any judgments about the effect of losing Leo, but it’s a little disturbing that none of the Braves pitchers seem to be able to make an adjustment when things aren’t going well. And that’s the job of the pitching coach — to help make adjustments. I know the Braves never had a 6-game stretch of pitching that rivals this during the past 15 years.

And Bobby’s bad move of the day (besides Joey Devine): do the double switch with Frenchy, not Langer. Langer is the Braves hottest hitter, and they were separated by one spot in the order. You don’t take out your hottest hitter in the fifth inning.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine: I will admit, before the season started I was leaning more towards Jordan than Jurries mainly because Jurries had options and is a phone call away. But now that the season is on, I’m starting to wish Jurries was here. I’d like to see what he would have done today, yesterday, and anyother day Jordan touched the field. Jurries is only a phone call away and I’m hoping some one will make that call soon. But, knowing Cox and JS, they will wait until May to make that descision. If BJ keeps crushing rallies like this, I think they will let him go, or trade him. Whatever it is, they will do it in a respectible manor. Raul didn’t deserve that much respect last year, but they gave it to him because they are class acts, even if Raul or whoever else isn’t. Part of the winning attitude.

If McBride comes back solid, then yes, I could see James going to Richmond to start games. I think that would depend on two things though. If HoRam comes back healthy and servicable and McBride doesn’t pull a Boyer/Devine move. If HoRam starts giving up gophers and James keeps dominating, I could see James coming into the Rotation. Why not, you know? But otherwise, he or McBride will be in Richmond.

By Miles

April 8, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

well McDowell has done a fairly good job at fixing the bullpen if you discount Devine. But the starting pitching hasnt looked too good and while I think it will improve considerably in the coming weeks, Hudson’s problems disturb me greatly.

McDowell has preached all spring how he wants the starters to pitch inside more but aside from Smoltz and Davies, the rest of the starters lack the velocity to do this effectively.

In both starts Hudson has been trying to go inside with high velociy but this doesnt play to his strengths. He’s a guy who uses his fastball and slider to paint the outside corners before striking out the batter with his excellent changeup. But for some reason he’s barely using his changuep at all and instead going with inside fastballs. You can see him trying to compensate with a healthy dose of sliders but they keep going to high which has resulted in a ton of walks.

Im not going to bail on Hudson and boo him after two bad start, he has too much talent to just fall apart on us this year. My guess is that McDowell and Hudson will look at some video footage of his starts and have him work more on the outside corners and get him back on track with his changeup. Anyway, we’ve got smoltz pitching tomorrow and I expect a strong 7+ inning start.

By Joe Roman

April 8, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the history lesson, MBATL. Remember gang. IT’S A LONG SEASON.

By JasonInMaine

April 8, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I agree with you. The Braves are a class act and will handle the Jordan situation with class if it is ever determined he isn’t contributing. They are also a very loyal organization which sometimes can get them in a little trouble.

But, for the most part, I think we agree. The one thing as a Braves fan you have to have faith in is that BC and JS will make adjustments if necessary. The only issue I see with that is that they don’t have too many people to call up like last year…they are all here already! And we dont have the finances to go get someone at the deadline like at the beginning of this run. But, the Braves will be there fighting it out at the end.

Regards,

Jason

By tigger101023

April 8, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

And we dont have the finances to go get someone at the deadline like at the beginning of this run. But, the Braves will be there fighting it out at the end

That’s not necessarily true this year. The public doesn’t know for sure, but we think there’s $5-6 mil or so left on the payroll. Depends on the Hampton insurance. So you could (theoretically) pick up a $10+ mil player at the deadline. Honestly, the loss of prospects would scare me more than the money in a deadline deal.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 8, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Aaahhh!!!…The curse of the “Mazzone”!!!…

By Marc

April 8, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

This is the biggest joke. I know it is early but you can’t just ignore problems. Nobody wants to say that the pitching problems are related to Leo Mazzone leaving, so I will. Mazzone had these guys working hard before spring training and afterwward. He had a system that allowed the veterans to stick to a plan, and the youngsters to improve. 49 runs given up in 6 games, has anyone seen pitching this pitiful. Could you imagine the Braves going through a streak like this with Mazzone as the pitching coach, I can’t.

Devine needs a year or two in the minors. Cox and JS are going to ruin this guy. I think it was atravesty that JS did not improve our pitching with more than Villareal and Cormier. Renteria is nice but Betemit could have played short, and we should have gone after more pitching. It’s tough when 4 guys comprise half of your payroll, (Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz, and Hudson). I don’t think anyone can believe Hudson and Smoltz will itch this bad all year. But if neither are injured they need to act like veteran leaders and step up just give up less than freakin 5 runs and outing, not that much to ask. I am also sick of the cold and rain excuse, boo-hoo. These guys make 10 million a year to pitch cold weather is part of the game, get over it.

It’s amazing that with all of our hitting the two guys struggling are, that’s right you guessed it the guy with no plate discipline and LaRoach. These two should be dropped to 7 and 8 in the order, and Diaz should play for Jeff for awhile.

Hopefully the Braves can get this straightened out we have scored 50 runs but given up 49, that’s not going to cut it. We should be 5 and 1.

By bigcooterb

April 8, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Are we sure the Braves starters are not as bad as they have looked? Don’t blame McDowell either, he doesn’t throw the ball.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

commentary - why toe pronounced, toh, while shoe, pronounced shu? why toe kept in shoe, shoe kept in closet? why toe not get proper respect for baseball importance? toes on this team a mess. journalist jimmy smith has consulted top toe man in country (this country) to sound out on team toes. here’s what toe man have to say: toe not right if player unable to grip ball with fingers. fix toe, fix problem. toe not right if player 1-22, season this particular toe on bench while langerhans and diaz have hot bats. toe not right if make bad decisions on bench. toe old and gnarly. keep toes out of sight, fingers out of nose. toes can be fixed. eminent toe man available for employment. first team with full time toe man likely to win pennant, that’s right - pennant, not just division. hire toe man win pennant. you read it here in jimmy smith commentary.

By Lew

April 8, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Is anyone aware that one of Leo’s Oriole starters walked seven batters in one inning yesterday? Sure his leaving Atlanta really hurt. I’m sure the starting pitching this week has been a statistical anomaly. It has to get better. But do we have an offense, or what. Bullpen looks good for the most part. Remlinger, Cormier, James and Villarreal have yet to give up a run among themselves and they have logged some innings.

By glennbo

April 8, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

message to bobby cox: don’t pull any starter berfore the end of the 7th inning. don’t care if they are reduced to throwing ephus-pitches non stop. don’t care if the 10 million dollar babies have era’s of 10+. if they’re gonna come around, let’em come around on their own dime. no more free rides for the starters so they can ruin the bullpen. and maybe start thinking about a new pitching coach.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Use LaRoche as trade bait for whomever will take him in exchange for pitching, cut BJ Jordan, call up Kelly Johnson and Jurries and let them have first base. Or you could give WB a shot at 1B. He’s played EVERY other infield position admirably….no reason to think he couldn’t handle first. Hell, I’m almost to the point where I’d rather see him starting at 3rd over Chipper. I know you all think that makes me a “bad” fan but I am sick to damn death of the sloppy, lazy play.

And as far as the starting staff….I wonder if Kevin Brown is busy these days. Yep…it’s that bad in the Atl.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

carroll too hard on chipper. braves announcer explain chipper caught in quicksand on play. braves fortunate chipper not lost on play. quicksand swallow man on tarzan movie. throw rope to man, pull out. no rope today. pitchers left to die.

By Carroll

April 8, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

If and when Hudsy manages to put together a couple good outings, do you guys think it may behoove the braves to shop him around…possibly for some major-league-ready young stud pitching prospects? I don’t think he’s ever going to be the hoss we thought we were getting and paid for…..he’s taking up way too much payroll to be a poor-man’s John Burkett (on a good day). Or do you guys have some logical basis for thinking that he will turn it around and consistently become that top-of-the-rotation guy?

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

behoove? how many toes on a behoove?

little known baseball fact. the mick had good toes. bad knees, but good toes. mick credited toes with much of his baseball success. few people know that mick offered toenail clippings for display at cooperstown but was turned down by curator. toes not given proper respect at that time. curator miss chance for famous toenails that once patrolled center field at yankee stadium. story is true and verifiable.

who on team not tradeable? chipper jones, hampton, who else?

By brewerfaninATL

April 8, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Marc: I don’t think Hudson and Smoltz will itch this bad all year either! If they do I hope the rest of the team don’t catch it!

By MrC

April 8, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Journalist made me LOL. Funny stuff. Can’t believe everyone is so upset. It is April 8th. Not May 8th, not Jun 8th. and certainly not Jul 8th. Starters and Devine have sucked. Everything else is going great, Bullpen, offense. Everyone wants to sub for Frenchy and Laroche and god forbid that Jordan stink in his one at bat per game. Offense aint the problem, starting pitching is and it won’t be this bad for ever. Be lucky the team is .500.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

journalist is compelled to tell story. story not pretty. after 6 games, dan kolb has more wins than entire atlanta starting rotation.

By J-dogg

April 8, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Carrol, i agree with you about wb at 1st. he is a big time hiter and we could trade lduch and mabey kj for some pitching help.

By old timer

April 8, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I think we have to stick with Hudson. We won’t get a better pitcher than him in exchange for him. He was 14-9 last season, in an off year, with an ERA of 3 and a half. He had to have lost some wins because of the horrible bullpen. Maybe he never repeats his best year, with a 2.7 era with a DH in the lineup, but I don’t think he has forgotten how to pitch. And I think he still has good stuff. He is only 31 years old.

By J-dogg

April 8, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Mabey we should try a trade with the brewcrew to get kolb back for huddy, sosa, horam, frenchy, ladouch, jordon, devine. sounds like a good trade to me

By J-dogg

April 8, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

I am not so sure the brewcrew would even consider it though.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Only reason to expect Hudson to turn it around is his entire career.

And has K. Johnson ever played 1B? Or Betemit? This is fantasy league stuff… plug in a hot bat (or, an inexperienced one who had a good spring training) at any position you like, at the same time complaining about the defensive play of an experienced 3B.

btw, K. Johnson hit about .240 and struck out 75 times in half a season last year. I like the kid, but can’t see him as ‘the answer.’

We just went through this with Devine, where everyone was complaining about not having him on the roster; then, he gets up and faces live ML hitters, and the bloom’s off the rose.

So what happens when we “dump” Laroche (and his 2 HR and 6 RBI, plus good defense, in 5 games) for a rookie like Jurries who might not hit a lick?

I think a little patience with guys who have proven themselves is in order. Lay off the panic button.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 8, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

brian jordan ever play first base?

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

I think BJ has played a litte 1B; and that he’s ‘worked out’ there with the Cards… but not much - a fair point. But I’m not singing the praises of BJ as the b/u 1B… wouldn’t mind seeing Jurries on the roster, and suspect that we will. I am sick of the attitude of dumping every vet on the roster who’s not off to a hot first week.

By kevin

April 8, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

OH NO, OUR STARTING PITCHING IS BAD! IT’S GOING THROUGH SOME TOUGH TIMES! let’s all trade them away so we can get some unproven rookies to throw for us!

C’mon now, have some common sense. We’ve just finished the first week, and last time I checked, a team plays 162 games in one season…6 badly pitched games is nothing in the long run. Besides, the bullpen everyone’s been moaning and groaning about looks fine to me (with the exception of Devine who just needs some work down in AAA). I wouldn’t worry about the starters they WILL come around…SO STOP COMPLAINING LIKE A BUNCH OF LITTLE KIDS!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 8, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

You’s guys cracks me up!!!…

By jimmy smith. ugandan journalist

April 8, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

mbatl, good fan. journalist jimmy smith not trying to be smart aleck but jimmy smith thinks jordan given position he not earn. boyer, too. francoeur special talent but hurting team at bat. special in field but has to hit. not sure why he is so messed up but everything seems wrong about his at bats. why bobby pull langerhans instead of francoeur today? why let jordan bat with bases loaded instead of betemit? felipe have bobby’s number when he change pitchers for laroche. everybody on blog knew what would happen. predictable to a fault.

By old timer

April 8, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

This group of starters is not going to automatically come around. It ain’t the ‘93 to ‘98 Braves rotation. The one that spoiled us. This is Smoltz and Hudson and to a lesser degree Thompson, and a couple of kids who will either take a step forward or a step back. Losing Hampton hurt. Winning last year, with all the injuries, was something of a miracle. It was as if we won the division out of habit. But overall, the team is still solid. The bullpen has to be better than last year, and the starters stack up well with other teams in the division. We aren’t likely to ever again have a rotation with a John Smoltz as the number 3 guy. Nowadays, you try to have two really good starters and play .500 with the other three. If Smoltz and Hudson aren’t the top 2, we’re in trouble. But I think they are the best 1-2 in the division and we’re gonna make it 15 straight.

By MBATL

April 8, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith, I think BJ earned the roster spot as much as Jurries… sorry to keep arguing this, but BJ hit like .360 or something in spring. Given that he’s out of options, and Jurries is not, seems a stretch to say he didn’t earn it. It may have been a close call, but I can see it. Now whether he earns the right to STAY on the roster may be another question.

Regarding in-game moves by Bobby… tough to say. I can’t hardly bring myself to second guess him, but if I did, I would just assume that he really, truly, honestly (I mean REALLY) believes that his guys will be successful when asked to do a job. It looks bad in hindsight when it doesn’t work out, and I wonder too… but when things work, it’s a different story.

Last, Franceour isn’t hitting, but don’t know how bad he’s hurting a team that leads the NL in runs scored by a wide margin. Seems like, offensively, we’ve got the luxury of letting him work through his slump.

The Defense is tired, so it’s gonna rest.

By joseph Conmy

April 9, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

No offense to McDowell and the pitchers who are so certain their success had nothing to do wih Mazzone, but in 17 years Leo never produced this kind of garbage. Yeah, it will get better…how in the hell could it get any worse? Are you kidding me?
Leo, I’m sorry Time Warner is such cheapskates, please come home!!! Oh, and Rodger, you suck monkey dick. Hell, when Braves writers are reminising about Rick Mahler it can’t be good.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

I’m sure McDowell would take ‘no offense’ at being said to ‘suck monkey dick.’ Who could take offense at that?

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Joseph, Leo is producing this kind of garbage right now in Baltimore.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

Personally, I think ‘pitching coach’ ranks right behind ‘hitting coach’ as the most overrated job in sports. It’s a glorified strength and conditioning trainer.

Remember hearing T. Pendleton, a couple of years ago when Andrew was struggling, saying something like: “no, we don’t go to him with advice, but we’re always here if he wants to work with us.” Wish my clients would take such an attitude when I’m doing a crappy job at work.

Only thing I think Leo innovated was the regular throwing routine (do the Braves pitchers still throw every day?)… other than that, it was “hey, throw strikes, guys, and if you’ve got good stuff, don’t be afraid to go inside.”

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Whoa. Oswalt was staked to a 5-run lead in the 1st and then got shelled by the Nationals and Houston got beat. Guess the ‘Stros will be sending him off somewhere for some prospects. Or maybe they figure early ERAs are misleading…

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Right MBATL, put it at the knees on the outside corner. Thanks, Leo, Maddux said, I never thought of that. Whit Wyatt was the pitching coach when I broke in as a Braves fan. He was great working with Warren Spahn, but he struggled with Juan Pizarro.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Ha!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 9, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

Braves pitching isn’t even up to the standard of “Kolbian”!!!…

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Southern Jackass, embarrassed to say I had to Google Kolbian, but it’s out there. Everything is out there. By the way, what happened to the southernraidopersonalitygonehaywireetc? Or are you an imposter?

By Dr. Ruff

April 9, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

I hate to say it so early in the season, but Leo Mazzone, Leo Mazzone, Leo Mazzone….. He’s been the greatest pitching coach for 15 years. Ironically, the Braves have had some the greatest pitchers the last 15 years. And even though, some of those great pitchers are still here, they don’t seem the same without LEO! The cheap Braves Management should have made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Dr_Ruff

By Mulligan

April 9, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Well, I have serious concern bout the starting pitching. I’m not worried about Smoltz—he usually gets rocked in his first outing of the year. But I don’t know what to make of Hudson, and I’ve always wondered if he was a little overrated. I’ve never had any confidence in Sosa. He walks too many people. You can’t be consistently good if you are consistently giving guys a free pass. He should have been traded while his stock was high. Thomson I like; he’s a cosistent 15-game winner, but I’m worried about his health this year. And Davies—he’s going to be a great pitcher. But I don’t know if it’ll be this year. From the looks of things so far, the Braves need him to be a cy young contender this season, and I’m afraid that just ain’t goin’ to happen. The Braves traditionally start slow, then peak in July and play just well enough to win the division the rest of the way. I think the mets are better this year than they have been in the past, and they’re no longer the freak-show they once were. I don’t know if the Braves can afford a slow start this season. And if the pitching doesn’t get fixed quick, they might find themselves in too deep a hole to recover.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

Dr. Ruff, dude, the pitchers who made Leo are a bit past their primes now, so they aren’t doing quite as well. Please scroll up and read the post by MBATL. Pitching coach is overrated.

By Ted Williams

April 9, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

This Francouer kid, I’ll can’t believe it. Some one needs to sit him down and teach him a few things. I spent my whole career preaching one basic concept—the secrete to hitting: Get a good pitch to hit. Make the pitcher throw to you. But this kid swings at the first pitch nearly every time. It’s maddening. How’s he supposed to know if the pitcher’s got anything good that day if he doesn’t go up there and take a pitch or two. How’s he supposed to time his fastball without taking a look at it first? How’s he going to know if the pitcher can locate his breaking ball for a strike if he never takes a pitch to see? He doesn’t put any pressure on the pitcher. And I’ll tell you what: If I were on the mound, I’d never throw that kid a strike. I’ve got no reason too. As far as I’m concerned, he’s never seen a pitch that he didn’t like, so why would I throw him a good one to hit. It’s not like he’s going to be patient enough to walk, so just keep throwing him junk. Jeff, a little advice that apparently Terry hasn’t given you: Take a freakin’ pitch … or two. Hell, take three! Make the pitcher come to you. Quit bailing him out. There was a reason that I batted .406 in 1941—it was because I made the pitcher work, and I usually got a good pitch to hit as a result.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

Mulligan, John Thomson has never won as many as 15 games in a season.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 9, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

Real JackAss here baby!…thesouthernjackassradiopersonalitygonehaywirerr_savant was causing Ron Roberts to think that I was calling attention to him, he sucks up attention, among other things, so I just go with TheSouthernJackAss for the time being…that in it’s self is upsetting to some on this blog…just trying to be a kinder, gentler Jackass!!!…GO KOLB!!!…

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this

Mulligan, agreed on most all counts… except that I really do expect the Mets to find a way to make nothing out of something again. Maybe just wishful thinking.

You’re right; Sosa pitched out of trouble all last year and it may be hard to keep doing that. I really think Hudson is solid despite looking totally useless so far. Smoltz needs to stay healthy… and among Thompson, Davies, Ramirez and maybe James, we need to find a couple of 10-15 game winners.

Someone unexpected always seems to step up but it’s hard to see right now who that might be this year.

By glennbo

April 9, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

6 games is not an aberation. 6 games is 3.7% of a season. 6 games is a trend. the pen does look better, maybe it’s the influence of the new pitching coach. maybe its becuse they were upgraded. but the starters are throwing like girls. i don’t know how any of them can cash their paychecks this week. they need to donate their checks to the girl scouts and apologize for giving the phrase “throws like a girl” an even uglier face. and how could we have gone after pint sized hudson. he’s gonna pull some muscle and hide on the disabled list and deposit the money he should have payed to the girl scouts.

Sorry I’m so negative, but if smoltz blows chunks tomorrow, i’m gonna cancel my just upgraded cable package that i got expressly for watching the braves. i’m serious. i want 6 innings, smoltzie, with 4 runs max. you hear me, john, 4 runs max in 6 innings. that’s not too much to ask is it? i want to keep my digital cable. you have to come thru or my daughter can’t watch pbs kids sprouts. forget about me john. do it for the beautiful girl who wants to grow up and be a doctor and join the peace corps and fly to uganda and help people like little jimmy smith learn to use articles and prepositions and proper pronouns. don’t let them down john, please.

By Dr_Ruff

April 9, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

Hey old timer, you must be snorting Geritol! Hudson, Sosa, and Kelly aren’t OLD! You ARE! Leo knew how to COACH! The Old or young. You’re the only old timer who LEO couldn’t help! Give the miracle worker his props! LEO!

Dr_Ruff

By Dr_Ruff

April 9, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

No response from old timer…. he is out by 30 steps. When Coaches and Managers are paid less than pinch hitters and bench warmers, we will lose the best of them. Give Leo 3 years in Crab country and you’ll find an Oriole pitching staff like Palmer, McNally, and the 70’s B-more teams that dominated! Good night old man! GO BRAVES!

Dr_Ruff

By David Duncan

April 9, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

It is obvious, even to the casual observer, that acquiring Tim Hudson was a mistake that the Braves are going to regret. I saw him pitch out here in Colorado last year. He looked the same against the Giants today as he did against the Rockies. How did he ever win over 100 games? He will always struggle when he pitches for the Braves.

By chompers

April 9, 2006 04:22 AM | Link to this

MBATL: “Someone unexpected always seems to step up but it’s hard to see right now who that might be this year.”

It wouldn’t be “unexpected” if you can EASILY see who will step up…right?

By old timer

April 9, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

Dr. Ruff, first of all, I don’t snort Geritol. I inject it. I never said any of the pitchers are old, so I don’t know how to respond to that. Leo was overrated, period. We do agree on one thing, though. Go Braves.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Ruff, oh, sorry, now I see. The pitchers who made Leo are Maddux, Glavine and Smotlz. They are past their primes now, though Smoltz is almost as good as ever. Just can’t go out there 250 innings a year anymore. But not working with Leo isn’t why they aren’t all still winning 18 to 20 games a year. Pushing 40 is why. By the way, Andruw Jones helps the pitchers more than Leo ever did.

By Dave

April 9, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

A win today equals a fine 4-3 West coast road swing. How can anyone be unhappy with that?

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

little known fact to be revealed in this post. readers may verify with sports illustratred where information obtained by this journalist. all credits to sports illustrated.

“John Smoltz, erstwhile Big Toe of the Braves’ bullpen, never did tread softly. Smoltz — “We nicknamed him Big Toe because he anchored all us Little Toes,” explains reliever Kevin Gryboski — would moan about his role as the closer several times a week, more if the former starter was missing a matchup against another team’s ace.”

journalist jimmy smith did not know john smoltz was ever known as big toe. did you? star of team, big toe? favorite of many, big toe? why, “big toe”? journalist thinks you know answer to journalist’s question.

this proves players know importance of toe in baseball. journalist not crazy. take best pitcher on team name him, big toe.

so, pull for big toe today. big toe last chance on this road trip.

By Penn

April 9, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

John Thomson’s career record. For this you can make $4.5 million a year. No wonder so many youngsters want to play baseball.

Year Team W L

1997 COL 7 9
1998 COL 8 11
1999 COL 1 10 2000 COL 4 5 2001 COL 7 8
2002 NYM 2 6
2003 TEX 13 14 2004 ATL 14 8
2005 ATL 4 6
2006 ATL 0 0

Career 60 77

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

fill in blank for journalist. tic, tac, _. _ meets leather. teams going _ to _. little _ goes to market. oh, my aching _.

did you get little piggy right? test was for dexterity. many on blog probobably shout toe to all answers. this indicative of society. comfort with same. keep old shoes. keep old outfielders and play out of position. shoe worn out, throw it out. must protect toes of team. analogies very difficult for journalist as you can see. where scribe to say same thing in pretty words?

By tigger101023

April 9, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

I understand the concern about McDowell, but it’s way to early to freak out yet. He could end up being pretty darn good. The good news is the starting rotation can’t get any worse and the bullpen’s been pretty good.

What’s cracking me up is all the whining about how they lost Leo because they were cheap. They didn’t. The Braves were cheap, but they lost Leo to a childhood friend who he promised he would coach for like 20 years ago. There’s an article in December 2004 talking about how his only unfufilled dream was to coach for his old childhood buddy Sammy Perlozzo. This was coming for a long, long time.

No, we were losing Leo no matter what. And that’s ok. it’s not like we weren’t losing him once Bobby retires anyway. How many managers do you really think he can work with?

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

MBATL: so basically, you’re only justification for NOT sopping Huddy is based on his past career stats. SO we should pay 1/4 of our payroll just to reward someone for what they did in the past for another team? By that logic, why not get Kevin Brown….he had a great career once upon a time? Or why not try to get Maddux back…he had a hall of fame career. NO! We need someone who can be a top-of-the-rotation starter NOW (and that’s what we’re paying for) But Huddy has NOT proven that he can still do it onsistently.

Look at the stats….Huddy’s first year with the Braves was no more magnificent, or worthy of his ridiculous salary than was Thomson’s first full year with the Braves (2004). I know Huddy HAD a great career, but all I care about is what he can do for my team NOW.

If we were to trade him now we could get a lot for him. But if we wait, and let him drag on until it becomes obvious to everyone in MLB that he is no longer a great pitcher, then we will be hung with another Hampton-like albatross.

I could be wrong, and hope that I am but…

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

MBATL: and “fantasy stuff” would be if I said dump laroche for Thome or Pujols….I’m trying to be reasonable/realistic and I think that either of KJ WB or Jurries are perfectly reasonable options for first base. Both KJ and WB are middle infielders by trade who could easily handle the conversion to first (see Franco, Julio…acquired and learned firstbase in the middle of a season). And Jurries ALREADY plays first! And if by some ungodly act of misfortune NONE of them panned out, we could easily get a guy like a Wilson or Millar who could competently cover first at least as well as LaRoche does…..but I seriously doubt that would be necessary.

Maybe it was a bit over the top to suggest WB starting over CHipper at 3rd but that was just my anger talking. I just get so tired of what I perceive to be lethargic, uninspired play…..that’s why I have such a hard time with both he and LaROche., And since I can’t realistically “get to know” either of them or talk to them, all I have to go on is my perception. AJ used to upset me the same way but he has really turned it around both numbers-wise and attitude-wise.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Carroll, we were blessed with having three of the pitchers in all of baseball who pretty much didn’t have bad years over a fairly long stretch of time. Look at the career stats of former number 1 starters and you will see some off years in there, years in which guys making a lot less money put up better numbers. The thing about Hudson is a so-so year is the exception. With a guy like Thomson, the good year is the exception. The Braves aren’t going to dump Hudson, and they shouldn’t. They couldn’t get anyone for him they could be sure would be better than him for the same money.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

atlanta braves score 48 runs in 6 games. why record only 3-3? journalist points out team surrenders 47 runs in same games. score one more run than competition, win one more game. milwaukee brewers, team of dan kolb, win 5 games with only 23 runs. what is happening?

now, journalist jimmy smith will talk pitching. hard-hitting commentary coming, not for weak or sissies. smoltz getting older, changing his hard, fast, approach. arm is suspect from last season overuse. smoltz relegated to two starter. still best pitcher on team, but not as good as earlier smoltz. jimmy smith fears over-use and ruin.

hudson number one starter. carry the load. scrawny like underfed ugandan. need bulk up. burgers and shakes. strengthen and not leave ball up in zone. win some games. paid big money and you know, not very smart.

horacio looks bad. not good right now. fix hamstring and trade. new haircut needed to fix sosa. that and get ahead in count. thomson gritty. journalist likes thomson. keep toes pointed in right direction, take care of elbow, give us decent starter.

davies hope of future. james, too. lerew still seasoning. much promise here.

why pitching so bad? starting pitchers confused. new momma in dugout and pitchers not sure where to throw ball. journalist predicts improvement soon or obermueller is coming to town (like santa claus - hum tune when think obermueller). journalist out.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Carroll, really didn’t mean to jump you with the ‘fantasy stuff’ comment; it’s more the overall tone of the blog after 5 games.

Clearly I just have more patience than some folks in here - guess that’s why your “wheeling and dealing” gets under my skin, but it’s good for discussion.

Hudson was a great acquisition 2 years ago (didn’t you think so?). Had some injuries last year but still posted respectable numbers. I admitted I’m concerned about what I’ve seen this year, but it’s 2 games.

But what would we trade him for? Another starting pitcher? I doubt we’d get equal value. A closer? Then who’s gonna start?

I’ve also agreed that I’d be glad to see Jurries on the roster, platooning with Laroche (and if he earns the job fulltime, on the field, great!). But just think that the decision to start with BJ on the roster had some merits too. Who knows, maybe he’ll have dinner with Frenchy and exercise some of the “leadership” that he’s supposedly known for!

Chompers, guess you got my on the logic of ‘expecting the unexpected’, though that phrase is cliche’ for a reason, I guess.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

According to baseball-reference.com, Hudson has the 8th best lifetime era among pitchers with at least 1000 IP and 100 decisions. He’s 29 years old, and except for Pedro, everyone in the top 11 is at least 38. Unless there is something physically or emotionally wrong with him (which I haven’t heard about), just can’t see dumping that because his era “spiked” by 2/10ths of a run last year.

We long for the days of Glavine/Smoltz/Maddux. Hudson is the closest thing we’ve got (aside from Smoltz, of course), or are likely to have with this payroll. Just can’t see giving up on him at 29 years old. Two bad starts in April notwithstanding.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Two ways to look at it. We’ve scored 48 runs and we’re only 3-3 or we’ve given up 47 runs and somehow we’re 3-3. A lot of the runs the Braves have scored have been gifts. I think we have played badly and have managed to squeak out 3 wins. You are going to have stretches of bad play, and we often start off shaky. The wins, any way they come, are going to be important in what figures to be a close race. Let’s beat the Giants today. Smoltz isn’t the worry. It’s Schmidt. If he’s on, well you know the rest.

By Miles

April 9, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Millar at 1st base over LaRoche??? ugh, not only does he have a worse bat but his defense is HORRIBLE. He’s one of the main reasons why Renteria had 30 errors last season. The only reason you are not all over Andruw is because he’s performing well. If he was in a 2 for 23 slump then you and a lot of people would be screaming for his butt to be on the bench. Some of you sound like Met fans with all of your impulsive remarks that lack logic. Its been 6 friggin games people…chill out.

By Lindy Copelan

April 9, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

A 7.76 Braves pitching staff E.R.A ?!

“Leo Phone Home” ! Leo Phone Home Please” !

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

btw, BJ IS hitting .286 coming off the bench. I never played ML baseball, but don’t think you can really pick and choose when you’ll hit. If he keeps that pace up, he’ll be a huge asset.

Jurries is at .143 in AAA, Salty hitless (0-10) in AA. I’m no more down on them than any of the Braves who are struggling early, but it puts a little perspective on these reactionary roster moves. Send Jordon down for a guy who’s hitting HALF his average, at AAA?

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Carroll, who do you get for Tim Hudson if you trade him right now? That’s what I want to know. A bucket of spit? When he gets things turned around, he’ll be too valuable to trade because he pitches a lot of innings and wins games. Unless Hudson is injured or something right now, he will get things turned around. He went 14-9 with a 3.52 ERA last year. If he wins 16 or 17 games this year, that will be more along the lines of his career average. That’s all I’m expecting out of Hudson. If he wins fewer than that, the Braves are in big trouble. Right now, he couldn’t win a raffle if he was the only guy that had a ticket.

Oh, and MBATL, Hudson will turn 31 on July 14.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Chop Chop - of course you’re right. I was looking at stats put together a year ago.

Gonna have to send my fact-checker down to AA.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

well known that injured toe can affect judgement and depth perception. much concern in tampa bay where third-base coach toe foley broke left big toe after taking a shot off bat of damon hollins. third base coaching most important as you know, remember great third base coaches jimy williams, ned yost, terry pendleton, fredi gonzales. all with good toes. coach with bad toe must still toe the line. braves problems not so bad.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

jimmy, Seargant Hulka is my newest, bestest big toe. For what it’s worth.

My only real worry on this team is Devine. We’ve put a lot of stock in him being the future closer, and he seems to be a little overwhelmed by being in the big leagues, or something. And this is his second year (even if he’s still a rookie).

We don’t need him to save 50 games this year, but it sure would be good to see some promise. Closers need to thrive on pressure… seems kinda like pressure thrives on Devine, so far.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Sunday Frenchy watch, first AB: Runner on 2nd, no outs. Swings at pitch 18 inches outside and in the dirt. Then pulls ground ball to 3rd - - runner cannot advance. Awful.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

We can all agree that ‘bat control’ and moving runners up is not Frenchy’s game. Looked like a pretty hard shot to 3rd to me… if he keeps it up, he’ll be fine. Never a No. 2 hitter, but that’s really not the goal.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 9, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Oh, the humanity! What is going on? Schmidt doubles. LeTwan is developing his own gastro-intestinal problems watching this.

McDowell could go out and say hello and let him catch his breath.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I more or less agree with you, but it doesn’t take much bat control to lay of what was almost a wild pitch. And he isn’t going to endear himself to BC or his team mates if he doesn’t at least try to move the runner over. A guy hitting .050 owes that much to his team.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I’m getting a bit gastropissed myself, and I never eat pie. I am beginning to wonder if this new approach of Smoltz means his arm is not sound. He has made adjustments when his arm was bad in the past. The radar numbers look OK, not his peak, but all right. But the pitches don’t seem as lively as before.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Sunday Fremchy watch, second at bat: first pitch is ball 1 low, but he swings and fouls it off. Second pitch is ball 2 high and away, but he swings and misses. Third pitch is ball 3, and he whiffs on it. Two at bats, has not taken a pitch.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith notes smoltz putting hand to mouth before each pitch. legal? journalist discovers pigeon toed player on giants, moises alou, born in atlanta when felipe play here. stands funny at plate. langerhans doing what francoeur not. have same coach? team not looking good. call toe truck. bring home.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Sunday Frenchy watch, 3rd at bat: runner on 1st, no outs. Swings at first pitch, topper to shortstop for force at 2nd. Three ABs, has not taken one pitch.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Jimmytwan, when it’s cold, umps can allow pitchers to blow on their fingers.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

journalist notes field looks like goat pen. cost braves chipper jones. guess we have betemit in infield now like or not. who comes up now? interesting …

By TennesseePaul

April 9, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Man I hope Chipper is OK. What’s the scoop DOB.

If it weren’t for Francouers arm and defense, I’d say he probably should go back down. His hitting is almost as bad as Hudson’s pitching.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Eric, I’m through defending Frenchy’s failure to move the runners… you win on that one.

Man, what a bummer. Let’s hope CJ’s not as bad as it looked.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

langerhans looks good at the plate. bases loaded. diaz? what about jordan??? guess we’ll see what happens …

By Mark

April 9, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Chipper probably has a sprain , we wont know anything definite until the doc’s evaluate him. Frenchy is awful , if not for his defense he would be in richmond. Holy mother of God , I have never seen so many wild pitch’s , they look like my little leaguer’s pitching. The Giants are an absolute joke , they are nothing more than a sideshow for barriod bonds. If we win this one , we finish 4-3 on the east coast roadtrip which would be a near miracle.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

bobby pulled ken ray, that means reitsma is probably closer for life. ray was really pitching well.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

tie game!!! what can one say? one must temper one’s thoughts …

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

How many games does Reeksma have to blow before we stop using him as the closer? At least stop overusing him. He is certainly not good enough to be a multi-inning closer. He did lead all of baseball (I’m pretty sure) in blown saves last year and he only had the role for less than 2 mos. Yes, that’s even worse than Dan Kolb. What does Bobby see in some of these guys that he just falls in love with? I’m beginning to think that if I just act real nice to Bobby, maybe I can be annointed the new starting 3rd baseman…even though I have done nothing to earn it.

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

GODDANGIT!! Yous stupid, senile old man!!!! What is WRONG with you???!!! Pull ray after 2 batters but let that bozo lose the game AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

that was the ugliest game this journalist has ever recorded. ugly. ugly.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Not that it matters now, but for the record, Sunday Frenchy watch, 4th AB: Actually took a few pitches, but once again failed to move the runner on 2nd with 0 outs. His last throw to home was either into the stands or up on the screen. How long will it be before Jeff Blauser gets a right fielder for the Miss Braves?

Carroll, I agree. Reitsma didn’t need to come in for the last out in the 8th, and I suspect that had something to do with his 9th inning melt down.

I still think a 3-4 record is not horrid for any west coast swing, but some coulda/shouldas would have made it much better.

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Jimmy: yesterday was ugly…this was one of those games that makes ou want to swear off baseball forever. We’ve had WAY too many of them over the last year plus.

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

It’s tough to be an optimist at this point, but I’ll give it a shot.

Carroll, it’s hard to say that Ray, who hasn’t seen ML hitters in 6 or 7 years, should be our closer. Maybe he’ll get there. Easy to look back and say ‘we should’a left him in.’

Yeah, Reitsma (that’s his name, btw) hasn’t gotten the job done. Don’t know just what to suggest, but calling a HOF manager stupid doesn’t seem like the answer to me (though I’m sure some bloggers in here know baseball, and the Braves’ personnel better than he does.). Reitsma really seems like he has good stuff, but then decides to leave a curveball hanging in somebody’s wheelhouse. Yeah, it stinks.

I was just as eager to see Ryan, Baez, Hoffman, here as you probably were.

Hope CJ’s okay; hope Giles is okay. Tough and eventful first week. Beauty of baseball… tomorrow is a new day.

By Miles

April 9, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

RAY CANNOT pitch effectively against right handed batters! There’s a reason why he’s been in the minors nearly his whole career. He gets lit up whenever he faces them, thats why he’s the lefty specialist in the pen.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

strange day, strange injuries. chipper falls to ground, clutches knee, writhes in pain. knee not hurt. ankle. theory is that chipper probably injured toe and pain traveled to knee. journalist will leave to medical experts.

journalist surprised to see bobby pull man throwing 94 mph and with changeup working. strike out two batters. reitsma not surprise journalist or anyone else.

pitching a mess. second baseman hurt, third baseman hurt, right fielder hurting team.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I don’t think Carroll was suggesting that Ray should be the closer, nor would I. I just don’t think Reitsma has a good track record when he is brought into the 8th, especially when BC vowed not to overwork him this year. If, as Miles says, Ray can’t get a righty out, then Remlinger would have been a better choice because he is more effective against righties than lefties. The point is that if Reitsma has to be our closer (shudder), then pitch him in the 9th. I still think that Boyer and McBride will be saving our bacon before the year is out.

I mentioned this last season, but it bears repeating. We cannot alter some specific past event and assume that everything that followed would remain the same. Chip Caray, especially, is guilty of that - - saying, for example, that fly ball would have scored the runner if we had moved him over. Nonsense! With a runner on third, the pitch sequence would surely have been different, and there is no way to claim that the same fly ball would have been hit. It makes no sense, but we hear announcers say that sort of thing all the time.

By supa

April 9, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

this was a tough one to watch. definitely agree with you mbatl - very eventful week.

here are my key takeaways:

+renteria is a stud. furcal who? +last year was not a fluke for andruw +langerhans combination of defense and clutch hitting = everyday player +smoltz will be smoltz +3 wins and 4 losses not bad for a west coast trip, but painful ending nonetheless

-bullpen issues still need to be addressed - they not only lose us games, but dampen spirits and kill momentum -francoeur may need some more time in the minors - there is simply no excuse for not moving runners over -chipper is fragile

hopefully the home-cooking and friendly confines will help turn things around…

By MBATL

April 9, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Point taken, Eric. And Carroll, if I put words in your mouth, sorry… didn’t mean to.

I must say though, from what I’ve read, very few people here would have supported using Remlinger in a game-on-the-line situation (in advance). But in retrospect, sure, we should have. Couldn’t have hurt, could it?

This is why I’m so concerned about Devine’s development, or lack thereof. We DO need a closer.

By Ron Roberts

April 9, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

sigh

What the HELL is going on with our starters? I mean, first-start issues with Smoltz I can overlook, but today… this guy’s s’posed to be the guy the rest of the rotation can look to for some veteran stability… and what’s he do? He goes out and puts us in a 4-run hole 2 innings in.

Say what ya want about our ‘pen, but our starters aren’t giving ‘em much to work with when we do call on ‘em.

And Bobby, dude… love ya man… but for crying out loud, we ALL knew Reitsma’s issues last year were from over-use… so why do you call on him for the 8th and 9th inning, man?

Not that he’s “closer material,” anyhow… but c’mon…

…and he’s gotta find better times to bring Devine into these games. I say Devine doesn’t come in unless we’re up by six or more. Then let the kid go in there with no worries or pressure. Til he looks like the dominant pitcher he has the tools to be, I don’t wanna see him in a close game, myself.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

You could almost see that coming, couldn’t you? Remember that TV interview with Smoltz during the season opener at L.A. in which he said that if Reitsma can surive all the negativity from fans he will do fine as closer? Does that really effects these guys? You’d think by the time a player gets himself into the position of making millions of dollars a year, I mean performing and surviving the pressure of THAT, the pressure of throwing in the 9th inning rather than the 7th or 8th wouldn’t be any big deal. Guess it is, though.

By Miles

April 9, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Ron, you do know that Smoltz has had an illness the last couple of days and its sapped him of most of his stregth..it was mentioned prior to the start of the game. Considering that, I think he did a pretty good job.

By Del

April 9, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

We sure do have some hardheads on this 2006 Braves team. Some of them haven’t learned a darn thing since last year. IE:

Devine last year when he got in trouble he tried to throw his fastball thru a brickwall to get a strikeout. Any decent hitter can hit a 100 mph fastball with no movement. This year same-o-same-o. He needs more seasoning and instruction.

BC: Last year when he called in Reitsma in the 8th to close out the game, he gives it away in the 9th. This year same-o same-o.

Reitsma: Last year when he hangs a slider/curve up in the hitting zone he gets clobbered. This year same-o same-o. A good closer can get by with 2 pitches. He should stick with his fastball and change, and concentrate on location.

Chipper: Last year whenever he had to play on unfavorable field conditions he was just an eyelash away from the DL. This year same-o same-o. 2nd time in ONE week he is going to miss a start. Go get-um WB !!

Frenchy: Lst year when he went into his year end slump there appeared to be zero communication between him and TP. This year same-o same-o. These two mad at each other or something? Isn’t it about time we gave Frenchy a rest and let our leading hitter in ST get some at bats. Move Ryan to right and put Diaz in LF.

Sure am glad that WC swing is behind us.

By Kenny

April 9, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Has there ever been a more awful opening to a Braves season? 7 road games on the west coast. Horrible pitching. Giving up lots of runs in big innings. Chipper and Giles hurt. Francoeur a bust. Losing four of seven to two mediocre teams while the Mets and Glavine are winning big. I know it’s early but this could be bad. Real bad. Reputations and the past don’t win games. I think we need Ted and his money and Leo too. Don’t look now but the run may be over.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 9, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

old timer, the negativity would stop if he would get the outs. yes, you could see it coming. everybody but bobby saw it coming. felipe out-managed him again today. (journalist is expecting hate mail for comment).

By Miles

April 9, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

kenny, c’mon man, the mets beat up the nats and marlins who are two of the worst teams in the NL this season…at home no less. Since when have the Braves ever been good on west coast road trips? Francouer a “bust” after 7 games???? Im sure glad you’re not the GM. Oh wait…you’re probably just one of the Mutts trolls…am I right??

By John Hoar

April 9, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Just saw the game and don’t really know how I feel about Reitsma and all the other questions. We all have our opinions, and right now I have to think it is too early, and a lot of this will turn out OK.

Carroll, and anyone else who knows help me out here. It is on the play in which Chipper was injured. While he lay on the ground injured was not the ball still in play? Why did McTheeney (spelling I guess} not just keep on running? If it had happened in the outfield whoever on base would have run forever. And, I don’t think it was courtesy. Can someone tell me what happened? Thanks.

By Brad

April 9, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

As horrible of an ending as today was, things could be a lot worse. Finallly going home and only one game under on that long trip with awful pitching, it could have been a lot worse. Frenchy couldn’t look any worse right now. Reitsma shouldn’t be coming in and pitching in the eighth every game to get the save, he is going to wear out quick if Bobby keeps doing that. He blew it today, but nobody is perfect, Wagner blew one the other day for the Mets. Let’s just be thankful the trip is over and we go back to Atlanta and get things straightened out.

By Andy

April 9, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

run might be over? When I got on this blog it was to vent—-man did todays game (Sunday’s) hurt. Smotlz pitches his heart out—then we give it away in the 9th—Not scoring the insurance run(s) in the 8th and 9th came back to haunt the Braves as it seems it always does.

HOWEVER—-who have the mets beat—the Nats and the Marlins—not at all the Yankees. The Dodgers are a good team this year and the Giants are good as well—much better than the Nats or Marlins. I am concerned we can’t seem to get it together. But all this Hudson talk and “bucket of spit”—I understand the emotion and get it out and all….but come on. We could easily be 7-0 with all the runs we are scoring—once our pitching levels out—hopefuly our hitting will still be there. Tough thing chipper—but isn’t it nice to have WB to step in. I got called out by DOB for saying that Renteria looks alot like WB—(range and arm strength) that’s all I said—man DOB went off on me—two seperate entery’s to tell me how foolish I am. Well DOB maybe your right—although you used a sledge hammer instead of a hammer—-and generally I am not a Braves basher by any means. But after the first week maybe we can get renteria to be frenchy’s unofical batting coach—and Andrew’s for that matter. I know he is doing good—but if his approach was Renteria’s he might have another 8 or so RBI’s. We gave the game away when we did’nt pick up those runs and making Reistma be perfect—yes closer’s are suppose to close-be perfect and all that but we don’t have that kind of pen—and we might not ever this year so the Braves have to keep scoring even when they fight back and get the lead. Lets get back to Atlanta and forget the West Coast as soon as possible!!

By Ron Roberts

April 9, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Miles… I saw that Smoltz wasn’t well before gametime, but it doesn’t change my thoughts. He’s been at it too long and knows the game too well to go out there and get battered like he did in the 2nd.

If he’d just get the Giants’ starting pitcher out that inning, the game’s completely different.

Meanwhile, I hope he gets to feeling better. The way he and Huddy’s pitched ont he road so far is terribly discouraging.

By Carroll

April 9, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

John: good point, As far as I know, he could’ve kept running. Guess he was just shocked at the situation, as was everyone. But he prolly could’ve at least gotten second base.

To the guy who said that Ray is a left handed specialist. I have never heard that. That would be odd to have a right handed throwing, left-handed specialist. Either way, I’d take my chances with him over Reeksma for one more out.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

John, when Chipper went down, I’m pretty sure McCann was there and picked up the ball. No way for any runners to advance, and time was called only when the play was clearly over. Chipper wasn’t attended to until then.

By old timer

April 9, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

You think maybe somebody called time out when Chipper went down? Seems like that would be automatic. Third base coach telling the ump next to him, for example.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

No, old timer, time can’t be called in that situation.
As John mentioned, an injured outfielder would not stop play, and runners can run as long as they want. The umpire can’t call time until the play is over, meaning that the runners have stopped at their bases, and no other baseball play can be made.

By John Hoar

April 9, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t think they could call time out just because he was injured. And the only person close to him was the pitcher for a long, long time. I believe the ball was still on the ground next to Chipper after he grabbed his knee. I’ll check it on replays tonight. I could be wrong but I kept looking at Chipper and thinking -“somebody get the ball!” I must have just missed it.

By eric the elder

April 9, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Regarding time outs, it seems to me that there is a big brouhaha waiting to happen. When pitches in the dirt were first considered damaging to the ball, the umpire called time out and looked at the ball. Now the catcher just automatically turns around and hands the ball to the umpire. I keep waiting for a runner on first to take off for second as soon as the catcher turns around. The umpire hasn’t officially called time out, so theoretically the ball should still be in play. Anyone know what the ruling would be?

By J-dogg

April 9, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Our bullpen seems to be good until we have a lead in the 9th inning, then it all goes to shi..t. I dont think we have an answer at Ken Ray train just yet, remember Adam Berneo last year? Another disturbing thing is that Chipper’s injury makes nearly 1/2 our payroll worthless-(huddy and chipper) not a good thing. Need another arm in rotatoin and a big time closer. And by the way, Frenchy sucks a* right now and I dont see that changing anytime soon. Bad 1st week but hopefully things will change when we go home.

By J-dogg

April 9, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Correction, no answer at closer, dont jump and ray train just yet.

By Jman

April 9, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Of the ninth inning meltdown, Reitsma says, “That’s just the life of a closer.” Just the life of a closer? Maybe the life of a sorry closer whose ERA is over 9! That isnt the life of a good closer, which obviously Atlanta is not going to have this year. Something needs to be done! Get rid of REEKSMA!!!

Chipper’s injuries are getting old!!! Everytime you turn around the guy is messing something up!

By old timer

April 9, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

We are not going to have a lousy closer all year. JS has a move to make and he is waiting to see where that move should be. He’s gotta be figuring there’s a chance Reitsma can do the job, and if Reitsma can’t one of the other guys down there can. And if someone does, he can use his move to shore up another weakness. Like a starting pitcher if it turns out we’re OK 1-3, but not so good after that. Or an outfielder who can lead off if that becomes a need. Or a replacement for someone who suffers a season-ending injury. He might have a couple moves to make, especially if one involves a fairly high paid guy for another fairly high paid guy. If it’s just one move, don’t expect it real soon; it takes a while to see how guys are really going to perform.

By Tomahawkin

April 9, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

I tried to lighten up on Reeksma after he looked decent the other night, but man…

Reeksma Sucks, Nuff said

I guess today’s game showed everyone that Carroll and I were right on point about him

and That ain’t the cold part, he’s making close to 3 million, to (exepletive)

The only person that I know of to f-c-k things up and still have a job is Dubya

By old timer

April 10, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

Well, Tomahawkin, one outing doens’t seal the deal, and at $3 mil Reitsma is below the league average, but, damn, he had a Kolb-like look on his face in that close-up before the start of the 9th, which gave me a sick feeling in my stomach. He needs to come out and go right after people, not fall behind in the count. If he can’t do that I don’t want him coming out of the pen in any inning.

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

I don’t like him being a two pitch closer if he falls behind in da count you don’t have to be a rocketship to know whats coming 2-0

By Marc

April 10, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

How long do we have to put up with Reitsma. This guy came out this spring full of p** and vinegar, saying he was ready. What a great closer 1 blown save out of 3 chances and an over 9 ERA. The problem with Reeksma is not that he blew a save, it’s how he pitches. To many of his pitches are put away, you need a closer who can strike guys out. Reeksma has Niekro 1 and 2, he’s a young hitter, and your going to float a changeup over the heart of the plate, what a freakin joke. Reeksma should have thrown his fastball low and away three times in a row, if he hits a homerun, good for him. Then he gives up a hit with the bases empty, a walk, and of course doesn’t have the stuff to throw it by anyone and Winn bloops a single. You can say the Winn’s hit was a soft dunker, but that is the kind of thing that happens to a closer who allows to many balls to be put in play. In the ninth inning a team needs strikeouts. We need a new closer and fast, if we stick with this guy for to long the Braves are going to blow to many games.

By the way what ever happened to damage control, giving up just a run or two in an inning. I have never seen so many outings where a pitcher gives up 4, 5 ,6 runs in an inning. It’s a joke, good for the offense for pulling out 3 wins, they were constantly put in an early hole. Can anyone believe that through the first 7 games the Braves least amount of runs the Braves have given up in a game is 5, nice going guys. Oh I forgot it was cold and rainy.

On Franceur, why doesn’t Bobby drop him down to the eith spot until he gets out of his slump. Part of this loss can be directly attributed to Francuer. Twice he came up with less than 2 outs and a runner on second and not only did he not get a hit he grounded to third twice, failing to advance the runner. A couple more runs and the Braves win. Langerhans is batting .444, and has proven to be a clutch hitter. He should bat sixth, Mccann seventh, and Francuer eigth. This is common sense. Oh well, I hope we turn it around on the homestand.

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

Marc you are right on point, I wanted him to get his pink slip after he blew game 5 of da 2004 NLDS

He has been the worse pitcher to be put in the closers slot during this whole 15 year run

B

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Marc…You right on point about Reeksma, I wanted him to recieve a pink slip after he blew game 5 of the 2004 NLDS

Reeksma is the worst pitcher I seen put into the closers role over this whole 15 year run

With the way we pitched over the week we could easily be 0-6, or 1-5 thank gawd that the offense showed up

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

If Millwood and the Rangers fall to a sub-par season, I’d like to see Co-Co Cordero in the “A” come July colsing out games 4 us and Reeksma in Philly

By teoa

April 10, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe how many people here buy into the myth that Reitsma’s whole problem is being “overworked”. If a pitcher is too fragile to get 4 outs in the first week of the season on 3 days of rest, he shouldn’t even be on the team, much less be closing. Look at his stats for the past five years. Has he been “overworked” every year? Because not once in his five years has he been any better than mediocre. I don’t think he’s even a very good eighth inning pitcher. If he’s never shown that he can consistently hold leads earlier in the game, what makes anyone think he can do it when the game is on the line — whether he is “overworked” or not? The pressure is only going to make him worse, as he has proven repeatedly now.

Reitsma will single-handedly cost the Braves 10-15 wins if he remains in the closer role all year. And that’s not based on one week, that’s based on the past 5 years. Nothing about Reitsma’s career numbers or his natural ability indicate that he can be an effective closer. Sure, he can put together a hot streak of 6-8 good games, but those streaks are the exception. On average for his career, he gives up a run every other inning. That’s simply not good enough to close. It’s inexcusable that the Braves didn’t do whatever it took in the off season to have another option. The Reitsma experiment was a complete failure last season (led the league in blown saves while only closing for half the year!), and guess what? Big surprise — it will be again. Make a move NOW! This team has too much talent to win games for 8 innings and then let one pitcher throw it all away in the ninth.

Smoltz will be fine. He was great for 6 out of his 7 innings today. Gutsy performance. No one would be complaining if not for Reitsma.

By Mark

April 10, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

the score should have been 7-4 going to the ninth , but like it has already been said , frenchy came up twice with a runner on second with nobody out and failed to advance the runner . Frenchy looks totally lost in the batters box , bench him. Smoltz was gutsy today , but he was sick and struggles to pitch well in cold weather , great job smoltzy ! Reitsma , well what can I say that hasnt already been said ? folks he wont be the closer much longer and thats obvious. Betemit is Chippers insurance policy , but hey….. I said that about two months ago and nothing has changed. Giles has done a fatastic job leading off , now…. if he could learn how to steal a few bases he would be the perfect leadoff man. after 18 seasons as manager , Cox is way too predictable. ya’ll drink more beer , smoke more weed and feel free to cuss and discuss the bravos !!!!

By Sir Stealth

April 10, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this

I’m usually a stay calm and give folks the benefit of the doubt kinda guy, but even I can’t help but jump all over the Reeksma hate train. It would be one thing if it was just this year, or last year, or just when you carry him over a series of innings, or as the closer….we’ve been tortured with this for way too long. I was really hoping someone would be able to step in at closer. Boyer, Devine, and Villareal, while all with some promise, all have been wishful thinking for that role at this point. That being said, I think that I would rather see Brian Jordan trotting out of the pen to try his luck at closer, as some latest gimmick for him and the giant fork sticking out of his back to hang around for a while longer, than to have Reeksma torture me any longer. Yes, the guy has good stuff. Yes, he has had great games where he’s looked like he could be the man. He’s thrown changeups that have been eye-openingly nasty. It doesn’t matter at this point. The Braves are about consistent performances. It bothered me enough in the past when hitters like Andruw would be super-streaky over the course of the season. We can’t have that from a closer, it’s too demoralizing and this guy has had his chance.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I still think that its way way way too early to push the panic button this season. Everyone seems to have such a sort memory when it comes to this stuff. The Braves have had even worse openings to the season than this, several times. This season was extra goofy starting out on the west coast and little errors here and there seem to be resulting in maximum damage. I think that the key to turning it around is simply going to be paying attention to the little details that make the difference between winning and losing the game. Don’t get picked off, don’t fail to move the runner over, don’t fail to get over and block a ball in the dirt with your body, etc…..

LaDouche has to stop striking out so much. Put some contact on the ball, fella…..I absolutely knew Chipper was headed for more injuries this season. However, its bizarre for people to post that this was his fault in some way or even the result of his recent fragility. The field was simply in terrible condition and anybody is gonna have a good chance of getting injured if their cleat gets caught and skids two feet in soggy grass like that.

Now for some positives: Willy B can play. He is not gonna be a disaster as Chipper’s replacement. Renteria and Andruw both look great and ahead of their usual schedules for rounding into form. Francoeur HAS to get better than this. Bobby seems to have had trouble figuring out exactly when to get certain relievers in and out’ve there, but that’s because he’s had to figure out a lot’ve new pieces….that kind’ve feel decision making will improve as we go along. The man will do the best job that anybody could do with this team when all is said and done. He will absolutely take us where we need to go. Let’s see how things go when we are finally back home sweet home and away from the west coast. The Met’s don’t bother me.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2006 02:34 AM | Link to this

Well, you folks have certainly managed just fine without my contributions.

Thanks for understanding that, especially on the west coast, I just don’t have time to get on here much, what with doing stats stuff in morning to prepare, then filing blog by 1 p.m. California time, then getting to park, filing early notebook, having gamer punched before end of game, then rewriting after the game.

But enough of that crap. The food’s good, the scenery niiiice. No complaints.

To the stuff you’re interested in. I’ll try to address a few of the things I saw glancing at the blog responses:

Chipper’s not hurt nearly as bad as it looked. I thought ACL when I saw him fall and clutch his knee. Then they announced sprained ankle in pressbox, no mention of knee. But that was wrong.

Bobby said immediately in his office afterward that it was both, but they thought worse was ankle. Then Bubba (team trainer Jeff Porter) confirmed that was case, that it was lateral sprain (not high ankle sprain, the bad ones) and that his knee was structurally sound and most of the pain stopped a short while after he left field and started icing it.

So despite the grave tones they had on Baseball Tonight, I don’t think _ but not certain _ that it’s going to keep him out long. Maybe most of the homestand, but I’d guess no more than that.

As for Francoeur, really looked lost at plate much of the week, despite Bobby’s insistence that he looked “normal” and was robbed of several hits. He’s swinging at too many first pitches, obviously, just like last year. He’s batting .069 (2-for-29) with six Ks and no walks, for an .069 OBP as well.

He made a great throw earlier in game, but the one at end was the worst I’ve ever seen him make, and one of worst in recent memory by anyone. Might have had a close plate at plate with an on-target throw.

Ken Ray, lefty specialist? No, but he is tough on lefties because of his change-up, same reason Remlinger used to be so much tougher on righties _ because of his changeup. But Ray also throws 93-95 mph fastballs, and folks, let me be first to suggest early that Ray could be a closer candidate soon if Reitsma struggles much.

I agree with most of you regarding Reitsma _ he’s not the type that should be used often for more than three outs. He’s faded each of last two seasons in part because of workloads, and I believe it’d be more wise to confine him to three outs, long as he’s the closer.

Oh, and that wasn’t a curveball he left in Niekro’s wheelhouse, as someone suggested. It was a changeup that did nothing. Just right over middle.

Oh, and to the guy who said I used a sledgehammer instead of a hammer in refuting your suggestion a couple weeks back that Wilson Betemit, you’re right, I did go a bit overboard. But you know what? It was absurd to even compare them, and I think Renteria’s showing that. So many people had to agree with Boston observers who said Renteria was over-the-hill and broken down, etc, but I tried to tell you, he’s a great dude and a hard worker, and he showed up this spring in great shape. Red Sox screwed up giving up on him after one year.

As for Betemit, he’s a nice player who could start for some teams. That’s it. He’s not bad at all, but he’s no Gold Glover winner or Silver Slugger, and never will be, I’d bet. That said, he’ll be fine as Chipper’s replacement for a few games or a week or whatever. But they won’t get a .400 OBP or “professinal hitter” like the Clipper, though they will get sound defense while Betemit’s in there.

Other impressions from the week: It sucked as bad as the players said weather-wise. Chilly, dreary, and 56 degrees or whatever feels a lot colder when you’re on the Bay and that mist is blowing in off the water. Field in S.F. was a joke. Patches all over it and bare spots around the infield edges, etc. Giles was right _ stupid to have a concert in the outfield, but I understand why they do it _ it’s a privately financed stadium with a $20 mill mortgage every year for 16-17 more years. They book anything they can, inluding that godawful bowl game no one attends.

Did I mention San Francisco is an awesome city? Those of you who’ve been here know. Great restaurants, beautiful scenery, great buildings downtown, great music stores, concert venues, and the ballpark is at top of my list of favorites, along with Seattle, Houston, Wrigley, Fenway, Baltimore, San Diego, Dodger Stadium and Colorado (I love the ballpark, just hate the games at Coors).

Philly’s new park also quite nice, though again, hate the games there because it’s too easy to homer.

Oh, lost train of thought…

Giles 11 walks in seven games _ who’d have thunk it? His career high is 64, and at this rate he’ll have that by the All-Star break. Of course, he’ll slow down a bit; at least I think it’s safe to assume he won’t have a plus-.500 OBP. Braves would be quite pleased with .400….

I really like the lineup, especially if Francoeur starts hitting…

Ryan Langerhans is getting better all the time. He’s already exceptional defensively, and he’s improving so much as a hitter….

Andruw’s swing now looks as good as it did most of last season, at least it did this weekend. He absolutely crushed that ball today, drawing oohs and ahhhs and plenty of cheers from the many Braves fans in attendance (yes, there were plenty).

Lastly, Bonds isn’t going to get Aaron’s record. No way. He’s a shell of the player he was in 2004. Overweight, and actually misses some pitches now. Before, every mistake a pitcher made, he crushed. He’s fouling off or missing pitches now, and teams are going to stop pitching around him so much eventually, if he doesn’t start hitting like he used to.

It was painful just watching him run after that pop up in shallow left today, though he got to it, to his credit. The old dude was huffing and puffing and limping after he caught it.

My prediction: 20 homers and a long DL stint this season.

By David O'Brien

April 10, 2006 02:44 AM | Link to this

Just read over that and saw some typos, dropped words, etc. Hey, it’s late.

But I should point out, in case it wasn’t obvious, this line: Oh, and to the guy who said I used a sledgehammer instead of a hammer in refuting your suggestion a couple weeks back that Wilson Betemit, you’re right, I did go a bit overboard….

I meant to write: Oh, and to the guy who said I used a sledgehammer instead of a hammer in refuting your suggestion a couple weeks back that Wilson Betemit was comparable to Edgar Renteria, you’re right, I did go a bit overboard.

And I meant to say Gold Glove winner, not Gold Glover winner.

And I’m tired as all he#%. So good night.

Enjoy the home opener. I’ll watch on TV, be back at the park Wednesday.

By Tomahawkin

April 10, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this

OT When it opens tomorrow The New Busch Stadium, will be dubbed as one of the finest stadiums in the league, Like the Arch in the scenery but St. Louis needs more skyscrapers, And If anyone has been there, I think the downtown area in St Louis is nasty, especially the further north you go…

By teoa

April 10, 2006 04:01 AM | Link to this

Has anyone mentioned Brian Fuentes of the Rockies as a trade possibility? Colorado seems to trade everyone besides Todd Helton, and Fuentes is a strikeout pitcher that went 31/34 saves last year. He’s also durable (78 games) and allowed only 59 hits in 74 innings with 91 K’s. I would think if he could do that in Colorado, he could do it anywhere.

The Braves really need to find a closer with potentially dominant stuff, because even on a good day, Reitsma is extremely hittable. It’s always going to be shaky in the 9th when all you can hope is for them to hit it at somebody. Not only are you going to blow games when he doesn’t have it, you’re also going to lose when he’s unlucky and the bloopers are falling. Add up all those games, and you’ve got a lot of losses — more than if he’s just a setup man, because then you can still get him out early if he doesn’t look good.

I agree that Ray looks like he may have closer stuff, but it takes a lot more than great stuff to be a closer. Maybe he’s got it and everyone really has been that wrong about him all these years, who knows? Don’t get me wrong, I’d much rather see the Braves give him a shot at it than Reitsma, I just hope they’ve got a backup plan.

By Andy

April 10, 2006 04:16 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah—one thing I forgot to mention—-Smotlz was sick—getting hit around and stayed in and gave us innings—Thompson is pitching later today—what are the odds he goes 5 innings when he has his first start in what 3 weeks? Smotlz had to stay in to even give us a chance on Sunday AND Monday— what a GUTSY job!

By Mark

April 10, 2006 04:33 AM | Link to this

DOB , you are o so right ….. bonds is washed up , stick a fork in the guy , he is done. Aaron’s record is safe for now , that is until A-rod puts up more numbers. My prediction is that Alex Rodriguez , if he stays healthy will catch Henry Aaron , but then again we said the same thing about Griffy jr.

By JOHN B.

April 10, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

I’m not convinced Bonds is done. Although I do agree that he will miss significant time (60 or more games) this year because of his knee. He definitely can not run like he used to. If he is still struggling in late May, then I might agree that he is done. I guess it’s possible considering he will be 42 this year and probably should not come as a surprise.

I really would like to see Cox give Ray a chance at closer. The guy has looked good. He doesn’t seem to have any fears. That’s what it takes to be a closer. Reitsma just doesn’t have it in him to be a closer. Devine needs more experience before he can close. But overall, the bullpen looks much better than last year.

After the loss last night, I watched the 1995 WS video as well as the 1995 Braves season video. I do that every once in a while. Anyway, that team had the one thing that the Braves have been missing for years…swagger. He just had that confidence and personality that a championship team needs. And he was the heart and soul of that team. The Braves need somebody to step into that role. Maybe Andruw Jones can. But if not, then the Braves need to get somebody like that. He does not have to be a superstar just somebody that brings that little bit of arrogance to the team.

By old timer

April 10, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone is going to catch Aaron without using steroids. The man averaged 34 HRs a year for 23 years. And even with steroids, no one is going to match his RBI record. Steroids helped Bonds in two ways. They pushed all those warning track flies out of the park, and they allowed him to heal quickly from injuries and be productive late 30s, early 40s.

By JOHN B.

April 10, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

That was supposed to say “Anyway, that team had the one thing that the Braves have been missing for years…swagger. Justice just had that confidence and personality that a championship team needs.”

By old timer

April 10, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Swagger would definitely help, John.

By A Fan

April 10, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

old timer, Bonds has not been productive in his early 40’s. He only 41 and he was not productive last year. What made Aaron so productive in his late 30’s? He hit 203 HRs from 1969 (Age 35) through 1973 (Age 39). His HR totals were 44 (1969), 38 (1970), 47 (1971), 34 (1972) and 40 in 392 ABs in 1973 at the age of 39. I am not saying Aaron took steroids or even amphetamines (greenies), but it’s possible. Braves pitcher Tom House did not mention any names, but said he saw steroids and greenies being taken in the 60’s and 70’s. In fact, House said they would take anything to get an edge. And it is a little odd how Aaron has never spoken up against Bonds breaking his record.

By Greg Maddux

April 10, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Dave:

SF is a great city to visit. But remember, the weather is always awful. It’s so cold at night in August that you have to wear a coat. The only time I went to Pac Bell in July for a Rockies game, it was so cold by 7 pm that I had to buy a Giant Sweatshirt to go under my jacket. I hate the Giants, so I gave it to a homeless guy. 56 degrees and rainy is a heat wave for SF. Great food, though.

By Carroll

April 10, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Old timer (and others who may still have some patience left with Reeksma): nobody is judging him based on that ONE outing yesterday. Fact is, this is just symptomatic of his entire career. He has averaged roughly one blown save out of every two opportunites over the course of his career….and if you look at it just since he joined the Braves in 2004, it’s much much worse than that. What is it about this guy that he gets chance after chance after chance….continues to blow it on a regular basis, and Bobby and some fans still wanna give him more chances. ENOUGH!! Look, AT MOST Reeksma should be used as he was in the eighth inning yesterday….come in, get one out, maybe two and call it a day…no more than twice or so a week.

By BO

April 10, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

The Braves could have had Danny Baez or choice of five or more but JS and Bc would not pull the trigger. You have to give up something to get something and the Braves expect to get something for nothing. Carroll,Ron,TeTwan , Mom ,Bowman all said they didnt want Baez he only had one pitch and was another Kolb. JS will come up with something, BULL -Trade Hudson No one would want him now or any player thats playing so bad. Leo might have done nothing but Espn today said Braves pitchers havegiven up 53 runs most in both leagues without him. The Braves have Problems thats not going to change with the weather. Money? What happen to the money Jones gave back on his contract to get Help. Now I know You all are fixin to give me hell, so go to it. I still love the Braves.

By P'Cola Michael

April 10, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

I agree that Bonds is nearly done…Look at all of the “post steroid” players who did the same thing as Bonds…they either get fat, and/or their body just literally breaks down. Steroids do remarkable things for your body WHILE you are on them, but, when you get off of them, boom…you’re worse off than when you started taking them. Look at B. Boone, he went from a descent to good 2nd baseman with a little pop to juicing in Seattle and hitting 40+ homeruns…then, gets off of them and is out of the league!

By Rutuger

April 10, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

**ATLANTA HATES YOU, CHRIS REITSMA!!! HOW IN THE HELL IS YOUR SORRY A* STILL IN THE MAJORS??? GO BACK TO CANADA AND NEVER, EVER, EVER RETURN!!!

EVER!!!!!!!**

By P'Cola Michael

April 10, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Rutuger….ouch!

By Carroll

April 10, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

BO: What the hell are you smokin? I was the first to suggest getting Baez last season man…back when everyone was still wanting to give Kolb some more time. And I continued that mantra into this offseason. It is just plain STUPID that we didn’t go after him!

By John Hoar

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

Old Timer-good point about the steroids helping in injuries. They may have-there are studies that show that the cortisone-type steroids help in short term, a few days, less than a week and then continued use of them actually causes muscle death and deterioration. On the other hand the anabolic, growth hormones, etc, probably help in the long run to regenerate muscle mass and strength. At least that seemed to be true in the rat studies. It could be true in other kinds of rat studies- not calling steroid users rats exactly, but the point is made.

 I have no idea the effect of the steroids on other tissues such as organs, bones, tendons, etc. Sorry, this doesn't have much to do with a baseball blog, but when you made the point it got me thinking and I had to look it up.

By glennbo

April 10, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

carroll, the issue is not to use rietsma less, but to acquire better talent. now that the braves cannot leverage cable profits into the payroll like they used to, the braves are just another team with limited payroll. you don’t get a rolaids fireman of the year for 2 mil/season. you get rietsma. bobby cox has been ringing all the blood out of the turnips that was physically and metaphysically possible. the ride’s joy may soon be gone. hope not, maybe there is magic left. i understand your griping. i gripe with you. but the braves are not the cash cow that they once were because owners like stienbrenner have manipulated the the cable revenue stream. the yanks, mets and redsox have the most densely populated cable regions and can sell out their stadiums more easily because they have a larger fanbase within commuting distance. hence, they have more money. still, lets fight the good fight and cheer for the braves. its us against them.

Thanks john smoltz. i get to to keep my digital cable because you came thru with 7 good innings. my daughter gets to watch sprouts, and she will grow up to join the peace corps and travel to uganda to teach the little jimmy smiths of the world how to use articles, personal pronouns, and prepositions.

By Rutuger

April 10, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

My previous post was too abrasive, and for that I apologize. I have met Chris and he is a very decent young man, but damnit, I really am getting tired of this. I understand he is not the lone culprit on our pitching staff thus far in this budding season, but it’s just so irritating to see these blown saves again and again. If it’s not Kolb, it’s Reitsma. It’s not his fault he’s put in this closer role that he clearly cannot handle, we just don’t have anybody else.

That, and I’m still admittedly a bit sour at him for his vein-opening performance to close the book on the ‘04 NLDS.

By BO

April 10, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Carroll,I thought you was the one last winter that thought Devil Rays wanted to much for Baez and said give Reitsma a chance. Carroll, I agree with you about 95% of the time. Keep up the good work and I quit smokin 1990 after heart surgery ( that will kill you )It was Stupid we didnt get him.Now we must eat crow.The Dodgers were smart they had relief and got more, now its paying off.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 10, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith reacted quickly to criticizm leveled by glennbo in yesterday’s blog. this correspondent sought out an internet language improvement course, and, in typical journalist fashion, jimmy smith completed the entire program of study during yesterday’s game. now, jimmy smith speaks and writes better than glennbo, and with far fewer mis-spellings. journalist jimmy smith pretty much got sick watching yesterday’s game. this journalist is eager to see the lineup and the order for today’s game. bobby has a chance to make some adjustments. we’ll see orr leadoff. who bats third? who bats fifth? do langerhans and mccann move ahead of francoeur? how will bobby use the pen today?

By LeTwan Anthony

April 10, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

TeTwan may have said the Braves didn’t need to go after a closer, but LeTwan never said it. When it was apparent the Braves weren’t going to get a proven closer, LeTwan thought Boyer might get the job done. LeTwan now fears Boyer is hurt.

By Jman

April 10, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Carroll and BO: The rumor I heard was that D-Rays wanted Davies in any deal for Baez. So it wasnt that we didnt try to get him. We just didnt want to mortgage the future in order to obtain his services for one season.

I was ready to give Reeksma a chance at the beginning of the season. But after what I have seen so far, he needs to be in Richmond! He had one easy save. Every other outting has been atrocious! Get rid of him while you have the chance!

By BO

April 10, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

BO now fears you right LeTwan. Tell mother to bring pie to game for Francoeur to get him going.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 10, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith, inspired to improve his communication skills by friend and fellow blogger, glennbo, found an ad on the internet while conducting a search for language improvement skills. this ad promotes a “toe separator” device. this simple device may be the answer for over-lapping toes, the scourge of the training room. jimmy smith has forwarded the information to team trainer porter and to manager bobby cox. it is this journalist’s express desire to see a team of healthy toes going forward this season. jimmy smith is gratified that as he sought self-improvement he was able to offer toe (and resultingly, performance) improvement to the atlanta braves.

By old timer

April 10, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

A FAN, yes, the roids helped Bonds put up big numbers in his late 30s, not early 40s. As for Aaron, he was more of an all-round hitter before the team moved to the ATL in ‘66. Partly because of the ballpark favoring power hitters and partly because Adcock and Covington were gone and Mathews was aging, the Hammer started pulling the ball and going for homers. He was a team guy. When he got older, he was really going for the record, and just gutted it out through back pain and played through nagging injuries. Pitching got diluted in ‘69 with a couple new teams joining the league, and that helped. That one year where he hit 47 homers in just over 400 at bats — he was 38 or so — was when he really broke the record. I mean, it was going to be his for sure after that. Trust me, he never took steroids. He has been quiet about Bonds because he is a gentleman. Plus, he’s always said his record is there to be broken, so it would be awkward for him to say it shouldn’t.

By Bo

April 10, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

JMAN, I heard that but the Dodgers didnt give up to much to get him. The future for some of us old timers is now. Good to hear from you I wondered were you were? Go Braves

By LeTwan Anthony

April 10, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

BO, the boy needs more than pie. LeTwan is thinking he needs some poultice, too. LeTwan would rather have seen the bat knocked from his hands while trying to hit behind the runner than two balls pulled to the left side yesterday with runners at second and nobody out. Still, he has the tools to be the next great Brave. Is anybody helping him or is he on his own to get straightened out (or taken out)? LeTwan will get Mama started on the pie.

By Bo

April 10, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

WHERE - SORRY

By old timer

April 10, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Carroll, you are right, and I am aware that Reitsma has been an up and down pitcher and has stunk it up whenever given a chance to close. But they look at him as their best option of the current group. Probably, the asking price was high for closers in the off season was high and they didn’t want to give up Salty or Davies. I know the price for Baez didn’t look that bad, but I don’t know Dodger prospects. It’s possible the Braves could have made a deal that would have p** us off more than not making one. So they came into this year planning to give Reitsma a chance to do the job. They are not going to pull the plug on him after one blown save (I know, he also sucked in recording that first save.) He is on some kind of time leash though, you would think (HOPE) and if he doesn’t cut it, they will finally give up on him. And yes, of course, it probably would have been better to bet somebody whle closers were on the market in the off season. All along, I’ve just been pulling for the guy to do the job since he is in that position. Because if he can somehow do it, we can fill other holes or hang onto guys who will help us in the next year or two.

By Jman

April 10, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Well it is clear to tell that Reitsma is not going to get the job done. Especially when you use him for more than an inning at a time. We need a good, durable guy who can come in and close when needed. Whether it be 2 innings, or less. I dont know if that is Villarreal (Who had arm troubles in Arizona because of overuse), or Devine (Who doesnt seem to know how to pitch at the MLB level), or anyone else for that matter. But I will say that Lance Cormeir, in my opinion, has good closer stuff. He could posssibly slip into that role.

My thinking is just look at all these teams who have moved someone into that role who before was a middle of the pack guy - not great, but not terrible either - and they have turned out to be some of the best closers in the game. Look at Turnbow, an Angels reject, or Lidge, young guy that Stros groomed, Joe Nathan, SP with the giants goes to Minnesota and becomes LIGHTS OUT. Why cant we come up with a Huston Street out of our system? We supposedly have the best minor league system in the game. Why cant we churn out a good closer?

By p

April 10, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Early ERAs misleading?

Nope.

By David

April 10, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

ahhhh yess I remember that feeling….thanks for bringing it back Reeks…its been a while….

By Penn

April 10, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

To those who are subtly trying to drag Hank Aaron into the steroid mud I think you ought to be ashamed of yourself. I had an opportunity to spend a week with Aaron a few years back when we were at Duke’s fat farm at the same time. He goes there occasionally to get a “tune-up” while I honestly needed it.

I just wanted to say this: that guy is one of the friendliest, most decent people I have met. And he had none of the bloat we see in most steroid users. It was a real pleasure getting to know him.

BTW, Jimmy Carter’s aunt was also there at the same time. It’s too bad Jimmer is nowhere near his aunt when it comes to treating people decently. I ran into him in Tokyo Airport one time and he was too important to even respond to a hello in a far away place from someone who was pretty obviously a fellow American.

Back to baseball; I agree Reitsma doesn’t have it as a closer. Maybe he can function in less pressure situations but not with the game literally on tne line. He has no strike out pitch. Watching Billy Wagner and simultaneously trying to compare Chris Reitsma with him is simply impossible. You can’t mention both in the same breath.

By David

April 10, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

you should hang out with him at a nudey bar too penn great guy

By old timer

April 10, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Having a hard time picturing the Hammer at a fat farm. But then I never could picture him among the dog pound in Cleveland yelling and barking for the Browns. But in his autobiography, he says he’s a big Browns fan and likes to put on a dog mask and sit with the guys in the pound.

By BOB C

April 10, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, we’re back home and a 3-4 west coast swing is decent any other time of the year - why not the beginning. I too have doubts about Reitsma but I have no doubt about the pitch right before the Neikro dinger - that baby caught 2 to 3 inches of the plate. Mr. Blue blew it and you can’t give four strikes to major league hitters and expect to come away clean every time. You gota like the make-up of this team particularly when you know McBride and Boyer will in the pen and effective before mid season.

By A Fan

April 10, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Penn,

I agree Aaron is one of the nicest guys in the world. But so isn’t McGwire and Sosa and many of the guys accused of use. Bonds is a jackass, I will say that. But that does not mean anything. All I was pointing out about Aaron was he also had a late career surge. And former Braves pitcher Tom House admitted that steroids and greenies were used in the 60’s and 70’s. He said players would take anything that would give them an edge. Nobody really knows who used and who didn’t use. People are just jumping on Bonds because he is a jerk.

By Voice of Reason

April 10, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

People are jumping on Bonds because his head has become so enormous that it can’t be avoided.

By glennbo

April 10, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith, read your post with the new and improved diction. i liked it, but my 18 month old daughter likes your old style better. so i guess u better go back to the olde. what’s wrong with my speling?

By old timer

April 10, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

A FAN, greenies are a whole different thing from steroids. greenies don’t make the ball go farther. They just help with fatigue.

By Andy

April 10, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

About the Baez trade—-remember the Nick Green for Sosa—braves got the best part of the deal—so Tampa would not part with anything less than Davies—-if the Rays traded Baez for two good propects from the Braves (like they did to the dodgers) and these two Braves propects sucked later—the GM would be possibly killed by the three rabid rays fans(I know they have at least 5 or so that would be willing to kill)—-they have a new GM now compared to the one that gave us Sosa—but still—-the other thing in that deal—we tried to give away WB for Sosa and they said no—WE WANT NICK GREEN!!! Man that trade was a steal. We had NO chance of getting Baez—period. Please stop acting like JS was indifferent to the closer situation.