Braves

By MGL

April 11, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Maybe Frenchy caught some weird kind of bat flu at the wild animal kingdom. Looks like Jurries - ave .133, Salty - ave .071, and JS,Jr - ave .000 also got the bat flu.

By Bill

April 11, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

It’s not Francouer’s average that bothers me. He came up twice last night with the job of advancing his runner to third. Not only did he fail both times, but he hit the ball hard to the left hand side, not the right, which might have advanced the runner. That’s just basic baseball, and if he’s forgotten that, I guarantee that a trip to the minors would make that an unforgettable lesson, and him a better ballplayer.

By tigger101023

April 11, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Frenchy to Richmond? No. Ain’t gonna happen. Bobby Cox kept Kelly Johnson in the lineup after a 1-for-30 start, and that was at the START OF HIS CAREER

I agree that Francoeur is going nowhere. That said, probably the single biggest thing that kept Johnson on the field was he was striking out very little, making consistently good contact and drawing a ton of walks. I think his OBP was something ridiculous like .250 even while he was batting 1-30.

In short, Kelly looked way better than Francoeur during his slump. I just hope Jeff breaks out of it, because if he doesn’t, he’ll be a huge drag on the lineup, since he’s playing no matter what. I do wish he didn’t continue to hit 6th, though. Not only is he an automatic out in the middle of the order, but being in front of the pitcher will help him draw walks.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 11, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

And ugly … DOB forgot good, bad, and ugly. Welcome back, DOB. The baseball has not been very good. LeTwan marvels that the Braves are in second place only two games out. Help is on the way with Moylan and Pena. What are all you journalists saying about Ken Ray? Is everyone in disbelief? Did Devine and Boyer pull one over on McDowell? Did he not know they were hurting? Renteria is everything we were led to believe. Clutch. Betemit is doing just fine. Langerhans, McCann, too. Our leadoff batter getting on, and that was a timely HR last night. Andruw’s hitting ‘em out. Maybe the pitching is better than we think. Just imagine if we could have a year with both.

By Choppin Bob

April 11, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, tell Frenchy to lay off 1st pitches. That will really mess up the scouting reports. Then tell him to lay off # 2, then he’ll have a 2-0 count. Talk about getting a pitch to hit! Remember Andruw used to try to kill everything and sucumbed to PATIENCE. Speaking of that, maybe that should be his song for coming to the plate, G n’ R’s Patience.

By Miles

April 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Hudson will be fine, I dont care what anyone says about his declining K total, the guy is simply in a transition phase from a power pitcher to a location pitcher. This happens all the time to small frame pitchers as they head into their 30’s, unfortunately not all of them can make the transition look as easy as what Pedro Martinez has done over the last 2 years.

Hudson can still K 7 or 8 batters game if he would just use his damn changeup. Thats his bread and butter pitch and he’s so far barely used it. Both him and Smoltz have pitched an alarming amount of sliders in their two starts, and Hudson in particular is getting as result of hit because the pitch is floating too high on the inside of the strike zone.

But my guess is they both go on to have great years. Greg Maddux started off so terribly in 2003 that the Marlins did an add whish said “come watch the marlins take batting practice against Maddux”. Bobby knows a thing or two about pitchers and he will make sure that the mechanical problems are corrected.

By Astro Joe

April 11, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Someone please remind me, what did we get for these young, strong bullpen/starting arms? Capellan, Colon, Wainwright? Oh yeah, Kolb (1 brutal year), Farnsworth (few months) & Drew (1 year). But it just seems like we have dealt some quality bullpen arms for expiring contracts. And when was the last time Scherholtz signed a “major” free agent? He’s made some nice trades for everyday player-type talent, but who was the last free agent to sign for more than $1-2M? (Does John Thompson count as a major FA?) I ask because it seems he is forced to use young arms as trade assets because we are not able to use one of the other significant ways of building a winning team, free agency. I’m not sure if that is a function of the TW budget cap or John’s inability to negotiate with agents (see Glavine, Farnsworth and Furcal).

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

I’ve been walking the streets at night. Just tryin’ to get it right

Totally Francouers song. Thanks for the post DOB. Good to have you back. I can’t find these reports of Pena. Where is it listed that he was called up? And why not Jurries?

By Penn

April 11, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, you’re onto something. If French would “take two” for about two games those scouting reports would change and he would begin to see some strikes.

Who in their right minds are going to throw him a strike now, knowing full well he’s going to hack at a low inside or low outside ball?

He may get over this slump and he may not. It’s all going to depend on whether he listens to his coaches. If he refuses to listen and continues to play like a high schooler he’s going down in history as the most surprising bust seen in this decade at least.

No one is going to throw him a gopher ball and it’s past time he realized it. A couple of robs like that one last night by Bell is not enough to excuse him. Even that blind hog finds an acorn occasionally.

And he did get a bad jump on that ball he was unable to catch up to. Either Langerhans or Andruw would have stuck that one in their hip pocket.

By Rutuger

April 11, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

What a way to open up your first home series. Well done all around, except for Frenchy, who I truly hope can shake off these ‘06 demons. I think he really needs a game off (not just an off day off, but let him relax in the dugout for a night). We all know he’ll be back eventually, so let’s hope it’s sooner than later.

I can’t say enough about Edgar Renteria. This guy came in and has immediately won over the fans with his fundamentally sound play and clutch performances.

Marcus, you are a gem in the leadoff spot.

And kudos to you John Thomson, for brushing off trade talks and giving us a win (although not awarded a statistical one for yourself), and also putting on a hitting display.

Finally, Reitsma. Well done last night. I was one of many who cringed when Ray was pinch-hit for, and then booed when you were announced, but you came through. Let’s hope these types of nights can far outweigh the lesser ones that have become synonomous with your name.

GO BRAVOS!!!

By Miles

April 11, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, its kind of hard for the Braves to make a big splash in free agency when only 4 players are taking up 50% of the payroll. Andruw, Smoltz and Chipper are worth the money but the Braves are also paying Mike Hampton 14 million a year!!!! He’s the 15th highest paid player in the major leagues, just think of who we could sign if we had an extra 14 million to spend.

The Braves will have $9.1 million freed up at the end of the year when Sosa, Thomson and Ramirez come off the books so perhaps they can sign a big time free agent this coming offseason. Although you have to remember that Giles will be a free agent and Andruw only has 1 more year left on his contract and its pretty much mandatory that the braves lock him up to another long term deal.

By gobraves06

April 11, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Frenchy really needs to read this article as well as talk to TP and Chipper about patience. Last night, a good number of the pitches he swung at were way out of the zone. And failing to advance the runners was also a big demerit. As for LaRoche, he is the one who needs time in the minors until he can learn to hit lefties and cut back on his strikeouts. And as for Jordan, he was one of my favorite players way back when, but it is past time he hung up his cleats. All I have to say about our starting pitchers, particularly Hudson, is that they look AWFUL. But John Thompson DID pitch good last night, and I’m still trying to figure out why Bobby pulled him after only five innings of work! The way he was pitching, he could have gone at least seven. As for Bobby, I’m afraid he’s starting to lose his touch. His love affair with the bullpen (as well as Jordan) is going to cost us quite a few games this year as it did last year. Anyway, just my opinions.

By Choppin Bob

April 11, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Playin Thomson only 5 will work out in the long run. We need him to be healthy down the road. So far the offense is potent, and no need to shoot a guy 7 innings with a 7 run lead. But we all know that aint safe.

By geauxbraves2000

April 11, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I feel for Francoeur but the major leagues is no place to “try and work out of it.” I read where he knows he needs to be more patient, but he isn’t. A trip to Richmond for a couple of weeks might open his eyes. (Or at least the threat of it.) But, Bobby Cox has won 14 consecutive divisons and I have won none. ps - Not trading Thomson may be the best move the Braves have made in a long time.

By Chop Chop

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

If I’m Francoeur, the last thing I’d be doing now is reading all of this junk.

Jeff knows what he needs to do, but he I definitely believe he could use a few games off to just watch the game. Pendleton can help him analyze everything he’s doing wrong, but it sometimes helps to watch guys who seem to be doing it the right way. If he’s overanalyzing, all he has to do is sit next to Smoltz in the dugout and the time will fly by. He’ll forget he’s at a baseball game, for God’s sake.

That might not be such a bad thing.

By Chop Chop

April 11, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

There’s an extra “he” in that post. Hehehe.

By Andy

April 11, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

With Giles limping around—an Pete Orr as your only ulity infielder(I think he’s the emergency catcher as well) The only choice is a player who can play third/short/second—which is not jurries—or jordan. Go Moyer—it will be fun seeing rem/moyer/ray pitrch in a game—help close out a game—when they all were supposdly done—-just think Kevin Brown sitting in his double wide somewhere thinking…why not!(It’s a joke—please no one go off Kevin Brown stinks…or he lives in a big house!!!) It’s just if the pen keeps going this way by the end on the year we will have Leiter, and franco(relief pit from mets) hell Rocker will make come back!!! Everybody get back in here and pitch—come on!

By Robert

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

Astro Joe,

Miles made an excellent point in response to your comment, but to answer your questiont the last time we signed a “major” free-agent was slightly less than a year ago when Tim Hudson was locked up to a long term contract. While he had not yet become a free agent, trading for and signing him actually enabled us to obtain him for a substantially lower cost than we would have bidding against other teams. With Time Warner tightening up the budget, the Braves have been forced to get more creative in obtaining talent that clubs with less fiscally conservative owners. So while Edgar Renteria or Time Hudson wouldn’t technically be considered “free agents”, I feel like obtaining that caliber player on a long term, affordable contract leaves us better off than bidding against 29 other teams.

By David Duncan

April 11, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

I predicted that Francoeur would show his true colors this season and that what he did in July of 2005 was a fluke. I missed it though on his batting average. I said that he would hit about 250 this season. He will not even hit 100. He needs to go back to the minors and mature as a baseball player. He is an automatic out. If Bobby insists on continuing to play him, then, the Braves are doomed to a 3rd or 4th place finish in the NL East

By P'Cola Michael

April 11, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

The good thing about our pitching staff is that it is going to help out Bobby’s weight. He walks about 2 miles per night to the mound the way he swaps out pitchers! :)

Dude…get a treadmill.

By Chop Chop

April 11, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Andy, it’s Moylan, not Moyer.

By Carroll

April 11, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Rutuger: don’t forget Dubya-B. Dude has been a rock for us, and gets zero pub for it. What about that awesome DP he started last night on a ball that Chumper wouldn’t have even attempted to go for. Then he had the clutch two-out RBI in the eighth. He is ready, folks. Just find a permanent spot for him. 1B?

By Beth in P'Cola

April 11, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll. Good game last night. Got the bad taste of the road trip out of my mouth! Here’s to a good season!

By Nicholas Irwin

April 11, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Well, we did call up Tony Pena, so I guess it has been proven once and for all that the Braves don’t listen to me when making personnel decisions, which is probably a good thing. Mark my words though, Tony Pena will hit like Brayan Pena, which is to say very crappily. Would’ve much rather had Jurries, someone who might actually be a threat at the plate. Cox does enjoy his defensive replacements, though, and he hadn’t had one yet this year, so I can’t say I’m surprised.

Also, welcome back, DOB. Hope you had a nice little rest after the West Coast trip. Now that we have you back, did you see anything that led you to believe that Devine was injured? They’re saying that a bad back was a big part of the reason for his poor pitching. I, as I mentioned above, am somewhat skeptical.

By Ernesto

April 11, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

What is up with this schedule? Why no off day Monday?

And The Mets? They play the Nats, take a day off, Nats (2), AAA Marlins (3), off day, Nats (3), and then their first “test” is the Brewers. They’re feasting.

I just hope Philly stays in a slump, they seem like to good a club to go 1 - 8, then again, sure would be nice to do that to them.

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

I’m hoping these Phillies only show up to play against the Mets. I’d love to see the Mets get swept by them all year.

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

There is a 13 game stretch in May which is promising: Florida (3), Washington (3), Florida (4), Arizona (3). That should help us rebound real well. And at least this year the Interleague BS is a little more balanced.

By bryan

April 11, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Dave -

This is an off day and you don’t take the chance to talk about all the new music you picked up in San Fran????

I got the richard jullian - been bulling it over, good first listen - reminds me of a stripped down slicked up Bruce.

I skiped opening day and went to Ween at the tabencle - best decision of the year. Ween is the best rock band I have ever seen live. Hands down.

How do you like the flaming lips?

Who is taking chippers place?

How about the aussie comming up!?!?

When is Devine comming back?

I told yall not trading JT was the best more of the offseason! The Big “red” Payback!

By doc

April 11, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

dob, since you brought it up.

again, i will ask how do you think a schedule that has this young team on the road 24 of its first 35 games is going to play out? the last time you just said its going to be in l a and san fran, what could be so bad about that? unusual weather a surprise yes, but it will just add to it when you have what, four newly marrieds on the road like that among other issues?

i think the schedule could put them behind the eight ball, if for no other reason knowing how much this pitching staff likes the ted.

By ssiscribe

April 11, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

DOB, hope you enjoyed the two days off. They’re rare, rare indeed. I’ve got a couple coming up this weekend and, man, I’m so looking forward to it.

Couldn’t agree more with the analysis on Frenchy. Dude looks totally lost at the plate. Really, really lost. Pulling off of everything under the sun. As we realized last year, he’s aggressive, sometimes to a fault. But he’s really deep into this funk, and being such a young guy who is so emotional, he needs a break.

Let’s see Matt Diaz play some right field for a couple of days. It’ll help Frenchy to sit down, let the game slow down for him, do some analyzing with TP and Chipper, two pretty good sources from which to draw from as he sits.

The kid will be just fine. He’s not going anywhere, for those of you wondering. The face of the franchise isn’t going to get through this by swinging in the International League or in Double-A. But, a couple of days off would help matters greatly.

The bullpen right now is kind of a mess. Sting Ray looked great again last night, and he just might have worked himself into the setup role (any coincidence Villarreal pitched the seventh instead of the eighth? Maybe. Maybe not). Reitsma made some really good pitches last night, after a horrible change-up that screamed “hit the hell outta me” in Frisco. But beyond what happened last night, I think all the roles save maybe Reitsma (and I say maybe because a couple of blown saves and the closer’s job goes up in the air, too) are up for grabs.

God, what a convoluted sentence. Glad there’s no editor breathing down my neck, ha ha!

What I’m trying to say is the entire bullpen still is a work in progress, and it may be that way for some time. Continuity may not occur until Reitsma nails a few saves in a row, we find out if Ray/Moylan can really make an impact on a consistant basis, and if Boyer/McBride/Foster/Devine get healthy and get back in the mix.

All in all, tonight being an off night is good for everybody. The Braves need a night off at home. DOB needs one more night off at the farm. Braves Nation needs a night off to realize there are only 154 more games to go until the end of the regular season and sometime — sooner rather than later — things are going to click for this bunch.

Off to enjoy the rest of the off night. From the coast, good night!

By MBATL

April 11, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

doc, Braves are home 16 of the last 22, too. I’ll take that deal. Monday-off, Tuesday-on was strange, I guess, but the guys probably enjoyed the day off more having slept at home the previous night, rather than having flown back from the coast. And, we did win yesterday, too.

If this was the Hawks, I’d agree it’s a bad break, but the Braves are experienced enough as a team (even if young), to stay collected if things don’t go just right for a couple of months.

I don’t think the schedule is an issue.

By MBATL

April 11, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Monday-on, Tuesday-off, that is…

By David O'Brien

April 11, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Two days off? TWO DAYS OFF? Where were they, scribe, because I must have missed them. Covered game Sunday in San Francisco, got up at 4 a.m. Monday to catch a 6 a.m. flight to Atlanta. Landed at Atlanta at 3 p.m., drove through start of nation’s earliest rush hour to get home at 4:15 p.m., if that’s an off day, then yeah, I had one off.

I wrote a 25-inch story today on Kenny Ray. Was today off?

Folks act like I had two days off because we don’t blog on weekends or something. Geez….

No sympathy necessary, because I dig my job a lot more than a 9-to-5 office gig. But it’s been 2-1/2 days off since Feb. 10, and five nights at home in that stretch.

Scribe, we’ve got different skeds, bro.

By David O'Brien

April 11, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Bryan, I dig the Lips CD, but not as much as the last two. You gotta hear that Kristofferson CD, man. Very political.

I know I’ve probably said it before, but the Wilco live CD is awesome.

Oh, and in case anyone missed it, Tony Pena is the guy called up to fill Chipper’s roster spot. They took him because of versatility, can play three infield spots (all but 1B)

By MBATL

April 11, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

What’s a half day off? Doesn’t sound like a day off at all.

Thanks for checking in.

By ssiscribe

April 11, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Agreed. I admit I wasn’t thinking about it in the sense of still having work to do; was just thinking about being off as in not being at the ballpark, under the gun from 4 p.m. until midnight with the phone ringing off the hook. Hope I didn’t touch a nerve there, and whatever time you had away, I hope it was enjoyable.

And, any time spent in Atlanta traffic can suck the life right out of you.

Later.

By David O'Brien

April 11, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

MBATL, couldn’t agree with you more. Half-day isn’t an off day at all, and neither is a travel day, when you’re traveling for work.

As for the Aussie, Peter Moylan, I think he could help them out, long as he can throw strikes. Good arm, and a totally different look than anyone else in Braves ‘pen, coming from side.

Having a hard-throwing sidearmer is a nice change from the others, and hitters hate having guys that are unorthodox, especially if they throw hard (and Moylan does, about 93-94)

By Greg

April 11, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Could you please ask equipment manager Bill Acree why the Braves are no longer using the stylish and classy vertical arch lettering on the nameplates of the players’ game jerseys?

This is the first season since they switched to the current uniform design in 1987 that they haven’t used it. They were the last team in MLB to use it and I think it helped make their uniform one of the classiest and best looking in professional sports history.

I’d appreciate it if you could find out if they plan on using it again this season.

I E-mailed ESPN.com Page 2 “Uni-Watch” columnist Paul Lukas and he replied that he’s going to post a column about it on Thursday.

Thanks and keep up the great work.

By doc

April 11, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

dob, i asked you about the trip before you left and you blew it off like no prob. now you want sympathy? :-) ok you got it. keep it up dude, you give it your all. btw orlando is ok with some adolescent girls at universal but glad we can say been there done that. the hulk left me feeling the way you sound dude. picked up the lips at the virgin in downtown disney on the way to see the cirque de soleis to have some new vibes for the trip back the next day. good stuff.

back to baseball, in spite of mbatl assurances hearing you whine though does give me concern for the road coming up for you and the bravos even though they get their own flight. it does have its problems for getting into a routine and staying out past bedtime now that they know where to go. that is probably where the sophomore slump comes form.

now the sidearm didnt work for devine and is his arm the problem. it always concerns me to see a young gun lose velocity. what is he hiding?

By Bob

April 11, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

What I don’t understand is that the whole world, including all of the rookies, Bobby, and Terry … knew that analyzing (1) each rookie’s approach to hitting, (2) their strengths, and (4) their weaknesses … was a top priority of the Braves’ Management … or at least it should have been.

With the analyses complete, I would have thought that the next step would have been to institute programs for each rookie that would best prepare them for what our management team anticipates they should expect from opposing pitchers during the coming season.

Yet, we hear of no such programs … only the “sage” comments that they’re going have to learn to adjust.

They’re kids for God’s sake. Millionaire kids perhaps, with differing IQ and maturity levels … but, kids all the same! Perhaps management takes the easy way out and employs the “sink or swim, talent will tell” approach; offering encouragement and corrections for mechanical flaws … I don’t know … but, it’s dissapointing to see kids struggle and just hear the same old “he’s okay, swinging the bat well, needs to be patient and adjust but he’ll come out of it soon” party line.

Some of them haven’t even completed one year … They’re all talented and eager to contribute, and they have … but, we need programs that facilitate their continued development … not idle retoric that pays homage to their God Given talents.

It’s in this area that we may miss Leo the most … not because he was Hyperactive Leo, but because of continuity … bringing familiarity with both our rookies … and the opposing batteries; thus enhancing his ability to help orchestrate good “adjustment” programs.

Each player is different and must be handled differently … Bobby is a master at that! And maybe you can’t be stern with “tenured” players, but these kids need both guidance and discipline.

The Braves might do well to use TP to work with Roger and the pitching staff … maybe the already do … I would think that the batting coach is the one best qualified to evaluate how to hit our pictures … and why they’re getting hit … not the pitching coach!

Yes Frency, there is virtue and value in both patients and patience. Ask any doctor! And while you’re at it, ask Roger how he would have his pitchers pitch to you … and why … and then ask Terry what to do about it!

By MBATL

April 11, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Huh?

By jimmy smith, journalist

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

jimmy smith here, out by the pool. journalist is waiting for next game. until then, nothing to do. life of the journalist is life of riley. who is riley? jimmy smith just finished nice cool drink brought to journalist by beautiful girl, journalist groupie. life of journalist very rewarding. girls dig journalists with ink on digits. kinky? journalist weighs in on aussie pitcher. journalist has never seen so many tattoos on ballplayer - especially braves ballplayer. aussie not from around here. bobby cox must like sidearmer because he’s not typical bobby cox player. aussie may carry knife, not to take on field. mcdowell afraid to go to mound for correction. aussie talks with birdies (not well known yet - journalist exclusive). journalist weighs in on pena - cup of coffee for 25 year old. old man heal in a few days and resume play at third. betemit returns to bench and pena gone. journalist addresses francoeur - what a mess. scribe right, francoeur to bench for therapy, not to richmond. sit next to chipper and have uh, conversation. visit you know, hudson and ask how he would pitch. admire presence of jordan and wonder how he hit better than you at old age. francoeur looking good to bobby. journalist out.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 11, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

what is bloke? anyone know? journalist approaches new player on team with intention of asking if ever a toe injury. well known that back problems sometimes start in toe. journalist stops in tracks. aussie man strikes fear in journalist. journalist fearful to ask question. aussie call journalist, bloke. eyes like demon. journalist thinks aussie just what bullpen needs. will rely on dob to find out about toes. hope bloke not something bad.

By David O'Brien

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

Thanks, Doc. Don’t know about Devine, but every time he gets rocked, we hear a day or two later that he had an injury. last year, we heard about the hip flexor only after he’d given up the two grand slams. this year, we hear about the back only after he has the two bad outings, when no one mentioned a word about it, not devine nor team officials or Bobby, when it was happening.

Orlando … already seems an eternity ago, thankfully. Being in San Francisco for three days can help get the bad taste of six weeks of Disneyfication out of your mouth. And just being home.

But I will say, that old area of “O-Town” (does that make your skin crawl to hear cute, stupid names like that for cities?) near downtown, Thornton Park or Lake whatever it is, that’s pretty cool down there. So far removed from Disney, thankfull.

Hey, speaking of Cirque _ that’s actually one cool thing out by Disney. I love that show. And the Virgin records there. And House of Blues. The rest, you can bulldoze. Just get the kids out first.

By Carolina Lady

April 11, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey, Jimmy Smith! Riley was one of the old original TV family shows from waaaay back - wife (Peg?), couple of kids, friends with neighbors next door, etc. Their address on the show was 1313 Blue View Terrace. (Now why on earth do I remember such stuff??) The phrase comes from the title “The Life of Riley.” Now your night is complete, huh?! :-)))

By Jason

April 11, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

DOB…you want us to keep relying on what Bobby Cox says??? He says every pitcher “just threw a few bad pitches” even though they give up 6 runs +. Franceour got robbed on a couple of hits? NO. They were legitimate outs, and if they did get by, they would have been errors. Sorry if I don’t rely on what Bobby Cox says. He defends his players no matter how bad they are doing. Which, as a manager should, I support. But everybody knows the truth. The pitching is in shambles. If we stick with Francouer as long as we did with Kelly Johnson last season, we are in trouble. I have seen NO signs of him popping out of it. And if I recall, Kelly Johnson never emerged as everyone, especially Bobby expected. He continued to hit in the low 220’s. I support a player who is in a slump, but he has been in one since the NL figured out how to pitch him. He has made NO adjustments, and the pitchers have.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 11, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

journalist thanks carolina lady and also cosmo topper, george and marian, who called journalist with same information. much information available on blog. have good night. journalist out.

By Carolina Lady

April 11, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

How’s your horse, Jimmy?

By Kieran (Long Island Braves Fan)

April 12, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

I apologize for the CAPS ahead of time I realize its tasteless and in effective but I feel the frustration behind this statement can not be properly expressed in any other way…

HOW MANY BLOWN SAVES IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR THE BRAVES TO REALIZE CHRIS REITSMA IS NOT A CLOSER!!! I DONT CARE IF HE “LOOKS GOOD” 3 OR 4 TIMES A MONTH BLOWING A SAVE EVERY 4 OR 5 OUTINGS IS NOT GOOD!!

The guys gives up one big hit and he melts like a creamsycle pop on a Late August afternoon (right around 50 appearences).

Pick up three ex starters off Waivers and hold an open tryout, try to create soemthing… if you have to, teach Brian Jordan to close, they need another option because the blown saves WILL COME!! I dont care if he saves the next 5 or 6, the big blown saves are coming and you can FORGET a world series apperenace, let alone an NLCS appearence, maybe even anotehr division title if they dont find another option.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this

Jimmy, “The Life of Riley” was actually a hit radio sitcom before Bill Bendix played Riley on TV! Bendix was a gifted “utility” player, doing a host of gangster, police, and comic relief sidekick roles, often with Alan Ladd, on the big screen before his TV successes.

Can’t find “Cosmo Topper” in the Blogs … is that a Thorne Smith or Roland Young Alias? Or, perhaps just some “bloke” that sees ghosts?

By Chop Chop

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

DOB, in your own roundabout way, you’re saying that Devine and the Braves are misleading people when they claim injuries as a mitigating reason for his crappy major league performances. If that is what the organization is doing, don’t they understand that it’s better not to make excuses for a guy? Devine even said his stuff wasn’t good enough for the big league level yet, so what’s the point in claiming that an injury had any part in how he pitched? Why not just admit that he’s not ready and let him get the work he needs in the minors without putting so much pressure on him?

By Judge

April 12, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

The Braves are doing Francour a big disservice by keeping him in Atlanta. He wasn’t ready for the bigs. A .270 or so hitter in AA, he needed more seasoning. He isn’t even ready for AAA. Despite the glamour of the big binge last summer, truth is he’s not going to hit .250 even if he improves a lot. Too, his defense is now looking suspect. Slow breaking on balls and Monday he just took a swipe at a single and played it into a triple, allowing a costly run. As I’ve said previously, Thompson is our No. 3 starter in ability. Don’t understand this bullpen business or the trade talk. Ramirez hasn’t cut it in a long time. It won’t happen because of Bobby’s loyalty to mistakes but the rotation should include James. Send Ramirez out or trade him.

By mark

April 12, 2006 01:54 AM | Link to this

Aother week of Francouer’s antics with the bat and he will be on the bench , I’ve never liked the way Cox coddles his players and sometimes a good old butt chewing is the best thing a coach can do for a player. His botched error in the outfield is a direct result of his drop in confidence at the plate. His inability too advance the runner twice is just plain inexcusable. My little leaguers have better fundamentals at the plate. I fully expect that Cox will drop him too eighth in the batting order or this automatic out crap will continue. We are only 8 games into the schedule , this dodo is going too get deep before Cox will get the shovel out. I figure another 6-8 weeks before the problems work themselves out. Patience is a virtue and Cox has plenty of it.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

Ready or not, hurt or not, you can stick a fork in him … me thinks Devine is done, at least for now.

Hopefully the damage isn’t permanent but he became unnerved the other night … totally lost it … looked like Mark Wholers all over again … it’ll be a wonderful story if he quickly overcomes this; returns to the Braves and has success.

When our charges or our heros fail, we look for reasons for the failure … there has to be some external reason cause it can’t really be their fault. We’re not always rational but we can always rationalize!

We shouldn’t be too critical of the Braves Organization for the spin they publically place on things such as this.

Imagine the impact of a press release quoting Bobby Cox as saying that his pitching staff’s performance is of serious concern, his pitching coach’s ability is still under evaluation, and Frenchy’s future is somewhat in doubt.

Managers that make such statements don’t last long … but if the did, they’d probably come in last in the Division for 14 years in a row.

The kid’s career is over if he doesn’t get his confidence restored … and if (broadcasting to the world, after the fact, that “flu like symptoms” or a rare, difficult to diagnose, ailment … or even problems with his toes … is responsible) will give him a hook upon which to hang his hat so he can get back to the task at hand, then that’s probably better than telling him that he doesn’t have what it takes … at least not yet.

By Chop Chop

April 12, 2006 03:45 AM | Link to this

Bob,

This is from the Braves’ website (courtesy of Mark Bowman):

*”I’m not throwing the ball good enough to be at this level,” said Devine, who was the club’s top draft pick last year. “I need to go down there, figure some things out, get some innings in and keep battling.”

“I’ve got to get healthy first of all,” Devine said. “Then second of all, I’ve got to go down there, pitch and get some confidence back.”

Devine began feeling the discomfort in his back while pitching against the Yankees at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex on March 27. He visited a doctor on Monday and will get results of X-rays later this week.*

As I stated earlier, Devine knows he’s not throwing the ball well enough to be at the major league level. Doesn’t that in itself explain why he was sent down? The organization didn’t have to use a potential cop-out in this case because the kid himself stated the obvious. In fact, it makes Devine and the organization look bad because, if this “injury” is truly legitimate, it lingered for eleven days (March 27-April 6) before he showed up in Frisco. In other words, he would’ve had to have been hiding it from the coaches during that time, they were telling him that it was no big deal OR no one noticed it. Injury or no injury, it just looks silly to try to shift the blame for his poor appearances onto something other than “I’m not throwing the ball good enough to be at this level.” Is it really worth it for a front office to force itself into situations where it has to cover its a* because of the failures of a guy who’s hardly pitched in professional baseball? I just hope they leave Devine alone long enough in the minors for him to truly get things straightened out.

By Steve Fash

April 12, 2006 04:49 AM | Link to this

If I was a pitcher facing Francoeur, I would throw every pitch in the dirt. Why even give him anything to hit at this point? This is not just one of those slumps that come and go where you are hitting the ball hard and it goes right at people. This is just straight up poor plate discipline. We have enough corner outfielders that can take his place for now, play Diaz or Jordan instead of him (yeah they are defensive liabilities but when you have 2 outstanding defensive players next to them it can be covered up to an extent). Francoeur needs to put in some work, this slump is all just lack of plate discipline. A trip to the minors this early in the year would be just fine, instead of seeing his average around .220 in August during the stretch run.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

Thanks! Have patience with me and I’ll adjust, I promise!

I read Devine’s remarks earlier.

I admit that I was impressed with his mature, realistic evaluation but … regardless of the courageous retoric … he collapsed the other night and recovery is apt to be difficult. Let’;s hope not!

I actually agree with your comments regarding management’s handling of poor performance situations.

Strange as it may seem, I was just venting some of my frustration with the repeated “injury” and other vague explanations for failure and sub-par performances after the fact … real and/or imagined.

However, my earlier remarks weren’t intended as “toungue-in-cheek” … but rather … reflect the arguments I give to myself so that I can accept management’s actions as “rational”.

Enough said!

As an aside, I don’t envy anyone being interviewed by the media, regardless of the situation. It’s doggoned difficult!

Why even polished interviewees like George Patton, Fuzzy Zoeller, and John Rocker had occassional bouts of ‘Hoof-in-Mouth’ disease.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this

journalist responds to carolina lady, seal not horse. baby seal. seal fine for now. journalist responds to Bob. Leo G. Carroll, famous blogger. journalist out to the pool as soon as girls out. hard work, jounalist.

By braves fan

April 12, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

Stop freaking out people. Francouer will figure it out. Right now, he’s getting himself out. Once he realizes that he’s making it too easy for NL pitchers by swinging from the on deck circle, he’ll be fine. The kid can rake, he just needs to have counts in his favor. Andruw Jones had the same problem, maybe not this severe, but he was not patient none the less. They’ll get Frenchy squared away soon, and all you doubters will look stupid calling for him to be demoted. What a joke? Oh and for the guy who said Kelly Johnson never panned out after his NL player of the week, the kid had a bad elbow. And this was no Joey Devine situation where they said he had an injury to coincide with his bad stretch. He actually had a bad elbow, and that’s why he’s still inactive at this point. So take your bullsh*t commentary on who is talented, and who is not and shove it.

By Jason C

April 12, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Francouer cannot possibly be this bad all year folks. This is his first full big league season… we dont have any idea what kinda player he is from start to finish. Last year he had the entire first half to warm up b4 he came up to the bigs. He may be another Eric Chavez, which, with the exception of this year, consistantly gets off to bad starts. he heats up about midway and then lights the ball up. Francouer showed to much promise last year to not heat up eventually. We may need to send him down; i hope he heats up on his own, though.

By glennbo

April 12, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

gramps, i had red and white roses delivered to my wife for our anniversary. that was a much better idea than a mossberg or brogans. got much love.

Maybe carolina lady shud send frenchy flowers. get him thinking about something besides his trouble at the plate.

And didn’t frenchy hit better last hear after the braves had that drag pageant for the rookies. maybe there’s something to that. the rose goes in the front big guy.

By Jim From Tenn

April 12, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Off Days on Tuesday are ok by me, I had time to view “Fun with dick and Jane”. Not as bad as they said it was, Kinda puts carrey back in his element. 2 1/2 stars(out of Five).

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

glennbo guilty of something, sending wife roses? maybe glennbo just romantic like jimmy smith. Easter soon, take her out to dinner after church if glennbo so inclined as journalist. glennbo’s post reminds journalist of “potato in front” joke read on blog. francoeur not doing as well as best friend starting catcher. francoeur reminds journalist of great dale murphy when dale murphy not great. murph had trouble hitting pitch, trouble throwing ball. one day, murph redeemed and becomes MVP. hot bat and friend horner in lineup with hot bat, too. later, murph regresses and is sucker for low and away.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Hey, does anyone know the pitching schedule for this week? I’m going up to ATL on Saturday to check out them and the Padres. My counting says Smoltz will take the mound…am I right? I hope so!

By MWH

April 12, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Why doesn’t anyone ever comment on the good work that Lance Cormier and Chuck James are putting in? Seems to be an overemphasis on the shakier parts of what is obviously a work in progress.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

p’cola michael, much has changed in the atl. every day opening day in the atl. opening day pitcher at home, thomson. confusing “every day, opening day.” thomson elbow soon fall off.

when you arrive may hear, “get ‘em up. get ‘em up, get ‘em up” . this is not armed robbery - song. if hear, “stick ‘em up, stick ‘em up. stick ‘em up”, then hand over car keys and wallet. you are in atl.

enjoy game. go braves.

By Bobby

April 12, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Any way we get Dellucci from Philly (JS/BC have definitely done the trade thing while the team is in town before) for Jurries and B.Pena…Dellucci has hit rights well throughout his career…could platoon with Francoeur or Diaz…either way Francoeur needs to be moved down in lineup and give a few games off.

By Mac

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

Hey DOB, caught Neko last night up here in Charlottesville. Good show. Hope you can make it to the Variety Playhouse Friday.

By The Captain

April 12, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

P’Cola, the Mark Bauman preview for today’s game on braves.mlb.com gives the schedule for the week, and it says Smoltzie’s going on Saturday.

By glennbo

April 12, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith, not guilty. thats the story, i’m sticking to it. but for future reference, roses are enough to get you out of almost anything. to get you into something something, your own personal SQ, or stud qoutient, will determine if roses are enough, or if you’ll need help (alcohol).

By Rob

April 12, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Has anyone thought of Keith Foulke..I think he is in the final year of his contract and would come reasonable..Boston seems comfortable with Papelbon as their closer and he is doing a great job..Do not think they are going to use Foulke just to use him..Maybe we can swing a deal for him..Hope he can help us here…What do you guys think?

By Carolina Lady

April 12, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Glennbo, Jimmy Smith, et al! Glennbo, I’m not sure about roses for Franceour……methinks grabbing him by the nap of the neck and delivering a nice old-fashioned Dutch Uncle (aunt?) talk might be in order! Andruw wouldn’t listen for years and how many miserable, fruitless swings did we see at the low, outside pitch? Jeff will really be something when he does get his act together, but he needs a strong mentor to get his head straight before a bunch of bad habits set in. Just my thoughts….

Y’all enjoy this beautiful day! :-) Happy thought to all of you!

By doc

April 12, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

jimmy glad you straightened it out about the seal vs horse thing and didnt take dob’s horse illness to make a play on the lady. gentlemanly of you and i would expect nothing less from your kind demeanor.

frenchy, is doing what all good pitchers love to face, getting himself out. he has to remember that at least 75% of the guys he faces are quality that can put it where they want it and with him hitting it is going to be only where he can do the least damage. atems count as outs every time and often are more planned than one thinks.

he needs to practice waiting for only what is in the strike zone and forget the free swingin agrressive that’s me attitude until he has two strikes on himself or the pitcher is behind in the count even if he has to sit to a 0-2 count a bit. he can still be as agressive as he wants in that situation and hast given up anything more to a pitcher than he gives up now. he is beginning to sound like john daly. at some point he needs to become more disiplined instead of this premature ejaculation, swinging at the first pitch stuff.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Captain. I’ll be there!! This will hopefully be one of many games I get to attend this year! Get out the tomahawks!

By Moore Cowbell

April 12, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

What a shock that Frenchy is in a slump, what with everyone comparing him to Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones and Mickey Mantle over the off season. One of our blowhard scribes even called him the best athlete in the world. Do you think that might have gone to his head? Nahhh, not a rich, single, 23 yr old guy playing in his hometown. That wouldn’t happen would it? Frenchy will be alright once the media quits believing he is Roy Hobbs and quits putting his toothy mug on magazine and newspaper covers. Maybe after he gets booed a little for chasing another pitch 2 feet out of the strike zone.

As for Hudson, I thought it was a bad deal when they made it. Why JS didn’t go after Mulder or try to get Millwood back I’ll never know. Power pitchers win in the playoffs and small guys like Hudson, Glavine and Maddux don’t because they have to stay too close to the strike zone and can’t blow people away. When these small guys try to generate an overpowering fastball, they break down with muscle pulls and back problems from the torque they subject their body to, plus they get tired at the end of the season. Millwood and Mulder are big strapping workhorses who can hold up during the long season and still have some gas left to throw 90+ seven innings in the playoffs. With Hudson we are stuck for the next five years with another location pitcher that will get pounded in the playoffs….or he will continue to have oblique strains like he has the last 3 years. Either way it was not what we needed.

By J-dogg

April 12, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Rob,

I dont think that Foulke is the answer to our bullpen, he was terrible with the bosox last year and hasnt looked too good so for this year.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Mac, I’m there for Neko on Friday. Can’t wait.

Braves fan (and that’s an original moniker for the Braves blog, eh?), can I ask who you’re talking to and what on earth this is about. You wrote:

“And this was no Joey Devine situation where they said he had an injury to coincide with his bad stretch. He actually had a bad elbow, and that’s why he’s still inactive at this point. So take your bullsh*t commentary on who is talented, and who is not and shove it.”

1. I didn’t say anything about his talent; he’s talented, and 2. No one (save for you) has mentioned a bad elbow. So you might want to tell Devine and the Braves he has a bad elbow. It’s a sore back. But nice try.

By Jason C

April 12, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

DOB… who could you see the Braves acquiring for the pitching staff if anyone and would a starter or closer be more important if our starters prove to be incompetent of completing more than 4 or 5 innings an outing? I think Smoltz will be fine and Thompson looked decent. Im just not sure Hudson, Ramirez, or Davies are our answer this year.

By Voice of Reason

April 12, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

If any of you injure yourselves diving off the bandwagon, please report it immediately to management and the press so that you aren’t perceived as dodging accountability for your bad posts.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Jason, whether you think Hudson is an answer is irrelevant, my friend. He’s signed for five years, and making a boatload of money. He ain’t going anywhere but that Braves rotation for the forseeable future.

And Davies? He had the best start by a Brave until Thomson’s on Monday, so I don’t know what you’re talking about there, either.

Ramirez is making $2.2 mill. Again, going nowhere but that rotation.

Move on. Can’t tell you what bullpen arms they might get. Too early. Teams aren’t dealing away players right now, things have to flesh out, everyone has to see what they have, etc.

By GAW

April 12, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

I realize that Francouer [sorry I can’t use Frenchy] has probably never been asked to bunt at any level, but if he could, with his speed he could really help his batting avg. He might at least get to look at a first pitch and pull back when it’s in the dirt. I don’t think some of those reflex plays at third would work if he forced the infielders to come in a bit.

By Voice of Reason

April 12, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, could there be any residual effects to Franc’s vision from the infection he dealt with during the off-season? I read that it was a very serious infection behind the eye in the eye socket. His at-bats look as if he’s not seeing the ball very well…

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

DOB: Here here! I keep seeing people say Davies is not the answer. But he did have the best first start of the season, besides Thomson. And now that Smoltz showed a solid start a few days ago, Davies, Thomson and Smoltz are the only ones looking reliable. I hope Hudson will turn it around. I have faith in him, but his first two starts have been brutal. I’ve made my feelings known about Sosa on earlier blogs… So glad we still have Thomson.

By Kirby

April 12, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

DOB wrote: Francoeur’s batting .061 in eight games, but he’s got a bit of a body of work, albeit only a half season.

I’m concerned about the downward trend. For the first half of his ML career he was a hitting fool, even though he didn’t know the strike zone. Then the pitchers adjusted, and Francoeur has been dreadful ever since. It took Andruw a very long time to become a disciplined hitter, and some would say he still hasn’t become one. That’s why he’s not Pujols.

I hope Francoeur adjusts, but he looks awful at the plate.

On the other hand, how about that Langerhans? He’s leading the regulars in OBP and SLG. No wonder Cox has moved him up to #3 in the batting order.

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

I know Thomson is going to be a Free Agent at year end, but I still say keep him. He’s solid. He’ll win in the double digits and it is his walk year. That seems to be the biggest incentive for players these days. Besides, whoever signs him will have to relinquish a draft pick, right? So it’s still a win. Hampton will come back from the DL to fill in the other rotation spot. We’re going to have a lot of starters to choose from next season: Hudson, Smoltz, Hampton, Ramirez, Davies, James, and Sosa. So there will be plenty of trade bait if needed. More so than this year even with Thomson leaving as a free agent.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 12, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

If anyone speaks to Brewersfaninatl, tell him to get his facts straight before calling names adn running off at the mouth. I just read a comment he wrote about me yesterday and he can go fall off a long pier for all I care. He is a jerk who is too ignorant to even be allowed to speak.

By Ernesto

April 12, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

DOB - Bravesfan was saying Kelly Johnson has a bad elbow. And any ideas why Villareal’s velocity is down?

By Voice of Reason

April 12, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Let us not forget that even though JT can “walk” away from the Braves for seemingly nothing in return, the Braves will receive draft pick compensation depending on JT’s results this season. The Braves, who often let high salaried players “walk” away, (usually to much criticism,) keep their highly regarded farm system well stocked with such draft choices.

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Word Voice of Reason! That’s what I’ve been trying to say. Plus walk year players really produce. For all the crap given for letting them walk look at the track record:
Furcal: prior to last year averaged 27 errors a season. Walk year, 15 errors and hit over .300 in the second half.
Drew: Never played a full season without an injury. Walk year: Played in 150+ games and hit 30 homers with around a 1.000 OPS also reached base, via hit/walk/or error in all but 12 games he played.
Fransworthless: Never been terribly consistant out of the pen. Walk year: incredibly consistant during the regular season. (Glad to see the big game choker is in pin stripes now. Choke on that one Steinbrenner) Nearly every team has these guys. Look at Adrian Beltre (juice induced but still produced!) of the Dodgers. Walk year players can be great. Carlos Beltran: he really turned it up on his walk year.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

journalist preparing for game. enjoying cheetos and root beer, favorite of many journalists across great land. pool nice today and much scenery if know what jimmy smith mean … heh, heh, heh,(sounding like journalist, hero, dob?). weather nice and baby seal is babe magnet. much better than horse at pool. definitely keep seal now that see him in action. journalist must work tonight so will leave pool in couple hours for drive to turner field. hard life being journalist. hello to doc, and thanks for kind words from gentleman doc. doc write in lower case much like esteemed journalist.

By Chop Chop

April 12, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Ernesto’s right, DOB. Also, he wasn’t talking to you. I think “braves fan” was talking to “Jason”.

This is the relevant part of Jason’s comment:

“If we stick with Francouer (Chop Chop here. It’s Francoeur. “Coeur” means “heart” in French. Maybe that will help. I doubt it.) as long as we did with Kelly Johnson last season, we are in trouble. I have seen NO signs of him popping out of it. And if I recall, Kelly Johnson never emerged as everyone, especially Bobby expected. He continued to hit in the low 220’s. I support a player who is in a slump, but he has been in one since the NL figured out how to pitch him. He has made NO adjustments, and the pitchers have.”

Now here’s the whole paragraph that you took the quote from, DOB:

Oh and for the guy who said Kelly Johnson never panned out after his NL player of the week, the kid had a bad elbow. And this was no Joey Devine situation where they said he had an injury to coincide with his bad stretch. He actually had a bad elbow, and that’s why he’s still inactive at this point. So take your bullsht commentary on who is talented, and who is not and shove it.*

DOB, I think you owe “braves fan” an apology. Then, after you do that, you should ask him if he’s a relative of Kelly Johnson because, well…why, in God’s name, would anyone get that mad about criticism of Kelly Johnson?

By Carolina Lady

April 12, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Mercy, children! Take a breather! We’re here to enjoy a free exchange of thoughts and ideas, aren’t we? (I apologize now if I was mistaken.) For heaven’s sake, there’s no need to get mad and ugly towards one another, is there??

The written word is wonderful and there’s nothing more that I enjoy than a well-turned phrase or bit of wit and humor. But unfortunately, the written word doesn’t always show the sparkle in an eye or a smile on the lips as something is being written - and it is taken in a way that was never intended. I sure wish some contributors to this blog could hear the appreciative chuckles and hee-haws their wit and observations elicit from this lady! Thank you for that! :-) Besides my interest in the team, this is one of the reasons I come to this blog every day. How ‘bout you?

Just my thoughts…. :-)

By Bob

April 12, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith,

I wasn’t snubbing Leo G … remembered him after going to bed. Don’t know why I forgot … Anne Jeffreys was a friend of my mother.

Blogs are great … not nearly so dangerous as Geraldo Rivera’s journalistic efforts during the Gulf War experiment, but most informative and entertaining as well.

It’s good to see that at least some of us don’t take ourselves too seriously! However, there’s some Jeff Foxworthy material here and I hope our young players don’t get the wrong idea when they read some of our tripe.

Hats off to Betemit, Francouer, Devine and company for their remarkable collective contributions last year … when we needed them most!

They’re all talented and most should be fine … if we allow them to be. Even Edgar had problems handling the pressures of high expectations in Boston … the boos and infield conditions didn’t help either … maybe he had ailing toes.

It appears that he’s on a mission … Langerhans too!

Is a great day to be poolside; especially after last weekend here in Middle Tennessee.

By Marc

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

The more I watch Baez pitch for the Dodgers, the more p** off I get. This guy is 3 for 3 in saves, he has 5 strikeouts in 4 innings. He throws 94-96 consistently with a good changeup between 78-85. The Dodgers got him for nothing, a couple of minor leaguers. Your’e telling me JS couldn’t swing a trade for him. I don’t care if we needed a shortstop, the glaring weakness, and the main reason we did not advance in the playoffs was the bullpen. Before anything else was addressed we should have gotten a proven closer. Renteria is nice, and it was a hell of a move getting him for Marte, but we had Betemit. I would rather have a dominant closer and a setup man then Renteria. With the struggles of the rotation the bullpen is headed for more trouble this year, we have already seen flashes of this, especially with Reeksma. With how astute JS and Bobby Cox are, I can’t believe after what has happpened the last couple of years, that the Braves still have the same problem. It is time to fix this problem.

DOB, on Horacio, it will be a travesty if he comes back into the rotation he is terrible. He can’t spot his pitches, and he doesn’t throw hard. If you need a lefty in the rotation give Chuck James a shot, and put Ramirez in the pen, for long relief work, or trade him. 2.2 mil in the baseball world is not that much, they put Thomson in the pen and he was making 4.5 mil. This team needs to shed these weak pitchers. It’s not like Reeksma, and Horacio haven’t been given ample opportunity to prove themselves. How many games does this team have to loose before we move on.

By Voice of Reason

April 12, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

I’ve been on record for quite a while as a Lang supporter, and I’m proud to say that he continues to show what an early emphasis on the fundamentals of the game can do for a player. All he does is go out, night after night, and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. He hustles on every play, he works pitch counts, he hits to all fields, he runs good angles to field hit balls, he throws to the correct base, he throws to cut-off guys, (unless Jordan is playing in which case the cut-off guy isn’t there.) He simply plays baseball correctly. For the baseball purist, like myself, it’s a refreshing site to see that a guy likes to do more than swing for the fences and put up flashy stats. Lang plays like he loves the game, which I believe he does.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 12, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

We went through this about 12 times last year, but I’ll remind everyone again. You can say that Tim Hudson has been a disappointment since coming here. I have no problem with that. But if you say the deal was a bad deal, well then you don’t remember the deal. The deal was Tim Hudson for the universally-loved-for-absolutely-no-reason Charles Thomas (is he even still in baseball, by the way?…yeah, terrible thing we got rid of him), a minor league pitcher who wasn’t really a top prospect, and Juan Cruz, a mediocre middle reliever. If John Schuerholz couldn’t pull the trigger on that deal, well then he might as well have just retired right then and there. There is not a general manager in this league who would not have pulled the trigger on that. In fact, the deal was so good that, despite Hudson’s crappiness, you still can’t really say we got the bad end of the deal even now. At least we have a guy who used to be a top-line starting pitcher, which might make one believe that it is possible that he could find that form again at some point. The A’s got absolutely, positively nothing worthwhile at all. To call that deal a bad deal is to not know what you are talking about in the least.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Voice of Reason,

I’m not sure what prompted your last post but it’s too bad it came when most folks will be shifting to the new Blog.

It seems that today’s fan everything about a player except the home runs he hit. Ruth should be remembered as being one of the game’s greatest pitchers; Mays, Robinson, Griffey and Andruw as fantastic defensive players; Musial and Williams as students of the game.

Bonds and McGuire hit majestic Home Runs … fun to watch but not nearly as exciting as well executed fundamentals … sadly, they’ll probably be best remembered for the discredit they brought to the game … regardless of justification.

I’m basically opposed to the WBC but it was refreshing … for reasons along these lines.

I’m also opposed to interleague play and the DH (it must have been designed for one-tool and has-been players) … so let’s send these fly-ball outs to the American League! I’ll never forget Kenny Loftin saying it was the pitcher’s job to pitch and that he preferred the American League where they didn’t have to try to hit.

Or as an aside, Bret Boone, after he left Atlanta … forgot his fundamentals, suddenly gained weight, strength and bat speed … became an outspoken Brave Hater and a Long Ball sensation … glad he retired before he got caught.

Far too many of today’s pseduo “fans” would come into a “0-0” game in the ninth inning … and feel that they hadn’t missed anything.

By Jen

April 26, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

chop chop, maybe he was related to Kelly and maybe he wasn’t doesn’t really matter, but no one should calla player down, cuz I know you probably couldn’t get out there and play…..with a sore elbow that no one knew about…cuz he didn’t complain…and I would’ve said the same thing…considering he is like, my fave player ever… think about this for a while…. Did you know last year he had a sore elbow? Did he complain about it? chew on that for a while!