Braves

By Larvell

April 12, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

David,

Any concern in the organization over Tim Hudson’s overall performance as an Atlanta Brave?

He’s far from the dominant player I was expecting, and a far cry from the numbers he produced with Oakland.

By GAW

April 12, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I can’t watch the intro to the sopranos without craving a cigar. I usually don’t smoke them in the house unless my sweety is in as “happy” a mood as I am. The next best thing is to crank up the speakers on the deck , put on a ” Sopranos” soundtrack,and light up a torpedo. Have you listened to any of these compilations? Most of them fit my taste. Oh, yeah, The Braves. Teach Francouer to bunt.

By Marc

April 12, 2006 03:23 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 Jeff

April 12, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

1) Could it be that Francouer is not really as good as he is touted to be? I have yet to see him show any true hitting skills other than strength. The Diaz guy takes wild swings too but at least he seems to know what he is doing and makes contact.

2) Hudson has not impressed me either-I was perhaps expecting someone on the level of a mid 1990’s Glavine but his pitches do not seem to be that bewildering to batters and certainly not overpowering.

By C from Marietta

April 12, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Yaw. How many Pennants, WS Championships, and Division titles have you won?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 12, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, what do you think? I think the Braves will be just fine and Francoeur will come out of this slump soon. In fact, having the day off yesterday was the best thing he could have had. Am I wrong or is it obvious he was pressing Sunday and Monday.

By Scott

April 12, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

If you look up sophomore slump in the dictionary Francoeur’s mug will be staring back at ya.

I totally agree that the Soprano’s has hit midseason from. The last show was an instant classic. I also understand that in upcoming episodes that Vito will become a model for Speedo’s.

By Jeff

April 12, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Francoeur-slump? When did this slump (defined as a down period between 2 high or average periods) begin? He has been terrible since the NL figured out all they had to do was not throw him fastballs.

Baez-I think JS had Kolb Fever this year and was afraid to trade for a good closer out of fear he would make the same mistake as last.

By JOHN B.

April 12, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

JS and Cox have always looked at improving the bullpen last. They have always kept, signed or traded for starting picthing and offense, but the bullpen is always left out. I think that is part of why the Braves have not been successful in the post season. The bullpen is a very important part of the team in the post season. Especially when the starters can’t go more than 6 or 7 innings.

I just hope Ken Ray and/or Moylan catches fire and stays hot all year. Ray has been great so far. Even the last outing when he got into a little trouble, he actually had Bell struck out on a called strike but the umpire missed it. Then Bell walked. That change up looks unhittable with the way it darts down.

I don’t know anything about Moylan. Supposedly he impressed in the WBC. We’ll see.

By David

April 12, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

frenchy’s hitting slump is annoying to say the least…but brian jordan playing first base and hitting makes me want to go jump out a window

By Mike Hunt

April 12, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

What bothers me the most about the slump is his inability to move runners over. How many times has Francoeur not moved the runner from second to third with no outs? I wish Terry Pendleton AND Bobby Cox would tell him face to face prior to picking up the bat to:

1. Don’t swing at the first pitch.
2. Don’t swing at a 2-0 pitch.
3. Don’t swing at a 3-0 pitch.
4. If a runner is at second with with no outs, do NOT try to pull the ball. Make a productive out. You will receive much praise in the dugout.

By Chop Chop

April 12, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

“…and Oscar Villarreal (3-0) was only major leagur with more than one win before today…”

Damn, DOB. The wheels fell off. Almost reads like something a certain well-respected blog journalist would type, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

By Astro Joe

April 12, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

The Soprano’s second episode (right after the shooting) was too realistic in the portrayal of a family at a loved one’s bedside. It may not have been compelling for the typical Soprano’s viewer, but I thought it was outstanding acting/writing/directing and it felt alarmingly real to my own personal experience with visiting a comatosed loved one. I prefer The Wire (first and third seasons) but I did re-up for HBO right before the start of this Soprano’s season.

We all know how loyal Cox is with his players. Let’s hope that Diaz doesn’t wilt on the bench while Frenchy tries to find the hole in his bat. Personally, I think the guy is going to be an average hitter with an above average glove and nothing more when all is said and done.

By David

April 12, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

I smell Cy young

By Rick

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

I have always been a Braves fan but I think all pro athletes are overpaid, especially baseball(that could be a reason why he is in a slump). Another possibility could be that he has a lady friend distracting him. Who knows? I am sure that eventually he will snap out of his slump.

By Fan in Ellijay

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

The opening day game was great, even with Francoer’s error - man was that ugly. Any game with an AJ homer is great. Go Ken Ray!Turner Field really needs to get their act together, though. I buy tickets at the gate and like a specific section. The seller was surly and wouldn’t search for tickets in my section, said there weren’t any available. She would only sell tickets in section 242 (left field under the upper deck, from where I could plainly see many empty seats in the preferred section), which just happened to be the screen in front of her. Then we got a table in the 755 Club, but no service. We waited for an hour for food, were told it would be 20 more minutes, so we left. You’ve just got ot be better prepared for an opening day crowd!

By Mike Hunt

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

I forgot my Sopranos comment:

Tony’s beatdown of the bodybuilder had to be staged. I bet Tony told the guy to take a fall. Tony is indeed a bad #$%@#@, but he could not take the guy in a honest fight.

By geekboy4120

April 12, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Frenchy should be batting 8th, he’s the least effective bat in the usual starting lineup. He has to learn patience … no one starts him with a fastball anymore, but he swings at the first pitch anyway.

This team will score a lot of runs, it looks like an American League scorecard — base to base and wait for the big hit — so pitching will not be as important as it has been.

Smoltz and Hudson will be OK, as will Kyle Davies as a #4 or #5. But we really need an effective #3, which Hampton would have been. A trade will happen unless Sosa or Thomson steps up and fills that hole. Either could do it.

We will keep the crummy bullpen as usual. Devine will get better and be the closer come September.

This team is going to drive in so many runs Bobby’s job is going to be a lot easier than usual.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 12, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

David, I agree. I like Brian Jordan, however, I can’t believe the Jurries is not on this team. I understand Bobby wanting verteran leadership. But, he already has that in Chipper, Smoltz, Andruw, Pratt, and Renteria. And as for Francoeur he needs to sit down with TP and let him teach him somethings. His only problem is his impatience at the plate.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Yes DOB, watching these “upstarts” will be scary, fun and interesting; perhaps more … especially Peter Moylan and Roswell’s Ray. Both had problems that caused them to “adjust” … looks like they both found something special … let’s hope so!

I know that some folks will point to the blown saves but Oscar Villarreal is for real … his ball does tricks! Sosa’s like that too but he creates too many bad situations for himself and can’t be expected to escape all of them unscathed … some natural relievers, especially closers seem to be like that … they don’t excell until they are in a “trouble” situation … of course, I imagine that he’s difficult to interview and find out what makes him tick. I’d return him to the pen and let him excell in getting out of other people’s messes; regardless of his past history.

Looking at the end of the “patience” blogs, looks like the Carolinalady and I are one the same page.

By Ernesto

April 12, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Frenchy will come around, remember Andruw last year stunk it up so bad Bobby dropped him to the 8th spot. That said, I don’t think a second year phenom should be platoon proof - you don’t hit, it’s time to sit.

By MGL

April 12, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Ernesto, have to agree with you. Langerhans had to earn his time in left and has done so. However if Frenchy sits, I think it’s Langerhans in right and Diaz in left.

By Choppin Bob

April 12, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Heres a better idea: Bat Frenchy 9th. The pitchers are better off hitting in front of him. At least they can move a runner over.

By Rip

April 12, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

French should have bunted over Laroche in 8th inning on Monday night since he is unable to provide a productive out otherwise.

The next batter, McCann, hit a deep fly that LarRoche could have scored on on a tag up from third.

Whether given the bunt signal sign or not, he should have realized another insurance run would have been huge considering Reits past performance & heart of philly lineup up next.

FYI - ichiro is 0 - 17 in last 17 at bats and i would take him over frenchy.

By David

April 12, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

speaking of which…why doesn’t frenchy bunt over runners? Is he a 30+ homer person? no…is he that bad that he cant slap one down?

By Steve

April 12, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

The Sopranos is good. The Wire is better. The best show on television bar none. Frenchy had a great spring and he will be fine. Remember the slow start Andruw got off to last season?? He is going to be a superstar.

By Swangirl

April 12, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

I drafted Frenchy on my fantasy baseball team and it’s sad to see him having such a tough time. He held up under the pressure of a tough freshman year. I think once he works his second-year struggles out, he’ll be back in fine form.

I’m keeping him on the bench until then, however.

By tigger101023

April 12, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

speaking of which…why doesn’t frenchy bunt over runners? Is he a 30+ homer person? no…is he that bad that he cant slap one down?

He did bunt (I think voluntarily, not called)once or twice last year, but

1) in general, don’t ask your power hitters to bunt, as it can be a waste of a good hitter 2) I’m not sure if he’s a good bunter? 3) I imagine Jeff hates bunting more than most. He broke some facial bones when a bunt deflected into his face in the minors and then got a nasty infection over the winter stemming from that same injury.

I guess if he’s slumping, it makes sense, but if he’s slumping it only mkaes him more anxious, more desperate to get a hit and less likely to choose to bunt. Why a bunt wasn’t called, I don’t know…

By Chop Chop

April 12, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

I haven’t noticed anyone bringing up a Braves player who had a similar problem: Ron Gant. He came up for a cup of coffee in ‘87 and had a very good rookie season in ‘88 (.259, 19 HR, 60 RBI, 19 SB in 146 games). In ‘89, he hit .177 in 75 games and was sent all the way down to A ball, if memory serves. Granted, he was working on a position change to the outfield from second base, but his hitting (or lack of it) had a lot to do with the demotion. In 1990, he returned to the big club and hit .303 and had a 30/30 season in 152 games. Gant had more speed and walked more than Francoeur, but the Braves (and Bobby Cox, who was the GM at the time) have done this before. I just don’t think it will happen this time.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Bobby needs to watch the movie Major League…tell JF that everytime he swings on either of the first 2 pitches, he owes him 100 push ups. That way, if (when) he starts swinging at them, at least he’ll knock it out. (if he makes contact)

By MGL

April 12, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

I also think that Frenchy will be fine, but Steve, Spring Practice stats mean next to nothing. It’s just to knock the rust off, particularly pitchers. They should call it Spring Break, at least the vets seem to play more golf than baseball. Look at John S, Jr. stats - about equal to Frenchy -doesn’t mean he should be on the roster.

Frenchy’s brain is probably mush right now - he even looks like it sometimes. He’s probably getting all kind of advice and beating his head against the wall. I like the ideas of a couple of days off on the bench. Let him relax and listen to people like Chipper and Pratt. I’m sure that Todd knows exactly what the opposing pitcher/catcher duos are doing to him.

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

French should have bunted over Laroche … The next batter, McCann, hit a deep fly that LaRoche could have scored on on a tag up from third.

Rip, I see I didn’t persuade you in my earlier post. I say again that we can’t alter a specific past event and assume that everything that followed will remain the same. I agree that LaRoche needed to be moved over to 3rd, but if he had been, the game situation would have been changed, and there is simply no way we can assume that McCann still hits a sac fly.

By Choppin Bob

April 12, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

Good theory, but at least Willie Mays Hays made contact.

Andruw Jones took many years to focus on discipline. He would go in and out of his game plan year after year. And after all that he is still around a .270 career hitter. Frenchy is projected to be a .300 hitter, but at this pace he will be playing in my local softball league before too long.

By joec

April 12, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Any chance of Salty learning one of the corner outfield spots? The NL has figured out how to get Frenchy out adn he does not seem able to make any adjustments. Maybe just a couple of days off will help, but he did have all winter to correct his slump/lack of adjustments and does not look like he has done so. I agree it is far too early to give up on such talent but now is the time that the Braves need a big bat and not let the Mets run off with the division. I guess Diaz would play left and Langerhans in right. By the way I think Langerhans is far better at the top end of the order than hitting 8th.

By Choppin Bob

April 12, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Sorry Chop Chop, the last one meant for P’Cola. I was impatient to post blog. Kinda like Frenchy going to the plate - IMPATIENT.

By Andy

April 12, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Marc—it is only my opinion that the rays would not trade Baez to us because of the Sosa trade—a very one sided trade—we even tried to give them WB and they had to have Nick Green. So after they got “burned” as it were—the rays were like we want Davis period and would not budge—they did trade Baez for two good propects we could have given them—-but they did not want to lose face again. Thats only my guess but it seems to fit. As far as Ho Ram I hope he goes to the pen as well—he seems alittle like Jason Marquis with the I’m not a relief pitcher and don’t put me in the pen kind of attitude. Who knows what they will do. It should be a fun game tonight.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, that’s why included the (if he makes contact) :)

By Tony

April 12, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francouer needs to widen his batting stance. He has to much body movement and he is dropping his head and creating a very untimely upper cut. Wider stance will keep him stable in the box and he will be able to keep his eye on the ball much better.

By MGL

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

joec - Salty batting .118 in AA.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 12, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with the Andruw and Frenchy analysis. The only difference is that I don’t think Frenchy is as lazy as Andruw was. It took Andruw several years to mature. I think Jeff is willing to listen. I really think all this panicking is unnecessary. He will be fine.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Tony…that’s not it. He needs a valium or something to chill out and wait until he has a pitch in that thing they call a “Strike Zone”. Just an observation.

By Choppin Bob

April 12, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

If, when, doesnt matter if he cant get his act together soon.

By Choppin Bob

April 12, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

The Andruw and Frenchy analysis his a difference, and that is the culture in which they were brought up and their ability to conform to a standard. Andruw’s defense kept alot of people off his back because he IS THE BEST CF we will probably ever see. (defensively of course) But I do like the point that P’Cola made of a “Strike Zone.” That is the bottom line.

By P'Cola Michael

April 12, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

no kidding…he keeps (not) hitting like this, he’ll be working at Gold’s Gym or an Atlanta auto dealership, or selling yellow page ads.

By Chop Chop

April 12, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

If Francoeur keeps hitting like this, he’ll be posting on these blogs and complaining about how LaRoche strikes out too much.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 12, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

This is in response to a post on the last blog saying that the deal to get Tim Hudson was a “bad deal”:

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 old timer

April 12, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Well, if it’s just a lady friend distracting him, that’s OK. You know these things never last.

By southjetty

April 12, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

If Francoeur continues this trend, maybe he should form a three-piece band with Wholers and Rocker.

By old timer

April 12, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

That would be the only way Rocker could find a lady friend to distract him.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

journalist in frenzy! fall asleep at pool. just wake up from nap! rushing to ballpark and no time to take seal home. need someone attending tonight’s game to take care of nice baby seal. please advise journalist where to meet you with seal. can recognize jimmy smith - man carrying seal. benefit of helping jimmy smith - baby seal attracts girls - guaranteed. seal not allowed in press box, jimmy smith must have help. (someone take horse in last year and now animals banned). hard work of journalist catching up with jimmy smith who fell asleep in warm sun. work of the journalist never ends. next toe commentary delayed due to unexpected nap. next time learn importance of proper spacing between toes. journalist in lilburn tomorrow to investigate possibility of overlapped toes on struggling ballplayer. jimmy smith out.

By Kerry

April 12, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

How impatient can you get? It’s only seven games in to the season and Francouer is already being written off. I agree, he does need to be more patient and make the pitchers throw him a strike before he swings; but I chalk that up to inexperience at the major league level. He’ll learn. Plus, when you have a player with his upside you have to stick with him and let him learn the hard way. It’s not like the lineup has been hurting for runs he’ll come around soon enough and then everyone will be singing his praises.

By Andy

April 12, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

For the Hudson deal Meyer was a #1 type pitching prospect—Cruz had a power arm similiar to Sosa(94-96) and charles thomas was needed for speed. Meyer has been a flop so far—they just traded cruz—and thomas struggled for awhile and then got sent down I think. HOWEVER the JD drew rental for one year—-I still rue the wainwright deal—not the end of the world—but marquis keeps plodding away to a good #3 starter—-woulda coulda shoulda’s. I really believe the pitching will right itself and if the offensive bubble does not burst—wow. Could you imagine if we scored runs for maddox like this—-he would be at 360 wins by now—-remember all those times the Braves would get a run and the announcers would say—“thats you lead mad dog make it stand up” and he would have to.

I am going only from memory but the braves have scored 5 runs or more in almost all of there games but the one they scored 4—thats a pretty good clip—-AMAZING for the Braves. The pitching will come around—starting tonight—when Sosa actually pitches a game into the 7th(a first) without tons of walks or hits—its starts now. (I gotta try to be postive)

By David O'Brien

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

I’ll agree on The Wire being right there with The Shield and Sopranos. Easy to forget because it’s been off a while, but it is outstanding _ acting, writing, everything.

Lineup’s the same tonight, Frenchy hitting sixth. T.P. just told me he sees good signs in last few days, Frenchy not being so pull-crazy. He said that’s the key, him not trying to pull everything. More so than first pitches, which T.P. said he’s going to swing at because he’s so aggressive. They’re not trying to temper that, or at least not much.

By Miles

April 12, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Nicholas, I agree with you man, a lot of people have forgotten how badly we robbed the A’s in that deal. Last I heard Charles Thomas was back in AA ball, Juan Cruz put up mediocre numbers and danny meyer has yet to develop into the stud he was projected to be 4 years ago. Billy Beane will most likely never deal with Schuerholz again after that trade. Hell, we could have been like the Cards who gave up two stud prospects including pitcher Danny Haren for Mulder who was the worst out of the former big three.

By doc

April 12, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

they had better start telling him to take a few because there is nothing better for a pitcher that a guy swinging at any pitch while calling it aggressive. how about working on the foundation of selectively aggressive and two out of three at bats looking at the first pitch. he also might help his teammates to see a few pitches. no telling what he can get to look at if the pitcher is behind in the count. it is more fun to be agrresive when the pitch is in the strike zone. sometimes agresssive can be a term used for true lack of confidence or poor judgment.

By bill

April 12, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

In response to someone’s analysis of Frenchy’s problems: He is not overpaid…yet. He most definitely does not have girl problems. He has the same girl that he had in high school…a very classy UGA girl who is not contributing to his batting woes.
What he is is very young…very, very talented…and very, very, very inexperienced. He will be fine.

By Penn

April 12, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

DOB wrote: {{{In 45 games since Aug. 21, Francoeur has hit .193 with four homers, 17 RBIs, a .247 OBP, .560 OPS and 42 strikeouts in 166 at-bats, with five errors.}}}

There is the problem with Francoeur. Once the major league pitchers learned to stop throwing fast balls down the middle he has been, not in a slump but in the doldrums. He’s got a long way to go before he reaches major league hitter status.

Someone mentioned Maddux above. I just watched him pitch another masterpiece and it’s only about a week before his 40th birthday. He struck out seven and went into the dugout after 6 innings with a 3-1 lead. That 1 run was scored because of a horrible throwing error but the official scorer didn’t rule it an error. No way was that an earned run.

Greg was curling those sneaky pitches in through the back door just like he did ten years ago.

One other comment: Lee is a first rate 1st baseman. The man has a magic glove.

By SR

April 12, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

Dateline San Francisco: From native Atlantan living in SF Bay Area since 1990. Hey man, where did you eat out here and what places did you really dig? After all, you know how we feel about our food and wine out here.

BTW, it is still raining! This will likely be a once in a lifetime rainy season, records galore. (No relation to the Goldfinger assistant). Giants game tonight may be postponed again.

Ok, back to baseball. This bullpen reeks, absolutely terrible. Gotta disagree with you about Villarreal and Cormier however; neither one of these stiffs inspire any confidence. Case in point: the game on Monday. Driving home listening to the game (XM Radio is the bomb). Braves up 3-1. First Cormier comes in and his inherited run on base left by Thomson scores. Oh yeah but Cormier gets the benefit of not having that run credited to him. Insane. I’m thinking, ok the bullpen will implode as usual. Sure enough, Villarreal follows and several hits later, the game is tied. Seriously, if this team makes the playoffs, can you see either one of these hosers coming in and holding the other team? I sure cannot.

Reitsma, yeah he got the save but I had to witness his implosion against the Giants on Sunday. That is likely the scenario all year, win some, lose some. Unacceptable in a closer, doncha think?

As for Devine, jeesh, this kid needs a shrink. He is about to become Steve Blass, Joe Magrane and Nuke Laloush all rolled into one. Despite all the protestations about how resilient he is, I don’t buy it. I think the dingers he has allowed are starting to effect him. Don’t know much about his stuff but if he does not have the steely resolve, forget it. See Huston Street across the bay for a kid who gets it. Probably about the same age too but Street has not given up two grand salamis and a walk off winner in the deciding game of the Divisional Playoffs.

Bottom line: Starters will improve, especially Smoltz-Hudson, who knows and the rest of the bunch are undistinguished. Without improving that sorry pen however, it promises to be a loooonnnnngggg year.

See ya next year on your West Coast swing. Hopefully the weather is more typical and you will be able to have a cold one down at Red’s Java hut.

Out.

By John Minnix

April 12, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francoeur is going to be fine. We are only a few games into the season so it is WAY to early to push the panic button. Talk to me again if he is batting below .100 in three weeks. Then we can worry. Additionally, the guy has hit the ball on the nose a few times and only to be robbed by great defensive plays.

The thing I would like to see him improve is his ability to move runners over. The last three times I have seen him bat with a runner on second and no outs, he has failed to advance the runner. This, to me, shows a lack of patience or concentration. Nothing that T Pendleton can’t fix in the cage.

I predict Frenchy gets at least two hits tonight. Go Braves!

By krath

April 12, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

I for one, am not surprised by Francoeur. His first six weeks last year featured some impressive hits and a few home runs, but the guy had so many fisted bloopers and swinging bunt hits that had they been recorded outs and not fortunate bounces, he would have probably hit .250.

The guy is an incredible athlete with tremendous potential to be a superstar. I think he’ll come around someday. But I don’t think that taking the TP approach that he will come around and we don’t want to take his aggressiveness away (swinging at first pitches) is like hiding his head in the sand! The kid is a mess right now. As long as he keeps swinging at first pitch breaking balls at his ankles, pitchers are gonna keep him in the hole. If TP’s approach is to leave him alone, then I could be the hitting coach!!! TP needs to “catch on” because all the pitching in the NL has to what makes Francouer tick.

By Dr. Gerberding

April 12, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, the game has started. Where are you? I can’t wait any longer. Going in. Via Blackberry.

By Jim

April 12, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

In the game the other night, Cormier got out of the inning allowing only the one inherited run to score, but everything he threw was up in the strike zone. I can’t be comfortable with him in his inning if that is going to be the usual result.

Villareal blew away team USA with a mid 90’s fastball and good movement on all his pitches. Since the season has started, his velocity has been nowhere near that and Monday night he had two pitches at 90 and all the rest topped out at 88. Is there a physical problem?

By Andy

April 12, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Sosa great 1st inning—2nd……..man o man its still not over—walking the pitcher—then bad fielding play—MAN!!!!!

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

MLB is concerned about the length of games. Here’s a way to shorten Braves games: Spot the other team 4 runs and start with the 3rd inning.

By Jim

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

I too like James, but all his good work has been done mopping up in lost causes. His Minor League career (not just one year) has been sensational. Maybe he isn’t very big and doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but just maybe he knows how to pitch. Tom Glavine is closing in on 300 wins with a similar profile. I think he has earned a trial in the rotation. There is not much more for him to prove in the Minors and he is being wasted in the bullpen. When (and if?) McBride returns he should be given his shot at starting.

By Robert

April 12, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby, Please move Wilson Betemit up in the lineup. He’s hitting the ball great. Francouer needs to be demoted to Richmond and if he stays, he most definitely should be hitting in the 8 spot. I can’t understand why something so SIMPLE hasn’t been implemented.

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

On Sunday and Monday, Francoeur failed 3 times to move a runner from 2nd with 0 outs. Tonight he fails to bring in a run from 3rd with less than 2 outs. Torborg says that Francoeur just needs to keep swinging. Isn’t his swinging a big part of the problem?

By LeTwan Anthony

April 12, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

LeTwan thinks Robert is right about Betemit. Francoeur has become a rally killer and let a ball get by him while ago. He is fast becoming a liability at bat and in the field. The woeful announcer gave Langerhans credit for letting the ball go to the wall.

By Bob

April 12, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Well, I see the Braves paid close attention to all the good input on this Blog … Frenchy’s still “not-hitting” sixth and then Freddie sent McCann … out by 20 feet.

Why not hold him … have Diaz hit for Sosa and replace Frenchy … then we could have all relaxed and watch some of those impressive Bullpen upstarts.

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

I’d rather see Bobby just sit Franceour for a couple of days, rather than demote him in the lineup. Putting a “slugger” who should be (if he’s hitting) hitting 5th or 6th, to 8th says “you’re th worst hitter in our lineup and here’s your punishment.” Sitting him says “you’re slumping; take a day or two and clear your mind.”

Don’t know what Cox will do, but he’s pretty good about showing respect for his players. I think this will be such a case, if Jeff doesn’t snap out of it soon.

By Robert

April 12, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

He is the worst hitter in the lineup. He has two hits in 34 at bats. His average is .059. That isn’t a slump. A slump is batting .100 Betemit is hitting almost .400. It’s only going to get worse. He’s still a kid. He had a great month last year. Did nothing to end the season or in the postseason. Keep him in and we lose games. Simple as that.

By MBATL

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

Bob, you’re gonna pull your PITCHER and your RIGHT FIELDER in the 2nd inning, to try to get one run across? Man, hope it’s not a close game come the late innings.

That was without question the ‘right call.’ 2 out, pitcher coming up, make them make 2 throws to get the runner.

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Realistically, I think you are right, MBATL. However, what bothers me is that I haven’t seen even a hint of adjustment by Francoeur. His back leg is still collapsing, his head is still coming off the ball, he’s making no attempt to go up the middle. Sooner or later, shouldn’t we expect that he would try something just a teensy bit different?

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

I’m NOT denying that Frenchy is struggling (oops, another strikout, but a pretty patient ab til the last bad swing…looking at the bright side).

From some article I was reading: “In 2004, the New York Yankees’ Jeter suffered through a horrendous slump that included an 0-for-32 stretch and a .172 average in the month of April. But by the end of the year, Jeter had worked his way back to a respectable .292 and was just one off his career high with 23 home runs.”

No, I’m not saying Franceour is Jeter, but what do you want to do? Destroy his confidence and send him to A-ball?

By Andy

April 12, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

In Sosa’s defense 4 innings 2 er runs—believe or not I think he lowered his era.

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious Francoeur is trying to be a superstar before he can be. He wants to live up to the hype, and the bar is too high for this stage of his career. It’s ironic that his buddy McCann is doing so much better at the plate so far this year when Francoeur was the best player in every league they played in growing up. Francoeur will figure out how to succeed up here.

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

I know Eric. From what I hear, adjusting is a lot easier to talk about than to do.

We said the same thing about AJ for about 5 years and he’s finally (hopefully) made some changes that work.

Like I said, I’m ALL FOR sitting him for a couple of games - in fact I really think we should. I just think that’s better than hitting him 8th…what difference would that really make when virtually everyone else in the lineup is hitting?

By Nicholas Irwin

April 12, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

How the hell is C.B. Bucknor still an umpire in this league? He may be the worst official in American professional sports, and that includes the NBA’s Steve Jave and all the clowns attempting to officiate NFL games. Honestly, he’s just guessing out there, then gets indignant when anyone dares question his retarded calls. And to make it even worse, he actually seeks out people and actually escalates arguments that would otherwise be dead. The man is not only a class-A jackass and horrible at his job, but he actually influences the outcomes of games by luring people into getting ejected.

Can the other umpires (who I’m sure are aware that he is an idiot and hate him as much as we do) somehow convince him that there is another mass resignation going on and trick him into resigning? That would be totally awesome!

By The Captain

April 12, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

My prediction: when McBride is ready (which I pray is soon), Chuck James will be moved into Jorge’s spot in the rotation. Thomson will remain in HoRam’s spot. We can’t afford to have Sosa and HoRam giving up 4 runs in 4 innings 2 out of 5 days.

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

No, MBATL, I don’t want to destroy his confidence or send him to A ball. I want him to open up his stance, keep his weight on his back leg, and try to go to center or right, which will help him look at the ball longer and keep his hands back. Or I want him to do what TP is telling him. I just want to see some sign of making some adjustments. What he is stubbornly continuing to do isn’t working.

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Eric, man, I like your comments, but come on! He’s a pro baseball player, and has a former NL MVP coaching him… and you’re telling him how to hit?

By Robert

April 12, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Uh, keep him in the lineup, but batting 8th, because he has a great arm that saves runs.

By MGL

April 12, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

How about a game update, some of us are stu ck with Gameday which is slow as molassis. Looks like James had a great inning!! what’s next?

By LeTwan Anthony

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

LeTwan thinks Bobby needs to find a place for Betemit to play every day. He looks good at 3B and at the plate.

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

‘bout done with my nightly (it seems) argument that Jeff Franceour is not the worst player the Braves could have in RF, but to respond: I’d sit him for HIS benefit, not the team’s. The team’s problem is starting pitching, not offense, defense or even the ‘pen.

Take the pressure off, let him think through it. See if that helps HIM, not the team.

Everyone’s clamoring for Diaz anyway.

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

MGL, you don’t want to know.

By Penn

April 12, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Phils take 7-3 lead with 2 HR’s off James.

BTW if you go to http://MLB.com you can sign up for all games during the season (for all the teams) for $79.95. It’s not bad either as they use the local announcers. I’m watching the Braves-Phillies game down here in S. Florida on my computer and getting a quality reception.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 12, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

as for the changes (i guess one could call them improvements) at turner field: the band at the lexus level is now in HD, along with the scoreboards on the fence (the scoreboard in right field and the pitcher’s information on the left field wall). i, for one, don’t like any of these changes — the scoreboard in right field had an old-school look.

also, they got rid of the BRAVO CLUB!! the usher i talked to said that they might bring it back, depending on how whatever it is they’re doing works. BRING BACK THE BRAVO CLUB!!!

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Heads up play by BJ to touch 1B on his way to 2nd, cause he missed it on the first try.

By MGL

April 12, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

We are in good shape, BJ in to hnit!!

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Did Jordan really have to retag 1st base on that play? Is that the rule?

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

old timer, looked to me like he never touched it during the “collision” the first time. I think he has to touch 1st before going to 2nd… but maybe someone knows otherwise.

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, because he missed it. That would explain it.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 12, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

That was no re-tag.

By eric the elder

April 12, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah, MBATL, you’re right - - it was kinda presumptous of me to be making adjustment suggestions. Besides, Francoeur is probably getting too much advice already.

The disadvantage of his going to the 8-hole is that he would be too impatient for that slot. Sitting out a game or two is probably best, but one wonders whether he would feel even more pressure when he returns. Heckuva problem, Brownie.

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Eric, slumps just stink, I guess. I just hope that’s all it is, really, given the stats that DOB threw out. He’s a great athlete, and a winner… sure hope he can get it back.

Letwan - huh?

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

We have a lot of incredible stories in the bullpen. That’s gotta worry you.

By Robert

April 12, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Okay, drop him to the 7th spot. Geez. The guy stinks. He was playing at Parkview, what three years ago? A great month in the majors does not make a great hitter. Honestly, I think he needs to go to Richmond for a month.

By old timer

April 12, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Where is the 97 mph heat?

By Penn

April 12, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s first inning looked very good. I saw no nervousness in this guy.

By Robert

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

I change my mind. Move Francouer to the pitcher’s spot. They all hit better than he does. ROFL

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 12, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

journalist reading blog for information. baby seal gets car sick on way to turner field. journalist misses game. sick seal in rental car difficult situation, take car back tomorrow. sick seal start game? what happens that braves always in hole after two? pitching coach must correct.

By Penn

April 12, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Glory be, Jeff F. just got a single.

By MGL

April 12, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

old timer, thanks, looks like it’s time to go to bed - nightmares are looming!!

By Miranda

April 12, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Finally! we got a single!

By old timer

April 12, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

MGL, wait! We’re commin’ back.

By MGL

April 12, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

FRENCHY GOT A HIT!!!!

By krath

April 12, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Did everyone forget the story about Francouer in the minors? Manager said he was a great kid but he was so stubborn he wouldn’t listen. He had to “sit” him to send a message. You can respect your players but you still have to instruct them…especially the kids.

And BTW….can Wilson B play first? lol

By MBATL

April 12, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Bobby should’ve left Moylan in to hit. Diaz killed the rally, and maybe Moylan would’ve gotten a hit.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 12, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

C.B. Bucknor is the man!!! If only we could have him cloned and then have either him or one of his clones be the home-plate umpire for every Major League game, think of how entertaining it would be.

By J-dogg

April 12, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

I dont know about you guys, but Im already sick of sosa, he has no buisness in the rotation, we need to move james there and throw sosas sorrey a* in the pen.

By T Robb

April 12, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Nick - you’re right, Bucknor is horrible. He’s the worst ump in the league. I’ve never seen him call a game without both teams raising holy hell about his calls.

Francoeur will be fine when he learns a) the strike zone and b) that right field is not just where he jogs when the other team goes to hit. The flare to right was a good sign.

Wilson has been terrific. I’d like to see if he can play corner outfield, steal him some more at bats when Chip returns. And for the time being, hit him third. He’s roasting the ball.

Hudson has been very average for an ace guy making ace money. And I’m not talking about just his two gasoline-laden starts this year. His command is erratic - he looks like a guy afraid he’s going to get hit - which he is.

He has to find an out pitch for lefthanders…he needs to throw a change and/or get the splitter working, because right now he has no answer. He throws the sinking fastball and more often than not it backs up over the hitting zone. Roger needs to help this guy. $47m for a bad #3 starter.

By Miles

April 12, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

If we can just get the starting pitching to be decent we will run away with this thing…I kid you not.

The bullpen has a lot of good arms and has been outstanding so far considering the amount of innings they have been forced to pitch. The lineup is deep and lethal and thats with chipper on the DL and Frenchie being an automatic out.

Imagine how good its going to be when we get chipper back and frenchie gets it going offensively. I know a lot of people are scared about the starting pitching but lets just look at them.

Smoltz: We know he’s going to bring it everytime…no concerns here

Thomson: He’s solid and can regulary give you 6+ innings..the KEY IS STAYING HEALTHY.

Davies: Will be the most improved pitcher of 2006..he has a lot of potential and can be a terrific number 3 starter once he puts it all together.

Sosa: Im not a big fan but he can pitch better than he’s shown so far. His pitch counts run up far too fast but I think he could be decent as a number 5 starter even though James could do a better job.

Hudson: The wildcard of the rotation…if he gets back to form (and I think he will) then we run away with the division.

I dont care about the mets improvements….this is our most talented team since 2003. Keep your chins up guys, we never get hot until June.

By Young Jeezy

April 12, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Can Betemit play right field? There is no reason why he shouldn’t start 162 games this year. Making him ride the pine is a disservice. Yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh.

By T Robb

April 12, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

Jdogg, I’m with you. I’ve seen enough of James to know he should be in the rotation.

And if anybody offered JS anything for Sosa this offseason, he should have taken it and run like hell. This guy is wilder than a truckload of starving kangaroos.

By J-dogg

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

Sosa has mabey the best “stuff” on the team, but hes always down in the count and walks way too many, James throws strikes and is the only pithcer we have that seems to be able to keep the ball down in the strike zone. BC needs to make that move soon.

By J-dogg

April 12, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

Dont want to worry too much, but check the standings, mets by three only a week into it, at this pace well be done by 8 or 9 games at the end of April.

By J-dogg

April 12, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Correction, down not done by 8 games.

By James

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

Yea,but who has the Mets played? A fourth and fifth place team.Mets don’t impress me at all and I still think our pitching is better than theirs.

By Peewee

April 12, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Betemit needs to play everyday LeTwan right.MTATL right all Braves need is pitching. Peewee thinks Bobby knows how to handle Francouer. Peewee has friend that works for MLB said remember the name Zito to ATlanta. Peewee thanks hit will get Kid going.Great to see 1966 players I still Love those guys.

By J-dogg

April 12, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

The mets have’nt played anybody yet, but there still taking care of buisness. I aint so sure our pitching is any better than theres, they got a true # 1 in pedro, lights out closer in wagner, glavin is going to be better this year that the last few, and there lineup is very good. I not giving the division to the Mets but I think that we are going to really have to work harder than in years past to win this thing. Should be fun to watch.

By James

April 12, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

I kinda like it close just so we can win the DIV by one game.If I listen and believe all the writers the last 14 years the Mets Would of Should of won about 6 or 7 DIVS. Our Chemisty is second to none but looking at the April Schedule the Mets looks easier than ours.But I believe our May is easier than theirs.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 12, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

If somebody that is going to the game tomorrow night takes a sign illustrating just how badly C.B. Bucknor sucks and somehow gets on TV, they will be my personal hero.

Also, he will be at third base tomorrow night (unless this umpiring crew isn’t scheduled to finish this series, for some reason). Is it too much to ask to get fans sitting down the third-base line to get a little bleacher-like heckling action going? Be creative. And…if he is getting heckled, does he stop the game so that he can walk over and engage the hecklers in an argument? Does he refuse to let the game continue until the hecklers are escorted out of the stadium? There are so many hilarious permutations here, and I know you all have a vivid picture in your mind of Bucknor doing this. In fact, I would deem it 70% likely that he would do this if the situation presented itself.

Alright…I promise, that’s my last C.B. Bucknor post unless he does something stupid tomorrow night (or should I say until he does something stupid tomorrow night?). It just boggles my mind how that man is still a Major League umpire. They have a freaking elaborate system to review the performance of each umpire in each game. That somebody that incompetent could keep his job even with this review system in place…well, I don’t think it bodes well for humanity at large.

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Bucknor is bad, no doubt. But so am I for writing Bobby Abreu hit the second homer off James, in my first-edition story. Fortunately I caught it for late editions, because I don’t think copy desk did for earlier editions. My bad. Those of you reading your papers out in the far reaches of suburbia or Adairsville in the morning, you’ll know it wasn’t you hallucinating _ Pat Burrell did hit that homer, not Abreu.

James pitching too many innings this early, thanks to likes of Sosa, who has lasted a total of 6-1/3 innings in two games. Not acceptable.

And were those boo birds I heard for Frenchy? Say it ain’t so…but it was. Hey, he’ll turn ‘em back around once he starts hitting. But when that big monster scoreboard says you’re hitting .057 or whatever it was before his last hit, well, the natives are going to get restless.

On a bright note, Moylan looked good in his debut. And Betemit looked outstanding, just a helluva night and start for the kid. Gotta admit, I was one of his big critics a year ago this time, but since then he’s played his tail off, and T.P. was telling me before the game how hard he works and how he could be playing every day for some teams.

Also, McCann already has three bombs and is hitting line drives everywhere. Hit one oppo to the warning track in left field tonight, too, which he candidly said would probably be a homer for him in a couple years, when he’s stronger. The kid’s a gem, I’m telling you. Smart, humble, and comes up big in big situations.

By James

April 13, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

I agree about Sosa. He needs to be in the pen for awhile and give James a shot.Got to throw strikes with location.Sosa got good stuff but you got to hit your spots. Thats what I like about Maddux. He never had the best stuff but he had pin point control.

By Brian

April 13, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Any chance Chipper moves to 1B when he returns to “protect” his knee/hammy? Betemit has done nothing but impress last year and so far this year. The kid deserves a chance. Also 2 years of Chipper at 1B and then a mature and ready Salty is about the right time frame.

I agree with the concerns on the concerns with Devine’s psyche, though I would not call him soft. He was rushed to the majors and the bombs he gave up last year would shake anyone’s confidence. Where is Smoltz’s sports psychologist?

I love to say I told you so, but I can’t after two starts, but Sosa sure is looking like a one year wonder after his two starts. Maybe we could trade him to Mazzone in Baltimore for a good prospect or two, or bullpen help.

By brian

April 13, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

how long until Chuck James will start over Sosa? Can’t be too long.

By Young Jeezy

April 13, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

The last thing fans should be doing now is booing Francoeur though. Right now his problem is overconfidence, which is bad, but you don’t want him to lose his confidence entirely either. Fans gotta know the effects of what they do on a player’s mentality. Yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh.

By teoa

April 13, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Sosa was the last of Leo’s miracles. The years of pulling 13-3 out of a pitcher not good enough to pitch for the Devil Rays are over. That’s why I can’t understand the Braves trying to save money at pitching coach. Leo would earn his entire salary with one Jorge Sosa — even his new 500K salary. Now, if the Braves want to go out and get a 13-3 pitcher, they’re going to have to pay for it, and that costs a lot more than 500K. Nothing against McDowell, no other pitching coach in baseball could work magic with pitchers that no one else wanted like Leo. The Braves should trade Sosa now if he’s still worth anything, because I think he’s reverting to his old Devil Rays form.

I’m getting on the bandwagon for Betemit playing some 1B when Chipper comes back. Right now, there is a huge whole in the middle of the order with LaDouche and Frenchy.

I will be amazed if Frenchy gets close to .250 this year.

I liked the Arctic Monkeys better when they had American accents and called themselves The Strokes.

By Mark

April 13, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

Frenchy is lost , the kid has no friggin clue at all. his slump is going to get worse. Diaz has a great spring and is rotting on the bench , Frenchy cheerleads the WBC and plays everyday , go figure that out ???? Brian jordan gives me the urge to throw my tv out the window. Didnt those uniforms look great ? From now on …… I’m getting drunk before the game starts !!

By Marc

April 13, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this

Nice trend we got going, get down 4-1, or 5-0 and then try to come back. Are you kidding me, Sosa, needs to take his now fata** to the bullpen. This pitching is ridiculous, we can’t hole a lead or give the offense time to come back, 8 out of nine games we are down big after two innings, it is unwatchable. The Braves are down then we come back, bam bad relief opitching we are down more. At this rate eventhough the Mets have played nobody, they are going to run away with the division, we are already down three games. Frenchy needs to sit and McDowell, JS, and Bobby need to figure out how to get the pitching going, so the Braves have a chance to win some of these games.

By Bob

April 13, 2006 06:02 AM | Link to this

MBATL,

I see Charlie pulled his pitcher after Frenchy got a hit … still, any hit is a hit.

Yeah, I would have probably pulled my pitcher … but I would have been INSERTING my RIGHT FIELDER, not pulling him.

Besides, pulling Sosa was just one option … I’d still hold McCann, and take my chances with converted outfielder Sosa … McCann “running” in that situation had little chance of success.

If James hadn’t been “Tipping” his Change as suggested by Turbourg on TV … we might of won in spite of everything. Maybe finding out about that, if true, is the best news of the night … at least it’s worthy of Roger’s attention and consideration.

By old timer

April 13, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this

DOB, the copy desk should have bailed you out on Abreu. What are they watching in there, CNN?

By old timer

April 13, 2006 07:01 AM | Link to this

I am not giving up on Sosa. He can be very good once he takes charge out there. I don’t think he’s that far away. He is young, and he hasn’t been pitching all that long. He was an outfielder, I believe, converted to a pitcher. He gave up a couple walks that hurt, but better defense and it’s a whole different game.

By Jim in Pine Mountain

April 13, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

It may be awful hard for the front office to send Betemit back to the minors. Apparently this guy can hit. It seems to me he has performed good enough to stayed in the big leagues each time he has been up.

By Penn

April 13, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it, Betemit has earned his spurs. He is a polished player and deserves to be playing regularly for somebody. He has a beautiful, level swing and power. He is not fast but he doesn’t need to be.

I would play him at first but I’m not managing. Putting him on the bench is almost criminal.

By Jason

April 13, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

I never really cared much for Leo Mazzone, but right about now, he’s looking like a stud. FIRE ROGER!!

By Carroll

April 13, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

I think we definitely need to find a spot for Dubya-B. Ideally we could have him at first and dump Roach, but if not, what about trading Gily for a frontline starter or closer, and let Dubya have 2nd base? I know that NOBODY wants to get rid of Gily, but with Wilson playing as well as he is, he needs a spot to play regularly and Gily may be the only piece we could move right now to get a very good starter or closer because he’s so young and cheap and productive. Everyone else is either too young/green or too expensive.

I think Dubya-B could do just as well leading off, and look…we’re gonna lose Gily in the offseason anyway (he will be too expensive).

By P'Cola Michael

April 13, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

The bad thing is, I don’t even know where to start. Our pitching sucks, our SI Coverboy right fielder sucks, our “superstar” 3rd baseman is hurt, nobody likes our first baseman, we’re too young and “too green” around the rest of the diamond, the fans are torn on who to be pizzed off at…the managers, the coaches, the GM, the players….WTF?

By brian

April 13, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Giles to Oakland for Street. Oakland has rightly loved Giles and they have a lot of depth in their bullpen. Betemit at 2B. We also have a lot of depth in the farm for middle infielders

By Josh

April 13, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

DOB -

I saw where the vintage Maddux pitched yesterday for the Cubs. With the first five years and last five years of his career with the Cubs, and the middle 10 with the Braves, which cap do you see him wearing in the Hall of Fame?

Interesting stat on Mike and Mike this morning, Maddux has more post-WWII wins before the age of 40 (320) than any other pitcher, including Clemens. Does this put him at number one for the modern era?

Where do the other pitchers the Braves have run out there rank? Smoltz, Glavine?

By P'Cola Michael

April 13, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Good call guys, let’s trade the sparkplug…brilliant! If we’re going for another Division title, we need to bring in talent without subtracting talent. If we are going to improve THIS YEAR, we would need to relinquish future talent. It is more difficult to stay good while building for the future if you don’t play the free agent game.

We take the polar opposite approach than the NY teams. They buy what they need, we develop what we need.

By Bob

April 13, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Jim,

Unless I’m missing something, this is Wilson B’s second year with the Braves … he had a tough time getting here; went from everybody’s super prospect to “suspect” when he wasn’t ready for Atlanta as advertised and is now playing as a utility player … primarily Chipper’s “understudy”.

After several disappointments, there were positive signs last spring that he was ready … but he only “stuck” with the club because of an “out-of-options” delima.

His rookie year was very solid but nobody seemed to notice … and this year, spring training included, has been even better … He’s arrived and should be playing every day … but he’ll probably just be our “super-sub” infielder for some time to come … unless he’s traded (sure hope not); they move him to first (unlikely, that’s probably reserved for Juries); Chipper’s continuing health problems become a major issue; Edgar fails to rebound as expected (even less likely, based on early returns), or Marcus has another one of his “collisions”.

He just quietly goes about his business, almost unnoticed, but he would probably shine at any of the infield positions.

He, Langerhans, McCann, Edgar and Andruw are solid … offensively and defensively … and should be the heart of our everyday lineup.

Not playing Wilson everyday possibly reflects somebody’s over-reasction to his difficulties in AAA and earlier Spring Training opportunities … as does placing him at the tail end of the batting order.

It’s almost like he’s in somebody’s doghouse.

But, what should we expect … it’s a big business and expanding the market demands “personalities” … Wilson’s just a ballplayer … maybe a goog nickname would help!

By P'Cola Michael

April 13, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Bob…nice job!

By Gary

April 13, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Easy guys on the Mutts taking a big lead. The Braves have 9 games with them over the next 3 weeks and should be able to build a decent lead over them. Look the Marlins, Phils, and Nats are down. The Nats can’t score, the Marlins can’t even hit, and the phils can’t pitch or play defense. Last night was an abberation. Sosa is at best a one inning pitcher and needs to be in the bullpen. I like James and he needs to be in the rotation. Only thing with him is that when he sees the other team making adjustments on his pitches like the breaking ball, he needs to make an adjustment of his own and drop that pitch on the outside of the plate or buckle their needs with a inside fastball. He is a smart kid and I am sure he will make the adjustments. Also love the interview work this kid has as well. Didn’t make excuses last night, just told us that he pitched well for two innings, the other team expected his changeup and they adjusted to it. He will learn from this and become a special pitcher. Also to you “fans” out there. Chipper will be at 3rd when he comes back, not first, not on the bench. WB will be back on the bench. Unfortunately we have not room for him in the starting lineup. He cannot play 1st and will not play 2nd(Braves tried that when he was at myrtle beach in 2001) and Giles is not going to be traded. Plus I cannot believe i heard one of you say that you would gladly take relievers over Renteria. Are you crazy???? Renteria is already showing his a big part of this team and will in the end be a big key to the Braves winning another division.

By Voice of Reason

April 13, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Stealth Guy gave WB the perfect nickname: WillyB.

By Bob

April 13, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

P’Cola Michael,

Thanks!

Jim, Oops, I’m not suggesting “goog” as a nickname … that was inteded to be “good” … and it wasn’t just a closing line of retoric. Maybe some Bloggers can come up with one!

Not to dwell on it, but a good nickname and a few more rousing ovations might help make him feel really appreciated and accepted by Atlanta … and could pay big dividends!

Little things mean more to these kids than we ever realize … just consider seasoned veteran Thompson’s reaction to the fans’ cheering for him when he came to bat the other day! … and then he came through … wish I had that guy’s sense of timing!

By Carroll

April 13, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

P’Cola Mike: try thinking otuside the box. Giles is not even a real sparkplug in the traditional sense of a leadoff man…he’s just there by default. And a lot of good it’s doing us to have him right now, huh? If he hits 3 homers a game it means nothing if our starters/relievers can’t hold the other team at bay. Besides, the whole reason I suggested trading him is because we have Betemit who could step right in so that we wouldn’t really be “subtracting” anything. Like I said, nobody (inlcuding me) wants to see Gily traded but it may be best for our team….especially since he’s gone next year anywho!

By Michael

April 13, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Anyone else notice what Mad Dog is doing up in Chi town? Why did we let him walk again? Our pitching moves the last couple of years have been suspect at best.

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’m sick of Sosa. After last year, when he couldn’t last bast 5, I was tired of him. The bullpen was tired because of him. This year he’s fatter and can’t make it past 4 and I’m sick of him. The only thing I see that is of use from that guy is his one good inning. That’s enough more me to think — toss him in the pen and let James pitch. James could probably do better. What do I mean probably? He is doing better. I’m so relieved Thomson wasn’t traded. Thomson is a much better pitcher and player than Sosa. Sosa was fortunate last year, and last year I was glad he was fortunate. But this isn’t last year. He is ruining games and ruining his trade value. We’ll be stuck with him for quite a while, and that is just disappointing.
So, knowing we are going to need a lot of long relievers out of the pen, how are the starters in the minors doing? I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of them. Maybe we’ll rotate them in every 3 or 4 weeks so we couldn’t over use and over expose the same bullpen throughout the year. It’s about the only option left when considering Mr. Walkathon Sosa.
Francoeur needs to ride the pine. Langerhans rode the pine last year, look at him now.
Betemit has been great. I still wouldn’t trade Giles. I would agree with putting him at first. He has no experience there, but that didn’t stop Jordan from winning a spot on the team. Come mid-May what do yall think LaRoche and Sosa could fetch? Maybe another minor leaguer tossed in could get a good reliever and bench player? I don’t know, but Sosa now embodies everything that is wrong with the Devil Rays.

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

That’s enough more me to think
Should read: That’s enough for me to think
I have no excuse for that.

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Every time _ EVERY TIME _ we think Maddux is done, he reminds us why he’s one of a kind in this era. The greatest pure pitcher of the modern era, in my opinion. Pure pitcher. Clemens is power personified, and you could obviously make an argument that he’s the greatest pitcher of the modern era.

But I like to distinguish between the two, because they’re just so completely different. Pure pitcher, I’ll take Maddux, then Pedro. I’ll put Clemens and Randy Johnson on a separate list as the best two power guys. I can do it if I want, just like you all can. And that’s how I rank them.

Anyway … I like Bob’s post on Betemit. Believe me, he did used to be in a doghouse, because of his attitude, stubbornness, etc. Not anymore. The last couple of years, he’s completely turned it around, and that’s not easy to do in this organization. He’s gotten out of the doghouse, and everybody from T.P. to Bobby is praising his maturity over not bitching about his playing time, and praising his work habits. He comes in early, does his work, doesn’t ruffle feathers, and performs when given a chance.

Count me among the skeptics who’ve changed my opinion of him. I think he could be a good, maybe very good, every-day player for someone. Just don’t know if he’ll get chance with Braves because of their long-term commitments and up-and-coming prospects. Let’s hope he gets his shot somewhere.

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, and yes, I did love the uniforms. So did the players and Cox.

By Jman

April 13, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

It’s surprising Wilson is still around. The Braves usually waste no time whatsoever in getting rid of attitudes. Just look at Roman Colon last year. Good up and coming guy, who I thought could have been a great hard-throwing closer someday. But had a problem and wanted to start and then had a problem with being sent down. JS and BC usually dont mess with that. I’m glad they had patience with Wilson.

By old timer

April 13, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Michael, we lost Maddux because if we’d offered him arbitration, we would have had to have paid him a lot more than he was worth. Since we didn’t offer arbitration, we couldn’t make him an offer until May 1, effectively severing ties with him. The Cubs signed him for $7 mil or so a year for 3 years, after we’d just paid him $14 mil for one year thru arbitration. That system really sucks. You’ve got an aging player you really like and want to keep, and you can’t do it.

By ChrisinPA

April 13, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

DOB -

I’m sure you don’t know this, just wondering what you thought…(and I don’ think it was mentioned above)…what about betemit at 1B? He is 6’3” and while improving his D at 3B and SS, he has never been known for great glove work…this could really work.

And my $.02 - if this did happen, trade laroche and sosa for a starting pitcher or closer type - leave pena up and decide if jordan is the answer as the back-up 1B, with Jurries in the wings

By True Braves Fan

April 13, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

Is C. B. Buchner the worst umpire since Eric Gregg or what?????

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 13, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

journalist responding to bob who says wilson betemit should have a nickname to garner respect and stay in the lineup. jimmy smith has a few suggestions: following the bobby cox formula wilson betemit could be called, “betty”. betty, however is a girl’s name and is therefore unsuitable for a large baseball player. another likely name is, “willy” although this is not likely to win favor in the atl. already some bloggers call wilson, “willy b”. not tasteful for many reasons. thinking outside the box (credit carroll) jimmy smith has come up with the nickname, “babe”. babe betemit. name not currently in use. strikes up strong memories of power hitter. also, a name chipper will not like for someone sharing his position. make chipper mad then maybe he will play like babe betemit is playing when he returns.

By Ron Roberts (for real)

April 13, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Count me in the “no way” column when it comes to trading Marcus Giles. His OBP is high enough (.442) to be better than Furcal’s is right now (.317) for one… matter of fact, Furcal’s OBPs were never over .400 for any one season, so Giles is getting on base, at least.

Actually, given that his batting average (Giles) is only at .250 right now, you’d think his OBP would improve once he gets his average up somewhere near his career average (.291).

I’ve come around to believing we gotta put Betemit in the everday lineup, as well, though, and hope we can do something about that. Given Chipper’s injuries of the past couple of seasons, I sure don’t wanna ship him off, either.

Too bad we’re not an AL team… we’d have Betemit playing everday and Chipper in the lineup as a DH.

As for sending off LaRoche, hold on, friends. After his first three games in LA (where he did still knock in a HR and 5 RBIs), he’s hitting .333 (6 hits in 18 ABs) and 2 RBIs.

Worse than anything, though, our rotation is all of a sudden looking scarily-bad. I’m sorta growing weary of Sosa, as well, and it seems success has gone to his waist. He doesn’t go deep into games, he teeters on a tightrope most innings, and whereas last year he got out of jams, this year, he gets in them still and now gives up the big hit, too.

By Penn

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

Trading Giles offers no logic whatsoever. The man is a “player” and when you find one of those you hang onto him as long as possible.

LaRoche is never going to hit lefties. Platooning him or trading him makes sense.

Betemit in the lineup every day makes sense. But where? Why not platoon him with LaRoche until he is able to take it over on his own? His switch hitting capabilities are for real as he showed last night with two doubles from the left and one from the right side.

And just why can’t he learn to play first as some of you seem to think? He’s big enough and he knows how to field a baseball. And he knows how to hit. Putting him on the bench while LaRoche and Jordan fail at the plate confuses me.

Bench Francoeur and play Diaz. Let Francoeur pinch hit and play defense in late innings or send him to Richmond. He will earn his way back if he truly does have the star talent so many of you think he has. As for me I got off his bandwagon after looking at his stats for the last 45 days last year and then looked at the first ten days this year. Two months in the doldrums is more than a slump. It’s an indication that he is here before his time.

In the meantime McCann is looking more like an all star behind the plate and with a bat in his hand. That boy is a keeper from any standpoint.

By Miles

April 13, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I am AGAINST any trade of LaRoche, he’s got the best glove out of any infield defensive player on the team. He saves 1 or 2 errors every game….like I said before, if we didnt have LaRoche at 1st base then Furcal would have averaged 40+ errors a season over the last 5 years. Just ask Renteria how he did last year with a bad defensive 1st baseman.

By Chop Chop

April 13, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Miles, if LaRoche saves “1 or 2 errors every game”, then you’re basically saying the alternative to LaRoche is “the worst first baseman ever to play in organized baseball”. If you’re going to exaggerate, why don’t you say that LaRoche will save the team ten errors at first base over the season?

And there’s no way Furcal would’ve averaged 40+ errors a season over the last five years. The Braves would’ve A) gotten a first baseman who could catch a ball or B) moved an insanely bad shortstop to another position. And hey, Renteria had problems moving laterally last year. He had back issues most of the year and made more errors with his glove than with his arm. Kevin Millar wasn’t a good first baseman, but he certainly wasn’t the main reason behind Renterror’s (or “Rent-A-Wreck”, depending on your choice of Red Sox fans’ derisive nicknames) fielding woes.

I don’t care much for the wringing of hands and over-exaggeration that goes on in these blogs. In fact, I hate it so much (from the very depths of my soul even) that I’m going to bang my head against my computer screen a hundred bagillion times and wring my hands.

By Voice of Reason

April 13, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Chop: the blog has become an outlet for mass panic and rapid bandwagon exits. Occasionally you can find some interesting information and conversation about baseball or pie, but mostly you find over-reaction and derision. Life’s too short, folks. At least this isn’t the Duke University Lacrosse blog…

By Bob

April 13, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

jimmysmith,

I like “Babe” Betimit. Simple, alliterative names are easy to remember.

Don’t know about Wilson to come up with anything myself. Babe, in its own way, sends the right message … might stick … and it could even have the desired effect on Chipper, “Tanglefoot” Jones, to borrow a name from the Babe’s teammate, “IronMan” Lou’s early days.

I’ve got to be more careful, big words get me in trouble. I once jokingly referred to someone known for his overuse of repeating lyrical verse as a “nefarious alliterator”; … his serious response back to me was “oh no, I’m half Dutch and half Indian” … maybe he thought I was calling him an illerate.

By Bob

April 13, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

I almost forgot …

As critical as I’ve been, it was “painful” watching Frenchy last night … he’s really having a tough time … you could see it in his eyes.

The boos were disgusting … we can be critical of his performance and the way he’s being handled … but we all know that he’s a good kid who’s giving it everything he has … maybe even more (one probable cause)!

Save the boos for the multi-million dollar, prima donna veterans who give about 50% and those who bring discredit to the game … not the bashful boys who are going through Hell trying to do their best under pressure and please everybody!

By Penn

April 13, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Wanta have a little fun with stats? Rank the following on RBI’s for the first 9 games.

Francoeur Thomson Giles Diaz Jordan Orr Sosa