Braves

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 14, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Again, DOB, is it really already time to start panicking after two starts?

By jokurone

April 14, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

this is the beginning of the end.

By Hotspur

April 14, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

The good news: Keep in mind, the “streaking” Mets have had the exquisite luxury of playing the Nats and Marlins nine times in their first two weeks. We’ll see how they look after facing Major League competition. The bad news: We don’t look like Major League competition, at least in terms of our starting pitching staff. Yes, ten games is too small a sample size to draw conclusions with any reliability. But Hudson’s slide is two years old at this point. Sosa’s love handles speak for themselves. I have no doubt Smoltz will right himself at least somewhat, and Guy’s right - the staff CAN’T get any worse. But it needs to get a good bit better, and fairly quickly, or the Mets’ cuchy early schedule will leave our Bravos duking it out with the rest of the league for the wild card spot by the All-Star Break - a fate most definitely NOT devoutly to be wished. All I can say is, I hope John Schuerholz is sitting at his desk, receiver in hand, finger poised to hit the speed-dial button to Miami the nanosecond the Marlins decide to deal Dontrelle Willis. We need him bad - and after they gave the rest of their good players to the Mets, it would only be fair, right?

By Jim

April 14, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately I am old enough to remember the days when pitchers like Warren Spahn would have gone 9 innings at least once before the end of spring training. Maybe these are different times, but is it too much to ask that a starter pitch at least 7 innings once before the season begins? None of our starters went more than 6 on their next to last outing and Sosa for one never more than 4. No wonder no one is ready to go deep into games or even has their command to where it should be.

If the results are still the same after the third starts, then we have cause for real concern; but I think some of the problems with the starting pitching are a result of the spring training regimen.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 14, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Excellent point, Jim. These pitchers may go 5 innings at most in spring training. So, when time comes for the season it takes them awhile to get going. Its just not us, its everyone who is having trouble with their starting pitching. And please don’t start thinking the Mets have arrived. I guarantee you that if the Braves had started against the Marlins and Nationals they would have a similar record.

By Dr. Jay

April 14, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve just completed the section of Schuerholz’s book which refers to the hardball negotiations it took to get Hudson signed long-term, and I’m downright p** at the mediocrity the Braves have received in return. Sure, it’s always a gamble, but Hudson needs to get his @#%& together. If he’s hurt, he needs to admit it. If he’s not, then it’s up to him as our “future” ace to start earning his pay. Don’t EVEN get me started on Mike Hampton.

By Jim

April 14, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

If Bobby was planning to bunt Betemint over to second last night, why didn’t he send up someone who is used to bunting? Why not send up a pitcher? If the pitcher is unsuccessful after 2 attempts, replace him with Diaz — afterall Diaz only had one strike to work with anyway. Bobby is not alone in this tactic. Lament the fact that players have never learned to bunt all you like, but do managers know how well each of their players CAN bunt — particularly those new to the team?

In last night’s situation, if a pitcher were not available why not use Pena to bunt? (One hopes that a weak hitter like Pena can at least bunt). WB is not Pete Orr, but neither is he Adam LaRoche. He would have been fast enough to score on a single like the one Giles hit.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 14, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Mike Hampton has been a waste. When he is healthy, he has been great but that has been very rarely.

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton hasn’t been “great” when he’s healthy. He’s just a third or fourth starter getting paid like he’s a number one.

And Jim, I’m with you on who should and shouldn’t be used in late-game bunting situations. All regular players SHOULD be able to lay one down, but most of them can’t. In that situation, it’s better to use a starting pitcher or a guy off the bench who can, well, actually bunt.

By Dr. Jay

April 14, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Heh…I just read yet another report which states that “Glavine, sitting on 276 victories, says he is willing to return to the Braves when his contract expires at the end of the season. The bigger question is whether the Braves would want him back for his pursuit of 300 wins. — foxsports.com”. Oh, he’s WILLING to return, eh? How generous. As bad as things are right now with our starters, I pray we don’t resign that chump.

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah. Glavine went to the Mets for more money. Boohoo. The guy’s a Hall of Famer and was a member of the Atlanta Braves for 16 years. He did more than his share for you whiny fans that love to hate him. After all, isn’t he also the same guy who pitched eight innings of one-hit ball in Game 6 of the ‘95 World Series? You know, that time the Braves won the whole thing? That’s more important to me than whether he pitched with the Mets for a few million more. So, if the Braves need a starting pitcher next year (and considering what we’ve seen so far, it’s just a teensy bit likely), you could do a lot worse than bringing back a pitcher who may very well be going for his 300th win next season.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 14, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

The art of bunting has been lost. American league players don’t have a clue as to how to bunt. I think that is what mad ethe White Sox so successful. They knew how to play the game right.

By Ben

April 14, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

The starting pitching will be fine. Every year, people say that this is it for the Braves. Every year, there are a few obstacles to overcome. The Braves will be fine because of one constant variable… Bobby Cox. And Jim, Pena was on base for Betemit, therefore not an option to bunt. Diaz had 6 sacrifice bunts in spring ball, so no reason Bobby should have doubted his ability to do so in last nights game. Believe me, Bobby knows what he is doing. Ask anyone in baseball, and they will tell you that he is one of the greatest of all time.

By Brian O'Brien

April 14, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Yup, the starting pitching looks rough this year. Personally, I think Smoltz and probably Hudson will straighten themselves out, they’ve been too good for too long to be bad all year. The rest of the rotation is a question mark.

What I don’t want to see is trading away too many promising youngsters to fix a short term problem with the starting rotation. If it means we don’t win the division this year, well, it had to happen sometime. The nucleus of this team has a chance to be very good for many years, don’t break it up for a short term fix. I can remember a time in the late 70’s, sitting in the bleachers in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium that I would have KILLED to have the quality of players the Braves have now :).

By JMar

April 14, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe Francoeur has truly broken out of his slump. His homers looked like mistakes to me, and though hitting mistakes is a good start, I’d like to see how he does when pitchers go back to throwing off the plate.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

April 14, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

I agree Brian. I think the rotation will work itself out. Davies will be fine. Its Rameriez and Sosa that concern me. If just one of those guys come around, the rotation will be fine. Not great, but okay. Good enough to win the division. Again, the Mets’ rotation is no better than ours. They played the Marlins and Nationals. Over half of the AAA teams could beat the Marlins.

By TennesseePaul

April 14, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

JMar: Nice insite. Floyd and Franklin don’t have the reputations of good pitchers or even average pitchers as of yet. I’m glad to see Francoeur can feast on that meat, but he needs to prove he can do as well against the upper class as well.

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

The biggest adjustment a slumping free-swinger (or, for that matter, any other hitter in a slump) has to make is to avoid swinging at pitches that aren’t in the strike zone. When a guy is in a slump, he generally doesn’t recognize a pitch until it’s too late and he ends up hitting balls off the end of the bat, the handle, fouling them off, or swinging and missing (usually at pitches in the dirt, way off the outside corner, up around his eyes, etc.). Centering the ball a few times on the bat (as Francoeur did three times last night) can be enough to tighten a good hitter’s focus and get things turned around. Most pitchers make mistakes during an at-bat. That’s why the league average ERA is around 4.50. Guys who are slumping/struggling are the guys who aren’t hitting the mistakes on the sweet spot.

By Choppin Bob

April 14, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

The way I see it bring on the Mets. Theres been years where we’ve been extremely hot and lose to a lesser team. The same will happen next week when the Mets take our staff lightly and I forsee at least 1 good pitching performance. Like I said before, take away the one bad inning and the pitchers did fine. Kind of like if the Titanic didn’t hit the iceberg, it would be just fine.

By Steve

April 14, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Seriously, you all think Hudson will be 3-17 with a 9.43 era, Smoltz 4-16 with a 5.97, Sosa 5-17 with a 7.62, Thomson 1-12 with a 8.92??? You think this is going to be consistent throughout the 162 game season. REMEMBER ONE HUNDRED & 62 GAMES!!!!!!! 9 are in the books. I guarantee Hudson domination tonite. Relax, by the way herrrrrrrrrrrrre’s Jeffrey!!!!!

AND they are playing without Chipper….Be patient…New year same trash…The Braves run is over…durr…Mets are the team to beat durrr….Phils are the team to beat, Marlins, us true fans have heard it all from every stupid analyst and sports station and what happened the last 14 years ??? THE ATLANTA BRAVES KEEP WINNING!! I THINK THE BIGGEST CONCERN FOR A TRUE FAN LIKE MYSELF AND THE BIGGEST QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS WHERE ARE THE GOING TO PUT THE RED 2006 FLAG UP AT TURNER FIELD?? THE UNFORTUNATELY YELLOW FLAG IS RIGHT AT THE EDGE….I’M SURE THEY’LL FIGURE IT OUT…. ANYWAY I LOVE ALL THOSE PATHETIC MET AND PHILLIE FANS THEY ARE SO INTRIGUING, THEY TALK TRASH AND THEN EVENTUALLY THEY VANISH, IT’S FUNNY AND TO ME NEVER GETS OLD. DAMN I LOVE THE BRAVES!

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’m not panicking. And I didn’t write this blog.

Marc, I answered you on the other blog. Dig the Spanic Boys, by the way.

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Oh, and if I just cut anybody off on my motorcyle, sorry. Traffic got a bit gnarly and I wanted to open it up. Thank goodness for those freeway access roads at rush hour….

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

DOB, I thought about mentioning that you didn’t write this blog, but I didn’t want to disappoint Robert.

By Dr. Jay

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

Sorry pal… Bringing up Glavine’s stellar performance in Game 6, and 16 years as a Brave has no effect on me whatsoever. All those positives are mitigated by his fierce pro-union stances, and his SORRY playoff performances after that Game 6 gem. And helping pay that prima donna’s salary all those years gives me every right to whine and kvetch. His transition to the Mets didn’t bother me…after all, we’ve killed him since then. He’s actually done more good for Atlanta since he’s left. So why would I want him back?

By BW

April 14, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

A big “RIGHT ON” to that my friend. I agree with ever word DR.JAY.why would anyone want that Bum back?

By MBATL

April 14, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

If Glavine or Maddux wanted to play for, say, $2 mil/year, I’d take them. But don’t think we should pay top dollar if they’re still looking for that, and really don’t think that’s the direction we should go. Sign’em for a day if they want to retire as Braves (which would be great) but otherwise, not so much.

Steve, couldn’t agree more, with everything you said.

Only starter I’m really concerned about is Sosa, because being out of shape shows a lack of dedication. There are a handful of pro athletes who can get away with that, but I don’t think Sosa is one of them.

By Kerry

April 14, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

*If it means we don’t win the division this year, well, it had to happen sometime. *

Brian O’Brien,

As much as I would hate to see this happen, you’re right. Sounds like you remember the days when the Braves motto was ‘wait “til next year. And the old joke was, you would call the Braves ticket office and ask what time the game started and the reply would be, what time can you get here? Does anybody else remember that? A lot of the fans of today do not know what it’s like to be out of the playoffs by the All-Star break and hope to not lose 100 games. My boys (15 & 13) only know the Braves as division champs and have come to expect it every year. Believe me, I want the Braves to win the division as bad as the next guy but being in contention every year down to the last game is what most teams’ fans would die for.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

There’s no question about it; those pitches that Jeff got were there to be hit … and he didn’t disappoint! With his confidence and smile having deserted him, it was amazing and refreshing to see him do that … the kid’s got a ways to go … but he should be a keeper!

Bobby has a lot of faults and weaknesses as a coach … but he’s the best at keeping the team focused and getting the most out of his players, individually and collectively … that’s managing.

I suggest that we forget, or at least put in proper perspective, the notion that acquiring additional, outside talent to this team’s success.

We have a quality infield currently playing and if 1st base is suspect, help is just a call away. Our outfield is one of the best; even considering Jeff’s current struggles.

Starting Pitching has been a Braves strength for many years now … Warren, Lou, Johnny … Chris, Denny, Phil … Tommy, Greg, John, and Tim … it’s a long list.

They were all talented and all different, every one of them … but they shared one thing in common with our current group, releivers included … they all wanted to excell every time out … more than any fan ever wanted them to … you can take it to the bank!

It’s great that we have at least two pleasant surprises on the current staff!

Bud couldn’t successfully follow Bobby at Tech, Kolb couldn’t follow Smoltz … and Tim is finding it difficult following Maddux.

I don’t know but maybe, just maybe, some of these guys are finding it difficult living up to the the “Braves’ Tradition” … and could use more of our support and empathy.

They’re all tallented … so I think they’ll figure out a way to win if we give’em a chance to remember what brung’em to the dance. It took Andruw a long time … that stance ain’t really new folks!

Oh, and Leo emphasized 1st pitch strikes; not guiding the ball … bet Roger does too.

Just get rid of those that don’t fit, won’t listen or don’t give 100%!

‘nuff said … but remember, there might just be a few other teams out there that want to win too.

By Miles

April 14, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

steve, I agree with you that Hudson and Smoltz will turn it around and we will be fine in the end. I dont know why you think Thomson is struggling, he has a 2.08 ERA so far this season. Those three guys are enough for the starting pitching to at least be decent and thats all we need with this juggernaut offense.

Sosa will NOT turn things around because he was all “smoke and mirrors” last season. His K/BB ratio was abysmal in 2005 and its caught up to him this season. Schuerholz should have traded him in the offseason while his stock was sky high similiar to Charles Thomes in 2004.

Oh well, we only signed him to a 1 year deal so he wont be on the team for many more months but that 2.2 million dollars could have been spent on the bullpen. An extra 2.2 million might have been the difference between closer Trevor Hoffman going back to San Diego or going to Atlanta.

By doc

April 14, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

hey dob. seems like guy is a hit and run guy since he doesnt have to deal with these guys on a regular basis. he did that several times on sekou’s blog and really stirred up the natives. plays devils advocate a bit.

that said dont you agree it is about time that one of these guys stood up and shut soembody down? it will start a trend if one guy can do it.

By glennbo

April 14, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, tom glavine bit off more than he could chew when he left the braves. just ask mr turncoat about his two front teeth.

By glennbo

April 14, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

i love renteria.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 14, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

LeTwan thinks we should be able to run tonight on Piazza. LeTwan notes a disturbing trend with Giles and it doesn’t seem to be LeTwan’s imagination … Giles has that uppercut swing going again. Maybe the homerun the other night messed him up. Check him out in the next at-bat. He is swinging for the fences. He’ll have some nice pop-ups tonight like that first one. Renteria is a great addition to this ballclub. LeTwan will send him a pie.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 14, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

bob actuary? what does bob think is likelihood of 15 straight? bob think 15 possible with poor pitching? journalist in stands tonight. many babes in stands. baby seal has own seat. dressed like small person with hat on seal head. whiskers causing second looks.

By eric the elder

April 14, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Pete van Wieran likes to use “little bit.” As in, “Player X is 0 for 43, so he’s scuffling a little bit.” That kind of rhetoric cuts the players a lot of slack, so it is significant that he is getting on Hudson as he has been tonight.

By eric the elder

April 14, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

You’re right about Giles, LeTwan. I remember shuddering whenever Furcal homered for the same reason. All those walks give Giles a good on-base %, but hitting in the .220’s is not quite what we’re looking for in the leadoff position. Maybe he needs some rhubarb pie.

By Carolina Lady

April 14, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

LeTwan, please ask Momma to make a really nice pie for Langerhans. He’s sure earned it! And I agree with Giles’ swing. sigh…..

By Bob

April 14, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

jimmysmith,

Jimmy, you’re a hoot … If you’re not sure what a “hoot” is, neither am I … but you can relax, it’s better than a “bloke”.

To answer your question, the Braves have won 14 out of their last 15 … indicate a line of 1:14 but then, that’s not what I’d call a truly random sample … so I’d say that the odds are probably lower than that.

With “Babe” Betemit, Edgar, Ryan, Andruw and crew, who needs pitching?

We do!! What are they drinking? Maybe there’s something wrong with the water cooler. You can’t win without pitching, not even in Kampala … certainly not in Atlanta!

You don’t have to pass any actuarial exams to know that. Without better priching, I’d say the odds are about the same as those for Bonds not using.

Hudson’s done it again … send in your baby seal, at least we wouldn’t have to worry about bad toes!

Looks to me like they’re all guiding the ball to some extent, and I agree with Bobby that they are throwing rather than pitching. This snowballing “fear of failure” ailment is highly contageous and it’s got to stop before it reaches the next level.

I still think we have good pitchers … just wish they’d hurry up and start proving it.

By LeTwan Anthony

April 14, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

Mama says McCann gets the next pie. LeTwan will also reserve one for Langerhans. LeTwan wonders where is Booger? Has he left the blog? LeTwan notes Bobby went to the nose earlier in the game. First time this year (on camera) as far as LeTwan knows. LeTwan hoped Bobby had reformed. Now, Terrmel Sledge is a great name, don’t you think? This is LeTwan’s first exposure to Terrmel Sledge. What would Bobby’s nickname be for Terrmel Sledge? Langerhans, great catch! Pie on the way!

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 14, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith responds to bob. jimmy smith googles, “hoot.” cowboy, right? journalist comments that possibility water cooler was damaged by kolb. thank you for nice comment about baby seal toes. nice toes, very nice baby seal. must regulate diet, though. seal have bad gas in press box last night. fit right in with journalists but stand out because little. then, unfortunate bite. journalist notes mama’s boy with pies right about giles’ swing. golf swing. kill rabbits swing. not good baseball swing.

By jimmy smith, journalist

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

journalist eyewitness to rhubard. bobby cox thrown out of game. laroche, fleet of foot, running full tilt to first base. catcher throws ball to first baseman, ball arrives after laroche crosses bag. francoeur then hits homerun. bedlam! stadium in frenzy! bobby miss while in clubhouse. pat corrales very smart manager.

By Voice of Reason

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

Man, when that kid hits the ball, he really hits the ball. Now, that was a laser shot!

By glennbo

April 14, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

man, talk about staging a ruhbarb. he was safe on replay, though. but bobby milked that perfectly and frenchy said smack.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Right on, jimmysmith … Gibson, now he was a hoot, good pitcher too! See that we agree on Marcus’ swing; put a sword in those hands and I bet he’d been great defending his Cleo … and now he’s suffering from Furcalitis.

Think “Babe” could play 2nd?

By Voice of Reason

April 14, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Is it now safe to say that BallPark Franc is out of his funk?

By glennbo

April 14, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

reitsma made it interesting, didn’t he?

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 14, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

voice of reason invading jimmy smith territory with clever repartee. ballpark franc? very clever. was hitting like beanie weenie. much better as ballpark franc. voice of reason thinks francoeur out of slump for good? credit chipper for hitting advice?

By MBATL

April 14, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

So I can plan: who is it we’re down on for the coming week? Giles? Okay…I’ll do my research.

Great win. Huddy did alright, not great, but at least kept us in the game; seemed like two slap doubles to right killed him. Bullpen continues to do a great job!

mbatl thinks too much third person going on, gets boring. Say “I”, use pronouns.

By jimmy smith, journalist without a country

April 14, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

mbatl, you say “I” enough for three bloggers. mbatl opinion is fine, allow others to disagree. much wisdom in mbatl posts. everybody great. nothing wrong. other bloggers dumb.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

jimmysmith,

Just like I said earlier, who needs pitching?! Same answer as before!

Just think about where we’d be now if we’d just held the bad guys to 5 runs or less each game … not really to much to expect.

Bowman just put a damper on playing the “babe” at 2nd … reason, “At 225 pounds, he’s too big to play second base”

… maybe Marcus is too small; expecially considering his collisions.

Anyway, the only size that really matters is a player’s hat size.

I do wish they’d move him up in the batting order … he’s a switch hitter … good at setting the table … with some power, plus 8th puts a lot of pressure on him, knowing that the pitcher is on deck, etc. No matter, we’re pretty strong 1-8.

By MrC

April 14, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Ball Park Franc will be a streaky hitter for a long time. Hot or cold…..nothing inbetween. Something all will have to get used to until he matures like Dru.

By Voice of Reason

April 14, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, Jimmy, I believe BallPark Franc has emerged unscathed from the depths of his early season slump. That’s not to say that another cannot start, but I sincerely hope it does not! As to the question of where WillyB can play every day, I believe it comes down to one simple question: Who would you rather pencil onto the lineup card every day, WillyB or LaRoche?

By MBATL

April 14, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Just a couple of opinions, jimmy.

No need to get on Giles for a couple of bad days with the bat. We all know what he will do over the course of a season.

Much-aligned (in this blog) Hudson pitched pretty well; and

I’m wrong about the third person… do what’s fun. Sorry.

By Penn

April 14, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Someone said Betemit was too big to play second. Jeff Kent is 6’1” and weighs 210. Betemit is shown at 6’3” and 200. Not a lot of difference in the two although I think Betemit has put on a few pounds since last year.

He should be in that lineup somewhere. Why not platoon him at first? For sure he will be a better bet than Jordan.

LaRoche is a streaky sonofagun with a bat but he can sure pick ‘em at first. I’m bettin’ Renteria is already loving him for saving him a couple of throwing errors.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Voice …

Is that what’s known as a retorical question? It’s really not so simple, but maybe it’s not such a bad idea at that.

Sam Snead used to say that a long swing was the key to longevity … and he agreed with Jimmy about toes, practiced with his shoes off … wmaybe LaRoche thinks he’s playing golf.

Seriously, timing is key for everyone … and long baseball swings really demand it … but, when he’s on, it’s a thing of beauty to watch.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Penn,

It was MLB.com’s Mark Bowman that said Betemit was too big …

By glennbo

April 14, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

laroache’s glove is worth fifty points on his average.

By Penn

April 14, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bog, I just read that and in the same article he said Betemit now weighs 225.

I honestly don’t see why they don’t try him at first, at least against left handers. For sure he ought to be better than Jordan. His bat needs to be in that lineup every day if possible. It is entirely possible he could develop into a first rate first baseman with his height and his weight. And his switch hitting is surely a plus. The man is too good to be riding the bench.

Another poster said earlier that Davies was another of those OVER-PRICED players. For his information Davies is getting $333,500 this year, only about $10 K over a rookie salary.

By Penn

April 14, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the ‘g’ in your name Bob. Another slip of the ole finger.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 14, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

mbatl, jimmy smith apologizes for attack. journalist is under considerable stress. had to turn in rental car. hertz not happy about baby seal incident from previous night. mbatl opinions fine, good fan. mbatl, if hudson “much-aligned” as you suggest- is prroblem toe or camber? hope not toe. bob, actuary, realizes babe betemit has every day potential. babe looking better and better. jimmy smith asks bob, what are chances betemit plays every day with bobby cox as manager? right, none. journalist did not know sam sneed bats shoeless. what team? penn is correct about laroche glove. saving errors that would surely made if platoon buddy jordan playing. jordan learn to move to cutoff position yet?

By Trophead

April 15, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

Will I ever get to hear Skip Caray on TV this year?

By Jeremy

April 15, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

Trophead, it’s best for all of us if he leaves the Atlanta area and never comes back…it’s the middle of the night here in A-Town and I’m bored!!!

By Bob

April 15, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this

Penn, I’ve been call worse … I hate it when waitresses call me honey and sweetheart, but just about anything else but “buddy” is fine … in the service, I considered changing my name to “Hey You”, cause that’s about all I ever heard.

Bowman’s just being Bowman and some of my comments are really dumb too … but then, I ain’t gettin’ payed that much.

Throughout the streak, the Braves have done a pretty good job keeping “Team” more important than “Player” … even though we’ve had our share of “Stars” and potential “prima donnas” … it’s one of the main reasons for the streak.

Rocker was an exception … as he showed when he was openly critical of Lopez; blaming Javy for costing him a save.

Point is, from way out in left field, that the members of the current pitching staff all seem to be talented team players, giving their best … so why all these early season struggles?

Who’s Bowman kidding … just about everybody in MLB is significantly overpaid … there’s no possible justification for multimillion dollar salaries being paid to people playing a game; regardless of how good they might be … especially pitchers that might or might not win a few more games than average.

Relatively speaking, Davies and James are both excellent low risk, underpriced, long term investments with reasonable short term dividend and sustained growth potential.

One last crazy thought.

The importance of the catcher as a piece of this pitcher puzzle may be worthy of additional consideration. I really do like “CanDo” McCann but … starting pitching is a complex, “multiple inning strategy”, mental art form involving both players and it’s possible that catcher inexperience, regardless of the talent, is part of the mix.

We know that the Braves either don’t think anything is wrong or don’t know what it is … if they did, we’d have seen some changes by now.

It would be interesting to see what difference, if any, that Pratt would have on pitching performance.

Hudson’s performance tonight was okay … don’t know what he said about it but, in more normal times and circumstabces, I’d expect him to say that he was pleased with his effort but did’t have his best stuff … a “gutty” performance.

By Miranda

April 15, 2006 02:31 AM | Link to this

Umm… MS won tonight… 6-2 over Mobile. I thought everyone looked pretty good. Salty did much better tonight as did the whole offense. He had a homer - in I believe it was his third AB… it was a beautiful shot! ..all in all very good game. Waters started and pitched very well for a while, then we brought in Startup… he looked great once he settled in…. then Glenn Tucker and I belive Acosta pitched the 9th… all pitching looked pretty good to me. …anyway I just thought I’d post a brief since I had finally gotten back home.

Glad to see we had a good game tonight! … I spent a lot of time straining my eyes into a suite above us trying to watch the Braves game! LOL …saw Francoeur’s HR and everyone around was wondering why I was excited since nothing was happening in what they were looking at!

By Bob

April 15, 2006 03:01 AM | Link to this

jimmysmith,

Sam Snead was a golfer … one of the all time greats … the smoothest swing I’ve ever seen. He had a temper … but a true gentleman with a great sense of humor.

To the best of my knowledge, he never played organized baseball but he certainly agreed with jimmysmith on toes; as do I.

To Trophead,

Skip Caray’s okay as an announcer; maybe a bit better than just okay … but, his popularity is less than what you might think … he’s turned a lot of people off; primarily to his history of rudeness to those who openly disagree with him … or challenge things he has posited.

By Andy

April 15, 2006 04:39 AM | Link to this

Bob,

I don’t know the stats but last year I think the starters were like 42 and 18 or something like that when BM catches—-alot if not all the pitches are called from the dugout—I don’t think anyone considers BM having anything to do with the starters struggles. God idea though. Maybe your right.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 05:50 AM | Link to this

Andy,

I don’t really think so either, but we’re missing something … and as I think Lady Agatha said, the best way to hide something is to put it out in plain sight. Wherever and whatever it is, I can’t find it.

I like mysteries … but my little gray cells just aren’t to the task on this one … maybe we need to call in Hercule.

We have just too much pitching talent, proven and emerging, for it all to have gone south at the same time.

It looks like they’re pressing now, every one of them, and that’s compounding the problem … but that’s effect … not cause.

Jimmy Smith,

Have you noticed how much positive press that the “babe” has been getting since we started talking about him?!

I told you that people were paying attention to DOB’s blog … and, with good reason!

By John M

April 15, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this

Can OSCAR ViyyaReAl win 20 games while only pitching 80 innings?

By todd

April 15, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Ryan Langerhans = my new favorite player on the team. Nice hustle last night, man - that was so much fun to watch.

By Tyryztoll

April 15, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

This blog is an embarrassment - I certainly hope no serious fans from around the country are looking in here to see sht like “jimmy smith retard journalist” or posts beginning with “mama says”. Jesus H Crist, do you people even know anything about baseball or are you just using this forum as a meeting place to spew your assanine rhetoric that you’re too embarrassed to bring at home? No wonder Atlanta is considered a sht sports town with garbage like this going on.

By jimmy smith, journalist

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

journalist jimmy smith welcomes tyryztoll to blog. you bring insightful baseball commentary. your momma must be very proud. best be careful who you messing with. suspect most people on this blog smarter than you. baby seal included. have nice day.

By ernesto

April 15, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Don’t mean to carp after a great win - and it was, but Reetsma, even when he gets the job done, is so far from a lights out guy it’s scary. I’m not going all “Reeksma” here, and I’m not saying he’s not a talented pitcher, but he’s not going to cut it as a closer. He was one bloop hit away from giving that game away last night and taking away all the positive momentum we get from Frenchy getting his stroke back and Huddy showing at least flashes of being serviceable. I don’t know who else we have in the system, or if we’re goint to go to a comittee of the hot hand, but waiting for Chris to come around and be a MLB elite closer just ain’t gonna happen.

By Mark

April 15, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has long been known as the armpit of the sports world , horrible fans in general but its not a reflection of the few hardcore braves fans. Blogs are always wierd , people will say just about anything and Attention Deficit disorder is rampant in here. The pitching will get better and the hitting is just awesome , we look like the bronx bombers and make the yankees look like a bunch of lightweights. Francouer went from totally lost too totally locked in…… just weird. Boston , St. Louis , Chicago , Cincinnati and New York are all great baseball town’s with absolutely rabid fans. Atlanta after 40 years of baseball has yet too prove is worthiness as a sports town and just wait till the playoffs when empty seats will be the norm at Turner field. Go Bravos!!!

By Mark

April 15, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Ryan Freel 9 G 23 AB 9 R 8 H 3 2B 0 HR 1 RBI 11 TB 9 BB 2 SO 6 SB 1 CS .545 OBP .478 SLG. .348 AVG Marcus Giles 11 G 41 AB 9 R 9 H 2 2B 0 3B 1 HR 1 RBI 14 TB 11 BB 10 SO 0 SB 0 CS .385 OBP .341 SLG .220 AVG. So , who is the better leadoff hitter so far and who advocated trading for Freel ? I DID.

By tigger101023

April 15, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Oh for goodness sakes, Marcus has been great as a leadoff man - he’s drawn 11 freikin walks! Once he gets his averaage back up to something resembling career levels, his numbers will look much better. Way to conveniently ignore the small sample size TWO WEEKS into the season.

By forcesaberz

April 15, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

ernesto is right at Reetsma, he is a good pitcher, but not the lights out closer that any good playoff team has. I am hoping that JS will be able to grab a good closer from a subpar team after the all-star break…that is if we are still in the race (no i am just kidding, i have faith things will turn around, hey we’re .500 now, thats not bad considering its the beg of the season)

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 15, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

armpit? bad, yes? armpit in europe not bad. armpit resort most exclusive in europe. bob, jimmy smith glad sam sneed is a golfer. not recommended to play baseball without shoes. toe injury invited. journalist has detractors today. jimmy smith will take glennbo advice and not cry - no crying in journalism. ernesto’s point is valid. reitsma not closer that inspires confidence. eventually batted balls will be caught. catch three for outs before run scores? sometimes. better closer will be able to strike out players and end threat. smoltz last to do so in atlanta. journalist is distressed about boyer. question for bloggers: does it seem many pitchers are hurt early in season? young, strong, arms sore? one pitcher not able to run to first base without injury? is conditioning part of bobby cox/mcdowell strategy for spring? or are players expected to report in shape to leave time for golf with sam sneed? sneed alive? dead? bob know? happy easter to all from jimmy smith.

By Penn

April 15, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Tyryztoll, you must have gotten a lousy supper last night.

Bob, your comments about catchers is interesting but I think that if a veteran pitcher didn’t like what a rookie catcher had called he would simply shake him off. I can’t imagine Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson or even Ramirez allowing McCann to dictate what they were going to throw.

But, like you I cannot find that elusive something that is missing. But it is surely missing, no one can dispute that.

By Penn

April 15, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

G 10 AB 44 R 10 H 10 2B 1 3B 0 HR 0 RBI 1 BB 6 SO 5 SB 3 CS 0 OBP .320 SLG .250 BA .227

Errors in 10 games (4) Fielding PCT. .902

I think I like Renteria better.

By Penn

April 15, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Stats above are for Furcal. I hit the enter button by mistake.

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Tyrztoll, nice insight. Thougtful, reasoned, informative. Please, give us more.

Penn, Wilson is indeed 225 now. I asked him that specifically the other day when a few of us were interviewing him, after asking him if he thought he was too big to play second. He kind of laughed, affirming as much, but said he’d play wherever they put him.

He really is a pretty big dude now, built much more for third than short, and certainly more than for second base.

I’ll reiterate what I’ve said about Langerhans since end of last season: Most underrated player on the team, and a damn solid all-around player.

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Meant to write “thoughtful,” not thougtful. Although our boy Tyrztoll was neither.

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

One other thing: VIllarreal convince the skeptics yet? The dude’s got great stuff and the only _ ONLY _ question is whether he’ll stay healthy. So far, no problems with the arm since late last season, through winter ball, spring training, and first couple weeks of much use.

Oh, and I wasn’t able to get close enough to propose to the awfully hot Neko Case last night at her show, but the woman looked better than anyone wearing a Dr. Pepper T-shirt had a right to. And she sounded like the second coming of Patsy Cline. Awesome show.

After hearing Kelly Hogan’s banter and sense of humor, and listening to her also incredible voice last night, and learning that she hails from our fair city, I’m sincerely hoping that someone she knows reads this blog and will pass along to her that I’d like a date. Kelly Hogan, you rule.

By Glennbo

April 15, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Tyryztoll, taking the Lord’s name in vain on Easter weekend says something about you.

Bob, Penn, jimmy smith, i think the something that is a bit off with our pitching involves a new starting catcher, a new backup catcher, a new pitching coach and the wbc hangover that has effected all of mlb. pratt is the new mentor and backerupper to mccann and he’s from outside the org. roger is new and will have a bit of a break in period. like what he is doing with the bullpen, but i wonder if the starters just need that extra attention. smoltz said that the starters could police themselves, that could have been a little arrogant. and don’t forget that johnny estrada, who should still be a brave in my inconsequential opinion, was also part of the braintrust last season. all in all, a lot of change has occurred in the battery situation.

I also admit to being a chronic botch and moaner about the team. i botch because i care.

By eric the elder

April 15, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

The weird beginning of this season is not limited to the Braves. Consider:

1. The Yankees have the same number of wins as Tampa Bay.
2. Cleveland and Detroit are tied for the AL Central lead. (Detroit?)
3. In the NL Central, Cincinnati leads and the Cards are next to last.
4. No team in the AL West has won more games than the Braves have.

Things will get sorted out eventually, and the cream will rise to the top.

By JC

April 15, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

If we still had Estrada we wouldn’t have Villereal and Lance “rubber arm” Cormier. Shudder to think where we’d be without them. Maybe only one win? No certainty that any of those other guys would have won those four that Oscar is credited with…

By Glennbo

April 15, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

maybe roid use is officially over and the weirdness is the differential of roid free baseball and what we are acustomed to.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 15, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

coincidence! jimmy smith finds famous female singer on peachtree street (with singer friend wearing dr. pepper t-shirt) and has passed along dob’s fervent wish. this is jimmy smith’s easter present to journalist dob. famous singer asks, “who is dob?” baby seal comes in handy just then. journalist explains dob wants to save baby seals. jimmy smith then felt need to exaggerate dob greatness. “publisher” dob should listen for call. publisher should have plane ready for trip to islands. singer also wishes to see dob race horses and stables. get dob horse well, soon! now, baseball. villarreal has 4 wins. strange start to season.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Tyryztoll,

Wwelcome to the “bigs” … don’t be discouraged, you’ve got talent, it’s just a matter of patience and making adjustments; maybe you should go back down where you can play every day and polish your skills … then maybe we’ll invite you back up for lunch … instead of having you for same.

Embarrassment, I dare say, …but have Mama wash out your mouth and teach you some manners … you’ll be fine!

Jimmy, Sam Snead died a few years back … in his mid/high 80’s, and even with failed vision, was still remarkable. He would have enjoyed contributing to this Blog.

If that baby seal of your continues to misbehave, tell it that some folks are really fond of babysealskin boots.

By TheSouthernEasterJackRabbit

April 15, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

“Happy Easter” to all you morons!!!…GO JACKASS!!!…

By ernesto

April 15, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

DOB - I never join in on the music portion of these chats but as one Kelly Hogan fan to another…if you can get your hands on it try and get a copy of “The Whistle Only Dogs Can Hear” her last before she left the ATL for Chi-town. She also used to be a part of a group called the Jody Grind before a bad car wreck gave a Lynyrd Skynyrd end to that group. Sorry Baseball fans, as you were.

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Ernesto, was it Jody Grind or Judy Grind… wait, let me just google it….

You are correct. Jody Grind. Seems as if they’re still going without her, judging from what popped up on google.

Hey, do you know her?

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

journalist mistaken, not same girl. dob please forgive. date still there for dob if he chooses. dob should know this girl not shave under arms. coincidence since mark talking armpits earlier in day. jimmy smith recommends dob pass on this one. try and get lucky at ballpark. glennbo is correct that much has changed for catcher mccann. however, bobby dews is still on the job. he is constant in catcher’s life. bobby dews has veteran presence much like jordan, only difference is bobby dews can still turn on fastball. jimmy smith extends sympathy to bob on loss of sam snead. sam snead sounds like a cut-up. read famous sam snead quote: “when I swing at a golf ball right, my mind is blank and my body is loose as a goose.” this is much like chipper.

By MBATL

April 15, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Atlanta’s just not a “mature” sports town. In Chicago, NY, St. Louis, folks were brought up from birth to support their team. That’s not the case with Atlantans. Most of us are transplants, or at least our parents were. Think about it…what Southern city is a great sports town? None, that I can think of,because NOBODY LIVED IN THE SOUTH UNTIL THEY INVENTED AIR CONDITIONING. Sounds silly, but I think it’s true.

So fans here don’t really have roots, like they do in Midwestern and NE cities.

By SR

April 15, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Big Deal

The Braves barely beat a mediocre at best Padre team

The so-called “ace” gives up 9 hits and 4 runs to one of the league’s weakest hitting teams. Wait till he has to face someone with a solid lineup.

Gonna be a long season.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Glennbo,

People usually have good reasons for saying, doing, and believing as they do … it’s just sometimes a bit difficult to figure out what they are.

Frenchy made Good Friday turn out great!

Taking the Lord’s name in vain at anytime says says alot, but then, … maybe he was referring to someone else; we’ve given the Lord many names but I don’t recall any middle initials … Happy Easter!

Regarding your analysis; that’s certainly part of the Pitcher Picture as I see it … but Smoltz is one of the good guys, … really means well … and I think that he’d be a bit upset to learn that anyone might entertain the possibility that he can be a little arrogant … he tries so hard to hide it.

By ernesto

April 15, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

DOB- Sorry my man, I do not know the lady personally, although I’ve read an interview with her once where she said one of her favorite hobbies was porn…there’s a good intro line if you ever meet her.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith’s right about famous journalist Bobby Dews. Maybe Jimmy should interview him for us and find out what’s wrong with the pitchers unstead of helping DOB find girls.

Speaking of interviews; seems like Adam LaRoche is giving out quite a few.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

One last set of comments before I run …

I’m a little surprised at the Atlanta, bad sports city, bashing …

Atlanta is, and has always been, a great sports town! From the days people cheered for a different Jones over at East Lake, the Crackers at “Ponce De Leon” Park and SEC Football, Jacket style, at Grant Field … to the present day. With Furman Bisher and Jesse Outlar around … what was there not to like?!

It’s true that most Atlanta fans are quieter than most … just think of it as our being a little more respectful and refined than the others … our southern upbringing, you know.

The current day boos we’ve been hearing are a concern … nice folks don’t do that!

It’s probably just some of these “nothern transplants” that don’t know any better … they belong at Grant … Park, not Field.

By eric the elder

April 15, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

The current day boos we’ve been hearing are a concern … nice folks don’t do that! It’s probably just some of these “nothern transplants” that don’t know any better … they belong at Grant … Park, not Field.

Bob, I’ve enjoyed your posts - - until now.

By elbravox

April 15, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

today looks like a good day!

By Braves Apologist

April 15, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

bob, you are right on pitch. i would just like to say, that as a non-atlantan, i have always seen the braves as a regional team. in the summer, the attendace picks up because vacationers from all over the south make a pilgramage to see their team. in the playoffs, the attendace can be sparse by playoffs standards becuase a lot of people just can’t make the 175+ mile trip or they spend disposable time and income in athens, auburn, columbia, clemson, knoxville or tuscaloosa. add in the falcons and nascar and you have serious competition for a large part of the year.

By glennbo

April 15, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

MBATL, how old are you, mr. maturity?

By Bob

April 15, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Elder Eric,

Difficulties in expressing myself has always been a problem. In my own defence, I did say “some”.

I’m not against booing … lord knows, I’ve done more than my share … and I don’t mean to be condescending. However those boos directed at struggling youngsters trying to do their best (i.e. Frenchy) can’t do anything but exacerbate their problems … and are a genuine concern.

I appreciate your comments and do sincerely apologize for swallowing the gambit presented by some of those bashing Atlanta’s Fans excessively … no excuses, but no real intent to offend anyone either.

Atlanta has experienced rather rapid growth … from it’s 39 square miles in the early fifties to the large melting pot of today. We’re indeed lucky to have the many fine “transplants” who have contributed to making it what it is … and have adopted Atlanta as their home.

Fan apathy is a well recognized problem of long standing in Atlanta and I can emphasize and join with those that sometimes find it disgusting and/or frustrating … I deserve being hoisted on my own pittard for getting carried away in my remarks … Thanks!

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 15, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith takes to heart remarks made by bob concerning getting back to baseball coverage. hard job trying to fix up dob with a woman. better to stay with baseball. now, little known fact about bobby dews. he is bobby cox’ daddy. older than baseball, bobby dews also grows and eats tomatoes.

though jimmy smith did not grow up in atlanta it must be recorded that atlanta sports fans were very good to the crackers and the jackets. both were very good teams. journalist notes major league teams very poor, very poor indeed for many years.

jimmy smith is sick that renteria appears hurt. let’s hope he is okay. is anyone besides jimmy smith fearful that this one run lead is not enough?

By eric the elder

April 15, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Bob - amazing post. Very classy.

By elbravox

April 15, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

today was a good day!

By bobby

April 15, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Wow!! Two miracles in one night. A complete game by a Brave pitcher and Adam LaRoche getting an infield hit. The latter was probably the biggest miracle. Adam is as slow as I am. Of course I’m 70 years old.

By glennbo

April 15, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

now we have to worry zbout the starters peeking too early.

By GAW

April 15, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Where would we be without the best Braves basher of all time- David Justice. If I remember right he was bashing the homies hours before he homered to win the series.

By glennbo

April 15, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

anyone who trashes laroache should be made to eat a firstbaseman’s mit. the man brandishes leather very well and makes the infield better. let him hit lefties. we heed his glove.

By geechee

April 15, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Ya know, watching Smoltz pitch tonight and seeing the way that Maddog and Glavine pitched this week, you can’t help but think of the stupidity, short sightedness, and greed at Time- Warner. That pitching staff was quite happy together and not looking to get broken up. The little extra that it would have taken TW in payroll to keep that staff together “for the fans”, would have more than been made up with the increased viwership of Americans wanting to watch those two pitch.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Eric,

Well, I was taught to always respect my elders … even if they really aren’t older than I.

Jimmy, now that the game is over, I no longer share your worry that one run might not be enough … the Braves evidently shared your concern too, they got two.

Along the same lines, just wait until the season is over and I’ll be able to give you a better actuarial estimate of the Braves’ chances of making it 15 straight.

Now Dews isn’t all that old … we were at the North Avenue Trade School together … he just looks that way; tough life raising Mister Cox.

What happened to Edgar’s ribs?

By Miles

April 15, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

geechee, the “little” extra cash which would have been needed to keep glavine and maddux would have put our payroll to well over 100 million. They’re not worth the cash at their advanced age. Maddux had an ERA well over 4 last year, he aint worth 9 million a year.

By eric the elder

April 15, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

Bob, I’ll play the age game - - I’m 70. I doubt you are. Last year I blogged as just eric, but a couple of other “Erics” started posting, so I changed to eric the elder. Seemed to sound better than eric the old guy.

Betemit has a rib cage strain from an awkward swing. Day to day.

By Carolina Lady

April 15, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Eric, I thought Renteria had the rib strain. Am I mistaken? :-)

By Mark

April 15, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

9 innings 105 pitches , 74 strikes . Just vintage Smoltz pitching , where are all you band wagon people now ? I hope Renteria’s ribs are not going to be a reacurring injury problem. Adam Laroche with the game winning hr and gold glove caliber defense. Andruw helped keep the padres scoreless with his gold glove too , he even stole a base. Awesome Smoltzie , just awesome.

By Bob

April 15, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Elder Eric,

You’re right about the age, by a little bit … but I did attend the GWTW Premiere in 1939 … in the rain.

My friends in Kenya know me as “Elder” … but, I don’t think of me as being old … ‘cept when I look in the mirror, try to get out of the tub, or waitresses call me honey.

Happy Easter!

By geechee

April 15, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Miles all I know is if Maddox and Glavine had pitched for the Braves this week, the NL East standings would look a whole lot different. You also have to factor in the TV programming rights. The Yankees get around $50 million per year in TV rights. TW pays the Braves next to nothing for all those games it sells advertising on. They could have sprung a few million more on the pitching. Look how much TW wastes on movies.

By Miles

April 15, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

geechee, maddux and glavine may have pitched well in the first 2 weeks of the season but I highly doubt they keep it up until October.

By Penn

April 15, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

I’ve enjoyed reading this thread tonight and it brings back some great memories. Being a 75 year old from South Georgia who wound up in Atlanta’s Ga. State Univ.(another name back then) I must say it is still my favorite city. I still keep a home north of Atlanta for the summer months.

I had many wonderful experiences at old Ponce DeLeon Park. (Can anyone tell me if Randy St. Clair is related to the old Cracker catcher, Ebba St. Clair?)

After college I spent about 30 years in New Jersey, Illinois and Wisconsin. And I had the opportunity to visit about half the major league parks in the country. Other than Wrigley Field I don’t know of a better fan base than in Atlanta. I hope that fact does not escape the city nor ever gets changed.

Sportsmanship is decency. They go together. Compare the crowd at the Masters with that in any other tournament for another example of Southern courtesy.

Ugliness in society today is far too plentiful without bringing it to the ball park for every game or to any other sporting event. Frankly, if our fans ever come close to those in New York, Boston or Philadelphia I will simply write off baseball forever. I don’t need it now nor will I tolerate it.

The last fight I got into was in Camp Randall Stadium at the Univ. of Wisconsin about 30 years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed beating up a on vulgar fellow who refused to stop yelling obscenities in front of my wife and I got a standing ovation from the other fans so nastiness is the preferred course for everyone. Why tolerate if?

I watched Smoltz on my computer tonight here in Florida and he looked just marvelous.

By Penn

April 15, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

That should have read “nastiness is NOT the preferred course for everyone.

===============

You might be interested to learn that it was reported here today in our local paper (by a reporter who usually has his ear to the ground) that the Marlins are considering trading both Willis and Cabrera by mid season.

Now there are two great players and both are still in their EARLY twenties. The Marlins ought to get at least four top prospects for them.

Cabrera is forecasted to be able to command something like $6-7 million next year and Willis will get at least that much. Both are still about 3 years away from free agency but both are eligible for arbitration after this season.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 16, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

bob ever meet george p. burdell at school? shortstop. good glove, no bat.

journalist jimmy smith sees good and bad with smoltz going nine tonight. good, he is best pitcher on team and amazing athlete. bad, is early in season and old arm may not hold up if required to go long innings. was this “new” smoltz or old smoltz? must go now for early services and easter egg hunt.

By Miranda

April 16, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this

Glad to see tonights game was another good one! I just got back from Mississippi’s game again. I decided to go back up since I don’t get Turner South and couldn’t watch the Braves. McBride pitched an inning of relief tonight… looked very good! According to my tallies he threw like 14 pitches (4balls 10strikes)..had 2Ks and the other out was a soft fly to left. He looked good though as did all of the pitching throughout the game yet again tonight. …I met McBride after the game also… very nice guy!

By Bob

April 16, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this

Penn,

Thanks for sharing … South Georgia folks are good folks; especially those who stand up to the bad guys and share their boiled peanuts.

I don’t know of any Ebba and Randy St. Clair connection but I watched Bisher’s Blog covering the Braves 40th Anniversary in Atlanta and there are probably some folks following Furman who might know.

I really enjoyed sitting just below Harry as he did “Take me out to the ball game” on my last visit to Wrigley Field … the year before he died. Cub fans truly are unique.

I spent most of that game just walking and looking around the old stadium … it somehow reminded me of our old park accross from Sears; on a larger scale. I’ve Watched the Cubs and Braves from accross the street a few times and that was much different than I expected … but, it too brought back memories of watching Cracker games from out beyond the tree in Center.

I honed my skills at liars’ poker and learned a little Actuarial Science over at Georgia State back when it was still known as a a “college” … big university now.

Mama always taught me not to be vulgar … she said, “boys that use 4 letter words just don’t know any 5 letter words”.

Your comments remind me of another time when I feel old … just about every day … when I turn on TV and see all of the filth and vulgarness that’s presented as good entertainment … all in the name of realism.

If I’m going to be brainwashed, I prefer being led to believe that George Washington couldn’t tell a lie and that Gene Autry fought villans deep inside the Earth.

By geechee

April 16, 2006 03:15 AM | Link to this

We’ll see Miles, we’ll see, conventional wisdom says if they don’t get injured good pitchers get better as the season moves along. So we can continue this discussion after August. Till then we can just concentrate on the staff we have…………aloha

By Andy

April 16, 2006 04:03 AM | Link to this

Smtolz and the Braves played like “The Atlanta Braves” we are used to—GREAT pitching—GREAT defense—all that was missing was bringing in the pen and we sweat more for three outs than we did the entire game. Go BRAVES!!!!!

By Andy

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

oh yeah—-remember when a couple of people were basically screaming for jurries instead of T. Pena—-well with renteria out—I am glad we have him. Go Thompson.

By Marc

April 16, 2006 05:01 AM | Link to this

See, Dave, I told you Leo had nothing to do with the sarting pitcher’s woes. They were just in a bit of a slump.

By Bob

April 16, 2006 05:07 AM | Link to this

Jimmy,

How were the services … and how many eggs did you find? Most journalists have trouble with compound questions … but you’re an exception to the rule.

I never actually met that infamous, illusive Tech icon … but I was accused of being him on more than one occasion. Your shortstop - good glove - no bat description is scarry; or would be except for the good glove part.

With the Braves slow start and all this talk about little Bobby Dews and George P … I’m reminded that it’s not how you start but how you finish.

Another Trade School boy, Sam Nunn and I started the ‘56 Freshman Rat Race together, standing side by side … I got off to a little better start than Sam, but he passed me after about 3 minutes … went on to win the race, kiss the girl, and kept right on running … all the way to the Senate … all of us misfits on the 3rd floor of Cloudman Dorm knew that boy would make good … he just stopped running a little too soon!

For those who didn’t know the Senator back then; he studied hard, was too serious, had good morals and high principles (probably born that way) … but thankfully, the rest of us were able to made up for all those weaknesses.

I doubt that he’d admit it, but I fear that John reverted to the “old John” last night. As an aside, some of his pregame, radio comments seemed to support some of our observations regarding the pitching delima.

Unlike Frenchy, I doubt that John had many people telling him what he should do … but John has a 3 digit IQ and he knows what has worked for him in the past. It was especially important to him to pitch well tonight … 3 poor starts in a row and he’d be sent to bed without supper and the family would never live it down … that’s as true in Michigan as it is in Georgia … and besides, es ist sehr, sehr important to him that he lead by example.

I’ve a hunch that he’ll continue with the new approach, but only after daddy takes him out behind the barn and they get things worked out … maybe read a little Freud … the key is for him to become the “New John” rather than being the “Old John” using a new approach … my daddy taught me that.

Of course, daddy also asked me if I really had to have “To Hell With Georgia” on my rat cap … wanted me to change Hell to Heck but relented when I told him that Dante would have problems with that!

Jimmy, it’s true, every word … give or take a lie ot two.

By old timer

April 16, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

Bob, you’ve got it turned around. It’s the former owner of the Texas Rangers who has trouble with compound questions. Remember, he told reporters not to ask more than one question at a time. Too complicated. Where did that guy get the money to buy the Rangers anyway? Isn’t this president gig his first job?

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 16, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith and baby seal just return from easter egg hunt. basket is full of tasty candy egg treats. baby seal at first does not understand concept of egg hunt. jimmy smith fields some complaints from other “parents”. evryone very nice though because it is easter. nice if it could be easter everyday. journalist congratulates bob on g.p. burdell test. bob is authentic tech man. sam nunn is favorite of jimmy smith, bob is right sam stopped too soon. how did he get caught up with nut case ted turner? surprised jimmy smith. bob demonstrates prinicples and ethics, character, morality. what bob doing on ajc blog? ha! bob make good rotarian. jimmy smith is rotarian. journalist is now on way to see if any eggs missed. seal has nose for eggs. now baseball, smoltz arm is same age as head. take care of arm, it must last. journalist asks bob, how many 3-digit iq’s on current braves team? let jimmy be more specific … “uh, how many what?” beautiful day in georgia.

By Penn

April 16, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Bob, when I went to that “downtown” college it had just graduated to being called “University of Georgia, Atlanta Division.” Noah Langdale was President. He was one of the best speakers I ever had the privilege of hearing and his hand guided that school along the road that got it to where it is today.

For you uninformed about such things Dr. Noah Langdale was a lineman for Alabama’s Crimson Tide. I heard recently that he is still living. I hope so.

During those days I went to as many Cracker games as I could get to. Bus tokens then were 2 for 15 cents and a bleacher ticket was $.50. I used to sit in the left field bleachers and bet on fly balls with the ever present bookies. I always won because I picked the batters carefully. Most bettors bet every batter and that is the best way to lose money. The bookies didn’t like me very much.

I remember that tree up that bank in center field in Ponce De Leon Park and I was there the day Eddie Mathews hit that ball that rolled almost to the base of that little tree. It was an inside the park homer by the time the center fielder got it half way back to the infield.

And I believe it was Ebba St. Clair who hit a ball into the moving boxcar above the right field wall. No one knows where that ball wound up.

I did find out that both Ebba and Randy St. Clair are from upstate New York although differet towns. I’m betting they are father and son.

And I shall never forget the skills of Ralph Country Brown in center field. He was as close to Andruw as anyone I ever saw play the position. Too bad he didn’t have a throwing arm.

By eric the elder

April 16, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady - - late in responding, but of course you are right. I meant Renteria, not Betemit. Senior moment. Sorry.

By jimmy smith, journalist

April 16, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

dr langadale also a hero of jimmy smith. was ga state college when jimmy smith attended. ugandan study program. underground once fairly safe. kell hall safe always. atlanta fulton county stadium fairly safe. jesse outlar once mugged outside stadium - typewriter stolen. jimmy smith attended games at ponce de leon park, fond memories. park at sears & roebuck across street. crackers were good until minnesota farm team -then they were really bad. joe nossek hero back then. jimmy smith liked best when crackers were cardinals farm team. buchek, gagliano, shannon, mccarver (not so high on him now). great baseball in atlanta before braves - almost always a champion. now, braves … atlanta very fortunate to have such good teams in last decade plus. should have more pennants.

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

glennbo, I’m 47. Grew up in Jacksonville, and my grandfather owned a little teeny piece of the J’ville Suns. I was really raised as a Met fan, cause during those years (when he was involved), Suns were a Met’s affiliate. Got a great baseball signed by the Suns team - Koosman, Seaver, among a bunch of guys we’ve never heard from again.

Anyway, I stand by my point about Atlanta fans being less “mature” (there’s that word again) than fans in some cities. It really wasn’t meant as a knock, just an obervation. But won’t beat it up.

I’ve jumped a couple of people in here, I guess… get too frustrated with the quick negative conclusions… and I’ve apologized when that has happened. It’s Easter and I’ve resolved to be a kindler, gentler poster.

Wont’ get into a personal spat with you. Back to baseball, my friend.

By elbravox

April 16, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

today looks like a good day!

By Chris

April 16, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

and the bullpen promptly coughs up the lead. why did bobby have thomson hit for himself and then remove him from the game?

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Bobby probably has JT hit for himself because it was a bunt situation. But, it is too bad he had to come out.

Listen, I think Ken Ray looks ok and can be ok, but there is a reason he has been a journeyman my friends. He is no closer option!

By Chris

April 16, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

it was 2 out and no one on base, so not a bunt situation. maybe bobby wanted to save a pinch hitter for later. hopefully thomson didn’t injure something on that strike three swing.

unfortunate that just as the pitching has finally improved, the offense has quieted down. only 2 runs yesterday and 3 so far today. maybe andruw can hit one out now…

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

BJ is going to come through!!

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Just not today

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Chris,

You are correct…my bad. Ouch. Langer should have played that one safe! We are going to freakin lose after a starter let up one hit. Mets win…down 4 again. This sux. It was a good weekend up to now dang it.

Jason

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Ain’t over yet, still 2 innings to hit.

Tough strike 3 call on BJ. Looked low and away…

Van Weiren makes a good point. Renteria is on the roster but not really available, and McCann is available only if he’s gonna replace Pratt; so we’re kinda short on pinch hitters. Maybe that’s why Thompson hit in the 6th.

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

You are correct. Swing at a pitch in the dirt…take a fastball down the middle. Sorry, this is the first time this year that I have gotten this upset. There is no way we should be losing this game.

Jason

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

What hurt is Ray, who’s been so good, getting pounded. That lead evaporated in the space of 4 batters.

I agree… tough game to lose, if we do.

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Pete didn’t just instill much confidence…no runs yet in the 9th this year for the Braves…man, I am pi$$ed at blowing this lead!

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Toughest loss of the year so far. We can’t be blowing to many 3 run leads…especially in the next 3 days. We may be buried after this next series. I know its early, but many, if we lose two out of three (and we don’t have arguably our two best pitchers going) or get swept…

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

Just one more thing. Man, if the bullpen can’t get the Padres out…who had what 5 hits in their last 15 innings…they aren’t going to get the Mets out. This could be a long, long year if we don’t get things straightened out.

By Bob

April 16, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

old timer,

Oil is the answer. Kids are spoiled, I wouldn’t work either if I had all that money! Bush ain’t no Bill Buckley, I’ll give you that, but at least he’s not as slippery as some … I liked it better when we were more like a true republic … like we’re supposed to be … and we elected people we knew something about … to go and decide who the national candidates would be … rather than having these media driven popularity contests.

On this day that we hunt for eggs, it best that I remember that no man is without his faults … and that eggs are for eating, not throwing … baseballs are for that … so I won’t get started on what I really think about politics.

However, it’s a shome that the kids of today don’t have the Walter Georges and Richard Russells to admire, respect and look up to … the only nickname that we’d have ever given the President was “Mister”.

Wasn’t it Reagan that got serious about politics after hearing that a judge dismissed a DUI case because the man was too drunk to understand it when they read him is rights.

jimmy smith,

Well, I’m glad that I finally passed a test … had real problems doing that at the Trade School … too many of Mr. Gordy’s Varsity dogs and NIPCs; I’d been better off if he had stayed with his brother and sold tires.

Jimmy, Jimmy … be nice … at least they all appear to have 2 digits; not like some teams. Dews has 3.

Penn,

I remember Ga State as the Atlanta Division too, but in those days, the only time I gave thought to it was when Daddy took us to special events at the old auditorium (Remember the old Tucker, GlobeTrotters, and House of David, to name a few) … or when we drove by and saw the fountain out front.

Noah Langdale was a giant hulk of a man … wonderful speaker; a true gentle giant among men! Jimmy, now there’s an man with a 3 digit IQ, maybe 4!

He didn’t know much about Actuarial Science though, … not many people did back then … but he somehow knew who I was and once asked me how my Physics and Chemistry were going … I didn’t dare try to explain.

The bookies, I’m sad to say, got some of my money too … they took advantage of us kids sometimes … I never saw so many one dollar bills in all my young life as out there on those bleachers … but they could dissapear in a flash. I did see, however Eddie’s inside the park home run. I’m glad the Dixie was successful in helping him convert to 3rd … he was one of my heros; not as much as Country, maybe the greatest outfielder of all time, dead arm and all, and little Gene Verble … but a hero, all the same. Others included, Ebba, Davy Williams and even Al O’Quinn. And not to be forgotten; Dick Donavan, the best hittig pitcher since another “babe” and red faced playing manager Gene Mauch, another of the 3 digit guys

I saved my bus fare, and walked the “tracks” to the park … but it sure seems that we share a lot of common memories!

Happy Easter!!

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Agreed. We all thought starting pitching would be good, if not great, and the bullpen would be the question mark. Today followed suit.

I think Reistsma should be the guy in the 7th, not the 9th. He’s got good stuff for mid-relief, and can pitch some innings… We do need a closer, no doubt. I was hoping Devine could step in, but doesn’t look like it, right now.

Wouldn’t fret too much. Braves have owned the Mets over the years, and it’s real early.

By J-dogg

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

Bad loss, looks like were gonna be 4 down going into NY seris. Todays game made me sick. There is no reason to lose that game. JT could have gone 7 or 8 easily but BC screwed that up. I dont feel good about this seris with the mets cause we are pitching sosa aginst pedro=loss, Davies vs Zamboro, and Huddy against Glavin. We will be luckey to win a game that seris, hope Im wrong.

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

J-dogg, remember JT is coming off arm problems. Are you so sure it was wise to pitch him deeper into the game? I have to assume Bobby had a reason for pulling him, but maybe not.

I don’t know, just asking…

By J-dogg

April 16, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Wko knows, wouldnt even bring it up if the pen didnt blow it, it just looked like JT had all there hitters fooled the whole day.

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

What was the stat that was displayed in the post game? Braves are something like 4 for their last 31 with RISP? With this bullpen and the starters struggling, that’s not going to get it done. Man, I just can’t get over today’s loss. I thought trading JT was a bad move, and I am even more convinced of it now. I can’t remember who said it in a previous blog, but I agree that Sosa should have been traded when his value peaked. It will never be that high again. Ever.

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Agreed. JT was awesome. I was surprised to see him gone after he hit for himself. I just assume that either JT said he was gassed, or they had him on a pitch count. Like I said, don’t know… maybe our Master of Ceremonies (DOB) will shed some light.

By john

April 16, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Regarding Sunday’s game. Why did Bobby bat Thomson in the bottom of the 6th then replace him in the top of the 7th (after only 74 pitches)? Bobby is losing it in his old age.

By J-dogg

April 16, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Jason,

I agree with you on sosa, he sucks and we wont be able to get anything for him now. I read somewhere that the braves might have a new owner by july. Do any of you think this will allow us to spend some money this year to help out the pen and the rotation?

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

Given that Sosa’s ERA is over 11, I doubt right now is the best time to try to get value for him. Why not give him a few starts, see what develops by June?

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

J-dogg,

I certainly hope so. They will either come in and try and improve the bottom line to make it an even more efficient operation or spend some money to endear themselves to the fans!

What do people living in the ATL area think about the local potential buyers…the Dickeys and the real-estate guy? Can’t remember the name off the top of my head. Blank? It appears these three options would be better than the Colorado option.

Man, I am still steaming. I wouldn’t want my blood pressure taken right now!

Jason

By Miles

April 16, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

unless Blank buys the team, I can only see the payroll decreasing in the near future.

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

MTATL,

I agree, we won’t get anything for him now…that’s why he should have been the one we were trying to trade before the season started. June…may not matter by then! Hope not, but it may not.

Jason

By journalist

April 16, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith’s baby seal finds more eggs than braves today. braves leading and jimmy smith goes outside - comes back and braves losing. bob, much important trivia today. jimmy smith challenges bob to fill in the blank -“if you can’t see your tread, _.” bob is old atlantan like jimmy smith except jimmy smith ugandan atlantan. remember miss georgia dairy, dutch oven bakery, charlie lebs’ restaurant, herren’s? lowe’s grand? jimmy smith not remember either. now baseball, braves should not play on easter if not going to win.

By Steve

April 16, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

I AM FURIOUS OVER THIS LOSS THAT WAS PATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SO ANGRY FROM THAT I CAN’T GET OVER IT MEANWHILE THE MUTS OPENED UP SHOP ON THE BREWERS AND BEAT THE HECK OUT OF EM. MUTS 9-2 ATL - PATTTTTHETIC!!!! MAN IM FURIOUS!

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine, can’t really argue, but wonder what we would’ve gotten even preseason for Sosa. Probably a prospect or 2; certainly not a bigtime closer or starter. No one that would be making a difference today. And we would have had to replace him the starting 5 with someone. Not sure who that would’ve been.

My problem with Sosa is that he showed up out of shape, and still is. That indicates a lack of professionalism, or dedication. And that IS a problem. We need to see some hard work from that young man.

By hk

April 16, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

… have been lurking this blog for a while now, very enjoyable … am an old guy myself (73) … lived in Boston, saw Ted Williams play in 1939, he’s always been my hero … started following the Braves with ‘Spahn and Sain and pray for rain’ … lived in Atlanta since’64, saw Cloninger go 13 … have a son that graduated from GaState, grandson a sophomore at Tech right now … went to Rice down in Houston myself ..

… I love watching the games, then reading all the analysis and moaning and groaning here, mirrors alot of my feelings …

… no, we’re drifting away from being a Republic, but I feel like the net, blogs in particular, could help turn things back around …

… Sosa vs martinez (groan) ..

By JasonInMaine

April 16, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

Agreed, he is out of shape and that seems to certainly be affecting him. But, there were teams that needed a starter pretty bad, and packaged with a couple prospects (of which we still have quite a few), who knows? Do you think it is out of the realm of possibility that we could have traded Sosa and a prospect (not Salty, Escobar, or Elvis) for a set-up guy who has the potential to be a closer…someone of the Chad Qualls/Scott Shields variety? Actually, Shields has a decreased role in Anaheim and isn’t overly happy. Just speculating. My point was that they should have (and maybe they were) trying to trade Sosa and not JT.

Jason

By eric the elder

April 16, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Things that were merely too bad: 1. Ray’s off day. 2. Langy’s error in judgment. 3. Orr leading off.

Thing that really caused us to lose: way, WAY too many runners left on base, especially in scoring position. Three runs are usually not going to get the job done. We really need to get Renteria and Chipper back into the lineup.

By TennesseePaul

April 16, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

What a bummer of a game. It’s hard, after watching that, not to think it was a case of Cox over managing. 74 Pitches and he’s out of the game. A one hit shut out game and you take him out. Maybe it’s because he didn’t get as much time in ST to prepare as the other starters, but so far he has been the most consistant starter. I was bummed this off-season when DOB kept saying Thomson would be traded. I was hoping and praying it would be Sosa. So glad Thomson is still here. When HoRam comes back, I have a feeling that Sosa will go to the pen and Thomson will stay in the rotation. Why move him back to the pen after these starts? Sosa, mean while, has shown the ability to only have one affective inning. Might as well get that one inning in relief instead of at the start of a game.
I still have faith in Ken Ray. One bad outing that he shouldn’t have been in to begin with. That should have been Thomson pitching. And those stinking Mets. They better enjoy it while it lasts. They aren’t going to win 130 games this season. Soon they will skid. Probably next month when they face some real competition and the Braves go up against the bottom dwellers.

By TennesseePaul

April 16, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Eric: That is so true. Renteria is the king of clutch hitting. With him in the line up we would have knocked in a few of those runners.

By MBATL

April 16, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

I think that’s all reasonable, JasonInMaine. I would’ve kept Thompson over Sosa early on, like you, but that didn’t seem to be the Braves’ position.

I think the Braves really thought that Devine was ready for the big time, as closer or at least setup man. The fact that he’s apparently not, has caused problems all down the line. And some other guys getting hurt … we’ve really taken a couple of hits in the ‘pen.

But, at the moment, with HoRam going down, I’m glad we have both JT and even Sosa.

By eric the elder

April 16, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

From the first day of spring training, I disagreed with just about everyone about our pitching. My concern all along has been with the starting rotation, not the pen. Of course, that was based on my belief that Boyer, McBride, and Devine would be huge. Boyer might be out for the year, Devine needs a ton of work, and McBride is only now getting close to coming back. Shows what I know.

By TheSouthernEasterJackRabbit

April 16, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

That Bobby Cox is a genius - take a pitcher out who is tossing a 1 hitter!….lololololol………..

By Marc Spoor

April 16, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Taking Thomson out, when he is pitching a 1 hit shutout, after throwing 74 pitches, is one of the worst managerial decisions I have ever seen. Who cares if he didn’t pitch that much in Spring Training, or that he had a sore elbow. The dude already had a start and he only was at 74 pitches. BC made a bone head move, cost us a game. Does Bobby think Thomson is made of prcelin, the guy isn’t gonna break. Now we are 4 games out facing the Mets, we could be 5-7 games out after that series. This thing could be over before it starts. I don’t care what excuse BC makes, one of the worst moves ever.

By Russell

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

If Cox had left Thomson in and he blew out his arm or blew it then what? It is early in the season, Thomson will be needed down the line, keep him healthy it is a 162 game season.

DOB ever listen to any Rock-a-billy bands?

By Bob

April 16, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Now you see Gordy, I told you that Jimmy Smith was sharp! One of the greatest performances of all time … Morgan Freeman as “Hoak” … made you think that he really was from Macon and worked for Avondale Dairies … I can see their trucks when I close my eyes. Yes, I do remember Miss Georgia Dairy, Dutch Oven bakery, and the Lowe’s Grand … who could forget?!

hk,

I always liked Bo Hagan when he was in Atlanta … Jimmy, hk is another of those 3 digit guys, … has to be if he went to Rice.

I saw Ted Williams play too, after the war … Terrible Ted had a temper worse than gene Mauch’s but man he could fly … that is; run, fish, or pilot a plane … and I’m told that could hit too. If you didn’t love to watch Ted play, manage and talk about hitting … and pitching; you didn’t love baseball!

Hope you’re right about the redirection …

This sudden, total, global acceptance of computers, after 50 years of fear by the general public, is a lot like … but even more amazing than … the Braves’ Streak.

hk, I obviously agree with you, but some folks don’t like this Blog … I’ve tried to explain to them that we talk in code and you have to be a member to ubderstand!

Today was a tough loss! Good guys aren’t supposed to lose on Easter! Dr. Louie Newton loved baseball, and that’s why he always brought Mr. Mann’s crew to church on “Cracker Day” at Durid Hills Baptist … and it worked … those Good Guys always always seemed to win on Easter!

I thought Thompson’s performance might have been better than the Smoltz - Jones spectacular … If we had only left him in the pen so that he could have releaved himself … we’d have won!

At least things are more back to normal … and we’ve done pretty well these last few days … solved Frenchy’s problems, straightened out both the starting pitching staff and a few misguided bloggers, nicknamed a fine young ballplayer … and recalled some great memories! All without one mention of a trade.

It probably time to get back to considering more difficult tasks … finding DOB a girl fiend, oops, and solving the bullpen’s problems!

By journalist

April 16, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

ajc classifieds! jimmy smith knows how to get a date for dob. classified advertising. dob should get employee discount. bob, now several 3-digit bloggers here. jimmy smith may revert to better sentence structure as taught by esteemed dr. langdale. blog neighborhood is changing fast. no bad language today. even sja has moderated - now southerneasterbunny. life is good. bullpen is not good. still many problems to address but starters looking better and hitting was going great. renteria is big key this year. need him back soon. mathis dairy and glass bottles rattling on porch before daylight. memories very similar.

By Marc Spoor

April 16, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

I take my comments back about Bobby Cox. I guess Thomson is a pansy. He had only thrown 74 pitches, had aone hitter going, and Cox asks if he feels great, and Thomson says not great but good. Tell your manager your great, and get back out there and get your shutout. The guy makes 4.5 million, earn your money.

By Tomahawkin

April 16, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Tough Loss again…Today What the F******* was bobby thinking Thompson had the pardes hitters baffled all day…

We’ll be lucky to salvage one of 3 to dat hot mutts team, and a miracle to take 2 of three, hope the later happeens

Our Offense needs Chipper and Renteria back (Pete Orr isn’t going to cut it in the leadoff spot)

Without them two Our weak a-s-s offense scares no-one

Oh yeah Bobby Move LaRoche Down please, Laroche needs to bat 7th and Betemit needs to be at the top

By Bob

April 16, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

The astute journalist had better not change his refreshing, informative style … might run into problems like John Smoltz.

Mathis … mama liked Mathis milk, so did her kids, but we got our churned butter and buttermilk from a Mr. Pound’s Farm … until progress and pasteurization costs put him out of business!

Life is very good! I’ve noticed those same welcomed changes in the neighborhood. I don’t think that it’s just the season either … it could be out of respect for the senior members of the group or due to the influence of DOB and Jimmy Smith’s leadership … probably a bit of all of these, plus the simple fact that we’ve got pretty good folks living here. Whatever the reasons, it’s refreshing and great!

It’s hard to imagine anyone joining a team and having a greater immediate impact on its performance than Edgar is having. His being in the lineup seems to be worth a couple of runs, even when he goes 0-4.

Dr. Floyd S. Harper, a brillant man, had the greatest impact on me at Ga. State … He taught me actuarial science but I remember his “God gave us intellegence but friends are man made” wisdom best!

Jimmy, thanks for the kind words … unwarranted but nice to hear.

By hk

April 16, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… am a good ways off from cracking the code, what with ‘pies’, ‘seals’, ‘toes’ and the like, but that’s part of the fun …

… can appreciate Bobby’s decision to pull Thomson today, think he is fragile like Chipper, things seem to break awful easy … stay away from trouble, like getting too tired … have to nurse these guys through the season somehow ..

… think the net provides (1) info you can trust if you know where and how to look (2) a way, via blogs plus email, of applying pressure to congressmen and the like on a timely basis ……. it is working as we speak …

… Smoltz really stepped up, 4 hit complete game shutout, guys look to him for leadership, believe what he did rubbed off on Thomson today … bet Hudson will be different next time out …

… Frenchy, who knows what he’ll do next !! … but he truly loves the game, and it shows … the guys see it …

hk

By Steve

April 16, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

It really IS as simple as this. Right now the Muts are doing OK I will give them that. We go into the 3 game series WITHOUT Chipper and Edgar. That is miserable that is like taking out Delgado and Wright out of the Muts lineup. Whatever no excuses but Pete Orr looked awful today. Awful. I can’t wait until Edgar and Chipper are healthy. Anyway, back to my point, it is as simple as this…Last year we lost the NLDS because of the bullpen issue. Reitsma is a B+ setup man who can’t close games and everything is perfect with ATL when healthy, starters through 1-8 in the lineup and all the Braves needed to do was get Trevor Hoffman and they didn’t. If Atlanta was healthy and Reitsma was a 7 or 8 inning guy and Trevor Hoffman was our closer. They would be the team to beat in MLB. Buuuuuuuuuuuut……….NO, we have the same problem as last year, no real bullpen, no real closer. Just a guy they forced into one. It is as simple as that. The trade for Renteria was genius the lack of signing Hoffman or even a Tom Gordon vital and costly. Hopefully JS wakes up and realizes before we have to win the division by only a couple games instead of 10+. Any arguments let me know because when I analyze this club it is flawless until you get to that bullpen. By the way for you Hudson doubters/haters….Starting Wednesday he will be on fire for a long time. The whole Sosa issue I don’t know what to make of it yet, it’s only been 2 starts. I have a solid feeling he will show up and keep the Muts to two runs or less tommorow, he really is too good to get rocked 3 starts in a row.. I know the whole weight issue or whatever but expect a 6 inning + 2 runs or less, quality start from Sosa tommorow night. He didn’t go 13-3 with a 2.50 last year from all luck (9-0 on the road). I wish we had Chipper and Edgar 2-3.. That really is a beautiful thing. We’ll see but I am keeping my head up and wearing my Francoeur jersey to Shea on Tuesday with pride.

By Adam

April 16, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Did yall see in the paper that Damien Moss is back in the organization.I think that he could be one of those guys like Davies last year to come up mid season and be a big boost to the rotation. He is a lefty and if he can get back to form is a better option than Horacio.

By Steve

April 16, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

I think Moss was just one of those guys Leo made good for a year, if you remember, I believe he went somethin like 12-6 with a 3 somethin ERA….then went to Baltimore did horribly and fell off the map. Jaret Wright, Kerry Lightenberg, John Rocker, Steve Karsay, Denny Neagle. But who knows… I am not worried about prospective things right now I am worried about a lineup that goes somethin like Giles, Edgar, Chipper, Andruw, LaRoche, Jeffrey, Langy, McCann….. and a good PROVEN VETERAN closer that has done it with GOOD teams.

By Tomahawkin

April 16, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Damn! U late, lol that news was hot in the middler of spring training

A better option than Horacio, maybe, But I’m not too optomistic about him without Mazzone. He was with those 3 different teams since 02. I think he really missed Leo…

By Jman

April 16, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Well just look at this way-things are back to normal! The starting pitchers are doing great, and the bullpen is killing us now! We wouldnt know what it’s like to be a complete team.

By Steve

April 16, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Jman, I agree but how sweet would it be to have this EXACT squad with a Trevor Hoffman or even like I said a Tom Gordon. Can dreams come true? It’s amazing to me that the smart ones of us on here know the exact problem but the GM can’t solve it and never has. Wohlers is the best closer to ever have a tomahawk across his chest (other than Smoltzie) but he is much more valuable at starter for postseason (IF HEALTHY)and Wohlers is probably—-I would say something about MAYBE in the top 75 best closers ever. Imagine if we had Mariano since 91….4 rings instead of 1….

By TennesseePaul

April 17, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

I like Hoffman, but he should have stayed in San Diego. I give Glavine sh!t for taking the money and running. I wouldn’t be able to cheer all out for a guy that came to the Braves under those pretenses. As for Gordon, sheesh I don’t know about him. He looked alright when we faced him but he isn’t a Lidge. I have a feeling he will crack a few times in Philly. Good closers are rare. Mariano has lasted and that isn’t common. Gange, Mr. Game Over, signed a 2 year 20 million deal and has been on the DL ever since. I agree with JS for not over spending on a closer, the market was terribly inflated for a guy who only matters if you make to the 9th with a lead. I do wish a trade would have occured. We have some depth in the minors and an extra, fat, hyped up, career year, starter (Sosa) we could have traded.

But the truth is, so far the closer situation hasn’t been the problem. Reitsma has blown one save. The problem is our starters have been terrible. Smoltz came around, and I knew he would, but the rest I’m still skeptical. I don’t trust Sosa. Hudson needs to do more than he has shown for a longer time. Davies is young. Though, I have more faith in Davies than Sosa. When Davies keeps the ball down he’s amazing. He just isn’t consistant yet with his location in the lower part of the zone. But that will come.

This team will win if Cox doesn’t over manage. He’s managing like he’s in the NLDS. Taking guys out too soon. Whoop, it’s the 5th inning, lets bring in the closer for a long save.

By Mark

April 17, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

face it , Cox blew this game , turning it over too an overworked bullpen. He still thinks he’s in spring training , way to blow a great start. Brian Jordan couldn’t pinch hit his way out of a paper sack. Did ya’ll see what a real closer looks like in Trevor hoffman ? Chipper and Renteria are hurt , Horacio is too. Cox lets Smoltz throw nine innings 103 pitches , takes Thomson out after six innings 78 pitch’s , what the f8#$%ing hell ??? The bullpen has been over worked and he’s worried that he might over work Thomson ?? Give me a break. Cox tanked this game , for a minute there I could have swore I saw pete rose , just kidding. Our third baseman and short stop are out , we are short a starter , the bullpen is over worked , reeksma is closing and now we have too play the RED HOT METS ??? I’m gonna go into hibernation untill july , this is too much bad baseball. Wheres my beer and weed , time too light up and get stone cold commode huging drunk …………. yeeeeaaaaa !

By Phillip

April 17, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

I think that the comments on here, during the past few days, show why all of us are wasting time blogging about the Braves instead of managing them. I guess Jeff is a good player again… until he has a few bad games, then everyone will say how they knew he wasn’t ready for the big leagues, he stinks, etc… Same goes for Hudson, Smoltz, and the rest of the bunch. You guys should work for ESPN.

By teoa

April 17, 2006 02:18 AM | Link to this

Can a Braves starter win more than 5 games this year with this bullpen? It might take more than 5 complete games to do it. Thomson is pitching as well as ever — should be 3-0 right now. Instead, the bullpen has three blown saves to show for his last three games. Despite the early problems, this Braves team can really hit from one through eight (maybe with the exception of LaDouche, who seems to be good for at least 2 K’s per), and the starting pitching should be solid. Unfortunately, the bullpen is the worst it has been in 15 years. Reitsma as a closer is a joke, and no one else has shown they can hold a lead in a close game…But the Braves could be world champions if baseball was a 6 inning game!

Any guesses how many times we have to sit through these predictable bullpen meltdowns before somebody thinks something should be done? Maybe someone could start a collection plate at the stadium for bullpen help or something…

By Bob

April 17, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this

jman, good to see some more of your comments. We share the same feelings and it seem like it’s been that way for years … even during the streak! I’ve got a sneaky hunch that this team might fool us and be the exception.

The bad start by the starting pitchers might have been a blessing in disguise; giving the team an early chance to prove to themselves that they could overcome adversity … as a team. Even Chipper’s injury allowed Wilson’s contributions to the team to better appreciated by Bobby and a broader audience … can’t see any good in Edgar’s injury though … he’s even exceeded my lofty expectations.

I’m not one of Steve’s “smart ones” that knows the exact problem but I do know that Bobby is a 4 digit man when it comes to getting the most out of his players … Most of them would follow him into the Valley of Death … not 600 but a bunch … that, great team defense and “10th man” fan support may just do the trick.

When JT’s great Easter performance was wasted, I blamed it on Edgar … if he’d only been in there, we’d have found a way to win!

I then blamed Roswell Ray … how dare that kid ruin my Easter Sunday! How very easy it was to forget his recent, lights out performances. Maybe it’s my rose colored glasses, but I actually think that the entire relief staff is to be lauded for its effort, including those of Mr. Reitsma who derserves a pie for having his efforts evaluated before he even takes the mound.

That’s not to say that Ramirez and Sosa aren’t concerns.

It’s also easy to forget that the best of teams lose about 35% of the time, and in terms of getting base hits, the only player to fail less than 60% of the time during the last 65 seasons was the best pure hitter of all time. I’d hate to have those odds staring me in the face!

If we do make changes to the pitching staff, hopefully it can be done from within where we know the most about what we’re getting; especially with regard to team chemistry.

Certainly, some of the proven “Names” being suggested might bring that elusive “completeness” but, Betemit, Langerhans, and McCann are exactly household names either … and they’re doing just fine!

Hall of Fame member Phil Nekro is available “Name” and was the best reliever that I can remember … but too many passed balls turned him into a starter!

Oh if butter could fly and barns could dance … but be patient, stranger thinges have happened!

By Bob

April 17, 2006 04:15 AM | Link to this

I’m not really long winded … just have trouble expressing myself!

It’s probably obvious that I meant to say that “Davies, Betemit, Langerhans, and McCann aren’t …” except for my omission of Davies.

Right now, the bullpen is certainly seeing a lot of action …

Tennessee Paul, as always, there’s a lot of truth in what you say … or, at least I agree with a lot of what you say … and that’s dangerous.

I don’t think that any of us work for ESPN but I have it on good authority that they do get their best ideas from us.

By eric the elder

April 17, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

Mark, lots of abuse on Jordan and lots of high praise for Trevor Hoffman. I don’t necessarily disagree with you, but it’s worth noting that Jordan got a clutch hit off Hoffman in the 9th inning of Sunday’s game. If Francoeur had come through with a tying or winning hit instead of whiffing, we would be praising Jordan and scoffing at Hoffman. That’s baseball.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 17, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith welcomes hk to this blog. jimmy smith was pressed into service when reigning journalist was in need of backup services from another professional journalist. jimmy smith now explains to hk about toes. toes make athlete. tonight, toes will come into play. pedro martinez has well-known big toe injury. pedro wears special shoes (not seal-skin) to align toes perfectly and avoid overlap. each toe in its place. with good toes, martinez is tough. just one toe issue though, and martinez emminently hittable. tonight bobby dews switches shoes on mets star. watch for results during game. now, seals, journalist was forced to cover seal hunt in canada and was injured by big seal. baby seal takes to jimmy smith and journalist adopts. baby seal had rough night with too much easter egg candy. may go on dl. lastly, pie. jimmy smith is not right one to discuss pie though jimmy smith favors native dish wild-chicken pot pie cooked in canteen cup making liberal use of shea butter. that should explain blog to hk. occasional baseball talk with dob when he shows up. lovesick at this time.

By Ron Roberts

April 17, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Cox didnt’ “blow” this game. He turned it over to a bullpen that, for the most part, was FAR more reliable this season than the rotation had been. Please also keep in mind that Thomson was out of gas. He’d not gotten the full spring training to pitch injury-free to enable a longer performance.

Don’t ya think a veteran like Thomson would’ve had the pull to convince Cox otherwise, if he had it in him to stay in the game?

Face it. ‘Roswell Ray’ was bound to have a dose of reality, and it just happened to come on the heels of a brilliant performance by a Braves’ starter. As soon as Brother Giles looped the changeup over the right field fence I knew where this outing was headed, and maybe at that point it would’ve been nice to have seen McDowell out there talking to Ray to discuess what went wrong and try to correct it. But I’m not sure anybody else was ready in the ‘pen to make any changes until Cox finally did so.

I think taking 2 out of 3 against anybody without Chipper and Edgar in our lineup is a positive. I hate having to face the Mets w/out ‘em, though, ‘cause if they take 2 of 3 or sweep us, the Mutt-fans will razz Braves fans about it, forgetting, of course, the ten consecutive years they’ve stared at our rears. and of course, overlooking that we’re bringing in a team beleagured by injuries already.

It’s certainly time for our rotation to step up and account for themselves. Davies and Sosa have to step up and be big boys (apologies to lard-@ss Sosa for the “big” reference) and Hudson needs get his high-paid act together. The rest would fall into place in the Big Apple. We have enough offensive tools to compete, if our pitching shows up and keeps us in the games.

By Carroll

April 17, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Tonight, we beat Pedro’s toe.

By Carroll

April 17, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Seriously though…when was the last time we went into a regular season game expecting to lose? Even when we knew it would be tough, we always kinda expected to win. Now our only hope is a sore toe.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 17, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

ron roberts has interesting point. why does mcdowell not go to mound and settle down young pitchers before damage is done? maybe just kick dirt on toes. something. slow pace of game. give pitcher time to gather wits. give pitcher something to think about. when chipper goes to mound (infrequent) it is often to uh, point out young lady in stands. even this may be helpful to pitcher who is getting shelled - or throwing behind batter’s back. there is much wisdom in timing visits to the mound. manager bobby cox has much wisdom in timing ejections. seems to fire up ballclub. carroll is right about going into game expecting to lose - not enough pitching maybe and not enough bats for sure if missing 2 and 3 hitters. renteria is big part of this team.

By Jason

April 17, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

I miss Rafael Ramirez and Bruce Benedict.

By geauxbraves2000

April 17, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox you’d think should know by now the pattern: If a bullpen pitcher comes in and immediately gets hit hard, it’s not his day and time to try someone else. I’ve not recently seen a bullpen pitcher get into the game, get hit hard and wiggle his way out of it. Reitsma included. They are either really good or really bad, no inbetween.

Also, I’ve not read every post here, but I hope no one blames Langerhans, his play should’ve only netted the 1st run of the game for the Padres not the go ahead run if the pen could actually hold a lead.

By Ron Roberts

April 17, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

I can’t speak for the others, but I’ll never criticize a player for going for a play like Langerhans did. He woulda shoulda coulda had it, and I dare say, give the guy ten shots at it, and he catches that ball 6-7 times. It was worth a shot. I hope he feels the same way after-the-fact, too.

By Penn

April 17, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Ron, you are right about Langerhans. No strain, no gain. Andruw does it all the time and wins gold gloves. I hope Langerhans keeps it up. It’s the way to play the game.

How many times do you see a Braves hit solt liner dropping into center field and say to yourself, “Andruw would have been all over that one?”

Langerhans has been making similar plays. I hope he doesn’t change.

By Tomahawkin

April 17, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I can’t remember that feeling either, Especially against the mutts, I used to love shattering their dreams omly to hear boos from the Mutts fans on TV. This year especially without our notorious Mutt Killa (Chipper) we’ll be lucky to get 1 game out of 3

BTW Without Chipper and Renteria our weak a-s-s lineup scares no one

Bobby Please move LaRoche to 7th in the order, and move Betemit up to the top…His lineup cards kill me…

By Tomahawkin

April 17, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, Without Chipper, and With LaRoche behind him expect the Mutt pitchers to pitch around Andruw all series, Mr Randolph is not going to let A. Jones beat them at the plate…so we’re gonna need some protection

Dizam, I feel like the braves can’t even compete, I hope they make a fool out of me…

By Bill

April 17, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, what’s the latest on Kelly Johnson’s health?

By Jman

April 17, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Let’s just stick a fork in the Braves 2 weeks into the season.

By brandon

April 17, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

i think i jinxed roachy with that “sweetest strike out in baseball” joke during the spring. god lord is he whiffing.

By Steve

April 17, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Everybody calm down, The Braves are taking 2 of 3 with or without Chipper and don’t be surprised if 1 of those is tonite. Although nobody here does I have faith in Sosa and he will show up to play. Yeh we are missing Chip and Edgar but ATL has too much heart. I think tonite is 50/50….Tommorow Davies will handle Zambrano—-who is terrible and Hudson will show us why he’s making that money and we will rock Glavine as usual. 2 out of 3 with or without Chipper. C’mon guys this is our team don’t give up on them 13 games in even with the injuries. ITS THE MUTS!!! They will always be the MUTS we own them and Glavine and Zambrano hahaha watch ATL put up a 6 spot on him and Davies will bear down. ONE MORE TIME SOSA WILL SHOW UP TONITE AND PITCH A QUALITY START!!!!!

By TennesseePaul

April 17, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

It is sketchy heading into the depths of hell without Renteria or Chipper in the lineup. Those two alone would almost asure us of a win. Almost because Sosa is starting. Man I hope that clown gets his act together. I think Davies will do better than Sosa. Of course Davies is going up against Zambrano. As long as we wait for strikes from Zambrano, we’ll win. We’ll probably never get out of the top of the first if we’re patient enough.

I like Orr. That guy is so freaking fast. Even when he was grounding out all over the infield, the plays were close. It’s amazing how quick he is. But, having said that, I wouldn’t put him at the top of the line up. I love Langerhans in the 3 hole while Chipper is out. That’s a good move. I think the line up should be something like this:
1. Giles
2. Betemit
3. Langerhans
4. Andruw
5. Francoeur
6. McCann
7. Orr
8. LaRoche

LaRoche should probably be in the 7 hole, but Cox loves that Lefty, Righty, Lefty mix to prevent managers from cruising through our line-up on minimal pitching changes. I agree, in theory it makes sense. When all is healthy it’s R, R, S, R, L, R, L, L/R. That’s makes for a lot of pitching changes. But LaRoche is just fanning the stands up there. If he’d hit more consitantly it’d be a really tough lineup to manage against.

By MGL

April 17, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Have to agree with Tennessee Paul on the line-up!! While Orr is fast, he is in a big slump right now as far as getting on. Giles needs to return to his form of the first week and just get on base. WillyB needs to hit a good clutch second for Edgar. Then we’ll be fine.

journalist jimmy smith - how is pedro’s toe? please send moma seal up to take a bite.

By eric the elder

April 17, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, you took the words right out of my keyboard. I hated that Sunday lineup the moment it was posted. Nothing against Orr, per se, although I’ve never been all that impressed with what he can contribute except running. If Giles is our leadoff guy this season, then leave him there. It probably took some adjustments on his part to step into that role, and sliding him out of it, even temporarily, could mess with his mind. I absolutely agree with you about Betermit in the 2-hole until we get Edgar back.

Orr’s bat seems very slow and everything goes to the left side. I wish he would consider dropping a bunt now and then. As for LaRoche, he has a “sweet” swing, but it’s always the same swing. A long, sweeping swing will never ever make contact with a down and in slider. It seems like he is successful only if the pitch just happens to be where he swings.

By Steve

April 17, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul you are on point my freind….Petey Orr looked horribl yesterday but he puts the ball in play and hustles and gives it %110. Although it is not normal to put a .270 25 homer 80 RBI in the 8 hole with the current injury situation I think having him 8th isnt too bad. Good thinking but Petey O leading off is disastarous and buts a bad vibe in the air starting games, when you can have Giles leading off with a shot in the gap. Good thinkin TP….. Like I said Sosa will be good tonite. I don’t think Pedro will dominate and like I said with Sosa’s quality start (which I guarantee) we have a 50% chance to win this one and the next two games a 75% chance. You think Glavine is going to start the season 3-0 with a 1.00 era??? HAAAA Hell no this isn’t 91 or 98….And we OWN Tommy and he knows it. 2 out of 3 regardless ATL will take and if Sosa wins tonite I’d say 3/3 with no Chip or Edgar……Keep your heads up and have faith in these guys, they are all true competitors, otherwise Bobby wouldn’t give them the time of day. I’m lovin Wilson. Huddy will go 8 and give up 2 earned runs or less against Tommy—-our OLD friend from the past.

By hk

April 17, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

… thank you Jimmy, much appreciated … a little overwhelming, all that info at one time, after having speculated for so long .. mine is hot cherry pie with vanilla ice cream on the side …

… reflecting on Sosa, think his spring got really messed up, not getting to pitch hardly at all … with one team for a few weeks, then back to the Braves … spring training is largely about guys getting comfortable with each other, particularly the pitchers … but the biggest thing is the Leo-to-McDowell transition … feel like the relationship between a pitching coach and pitchers takes time to develop, maybe as much as a season … here you have a big change in coaching styles, which makes it even harder … then there’s the ‘it’s tough to follow Bear Bryant’ syndrome … but mostly, when Sosa came to the Braves last year, he had his pitching teammates to ‘explain’ Leo to him, to reinforce what Leo was saying … with Roger, nobody knows him, his first time in the big leagues as a coach, so nobody can explain Roger to Sosa, help him get comfortable …

… well, Jimmy, I’m excited about tonight, rooting for underdog Sosa, will really be on my ‘toes’ (ahem) ….

hk

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 17, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

Why don’t your loser Braves go with the following lineup: 1. Moe 2. Larry 3. Curly 4. Shemp 5. Forrest Gump 6. Karl Childers 7. Doyle Hargraves 8. The Tin Man 9. The Cowardly Lion

Thoughts???…..

By Steve

April 17, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

You’re an idiot are my thoughts, you’re what they call a “hater” which is one of the most pathetic titles to hold in this society. Go get drunk and crash your 89 Chevy Pickup Southern Jack A* ..Atleast you know you’re an idiot.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 17, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Steve, my boy, hope you realize what you just bit off…..you inbred chicken f*cker!!!…GO METS!!!…

By Penn

April 17, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

I betcha your mamas would be oh so proud of you filthy, foul mouthed children. Go wash your keyboard with lye soap.

By Steve

April 17, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Inbred? Dude im from NYC, I just hate the Muts. You know the team who hasnt won a WS in 20 years…..No playoffs in 5…..Hmmmm….By the way Penn if calling someone a JackAss is oh so bad maybe you should go to the G rated room. Your either 87 or 7, not sure can’t tell you give no baseball input, just comment on my G rated “bad mouthing”.

Sosa will get the W tonite….

By Eric C.

April 17, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

I hate to sound so pessimistic here, but with the exception of Smoltz, this pitching staff is hanging by a thread from total implosion. Sosa and Davies were flashes in the pan and Hudson doesn’t have the ace quality stuff anymore. Thompson is solid but he is injury-prone. The bullpen is erratic at best…Remlinger was great in his day but how much help will he provide? Let’s face it, a total overhaul is needed because this staff isn’t going to make it to the post season…much less make any noise in the playoffs. We’re just looking at another disappointing season…what has this team got to make us believe otherwise? I say 84 wins tops this year.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 17, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Mr. Steve, you address me as “Sir” from here on out, none of that ‘dude’ s** here - and an inbred from NYC is worse yet. Penn, your Mama sure might be proud of you if you didn’t like boys - go wash your mouth out with Listerine - it “Kills the sperms that cause bad breath”!!!…