AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSplit-squad day at Shea
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to lovely Shea Stadium, folks, where Tom Glavine and the Mets will be facing the Braves in a split-squad game this afternoon.
But seriously, take a look at this Bravos lineup, which has been further diminished by Marcus Giles’ finger injury sustained last night and to be evaluated after an MRI Thursday in Atlanta.
Oh, and before I forget, blog nation probably won’t be shocked to hear that Jorge “2005 Was A Very Good Year” Sosa is getting skipped in his next rotation turn, or rather pushed back. Kyle Davies will go on four days’ rest Sunday, while Sosa won’t pitch again until 25th on seven days’ rest.
Now, back to the lineup. Feast your eyes:
2B Pete Orr
SS Wilson Betemit
LF Matt Diaz
CF Andruw Jones
RF Jeff Francoeur
1B Brian Jordan
C Todd Pratt
SS Tony Pena
RHP Tim Hudson
Have fun, Huddy. And, uh, you might want to limit them to one or no runs.
Giles’ finger was sore and swollen today, and he’s headed back to Atlanta tonight for MRI tomorrow. Could be ligament or even a break, though X-rays at ballpark were negative. Initial X-rays don’t always catch everything, and ligament stuff usually needs MRI anyway.
That’s three-quarters of infield and the team’s 1-2-3 hitters down in a span of eight days.
LaRoche was scratched from lineup today because the Braves have placed him in bubblewrap in order to prevent the rare complete infield injury sweep.
But seriously, no, Bobby wanted to give Jordan some at-bats. LaRoche understood, but wished he’d do it against a pitcher other than Tom Glavine. LaRoche wants at-bats against lefties, and happens to be 3-for-4 with a homer off Glavine, whom he called a “comfortable at-bat.”
As for Giles’ status, the DL is a distinct possibility, but won’t know more until tomorrow. Yunel Escobar or Martin Prado most-likely callup options if Giles or Renteria goes on DL. Braves will decide on off day Thursday what they need to do.
Chipper Jones hit left-handed in cage today wearing bulky brace on sprained right knee and felt good. He’s going to be ready for second game in Milwauke, first day he’s eligible to come off DL.
Edgar Renteria is doing little better each day, no definite return date yet. Still a DL possibility, but Giles is more of one now, it appears.
Other than, the Braves are doing just fine…
Oh, and considering the lineup and the fact that Hudson’s ERA is more than six times higher than Glavine’s 1.50, it’ll probably go the exact opposite of what all logic says should happen today. We’ll see.
Mets also have a skeleton crew of sorts, because of injuries to Cliff Floyd, Carlos Beltran and Anderson Hernandez. But they’ve still got Jose Reyes leading off and four guys hitting well above .300 in the next four positions — Chris Woodward, Braves-kiiller Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Xavier Nady, who has a .396 average entering today and has three homers and five RBis in his past six games.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Matthew
April 19, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Tim Hudson is starting off well-three Ks through two innings. Now if we can just get a few runs for him.
just a note: the Braves starters (minus Sosa) have thrown exceptionally well lately. Smoltz: CG 4 hit SO, Thomson: 6 innings: 1 hit, no runs, Davies: CG, four hits, one run. If my math is right, that gives those three starters 24 innings with one run allowed! Not bad!
By Matthew
April 19, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
by the way, thanks DOB for making an Arkie Braves fan to visit with fellow Tomahawk choppers-great blog!
By Matthew
April 19, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
should say, “making a way for an Arkie Braves to visit” sorry
By journalist jimmy smith
April 19, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
bobby’s playing only two regulars and one of them is hitting .197. journalist was told earlier the braves know how to hit glavine, but none of the ones who know how seem to be in the lineup. diaz certainly doesn’t know how. did tp say anything to him after that at-bat?
journalist asks bloggers: with chipper out, renteria out, giles out, who comes up? where will bobby play everyone?
By Nicholas Irwin
April 19, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
This may actually be the worst Braves lineup in history. I mean ever. And yes, I’m aware that we were beyond terrible in the late 80s.
By deepinmetterritory
April 19, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
You can say I jinxed it, but I’d love a no no. I’m at work…here in New York surrounded by mets fan, and what a sweet thing it would be for huddy to give us the first one we’ve had in a while after that awful start.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 19, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
exclusive from jimmy smith - journalist offers bobby cox cheetos from journalist’s bag (will never, never do that again!) and asks manager about today’s lineup. skipper replies, “bobby dews usually makes out the lineup card but no one has seen him since monday, i just put jordan in there and surrounded him with love.” journalist is uncovering much bigger story … bobby dews is brains of team. more later.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Huddy is dealing! but so is Glavine against this terrible line up.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Have the Braves ever had a Perfect game?
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
“Pete Orr. At least he tries.”
(Paid for by the Committee to Elect Pete Orr for Richmond Hill, Ontario Dog Catcher.)
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
DANGIT!!! I JINXED IT!!!
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Someone jinxed it. Who was it? Was it Joe? Was it Chip? Was it me? Was it some of you?
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
And why do we have to live through Jordan’s experiment at first base? Because Bobby Cox is strange.
By glennbo
April 19, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
jordan is such a good backup 1stbaseman. bobby needs psyche eval.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
That guy’s slow. Good throw, Diaz.
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
LaRoche would have made that.
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU DIAZ!!!!
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
JORDAN IS SUCH A PIECE OF GARBAGE! HE SUCKS. HE BLOWS. WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY. SOMEONE PLEASE SHOOT ME!
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Well Hudson has a one hit shut-out… better warm up the pen.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
Andruw. That’s all I gotta say.
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
YEAH!!!!!!!!! Way to go Andruw!
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Yep. End of the road for Huddy, time to put in this weeks reclaimation project.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
As you can see from my comments, I prefer minimalist play-by-play.
By BO
April 19, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
PENA can pick’em (2) great plays. Thanks a. Jones…
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
First hit was off his shoe laces. Impressive.
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Side bet BC puls Huddy?
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
I take that back… Gameday is letting me down.
By Matthew
April 19, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Man I am stoked! Huddy is lights out, Andruw is THE MVP, and the Bad News Bears patchwork infield is holding up admirably. Three complete games in four games? Man, that would be great.
Go Bravos!
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
Nice Willy B!! Nice!
By RW
April 19, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Where are all the people who wanted to trade Andruw? This guy has hit his stride and is still the best CF to ever play the game.
RW…
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Huddy obviously heard me when I suggested he give up one or no runs.
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
Huddy looks SICK! If BC pulls him I will pull a Jeff Gillooly.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB. If these guys would take your advice more often, they’d have Hank and the Lips on their iPods and be twirling shutouts left and right.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Yes DOB he must have heard you. I kind of figured he was due for a good start and Glavine was due for a bad one, but Glavine still had a great start, Huddy’s was just better.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Say it aint so!?!?! Reitsma!? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Let’s do this Hudson!
By george
April 19, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Did Leo return to Atlanta??? Oh, you mean the Braves starters don’t really miss him. All that talk by the whiners a few days ago about the demise of the Braves starters because Leo was gone. Where are they now ??? Seems like all but Sosa don’t miss Leo at all, and I’m not sure Leo could do anything with him right now.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Hudson’s thrown 81 pitches. Boy, it sure is a lot better when you’re throwing 81 in eight innings instead of in four.
By Chambers
April 19, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
HEY METS FANS…YOU ARE PATHETIC!!! What a joke. Your orgainization, your fans, your expectations…all one big stinky joke. HAHAHA…see you Tommy Boy. This thing was never in doubt. Another championship is in the bag. I am going out tonight to celebrate. Because at the end of the day, these are the Mets. They never win anything…because they are the Mets. What did you expect? They’ll finish third again and go spend more money and still suck. Go sit on your collective thumbs, New York. And congrats on the hot start against the freaking Expos, (yes they’ll always be the expos) twice, the Marlins and the Brewers. Man, I really thought you guys were going to win them all this year. I am sorry for the rant, but I am sick of this FOUR LETTERED NETWORK trumped up fairy tale about a NL East race. Has anyone been paying attention the last 14 freaking years? This is no race. These are the Mets. In baseball, its a bunch of high salary, gaurenteed contracts that will quit by July. The younger we get, the better we get. Heck, these clowns couldnt even play with our B Team today. And so what if we bow out in the first round? Better than being a Mets fan. Or how bout the shame of being a Phils fan? Could you imagine that? So here’s to us Braves fans. Enjoy being the olny orgainization this side of Mexico who can pop the cork in May.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
How about all the talk about how Huddy was in decline, and that he wasnt the same pitcher that he was with Oakland? Where have all of those talkers gone?
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Well…we have quite a predicament.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Yikes. That was close. Hudson got lucky.
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
What was that!?!?! Was that amazing? Gameday doesn’t tell me.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Come on, Hudson. Keep the ball down.
By PEEWEE
April 19, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
YEAH!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!
I love taking these meaningless games! This was so freaking huge. We came into their house. hung with them against their best pitchers. And shut. them. down. I love it!
GO BRAVES!
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Good job, Hudson. He got Wright to ground out after Delgado just missed a homer in the previous at-bat.
By ernesto
April 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
HUGE! If we get that Hudson and the Davies we saw last night all year long, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun to be a Braves fan. I love beating the Mets! (And with our bench players too.)
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
1 hour and 58 minutes today. That’s old-school NL baseball, folks.
By Carolina Lady
April 19, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
Wow. Smoltzie. Davies. Hudson. Francouer is out of the Twilight Zone. Andruw is loving life without Chipper. Everyone seems to have stepped up their ‘game’. Can I breath now?? :-)
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
wheres that cat that said these games mean nothing? i have noticed a trend though. the more runs our pitchers give up, the more runs our offense scores and vice versa. When it comes time to hit in 1-2 run games, we need to produce. We did have our B squad in there today, but that was mainly because Jordan was in the line up.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
So what’s the headline in NY tomorrow?
Braves still own Mets?
Who’s your Daddy, Mets??
If Andruw Jones had hit the ball 5 more feet on Monday night off of Pedro the game would have been tied, and this could have possibly been a sweep?
We take 2 out of 3 from the NEW Kings of the NL East at their Home ballpark WITHOUT perenniel Met killers Chipper Jones, and Edgar Renteria. Go Braves!
Too bad we still have to play them 15 more times. Braves will win the division but this is still gonna be a dog fight of a division race. It wont be easy.
By MEB
April 19, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Man I love baseball and it’s only April. Great game Huddy and lets keep the momentum going against the Nats. Andruw is on track for MVP and he needs to keep it up as Pujols is a beast.
By Mark
April 19, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
DOB , you were saying one or two runs ? Eat crow dude. We have a pitching staff , we have a pitching staff , lol. Yes , we have had a pitching staff since day one of spring training , it just took a while to get them in a groove. DEFENSE < DEFENSE < DEFENSE and one long ball by Andruw was the diference in this game , o yea and a hell of a pitching performance by Tim Hudson. Hats off to Tom Glavine he pitched well enough to win most games. Smoltz , Hudson , Davies and Thomson are set and the fifth spot is still up for grabs. Now , if we can just get healthy. Nice win guys , way too go….. Bravos !!!!
By geauxbraves2000
April 19, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Wow.
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Jman,
Good topic: Tomorrow’s Headlines:
Not so Brave? Braves still Kings Who were we kidding? Wright was Wrong! Pontiac names new car after Hudson! No Chipper, No Problem, Wright? Wrong! We shouldn’t have openned our mouths!
By Jman
April 19, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
How long will this Brian Jordan crap go on before someone wakes up and realizes he’s old and cant cut it anymore?
By Jamie
April 19, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
I would like to see the Mets fans excuses for losing this one. I mean c’mon look at the lineup we threw at them today. Excellent job!!
By rob
April 19, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
I love this team. We came in with a weak lineup and got it done.
Shut up Mets! Shut up ESPN! You go Braves! Keep on owning everyone!
By rob
April 19, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
I’m so happy! I just finished law school finals and the Braves put their foot back down on the Mets’ throat! How happy can I beany happier than today?
By rob
April 19, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
or drunker lol
By Ron Roberts
April 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
C’mon, SJA, give us one of your “**GO METS!!!” digs, for ol’ times sake!
By Cincybravefan
April 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a great win, but reading these blogs is almost as fun. You guys are seriously happy. Thanks for the double lift.
By jon
April 19, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
awesome call DOB, awesome game huddy. i vote that we put DOB in a protective bubble wrap . what happens if the beat writer goes on the DL? seriously, it seems to be spreading!
By Ron Roberts
April 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe now we can go fatten up on the Nats and deal with the MUTTS on our own turf later this month.
But dammit, you Atlanta-area-based Braves fans better BE there for that series. I’m too far out to get to the Ted for every meaningful series, but it’s just freaking sickening to see Mets’ and Cubs’ and (insert playoff opponent here) fans negate the home crowd with their cheering sections. I find it hard to believe there aren’t 50,000 Braves fans who can make it to these games within a short drive of the stadium. PACK THE PARK AND ROCK THE CHOP when the Mutts come-a-calling.
By Jman
April 19, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
I live 100 miles out, but I am trying to get some good seats for that series.
By Choppin Bob
April 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Jman if I could go I would probably be drunk by the 2nd inning and the seat quality wouldn’t matter. It would also help me tink every pitch was a strike!
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
I live 3500 miles out but I still make it to the big series. It’s the frikin Braves! All I need is a job in Atlanta that can afford me season tickets. Keeping my fingers crossed… bound to find it sooner or later.
By Robert
April 19, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
SMACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is the sound of A. Jones hitting a hommer off of Tommy boy and the sound of the Mets and NY being slapped back into reality.
Got to love it.
By doc
April 19, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
the season is long but it is great to know that the world has returned to normal if even for a day.
guess andruw can stay a few more games. has anyone heard what his risp is yet? does anyone really care, finally?
By Andy
April 19, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
I know just about everyone knows this—I am just repeating it for my own enjoyment—like watching sportscenter to watch the highlights agian kind of thing—-but (forgetting about Sosa for the moment) last 4 starters(besides sosa) 3 complete games and a 1 hitter through 6. That will do —to say the least. We have been in almost all the losses we have had this year—we have lost all of our games by 1 or 2 runs(except one game I think)—-I think the starters are angry—esp thompson—they want to make a statement—our whole infield is hurt—the reserves want to make an impression—chipper and renteria will be back soon—-giles I think will be longer than everyone thinks. Of the next six games we have with the mets—if we can dominate them the NY media will get in their heads so much(as they always do) telling them they are the same ole mets—I would just love that.
By Bob
April 19, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
DOB, the new AJC Blog format is confusing!
This is disturbing … Bring Leo back … unless Roger does something about the starting pitching … another 3 hitter; some of you guys are right, Hudson has lost it; why he’s no better than that “Rookie” that pitched last night!
At least they improved on the Smoltz 4 hit job … hopefully, it’s just that he’s older and it may take him a little longer to get in a grove.
This is the second game in a row with only one error … that’s good, but we can’t afford to do that with subs like Diaz in the game; remember, young teams always have trouble responding to pressure, especially this one.
One of Bobby’s biggest worries has to be with the relievers, nothing’s worse than than a rusty pen.
With all the injuries to the infield, everybody’s forgetting the outfield … Andruw only hit one homerun today and that was with nobody on. I’m worried about his health and conditioning, it may not not be excessive fat, but just tired from carrying all that excessive weight.
Finally, would somebody get Sosa an English-Spanish dictionary and tell hem for me … “You didn’t have to be nice to Carlos Delgado just becasue Bobby said he owns you … I promise that he’s not going to be the new team owner!
Jimmy Smith’s doesn’t understand what it is to plagiarize … but I do: “Oh man, what a game!”.
Jimmy, Penn, In case you’re interested and didn’t see them, I sent responses to your earlier posts to the previous Blog … that is, if you’re able to access them under what appears to be a new format.
Jimmy, once you prompt me, I recall all … but, I recall nothing about one of them … can you guess which one?
Penn’s recall is fantastic. far better than mine … my ole grey cells, they ain’t what they used to be … bet he knows.
I don’t know your tastes in music … but truth is truth and good music is good music … but none is better than the first song I ever learned … “Jesus loves me” … an Oldie but Goodie.
And no one but me will rembember or care but you’d have liked Bass Singer “Big Jim Waites” (my “country” Brown of all day singings) … regardless of your taste in music!!
later …
By tim
April 19, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
All I can say is what a fantastic job Hudson did today with some exceptional play by the newcomers. By the way, no other team in the National League has a complete game, and the Braves have 3! Go Braves!!
By Miles
April 19, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
with the exception of Sosa, looks like the rotation is back in form. Last start for each SP Thomson 6IP 1H 0ER 0BB 6K (leads league in ERA)
Smoltz 9IP 4H 0ER 2BB 4K
Davies 9IP 3H 1ER 1BB 6K
Hudson 9IP 3H 1ER 1BB 6K
Bullpen ranks 6th in the league in ERA if you take out Devine’s two horrible appearances.
So does anyone else still think that McDowell should be fired?
By Jman
April 19, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
I still cant believe we beat them with that skeleton crew of an offense we had out there today. Too bad it isnt September. One of my favorite games I ever attended was back in 1999 between the Braves and Mets. Late September Day game, Seats right behind Mets dugout. 3rd game of a 3 game set, Braves going for sweep. Chipper hit 2 HR’s that day. I’ll never forget Bobby Valentine coming to the top step of the dugout and looking into the stands as the fans were rabidly yelling sweep, sweep, sweep, and waving the brooms. Man was that a great day! I think I’ll get the chance to repeat that this year. Too bad Bobby V is no longer the manager. He was so much fun to rag on.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 19, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith is inspired by braves lineup today.
journalist takxs lxttxr off kxyboard to sxx what it is likx to play without bxst linxup. journalist fortunatx to havx “x” to work with instxad of brian jordan.
hint, bob: west peachtree - close to crawford long. many posts lost on blog this afternoon. high blog activity with extreme game excitement. has anyone seen bobby dews? did julio franco scare anyone today? he used to get that hit for the braves. journalist is now off to get cheese sandwich -not bad with pickle spear and chips. journalist goes crazy after victory, will order bacon on cheese sandwich.
By MGL
April 19, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
Well, the “would be” 2006 Division Champoin Mets team should have something to think about after the Braves showing this series. I guess maybe that strong opening against the Nats and Fish might not have been the best indicator of the 2006 season. It will be interesting to see how they are doing when they get to Atlanta on the 28th after 7 games on the coast. Plus they have a nice 6 hour plane ride tonight and a late game tomorrow in SD - Trachsel vs Peavy
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
Mets are the fastest team in history to gain a 5 game lead over the next team.
I guess now they are the fastest in history to lose one as well. See ya in a week Mets. Let us know how it is to play some real competition.
By geechee
April 19, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
This series has shown that Braves’ fans should just sit back and enjoy the season. Let Bobby run the team as he sees best. As far as the talk about Jordan,I agree he is not what he used to be but sometimes there is more to a player than his work on the field. Brian Jordan is admired by his fellow players and provides much needed leadership to a very young team which many in here do not take the time to consider.
By Ace
April 19, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Now that the team is getting into its groove…. can we start talking about smoothing out the rough edges by ditching Jordan and Orr for Jurries and Pena?
By dannycardwell
April 19, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
im going to have to get some steel toe boots. all these people jumping on and off the bandwagon are killing my feet. somebody tell sosa what happened to andruw jones when he started coming into camp in shape. im glad i already have my tickets for the mets. looks like its going to be crowded. give pete orr time. its hard to hit for average when you only seldom play.he, pena, and betemet make a good trio. i would leave chipper on the bench until he is completely healed. i can imagine the mets got the wind took out of their sails today. as long as the boys on espn keep picking them or the phillies ahead of us were ok.
By woogidyboogidy
April 19, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Hey dob, When’s huddy gonna start again? I live in chi-town and plan on making it up to see the bravos take on the brew crew, but I want to see huddy pitch, especially after today. Thanks. Also, Andruw going to right - what a good sign that is. He’s the most dangerous hitter in the NL East when He’s going the other way, plus he hit that slider out on Tues night. Good to see him pounding the ball. oh yea, as for the mets fast start, Remember the Dodgers last year? (12-2) Last thing I promise. Sosa is getting better, He’s just not there quite yet. I think with the regular defense on Monday night he wins that game, honestly how many balls dit betemit bobble? Sosa threw 42 of 60 for strikes. See ya
By geechee
April 19, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this
woogidyboogidy, looking at a calendar,I would say that Hudson should probably be starting against the Brewers on the 25th but that is just an educated guess.That was a good point you made about Sosa by the way.
By GAW
April 19, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t wish Wright’s day on my worst enemy——unless he were a met.
By SJA
April 19, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
OK Ron Roberts - here goes, just for you……everytime I slam the salami to your ol’ lady she yells……….GO METS!!!…
By Klesko
April 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Penn:
The folks got here, saw the Braves did well today, bout time Hudson put together a complete game(not in innings, but in performance). Maybe he has shaken off the funk that he was in and will start pitching the way he did with Oakland.
Good to hear from you
By Limerick One
April 19, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
There’s a blogger named SouthernJackass Who insulted someone else’s lass It’s obvious his member Is as small as an ember And he keeps it with his head up his a**
By MGL
April 19, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
SJA - get real, what you meant to say was every time you pushed your vienna sausage, she said “when will you quit talking the big game like the Mets and perform like a Brave”
By Andy
April 19, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
woodidtybodity? I wanted to thank you for saying that about Sosa—I thought he pitched better—and he seemed more like he did last year—-he just has hot and then cold innings—he’s just not getting out of the cold innings as well so far this year—He has to goto the pen though—no where else for him after Ho Ram comes back—-and if HoRam doesn’t pitch well right away—then its time for James. I don’t see Sosa a starter for us next year—(we have Smotlz, Hudson, Hampton, Davies, AND THEN Ho Ram/James/a few others) so if he’s not in our future(except as insurance for an injury) then see if “the closer” role with inspire him since “regular” relief seems to not bring out his best stuff.
By MGL
April 19, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Andy - I think Sosa will get one more chance, probably in Mil next week. If he does not get the job done, he’s toast, and should be.
By Bob
April 19, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Now Jimmy, you’ll notice that I did get “if you can’t see your tread, see gordy!”.
I remember “don’t cuss, phone us” too … I was lucky to have two pants; forget the suit! Actually, daddy knew Mr. George Muse before he opened his first Muse’a and he always sent me there to get my suits cause we got a discount … that is, in the old days before he got rich and famous. We did sometimes get clothes from the Sewells, in Breman or Villa Rica. I remember the advertising but not who sold them … don’t know why Hagar Slacks comes to mind.
Daddy owned a Model “T” but the first one I remember was our 39 Ford that we had until after the war. It was reliable … you could always count on flat tires … but it wasn’t “the old reliable” Model A.
I dated Minnie Quarts once but she was more of a dog than a cow … besides, I told you we drank Mathis milk! I knew another Miss Minnie … Pearl that is; she was a quality lady … nothing cheap or imatation about her … cousin George would have called her Minnie Ivory.
I dated “piney woods pete” too … that was her pen name; Minnie Quarts’ daughter. No, but he was a funny, funny man … wrote for this site’s sponsor; may have some of his old stuff somewhere.
I grew up with the Constitution myself … hated it when they combined … had to be a Communist plot! However, another good Journal product is Louis Grizzard … and one friend of mine calls me Lou junior … not because of how I write but how I talk .. can you imagine that?!
I almost forgot, although I was introduced to the world at Crawford W Long, but I don’t remember very much about that experience … so your hint didn’t help much; I’ll call and ask Minnie.
Oh yeah, someone said that Bobby was wasting one today … with all the subs and all … which one was he talking about?
By Bob
April 19, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Penn,
I see that you were right and Klesko did contact you … great that you guys got together!
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
Got a tip for any folks who ever find themselves out at Shea and looking for a place to dine before or after the game. Now, in all my years covering games there, I never suspected there were fine dining establishments nearby, but believe me, there are.
I just ate at an Italian restaurant in Astoria, Queens, that was every bit as good or better than any I’ve tried in Little Italy or anywhere else in New York. It’s an old place called Parkside Italian restaurant (I think that’s the proper name; at least I’m certain about the Parkside Italian part) and it’s apparently been named to many best-of-New York lists, pretty much the only non-Manhattan joint on many of them.
The best veal I’ve ever eaten, seriously, and as good or better calimari than I’ve ever eaten. And the price _ dinner for two, $45 bucks without drinks. For New York, that’s astounding.
OK, that’s my tip. Oh, and get the Neko Case CD. My other tip.
Today’s game was so refreshing to see, 1:59 total time, like a Maddux gem. Huddy shut up me and others who were questioning his health, his early performances, everything. Today, he was what the Braves expected when they got him and signed him to a huge extension _ a bona fide ace.
My revised prediction for Andruw: .280, 47 homers, 140 RBIs. Take it to the bank. Of course, that’ll only be good enough for second in the MVP voting to Sir Albert. I think we may see Andruw become to Pujols what Pujols was to Barry Bonds _ perennial MVP runner-up.
Oh, and there’s the dude in Chicago, D-Lee. Same three will finish in 1-2-3 order like last year, just maybe not the same order.
If Giles has to go on the DL, it’s gonna really hurt the Braves. I know he’s only hitting .204, but it’s gonna really hurt them.
They gotta hope it’s not a torn ligament or chipped bone.
By ssiscribe
April 19, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
Been away for a few days pursuing other stuff for the ole’ job, but figured I’d at least check in:
— Hope the pitching efforts by the pride of Stockbridge and pride of Phoenix City calmed down everybody’s nerves. And, seriously, the folks on ESPN saying Hudson is on the downside of his career after merely two bad starts and an average outing? Come on. If it was late May and his ERA was in the 8s, then you might have something. He was splendid today; best start as a Brave, by far. And Davies Tuesday night looked like a 10-year vet out there. Great to see, indeed.
— Can’t call any series in April big, but it would’ve helped the Mets upstairs to take two out of three. Instead, they still have that doubt about beating the Braves, especially considering N.Y.’s No. 2 starter got beat by the ATL’s JV team today.
— Sosa is in serious, serious trouble. Once again, he couldn’t wiggle out of it Monday the way he did last year. Seems Houdini has lost his magic. Losing his spot in the rotation isn’t that far behind.
— Andruw Jones may be the most valuable player in the entire organization. Seems every time this team needs something the past two seasons, A.J. has delivered.
OK, that’s a wrap from the coast. Got way too much on here tonight to do, but had to jump on and offer a few points. Hope Gilly’s hand isn’t too bad. Lotta folks be coming off the DL in coming week or so, so some interesting decisions to make regarding the roster.
DOB, hey man, hope you are well and enjoying the roadie to the Northeast. Have a good one in D.C. this weekend. The rest of you, enjoy the blog. See ya from time to time over the weekend. Peace.
SSI.
By Penn
April 19, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
I really don’t like this new format or whatever they call it. Anyway, here we go.
I guess we all know now why Bobby Cox is managing and not us. He just beat the Muts with a lineup of SIX (6) SUBS and two regulars, Andruw and Francoeur. Just two regulars.
And didn’t that patched up defense put on a show today?
Now let’s talk morale for a moment. Can you imagine how low the Muts must feel after getting their ace beaten by a makeshift team of only two regulars and a pitcher who had not pitched a decent game all year?
And think of what a lift this is for the Braves. They will be able to fly to Cincy tonight without a plane.
That is what I was talking about earlier. Had they lost all three and were leaving Noo Yawk 7 games down their tails would be between their legs. As it is the Muts have the “tail between legs” problem.
Now I’ve seen enough to believe they can truly win it all again. The Muts have to be sweating bullets.
Bobby Cox for Manager of the year again and Andruw for MVP. He deserves it for hoisting that team up on his back and carrying them right through the land of the subway and ugly fans. I doubt we’ll hear much from the Mut fans for a few days.
Right now I am riding high.
Klesko, good to hear from you and you do look like Klesko. If you could hit with his power we might be writing about you these days.
Penn
Bob, I’m enjoying the trips down memory lane. Today I was looking over some tapes I have and saw GWTW and suddenly remembered the time the cab hit and killed Margaret Mitchell on Peachtree after she came out of the theater and walked across the street… in front of the cab.
I never did think he should have been convicted for that.
By Ron Roberts
April 19, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
So SJA calls his favorite farm animal “old lady?”
That’s kinda creepy.
By TheSouthernMilitantJackAss
April 19, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Limerick One and MGL recently met by chance,……………And on this blog they found true romance,……………That put them both in a hot sexual trance,……………But each had a gripe,……………About having to type,……………With a hand stuck down in each others pants!!!…DON’T MESS WITH JACKASS!!!…
By journalist jimmy smith
April 19, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
all journalists reporting at same time. journalist jimmy smith notes “dinner for two” comment from dob. maybe pointers from jimmy smith have been of help to dob … “get cheese out of teeth before talking to pretty girl.” of course, dob may have been at dinner with bobby dews. anyone see bobby dews lately? bob, “the old reliable” would never, never drive a ford. think some more. minnie quarts was notorious but rosebud was loved by all. hirsch’s sold suits with two pants, geo muse clothing co (sold hickey freeman suits) was down the street from walco, great sporting goods store. journalist remembers much from ugandan childhood, huh? bobby cannot waste one if he did not waste one with today’s lineup. journalist understands jordan may play at second base for the series in d.c. he is very versatile and has presence.
By Penn
April 19, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
{{{ journalist understands jordan may play at second base for the series in d.c. he is very versatile and has presence.}}}
Now that is funnyyyyyyy. :)
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 19, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
There was a young journalist from Uganda,…..Who met his demise in a curious manna,…..He whittled a hole,…..In a telephone pole,…..And electrified his banana!!!…GO YANKS!!!…
By Chuckles D
April 20, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
Andruw…opposite field homer? Two years ago that would’ve been a chopper 6-3. That guy’s realization of his potential continues to baffle me.
So far, the best move JS made this year was one he couldn’t…Thomson…the “high priced” starter.
O.K., just as I was one of the few to not get too worked up over the slow start, let’s not get too excited about the latest pitching…just like the early woes, this won’t last. It’ll be somewhere in the middle. Not that we shouldn’t enjoy beating the Mets after all the BS ESPN and Harold Reynolds was talking after Monday. The way we will win the division, and hopefully more, this year will be 3 fold: bullpen development, rookie reaction to injury call-ups, and fighting through offensive slumps. Our season will depend on LaRoche’s and Frenchy’s consistency. If they produce, we’ll win a lot of games. The starters will be fine. The defense will be good. The offense will be O.K. I think we’ve got the team to do it. And unlike every other year, this year I mean it.
DOB, I’ve got a good article/blog for you: analyze how the prospective new owners will handle the salary. The best thing about this team is that they don’t buy teams/wins…they build/manufacture them. I for one will be terribly disappointed to see an owner come in and sign some expensive free agents to improve the team…obviously that approach doesn’t work. Not to mention it’s boring. If the deal is closed prior to the trade deadline, do you think JS will change his philosophy and give away young talent for rent-a-players? (boy, that doesn’t call for much speculation, does it? But it’ll work for a blog on the day off)
By TennesseePaul
April 20, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
Hudson’s brilliance came against a mixture of regulars and bench players
—New York Times
No mention of the Braves line up. Just talk of how good Glavine was. He was good. But seriously, if you’re going to mention having two players on the DL, one of which was a massive, overpaid, disappointment last year, why not mention that the Braves sent out their AAA squad with the assistance of only 3 veterans, 2 of which are back ups and one of whom should be retired.
Whatever. Bring it On. Who’s your daddy!. Cute. But you have to play the whole season Mets.
Go BRAVES!
By geechee
April 20, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
Tennessee, I checked out that article in the NY Times and you were exactly correct. They talked about the fact that Hudson faced a watered down Mets lineup but did not even hint at the fact that Glavine also faced a much watered down Braves lineup.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
Chuckles, how do you propose that I analyze what will happen with the payroll under new ownership, when we’ve got no idea a. who the new owners will be, or b. what ideas they have about payroll? They could slash it by $20 mill, increase it by $20 mill, keep it the same, do absolutely anything? So what’s the point of acting like I have some insight into what Schuerholz will do if the team is sold before the trade deadline? Seriously, I’m not trying to be dismissive of your proposal for a blog, but that’s just pointless fantasy talk, with no basis for actual informed discussion.
So no, I’m not going to blog on that. Sorry, makes no sense. Why don’t you, sense you or anyone else has just as much idea of what’s going to happen to the payroll as I do. None, that is.
By Tomahawkin
April 20, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this
It was a moracle we took 2 of 3 from the mutts wit a damaged squad…. It’s all good we’ve got a 158 games 2 go so there is plenty of time to catch fire. I’m ready 4 our June Bloom…
Hey D.O.B. Look up our June Records since 2001 You’ll be suprised to see what our June Records are like since 2001…
Oh Yeah For all Dose ESPM Haters
“These Choppas will Tomahawk Yo Top Down Here in Jaw-Juh…”
Have You Ever heard that D.O.B….. That Ludacris and DTP Wit Jamie Foxx the song “Gerogia”
By Tomahawkin
April 20, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this
Damn… From looking at all dose typos from the last statement…I’m pretty (f——ck—-edup) pardon da sloppyness….
By Bob
April 20, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this
Chuckles,
That’s a neat idea … and if you’ve anything I’ve opined, you know that we share the same view on that subject.
How ‘bout it DOB?
By mark
April 20, 2006 02:39 AM | Link to this
Hmm , I never thought 8-8 could look so good. If Giles goes on the DL we are gonna need more infield help. Can anybody say Ryan Freel ? This Cincinnati Reds fireplug is hitting .341 with 14 hits 19 total bases 14 walks 8 stolen bases ( the entire braves roster has 8 stolen bases )and an insane OBP of .526 . Can you say leadoff hitter in the mold of Lenny dykstra ?? The guy plays 3B , SS , 2B and all three outfield positions. I wonder if JS could pull of a trade for him , just dreaming aint I ?? Peter Gammons is eating crow over his assesment of Tim Hudson ….. lol . The MUTS are back , The MUTS are back , can I say it again , lol . The MUTS are backkkkk !!!!!!!
By Bob
April 20, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this
SJA,
Honorable Southern Donkey, I can’t decide whether you’re attempting to extract the laughter, ire or both from your audience. Regardless of your real objective, refining your craft will bring you greater satisfaction and better results.
The lyrical aspects of a limerick are relatively easy but the the proper construction of limericks, bawdy and otherwise, is the key … and is somewhat complex because of the importance of having the limerick make a point while keeping the “punchline” hidden from your audience until the end … both can be rather difficult tasks.
Trust me, I’m just an old fan of American baseball who enjoys contributing to this Blog but I’ve also tried and failed several times to become an effective political limerist … just finally gave up in frustration. If you’re half as smart as you seem, then you should encouraged to further develop your skills; regardless of your age or current situation.
Nothing is more disappointing than to see someone fail to acheive success … only because they weren’t properly prepared.
There are many, many books and formal courses available on the subject. Talented, well skilled limerists are always in great demand! Many great actors, writers and humorists are also accomplished limerists; the late, great actor George Sandars being one.
Good luck!
By Bob
April 20, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this
Sorry DOB, my bad eyes and speed reading again … I thought Chuckles was proposing a Blog attempting to put its arms around the issues associated with any new ownership making significant initial changes in the organizational structure.
By geechee
April 20, 2006 05:11 AM | Link to this
The New York Daily News published a much more unbiased story than the NY Times about the Braves/Mets series titled: Braves remain East’s beasts.Click here to read
By geechee
April 20, 2006 05:20 AM | Link to this
Here is another Braves/Mets review from the NY Post.Click here
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2006 06:24 AM | Link to this
Bob (and Chuckles): Didn’t mean to be short in my laaaate-night reply about new ownership, and didn’t meant to spell “since” as “sense.” Long day. Gotta get over to airport here in NY now.
Bob, I get what you’re saying and what he’s suggesting. I’m just not excited about trying to go through all the different scenarios of what might happen when and if the team’s sold before or after the July 31 trade deadline, because I don’t think any significant changes would occur this season whatsoever.
And there’s more pertinent issues to discuss, in my opinion.
But as I said, if you guys want to discuss it, hey, have at it. No problem. My input is, I don’t think anything significant is going to happen in terms of payroll this season.
By geechee
April 20, 2006 06:31 AM | Link to this
If the team is going to be sold that fast it probably means only one thing; Arthur Blank.
By ncscoots
April 20, 2006 06:33 AM | Link to this
thanks for those links to the NY papers, and stories on the series. It goes to show that, while the players may realize this wasn’t a life-or-death three-game series, their fans (and media) may not have the same perspective. I gotta believe that the constant expectation of ‘we want you to be great, today, tomorrow, and forever, and you had better win the World Series in April’ has GOT to factor into the Mets’ mindset. After the Pedro win (headline of Who’s The Boss? puh-leeze), anything less than a Mets sweep would have been unacceptable to the fans and media, and to lose the series, just catastrophic. That kind of pressure has GOT to wear on the players eventually.
By geechee
April 20, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
Braves current team ERA stands at 5.32.The Leo Mazzone coached Orioles ERA stands at 5.37
By supa
April 20, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, If you like Indian food, there’s a great place in Jackson Heights…just a few train stops away…called Jackson Diner. I know it doesn’t sound like an Indian restaurant, but it is, and it’s one of the best in the country. Check it out next time you’re in Queens.
By eric the elder
April 20, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
geechee, thanks for the links to the NY newspapers. I have the NY Post bookmarked and love reading their propaganda - - kinda like Al Jazeera reporting the news in the Middle East. Both papers claimed that the Mets were “undermanned,” and neither mentioned that the Braves had only two regulars in the lineup. Moral of the story: don’t believe everything we read or hear.
By Joe Roman
April 20, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Maybe it’s a trend or just coincidence, but I like seeing complete games out of the starters. It boosts their confidence and rests the bullpen. Is this because of McDowell or Leo’s absence? The staff’s loyalty shown to the new guy is further evidence of the class instilled in Braves players. That’s Bobby-no doubt. He doesn’t have to tell them. He just sets the example.
By Matt
April 20, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
DOB, you said that Sosa was being bumped back to Tuesday in the rotation to pitch on 7 days rest, and that Davies was being bumped up to Sunday to pitch on 4 days rest. If Smoltz, Thompson and Davies are pitching the series against Wash, Who starts on Monday against Mil? (Unless the schedule I’m looking at is wrong and we have an off day on Monday, in which case I apologize for being a dumb a$$) Could it be Chuck James Bit**? And what are the chances of us seing old Chuck in the rotation by the end of May?
By Jon
April 20, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Matt, it will probably be Hudson pitching monday on 4 days rest. James shouldnt be coming out of pen until McBride gets back. Too valuable down there right now.
By Chuckles D
April 20, 2006 09: