Braves

By Patrick

April 29, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Where is DOB been? And let’s talk about how we can get skip and the crew back on the air more! Also, is there is anything we can do to get Time Warner to sell to Blank instead of Liberty!!!

By MSJ

April 29, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

The Braves never seem to flip their calendars from October to April. For now I hope against hope they’ll get it turned around and at the very least be a beast in the East and give these confident Mets (and deservedly so looking at the way they’ve played to date) a scare as they look over their shoulders.

Go Braves!

By Blake

April 29, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Rumor has it that LaSuck might be traded for a steaming turd.

By Coop

April 29, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Gentlemen, this year is a little different than past years. For the first time, we CLEARLY have a team that is inferior to the New York Mets. They have better personnel, greater depth and they play agressive, fundamental baseball - something station to station Cox has no clue about.

We don’t have a true leadoff man, a black hole in the 5th and 6th spots in our lineup and a bullpen, specially a closer, that is mediocre “at best”. Too many holes, too many weaknesses and I don’t care that it’s April, all in all this team stinks. As a Braves fan, unless some key upgrades are made, I can honestly say that the run will end this year.

By tigger101023

April 29, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

greater depth

Gotta disagree with this one. We spank them up down and sideways in the depth department. They hav ea major injury or 2 and they will have big problems. Minaya traded away a lot of minor league talent this offseason and I don’t think they have a great bench.

and they play agressive, fundamental baseball

This is debateable. The Braves have always played good defense and I think they were agressive last night. They were running and bunting and playing small ball, it just didn’t work. It will, though. The offense is still finding their rhythm with the top of the order being out for so long.

By tigger101023

April 29, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Let me clarify: I do think that the Mets are also fundamentally sound, I just disagree with the implication that the Braves are not.

By Shawn B

April 29, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

The best way we can keep Liberty Media from buying the Braves is to complain to Major League Baseball. MLB has to approve any sell, and how can they approve a sale to a company that has admitted that the only reason they will buy the Braves is to get a tax break. So everyone start letting MLB know what we think about yet another corporation digging their greedy hands into OUR great sport.

By Rutuger

April 29, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

It should be a crime that Grim Reitsma is still alowed to set foot on a professional baseball field, much less wear an Atlanta Braves uniform. He is a discrace to the legacy of pitching that has come before him.

Isn’t he from Manitoba or the Yukon or something? Why the hell isn’t he playing hockey? We sure as hell don’t want his sorry a* in our bullpen.

GO HOME, LOSER!!!

By Rutuger

April 29, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

It should be a crime that Grim Reitsma is still alowed to set foot on a professional baseball field, much less wear an Atlanta Braves uniform. He is a disgrace to the legacy of pitching that has come before him.

Isn’t he from Manitoba or the Yukon or something? Why the hell isn’t he playing hockey? We sure as hell don’t want his sorry a* in our bullpen.

GO HOME, LOSER!!!

By Shawn B

April 29, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

This was the worse offseason of Scheurholz stay in Atlanta. All the holes this team had(SS, 1B, and closer the biggest), and the only move he could make was picking up Renteria(which I liked when he made it, and of course still like now). You know its a bad offseason when the Dodgers make the moves that you should have made. How nice would Dany Baez look right now in a Braves uniform??

By eric the elder

April 29, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s dinger last night was the worst thing that could have happened. It kept Smoltz in the game, and he ended up with 120+ pitches in a game that was hopeless from beginning to end, especially with Reitsma waiting to “hold them” in the 9th. Clearly, Smoltz and Bobby have already gone back on the promise to take things easier this year in order to be in better shape for the playoffs. Last night was a sign of desperation, I think.

By Brian

April 29, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

I agree, let’s get Pete, Skip, Chip, Joe, and yes even Don back. It is just not the same without Pete and Skip calling the game.

JS is in a tough bind with the pending sale. He will want to see the new owner’s preferences and wallet size. Unfortunately our one big bargaining piece will be Marcus Giles. He will fill some holes and we have a lot of middle IF prospects to take his place.

By B G

April 29, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

Is Smoltz overdoing? Maybe — but he was pitching on two extra days rest and he only threw 74 pitches in his 5 inning outing last Friday in D.C. One article reported that Bobby Cox asked Smoltz if he wanted to stay on regular rest and pitch on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Smoltz had some input in taking the extra two days rest — a sign that he is keeping his promise. (I wish that he had so the Braves could have pushed Sosa’s next start back and Sosa could have helped in the bullpen for a few days. In the end, Sosa pitched better than he has been but I still like Smoltz a lot better.)

On the other hand, Smoltz probably will fade late in the season if he throws 122 pitches in lots of starts.

By TennesseePaul

April 29, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

After last night I’m thinking the Mets have a better bench. Our bench no longer has Franco who always seemed to come through with a pinch hit. We had Pratt. Great backup catcher, not a great pinch hitter. And Jordan, what a complete drag. The veteran presence isn’t helping Francoeur one bit. I don’t think Francoeur would be better served having Jurries up there, but there must be a trade somewhere for a guy who can hit off the bench. Has there been any reason given for why Cormier isn’t in the closer role? That guy has been solid. Reitsma is better in the setup role.

Seems every April we get off to a slow start and then turn it around. But this April has been the most disappointing start to a season in a loooonnnng time. It’s way different as well. The Phillies are a descent team, but that’s about it. The Nats and Marlins are nothing to speak of and we can’t seem to beat those teams. As it is, the Mets only need to play .500 ball the rest of the season and it’s their’s. Odds are, they’ll play better than .500 ball.

By Dinger

April 29, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

If I hear Smoltz’s “just one bad pitch” or “two bad pitches” quote after another loss ONE MORE TIME, I think I’m going to upchuck.

Maybe that is what his shrink tells him to say, but I wish he’d come up with some new material.

By nathan

April 29, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

i am so tired of reading & hearing people complain about our bench!!!!!!

The bench is not important until the postseason. Yes it would be nice to have a “great” backup at each position, but Betemit is a decent “utility” infielder, & Diaz seems to be “OK” in the outfield.

The Bench is not our problem!!!

The Starting Pitching (after they settled in), is not our problem!!!

And (everybody GASP at once……)the bullpen is not the problem!!!!!

THIS LINEUP SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everybody seems to be whining and complaining about LEO leaving and ruining the pitching, yet nobody seems to be begging for TP to leave, cuz from what I’ve seen, he hasn’t done Jack Crap to change anybody’s approach on hitting (or lack their of)

Francoeur…….GO GET SOME AB’S (errrr….K’s) at AAA!

LaRoche…….Just go somewhere else (any other team or manager and he would barely be a defensive replacement)

Why aren’t Langerhans & McCann batting higher in the order?????

Why isn’t Chipper at 1st Base & Betemit at 3rd?

I could go on for days.

Sloppy defense, pathetic base running, Bush League sacrifice bunting….basically everything that has to do with Atlanta Braves & National League Baseball……..is the problem…..NOT THE BENCH!!!!

DON’T AGREE WITH ME……BRING IT ON!

By Screaming Tony S

April 29, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

What happened to the blog about Fox taking over Turner South and dumping the announcers for RAT Bone and Snoreborg.? Did the AJC chicken out on the discussion? Or has Fox bought too much advertising in the paper to keep up the Fox bashing.

By Carolina Lady

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

Tony, scroll up and look to the left under Recent Entries. You’ll see past blogs listed including the one yesterday. It pegged out at 515 entries before AJC cut it off. Don’t know why it was cut off; maybe it maxed out.

By Del

April 29, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Nathan …. I mostly agree with your comments. I do think there are other important factors as well. IE: lack of small ball (having pitchers bunt when there is no other option left is NOT playing small ball), Bobby’s stubbordness regarding who bats in the #5 and #6 holes. Bobby’s decisions (like last night) when he pulled his hottest hitter for the past two weeks (McCann) with the bases loaded and inserted Pratt (who hasn’t had a pinch hit yet in 10 attempts). That one left me totally dumbfounded !!

I also think the closer situation with CR is hopeless, and should be abandoned immediately. I also think the bench is one of the weakest in the NL. Other than WB (who is pretty streaky) we don’t have anyone except BJ (who cann’t catch up to 90+ fastballs anymore). But all those problems would mostly go away if we had a decent lineup. I also hope that JF starts to hit pretty quick, becuase his funk is starting to cost us ballgames because of his fielding (or lack thereof).

By Mark

April 29, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

The Muts barrowed the broom from the brew crew and thats all I have to say until this 3 game series is over.

By TennesseePaul

April 29, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

What blows most is this pending sale. When the Dodgers were up for sale, McCourt was coming in, but the Dodgers were barred from big deals and signings since the financing wasn’t complete. The sale is supposed to come around the middle of the season, meaning it wouldn’t be complete until late in the season which could handicap JS when attempting to fill the holes on this team.

Bobby plays by the book, but isn’t there a chapter in there about going with the hot hand?

By Bob

April 29, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Patrick, Bryan, Tony, The Lady

I think The Lady is right. However, it’s strange that the cutoff threshold would be something like 515 and not 500, 750, or 1000. Also, AJC didn’t attach any byline … just AJC.

The partyline appears to be is that the Fan’s attitude and concerns were important and given serious consideration in this and everything there are doing. They also said that the parties wotked closely together in reaching the decision to repalce the “voice of the Braves” with the FOX team.

It’s obvious that TBS’s 5 man crew will quickly fade into the sunset, at least as we know it. From what I read yesterday, the number of games carried on TBS will be down to 45 starting with 2008 season.

Fan Apathy is at the root of the apparent Media Network and MLB marketing stradegies.

Their collective agenda is to attract new “customers”; new fans to the game. Sounds great!! They know that the attitudes of the new or “casual” fans are quite different from those of the core group of fans that follow their team every game, every year … through through thick and thin!

Think about it … the casual fan just loves ESPN while we hate it … and there’s potentially more of them than there are of us!

Unfortunately, that’s the key to their success. The assume that the core group of fans will remain layal and follow their teams … regardless of the product being delivered or any disregard for their values and concerns.

They’re probably right! We’ll yell and scream for a while … and then quietly fll back in line and continue to follow our Braves, regardless!

Yesterday, HK gave a party … and almost nobody came … just a handfull took the time to attend. No interest … sounds lik apathy to me … It’s our choice … be one of Doc’s sheep or stand up and try to make a difference.

For those that think “winning is everything”, don’t bother … chances are slim.

For those who want to show them how the game should be played … vist the Blog that HK setup over on the FOX site … just for you that purpose!

http://blogs.foxsports.com/hk/2006/04/28/BadDecisionGuys

By Bob

April 29, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

My usual apologies for the sloppy typing … got to run … where’s jimmy, DOB, Doc, Penn and the boys? I know they aren’t apathetic.

By Chuckles D

April 29, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I think your “!” key is sticking.

By Rip

April 29, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

The Devil Rays are better than the Braves, can you believe it? even the Reds! JS and BC did nothing to improve this team. Maybe Liberty will makes some changes that count, like getting rid of BJ and the other dead wood.

By hk

April 29, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

Tennesseee Paul,

… like not leaving McCann (bats left, .290, hot hand) in to bat against left handed Billy Wagner and bringing in Pratt (bats right, .200, cold off the bench) ? … I thought it was crazy, too, but it’s not as simple as it looked at the time … this year, Pratt is 1 for 9 against lefties (.111) and 2 for 6 (.333) against righties, compared to McCann’s 2 for 11 (.182) against lefties and 16 for 57 (.314) against righties … with that I’d have gone with McCann …

… but in 2005, Pratt batted .330 against lefties and .237 against righties, vs McCann’s .333 against lefties and .264 against righties … I’d still go with McCann ..

…only other argument for Bobby’s decision, Pratt knows Billy, but on the other hand, Billy also knows Pratt … I’d still go with McCann, but all things considered, it’s closer than I thought ..

(ahh the things we do without a juicy topic and time on our hands)

By hk

April 29, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… oh, didn’t see your post before I said the above about ‘no juicy topic’ …

… turns out that on that Fox blog you have to register to comment and it was a bit of a hassle, that might have put people off … all the way up to 14 now, two more since you said something about it ..

.. funny, the 515 cutoff happened just after I had made a crack I shouldn’t have about a certain sports writer, I immediately had a case of the guilts …

… well, there is no apathy on this blog, and won’t be, that’s for sure … we’re kind of like a bunch of people in the stands having a mervelous time together, while the rest of the stadium is half asleep ..

By Ben Sutton

April 29, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Reitsma has to go!!!!!!

By Coop

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

Tigger101023, maybe you and I are looking at and evaluating two different Atlanta Brave teams. Just because the pitchers bunt a runner into scoring position doesn’t make the Braves brand of baseball fundamentally sound. When you’re not scoring runs, which the Atlanta Braves are not, you have to maximize your opportunities to score. Particularly when you’re facing top-flight pitching like a Pedro Martinez or Ben Sheets. Station to station or ABC baseball is something the Braves have not done even when we had a speedy leadoff man or better overall personnel.

Hitting the ball on the ground, hitting the other way, stealing bases, taking a pitch (Frenchy), just plain being agressive. The Braves don’t do it. (See the Chicago White Sox as an example of how it should be done). And sure this organization has had tremendous success over the past 14 seasons, but that one championship underscores a team that relies more on reputation and ability than on hunger and agressiveness. Talent alone will not win you a championship, see the Yankees for an example.

The Braves need to make some personnel moves, starting with overrated Giles and LaRoche.

By hk

April 29, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

… been waiting for someone to resume the blog on the Turner South issue, guess not, but have been wanting to ask …

… there are those on this blog who don’t like Chip as much as the other guys (I’m not one of them), but part of the reason might be something I call ‘singsong-itus’ .. it’s a ‘disease’ that sportscasters have acquired where they end alot of their sentences going up an octave … it started about 3 years ago in golf (has become almost universal there), then spread to tennis (almost as bad), then on to other sports … some really good commentators have acquired it, greatly altering their delivery … Chip has the habit, as have some other Braves announcers, but not as bad .. some examples (10 is bad, 5 is less bad, etc):

Chip-7

Joe-4

Don-3

Skip-0

Pete-0

… some veterans have been affected surprisingly …

Al Michaels-8

Dick Enberg-7

… but not others …

Vern Lundquist-2

Brent Musburger-0

John Madden-0

… it drives you crazy once you become aware of it … anyone else notice ?

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

The Mets do have superior talent…we have to rely on having a better “team”. But, there are clear advantages regarding some of the things the Mets have and we do not:

1.) Closer - Reitsma may be the worst ever 2.) Leadoff hitter - Love Gilly, but… 3.) A 5 hole hitter to protect Delgado 4.) A 6 hole hitter to protect Wright 5.) A pinch hitter off the bench 6.) An Ace - So far, Smoltz and Huddy - Nope

Folks, the Mets have a deeper lineup, a better bullpen, and so far; they have better starting pitching. The Braves will have to make a move or two. I still say we need a leadoff hitter, and if we do not get a closer; well we can kiss the division goodbye!! Reitsma sux, period.

Jason

By Bob

April 29, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

For all you folks that are sad because of recent events; remember you don’t have to watch the games on TV … you should show your support and come on out to FOX Field and see your Braves in person … if you don’t, you may wake up and find they’ve moved!

By hk

April 29, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Robert, you really make me laugh ! … hmmm, ‘Liberty’ Field … no no … wait a minute, with the apathy and all, “Blank’ Field, yes, that’s it !!

By Bob

April 29, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

HK, I agree with your point but notice you didn’t evaluate fan favorite “Bobbie Rathburm” … and you’re being kind to some of the veterans. I’ve known Vern since his “Bowling For Dollars” days in Dallas … when he occassionally tried to interest some of us in participating … he wasn’t as fat as now … but his voice hasn’t changed much … he was always at least a 5.

I see that the Devine Delimma continues … wildness, 5 home runs, and an era approaching 12. I don’t think that the Braves can totally escape responsibility for this one. Personally, I’ve always wished that the Braves should more agressively integrate mental conditioning with the other components of their player development program.

What’s the word on James Juries? … I read that he’s injured … broken bone … out for some time.

By Bob

April 29, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

“Empty Field” might be more like it if we’re liberated from the TimeWarner clutches and put in the “protective custody” of our Liberators!

By Bob

April 29, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

“Blank might accept minor role” … I can’t get a good read on this one.

Regardless, it looks like Bud and the Office of the Commissioner are better targets for the expression of our concerns than any of the others. Won’t do any good … if we wait until the decision is made!

By hk

April 29, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… saw that about Juries, glad we’ve got Jordan now (.286 as we speak) … yes, young hitters seem to do OK thrust into the limelight, but it’s different with pitchers … a hitter just takes a couple of swings over a minute or two, then he’s done, can go back, reflect for an hour before his next at bat, there is some time to make adjustments … a pitcher, on the other hand, is stuck out there on the mound, the more trouble he gets into, the longer he has to stay, and the worse it gets, the worse it gets … he has no time to reflect and adjust, he has to keep throwing that thing and hope for the best … and a batter’s problems have more to do with mechanics, a pitchers more with ‘rythm’, and the latter is more susceptible to a guy’s emotional state …

… but, think the only way to get used to the pressures is to get out there and throw in the major leagues … start with an inning or two in inconsequential situations and gradually escalate … as to how fast, it’s a tight rope for a manager, and nobody has done it better over the years than Bobby …

By RVM

April 29, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

HK no apathy here? No activity either!

Anyone see the rumor that Home Depot may move from Atlanta to Flordia for TAX reasons … check the AJC sports page.

By hk

April 29, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

RVM,

… everybody’s ‘captivated’ by this rivetting pitcher’s dual, darn good, actually … saw that, Home Depot says no truth, doesn’t know how the rumor got started … makes a good story though, the irony and all (tax reasons) .. uhhh LeDuca just hit it out, so much for being rivetted …

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Seriously, this Braves team sux. Worst since 1990…easy. Can’t hit. No closer. Not a good combination as if you can’t hit, you will probably be in some close games, assuming you get good starting pitching. Man, 7 out after tonight. What the hell happened, we used to kill Glavine! What, hitters can’t adjust to that 85 MPH fastball on the inside? That keeps them off the changeup? What the f???

Jason

By Bob

April 29, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

HK, I learned a long time ago that you always have trouble in when you come out against “pushers” if they are the suppliers for you’re tring to convince.

We may lose, but Thompson, Smoltz, Hudaon, and Davies is a good rotation … infact, we’ve good folks at every position … though some may not be playing like it.

By nathan

April 29, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Chuckles D…..

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how is this lineup !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! working for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tonight?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still say it SUCKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thomson is going to be 0-20 this year with a 1.57 ERA……..LOVE IT!!!!

Way to go JS & BC…..way to put the best team on the field int the best possible batting order!!!!

Manager of the year my A$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

By hk

April 29, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… off the subject, but it ties in with something you were talking about earlier … here we have Thomson pitching his heart out, and as he pitches with two men on base, the fans are doing ‘the wave’, totally oblivious to what’s going on in the game, not caring one bit about Thomson or the Braves, a classic example of fan apathy … now Thomson just walked Glavine to load the bases ……. think ‘the wave’ had anything to do with that ??? … grrrr …

By TennesseePaul

April 29, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Well here comes Villarreal. This guys giving up at least one run. Just hope this clown can keep it to only one run instead of 3. He loves to let all the inherited runners score.

Still though, Estrada is hitting .250, so it aint all bad.

By hk

April 29, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

… well, he shaved off alot of his hair, got the out, I’m rooting for him to go 5 and oh ..

By nathan

April 29, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

I fogot to mention this the other day (either that or i couldn’t type it in because my !!! key stuck!!! LOL!!!)

I saw Giles saying somthing about the young guys stepping up & not feeling the pressure & making adjustments when the pitchers adjust.

WHAT THE F**K???????

As soon as his Average gets above .210 he needs to shut his trap! Now I’m sure he wasn’t ripping on anybody, and I’m certain he’s aware of his own average….but I couldn’t help notice this & have a little giggle over it. The only thing funnier would’ve been if Chipper was on the DL talking about guys having to stay healthy!

……Holy Sh*t…..Glavine just hit 91 on the gun!…I bet it’s been since 1991 that he’s thrown that hard.

Bobby Cox should get the Shepherd of the Year award. Because just like a bunch of mindless sheep, the Bravos are trying to pull that low and away change up! BAAAAAA BAAAA BAAAA. You would think after a decade and a half in the ATL they would see that coming, but aparently not!

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

This is a DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team will NOT finish over .500

We are being sold to another owner who doesn’t care about the team.

We are losing our broadcasters to Fox bums.

We are losing the streak of division titles.

I am losing my mind…this team sux.

By Bob

April 29, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

As RVM I’m mad … as Bob, I’m just sad … either way I still believe in these folks.

HK To family, I’m Bobby; to most others it’s Bob … a few old freinds call me Robert when they’re perturbed … and I know I’m in trouble when my wife calls me by my full name! Her entire family has always known me as Robert because, before we were married, she wrote her Father that her new fella’s name was Robert … and he spread the word.

In the 7th Grade, kids called me Einstin until our teacher put a stop to that and told them to call me Frank; referring to Mary Shelley’s Monster, not the creative, genius doctor that made him.

I got so used to “Hey You” in the service that I thought that was my name.

Now, I’ll answer to anything … like cousin Minnie; I’m just so proud to be here!

By TennesseePaul

April 29, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

Thomson would have had that one.

By TennesseePaul

April 29, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

This is BULLSH!T What. WHAT! Did the METS Payoff the Umps? All those pitches were on the black. Three straight strikes.

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Heart of the order coming up against Rem…could be 5 to zip pretty damn quick. Wow, this team is going into a tailspin…in April! Seriously 8 out in April. Wow. Wow. Wow.

By Bob

April 29, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

The games are just too doggone long!! That’s all that’s wrong with this team!

Especially home games … since we aren’t supposed to have to bat in the last inning!!

We should insist that games are shortened to more more than 6 innings … who’s idea was it to make them so long anyway?

By nathan

April 29, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Aye Matey!….Here comes old Grey Beard to let all the ol’ inherited runners cross the plate! What a joke.

You know, when we let Maddux go, I remember thinkin, “it’s time to let him go” for the ammount of money he was commanding, and the restraints put on by TimeAHOLE HELL. But boy would it be nice to have him back right about now!…..I’m not talking for his pitching, yet that would be nice….we could use his defense right now!

By hk

April 29, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby,

… always went by my middle name (Kneel) growing up, since I’m the 3rd (it stopped there), but everybody calls me hk … always knew I was in trouble when Mom said ‘now Kneeland !!’

… way to go Rem !!!!!

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

I would trade LaK for a urinal…

By jojothemonkeyboy

April 29, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Crap hitting. That will soon wear down the pitching staff’s arms for the whole season. Old Smoltzie will pull up limp soon, and Hudson, Davies, who knows. Reitsma will continue to disappoint.

I think hitting coaches are basically meaningless. Giles and Franceour are killing us.

Soon the Mets will be out of reach. How will having 7 announcers help Atlanta win more games?

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Next year.

Can we get a mulligan and start this season over?????????????????????????????

By Eric C.

April 29, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Incredible…the Mets are beating the Braves at their own game. The Mets starting pitching and power game are superior. I can’t believe the season is already over and it is not even May. I suppose it is better than losing another heart-breaking first round playoff series. It’s time to start over…this team has been slowly crumbling for six years…it’s time to rebuild.

By Bob

April 29, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

HK, here’s a serious baseball question: Have pitchure substitution rules changed?

It’s been years since I last saw the “hidden pitcher, triple switch” play employed where a releiver is called in to pitch to one batter with the existing switched to a position unlikely to be involved in the ensuing play … and then restoring the original pitcher to the mound; bringing a third player into the game to fill the vacated position.

Whoever commented about MadDog and fielding pitchers was on point … but, it shouldn’t just be Maddux Priced Pitchers that can field their position … that should be a prerequisite for getting out of the Rookie League! It use to be on the Class A entrance exam.

By Patrick

April 29, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Rebuilding would happen if Blank was sold the Braves. When Liberty gets them, it will be at least two years of Kansas City Royal-like baseball

By JasonInMaine

April 29, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

The Mets are gaining more and more confidence. Coming into Atl and sweeping the Braves is huge. They haven’t done well here at all. Knowing they can come to Atl and dominate the Braves was the last piece for them. They still knew that they had to play well at the Ted.

You can just see the difference between the Mets and the Braves…just look at their faces. I think the Braves know they better get it going quick. Sadly, they won’t be able to. We have the entire starting lineup and still can’t hit. LaRoche sux, Frenchy needs to go to Richmond, and we need a damn leadoff hitter.

By Carroll

April 29, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Just plain sad and pitiful.

By J-dogg

April 29, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

I cant take this s** anymore. This team sucks. No hitting or bullpen. A. Jones is in one of his slumps and nobody else has the balls to step up an start hitting. F*** ladoch, frenchy, reeckmsa(and canda)diaz, giles, orr, and prate. There all f*** worthless. F*** this team.

By Carroll

April 29, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

One little bit of solice is that we started out this way in 1995 (the WS champ year). I remember getting swept in an early 4 game set at home by Philly. We were completely lost early on that year. Hopefully this year will end similarly.

By J-dogg

April 29, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Thompson has been one of the best pitchers this year and he is 0-1. Our offenseive slump has cost his atleast 4 wins this year. 7 back already, even the wild card seems out of reach for these losers.

By J-dogg

April 29, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Corroll,

This team couldnt lick the dirt off of the 95 teams cleats.

By johnny hates the braves

April 29, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Quit crying about Francour not hitting the ball. That goofy LaRoche nor Giles aren’t hitting either. Admit it, the Braves suck!

By Eric C.

April 29, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Your kidding yourselves if you think this team is going to recover like years past. It’s time to start over. Unfortunately, it may be years before the Braves play above .500 again.

By hk

April 29, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… don’t know the answer to the ‘triple switch’ … just did some figuring, team batting avg down to .242, second to last in league … era down to 4.56, now 8th out of 16 teams .. Jordan at .304 ..

By MJ

April 29, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

The Braves are lost… L.O.S.T… lost!

By Del

April 29, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

To all you bloggers who keep saying “quit worrying, it’s only April” I guess you will be saying this come May, June, July etc. Without a leadoff man, without a closer, without a power bat behind Andruw, and without a quality bench how do you expect the Braves to turn this thing around? I am dumbfounded that our GM is sitting on his hands, unless TW has told him to play the cards he has been dealt with. If that is the case, why don’t we just call this a rebuilding year and get on with the task of rebuilding. Lets find a leadoff man, a closer, a first baseman that can drive in some runs, a decent backup catcher who knows what a bat is for, and a RFer who can hit at least 250. The people currently occupying these spots are NOT getting the job done so let’s move on and build for next year. OK, so I’m negative at this point, but does anyone see any signs that things are going to get any better? I sure don’t.

By Eric C.

April 29, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Del,

You are right on. Why continue to beat a dead horse? The run is over. Each of the past six seasons ended in failure and each successive year seems to prove the formula is getting more and more stale. The last time the Braves won a post season series that really meant anything was the 1999 NLCS (2001 nlds really didn’t mean anything in hindsight). Hey, winning 14 consecutive division championships was blast, but it’s time to begin again.

By Bob

April 29, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

I know that I’m frustrated and more guilty than most when it comes to second guessing the Braves … and should probably keep my thoughts and wisecracks to myself … but I’m appalled and ashamed when I see “bunch of losers” applied to a collective known as the “team” we purport to support … they’re that same collective that, not so long ago, were the “great bunch of guys” to these same people who are now being so callous.

I would say that it’s just more “fan frustration” … that would be totally unfair to the fans. People who impune the character and integrity of those trying to make them proud … well, I don’t know what they are, but, in my book, they surely aren’t acting like fans .

The team knows that the fans get disappointed and frustrated when things aren’t going well … and, as a result, they try even harder; sometimes more than they should. If you want to have them stop trying for you, don’t jus boo … send them an link to your comments on this blog!

By gobraves06

April 29, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Pitiful. This team sucks. Swept by the Brewers, soon by the Mutts, no hitting, no pitching (except Thompson), LaDouche strikes out almost every time he hits, Frenchy has turned out to be awful, no closer, no bench, a manager who is going senile, a GM who is going even more senile, owners who don’t give a damn about the team, soon-to-be owners who will care even less, all shape up to be the end of our run of titles. It was fun while it lasted, but this team is just pitiful. My guess is we will finish 4th in the division if we are lucky.

THIS TEAM SUCKS

By Ashy Larry

April 29, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

No, Chip Caray sucks because he thinks he knows everything, he talks too much, he dominates the broadcast, and he talks about every team in the NL Central as if they had all won 15 consecutive division titles too. It has nothing to do with the octave of his voice.

I think it’s a crime that Skip, Pete, Don (who I don’t mind as much as some of you do apparently), and Joe are not gonna call as many Braves games anymore, but honestly I would rather hear Bob Rathbun for all 162 games than listen to Chip Caray.

By Ashy Larry

April 29, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

As for the team… yeah it sucks right now, but I don’t think its any worse than the 2001 Braves team… the one that didn’t have a starter with an ERA below 3, which had 1 hitter hitting over .300, and which had to trade its starting closer halfway through the season. And that team found a way to win the division too. I’ll be worried if we are still this bad by mid-July, but I don’t think this team is bad enough to where we should be worrying about it yet that bad yet.

By DustinH

April 29, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

First of all we need a trade, something to spark the team, like what Mcgriff did for us in 93. We also need to get new owners who actually give a crap and will spend a little more $ instead of cheap A$$ time warner! I still believe in this team, but we made a mistake by letting the Mets get Delgado. If the braves dont win the east the season might be list because it looks like once again the Astros will win the wildcard. This sucks, wheres ron gant and justice when we need em.

By DustinH

April 29, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

because of the cheapness of the current owners….it is now the Braves who have one of the worst benches in the east. a sad day when our best player off the bench is a .200 hitting old catcher. damn i miss Julio Franco……….i HATE U AOL and TIME Warner maybe the pple that own those companies r newyorkers, because there almost setting us up 2 loose.

By teoa

April 29, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

I know it’s early, but I think it’s safe to declare the championship run over. The Braves have never had this many holes and no team has been as good as this Mets team, excluding Montreal in the strike year.

The Braves are inferior anyway after a horrible off-season, but this lineup Bobby is using against lefties is an embarrassment. They might as well just forfeit every time they face a left-handed pitcher — this year’s right-handed lineup would have a hard time beating most Triple A teams. And how many years did Bobby watch Glavine pitch? You would think enough to know that Glavine has more trouble with lefties, wouldn’t you? I mean everyone else in baseball knows that. Oh, and what does he do when he needs a lefty to pinch hit…is it Langer? No. How about Betemit? No. Okay, it must be Pete Orr, right? No, that would make entirely too much sense. Let’s bring in Mr. K, aka ADDam LaDouche…Just ridiculous. And is it too much to ask for Frenchy to get a day off? Or maybe move him to first base, so at least all the bad hitters will play the same position and then Bobby won’t have the option of playing them at the same time. This team is struggling enough without putting such a weak lineup out there in such a big game…it’s hard enough to beat the Mets without having to beat Bobby too.

It’s too bad tonight’s loss can’t be given to Bobby instead of Thomson. It shouldn’t be overlooked that Thomson is having an All Star year — should be at least 4-0 now if not for the pen and Bobby. The one other bright spot from tonight is that Remlinger is putting together some clutch performances. I guess the law of averages says they can’t all suck…Or can they?

By Penn

April 30, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

I am sick of the words sux, suck and sucks.

To those who can’t think of any other words to express your displeasure; you suck.

By Penn

April 30, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

I was roundly bereated for tipping you off that the Mets had filled their gaping holes. LoDuca, Delgado and Wagner almost make a team. At least they provide the glue that makes a good team out of a few decent players.

LoDuca has qickly made Noo Yawk fans forget Piazza. And why not?

And if you don’t have the lead before the 9th you can forget about it. Ya ain’t gonna score off Wagner.

Now I know how other NL fans felt those all years their teams were down to the Braves and had to face Smoltz coming out of that bullpen in the 9th to put a lid on things. It’s a terrible feeling.

I get this awful feeling we’re in for a long year. And as for the broadcasters, that really couldn’t come at a worse time. That decision is really bad.

By teoa

April 30, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Sometimes it just fits better than: “I am displeased by the Braves’ play.” You say it your (proper, elitist) way, I’ll say it my (honest, conversational) way. And my way is extremely accurate at the moment, I might add. If ever there was a time for “sucks”…this is it.

By teoa

April 30, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

“That decision is really bad.” Are you saying that in a nasally voice gazing down over the tops of your spectacles? Just say: “That decision sucks.” Try it one time. It’s liberating.

By the way, I prefer that “ain’t” not be used here — you’re only reinforcing Southern stereotypes.

You suck.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

HK, I see your stats … wonder what they’d be without Renteria, Betimit, and Jordan?

Seriously though, I don’t believe much in those Numbers … mostly just chemistry, talent, effort, coaching, confidence, effort and fan support. If we have good stats in those categories, we’ll win more than our share.

It’s just too hard for me to construct a model that properly integrates so many interrealted variables so that significant meaning to the numbers it generates.

Still, I like the chances of teams with a high team batting average and a low ERA over teams at the other end of the spectrum.

A tough loss tonight for John. If I were he, I might just check with JS to see if something could be done to reinitiate the talks (take that any way you like).

Time to join in with the other strong fan support:

“I see we’re doing better, now that our big guns are back. I’m especially proud of Marcus … his average is almost 200; so’s Jeff’s.

One way out of this losing streak is to let our guys bat for the other team!

I don’t know why everyone’s so worried … all these Braves Doubters are going to eat their words … we’ll win at least one mone game this season, I promise!”

By sharon Sims

April 30, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

It’s plain and simple, the Braves hitters don’t know the strike zone. They get up there and swing at whatever is thrown. That’s why they lead the league in strikeouts.

By Chris

April 30, 2006 02:23 AM | Link to this

Tough loss tonight….but after reading all these posts, I gotta say one thing. Im a die hard Bravos fan….but you guys are all pointing out the flaws of the Braves and why theyre losing games. I cant really explain the Brew crew sweep but the Mets are a damn good ball club this year, and most importantly…they know it. That series last week, was sort of a tease. They had one of their worst pitchers throwing one game, Beltran out, and some slumping bats in the middle. But the last two nights…they have been playing similar how to theyve been playing all season. I’m hoping the Braves make some moves this season to fill some holes but it wont be enough. The Mets know they have the superior team…and I got a bad gut feeling, this division race might be over before the allstar break. The only team that has a chance to catch the Mets this year are the Braves…and so far, thats not looking too bright.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 02:59 AM | Link to this

Penn,

If what Teoa says is true, and you’ve been adding to our problems with Yankee Stereotypers, then I agree that you should be ashamed of yourself … Southern Rebels are stereotyped too much as it is.

However, Teoa not entirely correct; Southerners do not hold exclusive rights to the use of the contraction ain’t! It’s widely used and often misused throughout this land, even by many “elititsts”.

It’s true that the misuse and abuse of our language has become so rampant that the “vulgar” has replaced the “proper” as the accepted everyday common language of the masses and “proper” speech has become the language of the elitists … so Teoa may again be on point.

It’s a wonderful language, though terribly abused … and since it’s politically correct to protect minorities, I hope steps are taken to place “proper use” on the endangered species list so that it doesn’t become extinct.

Not to worry … there are several elitist bloggers in these environs … hiding behind “everyday common language” masks.

We had a lengthy blog recently regarding the folly of using covers to judge books … and some covers are thicker than others. Me thinks that many an Easter Egg has appeared on the face of those that are too quick to judge! Just as many fine actors sometimes emote for a purpose … skilled writers are sometimes intentionally verbose … Minnie Pearl was a well refined, articulate lady that some might call an elitist.

It’s a shame that more people don’t belong to Teoa’s Elitist group … at least it wouldn’t hurt to try.

By Josh Knight

April 30, 2006 06:33 AM | Link to this

I think a lot of you are giving the Mets too much credit. I understand that the Braves are now 7 games out of first place and I understand that we have too many automatic outs in the lineup right now, but we are giving the Mets starting pitching staff way too much credit. Beyond Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine, they have no one else that is going to help them for the duration of the season. Victor Zambrano will get his a$$ kicked again tomorrow and Kyle Davies will pull Atlanta through without the Mets sweeping us. The Mets will seal their own fate when the start losing, like they always do to inferior teams. Their starting pitching is not that good, I don’t care how good their bats are. I can’t say that I think the Braves are going to pull it together and make a run of this, because their are some glaring weaknesses. Most notably, Giles is not a leadoff hitter, and LaRoach and Francouer should be hitting off a tee when they come up to bat. All I am saying is that we are giving the Mets way too much credit. It is very possible that they will screw it up.

By eric the elder

April 30, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

I’m convinced that much of this dates back to that spell when the useless Pete Orr was leading off. Giles was just getting comfortable, being patient, taking lots of walks. I believe, as I did then when I protested loudly, that moving him back to the 2-hole unglued him. Of course, that’s just one of a multitude of problems.

The most succinct quote I ever heard was from the German born coach of the old Cleveland Force in the indoor soccer league. The Force was having a sterling season following a really awful year. The coach was asked to what he attributed their success. He said, “Ve vent out und got better players.”

By ugadawg

April 30, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

I just don’t understand why Bobby continues to play the “righty-lefty” game. McCann is the only person in the lineup hitting consistently right now, yet when we face a lefty, you can be sure that he, LaRoche, and Langerhans will take a seat. There is no way that you can convince me that Pratt is more effective against left-handed pitchers than McCann is. Pinch-hitting for McCann Friday night was just pure lunacy.

That form of coaching was popular 20 years ago, but most coaches have made the adjustment by looking at stats and matchups, rather than just bringing in the right-handed hitter to face the left-handed batter.

Anyway, I’m going to have to agree with the folks who say that this may be our year to end the streak. I know it’s only April, but if the Braves don’t start winning soon, this gap is going to be too large to overcome.

Think of all the divisions that end up being won by one or two games. Every game is crucial. All these 1 and 2 run losses only show me that this year’s Braves don’t have the same heart of past teams. If you truly want it, you can get a run. Fight for it. Do the little things like advance the runner and then sacrifice him in. The Braves aren’t doing this now, and it is becoming more and more troubling.

By Chris

April 30, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Josh Knight…Zambrano isnt pitching today. The mets skipped him in the rotation so Trachsel can pitch today…and hes been good for them. I agree their 4 and 5 pitchers are question marks. The Mets know Zambrano sucks….hes on a short leash. The fear I have is this….Bannister is young, and while hes had some questionable starts…hes gotten out of jams and its obvious he can improve. As for Zambrano, he will suck anywhere he goes…but knowing the Mets wallet, and the salary room they free’d up wiith Benson….word is they will be getting another pitcher before the deadline.

By Penn

April 30, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Let’s see how the Mets pitching staff is doing. So far they have won 16 games and Pedro and Glavine have 8 wins between them. That means someone else has won half their victories. So much for a two man staff.

Bob, of course you are right. Being born and raised in South Georgia just naturally relegates me to using “ain’t” in every sentence where remotely appropriate.

And as for vulgarity surely there is a way for me to use gutter language on these blogs even though I don’t use it in front of my daughter or granddaughters. Oh, I’ve been known to “cuss” occasionally but I am still able to draw a difference between a “damn” and something dealing with bodily functions or dealing with these modernized versions of what is ugly, at least to my eyes. “Sucks” simply grinds on me so I decided to say so. It’s too bad I ruffled a feather or two. I still don’t understand how anyone gets through any kind of school without learning how to express displeasure without using such words.

My “elitist” use of the language must tie into all those columns I’ve written for those editorial pages over these many years. I have had to “force” myself into the habit of writing without those words. Perhaps the real reason is because my papers would stop paying me if I did use them. :)

By hk

April 30, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

… you know, the material generated on this blog from about 1:00am on, and the responses to same through the morning hours is really good stuff …

Bob,

… on integrating a lot of numbers in your head, that has been my major preoccupation in my work from 1964 on … my main deal has been business plans, mostly 10 year cash flow projections, surrounded by some words … as I know you know, this involves constructing a ‘model’, then making guesses on 40 or 50 variables … guess I’m really a ‘professional guesser’ .. early on, since I’m a sports fan, I practiced by guessing the point spreads on football games, then checking the oddsmakers to see how close I came, then trying to rationalize where I went wrong … found something out over time … let’s say you and I are college football fans, and we’re halfway through the season so we have accumulated enough of a ‘database’ to intuitively make some point spread guesses … and let’s say we agree on a dozen games to guess on, jot down our guesses, take maybe five minutes to do it … I’ll bet our guesses would be really really close! … not only that, let’s say we both sat down afterward to rationize our guesses by listing the criteria we used in deciding, and assigning relative importance numbers to each so they added to 100 … I’ll bet those items and numbers would be close too ! … have done this lots of times with clients over the years,it always comes out that way …

… the point is, the ‘gut feel’ is alot better way to integrate a bunch of variables than alot of peope think, if you practice …

.. you notice I used football, not baseball, day to day with baseball there’s no way of guessing … but, if today you and I were to write down a number for how many games the Braves would over over 500 by this season’s end, I’ll bet we’d be close … and if we did the thing with criteria, etc, we’d be close again ..

By hk

April 30, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Bob, Penn,

…on your ‘language’ discussion, I was born a yankee of yankee parents, moved to Tulsa when I was 9 (arrived on Dec 7, 1941) … went to school there through high school, got ‘Oklahoma-fied’ in the process, am definitely a southerner at heart today (Atlanta since ‘64) …

… I feel like southern words and expressions are marvelous, in that they express nuances in meanings to thoughts that are found no-where else … totally acceptable at all times in all situations …

By DustinH

April 30, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I still believe in this team, we have great starting pitching and a good solid lineup when healthy. But we could really use a better bat off the bench than pratt, and a really solid 1st baseman would be nice. Lets face it, after Ted sold the team the new owndership has not cared enough to want to win in the playoffs. Go Braves! a true fan since the late 80’s. Dustin Hurst from Douglasville

By p

April 30, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

We have OK starting pitching, not great starting pitching. Great is 5-0 right now, not 1-2.

Don’t give up, the winner of this division could be 82-80. It really is terrible. the mets will have to collapse - there’s no hope of a wildcard here.

so, it’s a loooooong season. The kids will hit again, the starters will win again, and the bullpen will … well, nevermind them.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Penn, I guess we’re just gonna have to start calling you “Poison Pen Penn”, the elitist from down Allbenny way.

Things were looking up and then Davies had to go and give some of it back.

I know I’m an elitist but I don’t like folks that show their disrespect for local tradition by insisting that the names of our cities and towns be pronounced their “politically correct” way … Atlanta and Albany, being but two.

On the other hand, I abhor those who think that they’re better than other folks because of their intelligence, wealth, birthright or station in life … but I’m also a bit jealous.

Actually, I’m rather proud to have once qualified for Mensa membership consideration even though I decided against formally applying for admission. Guess I was being an elitist for thinking I was too good to associate with a bunch of intellectual snobs … or maybe just that they’d turn me down. Either way, I found out later that maybe I was mistaken … some real nice folks belong.

Seriously, I think folks should stand up for the things in which they believe and I respect the opinions of others … especially if they believe and opine the same as me.

Can’t we all agree that the uninformed shouldn’t be allowed to vote … the unqualified shouldn’t be allowed to hold positions of responsibility … amorality and imorality are to be despised … ignorance is fine; remaining ignorant is stupidity … it’s better to enjoy people, and our language, than to abuse or misuse either of them … and traditions like the Braves always winning the Division should be held sacred and not allowed to change?

They put Flasher Signals on cars for people who can’t make up ther mind which way to turn … we didn’t have them when I was growing up … so whe had to be opinionated.

Folks may not agree with me … ain’t life fun … but, I sure like 8-4 better than all those others scores I’ve seen lately.

By Bob

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

hk, I’ll give you an “ain’t that the truth” to all your comments!

I like being excessively verbose … it’s my way of emoting … and the elitisis would say that “excessively verbose” is redundant … but I don’t care … just so long as they spell my name right.

I couldn’t find and email address for Bud Selig … but he the best target for our arguments.

I’ve spent a lot of time and energy developing a Horse Racing projection model based on the Past Performance data available from the Daily Racing Form website. I’t amazing how my tests showed unbeliebale ROIs and the reserves necessary to reduce the risk of ruin to less than 1% were indicated to be far less than expected … but when I personally deployed the system, I always seemed to lose.

Now that I think that got it “perfected”, I don’t have the capital to prove it … and those that do … think I’m crying “wolf”!

By berigan

April 30, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Frenchy goes 4 for 5! Reitsma saves the day! Now excuse me while I watch some pigs fly.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

HK, it dropped my last little bit …

You are a good role model for folks to follow … we can’t help where we’re born … or our our initial station in life.

But when we see how things are; we can and should have what it takes to get up and move!

By hk

April 30, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… hmmm, Horse racing model, verrry interesting, I just love that kind of stuff, make models all the time … funny, a while ago I was thinking about doing a predictive model for the Braves this season, with probability ranges for each variable, but my courage gave out …

… speaking of numbers, I like Reitsma because he wears number 37, which is my favorite … did you know that:

(1 plus 1 plus 1) times 37 = 111 ?? or that

(2 plus 2 plus 2) times 37 = 222 ?? or that

(3 plus 3 plus 3) times 37 = 333 ?? or that

(4 plus 4 plus 4) times 37 = 444 ?????

…. etc, etc … there’s alot more to the ‘37’ story, but I won’t wear you out with it … has to do with a scientist back in the 50’s who set out to disprove the Bible using computer analysis …

… why am I in such a good mood ??? … I know, it’s Frenchy … boy that last catch, that grin, what a finish ..

By Penn

April 30, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

hk, that big grin was worth it all. I may never again write anything negative about Francoeur. I can’t express how important today’s game may prove to be. Going 4-5 with 5 RBI’s was huge for that young man but being six behind rather than eight is even bigger. A win today was almost a must.

Bob, make that Thomasville but I sure do know Allbenny very well. Lot’s of family all over that Southwestern part of Georgia.

Since leaving there in 1948 I have lived in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Madison, WI, Atlanta again, New Jersey, Illinois again, Ft. Lauderdale, Illinois (third time), Manitowoc, WI, Taipei, Taiwan and finally back to South Florida.

Through all that I never lived anywhere long enough to repaint the place until I retired to Florida. Chasing the corporate rainbow enabled me to see the world but it didn’t keep me from my beloved Atlanta where we have maintained a second home for many years.

I was living there when the Braves first came and when the Falcons started. My family knows the Smith family very well and my brother knows Ted Turner very well.

During those 40 years of roaming the world I always managed to keep up with the Falcons and the Braves. But since baseball is my favorite sport they always came first. Even during five years in Taiwan I kept close tabs on them.

Nothing could please me more than to see them pull it out one more time but this is going to be their toughest challenge yet. I have watched LoDuca and Delgado up close and I can tell you they are consistently front and center when it comes to playing the game at a high level. They are good and they filled two bad weak spots for the Muts.

Cheers, as we enjoy this sweet victory. And let’s hope for the best in Denver.

BTW, I still can’t come to terms with the thought that Reitsma has what it takes to handle the pressures of closing.

By Penn

April 30, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Renteria, .365 McCann, .308 Langerhans, .296 Jones, A, .281 Jones, C, .244 Francoeur, .216 LaRoche, .200 Giles, .192

And that is how the Braves are batting through Sunday’s game. Anyone ready to send Giles and LaRoche to Richmond?

Incidentally, I do believe Francoeur now ranks second to Andrew in RBI’s. Interesting stat.

By Penn

April 30, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Renteria, .365 McCann, .308 Langerhans, .296 Jones, A, .281 Jones, C, .244 Francoeur, .216 LaRoche, .200 Giles, .192

And that is how the Braves are batting through Sunday’s game. Anyone ready to send Giles and LaRoche to Richmond?

Incidentally, I do believe Francoeur now ranks second to Andrew in RBI’s. Interesting stat.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

HK, I’ll get back to you on the HorseRacing and Numbers Theory … and some baseball … maybe sometime late tonight.

Did you find out any email address for Bud Selig? I think I posted my view that he’s the best target for our Media/Ownership views.

I’m in one of my refelective moods. I’m sure that Some folks think I’m just seeking seeking positive reinforcement when I comment on my inability to be concise … but I’m not. If I were, I’d ask for money too.

The truth is I’ve probably lost whatever skill in that arena that I may have once possessed … and it now takes me more words than it should to say something and my message often remains a mystery, even to me.

I truly enjoy bantering about most anything with folks that share the common interest of rooting for the Braves … though some of the frustration motivated rants look like something else.

No matter what some people may think, including those who think of me as “Holier than Thou Bob” or another of the blowhard Elitists, the only method to my maddness is to try to get people to reflect on what they’re saying and consider the impact that it might have on others … be nice … it’s as simple as that!

I’m old fashioned and proud of it! I like the traditional versions of the Pledge of Alegence and the Golden Rule … not “Them what’s got the Gold, makes the Rules” and “Do it unto others before the do it to you”.

Mamma used to say these things about her oldest: Bobby doesn’t believe all that he says … much of that is just for effect. He’s a Georgia Peach love; true blue and 4 square; honest as the day is long, at least in the winter; smart as a whip; stubborn as a mule; will argue with a fencepost; is in love with love; and doesn’t know when to shut up.

It used to embarass me and make me mad when she said some of those things but I decided a long time ago that Mama was smart and knew me better than I did myself.

I through reflecting … it’s time to shup us, enjoy the victory … go eat and take a nap … watch a little TV and then come back and see what’s going on.

By Josh Knight

April 30, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Let’s think about this yet again. The Mets pitching staff sucks. With the exception of Martinez and Glavine, they will not have enough to win this division. It was proven today and is everytime they send someone out to the mound to start besides Martinez and Glavine. What the Mets have not realized is that you have got to have a deep rotation to beat the Braves in the regular season. The Braves will close up that big lead when they face the Mets next weekend, when Martinez and Glavine will not make starts against Atlanta.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 30, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

only one journalist on blog lately - journalist guy curtright. where is dob? jimmy smith has no answer. where has jimmy smith been? answer: seale, alabama (passing through to gulf coast resort). no seals in seale, however. well, one seal but he was in car with jimmy smith. what happened while this journalist was away? losing streak!! glavine beats braves? what is going on? jimmy smith is feverishly reading blogs to see what he missed. hello to bob and thanks for nice words, drbert too, scribe, carolina lady … scribe, did you find dob? if he does not resurface soon this journalist will begin checking with unsavory sources. now, baseball … what is going on with this team? not pretty. not at all pretty. now, toes … as drbert says, ptoemaine poisoning can settle in toe and kill. if hits big toe, watch out - time is short.

By Bob

April 30, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Penn, Quick note … sorry about the Thomasville oversight … used to be lots of family freinds there.

I just counted … 14 residences, excluding service stops … and counting Atlanta and Chattanooga twice. Been in all States but Alaska and 6 of Canada’s best.

What are your thoughts regarding current Blog activity levels … and the extended absence of some.

As noted in other post, I visited close to 50 foreign countries and don’t recall many disappointments. When we last visited Monoco, about 5 years ago … we stayed at the Lowes where a can of Coke was $5 but found a local grocery with six packs for $4.50. I noticed somewhere that cokes in the hotel are now $10 with local store prices still running less than $6.

By MGL

April 30, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Esteemed journalist jimmy smith - I think that you should consider having baby seal notarized. Then there would be a seal on seal and in case the baby got lost in Seale Al, there would be a seal on seal in Seale. Also, on your upcoming trip to Wash., DC. if you visited the Oval room. you would have a seal on seal on seal as opposed to seal on seal IN Seale.

By hk

April 30, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… couldn’t stand it once I got the notion into my head, here are projections for number of games the Braves could win, based on how they’ve done so far, then a worst case, best case and most likely performace for the season … assigned a number representing importance to the team of the contributions of each player, offense and defense, adding to 100 … importance times projected performance gives total contribution of each player, added up gives projected number of games the Braves will win … summary of projected wins:

Based on season to date - 75

Worst Case Rest of Year - 79

Best Case Rest of Year - 101

Most Likely Rest of Year - 94

… for anyone that’s interested, here are the

numbers

By journalist jimmy smith

April 30, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

mgl’s thoughts on baby seal have journalist jimmy smith very excited. baby seal has just been submitted for the good housekeeping seal of approval. when baby seal returns, jimmy smith will take seal to washington, d.c to meet the great seal of the united states. baby seal is most excited for this opportunity. plans to tour navy seal training facility are being made but due to sensitive nature of this visit journalist’s lips are sealed. word of a big baseball trade has made its way to the desk of journalist jimmy smith. jimmy smith will report more as soon as the braves seal the deal. more seals later. now, number ten … number ten is playing like number two and is batting only .244. baby seal is concerned and has uh, sent get well card.

By ForceSaberz

April 30, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

I really think that 2days game was huge for Frenchy, he really needed a confidence boost. We’ll see how he does in the next few games but he has steadily been raising that batting average. I really think he’ll turn it around, which is why Bobby is still sticking with him. Now LaRoach, thats a diff story. I really think we need to give Jurries a shot at 1st. The guy raked in Spring Training and LaRoach has sucked besides his occasional homer. And then Giles….Giles will turn it around, he’s been the leader (or one of) the past few years on the braves as far as BA. I wonder if he should be batting 2nd tho. I would love to see the Braves try Langy leading off and Giles #2 and the Renteria in the 5 hole. I really think renteria would be massive force and drive in a ton of runs.

By TennesseePaul

April 30, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Well I was pleased with the win today. Always pleased with wins. Francoeur appears to be coming around. But I’m still not sold. Last time he hit 3 homers in 2 days and I thought he was out of the slump, then he didn’t do squat. But he has gotten a hit in 4 of the last 5 games, and today he really cranked that ball.
Renteria is blowing me away with everyday he is on the field. Even when he was on the bench injured he was amazing. The guy is just incredible and I’m so frickin glad he’s a Brave. I haven’t missed Furcal yet and that’s the best part about it. Sure hope Giles comes out of his rut.
LaRoche is still bumming me out. I was cheering for him so hard when he faced that lefty. Man I wish he had killed that ball. The better he does against lefties the less likely it is Jordan will be played. And the less Jordan plays the better.
Love this bullpen. I wish Villarreal would straighten up. The haircut wasn’t enough.

Go Braves!

By ugadawg

April 30, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Penn, I don’t know what’s the saddest part of the batting average stats….the fact that the lowest BA belongs to our leadoff man, or that the 2nd and 3rd lowest are 5th and 6th in the lineup….

By TennesseePaul

April 30, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Man, just had a chance to go back and read most of the posts. Seems to be a lot of depressed people on this blog. I can’t imagine how these people felt in 2004.

I’m pretty disappointed with the way this team has been playing, but I wouldn’t say they suck. The hitters have been sucking, but they aren’t bad hitters. (Except maybe LaRoche. That guy strikes out way to much.) But Chipper, Andruw, and Renteria are solid hitters. Giles is a .290+ hitter. McCann is super solid. Langerhans is really stepping up and Francoeur has potential to be the man.

It seems like, ever since TP has been the hitting coach, the Braves have been on some serious hitting slumps and long crappy streaks. Which is my point in 2004. Does anyone remember that April (or was it May)? We went into the Brewers series, struck out 18 times in one game. Came back to Atlanta and the next game Randy Johnson threw a perfect game. Talk about your non-existant offense.

The biggest difference is really the quality of competition in the division. This year it’s really thin, and that could make it hard to catch up. Braves usually win by pounding the hell out of the crap teams and really dominating within the division. They need to step it up when playing against the East.

They stepped up today. A sweep would have been tragic. Pounding the crap out of Trachsel was needed. Needed for our offense and needed as a showing against the only real trouble in the division. 2 good starters isn’t enough. Not over a whole season. Zambrano and Trachsel are not going to cut it. The way the Braves have been pitching, it’s all just a matter of TP sitting down with the boys and actually helping them. No more of this you’re looking good out there with your hips flying open, your head bobbling all over the place and your hands way out in front. Keep swinging at those first pitches.

hk: I found that projection sheet pretty fascinating. I’m not terribly familure with all the Sabermetrics out there. How do you come to the values for the players? Is it a calculation or a speculation?

By Penn

April 30, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Bob, I think the success of these blogs will eventually depend on the “leader” paying attention. When they don’t respond it seems to dry up so far as anything of value or interest is concerned.

I’ve hit 49 states (all but Maine) and half of Canada’s provinces and 33 other countries and I really enjoyed those travels.

quote:

“Giles will turn it around, he’s been the leader (or one of) the past few years on the braves as far as BA. I wonder if he should be batting 2nd tho. I would love to see the Braves try Langy leading off and Giles #2 and the Renteria in the 5 hole. I really think renteria would be massive force and drive in a ton of runs.”

For what it’s worth I really agree with this suggestion. I think it could easily make a big change. Marcus doesn’t look as comfortable batting with no one on. He seems to be feeling more pressure for some reason.

Langerhans would be my choice and Marcus second where he was very productive. And the new stud, Renteria, would add a lot in giving Andrew some protection. Of course it would also be nice for Chipper to start producing in the #3 slot again. But he will.

Am I seeing things or does anyone else detect a drop in Chipper’s bat speed? He seems to being late on a lot of fast balls lately. Maybe that will clear up in the next few days when he gets comfortable again.

By Bobbymahlon

April 30, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

Lets get off Franceour’s back for awhile and look at how our leadoff hitter Giles is doing. Also what about Laroche striking out 27 times thus far and hitting less than Frenchy. Lets put Ryan first and move Giles into his spot.

By hk

April 30, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

… well, first I roughed out the whole spreadsheet, I do alot of those, that’s the easy part … there is one formula only used to calculate everything … first numbers I fine tuned were the ones that compare the batters relative skills, then the pitchers relative skills, this guy’s better than that guy, who in turn is better than the next guy, etc … then I do the defense importance for the batters and the offense numbers for the pitchers, those are alot less significant … then check the defense totals vs offense totals, the defense (mostly pitching), I think, should be a little more important than the offense (mostly hitting) for the Braves …

… when that sort of looks OK after some more massaging, I grade out each player as to what he has contributed thus far, then a worst case from hear on, then a best case, then a most likely, which represents my best guess … then I just keep jockeying it around until it ‘feels’ right … in the trade that’s called ‘sculpting the mathematical model’ … the concept is, if you break down a problem into enough little pieces, then guess at each little piece, maybe they’ll balance out and you won’t be that far off in your overall guess … once you get it finished, it fun to change one guy’s numbers, see how the little red numbers in the lower right hand corner change …

.. in answer to your question, it’s a calculation all the way, based on my ‘gut feel’ for each little piece … your gut feel would be just as valid, as would be many other’s on this blog ..

By hk

May 1, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Penn, Bob,

… I was born in ‘All’ bany as well, the one up the Hudson River a ways …

By TennesseePaul

May 1, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

I think Giles will get his stroke back even if he isn’t moved. But, moving him might not be a bad idea. Langerhans is solid, but the trouble I have with batting him leadoff is mainly with Bobby. He has been platooning Langerhans with Diaz, and Diaz hasn’t shown any ability to bat leadoff. Diaz isn’t bad, but you really can’t platoon in the leadoff role. The platooning probably won’t change. It seems Cox is a little biased to the right handers. He takes McCann, LaRoche and Langerhans out of the line up when facing a lefty. I’m not so sure that page in the book is the way to go. Some lefties are really good hitters, you just have to give them a chance to see the pitching in order to prove it. Once you take out McCann, LaRoche and Langerhans you have weakened this lineup dramatically. Pratt, Jordan and Diaz are not as productive.

Renteria has been on fire and getting a guy on base in front of Chipper and Andruw is key. But, Renteria behind Andruw would be huge as well. But again, Bobby has this thing about lefty, righty, lefty, so I doubt that will happen. I could see Francoeur being moved up to the 5th spot for good once he shows a consistant bat. But that will be a long time. LaRoche is just going to have to get his act together. Maybe he should start taking the Riddlin. He’d probably kick so much @ss. He does have a lot of doubles. If a third of his K’s where singles, he’d be hitting over .320.

By TennesseePaul

May 1, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

hk: thanks for the description on the spreadsheet. I work with numbers a lot, but not much on the baseball side.

By Bob

May 1, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

10 Paul, everyone should take the time to go back and review the posts; especially their own.

With a little encouragement, I think HK will probably reveal all.

I like TP but think that I agree with you regarding the hitting … at least directionally.

Here are some of my thoughts … hope I can convert them into the right words.

From the outside looking in, it almost seems like many teams, including the Braves, go overboard with the “if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it” theory.

An underlying reason for that may be player reluctance to really listen to anything relevant to their natural skills … unless they’re not working.

I can’t accept that reason, but it’s on my list of possible suspects. There’s something to the “ounce of prevention” adage and I think that the Hitting Coach, aware of such reluctance, should be skilled enough to overcome it; working continuously to help keep them “in the zone” and out of “slumps” … and not just help them get out of trouble.

The Hitting Coach has to understand hitting, inside and out, and must be able to effectively communicate to each of his charges. While having “All Star Major League” hitting credentials is good press and may help get players to listen; it in no way attests to one’s having those basic skills.

I don’t think the Hitting Coach can be a single approach, “Down and Away Leo” but rather has to recognize the 25 different temperament, hitting style, and ability combinations with which he’s dealing … and knows how to keep those “machines” working properly … without attempting to make them conform to his personal, patented formula for success.

We hear alot about the need for a player to know the strike zone. All players at this level should know the strike zone … and surely do. The hitting coach must make sure that the player knows his most effective “Hitting Zone” … and the two, different from Jimmy’s number two, are are rarely … if ever, the same.

Relavent to that, the Hitting Coach and the player must stay on the same page regarding when pitches should be taken … for each of the “Strike Zone / Hitting Zone” combinations.

It really is possible to be “hands on” without over coaching.

All I know is that we can see evidence of a player beginning to struggle, long before the possibility of a slump suggested by the numbers … and our Hitting Coach doesn’t seem to do much other than be a cheerleader and offer similiar advice to everybody.

By ForceSaberz

May 1, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

Yeah I think at least Langerhans needs to have some oppurtunities to bat against leftys. Last year he hit extreamly well of of lefties to end the season. The guy is solid. I dunno about McCann (we havent seen much of it) and then I doubt LaK’s ability to hit lefties. The only good thing about Roach right now is his power….the guy’s swing (long and loopy) just results in a ton of k’s tho

By Bob

May 1, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

HK, I’ve been up the Hudson a time or two myself … long ago, but after the Dutch had everybody wearing wooden shoes.

Good to hear from Jimmy and know he and his are okay over in what used to be West Georgia. I’ve seen a couple of DOB recent articles … wonder why he’s avoiding us.

Little Mama’s under the weather so I’ll postpone the “numbers” rap I promised until a little later … but, it’s good to see other “number” guys reveal themselves and show an interest in what you’ve done.

By teoa

May 1, 2006 03:14 AM | Link to this

Bob, Penn, for the record, my posts last night were intended to be a tongue-in-cheek response to being lectured on the proper language for internet blogging. Sometimes, in the interest of brevity, I don’t treat every post as a graduate dissertation, and I am guilty as charged of using such vulgar/offensive/informal words like “sucks” on this blog.

Forgive me.

I don’t really find any blogger’s method of self expression to be “elitist”, unless you are taking it upon yourself to change the vocabularly of conversational American English. In that case, all I can say is…good luck! I was not actually offended by your blogs or your critique of my blog, and I found your responses from today to be quite entertaining (like that? that was for you Penn — “quite entertaining” as opposed to “awesome”, “rad”, etc.)

Anyhow, in honor of Mr. Penn, I will begin a regular blog on this site titled, “What sucked today”…(It’s okay, Mr. Penn, it won’t hurt…I promise. Just loosen up a little and give it a shot…)

What sucked today was that Bobby continues to bat LaDouche in the 5-hole. (Note to Penn: excuse the “funny” player nicknames — needless to say my “what sucked today” column is intended for mature audiences, what with the extreme nature of the language in the very title of the column and all. Hide the women and children before reading further.) It especially sucks that Langer is hitting over .400 with runners on base, but he is the 8-hitter. Meanwhile, LaDouche strikes out most ABs when he isn’t hitting into a double play, and is a guaranteed rally killer in the middle of the order. There is simply no logic to putting your worst hitter behind your best hitter, and Bobby could still be a great manager without being this prideful and stubborn with his lineup decisions. First inning ABs for LaDouche suck in particular, because there has to be at least 2 on base for him to come up in the first, and a hit in the 5-hole could be the difference in establishing early momentum or giving the other team a boost by getting out of an early jam…Of course, the latter seems to always happen with Mr. LaDouche (see? I’m trying to be more respectful — Mr. Ladouche) just as it did today.

That being said, there was a lot today that didn’t suck. Beating the Mets is always good and surviving 4 innings from the pen is simply amazing — fortunately there were some timely insurance runs. I have to say though that I was sort of rooting for Reitsma to give up a couple in the 9th…My reasoning is that if he can get saves while pitching sucky (or is the adverb suckily?), then that might speed up the process of trading for a real closer while not costing the Braves any wins.

Okay, I’m done. Hope no one was overly offended by my inability or reluctance to express myself with “proper” nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and the like. If you are able to overlook my “crude and vulgar” attempt at posting my thoughts regarding Braves baseball on the internet, perhaps you will find that there is some degree of substance there, which is all that really matters for an internet blog anyway, right? Let’s be friends…

Go Braves!

By teoa

May 1, 2006 03:22 AM | Link to this

Clearly I made an egregious error in grammar when I said:

…first inning ABs for LaDouche suck in particular, because there has to be at least 2 on base for him to come up in the first…

Obviously, anyone who considers English to be one of their top five languages knows that it should have been:

…first inning ABs for LaDouche suck in particular, because there have to be at least 2 on base for him to come up in the first…

Man, I really suck at this whole internet blogging thing…

By Trophead

May 1, 2006 03:26 AM | Link to this

What happened to Kevin Gryboski? Wasn’t he like our best right-handed reliever at this point last year? I don’t see him pitching for anyone now, which is kinda hard to believe.

By Bob

May 1, 2006 03:32 AM | Link to this

Penn, I agree about Chipper’s sluggishness but suspect that the problem’s above the neck rather than below. A couple of years back when he had that terrible first half and “injuries” took most of the blame; I sensed that much of the problem was rooted in a perception that his mates’ might not be up to the task … and he was having trouble coping with the notion that, for the first time is career, he might be on what he considered to be a loser … I’m not suggesting that was the case; just that it seemed that way to me.

I now sense that this might be a similiar situation … the same signs are there, and some of his statements to reporters seem to indirectly support that. I’ve always suspected that the easiest way to get him out was for the Catcher to tell him what was coming.

I’ve always felt that Giles’ hitting style was definitely … but he seemed to be able to evaluate the defense and hit the ball on a line with power … and away from the defenders. Indicating better bat control than expected from the aggresive little guy.

The leadoff position pressure to be more selective and get on base seems to have made Giles indecisive; less aggressive and preoccupied with the taking of ball four which all too often results in his taking strike three.

I would have Renteria hitting third, fourth, and fifth … if I could figure out to accomplish that. Based on what I’ve seen, he certainly needs to be in one of those spots. My personal choice would be Renteria third with Chipper hitting second; Langerhans leading off; McCann fifth; Giles sixth, Larouche seventh; Frenchy eighth, moved up to sixth when he gets things explained to him.

Of course, we could always go with the “Money Fixes Everything” approach and get a new group of hitters but ours is a pretty good group of hitters on paper … the trick is to get them to do it while in the batter’s box. That’s supposed to be Terry’s job, not mine.

By Bob

May 1, 2006 04:17 AM | Link to this

Teoa,

I didn’t see the posts that you were referencing … but one would think that neither is correct. Clearly, he could come up in the first inning with the bases empty, loaded, or something in between.

I don’t think that anyone cares which of the languages a person uses; that’s personal preference and depends on many factors.

Neither do I think it proper for someone to ridicule your grammarical or spelling mistakes; especially when it’s just to make a point, if that was beeing done. I don’t blame you for being upset … there are better ways to point those things out … if they’re really interested in helping you to improve.

I’m one of those who thinks we should all try our best to properly use which ever language we select.

If someone finds my way of expressing myself to be vulgar or offensive … I’m just pleased to find that I have at least one friend with courage enough to tell me how they feel … regardless of how mad I initially got or how misguided I might think them to be.

From what I read of what you’ve written, I think that you a bit of an elitist too … just like me.

Life is good … relax a bit and enjoy it.

By teoa

May 1, 2006 05:14 AM | Link to this

I’m not upset, Bob, just having a little fun at Penn’s expense — a little sarcasm never hurt anyone, right?…thought you responded to the language debate last night as well…Disregard if that wasn’t you.

You’re right, it is possible for LaRoache to bat in the 1st with no one on after a HR or something, but usually he’s up there with a couple on base if his turn comes around. Anyway, point taken. I still don’t think he’s a 5-hitter though.

By Penn

May 1, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Hey teoa, if “sucks” is adult language what qualifies as childish? Just curious.

BTW, I don’t like word police either, at least those who soend their time hunting for a spelling or grammar error. They have to be very boring people. However, a constant barrage of vlgarity is (to me at least) an indication that the writer simply cannot express himself in what (again to me) is normal English. At the time I wrote that the entire thread had sunk to the “sucking” level.

If I have offended you well …. your use of the language offended me so I guess that makes us even. Cheers and do try to have a good day. I’d bet that over a good cold brew and a cup of Old Hickory House Brunswick Stew we would agree this entire subject “sucks.”

By journalist jimmy smith

May 1, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

one journalist is back - journalist jimmy smith! now, dob … where is esteemed journalist dob? jimmy smith has unsavory sources who say dob may be at columbia university in nyc - in search of a pulitzer prize. esteemed journalist dana priest of the washington post won this year’s pulitzer in the category “beat reporting”. priest reports on national security and has no blog of her own and does not have to go into smelly locker rooms, go on road trips, live on cheese sandwiches, and make chipper’s quotes come out intelligible and in complete sentences. dob has a good case. good luck to dob in nyc. now, cheese tips … do not freeze your cheese. cheeses undergo changes in texture if frozen. also, store cheese in wax paper - not plastic wrap - so cheese can breathe. now, baseball … lineup is a mess right now. jimmy smith thinks the order should change - why is bobby being so stubborn? now, toes … healthy toes on team at this time - some players with more toes than others.

By Carroll

May 1, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

DOB: I read that the Cubs are desperate to get a veteran RH bat who can play both 1B and some OF while Lee is hurt. They’re looking into the likes of COnine and Millar. Sounds to me like BJ Jordan would be perfect for them, and he’d come a lot cheaper. ANy chance we could peddle him off to Chicago for maybe Williamson or some other bullpen arm?

Also, I read that Zach Day is about to be released. ANy chance we pick him up? I know he has struggled but he is young and promising. I know Don Sutton has always been very high on him any time we’ve gone up against him.

Any other trade rumors? Sweeney, Nevin, Mench,etc?

By P'Cola Michael

May 1, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

I agree with shifting the lineup a little…I would like to see this one: Langerhans Giles C. Jones A.Jones E. Renteria Frency McCann LaRoche

By Cliff

May 1, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Hey now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves it is a very long season. We have been without our regular lineup for at least half the games and things will come around. I just think the Jones boys need to take a little more of a leadership role not only on the field but off. We lost a key motivater to our younger players in Franco and need some vetrans to fill the void of taking the young players aside.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 1, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

journalist notes that free andruw jones jersies will be available at ballpark. journalist wants to know: free andruw from what? in jail? oppressed? free andruw from having laroche bat behind him? if you have more information please post for jimmy smith.

By Jim

May 1, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Here is yet another statistic, but it might have other than trivia value. Foul balls/contact! What fraction of the times that a player makes contact with the ball when he swings does it result in a foul.

I would suggest that if someone with time on their hands and nothing better to do with it were to calculate such a stat that Marcus Giles would be leading the league ( or very close). This, in spite of the fact that not a lot of Giles’ fouls are the waste a good pitch to stay alive variety. With his uppercut swing he seems to foul off more hittable pitches than any other player in the league. He would also rank very low in the fair balls/swing category with his strikeout totals rising over the past 2 years.

By Penn

May 1, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Speaking of uppercut swings am I correct in thinking that Marcus’ uppercut is more pronounced this year than in the past?

There is nothing more powerful and more likely to make contact than a level swing. He and LaRoche are both swinging from with an arc.

By ssiscribe

May 1, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

IN ALLERGY HELL — Ah, gotta love pollen … about as much as Braves Nation loves the Mets, Liberty Media and Fox Cable Networks’ decisions regarding announcers on the channel formerly known as Turner South.

Jimmy, no clue on DOB. Miami tips being accepted from all comers at this point; the bus leaves for South Florida before sunrise Friday morning for a weekend at Whatever The Heck They’re Calling The Stadium Down There Now (I think, for the record, it’s Dolphin (singular) Stadium. At least I get to see the Cards, and Phat Albert, do their thing.

Speaking of singular, I think I need some allergy medicine … or a stiff drink. Think I’ll take the medicine now, and have the drink when I come home tonight.

Somebody make sure Frenchy’s DVD player is in good working order. Be patient, gang, the season ends five months from today. I’m willing to bet it ends the same way the previous 14 have, with the Braves in first place in the division after game No. 162.

Later on.

By TennesseePaul

May 1, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Since Cox insists on having a line up which is R,L,R,L, etc. I’m a little lost as to why LaRoche and Langerhans haven’t been switched around. Cox has been platooning both players anyway, so it wouldn’t affect his platoon situation as much as having Langerhans leadoff. I think that is one of the biggest drawbacks to having Langerhans leadoff. It has nothing to do with Langerhans’ skill or talent, but everything to do with Cox’s need to platoon the lefties. If Langerhans was in the leadoff role, our leadoff hitter would be platooned. That just doesn’t seem like a good idea. But flipping Langerhans and LaRoche sounds perfect.
1. Giles
2. Renteria
3. Chipper
4. Andruw
5. Langerhans
6. Francoeur
7. McCann
8. LaRoche

Usually a batting order can be viewed as sort of a seniority/skill list. Those with the least skill and seniority are typically towards the bottom. Balancing the seniority and the skill is the tricky part and I think Cox favors the seniority over the skill, which is why Langerhans is batting 8th instead of 5th.

However, yesterday’s lineup is productive. The drawbacks, LaRoche is going to strike out. That is apparently his most reliable quality. Francoeur is still trying to figure everything out so he is a bit of a weak spot. But, having McCann and Langerhans behind Francoeur is going to force pitchers to throw more meat to Francoeur. Of course Francoeur has the weakness of swinging at balls in the dirt, so it’s easy to get him out. If he’d layoff those pitches, he’d start walking, then McCann and Langerhans would be hitting with runners on. The whole game changes.

As I wrote that I realized that LaRoche’s K’s aren’t as big as Francoeur’s lack of walks. If Francoeur gets on base more it will change everything. Look at yesterday. Francoeur got hits all over the place and we produced tons of runs. Francoeur being on gives Langerhans and McCann a guy to bat in. Francoeur has enough speed to keep a pitchers attention on the path ways, which also benefits McCann and Langerhans. Francoeur getting on means more runs from the lower part of the line up. It would probably change the style of pitching to LaRoche as well. Pitchers will walk Andruw right now because LaRoche is going to strike out and Francoeur is going to ground out. So you can get out of the inning without having to face Andruw. But if Francoeur increases his ability to draw walks, LaRoche might see more hitable pitches, Andruw isn’t as easy to pitch around, and basically, the line up because much more productive.

Man that was longwinded.

By David O'Brien

May 1, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Relax, I had the games off Friday and Sunday, and Guy had already posted a blog Friday that got superceded by the one someone posted on the broadcasters. Which is why Guy’s blog got posted later, and has been up since. Remember, we don’t post new blogs on Saturday-Sunday.

Anyway…I’m not avoiding anyone. Well, maybe the 32-percenter in Richmond who believes he or she is empowered to monitor and establish the correct political bent or lack thereof in this blog (I’m still smiling over that ridiculous post that somehow twisted my defense of Frenchy’s nickname into a political statement and suggested I go blog for CNN. That was rich stuff. Classic.

I’ll post later today. And what’s your name from Richmond, if I feel like it I’ll comment on today’s Latin boycott. Just got to decide which side I should come out on in order to upset you the most _ it’s tough to tell with the right these days, which side of that issue you’re on and which side is the “correct” one for the party.

But on a serious note … Rockies no pushover anymore, folks. Braves need a couple of solid pitching performances if they hope to get their first series win (though is a 2-0 series win really a “series” win, or just a “set” win?)

Nine Black Alps … the new Nirvana. Best straight-ahead new rock band in a while.

New Springsteen CD _ outstanding.

By Penn

May 1, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

It’s called “PRO PLAYERS’ STADIUM” and owner Wayne Huizenga says the Marlins cannot play there after the 2010 season.

They gotta go somewhere. And if South Florida refuses to build them a domed stadium owner Loria says he will move the team. Hialeah is trying but it does not look good. San Antonia looks better.

Penn, a Braves fan who lives in South Florida, 8 miles from the Mets training camp and 15 miles from the Cardinals and Phillies. We get a lot of baseball down here before the season opens.

By Dubya Cubed

May 1, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, I’m not sure I agree with the lineup right now, but I agree with everything you had to say about it. I wanted to add this: Francouer on first equals a big hole on the right side when McCann and Langerhans hit. For lefty batters, that can be a huge advantage.

By David O'Brien

May 1, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Penn, if you’re a fan who lives in South Florida, you probably should realize the stadium is Dolphins Stadium, and has been for a couple of years now.

By Penn's Enemy #1

May 1, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Penn, I live in the PBG and the Phillies are no where near here dumbass!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 1, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

dob is back! scribe is back! guy curtright! jimmy smith! this blog is now full of it! “it”, being journalists, of course.

journalist jimmy smith’s guess is that dob will come down on the side of burritos and corona beer. in fact, jimmy smith will side with dob on this one. only root beer for jimmy smith, though. now, music … new francis rwama cd is out in stores - great ugandan piano player/tuner. rwama rocks!

By Carolina Lady

May 1, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know if it is legal to shoot crows?? I have declared WAR!

By Carroll

May 1, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Apparently, it’s legal to scare them.

By TennesseePaul

May 1, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Good to see you back DOB. Interested to see how many players sit out of the games today in order to support illegal immigration. But I got a tell ya, so far, it’s been a good day. Traffic to work was exceptionally light. The freeway was clean and clear of broken down pollution machines. If this is what it’s like without illegals, I’m not so sure I’d have a problem with that.

DubyaCubed: Good point about the left side of the field. I over looked that part.

By TennesseePaul

May 1, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

man, that was just bad… “and basically the lineup becomes much more productive.” Not sure how the because got in there.

By Penn

May 1, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/propla.htm

Joe Robbie Stadium was named Pro Player Stadium when Huizenga bought the team and sold the naming rights to Fruit of the Loom. In 2005 it was renamed Dolphin Stadium after Huizenga decided that only the Dolphins were going to play there.

I am dreadfully apologetic about not picking up on that latest name change a year ago, not two years as you stated DOB.

As for the spring training camps I made another horrible error. It is the Marlins (and not the Phillies) who share the facilities at Jupiter with the Cardinals. The Phils have been in Clearwater for ages. I don’t know why I typed their name, it was simply a slip of the fingers

And if that makes you my NO. 1 enemy I’d say you don’t need much to create enemies. Do you have any friends?

Just for the record I used to own a home in PBG but got tired of the riff raff and moved to a class neighborhood in Palm City.

By Carolina Lady

May 1, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Carroll! I’d decided to use only a little BB gun for safety’s sake and, at the range of my targets, I don’t think they’ll suffer much more than a ruffled feather. These guys are absolutely taking over and harrassing the other birds terribly! Don’t know how effective this campaign will be but it’s underway. I’ve HAD IT WITH THEM! :-)

By hk

May 1, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

DOB,

… glad you’re back, we have needed you …

Bob,

… I tried to wait up for you last night, but had gotten up early, church and all, faded away about 1:00am, just missed you … again, much good stuff …

… agree with you about Giles being preoccupied with OBP, etc, his walks are way way up over last year … and his swing seems to be more’LaRoche’-ian than usual … he is capable of shortening his stride, hitting the other way, etc, feel pretty confident he’ll come out of it alright … he’s up a few pounds this year, don’t know if that’s affecting his mechanics or not …

… LaRoche needs to acquire the ability to shorten his stride, abandon the big looping swing in certain situations, but his hitting style is so ingrained, think it would really mess him up to try to tinker with it now, feel like it’s an offseason project ..

… Frenchy’s comments after the game pleased me no end … my son Jeff for years and years has given me ‘Jeff recommends’ in movies, sort of a reverse parental guidance .. my favorite of those has always been ‘Rudy’, brings back memories of Jeff playing in high school … it gave me delight to send him an email awhile ago with the title ‘Jeff’ recommend, quoting the other Jeff …

“I’m a little superstitious, and sometimes you need something to get you going,” Francoeur said. “If ‘Rudy’ doesn’t do it, nothing will.”

… Chipper has always been injury prone since his very earliest days, think it’s getting to him a little bit, I see alot of caution out there … similar look with Michael Vick, since they’ve made him a target for getting pounded, with the west coast offense forcing him to stay in the pocket, Vick has gotten extremely tentative like a guy who is afraid to get hurt … see the same look on his face and body language as Chipper ..

By MBATL

May 1, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

hk, disagree that Chipper has been injury-prone. He played over 150 games for 8 straight years, from ‘96 through ‘03. And 140 in ‘95, 137 in ‘04. He was down a lot of last year but still played 109 games, and the early injury this year amplified that.

The injury this year wasn’t an “old man injury.” He didn’t pull a muscle swinging the bat; he took a nasty fall making a tough play on a wet field, and bent his leg under. That would’ve gotten most guys, regardless of age.

‘course there was the broken leg (or whatever the major injury was) that cost him the ‘94 season, but that was before he was even a fixture in the lineup.

Anyway, I make this point because I think people are way too down on Chipper. He’s been a great professional whenever he’s been healthy, which is most of the time. Hope he can stay healthy (he IS getting up there, I can’t deny) and have a great year.

By P'Cola Michael

May 1, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

The only thing consistent about us this year is that we’re consistently inconsistant!

By hk

May 1, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

… I see your point … I’m an old guy, tend to ‘tip toe’ some these days, maybe I’m ‘projecting’ a litle bit … Chipper’s still the heart of the team as far as I’m concerned ..

By glennbo

May 1, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, or anyone else who wants to chime in, is it possible that major league baseball will not approve the sale of the braves to liberty media? it clearly would set the franchise back to be owned by a faceless corporate non-entity. that would not be good for atlanta or baseball.

By MBATL

May 1, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

hk, should’ve said that I agree with your other points… just think that Chipper is the most proven player on this team, and that when he plays, he plays well.

Only positions I’m concerned about are 1B and closer. I’ve been a supporter of LaRoche, but must admit, he just looks lost. Jurries is hurt, I think, and BJ ain’t the answer, so don’t know what we can do there.

I think Reitsma is well worth having on the staff, but he’s not a closer. Am guessing we’ll address that unless he steps it up a lot.

Beyond that, I think Francoeur is a lot like a young Vlad Guerrero; not selective, and no point in telling him to be, but very talented. McCann won’t hit .300 (probably more like .260, so be prepared for a droppoff) when the wear and tear of catching takes hold, but he’s solid.

Giles will be fine; he’s just a very good baseball player. The starting pitching is coming into form, and the bullpen looks better than expected. And the defense is good.

We could use one more good bat off the bench, but Saltalamacchia or someone else from the minors might provide that later in the year without us having to make any desperate trades.

7 games is a lot to be down, but I really like this team, top to bottom, and think we’ll be okay in the long run.

By Dubya Cubed

May 1, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

hk and MBATL, I’m with you guys. No matter what his average is, what stupid remarks he says in interviews, or how many trips he makes to the DL, Chipper is the heart of the team. Andruw is a close second - but he needs a few seasons in a row like last year, before taking the baton from Chipper. The guy is a professional, and has proven it for 11+ years. We don’t have to worry about him the way we do unproven guys like Francouer and ADDam. Chipper knows to just be patient, work on what he needs to work on, and it will all work out. If we can get him hot, the East better watch out.

By hk

May 1, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

… I love it when we’re down like this, sets the stage … remember the year we were so far down to San Francisco, caught them right at the last, even though, I think, SF won 103 games …

… last night I was fooling around with trying to build a math model of the Braves, just added some ‘Resulting Games over .500’ columns over on the right to better see the possible impact of each player by season end …

[numbers](http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/braves06.xls

By MBATL

May 1, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Glennbo, I read that MLB (Selig) said they would “much prefer” a local component to ownership. That they had no problem with corporate ownership, as that works in some cases (as in the Braves/Time Warner, for the last decade, I guess). They seemed to be saying that a Liberty purchase with Blank as a minority owner would get their blessing, but that without Blank or someone else local as a minority buyer, the deal would come under a lot of scrutiny.

Sure some other bloggers here have much more insight than I do, but that’s what I read about it.

By hk

May 1, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

… oops, try again …

numbers

By Penn

May 1, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

I read the same thing, that Selig wants a local minority owner along with Liberty.

In addition I also read where Blank is willing to work with Liberty. All this says to me that Liberty is going to get the team in a swap of stock but don’t be surprised to see Blank listed as a minority stock holder and also named by Liberty as President of the Braves.

A second part of that package will be an option for Blank to buy the remaining stock from Liberty at an agreed date. Makes sense to me. And in that scenario everyone wins.

By John Hoar

May 1, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Was in Atlanta for the game yesterday and read about the minority/Blank stockholder situation. The most optimistic interpretation of it was the one voiced by MBTL and Penn. I hope that you are right. But, I couldn’t overlook the phrase where he said that it wasn’t a requirement, however.

That seems to leave an awful lot of weasel room to me. Like in,”I really told them that those steroids were bad, but just nobody seemed to listen to me.” Same thing here in that, “Tax free exchanges really don’t seem like a nice way to determine MLB destiny-just remember that I told you so.” If we are waiting for Selig to make a decision involving guts or spine, I am worried.

I think that when it comes down to approving Liberty as a qualified owner that will never be in doubt. If the transactions of the tax free maneuver could disqualify them , I have no idea. I keep trying to find an angle where I can tell myself that it would, but don’t have the background to sort that out. If someone knows about those things, please give me a little insight.

By Penn

May 1, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

John Hoar, you are right. Selig hasn’t made a decision yet until he polled his bosses, the owners. He is the hired gun who carries water for the owners, he is no commissioner. No wonder most people laugh at him, he is a laughing matter.

By David

May 3, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

The Braves can and will hold their edge over the Mets, but this is provided that the Braves pitching staff continues to pitch gems as it has in the last couple of weeks. Right now, the Braves have 3 pitchers in their starting rotation who are pitching like #1 starters (Hudson, Smoltz and Kyle Davies); while J. Thomson is pitching like a very good #2. If those guys (the Braves pitching staff) continue in that vein— (with REM (Mike Remminger) coming in to hose down fires and protect wafer-thin leads coming down the stretch of ballgames, then the Braves will win their 15th straight division going away, without much of a fight from the New York Mets. On the other hand, if the Mets’ two incredible Carlos’ (Beltran and DelGado) can carry the Mets to a sizeable lead in the division come the end of September, then the Braves run of division championships will be derailed and they’ll have nothing at the end of the season but just 15 years of total frustration, absent that 1 glorious year of ‘95 when we popped championship champaigne in the clubhouse after that glorious World Championship that David Justice, Tom Glavine and the Boys of Summer helped engineer. We all will never forget that the Braves came alive in ‘95 to WIN IT ALL!!!