Braves

By Andy

May 2, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Any word on Jurries? Maybe they should try him before exploring any trades. I’ve been a Laroche supporter since he started, and thought he deserved a shot against lefties, but i can’t take much more of this… I know Salty’s not exactly tearing the cover off the ball in Mississippi, but maybe they should start the transtition to first sooner than later

By Carroll

May 2, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

DOB: I heard you on XM this afternoon w/ Steiner. Nice work.

By Jennifer

May 2, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

They should get rid of Brian Jordan,he makes errors at firstbase and he can’t get the job done.As for Sosa I believe he will get on the right track. Hudson pitched a great gem lastnight.

By Phillip

May 2, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

I heard you on XM today as well, and saw the piece on you in this month’s Choptalk. I guess you’re getting pretty famous around ATL. Next thing you know, you’ll be doing commercials for Coke and CNN. By the way…can you play 1st base?

By P'Cola Michael

May 2, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

I still think Sosa is horrible. He, alone, is a bullpen’s worst nightmare. You know he is not going past 6…on a good night!

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

This offense is pathetic, we can’t expect every starter to go out and pitch 1 hit gems…

It Desperately needs to be improved, some of these guys need to stop swing for the fences and try to get on base…I think OBP Is more important than homeruns…

For those who watched the game…Was it boring? I dunno about some of you guys but I live to see the slugfests..those 2-0 games bore the he!! out of me, unless its a Smoltz VS Pedro matchup, then it gets somewhat interesting…

Lets make It 3 in a Row tonite…Go Braves!

P’Cola, Sosa is no where near the level of nightmare that Reeksma is…

Any word on the sale of the team…If we’re sold to liberty media, it would be like selling the team to Rachael Phelps, they are gonna be ran into the ground

By alevy

May 2, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

How about trying to get the Pirates to part with their closer. He is 28, has great stuff and I am sure he would love to get out of Pittsburg. They rarely have a lead in the ninth anyway, so he is well rested. We need him asap.

By P'Cola Michael

May 2, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, I agree about Reeksma, but, that, I thought was a given. I just don’t hear people whaling on Sosa as much as they should. He is atrocious! I’ve never been a fan of him. True, he had a good record last year, but, O.V. is like 4-0 this year, is he good? No, not really, if so, he’d be throwing in the 9th. Sosa was just a lucky victim of circumstance last year.

By Chop Chop

May 2, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Andy, Jurries was hit by a line drive during batting practice a few days ago and has a non-displaced fracture (whatever that means) in his right knee. He is supposed to be out for three weeks, so he’s not an answer at the moment.

DOB, I’m a little bit skeptical about Hudson, but he looked great last night. If a mechanical flaw was really keeping him from getting the ball down (and possibly causing those muscle injuries), it makes you wonder why Mazzone didn’t notice it. I guess Roger McDowell ain’t so bad after all, folks. After all, the Braves brought Hudson in to be an ace. If he has his mechanics straightened out (I don’t think anyone doubts his stuff, his competitiveness, his fire or his will to succeed), he is going to be a top-10 starter in the National League. He’s just that good. That’s why the Braves brought him in. Let’s just hope this continues.

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

I’d give Sosa More Time in the pen at least he has not blown the playoffs 4 us two years straight

Also, I believe Sosa had good run support as well last year, reminded me of Russ Ortiz

When he is on Sosa has decent stuff

By Chop Chop

May 2, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

And about Bob Dylan touring with Merle Haggard…well, I can’t say I’m a fan of country music and Dylan (the last 15 years of him or so) sure as hell makes it hard for you to understand what he’s saying sometimes, but it’s good to see guys like that constantly plying their wares out on the road. After all, there’s a chance that some younger people will look up their songs on the Net and find that they’re a hell of a lot better than a lot of the tripe that gets shoveled down their throats. I’m 26 and I ended up listening to Dylan’s music almost by accident a few years ago.

Accidents can be good.

By Matthew

May 2, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

DOB:

i saw in the newspaper ysterday that Rick Rubin is releasing American V on July 4th, one of two CDs that will come out this year with Johnny Cash’s final recordings. It looks to be very interesting, but I think the songs will be tough to listen to because of the bad shape of Cash’s health in those last sessions in the studio. It was in yeasterday’s USA Today if you haven’t read it.

Sosa would not look as bad to us now if he hadn’t pulled the wool over our eyes last year. He was better than he should have been, and we all got our hopes up. We need one more starter, and I’d like to see a lefty. James anyone?

By David O'Brien

May 2, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Dylan writes twice as many good lines in a four-minute song than the vast majority of us write in a lifetime.

Going downstairs now. Anything you folks want me to ask Bobby? (just kidding. not gonna start offering those services).

Later

By The English Professor

May 2, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

It’s Reggie Sanders, NOT Reggie Saunders!!!

By Bob

May 2, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB; especially for mentioning Merle … made me link to his site and listen to a few. Seems like just yesterday when Johnny, Carl, Jerry Lee and you know who … were just starting out. Bob and Merle … seems as natural as Dinah’s Apple Pie and Chevrolet. However, Genius may understate their songwriting talents … those guys are good!

By ConyersDawg

May 2, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Adam is always horrible in April. He will begin to snap out of it.

By P'Cola Michael

May 2, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Yeah, ask Bobby….WTH? Bench LaSucke…shift the order a bit to “shock” the system.

By Harry Doyle

May 2, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

I just took a look at LaDouche’s stats against Sid Bream’s…really sad. LaRoche had between 2X and 3X the strikeouts that Bream did. And it doesn’t say, but I think their 40 times are about even. Defense goes to Bream, 16 errors in three years here while ADDam has collected 12 in his first two seasons plus 1 so far this year.

But even if you think about it this way, LaDouche is the worst corner infielder we’ve had during this whole run. 3B was Pendleton then Chipper. Solid. And we all would agree that LaDouche is the worst 5 hole hitter we’ve had in this whole run too. That can’t stay the same.

Last point, LaDouche and Francoeur both have a HORRIBLE approach at the plate. Difference is that Jeff knows his approach is bad, and ADDam is clueless and has no thought process….so who is worse?

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Tony Womack was released, John S. are you reading?

20K’s in 25 games 4 Frenchy

Dizam LaRoche is hitting .195 with 28 K’s in 25 games, and Giles is hitting .188, and Andruw has 20K’s in 25 games but that’s natural for a natural power hitter, but all in all we are the strinke out kings especially LaRoche

I’m coming down to the “A” in about a month…Other than going to the stadium itself Where is the best Bar to catch a game at?

By P'Cola Michael

May 2, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Bring back the Crime Dog or the Big Cat! Those are about the only 2 decent first basemen we’ve had! We are at least staying consistent. Live and Die with starting pitching and the Jones’. Forget about first base, roll the dice in right (see j.d. drew and the list of others) and get lucky frequently.

By Joe Roman

May 2, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

Dave, Have you read Dylan’s book “Chronicles”? No matter how high your opinion of him might be, it’ll be higher after you’ve read it. Getting back to baseball, it’s almost as important that McDowell has helped Hudson as the results themselves. The more McDowell is seen as credible by others on the staff, the more effective he will be. I don’t have to tell you how important peceptions can be in the game. April’s over. Now the season can begin in earnest.

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

I’d like them 2 back, as well as Primetime, Love him or hate him, he brought the swagger to the team (Especially when he made McCarver shut the he!! up), that it needs desperately right now

No One is afraid of these clowns

By Bob

May 2, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Matthew, It ain’t baseball talk, but you reminded me of the Memorial Service for Miss June … I couldn’t watch when they showed Johnny … he helped a lot of folks.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

hk, penn … case you missed them, sent a couple of comments to the previous Blog.

By David O'Brien

May 2, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Matthew, I think anything Rubin releases of his late Cash stuff will sound great, only because everything so far he released was great. And Johhny’s voice, though weathered and frail, still sounded remarkable at the end, just a different kind of real, but real as it gets. Ever. What a great artist and great man.

But anyway… Yes, I just bought Chronicles. Haven’t read it yet. Looking forward to it, gotta decide which to start tomorrow, that or the new Clemente bio I just got.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, It might not be “swagger, but it’s amazing to me … how many “Baseball/Football” guys seem to possess an extra special little something that’s different than the rest … Bo, Deion … there have been quite a few, including our own BJ; though he’s well past his prime … ain’t many on our team with greater pride … or a higher batting average.

By MBATL

May 2, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, picked up your reply on “communications” from the previous blog… I’ll stand by my position, but appreciate your passion for the process, and interest in using new technology. No need to beat it up here, I guess.

I may be arguing for “patience” until we’re eliminated from the playoffs, but really: Laroche’s strikouts have NEVER been such a problem in his previous 2 years; kinda high, but not unacceptable. And, his 1st 2 years’ fielding percentage is better than Bream’s first 2, when he committed 17 errors per year. So do you give up on a guy you’ve groomed for 4 or 5 years, and sign some old utility infielder? I don’t think so… stay the course a while.

Tony Womack, and his pitiful OBP? Please, no!

And Sosa has actually pitched pretty well his last 2 times out. Will be interested to see if he can continue to improve.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, I wasn’t meaning to suggest a “J” connection with Bo, Deion, and Bryan … but maybe there’s something to that too; with Larry and Andruw … just another good reason for Bobby to take another look at James when he recovers; Jurries that is.

By Chad

May 2, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Sosa was a one hit wonder. Now he’s a BP pitcher who gives up the gopher ball at will. He should be reduced to duties at the home run derby in July. Carlos Delgado should enter the derby and bring Sosa as his personal pitcher. His pre-launch brief to Sosa would be..”pretend it’s a game, runners at first and second, and you need an out.” I still contend that they need Dontrelle Willis or Barry Zito and I think that they could get them. They also need better production out of Giles at the lead off spot, or they better go get somebody….fast!

By ssiscribe

May 2, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth on Hudson (one dude’s opinion), he looks more relaxed the past three starts. I think getting the mechanics ironed out has to have helped his confidence. His breaking ball was devastating last night, the best (to me) he’s thrown since coming over from the Junior Circuit.

I don’t know if it’s time yet to start tossing names out there for trades, not yet, at least. If we’re still here in early June and the trend of LaRoche and/or Frenchy’s struggles has continued unabated, then ye ol ballclub has some things to figure out. Giles is streaky by nature; he’s due to get red hot, and soon.

Sosa’s pitching for his spot in the rotation tonight. One more bad start, and it’s gotta be time to slip somebody else into that slot. Hopefully, HoRam’s hammy will heal as quickly as his Lakers’ chances of advancing to the LACS (Los Angeles Championship Series).

Later on, got my own fish to fry tonight.

By Chad

May 2, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Boston went out and reaquired Doug Mirabelli. I say don’t wait until it’s too late.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

MBATL, What I was trying to “communicate” was that I agreed with you … but do hope some of the new, easy-access vehicles will help reduce apathy.

If we would all go back and read our old posts, it would help some folks have more “patience” … this love ‘em one day, hate ‘em the next is something to behold.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 2, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

baby seal read scribe’s comment about “fish to fry” with great interest. journalist jimmy smith notes sosa has had a haircut. tonight, sosa looks more like a pitcher - if he keeps throwing this hard he may wear out in 4 innings instead of 5. sure would be nice if he could get it going. there is good movement on his pitches. now, giles … what will he do?

By MBATL

May 2, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Noticed the haircut too, jjs. Can’t hurt, can it? He may be taking a couple of inches off the waistline as well. We’ll see if it helps. Hope so!

By Jennifer

May 2, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

JUST SITTING HERE.HAVE TV ON WITH THESE STUPID ANNOUNCERS…HELP….THESE PEOPLE SUCK…GOOOOOO BRAVES

By journalist jimmy smith

May 2, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

“and just like that the rockies take a one run lead . . “

By Jennifer

May 2, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Hey look its Elvis…lol…

By Chad

May 2, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Sosa gives up another homer.

By jennier

May 2, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

YIPPIE BRAVES ARE IN THE LEAD 3-1 3RD INNING!!!

By ncscoots

May 2, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

pretty good third inning…top of the order on, middle of the order extends the inning, six hole gets an RBI…that’s sweeeet.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 2, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

journalist regrets that he was right about 4 innings tonight.

By Chad

May 2, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Yet another gopher ball for Sosa!! Colorado has 2 runs, all on the long ball. Somebody go out there and tell him that he’s supposed to get guys OUT!

By Bob

May 2, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, All You can hear somme pretty good music when they put you on hold at MLB.com’s support line … been on hold since before the game started … when I try to login for the audio … I get a message that I’ve been logged on too many times … try again later.

There’s only me here and I hope to get the IP address of whomever it is. Could be some Trojan Horse Stole my passwords or maybe a FOX conspiracy.

I see that it’s 3-1 and Edgar’s streak is intact.

They say that all agents are busy helping other fools, so guess I’ll hold on for a while more.

By Ben

May 2, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

I wonder how long it will take for the other bandwagon fans to get on here? All you heard two weeks ago was how bad Hudson was. If everyone would just be patient… the Braves will be back in their usual form.

By eric the elder

May 2, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

This is from my brother in Cincinnati:

“Elvis was a bloated drug addict who died in his own vomit. Now the Braves have Elvis night? Doesn’t ‘Your South’ ever embarrass you?”

Don’t shoot the messenger.

By ncscoots

May 2, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Ben is right…soon the previously panic-stricken nervous nellies and other nattering nabobs of negativism will be praising the same ball players they previously excoriated…ain’t fandom great?

By MBATL

May 2, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

Chad, you’re up …

By bryan

May 2, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

SOMEONE TELL SOSA HIS ARM ANGLE IS DOWN FROM LAST YEAR!

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 2, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, what can i do if i’m a braves fan who loves watching every single game of the season and absolutely hate having bob rathbun and jeff torborg announce the majority of the games now? i know one thing i can do is turn the tv down and put the radio on, but the radio tells me the play before the tv does, and that’s distracting.

my real question is to whom can i complain about skip, pete, chip and don getting taken off the tv broadcasts? because these guys SUCK.

By JasonInMaine

May 2, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

…and at the same time, his waist size and weight are up!!!

By Jennifer

May 2, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Not looking so good for the home teams pitcher,wahhh. maybe the braves can make a come back…..

By Bob

May 2, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Well, after an hour and 45 minutes, MLB.com answered the phone … said I didn’t have a security problem … and now I’m listening … I’ve gotten used to us winning, with the streak and all … the 2 game one, not 14 years … so go Braves!

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Man, Jorge Sosuck should be taken out of the rotation. I hope HoRam comes back ready to go. If Roger can find a flaw in Hudson, then maybe he can find something in HoRam’s delivery that will straighten him out and make him look like he did before he was injured.

Let’s go Braves!!

By Del

May 2, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Top of then 7th. Pretty pathetic output from the 3 and 4 holes tonight as well as our infameous bench. Sosa to the pen pronto. Looks like Giles is back on track. Renteria is a hitting machine, I’d like to see him batting third, drop Chipper to fifth. Got to get ‘em Braves!

By Bob

May 2, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

I forgive Edgar … just this once. Come on ‘Druw!

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

YEAH!!! There’s that 3-4 production!

By Bob

May 2, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Smart move to walk our strikeout king … make em pay Frenchy!

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Dangit. Francoeur has a bad case of the andruwitis. He needs to get over that low and away pitch.

By Atl Bravos

May 2, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

In response to Harry DOyle: the comparison of Laroche and Bream is about as stupid a comparison as any that could be made in baseball why not compare Andres Gallaraga with Rico Brogna? You are talking the difference between a guy in his third year in the bigs and one who was a seasoned veteran when he came to Atl. Last year, only his second, Adam hit 20 homers and drove in 78. Bream’s career best in those categories were 16 and 77. Adam has a career fielding percent of .995 and Bream had 16 errors in Atlanta including 10 in his second season here for a .989 fielding percentage. Get your facts straight. And to everybody else quit hating on the Braves, i am from Illinois and you all sound like Cubs fans- giving up before the season has hardly even begun. We will be in the playoffs and maybe if they got some fan support in Atlanta (and a few million to get some late season help) they could do some things in the postseason.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Way to go Nats!

By MBATL

May 2, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Jorge SoSuck! Great! A new obscene nickname for a Braves player! (or maybe an old one and I missed it before).

TP, when you make a couple of “quality starts” I’ll give you a pass on that (though I doubt Jorge would), but if you ever did, you’d probably never make a reference like that to another player.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, The correct Southern is: That Theres’ 3-4 production!

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Come on Remmer! Hold ‘em!

By eric the elder

May 2, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

One thing that would really put a charge into this team is a walkoff homer. Maybe tonight?

By ncscoots

May 2, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, where be Kenny Ray, dude? Seems like Bobby is shying away from the guy…

By Bob

May 2, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

MBATL, 10 Paul, Girls, not stop the bickering over nicknames … its George Dickens Sosa … because of his not so Great Expectations!

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Here is Ray King. I recall a few bloggers asking about this guy before the season. Let’s see what he’s got. Hopefully nothing.

MBATL: A thousand pardons. Didn’t know you were a big fan of Jorge.

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Sheesh… Ray’s GameDay photo is quite a sight. Come on Willy B!

By MBATL

May 2, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

TP, guess I made my point, you’ve made yours’. No problem.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Has anybody checked Matt’s Contacts lately?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 2, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

baby seal sees ray king on tv and thinks he is baby seal’s mama. journalist jimmy smith just has baby seal calmed down. ray king did not stay in long enough to give up winning run like he did for the braves awhile back. now, purple gloves … a player must be confident in his masculinity to wear a purple baseball glove.

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

He’s Back!!! Go Giles!!!!

By Andrew

May 2, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Why not swap out Chuck James and Sosa? I seriously doubt that he could be any worse. Also, James hasn’t really been used as a left handed specialist.

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Everyone hold your breath…Reeksma is in…

By Bob

May 2, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Mesa may have a low era but … a wild pitch and a double, … If I were king, I’d petition for having that run charged to Mr. Mesa … that, or sign ours to take FOX off the air.

By brian

May 2, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

hey DOB! You mentioned one of my favorite topics- the rumor mill. You mentioned Clark, Conine, etc. Any word of Aubrey Huff who is returning from his injury. If the injury is mild, it may be just enough to return Tampa to the real world with their trade demands.

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Bout time Reeksma came in and did his job

Go Braves…3 in a Row maybe were getting out of it…

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah! We have a streak! Feels good to be back in familure territory.
Go Braves!!

By Jennifer

May 2, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

YES the BRAVES WIN…..GOOD GAME…

By Miranda

May 2, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

good game… great to get that win as the mets lost… hopefully we can keep the streak going

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

Andrew: I hear that! James has been solid. But he is also the only reliable long reliever in the pen. Sosa couldn’t do it. He only has one or two good innings in him. We might as well put the guy in the pen and just use him for his 1 or 2 innings. I guess the trick is trying to figure out what to do when HoRam comes back. They’ll have to send some one down to the minors.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 2, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

uh, is anyone else watching “fern” on tv right now?

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

2 of 3 from the team that had the best road record coming into this week

Lets make it a sweep 2Morrow!

Forget Aubrey Huff I want to see Carl Crawford in left( Dude is probably the most underrated top of the order basestealer in da game!), but if that happened we have to give up probably Giles a pitcher and Langerhans to get him, so I’m kinda livin fantasies now

Go Braves!

These Choppas will Tomahawk Yo Top Down Here in “Georgia”!

By SC DAWG

May 2, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

You can blame Ted Turner for the corporate cancer that is killing the Braves. As much good as Ted did while owning the Braves, his selling the Braves to Time Warner is like a corporate black hole that they can’t escape from. Its very sad to watch.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Now that we’ve solved our Leadoff and Closer problems … and opponents fear our 1st baseman bat … it’s time to relax; enjoy seeing our potential 150 game win streak realized; and celebrate a great World Series sweep!

Great Win … SoSo performance by SoSa … or so it seemed watching GameDay while I was on hold with MLB.com.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin … you’re confusing me … we play the Phillies starting tomorrow … don’t we?

By Tomahawkin

May 2, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Oh Damn You’re right, we are in philly

My fault, I really hate this schedule

By TennesseePaul

May 2, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Bob: Are you getting MLB.tv? Is that what’s going on?

By hk

May 2, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Bob, Penn,

…been sitting over there on the other blog, yacking away to myself, wondering where everybody was, as usual a day late and a dollar short … may be a message or two to you both that you didn’t see …

… Braves batting average from .248 to .253 (13th to 12th), ERA from .437 to .435 (7th)

By Bob

May 2, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

SC DAWG, The number of Ted’s visions that have been realized is more than just impressive, but where we are today may well be just the realization of another Self-Fulfilling Prophecy.

We fault Time-Warner and Fear Liberty Media, but it may well be that Ted recognized the changing marketing dynamics and packaged things to his advantage … not to suggest with any evil intent.

It’s certainly unfortunate that the deal wasn’t effected in such a way that the Package was required to always remain intact. I think that things would have also worked out well had Ted done the unbundling while he was still The Man … but, That’s Show Business!

First generation visions are usually the best … Disney World is big and fancy; very impressive … but it’ll never compare to relatively small Disney Land in terms of imagination and creativity … it was Walt’s dream and obsession; an engineering marvel.

There’s a point in there somewhere … maybe it explains Ted … or … why Local Ownership, championed by a visionary, is so important.

By hk

May 2, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… that’s an interesting parallel, the changes from Ted’s original vision, and the changes from Walt’s original vision … the product that Disney puts out today is a far cry from what Walt gave us when we were kids …

By Bob

May 2, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin,

Don’t feel bad … I thought we were at Coors’ Field yesterday … until I got their announcers when I selected the “away” audio on MLB.com.

One minor correction … we’re not in Philly yet; they’ll get there later tonight.

10 Paul, No … just the audio. I did subscribe to MLB.tv but could hardly ever get the Braves. Seems we’re in “blackout” area when the Braves are on TBS, Turner South .. I mean FOX, or FOX Sports South … all the way up here in the hills of Upper Middle Tennessee. It’s just as well now with Babbling Bob at the mike.

By Bob

May 2, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this

hk, did you get my note? I can’t remember which Blog.

I’ll check the end of the last blog for your contributions befroe retiring.

If you’ll look back at the last 10 or so Blogs, you’ll see that I constantly do what you have done … it might be a bit lonely, but sometimes that’s good.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

hk, there’s also a big difference between the “Power of Passionate People” (more Ps for Sir James) and that Provided by non-visionary Pretenders … Primarily Profit Motivated People (still more Ps); i.e. mortals, like the rest of us.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

What controls do I need to change to (1) have the page refresh when something new is posted?, (b) retain the contents of the Comments’ Text Box whe I submit the Form, and (c) be able to edit my comments when they contain obvious errors?

By ForceSaberz

May 3, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

I think Frenchy will continue to turn things around. However, he is never going to have a real high OBP or Batting Average. I see him as a upper .200’s BA hitter with above average power. I dont think he’s going to be a superstar unless he learns patience and starts drawing some walks. However he should be a decent player. As far as LaRoach I dont even like the guy when he does well…..please get someone new!

Also I would love to see the lineup get shaken up a little. I dont understand why Cox is so set on LaRoach and Frenchy in the 5 and 6 hole. I cant understand why he doesnt move either Langerhans or McCann up in the order. Sure let the strugglng guys still play, but they dont haveta bat back to back and so high in the order.

By hk

May 3, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Bob,

… while I continue to Procrastinate and Prevaricate, your Prognostications and Pecuniary Postulations Prevail, Potent and Positively Perfect …

By Bob

May 3, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

Hk, now everybody’s gone from this one … guess I ran them off.

I never met Gene … though Daddy did through his friendship with Herman. I think I’ve mentioned that he and Herman knew each other during the depression and later became friends while having offices on the same floor in one of the Downtown Office Buildings (Hurt or Candler, I think).

Daddy really embarrassed me once when he met Herman at the Capitol in Washington and told him some of my “Herman Humor”; including my thoughts about his dad when I was about 8. Funny stories all, I hope, but the ones I remember were mildly off-color and maybe even a little incorrect politically … so, I’d best not relate them here. To be certain, they were harmless.

He was a smart man and though he had his faults and demons, he was ultra popular and I think he represented us quite well … just too bad they made him give back the Governor’s Mansion after Gene died (that struggle was really funny … but more serious than folks today would think).

The main thing was … he liked my stories!

By Bob

May 3, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

hk, I stand in the virtual presence of a true “P” word genius! Such Poetic Praise wrapped in Prose.

Next thing I know, you’ll be calling me Mary Poppins … or is that what you just did?

By Bob

May 3, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Mama’s calling … got to run, at least for a bit … If I don’t get back, there’s always tomorrow, and tommorrow, and … well anyway; stay away from the mundane posts and make some loud noise for me while you’re on this silent platform!

There’s nothing harder to hear than one hand clapping!

By hk

May 3, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

Bob,

… yeah, guess between the two us, we wore everybody out on both blogs … retribution, the ‘bad news bears’ wear me out as well … good story of yours, yes, Herman was easy to pick on, but we all have our demons … hung out my shingle (‘68) 10th floor of the Healey Building, right across from Hurt and Candler, was there 10 years or so ..

By Mark

May 3, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

A three game winning streak , weeeee !! Lets have a parade. No , really its too early to get excited about the ups and downs of this team. Cox is going to play Francoeur because the kid is a bonafide superstar. laroche still in the lineup is a mystery too me , I think Cox is patient too the point of being stubborn. Damn , that rotation is gonna win a lot of games all by themselves and the bullpen is starting to gel but , I have no faith in Reitsma. The team needs some speed at the top of the lineup , why the hell is Wilson Betemit not playing everyday ? Laroche in the lineup and Betemit on the bench is giving me heartburn. O’well lets see what May holds for this team , 2-0 so far …. I’m not gonna hold my breath.

By TennesseePaul

May 3, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

Just finished reading DOBs stories. He lays it on pretty thick…

The weak link in an otherwise resurgent starting rotation, Sosa has allowed six homers in his past 15 innings over three starts. He has allowed 30 hits, nine walks and 22 runs (16 earned) in 21 2/3 innings, but actually lowered his ERA Tuesday, from 6.89 to 6.47

He truely is Jorge Sosuck. I used to debate my brother about Ortiz, cause I hated watching that guy pitch. He’s a proven winner, my brother would always say. I’d point out that he had, at that point, played on offensively strong teams and once he got to a team with no offense, his fly ball junk wouldn’t cut it. Sure enough, the D-Backs swoop in there and sign him to a huge contract and he’s sucked it up out in the desert. Just wish we could have traded Estrada and Sosa to the D-backs for Villarreal, Cormier and some stud bench players or first basemen. But I suppose we need him for the time being since HoRam is on the DL. Sure hope Horacio can come back strong.

I think Francoeur will come around and be a great player. He could hit .300, but I think he’ll be more of a .280 type hitter. He should produce a lot of power. When he hits it, it’s hard. Real hard. He needs to take pitches though; learn his strike zone. Once he gets it together, this team will be on a serious role.

I knew Giles had it in him. Glad to see that guy break out of it tonight. I hope he continues. We face Myers and Lidle the next two days. I think we can clobber those guys.

Bob: How do you like the MLB.Audio feed? Is it good? I had the MLB.tv and the video was grainy and the sound was metalic. I wasn’t too impressed with it. But it was the only way to see the Braves on a regular basis out here.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 02:43 AM | Link to this

10 Paul, I saw you question as was I passing … got so chores to do before going to bed but pan to review the late post before going to bed … if I ever make it.

Regarding the Audio … with Comcast Cable, it’s been good … clear … occassionally breaks connection although I’m on 24-7 … That’s in Nashville.

I put in the Commercial, highest speed DSL for my Sister in Chattanooga and the results were/are sililar … but the feed goes bad more frequently … not the Internet Connection … just the MLB Feed.

Botton Line, it’s more than worth the $15 per season … plus you have access to almost all current games and all the archives.

I think you once said you were 3500 miles away … but that shouldn’t make any difference. Hope that helps!

By Bob

May 3, 2006 04:09 AM | Link to this

For those who think I’m losing it, you’re probably right … at least I wouldn’t be surprised … but I’m a bit relieved to discover at least some of the cause of my recent sloppiness … keyboard malfunctions … drops 1-6 strokes after lightly hitting certain keys … usually just 1 at the beginning or end of words.

I still see evidence of that in my recent posts. I’ll try to do a better job of proofing … but, no promises … when I know what I intended to type, I expect to see it when I proof … and frequently do … even when it’s not there.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this

Where’s LeTwan … I just checked … looks like my email to Larry did the trick … back over .250. Send him a pie hold your jokes in reserve; never know when he’ll have another case of toe trouble.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 05:25 AM | Link to this

The Braves will be missing out if they don’t give away and/or promote “Bodacious” T-Shirts on nights when Hudson pitches.

There are many excellent ways to use them to raise money for worthwhile causes:

Stands could be set up at Ted’s Place … to give them out to fans in return for donations to Tim’s favorite Braves’ sponsored Baseball Program for Kids.

Better yet, just give DOB permission to sell them on E-Bay and share the proceeds with us … for help making this Blog the envy of all New York … and for all the inspiration we’ve been to him and all the Scribes … and for our promise of silence when he says words like Yikes! and Shift!

Maybe best of all, the money could be used to either buy out Rathburn’s contract with FOX or even Bribe Bud. It might be such a good money maker that we could do both!

By Joe Roman

May 3, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

I’m beginning to wonder if there is some direct connection between this blog and the gods of baseball. Frenchy gets bashed and has a great game. I suggest Jilly should be moved out of the lead-off spot, and he gets four hits. (cue the Twilight Zone theme music). OH DAVE? If you have access to XM radio, how about a review of Dylan’s program? Personally, I’d buy a tent lock before I’d buy into satillite radio.

By doc

May 3, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

folks back off sosa. he is mentally and physically tired. he is a guy who depends on emotion and spring in his arm. having pitched the winter league to then pitch in that silly stuff called the world “baseball” congress. he just doesnt have any gas in the tank.

lets quit trashing jorge and give him a pass as he rescued the team last year. promise he’ll come around given some time. you know its like trying to make that sale when you havent had a day off in months that seems like years or coming to work not disliking the job but wondering why you had to get out of bed?

By Joe Roman

May 3, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

I think doc’s got a point. I hope there’s some spot in the schedule soon that will make it easy to skip Sosa’s spot in the rotation. That being said, I’ll say it again. Jorge needs to lose some weight. Yet, if Sosa continues to get bashed, he’ll probably throw a no-hitter next time out.

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

Doc,

I’m with you. I’m happy any time a 5th starter gives his team a chance to win. Last night, Sosa avoided allowing any big innings, and kept us close enough to give us a chance. Low and behold we got a couple runs late and pulled it out. When HoRam comes back Sosa becomes the 6th starter - meaning decent insurance if someone else goes down for a stint.

By Joe Roman

May 3, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’ve noticed you rarely have any quotes from our Hispanic players. Is that because of language problems or their reluctance to speak to the press (or you)? I don’t mean to single you out. This seems to be the case for most sports journalism. What gives?

By Matthew

May 3, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

DOB:

You’re right about Cash, classy guy especially in his older years. “Hurt” may be the best song he ever did (new CDs notwithstanding). I’ve never touched drugs or alcohol, but to hear the pain in his voice makes ME want to go to confessional (and I’m not even Catholic).

I think doc is right about Sosa. He was a savior last year, and we all were sucked into expecting more out of him than maybe he can do. The WBC was definitely bad for him (I like the concept of the WBC, but could baseball take a two week hiatus in the spring, like hockey does for the Olympics? This setup has hurt Sosa and Franceour especially).

Is HoRam scheduled to come back anytime soon? More importantly, is he doing anything in rehab assignments to suggest he’d be any better than Sosa? He was the longball king last year, and until McDowell can fix him like he fixed Hudson (props there Rog) we may need to get a veteran starter or better, promote Chucky James. Or, how about a four man rotation, with Hudson and Smoltz on pitch counts? I think the days of four-man rotations may be gone forever, but dang, I’d love to see Hudson, Smoltz, Thomson, and Davies going back to back all the time. I’m dreaming, I know, and it would be great to have Spahn and Sain come in to make it Spahn, Sain, Hudson, Smoltz, but that ain’t happenin’. So we need another quality starter.

Go Braves!

By P'Cola Michael

May 3, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

I called it yesterday, Sosa would give up at least 4!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

commentary - journalist jimmy smith appreciates all the “p” words now in use on this blog, however, jimmy smith was only reminding bloggers how weak the “p” hitters are in bobby’s lineup. prado, best of the lot, got sent down. how about that pete orr last night? whatever became of that jordan fellow? do you believe in magic? now, bobby cox … he said sosa looked fine last night (and he did in the first two innings) but sosa is having a litle trouble with his slider staying up. he left a slider up for a hr and also threw a new pitch (a changeup) that mcdowell is teaching him that also resulted in a hr. jimmy smith thinks sosa had good stuff early. now, cheeze … journalist does not believe in eating cheeze from a tube or a can and is discouraging this practice among other journalists during this road trip. journalist will be doing journalism throughout the day so stay tuned for information. also, stay tuned for discussion of prince fielder - great baseball name. would be a good “p” hitter for bobby to pencil in.

By Ben Sutton

May 3, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

When Ramirez comes back, I really hope he doesn’t get back into the rotation. The man led the leaugue in giving up homers!! Sosa will be fine. Every start, he has pitched a little better. He is getting tired around the 5th or 6th inning, and that is obvious. A little more conditioning, and he will be solid. He has MUCH better “stuff” than Ramirez.

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

P’Cola, make sure you rip your helmet off, spike the ball, and wave to the crowd when you’re worng as well.

By Penn

May 3, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Hey all you SUCKERS, how many do the Braves have to win in a row before they stop SUCKING?

Hey Bob, my Daddy took me to see and hear Gene one time in Moultrie. They actually rolled out a sawed off two foot high section of a giant oak tree on which Gene stood to make his speech. I was about 9 at the time.

A few years later I was a student at Ga. State when Herman won the governorship fair and square. I was listening on the radio to all the fun they were having down at the old Ansley Hotel and decided to crash the party. To my surprise they let me in. I was sitting on the sofa between Herman and Betty when our South Georgia representative spotted me. I was in big trouble until Herman spoke up and said, “oh relax Stuart, he’s already told us about meeting Daddy and about his Daddy and that he had crashed the party. I think it’s great, leave him alone.”

The next time I went home to South Georgia my Daddy thought my escapade was funny and I was sure glad he did.

Looks like Marcus is no longer SUCKING and neither is Hudson. Now if we could find a way for TheRoach to stop SUCKING we might be on the way. Oooops, I forgot, Frenchie is also still SUCKING.

Come to think of it, if we could get ‘em all breathing out at the same time we might run off a ten game winning streak.

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

I admit I was wrong yesterday. I thought Sosa would pitch 6 innings and give up 3 runs. I also thought that we would score 8. Sosa gave up 4 in 6, but he did manage to stay out of the big trouble that has plagued him in his other starts. He just kept giving up 1-run HR’s. Thankfully, he hadn’t walked 1 and given up a hit before thos HR’s. Seemed like a big improvement to me. Our bats looked better, but I was really hoping for a breakout game.

By TennesseePaul

May 3, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Sosa could get his act together. I hope he does. I’ll eat my words if he does. It’ll be the sweetest thing.

I read the following somewhere in this blog, hope there’s some spot in the schedule soon that will make it easy to skip Sosa’s spot in the rotation.
This was already done. They skipped him for a week and a half. He’s had the longest break of all active starters this year on the Braves team. I wouldn’t be surprised if his lack of production is because he was tired from pitching so much. He throws 100 pitches in 5 to 6 innings. Most pitchers are gased by 100 pitches. It’s typically the point at which they are taken out, unless it’s Livan Hernandez.

He is a descent 5th starter I suppose. And he was bad early in the season last year. That was out of the pen though. I sure hope he gets it together, and soon. this is getting as painful and predictable as LaRoche striking out and Francoeur not walking.

By TennesseePaul

May 3, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Bob: Thanks for the low down. I’ll have to give that thing a try, see how it is.

By Jordan

May 3, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout John Thompson? Sure glad we didn’t trade him during Spring Training. He’d been by far the most consistent and reliable within the rotation. But it’s almost like he has a chip on his shoulder because of all the trade talk. Too bad he hasn’t had much run support.

By TennesseePaul

May 3, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Thomson is a godsend. I love that guy. I was bummed when I heard trade rumors of Thomson. He’s been a stand up guy every year he’s been here. Soooo glad he wasn’t traded. With Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson and Davies in a rotation, you have a lot of chances to win. More so than if you had Martinez, Glavine, Zambrano and Trachsel.

By Penn

May 3, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

{{{{{{{With Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson and Davies in a rotation, you have a lot of chances to win. More so than if you had Martinez, Glavine, Zambrano and Trachsel.}}}}}}}

I couldn’t agree more. Now if they can fix 1st and RF’s hitting problems they will be tough to handle. Interestingly both those positions are being well played defensively. I wonder how much Bobbie is factoring in their defense when he sticks with them.

A throw away question: Can anyone think of an outfield in all of baseball that can even come close to Langerhans, A. Jones and Francoeur when it comes to defense? It seems that each game Andruw saves a hit or two and the corners get one or two more. That’s valuable stuff but you still gotta score to win.

In other words, is a stumbling Manny Ramirez (w/130 RBI’s) or a .220 hitting Jeff Francoeur more valuable when it comes to winning (or not losing) a ballgame?

By Matthew

May 3, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Penn:

You ask a tough question. The only response I can give is that Manny has a ring, while our outfielers do not (yet). Personally, I don’t think Manny’s defense hurts the Sox because of the unique advantages of the Green Monster. I don’t know if Andruw or Griffey could play that wall correctly every time.

I’m not saying I don’t enjoy seeing our outfield play the game (I love seeing Langerhans make those Top Play catches on Sportscenter-I think Peter Gammons used the words “excellent” and “outstanding” in the same sentence last night on Baseball Tonight in reference to Langerhans’ defense).

All in all, if they stay together over the long haul (which will be difficult if we get another stupid corporate owner)we could be looking at one of the greatest defensive outfields of all time.

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

I can promise you that Manny would be in the line up ahead of L’hans and Frenchy on any team in any ballpark. Defense is great and can save runs, but the opportunity to save runs I streaky. As hitter, you are guaranteed 3 chances to make something happen - you usually get 4 or 5 chances. Centerfield is much more imprtant than the corners, though. I would be more willing to sacrifice some batting average, RBIs, and HRs for a CF that gets to more balls - much like the Braves did with Andruw for a lot of years. LF and RF need to stick.

By Matthew

May 3, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how many RBIs he gets, in the NL defense actually means something, the pitchers are way better, and Manny could be pitched around (unless he’s in a lineup with Pujols, Bonds, and Chris Shelton (lol)).

At least in basketball and football this is true, and I would suspect that it’s true in baseball. Offense wins games, but defense wins championships. Right now, I would take Manny because of the experience only. This could better be discussed when Langerhans and Frenchy get a few more years under their belts.

But it still makes for a good discussion!

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Matthew, I’m not sure you’ll check this blog again, but I wanted to respond. I agree RBIs are less important in the NL, but right now I would still take Manny’s stick over the other guys. We’ve won the division with some pretty poor fielding outfielders - namely Chipper & Klesko.

I agree, good discussion!

By craig t

May 6, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

In Hud we trust??? You trust him , I know the truth, he’s never going to be the same pitcher in the ATL as he was in OAK.He was average last year, ans will be the same this year and next year. The same old pattern, a few good starts, then a nasty start. The Braves got screwed when they trader for this loser