Braves

By TennesseePaul

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

Short and to the poingt Guy. Plus an early post. Not too bad.

Let’s go Braves!

By Carroll

May 3, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Go Bravos!!

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

I’ll be real happy with 5-3 on the trip…as long as we don’t lose twice to the Mets. That would bring us home back at .500.

I like having Smoltzie on the mound to extend this W streak to 4 and set the tone for the other starters on this trip.

Go Bravos!

By Bob

May 3, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

A rather bland and mundane Lead Topic … after those of the last few days. Maybe we do need a rest.

Penn, I had almost forgotten Betty and her hams. She had nice legs too, but I’m talking about the country kind … My “red clay” country boy Daddy loved them … but I always liked those that came out of granny’s smokehouse on her farm in Hatchett Holler … Bellbuckle, TN.

Hope those in Fiji are okay!

By MGL

May 3, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

This road trip is a great chance for some catch-up. If current rotations hold firm, Smoltz and Thomson give us a good chance in Philly, we won’t see Martinez or Glavine in NY, Sosa goes up against the rookie Maine, and we won’t see Willis this trip to FL. Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed. Go Braves!!!

By P'Cola Michael

May 3, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Smoltz…can we have a little complete game love tonight??

By Voice of Reason

May 3, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Here’s something to chew on… Down in Tampa, they’ve got OF Rocco Baldelli taking infield at 1B. The quote from TB’s VP was that “…Baldelli could see time at first base occasionally when he returns. I think what will figure in that is how his elbow’s doing. I’m sure he may need a day off from the throw.” Let’s see… who do the Braves have that falls into that category? How about Kelly Johnson? He came through the system as SS, then converted to 3B before moving to OF. Maybe a move to 1B would allow him to play with the balky elbow, and get his bat into the lineup and LaWhif’s out.

By brian

May 3, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

either that or Aubrey Huff will be traded as soon as he shows he is healthy (?Braves)

By MGL

May 3, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

VOR - Sorry, LaWiff got a hit (2 bagger), RBI, and a walk with no SO’s last night. That will keep him in Bobby’s good graces for at least another month.

By Rob

May 3, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Like I told you guys on DOB’s blog last week. It was only April. If they can get on a nice run of 6 out of 8, they’re right back in the thick of it, and the bad things have yet to start hitting the Mets…including long road trips. Just takes patience…now exercise them with LaRoche.

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

We desperately need someone in the leadoff hole to just get on base, Is Orr still up there? That dude is terrible

I dunno about you guys but I think we can hit on a more consistant basis if we stop trying to hit the longball and focus more on OBP

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Forget Baldelli 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 young pitcher and Langerhans to get him, so I’m kinda livin fantasies right now

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, Or any News on Mike Hampton

By P'Cola Michael

May 3, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

I agree Crawford is good, but, that doesn’t really satisfy a need, other than leadoff. Then, that would leave us getting rid of smoeone we have that is actually descent. Giles will be fine, I would rather see him in the 2 hole, ER in 3, AJ, CJ, etc.

Not a bad suggestion on moving KJ to 1st. hmmmm

By HaHa

May 3, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

f*** u all!!!!!!!!!

By Bob

May 3, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin,

Mr. Hawkins … your “I dunno about you guys but I think we can hit on a more consistant basis if we stop trying to hit the longball and focus more on OBP” is right on the mark!! Not a novel idea … something that some of us say year after year … but nobody seems to pay us no mind.

Seems like you also mentioned Rachael Phelps a few days ago … don’t think I’d want Roger Dorn either.

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

If theBraves play more ABC baseball like they did Sunday we will be straight.They scored the runs by getting people on and moving them around instead of everyone tying to hit it out of the park If they fall in love with trying to go deep at CBP Were in trouble, because we can not out slug the phillies or the Mutts

Go Braves!

By journalist jimmy smith

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

where is journalist dob? journalist guy curtright is a fine journalist in his own right but he is not the famed dob, journalist of choice for loyal braves’ bloggers. perhaps dob is doing investigational reporting which requires that he go undercover - perhaps he is wearing a disguise as well. perhaps he is in the cheese. journalist jimmy smith is waiting for dob’s next story to break - and jimmy smith bets it will be a journalistic doozy. jimmy smith is certain it will be without vulgarities and headline innuendo of late. jimmy smith asks dob, if legendary old scribe from atlanta journal goes on the field, does he cast a shadow? (sometimes the great ones do not) - now, more cheese … when new braves announcers say someone is throwing cheese, is this a bodily function? journalist must know. now, prince fielder … esteemed ned yost, bobby cox’s daddy until braves sweep brewers, jettisoned overbay to give big prince fielder first base. prince is now nl rookie of the month with .344 ba and 5 homeruns. seems that the braves had a relatively young first baseman who hit .475 in the spring. jimmy smith wonders if he could have made a difference for the braves so far like prince fielder has for the brewers.

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

lol, Bob

P’Cola Johnson isn’t a bad idea, anyone but pete Orr, Gawd I long 4 da dayz of Otis Nixon

By Kwame Masi

May 3, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

s.h.l.o.n.g. face

By Andy

May 3, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

Completely unrelated, but I’m not minding the Fox guys on Turner South, Jeff Torborg knows a hell of alot about baseball and offers good insight. At least Tom Paciorek is gone, now that would be rough. There would be a new record for Oh Yeah’s in one week.

I see where Scott Thorman is hitting aboce .300 in Richmond….

By Dubya Cubed

May 3, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

What is up with the juvenile delinquents on here today? Go to school or get a job or something.

By Rutuger

May 3, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

If Marcus is back (and although it’s just been one breakout game, I do believe he is), and our pitching holds upthe way it recently has, then 6-3 is not an unrealistic goal. The Phillies are pretty poor as usual, but the Mutts will provide an exciting race throughout the season if we can keep pace.

I would almost rather win the wild card this year; anything to change up the current October formula. Also if the Bravos feel slighted or disrespected at season’s end, maybe they’ll use that as motivation in the playoffs.

However, we still need a closer or we won’t advance.

By JUSTDON

May 3, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve see all the home games but two at the TED and the others on the telly and I’m gonna say our guy’s are gonna be okay just as soon as they go thru some tough times together [read April]. Bobby’s way [read 2 outa 3] will have us up with the Mets real soon.

By P'Cola Michael

May 3, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

ABL Anybody But Laroche!

By MGL

May 3, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Rutuger - Only 8 games this trip 2@Philly, but 6 & 2 could easily happen if pitching holds and offense keeps kicking in.

By Chop Chop

May 3, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Giles will be fine in the leadoff spot, folks. How many times in a game is a leadoff guy guaranteed to “lead off”?

Once.

He’s been in a bad slump so far, but he had a great game last night and will substantially bump up his batting average. Throughout his career, Giles has gotten on base enough to be a leadoff hitter. He’s not a prototypical leadoff guy, but getting on base is the most important thing. He does that quite well.

Rutuger, the only way the Braves can advance in the playoffs with a closer like Reitsma is to win games by four or five runs. I don’t trust the guy at all in one-run games. Some might say, “Hey. Didn’t he save a 5-4 game last night? He CAN save one-run games.”

To those who say that, I say, ”%&$^ you and your #&%#@&*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

By Chop Chop

May 3, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

I apologize for my use of explicit symbols. Mea culpa, mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.

By Rutuger

May 3, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Whoops, I meant to say 6-2. However, I would not be surprised if our bullpen did indeed find a way to earn a loss without actually playing a game. I’m kidding, I’m kidding… but they do need help immediately.

By MGL

May 3, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop - The leadoff batter is leading the lineup, not the game, hence he will normally leadoff 4 to 5 times in a game with decent offensive numbers. The importance is to set the table for #2 to move him over and the power guys to bring him in. This can work in any inning.

But, I agree with you the Giles will be fine.

By doc

May 3, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

guy, you may be wanting too much. ill take .500 ball on the road any day, especially, with the starting schedule that this team is having to overcome. if we are at .500 overall after the first 50 games with 33 in the road, then we will do fine even if we are 7 games back.

who believes that pedro and glavine can compete over a full season as they are now with fresh arms? it has been years since either one of them has been able to do it. wagner cant come in in the fifth inning to rescue glavine and pedro cant pitch if he is hurting and missing starts. their hitting will have to carry the day for them.

look at the big picture folks instead of micro managing each and every out or even each and every game unless you see significant trends that last for 4 to 6 weeks.

stay positive and it will be its own reward.

By Dr. Jay

May 3, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Since the theme here is Staying Positive, I’ll admit that Reitsma showed me a little something last night. Maybe he can do this. Another thing I like…the stellar outfield work. Don’t look now, but we may have the best defensive OF in the NL. I’m liking this…

Plus the Mets are one disfigured, knarly Pedro toe away from mediocrity. No way Glavine keeps this up all year…then they’re toast.

By metsmanintheatl

May 3, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

face it ATL…you are doomed for 2nd place…mets have a better roster and last weekend showed the jinx is over…we will be looking in our rear view mirror at you all year…nice run!!GO METROPOLITANS!!!!

By MGL

May 3, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

metsmanintheatl - With the sissy schedule you guys have had so far, the best you can brag about is 3 & 3 against the Braves. Nice split with the Nats, all that expensive roster could drum up was 2 runs per game. I guess you’ll really be bragging if you can sweep the 8 & 20 Pirates with your top two starters. See you on Friday jerk.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

We don’t allow big words like METROPOLITANS on this Blog so please use “Mets”; a word with which we’re all familiar, understand … and have a book of definitions. Do we have the book on the Mets? You betcha!!

By Chop Chop

May 3, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

MGL, my point about Giles reflects the fact that I think a lot of people (and this is along the lines of the point you made) are focusing on him leading off the game and not the lineup. He may not be the best guy to lead off a game (not a good bunter, doesn’t steal a ton of bases, etc.), but he’ll be fine leading off the lineup. In the long run, his high OBP will be a benefit in the #1 spot. He hits a lot of doubles, will steal 15-20 bases and will hit close to .300. He’s not the most patient guy at the dish, but he has a good walk rate. All in all, he’s a nice fit in that role.

By Nicholas Irwin

May 3, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Has anyone been to the ballpark recently and seen the intro they have when Chris Reitsma comes into the game? I was at the ballpark for the first time this season last night and I could scarcely believe my eyes. It features clips of Chris Reitsma throwing fireballs (yes…the ball actually bursts into flames) and intersperses that with clips of an umpire calling strike three. Only it’s a very awkward cut to the umpire and it’s obviously the same clip used over and over again. I guess that shows you how many people Reitsma has struck out over the last three years if they need to use a close-up of an umpire from an awkward angle calling strike three over and over again. Anyway, I just started laughing hysterically. Either the Braves have actually deluded themselves into thinking that Reitsma is a competent closer or somebody with a sense of humor edited that together as a joke and the people in charge of putting things on the board bought it. Quite frankly, I’m really hoping for the latter.

By Penn

May 3, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Bob, I just joined this blog a week or two ago and you guys have already convinced me the name was MUTS. What’s the Mets bit?

About ten years after crashing their election party I ran into Betty in a wholesale grocery house in Columbia, SC one day. She was pitching her hams. She is the one who made that business go.

She remembered my crashing their party. :)

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith requests an update from carolina lady on the crows. journalist thinks it is about time for dob to post unless he is undercover. perhaps he will reveal a new batting order. then again, that is not likely, is it? much has been discussed on this blog: baseball, music, pies, toes, cheese, horses, seals, and now hams. talmadge hams were once very famous and betty did indeed run the company - but herman had the overcoat.

By MGL

May 3, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

The thing that bothers me most about Reitsma (other than his 5+ ERA) is his demeanor. He just doesn’t look tough, confident, and in control. He looks like he hopes each pitch will go where it is supposed to and that he won’t get touched up too badly. He even said something like hey it was ok to drop a couple of runs since he got the save anyway. He has got to get a 3 up, 3 down mentality and I agree with the thought yesterday that Bobby should quit bringing him in in the eighth. He needs to be warmed up, charged up, and go straight from the bullpen to the mound and get 3 batters out! That should be his only job and mindset.

By Penn

May 3, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Lerners just named new owners of Washingon Nats. The old man is a Billionaire and should have no trouble buying any Yankee player he wants.

Stan Kasten, former is also a minority owner and will run the club as President.

Click here for full story.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/03/AR2006050301121.html

By Penn

May 3, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Should have been “Stan Kasten former President of the Atlanta Braves” etc.

By Joe Roman

May 3, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

In some ways, it’s even more fun when the Braves beat the Phillies than the Mets. No fans anywhere are more snakebitten than those in the City of Brotherly Love. What makes it even better is they deserve it! They make Mets fans look like a religious order.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

I noticed earlier today that Tiger’s father has died. Don’t know much about Tiger’s skills other than golf … I’d like to apply soap to his mouth sometimes but he certainly has the “right stuff” to be a great closer; obove the neck, that is.

He’s one of the very few that truly earns the fame and big bucks afforded him.

Hope Earl’s passing isn’t a distraction for Smoltz tonight. John warned of the importance of fan support to Chris Reitsma’s performance … the key to Chris is primarily above the neck too and my guess is that when he finds, and is comfortable with, his own identity … fan patience will richly rewarded. My abbacus indicates that six of seven translates to 48 of 56 … and the 8 doesn’t equate to all losses either; Villarreal has shown us that.

Just wish that Chris was one of those “French Speaking” Canadians so that he would think folks were saying nice things about him instead of calling him a loser … Jorge has a bit of an advantage on him there … even if he doesn’t speak French!

By Joe Roman

May 3, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

I’ll back you up on the schedule business, MGL. It’s a break for the Braves to have such a killer this early. They always start slowly anyway. In the summer, when they get hot, the schedule gets easier. It’s just the opposite for the Mets. Plus, somehow the Mets fans’ sense of entitlement seems to generate bad vibes that negatively affect the team. Good for us, bad for them.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

breaking news! - from other sources - atlanta’s t.p. was involved in a drive-by shooting while on this road trip. famous hitting coach was not hit. his entourage returned fire but could hit nothing. sorta figures. these phillies will stop at nothing. we should go for the sweep.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

correction not t.p. - t.i. who is t.i.? what position does he play? jimmy smith apologizes for the error.

By Nicholas Irwin

May 3, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

LOL…that’s the funniest thing I’ve read all week.

By Ceepster

May 3, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Please give Reitsma a little credit. The man has saves in 2 of the last 3 games. Giles performance last night was sure a pick-me-up for the team. Also, who else was impressed by the defense in the Rockies series? Awesome. I also really like our shortstop. He’s solid in the field and dependable at bat. I’m starting to like this team more and more.

By Jeff

May 3, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Can someone please explain to me why laroche and francoeur are still batting fifth and sixth respectively. Better yet why is laroche even playing.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Penn, I’m relatively new here as well. I had the same problem as you so I checked with the AKC, no kin to the AJC, and they said that “Muts” was a group of mongrul dogs with bad breeding … That showed me that, not only some of our Bloggers, but even the AKC know the Muts for what they are!

Still ain’t sure if Muts means Mets … sounds to me like it better describes some of their fans.

Gene and his shinny red gallouses are legondary as are Herman’s early days’ exploits! But, if it hadn’t been for Betty T; me thinks the Talmadge legacy would have been quite different. Saw her many times but met her only once … with Daddy in either Perry or Lovejoy, can’t remember which.

By Carolina Lady

May 3, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

Hey, cousin Jimmy Smith! The update you requested on the War on the Crows: it’s working! I told you about the huge 30 ft. ligustrum bushes. Well, I had been standing quietly back in the branches and peppering any crow that ventured into range, but after a long while I got tired of standing. Got a bar stool I use at my little work bench and took it out there, perched myself on it comfortably, and all was well………until Scooper, a mama raccoon came quietly ambling up. I startled her, she startled me and I nearly fell off. The Safety works just fine, by the way. :-)))

By Jeff

May 3, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is nowhere near as affective with his new style of pitching!!!

By JasonInMaine

May 3, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Can we have the old Smoltz back? How about he goes all out and misses every 4th start…or something. If he gets knocked around all the time, conserving his energy and being there at the end of the year won’t really matter, will it?

By Bob

May 3, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Classy Carolina Lady; The Lady

I’m sure that you can tell by the posts that a number of us eagerly await each installment of your crow saga … if it’s any thing like my brother’s experience, you’ll find it to be a neverending tale of dispair.

He’s tring some sort of timed animal calls now … and occassionally resorts to something a little more violent that your BB gun … although he can’t crow about any successes there either.

They’re really driving him crazy … but maybe I have the tense wrong; he’s actually bought a book in search of spells that will drive them away.

It’s been a serious delima with a humorous side. Those suckers are huge and there’s more of em than Hitch’s gulls!

He’s also had trouble with chipmonks …trapping over 50 during the last 2 years. He releases them about a mile up the road … but, I think that they have tunnels going from there back to his property … and usually beat him back home.

The most serious problem is with beaver taking the bark off the base of the trees. Beaver are killing a lot of old trees in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta area.

I don’t usually use such big words as Metropolitan … copied it from that Met supporter’s post up above … but “Metropolitan Atlanta” makes me wonder if he really isn’t a Closeted Braves Fan … or maybe just likes folks that buy insurance from Snoopy’s company.

By Del

May 3, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, I think John Smoltz and the Braves mgmt need to re-think their decision about keeping John as a starter. Seems like in his endeavor to not overthrow as a starter he has become much, much more hittable. He either needs to go back to 100% effort as a starter, or reclaim his role as our closer. Reitsma as a setup, with John as our closer would be awesome. It’s not like we don’t have any starters in waiting. IMHO.

By Bob

May 3, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

John may be going through an idenity crisis, but you can rest assured that he’s given it more serious thought and consideration than is possible for us to ever do. He’s more of an artist than a technican … so let him paint his pictures … he still has some masterpieces left to go.

By Carolina Lady

May 3, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Good evening, Bob! Thank you for your kind compliments, sir! :-)) Oh! Andruw just homered!!! YES! I thought at the outset of this venture that I could be setting myself up to be out-witted by a brain the size of a peanut, but that bunch of crows was driving all the other birds away, were destroying the feeders, and were harrassing the birds who are setting up household in my birdhouses. Something had to be done!

I didn’t really want to kill them, so I opted for the old Daisy (model 1894) BB, instead of any of the higher ‘wattage’ stuff. It’s just plain fun to use!

At this point, which is really early in the War, I’m seeing fewer intrusions, but they haven’t given up entirely. I’d wager that if I eased the vigilence, they’d be right back as before. When the heat and humidity of summer arrive, it may well be the GNATS that are the victors, ‘cause I’ll be in the house!

I can sympathize with your brother. I live in the middle of a fair-sized bit of wooded acreage and have lots of wildlife who know me on a first-name basis! :-)) After many generations of raccoons, squirrels, deer, ‘possums, etc, I’m just part of the landscape to them. I have some of the most wonderful natural photos of them

Thanks for your post, Bob! You are always interesting! :-))

By Bob

May 3, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Tornados here … but I’ll be back!

By Tomahawkin

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

Gawd Our Blowpen Sucks!, A different man a different nite, Dizam

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

walking laroche to get to francoeur … interesting. that’s kinda like walking the sparrow to get to the robin. in this case, the robin came through. now, crows … carolina lady, now that you have introduced the crows to your bb gun, you may start work on a scarecrow. when the gnats arrive you can put the bb gun in the hands of the scarecrow and maybe the crows will stay away. another remedy would be to invest in a ugandan hartebeeest. jimmy smith could almost guarantee no crows if you go with the hartebeest.

By JasonInMaine

May 3, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

“Gotta Stay Positive”

Pretty hard to with this damn bullpen. Different thing every freakin loss…starters don’t pitch good…then they get it turned around and the hitters go on a reak…hitters start getting timely hits, starters pitch ok, bullpen sux. Not a good sign when you find a different way to lose all the time.

Get a 1st baseban with a bat, put Smoltz back as the closer, and snag Dontrelle from the Marlins. I can’t believe the Braves couldn’t have offered as much as Hanley Ramizers when the Marlins called and said Beckett was on the block…

Jason

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

bull-pen

By JasonInMaine

May 3, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Good thing the Marlins and the Nationals suck because if they didn’t, we might be the first team in a long time to go from first to worst…15 years after going from worst to first!!

By teoa

May 3, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

If Smoltz demanded a trade now, I would support him 100 percent. This is now the 8th blown save in his starts since last April. I think management’s reluctance to get any bullpen help may very well cost him the Hall of Fame if in fact 200 wins is the magic number. This bullpen has shown over and over again that if they have to hold a one run lead for more than an inning, there is almost no chance of winning. Even if management is dillusional enough to think that Reitsma is the answer at closer, why not go after an 8th inning guy? Obviously there is no one that Bobby trusts to get through the 8th. How many wins are they going to throw away before management realizes what everyone has known all along? When your #2 out of the pen is a 40 year-old wash-up who hasn’t been any good for 3 years, you’re in big trouble. Not to mention the fact that you’ve got the worst closer in baseball. It is simply inexcusable to have allowed the bullpen to deteriorate to this point. These guys suck! 7-inning wins don’t count for anything!!!

By Carolina Lady

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

teoa, the bullpen blew many saves for John last year, as well. It really made me angry to see him suffer the consequences of their repeated failures.

Jimmy Smith, you may have a deal on the hartebeest! Their being Herbivorous, I wouldn’t even have to cut the grass, would I? Give J Deere a rest and save gas, too! Now explain to me exactly how a hartebeest frightenes crows…… :-))

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Teoa, I think If the Blowpen blew all these games 4 Pedro he’d call their a-s-ses on air about it, He’ wouldn’t put up with that crap

This blowpen is really beginning to pi-$$ me off

We actually muster 4 runs and the Blow-pen F-C-$ It up….S-hyt! If we lose the division we all know where the pink slips should go to…

By Tomahawkin

May 3, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Tigers are 19-9, Go Figure after their slow start… I think Bobby needs to take a page out of the Jim Leyland notebook and light a fire under some of these guys a-s-ses, call me out if You want to but after watching others teams in the league, I’ve come to find out that….. This team Stinks! at least we have 130 games left to turn it around, I’m not panicking til July

By JasonInMaine

May 3, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Ken Ray? Mike Remlinger? Pete Moylan? Reitsma as a closer? Man, Roger may be thinking he took the wrong job…he shouldn’t have interviewed to be the pitching coach, he should have auditioned for a spot in the damn pen. Man, this pen sux! Huge loss…huge, huge, huge.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith can see that carolina lady has never been in the presence of the fearsome hartebeest, for if carolina lady had experienced the hartebeest she would not ask jimmy smith how he scares crows. yes, the hartebeest is herbivorous but no one would dare try to shave him. now, dob … jimmy smith notes that the game recap is from the associated press - not from the esteemed journalist dob. this confirms for jimmy smith that dob is in the midst of investigational reporting and is probably in disguise. he probably is not eating cheese or doing anything that would reveal his true identity. look for a heart-stopping story from dob in a few days. now, remlinger … he looked old and tired tonight. it must be tough for smoltz to leave a game and watch it get away like that.

By Eric C.

May 3, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Wow…the Braves have already played in 14 1-run games (5-9).

By journalist jimmy smith

May 3, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

someone must check on bob - make sure the tornado did not get him. bob is actuary - will have plenty of insurance.

By P*** OFF!

May 3, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

THIS IS @%&^* RIDICULOUS! Screw it, it’s time to become a Mets fan. At least when they realized they had a need THEY DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

By Chop Chop

May 3, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

P* OFF!, the Mets can spend the money to bring in a top closer. The Braves can only do it through a trade because of payroll restrictions. I don’t think that circumstance will change any time soon, so get used to it.

By TennesseePaul

May 3, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

Tonight sure was a bust. When it comes time for Smoltz to pitch, the hitters sit on their hands and the bullpen takes the night off. Smoltz could have been a 20 game winner last year if not for that pen. He’d have at least 2 extra wins this season, if not for that pen. I’d call for a trade to get someone but who do you get? No team has extra good relievers. No team has good relievers at a reasonable price. We’d have to trade big chips to get a guy who only comes in with a lead.
Smoltz, you’re just going to have to be more effecient. Get a ton of ground ball outs. Keep your pitches per inning down around 10. And throw complete games every single time. What’s up with Death Ray? Is he sick or something. Remmer is pitching every night, why not toss the Ray out there and see if he can hold ‘em.

By Carolina Lady

May 3, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, I did try to meet a hartebeest once…..but his top speed is around 65 mph and mine is somewhat less than that…..I couldn’t catch up…..

By hoho

May 4, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

kelly johnson at 1st might be a good thing to try. although he did strike out a good bit when he first came up last year (wouldn’t be much better than laroche) but i think you can say he won’t be in the outfield. so 1st base or trade bait is likely his fate, in my opinion. also, it would suck to put your best hitter at the 5th spot in the line-up, but isn’t that where ER would help the bravos the most? didn’t he hit 5th in st louis all those years? don’t know about sosa y’all- i’m worried. let’s go bravos!!

By Bob

May 4, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith,

Walking Adam to get to Jeff is catching on … Yesterday the Nats, Tonight the Fhillies … maybe our Division rivals know something about one of the two that we don’t. At least it reduces Adam’s strikeouts!

Brave Fans should be proud of the fact that ours is not the typical “What have you done for me lately?” type organization to which we, in our daily lives, have become so accustomed.

It wasn’t too long ago that many folks worked their entire careers for one, maybe two companies … employees with employers constituted extended families. Times … folkways and morays … at least in the USA, have drastically changed … and the old rule, even in concept, is now the rare exception.

We all want to win … I just wish there was a way for us to be less critical and a bit more understanding as we root them on.

That said, here are some observations from this “never was” about some folks that were and are great competitors … prompted by how tired Mike Remlinger looked tonight and Brian Jordan has looked on occasion.

I don’t worry much about “pains” … players can usually deal with those and get back to 100% pretty quick … but I do worry those “aches” that come with the stress, strain, and grind of doing battle for too many summers in the sun … they begin shutting down the body before the mind realizes what’s happening … Desire, spirit, determination and experience make them valuable and still allow for monents of brillance, like they once routinely enjoyed. But when they feel tired and start preferring “icy-hot” over Root Beer floats; it’s usually that, often ignored, signal that it’s time to take a bow and start enjoying their friends and memories … without waiting for the Fat Lady to sing.

That’s just my way of showing my frustration … they bring a lot more to the table that batting average or era and I hope they are used properly … It may be idle retoric but I can say such things because people have read enough of my ramblings to know I’m harmless and pay me no mind … or money either.

Keen observer and talent evaluator that you are; what do you think are the best resources available within the system to fill what is commonly perceived as “holes”.

Some day I may share with you what I just deleted from this post … think you’d like it … but, I’m afraid that it would have taken me out of the “harmless” category. I’m sure that It would have elicited a “Yikes” from DOB.

By nathan

May 4, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

looks like that story the other day about “Remlingers Value” was written about a week too soon!

On another note, maybe Chipper should worry about getting on base & driving in runs instead of the helmets.

Note to Bobby Cox:

McCann is your best hitter (average wise) with men in scoring position!….which means with LaWiff & the Natural Disaster hitting ahead of him, he’ll have approximately 25 more at bats this season with men in SP. LOL!…….BAT McCANN 5TH!!!….Bobby did this a few years ago with Javy too.(kept him too low in batting order), He must want his catchers to think about catching, not hitting, which makes a little sense to me, but C’MON ALREADY! It’s an obvious move.

Here is my line-up I’d use: Giles, Renteria, McCann, Andruw, Chipper, Langerhans, Francoeur, LaRoche

Just a thought.

By nathan

May 4, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this

I realize that I put McCann 3rd & Chipper 5th….sorry! I changed my mind. At this point, I think McCann is the better….let me rephrase that…more consistant hitter. The 3-hole is where your best hitter (contact & situational…not just power - other wise that would be Andruw) should be. Heck with those requirements Renteria would be a better 3-hole hitter “right now” until Chipper heats up.

By geauxbraves2000

May 4, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

John Smoltz should have an * next to his win column. * = Not including the times he’s left with a lead only to watch the bullpen blow it.

Oh well, there’s still a few games left, still time to play catch up which I totally believe this team can and will catch up. Hopefully some of the Chipper money is collecting a fair sum of interest so JS can invest it at the deadline.

By Bob

May 4, 2006 04:00 AM | Link to this

To The Lady from Carolina, Part 1 of 3

Don’t mean to bend your ear … well, maybe just this once … it’s late, the storms’ seem to have passed … and you might enjoy something to ease the pain of another disappointment.

I just wish the boys could come back and win big, a couple times in a row … after the pitching falters … or someone hits into a triple play with the bases loaded in a time game! They can do it too, if they’ll concentrate on fundamentals … hit it where they ain’t … and forget the long fly.

I sense we need some of that for this team to really get going … sorta like the fluke hit that ends a slump … take some of the pressure off … these guys need to really feel and believe “I’m part of a team that really has what it takes … if I mess up, someone will pick me up … and we’ll still beat the bad guys … next time, I’ll pick someone else up!” instead of “I can’t afford to make a mistake … the guys and fans are all depending on me … if I mess up, we’re gonna lose … I know what they’re thinking … Yikes!”

By Bob

May 4, 2006 04:05 AM | Link to this

The Lady, Part 2 of 4

Part 1 was just some of my baseball ramblings. I’m allowed to ramble … learned that over at the Varsity on North Avenue. Now the important stuff …

At my brother’s, the crows have had similiar effects on the other birds and created many problems with the feeders. They really have gotten under his skin … as he has become quite the birdwatcher over the years … identifying, classifying, taking digital photos of all that visit. I think that he dreams about the crows.

Even when we’re out on the deck, close to some of the feeders, there’s generally lot’s of activity, except when the crows are around. There’s lots of geese and ducks on the lake that often stop by for a visit too … which is neat … but it can be a problem … for the last three years, one mama duck has decided that the pool is her own private sanctuary … brings her brood with her and they make themselves at home without any fear at all … we can walk around or sit beside the pool … and they hardly seem to notice … it’s hard to get rid of them sometimes.

There are also times, with drak stromy clouds as a backdrop, when my brother has taken some great pictures of some of the crows … says they’re recon pictures of the enemy.

By Bob

May 4, 2006 04:22 AM | Link to this

The Lady, Final Segment - “Beware of Jimmy’s Foreign Solutions!”

Guess I missed a bet when I failed to bring it to Jimmy’s attention that he wasn’t the first famous Mr. Smith to go to Washington! Jean Authur’s always been a favorite!

The Honorable Mr. Smith always good for a suggestion or two! Just be careful with those involving things from other countries! Remember how well cudsue worked in Japan … it did a job here too; just not quite the one we expected!

my brother told me that about 20 years ago, they were having trouble with excessive algee in the lake and consulted an “expert” that suggested releasing some kind of small “Chinese Goldfish” in the lake to eat the algee and solve the problem. He said it was the preferred solution of that type of problem in some parts of China.

They took the suggestion and released about 30 of those little fish in the lake. It worked! They’ve had no algee problems since so doing.

However, sea monsters started appearing in the lake about 8 years ago … and they now need another solution!

It seems that the “expert” failed to tell them that the lake contained no natural preditors … and with the ideal climate and plenty to eat year round … another unexpected result.

The best look I’ve had was from maybe 20 feet away … unbelievable … a beautiful, multicolored “monster” that looked to be about 7-8 feet long; weigh maybe 125 pounds, possibly more … bigger than any lake fish that I’ve ever seen.

Thankfully, those fish supposedly can’t multiply but nobody knows for sure … it’s not that important; they’re there to eat algee, not for their math skills!

By Bob

May 4, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this

The Lady … see, there really is a Part 4, but not by original intent.

I make more errors than Edgar did in Boston!

I suppose that the only glaring error in Part 1 is “Time Game” … obviously should be “tie game”. However, there’s another hidden error; one of poor judgement … I should have left my initial wording “… hit into a double play … in a close game …”. I was guilty of lilly guilding when I changed it … just so that you wouldn’t think I was referring to John’s hitting performance earlier this evening.

It could have also been an error to delete an aside that asked your opinion of my crazy notion of having the pitcher, or weakest hitter, bat 7th since … if the 4-6 guys are doing their job, then the 7th position usually calls for moving the runners over more often than the 9th … comes from my thinking of the lineup as a circle rather than a straight line … like I said, crazy.

Did a bit better in Parts 2 and 3 … just a few typos and I see that I omitted an “is” or two and started one sentence with a lower case letter … nothing to write home about.

Actually, it was my sister-in-law that told me of the algee problem, but all good fish stories are supposed to contain a lie or two.

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

“Gotta Stay Positive”

It’s tough to stay positive after last night, but face it, that’s baseball. I feel better about losing last night than I have a lot of the other losses. We got down, came back, and gave ourselves a chance to win. The awful games are the ones where we don’t even give ourselves a chance.

No one has talked about it on here, but I was PO’d when Rollins got himself hit. That pitch was up, but over the heart of the plate. I think tonight we should put one in his ear hole. That guy hangs all over the plate, and somebody needs to have the nuts to back him up. If he’s not gonna back up, he needs to know he risks getting drilled.

The thing that probably hurt us the most was Giles 0-for-5. That was the difference between Tuesday and Wednesday. You are not going to win many games where your leadoff hitter never gets on base. I use that term “leadoff hitter” loosely, as I am with Chop Chop - he only leads off once. But he never got on for Renteria, Chipper, and Andruw. Also, he came up with a runner in scoring position at least once that I remember and couldn’t produce. Having said all that, I am confident in the guy. He will turn it around, and then you will see the W’s pile up.

The best news is that our “ace” is on the hill tonight. Go Thomson! Maddux gave up some runs the other night, leaving JT with the leagues best ERA.

By JOHN B.

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

I think Bobby Cox is one of the greatest managers of all time. But when the he11 is he going to learn to use his whole bullpen, not just 3 or 4 guys? Why the he11 would he bring Remlinger in the 8th when 2 of the 3 hitters coming up are left handed? I knew there was going to be trouble as soon as I saw Remlinger start the 8th. And why even use Remlinger again. He has been used a lot lately. Why not bring Ray in to start the 8th? It seems like he uses Remlinger, Cormier, Villerreal and Reitsma a lot more than James and Ray. And he tries to use Reitsma for the 8th and 9th inning sometimes. And he wonders why he has a tired and unproductive bullpen.

Again, I’m not saying Cox is a bad manager but he just has some messed up ideas about how to use his bullpen. He probably said something like “I had a feeling about Remlinger” or something stupid like that. Well, you know what, Remlinger has never been able to get left handers out. And the guy is 40 + years old. He can’t pitch in 16 of the first 27 games!

By P'Cola Michael

May 4, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

If you recall when Remmy was with us last time he was the league leader in appearances too. I’m all about having confidence in someone…when it is warranted. Is this Bobby’s way of telling upper management “this is all I can trust right now”??? “I’m not using these other guys b/c they suck”? “Trade some of them for a proven guy?”

By eric the elder

May 4, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

JohnB, point well made. It usually takes a couple of months for the Braves to get their pen sorted out, especially when we don’t have a true closer. I have the feeling that BC is leaning toward consistently using Remmy in the 8th and Reitsma in the 9th. I, too, saw that two lefties were coming up, and I wondered whether we would see McBride. But BC has a long history of favoring older, more experienced veterans in close games, and the results are mixed. (Think Liebrandt.)

If he is willing to throw Devine into tight situations, as he did last year, then why not use James and McBride this year?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

carolina lady, journalist jimmy smith did not mean that you should catch your own hartebeest. the hartebeest is very fast, and only climbs trees at night. our mutual cousin, akello “harvey” smith, is a fine trapper. perhaps harvey can procure for you a hartebeest - one with a taste for crow - who will enjoy coastal living. not to worry, jimmy smith will make all the arrangements. watch for your hartebeest in a few weeks. if you are fond of the raccoon, scooper, you may wish to remove her to another location. now, bob, jimmy smith is thankful that you were not swept away by tornado. once, journalist jimmy smith was caught up in the fury of a tornado and journalist’s blackberry was later found in neighboring congo. now, bobby cox … (tread lightly jimmy smith) … esteemed manager might be open for some criticism. however, that will bring out true fans and real fans to rally behind bobby cox. now, dob … where is journalist dob?

By MGL

May 4, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Esteemed journalist jimmy smith - Rumor has it that DOB went overboard on Philly Cheese Steaks and beer. Apparently he took your warnings about cheese and root beer and decided to change journalist diet.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

commentary hel-mets - why is chipper so exercised about new-style hel-mets? read this quote: “There is nothing to them,” he said. “I’m not going to risk it.” risk what? head injury? will this make a significant difference with chipper? why does new hat apparatus have name mets associated with it? conspiracy? why air vents? to keep cool or to let precious gray matter escape from vents in chipper’s hat? journalist must know. mlb bud selig knows but is keeping it under his hat for now. chipper is right to be mad. new hard hats look like something worn by ice skater on pond - not by big, strong, professional athlete with mouth full of seeds and bubble gum. more on this story later from journalist jimmy smith.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

mgl, journalist is grateful for information on colleague journalist dob. jimmy smith got his break when dob was absent from blog for a time. jimmy smith owes dob, big-time. in part, that is why jimmy smith attempts to procure for dob the exalted prize of journalism. doc has warned of dangers of too much cheese on the road. for this reason, jimmy smith has fruit instead of cheese at each meal. doc has provided nice dietary change for this journalist. now, dob … bad eating habits continue if dob is consuming philly cheese steaks and beer. proabably he is somewhere trying to purge his system this morning. life of journalist can be rough. perhaps he will check in about 4:00 p.m.

By JOHN B.

May 4, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

If I could see the problem with bringing in Remlinger, then the damn manager should have seen it. And I’m not trying to say that I could manage the team because I am NOT qualified. But certain aspects of it are obvious. And that was a no brainer. I am all for having Remlinger on the team. I think he earned a spot. But he is TOO old to be the everyday 8th inning guy. He is a situational guy now. From 1999-2002, Remlinger was in his prime and he could pitch 80 games a year. But he is past his prime now. Cox needs to wake up and realize that while it’s nice to have a couple of 40 year old veterens for the clubhouse, they are not everyday guys.

Cox has had an issue with his bullpen throughout the whole 15 year run. Part of it is because he has not always had a great bullpen, but part of it is just his fault for not using it correctly. I’m sorry but you can not expect a 40 year pitcher, who has been injured for 2 years, to pitch in 16 of the first 27 games of the year and be successful. It just won’t happen. He is TOO loyal to the veterans!

Maybe Cox needs to step away. I HATE to say that, because he is one of the BEST managers ever! And I have been a huge supporter of his. But many of his decisions in the last few years have been horrible. those bad decisions are happening more often lately. Or maybe someone in the front office needs to pull him aside and tell him to stop depending on 40 year old players so much and to start using the WHOLE bullpen.

By MGL

May 4, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Apparantly a big conference was held last night between Cox, Dews, and McDowell. Aggressive action to be taken with pen. Secret tryouts being held this morning at a secure location. DOB seen buying baseball shoes mumbling something about being great with the pen and going to give it a shot. Also, Don Sutton feels there is limited future for him in broadcasting and has indicated that his arm feels good. Says that at 61, he will fit right in Braves pen and provide veteran leadership. jimmy smith, are you on this breaking story?

By TheLineupCard

May 4, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

1. Giles
2. Mcann
3. Renteria
4. A. Jones
5. C. Jones
6. Frenchy
7. Langerhans
8. LaRoche

By Carroll

May 4, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Sloop John B: right on. BC has always made pitiful decisions with the pen: Leiberandt (nuff said), reardon, McMicheal, Lighteningturd, bringing in Wohlers in the 8th, bringing in Farnsy in the 8th, Not bringing in Kevin Millwood to close out game 5 in NY in 1999 (instead leaving a rookie in for his 3rd inning—McGlinchy), Not utilizing Millwood or Neagle virtually AT ALL in the 1998 NLCS, not using Thommy or Rammy from the pen throughout much of the 2005 NLDS, not using McBride virtually AT ALL in 2005 NLDS, continuing to go with Reeksma throughout the 04 and 05 NLDS, etc etc etc.

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox. The things this guy does on the field half the time make no sense. It’s been that way since 1991. I’ve said for years that his crazy decisions lose quite a few games every year. We all know the line up is crazy, and the releivers he brings in make us spitting mad.

BUT, there’s always the but, there is a more important intangible at work here. We often disagree with Bobby Cox the manager. However, none of us can argue with Bobby Cox - The Leader. That guy does something right in the clubhouse, something that non of us see. Those players, and there have been many through the years, always come to play. The Leader Bobby Cox wins a lot more games than Bobby Cox the Manager loses.

I think its great that we sit here and second guess his decisions. It might do him some good to hire one or two of us as bench coaches. Even if he doesn’t do that, I sure am glad he’s on our Leader.

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Obviously, I meant “I sure am glad he’s our Leader.” or “on our side.” Anyway, you get the drift.

By Carolina Lady

May 4, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, I’ve got it!! Ok, there are some on this blog who think the Braves will not win the Division this year. There are some bloggers who think they will. One side or the other is going to have to “eat crow” in October. See where this is going?? I’ll put the Daisy away, get out the wonderful old Remmington .22 and get serious about my crow problem. (There’s plenty of room in the freezer.) At the end of the season, I’ll send them to our friend LeTwan and ask his mama to bake crow pies for whichever side looses. What do you think?? :-)))

By metsmanintheatl

May 4, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this

face it ATL..you are mired in 3rd place…get back to us when you actually win some games…the schedule excuse is getting a little STALE!!..METROS RULE!!!!

By Carolina Lady

May 4, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Bob! Delightful postings; thank you! You really were up late, weren’t you?! I’m usually asleep fairly early and up with the sun…..or shortly thereafter.

By ForceSaberz

May 4, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

You know, as much as I love seeing John Smoltz starting again I have to agree with the post above that stated maybe he should become the closer again. The guy was just DOMINANT as a closer and that is something we could really really use bad now. Reitsma just does have the confidence or drive or stuff to be a closer. He looks releaved when the game is over and he closed the door. It is almost like he is just hoping and praying he gets the job done everytime.
Reitsma would be a great setup man though, he does have above average stuff. I just could see smoltz as the closer again. We have Chuck James who could take his spot, and then HoRam takes Sosas. Something to think about. I dont think we’ll see any change this year tho.

By JOHN B.

May 4, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Like I said, Cox is still a great manager. I consider him one of the best ever. However, he does make those annoying, horrible, thoughtless decisions like last night. Why would you bring in Remlinger? There were two PERFECT reasons NOT to. The first being he’s 40 years old and he had pitched in 15 of the first 26 games this year! The second is that he has NEVER been able to get left handers out consistantly! 2 of the first 3 hitters coming up in the 8th were left handed! I could understand if Remlinger had been getting leftys out this year, but they were hitting .300 against him before last night!

Decisions like that can get managers fired. Now, I am NOT saying the Braves need to fire Cox. But somebody has to point the obvious out for him. And yes, it’s easy to second guess a guy after the decision failed. But that was an obvious mistake that Cox should not have made.

Baseball is a game where numbers (statistics) are very useful. And if a mangager uses the numbers then he will make the right decision 75% of the time. And yes, there are times when a guy who is hitting .056 against a certain pitcher will hit a game winning homerun, but it won’t happen very often. And when it does happen, you can not second guess a manager’s decision to use that pitcher because history says that he will be successful against that hitter. You just have to tip your cap to the hitter.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, crow pie sounds very unappetizing. perhaps we can contact this letwan person and ask his mother to prepare a pie for october- or earlier as it now appears may occur. in the meantime, you must ice the crows. jimmy smith will cancel the order for the hartebeest in view of this new development. now, cheese … allow cold cheese to warm up for about half an hour before eating to allow flavor and aroma to develop.

By hk

May 4, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Carolina, Bob, Jimmy …

… hmmm, crow deterrent … have had some experience with battling ants where you put something undesireable in their paths … they seem to talk to one another alot, word gets around and they gradually go away … no experience with crows, but maybe jimmy could age some of his cheese, place in bird feeder ??? … no no, the animal folks would be up in arms ..

By BOB C

May 4, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Have been listening to all the talking heads on our broadcasts the last week - to a person they say something that makes undeniable sense - build the bullpen from the 9th back. Former manager Chuck Tanner was a master of that particularly in Pitssburgh. Love or hate Reitsma, we have him in the 9th. The 8th probably should be Villareal or Cormier when he’s better - perhaps Ray with the leftys being situational (until James makes the inevitible move to the rotation) and the balance to fill out the 6th and 7th. I’ve got to admit, I’m still fascinated with the idea of Sosa closing - IF (big IF) anyone could ever harness that incredible stuff.

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

John B., I am in total agreement about the mistakes. I wish I knew what was going on in the dugout. Is somebody there with a notebook - Pat Corrales? - telling Bobby Remlinger’s stats vs. lefties? If not, I volunteer to be the second bench coach for half of Leo’s old salary. OR is Bobby just not listening to Corrales? I don’t know which it is? I guess we have to take the good with the bad.

By Carolina Lady

May 4, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

This came to mind - just sharing a chuckle:

A while back the inscription on the metal bands used by the U.S. Department of the Interior to tag migratory birds has been changed. The bands used to bear the address of the Washington Biological Survey, abbreviated “Wash. Biol. Surv.” until the agency received the following letter from a camper:

“Dear Sirs:

While camping last week I shot one of your birds. I think it was a crow. I followed the cooking instructions on the leg tag and I want to tell you it was horrible.”

The bands are now marked “Fish and Wildlife Service”.

By TennesseePaul

May 4, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t get these lineup cards. Moving Chipper to the 5th spot is not the thing to do. He is the 3rd batter. Andruw is the 4th batter. That’s the way it is going to be. Andruw is 4th to protect Chipper who is 3rd. Andruw used to not be 4th because he couldn’t protect diddly squat. He’d swing at low and away pitches and strike out 150 times a season. Now he has gotten his act together and earned the right to hit behind Chipper. Cox isn’t going to change this either. Renteria is a brilliant 2nd. He’s on base in front of the two guys who can knock him in. Those three spot should not change.

I agree, there is a problem in the fifth spot. LaRoche strikes out a ton. But I think that solution is two fold. LaRoche needs to figure out what he’s doing wrong and Francoeur needs to draw more walks. If Francoeur would walk more, then he’d hit better. If he’s hitting better, Teams can’t intentionally walk LaRoche. If they can’t walk LaRoche, then he gets pitches to hit. At that point it’s on his shoulders to get the job done. But recently, teams just walk LaRoche because, if he hits it, he hits a double. But Francoeur is going to swing as soon as the pitcher comes set so everyone knows you can get him out.

Having said all that… I would strongly agree with batting McCann 5th. However, having McCann bat 7th gives Francoeur protection. IF Francoeur would keep his eye on the ball and swing only at strikes, then McCann’s protection would be useful. As it is now, it’s partially wasted.

Basically it all comes down to Francoeur not drawing a walk. He hasn’t drawn a walk all year. Sure he’s agressive. But he’s also hitting .200 with 0 walks and a .200 OBP. That’s horrible.

Giles will come back tonight and hit like a machine. He’s engine is turning over right now, so it’s only a matter of time.

We should beat the snot out of these guys tonight and be on a roll for New York. Right now we are in third place. 6 games out. We need to win the next 3 or 4 games. If not for anything else than to have a winning road trip for once.

By MGL

May 4, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul - One of the most logical posts I have read. I think you are right on the money!!

By Carolina Lady

May 4, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

TN Paul, I agree with you. Excellent post!

By P'Cola Michael

May 4, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

I concur!

By Hy Anenzede

May 4, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Since Bobby has been managing the Braves, he’s never panicked especially in May. Through the years, April and June have seemed to be a molding process fitting pieces into place. The Braves seem to level off then proceed to get to the 20 games over mark. The races, or lack thereof, are if the other teams can do the 20 over thing.

He’s not panicking now and I think he really likes this team. They’ll be 20 over in August again and we’ll see where the others are at that point.

Race or No Race?

By Hy Anenzede

May 4, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Make that May instead of June. A brain patootie.

By nathan

May 4, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

Tennesee Paul….

While for the most part I agree with what you say, I have to chuckle at the thought of having McCann “protect” Francoeur!

All that sounds like to me is McCann leading off an inning with the bases empty after Frenchy hits into an inning ending double play. (There is a great article on si.com about Francoeurs lack of walks - but it talks about how there are other guys on the team who strike out more than him, but he happens to chase first pitch curve ball - so he has the highest percentage of groundballs in the NL - NOT what you want to see from a power hitter!)

Let me ask you this. Why does Chipper belong in the 3-hole? I’m assuming your thoughts are that he is the best hitter on the team. So by using that thought process, you should follow with the hitters that you think are the next best, and the next best & so on…..(Andruw, McCann, Langerhans, LaRoche, Francoeur…IMO)

Now, in a perfect world, I do believe that Chipper is probably the best “pure” hitter on the roster when healthy…….LET ME REPEAT THAT!….everybody all together now - WHEN HEALTHY! He is far from being anywhere near 100% healthy. So my thought is what happens when Chipper gets hurt again? (and it will happen) Then the whole team is in a “panic” because the ever so important Chipper is out of the lineup. I’m not saying he is unimportant, we all know he is not. But he is shifting into the endo of his career (healthy and allstar productive - he probably will be around as long as he wants to play)so why not “rely” on sombody who might me a little more reliable health wise to be in the “most important” spot in the order? If I remember right, Chipper was thrust right into that spot in the order as a rookie, why not give McCann or Langerhans a chance to knock in a bunch of RBI in a prime spot in the order, instead of hitting behind LaWiff & French Fly? At this rate McCann could wind up hitting .400 with RISP for the season & finish with about 30 RBI because he only has RISP about once every 4 or 5 games.

Also, don’t you usually have sombody batting behind your superstar for protection? I think you’d be hard pressed to find ANYBODY who would say that Chipper is the star of this team over Andruw. So why not at least get AJ another at bat per game by putting him in the 3-hole?

Boy I love to talk!

By Bobbymahlon

May 5, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

A lineup change could help but as long as Giles,LaRoche,Frenchy and Langerhans contine hitting at 200 paces nothing will work. After Giles and Franceour had 4 hit nights they went right back into their year long slumps. Franceour looks awful swinging at pitches low and away with two strikes on him. Is he too stupid to see what he is doing, pitchers love getting hitters out by not having to throw strikes. Haven’t Bobby and Terry pointed out to him what he is doing wrong ? Our bullpen will probably continue to be a problem until John S gets a decent releiver or two. Another point of interest is have you noticed since we got our regulars back we have gone into a bad losing streak.I would not blame them it just happens that way sometimes. As long as we go with four of our regulars hitting 200 we are not going to win so lets face it.