Braves

By CJ

May 4, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

When Bobby lifted him, Remlinger appeared to mouth “I don’t know what’s going on.” He obviously was shaken when he got in the dugout.

By Andy

May 4, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Its common knowledge that Remlinger handles righties and actually isn’t very good against lefties, which would call for a different left handed reliever-such as Macay McBride, who, if i’m not mistaken, is in the bullpen at the moment. Haven’t seen him yet, but he’s out there. I always thought Bobby was one to throw people into the fire right away.

And also, was anyone else shocked that Langy was left in to face the lefty last night? And here i thought i had Bobby down pat. Well he grounded out, so now he won’t see another lefty for a while.

By doug

May 4, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

andy, mcann was left in there too. i was surprised as well. earlier in the year cox had pinch hit pratt for mcann in a couple of big spots late in games. those spots didn’t work out so well either. its a tough call. alot of people in these blogs call for langy to play more, especially against left handers. it just ain’t going to work all the time. also, we brought diaz in as the guy who supposedly kills left handed pitching. that hasn’t worked out so well either. we’ll just have to wait and see how this all plays out, but so far cox hasn’t found the right combinations for pinch hitting or what roles the releivers will play. then again, after the starters, both pitching and position, cox doesn’t have much towork with either.

By Stuart

May 4, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is jerking the bullpen around. Ray has pitched fine in the 8th. He got knocked around in a 7th against the Padres. Remlinger is old and has no stuff anymore and is going to get exposed if Bobby keeps pitching him.

I do not care what anyone says. I can guarantee that the Braves Mgnt. did not think NY was this good. Also I bet that they were counting on Devine to take over the closer role after some seasoning in Richmond. Boyer and McBride were going to be key cogs with Retisma in the 8th. Villareal and Cormier were the wildcards. The pen has sucked, the starters, other than a few brillant moments, have sucked. The offense is terrible, sans a few moments.

If anyone thinks that it is business as usual, and the Mets are going to choke, well it aint happening. The Mets are not a pinky toe from being mediorce. The Mets are good and are going to win 95-100 games this year. So what if the starters aren’t great with that bullpen, they are going to bet the Braves of 2002 with Hammond and Remmy in their primes. The Mets can shorten games to 6 innings and that is how people win now a days. Houston and St. Louis are good for 90+ each. Heck, the Reds are ALOT better.

The Braves have to start winning, NOW! The division and the wild card cannot be won now, but it can be LOST now and we are dangerously close to losing both ALREADY. The Braves are six back now, they cannot fall any further back. The Mets, Astros, and Cards are for real. I hope they get in gear.

By Greg

May 4, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Surest bet in the world. Bobby Cox worships at the altar of this lefty vs. righty crap. Joe Torre used it against him in all the Yankees games. It cost Ryan Klesko a great career. And last night it cost us a game. Remlinger’s weak-a* stuff got hammered. The first fastball he threw was 84. 84! Why is it that no one else in the Bully ever gets to pitch? Where is Ray? Where is James? Where is McBride? Are Reitsma, Remlinger, Cormier, and Villareal the only pitchers in the pen? Both James and Ray have been effective, but I can’t remember the last time they pitched.

By Del

May 4, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

I still think that our bullpen solution lies in the hands of Smoltz. If we have Smoltz as our closer and Reitsma as our setup man than we have solved 80% of the problem. How hard can it be to come up with two more reliable arms for the 6th and 7th, when needed. I know that most of you do not agree with moving JS back to the pen, but to me the primary goal of this team ought to be winning the division and a WS, not in satisfying JS’s likes and dislikes. After all, we are signing his paychecks!! Now go ahead and blast away, but that is the best way I can figure to solve our most glaring problem and weakness.

By P'Cola Michael

May 4, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Man, I agree! If we don’t get on the bandwagon quickly, we won’t have a need to go out and get a 1B or a closer, it will be a mute point! Wildcard is not coming out of the East this year…it will definately be out of the Central, it is stacked! Win the East, or no playoffs in 2006! Simple as that.

By Dubya Cubed

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

It’s a lot eadier to sit McCann and Langerhans with a lefty starting. Bobby figures that the starter will last at least two 2 at-bats. But late in the game you’ll see him yank those two a lot less often, because the bad guys could always immediately switch pitchers and bring in a righty. This leaves us with righty vs right and then with lesser fielders. In this case Cox would rather Langy and McCann face a lefty and stay in the game. At least this is my guess. From what I’ve seen of Pratt and the other outfielders, I agree with this move.

Right now though, let anybody PH for Frenchy and LaRoach.

By Tomahawkin

May 4, 2006 02:07 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…

Someone by the name of “p* off” said in the last Blog That he/she was thinking of becoming a mutts fan…Go ahead and get the he!! out of here, and I don’t want to see your a-s-s in here once we begin our June Bloom. Its people like you that give us die-hard braves fans of being known as some of the worst in the Country

By AZBravoFan

May 4, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

That 84 was more likely Remlinger’s change up. The Rowand homerun was on a 93 mph fastball. It was just poorly located. As far as JS back to the bullpen, it just doesn’t make sense. Unless Kyle Davies turns into the second coming of Roy Oswalt overnight, you’ve got to plan on having 2 top of the line starters for the playoffs. That would be Hudson and Smoltz as long as they’re healthy and rested. I think if they can hang in there, the reliable arms will become apparent, and I’m sure there will be a deal at some point. If you really wanted to be creative, you could let Smoltz close until mid-August, then slowly work him back into the rotation in time for the playoffs.

By dylan

May 4, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Hey del, the reason starters are paid more then relievers is because they are more valuable to a team they eat up more innings then bullpen pitchers do and when you have one that can give you quality innings like smoltz isnt his value far higher pitching the larger number of innings.Other then this who would replace smoltz we have a struggling jorge sosa in the rotation now horacio ramirez on the DL again and even when he comes back can he be trusted to be a quality starter at this poitn I would say that is not likely. We could move Chuck James out of the pen but that would remove what has been a solid lefty out of the pen and putting him in a situation that we arent sure he can respond to after all the one game Bobby let him pitch 3 innings in the third one he got beat up pretty bad.I think the bullpen will calm down and be ok the truth of the situation is that most teams are stuglling with bullpen help its damn near impossible to pick the guys that are going to have big years out of the pen every year because the whole thing is a crap shoot look at the mets they spent big money on billy wagner and he has more blown saves on the season then chris reitsma.

By hk

May 4, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

CJ,

… I thought Rem said “I’m sorry Bobby” … sure would like to know what, if anything, Bobby said back …

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Let’s not get too carried away with the bullpen just yet. We’ve got all kinds of guys hurt, guys in the minors getting ready for later in the season, guys working through things, and guys not yet getting a chance. I gotta beleive Bobby is still finding out who can put it together this season as he has done every year. Look at all the releivers on the 40-man roster that aren’t on the active roster.

Secondly, the bullpen loses way less games for a team than we would like to believe. How many times have we lost games when the starter left with us in the lead? I think it’s only been a couple. I wonder if there is anyway to find this out. This would be a great stat. I bet we would be in the middle of the pack.

By P'Cola Michael

May 4, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

probably said get your old gray haired azz to the bench…

By Sam

May 4, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

I didn’t know Divisions were won in April. Yes, the Muts are off to a hot start. They ARE the Muts and it is the first week of May. There is still a long season to go. Pedro is probably the best pitcher ever…In APRIL! The Muts also have the easiest schedule in the majors. I’m not using that as an excuse because they will blow it like normal. The Braves have started bad a lot in recent years but they turn it around. They bullpen is horrible and first base is horrible. It’s sad that we can’t get anybody because JS’s hands are tied and will probably be even tighter if Liberty Media buys the Braves. But, I’m confident that something will be done about the bullpen and our lousy first basemen’s. It’s good to be worried but don’t think just because the Muts are hot now they will stay like that all season. It’s freaking May 3rd. There is 5 more months of baseball people.

By hk

May 4, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Dubya,

… this isn’t really an answer, but the Braves lead the league in blown saves with 6 (Reitsma-1, Villarreal-3, Rem-1, Devine-1) … then there are 3 teams with 5 BS, 5 teams with 4, 4 with 2 or 3, 3 with 0 or 1) … think we’ve come back in 2 games after blowing the lead when starter leaves with the lead …

.. all in all, not too bad, considering the small amount of money we invest in relievers, vs other contending teams …

By geekboy

May 4, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

This bullpen is better than most we have had.

Once Ramirez is back in the rotation and Sosa is in the bullpen it will be pretty solid, one of our better bullpens actually.

Remlinger had a bad night, it is the nature of the business. He’ll likely bounce right back, but Bobby has to remember this is NOT the same Remlinger that he used to count on to wade through the middle of a batting order — lefties and righties.

Asking if the Braves “will still be in the race” during the first week of May is pretty silly.

The real problem of late is HITTING, not PITCHING.

By Dewan

May 4, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Reitsma still sucks and he may have a couple of good outings but a closer must always be good. Look at all those years that dude from the Dodgers did not blow a save. Our bullpen as a whole sucks but I am not counting us out until late in the summer. Last year at this time it was the NAts who were in 1st and we all remember how that turned out dont we.My main concerns with the team are the high number of Strikeouts by our batters, laroche batting, Frenchy on again off for a while batting, McCann sometimes self, and Giles cant hit a lick trying to be Cecil Fielder self. Prado really impressed me with his stick and glove and he may be ready to supplant Giles and maybe we are jumping the gun by saying that BM is the catcher of the present and future. How is Salty doing in the minors?

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

I was thinking we’ve come back in all 3 of villa’s games

By rhett manning

May 4, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

as long as we keep our general manager and manager the braves will have a winning season, but hell i would love a closer like smoltz was a few year ago. many of these so call fans was not here when braves could not buy a winnning season.

By hk

May 4, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Dubya,

… no, that’s wrong, Villarreal has 4 wins, and I know there was at least one other, so we must have come back in at least 5 !

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Definitely hitting is the problem! Starting pitching was bad, but seems to be much improved. Bullpen has not been great, but we think there have been only 3 times all year that they lost the lead and we still lost. The bullpen is gonna give up runs from time to time, so the hitters have to help pick them up - which we think they have done that 3 times.

I really want that to be a stat - Wins/Losses after the starter leaves the game with a lead. That could really tell you a lot about a team - the bullpen, the ability to bounce back, etc.

By Steve

May 4, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Considering the Braves history of the past 15 years, I’d say all the doom & gloom talk in early May is a bit premature. If Bobby Cox has proven anything, it’s that he has the wisdom and patience to guide virtually any decent team to a title. Unfortunately, one thing that just about all the World Series Champions have had that Atlanta has not had since Terry Pendleton is a true, lead-by-example leader on the field (ie; Jeter, Damon, Pudge, Joe Carter). I think a lot of people thought Chipper would fill that roll, but he may be a lot of things, but a leader he’s not. Brian Jordan may be a good leader, but he’s not much of a player any more. Until someone fills the leader role, their post season prospects will probably not change much. Still… I grew up in Atlanta & was a fan during the 70s & 80s. This is a WHOLE lot better than that.

By Jon

May 4, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

I’m not concerned about the bullpen one bit! I’m more concerned with the cast of characters Bobby Cox has setting up. First it was Kenny Ray and he blew John Thomsons gem and now he calls upon Mike Remlinger last night. These guys arent bad in certain roles, but 7th and 8th inning setup roles arent good. The good thing about Bobby Cox is his ablilty to get this straightened out without conflict. I think it all starts with a closer…..and Reit isnt the answer there. I’m sorry, but he’s never been the answer. Mix and match with the 7th, Reits in the 8th and McBride closing.

By Lew

May 4, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

As usual, the song remains the same. It’s far from over, people. Get a grip. It may be time for a change at first, though.

By hk

May 4, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Dubya,

… meant I was wrong not you, had not seen your last two posts …

… think we’ll be alright, but we’ll need for the Mets to stumble at some point …

By Chop Chop

May 4, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jon. Let’s make the guy who hasn’t screwed up yet (McBride) the new closer. His ERA is 0.00. That’s pretty good. The fact that he hasn’t pitched in the bigs this year? That’s a mere formality.

Yes, I’m kidding.

By Rob

May 4, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

About the blown saves….even if we replace Reitsma w/ Smoltz and he had been perfect, that takes away exactly ONE blown save. Part of the reason Smoltz wanted to move out of the pen to start with is he was tired of sitting in the pen during the playoffs w/ our starters unable to get a lead to him in the 9th. He felt he’d be more valuable to the team as a starter, and I think the results so far have proven him right. The best closer in the world is worthless if his team is behind when he comes in to pitch.

By BirdMahn

May 4, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I knew we were in trouble last night when Remlinger came in. Heck, everybody knows he struggles against lefties. Will someone please tell Bobby.

By susan

May 4, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

The Braves bullpen resembles a patchwork quilt. Management has done the best it could with as little money as possible. Unless the bullpen is seriously shaken up NOW, not after the all star break, we are going nowhere except home in October.

By geekboy

May 4, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

The bullpen is OK, where we truly stink is at first base. LaRoche is never going to be a #5 hitter, where he usually bats.

The Braves MUST find a quality, veteran bat to put behind the Joneses. There’s not a pitcher alive who fears Adam LaRoche.

If you think the bullpen is the problem, you have not looked at first base. Imagine how much better this team would be with Tod Helton (or someone of that ilk) holding down first!

By MGL

May 4, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

There are a couple of interesting guys to watch in the minors for bull pen. The big Aussie Phil Stockman. He got touched up a couple of times in Richmond, but in 19 innings this year he has 30K’s. Plus he is 6’8” which would be great to see strutting out for the ninth. Will Startup (love the name) is 18K’s in 14 Inn with a 1.29 ERA. Looks like we aren’t out of talent yet.

By Bob

May 4, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’ve had my days and nights mixed up lately … good intentions to get things turned back around but I’ve heard that good intentions are as dangerous as those solutions I told you about.

I’ve been eating crow all my life but never tried them boiled! What a wonderful tale, even without the salt!

My brother is on walkabout, on an island down south, for a few days … with your permission, I’d like to share some of your “crow” posts with him. He would truly enjoy them … but, more importantly, might really have a serious suggestion or two.

By h_hcarles

May 4, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Wait a second. We all new going in the bullpen would stink — did anyone expect otherwise? What quality arms do we have. Our pen is nothing but castoffs, retreads, and young arms not ready for the pressures of the majors. This problem is magnified by the fact the Braves are always built to be in close games. They always play a lot of 1 and 2 run games, so bullpen implosions on this squad are magnified. Since we don’t have the offense put up 6-7 runs a game, our pen MUST keep teams scoreless. It isn’t Cox’s fault — we simply do not have the talent. Look at the quality arms in the pens in St. Louis, Houston, etc. Atlanta just can’t compete. Yes, it is still early, and yes the Braves can turn it around. Problem is the Mets. This Mets team is very, very good. Unlike the Braves, they address needs by bringing in high priced, high quality players. Eventually, talent wins out. Hopefully not this year, but it is coming.

By MGL

May 4, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

h_hcarles, The Astros pen has a 5.96 ERA, 1.5 higher than the Braves and 2nd worse in Div.

By JJ

May 4, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t Bobby use Chuck “Cy” James more often????

By MGL

May 4, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Sorry, meant to say 2nd to bottom in NL

By Keep Me In Coach

May 4, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Hmmm. Let’s recap here for a second. Smoltz had retired the previous twelve batters he had faced and was apparently sailing right along on cruise control. But no! Not good enough for Bobby “Old School” Cox. He of the “Hey, it’s the eighth inning so I better get a reliever in here pronto” mentality. Bobby, please leave well enough alone in these type situations and let the hot starter finish! If Smoltz starts off the bottom of the eighth by walking the first two batters THEN you lift him - duh!

By MGL

May 4, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Keep Me In - JS had thrown 109 pitches in 7 inn. Another inn would have him at 125, too many.

By Jon

May 4, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Remlinger had NO BUSINESS IN THE GAME LAST NIGHT!!!! He is 6th and 7th inning role pitcher at this point in his career. He is lucky to have that opportunity! If we’re gonna stick with Reits at the end (which I totally wish we wouldn’t) at least give him a chance to close it. McBride or James would have been perfect for this situation last night. With all this being said, I’ve criticized Bobby sitting on my couch several times and all of a sudden it worked out and I looked stupid. I’VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS FOR ME THAT HE WILL ALWAYS PROVE ME WRONG. Everything will be the same come the end of the season! Regardless of how we get there!

By Bob

May 4, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

hk, the Spam graph is as thought provoking as it is scary … much like the one correlating “alcohol consumption” with “teacher’s salaries” that I studied back in school.

I hadn’t given it any thought but, with the easy access to so many time oriented databases, I assume that the software is readily available to search and find high correlations for just about any variable.

I like Guy’s Blog Leadins but miss DOB’s juicy, controversial issues. Still, I must admit that some of the recent posts have caused me think that more of folks belong in the 3 digit club than first imagined.

By doug

May 4, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

MGL: yes, JS’ pitch count was up there, but I do agree with “Keep Me In” though, and other posters (the lefty-righty) person. Sometimes I think Bobby is too book-oriented. If smoltzie is rolling, don’t take him out.

By Ben Sutton

May 4, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Everyone, including the front office, knew that our bullpen would be the question mark. They have proved to be just that, a question mark. Our bullpen is 19th in the league. We were 22nd last year. I wish we could have the bullpen like we did in 03 and 04 with Smoltz. We were 5th in 04 and 11th in 03. We can’t do that with corporate owners. We don’t have the funds to have a solid bullpen. Wagner had said in the winter that he would love to play for the Braves. We couldn’t afford him, though. (even though he has been blowing saves himself) Until we get ownership who are willing to spend the dollars.. our bullpen will always be weak.

By Dave

May 4, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I also say that when Horacio comes back and Sosa goes to the pen we’ll be better off. Did you notice Sosa’s first inning the other night? Hit the radar gun at 97-98 mph consistently. He was lights out, and in the strike zone, virtually unhittable. 4 strikeouts in the 1st 5 batters. That’s what we need towards the end of the pen, and maybe at the end where Reitsma (shriek!!) abides. But, after the first, Sosa was short on gas and calmed down to 93-94 mph. That’s why he’s getting killed. Batters are gearing up for the 98 mph heat, and it’s slower, and WHAM.. out of the park. And even though Joey Devine has blown up 3 times, he has also had 3 injuries, and we didn’t find out about those injuries until he was sent back down to the minors. Get him a personal trainer and in shape. We NEED somebody with some heat at the end of the pen…. Maybe this new owner, Liberty, will have some deeper pockets and allow Shuerholtz to go buy something, ala the Mets and Yankees…

By Justin

May 4, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t see where the argument that Bobby thinks starters have to come out in the 8th has any validity. After all, havn’t we already thrown 4 CG’s this year. I am pretty sure that is close to the top of the league. Two comments about the bullpen. One is that we should be careful in being to critical. It is true that some of them have some pretty dismal numbers, but so do some of our starters. Relief pitching is a thankless job. If you do your job no one notices unless you’re the closer, but if you screw up everyone is on you. The other comment is that bullpen pitching is all situational. I have seen the same struggles here in college (Univ. of South Carolina) with our teams bullpen. If you’re coming in with the lead, throw strikes low in the zone that are difficult for the batter to drive. The two things that kill pitching and leads late in the game are putting on free baserunners and throwing pitches up in the zone that batters can handle, thus allowing them to erase leads with one swing of the bat. Smoltz was putting on a clinic in the first couple of innings last night as far as throwing down in the zone. He worked both sides of the plate down in the zone, and once they got two strikes he was throwing sliders and splitfingers on the edge of the strikezone that they then had to swing at.

By doug

May 4, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

I am encouraged by Sosa’s heat and potential as a closer. I knew we were in trouble with Kolb last year. A closer is supposed to be someone intimidating who comes in and throws 10-12 pitches in the mid to upper 90s and gets three strikeouts, not induces ground balls like Kolb, or Reitsma now. It’s all in the intimidation. I doubt Kolb intimidated anybody last year and doubt Reits does now.

By Mike from the coast

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

Bobby gets to hung up on the dang veterans. Except for one poor inning, by the way it was his third inning of the night Chuck James has been super. I am tired of seeing no one but Villareal, Remlinger, and Reitsma night after night after night. Give the kids a chance, at least at this point they can’t do worse.

By hk

May 4, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… from the beginning, played around with searches, etc, to try to learn what made my graphs go up and down … found very high corellation with google searches … when I first saw this, purposely clicked on a couple of the ‘paid for’ ads on the google page, and my curves shot up for weeks and weeks … I still use google almost entirely, along with wikepedia and imdb, but if I am careful about my google searches the numbers always steadily come down … ordering anything on the net from anybody, forget about it, you pay dearly … I pay all my monthly bills via the net, always see a little blip as a result, but not too bad …

… no effect whatsover from my exposing my address the other day, pleases me no end, speaks well …

… listening to guys like you and jimmy, think folks are challenged a little bit to become more thoughtful, I know I am …

By keith

May 4, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

GET A CLUE BRAVES THE STARTERS WIL BE FINE AND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SMOLTZ WE AIN’T HAD NO ONE AS A CLOSER. SPEND THE MONEY AND GET A CLOSER AND EVERYONE ELSE CAN PITCH 1 MAN SITUATIONAL. YOU CAN’T KEEP WASTING GOOD EFFORTS FROM THE STARTERS GET RID OF THE OLD AND BRING IN THE YOUNG AND OH YEA BOBBY CAN YOU TEACH EVERYONE HOW TO BUNT IT COMES IN HANDY FOR 1 RUN GAMES AND PLAYOFFS, SEE A TREND HERE

By Chop Chop

May 4, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

If you break down Smoltz’s start from last night, you’ll see that he really had to work hard at the beginning of the game. He kept getting himself in trouble and had to throw high-effort pitches early and often, which led to him tossing over 70 pitches in four innings. Because of that, I don’t think it would’ve been an intelligent move for Bobby Cox to risk Smoltz breaking down in the eighth inning. I know the bullpen isn’t that trustworthy, but I’d still rather have seven solid innings from Smoltz in May (without pushing him for eight) if it enhances the possibility that he’ll have more left in the tank later in the season.

By doug

May 4, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Chop: I don’t disagree with you and wanting to “pace” a workhorse like Smoltz, but we can’t be blowing too many games at this point in the season either. We are a ways back and the Mutts are looking good. We need all the wins we can get now. A fresher Smoltz won’t mean much in August if we are 12 games back…

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Ben Sutton, what are you basing your bullpen rankings on. Is that ERA, saves, blown saves, or what?

hk, so that leaves us with only 1 or 2 games - last night being one - where the starter left the game with the Braves leading, and the bullpen blew it, and we didn’t end up coming back to win? Wow! If that is right, it really tells you the importance of getting the lead early and letting the starter do his thing. And it shows the relative unimportance of the bullpen. As a GM, I would throw my money at starters and sticks. That stat would mean that a great bullpen vs. a crappy one is only good for a few extra games per year.

I’m sure everyone on hear will continue to throw the pen under the bus, but man it’s not nearly as bad as it seems.

I’m tired of saying it as I’m sure a lot of you are, but Laroach is enemy #1. Followed by Sosa, and then Frenchy/Giles. I’m not worried about Giles, but the others need a hard look.

When HoRam comes back, Sosa might be worth trying out in the 9th.

I read an article recently in a men’s magazine about the use of “closer’s”. It commented that back ~20 years ago, closers came in when the situation deemed best - men on, top of the order up, etc. The article went on to say that the first manager to go back to that may win some extra ballgames. We don’t actually have a great stopper, so I don’t no how we would try it, but the article made a lot of sense.

By Ben Sutton

May 4, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Dubya: Overall bullpen rankings are based on ERA. Therefore, that is what my rankings were based on.

By hk

May 4, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Dubya,

… awhile back, tried to come up with an offense and defense number value for importance to the team of each Braves player, forcing totals to add to 100 … keep didling with it as I read these blogs from day to day (check left 3 columns)

here

By Bob

May 4, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

hk, thanks! I can’t speak for Jimmy or others, but I’m sure they would agree that your last thought is appreciated as one of the finer compliments that can be received … and the positive feedback it provides is, as you say, thoughtful.

I sent a short reply to your email.

Attending games, TV, radio, player interviews, and topical articles allow us to reach conclusions about the team … its strengths, weaknesses and prospects.

We all have opinions and most probably think they have the “answers”; whether they’re shared or held secret.

My thoughts lead me to one of my “Herman” stories that Daddy told him that day in Washington: Two Georgia boys met up one day and after the usual hellos; one said to the other “Did you hear that they’re going to move Stone Mountain?” the other replied “Man, you’re crazy … Nobody can move Stone Mountain … it’s the biggest piece of Granite in the world; more than 5 times bigger beneath the ground than above it … it can’t be moved!” the first man insisted, “i promise you, that’s what they’re going to do!” “Who told you that?” came the reply. “Gene’s little boy Herman, that’s who!”; the conversation ended with “Hey man, where are they going to move it?!”.

Two points of correlation … there are those of us that have almost as much faith in Bobby Cox as they had in Herman Talmadge … and what most of us see, hear read and otherwise know about the Braves is like the part “above the ground” … just a small piece of the action!

Regarding Jorge’s last performance, I was encouraged. Whether his future is as a starter, reliever or on the trading block … there seemed to be more evidence that the Braves may have discovered another relatively unknown pitching talent … who may soon become better recognized as one of the game’s best pitchin’ coaches.

I expect that we’ve already seen more of his handywork than we realize, under the surface so-to-speak, and that it will become more evident as we go forth.

I wonder if he can coach hitters …

By Dubya Cubed

May 4, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

hk, i like those last few columns. I think you’re pretty close. There are very few bullpen pitchers in the majors that would change those numbers very much.

By Jones

May 4, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Bobby is always going to go with the veterans…it’s worked well at times, but has blown up more times than not. Last night was yet another example.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

hk, journalist jimmy smith thanks you for the kind words. jimmy smith reminds bob that changing bobby cox will be like moving the great granite monolith. tom gordon had little trouble with the braves last night. is that what a closer is supposed to do?

read this from journalist ken mandel: “gordon, pitching in his fourth straight game, preserved the win with his ninth save in as many chances.

“regardless of his extensive use over the past three days — manuel said he didn’t want to pitch anyone four straight days — gordon demanded the ball.

“he’s that way,” manuel said. “he wants to be out there. he’s been going out there quite a bit. he’s pretty tough.”

“i’m blessed,” said gordon, smiling. “i’m going to monitor myself. i’ve been doing this for a long time and i’ll listen to my body. i feel good right now.”

the phillies rested burrell and bell last night, too. pretty disturbing defeat.

By hk

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

Bob,

… I got your email time stamped 3:23pm this afternoon (answered that one), is there another ?

… funny, just been settling in for the evening’s activity, slipping an old paperback under one side of my laptop so air can circulate, noticed the title: “Are You Confused ?” … laughed, my first thought (yes, absolutely and continually) … my daughter Lauren graduated from V’Bilt back in the mid 80’s, hence I had occasion to be up your way alot … Lauren has always been a health enthusiast, she bought that book for me (all about what to eat and not eat) as we nosed around in the campus book store one time … my two sons are gentle as can be (like my dad), but my two daughters are very feisty (like my mom), have always given me a hard time … Lauren’s message to me was two-fold … diet, to be sure, but mostly the “Confused” question …am more aware today than I was back then that she was correct in her observations … I remember, she was really really pleased with that purchase …

By Bob

May 4, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

hk, we’re fortunate to have you and others that can analyze the stats using different planes of reference and provide some really insightful stuff for us to digest.

As an aside, today, most folks have some idea as to what actuaries are … and that probability and statistics are the building blocks of the profession. Hopefully, they realize that I stand in awe of the power of what we call “statistics” … the subject, not the data … and most of my purposeful comments are just simple cautions against improper use; especially when put in a vacuum cleaner.

I’ve never understood why people insist on using era to evaluate relievers. Sure, those with a bunch of innings and high eras need to be released, traded or sent to a treatment center for recovery … that’s about all it tells me.

Seems to me like the only thing is how often he does his job. Stats like the ratio of “Inherited Runners Scoring” to “Inherited Runners” and the ratio of “Number of Outings with No Runs Scoring; inherited or not” to “Number of Outings” have more meaning to me.

Even with starters, I like to know how well they perform following an error … some really bear down and are at their best while many very good pitchers seem to almost always lose focus after somebody makes a goof … Rocker and Milwood come to mind, but there’s a long list.

Like and idoit, I missed the first of the game … later!

By Bob

May 4, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

good post Jimmy.

By MBATL

May 4, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

That was one of the more bizarre plays you’ll ever see. The runner AND the outfielder (AJ) apparently lost count of outs, on the same play.

By hk

May 4, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

jimmy, … Gordon: “I’m blessed” … first thing he did last night at game’s end, point his finger skyward, clearly said “thank you” …

By Bob

May 4, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Hey, the Phillies are playing like us … go Braves!

By MBATL

May 4, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Chipper in the 3-hole… some want to change it, but tonight, CJ got the double to put a runner at 3rd in the 1st (ER, who scored on a ground ball), and the single to put ER in scoring position for Andrew in the 3rd. He’s got no RBI, but is directly responsible for a couple of runs.

Long as ER is hitting, or when Giles gets on track, CJ looks like a pretty good option in the 3-slot. He produces runs, one way or another. I like McCann, Langerhans, but don’t know they’re ready for that load yet.

By Carolina Lady

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

Hi, Bob! Heavens, I don’t mind you forwarding the posts to your brother - but are they good enough??? And I’m certainly open to suggestions! :-))

By Bob

May 4, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Can’t argue too much with what you’re saying … except to comment on how nice you and the Official Scorer were, giving Larry that “single”.

They need to give an Adam a memory pill before each at bat so he’ll remember where he is. I shouldn’t be so critical; he was expecting an intentional walk … and just couldn’t adjust.

Lots of folks have had trouble making that adjustment. The best defensive play that I think I ever saw was … in a post Season game during a serious threat with two outs and the count 2-2; the Catcher went the mound and the Manager signaled to intentionally walk the batter.

The catcher went back, moved way outside, stood up and received ball 3. He stood there, until the next pitch was on its way … moved quickly back behind the plate and received the ball thrown right down Broadway … with the bat still on the dazed hitter’s shoulder.

I just remember the play, nothing else about the game but, for some reason seem to recall Johnny Bench as either the Batter or the Catcher.

Of course, I also enjoyed Henry stepping accross the box and hitting one out during an intentional walk … never have agreed with the rule disallowing that homerun.

By johnny hates the braves

May 4, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

Horrible. We have to listen to that big mouth Cary and cutie Sutton today. I just mute it. And Lemke, he’s a f* anyway.

By hk

May 4, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

.. think Joe ” Sutton’s ” daughter is alot ‘cuter’ than he is ..

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Man, Frenchy still looks awful at the plate!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

he insists on making an out - won’t take a walk. rally killer.

By Bob

May 4, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

My Lady, … good enough? I see that modesty is just a rare virtue and not yet extinct as my extensive research had indicated.

They’re top notch! Like me, he finally left his childhood toys behind, and now totally believes in the reality of both Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny … I promise that he will truly enjoy them … as do we all!

By Bob

May 4, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, how many times did he swing at ball four?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

the forgotten man … brian jordan.

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Can you say 7 games back? The way they are playing, they may be 10 back and completely out of it by the end of the weekend. Worst Braves team in a long, long time. The magic has run out. Go ahead and say I am negative, it’s May, blah, blah, blah. It is OVER unless things change NOW…not tomorrow, or Saturday, or the trading deadline, but NOW.

By eric the elder

May 4, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Francoeur’s repeated swings at ball 4 took the bat out of McCann’s hands. That nubber moved the runners up, leaving first base open. Walking McCann was a no-brainer. Francoeur won’t take a strike and Langherhans takes too many.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith has been involved in a small altercation but has emerged without serious injury. journalist decided to dine at a mexican restaurant tonight and avoid tomorrow’s cinco de mayo crowds. all was well until jimmy smith placed his order. “number 11. no cheese, fruit.”

apparently, the waiter took exception to this journalist’s order. jimmy smith was accosted and ordered to immediately leave the premises. now, doc did not tell jimmy smith how hard it is to substitute fruit for cheese in a mexican restaurant. journalist was caught completely by surprise - much like giles in that last at bat.

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Is Giles hanging out with Frenchy or what? Seriously, if we squander this gift leadoff triple, I am going to start drinking again.

By JasonInMaine

May 4, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

That’s it…I am going to get some JD and forget about the Braves. What a disgrace. Can’t score with a runner on 3rd and NO ONE OUT? What the hell. I give up.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 4, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

it is called, “bobby ball”. no one is taught to move a runner. they wait for the two run homer. renteria knows how to move the runner but there is no runner …

By Del

May 4, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Bravos are playing with a great deal of apathy tonight. How many times did we have 0-2 on the hitters and they ended up on base or circling the bases, short throw from ss, missed scoops at 1B, slow bat speed from Giles all night, terrible at bats from RL and JF. 7 back and counting. Time to kick some butts !!!

By eric the elder

May 4, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Did Chuckie James stick an exploding cigar in Bobby’s box? If he’s going to pitch just 1/3 inning every 17 days, why not send him back down or trade him?

By hk

May 4, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

… lots of Ralph Hauk, but needed some Gene Mauch (groan) …

By supa

May 4, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Definitely the low point in the season so far, both from a record and a momentum standpoint.

The look on Chipper’s face at the end of the game said it all - DISGUST.

I don’t think we’re too far off from one of those closed-door players-only meetings where chipper or smoltzie really let the team have it.

The next 3 games in New York are about as huge as games in early May get for the Braves. Either the Braves are serious contenders or seriously mediocre.

By Penn

May 4, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, with your mention of cinco de mayo you reminded me of a story my brother told me a few years back.

It seems some very rich Mexican had been on a cruise to London when he tasted this white creamy spread on a sandwich. It was so good he ordered a huge shipment to come over on the next freighter.

Now that freighter was enroute to Mexico when it ran into a monster storm and sank in the middle of the Atlantic, taking all that mayonnaise down to the bottom.

And that is how the Mexicans named this holiday. It is a sorrowful memorial of the “sinko de mayo.” And of course it just happened to go down on May 5th.

By ForceSaberz

May 5, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys I need a little advice. I have a presentation I am doing with the following fake senerio (enjoy :-D):

The Braves have just been sold to a new owner who has authorized a 5-10 million increase in the payroll. As the GM I have identified 3 positions of weakness. 1) 1st Base
2) Strong corner outfielder
3) Closer
If we had the extra money avalible what kind of trades do you think I could pull off to fill one (must be only one) of these holes (I percieve closer to be the biggest, but KRoach has got me thinking. Also I need to present 3 different trades, one to fill each hole. Then I must decide on the best one to pitch to the owner). I’d appreciate any help…..I thought some of you would enjoy thinking of an extrea 5 - 10 million….How would you fill these 3 holes with that money???? :-)

By Fat Lady

May 5, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

16 teams in NL, only 3 teams with worse record than Braves Fla.,Washington and Pirates. The braves rank 12th. In AL 0nly 4 teams are worse than braves. 22 teams in majors better than Braves at this time. THE FAT LADY IS WARMING UP HER VOICE.

By Eric

May 5, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Well this is it…get swept by the Mets this weekend and the Braves are 10 games back meaning the season is virtually over. I can’t remember the last time I said this about a series in early May, but the Braves absolutely cannot get swept…it’s going to be hard enough coming back from seven games.

By ForceSaberz

May 5, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Also I agree that we should try Sosa in the closer role…..in almost every game he pitches he is very good for about 2 innings, then he blows up. But the other day he was consistently hitting high high 90’s in the beg of the game. The guy is not a start he’s a reliever. And with some work he could be a darn good one

By Bo

May 5, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

SOSA could be a closer but last year he was a darn good starter. I have not give up on him yet, he’s to good when he’s good.

By Jimo

May 5, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

The Mets have really came out. This is not the Mets of old, hang on for the ride because the Mets are #1 right now.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Penn, Jimmy

Cute story Penn! As one who knows his tamale, I’m here to posit that the only place to get good, authentic Mexican food is in Texas … it’s at the heart of the illegal alien problem … they all sneak accross the border to eat and then forget how to get back home.

If things keep going as they are, and you start eating such foods, you’re going to have to pay overweight charges when you travel … I have a serious suggestion that involves no foreign substances.

Jimmy, you’re there … if the team is as down as they appear, it’s time for some drastic action. Go get a card; write a brief uplifting message as only you can do … letting the team know that we all love them, think they’re a great bunch, are rooting for them on every play, and are behind them 1000% … No someone may remember McGovern saying that once … make it 100%! … and we wish we could be there with them during this road trip.

I really think that they could use a “warm hug” from the fans; including the “hardened” ones that think of it as a business rather than the great game that it is!

Sign the card anyway you think best … or get a service to deliver it “singing telegram” style. Get that to them, together with some Baskets of Fruit, before the next game … and we might be surprised at the impact.

At your discretion, you might give Bobby a second note telling him what you really think and suggest he use his “Andruw Fix” and replace Jeff during an “at bat” immediately after he pulls a Frenchy and does something really dumb.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

If johnny hates the braves, why does Johnny watch the Braves?

By teoa

May 5, 2006 02:18 AM | Link to this

Did anyone see LaDouche mugging to the camera after that loss? That guy really has to go. He obviously doesn’t care enough to ever be a good major league player if he can find something to smile about as the Braves are swept by a bad Phillies team. I found out all I ever needed to know about his heart while he was jogging around the bases in the playoffs last year, but he continues to reinforce the fact that he has no intensity whatsoever. I don’t know if he can’t concentrate well enough to play hard or what. He is a horrible hitter, and he gets way too much credit for his defense here. He is slightly above average (nowhere close to Gold Glove caliber), but he missed two more plays tonight after a big error the other day. Trade LaDouche, put ANYBODY else at first - I don’t care at this point, and get some help in the pen. I’m noticing that every other team in the division seems to have at least three relievers better than the Braves’ closer.

For everyone saying that it’s too early to declare the run over…I think it was over in March.

By teoa

May 5, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this

As bad as this team is, I’m thinking Time Warner’s not going to spend any money right before a sale…has anyone heard anything about this? I’m thinking they’ll wait and let the new owners decide whether to increase salary, but what if that drags on past the trading deadline? I bet Chipper’s feeling like he was lied to and took a pay cut for nothing. This season may very well be lost to a tax break…not like there is much hope to fill all the Braves’ holes anyway.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 05:30 AM | Link to this

Hi teoa!

You sound more discouraged and less fiesty than usual … at the moment, finding the answers to questions somehow seems less important to me than identifying the questions themselves.

Your insightful post prompts me to ponder the possible impact that the uncertainties associated with the impending sale of the Braves may be having on the performance of Braves management, the players, and the fans.

I somehow sense that the subject may be “classified” and only a select group of elitists are allowed to even acknowledge the possibility that such uncertainties might, in any way, adversely impact the franchise or the fans … perhaps out of fear that so doing would almost certainly spread panic throughout the land; open little Miss Pandora’s box and turn a difficult situation into an explosive one.

I look for the questions and that’s the direction in which your post has me pointed. Now, I dare not ask the questions for fear of what the answers might be.

I’m sure that the chaps on the team from the 13th Colony have been told to keep a stiff upper lip, fight the good fight, and everything will turn out all right … but, I’m with you in hoping that things will be resolved sooner rather than later … regardless of who the winner is … if the uncertainties continue much longer, we’ll all be losers.

That’s my usual way of using too many words to say something simple like “I think all the uncertainties surrounding the change in ownership are having a really, really bad impact on our team and that simply has to stop!”

I didn’t fully understand your comment “I bet Chipper’s feeling like he was lied to and took a pay cut for nothing”.

What was said to Chipper that he might now feel was deceitful? … and what cut in compensation did he take?

I know you don’t like my verbose habits and I’m too tired to review this for errors … so hopefully it’s readable and isn’t too oblique.

By Jeff

May 5, 2006 05:37 AM | Link to this

Could someone give me Chuck James stats? How many saves he has blown, if any? And why isin’t Cox using him more often? Every time I have seenhim, and there haven’t been too many times, he has been effective, but he hardly gets the call. Is he in Cox’s doghouse or what? If Cox wants to continue to go with Remlinger over trying James as his number one lefty out of the bullpen than he should explain his reasons for this, because it is a mystery to me.

By JOHN B.

May 5, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

I like the idea of letting Sosa try closing. He does have great stuff. And a lot of potential. If McDowell can help him harness it for an inning a game, he would be a great closer. Sosa would probably really enjoy the role as well. Reitsma just does not seem like he enjoys it.

1st base is a problem. LaRoche has not developed like we all hoped he would. I expected him to be a .285, 25 HR, 90 RBI guy, but he is not that at all. It’s still early so he has time. But his swing is so long and drawn out. He also has a hitch. It’s a nice swing once it gets started. Pendleton and Cox might need to make him change his stance.

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

ForceSaberz, I like thinking about your scenario. It would never happen, but for sheeots and giggles: ADDam has got to go. We have to get a first baseman that can stick. A huge bat in the middle of the line up would go a long way.

My second choice would be a corner outfielder with a big bat. Reitsma is not a closer, but he does OK when we actually get to the ninth with a lead. A big bat would get us to the ninth with a lead a lot more often.

Since this scenario will never happen, I think BJ should start playing a lot more 1B. Not because he’s the answer, but because ADDam is killing us. Let BJ play there for a while, and get Jurries or Salty or Eddie Perez or somebody ready to take over.

I think we should try Sosa as a closer the next time we have an off day that leaves him not starting for 10 days. What do we have to lose?

By Chuckles D

May 5, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

Time to change the lineup Bobby. You can’t bookend three good hitters with three sure outs. Bobby keeps praising McCann’s hitting knowledge…why waste it on the seven hole? Especially when your 5 holer is hitting .209. Pull the plug, please! So much for keeping him in the lineup for his defense. Both of the errors last night would have been dug out by “good defense”.

FYI: On the radio, Pete said Frenchy swings at 61.5% of all pitches he sees. Highest in the league…by far. I understand the kid is agressive, but dang.

By eric the elder

May 5, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else find it ironic and annoying that the most often quoted players in post-game are Francoeur and LaRoche? “We” just need to get more hits, “we” just need to turn this around, “we” this and that.

Bobby likes all that veteran “presence,” yet we never hear from them. I’d like to see some of those presences step up and start telling it as it is. It’s not just that the team is losing. The worst part is that they are boring. Everyone across the land can predict what will happen in every situation, and it’s mostly bad.

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

Chuckles D, you are right! I’m sick and tired of hearing about ADDam’s glove. The error Chipper got was BS. It didn’t even hit the ground. ADDam wasn’t concentrating and thought it was gonna bounce, and went right under his freaking glove. He’s got to stretch all the way out and not even let it be close to bouncing. The other one looked like a fairly easy hop. Of course those won’t show up in his statistics. He definitely cost us a run. It should’ve been 4-3 Phillies late - that’s a lot easier to come back from.

Frenchy looks just like Andruw did a few years ago. Throw it in the dirt away, and he’s an automatic strikeout. I can’t imagine how a pitcher gives up a hit to the guy.

We need a Mutts sweep to catch up and get some momentum. I’m getting worried we are gonna rollover and die.

By braves fan

May 5, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

I’m going to propose a radical idea. This idea is not at all likely, but could change the entire balance of power in the NL.

The Braves should sign Roger Clemens. Okay. After you stop laughing, hear me out. It would cost a huge chunk of change, but it would only be for a year. The Braves came into the season under their set budget. They could also move a couple pieces to free up a roster spot and some cash, like Horacio, Sosa or Thompson. And the extra ticket sales and marketing opportunities would practically pay for the Rocket. Now what possible reason could Clemens have to come to Atlanta. Well, maybe playing for Bobby Cox could be a selling point. And if getting into the playoffs is a must, then what better place could he pick than a 14 time division winner? It’s a pipe dream I know. But imagine what that would do for the Braves.

By Mark

May 5, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

I got $500.00 bucks and a bet , I say frenchy makes it too the all-star break without a walk. Any takers ? lol

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Cox should tell Frenchy if he doesn’t walk before the break, he gets to go to Richmond the rest of the year.

Mark, I don’t think Frenchy himself would take that bet.

To get Clemens, we would need 200,000 fans to donate $100 each. I’ll do it, so make it 199,999 more fans.

By law

May 5, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

You people are unbelievable…they have only played 28 games with 134 to go!! Down 7 games - big freakin deal. You non-believers said this crap last year too! Shut up and get behind our Braves.

By Jason

May 5, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

As a Mets fan, this is the place I come every day to enjoy the slow agonizing death of this 14 years of darkness. Keep up the crazy trade talk and “what if’s”. This team is not going to get it done. Quite honestly, you all know that.

By twentyone

May 5, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

DOB: 2 questions. 1) Why isn’t McCann hitting in the 5th spot (and why aren’t LaRoche and Frenchy moved down to 7th and 8th)? 2) What is it going to take for the Braves to consider trying Betemit at 1st base? He’s big, he hits, and he’s solid defensively. If it worked for Julio Franco (a former middle infielder), why can’t it work for WB?

By P'Cola Michael

May 5, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

No way Mark! Not unless you’re giving odds.

I’d love to hear….Now taking the mound for your Atlanta Braves…..Roger Clemens!

Dude, that makes me chub up a little! :)

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 5, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

The CURSE of TheSouthernJACKASS!!!…GO METS!!!…

By Tom

May 5, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

When are the Braves going to finally understand where Bobby Cox’s weakness lies? It’s what’s caused them to lose in many short series against top competition…(read playoffs), over the past years and is hurting them now during the regular season. He’s a great player’s coach and motivator, but he’s a lousy strategist. His only game strategy is to send up every hitter with the hope of hitting a 3-run home run, even when no runners are on base. Bobby needs to turn over the game strategy to someone who has some imagination or the inconsistant hitting Braves are destined to finally not even make the playoffs after 15 years of getting there but having only limited success once the postseason starts.

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Jason, when was the last Mutts division championship? Your hopes rest on the shoulders of two grandfathers. I can’t imagine that Glavine and Pedro wil both hold up for the season. Maybe you will win the division, and if you do I’ll be the first one talkin’ sheeot (like you Mutts fans do to us every year after we win the division and you stay home) when you get beat by Houston or St. Louis or whoever it is. Maybe you’ll make it to the series and get destroyed again by your other hometown team. Then you can get your Yanks cap out of the closet and claim that you were a their fan the whole time.

If the Braves do win the division though, I hope you still show up on here to kiss our collective a*******e$.

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Same goes for you SouthernJackAss!

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

Tom, that is Pat Corrales job. Either he needs to get fired for doing a lousy job OR Bobby needs to start listening to him. I’m not sure which one of these is the problem.

By jojothemonkeyboy

May 5, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Anyone else notice “right turn” Giles is killing the offense? Bat him 8th and try Langerhans leadoff.

By NYY-26&atl-1

May 5, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

So Bobby Sox, I mean Bobby Cox is unhappy with the schedule? - too many games with the first place Mets I guess!

By Tom

May 5, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Dubya Cubed, I knew Pat Corrales was involved in the defensive strategy during the game but didn’t realize he even had input to Bobby for the offensive strategy, or lack of offensive strategy. Now I have 2 reasons to be concerned about the Braves lack of offensive imagination rather than just one. There must be someone in the organization who can see this problem and is in a position to do something to help or we’re in for an agonizing 5 months of waiting for those 3-run home runs Bobby dreams about.

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Giles will be fine, he’ll turn it around. And Clemens has no reason to come to atlanta…anything the braves could pay the yankees/bosox could match (and he would rather play for one of his old teams). McCann needs to be moved to the 5 hole, the guy has been a solid hitter. As far as Frenchy goes I would love to see him strikeout looking during a 3-2 count sometime. When he gets to 3-2 he swings at anything. Pitchers know this and dont throw him strikes on 3-2. I would like to see him look in one area on 3-2 and swing if it is there. If not just have him take. Yes he may k a few times, but i guarentee that he would walk 70% of the time (after watching the way pitchers throw to him on 3-2).

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Basically frenchy always swings when he “knows” a strike is coming (such as 2-1, 3-1, and 3-2). Instead he should be looking for a certain pitch in a certain area on those counts and only swing if its there (except 3-2 when u need to protect, however like i said b4 pitchers wont throw him 3-2 strikes till he proves he’ll take a pitch then)

By Joe Roman

May 5, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Well, I guess it’s official. The sky is falling! Maybe if we all get as pessimistic as we can, the Braves will sweep the Mets. What have we got to lose. LOSE!!!!!? OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!1

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Tom, I would guess that TP would have more input on the lineup, etc, but Corrales should be pointing out opportune times to bunt, steal, hit and run, squeeze, possibly pinch hit, etc. I wish I could sit in the dugout one night and see what the he!! really goes on between these 3 guys.

By Tomahawkin

May 5, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Finally got around to seeing that frenchy commercial, and I have 1 word 4 it

STUPID!

Right now this team STINKS, Nuff said!

we need to turn it around soon, I’m not panicking til July

John S. trade Reeksma, LaRoche, and Orr for a closer

Mainly CoCo Cordero

BTW I Saw DeRo The Zero the other night and Man he looks old!

By buster

May 5, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

braves could have won it all in 2005 with a good bullpen. the bullpen this year is even worse than last year.

By Tomahawkin

May 5, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Jason, you guys better kick us while we’re down… If you don’t I surely hope you remember 2002….

Jason you better Talk all da shyt while you can, because I wanna see your sorr a-s-s come september when you have your yankee gear on and the Mutts are in 3rd place and being named ESPN’s biggest dissappoint again…

Go Braves!

By Tomahawkin

May 5, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

LaRoche, has a good glove, He just doesn’t have no damn range, and how many times have you seen him go all out and have one of those bump in diving plays, He’s the most overrated player on the roster other than Reeksma

By Tomahawkin

May 5, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

How’s Salty doing, trade LaRoche now and bring Salty up, even with his limited experience he can’t do no worse than LaRoche

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

ajc headline: “continued concern over penn” - what has blogger penn done to deserve this from guy curtright? sure, penn got a little testy a few days ago but that would not warrant such a headline … journalist jimmy smith asks penn, what is up? bobby cox is redefining the power positions. his 1b and rf are hitting like sissies. his 2b is trying to hit hrs. his ss is the best hitter - his cf will be hof. the bench is impotent. why does bobby not alter his lineup and take advantage of opportunities to score runs? there are big holes in the lineup. francoeur’s at bat was selfish - any little league coach would say so - because he had mccann behind him and he refused to take the walk. what can be said of a team that gets a leadoff triple and cannot get the run in?

By Steve Geddie

May 5, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

The loss of Blaine Boyer to shoulder issues is now looming quite large, isn’t it? I also don’t understand why Macay McBride isn’t being used. These two guys (BB and MM) were touted last year as the future of the Braves bullpen. The Braves need to get Eric Gagne.

By Paul Herrmann

May 6, 2006 06:03 AM | Link to this

I think Bobby Cox made a mistake, Smoltz was still in his groove and should have pitched the 8th inning.

By Lanny

May 6, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Well all I can say is what the heck happened that has caused the Braves to start playing like they did in the 80’s Oh I forgot Leo is in Baltimore now does one in Atlanta realize how important Leo was.Well the powers to be have gotten there way the New York teams have the all the power they own ESPEN and the the New York teams

By Jason

May 7, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

Another day, another Braves choke. Humm…Washington is not far behind. Maybe I should move onto the Philly blogs as this is far too damn easy.