Braves

By Michael

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

At least the rotations seem to match up favorably - except maybe for Sunday. The Braves historically have a tough time against new pitchers, and I don’t think they’ve seen Maine before. Plus we have Sosa going :(

By SR

May 5, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Definition of Mediocre: “of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance” See Atlanta Braves

This team is deeply flawed and what you see is what you get, e.g., poor offense, poor bullpen, no bench and sometimes adequate starting pitching. They are absolutely not going anywhere with this roster. Sad to see what has happened here.

By Steve

May 5, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

The biggest difference I see right now between the Braves and the Mets is that the Mets have David Wright and Cliff Floyd hitting 5th and 6th, and we have two guys there hitting .200 between them. Have you ever noticed how often it’s been mentioned that people say that the Braves offense depends so much on Chipper? It shouldn’t have to. They’re going to need another middle of the order hitter before the year is out.

By Kenny

May 5, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

I agree. This is make or break. Lose three and it’s over. Lose two and it’s over. Lose the first game and it’s over. Win two and there’s still hope. That said, this Braves team is just average and right now a lot worse than average. Francoeur, LaRoche and Langerhans may be the players of tomorrow but not today. Mets are too strong this year. I still blame Time Warner for all this.

By Ken

May 5, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

I haven’t heard much of a backlash over FSS broadcasts. Nothing against Bob and Jeff but it sucks. Hopefully Braves fans can get a revolution started to make changes. Aren’t you sick of hearing about how bad Torborg was as a hitter and old Dodger stories. We want broadcasters who can relate to Braves fans young an old.

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

SR, I don’t see the team as “deeply flawed”. Our biggest problem: journalist jimmy smith said it best: our 1B and RF hit like sissies. Steve just siad it above, I’ve said it a hundred times, hell we all have been saying it.

If these guys could hit their way out of a wet paper bag, other guys in the order would start hitting a little better (less pressure on them and more on the pitchers), the starters would have a couple more runs to work with, and the bullpen would matter much less.

Francouer and LaRoach keep getting a big hit every 4 days, so Bobby keeps them in the lineup. But dangit Bobby, enough is enough already. They have got to be the crappiest hitting players at their positions in the majors.

Who is Guy Cutright? Where is DOB? I like what Guy has to say though. That Guy is right, we need the Great Slayer of Mutts to reemerge for a few days.

By MS

May 5, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I kinda like Torborg. He seems to bring pretty good baseball analysis. Haven’t caught enough of his games yet to get a feel for his stories, comments, etc. but he knows the game well.

It’s going to be tough for any broadcaster to do too well on the FSS games, when we’re so accustomed to the best broadcasters in the business on the Turner games. Nothing comes close to those guys.

By Blake

May 5, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

What about Tony Clark? He could fill in for a year, and it won’t be a sure sign to LaSuck that we are giving up on him, even though we should. I also like Reggie Sanders as an outfielder to mix in. Old guys didnt work last year but we need something

By Blake

May 5, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

I forgot maybe ryan Franklin in the pen too. He had a great spring and is sitting at home

By BW

May 5, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

I like Bob and Jeff its something new . SR, I agree with you but Dubya has a point about 1st& rf But the great Bobby Cox don’t agree…….so what the h#@%3 CAN WE DO? iT MAY BE OVER TILL WE GET A NEW OWNER.

By TennesseePaul

May 5, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

History is on the Braves side. I have to keep telling myself that because they find a way to win every year. But as a man who works with numbers, I know the law of averages is always pushing against history. It seems to be pushing pretty hard this year.
These past 15 years I told my self that the Law of Averages has actually been playing out. The Braves stunk for years, years, and finally they were good.
I have a tally of the teams entire history of wins and losses. Last year the Braves became a .500 team for the first time since forever. So we were due a good long streak of winning to average it back out. But right now, that seems to be as far as we can go.

The early 90’s teams had majic. You could watch the season and something amazing would always happen. The past few years has been lacking in that department. This year it’s like that department burned to the ground. We have a clutch hitter on an incredible hit streak and the rest of the line up is just expecting to win… as Chipper puts it in the commercials. Unfortunately you can’t just go out on the field and expect to win, you have to go out on that field and play to win.

I’ll never give up on the Braves, but I’m starting to get a glimps of what other franchises have gone through recently. It’s dark, dank and awful. And I don’t want to get accustomed to it.

Come on BRAVES! We gotta win tonight!

By Tee

May 5, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Jeff Torborg sucks. His analysis sucks and FSS sucks for getting rid of Chip, Skip, Don, and Joe.

What makes it even worse is that Jeff used to play and manage and he sounds like he doesn’t know what the heck is going on.

While watching a game last night, he admitted it himself. “I guess that’s why I’m up here and the manager’s down there.”

Bring back the other guys! NOW!!!!

By Tee

May 5, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

And oh yeah “GO BRAVES!!!

By Blake

May 5, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

The FSS guys are much better than most teams’ broadcasters, just listen to XM radio.Most of these guys are awful, however, FSS is definitley no replacement for the TBS gang. Big Weekend 1,5, and 6 have to hit

By Hairydawg

May 5, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t see the Braves as “deeply flawed.” I see them as just an average major league team. The team has a few young players with a boatload of potential.There are some veteran players who aren’t doing their part while those younger players develop. They have an average startinbg rotation. The bullpen is only mediocre. They are nothing better than an average major league.

Everybody is upset about the team’s main broadcasters being treated like hell. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if their paycheck came from Turner or Fox. We’re just going to have to accept it … Rathburn and Torborg are going to be with us for quite a while.

By voice of reason

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

Tee,everything to u ” sucks” get a life!

By Dubya Cubed

May 5, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, I agree with the magic being gone for quite a few years, although we had pretty good magic last year with all those rookies. But they’re not rookies anymore, and the magic so far appears to be gone.

I love the idea of getting Reggie Sanders. Maybe this time he would give it all he’s got, after he admitted to not being at his best last time we had him.

Tony Clark could be a good option as well.

Who else could we realistic get to fill in for the two sissies?

By Millard

May 5, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

FOX Announcers - Everyone needs to understand the FOX announcers, Bob and Jeff are not Braves announcers!! They work for FOX who just happen to have a contract to broadcast Braves games. Turner South is no longer owned by the Time Warner people, and all the bellyaching about bringing Skip and crew back is silly. I am extremely sick of Skippy and Sutton anyway, and Tuborg is as good as they get. I continue to enjoy Pete, Joe, and Chip.

By Carlos27

May 5, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

We as fans should not worry about are beloved braves you know a win streak is coming. Let’s give our boys JS and Bobby sometime to get things right. GO BRAVES LET’S SWEEP THIS WEEKEND

By Michael

May 5, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

Hello Guy - have the Braves ever faced John Maine?

By Greg

May 5, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Francouer needs to go to Richmond. If I see him swing at another pitch in the dirt, I will personally drive to Atlanta and take him to Richmond. I’d rather see Jordan in the outfield than this professional rally killer.

By TomahawkJoe

May 5, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

Forget it guys. I’m as rabid a fan as the next guy but it’s done, the Mets outclass the Braves in every way. Face up to it and move on.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

MS,

I like Torborg too, but it’s hard to catch on to what his game is … he was a great catcher but pitching is new to him. Hopefully, as the new FOX pitch man, he’ll drop the Rathman partyline and start telling it like it is.

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Jeff does swing so much at pitches oviously in the dirt its crazy …. and altough he has been raising his BA lately a lot of his hits are coming in the infield. Thank God the kid is fast…

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

I really wanna see Sosa close sometime this season. the guy can be lights out over 1 or 2 innings

By david

May 5, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

WHERE’S DOB?

By Chop Chop

May 5, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Francoeur takes a while to get out of the box because of his long strides. He’s not as fast as some people seem to think he is, but he has good speed in the outfield and when taking the extra base on the basepaths. I don’t know about anyone else here, but I’ve noticed that a number of the infield hits he’s had this year have come as a result of errors that weren’t scored as such. He’s had at least three or four gift hits. Otherwise, he’d be hitting under .200.

By Jeff

May 5, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

I agree with others who say that the current Braves’ edition is an average team, with the exception that they have a solid farm system with a lot of talent working its way to Atlanta. 2006 and 2007 are likely transition years for this team. Even the best franchises historically (Yankees, Dodgers, Giants) had their transition years before starting new runs.

By Stuart

May 5, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Everyone acts like we have a chance. It is over, period. The Braves are going to lose 100 games. This team is terrible. They cannot hit, or pitch. It is not even a race at this point. It would be different if both teams were over .500; 7 back and 4 under; it is a not a race right now; hopefully it will turn into one sooner than later.

By gatorhater

May 5, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

i agree that franceour needs some work, but laroche just needs to go somewhere. perhaps the devil rays or the royals? he would fit in well there. and i would agree that right now the team is average, but i would not say awful. folks in a lot of cities would kill to have our pitching, and our lineup even.

By hk

May 5, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… just now getting caught up on the blogs since midnight last night, lot of constructive stuff, not nearly as much frustration as a week or two ago … agree on Mexican food, lived on it my five years in Houston much the way you did at the Varsity, I love it but these days it doesn’t like me much … boy, you really come on strong in the middle of the night ! … really good stuff … by the way, that day I met Strom Thurmond, we ended up having lunch with McGovern, this was awhile before he was much known … yeah jimmy, they shouldn’t have picked on Penn that way, I’m going to have to be more careful what I say around here ..

.. lived outside Philadelphia for 6 years or so, became aware of Philadelphia jokes, much like Polish jokes … standard of course was ‘and second prize, an all expense paid trip to Philadelphia !!’ … nothing worse that could have happened to us than being swept in Philly … (truth is, am enjoying this season hugely thus far, largely because of this blog)

… on LaRoche and Frenchy, both their swings have so many moving parts, don’t see how they can coordinate them all in that fraction of a second they have to react … but, last couple of years, Adam seems to get them all halfway in sync by May/June, hope it turns out to be that way with Frenchy as well …

Chop Chop, … good point on Frenchy being fast but slow to accelerate, same with Langerhans who I know is really fast once he gets going, but don’t think he has ever stolen a base in the majors ..

Bob, left some more nonsense in you email …

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

words are the trade of journalists like jimmy smith. this journalist was taken aback by yet another clever guy curtright blog headline: “statement weekiend needed”. it is suggested by journalist guy curtright that chipper jones must be the one to make the statement. jimmy smith will now presume what chipper might say … “uh, hey mets, uh, tough out here. uh, i live for this. uh, did i tell you one of my babies is named uh, shea? uh, you can call me larry but that’s my daddy’s name. uh, i know what a mullet is. uh, this is hard.” jimmy smith hopes chipper will talk with his bat instead. perhaps giles will be on base with renteria when chipper comes to bat. - - - can you say third place? biggest news of the day may be that francoeur is now wearing a protective pad. let your imagination run wild.

By Kentavo

May 5, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

I do not understand why getting proven bullpen help and a reliable closer was not THE priority during the offseason. No. 2 should have strenthening the bench. We’re not going to go anywhere with a bench consisting of Jordan, Diaz, Pratt and Orr. We need a professional-hitter type - one who is patient at the plate and consistently makes contact. Pinch-hitting is not a role for a rookie or sophomore. But I work for a corporation, so I’m familiar with the bury-the-head-in-the-sand approach.

By Kentavo

May 5, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Torborg is a huge improvement over “Golly gee, wow” Pacoriek.

By Chop Chop

May 5, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop thinks about Francoeur’s protective pad and wonders if journalist can say “heavy flow day”? Chop Chop hopes for heavy flow of hits from Francoeur in coming days because of new good luck charm. Maybe good luck charm signed by Rudy? Chop Chop thinks journalist should ask these tough questions.

By Met Fan

May 5, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

What is the problem? The Braves have won the division 14 years in row. Winning the division is not a Braves’ right. So what if some other team win it this year, it is not the end of world. Calm down Braves Fan, it is only a game. Baseball needs diversity in champions to keep the other teams fan coming back to the games, so see the visiting teams share in the gate receipt.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Millard,

Virtually everyone connected to this Blog, monitoring or participating, is aware of the change in ownership and know that Rathburn and Turborg are not Braves announcers. That’s old news!!

To a lot of Braves Fans, including many disliking individual members of the crew, the broadcast team that FOX replaced “are” the Braves … and … the timing and manner in which the change occurred is far more disconserting and of greater import than the change in broadcasters.

I oppose the well orchestrated protests of special interest groups, … except maybe sometimes in a moment of weakness when they represent my interests … but I always applaud the efforts of those who standup and voice their objection to what they perceive as being wrong, unjust and/or heavyhanded … even when I dissagree.

Don’t make the foolish mistake of confusing the cries of dissapproval, dissappointment, frustration, and helplessness with “silly bellyaching” … especially in these times of uncertainity and dramatic change.

Pardon the Pontification, but Tyrants depend on Apathy, the bleetings of sheep, and the blind, misquided support of those who are pleased with their actions. If you don’t believe me, just open any history book … well, it may take a little more than just opening the book.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

hey, chop chop … journalist thanks you for your remarks - and always keen baseball mind. now, francoeur … maybe a new endorsement oppotunity, huh? know of any protective pad companies in bankruptcy? journalist still thinks delta air lines is writing francoeur’s name in the lineup. now, bench … pratt, pete orr, and jordan comprise the worst bench in recent memory. bobby uses betemit early and limits himself for later in the game.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 5, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

The CURSE of TheSouthernJACKASS lives on baby!!!……GO METS!!!…

By NYY-26...atl-1

May 5, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Hey it’s still early Braves fans - the ‘07 season doesn’t start for almost a year!!..

By teoa

May 5, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Bob, I am not at all opposed to your “verbose habits”…hope you weren’t offended by my post the other day - I really didn’t mean for it to be taken seriously. Just having a little fun…

To clarify my post last night…I was referring to the pay cut that Chipper agreed to in the offseason when his contract was restructured to allow the Braves to make a move in free agency. I thought it was a very selfless move and it was reported this would free up enough money to fill some holes - particularly in the bullpen. Well, as it turns out, that money was never spent and it seems that maybe it never will be with the impending sale. So Chipper took a voluntary pay cut for nothing. I would not be happy if I were him. That’s what I meant when I said that I bet he feels “lied to”. I’m thinking someone else took a cut too, although I don’t remember who now…maybe Smoltz? It’s too bad those guys are making personal sacrifices for the good of the team when ownership seems to care more about tax breaks than putting together a good team at the moment.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Just a couple of quick points and I’m outta here. First, winning the Eastern Division is not the birth right of the Braves. You were bound to not win it at some point, why not this year. Face it and move on. Next, stop relying on Larry Jones to kill the Mets. If you had a better line up you wouldn’t just rely on this one guy. Next, this tomahawk chop and chant that the Brave fans do, that is the most racially insensitive thing I have ever seen done in the name of fan support for a team. My opinion has nothing to do with the baseball team or its winning or beating the New York Mets, its based solely on the fact that you are mocking a race of people and what is considered in their culture to be inmportant to them, and doing it for what amounts to nothing but support for a baseball team. I find it disgraceful everytime I hear the Braves fans do it at a game. The chop and the chant is the single most racist thing I have ever seen next to that horrible Cleveland Indians logo.

By Greg

May 5, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

I love the Met fan who wants diversity. Diversity of teams winning baseball would not involve NYC. Diversity is Arizona, Boston, Chicago. How about Houston or Kansas City. Yes, baseball needs diversity but not in the form of another New York team with a payroll 10 times that of the Royals. And twice as much as Atlanta.

By Ryan

May 5, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Now ya’ll know what us Thrasher fans have felt for such a long time. Up and down season after season after season………..after season. The Braves will turn it around. Don’t quit on them so soon, unlwss you want to be what most sports cities feel that Atlanta is “fair-weathered”. How about them Hawks!

By Tyler

May 5, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I am still supporting this team and always will, but I too am frustrated that we can’t get on track. That being said, some people that post on here need more baseball education. First of all, and I know it’s getting old hearing it, but it is May 5th people. We have a VERY GOOD YOUNG team that needs, in a way, to go through this. We are going to get it together. Good thing most of these people that comment on this blog aren’t the manager for the Braves. Francouer and Laroche are going to be fine, along with the rest of our team. These players still need time to develop, and not at Richmond, they need to develop at the top with Atlanta. Yes, the Mets are stacked, but I believe in us and I love our young team. This will make it soooo sweet if & when we do win another division. I don’t know about the World Series this year, but I believe these young guys will win our 2nd in the near future. I really don’t care to see the people that are bashers now praising the team when that happens.

By Just Penny

May 5, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I called Fox Networks to complain about No Skip, Joe, Pete or Don and Chip was told that when Fox purchased Turner South it did not include our favorite announcers. We need to bombard Turner with the calls so we can have someone decent and humorous to listen to again!!! GET WITH IT BRAVES FANS

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Im a Mets fan, and I would like to see anyone other than the Braves win the division again. Marlins, Philly anyone. Is that enough diversity for you Greg?!

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Penny, those guys are just a buch of “homers” that’s why you like them. Can we just have anouncers who call the game, give some baseball knowledge and not root for the Braves openly and dis the other team on the field. How about not saying every call that goes against the Braves is a bad call. The new guys aren’t great I will admit, but at least they call it a little bit more down the middle, just a little.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

HK,

I was “taken aback” as I noted Jimmy’s lead comment “trade of journalist” in the same paragraph with mention of Guy Curtright.

For a minute there, I thought Jimmy had a scoop regarding David’s disappearance. Did you see the New York news headline calling for an investigation into the dissappearance of a journalist?

Strange that AJC and/or Guy Curtright either haven’t noticed or aren’t acknowledging the “Where’s DOB?” posts.

Maybe I’m just following Jimmy’s advice and letting my imagination run wild … instead of following the “fear to tread” wisdom of others.

… also guess I do owe folks an apology for getting carried away and coming on too strong during the wee hours. I promise to change, and as proof of the change … sent Millard the above post. I’m now coming on strong in the daytime too!

Jimmy hasn’t said, but we’ll know if he followed my suggestion … if we notice any change in the Braves as they play tonigh, we’ll know he did.

Fans should get used to Adam at first, his agent evidently got him a long term contract that guarantees him playing time and at least 5 interviews each week.

I’m okay with that … they can let him bat in each inning too; so long as it’s for the other team … or … right after the 3rd out is made.

By Chop Chop

May 5, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met,

As if your Mets announcers don’t do the same thing. That’s what a home team’s announcers are supposed to do. I know you can’t stand the fact that the Braves have shattered most of your favorite team’s hopes and dreams over the last ten years, but the last few posts you’ve typed make you appear even dumber than your big baseball head gives you credit for.

By Rowland

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

Braves manager has record for consecutive division titles. Must assume he knows a little baseball. Frenchy not hitting his weight, but lots of boppers struggled early (e.g., Mike Schmidt). Season doesn’t end next week. Don’t panic. Watch and learn.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Chop, listen, the Braves haven’t shattered anything. The Mets have let me down. The Mets have to beat all the other teams they play too, and lord knows they haven’t done that. I don’t give the Braves that much credit, I don’t buy into the media hype about the Mets and Braves, I see the Mets lose to the Marlins just as much as they lose to the Braves, so relax. The reason FOX got rid of those guys if you really want to know is the fact that they were a little to HOMER like according to some FOX insiders, sorry the truth hurts. And Mr. Met is the most beloved mascot in sports. I didn’t see any racist Chief Knocka Homer commercials on ESPN last year now did I?

By Just Penny

May 5, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

I guess I was raised to be polite even in the face of Mr. Met fan. His name should tell us where his prioritys are located and it is definitely not with making the game for all to enjoy. Jealousy is showing because you do not have great announcers in New York that the fans root for! Our Announcers are part of our team and what you are seeing is TEAM LOYALTY! (do you need a definition) Also our announcers have something to root for not like the collapses in New York every year.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Just a couple of quick points and I’m outta here. First, winning the Eastern Division is not the birth right of the Braves. You were bound to not win it at some point, why not this year. Face it and move on. Next, stop relying on Larry Jones to kill the Mets. If you had a better line up you wouldn’t just rely on this one guy. Next, this tomahawk chop and chant that the Brave fans do, that is the most racially insensitive thing I have ever seen done in the name of fan support for a team. My opinion has nothing to do with the baseball team or its winning or beating the New York Mets, its based solely on the fact that you are mocking a race of people and what is considered in their culture to be inmportant to them, and doing it for what amounts to nothing but support for a baseball team. I find it disgraceful everytime I hear the Braves fans do it at a game. The chop and the chant is the single most racist thing I have ever seen next to that horrible Cleveland Indians logo.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Penny, there you go living in the past. First of all the late Bob Murphy and the late Lindsay Nelson and the Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner are the most well known anouncers in Baseball and loved in New York and around the country, so get your facts straight. Don Sutton is not even in Bob Murphy’s class. So relax, please, jealous of what? Those johnny come latley homers the Braves had. Stop, you are showing your knowledge or lack of Penny. Dont turn this into some personal thing, lets stick to the facts.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Penny, stop it. The Mets have had three of the most famous anouncers in all baseball, the late great Bob Murphy, broadcast wing of the Hall of fame, Lindsay Nelson also in the Hall of Fame, and Ralph Kiner, also in the hall of Fame. So dont talk about anouncers in New York unless you know what you are talking about. As for collapses every year, I know you are not going to say that 14 Div.tittles and 1 World Championship is not a collapes as well right. Its nice to go to the dance, but actually dancing would be nice too. Also Penny, I don’t think in any of my post was I rude or impolite to any one, just stating my opinion, thats wht these blogs are for.

By TennesseePaul

May 5, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

If the Mets are so good, why is it they have had two complete games thrown against them (back to back) and are only playing .500 ball against a sub .500 team such as the Braves? And that big slugger, Delgado, has struck out nearly 50% of the time.

The Mets don’t worry me when it comes to the Braves and the division. They’re the Mets. They blow. Blow hard. Sure, they got some big names on the back side of their careers, but they’re the Mets.
I’ll watch these games. The Braves should take 2 of 3 if not a sweep. But in truth, it’s the rest of Baseball that poses a bigger threat. That’s what’s going to be the difference. The Braves will step on the Mets, because they’re the Mets. But the rest of the teams are where the Braves have to improve. They must start winning when it counts… when it’s a real club. Something other than those Mets.

Seriously people, why bother responding to the Mets fans. Theye only show up at the start of the series with their nose stuck high in the air. Then leave with thier tail between thier legs.

By Mr. Met

May 5, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

How’s taking two of three last weekend leaving with their tail between their legs? You Brave fans are trying to play mind games on yourselves, trying to believe that everything will be all right and the Braves you some how get it together and win it like you always do, but not this time. This is not the same old Mets teams from the past and you better wake up and recognize that, and fast.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

teoa,

Never fear, folks that speak their mind have a tough time offending me … it’s only those without a mind that speak.

I’m aware of the often referenced offer by Chipper to have his contract restructured, and seem to recall the other one too … but wasn’t aware that either were effected. I just assumed that, if they were to be, the value of the restructured contract(s) would be at least as much as the existing one(s) … though I wouldn’t expect the same publicity to be associated with that fact; were it to be true.

Thanks for the “clarification” … both of your posts have helped me get a handle on this “taboo topic” and I certainly agree with “it’s too bad” … but, what may bother me more at the moment … is the impact these things are having on the “good team that is already put together”.

Thanks again.

By Brian

May 5, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Hye Blake…. Tony Clark has a worse batting average than La Whiff and Reggie Sanders is horrible and always has been. Are you a Mets fan????

By Casey Hudson

May 5, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

So, all of the Braves problems come from the 5 and 6 hitters?. Get real. What about the leadoff spot? The hottest hitter on the team is Renteria, and he never comes to bat with men on base.

But all of you need to take a valium and realize that there are 162 games in an MLB season. Every year we true Braves fans have to listen to this garbage, and every year the Braves win the division.

By Brian

May 5, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Hye Blake…. Tony Clark has a worse batting average than La Whiff and Reggie Sanders is horrible and always has been. Are you a Mets fan????

By Carroll

May 5, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

The biggest problem is Bobby’s mismanagement of the pen (i.e. James has only pitched 1/3 of an inning in the last 18 days—if he would have been used wednesday instead of remmer, we win that game), and Bobby’s mismagement (or lack of management alltogether of the offense/lineup. When you have two automatic outs killing every rally in the 5th-6th spots, how can you wonder why we have no offense??!!

The solution is simple: Betemit at first base and hitting leadoff, Renteria second, and Gily at 5th where can can actually provide AJ some serious protection, and he can swing from his heels all he wants (can’t have that from leadoff or 2nd spot in the order, so putting him 5th makes perfect sense). Then back Gily up with McCann (our best hitter right now) and suddenly you have quite an offense!

But no, BC sits on his damned hands, bowing at the alter of his painful ignorance, stubborn loyalty and closed mindedness. October has come early this year, boys!

By Paul Hamilton

May 5, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. met,

If your not Native American, then please leave racially sensitive bashing for those that have the right to complain. We stole it from Florida State, who has the support of their local seminole tribe. You might want to start your b*** there, seems like a logical starting point. The season is far from over Mr. met, so try to refrain from bashing the Braves until your team or another actually walks the walk. We already know you guys can talk the talk. If your mets win this year then your welcomed to come back and tell us that you told us so and that winning one time in the last 15 years means you have the greatest team ever.

By mets fan in atlanta

May 5, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Face it. The Braves will not win it this year and the Mets will end your 14 year division streak. You fans in Atlanta have been cocky for too long. Go Mets

By TennesseePaul

May 5, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Carroll: Giles is in a rut right now, Singing from his heels as you put it. Why would it be good to have a guy continue doing what he is doing (being in a rut swinging from his heels) behind Andruw. We already have a guy in a rut behind Andruw and it isn’t providing any protection. McCann should be higher in the order. He’s hitting very well right now and we should capitalize. But tweeking this order isn’t going to get the hitters in a groove. I say keep it the same. But I strongly advocate a trade.
I think LaRoche and someone else, maybe even Betemit, would be a descent trade for a consistant hitting first baseman. I’m not asking for a power hitter. Just a guy who hits consitantly. It isn’t much. We could probably trade for that and a reliever at the same time. Moylan could be tossed in there. He’s got a good story.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith left something in the dugout! yes, there is something in the dugout for bobby cox! a thoughful card, and a small box of tissues, along with a suggested lineup. if there are changes tonight be assured that jimmy smith has been successful. if there are no changes, at least know that bobby will be tidier after the game. now, journalists … where is dob? where is scribe? where is guy curtright’s followup posts? where is the love? bloggers stay with jimmy smith during this period of uncertainty. journalist jimmy smith will bring you the latest news and insightful commentary. in 11 seasons rowland office hit .259, in 17 seasons rafael belliard hit .221. light hitters, both. current power hitters francoeur and laroche are hitting .212 and .209. leadoff batter giles is hitting .206. remember how many runs this team was scoring at the start of the season? what is wrong? jimmy smith will discuss this and more in the next post - unless dob returns first.

By Blake

May 5, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

what about Kevin Millar at first? I think Orioles are willing to trade him. Better than LaSuck

By David Duncan

May 5, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

The Braves will be buried at 10 games behind the Mets after the Mets sweep them this weekend. The Braves will not recover. They will eventually slide to 20 games behind the Mets at the All Star break. I had hoped that the Braves would give the Mets a battle in an attempt to win their 15 consecutive NL East. With Franceour and Laroche, the Braves are giving away 7 or 8 outs per game to their opponents. Their bullpen is hopeless. Chipper is in the twilight years of his career and is no longer a Mets killer. Braves fans it is going to be a long season. Just sit back and enjoy the Mets run to the World Series. The Braves have had their days in sun. It is over.

By Bob

May 5, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith for President!

By Bob

May 5, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Dan Levitan’s good and even Steven Hauk has his moments but most folks agree that there’s only one Adrian Cronauer … where is he?!

By Dave

May 5, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

The Braves definitely need another bat. When I think that Jacque Jones, Rondell White were available during the off season and Braves management thinking that Langerhans and Francoeur would be the answer, it became obvious they were expecting another rabbit to be pulled out of the hat. Think again. If the Mets stay healthy, they’ll win it going away.

By Carolina Lady

May 5, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met, I have strong Native American ties through my ancestry. I am not the least bit offended by either the Braves, their chop, or the Cleveland Indians. Just for the record. Unless you share my heritage, you’re on the wrong horse. Get off.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

strikeouts: laroche 30, langehans 24, andruw 23, francoeur 22, giles 21.

+commentary* francoeur is termed “aggressive”. certainly he is not a disciplined hitter but “aggressive” has to be a misnomer. what are some other descriptive terms for francoeur’s hitting style? (can it be called hitting style when he isn’t hitting?)

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

if only giles could get on base, renteria could move him over. giles’ swing looks like something on a playground - or a golf course.

By steve_97060

May 5, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

“aggressive” in francoeurs case is just another term for undisciplined..it amazes me that he doesn’t appear to have even the slightest idea of what the strike zone is…not that laroche does either…

there is a mighty wind coming out of the atlanta area these day’s, and it isn’t from the weather pattern, it is unique to the turner field area on the nights the braves are in town, it’s the smooth “whiff” of all those (alleged) hitters fanning the air…

By ssiscribe

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

SOMEWHERE IN THE M-I-A — Back at the temporary adobe down here on the southern tip of the continential United States, trying to recover from an early wake-up call, a long drive and somewhat of a frustrating day that ended well, thankfully.

Alas, happy Cinco de Mayo.

Jimmy, DOB must be off, but rest assured: His words are immortalized on the walls of the press lounge of Joe Robbie/Pro Player/Dolphins/Dolphin Stadium. I saw them with my own two exhausted eyes this afternoon.

I see Edgar just had a Boston flashback, and the tying runs are on base. Given how well the ballclub’s played so far, losing this one would be about as devastating as a loss in the first weekend of May could be.

Down here, the lights went out earlier tonight. Phat Albert hit two into the upper deck during BP, then lined a three-run shot into the seats in right as the Redbirds are getting it done big-time tonight.

News flash: Albert is a stud.

I’ll save my thoughts on the Marlins’ experience for later on; don’t want to dog anybody on what otherwise is a great Friday night in the shadows of South Beach.

Alright, back to Cinco de Mayo, already in progress. Later on. More journalism to come as Sting Ray tries to douse the flames.

By MBATL

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

Tough, tough luck for Davies, who fought pretty hard through a bad night.

Anyone have any insight as to why James seems to be out of Bobby’s bullpen rotation? McBride on consecutive days, then Remlinger about to come in… is James hurt?

By JasonInMaine

May 5, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Wow, this Braves team just doesn’t have it…they are just not very good. The Mets will win the division by 10 games. You can just tell that whatever IT is, the Braves don’t have IT

By geechee

May 5, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Well this first game with the Mets proves you won’t get much relief pitching with a $78 million payroll. Time-Warner is a multi-national, multi-billion dollar profit making corporation, for them not to allow the Braves to compete at the same level as their more favorite teams, the Mets and the Yankees, should be considered by Major League Baseball as a criminal act.

By journalist doing journalism

May 5, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

it is good that scribe is back on the job. this has been a difficult time for journalist jimmy smith what with worry about dob and the added pressure of carrying the journalism load. doing journalism is most difficult at a time one is being weaned from cheese and cheese products. now, blowing a four run lead … journalist jimmy smith watched in disbelief as the braves kicked away the lead. then, jimmy smith was stunned at the very poor at-bats when the braves came in. this team has issues.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Remmer didn’t look so old tonight, did he?

By Bob

May 5, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met, and those with the right sized slippers …

Every good Medicine Man knows that if you dance your dance and chant your chants … enough times in front of enough people; you’ll get enough followers to form your own tribe … regardless of the God(s) you might proport to worship.

“Native American” is an interesting term … I suppose it applies to those folks whose ancestors all lived in the “Americas” from current times - back to some specified historical happening. Maybe it just applies to those that God placed here in the first place … I don’t know … never have figured it out.

I don’t hold with identifying tags used for “political correctness” purposes but I closely identify with those that are proud of their heritage and use terms such as “Italian, Irish, Native” when the occassion is appropriate.

I’d proudly use my “heritage” identifying tag, except that it would be longer than the Title Description for Johnny Cash’s Cadilac car … and I’m proud of that too!

My wife’s mother was of, so called, Native
American extraction … that is, if 25% north of the Rio Grande and 25% south counts.

All those I know struggle at times with the injustices imposed upon their People by those that came from accross the pond.

But none seem, in any way, bitter or resentful of the “Indian” tags used by various schools and sports organizations. To the contrary; they are really pleased that the fighting spirit of their People is recognized and appreciated! That’s absolute fact … not fancy retoric used to make a point.

Mine is but a small sample, but those I know, seem puzzled and dismayed over the ado make by those who don’t seem to understand what they believe to be obvious.

Forgetting the tags, I figure that all of us who are born here are indeed “native” Americans … some of those folks you call “Native” are pretty savy and would rather be simply known as Americans … don’t you wish everyone felt that way?!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

if that kid overseas had to wait for francoeur to make contact on a pitched ball the delta commercial could never have been taped. well, chuck james is somehow mysteriously hurt - is anyone on the team in condition to play? journalist is getting sour and apologizes - cheese withdrawal. now, crazy aussie is in - he scares jimmy smith. many tattoos and strange behaviors. maybe he should pitch more.

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know where i can get statistics on last years bullpen? Like I know they were bad but i need stats on where they were compared to the league….Help?

Also PETER MOYLIN BABY way 2 GO!

By geechee

May 5, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

forcesaberz………..espn.com or usatoday.com

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

What about this Moylin?? Has he got some stuff! It’s the first good thing I’ve seen from the WBC.

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Peter M was great….oh and wilson is a STUD!! get this man off the bench!!!

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Gotta find a place for Betemit to play everyday. What a clutch hit!

By MBATL

May 5, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

forcesaberz, or maybe baseball-reference.com, though it may take some digging to get what you want.

By Tremaine Cooper

May 5, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

IT IS TIME TO PUT WILSON BETEMIT AT FIRST!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

relax, this time last year it was dan kolb. does anyone feel good about reitsma coming in? he needs to get this first batter.

By Mark

May 5, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

c,mon REEEKSMA !!!!!!

By Mark

May 5, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

Yea , that a boy !

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

*&E)(U)(UDD(Y&%T*&!!!

By hk

May 5, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

forcesaberz,

… try this

… oh, no ….

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

.326 opp. ave. Ouch!! What a closer! 1st pitch!!!

By Hunk Erdown

May 5, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

ooops

By Mark

May 5, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

REEEEEKSSSSSSSSMAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!! yea baby !!!!

By TennesseeBraveFan

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

I’m gonna have to find another hobby…. tiddlywinks anyone?

By Mark

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

No leadoff , No bullpen and no closer , it sucks to be a Braves fan #$%%^&%^#!!$ !!!!!!!

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

I think we can all agree now, the Chris Reitsma experiment is a failure. You just knew he was going to hand it over.

By Rodger

May 5, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Reeksma would be better if they used a tee to serve up fat ones like that!

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Nah… I’m not going anywhere. I’m a masochist…. besides, what would I do without coming here and reading Jimmy Smith? Hang in there Jimmy… don’t do a DOB and disappear.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

Come on Braves’ magic!!!!

By journalist doing journalism

May 5, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith apologizes for the profanity. somehow, we all knew reitsma was going to blow that save. well, laroche is on base. someone remind him to run hard until he scores.

By Mark

May 5, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

12th inning , tie ballgame. No matter what happens its going to be a long weekend.

By Rodger

May 5, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

I think we just made our “statement”-no matter if the offense can come though, the pen can’t hold s#*+

By Eric C.

May 5, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

A closer with a 5.40 era…what else can you say? You still out there Lightenberg?

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

We forgive ya, Jimmy. Tough times call for an occasional !@&%$##^>#

By David

May 5, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve been telling anyone who listens for a long time now. The Braves may be able to win a division title but they will NEVER advance in the playoffs with a bullpen as terrible as ours. Chris Reitsma defines lame excuse for a closer. How many times have we seen this ‘pen deliver a 1-2-3 inning? Pretty rare.

By ernesto

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

Chris Reitsma = really good. Nasty stuff. Unhittable. I bet the Reds are just kicking themselves for letting him go.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

someone must teach chip caray the term, “chopper to chipper”. he says “chopper toward third” - which is very un-braves like. of course, this game, this team, this season is un-braves like. winning run now on base - in scoring position. reitsma on the mound. say good night, gracie.

By Mark

May 5, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Dude , this team as it is now , wont even sniff the playoffs. No leadoff hitter , no speed , a half cooked bullpen and REEKSMA. Francoeur thinks a walk is a sin and Lawhiff is not an everyday player. Betemit is and he is on the bench. This team is full of holes , fundamentally unsound and they arent scaring the Muts or Phillies.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

I dont’ know who Gracie is, but I’d rather have her closing.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Bobby looks like he is in great pain… bases loaded, nobody but Reeksma to pitch, Cliff Floyd up to bat. I’m in pain too.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Just goes to show you Reitsma is the horse that finsished last. He can get guys out, just not in clutch (closer) situations.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

automatic out Pratt v. automatic out Reitsma?

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Reitsma made one mistake and it was hit hard…however he isnt a bad pitcher. He certainly is NOT a closer though.

Just theoretically (even though it prob wouldnt happen) what teams may be interested in dealing us a better then average closer if we were willing to part with some top prospects? Are there even any at the moment?

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Reitsma made one mistake and it was hit hard…however he isnt a bad pitcher. He certainly is NOT a closer though.

Just theoretically (even though it prob wouldnt happen) what teams may be interested in dealing us a better then average closer if we were willing to part with some top prospects? Are there even any at the moment?

By hk

May 5, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

earnesto,

.. George Burns used to say that to Gracie at the close of the Gracie Allen radio show ..

Bob, you were right …

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! fricken wind

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

play-by-play powerful pinch-hitter pratt prattles back to dugout a victim of strike out. has willie out-managed bobby again?

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Reitsma made one mistake and it was hit hard…however he isnt a bad pitcher. He certainly is NOT a closer though.

Just theoretically (even though it prob wouldnt happen) what teams may be interested in dealing us a better then average closer if we were willing to part with some top prospects? Are there even any at the moment?

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I know, but I thought it was funny.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Bold prediction - Sosa gets unhittable, we get some runs and win.

By forcesaberz

May 5, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Sry about the triple post….i was getting errors

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Uh oh. No defense against the walk.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

looked like a frenchy swing.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 5, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith is a student of history. much can be learned by reading and applying oneself - especially if not in native land and speaking other than native tongue. one cannot assume that ugandan journalist smith knew gracie allen, only that jimmy smith has awareness. now, awareness … think laroche knows what inning it is? how many outs? think he will be good on radio tomorrow with dob? with dob? where is dob? this is national league, right? which team can manufacture a run? braves win only with homerun.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Way to go Sosa! This where he belongs.

By TennesseeBraveFan

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

Jorge… 6.28 ERA… Maybe we’ll get this one over in time to start tomorrow’s game.

By elbravo x

May 5, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

i am back early because this is the most important 14th inning in fourteen regular season games. its been fourteen years.. g&r…

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

worst ‘Druw at bat I’ve seen this year.

By ernesto

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

How many rallies has Frenchy killed tonight?

By Diese

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

The ‘Reitsma as closer’ experiment is indeed a failure. Last year when he started blowing saves, he said it was because he was hurt…what’s his excuse this year? When Wilson hit his HR, I immediately said, “one’s not enough”. Didn’t take him long to cough that one up.

Remember when we got Lightenberg for a couple boxes of balls? Is there anyone in the league dumb enough to give us anything at all for Reeksma? Think we could even get a half-eaten Zagnut bar? What if we threw in LaRoche…maybe the whole Zagnut? Nah, we’d probably have to throw in cash…

By TennesseeBraveFan

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

Do you all get the feeling that Frenchy would swing at a ball thrown around the area of the Varsity?

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 5, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

seis de Mayo, anyone? Maybe those Muts fans will remove those stupid sombreros in a few mins.

By ernesto

May 5, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Is there just no Braves’ magic left?

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 6, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

Aaaaaach… I jinxed it with my seis de Mayo comment. Sorry people. See you tomorrow.

By geechee

May 6, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

Time-Warner wins another game for NYC.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 6, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

well, bobby has a burned out team on the road and is out of pitching. he has no closer. see you tomorrow folks.

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

night night Bravos, I hate the pass ball cost us

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

It’s Bobby’s fault?

By 14 inning lossers

May 6, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

WE NEED TO GET RID OF RIETSMA. WE SHOULD HOLD OPEN TRYOUTS AT A GEORGIA HIGHSCHOOL AND GIVE THE WINNER RIETSMA’S JOB. HE’S A CANCER TO THE BRAVES BECAUSE HE NEVER DELIVERS WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN. HE’LL DO JUST WELL ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY RUNNING HIM OUT THERE AND THEN GIVE UP HOMERS IN BIG GAMES. GET HIM OUT OF THIS TOWN!

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Call me a pessimist but I dont see much hope

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 6, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

What a great game tonite!…I live for this!!…GO METS!!!…

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

In 2002, the Mets started 16-10 in April, while the Braves went 12-15 - not as big a lead as now, but close. Mets’ had just signed Vaughn, Burnitz, and Alomar… the team to beat. That year, we managed to eek out a lead over them by the end of the year… BY 23 GAMES!

Not predicting a similar swing this season, but to suggest that all hope is lost is just wrong.

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Potential Closers: Mike McDougal(when he comes back), Jose Mesa, and Everyday Eddie (b/c he blows a save everyday),

That is about it I am afraid

UNLESS: JOHN ROCKER!!!!!!!!!!

By Miranda

May 6, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

I hate that passed ball too… I know Brian’s eyes had to be going too… I think he wears contacts and I can’t see out of my right now cause it’s so late and even if I wet em it wouldn’t do much good… He had to have been getting pretty tired! I wish it hadn’t ended like that but we didn’t have anyone left either…

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

Just Kidding, we have a good shot to win tomorrow

By Steve

May 6, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Who cares if they win tommorow, Sundays starter is gone, not like Choksa would have won anyway, but the Mets made a major statement “THE BRAVES SUCK AND WE AREN’T SCARED AND NO 4 RUN LEAD IS SAFE!!!!!” REITSMA **** * * * * * * * * * * * * BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DESPISE HIM!!!!!! GOD ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

Blake, certainly not picking on you… just the whole idea in here that the season is lost. It’s May 5th, and by the All-Star Break no one will even remember this part of the season.

Closer is an issue that we’ve got to address, no doubt about it. Devine was supposed to fill that role, but didn’t work out; Reitsma was Option Two, and he’s not done the job. So we’ve got some work to do in that area.

Otherwise, I think this team shows a lot of fight, and think we’ll score enough runs to compete.

By Drummerdad

May 6, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

consistency is missing. seems like the boys are playing not to lose instead of playing to win. we’ll know it’s really bad if they lose in Florida. hard to put much confidence in Reitsma or Laroche these days. we need a certifiable closer. we’re so spoiled now that it’s hard to watch this go on. some of us remember all too well the decades before 1990 and get scared. keep the poise gang.

By hk

May 6, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

… I’m with you, MBATL, I’m proud of our boys, and not about to give up on a one of them …

By David

May 6, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Dan Kolb is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.75 WHIP so far this season. Chris Reitsma is 0-1 with a 4.97 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and two blown saves. I find this humorous.

By burt

May 6, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

sorry, but the braves can,t win with what what they have now. to many players hitting in the low 200,s. all in all times-warner has made the braves a sub-par team.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

OK, I’m sorry that the chop and the chant don’t offend true Native American Atlanta Braves fans. As I stated in my post it was just how I felt about it. Didn’t mean that everyone should feel that way about. So if true Native Americans are ok with it who am I to complain, right? It’s not my heritage that people are mocking by rooting for a baseball team, or a football team. So continue to enjoy the chop and the chant and wonderful Cleveland logo and Chief Knocka Homer and all the wonderful Native American culture that not to long ago the invaders of this land we know as America tried to exterminate for ever. I think one post earlier said that he did not know what “Native American” really meant, I’m sure he was being sarcastic. I love how quickly people forget how the Indian was treated like a criminal own the very land that they occupied first. Columbus discovered America, but how can you discover some place where people already lived. To me that’s what “Native” means, you were here first. Hey, but maybe I’m wrong and all the injustice that the Indians suffered was not that bad after all. It wasn’t bad enough that it’s OK to make tomahawk gestures and chant as if you were of true Indian desent as you hope some over paid baseball player gets a hit. I’m sorry if I offended any Native Americans by thinking and writing that the chop and chant thing was racist in my opinion or that the Cleveland logo was in bad taste. If Native Americans are all right with it, hey far be it from me to judge it.

As for the Braves baseball team, 6-2 in the seventh, now not to long ago that was the end of the game for the Mets. The Braves would have closed that out, no problem. But as I also said in an earlier post, this is not the same Mets you once dumped on, this is a new era. The Braves are not good, the bull pen is horrible. That’s not trash talk, that’s not me being a “homer”, that’s just baseball fact. Just read the comments from your own knowledgeable Braves fans. So look, I only come around to your blog pages during a series between the two teams, so just two more days and I’ll be out of your head…I mean hair, and I’ll see you in July when they hook up again. But by then it may not even be worth chatting with you guys.

By JJ

May 6, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

Trade Reeksma to somewhere like Kansas City. Hell, just give him away.

By Todd

May 6, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this

1. The Tomahawk Chop is just old. Can we move on from this now?

2. Reitsma is like smoking for me. Every time he tries to close, I lose seven minutes of my life.

3. Jorge Sosa - !?!?!?!? I could hit his stuff right now. And I’m awful.

4. I don’t like losing, but I can take losing to the Phillies, the Cards, the Astros, whoever… but I friggin’ haaaate the Mets and their loud, hairy (men and women), obnoxious, second-class, love-Noo-Yawk-so-much-that-I’m-moving-to-Atlanta fans. I can’t even draft them for a fantasy team.

5. I hope Gagne comes back in a big way, maybe then we could get Baez off of the Dodgers for a 1B and a little extra. I hope we haven’t scarred Joey Devine for life by bringing him up so early last year and this year, he was so good in spring training…

6. If I were Renteria, I’d be standing on a ledge right now. I love the guy, but that error tonight really did it for us. That was painful.

By Trophead

May 6, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

Is there anything I can do to make Wilson Betemit play every day for the Braves? Start a petition? Picket outside Bobby Cox’s house? Try to get Sonny Perdue to legislate Betemit’s presence in the starting lineup? Adam Laroche is hitting .200 and starting, while Betemit rots on the bench. This is a crime.

As for the problem with the Braves, it’s pretty simple. Of all the Braves who left after last year, it’s Kyle Farnsworth who we miss the most, by far. Even with our currently mediocre lineup, we are still capable of winning games with solid pitching from the starters and the bullpen. We are getting decent starting pitching, even if its kinda inconsistent. But we have no true power arm in the bullpen who can come in and blow people away. As long as we keep relying on Reeksma, who seems to have Peyton Manning-itis in key situations, we are gonna continue losing 1 and 2 run games. Hopefully Schuerholz can pull something out of his azz this year too, because if he doesn’t I think we are pretty screwed.

By Fat Lady

May 6, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

The fat lady started singing the 1st verse tonight. The Braves have had a closer problem for two years and John has been to busy writing a book.Bobby said he like the team as is. What a Joke! The partys over if JS don’t get off his a## and make a deal.But nobody wants Braves rejects.

By Bo

May 6, 2006 01:45 AM | Link to this

Nobody wants braves rejects except the braves,BJ for example.

By Chris

May 6, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

Done. D O N E. When the Braves are sitting at home in October (under new Liberty ownership that will be cutting the payroll in half), they can look back at May 5. Braves are going to lose Sat and Sun as well and leave NY 10 games back.

By supa

May 6, 2006 02:59 AM | Link to this

This is too painful to watch. I hope the Phils can overcome the Mets. I’d much rather see them win the division than the freakin Mets.

By Josh Knight

May 6, 2006 07:09 AM | Link to this

Chris calm down and quit overreacting please. Mr. Met you still do not have any starting pitching. You will not do anything without more than 2 starters, get it through your thick skull. If anyone wins this division besides the Braves it will be because of our own undoing. The National league East still sucks. It is early and the Braves have had to come back before from a deficit like this.

By Bob

May 6, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this

Jimmy, what kind of fruit did you get them anyway? … it looks like you may have taken the cheap way out and offered some more of your suggestions instead buying baskets of genuine fruit … what did you say? Now I know that “Eating Rasins” sounds a lot like “Playing like Rasins” especially in Ugandan, but some of these guys have enough trouble with plain, Native American English … so you have to be extra careful with your suggestions.

Dried prunes aside, it might have been better to have gone ahead; paid the two dollars; given the fruit basket like we agreed and have been done with it!

It did look like “babe” and a few others understood your message …

That loss one hurt!! Them more than us! You really need to take the fruit idea to heart while still there’s time to try again today … only get it right this time. HK will pay the tab; at least for one basket.

I saw the Ugandan bad words … I would have said it nicer than that … hope you don’t say such things in front of the baby seal.

Do you think maybe Fox could hire Harry to replace Rathburn? Say good night Gracie. “good night Gracie”

By TD

May 6, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

Friday night’s game will probably set the tone for the rest of the season. poor base running (knucklehead taking off after A. Jones hits the ball the 2nd baseman with the infield drawn in) the bullpen is a mess, but hey John S. knew that when the season started. braves have no lead off hitter, no number 5 hitter, a SS that makes errors at the WORST possible time..It doesn’t how many games the Mets lose or the Phillies lose, the Braves CAN’T WIN!

By Bob

May 6, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

earnesto,

They’re pulling your leg, Jimmy and HK … Gracie Allen Smith was actually Jimmy’s older half sister who brought him to this country and later married George Burns. They had a couple of kids, and a short lived radio/TV show where they interviewed world leaders like Barbara Walters. When the show was canceled, they divorced and she moved back to Uganda under an assumed name.

I can’t confirm it, but I understand that she was big in the Transformation Movement that swept Uganda a few years back and now hosts a religous program on TOP Radio in Kampala. TOP stands for “Tower of Praise”. She’s not a big baseball fan like her baby brother, preferring Soccer instead.

That’s all I know except that while she wasn’t very talented or funny and wasn’t all that good interviewing folks, she would say and do just about anything George wanted … and was especially good at saying Good Night on cue.

I understand from private sources that Jimmy hasn’t been the same since she went back home and during a recent interview, I think with Adam Laroche, he admitted that as what drove hime into journalism.

By Stevie Wonder

May 6, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

The real problem is the team salary limit of $80 million. We don’t have a bullpen, nor an effective closer, and, with the exception of Betemit, we don’t have a bench. That’s where the games are being lost. Johnny S. pulled off some great trades when he had $. No longer. We’re a mediocre team at best.

By bill

May 6, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

We can’t say it is still April anymore, so an 8 game deficit must now be considered cause for concern. The Mets and Phillies bought themselves very good teams and, if they stay healthy, we will have our hands full for the remainder of the year. Other reasons for concern: 1. We do not have a lead-off hitter, period. 2. Chipper can not carry the club…we may never see him at 100% again. 3. Andrew has made great improvement at the plate but is still not consistent enough with men in scoring position. 4. First base production will not approach past year’s. 5. Right fielder is still learning how to play the game - he does not understand the strike zone, has poor mechanics at the plate, has not learned how to run the bases, does not get in proper fielding position to make the “defensive” play, and his arm is inconsistent. His learning on the job is detrimental to the team at this point. 6. The bench is extremely weak. 7. It seems no one has confidence in the bullpen, even the pitchers themselves appear to lack the confidence necessary to be effective in their roles - what roles? We thought Bobby had his greatest challenge as a manager last year…I think this will be the ultimate challenge for Bobby and his team leaders (he needs you, Jones and Jones). It can be done…and won’t it be fun to watch!!!

By DawgsfantilliDie

May 6, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

The Braves are a warm weather team,they have been 8 games out before and look what happens, they come back and win the division. Everybody don’t worry the Braves will show up and win the division again. They still are America’s team.

By Dave

May 6, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Smoltz but you have to go back to the bullpen if you want to win another division title. A possible 12-15 wins for you as as starter would not offset a 30 save season that you are still capable of. We need to shut other teams down late in the game.

By Hal

May 6, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

What happened here is a case of managment badly overrating those 18 rookies last year as it turns out only maybe 3 are even average big league players Mccan,Betemit and Daveies the rest have been a huge disapointment .This miscalculation has left holes every where ….at first ,right field ,left field and the bullpen .Leaving us with a very average team .When you look at them as an entire rooster they stack up better then only the Marlins in the devision. Blame should be layed at the feet of history rookies have a tendency to suceed once or twice around the league then reality sets in

By mike

May 6, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

tough loss. Have to agree with everyone else; issues at leadoff, corner outfielders offensive production, first base by committee and non productive bullpen. The warm fuzzy feel good “baby braves” caught the league by surprise in 2005. That is why teams have scouts, six months later their weaknesses are exposed and they are what they are good AA players still developing. Pay-roll restrictions finally caught up to us. Young talent makes future bright but Braves fans do not have that kind of patience.

By Chuckles D

May 6, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Going to be tough to put that one behind us and play this afternoon. We’ll probably know pretty early in this game if this team is a “championship team”.

I’m not in the front office, but it looks like it’ll be Anthony Lerew making the start Sunday (possibly against Jose Lima called up from Norfolk). Lerew pitched 7 strong Monday and that’ll put him on 5 days rest (really 4.5). O’Conner is the other option, but he hasn’t pitched as well and isn’t on the 40 man roster. Of course, this all depends on whether Chuck James can go, but I doubt Bobby would put him out there after he strained his hammy (or at least that’s what it looked like).

DOB, where are you? Guy ain’t cuttin’-it-right.

By Ron Roberts

May 6, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, folks, but it’s finally caught up to us… despite all the quality GM work by Schuerholz and the managerial wizardry by Bobby Cox, you just CAN’T put out a lineup with minor-league callups when you’re chief division rival is going out and getting BELTRANS, and DELGADOS.

Folks wanna compare David Wright and Jeff Francoeur… great, except Wright’s been in the bigs a little longer and is playing a more well-rounded game far more consistently right now.

Our starting pitching has, indeed, been fantastic over a long stretch, now, but at the same time, our offense just hasn’t measured up. We’ve lost ground in this period of quality starting pitching, and that’s where we have an advantage over the Mets.

Chipper took a pay cut to give this team some flexibility to make an acquisition, and it’s never been more evident that we need to do it. I’ve been one of the more patient folks here when it comes to getting LaRoche back on track, and frankly, he has hit the ball harder and looked more comfortable at the plate the last few games, but it’s time to consider shopping for a better 5th or 6th-in-the-lineup threat to get this offense back on-track. And we have to play A-B-C baseball to score some runs, too.

Getting to the bullpen is where the evidence is OBVIOUS. This team has been fairly-well neglected in its “corporate” ownership to the point that we’re running out kids that should probably still be honing their craft at AAA, people we snatched up at the World Baseball Classic that are, at best now, “projects,” or old guys in their last throes of big league play. All of these characteristics come with something Time-Warner likes - a major league minimum salary.

And despite patching holes with kids who might not be fully ready for big league ball (Francoeur’s looking better, but was he ready for everyday MLB play?), and despite a bullpen that had us all worried going into the season, and despite having no true closer (Reitsma only pitched one bad ball last night, but we’re still waiting for it to land…and hey, is this Moylan guy a viable alternative?)… despite ALL that, we’re this close to being a contending team.

TEN one-run losses as of last night…give us half those as Ws and we’re 17-12, not 12-17. We’d be three games back (or less, if some of those came against the Mets).

Folks, this isn’t about managing. Cox has shown, over the years, that he can manage quite fine, and often with inferior talent. But when the Mets stock up with all-stars, and we stock up with AAA, AA and “let’s see how he does” projects, we’re doomed to fail, eventually.

It’d be nice if the team were owned by somebody (anybody) who took interest in their performance and said “what can we do to make this team better?”

By BP

May 6, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

There is a trait emerging that is pretty ugly!!! Has anybody else noticed that compared to Braves teams of old, that these guys are waitung to lose? You can see it on their faces!!! They score 5, the other team 6. They score 2, the other team 3. They score 8, the other team 9. You get the idea!! Losing 10 one run games in 29, tells you that these guys don’t believe they are going to win and they don’t!!! For the last 14 years, you knew that the Braves were going to win, you saw it on their faces, in their stride, in their attitude!! IT’S A SAD DAY IN BRAVESVILLE

By bill

May 6, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

By the way…I used to think that Jimmy was DOB’s alter ego, now I have come to the realization that Jimmy is DOB.

By ELH

May 6, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Reitsma is no closer. It is time to trade and get some quality pitching in the bullpen. There are too many projects down there.

By deb

May 6, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

It would appear the only ones making a statement right now are the Mets & the Phillies.

All good things come to end. Even the Braves’ divisonal streak.

What hurts the most is even with 14 straight both the Marlins and the Mets have more titles.

By beachcomber

May 6, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Mixed emotions. Mets are 4-3 and against us - hardly domination and sooner or later they will have to play somebody other than the Pirates, Nats and Marlins. Just the same, our bullpen gives pause. We must find somebody like next week who can retire the lead-off hitter in an inning. Big question - is it from within or from outside? Still, the Mets closer has more blown saves than ours. And it’s probably time to swap the roles of James and Sosa assuming James is okay. Give us lots of innings this afternoon Timmy!

By Steve

May 6, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Like Chipper said after last night, “I’m at loss for words.”

By quadgator

May 6, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

HEY BRAVES FANS, GUESS WHO OWNS HALF THE NY METS’ NEW TV STATION SPORTS NET NEW YORK?

That would be Time Warner!!!!!

By journalist doing journalism

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

journalist jimmy smith has just emerged from his room where he slept soundly after a long, long, baseball game last night. a quick bowl of fruit and jimmy smith will be ready for a trip to the ballpark for this afternoon’s game. journalist jimmy smith has a couple more suggestions for bobby cox. the pitchers should run for conditioning. why do their hamstrings fail them? no more golf - baseball. betemit should be in the every day lineup. of course, then he is not available to pinch-hit - but at least he gets a few more at-bats during the game. he is one of the team’s best hitters. bobby continues to put francoeur in positions to help and he continues to flail away at pitches he cannot hit. he is truly a rally killer until he has his breakout game every ten games or so. then, he reverts back to swingeroo for nine games. mccann must be fatigued after last night’s game. does that mean we lose his bat today? guy curtright said it was time for a statement. that statement was made when reitsma went out to protect a one-run lead and lost it on his second pitch. true fans and real fans will be outraged that jimmy smith criticizes bobby cox but bobby used up a lot of resources last night and today this team will have even more limited options. was he outmanaged by illustrious manager willie randolph? will willie also become bobby’s daddy like ned yost and now, charlie manuel? third place, eight games out. no closer. wwbdd? what would bobby dews do?

By journalist awaiting journalism

May 6, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

who is journalist jimmy smith? jimmy smith is merely a journalist doing journalism. journalist smith was pressed into service when dob was away for a time. this was jimmy smith’s break. then, jimmy smith found acceptance on this blog. much journalism had to be done to win over the bloggers on this blog. tough crowd for sure. yes, journalist smith sometimes departs from journalistic standards, but remember, journalist jimmy smith is not first a journalist. even so, journalist has done revealing expose on toes in baseball, seals, cheese, fruit, and chipper jones. the purpose of this post is to reassure bill that jimmy smith is not dob. dob writes real pretty like a girl. journalist jimmy smith often must do hard-hitting journalism- and face demons. this makes jimmy smith think - perhaps hard-hitting journalist should bat in 5 or 6 hole instead of sissies hitting there now. now, reitsma … perhaps reitsma should be a journalist, or even better a broadcaster. eight broadcasters are not too many, right? now, scribe … sun is out and must be nice where scribe is … but scribe must help jimmy smith with journalism. come inside and make post. reveal inner working of bobby cox’s mind. reveal how we have no pitchers for today’s game. may see p’s in lineup today. pratt, pete orr, pancho, cisco, palomino from dob farm, percy sledge at second base and batting leadoff. p** at closer.

By Ace

May 6, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

No bench. Nothing from 1,5,6 holes. No bullpen (except the Aussie?). No hope?

At this point, why not at least shake things up and bring up more minor leaguers? They couldn’t do worse, could they? And we might get lucky like last year.

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Where is baby seal??

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s stuff was moving last night….i want to see him pitch more….maybe he could be the lightenburg? Hey we can hope :-D

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Got to have this one today, I feel good about Huddy

By Blake

May 6, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Got to have this one today, I feel good about Huddy. LaSuck is back in the 5 hole and pratt is starting

By Blake

May 6, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

MBATL I am not giving up on Braves, just frustrated and don’t like LaSucck as a player. You’re right it is a long season. It is going to be tough this year, to keep with the Mets

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

We’ve about used up the excuse that it’s early [in the season]
— Marcus Giles

It’s about time they start owning up to this. There is no excuse for last night.

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

New game (just to lighten up the mood):

Can you guess the ‘nom de plumes’ of our much-loved resident journalist Jimmy Smith?

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

If you no help me now, I say forget you Jobu. I do it myself.

By MrC

May 6, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Have to say…..it might be time to bench LaRoche and play Jordan for a couple of weeks and see if anything is left in the old guy. Can’t be any worse than what roach is doing.

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Man Frenchy could be superstar if he just learns to not swing at balls in the dirt. Anytime he swings at crap like that he hits these little bouncers to an infielder. Force pitchers to throw strikes and he crushes them

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Mets anouncer just said “With Francour just dont throw him a strike and he’ll get himself out.” Everyone knows it… :-)

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

HoRam has been taken off the DL. So he’ll probably start on Sunday.

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, not suggesting that “it’s early” is an excuse for playing poorly. Really doubt any of the Braves would make that excuse either.

My point was just that it’s too early for fans to turn on the team (even if, God Forbid, we DIDN’T win the division, we shouldn’t do that…), and it’s too early for the Braves to give up on guys we’ve groomed, who show a lot of promise, and whom we can AFFORD, like LaRoche and Francoeur.

Three things the Braves didn’t count on: 1) That Devine was not ready for Prime Time; 2) that Reitsma can’t develop a closer mentality; and 3) that LaRoche would digress. (the potential 4th… Francoeur: I’m not worried about him… he’ll be fine). You can “blame” the brass for making those bad assumptions, but overall, they do a pretty good job in the talent evaluation department (i.e., letting Furcal walk and signing Renteria).

We definitely need to go out and acquire at least one, maybe two, relievers (but we’ll probably have to wait until some of the bad teams throw in the towel and agree to dump talent).

btw, Big Ups to BJ… he’ll never be a “force” again, but has filled the void left by Franco pretty well so far.

By hk

May 6, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

… good morning Gracie !!! … hey Bob, Jimmy, you guys are in really good form today, much thought provoking and entertaining material … guess I should be feeling bad with the Braves dillema, but hard to do with you guys around … and my goodness, I’ve never seen a guy strike somebody out, then walk off the mound into the dougout and off to the locker room without a word to anybody like Zambrano just did … and Hudson has only allowed one run so far, he usually gets better, looks good to me …

well, Mets have a tough schedule coming up the next two weeks, Braves relatively easy …

… Beltran, oh no !!! … (so much for my illusions)..

By glennbo

May 6, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

the statement: the braves can’t afford a closer or a leadoff hitter.

By David O'Brien

May 6, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

Imagine my surprise when, upon returning from the Bob Dylan/Merle Haggard concert at Chastain “Where Yuppies Go To Sip Wine and Talk Incessantly” Park, I turned on ESPN to find score of Braves game. There on the scroll across bottom of screen it said, Braves 7, Mets, 7 14th inning. Wow. Turned it on just in time to see last pain inning-and-half.

Anyway … Dylan’s in much better shape than Braves’ division-title streak. Even Haggard is, for that matter.

Dylan’s better now than when I saw him 10 years ago, before his near-fatal heart infection or whatever they called that ailment. Outstanding performance by Mr. Zimmerman, especially the encore with masterfully rewordeed versions of Like A Rolling Stone and All Along the Watchtower.

Felt bad for Hag, having to perform while still light out for a crowd of folks mostly there to see Dylan and not respectful enough to at least keep their inane conversations to a reasonable volume.

Anyway, I’m done ripping those clueless folks who paid $50-75 to see Dylan and then talked through the entire show. Whatever.

We’ll turn our attention to the Braves come Monday. Guy’s got the lads through Sunday. I’m hooking up with ‘em again in Florida. Maybe the road losing streak will be over by then _ and if not, then division race may be. That sounds silly, in early May. But if they were to somehow lose both today and Sunday and be 10 games down…well, the esteemed GM may not be able to wait until July to make a couple of moves in order to stem this tide.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 6, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith informs carolina lady that journalist does not wear a hat and has no plume. journalist is rugged man from bad lands and is no sissy. now, baby seal … unfortunately, baby seal is being punished for emotional outburst at last night’s game when reitsma gave up homerun on his second pitch. baby seal breaks wind. then, baby seal tries to cover up with big, bronx cheer. famed, old journalist in press box thinks that it is he that has broken wind and offers profuse apologies and swears off cheese products he is eating. baby seal then exposes flippers as he moves toward uneaten cheese crackers. old journalist withdraws in fear. cover is blown. baby seal is asked to leave press box. journalist jimmy smith is fined. punishement results. now, aussie … fearsome aussie man celebrates naked in clubhouse and calls everyone, bloke. much is to be feared of this strange, reliever man with movement on his pitches. most unusual tattoo in most unusual place. readers must ask dob. remember, it is dob who dismissed controversial web-toe rumor. where is dob? he has been missing longer than bobby dews after famous bullpen coach’s recent disappearance. now, marcus giles’ swing … announcer man says his swing looks better - and jimmy smith asks, better than what? long drive off the tee?

By Jamie

May 6, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Terry Pendleton is a joke as a hitting coach!!!!!!

By David O'Brien

May 6, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Damn, haven’t typed in couple of days and forgot how to spell. That should have been “painful” inning and half and “reworked” versions, not rewordeed (nice word, eh?) versions.

I’m afraid Francoeur is going to do just enough to stay in the lineup every day. But a three-hit game every two weeks and a homer every week, on average, isn’t going to help the Braves win.

My predicition: One decent bat and one proven reliever will be acquired well before the trade deadline. Don’t know who yet, but it’ll happen.

By Jamie

May 6, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Terry Pendleton is a joke as a hitting coach!!!!!! I think Niekro could back in and strike out half the team the way they are hacking these days.

By hk

May 6, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

… welcome back DOB, we’ve really missed you !!! …

By journalist soon to go on sabbatical

May 6, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

speak of the dob! well, he has checked in with his loyal blog family. it is good to know he still lives. jimmy smith is flattered that esteemed journalist dob is beginning to write more and more like journalist jimmy smith. will third person be far behind? now, stemming tide? what does dob mean by, “stem this tide”? is that like “stump the bunny”? or perhaps, “stagger lee”? speaking of stagger lee … whatever became of stetson hat? Plume on hat? probably not.

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’ve seen Dylan a couple of times, and he’s always even better than I anticipate. My only question is, how did you know he reworded songs… I could never understand a word from him when I’ve seen him live! Anyway, jealous of you being almost in my back yard at Chastain last night.

Surprised to hear your evaluation of Francoeur. He’s had at least one hit now in 9 of 11 games (I think); not overwhelming, but worthy of some patience. A homer every week works out to about 25, doesn’t it?

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, you crack us up! Thank you for the smiles!

By David O'Brien

May 6, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

stem the tide, as in stop the bleeding. come on, man.

t.p.’s not a joke, but much of the lineup has been so far this season. it’s what many of us stated as our main concern entering season _ reliance on so many players with a year or less in the bigs (Francoeur, Langerhans), and a couple others with less than two years’ service (LaRoche). And a young bench is rarely found with championship teams feature. Almost never.

I said before season McCann was the most solid of the young guys, in my view. The least of the concerns, with the best approach and mentality. I’ll stand by that asseessment.

Bobby will defend Reitsma right up to the day they jerk him out of the closer role. So don’t be surprised when it happens, like it did last year with Kolb. There won’t be advance warning, just one day it’ll be closer by committee, most likely. Unless and until they can get someone off a team that falls from contention.

Someone asked about Tony Clark. Response I got from someone in know when I asked about him other day is that Braves are lukewarm in interest, concerned that he had one great year in 2005 surrounded after lot of mediocre ones, and that he might not have another one in him.

By David O'Brien

May 6, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

MBATL, couple of things, then I’m gonna logoff.

It’s not my “evaluation” of Francoeur. Just a statment, that a three-hit game every once in a while, and a homer a week, isn’t what they need. I wasn’t suggesting they drop him from lineup, just stating they need him to get going. And yes, he’s shown signs recently. For his and their sakes, hopefully, it’ll continue.

25 homers, so what? In this era, 25 homers from right field, if a guy’s not hitting close to .300, isn’t much. That’s a power-production, run-production position. If you’re not getting run production from 1B, RF or LF _ and by that I mean, a lot of production from at least one of those spots _ then where are you going to get it? All from CF? Just that you need production from RF, and a .250 average and 25 homers isn’t much, unless you’ve got a couple other spots where you’re getting 30-35 homers and high averages.

Don’t mean to pick on Francoeur. He’s going to be good to very good in long run. Just not there yet, and it’s remarkable that he still hasn’t drawn a walk. I mean, that’s not a huge concern, just alarming that two years in a row he’s gone longer than anyone else in bigs to start his season without a walk. Tells you something, or should.

As I write this, LaRoche just went deep. I know I’m in minority here, but I really believe he’ll end up with about 30 homers and a .260-.270 average, with a high RISP average and a lot of doubles. In other words, not bad. But we’ll see.

Just can’t have four spots in your lineup batting closer (a lot closer, in three cases) to .200 than .300. And it won’t continue, I’m confident. But considering the dearth of offense, early starting ptiching woes, and lately inconsistent bullpen, they’re fortunate to be as close to hot-starting Mets as they are.

And Mets have to know that, with Mets’ already thin starting pitching getting even moreso today, the Braves can reel them in pretty quick if Pedro goes down and/or Braves get some surges from the likes of Giles, LaRoche and Franceour, who are all capable of huge production in spurts, and even longer sometimes

By Bob

May 6, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

My Lady, it’s as hard enough to keep up with one … don’t tell me there’s more.

Actually, roses generally smell pretty good except when they’re exposed to too much fertilizer … names don’t matter much.

Changed me mind … tell us more … beats baseball … if that’s what we’ve been seeing these last few days.

By David O'Brien

May 6, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

And lastly, Dylan enunciated just fine last night. I heard vast majority of the man’s words, and it was phenomenal stuff.

And I said reworked, not reworded. He just changes up the structure or a lot of old songs, turns some into bluesy numbers, adds pedal-steel to others, etc, whether to freshen them up, keep himself interested, whatever. I just know it works. They all sounded great.

Same lyrics, just different textures to the classic songs.

By MrC

May 6, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Even after Laroche’s home run I still say that Jordan should be playing for a couple of weeks straight. That will prove once and for all if he is done. The other thing I would like to say….this blog seems to always blame the manager and the coaches. Bottom line is the players are playing and it is the success or failure that create the wins or losses. The critism I would level at Bobby is he stays with players too long before he makes a change (batting order, playing time, etc.). The knee jerk reaction is to not give players a chance to fail. Bobby’s failure is to go too long. His way is more proven and is obviously the right way (14 titles).

By journalist soon to go on sabbatical

May 6, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

yes, dob, jimmy smith knew what you meant. that was merely jimmy smith’s way of welcoming you back. we journalists must keep one another on our repsective toes … toes? yes, toes also are important to journalists. it is well known that dob wears cowboy boots and concern for your healthy toes should be of paramount nature. journalist jimmy smtih has spent time at chastain but finds it exasperating.

flash reyes just put boogie man hex on braves - - - did you see it? did it twice!! where is bud selig??

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Hi, Bob! I just got bored and wondered if anyone else had noticed (even maybe a little slipup now and then)…..just something fun to pass the time…. jimmy smith is my very favorite cousin/blogger and I hope he knows it - absolutely nothing negative intended. This lady never attacks anyone, doesn’t bark (well, rarely), and has only bitten once….but I have had my shots….. just all in good fun.

As Jimmy says: now baseball - Do you think maybe Bobby is now sorry that he re-upped? TimeWarner sure isn’t going to add anything to the budget - and the new owners (whoever that my be) won’t be in charge soon enough to make any difference. Can’t think of anyone available who would be helpful, anyway…..I checked into selling the back-40, but that would still leave me a little short of the $400+ million needed. Actually, a LOT short….

By Chris

May 6, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Just came across the wire, Smoltz is starting on 3 days rest Sunday. Last time he did that was August 13, 1997. I would say the panic button has been pressed. As well it should be, Hudson gave up the lead and we are going to lose this game today.

By journalist soon to go on sabbatical

May 6, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

villa gonzales, dominican republic … reyes just put some stuff on the braves … could it be voodoo? is this the problem with chipper jones? little larry doll in mets dugout with pins in it? time for some journalism. jimmy smith will follow this wherever it may lead. now, fearsome aussie is in game. jourmalist must maintain low profile.

By Bob

May 6, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Good to see DOB alive and … well, being DOB. See his keyboard is giving him almost as much trouble as mine is giving me.

Did he say that Monday’s the day?

Bobby doesn’t want Frenchy to have the experience of walking to first … afraid it will have the same effect on him as it did on Giles. If he wanted Jeff to walk; he’d just reverse the order a bit and let him bet in front of Adam.

By journalist expresses admiration for resident journalist

May 6, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

carolina lady and bob, why would journalist grow a plume? and what identity might jimmy smith assume? dob? hard to emulate. in fact, this journalist is ready to declare dob winner of ugandan prize for atlanta braves beat writer - revered award. pitchers over-used? used poorly? where is liebrandt? can you say, reardon? bobby cox is old and has self-inflicted nasal injury. mets have batted 10 men this inning. 4 more runs.

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Who else is left in MS?

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Andrew?

By journalist expresses wonderment

May 6, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

“met killer supreme, chipper jones” … chip caray is watching the same game, right? is no one concerned about reyes’ hex movements? in uganda that is bad, bad, medicine. now, pratt … Donkey, Donkey, Old and gray, Open your mouth; And gently bray; Lift your ears, And blow your horn To wake up the world’ This sleepy morn.

By Eric C.

May 6, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

9 games back now…a loss tomorrow will be the “kiss of death.” Desperation time in early May…incredible.

By Mike R

May 6, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Just watching Atlanta choke again. The Mets will soon be up 9 games. Hudson again shows why Oakland is such a good organization. He is a choker. The Braves scored 4 runs. You should never lose a game when you score 4 runs and have your “ace” on the mound. Oakland obviously knew he was finished.

The real villian is all this Time Warner. They have the best GM and Manager in baseball but Time Warner strangles them with a “small market” payroll. Now Time Warner wants to sell them to another media company that doesn’t care about baseball. The best thing for the Braves would be for a terriorist to to blow up the building Time Warner and Liberty executives are meeting in…

By MBATL

May 6, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Mike R … Oakland? Terrorist Bombings? … oh never mind.

By Chris

May 6, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

And the game is over, yet another 1 run loss. We are now 5-11 in 1 run games. Thats the most 1 run losses of any team in MLB. 9 games out of first. Saw an article on ESPN.com that said since the run began in 1991, we have never been more than 4 1/2 games out of first as of May 7.

Smoltz on short rest Sunday. He is 6-7 with a 5.18 ERA on short rest in his career (17 starts). If we lose Sunday, you can take a shovel to this team and bury them. Even with a win, 8 games back is a long mountain to climb. The Mets are a good team, not some Phillies or Nats team of years past that will fold during the summer.

By Bob

May 6, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

My Lady, my note to ernesto conserning Miss Gracie Allen Smith was posted in the same vein … didn’t return much ore.

Bored perhaps. but never boring. My excuse is old age and pain pills … Jimmy’s just been distracted with all the losing; bad Mexican food, and being worried about DOB … it’s understandable. Now that DOB has told us where he been, Jimmy will perk up and hopefully the Braves will do the same. In the future, I would hope he’d be more considerate and tell folks in adavnce … where he’s going, not where he’s been.

I had to have shots once … after Coke’s Asa died, I went to see some of the property the Estate had up for sale … beautiful, posted, fenced wooded property … out in the country north of Atlanta. A note on the gate told where to find the key … but there was a big dog guarding the box where it was kept … nice, friendly German Sheppard … that is, until I reached to get the key … they forgot to mention the password in the note!

Bobby looks as tired as the Rem did the other night … maybe not as old, but mighty tired. Teona got me to thinking the other night about the impact that the impending sale might be having on the Braves … from top to bottom …not the outcome but all the uncertainties. It might be more distracting than imagined.

New ownership rarely finds it prudent to make any sudden, rash moves … but management is sure to fill their ear … and Capital Infusion might well be among the first requests.

I doubt that they’ll replace the current BC-JS team, certainly not the first day like the evil Lord Voldemort, who has FOX under spell, orchestrated.

Current Management needs to keep the ship afloat so that there’s something to salvage when the change finally occurs.

Don’t sell the back forty, not just yet … there’s bound to be a better way to get rid of the crows!

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Well what do you know, the Mets will win yet another series from the Braves. Oh, that’s right, it’s still early in the season. That’s right, the Braves always come back and win the division. And I forgot, the Mets just don’t play well against the Braves. And how can I forget that Met Killer Chipper “Larry” Jones and how he just does the Mets in. Oh my goodness, how could I forget that “Manager of the Year” Bobby Cox is just across the field pulling the strings on this juggernut of a ball team called the Braves. Man, the Mets don’t have any starting pitching, their left fielder is in a horrible slump, they got a manager who’s just been a manager for one year. They play in a dump of a stadium, fourth oldest in baseball. They can never beat the Braves, man the Mets have nothing going for them now do they?

This aint your older brother’s Mets!

See you tomorrow.

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Braves always start slow, I believe at one point they were about 8 games back of the Nationals. Hopefully the Mets will start imploding like the Nats did….however they arent getting lucky like the Nats and pulling off all these close wins. They are winning solidly.

Out pitching just cant allow so many runs. I feel if they allow less then 4 runs a game we can produce the offense to win. However it seems like when our starters have a great game the bullpen blows it, and when the bullpen has a good game it comes after a starter has sucked … Not good

By Johnny

May 6, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Too bad the All-Star break isnt next week…The Braves need time to get it together and just plain START OVER. Lose the game tomorrow (we all know its gonna happen,) take a day of, and get a little life back for the Florida series. What other options do they have at this point? You have to have hope to fight back, and the Braves have no hope at this point. Did anyone see those dugout shots? Like a tomb. And they are taking that to the field every time Pratt drops a pop, Giles flys out, or anyone in the 3-7 hole watches a 3rd strike. The hitters know it doesn’t matter because the pitching staff WON’T hold a lead, and the bullpen knows it doesn’t matter because the lineup (McCann aside) has no clutch life left. I’d be pretty bummed out if I were in the Braves lineup looking at THAT bullpen too.

As for the Mets, well, they are proving that if you toss $$$ at a problem long enough it will eventually go away. Thats NY baseball for you. What’s amazing is it took them this long to get it right.

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

I think DOB is right …. if Pedro goes down at all and Glavine has any problems being effective the Mets could drop real fast. Zombrano just got injured today and hopefully he’ll be out for a while :-) The mets also have another started on the DL now. So their already shaky pitching staff is having issues already. They just keep doing just enough to keep pulling out one run games. Remember last year the Nats did the same thing and then second half crashed. We could still see a mets choke, however I am not as confident as i was with the nats.

By forcesaberz

May 6, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

BTW why the heck did andruw leave the game??? Is he injured?

By Johnny

May 6, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Back injury. It looked like he twisted something while taking a cut last night and aggrivated it again today.

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met you suck, don’t you know that Time Warner owns the Braves and is causing them to lose????? Didn’t you see the CEO of TW give up those 4 runs in the 7th??? What? That was Tim Hudson?? The “ACE”? Really? Oh…. Well that definately was the CFO of Time Warner sitting on the dugout looking befuddled. No? Bobby Cox, huh? I guess the loss of Mazzone exposed this “genius” more than people thought huh? Bottom line “tomasquawkers” all your bellyaching and excuse making doesn’t hide the fact that it’s over for you. Time to start rooting for the Phillies cause the season ended today for you. And you better hope Andrew Jones that’s right Andrew, Unlike his parents, I can spell)because Larry and Franqueer instill no fear in Mets hearts anymore. Nice run, it’s over. Get used to it. Time for someone to win the east that actually might make it past the first round.

Oh and by the way, Atlanta IS a small market. Get used to THAT too. I now return you to your whining, flaming, and miricle hoping. Tell us all how you save face with a win tomorrow, I’d love a laugh.

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

This Mets team looks good. And they have been on a roll. They have won these past few days. They were our games to lose, and we blew them. We’ve had several leads in these games and we just stunk it up. But, here this:

The Mets have had a favorable schedule. (I hate this point because it shouldn’t make a difference. The Braves need to win on the road as well as at home.) But in any case, 13 of the Mets first 31 games have been at home. 20 of the Braves first 30 have been on the road.

The Mets have built a team of career first half players. Lo Duca is a proven first half player. Beltran is a career .800 OPS. He averages 25 doubles and 21 homers a year. And The Mets are headed into a challenging stretch on the Schedule. The Braves are heading into a favorable schedule, with the majority of it at home.

All of this is pointless if the Braves don’t start playing like winners. Close games are good. At least they aren’t getting blown out. Then there’d be reason to really worry. But they keep it close. They lose by lack of clutch hitting. Is it any wonder? Chipper hasn’t been on his game hitting. Renteria is the most consistant player right now. We need more than one consistant player. These guys need to get on it or else it will be over.

Hopefully this beating they are taking will wake them up. They have a job to do. Everyone of them. From JS all the way to Death Ray. Every last one of them has to start playing like winners, not just expecting to be winners.

By BravesSuk

May 6, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Hahahahaha, Is hilarious how you people keep talking about how the METS starting rotation is shaky!! Your whole staff and pen are suspect, and that’s being kind. Your ace just got beat by a band of middle relievers. And for the that fool that hopes Zambrano gets shelved, we do too. He’s the weak link, and we got this stud Pelfrey waiting to get up who’s got an ERA under 1.

And as bad as Mets teams have been, and they HAVE been bad, at least we,ve never been 9 out on may 6. Can you say that? Oh, I guess you can’t…

By sckot

May 6, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess a New york based Time Warner AOL company finally trip the Braves up. There is no need to compare the Mets and Braves, We cut payroll and vets and New York adds payroll and vets. I can,t imagine what John S and Bobby C could do with alittle extra payroll. As bad as we are right now, we keep most games close. Our bullpin can,t hold a lead when we get one. John find help soon.

By braveslover

May 6, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Nice to see some classy Mets fans, huh? Kinda like an oxymoron.

By Sckot

May 6, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

As much as the Mets spent, they still can,t buy there fans any class.

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

So, Tennessee Paul, you’re saying that 3 more road games equals a 9 game deficit? I bet that over the last 14 years you have heard ridiculous excuses like this from Mets and other fans and thought it was stupid, now you Braves fans are doing the same. How sweet the irony. The Mets are a better team. Period. As a matter of fact the Phillies are too.

By BravesSuk

May 6, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

**By Sckot

As much as the Mets spent, they still can,t buy there fans any class.**

Maybe we’ll send you some cash so you can buy an apostrophe.

By Johnny

May 6, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

So the fact that the Mets working payroll is $101 mil. and the Braves working payroll (adjusted for the BoSox portion of Renteria’s salary and loss/insurance adjustment of Hamptons $14.47 salary) is approx. $75 mil. has nothing to do with it? You’ve been watching how the Yankees operate too long if you think thats irrelevant.

By BravesSuk

May 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Cry me a river, Justin Timberlake, It’s funny how the Mets payroll has been higher than the braves for this 14 year (and ending) run but has never been an issue until we got better than you.

By DJ

May 6, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

The 5:15 p.m. post by ByeByeBraves sounded a lot like it came from the Wicked Witch of the East. Check it out closely. And, where’s Dorothy? Maybe our Journalist, Jimmy Smith is really on to something. Have the Mutts really stooped to voodoo, spells and hexes to pull them through? Follow wherever it may lead Jimmy Smith….For such a great Journalist I’d say this is a Mission Possible.

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

That was a typo…. It’s 13 games on the road for the Mets as opposed to 20 games for the Braves, so the math would be a difference of 7.

By TennesseePaul

May 6, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure what the Mets excuses were over the years. I’ve followed the Braves. Never felt the need to go to a Mets blog and find out why they couldn’t do it. Part of that winning tradition I guess. Win or Lose, there is no excuse for sh!t talkin’.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Braveslover and Sckot, is that the best you can say about your current situation? Is that Mets fans have no class? Please, every Met related response on here was polite, truthful and polite. You start looking bad and all you can do is attack the character of Mets fans? That’s so weak. How about that weak ball club you support, talk about how they are doing. The Mets supporters on this blogg have not attacked the Braves fans, they have talked about how weak the Braves are and how their time has passed. Now, without bringing personalities into it, tell me how right now the Braves are better than the Mets. You can’t. So just go back to crying how a NY based company that owns your sorry team is working against you to keep you down. keeping talking about how the”kids” need to play more and step up. Keep taliking about how the bullpen is so suspect. In other words Braveslover and Sckot keep your comments to the teams not the fans.

By Chop Chop

May 6, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

The weak ballclub we support has kicked your team around for years. It will take years of Met domination to change what the Braves have done to your sorry team, Mr. Met.

Is that what you wanted to hear?

By the way, any Braves fan who points out the flaws of his team and expresses his opinion about those flaws is merely doing what any Mets fan would do in that situation. Unfortunately for you, a baseball-headed person, Mets fans have had to deal with a lot of mediocre over the last twenty years. Maybe you can offer Braves fans some advice on how they should react to being disappointed?

By Bob

May 6, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

It may be true that the Met’s haven’t been 9 games back on May 7th an any of the last 14 years.

But how many times, since the Braves entered the Division, has being that close at the end of the season been something Met Fans could only hope the next season would bring? I’ve forgotten but in three of the last five seasons, they’ve been at least 25 games back.

In no way are the following comments directed to the one pointing out our sad place in the standings, or the many other fine Met fans taking their turn at the bar … but some folks just aren’t Major League material … it takes talent to be a Major League Fand and some need to spend some time in the minors to find out what it means to be a fan. For those not wanting to go to that much trouble, ask your Mama.

Before being too critical, I want to tie a cravat around that tree. I understand the poor, troubled, hyperactive folks crying out for attention in crude and vulgar ways with which most of us are unfamiliar … We must be mindful of their condition and the possibility that seizing opportunities to confront their demons, by visiting the best Blog sites around, may actually be medically prescribed therapy. Ours may the primary target for patients in the Eastern Division where such opportunities have been rare for those identifying with other teams.

One would at least hope that some rational explanation exisis for the behavior of us all.

By Chop Chop

May 6, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Oh, and as for keeping your comments to the teams and not the fans, I believe you ran your mouth off about Braves fans doing the Chop at games and how racist and disgraceful it is. I heard Mets fans mocking the Chop chant (and therefore mocking Native Americans) at Shea the last two days. I’m sure you are quite ashamed.

By Mark

May 6, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

And the beat goes on. Andruw is obviously playing hurt , Chipper isnt 100% , how many walks does Francoeur have….. 0. He has 0 stolen bases with 3 caught stealing and with 24 strike outs he is getting an F for absolute futility. The Braves have 13 stolen bases and 9 caught stealing for a Team grand total of + 4 and thats hilarious . Jose Reyes and the Muts are a camparable : 32 stolen bases 3 caught stealing for a Team total of + 29 and you all wanted too know why we are 5-11 in one run games. Well , there you go. We dont have a leadoff hitter or a closer , the bullpen is suspect and thats the problem in a nutshell. JS either fixs these problems or we can all get used too 80’s baseball all over again.

By David

May 6, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

BTW, remember back in 2000 when the Atlanta media showed incredible class when they said that the Mets didn’t deserve the pennant because the Braves (as usual) got eliminated in the first round? And speaking of money spent, when did Greg Maddox come up through the organization?

By matt

May 6, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Just an FYI - though it seems hard to believe, the Mets payroll right now is about $5 million less than it was last year.

By Steve

May 6, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

This is pathetic all around, there is 132 games left and the Mets have caught EVERY SINGLE BREAK and the Braves have caught maybe 3 out of 40. Like Chipper said, “No need to panic.” If they aren’t panicking….WHY THE HELL ARE WE??!!!!!! I am not after that. Smoltz will handle business tommorow the Braves play the Nats and Marlins next 10 games. Have a day off on Monday and the Muts head on the road to play 3 tought teams. May the truth be told in the next 2 weeks. I think ATL will be within 3-5 by June 1. All will be fine. Relax, take a day off on Monday with the team and dwell on the Smoltz victory that will come tommorow, regroup and sit back and watch the magic that occurs annually in Atlanta.

By hk

May 6, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… am in sympathy with your comments about some of the things that may influence some of our blogsters, and as usual, your words made me laugh …

… but I remember something in my early years in Boston, as an avid Red Sox fan, (with Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky, Dom Dimagio, Vern Stephens, et al) … my dad was a Yankee fan, and during those years of Casey Stengal, Joe Dimaggio, Yogi Berra and crew they simply demolished everybody else, year after year, with the Red Sox usually ending up in 2nd place maybe 10 games back (Tigers 3rd, Indians 4th)…

… but dad, as gentle and kind and patient a man as he was, was always fretting ‘doggone those Yankees, this this and this’ … I’d say, but dad, your guys are killing everybody !’ … he’d say ‘well, yeah, but if they’d just this this and ….’ … about that time my feisty mom would say ‘oh Henry for heaven’s sake !!’ …

… reflecting back, I think his team spoiled him a little bit …

By Carolina Lady

May 6, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Excellent, Bob! Salute! I won’t waste anymore time with Mr. Met?, was it? I said my piece and I’m done with it. There are some who are simply not worth the powder it would take to shoot them. Besides, I don’t like getting down into their sewer. ‘Nuff said from this lady. Next topic, please!

Jimmy, where are you?

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Guys, let’s be honest. Yes 14 straight division titles is incredible but when you add it up you’re still basically the Buffalo Bills of baseball. In the end you have 14 more division titles than the Florida Marlins and 1 less championship, so truth be told who really are the chokers here? Mets choke? Nah, we just weren’t as good as you were, till now that is. But what is your excuse for all those first round exits and non sold out playoff games? Everytime someone tells me pitching wins championships I say it doesn’t help the Braves.

And by he way, until you people stop embracing that tomahawk chop you really shouldn’t comment on class.

By BravesSuk

May 6, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Steve, what annual magic would that be exactly? The Braves disappearing in the first round?

By Brian

May 6, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

It just is not working with the Braves. DOB was right on in his assessment on the lack of 1B, RF, and LF production. No closer and no bullpen.

I would prefer Aubrey Huff over Tony Clark if we were to go get a 1B, but Tampa has to quit asking for Kyle Davies. I expect Thomson to be dealt for a closer/quality bullpen help. Duscherer at Oakland would be a good addition. If we could get an upgrade at LF for Betemit and a prospect obviously I would be thrilled. I like Langy but I think he projects more as a 4th OF getting 2 starts or so a week.

I expect after today JS is burning up those cell phone minutes.

By YankeesAreTheNewBraves

May 6, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Interesting article in New York Post……… apparently the Yankees have become the “New” version of the Braves……not quite good enough. Where are Kenny Rogers and Bobby Bonilla when the Mets need them :-). These Mets actually seem like a good team with good guys like Wright, Reyes, Glavine, LoDuca, and Julio Franco. If the Braves and Yankees can not get it done….. let’s hope the “other” NYC team might actually know how to perform in October. Time will tell.

JETER CAN KEEP BOMBERS FROM BEING THE BRAVES

Maybe it’s simply coincidence that Jeter is off to a hot start. Or maybe he’s setting an example of excellence for a team that may have grown complacent about getting to playoffs without getting a World Series ring. Size up the Yankees these days and two frightening words come to mind: Atlanta Braves.

The Braves are the team that consistently wins 90 or more games every season, wins the division and then disappoints in October. Though they’ve won 14 straight division titles, the Braves own but one World Series trophy.

It has been five seasons since the Yankees last won a World Series. And while that drought doesn’t compare to the Braves’ lack of achievement, every year without a World Series title in The Bronx begs the question, when will nice tries start getting old here?

For Jeter it already has. “If you didn’t win the World Series you fell short,” he said. “It’s not getting there that makes you happy. Unless you win it, you’ve fallen short.”

Another year without a World Series championship and the Yankees will start looking more and more like the Braves. That’s the last thing Jeter wants.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 6, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH..OH..OH..OH..OOHH…OOOOOOOHHHHHHH..OH..OH..OH..OOHH…OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH..OH..OH..OH!!!……GO METS!!!…

By brian

May 6, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney has a column on insider on espn.com. Basically he says the Braves are in trouble.

Genius and insightful. I see why he gets paid the big bucks.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 6, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

hello lady, jimmy smith here. journalist jimmy smith tonight found a most accommodating restaurant close to the stadium. plenty of fruit and salads, too. they could not believe jimmy smith is a journalist! doc has made jimmy smith a new man. regular, too. doc is credited with steering jimmy smith on a new course. now, dob … same ol’ cheetos and beer in room. cheese sandwiches in bars. doc, can you help journalist dob before he becomes hopelessly constipated? now, braves lineup … more surprises await tomorrow. why does langerhans sit and francoeur does not get a day off to learn strike zone? reitsma is still closer, right? “just one bad pitch … ” jimmy smith thinks reitsma could not knock a crow out of carolina lady’s tree.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Yes Chop Chop I talked about the chop and the chant as being racsist, but some Native American Braves fans wrote that they were OK with it so I wrote back that far be it from me to see it that way if they don’t. Read the whole blog before you tell me what I say and don’t say. Yes, continue to cling to the past, it won’t take years of domination to erase what the Braves have done, one win of the division and to go further than the first round will make people forget all of what the Braves have done. The Braves will simply be known as the Buffalo Bills of baseball that’s all. Why don’t you get it yet, this is why the way the Braves are playing is such news and why everybody is talking about and rooting for the Braves demise, cause you acted for so long that they were all that, but yet won just one championship and all those division tittles were won in what your own fans called a weak eastern division. That’s why you lost in the playoffs, you were weak too, just not as weak as the rest of the eastern division that’s all. So get off your high horse and eat a little crow for a while.

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Actually chopchop it would not take years of domination, it would only take ONE championsgip to equal ALL that you’ve done with those 14 division titles. I’m sure the Marlins look at their 2 world championships and don’t give 2 craps about your run. 14 division titles and about $7.50 would buy you a mocha grande at Starbucks.

And for the brain surgeon that says Mets fans were mocking native americans with the chop, they were mocking you guys. Maybe with a little more schoolin’ you would have noticed that.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady have a good night and I’ll see you tomorrow.

By Steve

May 6, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

7 out of 30 teams have World Championships in the last 10 years. The Braves are one of them, the New York Mets are not. The Yankees have half of them. Well, they bought half of them. How many idiots have general managed and managed the Mets since then? How many times did they even have a chance? Atlanta Braves won a World Series 10 years ago and have had an opportunity to win plenty more and didn’t, simple as that. It is VERY hard to win a WS..you fans should know, the Yankees wiped you out with authority. All Braves fans know there should be more but you Mets fans havn’t even had a CHANCE to experience winning a WS RING in the last TWENTY YEARS!!!! AND THE MUTS LAST WS SHOULD BE 69 BUT BUCKNER…..ETC. HAPPENED IN 86 EVERYONE KNOWS THAT PLAY GAVE THE METS A WS ON THE MOST BUM ERROR EVER. THE BRAVES HAVE WON IT WITH RESPECTABILITY AND NO GARBAGE ERRORS GIVING GAMES AWAY. THEY ACTUALLY PLAYED AGAINST STEROIDS IN THE WS (ALBERT BELLE) AND OVERCAME THAT WITH AUTHORITY AND ONCE AGAIN WON A WORLD SERIES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS…..METS FANS KEEP ON GOING WITH YOUR “THE TEAM. THE TIME.” PATHETIC JOKE GARBAGE YOU ALL BUY INTO. YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT SLOGAN EVERY YEAR AND YOU ALL GET GIDDY AND ACTUALLY BELIEVE IT. SORRY YANKEE WANNABEES MONEY WILL NOT BUY YOU EVEN A DIVISIONAL TITLE. ONCE AGAIN, SIT BACK AND WATCH ONCE AGAIN, AND SIT THERE AMAZED AND ANGRY, ONCE AGAIN, AS ATLANTA DOES WHAT THEY DO, AND REGARDLESS OF WHAT EVERYONE THINKS THE METS ARE NOT WINNING 110 GAMES, WHICH THEY ARE ON PACE FOR. YOUR LUCK WILL RUN OUT VERY SOON. YOU HAVE 1 INJURY PRONE VERY GOOD STARTER, ONE OLD INCONSISTENT GOOD STARTER AND AN AVERAGE STARTER AND TWO INJURED BUMS. HOW IS BILLY WAGNER DOIN WITH THOSE BLOWN SAVES TOO? WORRIED YET? YEH AND KAZ MATSUI WILL BAT .380 ALL YEAR, XAVIER NADY WILL PLAY BETTER THEN GARY SHEFFIELD ALL YEAR AND PEDRO WILL BE 32-0, GLAVINE 20-5 1.95 ERA. BELIEVE IT ALL YOU WANT. BRAVES ARE IN A BRUTAL SLUMP AND STILL HANGIN IN THERE LOSING BY ONE EVERY DAMN GAME. WAIT UNTIL THEY ALL COME AROUND TOO. I SURE CAN’T.

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met, how do you KNOW that they really are native american fans? They could just be saying that, and if they really ARE native american then they really need to get their priorities straight. All I know is that MANT native american groups are upset with the braves and that chop and the braves and their fans don’t care. When is scalping nite at turner field? that’s not any less offensive than the chop. Maybe Chief Nocahoma (real classy) can hand them out at the gate.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

The capital letters Steve shows a little anger. Relax, keep telling yourself all those things so you feel better about yourself and your “cant get over the hump Braves”. Look 10 years, 20 years, it don’t matter. the minute the Mets win they will be deemed better than the Braves. End of story.

By Penn

May 6, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Scott Thorman: Individual Stats

G 27 AB 98 R 13 H 30 2B 3 3B 2 HR 4 RBI 14 OBP .387 SLG .500 AVG .306

Richmond Braves through 05-05

Perhaps we need to reach out and touch someone.

Salty is not setting the world on fire but he is hitting about .225 with 4 HR’s. I don’t see how he can be as bad as Pratt. He looks absolutely lost at the plate.

Unless something is done and soon we can kiss off 2006. Like I said a number of times before the Mets have put together a good team. And their “lousy” pitching is holding so far. Yesterday and today they beat us with their bullpen. It’s a fact.

If Smoltz can’t get it done tomorrow you can hang ‘em up.

By Mr. Met

May 6, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Bye Bye, I’m not sure they were, they said they were and out of courtesy I took them at their word. But they also said they were Braves fans, so how much stock can you really put in them, right?

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Wow steve must be mad, or else his keyboard is broke. Bottom line Mets 6 trips to the post season - 2 titles. Braves 14 trips 1 title. And uh, didn’t that same Yankee team kick your a*******es in the series? Or did you choke? which was it? And in the point of buying championships someone on here asked when Maddux came up through the braves system and I am still waiting for that answer. Sheffield too. What was Hudson’s record at Richmond? I know that was a trade but you still had to take on the salary.

By jojothemonkeyboy

May 6, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

I miss Jeff and Bob. Very good anouncers. A fresh perspective. Jeff has been there, and done everthing.

Giles is still stinking up lead off.

By CockoftheWalk

May 6, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

With all those years of Ted Turner’s big bucks - stupid Braves were only able to “buy” ONE championship!

By Bob

May 6, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Loraine Johnson’s husband used to say that it wasn’t baseball that he liked so much, it was the people. Never thought of him that way but he did seem to get along pretty well with everybody … starting in about 1980.

Young Braves Fans don’t remember when Bobby and Leo were first together and they engineered one of the greatest comebacks in National League history. Fewer still give Bobby proper credit for being instrumental in helping Hank on his way to breaking the Babe’s home run record.

Leo is gone now but Bobby’s still around … and we may need another Miracle Finish in 2006.

“Bobby Cox, you need to be more like Leo … you’ve had plenty of practice with the language and red face … now, do what Leo would want you to do after sizing up the situation; probably 15 games ago … give one of your prize animals to the opposing pitcher … as a bribe to hit Chipper in the head; no not the foot; we don’t want him on the DL … and then to start throwing at folks in the dugout … until a big fight breaks out!!

I’ll bet that’s what Leo would tell you do; maybe Roger would too except that he’s a timid rookie coach.

Simply put … this team needs to regain its fight … you know that … and, it’s easier to get it back beating up the bad guys than beating up on yourselves.

Anything’s better than taking it on the chin every night after leading on points going into the late rounds.”

Since the start of Spring Training, the Veterans have all been asked if they think the Rookies are going to hold up under the 2nd year jinx … while the returning Rookies have been asked time and time again how they were going to handle it.

A self-fulfilling prophecy if there ever was one!

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Mr. Met has a point, all the Mets have to do is win this year and the braves streak is forgotten. Not just in new york either. Your title streak is like a batting streak, big news until that o-fer comes and guys that o-fer is pretty close. For all of you hoping that the Phillies will do what you couldn’t next week, well that swept you and are way better than you also so what makes you think you will catch them, let alone us??

You know what’s funny Mr. Met (can I call u MM for short?)? Thursday I heard all this talk about a statement sweep, then it became “ok, 2 out of 3 and we’ll be ok” now it’s “all we need is Smoltz to win tomorrow” (nice managing job by the national league version of joe torre by the way to force bringing smoltz back on short rest). I wonder what the rally cry will be should ol smoltzie lose tomorrow?

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 6, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

ooooooohhhhhhhhh…I live for this!!!…GO METS, PHILLIES, MARLINS, & NATS!!!…

By SJA blows!

May 6, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know why DOB has this critical series with the Mets off?

By Roy

May 6, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Get used to the Mets winning. Unless we dramatically increase our payroll like the Mets have done the last 2 years and start singing some real impact players, instead of fielding a major minor league team, I don’t see us being anything but mediocore from here out. Pray Liberty Media doesn’t buy this team, because it will doom us for many years to come.

Also, wait until Andruw is gone after this year, then the pain really begins.

Too bad we can’t trade Chipper for a solid bat and some bullpen help. The guy hasn’t been a feared, clutch hitter for about 3 years now. Look at his batting avg in the playoffs since 2001, it’s something like .091. A $15 million investment should buy you Albert Pujols Jr, not a 270 avg with 2 hr’s and 9 rbi’s. Wilson B is an upgrade at third and he costs about $14 million a year less. Sacred cows are not making this team better.

By ByeByeBraves

May 6, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

Good job Roy. The rest of you should take your cue from him. He sees a problem and and looks for a viable solution other than hoping on some “braves magic”. If you are hanging your hopes on the Mets fading alone then you are lost because the Mets are built (and yes, paid for) to win. You have not faced a team as strong as the Mets in your streak yet and if the plan is to wait for a collapse only then wave the white flag. The last 2 games should have told you that. In previous years we lose those games and we would be talking about another braves sweep of the mets and not the other way around.

By David

May 6, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Brave fans,

Please enlighten us as to the nature of your anger toward the Mets and their fans. With recent history, you all can afford to be far more gracious.

By CellarDwellerBraves

May 6, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Who does John Smoltz think he is? With his rubber arm ready to fall off at the shoulder…that old man needs to go home and watch baseball from an easychair!

By CDB

May 6, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Next thing you know - he will want to pitch underhanded!

By BravesSuk

May 6, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Good question cellar dwellar! With all this talk about the “shaky” (ML Best) Mets starting rotation and whether Glavine, he of the sub 2 ERA (funny how he was so great when he was a Brave)or Pedro (‘nuff said) will last, what about Smoltz? Where is your rotation should he go down? Glavine and Pedro only need to go six with the met bullpen, can you say the same?

By ssiscribe

May 6, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

SOUTHERN PART OF THE SUNSHINE STATE — I’m glad to tell the earlier inquiry about the sun and warmth down here that, indeed, there was plenty of both on South Beach today.

But in the world of the Braves, there are plenty of dark clouds and chilly winds.

I’ve said it oh, so many times but, seriously, it’s a long season. With that said, tomorrow’s game is important from the standpoint of it being a two-game swing, a two-game swing with a team the Braves won’t see again for two months.

Ten games is a hell of a lot more daunting than eight. Six would’ve been much better, but you take what you can get.

Sources of mine tell me the Bravos are frustrated. No news flash there. Hell, who ISN’T frustrated at this? But remember, I don’t think the Mets are going to play like this the entire season. If they do and win 107 games, so be it.

But, the time is drawing near for the Braves to address some needs, mainly the bullpen situation. A deal, to me, seems to be a necessity at this point. Waiting for July 31 may be too long to wait. The Braves need some semblance of a throw-down, lock-down closer, and soon. And, of course, you have to give up something to get something, so get ready, fans, to scream and holler when somebody you care about gets shipped out of town.

It’s gotta happen if you wanna see this bunch play in October.

And to think, the Braves wanted to cut Smoltz’s workload this season. Now, he’s pitching on three days rest in a game that is as critical as a game can get on May 7.

DOB, the traffic down here sucks, dude. Glad I’m heading home tomorrow. Enjoy the colorful sights at Dolphin Stadium (me personally, I like the colorful sights on South Beach today, but I digress). Just watch out for the construction around Gates B and H. I think they’re trying to widen all the concourses for the Super Bowl, but it’s a pain.

Later on.

By Adam

May 6, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any chance the Braves could trade for Carl Crawford? That’d get us a big bat and solve our leadoff needs.

By Stan

May 6, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Everyone says that the mets can’t keep playing like this. You may be right, they may get BETTER! Remember Floyd hasn’t hit yet and is still below .200, Wright has cooled of considerably after his torrid start, Delgado was just in a 0-14 slump, LoDuca was just in a 1 -17 funk, Beltran was out for over 2 weeks, Reyes is hitting under 300 and hasn’t been getting as as much as he was the first week of the season, Trachsel has been shaky at best, Zambrano has been…well Zambrano which aint too good, Bannisters control had been horrid, Wagner has blown 3 saves. And yet with all this they are 21-9. What will happen if even just HALF these problems correct themselves?

By Kevin

May 7, 2006 04:57 AM | Link to this

Yes bobby is a great person n mananger durin season……when get to post season its we gone in Hurry….But remember Mr.Met the chant n chop were started when sanders was here awhile. Also it is not Makin Fun of Indians like u said n please stop this Cleveland Indians name is Racist crap.We went thru this some group of moroms called AIM Just hated fact some Tribes felt was Okay had no problem with the chant n chop….Remember Johnny bench he indian also he found no problem when was broadcaster in 1991.So as are season is a dud now n Mets be 10 ahead by monday we say bye bye to Cox soon….And new blood in dugout sorry Braves u act like all need was win east u never said lets win it all…chipper has 11 errors no like new helmets he should be worrryed on hittin more..

By Kudzu

May 7, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Smoltz, you wanna help the team? Go back to the “closer” role…get off your high horse and be a team player “again”.

By JasonInMaine

May 7, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

Kudzu,

I agree and always have thought that Smoltz would better serve the team as a starter. He didn’t do much for the team last year when he was too burned out to be able to start game 1…he might as well been available for each game instead of 1…we didn’t go any further in the playoffs, did we? And, if he can’t go all out and actually be an Ace, well, he isn’t helping the team much is he? How many more wins would we have this year if he was closing? No one can say for sure, but with all of the 1 run games and Smoltz being able to go more than an inning once in a while, I would say we would have won 4-5 more games at this point with him closing.

DOB, still think Hudson has turned the corner and is the ACE the Braves thought they were getting? He sucked yesterday…just like in his first couple of starts. Everything high in the zone and getting hammered. 6 earned in a little over 6 innings is not an ACE. Does Maddux still have more wins by himself than the entire Braves starting rotation or are they tied? Seriously, put Smoltz at closer, get a corner outfielder that can leadoff, and get a 1st baseman. Do something!

By Gary

May 7, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

I guess letting Leo Mazzone leave and not even offering a few hundred thousand more to keep him, is coming home to roost. John S., this was the worst move you have made as the Braves GM.

By K V

May 7, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

We’re certainly not playing the best baseball right now, but we’re also having to play the hottest teams on their home fields too. The Brewers, Phillies, and Mets have improved lineups that have gelled faster than we have.

Yeah, we should be winning more games, but we’re really not quite ready to play them at this point in the season.

The fact that we’ve had a chance to win some of these games (thanks Reitsma) is amazing in it of itself with half our lineup in slumps or striking out consistently, or named Todd Pratt.

When we gel, I hope we’re not TOO far back and the other teams will hit their rough patch at some point…there’s 130+ games left!

By Nockahoma

May 7, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Why, oh why, did we let Leo get away? What was the front office thinking? We need someone who can figure this pitching mess out and get us on the brighter side of .500. What’s taking McDowell so long to figure out a winning formula. You can’t keep losing games in the late innings. How many saves have been blown now? How many one run games have we lost b/c of relief pitching. There’s got to be someone - a free agent or some hot rookie in the farm system - that wants to win. None of the guys in there now want to win.

By utahjoe

May 7, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

this lineup needs to be shakenup: 1.Langerhans 2. McCann 3.Chipper (1st base)4.Andruw 5.Renteria 6.Giles 7.Francouer 8.Betemit (3rd base) Then the rotation needs to be changed: Remove Sosa and replace with Horacio until Chuck James is ready and insert him into Horacio s place and try to trade Ho or Thomson for Scott Linebrink

By ChrisinPA

May 7, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Statement weekend achieved…we need another bat and another arm. I didn’t think Furcal would be missed, but I think the lack of a speedy lead-off hitter is effecting Giles, in that, he is not getting as many fastballs to drive for doubles, etc. AND like DOB said, the Braves are counting on young players to protect Andruw, and it’s showing. So, as far as a bat goes, we need to trade for a speedy guy to lead-off (Crawford…I can dream, Gaithright?, someone) so that either Giles can go back to the 2 - hole and Renteria to the 5-hole, or vice-versa, or we need a bat for the 5 hole that will protect Andruw, because LaRoche ain’t cutting it. As far as an arm…I think its obvious that we need a closer, and push Reitsma back to where he has been so successful…pitching the 8th. I think the Boyer injury has been bigger than most thought. I am one of the few that like Reitsma, but he is not a closer. But think, if we had a legit closer, we would have Sosa or James in LR, Villareal, McBride, Cormier, Remlinger in MR, Reitsma as the set-up guy and a closer. Just my $.02

By journalist expresses wonderment

May 7, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

amazing transition and beautiful post by scribe! scribe goes from sunny, warm beach in miami to dark clouds and chilly winds surrounding the braves … and scribe takes readers with him!! this is journalism at its best. jimmy smith read this post with great feeling. jimmy smith wept. jimmy smith read this post again and again to baby seal and now both agree that this is best post in blog since letwan left-talented man that letwan. journalist jimmy smith will be trying transition in future posts and asks friend and fellow journalist scribe to critique. now, smoltz … what is bobby thinking? starting this old man on only 3 days rest? sore arm for smoltz means season is over. does taking this risk mean that bobby thinks season may be over if braves go 10 down in may? 10 down in may? who can believe this? francoeur the rally killer? reitsma the save blower? sosa the pudgy game loser? giles the leadoff hitter who forgets he does not get a mulligan off the first tee in baseball? oh, jimmy smith is pained today- fortunes are not good. journlaist is also undergoing cheese withdrawal. jimmy smith should not be critical of individual players and performances but journalist is reminded that 5&6 holes have produced many outs this year when scoring opportunities were present. friday’s game was won by betemit with homerun if reitsma can only records the outs a closer is supposed to record. sad. this hole was present in off-season and was not addressed. now, journalist must go work on transition. stay tuned for results. journalist is excited about prospects of next post.

By journalist posts with feeling

May 7, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

IN THE CAROLINA LADY BACKYARD WITH CROWS A- CAWING - it is said that when you hear a crow caw from the southeast it means an enemy is on his way.

today, the crows are cawing from the southeast end of bobby cox’s dugout beseeching manager bobby cox to change his lineup and win today’s game.

now, journalist must go and rest.

By mike

May 7, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Another tough one to lose. 10 back after sunday will be tough to overcome. Mets are a tough team structured well by their managment staff and it will take a slide of epic magnitude for anyone to catch them. Sell to Liberty while to the brave fan looks disturbing, it must be pointed out the Liberty group has a history of spending wisely and their management group goes by the value of ” You have to spend money to make money” May not be the gloom and doom we are are forecasting. Have to have fhis one today.

By DavidM

May 7, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Forget the Mets for now, we are four games behind Philly which has won 7 straight. This is going to be a long season.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

*Mr. Met, I hope you return to read this: I am half Indian, half Irish. A great combination in many ways, but detrimental in a few - a prime example is a temper that can sometimes flash, but then is gone. That temper flashed yesterday and I have to apologize for that. My posts have always been polite, my baseball comments always directed at my team, and never negative towards any person. I’m truly sorry I showed a negative side.

As to my heritage, the great majority of my people know who they are, know their history, and are, in fact, put off by people striving to be politically correct about us. I do not intend that to be negative towards you - just for your edification. Keep in mind that the phony doctrine of political correctness was initiated to promote political gain in certain quarters; there is no genuine care or concern - just politics gone amuck again. It gained headway primarily through the gutless wonders who sit behind desks and blabber about the day’s events on TV. Talk about something enough and some begin to accept it as reality. My people, as a whole, are self-reliant, realistic. There are a few who have gotten too “touchy” and self-important, who have waded into that political cesspool of “curry to me and my interests and I’ll vote for your party.” I find that totally repugnant. Just my own opinion - and I’m so thankful to live in a nation that allows me to speak my opinion freely.

“Mocking” was used previously in the above posts. The chop is not mocking. Mocking is when an action is taken or words are spoken with the willful intent of degrading or hurting someone or some group. That simply is not the case with the chop.

As the the team names: would it be offensive is a major league team called itself the “New Yorkers”? I don’t think so. Teams don’t take names for themselves that are negative. Anyone who deems himself offended by such has other deeper problems. How about the “Fighting Irish”? Offensive? Don’t think so - and that’s the other side of my heritage.

One last point, then I’m off: If one is to take on the mantle of “political correctness” and not offend any one or any group, it has to go beyond ethnicity. I’m against anyone setting out to deliberately “mock” or otherwise hurt any other person/s on these principles: Scripture tells me that “a soft answer turns away wrath”, that the seed we sow (in our words and deeds) in our daily lives is the crop that we will reap (and I want a good crop!), and to enter into strife opens the door to confusion and every evil work. I don’t want any part of it.

So, I again apologize to you. Let’s just enjoy baseball!

By Blake

May 7, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Reggie Sanders and Ryan Franklin will help

By CarolinaMike

May 7, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I find this argument that the Mets are only winning because they spend more money very laughable. Last time I checked the payrolls, the Mets were spending $100 million and the Braves $90 million. That’s 10 million dollars. I’ll tell you one thing…the Braves aren’t getting very much for their 90 mil, especially considering all these inexperienced kids you’re carrying. I’m guessing Mike Hampton must be an expensive bench adornment.

And by the way, despite your vaunted division title streak, which team won the pennant more recently? I believe that would be the Mets in 2000. You guys haven’t been to the show since 1999. And I won’t even talk about the one WS title (compared to our two) for all those years. What a waste.

By CarolinaMike

May 7, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

BTW, here are the 2006 numbers:

1. NYM - 100.9
2. LAD - 99.1
3. CHC - 94.8
4. HOU - 92.5
5. ATL - 92.4

By Bob

May 7, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

David,

There is more than one David … so if you wrote this, “Please enlighten us as to the nature of your anger toward the Mets and their fans. With recent history, you all can afford to be far more gracious.” … then this one’s for you.

I rather doubt that there are any Braves’ fans that harbor any anger or hate for the mets. We probably feel the same way about some of your players as Met fans feel about Chipper and others that have great success against the Mets. We love it when one of our “Met Killers” delivers the decisive blow … whether it be a bloop single or a homerun; and hate it when the shoe is on the other foot!

Hope you’ll agree that it’s a good rivalry; more competitive in some years than in others … but a good rivalry … and with good fans like yourself on both sides, we can expect it be even better.

To the extent that your requests are basically retorical … I would answer by positing that boorish behavior by anyone is totally inexcusable, regardless of the rationalization. People shouldn’t need reasons of circumstance to be gracious.

Actually, positing may be a little strong since I can only speak for Bob … so think of it as opining .. but, I would hope that it is the attitude of the majority.

Unfortunately, things aren’t as simple as the old “whitehat-blackhat” “B” westerns. On this Blog, most folks figure we’ve got 5 basic groups of people contributing (1) Good, (2) Bad, (3) Good pretending to be Bad, (4) Bad prending to be Good, and (5) Doc’s Sheep.

Of course, it’s up to each of us to decide who goes where. There are some very skilled folks around these parts and I haven’t found classification too easy.

Doc’s Sheep are those who blindly follow the lead of the one (1) making the most noise at the moment or (2) whos comments strike a chord.

There are a bunch of Doc’s sheep! They won’t be a problem if members of Groups 2 and 4 are deported or put into exile.

Atlanta fans don’t recognize members of Groups 2 and 4 to be Braves’ Fans, regardless of their protestations, since they don’t satisy our minimum standards for membership in that fraternity. Either they are are not baseball fans or they are here representing some other team whose standards are lower than ours! In any case, most seem to troubled and suffer from chemical imbalances that cause them to behave boorishly in order to receive attention … when simply raising their hand would suffice.

It is to those groups that some of our fans direct their ire, in efforts to rid our Blog of those types of people. If Met Fans don’t claim them, then we invite you to help us send them back to Philly or whereever it is that the’re from.

Group #3 is made up of some interesting folks, and close examination will allow you to identify most of them. They’re mostly real fans that know how to fish … they put out the bait, set the hook and reel in the fish. There are quite a few members of this group, including many Met fans, who use that technique to have some fun while making their point. The problem here is that some folks don’t know when they’re being had and so the effort is often wasted … and sensative feelings unintentionally hurt.

Stated in terms of the Groups, our fans really respect both the Mets and those of their fan base that meet the minimum standards I referenced. I think that all true fans should be elitists in that regard. It’s important to recognize that members of Groups 2 and 4 are not true fans … Met and Brave fans, together with all fans of baseball, should join hands in identifying and silencing them in the best interests of the game.

While our perspectives may be different, I really hope that our fundamental value systems are closely aligned and contributions to the rivalry are always positive.

Please excuse any errors. I’d better stop before I start taking myself too seriously.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

flash harpo is pitching for the mets!! check out hair.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, Jimmy Smith! Your championing of fruits and vegetables is spreading! Harpo is promoting his favorite bean. See? :-))

By hk

May 7, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

… way to go, Carolina Lady, well said …

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t appear that “Slipper” has much of a loaded bat this weekend. The Mets are getting out the brooms. Love to see Bobby Cox look like he’s constipated.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Thank you, hk. Apreciated!

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Hmm! Did Bobby just light that match someone mentioned yesterday??

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it nice of the umpires to give the Braves a hand today? Pity party!

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

LoDuca…if you’re gonna slam the ball down and get tossed you might as well hit the ump’s foot and make it enjoyable.

By glennbo

May 7, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

who’s the best hitter on the team right now with a 22 game hitting streak? maybe he should bat leadoff.

By glennbo

May 7, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

i hate to admit that i might have been wrong about brian jordan. he can still contribute.

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Renteria. Maybe he should bat leadoff, clean-up and in the 7-spot. All during the same game. That might help.

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Beltran. Can’t hit jack with runners on base. Only when they’re empty.

By Carroll

May 7, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

glennbo: don’t be too hard on yourself…it’s all reletive. Right now, we have two of the suckiest players hitting 5th-6th in our order (today batting cleanup!!). Thus, BJ Jordan looks like Poo-holes compared to those clowns.

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

It’s pretty apparent that the Braves’ announcers don’t have much of a clue as to what happens in MLB outside of Atlanta.

Zambrano being gone for the season is a blessing. If he was healthy, the Mets would continue to pitch and watch him get shelled just to justify the dumb-a* trade they made to get him.

By Carroll

May 7, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

McNasty: there is no way you can spin this to make it seem better to have Lima than Zambrano in your rotation. Just stop before you blow your credibility.

By McNasty

May 7, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

When the hell did I say I wanted Lima? I’d rather have my dog pitch than Lima. What I said was I’d rather have anyone but Zambrano. He consistently sucks and they wouldn’t yank him.

Eventually they’ll figure out to pull Heilman in from the bullpen or go out and buy somebody. But I’d rather see them shuffle folks in and out of that spot than watch Zam-Bamo.

Pay attention.

By hk

May 7, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

… top guys in Total Bases (at the moment), Andruw-63, Frenchy-53, Edgar-45, McCann-45, LaRoach-43

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Braves fans, let’s not use “payroll” as an excuse. If the Mets keep playing .700 ball, they’ll probably win the division.

The Mets or Yanks could never even compete with “just” $80 million to spend, while the Braves generally excel with it. Let’s take some pride in that, that we have a better organization, and not make excuses if we lose for one year (which I don’t think we will!).

By Bob

May 7, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

My Lady, I read what you said to Mr. Met and I liked it, … all of it! I hope that he and I aren’t the only ones to see it … Well done, it should be on everyones MUST READ list!

The message leaps off the tracks and goes well beyond the ado over what I perceive as a highly touted, but highly manufactured issue and is one of the few good reads I’ve seen having the courage to unmask of some of those dastardly villians and identifing them for what they really are.

My Lady even recognized the honest decipiles, innocently championing the causes of those having private agendas.

There’s a lot of food for thought that will use significant digestive juices of the reader as it directly or indirectly addressing sensitive issues like … “Political Correctness”, feined sincerity, private agendas and “holier than thou praching and elitism” … our third ears should be free of wax when we listen to its message.

Powerful stuff, delivered with sincerity … Bravo! I give it at least 4 stars out of a possible 5.

By hk

May 7, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

… had the same thought when Bobby jumped into the middle of everything, got thrown out, lighting that fire …

By journalist

May 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

john smoltz is a great atlanta brave. one of the all-time best. now, before his arm falls off, will he remain in the game until the end. or will pat corrales put the game in the hands of the pen and closer reitsma? now, francoeur … we are seeing how important it is to have his bat contribute. bases loaded for chipper - about that statement …

By Mark

May 7, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Dave Kingman = Jeff Francoeur , just kidding. But its feast or famine with Francoeur. The Muts better go get some pitching or the Braves might actually begin to think they can get back into the race for the division , lol . Have you ever seen anything more bizarre than the 2nd inning ? That was insane , the umps blew two calls in one play. That was almost laughable. The Muts lost thier composure and the Braves didnt and now we have people throwing at each other. This is gonna get ugly and more bizarre.

By MEB

May 7, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Pour it on Braves! The Mets may be up right now by 8 or 9 games but I don’t find the Mets to be a very appealing team. Carlos Beltran does not appear to me as a winning player. I think I’ll stick with the Braves. GO BRAVES!!!

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Check my numbers if you want, but I think for the last 8 games including today through 7, Francoeur is: 12 of 36 (.333) with 2 dbls, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 5 SO, and of course 0 walks. 1 hitless game in the period.

Not saying he’s exorcised all the demons (remember, it took Andruw about 7 years to do that), but at what point does anyone in here give him a little credit?

By Mark

May 7, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

McCann is RED HOT , he could hit in a phone booth right now. Put him in the 4 hole so he can clean up. The guy is putting good wood on every single pitch he swings at. 13 to 1 , its ugly for the Muts today.

By Steve

May 7, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

1rst thoughts, HAHHAHAHAAHA. 2nd thoughts, to all Mets fans who say they are happy Zambrano is gone…….well, he had around 35 starts last year with a 4.17, lets all be honest here he is a career 4.30 era pitcher which is excellent for a #4, so say it is a blessing all you want, if it’s helping anyone, it is the NL East. Yeh Go Lima! Go Fortunato! Go Darren Oliver!! Hows Bill Wagners middle finger, Pete and Skip are right, seems alot like what Thomson experienced last year, that would be rough for the Muts.

SCOREBOARD!

By Bob

May 7, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, I told you that it would work. Great job … you journalist you!

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

No one posts much when we win. Curious.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 7, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Sorry… I’m just sitting here pensively watching this win. I get the feeling that it is true what I heard someone say: every team wins 1/3 of their games and loses 1/3 of their games. It’s what happens in that other 1/3 that matters. How many 1 run games have we lost again?

By glennbo

May 7, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

mcnasty, did ronald forget the toy in your mc-happymeal. you seem tense.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Bob, thank you for your comments on my earlier (12:37 pm) post. I was quite sincere and meant every word. Your 4 stars are a surprise and appreciated!

By bgkahuna

May 7, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

who are the clowns announcing the braves game on TBS? they are complaining about the official scorer. who are they kidding about being a homer. langerhans clearly lost that ball in the sun. and how is that any different than a ball taking a bad hop on an infielder?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

crow report, please.

By TennesseeBraveFan

May 7, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

BTW, Mcnasty, These announcers are and always have been head and shoulders above anyone ESPN or Fox has ever put out there. Especially the former…

By hk

May 7, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

… finally, a laugher ! … but, hmmmm, we win by a 10 run margin, let’s see, ‘if’ we redistribute those runs over some of those one run losses, we win 4 or 5 more games, that puts us 2 to 4 over .500 and only 3 or 4 out of first ! … nonsense, I know, but maybe over the season the ‘ifs’ will average out a little bit …

By hk

May 7, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

… finally, a laugher ! … but, hmmmm, we win by a 10 run margin, let’s see, ‘if’ we redistribute those runs over some of those one run losses, we win 4 or 5 more games, that puts us 2 to 4 over .500 and only 3 or 4 out of first ! … nonsense, I know, but maybe over the season the ‘ifs’ will average out a little bit …

By K V

May 7, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

The Mets have to play @Philly, @Milwaukee, @St Louis, and then host the Yankees. We play @ Florida, host Washington, then Florida again. Nice win today - we need to build on it and make a small run and hope some of those hot teams cool the Mets off in the process…

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 7, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Braves got lucky, ran into some poor Met pitching, but next the Mighty Marlins await your lackluster as ses!!!…GO MARLINS!!!…

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Just hoping but, let Pedro and Glavine have a couple of bad starts this week, and the Mets’ collapse could start sooner than we hoped.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

hello, jimmy smith! Freezer’s gettin’ full! :-))

By Ron Roberts

May 7, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

MBATL… I don’t think it’s out of line for Braves’ fans to gripe about payroll. The team has been asked to stand pat at $80 million while The Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Astros and Giants all spend more on their teams. True, you don’t have to spend the most to win, but you have to catch lightning in a bottle to spend under $80 million and win it all. Teams that have done such in recent history have done so with young and very talented players all maximizing their efforts.

The Braves have hefty salaries from Smoltz, Chipper (even with the $6 million cut he took to enable the franchise to better the team - which it hasn’t used yet), Andruw, and Renteria. They’re all worth the money we spend on ‘em, so who do ya cut? But they account for $48.17 million of the Braves $79 million payroll this year (Hampton’s $14 million is deducted due to insurance, if not wholly, at least partly).

What this franchise has been trying to do is plug holes with farm-raised talent, and by and large, they’ve done well with it. But it’s the only measure they’ve taken to fill roster spots lately… last year, it was desperation grabs of Jordan and Mondesi as our everyday outfield corners… before that, we gave J.D. Drew last then market value (he wasn’t worth more, with his injury track record, though), but once Sheffield left, the Braves got out of the “lets go get the best player available” game.

I’m not saying we had to keep Sheffield or Drew to be a World-Series contender, but it’s obvious that any salary we got back from letting them go we didn’t put out there to bolster our bullpen and bench. And face it, the two games this team lost to the Mets this weekend would’ve been ours if we’d have had a decent bullpen. Eleven 1-run losses in our first 31 games says it all. In 1-run games, your manager will need to go to the ‘pen for that “no-doubt” shut-down arm, and we’re grabbing at AA and AAA guys (or in Moylan’s case, the Australian WBC team) and crossing our fingers.

It’s like this… if Chipper re-worked his deal to give the team $6 million (if memory serves, it was originally his intention to make sure the team kept Furcal) to better this franchise, they could’ve bettered this bullpen and if we’d just split those 1-run losses, give us 5 of ‘em in the win column, and we’re not in dire straits. 18-13 would be far more palpable than 13-18, and figure 2-3 of those 1-run games were against the Mets, too.

The next 10 games are key for the Braves…. 3 against the Marlins, 3 against the Nats and 4 more against the Marlins. We have to go 8-2 in this stretch and pull for the Mets to go 2-7 in their next 9 (3 each at Philly, at Milwaukee and vs. St. Louis) to bring this race within our grasp. The Braves’ going 8-2 is more than just realistic - it’s expected, as far as I’m concerned. Anything less is a let-down. The Mets’ going 2-7 isn’t all that out of line, either, considering the Phils and Brewers are tough and the Cardinals are clearly the better all-round team.

The next 10 games (9 for the Mets) will determine this season for Atlanta.

By Bob

May 7, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

The Lady, HK

My Lady, I was totally sincere too … I try to make it obvious, at least to the 3 digit crowd, when I’m not.

You shouldn’t have been surprised, I rank well written stuff, mirroring my thinking, very high … but check your bifocals, darlin’ … I didn’t give you 4 stars! I carefully said “at least” … besides, 4 is better than 5 … when you’re trying to get everyone to read it! It makes people want to see why you weren’t given full marks.

For those who want to know, I went back and reread your earlier post; the one for which you apologized … got your point and understood … but mentally deducted about .25 for what looked to me to be an unnecessary apology; given your obvious sincerity.

HK, Me Lady’s posts caused me to reread my recent ones to see if I too need to make apologies … and while that might be in order for sloppiness and being a bit excessive; my intentions were good and my heart pure … so I hope everyone will pardon my not apologizing … I’ve been there and done that.

The game seems to have adequately addressed the Blog Topic selected by Mr. Curtright … he’s an alright guy to have as DOB’s substitute.

This is exactly what I was calling for the other day; except that no comeback was needed … we just need some repeat performances and some comebasks for positive reinforcement and to scratch the itch of the “bandwagon crowd”.

My brother just got back from this travels and was a total disappointment regarding the War on Crows: “I don’t have anything to add regarding the crows, no success with them but they are highly intellegent for birds and I can’t stand to have them around. Keep me informed of what she’s doing; I’ll try most anything at this point.”

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Hi, Bob! Thank you! Tell your brother that to harrass crows a little Daisy BB is great (and fun!). A more serious solution is a sweet little Remmington .22. I don’t have close neighbors, but I watch my background just the same. (Don’t want to risk hitting something unintentionally if I miss.) I never shoot anything for “fun” or “sport” (except the BB which doesn’t kill) and, with today’s food availability, that isn’t necessary, either - except for the crow pies that someone is going to have to eat in October! (Has anyone seen LeTwan?? I really need to get a message to his mama!)

As further proof of the extremely low ‘wattage’ of the Daisy - the other day while waiting for crows, I spotted a carpenter bee that has been bedeviling me by boring holes in the roof over the back deck. I hit it and knocked it out of the air, but a short time later it got back off and took off. Haven’t seen it since! :-))

The only things I shoot to kill are cottonmouths, rattlers, and copperheads. The others are welcome, but not these! (No need for anybody to get on my case for it, ‘cause it ain’t gonna change my mind!)

By hk

May 7, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Bob, now there you go, apologizing for not apologizing :)

…. thought it a 5 ot of 5 myself …

By Bob

May 7, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

HK, have you done any analysis on the number of times “Player Salaries” are referenced relative to the total number of Posts … or the number that treat millions of dollars as if it was pocket change … or the number that posit spending to be the solution to everything? To many posts remind me of IBM commercials … not enough Geicos. A good friend and former boss of mine in Dallas; Herb Depringer, was later President of Geico Life until his retirement. My wife remembers having lengthy conversations with with Herb and Mickey Mantle … can’t recall any othem, but will never forget that they always looked down at their shoes when talking to her … or to themselves. I didn’t believe her at first, but she was right! Especially Mickey, who was always shy around most business folks.

It would be interesting to see correlation graphs between player salaries and those selected occupations; especially those of fans, programmers, teachers, engineers, and chemists.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

back to baseball - I sure hope Bobby’s play-acting gets long-term results! Wouldn’t I love to know what GM John is about these days?!

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, just tired of hearing Braves fans make excuses for our team to defend themselves against pro_met bloggers.

Pretty much the team on the field now, minus Furcal, plus Renteria, won the division last year. I just don’t like the whining, that’s all.

This team is one closer (should’ve been Devine, but didn’t work out) from being better than the Mets, in my opinion. They’re playing their best, we’re playing our worst.

Time will tell, though.

By MGL

May 7, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

To Mutts Fans Invading this Blog —- You have just had the best time of your lives, 9 games up on the Braves yesterday and you want us to think that your team is the one to crush the Atlanta Braves - come on. Today was the next dose of medicine. You are up on this years series by 5 - 4, but the runs scored as I count them have been 47 Braves, 34 Mutts.

You now get to take a road trip to experience more major league baseball teams as opposed to the practice games you have played so far. Oh, and if I remember correctly, you have lost a couple of starters (seriously sorry about that, as I don’t want anyone injured) let’s see how that farm system of yours responds.

In short, if you think that you can come on this blog and gloat with your arrogant attitude, you had better be prepared to apologize when you get your butt kicked.

By hk

May 7, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

Bob, my son talked me into being in his fantasy baseball league this year … being as I’m new at it, my pre-draft selections were all Braves, many of whom I didn’t get, and as a result am a dead last in the league to date … looking at the strategies of others from day to day, the trick is to be absolutely ruthless about making trades, regardless of how much you might like certain players … if they don’t perform for 5 or six games, get somebody else, that’s what wins in fantasy baseball … sound familiar ?

… I thought I saw a twinkle in Bobby’s eye today when he was out in the middle of things, his timing was just pefect … I know he is up with the leaders in getting ejected year after year … as nice a guy as he is, you know there’s method to his ‘madness’ … bet he enjoyed telling those close to him tonight how much it pleased him to do that, the way it happened and what followed, maybe as a result of his ‘performance’, maybe not … loved it when he kicked the dirt, just like Billy Martin used to do, I’ll bet they laughed about that too ..

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

You know what? The games the Braves have played against the Mets and others - with their “All-Star” players - have mostly been 1-run losses.

If these kids (with the on-the-job training they are receiving), our bullpen with its’ woes, the horrific starting schedule, weather, etc, can push the Mets (especially)that closely - and, in one case for 14 innings - then I can’t help but think that they will pull it off as time progresses. It gives one hope.

By Bob

May 7, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

Carefull HK, first thing you know, all this praise, regardless of the fact that it’s well deserved, might just go to her head … hold your horses, smarty britches … I said just might … it’s highly unlikely for for that to happen to a nice coastal lady like her.

I just heard that Houston’s murder rate has doubled since Katrina … guess the looters that the Media said were under stress and just took things needed for survival; like TV’s, video cameras and cars … are having trouble coping with their new environment and the humidity.

I guess I’ll come under fire for knocking Houston’s weather and attacking those poor, misunderstood refugees; but “double” ain’t no minor random statistical fluctuation.

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Bob and hk, you two are so kind and lavish in your compliments that it could just inflate one’s hatsize! But, alas, I know myself too well! sigh…..

But it sure is fun to hear (read)! :-)))

By MGL

May 7, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Caroline Lady - Your logic is impeccable!! Anyone that writes the rave off at this time of year has no regard for history.

By MGL

May 7, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

That would be Braves, not rave, sorry!!

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Hi, MGL! Thank you! When I thought of what they have actually accomplished, they’re making these “better” teams really work to get those 1-run wins. Made me think that we can’t see the woods because of the trees, maybe. :-) I just can’t wait to see what these next few months will bring!!!

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Bob, this blog is supposed to be about baseball, but who’s to say, I guess. I even jumped DOB once for his music reviews, and of course was roundly criticized for doing so. I’ve since learned to embrace the variety expressed here.

Since you brought it up, though, your reference to New Orleans “refugees” is indeed offensive. Hope such tragedy never reaches you or yours’.

I have 3 choices when I read something like this: read it and say nothing; leave the blog; or respond. Chose to do the latter, with all due respect.

By MGL

May 7, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady - I’m with you!! Plenty of baseball left, If we all stand behind the Bravos, they will get there. I think that this is a World Series year because it seems improbable right now. Let’s all root for these guys!! btw, how are the crows? Save one for me, because I will eat it if the Mutts beat the Braves!!!

By Bob

May 7, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Gene Mauch and “Leo the Lip” were the best in the NL at getting “Red in the Face” on cue and Kicking Dirt that I ever saw … but, Bobby’s performances almost always semm to get the desired result.

I figure that Leo’s was less of a performance than Gene’s, though when we were able to see Gene up close and personal in Atlanta; there were a lot of times when it wasn’t acting.

I called for Bobby to do that, a couple days back … more drasticly yesterday. I really enjoyed my “morphing” the Giant’s giant comeback of 1951 involving Leo and Bobby Thompson with the 21st Century “Bobby-Leo” paring and our impending 2006 comback. I know I vaguely referenced Thompson’s broken leg as the break that put Arron in the Braves lineup; can’t remember my exact words … but in effect; Bobby’s being instrumental in enabling Hank to set the record.

I expected someone to rattle my cage for that one but guess it was either too obvious or everyone just considered the source.

By Carroll

May 7, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

McNasty: pay very close attenmtion here, friend. When you say you’d “rather have anyone than Zambrano”, by extension that means that you are saying that it is better to have Lima than Zambrano. Think before you type.

By hk

May 7, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Bob,

… get the feeling you would like me to analyze something (actually I’m more of a ‘guesser’ than an analyzer) … OK, since I’m feeling pretty good at this hour, here is some intuitive analysis (aka wild guessing) … the Braves have the following going for them that the Mets/Philly’s don’t have (1) … they have gone through multiple adversities in the early going, from which they will benefit greatly … springboard, underdog type thing.. (2) … they have alot of young guys that will come of age and soon .. (3) … they have alot of guys that are always slow to heat up, get in sync, and they will, in fact, heat up … (4) … they have behind the plate in my view a future Hall of Fame catcher, who is growing by leaps and bounds and will help our pitching staff hugely as the season progresses … (5) … they have Bobby, who raises greatly the probabilty that the above things will happen .. (6) … as a result, my ‘guesses’: … June 1, five games out of first .. … July 1, one game up … … Aug 1, six games up … … Sep 1, 9 games up … … Season end … 7 games up ..

… what think thee ??

By Carroll

May 7, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Over the course of a long season, every team will reach it’s peak at some point or the other. It behooves a team to reach that peak later rather than sooner (see 2005 Houston Astros, 2003 Florida Marlins, et al). So I say let the Mets enjoy their little 15 minutes….let them pump their fists and do little loop-dee-loops on the mound when they strike out a .195 hitter who would find a way to K on an intentional walk. All that matters is where we stand on the last day of the season.

By TennesseePaul

May 7, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m not sure what happened to all those Mets fans that were buzzing around this blog like nats. So proud they are. But here is a little something for us all to keep in mind:

Season Series: 5 - 4 Mets
Runs Scored: 47 - 34 Braves
Total Hits: 82 - 70 Braves
Complete Games: 2 - 0 Braves

So we’re down by one game on the season to the Mets, but we have beat the crap out of them over all. Every game we have lost, save one, has been by one (1) run. That one other loss was by 3 runs. The Braves have won 3 of the 4 games by 3 or more runs.

I think that qualifies as a romping.

By Bob

May 7, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I sincerely apologize to you and all others who think my remarks were inappropriate or insensitive … they weren’t intended to be!

I agree that it was poorly worded and and it was not my intent to associate the misfortunate refugees with either the looters or the murder rate.

Two “news” items came accross TV while I was writing the post to which they’re attached; one about the Houston Police department’s Murder Rate pronouncement and the other referencing the looters.

I mentioned it to HK, only because he once lived in Houston and he knows my thoughts about the humidity there.

I’m somwhat dismayed over the media coverage of the looting during Katrina that I saw on more than one occassion … because while they were showing what appeared to be live video of people taking TV’s and video equipment out of abandoned stores … they were explaining that the looting was understandable because the people were under stress and only trying to survive.

Hopefully, though you may not agree with the style of my posts, you’ve always found me to be sensitive to the feelings of others and empathetic relative to all misfortune.

I never wish tragedy or misfortune on anyone.

I totally agree that the reference to the “Looters having difficulty adjusting” may have been inappropriate because of possible misinterpretation due to poor wording.

However the “I guess I’ll come under fire for knocking Houston’s weather and attacking those poor, misunderstood refugees; but “double” ain’t no minor random statistical fluctuation” is somewhat different.

I was not knocking Houston’s weather or attacking the refugees left homeless by Katrina! I was only stating that having said what I said about the looters and the associated media coverage would probably result in someone being critical and claiming that that I was what I was doing.

I hope you will accept my apology!

By Bob

May 7, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Your statements were sincerely appreciated and my apology sincere .. hope you’ll also pardon the typos resulting from sending it without editing.

By MBATL

May 7, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Bob, I enjoy your posts and your unique perspectives… just felt I had to respond to that remark - I had a couple of friends who lost everything (everything “material,” anyway), and even though they were “of means”, it still wasn’t easy for them to recover, so I can only imagine how it was for the less fortunate. Appreciate your clarification - no apology neccesary! And, far as I’m concerned, take all the shot’s at Houston’s weather you want!

By hk

May 7, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Bob, … I heard you on the Houston deal … when I was there (‘50-‘55) had absolutely no air conditioning, and as a guy used to cool weather, was miserable from about this time of year on … my first thought on the stats you mentioned was that alot of air conditioners must have gone out during the storm, not yet repaired, therefore boiling points up, increased altercations ..

By Ryan

May 7, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

*Well, I’m not sure what happened to all those Mets fans that were buzzing around this blog like nats. So proud they are. But here is a little something for us all to keep in mind:

Season Series: 5 - 4 Mets Runs Scored: 47 - 34 Braves Total Hits: 82 - 70 Braves Complete Games: 2 - 0 Braves

So we’re down by one game on the season to the Mets, but we have beat the crap out of them over all. Every game we have lost, save one, has been by one (1) run. That one other loss was by 3 runs. The Braves have won 3 of the 4 games by 3 or more runs.

I think that qualifies as a romping.*

I’m sorry, but that’s just ridiculous. If the situations were reversed, what would you say to a Mets fan who tried to claim that kind of “romping”?

By TennesseePaul

May 7, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

I’d agree.