Braves

By BLUEDAR

May 10, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

Wow. Dob. You are weird. Have you an editor?

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Keep the Bats going Boyz, maybe playing the Miami Marlins AAA club is what we needs to get going, Some confidence boosters. On a serious note Chipper needs to heat up…Other than Renteria our top of the lineup is garbage, and might need to B addressed

By Mark H

May 10, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Cool blog Dave, glad you’re back.

By Eric

May 10, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Intresting blog. New and fresh. I like it.

By Jason

May 10, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Giles needs a bag of burritos to get him going.

By Flea

May 10, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

You’re soooo drunk Dave!

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t know that I’d say garbage. I mean, with Renteria hitting second and Andruw fourth, and even with Chipper not tearing it up, I don’t know that anyone would call it “garbage.”

But you’re right, it’s not pretty right now. And Giles is really, really scuffling. he’ll get three hits one night, then two in the next six games.

With a name like BLUEDAR, who are you to call me weird? I resemble that remark.

Going down to the clubhouse now. Any questions you guys want me to ask? (kidding, of course. later).

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

It ain’t pretty…Its boring to watch, I have a feeling though that Chipper will begin to show up, He usually catches fire in June, in coincidence with our annual June Bloom, and I feel Its going to happen this year

3-4 4 LaRoche, keep in in the seventh spot. I dunno about yoozz guys but I’d rather see him hit clutch singles out of the seventh spot that seeing him hit a 3-run homer one every 15K’s in the fifth spot…I think he’s more comfortable lower in da order

D.O.B. How are the Broads down there in Ft Liquordale…?

By Ramos

May 10, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

Any chance JS can package Reitsma & Giles to somebody for a closer, then put Betemit on second & hit leadoff?

Isn’t Giles a free agent this year?

By Jim

May 10, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

DOB (or anyone else who may know) What is the injuy status of Devine and Boyer?

By Rodney Derrick

May 10, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

While it is understandable that DOB feels a bit sorry for the Marlins, it is really not the fault of their owners, considering the political failure in Florida to work out a deal for a new stadium. That stadium is awful and the fans there do not support the team even though they have been given two World Series titles. What is a crime, however, is the Mets gaining such plunder from the break-up. Meanwhile, the sooner the Atlanta ownership issues are resolved, the sooner the possibilities for the Braves being able to compete in the next player auction. Heaven forbid that the Mets become like the Yankees, able to spend money every time a hole develops. Player down…go get Zito or Contreras. Like everyone, I very much like the fact the Braves use their farm system, but just think where the Braves would be now if they had paid for Farnsworth to continue as their closer. While his post-season was awful, he was terrific during the season. As everyone knows by now, Reitsma scares the fans and unfortunately the players and the lack of a top closer is a major psychological problem for the team.

By BMan

May 10, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Can you ask if moving McCann to the five hole is a temporary move until Frenchy or Roachy start hitting more consistently?

By BMan

May 10, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

Is Andruw’s back is affecting his bat?

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Dolphins stadium and that place is HUGE…It’s nice 4 Football, but It just doesn’t cut it for baseball, even though I love the field configuration, especially the Bermuda Triangle

Problem is Miami is a Football town! The few baseball fans down there are Snow Bird Yankees, Mutts, Phillies, and Red Sox fans, their fans only put on marlin garb when they are in the playoffs,

DUD SELIG, MOVE THAT TEAM TO VEGAS, AND PUT PITTSBURGH OR CINCINNATI IN THE NL EAST

By Doug Fresh

May 10, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

That “game” was horrible to watch last night (except for us pounding the fish). There was nobody there, it was dead quiet and even the annoucers acknowledged how poor it was. I hate that franchise (see 97 NLCS) and that stadium. Your right, the Fish players looked totally lost out there. Unreal that they gutted them the way they did. Only Cabera and Willis left from last year? Well, we need to destroy them this year since we play them 18 times and get back into the race. GO BRAVOS!!

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone hate that stadium?

If anyplace needs to be bashed it would be that Ashtray called Shea Stadium…

By Boomer

May 10, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

I hope those people who posted blogs over the winter and during the early spring saying they wished the Braves would gut their team like the Marlins and start over like the Marlins are paying attention, DOB. They said it, I realize, because they were upset and disappointed that the Braves had won their 14th consecutive pennant and only 1 World Series. But it has got to be hard for those people who are really Marlins fans to watch this year’s team. And I doubt they are sitting around saying “but at least we have two championships to the Braves’ one”. Imagine what the disappointed bloggers would be saying about the Braves, had the management done what some were calling for. Be careful what you wish for. We’ve been down that road. I sure hope the Braves take advantage of the opportunity to make up some ground these next 10 days. From the results of last night’s game, it would seem like they are ready to do that.

By baby seal

May 10, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

veteran journalist dob has no time for ladies. leaves ladies to baby seal. they are nice enough. call baby seal “cute.”

veteran journalist jimmy smith want baby seal to do undercover work in clubhouse shower… check out toes of certain players. also look for missing necks. baby seal want to go to clubhouse to see jordan because jimmy smith always saying jordan has presents.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 10, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

dob, please tell us more about big pitcher with no neck. will he be called upon to swing a pink bat? how baseball has changed! purple gloves, pink bats, chipper in tights. now, cheese … how to take cheese on a long journey - like a road trip to miami. first, along with country music cd’s, keep the cheese wrapped in waxed paper - never wrap in cling film or in a plastic bag since this causes the cheese to sweat. next, loosely over-wrap the cheese in a damp tea towel and place it inside a tupperware box. this will help trap the smell of the cheese. ensure that the box is only lightly packed. if you are making a very long journey include an ice pack in the box but do not allow it to come into direct contact with the cheese. pack the cheese just before the journey and return it to a cool place as soon as possible after arriving. this has been a public interest message on cheese from journalist jimmy smith.

By J-Baller

May 10, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Seriously DOB, what is wrong with you? First, you talk about yourself being a 40-year old having the time of his life at some lalapalooza crap. Real intersting… geek! “But I digress,” you think you are so cool teasing us with “Want me to ask any questions in the clubhouse?” Trust me man, we know you have one of the best jobs around, but don’t flaunt it in our face every chance you get. I interviewed baseball players throughout spring training in Jupiter for my high school’s daily newscast and I was honored to do it. I didn’t tease my buddies with, “What do you want me to ask Albert Pujols?” (By the way people, Pujols was a jerk to me and he started yelling at two 8-year old’s because they asked him for an autograph during his soft toss session. Something to the effect of, “I WILL SIGN AFTER THE GAME, NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” Trust me, that yelling combined with this guy’s broken english and bulging muscles made me jump!) “But I digress,” DOB I think you are a fine writer, just don’t make corny jokes that elevate your ego. Also, Wes Helms and Joe Girardi are 2 of the nicest, most professional veterans in the league. It’s to bad they aren’t as good as players as they are role models. And a while ago I read something about you not liking pimple-faced teenagers and Blink 182. C’mon bro, what did you look like in high school? I’ll be one of the 8 people at Thursday night’s game in “Miami Gardens” so you should be able to pick me out. One more thing, Reitsma has sucked as a closer for TWO years now. Is Bobby Cox the only one not to notice? Maybe JS hasn’t either, because he hasn’t gotten anyone better yet. He’s got $5 million to play with and quite a few prospects. When will they get someone? Peace out and: GO BRAVES!

By J-Baller

May 10, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Boomer, I live in south Florida and while I’m a Braves fan, I have some friends who are Marlins fans. When I asked one today if they enjoyed last night’s game, he said, “Hey, we have 2 world series championships and you have 1!” If you think about it, that’s the only thing going for them, so what else can they cheer themselves up with? It really is depressing watching them play this year, even as a Braves fan. In 2-3 years, they’ll be right back in the World Series picture, but by then, they’ll be in Vegas, San Antonio, or somewhere else. But the way it looks now, with the state turning down another bill to give them money, they are out of here!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 10, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

it appears dob may have a stalker. j-baller seems not to like dob very much. still, he will see him at tonight’s game - can dob pick out j-baller? this is somewhat creepy to journalist jimmy smith. now, cheese breath… yes, let’s get it out in the open - cheese breath. why is dob unfortunate with the ladies? it is cheese breath. that must be it. waht is the solution? mints. lots and lots of mints. no cheese before a date. no date? well, no cheese before asking for a date. no one to ask? well, no cheese before considering who to ask. this is much too hard a post. even journalist jimmy smith and baby seal cannot help dob. dob is on his own from now on.

By MBATL

May 10, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Amen, Boomer. Championships are great, the ultimate goal, but quality baseball year after year is a blessing! Get tired of hearing the cliche’ “I remmber the bad ol’ days,” but on the other hand, I DO remember the bad ol’ days, and don’t want to go back.

Disagree with those who want to package Giles to get some mid-level closer (don’t think Mariano’s gonna be on the market just yet). Giles is a high-energy guy, a solid defensive 2b, and except for the first month of this season, a solid hitter. He’s adjusting to a role he’s not cut out for.

We’ve got some $$ to spend, and still some coveted “youth” that we don’t need in the immediate future. That’s what I would use to try to get a closer. Doubt anyone’s gonna give us much value for a struggling Reitsma and a struggling Giles anyway.

DOB, Jane’s Addiction’s “unplugged” (not sure of the name of it - the case is buried somewhere, and the CD stays in the changer) is still one of my most played CD’s. “Californication” is right there with it.

By Boomer

May 10, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

J-Baller, thanks for enlightening me! I think you’re right. They have to have something to comfort themselves with. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ll take what we’ve had these last 14 years over pretty much every other team’s accomplishments. I can sure remember when all we had to brag about was Phil Niekro’ no-hitter or Garber stopping Rose’s hitting streak! The best thing that could happen to that team is to move it to another city. But if I were a Marlins fan that would hurt even more than the losing season.

By Joe Roman

May 10, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

I think we can tie Dave’s light-hearted approach to these blogs with the featurette on Braves’ practical joking together. Over the years, The Braves far outpace any opponent in the number of smiles, laughs and good-natured affection you see in the dugout. Put more simply, the Braves have fun with the game, and so does DOB. I say hotfoots all around! Thanks to all concerned.

By Boomer

May 10, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I agree with you about Giles. He has played with enthusiasm ever since he came up. I wish he was hitting more and I think he will. We will all be happy when JS gets us a closer. Then Reitsma can go back to set-up man where he belongs. He has been pretty successful there in the past.

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

J-baller, I agree.

Didn’t mean to insult or tease or condescend.

But seriously, I said no pickle on that order.

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Regarding actual questions: For those who’ve asked about Boyer _ he’s done for the year (not official, but he is) after having shoulder surgery, cleaned up his rotator cuff.

Can’t get much answer on Devine, because guys up here (Bobby, etc) aren’t paying much attention, simply because he isn’t high in the immediate plans. He was so awful before being sent down, then reaggravated his back. But it’s not a surgery thing, at least they don’t think so. I haven’t checked in few days to see if he’s pitching in games again, mainly because he just isn’t going to be a factor in the immediate future, like before the All-Star break.

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Oh, one other thing: THIIS JUST IN, Giles is benched tonight. Bobby’s giving him a day off, has Orr leading off and playing second.

Giles said it’s probably a good move, even though he said he’s fine physically, that his hand isn’t causing his struggles. It’s just one day, Bobby said.

By fart

May 10, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

The muts might have the lead now,but they will eventually lose it,after martinez and glavine they have no dependable starters.They still suck.They need to come to our website www.farts.com and smell some farts.

By MBATL

May 10, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Great opportunity for Orr to get going. He was a big contributor last year. Maybe he’s “lost it”, but hope he has a good night.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 10, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Jimmy,

You asked where I was … recovering from the late night binge where I got the scoop on DOB’s big break! I see that you’ve added modesty to your virtues since giving the “kid” a helping hand and have denied the story … but I know a scoop when I see one … even HK agrees!

When I finally did get up, I had my usual tubb … and listened to the only real version of “Crazy”, Johnny’s “Walking …” song, and Billy Byrd’s backing up of Ernest’s 1942 “… Walking …” song.

Jimmy, I think Miss Patsy played ss for one of the women’s teams during the war years. I said she played ss; don’t go thinking she was a member … she was from the hills, not Germany.

Patsy’s not her real name, just a nick name that stuck from those early days … when she was known to fall for the hidden ball trick more than once.

She managed the Nashville Vols in 1952 and you should remember her bellowing the chorus of “I’m your Huckleberry” at the umpires when they played a doubleheader against the Crackers on July 4th.

She was pretty good as a manager but only managed that one season because of difficulties in arranging her tours to fit with the Vol’s schedule.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 10, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks and Congrats to Pending Proud Papa Matthew!! Mama wanted Oct 7th too but I was a little too eager … arrived an hour and 20 minutes before that day rolled in … neither day is too bad … any day will be a great day that you’ll always remember.

That’s not always true … my son reminded me the day before his birthday that I once forgot his mama’s big day … which, happens to be the same as mine! It took a taller tale that the ones I tell these days … to get out of that mess. At least I thought I had for 25 years … when I told my son the true story. He smiled and said “mama’s been laughing about your forgetting your own birthday for years!”

Can you believe that DOB is so hard on himself … somebody should tell him that “pundi is just the plural of pundit” and nobody would have noticed.

Keep up the good posts!

By Eric

May 10, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

DOB—When Ramirez comes back, do you think Sosa could go back to the pen? The guy seriously looks out of shape and heavier than last yr. Could that be his problem?

By HEAD COACH

May 10, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Carl Crawford or Ryan Freel , thats your answer to the leadoff problem. Either one comes cheap and couple of minor leaguer’s in trade would do the trick. DOB , what the bleep are you smoking ? I want some , lol. Guess it’s time to go buy the Chili Pepper’s new CD , you guys have piqued my quriosity. I agree , the gutting of the fish is sad. However , the first two times they did this they followed up with two world championships. Lets go fishing tonight , Go Bravos !!!

By TennesseePaul

May 10, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Orr is the fastest man in a Braves Uniform. If he draws some walks, they’ll be doubles or triples. I hope he does well.

Let’s do this Braves! We need a good 11 game win streak and we’re only 2 games in. I’d like to see 6 straight games of 10 runs or more, it’s possible. Set your sights high Bravos!

Thanks for the Blog DOB. It was unique. Very different. Hard to follow a little bit. Let me put it this way, I’ve seen you post better transitions in the past. But I enjoyed it none the less.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Carolina Lady

May 10, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Bob, none of us really make typing errors - it’s just that our brains work so fast that our fingers can’t possibly keep up - and left to their own devices, they go astray on the keyboard. (Sounds good to me, anyway….) LOL

And hello to a fellow Octoberite, Bob! (Did I just coin a new word??) I knew there was something special about you!! ;-))

Country singers - I once met Lester Flatts & Earl Scruggs; they were both in a foul, snarling mood, so everyone just stayed clear of them.

Met the late GREAT Chet Atkins. Very quiet, perfectly mannered, modest, dressed in a beautiful dark blue suit (gentlemen, you have no idea how GOOD you look in a suit!!), drawing no attention to himself. I was really impressed! Today’s guitarists have no idea how much they owe to him!

Has there ever been a more perfect voice than Gentleman Jim Reaves? Could listen for hours.

By Carolina Lady

May 10, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

(Just reading some posts I’d missed earlier)

Jimmy Smith! a girly-bat?? Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!

:-))

When I was growing up, there were 2 brothers, a bunch of male cousins, a few neighborhood boys, a neighbor girl named Bonnie, and me. Baseball (or our version of it!) was our primary warm weather occupation. Well, nobody could pitch worth a hoot except Bonnie so she was the pitcher. For both sides.

I can’t claim to have been a very good hitter, but I could usually get it over the first baseman’s head…..which really wasn’t such a feat considering the quality of the first basemen we each had. But we sure had fun!

By Bob, journalist jg

May 10, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Teona, have you noticed how some elitists seem to be better than others?

Off subject remark … you may like the greener grass of your neighbors better than their water bill.

What’s Orr’s OBP?

By jennifer

May 10, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

ITS RAINING IN FL.?LOL…GEEE WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED???? GEEE, I’M GLAD THE YANKEES AND RED SOX IS ON….GOOOO REDSOX……GOOOO BRAVES!!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 10, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, pete orr (a “p” player) is hitting a cool .179 and has an obp of .200. let’s all pull for him tonight. being canadian, pete orr is a favorite of baby seal. carolina lady, yes, it is true - journalist jimmy smith exhibited poor manners with use of the term, “girly-bat”. however, giles plans to use a pink bat on sunday. then, maybe jimmy smith will be vindicated. now, paronto … will we see fearsome big man with no neck tonight? jimmy smith hopes that if a save is in order we will see paronto. now, baseball … rain delay is over.

By Paul Hamilton

May 10, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Can you ask Bobby why it took so damn long to drop Ladouche in the order??? He has been horrible and Bobby just left him in the middle of the lineup. I would really like to know from Bobby’s extensive knowledge of baseball how he justified keeping him there.

By Carolina Lady

May 10, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Dolphin Stadium so so empty the echo is fouling up the audio…..

By jennifer

May 10, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

THATS CAUSE BOBBY HAS FAITH IN PEOPLE… GEE DON’T GIVE UP ON SOMEONE THAT FAST…..

By journalist jimmy smith

May 10, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

“uggla up the middle” … from what journalist has seen so far, that is a good description of the marlins defense from bob rathbun. journalist still would like to trade for player uggla. many possibiities exist if bobby had an uggla on the team. now, paronto … baby seal asks if paronto goes on foraging trips as do many seals. perhaps dob can inquire?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 10, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

cheerleaders! cheerleaders at a baseball game! purple gloves. pink bats. steroids. what is happening? 45 pitches already and we have only 2 hits - and orr’s should have been caught. langerhans had a good at-bat. now, will chipper keep focus on the game with cheerleaders prancing about down third baseline? will he keep composure? will he go into stands and uh, introduce himself?

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Folks, this place is not as bad as it seems on TV. It’s worse.

it’s so dreary, the cheerleaders (use the term loosely) are quite welcome.

By MetsfaninAtlanta

May 10, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Stop dreamin’ Braves fans…..this is the Mets year. Face it!

By JJMB

May 10, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

My god, Ron Gant is awful. Torborg has spoiled me already. I hope Jeff hasn’t jumped ship!

By Bob, journalist jg

May 10, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

My Lady,

I would not have wanted to be the head on that nail! That’s what I’ve been telling myself for some time … that plus bemoaning “brain speed still a little above average, but … my 2 typing fingers are arthritic and slower than ever … my sight’s so poor that I can’t see the letters on the keys and with my failing short term memory I have to look … now, I’m finding myself losing focus and either forgetting what I’ve typed or thinking I’ve typed things that never made the trip from the head to the fingers.

That was a totally true birthday story … and I’ve noticed that “Octoberites” are usually nice, reasonable, and members of the 3 digit club … some exceprions though … probably premature births that really belong in November.

I met one of the “Flatts-Scruggs” team once when they weren’t speaking to each other … think it was Lester; he wasn’t Fan Friendly. There are a bunch of Scruggs in Tennessee … one, Oscar Scruggs, was my Bowling Sponsor back when the tour was just forming.

The quiet, almost shy, modest Mr. Chet Atkins was mama’s favorite! like Little David in one of my earlier tales … while others were searching, Chet always knew where it was! I used to love to hear him talk … whenever I had the chance; he was an artist supreme at that too.

Those in the know; know about what you’re talking about with regard to the debt we all owe Mr. Adkins … but few realize the number of folks to whom he directly lent a helping hand either.

By ncscoots

May 10, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, what was up with Kyle tonight? line says he only walked two, but he must have been deep in the count a lot?

By MBATL

May 10, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

AJ looked pretty lame jogging out that near-double play. Don’t like the look of that at all.

By ncscoots

May 10, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Marcus may say he’s fine (and why would he tell the public an opposing pitchers he’s not?), but I don’t believe it. Baseball is a true example of regression to the mean, in that a career .300 hitter is going hit .300 (barring injuries, freak circumstances, etc), and Giles just didn’t wake up in the leadoff spot and forget how to hit. The guy will get hot, IF his finger truly is OK. But, man, I gotta believe it’s messing him up.

By btk

May 10, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

dob, i know bobby liked adam dunn last year and said he had some great qualities and all. is there any chance the reds are still willing to trade dunn and wouldnt he be a HUGE and necessary upgrade in the #5 spot behind andruw. f* the bullpen if u can add power like that. closer by comittee in 2007!!! peace

By ncscoots

May 10, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

btk…dude…Reds are leading the Central, don’t believe they are quite ready to gut the squad.

By MBATL

May 10, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

btk, why would Cincy want to dump talent when they’re contending? And if you don’t like strikeouts, Dunn ain’t your guy. He’s one of the few with more K’s than Laroche. 40 already this year.

By Del

May 10, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Looks more and more that by tomorrow night we will be able to write the seasons story on the Braves. I hope not. But that hope is fading real fast. REAL FAST!!

By MBATL

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

Play .600 ball from here on out, and you win 91 games. I don’t think the Mets, with their weak pitching, will win more than that.

Problem is, how do we play that well? I think the ‘O will be okay, and the starting pitching, but the bullpen is really weak.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

the braves are playing to the level of their competition and tonight they are playing a team with uggla. where are the bats? jimmy smith is having a hard time watching reitsma struggle for an out in a game like this. paronto should be our closer if he can maintain room temperature. baby seal said that makes no sense.

By eric the elder

May 10, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

We finally found a spot for Reeksma - - mop up. That way, when he gives up 3-4 runs it doesn’t matter.

By Carolina Lady

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

Jimmy Smith You’re forgiven - just kidding you anyway (as I believe you already knew).

Baseball - there is no excuse for losing that game tonight. The Braves should have had a sweep of the Marlins. Period. Unacceptable. THIS game they should be ashamed of their play (or lack of…)

By MJ

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

Whoooaa, this game’s ugly! The Braves might have needed to gut the Fish, but it looks like they are the ones with the stomach aches.

By Eric

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

Dang, Renteria didnt get a hit.

By Eric

May 10, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Dang, Renteria didnt get a hit.

By MIkeJones

May 10, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Is Reitsma the worst Bravos pitcher of all time??? Giving up the cycle tonight… I mean I couldnt stand Kolb… But whats the difference???? And I DDONT WANNA HEAR ANYMORE ABOUT HIS GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!!!! HE’S BEEN IN THE LEAGUE SIX YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! IT JUST AINT GONNA HAPPEN!!! HE DOESNYT HAVE IT!!!! I WILL REPEAT: HE DOESNT HAVE IT!!! BOBBY ARE U LISTENING TO ME?!?!?!?!?! HE DOES NOT HAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M SICK OF IT!!!! ITS DISPICABLE!!!!!!!!!

By MBATL

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

Baseball is a strange sport. Even the better team wins about 60% of the time; the worst, 40% (give or take a few points on either side).

The Rays have beaten up on the Yanks (until this year). There’s no such thing as a guaranteed win.

Life, and the season, go on.

By ssiscribe

May 10, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Probably shouldn’t be on here, given the fact it’s storming like hell outside. But as ugly as it is on the coast tonight, that ain’t nothin’ compared to what the Braves did in Miami.

Speaking of ugly: Spent some time in the M-I-A last weekend. It has to be the most God-awful baseball setting I’ve ever been in. I mean, D-train and Mark Mulder, two of the better lefties in the game on Saturday night, and they only draw 14,000? Come on! Of course, the fan base keeps getting screwed around, and that ballpark is a joke for baseball. All they care about is getting the concourses wide enough for the upcoming Super Bowl. At least I got to see Phat Albert do his thing. Gang, he hit some in BP that were unbelievable. A stud, indeed!

Not a good showing tonight for the Bravos, not at all. With the next eight games against the Marlins (suck) and Nationals (suck), the Braves need to win six of them to try and chip into the Mets’ advantage in the East. Efforts like tonight don’t exactly boost the confidence, but all is well if the club bounces back Thursday night.

DOB, man how in the hell did you live in South Florida? Way, way, way too much traffic. Way, way, way too many people. Nowhere to run if a hurricane comes your way. The heck with that place, dude, but the (ahem) sights on South Beach were pretty nice, indeed.

It was easy to pick out the hotties at Dolphin Stadium, too. When the yard is 80 percent empty, it makes scanning the crowd so much easier.

Better run before the lightning gets to my rig. Later from the coast!

By Eric

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

Yeah Reitsma is pretty lousy. We need help at the closer spot if we are going to win this yr.

By Eric

May 10, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah Reitsma is pretty lousy. We need help at the closer spot if we are going to win this yr.

By Bob, journalist jg

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

Eric, I’ll say it for you … Doggone, Edgar didn’t get a hit!

Won’t be long before the wagon stops … and somebody suggests we try to trade him for a good hitting closer that can leadoff and play first base until called upon to pitch.

By Bill

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

Wilson Betemit should take ground balls at first base. Thoughts?

By TennesseePaul

May 10, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Alright. I’ve had it. I’ve absolutely had it. I was going to try to cheer and support, but I’ve had it. To pull one of my favorite terms from the Dictionary of DOB: Kolbian. Very Kolbian indeed.

I gave Kolb this much time last year, and he sucked it up. Reitsma, you need to step in front of a train. He is dead to me. He is nothing more than a lifeless corpse in my favorite baseball uniform. I won’t him removed from the seen. I think that uniform would be better served with anything else in it. Fed up. Completely fed up.

I listened to the Chili Peppers last night. I bought both that and the new Tool album. Tonight is a night for Tool. We just put a tool on the mound, I might as well listen to a talented tool to work my way through it.

I’m fine with losing, but this is our first blow out and it came against the Marlins, on a night the Mets won, all because of Reitsma.

Where are those who preach patience? Bring it on… I shall direct you to Dan Kolb of 2005. I’m still waiting for that guy to show up. SO FRICKIN P!SSED OFF

Listen Reitsma! If you’re going to lose, lose. But don’t drag me into your nightmare!

To me, this night solidified the tradable components on this team. Reitsma is the leading candidate. Toss him in the mix with some minor leaguers, maybe LaRoche and get some one, something, anything that isn’t Kolb or Reitsma. Moylan… well you’re still a newbee… I gave Reitsma some time, so you got it, but you are on a short leash.

DAMNIT ALL!! (go braves) =(

By ssiscribe

May 10, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Real quick, before I run:

Jimmy: Wow, Kindred?!? Great company indeed. Wish I could say I’m in his league. About the only thing we have in common is curly hair, LOL. Dude is a hell of a writer. I just do my thing. Still, a wonderful compliment, one I greatly appreciate.

As for transition, Baby Seal can look all over for inspiration. Sometimes, it just flows like that. In other words, we all get lucky from time to time.

It’s May 10 and the Braves are eight games out. It stinks, for those of you on here who really love this baseball team. But, let me say, it’s still early, so don’t get too discouraged. I think, when all is said and done, this team will be just fine.

With that said, when all is said and done, this team will have made some moves to fix the holes we can see with this squad. Trader John just won’t sit on his hands and do nothing. Something is going to go down, so get ready. It’s gonna happen.

Really enjoy the forum on here, from DOB posting news and nuggets from his vantagepoint to those bouncing their ideas off of everybody. And the music talk is cool, too (DOB, by the way, listened to the entire Pearl Jam new CD on the way to Miami last week; real solid stuff, bro).

Y’all keep it coming, and I’ll keep dropping in here from time to time.

From the SSI, good night now!

By Del

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

MBATL … I think we all agree that there is no such thing as a gauranteed win. But I also think that the Braves performance tonight did not deserve a win. They were outplayed throughout the entire game. They pick the darndest times to “mail it in”.

I’m silent until after Thurs nites game. At that point I’m prepared to write my season story on the Braves. To be honest with you, I feel more let down after tonights loss to the Marlins than I did last weekend after the first two Mets losses.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 10, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Guess with all the traffic, this got left behind.

Don’t be too quick to LOL at my last post! Dick Donavan could have filled that role and, of course, George Herman … Doubt that it’ll ever happen but … Braves might even have someone capable; hiding in the bushes.

This was what we might call a team loss … maybe the most tenative I’ve seen them in a long, long time … didn’t see that much but most of the energy seemed to come from the cheerleaders … “absolutely” not from either Ron Gant or the Braves.

Maybe they expected aa easy walk in the park and just got mugged … I hear that sometimes happens in Miami as well as NYC. We should win tomorrow … it’s usually much easier to rebound from a thrashing than a string of one run losses.

By Penn

May 10, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Everybody keeps screaming for the Braves to trade Reitsma and LaRoche for a top notch closer. Just who do you think is stupid enough to make such a trade? Geeeeeezzz, take a look at what you have written before you hit the Post button, not the other way around.

I’s nutty comments like those —- oh, what the heck.

By David O'Brien

May 10, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, you crack me up, man. Good stuff.

Scribe, I agree. Every time I come back, I ask myself how did I deal with this traffic and crap for 13 years living in Ft Laud and Hollywood, Fla.

Got caught by a draw bridge today and felt like ramming the guy in front of me over the edge of it with my rental sled, but the ol’ Pontiac probably wouldn’t have budged him anyway.

I’m done. Later

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

We went out like some SUCKAS Tonite, this team just constantly plays with my emotions…We Better not Lose this series, I know we ain’t go out like that…

Can’t believe we got our a-s-ses handed to us by the AAA Miami Marlins

Bring Back Martin Prado and Release Orr I was tired of him a month ago, Why da he!! do you bench Giles and let Orr’s non hittin a-s-s play…Bobby’s cool but I wonder about him if he were under WhineBrenners control

Thought we were out of the Funk after last nite…..WRONG! WRONG!, This team Stinks

AND Reeksma’s Garbage, Send him to New York, for a scorepad

(After a deep Breath of relaxation) D.O.B. How are the Broads down there in Ft Liquordale…?

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. I weant to FAU, AND don’t miss the traffic or the High cost of living at all, The one thing I do miss is the Broads…

That was like the only reason to even go to school…

By Diese

May 10, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, I couldn’t agree more. Reitsma has to go! I don’t just want him out of the closer’s role, I want him out of a Braves uniform entirely. He is completely inept at getting major league hitters out. Four runs in less than an inning against the MARLINS?!?! They’re practically a Triple-A team! TN Paul, I agree, try to get rid of him, but who in their right mind trades for a guy like that? I would love to hear three sweet words in regard to Reitsma: “designated for assignment”!

I’m also sick of the no-intensity-ever strikeout-fest that is Adam LaRoche. DOB, you mentioned lukewarm interest in Tony Clark. How about Shea Hillenbrand? Any chance he’s available with the Jays also having Lyle Overbay?

By Tomahawkin

May 10, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Cheese WHIZ! After reading some of the blogs…It looks as if Reeksma blew another big game in October, Everybody and they Mama is pi-s-sed off at Bobby and his crew…

Aight Lesson learned once again, Reeksma Blows, Orr should be in AA, and what the he!! is Bobby’s mindset right now…

Lets get em tomorrow and take 2 of 3, It’s startin to get hard stayin optomistic, but “Ya Got To Keep Ya Head Up”

By Tomahawkin

May 11, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Diese, I feel ya, I really biased against anyone who doesn’t show emotion while doing something that they are supposed to take pride in…

I guess It finally took Reeksma blowing it off to a AAA team to finally get everyone (except John S. and Cox) to unite and get in his a-s-s

By baby seal

May 11, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

baby seal offers reminder that reitsma also canadian. maybe he should play hockey? hockey season is year round, yes? seal like pete orr because canadian too, like bacon. but maybe uggla from kentucky better at second?

seal wonders if bats are off getting painted pink. seal wonders what would happen if giles also painted face or hair pink. distract other team. and cheerleaders. maybe even chipper? seal no longer sure seal knows what talking about. seal tired.

By Tomahawkin

May 11, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

SSISCRIBE, Thats the main reason to go to the games, is da chicks, Nothing like a dimepiece that loves Baseball, and Dem Braves!

I’m in the minority but I like Dolphins Stadium, It’s just not suited 4 baseball however, ALTHOUGH I Love seeing the Football Games that are played in rain when the Baseball field is still in use, It makes 4 good Mud Bowl Games, Those are very rare nowadays

Our school used to have their football games there, and I think we had about 4500 people in that stadium, talk about Huge and Empty…

I think DUD SELIG Will take 2 yeas to get that team outta there, he’ll probably sit on his a-s-s and have them split time in Puerto Rico, or Charlotte or sumptin…

By baby seal

May 11, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this

baby seal makes one more journalistic insight. esteemed dob says tonight is good time to gut fish. seal thinks that braves need learn from seal how fish get gutted. seal likes to eat fish with or without guts. maybe show braves for tomorrow?

By Tomahawkin

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

Someone said they saw Pujols take BP down there, bet that was a show, That Dude is Sick

I remember seeing Andres Galarraga hit a 3-2 slider off Kevin Brown into the Football seats in the Upper Deck in 97 and Mike Piazza hit a ball above the Don Shula sign in Left Center, you don’t realize how far that is until you see the inside of the park itself and imagine to yourself how far that is…

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

10Paul, sometimes you sound like an English teacher posing as one of your own students … funny!

What concerns me is that we’ve yet to win a game when Edgar plays and doesn’t get a hit. That’s unacceptable … the number two position in the lineup is key to our success … Bobby should bench him and play Wilson in his spot until he better understands the responsibilities of hitting second in the order … If he can’t perform to our expectations, we should see if maybe Boston would consider taking him back.

By Tomahawkin

May 11, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

Bob, Dude Edgar is the least of our worries, I think Pete Orr needs to be the one remaining on the Bench…

I saw on the Bottom line that Jeff Fassero was designated 4 assignment, Why D He!! has this not happed to Reeksma, It should’ve happened last year, I guess his overpaid a-s-s makes too money…for such action to be taken…

Where the He!! is The Bong?

By teoa

May 11, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

As the wise Adam LaDouche said, “If you’re going to lose, that’s the way to lose.” You know, for once, I couldn’t agree more with ol’ LaDouche.

Any who cares about the Braves should be ecstatic about tonight’s game.

The Braves weren’t going to win anyway, and Reitsma offered further proof of exactly how much he sucks and why he should not ever be put into close games. Since the Braves management seems to think he’s suddenly going to turn into the next Eckersly after 5+ years of absolute sucking, it’s nice that, for once, their stupid hopeless experiment didn’t cost the Braves (or John Smoltz) another win. If tonight’s game pushed them a little closer to making a trade for a closer, than I think we may have traded this loss for at least 10 wins in games that Reitsma would have blown in the future…Thank you Reitsma! Go Braves!

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, LOL I was afraid you were taking me serious until I heard the loud bong!

Maybe it like lineup considerations … a lot more complex than meets the eye … like maybe Bobby lost a couple of WBC bets?

By teoa

May 11, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Meant to say, “Anyone who cares about the Braves should be ecstatic about tonight’s win”…guess I should at least proof the bold text before I post, huh?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

teoa, you probably saw my earlier post to you … it shouldn’t make sense to anyone … just my LOL reaction to some interesting posts I had been reading.

I know that I’ve cautioned folks about using atats … and that still goes … but this series is interesting: “5.31, 5.79, 5.06, 7.42, 4.35”.

In case you don’t recognise them, they’re not today’s winner payouts for the first 5 races at Hialeah Park … that would be great … they’re the ERA’s of tonight’s Braves Pitchers.

By TennesseePaul

May 11, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

You know, I question that very same point. How? How could anyone trade for Reitsma? Why would anyone trade for Reitsma?

Then, something comes to mind… John Schuerholz. The man traded one single minor leaguer for Renteria and cash. He traded Nick Green for Sosa, and Sosa won 13 games and was undefeated on the road, Green has been sent on assignement. He traded Juan Cruz and Charles Thomas for Tim Hudson. He traded Brian Jordan and Odalis Perez for Gary Shefield. I have a feeling the guy could trade LaRoche, Reitsma and a minor leaguer for a closer and a player to be named later. He’s a slick guy and I can’t wait to see him work his magic.
In Schuerholz I trust.

He does have the Kolbian blemish. But I’m keeping the faith.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

10Paul, it might happen … but it seemed to me that most of the folks he traded were held in high esteem, or appeared to have potential, by the other teams. I wonder if we can say the same thing about the current situation … looks like the two you mentioned might be viewed as high risk, low ROI potential.

Scary thought … when I first saw “Prime Time to gut Fish”, I immediately thought it was some crazy reference to Deion’s rejoining the Braves.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

teoa, when I posted to you, the form didn’t carry my first line … and it cleared the Name, Email boxes; changing the remember me choice from “Yes” to to “no”.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I thought your bolded line was on point … both versions.

By HEAD COACH

May 11, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

Over the course of a 162 game marathon games like this are going to happen. It’s just that when it happens against a bunch of minor leaguers who shouldnt even be in the majors it makes magnifies the Bravos problems. Again , it’s only one game. Tomorrow is another day , forget about it and move on. John Schuerholtz are you watching this flawed team butcher the game of baseball ? One more time for the record : WE DONT HAVE A LEADOFF HITTER OR A CLOSER. TennesseePaul , do you remember a little trade JS made with St.Louis ? Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright for J.D. Drew. Drew played one season in Atlanta and The two 1st round draft pick pitchers we traded are both currently pitching for the Cardinals. In my not so humble opinion the worst trade in the 40 year history of Braves baseball in atlanta. Anyway , todays game is on TBS and I will be taping it and watching later. Go you stinking Bravos !

By teoa

May 11, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this

Bob, missed your post earier, but yes, you are correct, sir. There are many varieties of the dreaded elitist - from superior to inferior and anywhere in between…takes a specially trained eye to spot them all sometimes. You obviously have a finely tuned e-radar, however…congratulations, it will serve you well.

And you were right on about the Braves winning percentage in games when Edgar goes hitless…disconcerting indeed. Could be a long year unless he manages to obliterate DiMaggio’s record.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 02:34 AM | Link to this

Noticed that nice guy Ron “absolutely” Gant was on with Bob Rathburn on FSN … no Jeff Turborg … any explanation?

By tbo

May 11, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this

You are right Teoa. I said the same thing about the Braves losing tonight. If this performance won’t tell JS that Reistma needs to be outta here nothing will. How can JS and BC continue to put that Goon out there?

By forcesaberz

May 11, 2006 04:11 AM | Link to this

At first I just wanted Reitsma out of the closers role…..however after his preformances recently I want him off the stinkin team. He looked pitifull tonight …. and I hate how whenever he does actually save a game he looks like he was just told his plane isnt going to crash after all…. cant stand him

By gotigers72

May 11, 2006 05:27 AM | Link to this

11-3 Marlins. Did your shoes get stuck in the mud tonight David? Now Hudson will have to get himself straightened out today for us to win 2 of 3 against basically a minor league team, except for Cabrera who is amazing.

How much longer will we go with Reitsma as closer with an ERA over 7? Moylan obviously doesn’t belong in the majors. Same thing happened with him that happened with Adam Bernero last year. He impresses the brass in a FEW spring training games, and they fall in love with him without considering his past history. I don’t necessarily want a trade, but bring a young reliever up and get him some innings rather than go with a Moylan who won’t be around much longer.

By bigboi

May 11, 2006 07:12 AM | Link to this

Kyle Davies is plain awful, If Sosa had a game like Davies did last night everybody would be bad mouthing him, but not Davies. I wonder why that is? Does anybody know?

By B.J.

May 11, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

Bob: Interesting question about Ron Gant. I can support watching Turner South if they keep him on there. Not only is Ron Gant an EXCELLENT broadcaster, he KNOWS BRAVES BASEBALL. He knows how a Bobby Cox clubhouse is run BECAUSE HE’S BEEN THERE BEFORE. He’s much more insightful than Torborg. They need to keep him if they don’t want to lose all there viewers. I don’t like Rafbun at all, they should let the game’s BEST (BY FAR) announcing team handle the Braves duties—Skip, Pete, Joe & Don. If Fox wasn’t so FULL OF ITSELF, then they would know this and act accordingly.

By Scott

May 11, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Ron Gant an Excellent broadcaster? You’ve got to be kidding. I am a big Ron Gant fan but he is no broadcaster. Very boring and eratic. Torburg on the other hand is a good broadcaster. Would rather see Torburg and Gant. Rathbun is a decent announcer but I can’t stand him.

By JasonInMaine

May 11, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

bigboi,

I agree. Davies is not very good. He should be in AAA working on some things. I have been saying for weeks that he will NEVER be a front of the rotation guy. Never. Ever. 4th starter at best. Sure, he will have his occasional good game like he did against the Mets, but so do a lot of other 4th or 5th pitchers in a rotation.

The Braves were banking on their starting rotation being their strength this year and it just hasn’t happened. Hudson, Davies, and Sosa all have ERAs over 5 and have not been very good. Smoltz has had a couple of good starts, but still has an ERA of 3.72. Thomson has been good, but basically took himself out of a 1-hitter (passive agressive???). With the offense having so many young AAA players in there everyday, the pitching is going to have to be dominant, and it just isn’t and probably won’t be.

Of course, the biggest problem is Reitsma. He plain sucks. Period. No questions asked.

DOB have you heard any rumblings at all about the Braves making a move? Any? They can’t afford to wait until the all-star break this year.

By baby seal

May 11, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

seal here. seal thinks ron gant has presents too. like jordan. seal try to catch up to ron gant in press box to check on presents. maybe ron gant presents better in clubhouse than pressbox? bobby cox want ron gant presents in clubhouse? seal hear that ron gant broke leg on fishing expedition to north pole. or riding motorcycle. not good ride motorcycle on ice. danger danger. ron gant learn now. maybe ron gant platoon at first base?

seal hears that braves never make moves so early. liberty media make move on braves though. than auction off presents on tv shopping channel. maybe auction off reitsma and laroche.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 11, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

From the Cincinnati Enquirer:

“Nothing, as it turns out. That’s what the Reds got for pitcher Chris Reitsma.”

“The Reds’ relationship with Jung Keun Bong effectively ended when the club agreed to release him to allow him to return to his native Korea and enter the draft there.”

“Bong, along with Bubba Nelson, was obtained for Reitsma from Atlanta on March 26, 2004. It was former general manager Dan O’Brien’s first trade.”

“Nelson was released earlier this spring. So the Reds basically have nothing to show for dealing Reitsma, who has been a setup man/ closer for the Braves since the trade.”

and the braves have, what?

By Matthew

May 11, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Big boi:

Davies gave up four runs in four plus innings and his control was not good either. That’s one start. I think the reason why Davies is shown a little more patience is because it was obvious from Sosa’s first start that he was not in playing shape. One can ascertain the commitment level of a player by how well he takes care of himself. Sosa is overweight and out of playing shape, and just comes across IMHO as lazy. Davies is in shape, and has dazzled at times (or have we forgotten his complete game already). He is 22, and doing very well. He had one off night, and you want to compare that to the overweight and out of shape Sosa? Sosa’s been in the league long enough to have adult expectations placed on him-Davies is still a kid in his first full season in the majors.

Or are you implying something else? It’s hard to tell from the words on the screen.

By JasonInMaine

May 11, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

2 wins and an ERA over 5 with one complete game…which is the anomaly?

By Matthew

May 11, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Again, I am not saying that he is Cy Young reincarnated either, but Big boi gave me the impression that Davies was given more slack, and I responded accordingly to what he asked. And in my estimation, Davies has the ability to be a 2 or 3 starter and win 15-18 games a year once he straightens out his control. He is TWENTY TWO years old. Big Boi asked why Davies isn’t criticized like Sosa and I responded.

And to your quesiton Jason, I think it is too early to tell which is the anomaly. Davies has some control problems, but what young pitcher hasn’t? I think it would be foolish to write him off so early. As for Sosa, perhaps a move to the bullpen would fire him up, get him in shape, and return him to 2005-like numbers. What we really need is to trade for a 5th starter, closer, and 1B in a blockbuster, three-team deal. 10Paul was right about JS getting talent at minimal loss. I’m not giving up yet.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 11, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

baby seal continues to amaze and mystify journalist jimmy smith. once again, baby seal has posted on this blog. jimmy smith is in no way involved. how is baby seal doing this without internet connectivity? this is one smart seal. now, reitsma … straight up trade for uggla is proposed by this journalsit. uggla is needed on the braves. reitsma could use a change of scenery and miami is just the place for his game. jimmy smith agrees with the blogger who asked for prado back - all he did was win a game for the braves and he was sent down. it seems he has more to offer than orr who is now batting .186 in 43 plate appearances. now, to the blogger who invoked cheeze whiz in his post … penn has warned us all about cheeze whiz. it is best avoided. now, paronto … can he be worse than reitsma? perhaps reitsma’s neck is too long to be an effective closer. jimmy smith says go with the guy with no neck. now, crows … we must contact letwan and find out how many crows will be required for the pies. is letwan back from his trip? now, scribe … master of transition scribe is respected by jimmy smith. in next post, jimmy smith will attempt transition never before seen on this blog. journalist is anxious to hear from scribe if he likes or dislikes journalist’s newest transition.

By Joe Roman

May 11, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Whadda y’all think of Peter Moylan? He throws strikes. He hides the ball very well. I think he may be the closer by July.

By Joe Roman

May 11, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

One more thing: as far as ragging on Davies is concerned, it is worth remembering Tom Glavine was 4-17 in his first full season. I think the Braves’ braintrust is wee better at judging potential than you nimrods.

By Matthew

May 11, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Thanks Joe Roman. That’s what I was trying to say, and you did it in two sentences.

By Carolina Lady

May 11, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Is Rocker available?? We could give him a haircut, duct tape his mouth, and see what he can do out there. Just a thought…. :-)))

By Tony

May 11, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Davies is average at best. I agree he will never become the anchor of any staff, unless he develops a deadly changeup(i.e. Maddux, Glavin.) He doesn’t throw hard and doesn’t have an out pitch. He’s too hittable. It’s always been amazing to me at the lack of hard throwers the Braves have produced from their farm system. It has always killed them in the postseason. By the way, didn’t the Braves beat the Mets when half of the Met’s starters were on the bench? People have been a little hard on Sosa. How do we know he’s not in shape? Is it b/c he doesn’t have a 6-pack? Geez Livan Hernandez is out of shape every year then. Hudson sucks as a top of the rotation pitcher at this point in his career. If we have to count on him facing Willis, Martinez, Myers, for the rest the year then we are definitely in trouble.

Outside of Renteria, the Braves have zero professional hitters. I hope McCann follows Renteria example of hitting and Jordan’s heart and desire.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith’

Journalist jgs don’t know to deal with stats but wondered if maybe world reknown journalist could talk former pupil into sharing some of George Herman’s with current group of Braves Masquerading as hitters … just as food for thought.

I know that it’s unfair to compare the hitting statistics of the “babe’s” era with those of today because of the livelier ball, steroids issue, lighter bats, weaker pitching staffs, and fewer games per season. But I’ll give you some in the post that follows … maybe HK, 10Paul and those who like stats can make more sense of them.

By Sam

May 11, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Journalist JG and others. Please, pretty please, think twice before assuming that there is more offense in the game now than in Babe’s era. Yes, the time when Babe first entered MLB was the tail end of the dead ball era. However, the late 20’s through the late 40’s were a time of unrivaled offense. Higher league Batting average than even the go-go 1990’s. The idea that “bad” pitching and lots of hitting is a new thing in baseball is just not so. Take a look at league wide stats from those years and you’ll see what I mean.

By doug

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

if horacio comes back into the rotation soon, then sosa would be a better option in the bullpen. not sure about closer from within though. paronto looked good when he started his inning the other night, but once he gave up a hit, he started nibbling and being afraid of giving up more. as much as his ball moves and as hard as he throws, he looks like the best option we have out there right now for closing. that is once he gets over his nervousness of being in the bigs again. sosa might be able to close, but he needs to learn how to warm up as a reliever again. when he came in relief in the extra inning game he was all over the place at first, then settled down and did a decent job. best option though is to trade some of our minor league talent (throw in reeksma and laroche if we can find someone willing to take them on)and try to get an established big league arm for the bullpen.

By Bob, journalist jg

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

Selected George Herman stats during his prime 1920-1932, excluding the two years where he played less than 125 games … he averaged about 147 games per season. Chipper’s 11 year career stats compare rather well.

Hits: “172, 204, 205, 200, 184, 192, 173, 172, 186, 199, 156 “. Most would love those numbers, even with a 162 game schedule. Chipper’s Average 176 best 189.

Home Runs: “54, 59, 41, 46, 47, 60, 54, 46, 49, 46, 41”. Pretty good, given the fewer games and other factors … with only Beer, Cigars and parties for performance enhancement. Chipper’s Average with 125 games or more 32; his best 45.

RBIs: “137, 171, 131, 121, 146, 164, 142, 154, 153, 163, 137”. He played on some good teams, but 1.0 RBI per game for 11 years! Chipper’s best 111.

Strikeouts: “80, 81, 93, 81, 76, 89, 87, 60, 61, 51, 62”. In the ‘93’ year, he had his highest average ever! The last 4 years of those 11 clearly show that you can “learn” the strike zone. His numbers are impressive when you consider that pitchers didn’t give him many pitches to hit. Chipper’s high 99; best 64.

Walks: “150, 145, 170, 142, 144, 137, 137, 72, 136, 128, 130”. All weren’t intentional, Frenchy! He had a pretty good “eye” and knew his hitting zone. Chipper’s career high is 126.

Average: “376, 378, 393, 378, 372, 356, 323, 345, 359, 373, 341”. Babe always hated not hitting 400 … said that he would have averaged 375 and had some 400+ seasons; except for Fan HomeRun Expeectations … pretty good numbers for a pretty fair converted Major League pitcher … I think he held the career record for most strikeouts against the Yankees until recently. Chipper’s career average 303, his high 330 … No Yankee strikeouts.

Slugging Percentage: “847, 846, 764, 739, 737, 772, 709, 697, 732, 700, 661” He came close to 850 a couple of times before pitchers realized how to pitch to him. Chipper’s career slugging percentage is 538, the high 633.

George Herman … my best of all time … he’s the cause of all this longball stupidity … but bat control was his game … Baby Ruth was introduced in 1920 but don’t believe the claim that it was named for George!

By dan

May 11, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

the blue jays are shopping shea hillenbrand for pitching. would love to see him play 1b for braves. i’m sure the jays would be interested in thomson or hudson, and the braves can afford to lose a righthander to make a spot for ramirez. i’d be willing to give up our best pitcher so far, thomson, for hitting right now. i think hillenbrand will keep hitting, but i don’t think thomson can keep it up all year.

By Sam

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

Journalist JG, how about Henry Aaron? Let’s look at his stats and adjust for the dramatically different era in which he played. Hank’s HRs and other offensive totals, while compiled in more seasons and at-bats, were done so in an era of far LESS offense than Babe’s era. Perhaps Babe has a slight edge in the end but far less than absolute numbers would indicate. In fact, I think we can agree that Aaron is easily one of the most underrated players in MLB history (along with Musial).

By David O'Brien

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

Joe Roman, couldn’t agree more with your assessment of Davies. While he’s been mediocre, at best, more times than not, just look at what Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux did in their first year or two.

While I’m not saying he’s going to become one of them, I am saying it’s entirely too early to make any kind of judgment. Braves love his stuff and mental capacity. Let’s wait to see what he does with it.

However, I’m a bit mystified by your comment about Moylan. Rather, the timing of it. Almost like you meant it sarcastically. Either that or you missed the game last night.

Moylan was almost as bad as Reitsma last night. He was aweful _ five hits, three runs in one inning. And after that performance, you felt it was time to suggest Moylan become the closer?

Uh, OK.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Sam,

I hope and think that everyone appreciates your concerns and I have frequently warned against making such comparisons.

Personally, I thought about it four, maybe five times … it appears that Babe’s numbers in the early 20’s are better than later.

I agree that I probably shouldn’t have posited or suggested that those “adjustment” factors were appropriate because it’s just my opinion … and the self imposed “jg” indicates my lack of confidencce in my own judgement.

However, I hope that the initial post to Jimmy, who carries the seal of approval for such matters, set the proper tone so that noone would not be required to take what followed too seriously … I certainly don’t plan to … but, I certainly think that some food for thought is therein contained.

Everyone has their own perspective about those things and the stats are there … hopefully for each person to see, evaluate, and reach their own conclusions.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Sam, that’s “noone would be” … need to clean my glasses.

By Tony

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

Please take the Babe comparisons or whatever somewhere else…trying to talk Braves baseball here. And we you are reading others comments, someone throws a comment with dead man’s stats is very frustrating.

By Carolina Lady

May 11, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

We all apologize, Tony. We just missed your conversation; who was it with? We’ll all sign off now! :-) Personally, I enjoyed reading the comparisons.

By MGL

May 11, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Tony - I must have missed your appointment as blog policeman. Also, you might try some additional grammer lessons - what does “And we you are” mean? Do you know that you can scroll past posts that you do not enjoy?

By Matthew

May 11, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

If I sound hard on Sosa, it is only because I was so proud of him last year and had counted on him this year. I don’t have any personal beef with him, and the Livan comparison would be very good if Sosa had the track record of Hernandez.

Davies IS going to be a good pitcher, and could be a Maddux if he develops an out pitch and settles down. But then again, teh same could be said for every young right hander, I guess.

GO BRAVES!

By David O'Brien

May 11, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

All interested in Babe’s number should consult an excellent article by Mike Berardino in yesterday’s Sun-Sentinel in South Florida. A historian who has done exhaustive research on Babe and ballparks and other variables concluded he would have hit 1,100 or more homers if he’d played in the current era. Read it before you opine either way, please. He makes a pretty convincing argument.

One thing: Did you folks realize _ I know I didn’t, and Bobby Cox told me yesterday that he didn’t either _ that home runs hit in Babe’s era had to not only leave the field in fair territory, but also had to land fair. In other words, all those hooked and sliced homers that curl around the foul poles today? They weren’t homers when Babe played. I had no idea, honestly.

Anyway, go to the Sun-Sentinel’s web site and read it. It’s Sun-Sentinel.com. Article by Mike Berardino on May 10. Best I’ve read on the subject in a long time.

By MGL

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

DOB - Great article on Babe. The Sun also reported that there was a 30 minute team meeting before last night’s game. It sure worked! Perhaps the Braves need the same thing. There just doesn’t seem to be a lot of enthusiasm and positive attitude on the team right now. Is that a valid observation based upon your proximity to the group?

By Casey

May 11, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

OK, IT’S TIME TO “GUT THE FISH”, “BATTER THE FISH”, “FILET THE FISH” “THE FISH WENT ON A FEEDING FRENZY” I’LL BE GLAD WHEN WE ARE DONE PLAYING THE FISH SO THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO READ ALL OF THE STUPID ANALOGIES THOUGHT UP BY THE CLEVER MEDIA EVERYTIME WE LOOK AT THE SPORTS SECTION… ATLEAST UNTIL THE NEXT TIME THESE 2 TEAMS HOOK UP…HAHAHA! ANYBODY ELSE AGREE?

By hk

May 11, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob,

… boy, for someone who has often cautioned us about numbers, you’ve outdone yourself :) … can’t add much to your analysis, afraid it’s apples and oranges to me, but arguing back and forth about different era’s is one of the great things about baseball, it’s just plain fun … do have some stats on the Kyle Davies discussion though …

.. to me, a telling thing about a pitcher is K’s vs BB’s vs innings pitched, for instance:

……… IP .. BB .. K

Smoltz .. 46 .. 12 .. 37

Davies .. 41 .. 15 .. 34

Thomson . 38 .. 15 .. 29

… those are all darn good numbers … then there’s

Hudson .. 46 .. 15 .. 23

… BB to K ratio alot lower … then of course there’s

Sosa …. 23 .. 11 .. 11 …… hmmm …

… from this I’d say that Kyle’s got pretty good stuff, and good control too, compared to the other guys … of course he’s allowed 10 homers, 3rd highest in the league, but with maturity think he’ll learn to hit the edges better and better ..

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Sam,

To me, the point you make so well is that there are plenty of hitters having stats that would provide the “Points to Ponder” that I was trying acheive … The Babe’s kinda special to me but Hank, Stan, Ted, and some “hit ‘em where ain’t” bat control guys are high on that same list! All the greats brought uniqueness to the table and I know of no stat that can measure that.

I’m just a baseball fan with hundreds of heros … from books, movies, Newsreels, Radio, TV, and sitting in the stands.

I was serious when I said what I did about stats … As an actuary, I learned just how powerful, exciting and also dangerous those little things can be. But they can be fun to play with … and sometimes insightful too!

Much of my education was in the areas of calculus, probability and statistics … but like most technicians, my people and communication skills are a llitle less than what I’d like. I reall enjoy this blog … mostly because of DOB and the crazy, interesting and wonderful people you “meet” … and the different views they express … plus, the opportunity to join in … have some fun and try to learn something other than mathemetics.

Maybe it’s too imposing, but I thought sharing those stats might be interesting to some who only knew of “babe” because of his homeruns. I would hope that folks enjoy an occassional look back at those who were the best in “class” or best in “Show” … and maybe enjoy making some “not too technically sound” comparisons with those of today.

By Kentavo

May 11, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Hope the players or perhaps Bobby held a meeting last night after that embarrasing butt-whooping. But that game is a classic example of why this fan: a. hates Bobby Cox’s philosophies b. hates the bullpen For point a. when the game was still in hand (4-1), and with the pitcher’s spot coming up the next half of the inning, Cox pulled McBride who had set down 6 in a row. But, I know Cox would rather get some guys work (innings) than try to win a game. That’s why his regular season mojo (there’s always another game)doesn’t work in the post-season when every game is must-win.
Point b. each night it seems a different bullpen punk takes a turn at coming into the game totally unprepared (last night it was Moylan and Reeksma). Why is this? What are they doing down there in the bullpen? Shouldn’t they all be ready to go every night? Isn’t that what a bullpen is for - to be ready to go at a moment’s notice?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

HK, Aples and oranges, good point … but, apples and oranges, that is the point!

Started to send those numbers directly to you … but thought folks would enjoy a LOL.

Looks like it only brought the ire of some.

I agree that Kyle has what it takes ans should only do better, if folks will be patient … sorta like my view of young Master Kelly Johnson.

Not that impressed with the Aussie … even before last night.

By Tony

May 11, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

MGL,

I would rather impress my clients with my grammar…than bloggers. I love it when people try to be a smart a* on a blog.

Attention Braves fans: Quit comparing every soft tossing, change of speed pitcher that comes through the system to Greg Maddux, or Tom Glavine. It does Davies or the others no favors. Can someone tell the least good pitcher to come through the Braves system? Schmidt?

By hk

May 11, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob,

… on the Aussie and other lingering questions, think maybe Bobby and some of the other Braves are still suffering from various forms of ‘WBC-itus’ …

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

May 11, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Okay! Enough is enough. It is one thing to get your butt whooped by the Phillies or Mets or even the Giants. But, to get blasted by the flippin’ Marlins. That is an embarrasment. We are talking about a tean who had won 8 games. 8!!!!!!!!!! Things have to change. I realize that the Braves generally start slow. I have defended them all year so far saying they will be okay. I still believe they will. However, this year getting together at the All-Star break won’t do it. The Mets are good. Really good. They have a deep enough team to overcome injuries in the lineup. The rotation is one Pedro or Tommy injury away from being in trouble. But, here is the question. Would that rotation be worse than our bullpen? The answer is no. We have major problems at closer, leadoff, and the bullpen. Finding a quality closer (not Reitsma) would solve 65% to 75% of the bullpen’s problem. Don’t let the mental strain of knowing YOU have to hold a lead or keep a game close be underestimated when you look down the line and realize that Reitsma is closer. Those other guys in the pen have no confidence in him no matter what they say. A closer to the bullpen is like a leadoff hitter to the lineup. Show me one strong pen without a quality closer at the end of it. Speaking of leadoff hitters, what do you do with Giles. He isn’t getting it done. He is not a leadoff hitter. He is the protypical number two hitter. He is forced into the role because NO necessary action was taken to acquire a leadoff hitter in the offseason. So, now what do we do. I hate to say it but I think maybe its time to start thinking about trading Giles. I realize he is the heart of the team. He is one of the rare Braves who shows that unabashed enthusiasm in the dugout. However, when I look at this lineup there is only one position that you could legitamtely think about making a change. I say lets get a quality 2B who can bat leadoff. I firmly believe McCann and Francoeur can take over that role. I think the rest of the lineup is fine. Its still early but LaRoche seems to be responding to hitting 7th. I think its a move that’s two weeks too late. Francoeur is coming around. I still say the WBC messed him up. He should have been in spring training instead of listening to A-Rod, Chipper, and Jeter tell him how to be professional and still lose to freakin’ Canada. The same Canandian team that had Reitsma on it. He is hitting the ball much better and he is near the top of the league with RISP. Back to the bullpen. I think once Horacio comes back that Sosa should go to the pen and become the closer. It can’t be any worse than what we have right now. If he doesn’t work out then look to bringing up Devine or making a trade for someone else. I really believe this team can win the division and definitely compete for the wildcard. But, if we don’t get it together then we won’t have a shot at either. The Mets and Phillies are for real in the East. Regarding the wild card you have the Phillies, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers, Rockies, Padres, and Giants. All of those teams are quality teams and none of them are better than the Braves when they play at their best, but it that doesn’t come to late June or July it won’t mean anything. Its now or never! Put up or shut up. There needs to be some of those “veterans” in the clubhouse get highly upset and start throwing some crap around and guys like McCann and Francoeur have to call out some of these “veterans” and tell them to start playing like their reputations say they can. Let’s be completely honest. If it were not for Smoltz, Francoeur, McCann, and Jordan over the last week or so we would be 11 or 12 games out.

By Chop Chop

May 11, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

I just read Mike Berardino’s column about the Babe and how many homers he might have hit in today’s game. Bill Jenkinson makes a lot of valid points in the article. DOB, as you mentioned, the point about homeruns having to land fair would have to cost a guy a significant amount of them in his career.

Of course, the flip side of the “1150 HRs for Ruth in today’s game” argument includes such things as the crushing media presence in New York, extra playoff series, pitchers’ reluctance to pitch to him, the effect of West Coast travel, the effects of facing the same pitcher over and over in games (because complete games were expected, not exceedingly rare as they are in today’s game), etc. I think the most important of these opposing views would be the reluctance to pitch to Ruth. If he hit a lot of 420-foot bombs the other way that were long and loud outs in the old Yankee Stadium, I don’t think today’s pitchers would give him much to hit. In other words, he’d have to be like the ‘02 or ‘04 versions of Bonds for a considerable number of seasons in order to get the most out of his plate appearances. Factor that out over a long career and there’s no way he would’ve gotten close to that 1150 estimation. What I always like about people who do research like that is that they are also assuming all the data from that era is correct. If that data is off by a significant margin, that estimate could very easily come down by a couple of hundred homers. Quite an interesting article, though.

By justin

May 11, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

I am a fan of the braves, but this team has too many holes. I understand having one inconsistant starter (Davies), but three or four is too much to deal with. Sosa looked pretty good last year; however it was only one year and he worked out of jams more often than he was dominate. When Ramirez comes off the DL that shouldn’t excite too many people either. Is there much hope for pitching this year in the farm system? If not the Braves should work out some trades immediately. While we are bringing in outcast to fill the bullpen maybe we can bring ‘El Presidente’ or Juan Berringer from retirment and work them into the bullpen. Also, are there any leadoff guys we could trade for? If so what possition will they fill on the field. I really like AJ, Edgar, and McCann…beyond that I would consider dealing everyone else on the team. In the meantime I will continue to curl up in a corner and cry myself to sleep after these ballgames.

By Carolina Lady

May 11, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

No, Bob. I apologize for correcting you, but your post didn’t raise the ire of some, just one. As evidenced by the many responses and continued e-conversations, you can see that the rest of us enjoyed it. Babe is always ‘on topic’! (Guess it’s a good thing I didn’t bring up the crows, huh?) :-))

When wine turns sour, all the sugar in the world won’t help it. You just may as well write it off and pour it down the drain.

By Voice of Reason

May 11, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

RJITB - I’m in agreement with most of your points. As much as I like Giles, and I do like Giles, I also believe that acquiring a real lead-off type 2B makes the most sense for the team. I also believe that Reitsma only intimidates the Atlanta fans, certainly not opposing hitters. A great deal of the game is mental, and when hitters step into the box against Reitsma, their confidence rises, not their fear. I’ve given Reitsma as much of a chance as anybody, but as the great philosopher Popeye says, “Enough is enough, and enough is too much!” As to LaWhif, I feel a little more urgency than you do. He is not the long term answer at 1B; it’s time to move on…

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

May 11, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

One of the biggest problems with this team is Bobby Cox and his philosophies. He has to change some of his thinking. He made a good first step in switching McCann and LaRoche in the lineup. The next move has to be finding a leadoff hitter and a closer. I disagree with those who say our starting rotation is not good. Yes, Hudson is inconsistent and Davies is still young. But, I look at what the Mets and Phillies have and our rotation from top to bottom is a lot better.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

May 11, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, is the team still as concerned about Francoeur as they were a few weeks ago?

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

May 11, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Voice of Reason, I agree with you to some extent about LaRoche. I think if the opportunity arises and a good trade proposal is made, then yes LaRoche needs to be traded.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Tony, I think that your comments were triggered by my Posts and I’m sincerely sorry that they bothered you and/or those with whom you were communicating … any interferrence was certainly unintended.

The Babe was a proud Brave too … and though it was after his prime, I think he would be dissapointed that any fan would think of his contributions to the game as just “dead man’s stats” … he deserves a better than that!

I know it can be difficult at times; but I’ll bet that you can find something informative, humorous, or in some other way interesting in almost every post to David’s Blog … if nothing else, just to see where the old “crazy” is coming from … my stuff excluded, of course.

By the way, what kind of business are you in? As an Actuary, I could never win … if I gave a simple answer, my clients complained I was being “short” with them and they needed more information. If I gave them the details, they accused me of telling them how to make a clock when they only wanted to know the time. I never tried to impress them much though, too dangerous … except with my fancy ties.

I doubt that many noticed your grammer … I thought it was kinda neat … reminded me of me, and your sentence construction did too. That was probably just someone’s way of trying to get you to pause and consider that you might be hurting another’s feelings. Nothing much to worry about … we all try to encourage folks to be nice … some of us, like you and I … just do it differently … that’s all.

By hk

May 11, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

… have kept sort of a running ‘MVP’ number for a while, based on a total of projected year-end Runs, RBI’s and Homers … as of last night:

Player … R … HR .. RBI .. MVP

Andruw .. 108 .. 44 .. 147 .. 299

Frenchy .. 83 .. 29 .. 108 .. 221

LaRoche .. 83 .. 25 … 93 .. 201

Edgar …. 79 .. 10 … 64 .. 152

McCann … 74 .. 15 … 59 .. 147

… Andruw was way way out in front a couple of weeks ago, Frenchy has been closing fast … from here, Roachy looks good to me …

By Bob, journalist jg

May 11, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

HK, remember what I said about the dangers of using stats?!

By Aaron

May 11, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB - I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your timely updates and your banter with your readers and Braves fans. All too often sportswriters have so much going on that they can’t take the time to respond to their blogs, but we appreciate the fact that you make time for us. — Back on topic, how is Paronto looking? How are his chances of stepping in and becoming the closer we’ve been clamoring for?