Braves

By Tito Fuentes

May 17, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

DBO,

What more does Matt Diaz have to do to get a fulltime shot at leftfield?

Can he play first?

Last Thursday he goes 5 for 5 and gets rewarded with riding the bench the next game. Last night he gets three hits and drives in the winning run. I suspect he won’t be in the lineup tonight.

I sure would like to see Betemit & Diaz in the lineup more often.

By metsmanintheatl

May 17, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

come on..you beat the BREAM and the gNATS!!…GO METROS!!

By btoy

May 17, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Why make Diaz full time when you have Langerhans?

By The Natural

May 17, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

btoy,

Matt Diaz is up to .365, about 90 points higher than Langerhans.

In your brilliant mind what does he have to do get more at bats?

By Greg

May 17, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

Hey, Metros guy. 13 of your games have been against the Nats, Fish, and Pirates. Beating weak teams is how you win a pennant. A win is a win.

By Jimmy Smits

May 17, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Chipper will be fine.

As long as he is healthy you can pencil in 30/100/100.

By geauxbraves2000

May 17, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I’m not too concerned about the current lack of power from Chipper right now, it’s all those double plays he’s hitting into. Maybe my calculations aren’t correct, but hasn’t he hit into about 34,412 double plays? Seems like it.

By The Natural

May 17, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

RYAN LANGERHANS:

.269 AVG, 2 HR , 12 RBI, 108 at bats

MATT DIAZ:

.365 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 52 at bats

Bobby, give Matt some at bats !

By Reality Check

May 17, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Metsman, what’s it like to be a fan of the second fiddle in new york?

p.s. It’s only may, enjoy that diminutive lead while you can.

By ilovethisgame

May 17, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

has anybody even thought about langerhans’s defense? how about experience? there’s more to the game than offensive numbers.

By The Natural

May 17, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

I like Ryan Langerhans, but we need more pop from that position.

With Marcus Giles not getting on base and Chipper’s power outtage, I’d like to see Diaz and Betemit in the lineup more often. What more do they have to do?

Diaz has done nothing defensively to embarass himself, unlike some others I can think of.

By MGL

May 17, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

There are very few players, no matter how good or experienced who are not streaky. Just look at the lack of HR’s in the past few weeks from both Chipper and Andruw. Also, regarding the players discussed above, batting averages for April and May respectively: Betemit .250, .364; Diaz .200, .591, Langy .296, .216.

By bo

May 17, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

Chipper is Mr. Brave. His life time records do not lie. He will hit!!! Bet on it. A phone call to his hitting coach,who is his father will help. The Braves should take some on the money Chipper gave back on his contract this year and get a closer or 1st baseman. GO BRAVES!

By gotigers72

May 17, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

I read on another blog on this site that Chipper has struck out as much as LaRoche, so I went on MLB.com and checked his stats. LaRoche has well over 30 strikeouts, Chipper has 19. Chipper has as many walks as he does strikeouts, also 19. He has scored 27 runs in 26 games played. He has gone hitless in his last 2 games, but has 3 walks and scored 3 runs including the tying run in the 11th last night. His power numbers are down right now, but I agree with Mr. Curtright. That won’t last long. His bat has seemed a little slow, but eventually Chipper will break out. He and Smoltz are the heart of the Braves, and he will find a way to start being more productive.

By tigger101023

May 17, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

Hilarious. A couple weeks into the season, Diaz was hitting under .200, Langer was hitting about .400 and people were complaining about the platoon, since Diaz looked totally overmatched. Filling in for Chipper, Langer goes into a horrible slump, Diaz gets super hot, and now it’s a crime not to give him a chance in LF? Especially since I think Langer’s coming back out of his slump. * shakes head *

Langer hasn’t been bad enough to lose the job and Diaz will most certainly cool down considerably if he were playing everyday. I don’t have a problem with healthy competition, but please remember he has 9 hits in his last 4 games vs. really crappy teams. With the exception of the good Dontrelle last night, his hits haven’t exactly come off of good pitchers.

By JOHN B.

May 17, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

metsmanintheatl, The Mets started out 10-2 when they played the Nats, Brewers and Marlins. Since then, the Mets are 14-12 against the Braves, Phillies, Cardinals, Padres, Brewers and Giants. They beat up on the weaker teams at home to get their record. The Mets have had a much easier schedule as they play 27 of their first 52 games at home. The Braves only play 18 of their first 51 games at home. The Mets will not win the division this year.

By matt

May 17, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

I say give Diaz a shot! Anyone who knows baseball knows that if you can hit then the team will find a spot for you! Well right now his bat is hot and the only spot they giving him is on the bench! How about reward the kid and see how he does. If he trails of and goes 0-12 then put Langerhans back in there. Laroche is a joke, try Diaz at 1st. Put Chipper at 1b and let Betemit play. Betemit would be starting for several teams but we think he’s a better fit on the bench! Laroche would start for NOBODY!!

By JOHN B.

May 17, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz hits left handed pitchers well. That is why he usually only plays against leftys. Last week’s 5-5 game and last night’s 3-5 games were against lefty Dontrelle Willis. He is a platoon player.

By Hairydawg

May 17, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Diaz has very good offensive stats. But Langerhans is better defensively. Weigh the options, dudes. I’d like to see them split time, until Diaz makes himself look silly playing left field OR Langerhans falls flat on his face at the plate. About Giles … he just looks overmatched too much while hitting. If Betemit can play second, let them share time too. If Betemit can ply short and third I’m quite sure he could handle second base. ALERT! Please don’t play Orr at second to give Giles a little break to “think about things.”

By Smitty

May 17, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

I think Diaz can play first. Is there any chance of Diaz getting any playing time at first DOB?

By The Natural

May 17, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

John B.,

In last weeks game when Diaz went 5 for 5, Willis was gone by the 2nd inning. The other hits came off righties.

We won’t know unless he’s given a chance. I don’t see Langerhans being anymore han a .250 hitter w/little power. The Braves’ offense needs more than that, especially with LaRoche & Giles in a funk.

By Del

May 17, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

I know some of you are not impressed with the recent surge in winning games, even though we had to struggle against weak teams to do it. But this surge has brought the team momentum and confidence and big MO and confidence is what baseball is all about. So I welcome these wins with open arms, regardless of the level of the competition!! It SHOULD pay off in big dividends on the upcoming road trip. Go Braves.

By tigger101023

May 17, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t see Langerhans being anymore han a .250 hitter w/little power.

He’ll hit better than that. He doesn’t have a lot of HR power, but when he’s on, he hits a lot of doubles (just like Giles). And he’s still drawing walks at a pretty good rate. He may only hit 6-10 homers, but if he hits 30-40 doubles with some triples, that’s not bad at all.

My guess: .280/.350/.425 (.825 OPS) before the year is done, all with great defense.

By John Hoar

May 17, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

DOB It is really easy to say, “if we had so-and-so we could do this or that,” but we also know that most of it is just good fun, wistful thinking. My wistful thinking has centered around Dontrelle for a long time. I know it doesn’t solve the closer or lead-off hitter, but a bunch of performances like last night would go a long way to changing the need for solutions there, or at least the lead-off situation wouldn’t seem as large a problem. And the bull-pen requirements would certainly change with the pitcher going deeper into the game, etc.

 My question is this: Is there anything going on and is there any realistic hope that a deal could be made? If not, I'll just forget about it, accept what we have, and enjoy the games. Thanks.

By JOHN B.

May 17, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

The Natural ,

Good point. And Diaz has hit right handed pitchers this year. But before this year, he was horrible against right handers (.128 AVG). Maybe, he has learned something this year.

By Eusebio

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

Tigger,

Leftfield, firstbase & thirdbase are traditionally “power hitting positions”, and we aren’t getting awhole lot from our current cast.

Those projections for Langerhans are pure fantasy league!

By dylan

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

Langerhans is much better defnesively then Diaz I have seen Diaz miss several balls every game he plays in that langerhans wouldhave either caught or come damn close to catching Diaz is really a DH he can hit but fielding is a little suspect with that said I would love to see him get some more playing time with frenchy and andruw out there the outfield defense can stand a weak left fielder especially if he can hit like Diaz has hit. I would also like to see more betemit the question with wilson is where the only real answer I can come up with is move to chipper to first but unfortunately thats doesnt seem to likely to happen.

By mark

May 17, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

I hate to be the one to break it to you fellas but we’ve seen the best that Chipper Jones has to offer. His inability/bad luck with staying healthy is obviously affecting his play. He said in an interview that he was hoping to play in 130-140 games this year and like two day later he went down with an injury. I love Chipper but he won’t ever come close to his MVP numbers from a few years ago. He might crack .300 again but won’t hit more than 20-25 HR. My guess by seasons end, Chipper will be somewhere in the neighborhood of .290 22 HR 90 RBI. That’s a damn good season for some, but not Chipper, not for a number 3 hitter.

By steve

May 17, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if Diaz should be the #1 guy in left field, but he isn’t hurting anyone right now. He is hitting and his defense is not bad. I can also say that Langerhans is very good defense in left and his bat may be down right now but he does come through in the clutch. I would also bet his onbase percentage is stillabove 300. With this said, why argue about either one. I am glad that if we put either out there we are not hurting. They both help the team at this point and that is a good problem to have. As for Marcus whom I like, he needs to drop the uppercut!! Chipper is Chipper. Yes betemit needs more at bats, maybe a rotation with Marcus and a once a week break for Chipper could get him in more. Lets not forget Renteria needs a break some too. If come October they are all wornout, we will not go anywhere far. That rotation could give everyone a rest, get Betemit in the game 7-9 times in a two week period and conserve everyone for the long haul.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Since we’re all about playing the hot hand, why in the world would you want to bench Giles? In case you haven’t noticed, in the past 7 Days Giles has hit Avg: .333 OBP: .419 SLG: .407 with 4 walks and 1 strike out.
Over that same time span Langerhans has hit Avg: .286 OBP: .412. Not to mention fabulous defense.

It appears to work with either player. As much as platooning bums me out, this is the best way to get both players in the line up on a fairly regular basis.

Chipper will be fine. Once he gets his stroke in gear, this team will really take off. Edgar has been mister consistant, Giles is getting on base again, Andruw is starting to hit more, McCann and Francoeur have been on fire, and we’re winning. Granted, the teams blow, but last week we scored 49 runs, that was most in a single week this year, and the second time we’ve scored 40+ runs in a week this year (the first time was the first week). Plus we had our biggest one-week run differential of the season. Look at the Phillies they had a negative run differential at the end of last week. That isn’t a winning method. We’re doing well… Hopefully this will carry over when we go out west. Arizona and San Diego are fighting for first place. They’re actually pretty good. So we need to keep winning when we face them. I’d like to see us take the series from each. Chicago should role over. I would like to see a winning road trip in the first two months.

By tigger101023

May 17, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Leftfield, firstbase & thirdbase are traditionally “power hitting positions”, and we aren’t getting awhole lot from our current cast.

I understand that, but we do get power from non-traditional positions, like CF. And if I were convinced that Diaz were an upgrade, so be it. If Kelly Johnson were healthy, he could challenge for the job, too. But he’s not. Diaz having 9 hits in 13 ABs is much too small a smaple size to be benching a starter for.

As far as whether my projection is pure fantasy league, that’s debateable. It’s not much better than last year, so it’s certainly attainable. I do like Langer a lot, but it’s merely optimistic, not outrageous.

By mark

May 17, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

Let the record show that I DO NOT THINK WE SHOULD TRADE CHIPPER!! He’s always been a Brave but his time has moved on. It’s Andruw Jones now, with Frenchy to follow. Chipper could be fine hitting somewhere other than in the 3 hole. He’s not dangerous enough. Frankly nobody but Renteria or McCann really is dangerous enough in that lineup right now. If Andruw cold bat around .310 instead of .270 he’d be perfect for it but that will never happen. Right now the Braves do not have a leadoff hitter or a number 3 hitter. They have a couple of number 2’s and 4’s and 5’s and some bottom of the lineup hitters. I don’t see them making any efforts to address those needs. Don’t even get me started on that PATHETIC excuse for a bullpen!!

By BFS83

May 17, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Bob, O’Brien, et al- I surrender on the Laroche/McBride point (from last night.) Several people weighed in and I seem to be alone, so that’s that. Gotta know when to fold ‘em.

For the record, I don’t have a personal animus for Laroche. I understand he’s a good guy, and I think he’d be a good coach. But he is a marginal big league player.

Shifting gears, I hope Smoltzie can keep it going tonight. Anybody know anything about this opposing pitcher?

Looking forward to future discussions.

By Diego

May 17, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Mark,

You are absolutely correct about Chipper Jones. His best years are in the rear view mirror.

His MVP season of “a few years ago”. It has been seven (7) years, which is in baseball time, is a lot.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Andruw has been hitting .370 over the last 7 days with out the homers. .293 with 5 homers in the last month. So I’d say it is happening.

Chipper is in a little rut right now when it comes to power, but he is more than capable of pulling that average up and hitting homers. I think he’ll end with the 30+ amount and 100+ RBI’s. At the same time, even without this power Chipper has a .396 OBP over the last month and .344 over the last 7 days. That’s nothing to complain about.

I have a feeling this bullpen is going to be one of the stronger ones we’ve had recently. Granted, that isn’t saying a lot, but Cormier has been solid. The Remmer is getting it done, and Ken Ray has been fabulous. If that corpse tagged Reitsma continues what he has been doing the last few outings, then those twitches might actually be signs of life instead of post mortum nerve firings. That’s a big IF though.

By fart

May 17, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

To Metsman,just remember the Muts Suck,enjoy while you can cause the Braves are on a roll and gonna beat out the no good Muts,lets see where the Muts qre in Oct.

By Dr. Jay

May 17, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure if it’s mental, physical, or a combination of the two, but to me Chipper’s still not 100% from the injury he suffered in S.F. The double plays are unsettling, and he seems tentative…too careful at times. Having said that, if anyone on the team deserves the benefit of the doubt, it’s Chipper. Even in this funk, he contributes and helps us maintain a bit of the swagger and reputation the organization has earned. No other team in our division has a Chipper Jones to lean on…a franchise player with his seniority and MVP experience. As long as he doesn’t get you-know-what he will be there to fuel our inevitable run at the division title. I couldn’t agree more, GC. When he gets hot…look out.

By tfbrave77

May 17, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

You guys may remember that Diaz was fitted for a contact in one of his eyes during Spring Training and it has helped his defense quite a bit. That contact may also be helping him against right handed pitchers.

By brian

May 17, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

I am not worried about chipper at all and nice post Dr.Jay. I would not worry at all about chipper either and his mere presence in the locker room is huge.

GC- good point and good post. And FYI - bloggers here really love it when DOB reads all the blogs and replies intermittently through the day

By Pepe

May 17, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Mark,

You are right about Chipper Jones not being a threat.

In the series over the weekend I found it telling that Frank Robinson had Edgar intentionally walked to get to our no - clutch #3 hitter. Sure enough, Chipper did what Robinson wanted - nothing !

If he’s hurt he needs to rest & let Betemit play more often.

Sad to say, I see a player in his declining years. One hundred RBIs for him will be a struggle.

By veritas

May 17, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

The season is nearly a third (1/3) over, and you think Chipper Jones - currently with 14 RBIs, will end up with 100 or more RBIs ?

What kind of dope are you taking?

For $17 million a season there’s not much return on the investment for this self-promoter.

By ernesto

May 17, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

I remember when Bobby used to play Lemmer over Treadway - drove me nuts! Then he kept putting Marcus in instead of DeRo - I’d start yelling at the television. But BC usually seems to know what he’s doing, and it’s a nice problem to have so much young talent to choose from. What I like is seeing the heart in the last 2 comebacks - this is the best I’ve felt about this team all year -I was wondering if they had any fight in them.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Chipper arrived as enthusiastic, talented rookie but rather quickly adopted the mantle of a matured adult engaging in a “business” activity rather than a young man playing a game.

I think there’s some evidence that beneath that exterior lies something quite different from his somewhat contrived, outward personna. I’m not suggesting that it’s bad … just different from what one might expect.

I’m sure that mine is not the “popular” view with regard to Chipper but I do expect that we’ll see good things from him as this team proves its mettle.

My view is that he’s not so good hitting when the count is 3-0, bur is a top-drawer, clutch performer when he knows what needs to be done to win. When doubts creep in regarding the team’s ability … it’s a different story.

Even if there has been some talent erosion, I think he still brings more than enough to the table to dine with the starters and be an essential part of the club.

Chipper can’t allow himself to underacheive or lose his leadership role on a team he perceives to be a winner. So long as he is not preoccupied with avoiding injury, I look for him to perform well and increase his contribution level; perhaps even exceed expectations, as his “inner self” becomes more comfortable with the current edition of the Braves.

By P'Cola Michael

May 17, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I agree about Chipper and the projection of 30 bombs this year…no way!! I see it being in the low 20’s. You’re right about Robinson walking Renteria to get to C.J…what happens if he keeps taking the plunge??

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Pardon the Personal Vent … but I just found out that an interactive Internet game, “Super Columbine Massacre RPG” is very popular. It draws on investigative material, including images of Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, who killed 12 classmates and a teacher before committing suicide.

A report on CNN.com says that players are told how many people Harris and Klebold kill that day is “ultimately up to you”.

I liked it better when kids played tag, checkers, and chess!

In my view, that’s vulgar exploitation and an example of amorality at its worst … to say the least, I hope everyone with children under 100 has software in place that allows you to deny access to selected IP addresses … and that this one is added to your list!

We each view things differently, but it’s important to take a stand against apathy, amorality, and things we consider to be evil, including any type of vulgar exploitation; especially that of our youth and elderly … ‘cause when we don’t … those are the things we’re supporting … it’s as simple as that!

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

That was supposed to be “I liked it better when kids who weren’t playing baseball … played tag, checkers, and chess!

By Chop Chop

May 17, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m sure Chipper is hoping that he’ll be the one rounding the bases and jumping on home plate one of these days. As the title of this blog states, Chipper is bound for a breakout. He’s too good of a hitter not to get things going. And hey, if he doesn’t, some of you will be right.

By btoy

May 17, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

The Natural, Langerhans has better defense that saves runs.

Also, Langerhans gets more walks, Diaz hasn’t had a single walk yet. So there OBP is very similar.

Langerhans may not have the batting average, but I think his deffence saves more runs than they would get by haveing Diaz in everyday.

By Ron Roberts

May 17, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Glad to have Matt Diaz on the team and coming off the bench… but Langerhans was hitting pretty damn good at the AB number Diaz is at at this point… it’d be foolish to think Diaz will hit .350 if he were a full-time player. Let’s remember how the NL pitching staffs sorta caught up to Francoeur after they got to see more of him.

What Ryan Langerhans brings - whether he’s hitting or not (and he’s .286 in his last 10 days, by the way…not a slouch) - is his glove. The boy can flat-out play left field!!!

By teoa

May 17, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

1. With James on a rehab assignment, seems to be the perfect time to stretch him out and get him ready to start. I realize there haven’t been many options for replacing Sosa with all the injuries, but this seems like a good opportunity. The Braves simply can’t afford an almost guaranteed loss every five games. That means the other starters have to average 3-1 every turn through and not have the bullpen blow any of the 3…And that’s way too much to ask, especially with this pen.

2. Yesterday I praised Bobby for finally demonstrating that he does in fact pay attention to what he sees on the field and apply common sense(on rare occasions) to his lineup decisions — as a result of replacing LaDouche with McCann in the 5-hole. I take it back. Common sense dictates that you don’t take your hottest hitter out of the lineup every time you face a left-handed pitcher and replace him with your weakest hitter. This is stupid. Determine how often McCann needs rest (1 game out of 5 seems to be the standard for catchers) and play him accordingly, regardless of the opposing pitcher. Not only does Bobby severely restrict the Braves ability to score runs by inserting Pratt so frequently, but he is also disrupting the pitchers by not giving them a regular catcher. Think, Bobby. Please.

3. And yet another proposal for a LaDouche replacement…Diaz, anyone? I still think Langer should be an everyday left fielder, but Diaz is definitely earning some ABs. Does anyone know if he has any IF experience?

By Chop Chop

May 17, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Diaz has always been able to hit. He’s perfect for a platoon because he’ll give the Braves a good bat off the bench whenever Langerhans is in the lineup. In other words, the Braves will have Diaz/Langerhans and Betemit on the bench every night to provide some depth. That’s why Schuerholz brought Diaz in. The Royals apparently couldn’t find a place for him on the team, which gives you a good idea as to why that organization is so awful.

By Bill G

May 17, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

On the question of whether Chipper will make it to 100 RBI: he will need to stay healthy and have some good streaks but it isn’t crazy. Over the nine-year stretch from 1996 - 2004 (not including last year when he really missed a lot of time), he averaged 106 RBI per year. There is 76% of the season left. If he returns to form and plays with the regularity that he played over those years, he would get 80 more RBI this year. He already has 14 so far this year — so that gets him to 94.

My guess is that Chipper will come up a bit short of 100 RBI — but the odds don’t make it crazy to think that he might get hot. It wouldn’t hurt his RBI totals for Marcus to get on a hot stretch.

Obviously, if he misses some games, he will come up short of this guess. However, if he plays fewer games, then his replacement plays more games at 3rd base. Since Betemit gives us pretty good production, the overall production from 3rd base will be pretty good.

And, as for whether Andruw is a legit #4 hitter just because he hits under .300 — there are lots of clean up hitters with averages below .300. Currently, in the NL, there are 23 hitters (who have sufficient plate appearances to qualify for the batting title) that have averages over .300. Many of them are table setters (Renteria…Craig Counsell….etc.) so there must be a fair number of teams with power hitters below .300. It would be great if Andruw could lift his average to above .300 — but even without it, he is a legit clean-up hitter.

By Chop Chop

May 17, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

As of today, Adam LaRoche has 35 Ks and 20 BBs. He’s hitting .226 with a .341 OBP. He hasn’t been striking out as much recently and his OBP is decent. He made an abominably lazy play the other day, but he’s due to start getting his average up. I rip him from time to time, but I don’t expect LaRoche to do anything other than hit .265-.270, hit 20 HRs and drive in 80, play above-average (not great) defense at first and be the slowest human alive. That’s it. Anyone who thinks he’s only going to hit .226 this year and strike out 200 times should look at his career stats. Once they do that, they should realize that the Braves have only played 39 games. If LaRoche is hitting .230 in late July, you can bury him.

And believe me, I feel funny defending LaRoche, but the Braves aren’t going to find a guy to hit .290 with 35 HRs and 110 RBIs at first base this year.

By teoa

May 17, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, those numbers you are talking about seem a bit optimistic, especially since LaDouche isn’t in the 5-spot any more with tons of RBI chances with Renteria, Chipper, Andruw on base. Even if you’re right, I don’t think those numbers are that hard to replace for a first baseman. I would much rather have someone else putting up those numbers than LaDouche…you know, someone who isn’t “the slowest human alive” and someone who isn’t prone to mental and physical lapses at the most inopportune times. I think there are several candidates both on the current roster and in the minors. I think even a slight drop-off in numbers could be beneficial if LaDouche was replaced by someone that would play with a little intensity.

By TRod

May 17, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Chipper is a CHOPPER!! He’s done. Trade him to anybody that will have him. Maybe we could trade him for Barry Bonds and then BOO Bonds out of baseball.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

I hate the idea of moving Chipper to first. I hate it because I know it isn’t going to happen it it’s pointless to mention. But having said that, the Braves could find a guy who would hit .290 with 35 HRs and 100 RBIs if they moved Chipper to first and traded for Miguel Cabrera. It’s a far-fetched dream, but it’s a nice one. It’s actually the kind of move that would have happened in the 90’s. Not so much these days what with all the corporate shackles this team has.

But this is pointless anyway. Trading for, or moving some one, to first base potentially blocks Salty. If McCann continues as is, Salty will be a first baseman by July. And at that point, he could be in the pro’s. Of course, last I checked, Salty wasn’t as productive at AA. So it isn’t a sure bet. But having a switching hitting power hitter at first base sounds great. Having the corners covered by switch hitters sounds great. Having the corners and the bench covered with switch hitters sounds like an unbelievable but highly propbable dream with Betemit tossed into the mix.

We’re going to have a lot of excess pitching by the end of this season. Hampton, Hudson, Smoltz, James, Davies, Thomson, Sosa and Ramirez. I could see Sosa being removed from the team and Thomson walking via free agency, but that still leaves 6 starters. Whatever our needs are, we should be in a good position to trade either in July/August or in the offseason. In July/August if Chuck James manages to pitch as well as a starter as he did as a reliever.

By teoa

May 17, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Just noticed DOB answered my question on the previous blog…

Diaz has been taking grounders at first.

Brilliant. Now if Bobby only has the balls to dump LaDouche…something tells me the answer is “no”. Say what you want about Bobby, but he definitely does not like change — warranted or not.

By Not-A-Blogger

May 17, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

First, where are the bloggers who howled for Francour’s head? NL RBI leader since June 30: Pujols? Nope, Frenchy!

Second, the solution for first base is simple. Betement is athletic enough to play the position, and hustles like he oughtta. PLUS, he’s a talented switch-hitter. Bye-bye platoon.

By Chop Chop

May 17, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Not-A-Blogger, I wanted Francoeur benched or sent down if he continued slumping. He snapped out of it. He’s been great this month, but I’ve heard that Francoeur is prone to slumps. If that’s the case, then he’s going to have to learn how to work counts and take walks in order to be productive when he isn’t red-hot.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Rest assured that something will be done about Adam LaRouche if he doesn’t perform well … too much exposure for that not to happen. However, he’s a potential Gold glover and the swing mechanics are there to enable him to excell with the bat and exceed everyone’s expectations … it’s a matter of coaching and execution … of course, some folks wouldn’t like him if he played like the “Cat” in his prime … and others would love him, regardless. It’ll be interesting to see how things unfold.

Regarding his statements about not using medications because he kept forgetting … folks, that was a joke! He may, at one time, had that experience, but if he wanted to use them, he knows that there are plenty of folks willing and available to assure that he is in compliance with any prescribed plan of care.

By teoa

May 17, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Oh, for the record, it was reported that Langerhans has been “slumping for a month”…I would disagree with that contention. Over his last 8 games, he is 7 for 23 for a .304 average…not exactly a slump in my book. Granted, he had a couple of rough weeks, but I think he has proven himself to be a pretty solid hitter all around, a very good clutch hitter, and a great outfielder. Peter Gammons recently said Langerhans is “pretty close to being the best LF in baseball.” His glove justifies his bat in the lineup everyday in my opinion, even if he just hits .250. And I think he’s a lot closer to a .280 hitter than .250. I was thinking he had shown a little more power too in the minors…does anyone know?

It would be nice to have Diaz’s bat in the lineup a little more though…I’d like to see him get a chance to win the job at first. I don’t care if he’s right-handed…Bobby’s platoons are overrated. Most of these guys would not be dramatically different against either lefties or righties if given the opportunity.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

Honorable Not-A-Blogger, what are you if you’re not?

Chop Chop, I tend to agree about Jeff but think we’ve seem some change in his approach, possibly due to more hard work and “TP Instruction” than is publicised … it could also lead to greater consistency than past history would indicate.

I think I can safely posit that his swing looks far better now than it did during last year’s streak when the angels were smiling on him.

By Joe Roman

May 17, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Everybody wants everybody to have a full-time job. Can you say depth? The Braves have got it. Bobby uses it. That means fresh players. Was that so hard?

By teoa

May 17, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

What’s the point of depth if your team struggles to score runs almost every time you face lefties? Besides, it is widely accepted that the Braves DO NOT have good depth, Joe Roman, despite your all-knowing declarations to the contrary. In my opinion, if you don’t have depth, you shouldn’t be a slave to platoons. There is a difference between giving everyone just enough playing time to stay sharp and changing out half the lineup every other day. Does it really make you a “deeper” team to replace your #5 hitter that hits .350 with a .190 hitter on a regular basis? Can you say condescending? Was that so hard?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

After 1 inning … Joe 1 - Teona 1

By geechee

May 17, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

All roads lead back to Time-Warner. Once again, you can not buy depth with a $78 million payroll.

By josh

May 17, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

matt diaz can hit but guys, he cant track down a ball like langer

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Hi Teona! You would have been ahead 3-1 if your last swing had been a solid hit … but “Does it really make you a “deeper” team to replace your #5 hitter that hits .350 with a .190 hitter on a regular basis?” was a weak grounder to an alert Adam LaRouche! Pratt’s being a Brave, or being in the lineup, is not because of his hitting skills!

As an aside, I think that Thompson had 0-2 or 1-2 counts on every hitter that reached 1st in the infamous 5th.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

I’m not of the frame of mind that depth should be bought or purchased. I like our system of keeping the youngsters on the bench when they first come up. I think it provides ample learning opportunities.
But I suppose we do end up “buying” depth by means of some old washed up retread player. However, they’ve been turning out pretty well the last few years. Franco was solid, and BJ sure is making me rethink all those tomatos I threw during spring training. But in both cases these vertern bench warmers haven’t cost the team much at all, so I wouldn’t point the finger at the low payroll for lack of depth on the bench.
This spring there was talk of trading Thomson for a 3.5 million dollar bench player. That to me seems a little ridiculous when considering a tight payroll. The big money, or bigger money, would be more wisely spent on an everyday player.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I caught the video of Russ Springer pitching to Bonds … it wasn’t funny, it was fantastic! Thanks!

By metsmanintheatl

May 17, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

we are 4-2 against you and dominated cardinals last nite…get back to me when you actually reach .500…….METROPOLITANS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

I believe the Mets are up by 1 game (5-4) against the Braves on the season series and the Braves have out scored the Mets in the series by 21 runs and thrown 2 complete games against them.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

10Paul, just between us girls … Maybe I’m being a little ridiculous … but would you please explain your “little” and “when considering a tight payroll” in your $3.5 Million for a “bench” player comment.

I wonder how many bloggers have fulltime jobs making as much as the Agent for that part time performer?

By teoa

May 17, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Bob, I disagree. Pratt is being used in a platoon with McCann. In the past, the Braves starting catcher has played 4 out of 5 games. Since Pratt starts every game against lefties, it seems Bobby is not simply resting McCann. I’m sure he doesn’t need to rest every other day as he has been lately. So why do you think Pratt is playing so much if not because Bobby thinks he can hit lefties better than McCann? It is a myth engrained deep in Bobby’s brain that a .190 righty hits better against lefties than a .350 lefty. Pure stupidity in my opinion.

Okay, Bob, for your “grand slam” argument against mindless platoons, I present you…Exhibit A: The Braves postseason failures. Bobby Cox is the only manager in baseball who determines his postseason lineups according to which shoulder his hitters rest their bats on. It never fails, he’ll consistently make a move in the playoffs just like the one we’re discussing: take out McCann, insert Pratt. This is just horrible strategy. Every other manager selects their lineups according to who they think are the best players or at least the hottest players. And if you platoon anyone, it’s because you really do have two players of equal talent at one position and it benefits the team to have the righty face lefties and the lefty face righties. But with Bobby, it doesn’t matter. He will always platoon, even to the detriment of his team. I find it frustrating when he doesn’t give the Braves their best opportunity to win a playoff game. So you tell me, Joe Roman, whose method has worked better? Bobby’s unthinking platoons, or everyone else’s strategy of playing their best players? I’m taking “everyone else” when it comes to playoffs, and there’s a lot to be said for that in the regular season as well. In my opinion, Bobby is a winning manager because he is a great leader, not because he always makes smart lineup decisions.

By metsmanintheatl

May 17, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

my bad…thinking of last 2 series

By Joe Roman

May 17, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Uh, teoa………Bobby’s method has worked better. He’s one of the most, if not THE most respected manager in the game…..and he’s got a winning streak going that has never been and probably never will be touched-EVER. And he’s done it with a significantly different roster each year. Your “management decisions” are predicated on every player and every team performing for the entire 162 game season the way they have been performing for less than forty games. It doesn’t work that way. I know how much some of you like to think you know more than the professionals. You don’t. I know how much you enjoy the wrending of garments, the wailing and gnashing of teeth. A sizable percentage of us think you are an unnecessary distraction-to put it as kindly as possible. Might I suggest either the Kansas City Royals of Pittsburgh Pirates blogs? Maybe they could use your help. The Braves don’t need it

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Teona, all that was way over my head … but then I’m a half-inch shorter than Giles and am stoop shouldered … and I’m sleepy … you win by default.

Granted, you can disagree about Pratt … but he’s not in Atlanta because of his hitting … I agree that if Bobby had confidence in McCann’s ability against lefties, he’d probably play more against them … but so long as he doesn’t, Bobby’s decision to play Pratt doesn’t mean that the decidion was based on hitting … it could be sound even if Pratt was worse than McCann against lefties … for a variety of reasons including “frustration eleviation”, additional rest, and providing a better pinchhitter after a pitching change … because neither player is really expected to contribute offensively.

However, I share your opinion that Bobby is a winning manager because he is a great leader, not because he always makes smart lineup decisions … but I’m not as specifically critical as you … it’s just to complex for me to be that definitive.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Bob: you’re on it. I’m reading that comment as a jest. But alas, if I must explain more, please let me know and I shall.

By teoa

May 17, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman, you are an ignorant piece of s**. No one appreciates your condescending remarks. You are not the blog police. Last time I checked, blogs were made for offering opinions. If you don’t like an opinion, don’t read it. I never claimed that any of my posts were anything other than opinions, although my opinions are always supported with factual information. It was you who started the personal attacks.

It is a perfectly valid opinion to believe that not all of Bobby’s decisions have worked out very well when he has had 15 opportunities to win a World Series and has won only 1!

His unprecedented regular season success has been followed by unprecedented postseason failures, which is obviously what I was referring to, moron. I think most people would agree. I didn’t say that he’s not a very good regular season manager - he is. Don’t twist my words. I would argue that you give him entirely too much credit. The organization has been great as a whole, particularly Scheurholtz, Mazone, and the talent scouts. Your counter arguments are weak. You still haven’t explained to me why it is good strategy to replace a .350 hitter with a .190 hitter every time the Braves face a lefty, and your contention that the Braves are a “deep” team just shows your baseball ignorance. I would keep my mouth shut if I were you if I didn’t know enough to enter an intelligent debate. Believe me, I am not alone in questioning lineup decisions. I recall just last postseason, even DOB expressed his disappointment with Bobby’s lineup decisions. Guess what? Predictably, they didn’t work. Jordan was horrible, just as he had been all year. Everyone was right. Just like everyone was right saying LaRoche should be replaced in the 5-hole. What took so long? Obviously, the move should have been made earlier.

And don’t tell me where to go either. Just because I have the nerve to question whether or not Bobby Cox is God. You know, it’s perfectly reasonable for two people to disagree without resorting to personal attacks, a*****. And yes, I have no problem stooping to your level if that’s the way you like to debate sports. But I happen to think your method is better suited for another message board. Most people here are generally civil. You should try it sometime.

By teoa

May 17, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Correction: 14 postseasons…1 championship.

My point stands…not good.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 17, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

commentary - journalist jimmy smith has a solution for first base. after considerable deliberation on what is needed at first base, here is what journalist jimmy smith has come up with … the best recent first basemen were andres galarraga - big cat - and fred mcgriff - crime dog. cat & dog. no roachie. fear crime dog. respect big cat. step on roach. now, jimmy smith’s solution … bobby is going to play laroche so we must come up with a fearsome nickname for him. hartebeest. that’s right, ugandan hartebeeest. this may make laroche faster, too, for the hartebeest is a swift animal. it is important that something be done soon to correct the problem - and there is a problem (did you see that last strikeout?) at first base. please begin the use of the nickname “hartebeest” so that it will catch on and strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. journalist jimmy smith will attempt transition in next post. must rest for awhile.

By geechee

May 17, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul, the major leagues are not for learning. That is what the farm system is for. Your players either have to know how to play when they get here or you have to sign some guys that do. You can let your young guys learn by riding the bench if you want but, you have to accept the losses that go with it. Also young players don’t learn without playing and if they are riding the bench, they are not playing.

By TennesseePaul

May 17, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

I beg to differ… If you aren’t allowed to learn in the majors, how do expect anyone to come out of a slump? You can’t help but learn, no matter what you are doing. And I grant the fact that a player should have the skill set to play at that level, but to say he shouldn’t learn while at that level is going to cripple him. There is always something to learn at every level.

By JJMB

May 17, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones is the Atlanta Braves. When he apologized publicly for knocking up that broad, and his father said, “he wasn’t raised that way” I thought they were nuts.

They aren’t nuts, they are Southern. Any other player would tell you to pound sand, stay out of their business. They would be right.

Chipper is a sincere person, and a great guy. He also is a hitting machine and has gone from being a somewhat lazy fielder to a great one.

I think he’s still nursing the knee injury.

By baby seal

May 17, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

baby seal never seen hartebeest. wonders if opposing players know hartebeest enough to be afraid. baby seal notice laroche made it to second and beat throw. maybe nickname already working?

baby seal offers to help educate other baseball professionals about hartebeest. maybe get chipper to, uh, make public service announcement about, uh, hartebeest. why can’t chipper be hartebeest at first base?

By hartebeest

May 17, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

hartebeest does not wish to be identified with adam laroche. sorry.

By glennbo

May 17, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

teoa, you’re right about bobby making bonehead postseason moves. and this platoon thing works with a 16 team league that, as a whole, has some thin pitching. but when you get to the postseason and all the weak sisters are at home watching the playoffs on tv, the good pitchers intimidate the platoonies and the platoonies just look at each other wondering who should step up. bobby has never understood that. just like he has never known how to use his bullpen.

By baby seal

May 17, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

baby seal did not know ugandan hartebeest could blog either. smart like baby seal. not as much like, uh, double-play chipper.

By geechee

May 17, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Tennessee, I never mentioned anything about slumps and I never used the word cripple, that was your word.

By ncscoots

May 17, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

I admit, I’m not abig fan of the Jordan-Diaz-Prat lineup, either, but…McCann hasn’t played a 162-game season in his LIFE, and no one knows, not even Bobby, how he will react to that grind physically. It’s probably a good idea to give McCann a few more games off than usual, at least early. If his legs and BA are still holding up in July and August, then he’ll probably sit less. But I think the team is just erring on the side of caution right now. Besides, I can just hear the bloggin howls if McCann started hitting .250 because he was dog-tired, it would be off with his head from some of the folks here.

By hartebeest

May 17, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

base hit to right!! chipper moves the runner over to second!! hartebeest is already having a positive effect on this club.

By ncscoots

May 17, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

good grief, what is Smoltz doing out there in the 8th?!? He’s got 112 pitches in already, this is his way of taking it easy????

By glennbo

May 17, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, again, this is bobby not utilizing his bullpen properly.

By Eric M. Webb

May 17, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

I agree, way to many pitches. Especially in a tight game. I would have gone to Ray or Villareal.

By MurphyRules

May 17, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

I thought Cox, et al were going to take it easy with Smoltz this season. Ughhhh!!!! Why was he out there in the eighth after 110-plus pitches? If the bullpen is going to blow it, let them be the ones to blow it. Don’t leave the starter who has pitched lights out in so long!!!!!!

DOB, can we get a comment from Cox and Smoltz on this? Are they going to take it slow with Smoltz or not? You can’t have it both ways.

By Chris

May 17, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

This was classic Bobby leaving his starter out there too long. We have seen it many many times over the years. Now we are going to have to comeback in the late innings once again, or we are looking at a split of the 4 game set (with Sosa starting tomorrow, you have to expect a loss).

By ncscoots

May 17, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

John actually pitched too well thru 7 (8 K), but I put this one right on him, not Bobby. Cox is ALWAYS gonna ask a guy like Smoltz if he wants to go, and Smoltz himself has said he wasn’t gonna do this kind of stuff this year. Bad decision By Smoltz, and, yes, Bobby shouldn’t have listened to him, but that’s the way the puppy barks.

By Chris

May 17, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

You are probably right ncscoots. But Smoltz and Bobby have to be rational. Going back out there in the 8th with 112 pitches already when you are supposedly going to “take it easy” this year is not smart baseball. Its quite obvious how little Bobby trusts the bullpen isn’t it?

1-2-3 in the 8th. Just one more chance, otherwise we are looking at just 6-4 for the much vaunted 10 game stretch of Marlins and Nats. Thats not good enough. I’m sorry, but tonight was a game a good team should win. You had Smoltz pitching, a rookie for the Marlins (who we knocked out in the 4th inning) and we took a shutout and a 2 run lead into the 8th.

By Fan3585

May 17, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

I dont know when the fans will recognize that chipper is done with his carree. Giving money back was a big sham. He secured his contract for 2 more years knowing that nobody will take him any way. If anyone saw todays game we are about to lose primarily becos of him. no clutch hits also he threw in a error for free. Lets realize that betmitt is lot better player and better deal.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

10 Paul … now you know that I would never ask you to belabor the obvious … and I never jest … so to which ridiculous comment are you referring? That one?

By MurphyRules

May 17, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

HELP! GameCast froze up. How’d the Braves score in the 9th?

By ncscoots

May 17, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

guys…really…I’m as much a fan of late-inning drama as the next person, but you don’t need to do this every game just foe me. Really…honestly.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

MurphyRules, Chipper hit into a doubleplay that wasn’t. Actually, it would have just been close at first but the throw was a wee bit off the mark … like 5 feet.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 17, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

wherever torborg may be … please come back. ron gant is much like the hartebeest in the booth. now, paronto … will we see him tonight?

By IMO

May 17, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Fan 3585 There was no sham, deferred money, options on 2 yrs.Chip wants to win thats why he did it and the Braves need it.I love Betemit But he will never be a Chipper Jones. You need to realize before you speak.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Everytime I post … it does it okay … but doesn’t redirect to the page … says that it no longer exists … anyone else have that problem?

By MurphyRules

May 17, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Bob. Any updates you guys can give would be appreciated. I’m stuck in Louisville with no TV, and the Internet GameCasts all seem to be F’d up.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 17, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

this is such a bad baseball team … how are they hanging around? if the braves have so much trouble with these guys, look out when the good teams come to play. not much speed at second base …

By bo

May 17, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

BOB I have had the same problem. Says no longer exist, Just keep trying.

By Chop Chop

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

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! CHIPPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hk

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

… way to go Chipper !!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 17, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

journalist guy curtright is a genius! uh, now to the interview …

By Chop Chop

May 17, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

“I got the crap beat out of me at home plate,” Chipper said.

Good for him.

Go Braves.

By Del

May 17, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

WELCOME BACK CHIPPER !!! We’ve missed you.

By MBATL

May 17, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Said it last night, have to say it again tonight. This team has HEART! I don’t know that they’re close to the best in the NL, or even the division, but I can’t remember seeing such a streak of never-say-die, late-inning efforts. And Way to Go Chipper!

By Bill G

May 17, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Well….maybe the chances of Chipper making it to 100 RBIs are a little better after tonight.

By hk

May 17, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

…Braves batting avg now .271 (3rd), league leader at .272

By Joe Roman

May 17, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Can y’all believe it! Can anybody remember three consecutive walk-off winners before?

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Most of you know that I always ask people to be nice but some don’t seem to understand what I mean … now, that was nice!

By hk

May 17, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

… Braves 4 1/2 out of first, 2 1/2 behind the Phillies..

By JJMB

May 17, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

Chipper is a hitting machine. No two ways about that.

Cox has to stop the head-smashing crap in the celebrations. Someone is going to jam someone’s neck. I know, I’ve had it done. It’s just stupid.

CHIPPER IS THE ATLANTA BRAVES!

By hk

May 17, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

… using the 40 games played, Chipper will have 97 runs, 20 HR, and 78 RBI at year’s end, but using the 30 games he actually played in to figure it, he will have 130 runs, 27 HR and 103 RBI ..

By Bob, journalist jg

May 17, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

hk, Everybody’s giving Larry all the credit … I think some credit should go where credit is due … I know that I’ve said it before but Oscar has a perfect record when he blows a save or gives up the go ahead run, he wins … it’s our secret formula for winning.

One earned run … that’s all we got, but one was enough tonight. HeadCoach should be telling us all about that in a little while.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

Oops, I didn’t put the “in 9 innings” on the earned run bit … I know that it was 10, but my point was tied to the “1 in 9” … just for the coach!

By hk

May 18, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Bob,

… did oscar get the win again, good heavens, he’s 6 and 0 !!!

.. mis-figured the above, Chipper’s only played in 27 games, his projected end of season should be 105 RBI, 28 HR and 132 Runs …

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

HK, Scary thought: if Matt Diaz slumps and goes 13 for his next 91, he’ll catch up with Giles.

.500 baseball … a bit better than expected earlier tonight … a lot better than projected 2 weeks ago.

Heard a basketball player being interviewed this afternoon on FSN South say “Right now I’m better shooting righthanded but if I practiced more shooting lefthanded, I think I be just as better that way.”

What’s my favorite role player hitting in his role as Marlin Killer? … .909.

There are only 2 good reasons not to play Matt right now … (1) they’d have to buy him a larger sized cap if he gets any more hits off Marlin pitching and (2) his cheerleading group would demand new uniforms if he becomes a regular.

By hk

May 18, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

.. yeah, 20 and 20 looks real good from here … nice dilemma to have, Diaz playing like he is … Braves 8-2 last 10 games, Mets 4-6 … now back on the road (gulp) … Cleveland up on Detroit 3-2 in the NBA, incredible, (I like young Lebron, think he’s the next Michael Jordan) ..

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Sweet win! Finished some work tonight and missed the whole game. But I’m stoked on Chipper and his 5 RBIs.

GO BRAVES!!

Geechee: You’re absolutely right, I did use those terms. I was responding to this remark: young players don’t learn without playing and if they are riding the bench, they are not playing. Maybe I misunderstood, but it reads like, young players don’t learn on the bench. I just don’t think that is true. I think that’s part of the reason we pay Jordan to sit on the bench as well as those coaches.

Bob: I’m lost now. Maybe that’s from the euphoria of the win from tonight.

By Sir Stealth

May 18, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Wow, how satisfying was it to see the result of that game, notice Guy Curtright’s prophetic blog topic, and then scroll down to see how moron after critical, pessimistic moron ripped on Chipper and Bobby. People will never learn. It looks like Bobby is putting this team together masterfully again. No, I wouldn’t have let Smoltz keep himself in, but I’m not about to nominate myself to replace the guys as decision-makers for the team either. What I don’t get is why some players (Smoltzie) seemed to buy into all the doom and gloom feelings earlier. Even if its against the Marlins, these exciting victories build great momentum and morale, the gap seems to be closing sooner than expected, and the schedule favors us down the stretch.

Again, gotta give it up to Nostradamus Curtright today, hopefully the prediction will keep up and Chipper will go on a tear.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

I’ve just had catnaps over the last two days … twisted my ankle monday.

Jeff didn’t sem comfotable at the plate tonight … anxious, at least to me. I think that Adam is standing a little too upright … looks a little stiff, but got two hits.

What’s your read on Sosa for tomorrow?

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Sosa… I wish I could have the optimistic outlook, but it is Sosa. Well, I take that back. I’ll play the classic ball-cliche: he’s due. He could have been 0-6 had we not come back. As bad as he’s been, he isn’t Lima. He has to win sometime.

Off to the bar, gotta wet the whistle and toast the win. Going to the D-backs games this weekend and the Padres next week. Can’t wait to see the team on the field.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

10 Paul,

Have 1 make it 2 for me …

By hk

May 18, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

… I’ll be happy to see him go 5, keep us within a run or two … Jeff has trouble with the breaking stuff high inside and low and away, saw alot of both today … Adam, upright, that’s just Adam …. he always has slow starts, gets better as June comes around …

… fading fast, see you tomorrow …

By gotigers72

May 18, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this

How timely was this column? All Chipper does is things that need to be done to win! If he doesn’t get a hit, he walks and scores runs. Rarely does a game go by that he doesn’t get on base somehow. Face it, the guy is a winner. He only cares about his TEAM winning, and in the end that’s what matters.

Hey 3585. Do you like apples? Well how about them apples. Next time you post, know what you’re talking about.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

I was surprised at Smoltzie too. I couldn’t believe that he said if they had fallen to 10 games back, it would have been over … that’s not leadership … especially with a group of youngsters who are almost certain to see, or hear about, the interview.

He sounded almost like those saying “yeah, we won but just barely … and against a bad team”. Yet, they are winning and I said last week that they would be fine if and when they had 2-3 consecutive combacks to prove to themselves that they could do it.

The next 10 games will be interesting.

By HEAD COACH

May 18, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

40 games in and we are right back where we started at the begining of the season with a 4.5 game hole. Stop celebrating , the Marlins are the worst major league team Ive seen in a long time , so beating the stuffing out of them isnt all that suprising. Nice call Curtwright , Chipper was due. One more game at home against the smelly fish , then road reality will bite us in the butt. Davies loss is going to hurt tremendously . like I said before , half of Richmond will be in a braves uniform at one time or another during the season. Reitsma looks good as a middle relief guy , so leave him there , please !!!! lol. Journalist Bob , your a funny guy. June 1st 24-28 read it and weap.

By HEAD COACH

May 18, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

I should have said June 1st 24 and 28 , 8 to 10 games back. Read it and weep.

By teoa

May 18, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Nice to be back to .500 and obviously it’s not time for anyone to be giving up on Chipper. At worst, he’s still a really solid player, and I think he’ll continue to show flashes of greatness if he can just stay healthy.

On the downside, more bad luck for Smoltz even though it was a tough spot for Remlinger. Man, he’s due to leave a game in the 6th winning 9-8 with the bases loaded and no outs and have the pen bail him out for the win. Tonight makes 9 blown saves behind him in his last 42 starts…that almost impossible. Maybe he should rub Villarreal’s head for luck or something before he pitches…It’s amazing how many wins that guy has stolen or lucked into after pitching poorly.

By the way, I am worried about Smoltz’s innings and pitch counts piling up again this early in the year…I think this should give the front office an even greater sense of urgency in finding bullpen help, because I think Bobby would be much more likely to protect Smoltz’s arm if he had confidence in his relievers.

By teoa

May 18, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

Bob, I think you’re taking Smoltz’s comments out of context and blowing them out of proportion as well. Basically all he said was that 8 games back sure sounds better than 10 back…I thought there was intended to be a little hyperbole in saying how much trouble they would be in if 10 back. When you say something like that while celebrating a win, I don’t think anybody panics. I seriously doubt anyone on the team considered it to be a big deal. This sounds like HeadlineGate all over again.

By teoa

May 18, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Nice posts, glennbo. I agree completely. I knew I wasn’t crazy, although you may drive Joe Roman to boycott this blog if you continue to offer opinions that differ from his. According to Mr. Roman, bloggers like us aren’t welcome here.

By the way, I enjoyed ncscoots post as well. You offered a good counter-argument as to why Bobby should rest McCann more early in the year. If you are right, and they really are just trying to save him for the stretch run, I would be okay with that. Something tells me though that this platoon with Pratt would carry right into the playoffs. It wouldn’t be the first time. Anyway, your response was much more enlightening than the ignorant/misinformed one I received earlier from Mr. Roman.

And you’re right glennbo, Bobby made my case for me once again with his management of the pen today. I swear he could use a computer to make all his game decisions for him — there is absolutely no room in his mind for responding to game situations and personnel. Everything is determined by left/right matchups, and I firmly believe that is a mistake more often than not.

For example, you take Smoltz out…crucial situation, the winning run on second in the 8th, a lefty at the plate. Now, the computer would tell you to bring in your lefty reliever (Remlinger) in that situation. However, common sense should tell you that after watching Remlinger get killed by lefties for years, he is probably not the best choice in that situation. Therefore, in my opinion you adapt your strategy to what you have to work with. I would probably go with Kenny Ray there — even though that’s not the conventional move. He has shown an effective changeup against lefties and has been the Braves hottest reliever of late. If Ray blows it, then you can’t complain because Bobby has given his team the best chance to win.

Obviously Bobby’s decision didn’t turn out to be a big deal tonight (unless you are John Smoltz trying to get to 200 wins to reach the Hall before your arm blows out), but I think it is symptomatic of a much larger problem. Managing in the regular season is about getting your players prepared to play their best 162 times. Managing in the playoffs is about strategy and talent (which frequently go hand-in-hand when your strategy doesn’t involve putting your most talented players on the field every game.) When it comes to postseason lineup strategy, Bobby is out-managed every time…or at least 13 times out of 14.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 18, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

hk, you can read this tomorrow … They talk about how great his stuff is … and it looks ok … but, if you’ve got great stuff and no one is giving away signs or tipping pitches, you don’t get hit like some BP pitcher just because the location of a few pitches are bad.

I could be wrong but think that he is in a “throwing rut” and aiming the ball too much. Also, he has a reliever’s mentality and have a long term gameplan. He has to have a plan for the second and third times through the order … not just batter by batter.

I look for him to go 6 if he gets through 3.

I know that Adam starts from an upright stance … the weight shift he gets from that, coupled with a well-timed, long stroke is what gives him surprising power.

It just didn’t seem like his starting trigger was consistent from pitch to pitch, and I thought he stayed straight longer than usual.

I know that he’s labeled a slow starter … timing is a bit more important to his success than it is for those with compact swings … and that porbably takes a little longer to come around. Becoming more agressive may help him but it doesn’t fit his personality; making it a high risk undertaking.

If he is trying to become more agressive as a player, I would hope that he either shorten his swing … or concentrates on letting the aggression gradually build up throughout the swing. The tendency, for players trying to be more agreaaive, is to release the energy too early thereby losing bat speed and power … bat speed looks faster but is really slower.

I wonder too if those with long swings have as much bat control as the ones using more compact swings … possibly more … but I imagine that reacting and adjusting when you’re initially fooled … is more difficult.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2006 02:37 AM | Link to this

Bob: Handled the business. I had 1 for me, 2 for you and then one for each hit we got tonight followed by a couple of shots for the win. I can’t believe I can still type.

By Chris

May 18, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this

When Smoltz makes a comment saying he’sot sure we would’ve come back from 10 down, remember 2 things: 1) he’s trying to light an early fire under some of the young guys that have yet to experience a season-long pennant race and 2) he wouldn’t have said that had we lost that game to go 10 under. There would’ve been no, “That’s it! No coming back!”

He’s been through this before. He knows what he’s doing.

By Chris

May 18, 2006 02:55 AM | Link to this

Yay. We’re “bloggers.” Isn’t that coowull?

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2006 02:59 AM | Link to this

We have the most runs scored in the NL right now. Philly still has a negative run differential. Our differential was boosted by this 10 game stretch of little league teams we’ve played. Sure is a pain that we didn’t just blow them out of the water every time. But I love these come back wins. I’m glad to see the fight is still in these guys. Francoeur must have lit a fire under some of them because for a while there, it looked like they just assumed the loss. Maybe that’s because of the past years’ bullpen.

This bullpen, by the way, would have a 3.49 ERA if it wasn’t for Boyer and Devine. Those two clowns raised the ERA almost a run. Minus those two, you have a Bullpen ERA that ranks third in the NL. That ain’t bad. Minus those two, you have a bullpen that ranks 4th best (or least) in homers allowed, as well as hit by pitch. Oddly, if you toss out Villarreal, we’d rank first. That guy is leading relievers right now in HBP, at least Braves relievers. But of course, Villarreal is something like 6-0, giving the Braves the best bullpen win percentage in the NL. We still lead the league in Blown saves, but the majority of those are Villarreals fault. I think he likes the W more than the S. But that’s BS.

By Chop Chop

May 18, 2006 03:34 AM | Link to this

Villarreal: “Yo quiero el ‘doble ve’, por favor.”

By Sir Stealth

May 18, 2006 04:01 AM | Link to this

While the points defending Smoltz’s negativity are fair, I generally cringe every time he makes a comment about the club’s chances, not just this year, but in the past few years. Smoltzie gets a lot’ve credit for being a “straight shooter,” and I guess that’s admirable, but I’m not sure it’s always called for. Persoanlly, I think that swagger is an important thing. I think that confidence in putting on the Braves uniform is a big reason for the team’s continued success. I think that if you say that your team doesn’t have as good a chance to win as another, then that hurts the swagger. People say that he wouldn’t have made the “it’s over ” comment if they’d lost the game, but what happens if the Braves had gone down 10 shortly after, or slip and go down 10 in the future?

To go ahead and rebut my own comments, it’s hard to argue against Smoltz’s leadership considering that we always have, in fact, won anyway. Also, Smoltz has been the most consistent playoff performer, so it’s not like being swaggerless in this way seems to contribute to our lack of success in October. So maybe he knows exactly what he’s saying. It’s also to his credit in fitting in with the mentality of the team that he will go out and professionally put in his best performance whether he expects to win in the end or not. This seems to be a big reason for the Braves’ consistent perserverence.

All that being said, his “straight shooter” comments make me cringe, and I’d rather hear anything that displays optimism and confidence. The guy is obviously a great leader, the undisputed leader of the team, and a guy that has given more than anybody to the Braves. Still, his grittiness seems detrimental sometimes, and I wish he’d place as much confidence in his team as he does in his stuff when he goes right after hitters or in his body when he pushes it farther than it may be able to go. If this team is gonna ride a wave anywhere, Smoltz will lead the way, but it will also be because of useful exuberance - the helmet-slapping kind that has given the team its never-say-die attitude lately.

And yes, it kills me that the likes of Oscar Villareal keep snatching wins away when Smoltz could dearly use them to earn his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.

By Andy

May 18, 2006 06:04 AM | Link to this

Love the comeback and all—-but Smotlz 130 pitches—give him like 7 days rest—-don’t care if we have to start retisma—-Smotlz has to be fresh in Oct—-yes thats assuming alot—but still.

By tfbrave77

May 18, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

GC—I hope you have one of these all written up for Andruw before this afternoon’s game. Good call.

By Steve

May 18, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

Prophet????

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

metsfanintheatl

Don’t look now, but your six-week “grip” (wow, after 14 seasons of futility, you’re arrogant after six weeks?) isn’t so firm, anymore.

The next week or so, I could see the Muts, Phools and Braves standing pat. While we have tough tasks on the road in Arizona and San Diego (two of the league’s hotter teams), the Muts have the Yanks and Phools, while the Phools have the Red Sox and Muts. But going into late May only 3-5 games back would be fine for me. The closer this team gets to the trade deadline within reach of the division lead, the better. I just have a feeling that’s the “hope” of Schuerholz & company, with a few million held back from the Chipper re-working, and excess parts and prospects to use in trades, I think the Braves are in a great position to upgrade before or around the deadline.

By JOHN B.

May 18, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Why the @!#? would Cox bring Remlinger in to face a left handed batter. The guy has NEVER been able to get left handed hitters out. That is the thing that drives me crazy about Cox. Baseball is a game where a manager can make decisions using past statistical data, and look like a genious 75% of the time. Left handed batters have killed Remlinger his whole career. And Cox brings him in to face one with the bases loaded. I’m sorry but that is just ignorant. I know the Braves still won, but that could have easily cost them the game. And Cox has done the same thing multiple times this year. I’m not saying that Cox should be fired, but somebody needs to wake him up. That kind of bullsh!t move might turn out OK in the regular season against the Marlins, but it wouldn’t have the same ending in a post season game. Which is probably PART of the reason the Braves have not won more WS rings.

By DrBert

May 18, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Let’s give Chipper credit for the winning home run, but kudos also to Edgar for absolutely wearing out the Marlins pitcher in his at bat before walking…that’s the type of at bat that puts your team in position to win…I’ve seen in happen a number of times to the Braves, so it was good to see los Bravos do it for a change…that’s one of the things I like about Langy, I saw him do that several times at the end of last season…patient at bats, fouling off pitches until you either draw a walk or get a pitch you can hit. Too often the Braves hitters don’t work a pitcher, swinging at the first couple of pitches even when they know he is having control problems. Jimmy Smith…hartebeest seems a bit long for a nickname…maybe we should try “beast” or “speedy” for LaRoche…kind of like calling my little shi tzu “killer”…just wondering, how long will baby seal be a baby seal; when will baby seal be “teen” seal or grown seal?

By BFS83

May 18, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Mr. Curtright! Not a prophet, but definitely a good journalist. I know it feels nice to be right. Hope you get some national coverage for this…

By journalist jimmy smith

May 18, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

guy curtright is journalist of the day. dob please remember that. journalist guy curtright, please now fix giles. journalist smith is too distraught to make predictions today - the hartebeest has been shipped to carolina lady’s home and jimmy smith fears it will be a surprise when received. where is carolina lady? now, bob … ankle or toe? is bob hiding a toe injury?

By Matthew

May 18, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

I wonder how pessimistic the Tigers blog is right now…They are tied for first and exceeding EVERYBODY’s expectations.

The Braves have been injured and are fighting it out with the jr version of the Yankees and the Phils. EVERYONE has already written them off and proclaimed the end of the streak. Even people on their hometown blog are writing them off. I wonder if it would be helpful to recall that this is a patchwork team of veterans, players in their first full season as Big Leaguers, and a few cast-offs from the Royals and the Australian and Canadian WBC teams. This is our team, and if they are going to continue their run, they need our support. I always like coming to this blog, and I appreciate being welcomed by the long-time bloggers. But I have to say that a lot of days I leave the blog just as depressed as I would be if I had watched ESPN’s analysis. Please, please, sow some light! We’ve closed the gap to 4 1/2 games, and could be down to 3 1/2 before leaving for the West. Conceivably people, we could be in first place by Monday of next week! The Braves are always slow starters and the competition has greatly improved, but we have the potential to start our annual hot summer run in first place, and use the summer to extend our lead, build up the confidence of our newbies, bring up or trade to fill closer and leadoff spots (I still think Rochy deserves a little more patience, maybe bring in a Jeff Conine type to teach him and platoon with him). This team, when healthy, has the potential to make a deep playoff run. I mean for cryin’ out loud; the CLIPPERS are in the Western Conference semifinals!!! Anything’s possible, so don’t give up!

Keep the faith, stay positive, and keep up the insighful comments everybody. I love it!

By jon

May 18, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Say, um, Guy…. since you made such a good call on Chipper, could you follow up with some of these columns? 1) How Sosa will turn things around and finish with 15-16 wins; 2) LaRoche will re-find his stroke and finish with 30 HR and 90+ RBI and 3) How the bullpen, or what is currently labeled as one despite their consistent inconsistency, will become reliable? It worked for Chipper, maybe it will work for these issues as well!

By glennbo

May 18, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

DrBert, you are on top of things with your observation about how working the count makes the other batters who follow better. chipper did it the other night, milking a walk and then andruw came through. and look at the marlins last night. they made smoltzie throw 49 pitches in 2 innings. that, more than anything cost smoltzie the win.

Looking back at chipper’s rookie season, he drew 73 walks. at his current rate, francouer won’t walk 73 times in his career. that trend alone may be enough to derail frenchy’s golden child status. here’s hoping he learns selectivity. if he could draw just 50 walks in a season and stay aggressive, he might reach the pujols strata.

By P'Cola Michael

May 18, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Funny how everytime we start getting on somebody on here, they turn it around! Let’s start yelling at everybody!!

By Matthew

May 18, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

TITLE OF BLOG: Sosa Seemingly Set for Soon Success

By Matthew

After his horrendous start to the 2006 season, Jorge Sosa is due to break out. Last year, he compiled a 13-3 record and was 9-0 on the road. Today he faces the fighting fish and is due to break out of the slump. He has royally stunk this year and it is about time he stepped out, stepped up, and helped the Braves maintain the string of success they have put together of late. At stake is no less than the potential to shave a game off the leads of the Mets, who face off against the hot Cardinals and the Phillies, who are playing the resurgent Brewers. If Sosa is going to prove 2005 was no fluke, then he must do it now. The Braves move out to Arizona and San Diego next, and they would love to go out there riding a four-game winning streak.

P’Cola, hope this gets Sosa going. I’d like to see everybody get on him, and maybe he’ll throw a no-hitter.

By P'Cola Michael

May 18, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Matthew,

Great job! I agree, Sosa has been in a funk and desperately needs a turnaround. With him probably never throwing a complete game or having 10+ runs of support in the first inning, we feel he is due. (wishful thinking)

By Carolina Lady

May 18, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, you shipped WHAT??

LOL LOL

Tell Baby Seal (from a now long ago post) that I would love to invite him to my Carolina home, but he would be bored to tears - and I hate to see seals cry! But wouldn’t it be loverly?

Mother is home again from the nursing home where she had a staff of 50+ to see to her needs 24/7. Now she has……me. Are the Braves still playing?? Who’s winning? Are we 16 back or 16 ahead? Who am I? :-)))

By metsmanintheatl

May 18, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

you are looking tough beating up on bream…see how you fair in the desert and diego…we have had a bump in the road but will overcome…GO METROS!!!!

By Penn

May 18, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

I can’t help being amused every time I see bloggers trying desperately to find another justification to blast Bobby Cox.

The fact is Smoltz filled the bases, not Remlinger. And the fact is that no pitcher has an iron clad guarantee in his hip pocket that he’s going to get the next guy out. Remlinger gave up ONE SINGLE for crying out loud.

While it’s true he has been slightly less effective against lefties just who should Cox have brought in, McBride? I think not.

By JOHN B.

May 18, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

metsmanintheatl,

Your Mets had a bump? Like they do every year. If they recover the same way they have in years past, the Braves won’t have anything to worry about.

It’s really kind of comical…I have a few buddies that are Mets fans and every year is the same. They rag on me through the end of May and the beginning of June. Then the Mets start playing like the overpaid overhyped team they really are and finish below the Braves. And every year, they say this year is different. It’s a 162 game regular season. Divisions are not won in April and May. Teams actually have to win in June, July, August and September to finish first in their division.

By JOHN B.

May 18, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Penn,

Remlinger has been just slightly less effective against left handed batters? No, he has been horrible against left handed batters. He is fine against right handers, but sucks against lefties. And yes, Smoltz did load the bases. But Cox left him in too long. He had thrown 110+ pitches through 7 innings. He had to escape jams all night. He should have been replaced before the 8th inning started, not after he loaded the bases.

The whole lefty vs lefty only works when a left hander normally gets left handers out. Remlinger is one of the few left handers that is MUCH less effective against lefties. The key to matchups is statistics. Baseball is simple that way. You go with the statistics. A left handed pitcher that lets lefties hit .320 against him is not as effective as a right handed pitcher that lets lefties hit just .235 against him. Those are the numbers for Remlinger and Ken Ray. I’m sorry, but common sense says you go with Ray. Maybe Ray would have given up the same single, but you go with what the STATS tell you!!

By James

May 18, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Anybody that can hit with power from both sides can really mess with pithers and managers.It dosnt matter if he is hot or not the threat is there.This is why walks are up and HR are down just not seeing good pitches.Chipper is the man,simple as that!!!Just look at last night when they had nowhere to put him!!

By teoa

May 18, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

You’re right, John B. It is obviously too much to ask for Bobby to apply common sense to his managerial decisions. Like I said earlier, Penn, there are no guarantees so the manager’s job is to go with the pitcher that gives his team THE BEST CHANCE to get out of a tough jam. Based on Remlinger’s struggles against lefties for his entire career, I believe that putting him into the game gave the Braves THE WORST CHANCE of getting out of that jam. And guess what? Remlinger predictably gave up a big hit to the lefty. Not his fault, but another example of poor game management on Bobby’s part. McBride probably wasn’t available after going 2 inn. the day before, but I think ANYONE would have been a better choice than Remlinger - preferably Kenny Ray for the reasons I mentioned earlier.

Be careful, John B., this talk of common sense managerial decisions really frightens some people here. Remember, to be a good Braves fan you are required to worship at the Altar of Cox!

By Penn

May 18, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

John B. wrote, “Remlinger has been just slightly less effective against left handed batters? No, he has been horrible against left handed batters. He is fine against right handers, but sucks against lefties.”

My oh my, all you baseball experts frighten me. Right handers are hitting .250 against Remlinger and left handers are hitting .320. Like I said righties have been slightly less effective against him than lefties. But I guess 70 points qualifies as “horrible.” I’ll leave further semantics to you boys.

The discussion was not about whether or not Cox left Smoltz in too long but about Remlinger and I did point out that Smoltz did in fact dig the hole Rem was put into.

One thing is for sure, Cox haters are always going to be Cox haters regardless of whether his team is 9-2 in their last 11 games and have gained from 9 down to the Muts to down 3 1/2 tonight, a gain of 5 1/2 games in about 10 days. Cox is a dog I guess. That decrepit old man, now approaching senility, has not won his 15th yet and when he does he will still be a dog to his detractors.

If all it took to manage a team was to go by the numbers anyone with a laptop could do it. I wonder why you aren’t managing a major league team John B.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 19, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this

Teoa, have no fear … I expect and depend on your continuing to posit, opine, and amaze.

I really enjoyed your 1:57 post to me! What follows are hopefully some clarifying comments; relating primarily to earlier posts.

If you really feel that I have misstated your words, misrepresented your ideas, insulted your intelligence, inferred that you were in any way a heretic, or wronged you in any way … then I assure you that it was not my intent … for sport or otherwise.

I know that you don’t hold with the “he who toots his own horn, the same shall not be tooted” theory … and so I enjoyed your well written post about “your implemented ideas” … my pointed, responding post was intended to be lightly taken and was actually laughing with you at tose taking offense … although my sources had indicated sometime earlier that 2 of your 3 suggestions were, at the least, being considered.

I certainly have no quarrel with you or anyone else questioning Bobby Cox decisions … or having opinions that his judgements are possibly wrong … as we all do from time to time … but, I do have problems with assertions that he is wrong … from anyone … except when he gives the reasons and they are clearly disprovable.

I know that many words have multiple meanings and I enjoy playing with such words … but I really do try to make my intent clear when I think it necessary to so do. Like most folks, I’m a creature of habit and for many years … my colleagues and I have used opine to denote “the giving of and opinion” and posit as “the presenting of a proposition as being true.” We adopted those meanings for use in deliberations and negotiations where the establishment of groundrules was important. It didn’t matter if we referred to a “Hepplewhite Table” as a “Chineese Chippendale Sofa” … but it was very important that everyone clearly understood what was being said. The blogs are a bit too informal for that and besides, unclear meanings aren’t all bad in these environs. However, I apologize for not making my intended use of the word “posit” more clear.

I think I generally know the difference between your just having fun and when your comments are supported by deep conviction … though you’re pretty good at concealing your intent when you’re so inclined. I enjoy them both … and honestly agree with much of what you say.

I find many of your arguments well reasoned and very convincing … even when we have differing opinions … indeed, they’re often more so that those of the ones with whom I agree.

Nevertheless, and more to the point … truth is truth … regardless of what either of us opine or posit … and, regardless of how we define our words.

My only real reason for ever posting to you; following our first encounter, is that I respect you and your your opinions … sometime “tongue-in-cheek” sometimes not; and when I’m laughing, it’s intended to be “with-not-at” you.

For the most part, my “arguments” have been for the purpose of trying to get you to less assertive and to pause and reflect on those of your statements that might seem to others as being assertions rather than opinions. I freely admit to having taken some license at times to try to acheive that goal … but with no ill intent.

I have the same tendency and my self-reminder to opine rather tha posit, unless I’m 100% sure, is the adage “Those who shout, better leave room for self doubt … just in case they later need a way out!”. I once told that to the CEO of one of the Braves’ old sponsors and he told me I was slicker than 10W40 … we’re still good friends, I think.

I can only hope that when I say something … people ponder why I said it … the “why” is always far more important that the “what” … because without knowing the why … there is no understanding, regardless of whether they agree or disagree with what’s been said.

An example is when a politican or baseball promoter/agent says something I want to hear … is he saying it just to get my support or because he believes it himself?

By JOHN B.

May 19, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

Penn,

I think Cox is a great manager. I don’t hate him at all. But he just makes some real stupid decisions. And having Remlinger face a lefty is stupid. Leaving Smoltz in after already throwing 110 + pitches is not the smartest move either.

By Penn

May 19, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

[[[[By JOHN B.

May 19, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

Penn,

I think Cox is a great manager. I don’t hate him at all. But he just makes some real stupid decisions. And having Remlinger face a lefty is stupid. Leaving Smoltz in after already throwing 110 + pitches is not the smartest move either.]]]]

I too think Cox is a great manager, perhaps the best the game has ever seen (perhaps). And I also disagree with him at times such as leaving Smoltz in one inning too long. But I don’t think of him as “STUPID.” I will never think of him as stupid. He makes dozens of decisions during any game and there will seldom be a time when all work out the way we want them. One thing Cox is not is stupid.

I tend to believe Cox’s old war horse (Smoltz) talked him into letting him try to go the distance the other night. And Cox has a lot of long-time confidence in Smoltz. In that instance both were wrong. I actually place more blame on Smoltz in that case.

So far as Remlinger is concerned we both know he is more effective against righties but again Cox’s choices were somewhat limited. His other lefty in the pen, McBride has for sure not been lights out recently.

I am also sure Cox knows precisely Remlinger’s numbers against both lefties and righties. I was wishing he would bring in Ray when he started out to the mound but so far (I believe) he has only used Ray to start an inning, seldom if ever to come in with the bases loaded.

I don’t pretend to know Cox’s thinking but I sure do know that I’d rather have him and JS in Atlanta than for them to head off to Washington to ring up one more victorious record before hanging ‘em up for good.

Based on his results over many years I choose to give Bobby the benefit of the doubt.

I hope our exchanges will be this kind in the future. I don’t care for the acrimonious kind but when anyone jumps me on a board (or elsewhere) they will find I have this natural propensity to defend myself and my thinking.

Cheers and thanks for your note. It is appreciated.

By teoa

May 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, I apologize. I did not intend for my comments about misrepresented ideas and personal attacks to be directed at you. Reading my post again, I can see why you would think that. Sorry for the confusion. As far as I can tell, you have never been disrespectful to anyone on this blog. I did suspect that you were sort of saying that I was being a know-it-all, so I may have been a bit short in my response. I was surprised at how much anger was directed my way after I offered a simple critique of Bobby Cox’s managerial decisions, and I felt like you were piling on just a bit, so I defended myself. But again, I did not feel like you were being disrespectful and that portion of my post was not directed at you. When I offer my thoughts on matters that are unprovable and therefore open to debate, I always assume that everyone understands that blogs are intended for people to offer opinions, so I do not add “in my opinion” to every sentence. In my opinion, saying that everything is an opinion is unnecessary and redundant. That said, your point is well taken.

Again, I enjoy your posts and your responses to my posts, and I had no intentions of coming down hard on you for your take on the Bobby Cox debate. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify.

By FalconsFan

May 21, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

BOB AND TEOA

YOU TWO SOUND LIKE KISSING COUSINS OUT FOR A SUNDAY DAY AT THE BEACH.

LETS TALK ABOUT WHATS REALLY WRONG WITH THE BRAVES. AND THAT IS LARRY JONES. THIS GUY HAS BEEN IN ATLANTA RIDING HIS MILLIONS FOR WAY TOO LONG. ANOTHER PLAYER THAT ATLANTA COULD NOT TRADE BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD TAKE HIM. WHAT IS THIS GUY LIKE 36 NOW.

JONES GETS HURT WHEN HE GETS OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING. SO MANY EXCUSED FOR JONES. UH LARRY HITS HIS HOMERS IN BUNCHS, YEH HE IS ON IN A SLUMP RIGHT NOW, BUT JUST WAIT AND HE IS GOING TO REALLY START HITTING. WRONG !

JONES WILL COAST ALONG NOT DOING MUCH OF ANYTHING BUT RIDING TOWARDS RETIREMENT.

THE BRAVES WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR SO YOU GUYS SHOULD JUST CHILL YOUR JETS.

TRADE JONES NOW AND GET A FOURTH ROUND PICK IN THE BASEBALL DRAFT NEXT YEAR.