Braves

By Kentavo

May 22, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

I have the answer: Giles was juicing in the past and he’s not now. So he’s got no pop.

By Greg

May 22, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Giles was never a good option to lead off. He doesn’t like to work counts, he has just OK speed, and he doesn’t put the ball on the ground. It’s amazing the Braves have done as well as they have with no leadoff man.

By Kentavo

May 22, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and Giles was never selective at the plate to begin with.

By Dave

May 22, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

here is my lineup 1.edgar 2.langerhauns 3.chipper 4.andruw 5.mccain 6.francouer 7.adam 8.marcus 9.pitcher

By David

May 22, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Dang Dave, you wouldn’t even give Giles a shot at the number 2 slot. Since he has had so much success there. I say try out edgar at #1 spot for a couple games. Put giles at the #2 and see if he gets those gap shots between first base and second going again.

By TJ

May 22, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, you offer no solution because there isn’t one, short of a trade. I’m afraid the Braves are just going to have to stick with it and hope that Giles gets straight at some point.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

dob, journalist respects the conundrum fellow journalist is in. on one hand, giles is probably a good interview. on the other, giles sucks as leadoff hitter. have just barbequed baby seal, maybe send some with ugandan sauce to giles and fellow journalist, get you both out of funk. have never had roast seal before, but did have whale steak. tast just like chicken.

By Chop Chop

May 22, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

The fact of the matter is that the Braves are not going to have a true leadoff hitter this year. You have to believe that Giles will start hitting at some point, but if he doesn’t, there are no options. You can’t trade Giles simply because he’s not a leadoff hitter. He wasn’t expected to be one since his early struggles in the spot when he first broke in. There are no open roster spots that would allow the Braves to bring in a leadoff guy to play everyday. In other words, Giles is just going to have to start hitting.

By eware

May 22, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, what do you think of the Black Key’s Rubber Factory? I love the first 3 lines of “Grown So Ugly” - so simplistic, so rockin’.

I say try Langerhans in the leadoff spot. Sometimes a change is good. It sparked LaRoache and McCann (even further). Well, McCann will probably be awesome anywhere in the lineup.

Do you think Kelly Johnson could be a good leadoff hitter in the future? I know he’s out now and will be hard to fit back in the lineup, but I liked what I saw last season (at times).

“Did somebody say keep on rockin’?”

By student

May 22, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

I think the suggestion that Giles was on steroids is really pretty ridiculous. Don’t see what you can really do but stick with him. I agree that he isn’t really a natural lead off hitter but his career numbers still mean he ought to do okay there. You just have to assume he’s going to snap out of it at some point. He is a guy that is given to long slumps and then long hot streaks.

By Chop Chop

May 22, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Or maybe Francoeur can hit leadoff. He knows how to work a count.

By Steve

May 22, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

I wondered why no one even considered Renteria as a leadoff possibility going into the season. His overall stats weren’t much different than Furcal’s and he couldn’t be a worse bunter, the only real difference was Furcal’s stolen bases. Anyway, there is no way you can use Giles hitting 8th.

By count_schemula

May 22, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Giles did/does have that finger injury. But, regardless, Langerhans should bat leadoff because he does not seem to have any particular offensive talent, so, it seems fairest to make him deal with the burden of leading off and let Giles provide some pop higher up in the batting order. Just bury LaRoche and his strikeouts in the 8 spot.

Langerhans/Diaz Edgar Chipper Andruw Francoer McCann Giles LaRoche

By The Count

May 22, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Now that Giles is off the steroids, he’s come down to reality.

Trade him for a reliever, and put Betemit on second & leadoff.

Why do all the “Homers” ignore what Matt Diaz is doing? One of the few guys that is hitting gets to ride the pine.

No wonder Braves’ fans can’t see beyond the divisional championship, as if it really meant something. I guess it does, in Atlanta !

By Eric

May 22, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Problem can be solved by a trade…is it worth it? Ehhhh not if we have to give up more top prospects. I say let Giles be, we have been winning as of late, granted it was against the bottom feeders of the NL EAST, but still. Giles is to good not to turn it around, and when he does, he usually goes nuts and bats like .400 in the course of 25-30 games.

Johnny Cash…amazing music. I have been listening to “The man comes around” like crazy. I dont know why, just a great song. First heard it on the movie “The Hunted.”

By CD

May 22, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Dave Kelly Johnson’s tearing it up in the minors, does he fit in here anywhere?

By Eric

May 22, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Edgar is not going to lead-off. That would be obscene, he’s arguably the best No.2 hitter in the Majors right now. Let him be. No reason he should have to move just because someone is sucking. Its not like we have lost 8 or 10 straight.

By Mac

May 22, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Well, if Chipper’s power doesn’t return (.136 isolated slugging percentage) he could fit there (.407 OBP).

By David

May 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

But, Edgar puts the ball in play. He has the most steals on the team (5). Yes, I know he is the best #2 hitter in the league. But, who is to say he can’t do the same at the #1 position? If it helps the team out. Why not do it?

By Greg

May 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Ultimately, i dont see how we can continue and expect to succeed without making some sort of big move/decision within the organization.

Giles: Terrible. He has an uppercut swing and he is unwilling to slap balls around just to put them in play. K-Stat — 31 K’s in 162 AB’s. Dreadful

Langerhans: He’s been extremely inconsistent this year, cannot hit lefties, and leads the team in K’s with 39… again, not exactly prototypical from the leadoff spot (not to mention, hes last in OPS).

Orr: Not even worth talking about

Bottom line: It’s hard to make any drastic move especially considering the unbelievable defense that a guy like Langerhans has played this year.

There are three spots in the lineup that need help, however: Left field, leadoff (or 2nd base), and 1st base. Ultimately first should be ok, however its time to start looking at trade possibilities for guys such as Joey Gathright, Torii Hunter, or maybe even taking a look at some of the speedsters in the system a la Gregor Blano (I believe), Tony Pena, or Yuniel Escobar who are guys that are young, can be taught to put the ball in play and would add the painfully absent element of the SB back to the Braves offense.

By Rob

May 22, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

What about McCann leading off? He’s not gonna steal any bases, but if he keeps batting .350 with Renteria behind him he’ll score runs.

By Chop Chop

May 22, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Count, Bobby makes the lineups, not us. I’d like to see Diaz in there until he cools off, but I have no say. Besides, Bobby says that he doesn’t read the papers or listen to the sports talk shows. I doubt he reads this blog, although I’m sure he’d get a lot of great ideas for the team. Just imagine him talking to Schuerholz:

Cox: “JS, we need to bring in Lidge, Willis, Nathan, Nomar and most importantly, Kevin Millar. I’m moving Chipper to first and starting Betemit full-time at third. I’m going to bat Gilly eighth and replace him with Betemit. We also need to make Smoltz the closer again. We also need Todd Helton. Do you think we can trade Sosa and Reitsma for him? I think the Rockies would jump at that deal. Here’s another idea: Let’s make Moylan the closer. McBride got us out of a jam yesterday, so he’s the closer. Death Ray looks like he could handle closing games. Let’s move Renty into the leadoff spot. Can we send Frenchy down? You know what? Maybe he should hit cleanup. Chipper likes Hooters girls. Let’s hit him leadoff and move him back to left field. Alejandro Pena was a solid closer. I think I have his cell number…”

Schuerholz: “Stop reading those blogs, Bobby.”

Cox: “Yeah, you’re right. I really shouldn’t read those. How about this? Can we call up your son?”

Schuerholz: “Good idea.”

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 22, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

chop chop said it, but i was thinking it before i read it…

couldn’t you put francouer in the leadoff spot? i mean, while he doesn’t possess furcal’s speed, he is fast. i know he’s a free-swinger, but look at his numbers: 48 hits (1st on team), 17 extra-base hits (2nd), 87 total bases (1st), and, the clincher stat, 186 at-bats (1st).

but now i look at the flip side: he’s got 32 Ks (4th on the team), only 2 walks (dead last among regulars and tied with smoltz and sosa), 0/5 in SBs, and a .272 OBP.

okay, well nevermind. for a second i thought, “hey, if giles is struggling, francouer could do it,” but now i look at the numbers and think that i’d rather have andruw leading off (joking of course). no, i think we need francouer’s batting in the 5/6 hole where he can bring runners in. a bunch of solo homers to lead off a game/inning won’t help us as much.

By ncscoots

May 22, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

what IS the delight with some of the folks over Wilson Betemit? I like the guy, sure, but he’s hitting under .270, 21 K in 78 AB, and an OBP of .321, I mean, folks, we’re not talking savior here. Seriously…even Marcus as bad as he’s going has a better OBP. And day after day, someone in the blog wants to sit down Marcus, or Chipper, or LaRoche, or SOMEBODY so the guy can play every day. Sheesh…he isn’t the answer, people.

By MGL

May 22, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Marcus will be fine at leadoff, he was in a terrible slump for a while, but he is getting better.If you look at April vs May, his AVE is .192 vs .274 and his extra base hits 3 vs 8. His OBP has not improved as much due to SO’s. He and LaRoche (AVE .298)are both batting significantly better than Langerhans (AVE .200) in May.

As far as moving Edgar, why fool with what’s working. He’s an excellent #2 hitter as he is probably the most consistant hitter on the team, and is great with runners on.

By Rutuger

May 22, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Marcus on roids? Riiiiiiight… The truth is that ever since he collided with Andruw in ‘04 he just hasn’t been the same. He’ll come back around eventually, but I seriously doubt he’ll ever get back to .315 with 20+ homers again.

Come on Dave, more speculation on the closer situation! Kenny Ray seems like our best option. Hell, I would bet dollars to doughnuts he could close better than half the games, which is about what Reeksma is posting this season. Truly horrendous.

By Adam

May 22, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

How about trading him and a pitching prospect to Washington for Soriano? I know his defense stinks, but what an addition to the lineup he’d make, and he’s batting leadoff for the Nats now, isn’t he?

By rainman

May 22, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Jamal strong is the best answer we have hade in years at the leadoff spot. this kid is a stud and we need him up. he has had an obp over .400 every year in the minors i say bring him up trade langerhans for pitching.

By geauxbraves2000

May 22, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Braves trade for a leadoff hitter, but what position would he play. LF is for Langy/Diaz, we all know Francouer is here to stay, Giles isn’t going anywhere, so the only other option is at first base and there aren’t too many first basemen who lead off. So, I agree with DOB, there really isn’t any answer at this point. You just simply cannot move ER to the top, he’s too good of a #2 hitter. Hopefully Giles will find his stroke. If he’d be a little more patient at the plate maybe he’d get better pitches to hit and then he could be the lead off hitter the Braves were hoping he could be.

By BravesZombie

May 22, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Oh, well. Lets keep the same non-productive players in the lineup, game after game. Maybe they’ll do something by August.

Lets keep using Reitsma in critical situations. The odds are he might do something every once in awhile.

Duh!

Atlanta Fans ! WAKE UP ! Demand more from your team !

By MGL

May 22, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Why in the world would you take Frenchy’s power and 2nd best RBI record on the team who never (mild exaggeration) takes a walk and put him in leadoff?

By Chop Chop

May 22, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

The stats shown on TBS yesterday about Reitsma’s save opportunities were quite telling:

In one-run games, he’s successful 52% of the time.

In two-run games, it’s 53%.

In three-run games, it’s 85%.

I guarantee you that 80% of major-league middle relievers could give you those numbers.

In other words, moving Reitsma out of the closer’s role is no big deal. If anybody can give you those putrid numbers, you might as well try everyone else to see if someone can do better.

Frankly, I was shocked to see Bobby take Reitsma out of the game yesterday. I didn’t think he had enough sense to do it. Luckily for us (and the rest of the players on the team), he did.

By TJ

May 22, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Geauxbraves, Rainman has the right idea. I don’t know anything about Jamal Strong, but if you’re going to aquire a leadoff hitter he’s going to have to play left. Langerhans will have to go. You could trade Giles, but I don’t think anyone wants to do that.

By MGL

May 22, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Adam - Soriano makes over $6M more than Marcus.

By Eric M. Webb

May 22, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop: I saw the same stat. I was stunned, but in the back of my mind I was also not suprised. Reitsma just isnt closer material. End of story. McBride or Ray…its your turn

By Kentavo

May 22, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

There is not a leadoff solution on the current roster. Isn’t Giles in the last year of his contract?

By tigger101023

May 22, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Maybe a few days in his San Diego hometown will help Marcus, maybe he can talk things over with big brother Brian of the Padres and find an answer

We can only hope. In the games I’ve seen, Brian destroys the Braves and Marcus is terrible against the Padres.

Langerhans: He’s been extremely inconsistent this year, cannot hit lefties, and leads the team in K’s with 39… again, not exactly prototypical from the leadoff spot (not to mention, hes last in OPS)

He hit lefties better last year. And this year is an awful small sample size, IIRC.

I see 36 K (3rd on the team), but with less starts, his K rate may be the worst. He has less pop so far this year, but I expect that to get better. When he gets hot, he’ll hit a lot of doubles. And with an isoOBP around .100, he could lead off. I don’t know where you stick Giles, but it’s a possibility. Then again, maybe the 8-hole is the best spot for him. Who knows?

Langer just hasn’t been the same since hitting in the 3-hole. I really hope he snaps out of it, and soon.

By Eric M. Webb

May 22, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Soriano=Pipe dream. Just finacially impossible. I hear we are muy interested in D-TRAIN. With him being relatively cheap for a few more yrs, and Hamptons contract up (next yr?) we could possibly afford him and sign him to a long term deal? I doubt he will make 15mill like Hampton, so we would actually be saving money and upgrading the rotation (Willis is younger, and going to get better.)

By Emilio

May 22, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

Mac, The Chipper is a tad slow and would ego melt if demoted to the leadoff slot! No easy fix! Giles needs to get it on, now! Please don’t mess with Edgar. The man is a professional hitter. Wilson can and should play some second base, just to have his bat. Giles might get inspired. I believe Marcus will get it going, but Wilson needs to be rotated for Chipper (give the old boy a rest), and Marcus. Diaz needs to play against every lefty and some, selected righties. It would be nice if the Jones boys started to long ball it. Folks, this is a good to potentially very good team that has NOT clicked on all cylinders at the same time yet. Yes, there are holes! The most glaring is clearly, the closer. CR might be an awesome setup guy and let’s leave it at that. So, give Jorge a shot. Can he do worse? Trade? Who for? And, who do you give up? We are loaded with catchers and infielders. Hmm? If you dip the young dew, you better be sure you get a CLOSER. They don’t seem to be hanging from every tree. Fun to watch and speculate! Despite my frustration, at times, Bobby’s patience is more often than not rewarded. So, let’s see where we are at the break!!!! Go Braves!

By Nicholas Irwin

May 22, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve got an idea. If he doesn’t take the first pitch of every single at-bat that does not involve an RBI opportunity, he is removed from the game. If he takes fewer than two pitches in any at-bat which lasts more than four pitches that does not involve an RBI opportunity, he is removed from the game. If he goes three games without drawing a walk, he is benched for the next game.

It’s not that difficult to be a lead-off hitter, folks. Theoretically, even when a lead-off hitter isn’t playing well, he should still be getting on base, because he’s finding other ways to get on base. He’s drawing walks, bunting for hits, punching the ball through holes instead of trying to hit it 10 miles, etc. That Giles (and Furcal last year, for that matter) have gone on two-month long slumps is inexcusable. They are not Jeff Francouer. Their job is not to hit for power and drive in runs. Theoretically, if they knew how to be remotely passable lead-off hitters, even if they were in slumps, they would still be making themselves useful at the plate. Andruw Jones could have made a decent lead-off hitter back when we were trying if he’d worked at it. But everyone involved realized that doing so would be stupid, as it would rob him of his power. Not the case with Giles and Furcal. They are not there for their power.

Of course, now that I’ve said this, Giles will become a good lead-off hitter, we’ll get to the World Series, and then lose when he makes the final out moronically attempting to bunt for a hit (a la Otis Nixon).

By Chop Chop

May 22, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

MGL, any mention of Francoeur in the leadoff spot by me is laced with sarcasm. I think Daybed Wagmoe caught onto that. If you’ll notice my post that includes a hypothetical convo between Cox and Schuerholz, you’ll notice that I find a lot of humor in the suggestions we make in this blog. I’m happy I started reading this blog. I’ve been a Braves fan for over 20 years and I didn’t really think Braves fans really cared about winning anymore. It’s good to see that some folks still want the team to go deeper into the playoffs and to win a World Series.

By David O'Brien

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

Eware, I love Rubber Factory. That was their first that I bought. The new one, the covers of Kimbrough, is incredible.

Cash, Cash, Cash. Tuesday.

Tonight, though, Smoltz vs. Peavy. Almost as attractive. Almost.

By David O'Brien

May 22, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

By the way, this Gnarls Barkley CD is great, I think even better than Cee-Lo’s solo stuff. He sounds awesome on this.

I know that’s only for a small segment of our audience, so others just nevermind, please.

How about Bonds? Do you guys care as little as I do? Just curious.

OK, gotta get down to Petco. It’s beautiful here, 70 degrees and sunny. I’m looking at the Pacific from my hotel room. Not bad.

Later

By tigger101023

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

Soriano would make our infield defense abysmal. Renteria has been a very good hitter and overall good player, but his defense has been suspect. Chipper has limited range. Replace the best infielder with arguably the worst 2B in the game and we have issues. We have low K pitchers that put a lot of balls into play. The man can hit, and if we had 2005 Furcal, it might be different. But we don’t. Say no to replacing Soriano with Giles.

By Voice of Reason

May 22, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Jamal Strong plays CF for Richmond since being acquired from the Cubs organization 4/28. He’s a 27 year old guy originally out of the Seattle organization where he had a couple of very brief call-ups. At Richmond, he’s batting .290 with a .347 OBP and 6 SB’s. Not exactly Major League proven…

What about Tony Pena? He’s batting .333 with a .388 OBP and 6 SB’s for Richmond. I know he’s a SS, can he play 2B and leadoff? He didn’t seem too intimidated during his brief stint in the bigs earlier this year… I appreciate Gilly’s game, but he ain’t bringin’ it right now, and the time for patience is running out. Certainly given his contract status (relatively cheap this year, not so cheap next year,) he is a candidate to be moved. Given his poor start, his trade value is somewhat diminished, but surely he could bring a pitcher of at least Reitsma quality or better. (A bucket of batting practice balls and some Atomic Balm might do that…)

Note: I’m not necessarily advocating any particular move, but DOB asked for suggestions, so there you go…

By eric the elder

May 22, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

We might have to accept the fact that this just isn’t a very good team. There are only 4 teams in the National League with a worse record. During the good home stand, I and other got beat up roundly for our skepticism about the team, but remember that we eked out 3 wins against the awful Marlins only with some 9th inning heroics. We scored a total of 2 runs in the last two games with the DBacks.

I can’t recall any team doing well with neither a leadoff guy or a closer, and DOB says there is no solution. So where is the silver lining?

By Miranda

May 22, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Bonds… haha I don’t care at all and I can’t stand the guy! but that’s just me

By old timer

May 22, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Yes, a quarter of the way thru the season, we still have the two glaring problems we discussed during the spring: Closer and leadoff hitter. VOR, I like Pena, too. He fields like Rafael Belliard and I think he can hit some. If he can work pitchers, he could lead off. He has good speed. Wish he could hit left-handed. Maybe best option still lies in bringing in a leadoff man who can play left. But with all of our budding middle infielders, I wouldn’t mind trading Giles for a closer and trying Pena at second base, hitting first.

By MGL

May 22, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

VOR - Pena was up briefly earlier this year, AVE .111.

By John Adcox

May 22, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Eric,

I think the frustration many of us have isn’t that the Braves aren’t better… we all understand that there aren’t many legitimate closers and leadoff men out there to be had. The frustration comes from the perception that the Braves aren’t making the best possible use of the pieces they have, like trying McBride or Ray at closer, trying Thorman (or anyone) at first, etc.

We all KNOW that this isn’t the best team the Braves have had since 1991, and it may well be the worst. so why aren’t we “accepting facts” as you suggest?

In fact, the only last, lingering hope we have is that the manager and GM will work magic. Given the track record of the manager and GM, that’s not as much of a stretch as one might think.

Personally, I can’t help wondering if Bobby’s strength, that famous loyalty, isn’t becoming a weakness. Maybe, maybe not. If it is, and better options really ARE available, I sincerely have no doubt that the Braves organization will find them. That’s why we keep proding and speculating.

Give and and “accept?” That’s not why why blogs were created, friend.

John My Web site

By Bob journalist jg

May 22, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

All positions in the lineup routinely come to bat with nobody on and nobody out over the course of a season. I understand the importance of that hitter to the success of the inning … but I am curious as to the extent to which those hitters actually make adjustments in their “normal” approach.

My guess is that TP has sessions during Spring Training … and as needed throughout the season … with all of the position players to provide insights into the approach and adjustments to situational hitting, especially “leading off” an inning … regardless of their hitting position in the lineup.

I’ve watched Marcus since he first arrived on the scene and always sensed that he had reasonable bat control … considering his setup and swing.

Earlier this year, he looked like an aging fighter that couldn’t pull the trigger after he positioned himself to punch … he looked uncertain at the plate, trying to find some way to get a walk.

Frankly, I would like to see the batting order simply moved up one position. Edgar batting 1st, Chipper 2nd … Marcus 9th.

I think that the probability of 1st inning success would increase dramatically … and Edgar would be following Giles for the rest of the game … and, over the season, would have a few more of the “last chance” at bats.

While I have never been convinced “pro or con” about Chris Reitsma as the closer … I now think that his remaining in that role will have a negative impact on team performance … because of the uncertainties surrounding his performance.

The anxiety level running through the clubhouse seems high … based on what we can see on TV … and is reflected by the announcers. It’s almost as if they are waiting for something bad to happen … and that may be the problem; especially if Chris feels that way himself.

Currently, when Chris is on the mound in a closing role, the opposition has heightened confidence and their fan support is increased … over what it would be if one of our other pitchers were closing.

If he is making the adjustments that will make him an effective closer then let him first prove it to himself in a different role and then return to the position with confidence.

By Ace

May 22, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

San Diego = Paradise. Man what I wouldn’t give to catch the Braves at Petco…

I don’t know what it would hurt to at least try putting Langerhans/Diaz at leadoff. Couldn’t hurt, could it?

By Jake

May 22, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

I think the solution lies with the Dbacks and the Padres. If we could get the Dbacks to trade Counsell for some young SP which they desperately need, Im sure the Padres would love to have Giles. With that we could get some RP. Maybe Scott Cassidy? His career #’s are not great but thats what the braves seem to like. He has shown some impressive innings though. Or maybe Scott Linebrink? Counsell is a real leadoff hitter and has played some 2B. Just a thought!

By De;

May 22, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

As much as I hate to admit it, I think Elder Eric has correctly come to the right conclusion. We are not a very good team this year. We are a team in tranitiomn, from veteran to much younger. This transistion could be just one year, but more likely will take longer. And with the large part of our payroll going to just a few people (Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson) precluding us from easing the transition for the next few years with some FA additions. Maybe it is time for us fans to recognize what is happening, and take our pleasure in the progress our youngsters make in the next few years, rather than continue to expect them to produce pennants and championships. Maybe our mgmt has been operating on this basis already, they just “forgot” to tell us about it.

By Del

May 22, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

Del not De. Sorry.

By PA Bravefan

May 22, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

OK First off, there is no chance of Marcus getting traded! He just need to be moved out of the leadoff spot. I do believe that he will come around, but he needs out of that spot! Second, why does everyone talk about Langerhans like he is untouchable and that he has the left field job. Yes i do like his defense, but his bat has not been excellent for a corner outfield position. The way Diaz is hitting right now, I would say give him more playing time. The ultimate decision would be to trade Langerhans as part of a package to get a closer. The closer spot is tough to get right now. Look at the closers who are consistent and doing well right now and you will find that they are all on teams that are in contention. All except for Ryan Dempster with the Cubs, but I don’t think he is proven enough yet. I would rather keep the talent and try Death Ray, who is not proven either, but we have him already. He can’t do any worse than Reitsma. The talk of getting Dontrelle Willis, makes some sense. He is cheap for 2 more years and then we can pay him some of money we will no longer owe Hampton (15 Million). He is going to be a star for a while, and we saw last year what he can do on a team that is in contention. Folks, as painful as this is to say, Smoltz won’t probably be around either in 2008, so there is more money that we will have available. I hope that he is, because he has been so great for so long, and I will probably shed a tear when he is gone. We can unload Sosa to anyone who is willing to take him, and bring up Chuck James. I really think that we don’t want to unload too much for a closer until we have exhausted all options within. (Check out Stockman, Acosta in Richmond and Startup in Mississippi). OK I know I am ranting, but isn’t that what blogs are for? I think the most pressing need is being avoided because everyone loves Laroche. I admit I do love his defense (that 1 mistake was just that), but his bat is not what we need from a corner infield position. If you look at the typical power positions, of First, left, right, Third, We have 1 1/2. Frenchy is going to be a star!!! He is in the top 10 in HR, and RBI in the league, despite hi horrid April. If we count that as his Spring training, which he never really got. He projects well. Left is a wash for power, first right now is pretty much sucking up the joint, and lets face it Chipper’s better days are probably behind him. So as a recap, we wnat Schuerholtz to call around the league for a leadoff man, a first baseman, a closer, but we don’t want to trade, any talent on the farm, Langerhans, or take on any salaries that are too large because we can’t afford them????? Is that about right? If he ca n do that HE IS A GOD!!! Bottom line is if this roster doesn’t gel soon, or at least with some great callups like last year. Number 15 is not likely to happen.

By BravesLover

May 22, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Anyone thinking that Giles should be traded is either stupid, crazy, impatient or all of the above. Giles is certainly having a rough time but, call me crazy, I don’t think it has anything to do with him batting leadoff. He’s hitting .275 this month, while it isn’t great, it’s not BAD either and certainly better than his .232 average. I just don’t think he’s seeing the pitches lately. I have no answers either but I do know that Marcus will be fine. Anyone that doesn’t agree hasn’t watched Marcus play ball for the past 3 years.

Btw, I’m his biggest fan and even I can admit his hitting is pretty putrid.

Let me add by saying that I took wish Reitsma would’ve been left in Arizona.

By eric the elder

May 22, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

Well, John Adcox, maybe I need for you to explain why blogs were created. For the past two years, I have been on these blogs, speculating, cheering, complaining, suggesting, venting, and everything else that I thought bloggers do. I have enjoyed the exchange of views and ideas, and occasionally I throw in a few of my own.

If revealing my creeping sense of resignation about our team this year is counter to the purpose of blogs, then I will relinquish my chair here until I receive some helpful instruction.

By name

May 22, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

I think he’s alot smaller and weaker this year. Maybe he sould try a lighter bat…

By Boomer

May 22, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

DOB is right…there is no answer at present to the lead-off batter problem. I would like to see someone else [maybe Langerhans] tried there for a couple of games. Giles’ lack of patience is what bothers me most. I just find it hard to believe that he cannot make the adjustments necessary to bat lead-off but with a quarter of the season gone maybe that proves he really can’t. I noticed that a couple of posts mention the division winner thing…can we not get past that,please? Yeah, we beat the Marlins and Nationals a couple of games that we probably shouldn’t have won. But the Mets, Phillies and Brewers beat us a few times when our closer imploded so it sort of evens out. That said, I do cringe when Reitsma enters the game in the ninth. As for Bonds, can’t stand him, wish he’d never hit another homerun and wish I’d never have to read or see anything else about him.

By True Braves Fan

May 22, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

SECOND BASE Undestand the Nats want to trade Soriano. Trade Giles for him if possible. Would lose some defense, but really pick up the offense. 15 HR and .337 OBP is not too bad.

CLOSER Let’s try what we have before giving up the farm in a trade. In the off season we could have gotten Wagner for a fortune…He is 9/12 with the Mets. We have Ray and Poronto (I understand he closed in Richmond.) Am surprised no one has mentioned moving Thomson into the closer’s spot

By Bob

May 22, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

Elder Eric,

We may have only 4 behind us but there are only 2 that are more than 3 ahead of us. I think that the verdict is still out.

We have 3 players who, if they would use better bat conrol and play within themselves, would be good leadoff hitters … and at least 3 pitchers who show some potential to be good closers … or at least serve adequately until Chris proves his mettle in another role.

It doesn’t mean that they will and it doesn’t mean they won’t … but so long as they give their best, I hope those folks in “Atlana” will go to the games and maybe make the difference.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith comes to the new blog for the first time and finds that a journalist jimmy smith has posted here already - as he posted several times in the last blog. apparently, there is another journalist jimmy smith - or at least a wannabe. yes, we know who he is. oh, well, toes … famous johnny damon has a bad toe. since damon plays for the hated yankees, this will be the final mention of that particular toe from journalist jimmy smith. now, alligators … alligators are eating people in florida and here we are worrying about having no closer. journalist jimmy smith joins dob in expressing concern about giles at leadoff. true fans say marcus will hit soon - but it ain’t happening. how is prado doing? he came up in april, won a game with a triple, then was sent down. another “p” player.

By tyyosh

May 22, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

I thought I saw somewhere that Diaz was working at 1st base also. It would not surprise me for them to find a decent leadoff outfielder and put him in LF. Langerhans would be a backup, maybe even a defensive replacement. Diaz would still platoon, but maybe at 1B more. Giles would do fine at 7 or 8. (Over the past few years, there has been no shame in hitting 8th on this team, based on the quality of hitters who by default ended up there). The only question then would be who is odd man out (Jordan?), at least until the playoffs, when the pitching staff shrinks and there is room for another hitter.

By Adam

May 22, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

I realize that Soriano’s salary is twice Gile’s, but didn’t we hear all spring that the Braves would have cash for a mid-season trade after having failed to re-sign Furcal and missed out on the closers (we somehow had the cash to offer farnsworth $5 mil/year, and didn’t sign anyone to replace him. Trading Giles plus a minor league pitcher for Soriano would make sense, and I think the Bravos could afford it. Your thoughts, DOB?

By tyyosh

May 22, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

IMHO Soriano would not be a good move. I believe he is a pending free agent who always had defensive problems and maybe some attitude, too. I would prioritize these two changes - fix the closer position and tighten up the infield defense. Even with Giles’ problems, the Braves almost lead the league in runs.

By Marcus Williams

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

Big fan of ugandan journalist jimmy smith…journalist JS what CDs do you recommend?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

hello, friend marcus, journalist jimmy smith invests in commercial properties and in the stock market. not sure journalist could recommend a cd at this time, but if you buy cd’s you may wish to invest in a series of different terms rather than tie up all your money in a single certificate. then, as each matures, roll it over for the same term. this way, you’ll have money maturing periodically. if rates rise, you earn more overall than you would if you had locked your money up in one long-term cd. if rates fall, your overall investment still will earn a higher yield than if you had kept all of your money short. jimmy smith hopes this information will be helpful. now, toes … the best investors have healthy toes because they can afford comfortable shoes.

By Carolina Lady

May 22, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

tyyosh, I’m in full agreement with you on Soriano. I wouldn’t be at all happy to see him brought into the Braves clubhouse. His attitude is horrific - and I’d hate for any of that to rub off onto any of these Braves toddlers.

By Carolina Lady

May 22, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, others may try to hijack your name but, as with all imitations, the resulting product is inferior. I’m glad to see a genuine jimmy smith post! Unmistakable! :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

yes, journalist is very upset with journalistic doppelganger. apologies to dob and giles, journalist ate all of barbecued baby seal. journalist cannot believe whole seal gone. delicious. tastes like lamb marinated in saltwater for almost a year. will never have to clean up after baby seal again. now, baseball… even though braves are leadofferless (journalist invent cool new word), journalist notes that braves still ranked second in runs scored. journalist must run.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

baby seal informs journalist jimmy smith that journalist misinterpreted the earlier question. for this, jimmy smith apologizes. (it has not been a good day for jimmy smith on the blog). samite’s cd is most pleasing as are francis rwama’s and geoffrey orema’s recent releases. which do you like best?

By Marc

May 22, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

What’s frustrating is the three biggest problems that were identified going into spring training were, the closer, leadoff hitter and 1st base. Now one quarter into the season the three biggest problems are closer, leadoff hitter, and 1st base. I can’t understand why JS did nothing to address these problems before the season started. In my opinion JS must get a closer and either a new leadoff hitter or 1st baseman. The Braves can’t continue to wait and use the excuse, these are the best options we have. This team would be rolling if one, two, or all three of these problem areas were addressed. Go Braves.

By JJMB

May 22, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

“Right turn” Giles has that stupid uppercut swing that produces flyballs. In his case, outs. Lead off has to take pitches and hit the ball on the ground.

I have come to think Giles is of low intellect. Watching homeplate/dugout celebrations, I notice Giles is the one head-slapping the returning heros the hardest. He winds up and gives an open-handed strike to the back of the skull. This is not a typical pat of celebration. These strikes are potentially injury causing.

I think the little goof is trying to hurt someone.

By Ron Roberts

May 22, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m loyal, man… but this ISN’T troubling enough to warrant a prolonged discussion so long as the Braves are at or near the top of the league in scoring. McCann’s absense might expose this weakness, or Marcus might snap out of it; either way, this team’s achilles is at closer - period, end of discussion.

But since we’re discussing it, anyhow, Langerhans hasn’t exactly been lighting it up lately, himself. He’s hitting all of .200 this month. Moving Renteria to the leadoff spot is really about all the Braves can do if they wanted to make a change.

But I’m not convinced they want to or will make a change, frankly. Giles is no idiot, and if there are nuanced differences in the way pitchers approach him from the leadoff spot, then he’ll figure it out. But frankly, focusing on the leadoff spot, when it’s usually only a “real” leadoff spot once-per-game, guaranteed, is a waste of time.

THe gist of my thoughts are… Giles will figure it out, and so what if he doesn’t? We led the league in scoring as of Sunday. Do we not lead the league in blown-saves at this rate, too?

Here’s one for ya… we’ve had 20 save opportunities, blown 11 of ‘em. No NL team’s even matched the number of opportunities the Braves have had, but no other team in the Majors has blown more saves than they’ve saved - except for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.

THE KANSAS CIY ROYALS!!!

That’s what we’re reduced to with Reitsma as our closer, folks. Comparisons to the Kansas City Royals!

By Riley Martin

May 22, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Riley Martin sees flaws in Jimmy smiths cd plan. He feels Jimmy should try to find higher yeilding instruments in a time of rising intrest rates and things of this nature.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

journalist impostor is at work tonight. this is very difficult for journalist jimmy smith who has a journalistic reputation to protect. how would ordinary joe like it if jimmy smith posted with your name? jimmy smith could get away with it - would just let baby seal write the post - no one would be any wiser. now, hartebeest … nothing more has been heard from the hartebeest that was inadvertently sent to the outerbanks - but it is reported that the crow population there has been thinned considerably in the past few days. now, to the blogger calling jimmy smith “sambo” earlier … jimmy smith at first took great offense but now jimmy smith has looked up the word “sambo” - and learned that a cheese sandwich in ireland is called a sambo. journalist does enjoy a good cheese sandwich. jimmy smith learns many things on this blog.

By Wayne

May 22, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t claim to be a baseball guru but my God, why doesn’t Marcus Giles just put the ball in play. Everytime I watch him with that upper-cut swing, I go nuts. Does any one else wonder about this?

By George

May 22, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

A poor leadoff hitter will not be the potential downfall of this club; lack of a closer will. Find one or fail to win the east.

By TMAX

May 22, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t Diaz in the lineup more often?

Why hasn’t Jurries been called up?

And why can’t the Braves get a closer?

By Riley Martin

May 22, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

I am a Baseball Guru. And you are correct in what you say. You should post more about things of this nature

By TMAX

May 22, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t Diaz in the lineup more often?

Why hasn’t Jurries been called up?

And why can’t the Braves get a closer?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 22, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

riley martin, jimmy smith confesses - he does not buy cd’s - but if jimmy smith did buy a cd he would agree with you that finding a higher yield would be most appropriate. sort of like having reitsma as your closer, looks like a short term deal without big dollars invested and the high yield is in runs allowed. now, jimmy smith is acting like adam smith! time for some cheetos and root beer before the game.

By Carolina Lady

May 22, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Hartebeest update: he seems to be quite happy here and is even happier to have been accepted by the local deer population. Would not be surprised to see a DeerHarte next winter. Crow population definitely decreasing!

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

“Dear Sirs:

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

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

By Bob

May 22, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

I don’t know who authored the post that states that the Life of Georgia is/was an industrial insurance company that was built on exploition of African Americans.

The statement, on it’s very face, is without merit.

First, The Life of Georgia, as the name suggests, was a “Life” insurance Company, not an “Industrial” insurance company.

Regardless of company type, the company was not “built on exploition” … in any negative sense, whatsoever.

However, if I thought that the person making such statements was in any way qualified to so do, I would have already sumitted the posts to the appropriate authorities so that it could be officially pursued and appropriate action taken.

The point is that it would be considered to be serious professional misconduct to make such statements in a public forum and be subject to potentially severe penalities.

If you are technically unqualified to make such statements and knowingly choose to so do, you are still guilty of irresponsible behavior.

By Tomas

May 22, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

i think they should trade, Marcus Giles, Adam Laroche, or Ryan Langerhans for a big consistant veteran bat, and and a leadoff hitter like willy taveras, or Ryan Freel

By glembo

May 22, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

After reading some of my earlier posts you probably know that I have limited knowledge of the game of baseball. Please don’t hate me. I’m just an ordinary Joe trying to hang with the big boys - but I now realize I’m overmatched. Sometimes I’ll post using other people’s names and styles because I have little capacity of my own - and I don’t want you bloggers making fun of me like the guys do at work. The jouranlist is different - not ordinary like me. Bob has got my number -and may give it to the authorities. I’ll just keep on working and supersizing.

By elbravox

May 23, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Santamaria, Alabama slammer! It is pretty funny. We do not talk like that in Cali!Dude, where is the contact?

By Chris

May 23, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Well here we are again, Smoltz has 121 pitches through 7 innings, last start he had 112 through 7 and marched back out to begin the 8th. Surely he is pinch-hit for this time.

By elbravox

May 23, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

J.Smolzs arm will be like a gummy worm by the all star break!

By Chris

May 23, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

Now we have to get 2 innings from our bullpen without blowing it. Pretty amazing that we might win a game in which we have at least 17 strikeouts.

Please don’t let me see Reitsma in the 9th!

By Jim From Tenn

May 23, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

Think smoltizie will try to grab that 60 inch home plate and bring it back with him? Bet Jake would fight him over it though..

By Wilson Betemit

May 23, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this

Why am I not playing every day?

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Braves offense near league lead in runs without help from giles, C jones, A jones, Laroche. 2 of those guys get going we’ll lap the field.

By jon

May 23, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

ken ray in 8th….but thats not what I’m looking forward to….who will trot out in the 9th??? Does Bobby call upon Reits again? He’s lost his mind if he does….surely McBride…….1 our Ken Ray wooooooooooo

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

what the hell?

By Ken Ray

May 23, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this

Why I am not the closer?

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

damn it

By jon

May 23, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

well there’s 1 run…for heaven sakes..this is nonsense

By HEAD COACH

May 23, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

You want answers DOB ? I’ll give you answers. Giles was hitting in the 2 hole following Furcal and it was a lot easier getting all those fat fastballs and sliders too hit because furcal was actually on base trying to steal second , distracting the pitcher and causing absolute havoc on the basepaths and making Giles job in the 2 hole a lot easier. There is your answer , happy now ???

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

Why does it fell like when we lead by 1 in the ninth we are really losing by 2

By MBATL

May 23, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Giles? Leadoff? WHO CARES! WE ARE 2ND IN THE LEAGUE IN SCORING!

We need a bullpen.

By jon

May 23, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

cant you just see this happening before it really happens. I’d hate to be in Bobbys shoes…Honestly, who in the heck should we pitch?

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Paronto for closer? Game over and Pronto?

By elbravox

May 23, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

Who are these guys calling the game? It is hilarious! I smell an Italina comeback? I smell carne asada!

By nathan

May 23, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

how come whoever they mention getting up to warm up in the pen makes me reach for the pepto bismol???!!

What a bunch of no-name washed up LOSERS!

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Bobby “does anybody have a magic eight ball?” Will Reitsma suck again tonite?

By jon

May 23, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

haha he hit it 400 feet! At least we got a new closer…its called Petco Park

By nathan

May 23, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

WORRY ABOUT THE HITTER…..STOP FOCUSING ON THE RUNNER!….TO QUOTE DON SUTTON: “IF HE STEALS, IT COSTS YOU 90 FEET, IF YOU LOSE THE BATTER IT’LL COST YOU 2 RUNS”

By MBATL

May 23, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

(DOB… didn’t mean it’s a bad topic… gotta write about something everyday, huh? Just that I think Giles is the least of our problems.)

It really is interesting to see, if Ray can hold this 1-run lead, who Bobby will bring in for the 9th. I bet he goes with Reitsma…

By nathan

May 23, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

AND IT JUST ABOUT DID!……UN-FREAKIN-REAL!

By Chris

May 23, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

One run lead, if its Reitsma its almost a guaranteed blown save. Gotta try someone, anyone else.

By jon

May 23, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

Reitsma run out on the field too early. Don’t worry Braves fans…the security guards tackled and cuffed him. We dont have to worry about him blowing another 9th inning lead tonight

By nathan

May 23, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

How come security can’t tackle Reitsma when he comes out onto the field?

Sorry……I couldn’t help but think of that.

Great!…Reitsma is up in the pen…..GAME OVER unles we score 8 or 9 runs in this inning.

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

if that’s not a rocket up his a* in left that ball is outa here!!!

By jim from tenn

May 23, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Alright now we have a 52% chance of winning the game!

By Chris

May 23, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Seems like with the 2 run lead vs. 1 run Reitsma is more relaxed or something. First 1-2-3 inning from him I can remember in quite a while.

Considering the bullpen problems and losing McCann, 2-2 on the trip thus far looks pretty good. If we can go 3-2 the rest of the way and complete the trip 5-4, outstanding. At that point we would have played 32 of our first 50 games on the road and probably be at most 5 games out of first.

By elbravox

May 23, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

C.R.,the next Mariano Rivera!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

yes, bob has “already sumitted the posts to the appropriate authorities”. seems as though bob misspells as well. now baseball… reitsma not fall on face. glembo, work on spelling.

By HEAD COACH

May 23, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Apparently even Reitsma can get lucky ,after all its kinda hard to blow a 2 run lead. 18 strikeouts by the Padres , tough luck pitching. Smoltz , you da man and your arms gonna fall off if you keep throwing so many pitches. Peavy made one mistake pitch and Smoltz didnt , thats pretty much it.

By David

May 23, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

Wow, with all our problems, we are just only 4 games out …

By Wedgie Evans

May 23, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

Forget Giles, the guy we really need to be concerned about right about now is Andruw Jones. He’s playing like it was 1997. Why does he look like he’s about to fall down after every swing? Something needs to be done about this.

By David

May 23, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Ok, I’ve figured it out. For Reitsma to be successful. First, have at least a 3 or more run lead going into the 9th inning. Second, play away from home b/c he seems to choke under the atlanta heat. Oh and keeping the ball down and having a good breaking ball won’t hurt.

By Hal

May 23, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Hard to blow a two run lead ? the two most accepted closers in the league Lidge and Wagner have managed to blow a 5 and 4 run lead in the last two weeks !One lost his closers job and the other had two guys warming up behind him last night. Closing isent all that easy unless your names Smoltz and he would rather throw 120 pitches starting cause he will be more valuable in the playoffs as a starter …yea right two problems with that one there wont be a playoff with out a closer two Smoltz wont make it to August throwing that many pitches every 5 days

By David O'Brien

May 23, 2006 02:32 AM | Link to this

Eight hits in two days for the Braves _ and two wins! Unbelievable.

18 K and they win.

Best game I’ve seen this season. Smoltz was really exceptional as a true pitcher. The kid Peavy, I think, is the best young arm in the game.

Oh, and Ron. You said I shouldn’t have mentioned GIles as a blog, and that Reitsma was the one problem to talk about (I think that’s what you said).

Does that mean we should just sit here and go, “Yes, Reitsma stinks, we need to replace him. Yes, we need to replace him, I agree. Yes, Bobby should replace him…” I mean, how much can we talk about it, until there’s a development or reason to believe Bobby is going to pull him?

Anyway…I just wanted to respond to that comment, since the blog was down earlier when I saw your post. Nothing personal, I just wanted to know what you meant by that, if your suggestion was just to talk about Reitsma each and every day until the situation changes.

By mlif

May 23, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this

Great game though I’m concerned with Smoltz’ pitch counts. As for Peavy, I feel he’s an injury waiting to happen if he keeps such big stress on his arm at every pitch. 16K surely looks good and earns him big money, but I hope Braves don’t pursue him when he hits FA.

By Josh K.

May 23, 2006 03:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Bob, pull the underwear out of your a$$ and chill out

By Ron Roberts

May 23, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

No, DOB, I’m not suggesting all we talk about is Reitsma; but the headline “One Problem, No Solutions” is sorta misleading. This team doesn’t have just one problem, and if you had to prioritize them to talk about its one glaring problem, I wouldn’t think leadoff is it.

That’s all. Nothing personal.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

DOB, Ron Roberts, please stop insanity. stop infighting. arguing over degree of ineptitude of closer vs. leaderoffer is pointless. is like arguing over which ugly twin sister is ugliest. both are skanks unless one buys journalist dozen beers.

By Joe Roman

May 23, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

The second-guessers in the crowd would characterize it as Stockholm Syndrome, but others like me would chalk it up to empathy that comes from intense exposure. Whatever the case, it sounds like Dave is ready to look for alternatives at lead-off. Right? To me, that means it’s pretty likely Bobby is too. He always waits until all the precincts have reported. I’ve been saying for some time that Langerhans leading off and Giles in the eight hole makes sense. Ryan has speed and makes consistent contact. Giles would have ‘ducks on the pond’ from eighth and clutch situations seem to pump him up. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Leading off has really screwed Giles up. Why I don’t know, but weird stuff like that happens in baseball all the time.

By Bud Butler

May 23, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Maybe if Bobby gave Diaz a chance he might be the answer. But knowing Bobby ,Ryan would have to have an injury like Barbaro before Bobby would give Diaz a chance.

By glembo

May 23, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

I got some things off my chest last night. I feel like a new woman. Baseball is a complex game and much goes right over my head, like when chipper was in left field. That’s why I post as the Journalist. I don’t wish to be labeled a dummy here. I get enough of that at work. Wonder if I could post as DOB and get away with it?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

poor glembo. glembo thinks that glembo runs with big boys. someone call the authorities.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

glembo, bob has called the authorities already. next, when glembo comes on the field he will be tackled by security much like in last night’s game. then, glembo will be fed to the hartebeest. why does glembo post as journalist jimmy smith? no imagination of his own? glembo, never get bob mad at you. he has also contacted santa claus and officer don. he knows how to deal with you. now, baseball … paronto was warming up in the pen in the ninth. reitsma was probably one hit away from being yanked for paronto. last night’s save probably saved his job for a few games. now, music … who knows what music is played at turner field for soon-to-be-closer chad paronto?

By Matthew

May 23, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

I just typed a big long blog to respond to all the problems we face: poverty, terrorism, no wait, the real problems: closer, 1B, leadoff. But a glich in the web site lost my post (it said, “page cannot be located”). I’m not typing it agin, so maybe the world’s problems can be solved without me. )

By condescending BOB

May 23, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Yes. I’ve called the authorities on glembo. And you know my motto: Never say or write anything in less than 7 paragraphs when it could be summed up in two. Unfortunately the person I was talking to fell asleep.
Anybody seen bmy geritol?

By student

May 23, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

“Something needs to be done about this [andruw.] Some of you guys really crack me up. Andruw will be fine. Nothing needs to be done. (What do you suppose could be done anyway? I’m sure he’s working on stuff with pendleton) If anyone remembers he had a bad month last year too, he will snap out of it eventually, as will Giles, who I can’t see being moved to 8th in the foreseeable future. Look, we have won the pennant every year since 91 because Cox doesn’t freak out every time a guy has a bad couple of weeks. You end up destroying players’ confidence when you bench them or move them down in the batting order. Sure, sometimes it needs to be done, but a lot of the time things will fix themselves if you don’t meddle too much. Fortunately no one on here is in a position to actually do any meddling, just loud yelling.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

matthew must be related to bob.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

journalist has on good authority that glembo not actually woman, but crossdresser. wife not mind except when stretch out wife’s clothes. now baseball… chipper reported to have said to reitsma ” the rose goes in the front big guy” b4 game. may have saved reliever’s season.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

glembo has angered the actuary on this blog - also patrons of the arts - and tommy nobis. mostly, jimmy smith would worry about tommy nobis … stronger than a hartebeest at age 63. glembo can make amends if he will post only as glennbo, no one will care - not sure anyone reads glennbo posts anyhow. now, bob … he will awake in a few hours and read glembo’s mean posts and then anything goes … perhaps a call to glembo’s mama.
now, betemit … he gets on with a double and is left standing on second base. he is valuable off the bench - but his play is ready for everyday consideration. now, matthew … please try again with your post. we must solve these problems.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

sadly, only about one in four journalist jimmy smith posts are now from the real jimmy smith. journalist must resort to trickery (code) to help others identify true jimmy smith posts. yes, cheese, hartebeest, seal, and toes are ususal indicators of authentic jimmy smith post - but glembo is unusually clever today (must be getting help from lady at drive-through window). now, bob … bob will awaken soon and he is not going to like what he reads. perhaps bob has a way of dealing with glembo’s perverse tendencies. report to governor? perhaps, john oxendine? tseebetrah, is that you?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

what was journalist thinking? when journalist borrow chico esquela persona ripoff, never did he think it would be so much fun. posting fun again. journalist never go back. will always be irreverent PITA. as far as bob go, who care? saw authority yesterday and sung song. does bob know song? does imposter?

By Matthew

May 23, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Jimmy: no relation to Bob. I am not qualified to be mentioned in the same sentence with the respected journalist jg. :)

The main things I wanted to cover are these: Reitsma isn’t the answer at closer. I think that when HoRam and James are ready, then we should move Sosa into the closer’s role. He has an electric fastball, and is a little crazy (a prerequisite to being a good closer-see Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams and John “Foot-in-Mouth” Rocker). How about we make Sosa the closer and nickname him Loco Motion, since his delivery is constantly changing.

Also, Giles will be okay at leadoff, but he will not be Furcal. he is a differnet type of hitter, and as soon as he realizes that the one spot is not that different from the two spot, he’ll be okay. I think he wants to do well so badly that he is trying too hard. Let’s give him a little more patience before trading him to the Royals for a bat boy to be named later.

I also wanted to let Carolina Lady know how Jennifer and the baby are doing. We found out yesterday that we are having a boy, and we’re naming him Matthew Walter, after myself and my paternal grandfather, who taught me to be a Braves fan in the days of Lonnie Smith and Rafael Belliard (late 80s early 90s-I became a fan in 1989 and 1990, so I’m not a bandwagon jumper-I’m a legit, true fan).

Ms. Carolina Lady, please keep Jennifer and the baby in your prayers-we’re halfway to October 5th!!

Go Braves!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

bob, journalist has an idea. to throw glembo off the trail let’s try spelling our names backwards. journalist will now be journalist ymmij htims. you spell “bob” backwards and we will have glembo completely fooled. much like reppihc senoj, glembo is uh, dull. don’t think he will catch on unless lady at register is helping him between customers. now, death ray … they hit some lasers off him last night.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

yes, journalist enjoys besmirtching hard working people who were not to the manor born.

By Riley Martin

May 23, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Riley Martin isnt sure the intelect of the jounalist jimmy smith can be fully and totally realized on a site with such lack intelect. DOB has to fight off these crazys with a stick and Bob is completely delusional. Maybe on my next intergalctic trip to OcoDaugeyway the journalist could join Riley Martin on the interplanetary cruiser, or mother ship if you will. You will be amazed at the wonderful creatures and things of this nature.

By Alan

May 23, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Why not flip-flop Renteria and Giles? Edgar has been outstanding at #2, but he has led off in the past. Marcus is not suited to lead off; frankly, he’s stinking up the joint. Maybe he’ll snap out of it if he moves back to #2, where he’s been very productive. An alternative is to make a deal with the Cubs for Juan Pierre, who’s been terrible and is probably available for next-to-nothing (a prospect or two). What he’d bring, though, is a lot of speed and energy to the top of the order. So then, what happens to Langerhans and Diaz (both of whom I like)? Include Langy in the trade with the Cubs and acquire Dempster to close (as someone suggested earlier), and fit Diaz with a first baseman’s mitt. Nah! Let’s just go for the quick fix and have Marcus and Edgar switch places. There’s your solution, David.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

riley martin, been there, done that. cognitive enhancement formula number 74 helps journalist avoid that trip these days.

By geauxbraves2000

May 23, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Reistma’s performance last night is bittersweet to me. Yes he had a good game, he’s had those in the past, but after a performance like that BC you know will go with Reitsma again and then Reitsma will more than likely blow another save. He’s too inconsistent, they have to try someone else. Even if it’s a closer by committee for a couple of weeks.

By Marc

May 23, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing that every year Andruw Jones goes into a prolonged slump, that drops his average so low, that he can’t get it back to MVP numbers. I don’t get it, he had a great year last year, started off great, and now he is in danger of falling below .260. The guy is the best defensive outfielder in the game, he’ll hit at least 35-50 homeruns a year, he just can’t hit with consistency. It’s hard to tell what causes this. Is it that he can’t duplicate his swing on a consistant basis, like Pujols? Is it a lack of focus? Does his stellar defensive work take away from his hitting? It just seems like, if he could become a consistant hitter the hole year, people would be saying Andruw Jones is the best player in the majors, not Pujols. DOB, what do you think?

That brings me to another point, with all of the focus on McDowell, is Pendelton really a good batting instructor. The Braves strike out at an alarming rate, the team never hits well against an opponents good pitching, and they go into funks where they record 8 hits in three games. If you look at the success of a team like the Yankees, their hitters were all disciplined. I think the team as a hole needs to be more selective at the plate. This team could score a lot more runs with a better approach at the plate.

By Riley Martin

May 23, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

No one knows the true power of cognitive enhancement formula number 74 like Riley Martin. It bothers the good Riley Martin that this is even being discussed by the journalist jimmy smith in such a public forum. I will have no other choice but to turn the journalist jimmy smith over to the proper authorities, or Bob whomever is readily available. The Journalist is in for a very intense investigation and things of this nature.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

riley martin, just please don’t tell journalist’s mother. you may tell imposter’s mother. him need attitude adjustment.

By glennbo

May 23, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000, i agree that a closer by committee may be the path the braves will tread for a couple of weeks or months. i just hope the pitching staff doesn’t disentegrate in that time. 2 or 3 guys working the last inning will take its toll on bullpen arms. starters will also feel the preasure and may attempt to be superhuman, as well.

By Dave

May 23, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Let’s see, we need a leadoff guy who walks and will hit for a pretty good average… power not much of a factor… Who fits this description? Chipper!

By geauxbraves2000

May 23, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

Just like Smoltz last night glennbo, his arm is going to fall off if he continues to throw 115+ pitches per game, but with that bullpen who does BC go to? It’s bad enough that the pen had to pitch two innings last night without giving up the lead, (which amazingly they did, barely but they did)there’s no way the pen can hold teams for three or more innings. Give the pen a one or two run lead with three innings left and you might as put a loss in the Braves column.

By geauxbraves2000

May 23, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

I’m not being negative, just stating the facts. The pen has blown 11 saves already this year. 11 saves in 45 games, that translates to almost 40 blown saves over a 162 game stretch. 40.

On another subject, I like that idea from Alan about going after Juan Pierre. Sure he is stuggling, but the Cubs are not a good team right now, and maybe a different atmosphere would help him out. IMHO

By glennbo

May 23, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000, truer words were never spoken. this may not be the braves’ year, but at least its not boaring. lets hope for the best.

By Carolina Lady

May 23, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing how a couple of fools can kill much of the joy of a blog.

Matthew, congratulations to all three of you! And, yes, you’ll definitely be in my prayers! Thanks for the update! :-) Makes me happy again!

By glennbo

May 23, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000, that last comment was about the pitching staff. as far as pierre goes, i don’t know. how much $$ does he make?

By geauxbraves2000

May 23, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Pierre is making $ 5,750,000 this year. I believe he would be a rent a player so I wouldn’t want the Braves to give up too much for him.

I’ve been too negative lately, this years teams is now over .500, and though they’ve been playing good ball lately. They know how to win, BC and JS know what it takes to win, and they are going to be okay. I will be quite surprised if they don’t win the division this year, and if by some fluke of fate they don’t, then they should be able to get to the playoffs via the wildcard.

Also, congrats Matthew. I have two girls of my own and they are simply my life. They really bring out the kid in me.

Alos, DOB, thanks for doing a great job!

GEAUX BRAVES!!!

By geauxbraves2000

May 23, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

error in my last post, I meant to say the team is now over .500 and they’ve been playing good ball lately.(not and though)

By JasonInMaine

May 23, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Heard on the Baseball Beat the other day with Charlie Steiner. It was pretty cool!

Have you heard any rumblings regarding any interest in Dontrelle as reported by ESPN?

Regards, Jason

By glennbo

May 23, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

journalist has quote: “if someone’s posts bother you, just skip them. Makes life so much easier and pleasant, and doesn’t waste your time. There are certain ones who blog here who would be bothersome to me if I allowed them to be, but I just leave those posts unread. Life is too short. Just a thought for your consideration. Enjoy this beautiful day! :-)”

By SR

May 23, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

My gosh, this is like some sort of Kafkaesque nightmare from which there is no escape! I don’t give a rat’s patootie about what he did last night, Reitsma cannot close period, NOW, BEFORE, EVER, WHEN EFFIN EVER!!! Jeesh, how much more does anyone have to see of this clown! Try someone else before his next meltdown, I am begging you.

There, I feel much better now.

By braves fan

May 23, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why moving Renteria to the leadoff spot is a problem. Look at it this way. Renteria has basically been hitting with the bases empty the whole season, because Giles has been so bad. So let’s let him do it with 0 outs instead of 1. Then because Renteria is on base a lot, that means Giles will get to hit with runners on base. And any good baseball fan knows that pitchers don’t pitch the same with runners on as they do without. So that might work to Giles’ benefit, get more fastballs etc. Maybe that could get him jump started and now you’d have a hot Giles hitting behind Renteria. Makes sense to me.

By Tilly

May 23, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Why all of this hub bub over Marcus Giles hitting lead off? I mean, truly, the only time a lead off hitter actually leads off an inning is the first at bat. If he comes up first in other innings, it’s simply by chance. Marcus will break out of it at some point. We need to be focusing on our closing situation and the need for another quality starter. Isn’t Maddog in the last year of his contract in Chicago? The cubbies might be willing to part with him and we’d have the best 1, 2, 3 starters in the league (Smoltz, Hudson, and Maddux). But starters can’t do it all, and ultimately we need a reliable closer.

By Matt

May 23, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

I am tired of all the Renteria talk. “Since Renteria is hitting good at 2, then he can hit good at 1 (parapraphed).” Guess what, Giles hit good at 2 also. I would rather have Giles, Andruw, Laroche cold now, while McCann, Renteria, Diaz and an upcoming Franceour are hitting good. When the hot hitters cool down, the cool hitters will hopefully heat up. This is baseball, quit saying your a baseball guru, b/c if you were, you wouldn’t be on this blog, you would be on Sportscenter or working for a mlb team.
Players go through slumps and YES hitting 1 is completely different than hitting 2. Your job is to make the pitcher make a good number of pitches and to get on base. Marcus batted a 275 for the last couple of weeks, not bad and he is getting better. Remember so-called Braves fans who want Marcus traded, he lost 2 weeks in spring training and 2 weeks at the beginning of the year to injury. Give him a little time.
And for the idiots wanting to trade Marcus for Soriano, guess what, Washington doesn’t need a second baseman, Soriano plays the outfield for them. Our team will be fine, remember they are still young and our guns aren’t even hitting good yet. Closer is a huge problem and I would love to see Sosa go at it again after gaining some confidence as a starter. I beleive closers need to be able to sling it, and he is one that can. But we need Ramirez and James back before that will happen.

By David O'Brien

May 23, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Tilly, uh, the “hubbub” over Gilly, near as I can tell, centers around fact Braves have the worst batting average and OBP by leadoff hitters in the entire National League, and it’s sort of an important spot in the lineup.

Of course, nothing in baseball is as important as the closer, not the cleanup hitter, manager, leadoff man or anything else, so dammit LET’S TALK ABOUT REITSMA!!!

Geez…you guys, Cox doesn’t read the blog. He doesn’t care an awful lot that fans want a new closer. I mean, I know that’s no reason it can’t be discussed, but really, it is what it is. After last night, he’s certainly not going to announce today that Reitsma’s been yanked from the closer role.

OK, I’m gonna go post another blog in a few minutes. Just wanted to add that. And again, NO ONE ACCUSE ME OF DEFENDING REITSMA. I don’t want to hear it. I think he should go, too. I’m just a realist, however, and know that Bobby’s not going to pull him until they trade for a better closer or Reitsma screws up a few more times.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 23, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

dob defending reeksma. ha ha. just kidding.

By Bob, journalist jg

May 23, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

The reach from “What in the world?” to “ah ha! wasn’t very far … it’s not mine but it is definitely my style … note the “so do” as opposed to “do so”, the general sentence construction, my “…” and the use of many words when just a few would do.

Unlike other posts that have mocked me through imitation, this is one for which I will take full credit.

The post prompting that “response” appears to have been one of several criticizing and demeaning Jimmy Smith. Everyone knows that I like Jimmy … but such ridicule is ill spirited, regardless of the target.

You should know that I support anyone who is opposed to rude, vulgar, personal attacks on bloggers; regardless of their views or opinions. I basically oppose those who would so defame others … with or without justification.

I would also agree that any professional who would make such inferences on a Blog would indeed be guilty of misconduct … especially those making statements that carried race or religious undertones.

However, I note that the post suggests that its intended target is not considered professional by “Bob”.

Thus, I’m proud to be credited with the post that has drawn the ire of so many.

By David O'Brien

May 23, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Matt, just read your post before I went to log off. Outstanding stuff, my man. I particularly appreciated that you grasp why trading for Soriano is ridiculous and unlikely on so many levels.

you didn’t even mention he makes a godawful amount of money and has an attitude that contrasts entirely with the braves clubhouse, nevermind that he’s a butcher at second base and isn’t even playing the position anymore.

later

By Ron Roberts

May 23, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Hey, I realize Frank Robinson’s old-school, and that he can be abrasive to some players with that styloe of managing, but Soriano dissed the guy (and his entire team, frankly) when he threw his little hissy fit earlier in the season. He’s not even the 2nd-best 2nd baseman on that team, so they threw him in left field. He’d be our 2nd-best defensive 2nd baseman on our team, as well, so it’s pointless to consider a straight up trade. Then there’s the money. He makes way more. He needs to DH in the AL, frankly, if the Nats were to move him.

And DOB, dude, I wasn’t coming down on ya… I just think the whole leadoff discussion can be overblown when the Braves are getting run production pretty well without production from the leadoff spot. That’s all, man.

By Matthew

May 23, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NO SORIANO

Pierre would be neat, but we don’t have an opening in the outfield. How about a Luis Castillo type player? Right now the Twins are scuffling, and I wouldn’t mind giving up a lttle for Joe Nathan and Luis Castillo. Let’s package Giles, Reitsma, and an infield prospect for them-maybe even throw in Kelly Johnson. Thanks for the congrats, Carolina Lady.

By Robert

May 23, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

The braves have many problems, but please let me help list them: 1. No leadoff hitter 2. No bullpen 3. No closer 4. A 1st baseman with no enthusiasm for the game 5. A first baseman who appears not to care about his performance. 6. A team who cannnot hit the ball in the clutch 7. No bench 8. Pete Orr no talent 9. Brian Jordan too old or too beat up

By condescending BOB

May 23, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Its tough being a blog martyr. I pontificate for the edification of all Braves’ fans, yet do not recieve my due. If you p****** me do I not bleed? If you tickle me do I not laugh? If you poison me do I not die? And if you wrong me, shall I not revenge. Cry havoc! Let loose … uh…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…

By Michael

May 23, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Chop,

Have to say before time gets away, how much I enjoyed your imaginary conversation between Bobby (the blog) Cox and John S.. Ingeniously crafted, it was big fun, and got a literal laugh out loud from me.

As for the problems mentioned here. All I can say is that as a Braves fan who’s watched most all the games over the last 27 years, the one thing I am grateful for is a General Manager over the last 15 of them, who almost always seems to come up with the right solution to take care of business each season. Believe me, like the rest of you all, I had the more obvious answers to team problems since the late 70s, BUT NO ONE WOULD LISTEN TO ME! Along comes John S. and lo and behold, the guy does the smart things, the sensible things, the right things — within his capabilities — just about every time. And duh, he even comes up with solutions that no one else thinks of. So yea, we got problems, but thankfully Bobby (keep doing the same thing cause it worked before/the players love him) Cox ain’t alone.

By Tilly

May 23, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

DOB, please take a moment to educate me. Is the lead off OBP dtermined by Giles and any one batting in the #1 position? Or is the OBP determined by each player that leads off an inning? I’m just honestly wondering how the OBP is figured. Thanks

By Chris Reitsma

May 24, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

To all you Braves fans,please stop your crticism of me as the Braves closer,I want very much to be the closer and be one of the best,Bobby has lots of confidence in me and i want you to do so also.I know i stink as a closer but i am trying hard to get better.So please give me a chance and stop saying all those bad thngs about me.

By snipe

May 25, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

I think we should trade and get 2B Castillo from the twins if they continue to struggle. Also, check into getting Lidge from Houston, maybe a change of scenery is what Lidge needs, and the Astros might not ask for the farm with him struggling now. Nathan from the twins could also be a possibility.

By WR

May 25, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

When was the last time Giles hit to rightfield? That is his problem. He has conistently tried to pull and jack every pitch to left. Bobby needs to sit down and explain to him the theory of leading off. Hit the ball to right Marcus. You are not a power hitter. And by the way, Frenchy could learn to use the whole field and just maybe he would stop hitting those weak grounders off the end of the bat.

By Daddy Reitsma

May 25, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

My Boy Chris is coming around,he looked good even if it was not a save situation,he is a good guy and has been working hard with Roger and john smoltz,for all you negative Braves fans i am gonna laugh my butt off when Chris saves 30 games for the Braves this year,then lets see what you Morons got to say then.My Boy is gonna be an elite closer and one of the best,wait and see.

By Daddy Reitsma

May 26, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

To Snipe,i regards to your coment about the Braves getting Lidge from the Astrosmthe Braves don’t need Lidge,my son will be a much better closer than lidge,chris is gonna get himself straightened out and he wil save more games for the Braves this year than Lidge will save for the Astros,when Chris saves 30 or more games this year for the Braves,i’m gonna laugh my butt off to all you So called fair weather Braves fan,Chris will do it wait and see,our whole family got confidence in him.no Lidge,keep my son cris as the closer.

By Jennifer from GA

May 26, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

TO Chris Reitsma I have faith in you,I know you will be a great closer.. You have to be better than Dan Kolb(he was a joke) I can’t wait to get up to Atlanta and see the Braves play… GOO Braves…