Braves

By Steve Weaver

June 7, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Put him in there!

By Ceepster

June 7, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Total agreement from here. Ray would have to throw underhand to do worse than the others who have tried to close this season.

By ernesto

June 7, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

‘bout time.

By Jason T

June 7, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Way to go Ken, He should definately be the closer for now, we have no one better to do the job. And it’s StingRay not DeathRay.

By greg

June 7, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

come on, for years now the bullpin as been the problem, except for smoltz there have been no bright spots for the bullpin. all we had was one big gasp to hold our breath while someone made there way in, how long does it take to fix a leak????????????

By sammy miller

June 7, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Actually It’s “Muffler Man”!!! He’s had that nickname for years! Go Bravos!!!

By Chop Chop

June 7, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Ray certainly should be the man right now. Of course, he doesn’t have to be great. We’ll settle for, in Guy’s words, “adequate.” If the Braves plan on trading for a closer before July 31, they still need someone to be doing a decent job in that spot until they make a move. Maybe the Death Ray can supply some adequacy…or better.

By Greg

June 7, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Ray’s stuff isn’t that bad. Wicked changeup. Heater clocks in the mid-90s with decent movement and he mixes in some sinkers. All he has to do is keep the ball down.

By Jimbo

June 7, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

You are right. The thing I like most about Ray is that he throws strikes. He should be the closer with McBride in the 8th. I would like to see McBride work to some righthanded hitters as well. He looks like he has good stuff.

By Rip

June 7, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

It could be worse, we could be relying upon Terry Mullholland. I fell out of my chair when i saw the grey haired one come out of the AZ bullpen on Saturday. He gave up the HR to Giles the other night. Maybe that re-tread is ready for a return to ATL after he gets waived. Please NO.

By Tony G

June 7, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

Muffler Man needs to realize to pitch faster. I feel like I am waiting on a 30 minute oil change with that guy. Make quick work of it - at least dont let us die a slow death.

By Ted Reitsma

June 7, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness. I can finally leave my house and know that people won’t think I am related to the worthless closer anymore. Too bad we can’t totally cut him loose. Just say no to Chris Reitsma. What happened to his #1 fan.

By hk

June 7, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… glad you’re back, good to stop, take a deep breath once in a while … see your shadow has returned as well … got to know the ‘fox’ you and Bob speak of, we were both on the Board at Mt Vernon Christian Academy 1973-83 … lookin’ good, between Ray and the moose we may be set …

By Andy

June 7, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

If he wants to become an intimidating closer, he must grow a handlebar mustache like the others. Then he will become the unstoppable Death Ray, striking fear into the hearts of upposing hitters with his 95 mph mustache.

By Ray

June 7, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Reistma can still be a valuable member of our bullpen. He has shown in the past that he can be a decent setup man for Smoltz and now hopefully Ken Ray.

By Lenny

June 7, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Put SOSA in the Closer role- period, enough said. Kyle Davies will be back soon and there is the answer for short term. Hopefully we can make a few moves before the trade deadline that will give us a push for 15 straight~

By TennesseePaul

June 7, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

How could we possibly go wrong by bringing in Death Ray in the ninth? I wanna here the Vader theme playing, people roaring, and the opposition crying for mercy!
Let’s do it Ray!
He throws from 95 to 75. That’s a big difference. I don’t think Hoffman changes it up that much. And that Change he does throw moves. I like it!

By Jay

June 7, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Death Ray is hungry and doesnt know that he’s supposed to be afraid. Rheekstma is a first-half setup pitcher…always has been, always will be.

By Ron Roberts

June 7, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Even if he doesn’t have the best stuff for the job, he’s getting the job more frequently than anybody else, down there. So until Schuerholz makes a move to give us something better, I’m fine with us going to the Ken Ray well til it runs dry.

By sammy miller

June 7, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

IT’S “MUFFLER MAN”! NOT “DEATH RAY” OR “STING RAY” OR “BIG PLAY RAY” OR “CHARLES RAY” OR “RAY BEAM” OR ANYTHING ELSE!!! MUFFLER MAN IS GOING TO GET THE JOB DONE!!!!

By JJ

June 7, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Bring up Anthony Lerew, 6’8” Phil Stockman, and Will Startup and our bullpen problems will be solved!

By John

June 7, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Nick names for everybody is white trash or worse. You idiot’s rust out to praise or condemn people before the dust is settled. It’s not terrorist, it’s a game.

By sammy miller

June 7, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Sorry Big John, oh forgot you get offended by nicknames!! Your right it is a game and its supposed to be fun!! Like giving someone a nickname when you are cheering for them having FUN!! Don’t really understand how you could confuse or correlate with terrorism!!

By ernesto

June 7, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if Ray’s going to do the job or not (he can’t do much worse) but you’ve got to like that he gets out there and challenges guys. He throws strikes! Me likey.

By Don

June 7, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that 95 mile per hour fast balls (4 Seam Rising), 94 mile per hour sinking fast ball, and an 84 mile per hour change-up can be considered in most circles to be dominant stuff.

By Dr. Jay

June 7, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Jeez John…lighten up dude. Nicknames are terms of endearment, support, and maybe, just maybe…good luck. And I’m still not sure what “terrorist” have to do with anything.

By Kutwer

June 7, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

We have minor leage pitchers better than 70 percent of the current bullpen, bring them up, why not? Smoltz is not going there, Death Ray is not reliable and Remlinger needs a cane to walk to the mount, well you know about Reekster…! Bring the young kids back let the fire burn, we need Fred McGriff kind of fire folks, literally remember 1993? Go Braves

By Carlos27

June 7, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Finally it looks like we have some what of a closer , Braves need to start winning some games or it’s going to be a long summer.

By geauxbraves2000

June 7, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

I miss the good ole days when I could relax with a one or two run lead late in the game, now my only thoughts are, “well the bullpen is going to have to eventually come in.” If Ray continues to throw the way he has thrown (with the exception of the other day of course), maybe BC can set up the rest of the bullpen the way he wants to, and maybe the good ole days will be upon us once again. In 1995, Wohlers was that man, in 2006, maybe it is Ray.

By Dr. Jay

June 7, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

I really like what Ray’s done so far…he has the closer attitude. He throws strikes and changes speeds, which will be very important once other teams have scouted him and put him under the microscope. Anyway, I sure hope he has the moxie, because I’m just not sure who JS could possibly get in trade.

By Kent

June 7, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

“Ray doesn’t have dominant stuff.”

What???

In Tuesday night’s game, he was throwing a 95 mph 4 seam fastball, an 84 mph change-up, and a 93 mph sinker. His stuff looked pretty dominant to me.

By JILL

June 7, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Atlanta doesn’t have much of a choice, does it? The bullpen stinks overall, and Ray had a good night last night. Keep him as closer.

By Jeremy

June 7, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

The guy has done a great job so far and with Reitsma definately suffering from Kolb-itis this is the best move we could make. The Mets have a tough stretch of games ahead of them so if we can build some momentum going thru inter-league play I think we could be at least within 1 or 2 games of first by the all-star break.

By David O'Brien

June 7, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Zerevon (that’s awful close to Zevon, as in Warren Zevon, as in very cool), I’m not out there tonight. Had an all-day seminar at the office on sports business reporting, and flying to Houston early in AM. I answered you on other blog, but figured I’d put it here, too.

That rumor (Sosa, Giles, Stewart, Nathan, et al) is finally one that makes a lot of sense, and I’ll just say this: Betemit was taking ground balls at second base yesterday before the game Monday, first time I’ve seen him over there in a while. So who knows? I’ll snoop around tomorrow, see what I can find out.

By utahjoe

June 7, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Is there any news on Blaine Boyer?

By Winston Knox

June 7, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

I think that Mr. Ray has to be the closer now. He has shown that he can come in and throw strikes. He is not afraid to challenge with his fastball in the low to mid 90s. So, let’s give him the ball.

By Jon

June 7, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, the Braves problem re: not having a closer isn’t a new issue. The Braves really haven’t had a closer since Wohlers and maybe Rocker. Smoltz wasn’t a closer - he’s just a team player, plain and simple.

Don’t get me wrong - Smoltz did a great job when he had to, but the Braves should have gone for a first-class closer then and left Smoltz in the rotation. Then they wouldn’t be in this situation.

While the Braves had made some moves for guys that (they felt) showed promise, they should have made much more of an effort to go after someone like a Wagner or a Hoffman, a true, proven closer.

By Chop Chop

June 7, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

I think Giles is going to be traded at some point. He’s a solid player, but the Braves have so many good (and, most importantly to this organization, cheap) middle infielders in the upper levels of the minors that it’s hard to see Giles being around beyond this offseason.

By BullDawg Rick

June 7, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Actually Jon.. If Smoltz were the ultimate “Team player, plain & simple” he’d have remained the closer.. That has been the Bravos downfall.. He was the best over a 2 1/2 year period.. Over the past 2 seasons, how many quality starts have been ‘washed’ due to the bully’s closer issue?? Games are won in the 8th - 9th inning, not the first 6…

By JJ

June 7, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

You want the other team to be a little bit scared? Let 6 foot 8 inch Phil Stockman come out of the pen in the 9th inning. I’d be scared too.

By Chop Chop

June 7, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

BullDawg Rick, if the starter who replaces Smoltz is pitching five or six innings and giving up five runs a night, games would often be lost in the first six. Smoltz moved to the rotation because he wanted to be assured of being able to help his team at all points of the season.

By Kevin

June 7, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

If Giles and Sosa go to the Twins for Nathan and Stewart, would that be an ideal trade for the Braves? You get a closer and Betimit gets in the lineup everyday. Do other trades then occur to fill out the bullpen or bench? As bad as the Braves have played at times, they also have had a lot of injuries, yes I know thye are part of the game but who would have guessed in February that Boyer, Devine, James, Davies, McCann would all have been injured, not to mention Foster also. If that trade occurs, do you trade Thomson and LaRoache for bullpen and first base help?? All of this is speculation and I just checked ESPN and nothing out there as of yet except for Jason Grimsley and the Pandora’s Box that he opened.

By utahjoe

June 7, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

chopchop I agree. I think Giles is trade bait as well. I think he would like to go back to San Diego to be with his brother. The Braves should send him there for Dave Roberts and send Langerhans too for Scott Linebrink

By David O'Brien

June 7, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

Betemit not ideally suited to second because of his size, but he could certainly be a stop-gap guy for a half-season there. But again, I haven’t checked out this rumor yet. I’m just telling you, he was taking ground balls at second base before Monday’s game, for what that’s worth (Andruw takes grounders many days at shortstop, but certainly isn’t preparing to play there. But still, Betemit hasn’t been over there taking grounders recently, until Monday.)

No news on Boyer. Resting comfortable at home, I’d assume, recovering from his season-ending surgery.

By David O'Brien

June 7, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

And yes, I realize you’re not serious in your question about Boyer, but I’ll go along with it and report each day that he’s still recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery. Since that’s what he’s been doing for, oh, more than a month.

By Aleem

June 7, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Zerevon’s trade rumor sounds pretty bogus given that it included Liriano in addition to Nathan and Stewart for Giles and Sosa. Liriano’s pretty much as untouchable as it gets, and the casual way his name was dropped into the rumor definitely makes me doubt the whole thing. Stewart also happens to be on the DL for at least another two weeks (maybe even the All-Star break), so I don’t know how that part of the deal would work either…

By Stinky Jones

June 7, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, I bet you eat fromunda cheese. But, uh, you are right about us needing big, ugly, mean horsefaces in the bullpen.

By Todd

June 7, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

As much as I would love that trade, despite losing Giles, it’s still doesn’t make sense to me. Where does 2B Castillo go for the Twins? Why the heck would they trade Nathan AND Liriano, especially Liriano, and get only Sosa in return? Unless there’s a blockbuster minor leaguer or two in the deal as well, I just don’t get it. If I were a Twins fan, I would be apocalyptic if it went through.

By utahjoe

June 7, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

If the Giles/Twins rumor is true culdn’t Martin Prado be brought back up to play second. Or could the deal be expanded some way to include Luis Castillo?

By David O'Brien

June 7, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Just checked with someone at Twins end, and it only makes sense if and when they officially feel they’re out of it (they’re 11 or so games behind Tigers now, and wild card really tough in AL).

Stewart’s a free agent after season. Castillo a shell of player he was at Florida a couple years ago, but still not bad. He has an option year left at more than $5 mill. Wouldn’t move Nathan unless out of it.

With new ballpark initiative passed, they don’t have to strip payroll or anything. Giles could be better option for them than Castillo this season. But again, wouldn’t make much sense for them to do it now while Castillo still playing every day, etc.

My reaction right now would be, that trade too big, too complicated. But something with Nathan and Stewart, I could see happening. But again, just speculating. Haven’t heard anything reliable yet.

OK, gotta mow the lawn. Flying to Houston tomorrow. Gonna listen to the boys on the radio while I’m pushing the mower.

Later, fellas. And Coach, we’re cool. Ill-logic, same.

By Blake

June 7, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Stewart and Nathan could possibly be moved.No way on Liriano. I wouldnt hold my breath on that deal, but we’ll see.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

ugly blogger, journalist jimmy smith thinks that term is one used in a community jimmy smith does not visit. how did you obtain your first hand knowledge? jimmy smith sees your work all over this blog. have you been messing with ron roberts today? now, more speculation on the nickname muffler man … what sort of song will play when such a person enters the field? it will not happen! ken ray is destined to be a death or sting or x-ray. too bad there is no k-ray. 2 k’s last night. now, journalist bob … someone wake him up before the game.

By Jim From Tenn

June 7, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

As much as the trade sounds unbalanced, John’s trades usually are that way. I think the guy has lude photos of all the GM’s. I still think that trade would have to include Escobar to make it close to even between the two teams. I would love to see it go down though.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith’s post to jj has been removed from the blog! journalist may have aroused sensibilities with the comment, “if high school nicknames stuck in the major leagues we’d be watching stinky jones at third base every night.” jimmy smith is profoundly sorry for this remark. still, it was a good line and jimmy smith thinks it bears repeating.

By MBATL

June 7, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

DeathRay, StingRay, X-Ray, Cool Ray (!), Ray-Ban, Ray ‘o Hope, You Can Call Me Ray But You Doesn’t Have to Call Me Mr. Johnson, RayDar, The Ray-De-Ator, Dis-A-Ray, Doe Ray Me … anything but Muffler Man.

I like Giles, but anything CLOSE to that trade is a winner with me. We’ll see, I guess.

JJS, glad you’re all back, and to CL, I didn’t mean to be too rough (don’t really think I was, not to you, anyway), but it’s more fun with you here, must admit.

By MSS

June 7, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this

I’m out here on the west coast cheering on the Braves as an Atlanta native. All I know is, I have “Closer Love” envy.. I’ve been to Padres and Dodgers games out here and when their closers come out evyerone is actually relieved and excited! I want that instead of a sense of total dread when it comes to later innings when we’ve got a lead (no matter how big it is!) I say with Ray, we’ve literally got nothing to lose at this point.

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

It is simply mind boggling when you think about who we’ve handed the ball to in the 9th inning during this 15 year run of success.With the emphasis on drafting and developing pitchers during this run,it is just as puzzling that the Braves haven’t managed to find at least one guy that could throw in the mid 90’s and throw strikes.Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile.

By Tomahawkin

June 7, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

D.O.B. Yooz a funny guy … Keep it coming dude nad furthermore Go Braves….

We seriously need to get things going soon especially with the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, and Blue Jays coming ahead this month… Its going to be a tough one if we are going to hit our annual June Bloom

By Tomahawkin

June 7, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Todd A. When Mark Wohlers was on point in 1995 he was da shyt(4 K’s in one inning including Sammy Sosa), but you’re right about that post…

But I guess we could have signed Todd Van Poppel instead of Chipper Jones, if you want to go there?

D.O.B where you at Baby… How do you think we are going to fare til the All star Break I think about .500 baseball with the way this team is going…

BTW Cut REEKSMA…Carroll and Myself have said since Spring Training, He SUCKS, he needs to be at AA Mississippi

By MBATL

June 7, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

Todd A, we have produced a few, like Wohlers, Ligtenberg, Rocker… these guys were pretty effective in the closer role and were (I think) all devloped from within the organization.

Unfortunately, 2 of them (Wohlers and Rocker) pretty much self-destructed, and Kerry was probably pitching on fumes… wasn’t really that talented, I don’t think, but did a pretty good job.

To me, it’s really just last year, and this year (which ain’t over yet) that we haven’t had a decent closer.

No way we could’ve paid $10+ mil for Wagner over 5 years, given the big contracts we’ve already got; the guys we missed on were probably T. Jones and T. Gordon.

Nathan is a great option… not cheap, but affordable and just a 2-year deal; and Liriano appears to be a bargain, as he’s not making any real money yet. That’s the game I think we’ve got to play.

By Nate Raymond

June 7, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

I like the deal for those to players in Nathan and stewart. I want to havea deal go down next week we need to start to adress problems. To all the Atlanta braves fans the braves drafted a kid named Mathew Small from Ipswich, Mass. He is a good player and a hard thrower. My cousin faced him and he says he has nasty stuff.

By hk

June 7, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

… those fu man chu’s … those guys must be reading our blog !!

By hk

June 7, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

… (Bob Rathbun and Jeff Torburg on fox) ..

By Blake

June 7, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Sorry guys, but please stop talking about Liriano. It is not going to happen. Just like the 65 milion payroll comment, this is just something that was made up.

By TennesseePaul

June 7, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

65 million. I thought he wrote 65 dollars. Yup. The new ownership is going to trade everyone away and then get some beer league players to play 162 games for 38 cents each. It’ll happen. Those evil corporate meanies! What with their extensive market research and practical business moves.

By Joe Roman

June 7, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

A photograph of Andruw following through on last night’s homer appeared on my email with the AJC game story.
I can’t find it anywhere else. If you haven’t seen it, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST IF NOT THE BEST BASEBALL SHOT I HAVE SEEN! DOB, how can we get a copy? Who took it?

By Blake

June 7, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

I would be surprised if there was a large increase or decrease in payroll. I think we are looking at 75- 85 million for the next 3 or 4 years

By eric the elder

June 7, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

I wish Bobby and Hubbard hadn’t been so quick to steer Francoeur toward first after he was hit by the pitch. Let him give Ortiz an ear full all the way to first base - - and even after he got there. It might have unnerved Ortiz some, and even if there had been a dustup on the field, it might be something that would do the team some good.

By Bob, journalist

June 7, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jimmy!

Head Coach,

Call it what you will … but I thought plagiarism was falsely presenting someone else’s writing as your own … and I gave Coach his due! It’s a shame others choose to impugn his character and integrity.

For all I know you may well be a ditch digger, scientist, salesman or head coach. Your knowledge of the game and/or your ability to teach the fundamentals of baseball may be totally non-existent … or indeed, they may be without equal.

If you are a head coach, I wish you well and I’m sure you want to set a good example for those in your care … and for those of us who have but a surface knowledge of the dynamics of coaching.

However, I suggest that your posts speak for themselves … what type of person would you expect to publically proffer a multitude of different solutions to the same basic problem with each shift in the winds of fortune … while at the same time, second guessing and being critical of players, coaches and team performance … and spreading words of impending doom to the supporters of the team?

Expected fan behavior perhaps … but not what I would hope most of us expect from a head coach.

When one couples that behavior with the entering into senseless, character defaming arguments with bloggers and the Blog host … I suggest that you don’t wind up with someone well suited for being responsible for the growth and development of young athletes, regardless of the sport.

From my perspective, coaches, especially Head Coaches, are expected to rise above such pettiness, regardless of venue, … and those who choose to so indulge would be well advised to not identify themselves as coaches.

Put somewhat differently, “Would you point to your posts with pride … and provide them to your charges as good examples of how they should act?”

Two simple truths are (1) if, upon reflection, I’m ever satisfied with my own behavior … then my standards are too low, and (2) people who cannot laugh at themselves are generally very insecure and have a very misguided sense of self-importance.

I started second guessing Atlanta Managers and Coaches with Dixie Walker and Whitlow Wyatt … and haven’t stopped since … but I don’t think that I was ever so bold as to say one “screwed up” … it’s expected that that they do their best and that they will make mistakes … and besides, success or failue is not infallable validation of the correctness of a decision.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

commentary (rant) - tonight is chipper jones’ statue night - rumored to be a likeness of chipper jones as he stands at third base, immobile. it is not nice to memorialize limited mobility. these corporate owners will stop at nothing and they are ruining baseball. now, hk … did somebody wake up journalist bob for the game? jimmy smith must ask bob if he knew mickey mantle. did journalist jimmmy smith ever mention that mickey mantle moved to first base when he became immobile? it sounds like a good plan. now, frank robinson … is not very likeable is he? perhaps bobby cox can teach him some manners -wait, not the right teacher for manners.

By Woogidy

June 7, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Bob, relax dude, It’s just a blog.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

they put the camera on “adam’s army” but they were not paying attention.

By Blake

June 7, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

That was the worst fan section I have ever seen

By hk

June 7, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Bob, 10-Paul, MBATL,

… thinking some more about your discussion about playoff performance, I fished out the playoff records and (what else) put them in a spread sheet, played around with them, noticed the following:

… In the first 8 of the 14 years, the Braves won 52 playoff games, lost 39 … in the last 6 years they have won 11, lost 19 …

… in the first 8 years, of 21 possible titles (div + league + ws), they won 10, lost 7 … in the last 6 years, of 18 possible titles they have won 1, lost 6 …

… came up with a chart for cumulative winning percentage for games and titles over the years and found something interesting …

(here)

.. the Braves reached a peak for titles won in 1995 and it has been down hill ever since … possible reasons:

(1) … less talent than others teams because Bobby gets more out of his players regular season … as Bobby gets better, the talent he shows up with in the playoffs gets worse, type of thing …

(2) … less ‘hype’ by the Braves and their fans, for many reasons, key factor the in playoffs …

(3) … the disadvantages of (1) and (2) increase as the years go by ..

(4) … that extra 5 game series was added in 1995, maybe the guys are just tired from playing more post season games than anyone else, year after year … used to be 154, then 162, Braves have been averaging 170-180/yr for a long long time …

(5) .. in every sport, football, tennis, golf, etc the powers-that-be keep making seasons longer and longer (more money), the guys get more and more tired, and they consequently get more and more injuries … baseball, with all the travel, all those games, by far the toughest grind of any …

By Bob, journalist

June 7, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Head Coach,

I never said that I was a journalist … that title was confered on me by some who enjoyed a few of the posts I made … and some who didn’t. However, in actual fact, I have, from time to time, kept a journal … and when I’m in Atlanta, I read the Journal … though I grew up with the Constitution.

Seriously, I’ve only written one textbook, The Amazing Mister “X”, that was an introductory algebra book for “9-10” year olds.

If it had been a book on baseball, it would have had several chapters on baseball fundamentals … including basic strategy. Those that think that youngsters can’t grasp nuances of the game are misinformed.

It isn’t journalism but a few of my technical papers have been published and I’ve participated in numerous written technical discussions that found their way into different public and actuarial records.

During 1970-1972, I wrote monthly articles for a Georgia Daily newspaper, including “The Vanishing Buffalo Herd” and “Chip and Dale ain’t no Furniture Style” … I also wrote and edited copy for Mickey Mantle following his retirement from Baseball.

I would hope that you would ponder why my opinions are what they are … regardless of credentials or status.

As an aside,I note that there are those who ascribe a mantle of “condesending” to me and my posts … and while there may well be circumstances where I would proudly agree … recognition of the fact that folks are different doesn’t, within itself, suggest inequality … though behavior may. Regardless, I generally include myself among those about whom I comment.

By hk

June 7, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… not only did I wake Bob up, but I fixed him one of my super strong cups of coffee, as can be discerned in his initial post of the evening above (8:21pm) :))

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Now I see why Smoltzie wanted to pitch on 3 days rest.He hasn’t lost to the Nats/Expos since 1994.I wouldn’t want to pitch in that bandbox in Houston either.What night is Thompson pitching?The Astros may score 2 touchdowns before the 4th inning.

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

LOL Jimmy.That’s funny,I don’t care who you are.

By Bob, journalist

June 7, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Hk, you just made me choke on my coffee and “bar-bee-cue” … now a quick bath and I’ll return for some homemade ice cream and strawberries.

Back to the blog in ‘bout an hour.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

yes, hk, journalist bob is awake - and feisty! we must settle him down. we must all learn to get along on this blog. one ugly blogger has changed the tone -and now we have lost contact with carolina lady and her crows. mbatl was nice to jimmy smith awhile ago and journalist is now feeling bad about the chipper jokes (not the laroche joke, though) because mbatl likes chipper very much. why did they not show adam’s army when he had that rbi? jimmy smith bets the army has already gone home. now, “p” players … only on “p” player tonight and he is the best on the field.

By darren

June 7, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

this is killing me, the only way these guys used to beat us was some fluke, they look like they own us (btw thank you pete orr and marcus)

By journalist jimmy smith

June 7, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

“p” player goes deep! “p” players are the best! work off the tee for pete orr has paid dividends.

By TennesseePaul

June 7, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman: I got that photo… not sure how to get it to you though… But i have it if you want it.

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Maybe the rest of Adam’s Army thought it was a day game.

By brian

June 7, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

sosa and giles for Nathan and Stewart would make a lot of sense for Atlanta. Minnesota needs young arms since Silva and Lohse imploded this year, though they obviously are sitting pretty with Liriano and Santana. I am not the biggest fan of Stewart but he would obviously be an upgrade at LF/leadoff

By JJMB

June 7, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

It is so nice to hear Jeff Torborg’s insights and stories. I really enjoy his broadcasts.

By ncscoots

June 7, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

hey, brian, why is Stewart “obviously” an upgrade?

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Don’t forget Pena(did a great job in ‘91)Berenguer,Reardon(when he was washed up),and Greg Mcmichael.Not to mention Kolb and Reeksma.With the exception of maybe 5 years(3 by Smoltzie,Rocker ‘99,and Pena ‘91)of solid relief from the closer position,it’s been a game of musical chairs of journeymen and head cases.

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Ooops.Forgot to add Wohlers’ 1995 season,as he was dominant,especially the 1st part of the year.He got the job done for the most part in ‘96 until the blast by Leyritz that effectively ended his career.

By TennesseePaul

June 7, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Thank you Yates. Thank you. Yates, any chance you still receive a Met paycheck?

By Bob, journalist

June 7, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith,

I first met Mickey in Dallas in 1975 and saw him occassionally through August 1979. We had mutual friends. We were also officers of the same company … where Mickey had a title of Vice President, Recruiting.

I wrote and/or edited some of the advertising copy and “talks” related to Mickey’s recruiting activities.

I remember him as a very nice but shy man who liked to look at his shoes when he talked to you. He wasn’t a three digit guy … but, fun loving, likeable and sincere … one of the good guys who would have benefited from having better role models.

By Todd A

June 7, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Can we please end the Tyler Yates experiment now?

By supa

June 7, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

This is too painful to watch. As hard as this is to say - we simply don’t have the talent to compete with the beasts of the new NL East.

By Joe Roman

June 7, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Where did you get it, Tennessee Paul? Do you know who took it? What do you think of it? The papers and wire services usually deal in copies, but they don’t go out of their way to market the service even though there’s nothing to it thanks to computerization

By Eric C.

June 7, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Braves are at home and throw there three best starting pitchers at the Nationals…but still lose 2 of 3. Another nail in the coffin.

By Jman

June 7, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Yes, things are starting to get a little rough for Atlanta. What needs to happen?

Trade for DONTRELLE!!! and Trade for Carl Crawford. and get one more proven veteran bullpen guy who can set up or close. Problems solved! K-Ray is going to get it done in the closer’s role I believe, but the Braves still need one solid shutdown guy who they can count on to come in and hold a lead and or hold the other team where they are. Crawford settles the LF and leadoff issues, Dontrelle gives us an awesome top 3, Huddy, Smoltz, Willis. Those three deals would of course come with a hefty price tag. I think we could get Dontrelle for Salty and another top prospect. Crawford would probably cost us big as well. But what are those guys called prospects for anyway? They are just prospects until they actually prove they can get it done in the bigs. Go for it! Crawford and Dontrelle are young and will assure the Braves of at least 3 or 4 more years of contending teams.

By kevin

June 7, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

First and foremost, Greg, it’s bullpEn not bullpIn…

Secondly, I think Death-Ray sounds better—it sounds ominous…I used to support Chris Reitsma one time but I’m really getting tired of watching him blow one game after another. Let Kenny take the ball in the ninth—at least I’ll know he’s going to throw the ball with some confidence.

By Mitzeee

June 7, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Just caught John Smoltz’s latest slice of self-delusion on the postgame show.

He said he couldn’t believe that Nick Johnson even made contact on the key pitch of the game. Implying, as usual, it was a great pitch that by some act of divine intervention found it’s way to an opponents bat.

Does he really believe the nonsense he spits out after losses? A compilation of John Smoltz excuses would make for hilarious reading.

I think he should listen to a few tapes of some stand-up guys who are honest with the press (and themselves)after setbacks.

Guys like Glavine and Roger Clemons.

By hk

June 7, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman,

… not a photo, but a video replay, click on ‘Andruw’s Homer’ just below the picture of Chipper …

(link)

By Miles

June 8, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Did someone just say that Glavine is honest to the media after a bad game???

HA!!!! Now thats funny!

By Bob, journalist

June 8, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

Yes, HK, journalist Bob is awake - and feisty! I blame it on the coffee and negativity. I promise to try hard to get along with everybody … good and bad bloggers are a lot like cheap cigars and good smokes … both leave lasting impressions … and influence my behavior.

Jimmy, you know that I don’t choose to cross swords with many … but, when I do, you can usually count on it being for one of two reasons. First, I will always try ro come to the aid and defense of those I feel are being unfairly subjected to villification or mistreatment … and second, I’ll sometimes rattle the cages of those who appear to have good intentions but evidently don’t appreciate or realize how their behavior being perceived … in the hope that it will cause them to pause and reflect.

You’ve got to realize that blogging is relatively new to me … I grew up in an environment where it was safe to leave the screendoor unlatched … while at the same time, girls didn’t dance with boys to whom they had not been formally introduced.

I really enjoy reading the different points of view held by different folks … and observing the frequency with which some folks change their minds … reminds me of me … I think it may be because they want so much for certain things to be true that they sometimes react a too quickly when there is any evidence to support their contention or desired result.

The only “gatekeepers” that I have to help keep me from conclusion jumping and “bait swallowing” are (1) the memories I have and (2) the fact that I type with 2 fingers … giving me more time to pause and reflect before posting.

If you use your 3rd ear when reading the last part of Head Coach’s response to me yesterday, you’ll see why I think that he’s really one of the good guys.

Since I really try hard not to waste my time with the bad ones; I wish that the good guys would all wear white hats … and the bad ones would only wear black hats … these gray ones drive me up the walls.

By thomas

June 8, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Do you know where to find the necklaces I see some players like Dontrelle Willis wearing? They seem to have a team name on them. Thanks for the help.

thomas baitis

By Head Coach

June 8, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

Thank you Bob , I can appreciate you passion for the game and honestly apologize if I offended you. Yes , I used to coach High school Baseball , legion ball and little league. Five and a half years ago I suffered a heart attack and am now somewhat semi-retired in North Dakota and its a great place too live , believe it or not. I need to stop blogging so much , this damn baseball team is driving me nuts , lol. A good team or a even a bad one is acceptable , to underachieve is just unacceptable in my book. I am hoping against hope JS has a trade or two up his sleeve because the closer situation has finally been addressed by Cox , Kenny Ray in the words of Larry the Cable Guy , Gittrre Done. Now all they need a a bonafide leadoff hitter who can run and Shannon Stewart or Carl Crawford fit the bill. David O’Brien , David O’ Brien , David O’Brien , David O’Brien …….. lol , the coffee kicked in.

By John B.

June 8, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

Post from Chop chick blog, just wanted some thoughts from others.

I’d LOVE to see this deal done, but I have one hesitation. I wouldn’t give my #1 prospect for a guy that I’ll have for maybe a year..2 at best. If they can lock up the D-Train for about 4-5 more years, I’d do it. Send Salty + Lerew or James. As for closer, if Ray turns out NOT to be the option (I pray to god he is), then there’s a couple of teams that we could turn to. Although I doubt the Tigers would want to part with either Jones or Rodney, there’s always a possibilty. Just one more thing; I’ve heard rumors (I know, just rumors) of a possible firesale with the Nats. They have some players that could fill in a hole or two ..or three here. Soriano is a name I’ve heard, Johnson, who’s not getting any younger, and possibly Hernandez and Jon Rauch. Not that I’m saying we could get -any- of them, but they could and would help this team..well maybe not Rauch, but you get the idea.

Woops, forgot to mention my other team for a Closer option: Brian Fuentes from the Rockies. I know they say he’s untouchable, but it’s the Rockies..so I dunno. Anyways, just a few thoughts.

By Bob, journalist

June 8, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, you’re one of the good guys and obviously share the passion … keep that sense of humor and keep blogging! I don’t like underacheiving either … regardless of what they might call it.

I’m especially concerned for these youngsters who have made it to the dance a little earlier than desired or expected … I would think that being in the spotlight with all all the pressure to perform … and the perceived expectations … makes it hard to continue to progress and fully develop their talent. One would think that it would make coaching and managing even more difficult and demanding than is the norm.

I like the Dakotas … spent some time bowling in Fargo and lived in Watertown, South Dakota 1966 - 1968 when I worked for Midland National Life (now located in Sioux Falls) … we only left because my son had problems with the cold and was allergic to something in the snow … he would swell up so bad that you couldn’t recognize him.

Coach, you can rest assured that you didn’t offend me … and I’m the one who should apologize for coming on too strong … I’m just glad to know the man behind the “mask” … thanks!

By KneeJerk

June 8, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this

Smoltz isn’t giving excuses, he’s being honest. He’ll tell you when he makes a bad pitch. Smoltz is the one guy I have a hard time criticizing. He has been here the longest and he also turned down more money to go to the Evil Empire. Can you say the same for Glavine?

By Ken

June 8, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

I read in SI last year that the Braves could have gotten Soriano and Kevin Mensch for Giles and Sosa. Why in the Sam Hill did they not do that? Attitude or not, Soriano has 22 HRs and 45 RBIs from the leadoff spot.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 8, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

ken, in response to your question, journalist jimmy smith reports that kevin mench suffered from severe toe issues and could not be considered in a trade. fortunately for kevin mench, a noted toe expert prescribed a bigger shoe that allowed all kevin mench’s toes to reside in comfort, and now kevin mench is all better. there, you have a possible trade hanging only by a toe.

By Robert

June 8, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

For those who might’ve missed it, here’s the transcript of last night’s post-game interview with Braves manager Bobby Cox

Sportswriter - Blah blah blah blah Bobby Cox - “HEE HAW”

Sportswriter - Blah blah Smoltz blah blah Bobby Cox - “HEE HAW”

Sportswriter - Blah blah Langerhans blah Booby Cox - “HEE HAW”

Sportswriter - Blah blah 14 division titles blah blah blah blah Bobby Cox - “HEE-HAW HEE-HAW HEE-HAW”

By journalist jimmy smith

June 8, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

commentary - toe health - this journalist has gotten away from what once made this journalist a solid contributor to the blog. toes. toes are important to the performance of any athlete. consider kevin mench who suffered from toe issues and a no rbi’s in 10 games. kevin mench sought proper alignment of his toes and then homered in 7 consecutive games! toes make the baseball player. now, third base … rumors persist that an atlanta brave has toe issues. while unconfirmed, offensive production is lacking and defense is suspect. this third baseman was not even in the picture -even in replays from other camera angles - as the winning hit passed by third base last night. why? toes, perhaps? or do bloggers have any other ideas?

By Todd

June 8, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Ken - they wouldn’t do that deal because Soriano is a horrific second baseman (not to mention outfielder). We might get more HRs and runs, but our pitchers would suffer. A lot.

By Hal

June 8, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

If JS can pull off the trade some one suggested involving Lariano from the twins it should rAise his status to slighly above a supreme being! ive watched that kid pitch twice this year and hes “filthy” also dont often disagree with Mr OBrien but i dont think Castilla has slipped to the point that Giles would be that much of an upgrade .The one thing i think that makes sence is that Nathan may become available but i think the twins would want prospects not major league players considering there budget restraints are worse even then the braves

By Yelling Last Night

June 8, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

All this teeth gnashing about the pitiful bullpen is redundant. While the bullpen is a problem that we’ve know about for a while it might be masking the fact that this is just not a very good team anymore. Checked out the hitting stats lately? We have 2 players with more than 100 AB’s that are hitting over 300, one of which, McCann is on the DL. Our leadoff hitter is @ 240 with a 700 OPS and our 3 young studs who are playing everyday, Frenchy, Langer and the Roach are all @ 250 with twice as many strikeouts as walks..oh excuse me, for Frenchy that number is 10 times as many K’s as BB’s. The only thing that’s keeping us within site of the Mets and Phillies is that they’re not much better, although neither team can match a 3some in the middle of their lineup like those 3. And another thing that is really troubling me (besides a bullpen that implodes nightly) is the lack of fundamentals. I’ve seen Braves baserunners get caught in a run-down 3 times on this homestand. I’ve seen outfielders missing the cutoff man or throwing to the wrong base. We never saw fundamental mistakes like these in years past with BC’s teams. Seems like the BabyBraves are finally waking up to fact that they’re still kids. Maybe McCann is the rare exception and when he comes back he’ll keep doing what he was doing before he got hurt and his young teammates will start paying attention and play good ball. Otherwise its just going to get worse and it will be a really long season. And one more thing, Journalist Jimmy, you made me spit coffee through my nose with the comment about the camera on the Roaches fan club.

By Marc

June 8, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Last nights loss was a total organizational efffort.The starter, our ace, gave up 3 runs after getting two outs and two strikes on the third hitter. Who out there after the Nationals took that 3 to 2 lead thought the Braves were going to win? I for one felt the game was over, and the Nationals only had a one run lead. This offense is terrible, they can’t hit a bad pitcher. The coaching is awful, bases loaded 1 out in the eighth, oh I know Bobby bring in Taylor Yates. The guy who has hardly any major league experience, was just called up, and had looked weak in his other outings. Two run double, game over. The front office has done nothing, and there aren’t even any rumors. This team is in real trouble. Let’s see what happens.

By geauxbraves2000

June 8, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Is the offensive woes of this team due to the bullpen? Why bother scoring a bunch of runs, the bullpen is just going to give it up anyway. Has this team “phoned it in” already? Is a move ever going to be made? Sometimes even a small move is enough to wake up a team. The Braves schedule is getting ready to get real tough, will anything be done before then? If not, look for a June equivalent to the Cubs’ May.

By TennesseePaul

June 8, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman: I like the photo. Andruw’s ankle is all bent funny. It looks like he cranked the ball. I didn’t get to see him actually hit it, so I was glad to have a photo of it. I got the photo from a friend. I’m not sure where he got it.

Last night’s game was a downer. But you know what? You can’t win ‘em all. That game last night is the type of game that we could have lost had we been on a 12 game win streak. The previous collection of loses were the type we could have won, but simply gave it away at every chance possible. Now all that isn’t to say we couldn’t have won it. If Orr is going to go deep in a game, maybe we should have won. But as it is, we still would have lost without Yates and McBride putting it out of reach.

Are there any Braves that still think it’s too early in the season to play fundamental baseball?

I’m sure TP’s a stand up guy. But come on… McDowell obviously has his hands full with a pen full of miscreants and trying to groom all his starters to throw perfect games to cover up for TP’s lack of coaching. Is there a correlation between the time they brought TP back “for veteran presence” and the slow decomposing of this team? I recall he was a massive rally killer when they brought him back. But he was at the end of his career. I didn’t really think it was fair to TP to put him in that situation, but now he’s still in it and it isn’t paying off in the least. What’s TP doing to help his hitters? You can’t push all the bad hitters to the 8th and 9th spot. The Braves are running out of back of the lineup spots. Everyone from the 5th batter on is hitting .250 or worse. And they strike out a ton.

I must admit, I was a little disappointed to read Francoeur expects to strike out 100 times a season. Looking back at the great hitters, they rarely, if ever, struck out 100 times a season. I hate Bonds, but he hasn’t struck out that many times a season. In fact, no guy who has hit 700+ home runs has struck out 100 times in a season. Tommy Holmes was a Brave I believe; he was a great hitter. I think he struck out 100 times over his whole career. From what I’ve read of the old days, striking out was an embarrassment that no hitter wanted to live through. Striking out also seemed to become completely acceptable about the time roids over ran the sport. Since when did it become an embarassment to hit singles, go the other way, bunt, and basically just put the ball in play?

I read grumblings that the WBC might be to blame. That’s pretty lame. We are far removed from that event. These guys have had plenty of time to get in a groove, get their swings in, and get it going, but they still play like they’re in Spring Training.

By Riley Martin

June 8, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

The esteemed journalist brings up a very good point. I think we all know that toes are indeed the secret to all that is good, and the ticket to the promise land and things of this nature. It may be a good idea to have a weekly toe check of some sort in which all players toes would be exposed to a designated toe inspector. This toe inspector would then report back to Mr. Cox who would then put the toes in the worse shape at first base thus limiting the teams susceptibility to the aforementioned toe issues and things of this nature.

By Ron Roberts

June 8, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

I’m interviewing Brian Jordan in 25 minutes to promote his children’s book “I Told You I Can Play.”

The conversation will be mostly about his book and the art contest that goes with it, this summer, plus a little bit about his philanthropy, too. The guy’s a terrific individual on and off the field.

But I can’t wait to have some pre-interview time bending his ear a little and maybe grabbin’ some scoop, if I can, too, on the team and their mental state coming out of a paltry 2-8 homestand.

I’ll let ya’ll know how it goes.

By Stinky Jones

June 8, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, here’s a q for you to ask BJ: How long is too long to hold on?

By hk

June 8, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… well, I know you’re concerned about the ‘tone’ of the blog lately, it occurs to me if you take the ‘toe’ out of ‘tone’ it leaves you with ‘n’ … also, think some consideration should be given to what’s going on between the toes, after all we are looking at an athlete’s foot … dawns on me why you like the moose so much, name begins in ‘p’ and ends in ‘toe’ … thought Bob communicated last night with substantial gus’toe’ …

… feel like Carolina Lady is still listening, and will come back soon … her absense is taking it’s ‘toe’ll on us …

… am in agreement with some that the best thing for us right now is a little wholesome ‘nonsense’ …

By Zerevon

June 8, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

I did not make up the rumor of trading Giles and Sosa to Minnesota for Liriano,Nathan and Stewart. I just wanted you guys and DOB to here what I heard from a source that is reliable. I don’t care who we trade to which team for what reason, as long as it helps the Braves to the World Series. Betemit would be a big person to play at second base but he can do it, I believe. DOB thank you for your great work for us fans and for all who interested in Braves’ success. Keep up the great work and thank you all for reading and commenting on my information on this blog. GO BRAVES

By Head Coach

June 8, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

It’s been a good day. A few less terrorist’s in this world makes me feel much better. Back to baseball , Giles and Thomson are obviously the top two candidates to be used as trade bait due to thier contracts. Joe Nathan makes sense and at 4.75 million he could be affordable if JS can unload a contract. Shannon Stewart is on the DL and at 8 million he is an outfielder and a contract we dont need. Thomson , Giles and Reitsma make an aggregate 11.35 million , unloading these contracts would go along way toward making room for new players and cap space under the 80 million team salary.