Braves

By Rick

June 23, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

I would trade Smoltz and LaRoche to Boston for Youkilis and one of their young pitchers that are on the roster. (Lester or DiNarrdo)

This would give the Braves a good first baseman who can lead off and a young pitcher too. Boston gets a good defensive first baseman and a proven post season starter who can help them down the stretch.

This season is lost. It’s time to build for 2007 and this is a start.

By JasonInMaine

June 23, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I have to completely agree. I don’t understand why anything hasn’t been done. I know there aren’t a lot of quality closers out there, but what about getting someone that can pitch the 7th? The Braves are loaded at SS and C. Everybody and their mother knew what the biggest problem would be this year.

Seriously, JS is known for his creativity. Trade Hudson to free up some money for next year’s bullpen. If we don’t free up payroll somehow, there will be more of the same next year as the only person making less money is Smoltz, not considering Giles being traded, etc. The point is that a couple of million isn’t going to do it. Trade Hudson and go hard after Willis. He is starting to pitch good again. If it wasn’t for this year, I would say he would come to Atlanta and be even better, but who knows now. I think we could get someone for under $11 mill/year to have an ERA over 4 and be a .500 pitcher.

I know we won’t trade Hudson and JS thinks that Mike Hampton will come back next year and save the day, but I am not convinced. Yes, Hampton has pitched pretty well in a Braves uniform, but he is coming off Tommy John surgery, and he wasn’t great. Those two starters are going to kill our ability to make roster adjustments for years to come. Not to mention Chipper…

Regards, Jason

By Andy

June 23, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, lets be positive here. At least McCann is not being platooned. He doesn’t need to be molded into a platton guy. And it appears that Villareal is getting the Albie Lopez treatment. Things are looking up!

Is it just me, or does Francoeur look like he’s ready to snap? He’s may not be hitting well, but he at least shows emotion instead of looking dead. Him and Mac sitting in the dugout after the game at least shows they care. Chippers my favorite Brave, but he looks awful up there, and it doesn’t appear to bother him.
Its got to be a blow mentally to see the front office with their thumb up their rear end, waiting for a move with nothing to show. Trade Renteria, put Betemit in at short, and use that money to get some quality relievers.

By Austin

June 23, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Dob you probably make more then the Braves current bullpen put together.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

AMEN DOB! I remember the Braves players making those comments about the pitching “picking us up later when we struggle”. It is absolutely demoralizing to a team when no lead feels safe. When a team (in any sport) has an unbelievably horrible aspect to their game, it’s like a cancer that spreads to the rest of the team. Just look at football teams with a bad quarterback, or hockey teams with a bad goalie. Over time, it psychologically f*’s up the teams psyche/confidence and I believe that is exactly what has happened to the Braves this year. Great column!

By Jeremy

June 23, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Andy - I agree with you about Francoeur - when he popped out to short right and left Andruw at 3rd last night, he was genuinley upset with himself and frustrated.
When Chipper came up in the 9th, I told my wife he had to come through in that spot or they may never win again. His reaction after he failed to get the hit said it all - he was just blah, like they hadn’t lost all these games in a row. I’m sure he still cares and wants to win, but acting like it’s no big deal is not the answer. Let’s get mad and get the rest of the team fired up!

By Wolfman

June 23, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

It is time to start over but not from scratch. We can’t still compete next year for a wild card,…maybe division , but

By DawgsfantilliDie

June 23, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to get a new bullpen,and just start over next year, this year has gone on too long. Let’s just stop the pain.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

You don’t trade Renteria. He’s under contract for 2 more years, Boston is paying a big chunk of his salary, and he’s one of the 2 guys hitting over .300. Yeah, I know we’ve got middle infield prospects, but let ‘em play 2nd since Giles is likely gone by 7/31 and certainly out ‘a here by 2007.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Please keep R**** out of the game also.

By SR

June 23, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Excellent final summation - and now at least we can agree that this assemblage of underperformers was doomed from the outset. You left out one component however- relying on Tim Hudson as the so-called “ace”. No way, not even close. Aces stop losing streaks, not prolong them. As for the rest of your points, you are dead on. Management clearly dropped the ball on this mess and bears the lionshare of the blame.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe it edited Rim-jobber.

By eware

June 23, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

We need some quality music recommendations, DOB - just to get through this Braves drought.

DOB, if I were to buy one Neil Young album, which would you recommend? He blows me away, but I’ve only got singles from iTunes. Don’t get mad, I’m fairly young and have missed the “Neil-ship”, but I’m swimming to catch-up. That was a lame analogy, I apologize.

Keep everyone on the roster now, except Jordan and Reits. Let’s plan for next year!

Time to start getting ready for Auburn to destroy the SEC.

By Antonio McNugget

June 23, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

DOB

Who would win in a no holds barred, steel cage match between you and Mark Bowman Just wondering?

By BOB C

June 23, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

This weekend it’s the battle of Titans - the battle of arguably the two worst bullpens in major league (and maybe AAA) baseball. The bad news - the Devil Rays get last ups. The good news - we miss their two best starters so we get into their bullpen earlier. Should be a weekend for the ages!

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

I hope we’re spared the ultimate humiliation-being swept by the D-Rays.

By Wolfman

June 23, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

It is time to start over but not from scratch. We can still compete next year for a wild card spot,…division is iffy, if we do these three things: 1)Trade Giles and LaCockRoach for a proven closer. 2) Trade Hudson to free up 11 million, and get A true leadoff man /LF like Carl Crawford from Tampa Bay. 3) Trade Andruw Jones at season’s end for two good set up men, and a 3rd or 4th starter. A.Jones is a free agent after next season, and will command huge money from Yankees, Red Sox, etc…. get something for hom now. We can move Francueor to CF (he’s the future), Crawford LF, and Diaz/Langerhans RF. Starters would be:…Smoltz, Hampton, Horacio, Davies, & Chuck James. Starting lineup and batting order would look like this: Crawford LF, Renteria SS,Chippee 3RD,McCann C, Francueor CF,Thorman 1ST,Betemit 2nd, Diaz/ Langerhan’s RF……..This is a competive line-up if Thorman produces,..but not a division champ I blieve.

By paluka

June 23, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

To Rick: I was thinking the same thing except I would deal Hudson to Boston for Youkalis and Lester. Lester looks like he can reaaly pitch.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

The mind boggling thing about this is almost everyone from DOB to the general public knew this bullpen was WORSE then last years bad bunch

Still our esteemed Gm stuck his head in the sand and did zilch

The performance of this bunch of no name ,no talent bunch has of course effected the rest of the team.Im sure you all work with inadaquate performing co workers! Tell me this dosent frustrate the hell out of you ,then emagine how that projects to performing infront of several thousand screaming fans

The problems been there for two years now .Blown leads and saves .The Solution ?Patience and we will evaluate this after another 10 or 12 losses blah blah blah

By AZBravoFan

June 23, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Have to agree with all of the above, except for someone’s comment about trading Smoltz. It’s painfully obvious that they need a closer and a couple set-up men. If you’ve written the season off at this point, then you can use the rest of the year as an audition period for Yates, Stockman, Startup, Sosa, et al. and see if someone emerges. The good news is, if there’s a gem in there, it should halt the losing and maybe the second half will be a little more fun and they can do some spoiling. And in the worst-case scenario, they will all tank, the Braves will lose 110 games, and JS will know he has to overspend in the off-season to get a real closer. In the short term, this nightmare probably won’t end until one of the starters sucks it up and tosses a CG shutout. Similar to when Kyle Davies righted the ship in Boston last year. Short of that, we’ll have to wait until they get home again and hope for another Frenchy walk-off….that’s the only way to ensure the ‘pen doesn’t blow the game.

By SR

June 23, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Well said Hal- We surely did!!

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

The way I see it, we need to be major sellers in the trade market this year. We still have another month until the deadline, so I don’t think we’ll see much action for at least another 2-3 weeks. But when we do, I think it is going to be interesting. Giles is gone IMO, which I don’t think is a bad move for the Braves. You could easily get a good bullpen arm for him and maybe even a decent prospect thrown in with that. I hope (and pray) they dump Laroche off on somebody, anybody. I don’t care what we get in return. I’m not sure JS will do much more than that to be honest. I’m sure if he is blown away by something there could be a Hudson, Ramirez, or Smoltz trade also, but that’s about it. The only other position player I see a chance in getting traded is Renteria. I mean, lets be honest, his trade value is probably the highest of any position player on the Braves (other than AJ and McCann). How many playoff caliber teams would love to have his experience for a playoff push? We could get some real good prospects for him, and in turn keep Betemit as starting shortstop. Anyone got any comments on trades?

By Alex

June 23, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

I live in NYC. As a Braves fan, I have heard many experts around here actually say that JS is overrated. I would call into these shows and rip into them telling them how we might have the best farm system in the majors year after year and continue to win year after year.

Around here, they have 1996 to point to and tell me that was the Braves high water mark. No team would be better than that one.

I guess they were right. And its come to fruition this year. To COMPLETELY ignore the bullpen and have confidence in Reitsma? Thats merit to just hang it up and try some other profession if you really think Reitsma could close.

By forcesaberz

June 23, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

I really hope Andruw gets traded. I can’t bear watching someone who is so dang inconsistent make that kind of money from our limited budget. Also, I dunno quite yet about trading Hudson, he has shown signs of his past self at some points this year. I would not trade Smoltz, we can keep him for 8 million next year and he is freakin solid.

By Kieran(Long Island Braves fan)

June 23, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Very well written…

My only beef is that Shea is a great place to see a game, its not the most glamorous of stadiums but there really isn’t a bad seat in the house and it gives you the feel of a baseball feild rather then a sports arena. I’m From Long Island but a huge Braves fan, but shea gets a bad wrap, its not a bad place at all.

Hopefully JS can restructure this team to make a run like the astros have the past couple years

By Hal

June 23, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Don

I agree about Renterias trade value and it will open a spot for Betemit,who i belive might be a better defensive option anyways

I think anyone on the current roster who has trade value should be available if there agreable(in the case of Chipper and Smoltzie)

With out major changes and the current budget ,the sitation is not manageable.You cannot pay 5 players 60 mil and the other 20 20 mil! if you do you end up with garbage at other places .Our dumpster seems to be parked at first,left field and ohh yea the dump itself is in the pen

By Jeffrey

June 23, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Let’s celebrate the end of 14 years of success with an Atlanta home-coming for ex-Braves pitchers looking for work. We currently have 3 unemployed (Russ Ortiz, Antonio Alfonseca, and Terry Mulholland). We have one that just retired (Steve Karsay). We have 2 stuck at AAA with other clubs (Kerry Ligtenberg -Cubs/Iowa and Kevin Gryboski - Nats/New Orleans). Those 6 could not do any worse than most of the current clowns and we would get to relive the greatest blown saves of the last 15 years.

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

All you guys are hilarious talking about how JS has been “sitting around with his thumb up his rear-end”!!! How do you know this? Do you think the entire league is eagerly standing in line waiting to trade the Braves quality players in return for our underperformers, has-beens, or never-weres? Do you think that maybe, just maybe, after 14 years of division and league domination that it might be possible that there are general managers throughout MLB more than happy to see the Braves crash and burn and not feel obliged to step in and do anything to help JS stop the bleeding?

But no, I’m sure you’re right… I’m sure JS has just been sitting up in his luxury box ignoring that phone ringing right beside him with those calls from all those GM’s throughout the league eager to help the Braves out for mere peanuts. What an a* that JS must be turning away those nice people who are only trying to help us!

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to trade Smoltz either AZBravo, but it would give me a team to root for in the playoffs if he went to Detroit.

By paluka

June 23, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

DOB: What has happenened with the Betemit to SD for Linebrink rumors? Anyone else hear of that rumor? The biggest problem of all is that there is no real bullpen help out there to acquire.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Jeff

Ha Ha funny comment could we dig up the where abouts of Mark Wohlers and Jeff Reardon too then how bout juan Berenger i rember him blowing a few too .We could trade for Stanton hes still blowing them lol

By Luis

June 23, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

SOME OF YOU GOYS WILL THINK I AM CRAZY, BUT IA HAVE TO SAY THAT THE RECENT BRAVES MISERY CAN BECOME A POSITIVE THING!! YEAH A POSITIVE THING. HERE IS MY LOGIC. THE BRAVES HAVE BEEN TO THE POSTSEASON ON 14 STRAIGHT YEARS. AS EACH YEAR PASSES BY WE GET TO SEE YET ANOTHER OCTOBER COLLAPSE AFTER ANOTHER. THE BRAVES FRANCHISE HAD DEFINITELY BECOME COMPLACENT IN MAKING IT EVERY YEAR AND THAT HUNGER THA COMES WITH LOSING AND WINNING AGAIN WASN’T THERE. THE BRAVES HAVE3 MCAAN, FRANCOEUR, THORMAN, DAVIS, JAMES AND OTHER YOUNG KIDS THAT WILL APPRECIATE EVEN MORE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO WIN. I THINK THE NEW GENERATION OF BRAVES WILL BE VERY HUNGRY AND I THINK WE WILL RELIVE THE EARLY 90’S DAYS. i AM SO SURE. THEY DEFINITELY NEEDED A WAKEUP CALL AND ONCE THEY START WINNING AGAIN THE FANS WILL BE EVEN MOPRE INTO IT. THE BRAVES LED BY CHIPPER JONES HAD STARTED TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED. THEY NEEDED THIS!!!! THE BRAVES WILL COME BACK FROM THE DEAD AND WIN IT ALL IN THE NEXT YEARS (NOT THIS YEAR BECAUSE WE HAVE THE WORST BULLPEN IN MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY) AND IT WILL BECOME THE FEEL GOOD STORY. LETS BRING THE YOUNG KIDS LIKE WILL STARTUP AND OTHER RELIEVERS AND HELP THAT BULLPEN. LETS GET RID OF CHIPPER FOR SOME YOUNG PITCHING AND GIVE BETEMIT THE CHANCE TO PLAY EVERYDAY. WE CAN KEEP SMOLTZ, ANDRUW AND ALONG WITH MCAAN, FRANCOEUR AND OTRHERS THEY WILL BE THE CORNESRSTONES OF THIS TEAM IN THE NEXTY FEW YEARS.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Chippersucks

if the players are”underperforming has beens or never weres” are they not also overpaid???

is the payroll not the function of the GM ??? Just wondering

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

I live in So Cal and if we really want to shake things up this year, I’ve got a trade… The Angels are completely desperate for 2 things. A CF and a power bat, HELLO! Here’s the trade: Andruw Jones for Scot Shields or Brendan Donnely with either Lackey, Santana, or JERED Weaver. I honestly think that would be a trade the Angels would consider. We may have to throw in a pitching prospect along with AJ, but what do you guys think? Would you trade AJ for 2 of those players?

By Don

June 23, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

This $80 million payroll cap isn’t going to get the job done any longer when half of it is going to 4 guys and at least one of them (Chipper) is doing a Dale Murphy rapid decline on us. That’s why we’ve had a bullpen full of castoffs for several years now, there’s no money left. We were lucky to get away with it for as long as we did.

I think it’s time to go the Florida Marlins route. Make all the high salaried guys (Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz, Hudson) available near the deadline and dump Giles and LaRoche for whatever they’ll bring. Waive Brian Jordan, who is beyond washed up. Despite his good performance I’d make Renteria available since Betemit is a cheap and adequate replacement option. Take nothing back in trades but prospects, preferably as many young live arms as possible. Add those to the prospects in the farm system and maybe we’ll be good again in a couple or three years. If the budget is going to remain constrained the Braves will have to keep the farm system stocked and let guys move on when they start commanding high salaries after 5 or 6 years.

There’s no sense in wasting the remaining productive years (if any) of guys like Chipper and Smoltz if we can’t put enough around them to win because of budget constraints.

By the way DOB, you left out any mention of Roger McDowell. I know he’s been given a bunch of plow horses to work with, but I’d think at least one or two of them would show even a moderate amount of improvement if the pitching coach was adding any value.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

McNugged, Bowman outweighs me by, oh, about 100 pounds (seriously), so i’d have to give him the edge in a steel-cage match. He’d be a formidable foe for most fellas, I’d guess.

Eware, my man, it’s never too late to get on the bandwagon of ol’ Neil. Can only make your life a little better every time you listen to one of his masterworks.

I’d suggest Ragged Glory and Prairie Wind CDs from his latter period, and early on, probably Harvest and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere from his earlier stuff, along with After the Gold Rush. Those five are all phenomenal, but so are several others.

Hey, for fans of early Outkast, before they got so damn mainstream and ubiquitous (and annoying, simply from hearing them so much), from the Southernplayalistic-era Outkast, the new Field Mob CD is really exceptional and sounds just like that old Outkast. These dudes are from Albany, Ga.

By rowland

June 23, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

David,

Thank you for the most clear-eyed, honest account of this team I’ve seen. I think I understand now why JS has not dealt for a closer. This team needs much, much more and JS hopefully won’t sacrifice the future again (see Wainwright, et al for Drew) by dealing talented but raw youngsters in the hope of getting a wild card.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Don

Great post!!been wondering myself about both the pitching coach and batting coach .Its obvious not much is changing the hitters look the same day after day ditto the pitchers

By TennesseePaul

June 23, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

It’s the blowpen for sure. Last night was a gem of a game from HoRam. And he did it with McCann catching! Very promissing. I like the out look of Smoltz, Hudson, HoRam, James. That sounds solid. These bats had gotten us into a winning position. So, while they are slumping, they aren’t as horrid as the pen. We just need some relievers at this point. Solid reliable arms in the pen. It would be nice to win again before the season is finished.

Let’s do this tonight Braves! Play so well Crawford is begging to be on the team!
GO BRAVES

By Smitty

June 23, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Oh Chipper is a HOF player! Let’s look at what counts, the numbers! 5- All Star games An MVP 2-Silver SLuggers -.303 life time average -He will hit over 400 homers, probably close to 500 -Only switch hitter in the history of the game to hit over 300 homer and hit over .300 -HOF Monitor: Batting - 125.5 (105) (Likely HOFer > 100) -Was the leader of the team for 12-15 CONSECUTIVE DIVISION TITLES!

Look it up for your self! http://www.baseball-reference.com/j/jonesch06.shtml

He has bett life carrer numbers than Scott Rolan, the only player that has played as many games at third that is currently active. And Chipper does have that World Title.

People wonder why Braves fans don’t show up to playoff games. I think some of the comments on this board answer that question,

Ignorance and stupidity

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Okay, here we go. I doubt the Angels will trade Lackey, Santana, or Weaver. So, how about AJ for Scot Shields and Kelvim Escobar. We get 2 quality pitchers (Shields to close and Escobar our #3 starter) and we still save 4.5mil on the cap (14mil - 7mil - 2.4 mil) to get even more ‘pen help in the offseason. Move Francoeur to CF and put him #4 in the lineup. Anyone?

By Braves Fanatic

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

The bullpen stinks. Francouer can’t hit on the road because he can’t keep his you know what in his pants, staying up til all hours of the night with these w#ores on the road.

By AZBravoFan

June 23, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

The Andruw to the Angels idea is interesting. I’d have to have all 3, Shields, Donnely, AND Weaver to consider it. Maybe throw in Thomson or HoRam. But then who plays CF? Who’s gonna snare all those would-be bloop singles and drives into the gap? Where are those 40 HR’s and 120 RBI gonna come from? Don’t see anyone on the farm. Then you’re forced to make another deal or overspend for a free agent. Anybody seen what Gary Matthews,Jr. is doing atop the Texas lineup? Didn’t the Braves have him in camp a couple years ago?

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Angels got Jared Weaver to put in place of Escobar- really only losing Shields.

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

My God, some of these trades you guys cook up are the most moronic things I’ve ever heard. If anybody can truly look at Franceour’s stats and tell me he’s worth sacrificing the best player we have (Andruw), then they need to have their heads examined.

I don’t know what team in their right mind would give us anything for Giles, Remlinger, or Reitsma. Maybe a 10-year old little leager for all three.

And trade for Youkilis, huh? Do you truly think that the Sox would trade him for Smoltz (a guy who has max of 2 years left) and LaRoche? No, not going to happen.

Trade Renteria, too? Yeah, while we’re at it, let’s go ahead and trade McCann and Diaz while we’re at it. Heck, let’s just dish the whole team off and we’ll bring in some guys from the street to play so that we can sign a good bullpen. After all, that would be building for the future, right? Wow is all I have to say.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

The Dallas papers are saying the Braves might be interested in Kevin Mench.

By Ryan

June 23, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Some of you people are absolute morons.

You want to give up Hudson, Smoltz, Jones and Jones because they make “too much” money?

To do what? Replace them with kids making pennies?

That’s the whole point regarding the problem with the bullpen. Why would you want to do that to the offense and rotation also? You can’t compete with cheap talent.

Go ask Pittsburgh, Oakland, Colorado, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Florida, or Kansas City how that model is working out for them.

Besides, don’t you think we have enough youth and inexperience in our lineup to suit your masochistic ways already?

And just for the sake of argument, let’s say you go out and get new veterans with the cash savings from trading off every veteran you have. Well, hell, you’re back where you started.

You cannot buy talent like Hudson, Smotlz or Andruw for what they are currently getting paid. Those guys are freaking bargains in today’s market.

How do you idiots not understand that?

Or maybe all you’re wanting is for the Braves to back up and rebuild?

Well, then, open your eyes Sunshine, because you’re already in year 2 or 3 of that rebuilding process.

Put away your fantasy baseball charts, and develop some sense of perspective.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Oh, course they were also suggesting that we trade Smoltz for him. Silly Rangers.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

AZBravo,

Frenchy to CF, I really believe he’s gonna be a career 35HR 120RBI guy(.250 average, but so is AJ basically). Then just plug in a serviceable free agent right-fielder in the offseason (And just hope Chipper can return to being a solid #3 hitter next year, cuz we are stuck with him anyway). But then at least we have our gem in the bullpen and a really solid #3 starter.

By Patrick

June 23, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Nice article DOB.

Keep up the good work!

By eware

June 23, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB. I’ll check those Neil albums out. Half.com is calling my name. Great place to buy used CDs.

Did you get your Ryan Adams tickets today? He’s at the Tabernacle on July 29th.

I smell a win tonight. It smells a lot like taco salad.

By RobC

June 23, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t trade Andruw for any of those pitchers THIS year, but next year will be the last year of his contract, and if we are looking for pitching and Langerhans, Diaz, and any minor league OF develops I’d really consider it.

By Smitty

June 23, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

I agree Ryan. The Braves have more fans that are just stupid, than any other team.

By Jim

June 23, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

All I hear is how bad the bullpen is yet not one word about Villarreal. He hasn’t pitched in over a week. Where is he?

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Watch it, Jim! Villareal is like Beetlejuice…you say his name 3 times, he shows up, and makes a mess of the situation. Uh, oh…I said his name. Only one more time and he’ll be in the game.

By RobC

June 23, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Ryan, You are totally right about the contracts of Hudson, Smoltz, Renteria. The Jones’s, however, signed their deals back when the market was inflated by the Manny/A-Rod/Hampton type deals. That being said, Andruw is actually making about what the current market would cost for him, even though at the time it was a “deal”. The problem is that Boras has made it clear that he’s going to not let Andruw make that kind of deal again for the hometeam, so he’s likely gone in two years anyway when Boras’s “mystery teams” have offered 200 mil, or whatever number he makes up. I think that at the end of Chipper’s contract he’ll sign a hometown deal because he wants to retire a Brave, and as long as he doesn’t hurt the team he’s earned that right.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Don, it’s not “time to go the Florida Marlins” route, if you mean reduce the payroll to $15 mill. There’s a reason they are the only team in the majors with a payroll that radically low, and it just so happens they are winning right now. But that’s hardly a recipe for consistency, blowing up you team ever few years.

And by the way, take a look at how South Florida has responded to that $15 mill payroll. With about 6,000 season tickets sold and average attendance (real numbers) below 10,000, for a team that won the world series in 2003.

It’s not any way to run a franchise. There’s a whole lot of room between where the Braves are and where the Marlins are, it’s not either-or. You don’t have to dump every veteran player just because you happen to be having a lousy season. That’s not a reasonable response, man. Think about it.

By Mike

June 23, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Check out the new widespread panic cd and the new john butler trio cd…

As for the team giles to the indians for bob wickman. I know the guy is old but he can hold down the bullpen until we can get Devine or Startup ready for the roll. Then you use Ray as your set up guy. This appears to be the only viable place for giles because the indians desperately need a 2 bagger. For all of you that keep saying package him with others for carl crawford, the drays have jorge cantu fielding ground balls at 2nd.

How many fans would jump at the opp of having Craig Wilson manning first now for the Braves?

Just a couple of thoughts.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

ugadawg,

We STINK this year. AJ will be gone after next year (for sure) anyway. We need to add some REAL talent, and you don’t do that without giving up REAL talent. We are not going to get Shields-Escobar caliber pitching help for Adam LaDouche or Umpa Lumpa Giles!

By RobC

June 23, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

We need to start randomly putting Villareal into every game for no reason…he doesn’t pitch that well, but he always manages a vulture win when he comes in. If that’s what will get the team some wins, I’m all for it.

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

So what’s your suggestion, Hal? Underperformers and has-beens are BY DEFINITION players who at one time performed well. So what is your monday-morning quarterback solution? That we never should have signed those players to those contracts? Because if we hadn’t, those players (Smoltz, Hudson, Andruw, Chipper) would not have played for the Braves in years past and would not have been playing for them now. So your solution is that we never should have signed them or traded for them and let them go to other teams? Do you think the Braves would be a better team right now if we hadn’t signed Smoltz years ago and let him go the Yankees? Would the Braves be a better team now if we hadn’t traded for Hudson and he hadn’t signed (at that time) a contract giving the Braves a “home team discount” (one of the only players to have ever done that for us, by the way).

You solution, that JS should have somehow foreseen in the future that some of his players would “tank it” and, therefore, should not have signed them is a bit self-gratuitous, methinks.

By Tony Almeida

June 23, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Too many L’s in bullpen?

I assume the “L’s” stand for LOSERS??

By krath

June 23, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

I’m not gonna slam Roger McDowell but I want to touch on one point about that situation. I think Roger may be a good pitching coach one day. I do think the younger guys may relate to him more than they did Leo. Ho Ram is certainly pitching better than he did with Leo. Maybe Davies will to if he pitches again anytime soon. On the other hand, Sosa loved Leo and was concerned when he left. May have nothing to do with Leo but we all see Sosa’s results this year. Younger guys seemed not to relate to Leo and Leo not to them. I think a good example is if I remember correctly, Leo has a bunch of young guys at Baltimore and Baltimore is like next to last in ERA in that league. Even if it’s not the “kid” factor, I’m sure it’s hard to walk in to a new situation and expect to have everyone drinking the Kool aid the first year. OR It may be Leo just does not click with the kids.

So what part of Leo may the Braves be missing?

The intimidation factor and the ability to catch something in a veteran’s game that could be corrected to the point of squeezing some production out of him.

Part of Atlanta’s ability to squeeze out the 14 titles were the reclaim projects on the pitching staff. I don’t think Roger can do that. Leo could.

My next statement may be taken as an attempt at humor, but I really do feel like that this losing streak would not be where it is now if Leo were still around. I’m not saying the Braves would be contending tight for the division, but they wouldn’t be the embarrassment they are right now. I truly believe Leo would have intimidated at least some of the guys on the staff into performing! AND some of his pitching philosophy would have worked for a couple of these guys even if not for HoRam or Davies. He is no Bobby Cox who gets group hugs from his players, but right now there needs to be some body parts kicked and not hugged to wake this group up.

There were many who said that Leo would not be missed. There’s no way to prove that things would be different if he were here. But the argument that he wouldn’t be missed sure looks more shaky now than it has since he left.

JS and Braves management have to take the rap for Leo. JS thought he would again take scrap and turn it into a contender yet he was not bright enough to retain, at whatever cost, one of the, if NOT the most important piece that makes his plan work.

If you’re gonna take Chicken S* and make Chicken salad you better have a damn good chef!

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

And, oh, by the way, Hal… since you know so much about “the biz” in the major leagues, you ought to be able to tell me which GM’s throughout the league are knocking JS’s door down with fair trades that would actually IMPROVE the Braves while, at the same time, not bankrupting their farm system.

I’ll be waiting with great anticipation your oh-so-informed answers.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, would you trade AJ this year for some solid pitching talent that could help this team for the next 3-5 years?

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB!!! Methinks that you must also enjoy the sound of screaching cats set to the music of guitar accompaniment. That would explain your fixation for the singing of Neil Young.

But to each their own, my friend… to each their own. Who am I to criticize? I am a huge fan of 70’s arena bands like Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Journey!!! ;-)

By Don

June 23, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Ryan, you halfwit, when you have somebody like Smoltz under a good contract, YOU CAN GET MORE FOR HIM! Can you grasp that concept? Conversely, given Chipper’s decline and his contract he probably wouldn’t bring as much (if he’d even agree to a trade as a 10/5 guy).

I guess the question of whether or not to do a radical overhaul/salary dump as I suggest depends on whether you think the Braves are a piece or two away versus half a roster away (I think the latter) and whether or not you think it’s realistic to keep four guys tying up half of your payroll and plug in a few guys around them who don’t make much (I don’t think so).

The Braves need an entire bullpen. They don’t have one guy with the possible exception of McBride who is a servicable major leaguer in any bullpen role. When you don’t have the budget to replace an entire bullpen (and it’s not like there’s a surplus of established relief pitchers available; everybody’s looking for help), what’s the point of hanging on to 39 year old Smoltz? Don’t get me wrong, Smoltz is my all-time favorite Brave. I’d hate to give up Smoltz or Andruw Jones, but years and years of an $80 million payroll and uncertainty around future ownership calls for drastic action in my opinion. This team that has been kept together with bandaids for the last 3-4 years and it’s time to move on. I think it would also rejuvenate the fan base by next year or the year after if the Braves had a bunch of young players busting their humps every night, even if they were only playing .500 ball.

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB!!! Methinks that you must also enjoy the sound of screaching cats set to the music of guitar accompaniment. That would explain your fixation for the singing of Neil Young.

But to each their own, my friend… to each their own. Who am I to criticize? I am a huge fan of 70’s arena bands like Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Journey!!! ;-)

By Rob

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

Living out here in Cali I know that Caesar Izturis is more than available. What about finding a team for a 3-way trade getting rid of Giles(my favorite Brave). I’d hate to see Giles go, but Izturis is a gold glover, can be converted to 2nd, and is a true leadoff guy that is signed for a few years at a good price. McCann, Izturis, Renteria, A. Jones up the middle would be an excellent defense where it counts. All great teams are excellent in the middle of the field. And like I said, Izturis is a legit leadoff guy. As far as the bullpen, you got me. I think Mota is available from Cleveland and let’s see how the Sosa at closer experiment works out.

By Myarbrough

June 23, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

The problem is not with JS…He has been a magician for the last several years…the problem is the ownership…every year they tell JS that he has less money to spend and let’s face it, without the money to spend, what we have on the field is what you get. Trading Hudson and keeping Smoltz is pure stupidity…Smoltz will be done pitching in another year, maybe two whereas Hudson is still young enough to pay dividends. Giles has been thrust into a position that he can’t perform under by batting lead-off and his average and OBP speak for themselves. Chipper has aged over the last several weeks to where now he only able to ground out weakly to SS. Andrew is frustrated to say the least…he lacks motivation when no one is on base, which is quite frequently, and it shows. Poor Jeff has not seen a ball in the dirt or a ball over his head that he can’t pass up swinging at. LaRoach is always stuck in low gear and refuses to shorten his stroke with two strikes.Trade Giles and LaRoach for Nathan of the Twins; start Bettemit at 2nd and let him hit lead-0ff…trade Smoltz to a contender and get another reliever. Let Thorman get a decent look at 1st and see what happens…

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Please Smoltz, stop the suffering tonight! Complete Game or else!

By Don

June 23, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, by saying “the Florida Marlins route” I’m not suggesting a $15 million payroll. But I am saying you can’t fill in the holes around 4 guys making up half of your payroll when one of them is 39 (Smoltz), one of them appears to be in a rapid decline (Chipper, and I don’t know that you could get much for him with his contract) and one of them doesn’t seem to be the #1 pitcher we thought we were getting (Hudson). Andruw Jones is young enough to keep as a core piece if we think we can resign him when his contract is up and if we think he will stay in shape to be good for another 5-6 years or more.

I’m not saying dump all the salaries no matter whether you can get anything for them or not, though I would say that for LaRoche. I’m saying make them all available and see who, if any, you can get some great young talent for.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the Braves can fill in a competitive team for next year with an $80 million payroll given the collective salaries of Jones, Jones, Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson and Renteria. Where’s the money for a bullpen? Are there a stable of young arms in the farm system who are a year or two away?

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I am generally a pessimistic person by nature, but I try to be optimistic about the Braves. However, the blog you posted today is the truth. I will give you a lot of credit for telling it like it is, because you could very easily be a kiss-a* and just talk about the “positives” for this team (they’re young, they’re learning, Chipper and Andruw haven’t heated up yet, etc.). To me, those aren’t positives for this season.

If it’s “wait ‘til next year”, this organization’s idea that Smoltz, Hudson and Hampton are going to lead this team back to the playoffs in ‘07 is awfully speculative and definitely wishful thinking. You almost get the feeling that Schuerholz knows he can’t fix this team before he retires. His fourteen years of winning division titles can’t cover up the fact that, as you stated, the Braves have not been built well the last three or four years. The biggest mistake was relying on Reitsma. Yeah. The same guy that caused the Braves to have to trade for Farnsworth last year. Why would anyone have had any trust in that guy? He’s a slightly above-average pitcher at his best. He’s a soul-crusher at his worst.

Whenever I’ve heard Bobby Cox say that “everyday in baseball is a good day”, I’ve thought that his days have been good because, during this run, this team has never been bad. I bet Bobby’s days aren’t very good right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cox and Schuerholz both high-tail it out of Atlanta after one more year. They’re too old and they both seem too confused by what’s going on to rely on them to be able to sort things out. They’ve had a great run, but it’s time for them to go.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

I think what all you guys that call yourself “die hard or lifelong” Braves fans that can fathom, trading the “superstars” away aren’t seeing things for what they are. Sports is now, always has been and always will be a “what have you done for me now world. I’m a firm believer that players ‘contracts’ are rewards for what they have done in the past. But they are also handed out with the assumption that those players will continue to perform at that level. Face it, most players “fade” a little by the end of longterm contracts.

By saying Chipper isn’t worth his current contract, is both accurate and unfair. When things were going well, he was worth every penny. I don’t think anybody out there will disagree with that. But I can’t believe that some of you can’t see the writing on the wall with his recent track record of either being injured or unproductive as a Number 3 hitter in the order should be.

JS opted not to spend money on Garciaparra in the offseason. More than likely justified. The guy hasn’t stayed healthy, but when he has been healthy he can still play at a high level. Chipper hasn’t been able to stay health lately either. So one might say it was “risky” to assume he’d be back to his old self for the remainder of his contract. Somtimes money is handed out to players not only because a team feels it can’t lose a player, but because they don’t want another team in the division to have or retain one. I think this was the case of AROD in Texas a few years back. I’m sure they not only were happy to add his services to their team, but were also estatic that the Mariners would no longer have him on their team.

Sombody posted above that we can’t win with an 80 million dollar payroll. I couldn’t disagree more. We might not be the “dominant” team like it was in the early and mid-90’s. But this is a team game. The payroll and talent has to be evenly spread throughout the 25 man roster. All areas must be addressed and accounted for. To be “competitive” or have a legitimate shot at post season I think a team must have the following to have a chance, anything above and beyond is just gravy.

1) 2-3 above average to dominant Starting pitchers. The 4th and 5th spots should be innings eaters.

2) A dominant 1-2 punch in the bullpen. A CLOSER that get’s the job done more often than not, preferably sombody who can STRIKE PEOPLE OUT. Thus eliminating the possibility of “bloops” or “crap shoot” possibiiitie. Also an “eigth inning guy”. Make games a 7 inning affair. Plus having sombody dominant in the eitgh inning can be a “backup” closer in the situations of overuse of the closer or injury. (ala: Rivera, Wettland)

3)A leadoff hitter to get things going. Yeah, if you listen to Bobby, a leadoff hitter is guaranteed to leadoff only once a game. But the guy hitting in the 1-hole is going to also be the guy that comes to the plate more than the guys at the bottom of the order. Just simple math people.

4) At least to BIG TIME Power threats. I’m a firm believer in small ball. (making contact, moving runners along - anything that can start or maintain a rally) But you need a couple of Boppers to come back from larger deficits when they happen.

5) Solid defenders up the middle. No two ways about it. It doesn’t matter what your pitching staff does (unless they average 15-30 strikeouts a game LOL) if the guys who touch the ball most, cant catch or throw it.

6) Good “thinkers” on the field. FUNDAMENTALS. Don’t give anything away in the field. Smart Players, without egos.

7) Good Bench. Not only is pinch-hitting important. But you need compitant players that can fill in for injury and be available for the manager to “double-switch” when neccessary.

8) Good coaching. Every part of good coaching. Managing egos, strategy, not making the same “decision making” mistakes over and over again. Good hitting / pitching instructors that teach in a way that the players want to believe in and listen to.

This all seems pretty elementary to me. But when you compare this list of “wants and needs” to what the Braves actually have, it doesn’t take too long to figure out why they are so horrible.

Right now the have 1 Dominant starter who is consistant in that reguard: Smoltz

Right now there isn’t even 1 dominant guy in the bullpen, much less 2!

Right now there isn’t a real leadoff option. Even Betemit isn’t the longterm answer to that problem.

Right Now they do have 2 legitimate Power Threats: Andruw & Francoeur. But both of them are so inconsistant that they can’t be counted on to actually hit homers off of anything other than really bad mistake pitches.

Right now the middle defense is pretty good to really good. I’m not convinced that Renteria is as good as Furcal or even as good as Renteria used to be. But very servicable to say the least. Giles is adequate and gives good effort in the field. McCann is gonna be a good one. And Andruw is well, Andruw. He appears to have lost a step to me going back on the ball, but like I said the other day 85-90 percent of Andruw is a LOT better than 100 percent of most.

Right now there is a lot of MENTAL mistakes in the field, but the question is this: Is that a product of the frustraion over the poor play (people pressing) or the cause of the bad play.

Right now the Bench is probably one of the strong points minus Pratt and Jordan. Can’t expect much more of bench players, unless you are the Yankees and have a 40 million dollar bench. We got spoiled with Julio. And to think I wasn’t that bummed out to see him go….I’d give just about anything to have him back, not only as a player but what he brought leadership wise to the bench.

Right now I won’t dwell too much on the coaching. I’m absolutely dissapointed with TP as a hitting coach. It’s too soon and not fair to judge McDowell with this sorry a$$ bunch of pitchers. And the only thing I have to say about Bobby is…..HEE HAW!

Anyways, Blow it ALL up. Get kings ransom for the few veterans you can (Chipper, Smoltz, Hudson,Giles, think about maybe dealing Andruw and or Renteria). Take out the trash ASAP (LaRoche, Jordan, Everybody in the bullpen…don’t keep a single one of them……..maybe keep McBride).

Rebuild this team with McCann, Francoeur, Davies (not even sure about that), James and any other prospect we have in the wings or get in above Trades / Dumps. Of course we have no choice but to keep Hampton and that sarlary…so deal with it. Sign some free agents that fit the “style” of play that wins games. It doesn’t even have to be SUPERSTARS.

Sorry too type so long…….No, wait. I guess I’m not! LOL.

Gotta go, my keyboards on fire.

Off topic a bit. DOB (or anybody that actually lives in the Atlanta area), since you seem to be very much into music. Is the Atlanta area band “7 Sharp 9” still going good down there in the local club scene. I grew up with Chris Wold the singer, and haven’t talked to him in a couple of years. Last I heard they were one of the “bigger” local bands down there? Just curious if you or anybody knows anything about them.

I’m sure this won’t be the last you hear of me today. LOL

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Prediction for tonight:
Scoreless until the 4th inning when Smoltz gives up his usual 3 runs. Braves offense has to play catch-up again and they go ahead 4-3 in the 6th inning. Smoltz has to be taken out in the 8th after his 128th pitch, and in comes Remlinger for the Lefty-Lefty matchup. As usual, he easily handles the outmatched left-handed hitter and ends the threat. In the ninth, an insanely passionate Jorge Sosa demands the ball followed by him striking out the side and cementing himself as a Rivera-like closer for years to come…

By nathan

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

Don, I’m the king of sarcasm and negativity. So usually I prefer people who post the same way that I do (today I just wanted to keep it real! And not be so negative) And having said that, you have very inteligent thoughts that are not only well thought out, they are accurate. Couldn’t agree with you more about not wanting to lose Smoltz or Andruw. But if that’s what it takes to get “good baseball” back in Atlanta, I’m all for it. I’m not a particularly “loyal” fan to the players that make up the team (other than Smoltz - I think he is probably hand down the single greates ATLANTA BRAVE to wear the uniform), but I love the BRAVES - not the player. So if we can have a good TEAM by trading a couple of GREAT players, DO IT!

Very well said, my friend.

By Choppin Bob

June 23, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

Did you puke yet? This losing streak is like drinking warm beer.

Why doesn’t JS trim some fat a bring up 1 or 2 rookies? Obviously this season is lost so why not dump Jordan and Pratt? They have to play sometime.

I have a new way of watching games: I start drinkin 1.5 hours before so I pass out before we get to the bullpen. My logic is being left with happy thoughts and not an imploding bullpen. And yes a happy thought would include being down by a few runs.

By Shawn B

June 23, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

I am so sick of hearing all these “trade suggestions” when it comes to Andruw, Smoltz, and Renteria. Andruw is the BEST defensive center fielder (one of the most important defensive positions on the field) in all of baseball, and the guy is pretty good at the plate if you haven’t noticed. And since you have obviously been ignoring what DOB wrote about Smoltz earlier this week I will repeat it. The Braves have an $8 million option for Smoltz next season. Where are you going to find a pither of his calibar, who would be available, for that kind of contract price. Nowhere of course. And if you haven’t noticed, Renteria has been the best player on the team this year not named Brian McCann, and will be a perfect fit to fill the SS whole the next couple of years until one of the future stars the Braves have in the lower minors at SS. Why would the Braves want to trade some of the bright spots of the team this year. Andruw, Smotz, and Renteria haven’t been the problem. And I realize that Andruw may not be the most consistent guy at the plate, but how many runs per week does he save the team? And as bleak as it looks right now, and to me, nothing is more bleak than Chippers slide and the lack of urgency to do something about the bullpen in the offseason, the minor league system is NOT dry, and will be the strength of this organization as long as they don’t panic and do stupid/drastic moves.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

And then I woke up…

By Don

June 23, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone, I was with you until the 8th. But then I had Remlinger giving up a rocket over the right field wall that got out of the park so fast that Remlinger strained his neck turning to watch it and had to go on the disabled list. Then we bring in Parnoto, who walks the first guy, hits the second one and then gives up an upper deck 3 run homer. We then go down meekly in the 9th. Chipper hits a two hopper to short and pulls a hammy jogging to first, Andruw takes a 3rd strike and grins, LaRoche falls asleep at the plate as the 3rd strike whizzes by him to end the game.

By Josh

June 23, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

I’m with UGADAWG..

Why would the Redsox even want to trade off Youkilis for a .200 hitter and an old pitcher. yeah its John Smoltz but seriously..he aint what he used to be and he aint got much longer.

GO DAWGS!! sik em

By Shawn B

June 23, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

And DOB, great suggestion about the Field Mob album. Outkast’s original album, Southernplayalistic, is without a doubt one of the best hip hop albums ever recorded.

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

I’d really love to see the ages of some of the people on this blog. Yeah, let’s clean out the whole team. I’d love to see how good a team of no-names based around Francour and McCann would do. You think this year is bad? They would probably lose 100+ games.

You can’t dish off veterans like that and expect to win. Yes, the Marlins did it, but they are the exception. And as DOB said, they draw less than 10,000 a game. You’re not going to attract a crowd without those headliners like Chipper and Andruw. I’m as frustrated as the next guy with Chipper’s play, but he’s a legend in Braves’ lore, and his likeness will one day be put on that outfield wall with Murphy, Neikro, Aaron, Matthews, etc.

And Nathan,

Smoltz is not a dominant #1 pitcher. You can count on at least 3 or 4 runs from him every time, which is about good enough for the 3rd starter on most teams. He’s an average starting pitcher, yet a lights-out closer. But somehow he thinks he’s a team guy for this decision to stay in the rotation.

By Head Coach

June 23, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

David , you covered all the bases with your usual witty sarcasm and you still dont think a fire sale is in order ? I totally disagree with you. Why continue the season as is ? Smoltz , Andruw , Hudson and Renteria would bring in 6 to 8 top prospects or more , combine that with the young talent already in place and Atlanta has a solid foundation for future success. The payroll would much more affordable and it would give them a 3 to 5 year window of opportunity to win another World Championship and the financial room to grow inside an 80 million dollar payroll. Continuing to pay for underachieving , injury prone veterans(Hampton ,Chipper,Reitsma,Jordan,Thomson) has proven to be a disaster. David , I would much rather watch a young talented squad of youngsters struggle to learn how to win than watch this bunch pi$$ away the rest of this season. I mean , look at what the Detroit Tigers have built and the Florida Marlins are building , dont you think with our scouts and minor league system we could accomplish the same thing even faster ? Now , I do want to give credit to Cox and the players , they are going about thier business in the dugout and on the field with class and dignity inspite of this horrific losing streak. And , David O’Brien , I know its got to be tough doing your job right now , so keep up the good work and thanks for keeping us so well informed. GO YOU STINKING BRAVES !!!!!

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

This little fantasy baseball blurb from Rotoworld.com made me chuckle…

“Jorge Sosa, RP: Despite consistent WHIPs above 1.40, Sosa has become a candidate for saves after being moved to Atlanta’s pen. Guess that’s why Bobby Cox earns the big bucks…”

By Retard

June 23, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

I would love to see Dontrelle Willis pitching for the Braves, he loves to play the game, and he would bring some much needed personality to the team. Braves need to solidify their starting pitching, then put together a bullpen accordingly, including a dependable closer. Smoltz won’t be around much longer, and I think we could let Hudson go elsewhere and replace him with someone better, and for less money. Hampton is up in the air for now. John Thomson, Sosa, and most of the entire bullpen need to go elsewhere.

As far as position players are concerned, Giles was good when hitting in the 2 spot, try him there again, then if he still can’t produce trade him. Replace Renteria when his contract runs out with a good minor league prospect. McCann should stay as long as he wants. If Andruw Jones can be traded for good prospects go for it while he still has some value, and free up millions of dollars needed elsewhere. Move Francoeur to center and hire him a hitting coach, McCann’s father if available. Betemit plays third. Chipper to first like it or not, will never be able to trade him with waning skills and that fat contract, use him up for what it’s worth then release him at fat contracts end. Langerhans would be a good utility player as far as his defense is concerned. Get a couple good rookie outfielders for right and left field, no big deal there. Whoever Braves get as far as rookies are concerned should have at least 2 potential leadoff guys with some speed in the mix. Now, charter a bus that’s headed out of Atlanta, put Brian Jordan, Todd Pratt, Adam LaRoche, Terry Pendleton, Roger McDowell, Pete Orr, Mike Remlinger, Jorge Sosa, John Thomson, the bullpen, and then let Reitsma drive the damn thing!

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Nice ending Don, probably more likely than mine.
Nathan: I couldn’t agree with you more. Smoltz IS the greatest Brave of all time, and I wouldn’t trade him unless he asked to be traded. But everyone on this board is dreaming if they think we can get REAL pitching help by trading away Giles, Laroche, Thomson or Sosa. Nathan would you do an AJ for Shields & Escobar trade?

By Rick

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

Paluka

I would rather trade Smoltz than Hudson. Hudson is still a younger pitcher. Smoltz has maybe 2 years left in him and that’s it.

ugadawg

The Red Sox would entertain that trade. They want to win that division because the wild card is coming from the central division. They are not giving up that much and remember those two years are options on Smoltz contract. That doesn’t mean they will be picked up.

Remember people, the Yankees have Johnny Damon now and they may not want to big money on a CF. So, Andruw isn’t ticketed for NYC at the end of 2007. The Yankees will spending money on pitching. Johnson and Mussina are old.

By Rob

June 23, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, Do you have a better suggestion? Thought so. That’s why you’ll always be the little pud living in mommy’s basement and Bobby Cox will be in Cooperstown. He’s not afraid to try something and risk ridicule. Eric Gagne was a starter, and sucked. BJ Ryan was a nobody until last year when he was given the closers role. WHAT DOES COX HAVE TO LOSE? I just don’t see the point in going with status quo. Now is definately the time to see if it works. If it doesn’t, then you’re stuck in last place. Wait, they ARE in last place.

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

Rick,

What in the world would they do that for? Youkilis is very popular up there, and is batting 319 with 9 hrs and 33 rbis. Why would they trade him for an average (at best) starting pitcher and a 240 hitter?

Sorry, Smoltz is not the pitcher he was 10 years ago, and he’s not a closer anymore. He has close to a 4.00 ERA. The BoSox aren’t going to trade just because of the name, they need results, and they would be on the wrong side of one of the worst trades in baseball if they did that.

By teoa

June 23, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Nice article, DOB…I absolutely agree the performance of the bullpen has destroyed the confidence of this team. However, I think a lot of the blame has to go to Bobby Cox for his inability to put those pitchers in situations in which they have a chance to succeed.

Reitsma should have been on a short leash from the beginning of the season considering that he gave a strong indication last year that he didn’t have the mental makeup to be a closer. I know there weren’t any other obvious closer candidates early in the year, but Bobby had to try something. Anything. I think it would have been good for team morale for the players to see that their manager was at least trying to find a solution rather than setting them up to lose every time they had a lead of 1-4 runs in the 9th. None of the other relievers were allowed to settle into a consistent role, and they all begin to press as the criticism of Reitsma mounted. A team with a bad closer is perceived to have a bad bullpen, no matter what the other guys are doing. (Of course there is good reason for that perception — every other manager in baseball has enough sense to put their best reliever in the closer spot, so logic follows that if the closer is bad, the other guys must be really bad. This is often not the case with the Braves, however, since Bobby Cox rarely makes the logical move — or the move with the highest statistical probability of working.) This had to eventually have an effect on the hitters, the starting pitchers — everyone. I’m sure none of them would ever publicly criticize Bobby, but the Reitsma situation had to be terribly frustrating to everyone — kind of like beating your head against a wall over and over and over again.

Before Reitsma was replaced as closer, I’m sure the hitters were all trying to hit 5 run HRs and the pitchers thought they had to pitch complete game shutouts to have a chance to win. And as we’re seeing now, it’s pretty hard to turn around a team that’s been psychologically beaten down to this extent — especially when you’re asking a rookie pitcher to anchor the pen. There would have been enough pressure on an inexperienced closer early in the year, but at this point Ray must feel like the weight of the entire team rests on his shoulders.

And then of course there is Bobby’s mishandling of Remlinger. It is an undeniable, statistically provable fact that bringing Remlinger into a late inning situation to face a lefty is just a horrible move. Yet Bobby continues to do it over and over and over again with predictably disasterous results every time. Last night was another prime example of how Bobby sets this team up for failure.

You are right to criticize these pitchers, and Scheurholtz for not getting a closer and/or more for Estrada than Villarreal and Cormier, and I think people are right to criticize McDowell. (Leo’s critics like to point out that last year’s pen was horrible as well and that is true, but this year’s pen is reaching unprecedented levels of suckdom. Take Reitsma for example: Leo’s merely bad Reitsma with his 4 ERA looks like Mariano Rivera in comparison to McDowell’s worst-closer-in-history Reistma with his 9+ ERA.) But I also think you can’t underestimate Bobby’s inability to adapt his managerial strategy to the strengths of his players. When his players have less talent than usual, then his shortcomings as a manager become a real liability. No longer is it enough for the Braves to have a figurehead chearleader manager — now they need a manager that has the strategical acumen to maximize the talent of a mediocre team. Bobby Cox is not the man for that job.

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

P.S. Why is everybody so tied up on the Sosa move to the closer role? We have to actually get to the ninth inning with a lead before we even think about worrying about that.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Shawn B. if YOU didn’t read some of the above posts about smoltz and his 8 million dollar salary for next year,and how the “trade” system in MLB works, I’ll repeat them for you.

Because Smoltz will only make 8 million next year, he is VERY tradeable. Nobody wants to give up good prospects for a player that has a huge over-valued contract. (Like Chipper - as much as I say trade him, who’s gonna take his salary with his recent production, even if he accepts a trade - Braves would have to “EAT” some of it - which DOB said they won’t due, they aren’t going to “pay” sombody to “take” him off their hands)

Yes, the Braves aren’t going to get a prospect that will have Smoltz’ ability “next year”. That’s why they call them a prospect. It took the Braves 4 years (if not longer) to see the “fruits” of the Smoltz/Alexander trade in 87.

By me suggesting the Braves trade Smoltz and such for prospects, means I’m willing to not be that competitive next year, just so long as the “future” looks bright. I’d rather (sadly as it sounds) “lose” Smoltz now for 2 or 3 good pitcher of the future, than keep Smoltz, have him retire and be left with nothing. That’s reality.

I’d be willing to bet we’d get a MINIMUM of 2 top notch prospects at the deadline for Smoltz from a team that feels they are 1 dominant SP away from making their mark in the postseason. Can you name me anybody in MLB baseball that’s been as good as Smoltz has in the playoffs? I don’t think we’ll make the playoffs again for a year or two. By then, Smoltz will be long gone. So why do we need him? Not to brush him out the door, but I’m guessing he’s not in the “mood” for rebuilding - which is what the Braves are doing whether you like it or want to see it for what it is!

As for Andruw, it’s pretty much the same. Are the Braves going to be able to AFFORD his next contract. Unless the new ownership says the payroll can be raised, I say the Braves can’t afford him and will lose out, just like they did with Furcal. It’s because of the unknown plans of the new ownership that I say don’t trade Andruw in the middle of this season. Wait to find out what the “plan” is from the new owners. If the payroll isn’t changing, trade him in the offseason, sombody like Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox with a lot of money to spend or the willingness to spend money would probably trade for him if they would be given the opportunity to work out longterm contract before the trade.

Hudson falls into the same category as Smoltz. He’s pretty affordable next year. Not so much after that. Somebody would give “somthing” up for him. If the Braves are convinced he’s going to be dominant and worth that contract for the next 3 years. (I’m not by the way) Keep him and build the rotation around him. If they don’t, trade him. Because if you thinkg Hampton’s salary is going to be a “killer” to the payroll next year, Imagine 2 season of Hampton making about the same ammount of money in 2008 and 2009. Not Pretty if he ain’t performing.

That’s all. I’m not saying gut this team because I’m frustrated over this season, and this season has been pretty hard to watch. I’m saying gut this team so in 2 or three years the Braves have a very good group of young players that can make some serious noise.

By teoa

June 23, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

ugadawg, it’s ridiculous to say Smoltz is a #3 starter. He would have been a 20 game winner last year without 6 blown saves behind him and would be 9-5 (better than that if he played for a team like the Mets or Red Sox) if not for 5 more this year. He would be on pace for another All Star selection and would be viewed as another Pedro Martinez/Curt Schilling Hall of Fame pitcher. I just don’t understand why people direct the blame for this disaster of a team at the one true winner left. It is not Smoltz’s fault that he plays for a bad team with a worse bullpen.

By Chop Chop

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

Rob,

I didn’t say Bobby had any other choices. I’m just laughing at the choices available to him. Schuerholz really hung him out to dry this year. Bobby’s a future Hall of Famer because of the winning consistency of the Braves. No other manager has ever pulled off as many good seasons in a row. Even so, Sosa’s never been good out of the pen. There’s no reason to believe he will be with the Braves, but he stinks in the rotation and he has to be utilized somewhere.

And you’re right about Bobby not being afraid to try something and risk ridicule. After all, he’s tried to use Remlinger as a lefty specialist whenever he’s been on the team. It’s never worked. In case you haven’t figured it out, Bobby’s not the best strategist in the world.

As for resorting to name calling, Rob, that’s beneath me. I don’t know you and never will know you, so I’ll just assume you’re a Bobby Cox fan and leave it at that. I’m sure Bobby appreciates your defense of him and that he’ll mention you when he gives his speech in Cooperstown. I can almost imagine it…

Cox: “I just want to thank everyone who supported me throughout my 45+ years in baseball. Only one person really sticks out, though. That’s right, Rob. We did it!”

By The Truth

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

Can we just trade the entire team for a bag of fresh donuts ???? Home Depot would swap a bag of their best turd for two bags of the Braves worst turd. Now that is a deal. Rebuild around that, you HOMERS.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

ugadawg. I’m with you on Smoltz. I do think however, he would step up to the challange in the post season. He is obviously frustrated over the blowing leads. If you havn’t check the stats (he has the most blown leads after he leaves a game than any starter in baseball -5) If it wouldn’t be for those, he’d have what, 9 wins. 9-5 with a 3.50 ERA. Not too bad as far as I’m concerned. I think he’s pressing like he has no faith (justifiably) in the bullpen. He knows he can’t make mistakes - which is possibly causing his mistakes.

You telling me ANY of the teams in the playoff push wouldn’t love to have him in their postseason rotation - even if he was the number 2 or 3 guy. So with that question I’ll give you that he isn’t a “number 1” starter. But if you read my epic “longer than the bible” post, you’ll see that I was asking for 2 or 3 “above average to dominant” guys. Later in the post I referred to him as a number 1 starter - my mistake. But he is for one still very servicably and two far and away the best pitcher on this current staff (reliever or starter) Take out his first two starts on the west coast (in the rain - I sound like Bobby now - shoot me! LOL) and he’s been pretty darn consistant.

As far as him being closer. I couldn’t agree with you more. This team would for sure still be in the race with him in the closers roll. Bobby would’ve certainly found a way to put Ray in the eigth inning role and VOILA! There are our 8th and 9th inning guys. Not sure who the “2 or 3” reliable starters would be. But with a dominant closer you’d like our chances to find sombody to get the job done. But then again, that still doesn’t solve the 6th & 7th inning relievers LOL!

But you made a lot of sense. Hope I cleared up my “opinion”.

By HOMER

June 23, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Truth,

I would take the donut deal straight up but I would need at least a bag and a half of the Home Depot turd for two bags our Braves turd.

Love Homer

By nathan

June 23, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone

I’d have to think about it if I was JS. To me the Andruw sitiuation is the easiest one to decide on because he will acutally be a Free Agent after next year. It’s simple if the think they can afford him and still put a GOOD team on the field. By all means keep him. If they don’t, he’s gotta be traded if not this offseason, by the deadline next year.

So if you are asking me if I would just trade him to trade him. No. It would purely be “business” if I was JS. Of course he’s fun to watch (pretty inconsistant) but he can’t be expected to do it all the time everyday by himself, can he? I guess if they are going to pay 20 million a year for him - he should!)

By teoa

June 23, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Nathan, it’s not time for a Florida Marlins type firesale. You don’t do that unless your payroll is 15 mil and you have absolutely no chance to win for the foreseeable future. That is not the case with the Braves. Believe it or not, this team is not as far away from being good as you think. This year has been wasted, but I don’t think that’s reason to throw away next year as well. Really, if they can add a leadoff hitter, a closer, and a few decent arms in the pen, get Hampton back close to full strength, develop James and Davies, you could see a completely different team next year. And you don’t have to trade away a still-great Hall of Fame pitcher to do that. And who’s to say that Smoltz doesn’t have 3-4 years left the way guys like Glavine and Clemens are throwing now? I think his change in mechanics may result in a few more years at his current level. And trading away the best pitcher on the team sends the message that you are giving up hope for the immediate future. Bad move.

By Paul Hamilton

June 23, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I don’t see the Braves trading Smoltz at the deadline. As much as he has meant to this team, I think the Braves owe it to him to pick up his option next year at $8million, which I think is a pretty good deal. The Braves are far from rebuilding mode. The sale of the Braves has weighed on the fans and the team. Add the stats that D’Obrien mentioned about our pathetic excuse for a double A bullpen and you get some ugly results. I stated in another blog that if you trade or drop Giles, Remlinger, Sosa, Ramirez, Pratt, Jordan, Reitsma, and I think one other you have like 15.8 million to spend on the bullpen. That is two top notch relievers to go with some of our young guys. Betemit takes over for Giles, Davies replaces Sosa, James takes over for Thompson, our other young catcher takes over for Pratt, and S.T. replaces Jordan. All these guys are young and make very little money so the bulk of that can be used on relief pitching. Add on the fact that Smoltz option will give us another $3million, well you see what I mean. You could also throw Laroche and Langerhans on the fire and see what you come up with. Mike Hampton is the man we should drop(although noone would take him), he is the highest paid player on the team. He’s making like 15 million a season. Imagine what that would allow the Braves to sign. Mike Hampton is by far the most overpaid player in the history of the game.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Actually Rob. BJ Ryan had two outstandin (according to Peter Gammons) years as the set up guy in Baltimore before he became the fulltime closer last year. Remind you of anybody…..say Mariano Rivera?

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Teoa,

I realize that with a decent bullpen, Smoltz’ win-loss record would be better. But first of all, no pitcher on this earth can expect the bullpen to hold every lead, so you can’t assume that every one would have been preserved. Regardless, he is currently 15th in the NL in ERA (31st in the majors) with a 3.78. That is not a #1 starter for most teams, and definitely not All-Star worthy. It’s just average.

I don’t care what his post-season record is, we have lost our chance at going there, and I believe a portion of the blame is on his shoulders, because had he stayed the closer, how many of those games that Reeksma blew would he have saved?

Same thing last year. There is no way anybody can convince me that the Braves record last year was better than it would have been had Smoltz stayed the closer. Just imagine what the record would have been without ever hearing the name Dan Kolb…

By Sponge Bob

June 23, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

And maybe if they could trade the entire roster for my son’s t-ball team, the town would imbrace the youngsters again. Just a thought for you HOMERS. The Braves just SUCK …. Face It …..

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Remlinger: Lefties are hitting .289 against him, slugging .400 and getting on base at a .347 clip.

McBride: Lefties are hitting .158 against him, slugging .158 and getting on base at a .273 clip.

Ten of McBride’s twelve strikeouts have come against lefties. He’s walked an alarming eighteen hitters this year, but only five of them were lefties. On the flip side, he’s walked thirteen(!) righties and struck out two of them.

In other words, McBride is your lefty specialist. There’s no reason for Remlinger to ever be used specifically for those situations unless a hitter is just really terrible against lefties (think LaRoche-like).

By nathan

June 23, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Nice job on the “cooperstown” speech of Bobby Cox Chop Chop.

Now the sarcasm gloves are comin off people! That’s what I like to see LOL!

I just wanna say, I love you all! Hate me if you want, I like to have fun. Somthing’s gotta distract me from this disater of a baseball season. Braves in 2009! Let’s get Rockin!

By berigan

June 23, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Seeing Chipper in the Dugout last night, I saw dark circles under his eyes, don’t kid yourself, this is killing him. And I am sure he is wondering why he restructured his contract.

By Rick

June 23, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

ugadawg

You have no vision. Starting pitching wins in the playoffs. Smoltz has the experience that the Red Sox would need in a short series. Schilling, Smoltz, Wakefield, Beckett…..that sounds good to me. Any team would take that to the bank. Youklis has been popular only this year. Red Sox would trade Jesus Christ if it would win them the division and the World Series.

By teoa

June 23, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

Disregard my previous post — just noticed that DOB said the exact same thing earlier. Nothing more needs to be said…It’s stupid to trade away your entire team because of one bad year.

By Shawn B

June 23, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Nathan,

Your suggestion on trading Smoltz includes the point that you don’t care about being competitive NEXT season either. Well I don’t agree with that. Now I may agree with you if the Braves could get TWO top prospects that are close to major league ready, but I don’t really know how possible that would be. I would not consider trading him for one top prospect, the Braves have plenty of prospects in the system already, one more I don’t think would be worth selling out next season already. And as far as Smoltz being affordable to another team next season, does the team option the Braves have for him transfer to a team he is traded to? I don’t know the answer to that, but that would be an important point in the above argument.

By Major Harris

June 23, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Bowman would provide a beating on DOB similar to the one that WVU placed on Georgia in the first quarter of the sweetest Sugar Bowl ever played.

By ugadawg

June 23, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

rick,

I don’t care how much starting pitching wins playoffs. The BoSox are too smart to trade one of their most productive hitters for an average starter and a horrible hitter. You through in Salty for the trade and they might consider it.

But why in the world would you want Youkilis in the first place? The bullpen is what needs help. Last thing we need is another rent-a-player at first base. That serves no purpose. Plus, LaRoche is 3rd on the team in RBIs despite his low average and frequency of strikeouts. It’s clear he’s not the problem. Let’s fix the areas that need fixing.

By Shawn B

June 23, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

And on Andruw, he is an MVP candidate, Gold Glove center fielder, the Braves HAVE to be able to afford him. If that isn’t worth being your highest payed player, then what is?

By Barney

June 23, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Smoltz’s best days have long gone …. Just cut all ties and let him just tread water until he find another job selling used tires in the hood.

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

My belief is that the only way Smoltz gets traded is if they’re blown away by an offer this year OR the Braves aren’t very good during next season and have no real chance to make the postseason.

And Shawn, the team option would transfer to the team he’s traded to. It’s part of his contract.

By Don

June 23, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

This “we’d be OK if Smoltz was still the closer” is nonsense for several reasons:

• Last year Smoltz would have pitched maybe 70 innings instead of 230. Who on last year’s Braves staff would have eaten up the other 160 innings with less than a 5 ERA?

• People have short memories. I remember watching the Braves lose 2 or 3 five game postseason series with guys like Russ Ortiz starting and Smoltz sitting in the bullpen waiting in vain for a save situation. A dominant starting pitcher can win 2 games in a 5 game playoff series almost by himself while a closer can sit and rot if you can’t get the games to him with a lead.

• Where are the starting pitchers on this year’s team to go 8 innings and/or where are the setup guys who can go a couple of innings to get it to Smoltz in the 9th? 5 of this year’s blown saves have come behind Smoltz. He couldn’t have started and saved those games and if somebody else had started them the closer would have been irrevelant.

• To be charitable, the Braves have put 2 servicable major league pitchers on the field this year, Smoltz (#2 starter quality) and Hudson (#3-#4 starter quality). Given that I’d rather take my chances getting 200+ innings out of Smoltz than 60-70.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

teoa.

You might be right. But that doesn’t solve the “Andruw Contract” issue at the end of next year. It doesn’t solve the fact that Hudson not being what we thought we were getting. No guarantee on what we get out of Hampton next year other than about the same salary check that’s going to Andruw every two weeks. The best way to “replenish” the bullpen is through trades. Obviously drafting a college closer and “fastracking” them doesn’t work. Not to say that Devine is a lost cause - but he might be. LaRoche has to go. If they choose to “keep” everybody, that means that the leadoff hitter next year comes out of 2B or LF (assuming Giles goes) And if Giles goes and they keep Betemit there (not a horrible idea), Betemit would have to bat Leadoff. While I’m convinced Betemit would perform well if he played everyday, I’m not sure if he is any better of an option than Giles at leadoff, even though he seems to be more selective at the plate. So that leaves LF. Well than obviously that means they’d have to be giving up on Langerhans. Sounds fine to me. But if these young guys would be given a chance to actually develop (Langerhans isn’t actually that young anymore), rather than having a “winning” tradition put pressure on them, they just might be OK in a couple of years.

So in my opinion, which I’m sure is obvious after this post, they do need to be in FIRESALE mode. If they were only a “couple” of tweaks away from being good. JS wouldv’e fixed it already, even if that meant mortgaging the future by trading salty, to perpetuate his ego and this streak.

I’ll quote an old Eastern Airlines commercial for you other old timers out there. I think this kind of says it all in more ironic wasy than one! It went somthing like this:

“The Airline that doesn’t plan for the future, doesn’t have a future”

I don’t care who you are, that right there is FUNNY!

By Lew

June 23, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

I have learned this much in life-never ask what can happen next and never say it can’t get any worse than this. Fate has a morbid sense of humor.

By Blogger

June 23, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is no better than a marginal starter and as far as relievers go, he is no better than a poor mop-up man. He just needs to fade away like an old fart.

By teoa

June 23, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

It’s also stupid to blame Smoltz for not being the closer. He says at this point in his career, it’s not something that he’s capable of doing. Accept it. It’s not a bad thing that Smoltz is “only” a really good starting pitcher now — last time I checked a team needs good starting pitchers too. It’s kind of like saying that the reason the Braves don’t have a good leadoff hitter is because Andruw bulked up and lost his ability to steal bases. I guess if Andruw had stayed skinny, he could have solved the whole leadoff problem, and the need for a cleanup hitter would have just worked itself out. Right. If Smoltz was the closer, he would be shortening his career, the Braves starting pitching would be almost as bad as this bullpen, the relievers would have to pitch more innings, and there would be much fewer save opportunities to blow. In other words, you all would be saying: If Smoltz would stop being selfish and go back to starting, all of this team’s problems would magically work themselves out. Sure they would.

By Josh

June 23, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

UGADAWG,

The bullpen as well as a lot of other things need fixing. I think that having a player like Youkilis would be beneficial to the team, but the sox just wouldnt make a trade like that. Come on now, u know Youkilis would be a good asset to the team.

By Gota love em

June 23, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I would love for them to take Chipper out and see if the lineup explodes under Andruw like they did last year. My fear is that Andruw is a leader but with Chipper there he wont lead. We all know that Chipper has been in state of decline over the last few years. Sorry but fact is fact. Take the old sour puss out and see what happens to the lineup with Andruw leading the crew. I mean come on, could we do much worse here?

By nathan

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

Good question on the Smoltz option. I don’t know. Maybe that would be a stipulation if he allowed a trade to either guarantee that option or void it all together making him a free agent.

As far as the competitive next year thing. If JS is as “good” as everybody says he is at evaluating talent. Then it shouldn’t be that hard for him to rebuild from scratch with the some more money in the bank by trading players. I mean, who thought this year would be this bad? I was just going to say that I’d rather have a “bad” or “off” year like in 1990, when you could see the promise of young talent kind of on the horizon. But now that I think of it, that’s exactly what this team this year is. Aging veterans a little past their prime that won’t be around when the team starts winning again, good young core at the major leagues and coming up in minors, a closer and a few good arms away in the bullpen from competing on a nightly basis.

Scary isn’t it?

By Lew

June 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

You got that right. At this point in time anything we try CAN’T be worse than what’s been going on. I don’t know if a firesale is what we need, but SOMETHING needs to be done to shake things up. Maybe if Chipper had punched out Remlinger for his comments on his terrible throw last week. Maybe if someone played loud music in the clubhouse without headphones BC would get PO’Ed and throw the banquet table against the wall.

By Lickadyslit

June 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

First, trade Cox and Schuerholz for a couple of hot dogs. Second, trade all five starters and the entire bullpen for a large sack of potato chips. Third, trade your everyday starters for a liter of Coke. Fourth, trade your entire bench for a table cloth. And finally, enjoy a picnic. See ya next year you LOSERS.

By gotigers72

June 23, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

It is definitely time to start buildomg for 2007. If Reitsma is coming off the DL soon, please get him traded. I assume he can’t be sent down to Richmond. I agree that the bullpen blowing lead after lead after lead has demoralized the whole team. To be honest, except for Smoltz and a couple of games by Hudson, the starters haven’t been much better.

If Reitsma’s troubles were because he was hurt, then he should be ashamed for not telling the trainers or Bobby Cox. Even when he wasn’t hurt, except for one month last year, he wasn’t so hot anyway. I say clean the whole ‘pen out and start over. Keep McBride and Stockman. Stockman hasn’t had enough appearances to show whether he is good enough to stay or not. McBride has the stuff, he just needs to learn to throw strikes. So does the whole staff. Hudson walking the bases loaded in an inning in 2 of his last few appearances is ridiculous. McDowell needs to find a way to teach them to throw strikes. Maybe he needs to get fired up occasionally like Leo did. He just sits there, unemotional, doesn’t seem like he has any passion, although I’m sure he does. Boy, there was no question when Leo was pi**ed. He would do some chewing at times when he visited the mound. At least he got his point across.

Anyway, quit holding on to these “veterans” that can’t cut it anymore, [and I don’t include Chipper in that group] and bring up some youngsters and let them get experience for next year and the years after.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Lew, lew, lew! Welcome to the sarcastic Club!!

Love the Chipper puchout Remlinger comment (thought I’d rather he pulled a “kingpin” moment and slam his left hand in the clubhouse door! LOL

I said it about two weeks ago, this team needs to take a page from Major League 2. And get in a Bench Clearing Brawl…….which each other!

Oh, and Lickadyslit: Don’t be ridiculous! Speaking of trades NOBODY would make, it doesn’t take a genius to see that nobody is going to give up more than a 20oz. bottle of coke for these everyday starters!

Nice touch!

By J.C.G.

June 23, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

The Braves are screw again and again. The GM needs to be fired for effect yes I said it becasue it seems he not wise enough to now that he must rebuilded the bullpen. Help! thats all I am a braves fan for 14 1/2 years please don’t give up I beganing you Atlanta Brave Player.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Lew is it just me, or doesn’t it seems like 3 or 4 weeks ago that the play with Remlinger and Chipper took place. Everything is like it’s in slow motion with this losing streak.

Where’s DOB at?

I just thought of somthing that could help these guys out. McGriff should show up in that “power blue” baseball uniform with a truck load of those Tom Emanski DVD’s for everybody. “This is definitely the baseball instruction video for YOU! (finger pointing at the camera!) Man, that commercial just KILLs me. LOL

Since things are down right now, me and my buddy were joking the other day about how Zane Smith looked the one of the Daryl’s (this is my brother daryl and my other brother daryl fame) from the Newhart show a few years back. So I’ll pose this question for anybody who wants to play along.

Try and come up with the names of the “ugliest” MLB players of all time. Here is my top three:

1) Zane Smith

2) Willie McGee

3) Otis Nixon (quite possibly the skinnies human being that ever lived)

Give me what you got people! Let’s have some fun.

By just4fun

June 23, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is the reason the team is in a funk! He has lost more games by his stupid “lefty-righty” hang-up than Reitsma and Kolb put together. Look up the numbers man … how can you keep on doing the same stupid things over and over??? Demoralizing to everyone out there trying to win against their own manager’s stupid moves!!!!

By Don

June 23, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Trade Reitsma? What can you get for a reliever with a 9 ERA these days? More like release him.

By teoa

June 23, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are this bad at this time next year, then it might be time to trade Andruw. I just don’t think a 10 game losing streak means you give up on this year and next year. I think it’s entirely possible the entire batting order would fall into place with a good leadoff/base stealing second baseman (although I am beginning to wonder if Chipper will ever be a legitimate 3-hitter again.) I would like to see LaDouche replaced next year with either Thormon, Salty, or Betemit. I think Langer/Diaz is actually a pretty good left field platoon and would make for a well above average #8 hitter.

I also think a dominant closer would make everyone else in the pen better, whoever that is. Relievers are better if they are allowed to settle into consistent roles.

Some of the other holes (starting pitching for example) should be okay with a little better luck when it comes to injuries and the development of the young guys.

Nathan, I disagree with your point that Scheurholtz would’ve fixed the problem if only a couple of moves were required. Since spring training, everyone has known that the Braves needed a closer and a leadoff hitter and nothing was done.

I agree, this year isn’t salvageable. But next year, in terms of going outside of the organization, I still think those are the two main problem areas. They can be solved either through trades or free agency. If they decide to go the trade route, then there are enough prospects to make that happen without giving away any valuable major leaguers now — especially Smoltz and Andruw.

Okay, I’ve got to get some work done. I’ll turn it over to you fantasy GMs for the rest of the day…I expect you to maintain your current pace of 1 post every 5 minutes at least for the rest of the day. Post first, think later…

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Post first, think later?

I’ve been thinking about most of these moves for the last 4 weeks!

And as far as my “distrust” of Bobby and JS, that’s been going on since about 1997.

But if it makes you feel better, I’ll continue to think about it for the next decade as they both sit in the respective spots (luxury suite and end of the bench) for 10 more grueling years.

By MGL

June 23, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Terry Mulholland is available for the pen. He has been a pretty servicable pitcher over the years. He’s been on the DL and has only pitched in 5 games this year, but his ERA is only 9.00. In addition, he is only 43 but can still provide some more veteran leadership. Looks like he would fit right in.

By bravesfansince1966

June 23, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Did anyone enjoy hearing OUR announcers (Pete and Skip) last night? Even though we lost again, I actually enjoyed the call of the game.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Bring him aboard! The old duo of Grey Beard and Gray Beard, UNITED ONCE AGAIN.

Don’t laugh. JS has probably been in contact with his agent! LOL

By bravesfansince1966

June 23, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Nathan— Are you an idiot?

By Paul Hamilton

June 23, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

D’Obrien is there any possibility the Cardinals would trade us Wainwright for Giles?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Why would you personaly attack me and call me an idiot?

By bravesfansince1966

June 23, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

I simply asked the question— I did not say you are! Your comments about Cox and JS are so ignorant trhat it makes one wonder… Has any other team in HISTORY ever won titles 14 consecutive years?? The have a proven record of success!

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

If it’s because of my opinions on Braves baseball. That’s all open to debate.

If it’s because of my silly “game” of name the ugly guys. I figured that might get on sombody’s “nerves” just trying to have some fun. If that bothered you I can understand, unless you find them “attractive”. Then that scares me.

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

WE WIN TONIGHT, THIS MUST END!!!

By b

June 23, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Amen Don!

By tigger101023

June 23, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

I can’t disagree about the current state of affairs or flaws in roster construction. Although, I do have more faith in Sosa to help the pen than most. The 1st inning is by far his best inning this year.

That said, I do have one quibble with DOB’s great blog entry: To start the year, the pen was quite good. We were hitting very, very well and got at least 10 consecutive bad-to-dreadful starts from our rotation to start the year. I believe the pen pitched well over half the innings on that first West Coast trip and actually did pretty well. MUCH better than the rotation. They were the only reason we were able to catch up to within a run.

So it was legit for the hitters to say “they’ll pick us up later” because they KNEW the rotation would get better. The pen wasn’t the problem yet.

By the time the rotation got their act together and went on a tear, I believe Chipper, Rent and Marcus all got hurt together and derailed the offense.

I would say that the wheels hadn’t really fallen off until the bullpen the roadtrip ending with a sweep of the Cubs. But that’s just how I see it.

But you are right now - the pen is so terrible that it’s affected the whole team.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve typed this stuff about Cox and JS for so long the last two weeks, I really don’t wanna repeat it. But here goes:

I don’t hate Bobby Cox or JS. I think Bobby’s STRENGTHS are how he handles a team (keeping it on an even keel, judging talent - I think he makes a better GM than manager, usually he has been good at putting guys in “position” to succeed, etc….) All of that he is good at. However, I feel (just my opinion) that he has WAAAAAY too much faith in aging veterans, plays players and lets them “make” the roster based on past performance, rather that what they are capable of doing in the near future (ala: Jordan over Jurries this spring), and surely he simply has lost a little bit of his marbles based on how long it took him last year to stop putting kolb out there and how long it took him to do the same with Reitsma, not to mention he STILL hasn’t figured out that Remlinger can’t get lefties out. (or anybody for that matter)

As for JS. He’s done some GREAT things in the past. But I had mile long post last week detailing my opinions on his “no brainer moves (Maddux, McGriff, Neagle, Big Cat, Sheffield, Grissom etc…) And even some of his more “gutsy take a chance” moves more recently (JD Drew, Dennis Martinez, Jaret Wright, Chirs Hammond, Renteria etc…..)

But he quite simply had an easy job to do, when it came to signing free agents in the past when “everybody and their dogs” wanted to be an atlanta brave. Back when the future looked bright. I say that because, of all the guys that took “home town” discounts to stay here, and free agents from other teams never seemed to break the bank when coming here as free agents. THEY WANTED TO BE BRAVES AT ANY PRICE.

The fact that he flat out ignored or operated last season on blind faith of the bullpen guys that were already here, shows his arrogance, IMO. I believe he should’ve unloaded sombody last off season to clear up payroll to land a big time closer. Yeah, the fans would’ve gasped at the time. But if the “pipeline” of talant is as good as he claims it is. It would’ve been easier to either bring up a prospect to fill an everyday position or trade for one than to try and trade for a Legit closer in the middle of the season. I’m sure in all fairness to him and Bobby, they didn’t expect all of the dropoffs from the “superstars” like Giles, Chipper, Hudson and or the injuries. You never can predict those. But it just seems like he’s lost his touch.

Maybe we’ve been spoiled for so long. I know I have. But everybody wants to give them so much credit after all of these years. It really is simple people. WE HAD 3 HOF PITCHERS IN OUR ROTATION FOR A DECADE. JUST ABOUT ANY TEAM CAN WIN 90 GAMES IN A SEASON IF YOU’VE GOT THREE 18-20 GAME WINNERS AND A CLOSER ON YOUR PITCHING STAFF.

By supa

June 23, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Are Chad Paronto and McCay McBride long-lost brothers? They’re both built like catchers and have the same dumb-founded look when Bobby gives them the yank.

By supa

June 23, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Are Chad Paronto and McCay McBride long-lost brothers? They’re both built like catchers and have the same dumb-founded look when Bobby gives them the yank.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Nathan heres my pick three and i dont figure to be in the race lol lol 1. Rick Camp 2. Otis Nixon (sorry to copy but he has to be on this list 3.Dave justice (im being silly,rember what halle barry said about him in briefs?)

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

You guys realize that the next time the Braves win it’ll be like winning game 7 of the World Series.

By tigger101023

June 23, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

McBride would be a very useful member of the pen if used properly . His L/R splits have reverted back to 2005-like. Meaning that he gets out lefties very well and can’t get out righties worth a lick. Check out his splits on Yahoo! if you don’t believe me. 13 of his 18 walks are vs. right-handers!! 5 BB vs. lefties in ~12 IP is sitll too many, but it’s way better than 13 BB in ~10 innings vs. righties. His splits are SOOOOOO dramatic.

I think Bobby really wanted him to succeed as a set-up type guy because we need one, but he can’t do it. He can face maybe 1 righty in an outing, but for the most part, he’s the pefect LH specialist and nothing more. Stop trying to make him something he’s not and you’ll be happy with the results.

Never use Remlinger as the LH specialist and always use McBride, and we would make some progress.

By Spike

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

I agree that the bullpen has been bad, but to just pin the losses on them is unfair. This team has had consistent opportunities to go into the eighth and ninth innings with more than just a one run lead and they are not only unable to hit with men in scoring position, they can’t even get a bat on the ball to advance the runners like most good teams do.You can have outs that are useful or you can swing and miss at three straight pitches with the bases loaded, which has happened twice in the last four games. To say the bullpen has created the way the team is playing now is using them as a scapegoat for a team without a true clubhouse leader who can break a few things and get them moving again, and for a team that doesn’t play fundamental baseball at all. It’s a team game.

By Don

June 23, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

Randy Johnson, with the long hair he had in the Expos-Mariners days, has to be captain of the all-ugly team. And the Veterans Committee says don’t forget Yogi Berra.

By Nate Raymond in Maine

June 23, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

I dont think trading Smoltz is a good idea. We need to get rid of the people who arent doing their job. Like chipper jones. He has to go. Last night I ws watching the game and when he came up i said well here is a out and we havent won a game for 10 days. That is what happened. Trade chipper for a good leadoff hitter. He is done and a waste of money. If he wanted to win badly than he would get the team going. I still have faith that we will make the playoffs but we have to make a huge trade first.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

I accidentally hit post (tab key?) before I was done ranting LOL!

So bravesfansince1966, you asked the question: “has any other team in HISTORY ever won titles 14 years in a row?”

Has any other team in History had pitchers the likes of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz for nearly 14 years.

And yes I realize Maddux didn’t come until 1993, but Avery was damn near as good in 91 & 92 so it’s a wash (plus as I stated last week - actually I agreed with another post - much to how everybody wants to downplay the one bad pitch to Puckett in the 1991 WS - Leibrandt was pretty darn good in 91 and 92 too.)

So your next question is probably going to be, “What about since Maddux and Glavine left”? That’s a good question. JS and Bobby have done some of their best work the last 3 or 4 years. I commend them for that. But what if Andruw doesn’t finally live up to all the hype last year? What we are going through right now would’ve started las june if Andruw has his typical 30 HR 100 RBI season, don’t you think. HE CARRIED THAT TEAM FOR 2 MONTHS. Not to mention what Francoeur did his first month. Are Bobby and JS responsible for those two guys busting out like that? In my opinion if you answer yes, then they have to also be responsible for the players failures this year. You can’t give them all the credit when it goes good then NOT blame them when it fails.

I’m not trying to argue with you. I could be and most likely am out of my flipping mind. I’m just calling like I see it. I’ve watched damn near every game that’s been on TBS for the last 25 years. I usually tape them to watch them later, even if I know the outcome - because I love Braves Baseball. I have the MLB radio on the internet to listen to the games now that TBS shows about 12 games a year! LOL. And judging by you “moniker” you’ve been a fan since 1966. See, I’m not such an idiot.

I don’t have a problem with you disagreeing with my opinion, which is all it is. But don’t ask me if I’m an idiot, or assume that my comments are “heat of the moment” or not thought out. They may be misguided or wrong, but I KNOW WHAT I THINK.

It’s all good, dude. That’s what thes blogs are for. Debate is awesom. I love talking/arguing/discussing EVERYBODY’S thoughts on these blogs, so let’s keep it up.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Mcbride and Ray have been ok for the most part all releavers suffer therough rough times even Lidge and Wagner had rough stretches

Still when these two are the best you have in your bull pen ,man you are in big trouble which we sure are lol

By nathan

June 23, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Don and Hal…….thanks for “playing”

Yogi definitely is top ten….good call!

Keep em coming!

I’m going to get somthing to eat. For those of you that hate me or are annoyed by me, sorry, I’ll be back when the game starts! To the rest of you…..I’ll type at you later!

By tigger101023

June 23, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Oops, Chop Chop already made my McBride points for me - it’s a long blog to read

And there was someone who asked about almost ready pitchers? There are several that are right around AAA level. Between Boyer, Devine, Lerew, James, and Startup, I think we’ll get 1 or 2 for next year’s pitching staff. Maybe more if we’re lucky.

And we drafted at least 3 more college pitchers this year that could be ready sometime in 2008 in Gunderson (Oregon State closer), Hyde and Gustafson (2 Georgia Tech pitchers). Hyde and Gunderson both looked very good in the CWS this year.

By Hal

June 23, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Theres actually a web site “baseballs ugliest players of the (whatever) decades Randy Johnsonand Charlie Obrien were picked for the90s

Steve Balboni and Pete Vuckovich from the 80s

Don Mossi was picked from the 5os i rember that dude,man it looked like he was going to take off and fly lol

By stinky jones

June 23, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Nate Raymond in Maine, who in the devil is going to take Chipper Jones in a trade? Other GM’s know that he sucks. Who in their right mind would take on 11 mil in salary for a washed up egomaniac?

By micah

June 23, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Rick, I’m sorry, but your posts are the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen. You actually think the Red Sox would trade Kevin Youkilis and Jon Lester/Lenny DiNardo for Smoltz and LaRoche? What are you smoking, dude? The fact that you think Jon Lester and Lenny DiNardo are equivalent pitchers is mind-numbing. Lester could be the next Andy Pettitte. DiNardo is an AAAA guy. They would trade him, I’m sure, but Jon Lester? Kevin Youkilis? The Red Sox would not trade Jesus Christ for a World Series. That is exactly the reason why Theo Epstein quit in November, because he felt like he was going to be forced to do that. You may have noticed that he’s back now, and the only way he would ever trade Youkilis or Lester, forget both of them at once, for a 39-year-old pitcher and a crappy-hitting first baseman, is if you put a gun to his head. Theo Epstein is far from an idiot. He is very much a “big picture” guy. And doing that trade would be the worst trade in the history of Boston.

By John Balint

June 23, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Last night made me realize why the hated Yankees can win with poor pitching…they are not afraid to take some pitches, work the count….andget something to hit. First and Third - Renteria up, new pitcher and he weakly hits the first pitch….runner out at the plate. Next batter C. Jones first pitch weak ground ball end of inning. Next inning Andruw doubles….new pticher McCann swings and hits first pitch - fly out to center…Francoeur….first pitch weak fly ball to right….Now, I being the coach would have said “we’ve lost nine in a row…Andruw you tag and run as hard as can” what do we have to lose…another ball game….what does he do he jogshlaf way down watching the ball and game over….Time after time after time…they frustrate the hell out of me….and I’ve been watching this team for a mighty long time…..Patience is not part of their vocabulary….

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

The Red Sox would probably give up Craig Hansen in a deal for Smoltz. With Papelbon throwing lights-out as the closer (and there’s no reason to doubt that he won’t continue to do so), Hansen’s value to the Red Sox is probably better served to be packaged in a trade for a strong starter, Smoltz or otherwise. Hansen’s not really a starter and, although he could be useful as a set-up guy, I don’t think the Red Sox had that in mind for him when they drafted him.

By lefty

June 23, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

“Chipper’s struggling”

By Rick

June 23, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

ugadawg

You can’t fixed the bullpen during the regular season. The Braves need 3 pitchers to really make it a good bullpen. They have to address that in free agency.

My Smoltz trade gets us a first baseman who can hit and lead off. In my view, that solves two problems.

Remember, this season is lost. The pitching has to be addressed during the winter.

By billy

June 23, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By billy

June 23, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

I guess that Andruw homerun did not mean anyting……..wheres the Andruw haters this last week. .524 over the last seven games……

By Taint fair

June 23, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

How in the world is Chipper a DH? More like DDP.

By stinky jones

June 23, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Rick, There’s no such thing as a leadoff firstbaseman.

By GM R

June 23, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

For the last couple of months I have been cutting JS some slack, thinking that the main problem has been payroll cutting by Time Warner and that he has been taking one for his bosses by claiming he could still make trades but didn’t want to. Although I still think that Time Warner are a big part of the problem (primarily by not wishing to spend on a closer and bullpen help in the winter when both were available) I am also coming to the conclusion that JS must share a big piece of the overall blame. We all know that starting pitching has been the strength of this team for the past decade but when JS decided to ditch Maddux and Glavine the big mistake he made was that he failed to find good enough replacements. Hudson has not met the high standards of the old Big 3, and we all know the score with Hampton. If we add to that the Kolb implosion and 2 dubious relief pitchers from Arizona I’m afraid that JS has not had a good couple of years. The Braves only got out of trouble last year because young talent unexpectedly plugged some big gaps (remember Jordan and Mondesi in the outfield? - another JS blooper). This is scary stuff - maybe the captain who could steer luxury liners doesn’t know how to steer humble steamers. Yikes!

By nathan

June 23, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

WOW. Who is that guy in the dugout? And what did he do to Bobby Cox so he could sit there? He looks like, Bobby Cox. But there’s no way that it can be him…..

The Bobby Cox I know wouldn’t leave his best hitter, who happens to be a left handed catcher in the line up to face a lefty. He certainly wouldn’t put a left handed rookie in the lineup against a lefty!

By nathan

June 23, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Predictions:

Here’s mine. The Braves brass will decide against trading smoltz. That’s OK if that’s what the decide to do.

Bobby will continue to run him out there every 5 days. Again, that’s OK.

Here’s where it gets tricky……

Bobby still trying to “make a run” even though the Braves will have fallen 25 games behind the Mets. In the process he says publicly: “Johns, my horse, I’m gonna ride him to the promised land.” After about 6 or 7 straight 120-135 pitch outings, Smoltz’s arm is gonna go all Dave Dravecki on him (for those of you that don’t remember his arm pretty much fell off!)

Thus he is no good to us and not traid bait!

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Smoltz, Smoltz, Smoltz… AJ gives you a 2 run lead and you hand it right back (lucky it wasn’t more). That must have been painful for him, or maybe he is just numb to losing now like the rest of the team…

By billy

June 23, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

uhhhh ohhhhh……..not trading smoltz now…….ugly gets morbid…

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Jeeez, I wonder if losing a 2 run lead right away is even felt by this team anymore… They must all be numb to losing by now.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Oscar couldn’t find his glove. I bet Smoltz and Hudson “hid” it so he couldn’t come into the game! LOL

Looks like Bobby won’t get the chance to BLOW UP John’s arm. Should’ve traded him last week.

What else can go wrong for this team? If I was Bobby, I’d sit McCann and Fracoeur for the rest of the year. The way this season is going they probably will get some sort of “freak” injury like getting poked in the eye by a flying pigeon!

Well, this game aughta be a good one! This bullpen can’t get through one inning without getting BOMBED, how they gonna handle eight!!!!!

By DonCoburleone

June 23, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Oh god, as soon as we all thought it couldn’t get any worse… If we have lost Smoltz, we may now be the worst team in MLB.

By glembo

June 23, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope Smoltz is not irreprabaly harmed. Nathan, do you think Smoltz is irreprabaly harmed?

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

with out smoltz i’d agree we might be in the lower echlon of the MLB

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Why are you asking me? Do you think I caused the injury?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

If DP grounders were cause for excitement, I’d be doing backflips right now. (would’ve been another one if the guy fields it cleanly)

Hey Bobby, how about given Chipper a damn day off! He looks mentally drained.

By glembo

June 23, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Maybe Chipper is irreprabaly harmed.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Billy, not to pick on you, but even WITH Smoltz, we were and are already in the lower echlon of teams. LOL

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

nice….glembo! I like it!

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

I knew that was comming……but you cant takeback post. Lesson to all think before you post……

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

we still love you billy

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does that “turf” (and I use the word turf loosely), look like some shag carpet you’d see in an old lady’s house? That field looks TERRIBLE.

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

i dont like that umpire…

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

where the hell has this pitching been?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Silver lining in this Smoltz injury.

Oscar looks real good. Maybe it’s “mental” with him. Bobby’ just has to not tell him he’s gonna pitch, and then like 10 minutes before game time yell out: “Hey Oscy! Get your glove kid, you’re starting!”

Yeah, OK. That probably wouldn’t work.

Also, I appologize to revert to my “negative” thoughts. But what are the odds Cox panics and changes his mind on Sosa if Smoltz is out a while?

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

who do we have avaiable to take smoltz spot?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

My guess is Cormier……YIKES!

or like I said..Sosa!

BTW - Nice that the Braves could come to town and help another pitcher set a season high in strike outs…..BY THE 5TH INNING!!!

Love It!

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Apparently, it’s just me and you billy, huh!

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

sosas back in the rotation….almost gaurnteed

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

yup!

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

looks like it….no chace to second guess and b*** yet….wathch when chipper comes up.

By berigan

June 23, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

I hear what a great farm system we have, so where are all the great arms, anyway??? The Red Sox have Jonathan Papelbon,(the best closer in the game and a rookie!) Jon Lester has 19 strikes in 2 starts…were are the elite arms we have???

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

I actually dont think sosa has been that bad…….he dont let’em blow ya out….however i think we need him in the bullpen more than the rotation…….but you have no options now…..all the good thats happend over the last 14 years is comming back in full force…….

Wow what a play by Thorman

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah, if this kid can actually hit (thorman), LaRoche can go away.

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

berigan,

I dont think you really have a clue about baseball unless I misread your post……there either injured or too young right now……here we go…maby lugo’s bad play helps us

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

I said it yesterday, Sosa struggles the 2nd time through the order. I think he’ll be OK in the pen. But he has to throw strikes. If he can consistantly throw strikes, with how hard he lets it fly, he actually could make a good closer. But if not (with the strikes) he’d be the second coming of Mitch Williams.

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

forgot about C. James…..but I rather have sosa than cormier

T. Hudson H. Rameriez J. Thompson J. Sosa C. James

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

If you would of told in spring training that would be our rotation id be like WTF………

By nathan

June 23, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

no sh*t.

With a rotation like that we’d for sure be in last place…..oh…..wait a minute, now i get it.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Random Thoughts:

• I like Thorman. Can play every day for me. Hustles, can cut down his swing and make contact. Roache is expendable.

• Still don’t see why everyone is so high on Betemit. Like him as a pinch hitter and utility. If another team is willing to give something I would listen.

• Was Chipper on roids all those years???? Doesn’t he look smaller???? Got to wonder

• Was Giles on roids all those years???? Got to wonder

• Bullpen just sucks….blow it up and start over.

• Andrew is Andrew. Just leave him parked in CF.

• This year is done. The team and there spokesmen need to face that fact and start thinking about next year like who to bring up from the minors for playing time.

MRC

By billy

June 23, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

beitment is the second coming of M. Derosa……..great in a supporting role but im not convinced he’s an everyday player……

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Test…..LOL

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

whos bullpen going to impolde first

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

just had an ephipahny (sp?)

villereal as a starter?

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

Actully if the bullpen can hold……and we scratch some runs up…this could be a pretty good pick me up

By steve_97060

June 23, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

The arm chair GM’s and Coaches in here who continually rant about Bobby and JS crack me up. These 2 men are universally recognized as being the best at what they do, and have a track record of unequaled success to prove it. Yet day after day, the same mental giants in here continue to criticize everything, and spout their fantasy world answers for a miracle team overhaul.

Where else but on a blog could losers who have no clue or the mental capacity spout such drivel..Now crawl back into your windowless basements and shuttered rooms, and quit wasting all this precious bandwidth (especially you select few who seem to revel in writing whole chapters)…please stop…..

Leave the writing to DOB, and the select few who make interesting and intelligent posts. Or better yet, go play in a fantasy league and let’s see how well YOU do in fantasy land, reality is still too complicated…

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

That “HOT SHOT” would’ve knocked Chipper on his SORRY A$$! Then to top it off, while he would’ve been falling to the ground, he would’ve sprained somthing. LOL

I suppose instead of being so damn negative, I could’ve just typed “nice play”

But what fun is that?

By caroline lady

June 23, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

that bat did irreparable harm, jimmy.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

MrC

I almost posted the same thing about chipper’s “size” about twenty minutes ago, but figured I’d get lambasted over it. So I let it go. But yeah, it’s worth asking, at least.

Hey just saw that “MLB the Show” commercial on TV. Maybe we should sign JT Smith, he can really “chuck” that bowling ball. LOL

Steve_97060…..Thanks for the advice, I didn’t even realize it was light outside until I went upstairs!

By berigan

June 23, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Billy, are you a transplanted New Yawker??? I see nothing in the comment that shows I am clueless about baseball, just a question/comment. I did know that this team was not going to win this year long before J.S. and Cox, but then again that ain’t saying much is it?(And who says they know it yet?) We are told how wonderful our farm system is, yet except for McCann and Frenchy does the offense seem like the kind that could win a Division, let alone a W.S.? I don’t think you can blame injuries and youth alone. Devine didn’t look like a world beater before he got hurt. There are no AA or higher relievers that could be better than what we have up now??? Then we don’t have that great a system.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Who says Andruw doesn’t give all out effort. Hell, he even dives after balls his teamates catch!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

our farm system is currently playing……lol

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Oscar used up the Braves quota for 1-2-3 innings for one game up already!

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

10-19 in one run games. That’s what last place team are made of people.

Tyler “open the flood” Yates. I think that’ll stick with him for a while.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

stockman, yates, devine, c. james, A. Lerew…..how many more names you wnat me to list?

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

I am tired of this $h!*….time to win a damn game…..by hook or by crook.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

Well, now that is more like the real bullpen that I have come to know so well.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

what’d i tell ya nathan….just took some more time than usal

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves management should just buy Roger McDowell one of those Wireless Headset Phones for his bullpen phone. His legs have to hurt from getting up and walking over to the phone on the wall…

94 MPH and straight as an arrow……sounds like BP to me.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

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

before we blast the bullpen on this one……if you told me when smoltz went out that the bullpen would only give up one run up to this point i’d be thrilled and you know you would too

By MrC

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

Don’t blame Roger McDowell. He aint’ got nothing to work with.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Good call billy….er, I mean…the blogger! Are you gonna come up with a little “symbol” like the artist formerly known as prince? LOL! Maybe you could use that screaming baseball from ESPN on baseball tonight!

By berigan

June 23, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

you know, Yates does throw pretty hard, I think working with Leo Mazzone….never mind

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

& _/

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

I agree billy and you couldn’t be more right on McDowell MrC.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

alright chipper

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

Let’s see how “creative” chipper can be with the double play he’ll hit into here.

Can you say Fly ball out and a thrown out runner at home on the sac fly attempt?

Sorry, I had to say that.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Chipper….PLEASE prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

way to go chip………didnt hurt the team

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

who said AJ is not clutch

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Very nice at bat…..especially with two strikes. If he used that approach, with his power, he’d be better than he is. And he’s pretty darn good already. Just needs to be more consistant!

By Ryan

June 23, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

*By Don

June 23, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Ryan, you halfwit, when you have somebody like Smoltz under a good contract, YOU CAN GET MORE FOR HIM! Can you grasp that concept?*

OK, Don, now you’re just being a dolt.

What exactly do you want for Smoltz that’s going to improve this team? More prospects? WTF? Like we need another one?!?

You already have half the roster taken up by kids with less than three full years of experience.

This team doesn’t need to dump players like Smoltz or Andruw or Renteria or Hudson.

It needs to ADD more like them.

I really don’t get you and some of these other idiots.

If Smoltz was playing for any other team right now, and you found out the Braves could get him for $11 million for the next two years and not have to give up any prospects, you’d be all over it.

If you don’t think Smoltz is incredibly vital to this team, then check out all the handwringing going on in this board over his injury tonight.

Moron.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Totally concur about Andrew. He damn near hit it to the warning track off the end of the bat.

And thank you Chipper for not hitting into a double play.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

people still talking about smoltz…your two blogs late plus it dont matter anymore…….god dam…..offence rallies and look what happens………

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

When was the last time you saw the entire infield at the pitchers mound discussing strategy. Nice.

What is up with McBride and Yates? Confidence must be shot. I like both of them as relievers. They throw hard but try to be too perfect. They need to let their stuff take over. I think both Yates and McBride are keepers.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

yeah baby….here we go

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

I think Mccan is going to be the future leader of this team

By tbo

June 23, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Man,

Here we go setting a bottom of the ninth win. I’m sure Bobby will pitch some genius. Maybe Remlinger or Paronto. Come on Bobby show us how smart you are.

By brian

June 23, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

I agree something must be done and I still believe it will be Giles to the Cards for Wainwright as DOB predicted. He would be a great addition to the bullpen and a great young arm for the future. Still we must add another starter and a leadoff hitter. I would love to send Hudson or Smoltz for Youkalis and Lester but no way would they go for it, and we would have to follow up with a trade for someone like Willis for prospects. The Marlins, though, will not be trading Willis this year as they are on a tear.

I had been against trading Chipper though it may just be the time. When Cox couldn’t pull the trigger on Murphy to the Mets we could have had Dykstra plus 2 other players (blanking on who right now). He waited one more year and we got Alan Embree. If the Braves are even remotely considering trading Chipper do so now, though even Embree would be an upgrade to our bullpen.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

BFKB (blogger formerly known as billy), I agree about McCann. Who would have thunk it last year. Seems to always have good at bats even if the result is not great.

Still like Thorman…..makes contact, looks good against lefties, plays decent first base. Two other intangibiles….he hustles and shows some emotions.

Anybody notice that Giles has quit showing emotion. Is he mailing it in????

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

If everybody on this team hustled as much as Thorman good things would follow!

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to see Thorman hustling down the line on infield ground outs, and he looks p** for not getting on base. There are about 10 others guys who need to take note.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

i dont think that who we got for murph

By brian

June 23, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

I can’t remember now either but we could have traded Murphy for high value, waited one more year, and got nothing.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

you cant trade chipper….every other future free agent would be like WTF

By nathan

June 23, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

LOL apparently me and glass half full are on the same page tonight.

Oh Yeah, leadoff walks in the 9th inning always work out.

Chip just said that “it’s the experience or lack there of taking over with Stockman”

What!!!! He doesn’t have any baseball experience? At what level of baseball, any: T-Ball (ok maybe not there), little league, high school, college, minor leagues, California Penal League, at what level are leadoff walks from a relief pitcher in the 9th inning of a tie game acceptable!

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Giles has looked glassy-eyed lately…maybe he’s drunk.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

chipper right at the edge of the dugout…..dont think he cares?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was Traded, along with Tommy Greene, to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jeff Parrett, Jim Vatcher, and Victor Rosario

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

bout time….WTF……can we keep a pitcher healthy

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

I’m telling ya, the next Braves win will be like winning game 7 of the World Series over a Yankees All-time All-Star Team…in Yankee Stadium….S**, Stockman’s hurt!

By brian

June 23, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t think if we traded Chipper every free agent would say WTF. Hopefully they will say I can’t underperform (at the plate and on defense) for $11 million per year and show no emotion on the field.

Although you could make the same argument for Hudson as underperforming, I would say if we dealt Hudson a free agent may say WTF and would never give us a home town discount. Hudson, although expensive appearing, is actually a deal at his current contract compared to what last year’s free agent market went at.

Great, Stockman goes down. Whoever said sit McCann and Francoeur for the rest of the year to avoid the bad karma - good call

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Here I found this in the same article I found the trade details:

*In 1990 the Atlanta Braves did the unimaginable – they traded fan favorite and team captain Dale Murphy. The trade to Philadelphia came on August 3, although it seemed like it had been coming for a few years. Murphy’s name cropped up in trade talk in each of the last couple winters. Atlanta dangled him in front of other organizations. Murphy’s statistics were down, and the team was worse. Murphy hadn’t even approached his standard eye-popping offensive statistics since 1987. The Braves hadn’t approached a pennant race in nearly a decade.

The Braves were in Houston when the unthinkable happened. The team left Atlanta with Murphy. It returned without him. At first fans in Atlanta were in disbelief, but then they became angry. General Manager Bobby Cox was blamed.

“We’ve got our fans so mad right now that I’m surprised you don’t see snipers in the stands,” an Atlanta starting position player said when the team returned to Atlanta. “Of course, if someone came with a rifle I’m sure you could spot him since we got about 300 angry fans showing up.”

The two Atlanta metropolitan newspapers were flooded with angry letters to the editor. Fans promised they would not attend another Braves game.

The outrage may have seemed surprising considering Murphy was batting .232 at the time with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs. But he had played his entire 13-year career in Atlanta and was 33rd on the all-time homer list at the time with 371. Atlanta fans took for granted that #3 would be in their outfield as long as he could swing a bat.*

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Just rub some dirt on it and get back in there, Stockman.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

chip’s gonna have another shot….props to the bullpen tonight…….cant ask for much more

By brian

June 23, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks Nathan. I don’t know why I had Alan Embree stuck in my mind. Jeff Parrett - there is a name I blocked from my memory. The only positive to come from Murphy’s trade is that it created space for David Justice to develop and help lead in 1991

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Uh,oh…here comes “Double play” Jones!…Wait, good. As long as he only got himself out.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

i think someone who said you should give chip a day or two off mabey on to somehting that last shot tells me he cares

By nathan

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

And look what happened after that trade in 1990, it opened a spot in the OF instead of 1B for David Justice and the rest is history. Time Warner - Liberty Media - Arthur Blank….whoever does or is going to own this team…..TRADE CHIPPER now, forget about fan backlash, he’s DEAD WEIGHT! Hell, release him I don’t care. I’m past the point of his money being an issue. His sh*tty play is the issue. His salary could be $10.00 right now, he wouldn’t be worth it. I loved and still love Dale Murphy, he was my hero as a kid, and favorite baseball player. Before this run began he was the ONLY reason to watch the braves in the 80’s, and even I saw the need for him to move on when the deal happened.

Thanks for the memories Chipper. BUH BYE!

By Glass Half Full

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

If you had told me in April that the Braves would be battling in extra innings against the D-Rays to snap a 10 game losing streak, I would’ve slapped your mother…twice.

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Oh deer lowered our gawd… how long must we sit and watch Larry Jones butcher the 3rd base position and the 3rd spot in the batting order until The Wise and Perfect Bobby Cox finally moves him? How long, deer lowered, how long?

By brian

June 23, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

And Chipper is no Murphy. Mainly because Murphy always played his heart out. No one was harder on Dale Murphy when things went south than Dale Murphy. Chipper, well, it seems Chipper just doesn’t care, not at all.

Murphy was also the one consistant star on those awful Braves teams who could have asked to move to a better team but didn’t. Now that we are spoiled with the winning, I just do not see the fans upset if Chipper is traded if it brings obvious talent to help the team. He should not be traded just to be traded and I still would be shocked if he is.

If Smoltz is traded, I personally will be p**. Smoltz should be a Brave as long as he so desires. He is our last link to the great rotations of a great era of Braves baseball. Smoltz plays hard and cares.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

is chipper jones not allowed to slump? cant say much about the last two years cuz of injuries…he did have comparable HR per AB as his good years

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Glavine 11-2 with a 3.33 ERA

Smoltz 4-5 with a 3.89 ERA

Amazing what a CLOSER and Consistant Offense will do for a pitcher’s stats, at least in the W/L column.

WELL, HERE WE GO. LET’S FIND OUT WHAT SOSA’S GONNA GIVE US IN THESE 1 INNING OUTINGS.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

I agree about Murph, Nathan. In mid ’80s Little League action, I thought I was Dale Murphy, but I was a 1st basemen…I guess I’ll settle for Bob Horner.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Years from now, I wonder which Braves players from 1991-present will have their faces painted on the wall at Turner Field? Since Maddux and Glavine left will that count against them?

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

sosa looking good

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

well……………

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

we got to score…..only somewhat reliable arm we have is ken ray

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

Game 7 of the World Series continues…

By MrC

June 23, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

I liked what I just saw from Sosa. He can throw some bullets…..Now just score a damn run.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

frency needs to steal a base if he gets on……..dont care if he gets caught

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

I hope with our current closer and lead off issues that we are developing potential closers and leadoff men down on the farm.

By brian

June 23, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Agree Nathan about Murph. I also wanted to be Dale Murphy, and I guess the only similarity I had with Murph was I put up great numbers for a while and then all of a sudden I could not hit anymore and quickly was out of the game. Of course I was in high school, and he was in the bigs and won 2 MVP awards, but heck I and everybody I knew pretended we were Dale Murphy and wanted to be him. Dale Murphy and Mark Price. Two great role models in sports.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sad thing is Horner was faster than LaRoche. LOL

Funny story for ya, from my childhood.

A kid I used to play ball with all of the time (he wasn’t a Braves fan) used to make fun of Horner all the time. If there was just a few of us playing, we’d do the typical Batter, Shortstop, First Baseman game (sombody hits grounders to the SS and you just field the ball and throw to 1B). Fun enough, I guess. Anyhow, when whoever was playing SS “bobbled” a ground ball, my buddy would always yell out “It’s Bob Horner Running, You can still get him!”

That just cracks me up. 12 year old kids making fun of how fast Horner was. I think it stemmed from that old “highlight reel” footage of him hitting the grounder to 3B and the guy fell knocked the ball down, bobbled it and dove after the ball, rolled over and while still on his back through about a 16 hopper (damn near a thrown ground ball) over to 1B and got him by about 2 or 3 steps. AAAAAHHH! the good ol’days!

BTW Houdini I mean Sosa didn’t look so bad, I guess……I need to see more.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

damn….wish we had mcann

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

good thing about sosa….he can pitch out of trouble and has experience doing it

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

how bout that bobby….got the run

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

A couple of things I wanna see before I die: a catcher with lightening-fast speed and a Least Valuable Player Award (the player who most contributed to his team losing).

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

i did not expect francour to get a stolen base that way……awesome call by bobby

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Sosa still in or Ray?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

I have a question for all of you Bobby Lovers out there, since those of us that don’t really care for him are all idiots that know nothing about baseball.

Is that good managing by Bobby, by sending both runners in that situation. I actually commend him for “trying” anything to get a win and not sitting on his A$$ with his fingers in his nostrils. But the point of my question is this: If the catcher for the D-Rays doesn’t bobble or double clutch that throw Francoeur is DEAD at third. How genius would Bobby have looked then? So, since he did make it (because of the old “if’s and but’s” routine) is that good managing or did the D-Rays choke that play?

Just wondering. Cuz I’m sittin’ here second guessing a play that just might actually help them win.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

uhhhhhhh

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Is Skip on the radio tonight? Sid Bream is rounding 3rd…

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

hey…i made my comment before francour even got on……you got to be aggressive IMO…..basball knowlege or not

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

how bout chippers emotion there………everyone see it?

By ssiscribe

June 23, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

So this is what it feels like.

By chippersux

June 23, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

(Best irritating, nasal, know-it-all, Skip Caray voice) BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!!

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Now, I can enjoy my beer…

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

how bout the bullpne fellas?

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

I’m not b*tching at you billy. I’m just asking. It worked out. THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE. Stealing 3rd just seams a little risky, especially when the lead runner is 0-6 in SB’s.

These guys are AWESOME!

I’ve been trying to tell you guys they’ll be just fine. Bunch a damn negaholics on these blogs.

Just Kidding everybody (forget you not: I’m the president of the NEGAHOLICS ANONYMOUS!

Victory is ours. I’m gonna savor it, it might be a while before we get another one.

Nice to see the guys smiling, I guess.

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Losing sucks, but hanging onto every game might actually be fun for a change…this season only, though.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

good night all. i’m sure i’ll type at y’all tomorrow

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

man never thought i’d feel this good aobut beating the bullpen.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

man never thought i’d feel this good aobut beating the rays……lol

By Glass Half Full

June 23, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Now comes the 40-14 run like in 2004.

By MrC

June 23, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Some more Random Thoughts:

• Thorman plays every day be it LF or 1B. Roach and Diaz can platoon.

• Is a closer born???? Sosa stays as closer even if Smoltz falls out of the rotation due to injury. Sosa’s stuff is electrifing in short bursts. A different pitcher (at least tonight).

• How bout them rally caps? Bout damn time. That is what baseball is all about.

• Chipper needs some time to work in the cage. Remember a couple of years ago. He worked all day in the cage, took a day off, then went on a tear. Not saying it is going to happen this time but he looks awful. Home runs are down which may be old age or no roids. I hate to start rumors but he don’t look the same.

• Stockman, Yates, and McBride are keepers. Throw hard and care.

• Pronto is done. Needs to go back to the minors.

• Need to start playing small ball. Hit and run, steal, bunt, etc. If it fails so what. At least learning fundamentals for the future.

Enough for now…..

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Nathan we ought to see if the AJC can get us our own game blog you can do the analsyis and i can be the fan play by play guy

By Miss Manners

June 23, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Billy, Some would say you and Nathan already have your own blog.

By nathan

June 23, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I didn’t go to bed yet. Sounds good to me Billy. I sure “everybody” would love us! LOL

what do you think DOB. Do we get the job?

Hey, I bet that would mean we would get the “BOLD, BLUE print” for our names on the blog like DOB? LOL

later

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 23, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

My final thoughts:

The bullpen doing what it did tonight was the absoulute best thing this club needed…..It keeps the club house undivided, which im sure would’ve happend eventually.

Smoltz injury could be a rallying cry for these guys. ‘cuz right now your playing with nothing to lose……which could bring out the best of the young guys.

AJ……….Who ever says we should trade this guy I hope you have pie in your face…..the guy is irreplacable barring Puljos and some other ELITE hitters. But the man can lift spirts by hitting one of those mammoth hommers.

chipper………if you watched the end of this game you can tell he was feeling it. The idea about taking a couple of days off is a good one. Im not ready to write him off……….although I’m worried about him being productive.

Sosa….he looks like a closer…….like I stated before he has expericene and sucecess (sp?) pitching out of trouble which none of the other guys can handle. He will blow some but I think he’s got the stuff nad the meantality…….throws it up there….hit it if you can…..doesnt seem to be bothered by adversity.

Back to the bullpen….sosa closes out games….ray seting up….Mcbride/yates trusting their stuff (despite bad start)……and ya got mabey a formidlbe (sp? im tired) bullpen…mabey. If the bullpen can get going…..chipper absoultly has to.

Final thought……im excited but it is tempered by a few things such as it was the rays, and a young club and its only one win…..but as the old age addage goes “winning solves all your problems”

Peace Out

By Todd A

June 23, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

Finally.Great to get the monkey off our backs.But Rally caps?We’re talking about the Devil Rays here.Watching that 9th inning gave me flahbacks to the Georgia players dumping gatorade on Ray Goff after the Dawgs beat Vanderbilt in ‘95.Just kidding,folks.Don’t go ballistic on me.

By Pathetic

June 23, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

Enjoy it while you can morons—-Yankees will take the starch out of drawers in a couple days!

By Pathetic

June 23, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

Enjoy it while you can morons—-Yankees will take the starch out of your drawers in a couple days!

By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Enjoy what, the fact that we’re in last place and barely beat the Devil Rays!

Yeah, I’m pumped up buddy! See ya in the world series. Get a clue MORON!

Obviously I was kidding about the World Series………….Everybody knows the wild card in the AL is coming out of the Central, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that the Yankees actually beat the Red Sox in the East!

Oh, and besides that…..the Braves couldn’t even win the College World Series.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Smoltz injury doesn’t look nearly as severe as indicated when he left the game. He’s gonna wrap it and try to throw Sunday on his usual side-session day, then he’ll know if he can make his next start.

Sounds like DL is unlikely.

How ‘bout the unbridled emotion those boys showed after winning tonight? That was good to see, the fellas coming out of the dugout, Francoeur pumping his fist in right when Diaz made the game-ending catch, etc. And Diaz made a helluva catch at the wall to save Smoltz in the first inning, too.

Anyway, even though they made me completely rewrite my nice, smarta** loss story I had done in the eighth inning, it was good to see them snap that skid. Couldn’t have taken too many more visits to moribund postgame clubhouse.

“I’m Chuck James B**tch” will start Sunday. Looking forward to that. As for Saturday’s Cormier vs. Corcoran matchup … well, as I said, kinda looking forward to Chuck James pitching Sunday.

By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Enjoy what, the fact that we’re in last place and barely beat the Devil Rays!

Yeah, I’m pumped up buddy! See ya in the world series. Get a clue MORON!

Obviously I was kidding about the World Series………….Everybody knows the wild card in the AL is coming out of the Central, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that the Yankees actually beat the Red Sox in the East!

Oh, and besides that…..the Braves couldn’t even win the College World Series.

By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Nice touch DOB.

By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

We missed you tonight. It was pretty much just me and Billy. What gives?

By Todd A

June 24, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

Heck’uva blog today,DOB.IMO,your best yet.

By chopthis

June 24, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Get your feet back on the ground, Dave the Hack. It was an extra-innings victory against the DEVIL RAYS!!

Maybe if you listened to more Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash, you’d understand the futility of hoping for good things from life. Or the Braves.

By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

sorry guys, i must’ve hit the post button twice before. Oh well “pathetic” posted twice, why can’t I.

Anyways. Now I do gotta go to bed. 8 hours on this blog (give or take a couple in between) is waaaay too long, even for me. Nothin else to do today, wife was out of town. Had work to do on the computer today, so I thought I’d post every 5 minutes for 8 hours just to test somthing out.

YUP! just as I suspected……my keyboard works just fine!

By JJMB

June 24, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

Hey DOA could you ask Betemit how he says his name??? Is it BEE-TA-MEE or BEE-TA-MAY, like bag of pus John Miller spews?

Thanks, you’re the greatest.

By Up To Here

June 24, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

“By nathan

June 24, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

We missed you tonight. It was pretty much just me and Billy. What gives?”

Everybody else has left because you two have bored them to death with your endless prattle. This isn’t your private ‘chat room’. You’ve effectively ruined a formerly excellent blog.

By JJMB

June 24, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

DOA, if you’re shy about asking him, that’s all righty. Those situations can be awkward. Maybe he doesn’t speakee ingles too good. Forget I asked.

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

BAY-TAY-MEET…

That’s how Jon Miller pronounces it. It’s the correct pronunciation in Spanish, but I suspect Wilson is probably as concerned about how his last name is pronounced as Julian Tavarez is about his first name:

“Ju-lian, Hu-lian…they can call me ** Tavarez. I don’t care.”

Good win by the team tonight. The pen did a very good job and the guys managed to scratch out a run at the end. Whether it’s the Devil Rays or the White Sox, it’s good to get a win. That being said, it will take eight to ten good appearances from Sosa to convince me of his effectiveness as a reliever.

I’m not like you “one appearance and this guy’s great” folks.

DOB, how did the champagne taste in the locker room? We won the World Series tonight.

By JJMB

June 24, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Spanish? The correct pronunciation in Spanish? BAY-TAY-MEET? No. Not even close.

By bravesfansince1966

June 24, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

All you losers that predicted another loss—put on your NY Yankees caps and kiss our tomohawks!!! GO BRAVES /’ WE ARE BACK!!!!!!

By Bob, journalist

June 24, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, I’ve been gone for just a few days and now return to find that the neighborhood markedly changed. About the only thing that I understood from yesterday’s Blog was that some Polish Company was conducting baseball surveys but … I won’t comment on such a controversial subject as I seem to have misplaced my 20 footer.

Other observations …

It’s good that the team won tonight, regardless of the details. Déjà vu … watching Chipper’s leadership … 2004 all over again.

It seems to me that the primary objectives of many of the recent AJC “articles” are to be confrontational and stir up controversy … with subjective material being presented as fact. It’s disturbing … even when I happen to agree with elements of what is being written.

One last thought … boorishness and obscenity aren’t generational and permeate many of the posts. Those who depend upon them and so engage are to be strongly discouraged and/or ignored … to otherwise so do is to encourage … but they are what they are. It’s hard to understand anyone being proud of such behavior. The same can be said of those who are unskilled in the effective use of the vulgar.

I hope there are those who will appreciate … thanks for the memories.

By Head Coach

June 24, 2006 04:00 AM | Link to this

Finally a win ,its meaningless in the standings , but great to get the monkey off the back of the Braves. Costly though it was with Smoltz and Stockman both suffering hamstring injury’s. The bullpen finally pitched in and contributed to a win. I was really impressed when they manufactured a run in the eleventh with a walk , bunt , stolen base and sacrifice . Enjoy it , the Yankee’s are coming.

By Bob, journalist

June 24, 2006 06:34 AM | Link to this

David O’B, I’ve previously expressed appreciation for your dedication to the Blog and your honest insights … and, in these trying times, you continue to impress.

I’ve been away and still owe you a response regarding my earlier post on restructuring.

Obviously, the “Every Day, Every Year” comment concerning the frequency of contract restructuring was not referring exclusively to Sports since there are so few contracts where restructuring would be of consequence. Regardless, that was intended to be an overstatement to emphasize that the procedure is commonplace.

I’m aware of contract restructuring in Baseball, Football, and Basketball … but my involvement was always limited to aggregrate valuations and individuals were not identified.

There may be some confusion stemming from my understanding of “restructuring”.

“Restructuring”, in those cases where I have any knowledge or may have been involved … has always been defined as contract renegoation where cash flows might change but the present value to the individual is basically unchanged except for any agreed upon premium paid by the Company.

In addition to special opportunities for the individual and/or the Company, possible restructuring triggers include tax, budgetary and salarycap considerations.

However, the only point that I was trying to make was that “restructuring” … as defined above … didn’t constitute any sacrifice by the individual and therefore didn’t warrant significant special credit being given to the individual.

Obviously, if the individual takes less in value so as to benefit the Company, then that would constitute some sacrifice by the individual … and favorable publicity and/or credit would be warranted. However, it has not been my experience that such cases were considered to be “restructures”.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Until the AJC kicks me off I’m here to stay as I’m not really concerned if anyone likes or dislikes my post. It’s not the reason I do it.

In case anyone wondering here is the definition of the term Blog.

Main Entry: blog Part of Speech: noun Definition: an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log Example: Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. Etymology: shortened form of Weblog Usage: blog, blogged, blogging v, blogger n

Oh yeah…….I think you tired to be too cute here IMO. Who you trying to impress?

“One last thought … boorishness and obscenity aren’t generational and permeate many of the posts.”

Before you insult my intelligence I know what every word in that sentence means.

By ncscoots

June 24, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

hey, billy, unless you’re one the bloggers providing “boorishness and obscenity”, there’s no reason for you to be insulted. Besides, Bob doesn’t try to impress anyone on this blog with his posts, and I doubt he had you in his sights when he posted since he doesn’t post personal attacks. He’s been on this blog off and on for a long time, and has never failed to make logical arguments and provide good posts.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

everyone take things the wrong way……

all my point was about bob was that he got a little too cute with the big words….thus the IMO= in my opinion and I did not want him to give me a lesson on the def. of the words he used.

The point about my posting was directly at this guy

By Up To Here

June 24, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Everybody else has left because you two have bored them to death with your endless prattle. This isn’t your private ‘chat room’. You’ve effectively ruined a formerly excellent blog.

Mabey I wrote it the in the wrong way but no insult was meant to bob.

By Metropolitan Man

June 24, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

At first I thought you guys were going lose 14 games in a row to match your accomplishments or lack of, however you look at it. So now that you guys won a game can we see some “here come the braves roaring back articles.” That would be cool to see considering you guys are living on some glimmer of hope that they will play .600+ baseball the second half. Its your team, your south, your crap!!!!!

By "Breaking News"

June 24, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Chuck James and….Kevin Barry will be called up.

By Jimbo

June 24, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Let’s not trade Smoltz, we can watch him fall apart before our eyes.

By "Breaking News"

June 24, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

CHUCK JAMES AND…> KEVIN BARRY will be called up.

By GAW

June 24, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you been watching any of the College world series? TBS didn’t show a Braves game for a week ,so I am getting my Baseball fix there. Oregon State which is in the finals, has a fifth round pick of the Braves closing. Physically he is underwhelming, But he can pitch.When a closing situation comes up the whole bullpen empties. A bit of gamesmanship but he hasn’t failed all year. If anyone wants to see some well played ball, I recommend the 3 game series starting today.

By ron

June 24, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

oops!

By "Breaking News"

June 24, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

CHUCK JAMES AND>>>>KEVIN BARRY ARE GETTING CALLED UP!!!

By PENN

June 24, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Hi Bob, glad to see you back.

Have you noticed any recent improvement in Giles’ uppercut? It seems to me he has dramatically improved the level of his swing in the last few games and he’s getting the bat on the ball with much greater frequency. He is now hitting the ball or at least fouling it off, which gives him another swing in each sequence. If he can keep that swing leveled out he will hit over .300 from here on out. Just a guess on my part of course. I’m now hoping the Braves don’t trade him.

I am really upset with how many strikes Chipper is taking these days, especially strike three. I wonder if something is wrong with his eyes. He doesn’t even look like the same player. Is there a secret there that we don’t know about?

I would like to see Bobby move McCann into the No. 3 spot and bat Chipper No. 5. That would put our most consistent hitter in position to drive in some runs while keeping some protection in place behind Andruw.

For the Braves to get in gear and give someone a run for the wild card would be fun to watch. I wrote from the beginning that the Mets had dramatically improved their club with Delgado and Lo Duca. I watched them play last year in S. Florida and I knew they were both gamers. The Mets may well win it all this year as it is beginning to look like they may have the best team in all of baseball.

Watch for Toronto the rest of the year. They could take it all too. Great hitting and that closer is something to watch.

Next year the Marlins will again be a contender. Keep an eye on those kids. They enjoy playing and they are good if their owner can keep them all together.

By hk

June 24, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

journalist Bob,

… welcome back !! … I see you are in good form, as always … Jimmy has missed you, has not posted in a while … I have not been posting either, the old ‘if you can’t say something good don’t say anything at all’ deal …

… warmed my heart seeing the smiling faces of all the Braves at games end last night, had not seen that in many a moon … particularly Chipper, it was very moving … and a little earlier, when the game was still in doubt, all the players, including Chipper, lined up on the bench with ‘rally caps’ on … those expectant faces, looked like they were 10 years old … for me, that’s what baseball is all about …

By "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

June 24, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CALL UP CHUCK JAMES AND KEVIN BARRY __YOUR THOUGHT PLEEEEEEEEEZE GOD RESPOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

James coming up was expected; who is going down IF Barry is called up? Cormier?

By PENN

June 24, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

HK said, “and a little earlier, when the game was still in doubt, all the players, including Chipper, lined up on the bench with ‘rally caps’ on … those expectant faces, looked like they were 10 years old … for me, that’s what baseball is all about …”

HK, I couldn’t agree more. Well said my friend.

By Sonny

June 24, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

THE BEST article yet on the Braves woes this season. It’s sad that this has to be written at all, but it’s really not a mystery why the Braves suck…they’re just not that good.

When we did nothing to address the closer role and bullpen in the offseason, I knew there would be trouble, but who knew the Braves would damn implode like this???

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Anybody read “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton? I picked it up the other day and though it’s pretty tame by today’s standards, it’s still an insightful read.

By PENN

June 24, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

It could be Remlinger going out. He has been absolutely terrible lately. I think the man’s career is over as is Jordan’s.

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

I doubt it. Bobby & JS have a soft spot for veterans who were once effective. I think Remjobber will be starting before he gets released.

By snes

June 24, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

I would guess that Remlinger stays and Stockman goes on the DL for Barry. Cormier has batting practi…I mean he’s starting today.

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Maybe Jordan can hang out on the DL until the September callups like last year.

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

I hope Stockman doesn’t go on the DL; he’s been impressive.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Of course Chuck James is getting called up _ he’s starting tomorrow. We already wrote that several days and Cox made it official yesterday.

Haven’t gotten release yet, but I’m sure Stockman is going on DL after straining his hamstring last night. Barry would probably replace him.

They weren’t going to make a decision yet on Smoltz, so it could be Cormier to be sent down tomorrow to make room for James, after Cormier starts tonight.

But I’ll have all this stuff for certain in a short time from now.

And I wouldn’t be getting overly excited about Kevin Barry. Another journeyman, folks.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Oh, and as for Bouton’s Ball Four. Any baseball fan who hasn’t read it should definitely do so. While some of it does seem a bit “tame” by today’s standards, consider the context of when it came out and it’s remarkable, really, that he had the stones to write it.

Much of the clubhouse culture and political incorrectness that he portrays is still exactly the same today as it was then. If only you folks knew some of the things said behind those walls. Makes Ozzie’s comments to Mariotti seem absolutely vanilla.

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Ozzie’s a character, ain’t he? He’s a “throwback”, so to speak.

It really makes me laugh to think that some people don’t realize (not approving of it is a completely different matter) what goes on in a locker room/clubhouse setting. When I was in the Army, it was the exact same sort of situation. You cuss, you crack dirty jokes, you mock, you insult, you ridicule, but you’d still take a bullet for the object of your derision. While athletes might not take bullets for each other, the bond that is formed from spending so much time with the same people can shelter the ugliest of behaviors. Of course, that bond can also bring out the best in people.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

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

ozzie’s a SS

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, agreed on the clubhouse/military culture thing. Taken out of context, those words sound awful, but said within that setting, no so much. Ozzie just took it too far by taking it outside that context and saying it to a too-sensitive writer.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Oh, almost forgot: Kevin Barry replaces Stockman, who’s on DL. Bobby figured Stockman might be ready in a week, but they can’t afford to go short-handed until he’s ready to pitch, so they DL’d him. They moved Boyer to 60-day DL to open spot on 40-man roster.

James will be activated tomorrow and Bobby says he hasn’t decided who will be shipped out to open the spot.

By Robert

June 24, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

Fire Eeyore

By JasonInMaine

June 24, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

What about Startup? How’s he been doing?

By hoho

June 24, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

and tigger too?

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

June 24, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, last night’s win will get them going. I think a win like that is better than a blowout to end the streak. I have to say the bullpen was awesome last night. Although they gave up the go ahead run they kept the game at an one run deficit. Sosa by no means was dominating last night but he sure looked good. I think he is perfect for the closer’s role. If he keeps his head into it, he will be fine. Have to remember he was pitching two days after making a start.

The only bad thing about last night’s win is that the bullpen was used up and I can’t imagine Cormier goes more than five innings tonight. But, who knows?

I hope Thorman stays up. Even though his numbers aren’t too good so far, he has had some good at bats and to me shows the potential of being a good hitter.

By Kentavo

June 24, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Hey D.O.B., what’s the progress on Kelly Johnson?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

“a toe-sensitive writer”? is there a problem with dob’s toes, too? this injury bug is affecting everyone - even the beat writer! what should one do to combat toe sensitivity? cheese. that’s right, cheese. unwrap american cheese singles and wrap them around the sensitive toes. the sensation will be … what? what’s that baby seal? “too-sensitive”, not toe-sensitive? forgive jimmy smith for journalist has mis-read dob’s post. if it had been a toe sensitive post it would have made little sense and journalist might have started calling him dob-bo. now, journalist bob, hk, penn all are back at once. have you been deep sea fishing together without jimmy smith or not? bob, there are many new bloggers and the complexion of this blog has changed. know whut jimmy smith meens?

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, Are Roger Angel’s baseball books (“Late Innings,” “Season…something or other”)worth a shot? I’m in need of some light summer reading.

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

MLB ‘06: the Show update: Braves defeat Cleveland in the 2008 and 2009 World Series. Place your bets, fellas. It’s gonna happen. The PS2 doesn’t lie.

By eric the elder

June 24, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Some have been a little hard on Nathan lately, so maybe some explanation would help.

The configuration of the blog is such that all the bloggers, save Nathan, sit in a large circle and face inward. Nathan sits at the center of the circle in a swivel chair that can be rotated rapidly so he can see any blogger on the outer ring. It is Nathan’s role to answer every question, respond to every comment, evaluate every idea - - often at great length. Sometimes he even responds to himself.

Eventually, bloggers become weary of this orgy of self-promotion and prolific posting. Gone are TRobb, Voice of Reason, TrueBravesFan, Del, Carroll, HobNailBoot, Bill, Charles, and a host of others. Even Bob and jimmy smith are seen only sporadically now. Eventually, Nathan asks where everyone went.

Not to be deterred by the absence of all but a few holdouts, Nathan then launches into what amounts to instant messaging. As the last man standing, he is without equal. Nathan is a little excitable and, as he has told us 934 times, sarcastic. Still, he is knowledgable, friendly, and passionate about the game. Assuming he takes this as just good-natured ribbing, all is well.

By Robert

June 24, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

What a difference a day (and a win) makes

Noone knows better than braves hitting coach and stable manager Terry Pendleton

Part of Pendleton’s job is to accompany Bobby Cox to the nightly post-game press conference.

“The last few days of that losing streak, things got tough. He’d sit down and wouldnt budge. Apples, sugar cubes, Chris Reitsma rubbing his ears - nothing worked anymore except to pull hard enough on the bit that he’d have to get up. After that, he’d be kicking his back legs and hee-hawing all the way down the tunnel. I think he was tired of being asked question that h has no idea how to answer and felt like he was getting blamed for the losses. I think he was really worried we might put him out to pasture too.”

Pendleton went on - “But last night, man, he was a different donkey. Head held high, strutting around like he just won the big mule race at Winnemucca, snorting defiantly at the reporters who had been giving him crap all week”

After his triumphant entry into the show ring, the news conference itself was unremarkable. Cox hee-hawed that he was going to “keep pencilling in Gilley at leadoff”, that he hoped “Jordey starts feeling better soon” because “we need his bat in there platooning” and that he was “monitoring Reitsey’s progress and eager to see him back in there when it’s close and late”

Most of the reporters were familiar enough with Cox that the sheer stupidity of his comments hardly drew a raised eyebrow. One rookie, however, asked Bobby if his plans to get Betemit into the lineup more meant that the utility player might see some action at leadoff. Cox seemed to take this as a challenge, and laid his ears back and snorted “We got thru this by keeping steady. Why would we want to start changing stuff now that we have things turned around?”

By journalist jimmy smith adapts

June 24, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

journalist enjoys the blog and is optimistic that the braves will return to their winning ways and that we will again have much baseball discourse. jimmy smith is trying to adapt to the new style of this blog. journalist has considered changing name to jimbo smith but already there is a jimbo on this blog. also, a glembo, glennbo, dumbo, hobo, mombo, and jumbo. all good elephant names. journalist also considered calling all braves donkeys but was reminded that jimmy smith had upbringing and the idea was abandoned. so what is journalist to do? journalist will adapt to the times! from this point forward jimmy smith will occasionally exhibit the behavior of a boor, a barbarian, a churl, a lout, a vulgarian, and/or a yahoo. this will be a test for it is against journalist jimbo smith’s manner. if it proves too taxing for journalist jimbo smith then journalist will revert immediately to the charming and witty journalist jimmy smith. a nobody is encouraged to return and monitor this behavior for appropriate blog tastefulness. already, journalist jimbo smith is feeling the urge to pole the other bloggers as to the wisdom of this move. now, a bit of baseball … the many injuries to the braves’ pitchers must be of concern to all parties. arm injuries aren’t really the issue - what is with all the muscle pulls and aggravations from running? are the players in shape? is this the result of andruw’s sliding over that bat way back when? that damage was irreprabaly dunn.

By Robert

June 24, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

DOB - “If only you folks knew some of the things said behind those walls. Makes Ozzie’s comments to Mariotti seem absolutely vanilla.”

Dave, if someone came to you and told you that they thought you were being politically incorrect and insensitive because of the naughty things you whisper to the Mrs under the covers at night, what would your response be?

There is no reason for us to know the explicit details of every conversation and minor disagreement that goes on in the clubhouse. I’m sure that Jon Saraceno would condone postponing the regular season until everybody in the big leagues completes intensive sensitivity training, but to the rest of us who dont feel entitled to dictate their morals to others, it just aint that way

By Bob, journalist

June 24, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

To “The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy” I admit to being somewhat confused by your post(s) since I am not aware of having used any big words. I always assume that almost everyone understands what I am saying and would never consider providing connotative definitions for the words I use unless clarification seemed appropriate … or was requested.

I chose to so do, in my most recent post to David O’B, because I felt that my initial “restructuring” post might have been misunderstood by some due to possible differences in our use of the term “restructure”.

The “words” aren’t usually that important … most bloggers are rather adept at using their third ear, when they so choose.

It’s interesting to find someone who isn’t concerned over how their posts are received …but who actually has a definitive reason for posting. If true, it almost seems like a form of begging the question … almost … and certainly raises my curiosity and the question “What is your reason for posting?”

As an aside, though prompted by your comments, I think relating ignorance to intelligence is a mistake … the fact that one has a limited vocabulary and/or abuses the language … speaks to social and educational issues rather than intelligence. Were I to provide definitions for words with which I thought some might have difficulty, it would not be directed at the reader’s intelligence … nor should it be considered insulting

By hk

June 24, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

jimmy,

… well, glad you are in good spirits, can always tell by references to such valued things as ‘toes’, ‘cheese’, and of course, ‘baby seal’ … tonight even an oblique greeting to your esteemed multi-monokered ‘shadow’ …

… don’t know for sure about bob and penn, but my guess is we have all been listening in all along, just got kinda quiet, probably for the same reasons …

… do you suppose, in order to have ‘presence’, one should be more or less ‘sensitive’ ???

By bravesfansince1966

June 24, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Go Braves— Let’s make it two in a row!!!

By Robert

June 24, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Why does journalist jimmy smith continually refer to himself in the third person?

Robert is wondering whether journalist jimmy might need some titration of his psych meds :P

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

read the definiton of blog…..thats the reason i post……

Lets see a blow out tonight.

By Greg

June 24, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Mired in our worst June in nearly 20 years, and we’re pitching Lance Cormier and wearing throwback unis. God help us.

By Greg

June 24, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Mired in our worst June in nearly 20 years, and we’re pitching Lance Cormier and wearing throwback unis. God help us.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Is it me or has M. Giles been getting on base a lot more in the last few days……

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

Wow….everyone see AJ’s avg. ? .287 in case you did’nt.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

Cormier works really slow dont he

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

.255 does not exactly equal torid i dont think

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

robert, journalist jimmy smith did not wish to offend you, but this journalist was accused in a previous blog of calling bobby cox a donkey and jimmy smith would not do that. as you may have noticed, journalist jimmy smith has a stalkerbo. that is the reason for jimmy smith’s earlier post. now, to your question as to why journalist jimmy smith refers to journalist jimmy smith in third person … it is so that journalist jimmy smith will not be confused with the elephants. now, hk, did y’all catch any fish? journalist has not had much appetite for the blog for a few days. it is good to have back some of the familiar bloggers and to welcome several new bloggers who are knowledgeable about baseball and are adept at the use of multi-syllable words. journalist jimmy smith has already abandoned the boorish behavior experiment. call it short-lived. now, to answer hk’s question about “too-sensitivity” it is journalist jimmy smith’s opinion that presence can be sprayed from an atomizer. base hits, though, must come from a quick bat. it is good to see chipper with a smile on his face but not so good to see a mouth filled with seeds, gum, and tobacco. should he be forced to spit the grounds crew will need to be summoned. now, laroche has been described by chip caray as being a torrid hitter. that is torrid, not horrid.

By Bob, journalist

June 24, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Scoots, Penn … sincere thanks!

Penn, an insightful post … to say the least! Here’s hoping you’re right with regard to Giles … the swing does seem more level and he has, in the past, shown that he understands bat control when he remembers to play within himself … and doesn’t try to do too much.

I do think that Chipper’s problems are above the neck but I’m not sure that it’s the eyes. That which you wonder is a good point to ponder. He reminds me of an employee working his 2 weeks.

I totally agree with the idea of having McCann bat in front of Andruw … though I’m not sure that Chipper is currently the best choice for protection. When he does swing, at least righthanded, it seems that he’s been trying to pull everything … almost as predictable as “Vinny” used to be when things were going bad.

Like I said … your entire post is a good read.

I’m also encouraged that Andruw is showing signs of increased focus and some minor adjustments to the width of his stance.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Langerhan’s (sp?) does not look comfortable out in center feild. Not knocking him or anything since it’s not his natrual postion but it does highlight the value of a consistant gold glove caliber centerfeilder.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

journalist bob has a keen appreciation of the game and his powers of observation are to be commended. the nap must have been refreshing. scoots is right about bob, but it must be remembered that bob can be feisty! feisty is alright in jimmy smith’s book. now, matt … it is time for your return. one-at-a-time the bloggers will return and all will be well.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

Whats everyone think ‘bout the retro uniforms?

There not as cool as the current generation, especially the red ones.

By Glass Half Full

June 24, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

How about the powder blue V-neck jerseys? Why haven’t we seen them yet?

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Not much chatter tonight……hard to belive im a detractor as not many people post during games……..i wonder where everyone is…..epecially my counter Nathan.

Oh well…….Cormeir looking half way decent…..keeping us in the game. The bats gotta get going against there guy.

By old timer

June 24, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Way up at the top of this file is an excellent analysis of what has gone wrong. DOB, I especially like your opening sentence, though it would have worked better without the “literally and figuratively.” Keep up the good work.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Thats a very boring and drab staduim, at least from the T.V. perspective. Especially since it’s a relative new one.

By Bob, journalist

June 24, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

HK, It’s good to be welcomed back!

I’ll probably have a light supper and some homemade ice cream before responding to any more posts.

I admit to pondering the adage that one is known by the company he keeps but why would Jimmy think that we had gone deep sea fishing without inviting him? I’ve already acknowledged that my 20 foot poll has been misplaced … besides, I wouldn’t think of leaving him here to fish these waters all by his lonesome.

I was both bemused and amused by “billy’s” non-response response to my post to him! I suspect that he really doesn’t have a reason.

Your “that’s what baseball is all about” comment … was outstanding and says it all!

It’s too bad that we can’t reward them more for the effort they give as a team than for individual performance. I wish that players were rewarded retrospectively at the end of each season, based on their performance, and that of the team, for the current season … rather than on expectations, based on past performances.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

FYI

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

read the definiton of blog…..thats the reason i post……

Lets see a blow out tonight

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

Oh another thing……

I was not insulting you with “you got too cute remark” My bottom line point IMO (in my opinion) you used too many words to get a point across……I’m not sorry for the post as I stand by every post I make…now just let it drop dude.

By yawn

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

Billy, you haven’t been around long enough to know the long-time residents of this blog, notably journalist Bob. That’s the way he has always written. When one is highly educated, that’s the way one thinks, writes, and speaks. It’s simply their natural way. Read what he writes and you’ll learn alot. I have.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

ok how bout this….just forget what i said…….

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

why wouldnt you pinch hit diaz in this situation?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

that was no toe injury! mccann has suffered a painful injury and it is the second time this season journalist can remember it happening this way. mccann will be advised to soak the injured articles in coca-cola to remove swelling and soreness. a careful rinse is advised due to the heat and humidity of florida and the presence of many insects. journalist jimmy smith wishes our all-star candidate a swift recovery. we need him healthy. oh, yes, the camera went from mccann to the braves assistant trainer - back to mccann, then back to the trainer. thankfully, no on-field treatment was necessary. imagine the vendor passing a coke down to the field - and how would the vendor be paid? mccann probably has no money in his uniform pocket.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

Wow, did the bullpen get some cofidence from somewhere?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

as to the homemade ice cream … what flavor? jounalist has access to some homemade pie right now and some ice cream would complement it nicely. now, comeback … diaz is a hitter, don’t you think? his spring bat got him a roster spot while jurries’ bat was ignored in favor of presence. journalist often does not understand moves made by our esteemed manager but if diaz were in the game getting 4 or 5 at-bats, he would be unavailable to come off the bench for the big hit. but then, there is always “p” player pete orr? will he be a factor in tonight’s game?

By Miss Manners

June 24, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Please change, “I’m not sorry for the post as I stand by every post I make…now just let it drop dude.” to read: “I’m not sorry for the post, as I stand by every post I make. Now, dude, just let it drop.”

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

I think the current sit is the reason why bobby keeps mcann near the 5th or 6th spot in the order…..even though chipper is struggling he still gets a lot of walks and keeps a good obp (fyi…around .380).

By berigan

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

I usually hear the games, so forgive me if I should know this, but watching tonight, it’s clear Bobby is telling McCann what pitches to call..how long has this been going on?

By Todd A

June 24, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Andruw loafing out of the box in the 4th inning cost this team another one run loss.Great leadership night after night from Chipper and Andruw for the young guys to follow.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Todd your right its hard to defend a play like that. But I will make a weak attempt at it. Andruw prob. thought the ball was gonna be caught and he was just taking it easy (which is’nt right either) to avoid a pulled hamstring or groin after all he is the DH and its sometimes hard to stay loose in that position.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

One last point…..I don’t think the game was won or lost with AJ’s base running error as it was TB’s defence which was exceptional tonight.

By MBATL

June 24, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

AJ loafs to first all the time… I’m not trashing him, just saying that he loafs to first all the time. It caught up with him tonight. You can afford that kind of play when your team is the best… but it looks pretty trashy when you’re struggling.

Good to see all the old BS’ers in here.

I only saw bits and pieces tonight; was AJ being taken out a result of that play, or just to get him some rest, or something else?

By MBATL

June 24, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Oh, re-reading, I guess AJ was the DH… sorry.

By glennbo

June 24, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy, You’ll have to excuse Bob the condescending journalist. As you noted, he likes to use excess verbage. He also thnks that he owns the blog and that his sh*t doesn’t stink. Poor dumb blistered probably got banned from the local Waffle House because he drove all the customers away.

By Todd A

June 24, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Billy,I don’t think you can polish this turd.It seems since the LaRoche incident,apathy has set in with this team.Why Bobby didn’t bench him for 3-4 games,I’ll never know.He pinch hit him the following day.The next game after that,he was in the regular lineup again.But it seems that incident alone has fractured the attitude of this club.Each game it’s something different:Giles not hustling to field a grounder,Chipper too lazy to reach out for a throw at third,and now,this incident with Andruw.

Bobby Cox will be in the HOF.That much is certain.But he shouldn’t be given a free pass by the Atlanta media about the lack of effort by the Braves this year.It has been too frequent an occurrance.Schuerholz is ultimately responsible for this mess of a season,because he didn’t address the lead-off spot and the closer situation this past off-season.But this team is better than it is performing.We’re not getting consistent effort each and every night.

By Todd A

June 24, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Good point, MBATL.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

hey, glennbo! don’t mess with journalist bob for journalist jimmy smith is here for your witty banter. how’s mombo tonight? good lottery ticket? circle the big top with all the other bo’s and let jimmy smith hear back from you before bedtime.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy

June 24, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the support. I don’t think he was being condesending or at least I hope he was’nt.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

this journalist dislikes bullies. journalist just realized journalist was provoking a competition of wits with the multi-talented glennbo. for this, jimmy smith apologizes to others on the blog. jimmy smith will try to ignore glennbo for now. journalist bob can take care of his own light-work.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 24, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, excellent wrap up……after the game I was trying to articulate (look at the TBFNB use the big word) right word to describe the game. Listless fits perfectly.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 24, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

press post too early….will BJ retire DOB?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 24, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

to the blogger - journalist bob was inviting you to think, not wishing you any harm. enjoy blogging with him. he is a gentleman.

now, glennbo … journalist does not like bullies. picking on ladies. picking on bob. journalist regrets provoking you in that last post. journalist apologizes to the other bloggers. journalist bob can take care of his own light-work.

By Beachcomber

June 24, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Tough loss tonight. A couple plays by guys not known for their glove made the difference. Excited about watching Chuck J. make his start tomorrow. What a hoot listening to the Ray’s postgame down here in Tampa. Thier yahoo fans are beating their chests about 47,000 over the last two nights saying they have turned it around attendance wise. As soon as the Braves leave, they’ll be back to their usual 5000-6000 in the seats every night. If ever there was a case for contraction!

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder, best post in several days at 6:27 p.m., regarding Nathan. Couldn’t have said it any better myself. Actually, couldn’t have said it as well myself.

Robert, regarding secrets behind clubhouse walls, etc. You’re exactly right, which is why I’d never write any of them, here or in a book. It’s the players’ inner sanctum, their home-away-from-how, their office, and we’re just guests.

Not there to chronicle the good-natured insults and ribald talk that wouldn’t come across well in print, especially with so many politically correct automatons out there in today’s society waiting to pounce on any comment they find insulting to their refined sensibilities. I agree with you, and there are several in the media, MANY in the media, who fall into that category.

OK, the quick rundown on busy news night: Brian Jordan broke his clavicle on first throw he made today in rehab, the clavicle he bruised last week (yes, turns out he really did bruise the hell out of it last week, so much so that it apparently weakened the bone).

He’s out 4-6 weeks, if not … well, I’ll leave it at that.

Remlinger was designated for assignment, dropped from 25-man roster to make room for Chuck James. Braves will release Rem once he clears waivers Wednesday, since almost certainly no one is going to trade for him or make a waiver claim. He’s prepared to call it a career if no team calls with a good situation.

Say what you will about his erratic work this year, but he’s a class act. It was time to cut the cord, however. He’d just been getting beat up lately.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

oh, and Billy, I’d have to strongly disagree with you regarding the red uniforms? They suck.

By S** Journalist

June 24, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Bob, journalist is that patient that you usually see walking up and down the halls of a mental ward wearing a white coat and carrying a clipboard!

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

OK, I don’t know why that question mark appeared in that sentence instead of a period. It’s late. I’m packing up the tools of ignorance (laptop, notepads, etc) and headed out of this sterile dome (and there will never, ever be a more misleading name for a sporting venue that “Tropicana Field.” Field? FIELD?”

OK, that’s all from venerable Tropicana Field. Just going to let the tradition and history wash over me once more before I leave…. ahh, that’s it. Felt good.

See ya

By TheSouthernJackAss

June 24, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss went into the bookstore the other day and asked the cashier if they carried the new book by John Schuerholz entitled, “Built to Win”?…She said, “Why yes, we certainly do—-you will find it located in our “FICTION” department!”—-GO TIGERS!!!…

By nathan

June 25, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

I’ve been watching the blog all night guys.

Thought I’d give you guys a break today.

Eric the Elder it’s all good, man.

I’ll “tone it back a bit”. Sometimes I just can’t help it. LOL

DOB….you never answered my “music” question about 7 Sharp 9. Are you familiar with them?

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE this swivel chair is FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Whew! Now I’m dizzy!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

Beachcomber, is that stadium really that ugly?

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

I’m bored and not sleepy….maby I can stir up some chatter……

who do you guys think we’d have to give up for Carlos Lee (ref: DOB mentioned, I think, in a previous blog post that we were in contention to get him).

And can anyone rember what day the 10 day evauation fo the club article was printed…..as I wonder when that 10 days is up.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah….so long remy…..

By nathan

June 25, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

PS the “old school” uniforms the Braves wore tonight is the best uniform they’ve every had. Should be made permanant. Or at least in regular rotation.

By flbravesgirl

June 25, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Billy, the Trop is indeed that ugly. I believe someone here once compared it to a sewage treatment tank.

By glennbo

June 25, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Robert, Jimmy does seem delusional, but he’s mostly harmless. His use of the third person narrative is actually a defense mechanism.

As you know, Jimmy has conferred the title of “journalist on himself and tends to get anxious when other journalists (some real and some imaginary) don’t converse with or acknowledge him. Furthermore, if the subject is not placated on a daily basis, he becomes increasingly hostile.

At least some of Jimmy’s vitriol stems from his relationship with his mother. She has been “selling her pie” for quite some time. His ensuing oedipal fixation has resulted in an inability to perform in certain other areas of his life, which inturn resulted in his wife “holding hands” with Bobby Cox at one point.

I would like to explaiin Jimmy’s obsession with Chipper Jones, but I can’t. It is known that his wife used to work at Hooters….

So, Robert, you have probably made the connection that Jimmy’s heightened sense of importance is directly related to his innate sense of inadequacy. So, yeah, p or z should help.

By Johnny

June 25, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

In the immortal words of John Belushi. “It ain’t over until we decide it is.” Unfortunately the AJC has decided that it is over. Oh ye of little faith. This thing ain’t done yet. Hopefully the Braves don’t read these articles or else they might just go ahead and call it a season now like you all have been screaming all year. How bout some positive spin. Ya’ll need to start seeing the glass as half full.

By Head Coach

June 25, 2006 06:10 AM | Link to this

The glass was half full till Schuerholz and Cox poured it out in spring training. Stop smoking the whacky weed and pack it in , the fat lady sang at the end of May and she was right. If you didnt know it , June 2006 has been the worst month of baseball in the 40 year history of Braves baseball in Atlanta. 11-20 in one run games should be a clue as to the noncompetetive nature of this team , not to mention the lack of leaderhip in the clubhouse. Only the Brewers have more strikouts as a team , the stats dont lie , they stink as a team. Get used to it , only 14 more weeks of this till we can put this lost season out of its misery.

By Bob, journalist

June 25, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

Homemade Peach ice cream … Hand Cranked!

Sorry I was delayed in responding to your posts … feisty, huh?

It seems that I now even incur the ire of those with whom there has been no intended cobtact or conflict … imagine that! It’s like catching fish without using any bait … not much sport in doing that.

The game’s obviously over but you already know what I think of Diaz as a hitter … in my book, he’s a very good contact hitter or maybe it’s his contacts that have made him very good. Either way, I think that he should be playing every day.

The notion that he should be platooned is difficult to understand … he’s hitting .346 (18 for 52) against lefties and .349 (22 for 63) against right handed pitchers.

Personally, don’t think he would be a defensive liability were he to play every day.

I didn’t see enough of James Jurries in Spring Training to reach any conclusions but he certainly put up impressive numbers … I wonder if his steroid use history was a decision influencing factor.

Regardless of the initial results, I think Thorman will prove to be a good performer.

Add me to the list of those who are finding it increasingly difficult to understand the moves made by our esteemed manager. Instead of looking for solutions, it sometimes seems that he’s more intent on proving a point … but, only Bobby Cox really knows … or does he? It’s easy to second guess and to speculate but it would be unreasonable to expect anyone who has won the Division for so many consecutive seasons to knowingly change.

Tonight’s lineup was certainly a puzzle to me. Why would you change the Matt-Andruw-Jeff outfield or remove Wilson?

Later

By Bob, journalist

June 25, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

The last post was responding to Jimmy Smith; not to be confused with the Elephant … and definitely not one of Doc’s flock.

By Robert

June 25, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

DOB - Cool. I didnt read every entry entirely before or afer your post about the locker room stuff so it wasnt clear to me which side you were on. Glad to see you’re on the side of respecting privacy.

Journalist jimmy - no problem, was just curious. For what it’s worth, I find your stuff interesting and your presentation amusing

Billy - “why wouldnt you pinch hit diaz in this situation?” - My answer is “Because you are a donkey.” (you being Bobby Cox)

In my opinion the Braves ought to go ahead and unload some vets.

Smoltzie - still a front line starter, but for how much longer - wouldnt be prudent to sign him to a long term deal, so why not send him home to Detroit for a shot

Chipper - seems to be entering the steeper downhill portion of his career - trade value will decrease appropriately as time pases, so act now

Andru - a very very good player but never a great one. Before you get all over for me saying that - when he first came up, I thought he would become a better player than Griffey - such incredible tools and instinct that unfortunately never became fully polished - in other words, if you keep him, you need another vet to lead the team, so in the low-teen-millions per year, he is overpriced

Hudson - would be the one keeper I’d think

If you look at things realistically, adding one or two pieces wont likely lead to a big turnaround for ‘07. We’re looking at a two to three year rebuilding phase, with McCann and Francouer being the chief young foundations

Betemit - I just dont see much here - can play middle infield or corner, thats good, low teen homer power, adequate for middle infield, truly marginal for corner - little speed, K/BB ratios suggest the .300 lat year was a fluke - and he isnt really young

Langerhans and LaRoche - a fair fourth outfielder and a decent platoon player

Sosa - intriguing bullpen potential if his suddenly improved K/BB ratio holds up thru time

Ramirez - AAA roster filler - unimpressive command of marginal stuf

Thompson - when healthy, a serviceable back of the rotation innings eater

Hampton - who the heck knows

Anyway, last night’s game solidified my opinion of Eeyore. Dangit, WHEN is somebody in the front office gonna come to their senses and show Cox the door?

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Bob, Diaz has some pretty good numbers, yes, but he has absolutely raked against the Marlins and not so good against everybody else. He’s got a reaaaaly big hole in his swing down-and-away, and right-handers would eat him up if he’s getting AB every night, IMO. Besides, Thorman has to get AB to see if he can translate his AAA numbers at this level. Braves really have to know about hiim one way or the other, either to showcase him for a trade package or feel comfortable about trading LaRoche. And before all the Adam-haters go crazy, believe me, that are quite a few teams that would take the guy, and happily.

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

oh, yeah, one other thing, why was Jurries sent down after an impressive spring? To keep some options open, I imagine. I’m sure the thinking was “we’ll try Jordan, and if that doesn’t work out, and Jurries is still doing well, we can always call Jurries up.” If they go the other way, keep Jurries in the spring, and release Jordan, then there’s no backup plan in place in case Jurries can’t cut it in The Show. That move made sense to me, but unfortunately it failed both ways. Jordan was a bust, Jurries got hurt and hasn’t exactly torn it up at AAA (unless he’s gotten hot recently, I haven’t kept track).

By Bob, journalist

June 25, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith … it’s time for some sleep … those haunting dreams, there’s the rub. William, tell Tonto to stop making overtures and start making more silver bullets for Sigmund.

My previous post to you was done last night but I only noticed this morning that it was still in the textbox area of the form.

Thanks for the kind words … light work indeed! Just as we are known by the company we keep … so too are we known by our defamers.

Actually, Glennbo’s posts do all the work so nothing more is required … just read his posts, they speak volumes.

By Todd A

June 25, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

“We had some clutch hitting,but they didn’t go through.” Cox on last night’s game.Wth?

Why does the media ask this man for a statement about anything?

By Robert

June 25, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

“Why does the media ask this man for a statement about anything?”

Because a lot of folks in the media and the general public as well think that winning division titles with a team with three HOF starters and which plays in a weak division makes the manager a genius

In this case, I THINK I understand what Bobby was trying to say - I interrpreted this particular “Hee-haw” as “In a couple of key situations, some of our guys had good at-bats and/or got good wood on the ball but didnt end up with a base hit”.

Bobby has a way doesnt he. The few intelligent things he has to say, he finds a way to say it and make it sound dumb.

Dude, if it didnt end up with a hit, it wasnt clutch hitting.

I dont know about the AJC, but in the Athens Banner Herald this morning, they had a shot of Bobby when he was arguing with the home plate ump about something. The pose they caught him in - OMG - he has this sneer on his face, his mouth half open, kind of an awkward pose with his arms dangling - all I can say is, if you can get a copy of the ABH or if this pic made the AJC, just look at that picture and envision donkey ears, a tail hanging off his backside, and “Eeyore” on the back of his uniform - it just so fits

Personally, I am planning on cutting the pic out of the paper, finding some clip art donkey ears and tail, and framing it

Then again, Todd, werent you all about how Bobby belongs in the HOF?

Make it the HODF and I am with ya

By journalist jimmy smith

June 25, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, this last fish you caught … throw it back! amazing what will jump in the boat, isn’t it? journalist jimmy smith will give glennbo a pass on that last post. journalist provoked that one when he saw glennbo going after you for something journalist jimmy smith wrote. it is clear that journalist bob can take care of himself. glennbo is now using spell-check. it will have lasting benefit and will do no irreprabal harm to glennbo’s intelligence (measured on whatever scale may be used under the big top). now, baseball … journalist would think chipper would always be the dh in an american league city. you give up defense with anyone in center field other than andruw. betemit plays a better third base in this journalist’s opinion. imagine if diaz, andruw, francoeur, thorman, giles, renteria, betemit, and mccann ever played at the same time - something good might happen. journalist would bat renteria third, mccann fifth, chipper sixth.

By Spellcheck

June 25, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

It’s i-r-r-e-p-a-r-a-b-l-e

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Chucky…….need an offensive exposion today.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

You cant say they havent tried to make the bullpen better. (ref. what they just said on T.V.)

By Head Coach

June 25, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Detroit doesnt need any pitching , Boston does . Thomson and Smoltz being injured just makes it worse as far as trade possibilities go. Cox allowing Giles to bat in the leadoff hole has become a very bad joke , its just further proof that this season is over.

By old timer

June 25, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

We have good young players to build around, but what we lack is pitching. Young pitchers are the biggest crapshoot in the game, and we don’t have many highly rated ones anyway right now. Starting pitching is the most important because you don’t need as many quality relievers if starters are going deep into games. What set us apart for a decade or so was our starting pitching. Now we’re just like a lot of teams. I’d trade Smoltz to the Red Sox if he wants to do it just to give him a chance to continue playing in the postseason. We’d get good prospects in return. If the front office decides to try to reload for next year, fine, but it’s going to take two starters at least as good as Hudson, and a lights out closer. Get those, and the offense won’t seem so bad. Plus Frenchy will probably get things figured out by next year, and maybe Salty will be ready for a shot at first.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 25, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

no kidding? journalist has seen it spelled differently on this blog. aer you shure about the spellin? actually, journalist was having some fun with his shadow but bob is right, we are judged by the company we keep. yes, journalist knows journalist spelled it incorrectly. it’s an inside thing, but journalist will stop now.

well, journalist must clarify the post above … chipper’s gonna play. journalist just thinks it would be good to omit a weakness from every lineup whether that weakness be pratt, pete orr, jordan (looks like that one is eliminated already - best wishes to a nice player), or (sadly) langerhans. right now, diaz should be getting the at-bats along with betemit. thorman is hittting the ball but they’re not falling, as bobby might say. there’s nothing wrong with putting the strongest lineup on the field.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

I think Salty is gonna be traded in the offseason……ala A. Marte……mabey earlier if we can get C. Lee. Via Trade.

By darren

June 25, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

get that piano off of laroches back….just glad he scored GO BRAVES!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

Somehow I dont think C. James got out of the inning that quick.

By Bob, journalist

June 25, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Scoots, I saw your posts just as I was shutting down … started writing this morning … but just finished..

Since we don’t get Turner South here and I don’t usually watch FOX, I get most of the games over WGST … so I haven’t actually seen that much of the Diaz swing.

I do like what I’ve seen of his plate presence and understand that he has a solid work ethic. However, I remember seeing some evidence of what you’re talking about and his strikeout level against righthanded pitchers suggests that something needs to be addressed. You can bet that I’ll pay closer attention in the future.

Jimmy knows my attitude toward baseball stats, especially those based on 115 ABs … but I think the splits do directionally support Matt’s ability to perform against both right and left handed pitching … it would be good to see him given the chance.

Your read on Thorman’s callup is interesting and provides good food for thought … the only way that I can envision the risk/reward ratio justifying the action would be if the decision to prepare for next season has already been made.

Your read on the James Jurries decision is consistent with the explanation given at the time it occurred and I concur. I posed the steriod history issue as a possible contributing factor only because of unclarified concerns, expressed before the decision was made, that there might be some lingering attitude history placing Jurries at a disadvantage.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

lets start the blog wave….

W

By David O'Brien

June 25, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

You’re right Todd A, why do we ask him. We should just skip talking to the manager, right? Because you and no one else would then question why we don’t talk tot he manager, right? Riiiiight.

I was trying to point out the folly of his quote by saying no one had the heart to question Bobby’s logic. Guess that didn’t register with you.

Anyway … on a serious matter. Well, somewhat serious: Power outage has stopped play for, oh, about 8 minutes now, if you’re not watching or listening to the game. Should be back up in 10-15 more minutes, after lights come all the way back up. Unbelievable. Braves get a 1-0 lead in James’ first start, and play is halted by a power outage.

By the way, Betemit hasn’t exactly shone lately. He butchered two balls at third base a few days ago, and butchered that leadoff “hit” by Lugo today that was originally (and correctly) ruled an error, then changed to a hit by the hometown scorekeeper.

By glennbo

June 25, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, Don’t flatter yourself (though I know you need to make up for your inner demons). Condescender had it coming for butting in in the same manner. Also, your opposition to bullies? Were you talking about yourself? I seem to remember some dialogue about mombo and dadbo and a quick exit from you after you brought it up. Well, Mombo is in a nursing home. And Dadbo died a less than a week after she went in. Personally, I don’t think taking multiple cheep shots about such things puts you in any position to call anybody else a bully. Do you have any cute replies to add to that? Come on. Dazzle me.

By eric the elder

June 25, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, point made and taken re your interviews with Bobby. You are the beat writer, it is your job to talk to the manager, and many would be unhappy if you did not.

On the other hand, Todd A has a good point, too. Sometime ago, I likened listening to Bobby talk about the game to listening to Dick Cheney talk about Iraq. It’s mostly spin and nonsense, although as you said, clutch hits that were outs was a stretch even for Bobby. Anyone who has not been in hibernation for the past 15 years knows that Bobby will give us absolutely no straight talk, and so it’s kind of a waste of time.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 25, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

“p” player todd pratt is today’s hero (along with esteemed braves pitcher chuck james) after journalist jimmy smith called him a weakness in the lineup (of course that is true with mccann on the team). congratulations to the “p” player for his heroics. go braves!

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

C. James looks good.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 25, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

glennbo, sorry to hear about mombo and dadbo. journalist only knows you because you attacked journalist and made multiple posts with multiple identities attacking journalist. otherwise, journalist would skip your posts. if you disagree with jimmy smith that’s okay. if you disagree with bob, that’s cool as well. when you attack jimmy smith and bob please understand you will be answered in kind. this cheep shot you reference, does it have to do with baby chicks? now, watch the game and leave jimmy smith alone.

By glennbo

June 25, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Fish head.

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Do we got a closer?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 25, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

sosa is a closa! chuck james is a keeper. let’s enjoy the rest of the season. took awhile to get here but no more reitsma or remlinger. now, yankee stadium …

p.s. carolina lady it is safe to come back. the demon has been exorcised.

By Robert

June 25, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

DOB - I found your comment about questioning Cox’s logic EXTREMELY intriguing

You didnt say “…. noone dared to ask about his logic”, or “…. noone felt themselves worhty to to question his logic”

Those two statements would, to me, would imply that you were talking about questioning the judgement of a genius, or someone whose opinions, judgement, and wisom are held in high esteem

“… noone had the heart to question Bobby’s logic.”

As if doing so would hurt someone’s feelings, or as if, noone wants to go down that road.

Noone had the HEART to question Connie Mack when the revered old man was 90 and still managing despite not havent had a coherent thought in several years. Noone had the HEART to question Casey Stengal’s logic when he was still managing despite having no card higher than about an eight left in his deck.

I think Cox did a fine job as a GM. In my opinion, his managerial track record is one of consistent and abject underachievement highlighted by multiple moments of phenomenally ill-timed blatant idiocy. I have always held this sneaking suspicion that the Manager of the Year Awards are a conspiracy - the opposition knew that the only way to avoid a Braves dynasty was to make sure they kept the donkey in the dugout

Go down that road, of questioning Bobby’s logic. Combine that with the circumstances and events of the past 15 baseball season. I did, and it’s why my opinion of the 14 straight division titles is “Big donkey dung stinkin deal”

Am I just reading something I hope to see into your specific language, or is my opinion not so uncommon among the public AND the press as those who think Eeyore hung the moon would like to believe ?

I am assuming that the choice of language was not just due to carelessness. A good journalist is like a good lawyer - every word is there for a specific reason and every possible alternative choice of words is not there for a specific reason

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

The Met’s look for real…..it the wild card or bust.

By Robert

June 25, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Put another way - if you know the folly of his quotes, then it goes back to - why ask his opinion on anything

Is it known to be folly because it’s really bad spin that everyone with a brain can see thru?

Or is it known to be folly because most people know he is a donkey, tho few care to point it out?

In either case, if it’s known to be folly, what IS the point of continuing to report it?

By The Blogger Formerly Known As Billy (TBFNB)

June 25, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Every one’s on Bobby today…who would you like to see manage the Braves…..I cant really picture anyone else but Bobby. Lou Pinela (SP?)? There’s the prime example of an overrated manager. What’s he done thats so special?

By Patrick

June 25, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

DOB,

What did you think of James’ performance today??? He looked great, I think!

Please tell me that he’ll become a fixture in the rotation..

By Kent

June 25, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Patrick, I’m with you. I think Chuck James looked terrific!

I don’t want to get too carried away with a guy after just one start, but I very excited about James because of the way everyone in the Braves organization talks about this guy. I’m already hearing a lot of Tom Glavine comparisons, and it looks like they might be well deserved.

This guy’s got an extremely bright future. Pretty exciting for Braves fans when you consider the way Heracio Ramirez has been pitching and the fact that Mike Hampton will be in the fold next season. I think Atlanta will be overstocked in the rotation for the first time in a long time next year.

Smoltz Hudson Hampton Ramirez James Davies

Who will be the odd man out of the rotation? I guess that depends on whether or not the Braves are able to land the kind of closer they need. If not, Smoltzy could be drug kicking and screaming back to the bullpen. I have longed believed (and still believe) that the rotation is where Smoltz belongs, but if James continues to impress, and if H. Ramirez keeps throwing the ball the way he has lately, the Braves really won’t need Smoltz in the rotaiton… but they may very well need him in the ‘pen’. It’ll be interesting to see what Shuerholz will be able to add to the bullpen, both this year and in the offseason.

I keep saying it, but I think 2007 looks extraordinarily promising!

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

I confess, Chuckie’s no radar-lighter, but he does change speeds pretty well, and he throws strikes. I hadn’t seen much of him until today, but I came away pretty impressed. Even saw him touch 90-91 (at least on the TB gun) and I didn’t think he had that much gas. Most impressive, to me anyway, was he pitched smart, but Pratt may have had something to do with that. Good game, good start for “I’m Chuck James b*“…

By Glass Half Full

June 25, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

What are the chances that the Braves will market “Chuck James, B***” T-shirts?

By Beachcomber

June 25, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Blogger formerly known - sorry I went to bed before reading your commnet on the Trop. Answer is yes - while I have only seen about 5 or 6 other major league parks, I question that there can be one uglier than the Trop - and the sad thing is the new owenership down here claims to have put about a million bucks in upgrades - darned if I could perceive where!! Clearwater’s single A team has a much better looking facility. Finally to make good on a promise I made to my baseball loving daughter at today’s game, after his three ribbys to secure the win for Cy James, I take back all I have ebver said on this blog about Todd Pratt!

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

the most shocking thing abut the series this weekend? The team’s in Tampa for three days, and we get not ONE post calling for a Carl Crawford trade!

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

glass, that move is too cool for the ORGANIZATION to take, but I’d lay money SOME entrepeneur will do it!

By Glass Half Full

June 25, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Maybe one of those “vendors” who hang around Turner Field will do it.

By ncscoots

June 25, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

oh, man, you gettin’ loose with the truth calling those folks vendors, even in quotes, LOL!

By Kent

June 25, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

I have heard a lot of people saying “We need to trade for Carl Crawford!!! Yeah… it would be cool to see that guy in a Braves uniform, but don’t anyone make the mistake of thinking that the D-Rays are in aaaannnnyyyyy hurry to unload this kid.

By David O'Brien

June 25, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

You all will probably be pleased to know that Chuck James had a “I’m Chuck James B**tch” t-shirt made up. Is that sweet, or what?

The dude’s really a breath of fresh air, a country boy who doesn’t try to act like he’s too cool to be affected by all this major league stuff. He doesn’t mind admitting how he just hoped to pitch five innings and get out of there Sunday, he was so nervous.

Fact is, when he gets on the mound, the little man is fearless. And that delivery is just funky and deceptive enough to frustrate hitters, who can’t pick up his fastball easily, which makes 89-91 a lot more effective than it might be otherwise. That and his killer change-up.

He’s got the goods to do some things. Rays were impressed, Joe Maddon (manager) even started his postgame comments by talking about how good “their guy Glavine” pitched. It was tongue in cheek to make his point about James.

OK, onward and upward. Hopefully my early morning flight to NYC isn’t weather-affected. I hear the Braves’ charter out of here was held up tonight by all the storms.

By David O'Brien

June 25, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Robert, I just noticed your two replies to my earlier posts.

Do me a favor and give it a rest, alright. We get his quotes after the game because he’s the manager of the team, the one who makes out the lineup cards and decides who plays and who pitches, etc. Just like you talk to the coach of any football team or basketball team. You with me, grasping this?

And as much as you look down your nose at him and offer your condescending critiques of him, do you know how you sound tearing apart a manager who has won the last two NL manager of the year awards, and won more manager of the year awards than anyone in history?

Seriously, I mean, I realize your smarter than all us schlepp sports writers, including all of them in NY, LA, Chicago and everywhere else that voted for Cox last year as manager of the year, and the year before (you can look it up, it was nearly unanimous, so even those hard-bitten journalists voted for him), but until you get the beat job and can show how smart you are by ignoring the manager and writing from your own expert point of view without bothering to ask him anything about his team, well, until then why don’t you just leave the postgame reporting to those of us being paid to do it.

Yes, that’s my condescension. I figure if you can look down upon the man who’s held in highest regard by his peers througout baseball, I can do the same to you, right?

By Don

June 25, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Robert, speaking of donkeys, “noone” isn’t a word. Clearly you’re trying to craft some sort of web identity out of your constant Cox-donkey thing, but it’s only making you look like a complete idiot.

By Kent

June 25, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

If Chuck James continues to pitch like this… I wonder if H. Ramirez might be on the trading block soon??? The Braves would be in no hurry to trade him certainly, but he’s one of the few tradable guys (other than Hudson who will not be traded) that would have substantial trade value right now. Giles will make 5-6 million next season and is having a lousy year, so Atlanta wouldn’t get as much in return for him as they would like. I’m sure some trades will happen before the deadline, even if they’re just to bolster next year’s roster. It’ll be interesting to see who’s coming and who’s going.

By nathan

June 25, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Again Today?

You see, I can sit back watch the game, not stick my nose into the “schlub o sh*t” that is. You guys all do a fine job of insulting Bobby, and each other without me.

But it’s not as “colorful” is it?

BTW: Chuck James looked really good. Breath of fresh air is right DOB.

Neat stat on TBS today about how Oscar is the ONLY one left in the pen that was in the pen on opening day.

I’m not saying that the Braves are going to make the playoffs this year, but it won’t be a total lost cause if they let the rookies have at it and get some “experience”. One series at a time, people, one series at a time.

Go Braves in 07 !!!

By nathan

June 25, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

BTW….I realize that TBS showing the personnel in the “pen” is not a “STAT”. Not sure why I typed it that way.

PS. The swivel on my chair broke. (that’s the real reason I’ve stayed away the last couple of days - I don’t really like the view from the “outside” of the circle looking in. Gotta be in the middle)

So once I get that back from the shop……I’LL BE BACK!!!! Just like Ric Flair…..(stylin’ and profilin’!)

By Kent

June 25, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

Nathan, You’re right on target man. This season will be productive even if only to prepare for next year. With kids like C, James, Ramirez pitching well, and Hampton coming back… the Braves should get back to the Braves way of doing business (dominate starters).

Things are lookin’ pretty good for 07!

By Kat

June 25, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

I’m still cheering for my Braves, win or lose. They need the fans’ support right now! I can empathize all too well with having done something really well for a really long time and suddenly it’s just gone and you just don’t know why— it’s horrendous. It’s all too easy to just lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling when you hit those rough patches, but you just have to have faith that you had it before and you will get it back again. Injuries can be overcome, losses can always be followed by wins, but you can’t do either one of those things if you don’t BELIEVE that you can. I’m a musician who’s dealt with multiple injuries and plenty of blown chances in the past, but I keep improving because I work my a* off and take care of myself so that bad things don’t happen to me any more than they have to.

Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Chuck James looked awesome today! I was so glad to see him do well, and to see some life in the dugout and the ‘pen (those “Pitcher’s Rally Caps” were great.) Wilson Betemit was a little off, yes, and I couldn’t believe the umps didn’t give him those errors, but he has been stellar at third base especially and hey, we still got the win. Chippper is a puzzle to me, and I admit I get aggravated with him a lot more readily than I do with most of the rest of the team— I think Wilson has the capability to be a terrific everyday third baseman and I just wish he’d get that chance. Mike Remlinger being axed is a step in the right direction, to me. I really, REALLY agree with those of you who say that they have got to make some pitching changes and getting rid of someone who is, essentially, old and unreliable is a Good Thing IMO. We have plenty of veteran leadership without him. Smoltzy, by the way, has to stay. He’s a gentleman, a class act, and a damn fine pitcher whatever his record says this year. He is one of the faces of this organization and one of my heros for everything he’s accomplished for this team.

Just wanted to put in my $0.02. The past few weeks have been miserable, yes, but they still have a chance to turn it around (maybe not division champions, maybe not even the wildcard… but still a season that they can be proud of.) I say bring on Terrifying Randy Johnson— long as he doesn’t kill anyone in the lineup, please— and the damn Yankees. GO BRAVES!

By Todd A

June 25, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Robert,Bobby’s a lock for the HOF.No doubt about it.I wasn’t offering an opinion on the matter,just stating what I regard as pretty common knowledge.I won’t go so far as to say I’m on board with the “Donkey” characterization,but I do find myself agreeing with you quite often on his managerial shortcomings,especially in the postseason.

Jeez,DOB.Who pi$$ed in your corn flakes this morning?I realize y’all(media) have to speak with Cox before and after games.I was merely making a comment.I guess you were too busy seeing red to detect my sarcasm.Looks like a couple bloggers made my point better than I did myself.

By old timer

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

This is encouraging. Hopefully, James can be consistent. We badly need a third starter so we can concentrate on finding a badly needed fourth starter.

By old timer

June 25, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Kat, I love your post. A season we can be proud of even if we don’t make the playoffs. Wins instead of losses even if that doesn’t mean anything to the win-it-all-or-it-is-meaningless faction. To finish even 5 or 10 games over .500 this year would be an accomplishment. And something to build on.

By glennbo

June 25, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Does McDowell understand the offseason throwing routine that Leo set up? A lot of missed innings due to inury this season…

By nathan

June 25, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

In all fairness glennbo…..most of the injuries to the pitchers are not “arm” related.(Horacio: Hamstring - Davies: Groin - Thomson - Blister ….in fact, I could be wrong, but Boyer is about the only one off of the top of my head that is even close to arm/shoulder problems. If I’m mistaken or forgetting sombody please let me know…I’m drawing a blank.

PS don’t think it didn’t go un-noticed by me that even though the Braves won the series……..Chipper still did NOTHING to actually help that happen.

Just thought I’d through that in there.

By nathan

June 25, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB…..can we get a new blog started? This ones is starting to slow down. That makes it really hard to “instant message” on for Billy & I.

And don’t try to blame me for “too many” posts - as the problem for it slowing down. I’ve hardly touched my keyboard since around 1 AM on Friday/Saturday.

By TennesseePaul

June 25, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

It’s Chuck James B!tch! I love it. Stoked he has a tee shirt with it. Extremely excited about this win today. The last few days this rotation has looked good. I hope these guys can build off of it. Just keep it close with these Yankees, we can win it off of Farnsworthless.

Chuck James is going to seriously improve this rotation. I’m excited about the way things are looking. Sosa has looked really determined in his two relief outings so far. It looks like he really wants the spot. He’s been about the only guy I’ve seen come out of the pen that didn’t look scared or let down already.

Just a few more days and we could see a trade.
GO BRAVES!!!

By nathan

June 25, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

2 Things…..then I’ll “back off” until sombody “wants” to converse with me. LOL

DOB the 2nd half of my last post was not directed at you, that was directed at pretty much everybody that was going to type that in without giving the warning not to. LOL

And did anybody notice John Rocker’s comments on the whole “sensitivity training”. Man that guy still doesn’t get it does he? Hey even I know when to shut up LOL! What shame he had to be such a Redneck Jacka$$! Total waste of a great arm and sombody with the “courage” to go through what a closer has to go through. I do have to admit, I still love seeing old highlights of him jawing with NY fans! That was (as Chris Farley would say) AWWWWWSOME!

By nathan

June 25, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

OK, I lied. Here I go again, talking to myself!

Seriously though, I do have a legitimate question for you DOB. Once every week or so I come up with one that I actually do want an answer to.

Does Bobby pretty much consider Ken Ray an 8th inning guy? Is that why it took him so long to “give” him some save opportunities and is that why he’s was so quick to throw Sosa “into the fire”?

Seems kind of odd to me that Reitsma struggles for 2 months basically and had to go on the DL (still think that’s a cover up) to lose his job. Ray seemed to be doing OK and BAM - Sosa’s in.

I don’t have a problem with trying Sosa there, God knows his arm is “lively” enough to do it if he throws strikes. But it seems to go totally against Bobby’s MO to not make Sosa pitch the 8th inning 2 or 3 times before “rewarding” him with a save opportunity. If I remember correctly, Smoltz didn’t even get thrown into the 9th inning right away.

By Jimbo

June 25, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Hang in there Nathan…don’t let the jerks get you down. I enjoy your posts.

By flbravesgirl

June 25, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Way to go, Chuck James! That was so much more than I expected from him. And Sosa actually seems like he’s getting into the closer’s role. I hope it continues. Beachcomber, I couldn’t spot any of the “improvements” to the Trop either. Did you see Francoeur steal the keys to the Rays’ mascot’s 4-wheeler? Pretty funny watching that silly blue hairball chase him around trying to get them back.

By Todd A

June 25, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Looks like Brad Lidge is back to his postseason form.

By Todd A

June 25, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Nathan…Chipper did have his rally cap on friday night.Does that count?

By Bob, journalist

June 26, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

glennbo,

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet … don’t you think?

We are what are we are … regardless of what we’re called or what we claim to be. “Condescender” probably does a good job of conveying what you sincerely think of me … with which I have no problem.

However, I do think that yours is a misguided perception … for I sincerely have no feelings of either superiority or inferiority relative to anyone on this Blog.

I admit to being verbose and am somewhat envious of those who are successfully succinct. My style is possibly influenced by the writing of abstract technical papers using the third person and the Royal We … but it is what it is.

My 5 closest friends include an auto mechanic, a Kenyan preacher, a farmer who has to make his mark, a pizza cook, a professional golfer, and my wife. They will all tell you that I am the best actuary in the group!

Audience and purpose dictate the “what” and the “how” … but I assure you that the style of any written correspondence with family and friends, while sometimes less polite, is basically the same as that used on this Blog … flawed as it may be.

Regardless of words and style, the underlying intended message should be clear to most and is always sincere.

I try to make it clear that I oppose apathy and amorality … find boorish behavior unacceptable, and encourage everyone to conduct themselves so that they, and their family, will be proud of that behavior.

I doubt that many of us actually live up to the standards we set for ourselves … but I think it’s the effort we make and standards we set that really define our essence.

If that makes me a “Condescender” then that’s what I am.

By bravesfansince1966

June 26, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

ALL IS WELL! James is our new Maddox and Sosa is our new Smoltz! Folks, WE ARE BACK! Eat crow Nathan!

By Head Coach

June 26, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

Whoa , Chuck James did the best Glavine imitation I have seen so far. Wow , it only took Cox the better part of three months to straighten out the bullpen mess. Maybe by the end of July he will figure out Giles isnt the answer for the leadoff hitter. If Davies was healthy a rotation of Smoltz , Hudson , Ramirez , James and Davies would be sweet. Hey ,we only have to get past ten teams to win the wild card , lol. Pass the weed and hand me a beer , the Yankees are coming , the Yankees are coming !!

By nathan

June 26, 2006 04:11 AM | Link to this

bravesfansince1966

ALL IS WELL! James is our new Maddox and Sosa is our new Smoltz! Folks, WE ARE BACK! Eat crow Nathan!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Get back to me when we beat sombody other than the hapless D-Rays.

Get back to me when we pass one team in the wildcard standings.

Get back to me when Chipper becomes anything better than the Gerald Perry impersonator he’s been for the 1st 3 months of this season.

Get back to me when Giles get’s his OBP above .350

Get back to me after Sosa walks the first 3 hitters in a save opportunity.

Get back to me when Chuck James has 3 good outings in a row.

This is not to downplay the positives that have happened. (James in rotation & Sosa getting a shot at the closer roll) Unfortuneately, your genius leader waited WAAAAAAAY TOO LONG into the season to make these moves. All good moves for us to build on for NEXT YEAR.

Get a grip on reality. They took 2 of 3 from a team that has never had a winning season in it’s exsistance. THIS SEASON IS LOST.

If the take 2 of 3 from the Yankees, I’ll take my crow medium rare with a baked potatoe and a side salad with french and bleu cheese! LOL

But thanx for trying!

By nathan

June 26, 2006 04:16 AM | Link to this

PS….how you gonna feel when Reitsma comes off the DL and Bobby puts him back in the closer’s roll? Don’t Laugh! I bet Bobby’s counted the days until he gets Reitsy back.

By Bob, journalist

June 26, 2006 05:07 AM | Link to this

Glennbo, I am puzzled by your statement to Jimmy to the effect that “I had it coming for butting in the same manner”.

I can only assume that you are referring to my comments directed at “The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy”. If so, you’ll find that it was Billy who reacted to two of my posts that were not directed at him. Others addressed the situation with him … far better than I could ever hope to do.

Before that ”encounter”, I don’t believe that I had ever read any of his posts and his remarks actually distressed me … but not for the reasons that you might imagine.

After reading some of his posts, I concluded that he’s a good fan who truly enjoys participating on the Blog and sharing his ideas with others… as does Nathan. I doubt that Nathan really appreciates my style either but I think he knows that I respect him as a person and as a fan.

My responses to Billy were probably ill-advised … but were well intended as I was hoping to get him to realize that he was indeed accepted, not for his words or the way he expressed himself … but for his feelings, ideas and values … and was appreciated as being a good fan. Unfortunately, my efforts only served to worsen the situation

By teoa

June 26, 2006 05:48 AM | Link to this

By nathan

June 23, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

*Post first, think later?

I’ve been thinking about most of these moves for the last 4 weeks!

And as far as my “distrust” of Bobby and JS, that’s been going on since about 1997.

But if it makes you feel better, I’ll continue to think about it for the next decade as they both sit in the respective spots (luxury suite and end of the bench) for 10 more grueling years.*

Yes, it will make me and all of us feel much better, Nathan. Think for 10 years, then post again. We’ll all be eagerly waiting.

By David O'Brien

June 26, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

Hey, don’t we all feel better after three hours sleep? You bet! Up and at ‘em…

OK, enough with that. Sitting here at Tampa airport, hoping they let my 7:25 flight off the ground before they start delaying all flights into LaGuardia.

Bob, we’re cool. Just try to think about what it is us folks covering a team do for a living. A large part of it is asking the coach/manager of whatever team in whatever sport it is we cover, asking him about his/her team. If you start ignoring the coach/manager and writing as though you are above what he/she says and don’t need the coach/manager’s opinion, then you’d be surprised how quickly you’ll lose the respect not only of that person but all the people on his team who respect and follow that person’s lead.

And when you then ice out those folks, well, you could still be a columnist because you wouldn’t necessarily need to speak to them and get their quotes, etc., for your stories, but you’d sure have a difficult time being a beat writer covering the team.

Peace.

By Johnny Taco

June 26, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

No Chris Reitsma?

No Brian Jordan?

No Remmie?

What will Bobby Cox do?

The Braves may have a chance now !

By journalist jimmy smith, peacemaker

June 26, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

love and harmony is restored to this blog. hallelujah! dob is a big man to embrace bob the journalist and make amends. bob has reached out to nathan and billy … and to glennbo. journalist himself is at peace now with glennbo. it is the thing to do on this tenth anniversary of the summer olympic games. return with jimmy smith now to the thrilling days of yesteryear and the cry of hi ho silver … it was a kinder, gentler time. that is why abrasive behavior is so difficult now to fathom. it is not needed. it is not appreciated. yet, it pervades. this blog is big enough for all (as long as nathan leaves us some room :). now, baseball … why does a win feel so good? well, taking the rays in 11 innings did not feel so special even though it broke the losing streak. that could have and possibly should have been a loss. yesterday, though, was sweet. james pitched great. “p” player pratt laid down a bunt and advanced a runner to third. giles got him in with a sac fly. james made one run hold up for 7 innings. then, “p” player went yard. oh, the humanity! next, sosa the closa came in and wnet to work. jimmy smith felt good about our braves yesterday. can’t wait for the next game. dob, how is smoltz??

By Head Coach

June 26, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

The Brewers have 577 strikeouts as a team , the braves have 574. Add Randy Johnson to the equation and later on tonight your Atlanta Braves might be the Whiff Kings of the Major Leagues.

By A Nobody

June 26, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Jimmy, thouoght you’d like to know that Carolina Lady is in the hospital. Total exhaustion and a really bad asthma attack. We’ve been kinda worried about her for a while. She’s been taking care of her mother around the clock for many months, takes care of her daughter, just had that big cookout for everybody, takes care of that huge place she has (it’s more like a huge game preserve!) - and it just got to be too much. The doctor’s were vry concerned about the asthma because it wasn’t responding to the drugs, but this morning there is some improvement which is encouraging. (Her uncle died from asthma some years back. It’s bad stuff!) Just thought you’d like to know.

Later.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

I think it would be interesting to hear everyone’s thoughts on who the Braves might deal away between now and the trading deadline. I’m not suggesting that the Braves are going to be liquidating their talent assets, as I am positive that they’re looking forward to a good run in 07. But in order to get talent, you’ve got to give some of it up… so who won’t still be in a Braves uniform come September? Any one have any thoughts?

By Kent

June 26, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Obviously Atlanta would like to trade and get something in return for John Thompson. He won’t be needed once Kyle Davies returns from the DL. Here’s hoping he can get healthy and string together a few strong starts so maybe he’ll actually have some trade value.

Marcus Giles could very well be dealt soon. Wilson Betemit gives them an overstocked infield (even though his glove has been suspect lately). The problem there is that Giles is eligible for salary arbitration next season and will probably earn between 5-6 million in 07. Couple that with the fact that he’s having a poor season, and his trade value probably isn’t exactly where Shuerholz would like it to be either. But if the Braves can get anything of value in return, they’ll probably deal him to clear payroll for bullpen renovations.

By JasonInMaine

June 26, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

From Peter Gammons’ blog on ESPN Insider:

The Braves were heavily involved in the Joey Gathright deal and still could get him from Kansas City. Yes, they need a leadoff hitter, but there is the possibility that they will explore dealing Andruw Jones at the end of the season. Jones is a free agent at the end of the 2007 season, he makes 17 percent of their current payroll (no team since 1985 has won with one player making as much as 16 percent) and both shoulders kill him.

Gammons is one of the few opinions of the ESPN “experts” that I actually value. I thought I would share it.

Regards,

Jason

By journalist jimmy smith

June 26, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady will be in my prayers. Tell her “hello” from her cousin, “jimmy smith”, and please let her know we are thinking of her and praying for her speedy recovery.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm… I’ve heard a few mentions (second hand) from Peter Gammons that all Andruw’s diving catches and outfield-wall banging are starting to take their toll. I also like Peter Gammons, but I think he’s off base on this one.

I’m pretty sure Gammons has no statistics to reference as to the number of wall-banging incidents or diving catches Andruw has made over the years. I think it’s an error of perception. Becasue he’s such a great fielder, people (even the “experts”) equate being great in the field with punishing your body more than the next guy (Ken Griffey Jr. probably ads to this perception). But I don’t think Adruw dives or crashes into walls any more than the average center fielder. That’s not to say that he doesn’t give 110% out there, because he does. But I think most center fielders do.

What really sets Andruw apart, are the kind of flyballs he’s able to get to standing up, that another fielder might have to dive for, or might not even get to at all. Andruw’s instincts, and the kind of “jumps” he gets on the ball as it comes off the bat, are what make him great… not diving more than the next guy.

Andruw is only 29, and doesn’t appear to have any chronic health issues (including his shoulders). I disagree with Peter Gammons on that one, and I would be shocked if the Braves traded Andruw.

Now if Andruw were a free agent at the end of this season, that might be a different matter. But I think if the Braves have big plans for 2007 (and they do), Andruw will factor into those plans. Just my 2 cents. :o)

By Jim

June 26, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

The comparison that comes to my mind for Chuck James (albeit after only 1 start so way too premature) is not Tom Glavine, but Whitey Ford. James was more agressive at attacking the hitter today than Glavine was/is and used both sides of the plate and the top and bottom of the strike zone more effectively. The Ford comparison comes from the fact that they are both short and left-handed; and James, like Ford, would get the ball back and be ready to throw the next pitch with little delay in between.

One thing that made Ford a HOF pitcher was his ability to quickly master a new pitch once he was shown a grip and a delivery. If James can expand his repertoire with anything close to the facility that Ford could, we have a number 1 starter for the next ten years.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Jim, good observations on Chuck James. I agree.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Anyone think Atlanta might trade Heracio Ramirez?

He might not factor into next years plans. With Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Ramirez, James, and Davies… we’ll have 6 quality starters next year. The odd man out might be Ramirez since he’ll earn considerably more than Davies or James will for a few years.

If you were to make a list of players that might not factor into the Braves plans for 07… Ramirez is probably the only guy on that list with any real trade value. Anyone think he’ll be dealt by the deadline?

By Kent

June 26, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

It’s rumored that the Braves are interested in Joey Gathright?? I just looked at his stats, and I have to ask… What good would that do us? Granted he’s only had 421 major league at-bats, so maybe he simply hasn’t grazed his potential yet, but the stats aren’t good for a leadof hitter.

Yes, he’s very fast. But he also has a career batting avg. of .247, and career on base percentage (the most important stat for a leadoff hitter) of .317, and strikeout to walk ratio of worse than 2:1.

Atlanta needs a leadoff hitter, but unless Braves officials are quite convinced that he’s going to get a lot better… Gathright isn’t the answer.

By nathan

June 26, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Bob the Journalist…..

Your “style” is just fine by me, because the only style that matters is passionate.

And I can tell you’ve got that goin for you, which is nice.

It’s all good my my man.

Well, I’ve got some thinking to do. Be back in 2016……….Yeah right, it’s gonna take a lot more than that to keep me away. ROTFLLDE! (that stands for “rolling on the floor laughing like Dr. Evil!)

By BOB C

June 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Beachcomber and flgrilbravesfan - I share your confusion on just what was done to make the Trop “better.” But at least we will all be able to say we were there for the beginning of the “James era.” Kent - great post. It indeed was refreshing to see a kid get the ball, take the sign and throw the next strike - emphasis strike. We were out of there in a little over 2:30 despite the fifteen minute power loss - Maddux-like. Finally, wouldn’t another 2 out of 3 be sweet at the Evil Empire.

By hk

June 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

… you are in my prayers as well, Carolina Lady …

By TheBoogerMans

June 26, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Nathan—those red spots all over your face is called “acne”—kids get that at the start of puberty—you may have them all over your arse too before all is said and done—some folks say it makes acne worse when you stroke the keys too much—not cool with girls—use a light-toned makeup to cover it some—and stop stroking so much! ROFLMAO—LOL—LMAO—LMFAO—ROFLMFAO—DUDE!

By Kent

June 26, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Ditto! Get well soon Carolina Lady! Blessings!

By TennesseePaul

June 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

This series against the Yanks is winnable. It’s going to take a lot of guts and glory to do it. The Yankees aren’t the Yankees of old. The starting pitching is hit and miss, and 2 thirds of the outfield is on the DL. The Yankee setup man is choking at every chance as well. If our staff can manage their bats fairly well, then all that’s need is for our slumbering offense to wake up. Yankee stadium is a great place to wake up. Let’s do this Braves! Let’s get on a roll and fire off another win tonight!

GO BRAVES

As for the trading for Garthright, that would be interesting. It seems Garthright was already traded to the Royals, or shall I say, Dayton Moore. If Moore then turns around and gives him to the Braves for nothing, we just might have the best GM duo in the pros… and twice the minor league depth! I don’t know how long Moore would have a job though.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

well… Dayton Moore’s a smart guy. He’s not going to give us something for nothing. That being the case, I’m not really sure why we’d deal for Gathright. Unless Braves management is convinced that he has a lot more potential than what he’s shown so far as a major leaguer.

By TennesseePaul

June 26, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

With JS in charge, I don’t see a minor trade like that. I think it will be more of an impact trade. Even if it’s a trade to build on. JS always seems to make the move for the good, top notch, able to play and win type of player. Like Renteria. Fred McGriff. Greg Maddux. Gary Sheffield. JD Drew and others.

By berigan

June 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, always enjoyed your posts, get well soon!

By berigan

June 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, always enjoyed your posts, get well soon!

By Louis Vales

June 26, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Thomas Stinson, My Phi Beta Kappa friend try having a payroll of 15 MILLION before you go crying about disparity.

By Louis Vales

June 26, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Thomas Stinson, You are obviously a Phi Beta Kappa. Try having a payroll of 15 Million!! before you go quoting choke artists about payroll disparities!!

By teoa

June 26, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

Nathan, how old are you? Your posts remind me of that SNL skit with the annoying little girl and Horatio Sanz as the trailer park uncle:

Hey, Rick, watch me, Rick, Rick, I can make 10 posts on the internet in one minute, are you watching, Rick, Riiicckkk, come on, Rick, watch, watch me…there! I did it, Rick! I did it! 10 posts, Rick! Rick, did you see it? Did you see it, Rick? Rick, I want a kool-aid! Rick, Rick go get me a kool-aid! Rick! Rick, tell me who the Braves are going to trade! Rick, come on, Rick…Hey, Rick, what do you think of this new fantasy Braves lineup I’ve come up with? Huh, Rick, huh? Aren’t I smart? Aren’t I smart, Rick? Rick, I’m waiting…Still waiting, Rick…

Substitute “Rick” for DOB and you have one of Nathan’s 967 daily posts.

By Johnny Taco

June 26, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t judge Gathright on 400 career at bats !

Look how many at bats Johnny Estrada had when he came to Atlanta, & he had a .225 average. He gets the fulltime gig in ATL and becomwes a .300 hitter.

By berigan

June 26, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

As for Peter Gammons comments on Andruw…Peter is a HOF’er, so no need to just make stuff up. If he says Andruw’s shoulders are killing him, I believe it. Andruw may just be 29, but he has been playing in the Majors for 10+ years, and hasn’t played less than 153 games in any year since his rookie year. Between last season and this year, he has only missed 3 games(Bobby should rest him once in awhile, we are in Last place) Lots of wear and tear on the old body when you dive for balls few other center fielders ever have a chance at. Perhaps Bobby will DH him again in a few games in NY. Perhaps the reason Bobby Dh’ed him in Tampa was to see how well Frency could play center, perhaps looking long term?(was that for only the last few innings? I tuned in late that for that game)

By nathan

June 26, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Do you guys have any baseball or braves related things to comment on? Didn’t think so. I may be annoying but at least I have some actual points to make on the current (sh*tty) state of the braves.

There’s a difference between being STUPID and ANNOYING. But obviously you two (teoa and boogerface or whatever you mom calls you) are too much of the first and just happen to be enough of the second.

Go ahead and keep mocking me. It makes me look more intelligant than I am, and I’m plenty intelligant. BTW, do you use “both” fingers for typing or do you have to chicken peck the keys one at a time.

The last couple days that I’ve “stayed” off the blog, I’ve just been watching to observe what goes on when I’m not around. I don’t believe I’ve seen one tiny little bit of baseball knowledge come out of either of your keyboards. So why don’t you order the Tom Emanski DVD, learn a little bit about the game. Then come back when you have some actual knowledge to discuss. Because quite frankly in a battle of witts, you’re severely undergunned.

By nathan

June 26, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

of course what would also make me look intelligent would be to spell the word intelligent correctly! LMABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZO!

By ncscoots

June 26, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

well, I have a lot respect for Gammons, but come on…the Braves were “heavily involved” in a trade between two other teams?? And in the next breath, it’s “they might still get him”? What would be the sense of being “heavily involved” if they weren’t DEFINITELY going to get the guy? Sorry, but that all makes no sense to me whatsoever.

By Miss Manners

June 26, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, it is June 26. Don’t miss the best blog of the year so far. It’s from Nathan. “I’m plenty intelligant … in a battle of witts, you’re severely undergunned.”

By Kent

June 26, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

I really wish folks could refrain from personally criticizing other bloggers. Man, can’t we all just get along!!! Seriously, let’s all have a Coke and smile… and talk baseball. Cool?

By ncscoots

June 26, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

OK, I think we can all cut nathan some slack now. In truth, he’s always logical in his points of view (with which I mostly disagree, nathan, but that’s another post :-)), he’s just been a little repetitive at making them. Bringing good discussion to the blog is no reason to hammer the guy…though I’ve been guilty of doing that, too. So let’s find a new blogger for our ire.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 26, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

where is the jackazzz when we need him?

By ncscoots

June 26, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

roger that, jimmy. And ANobody, pass my regards on to Carolina Lady, too, if you would.

By Kent

June 26, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

berigan, with all due respect to Peter Gammons, he’s not basing his assertion on anything concrete. He’s heard through his secret channels that Andruw’s shoulders are sore, and decides that Andruw is on the downslope of his career???

Come on man!! Again, I have to make the argument (which I made more in depth in an earlier blog, so I won’t repeat myself too much) that Andruw has not been diving or banging himself around any more than the average outfielder. And again, what makes Andruw so special is are all the plays he’s able to make standing up that other fielders would be lucky to make with a diving catch.

I still say that’s Gammons point of view is based on the perception that a great outfielder like A.Jones punishes his body more than the average fielder. That’s just not necessarily true, and I don’t believe it’s accurate in Andruw’s case.

I must say it again… The guy is 29 years old!!! in 6 or 7 years you can start telling me that the years are catching up to him, and I might believe you. For now, maybe the guy’s got a sore shoulder. Fine. But to suggest that Andruw is almost past his prime, and that it’s all downhill from here is ridiculous. Andruw Jones is just coming into the prime of his career.

By nathan

June 26, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

nothing wrong with disagreeing, nscoots. Isn’t that the points of these blogs. Yeah, I type too much. Yeah, I butt into others “conversations”. Yeah, I have a “way” of grating on others. Too bad for them.

I just like “discussing/arguing” Braves baseball. If anybody cares to do THAT, welcome aboard. If you’d rather talk about pimples and insult other posters, maybe you should log on to the American Idol message boards.

So to those of you “sticking” up for me, I appreciate it. But it’s not neccessary, those who choose to “bash” other bloggers, obviously don’t have any real reason to logon and discuss baseball. Until the last couple of posts, I had chosen not to get “involved” with any type of negative posting towards other bloggers. But there is only so long you can put up with ignorance.

You got somthing to “bash” me about concerning my baseball knowledge, BRING IT ON. I love talking about it and trying to prove my points. Or at least giving my reason’s for the way I “feel” about Braves players, plays in general, Bobby, JS, Ownership and anything Braves that’s happened since 1981 or so. I don’t have much knowledge of anything beyond those years, due to the fact that I wasn’t a fan back then. I’ve only read about stuff that happened in the 70’s and before. But after that….

So let’s talk baseball not bullsh*t.

As for my grammar and and spelling. Sorry the AJC doesn’t have spellcheck! But at least I can spell the players names right! And when I was speaking of intelligence, it had much more to do with “baseball” smarts rather than book smarts. DOB is the only one on here that actually words and spells everything the way it should be. Kinda goes with the territory of his job description.

I could keep going but those of you that “get it” don’t need to be board with an explanation, and those who don’t…..well, good luck in life…..YOU”RE GONNA NEED IT!

By Kent

June 26, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

nathan, I know this sounds trite, but just ignore the criticism man. Just be you. Don’t let it get under your skin. Keep bloggin!

By nathan

June 26, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Kent…..I don’t plan on going away anytime soon. To quote Matt Dillan’s charcter in the movie SINGLES. “All this negative energy just makes me stronger”

They haven’t even begun to get under my skin. You can’t be as sarcastic and smarta$$y as me and not be prepaired to take it back. I defineately can take it as much as I can dish it out. I just wish they’d come back with somthing with a little more “substance” than pimples on my arse. Sounds like sombody getting out their own aggressions towards a childhood of hell. LOL

But thanks for the advice/support. It’s always fun BSing baseball with YOU guys.

By teoa

June 26, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Nathan, you are absolutely correct…no pearls of Braves wisdom coming from me the last two days…primarily because I haven’t made any posts the last two days. Excellent investigative reporting there, Mr. Witts.

Sorry, I must have missed it when you were “staying” off the blog…By the way, who are you quoting? Or are the quotation marks intended to indicate that by “staying off” you don’t really mean “staying off”…you mean that you only posted an average of 465 times per day rather than your normal average of 922?

Your self-importance regarding your contribution to this blog is laughable. Your “points” are generally misinformed and infantile. Contrary to your belief, this blog operated just fine before your 3rd grade computer teacher showed your class how to post on a sports blog. Perhaps you missed in the lesson that there is something to be said for quality over quantity. Perhaps you should also be sure to stay awake through spelling class…it is counterproductive to misspell “intelligance” when you are attempting to tell someone that you are smarter than he is. It also makes it difficult for you to write off as a typo when you spell it the same way twice in the same post.

Forgive me for failing to answer your questions about my typing skills. Unlike you, I take into consideration what the majority of bloggers here might be interested in reading. I seriously doubt that most people care about how I type…let’s try not to waste people’s time, Nathan. Most of us here don’t have an endless amount of time to spend on the internet. And again, who were you quoting when you asked about “both” of my fingers? That’s just silly, Nathan.

Okay, that’s it. I apologize for wasting everyone’s time with this post, but my hope is that it will lead to less time wasted for all of us scrolling past all the Nathan posts in the future. Next time I will talk about the Braves and/or music as this blog is intended. You have to understand, at the moment I find it completely unnecessary to enter into a p!ssing contest to prove my baseball knowledge to a juvenile blogger that feels the need to state just how superior his “intelligance” is to everyone else on this blog. If fact, Nathan, I think saying nothing would probably demonstrate much more “intelligance” on your end. Keep up with the books, and maybe one day you’ll be ready and able to contribute to an adult sports blog.

By Louis Vales

June 26, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Dear David, Great call on the World Cup. I just want to ask you a question and have you think about it. How much of an achievement do you think it has been to win the NL East last 11 years of this 14 year run?? My opinion is it has been much like winning The Big East in football after Miami left. The Braves have effectively had to beat two teams without money to compete—Expos/Nationals and Marlins, One team that most agreed was run ineptly to say the least—The Mets, so basically I see the Braves having a 11 year period of dominance over the Philadelphia Phillies. Nothing more and nothing less. By the way of these last 11 Eastern Things, how many would the Braves have given up to win as many World Series as Marlins have won in last 10 years. That is still why you play the game is to win World Series and I’m going to bet 50 years from now winning 14 Things in a row with only ONE Championship to show for it will not be viewed with the same admiration as the great denizens of Atlanta currently see it.

By Bob, journalist

June 28, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

nathan, you’re something else!

By 2 homo boys

June 29, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

The Braves bullpen sucks and we do too.Long live the Homo’s.Homo’s are great!

By 2 homo boys

June 29, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

I Love being a Homo,JS needs to either s** or get off the pot,stop farting around and make a trade now.get Scott Sullivan for our closer.Trade Salty for Dontrelle Willis now before it is too late.Hom’s are great.Homo’s rule, let’s hear it for being a homo,Yea.Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea Yea,Yea,Yea,Yea.