Braves

By CrazyOptimist

July 4, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

DOB - I’m in! It feels like the addition of Sosa in the pen and James and the emergence of Horacio as the ace of the staff has settled things down. It just feels like a groove is comin’ and the Braves could win 2 out of 3 for the next couple of months. And there is a monumental Met meltdown coming in the 2nd half. Can’t wait to watch.

By Chop Chop

July 4, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, Mandi…

Well, you came and you gave without taking, but I sent you away…

Oh, Mandi.

Good blog, DOB. Not much to add on my part. I’m just getting ready to get nicely toasted, eat some red meat and watch some fireworks.

Have a happy Fourth, everyone!

By ljg

July 4, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Okay - I’ll bite!! This team may not win the division due to their horrid June! But I’ll jump on the wildcard bandwagon. And by the way - can’t wait for the second half to watch the Mets return to their usual selves…lucky for them they built up a huge lead…but it’ll still be fun watching them try to keep it…

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

There will be no second half falter for the METS. They went through thier tough strecht with a huge lead and will by no means fold. The proven winner W. Randolph will not let this group of METS lose this lead. Just keep wishing the braves will pass the Marlins and Nats and pray Philly folds early. Rest at the break is all we need to duplicate the 1st half.

By TennesseePaul

July 4, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

DOB (aka Mandi Albright): I’m glad to see this article. There is still a chance. Who’d of thought we’d gain ground on the Mets while they played the Pirates. But we have. And we could gain even more if today turns out as wonderful as it did in 1776.
This team has wholes. But I think they are starting to be filled. That bullpen needed roles. It didn’t ever have any with Reitsma in the Closer spot. Now Sosa is down there, he’s not dominate yet, but he’s more of a confident choice than Reitsma was. And Chuck James is the real deal. He drastically improves this rotation. Even though it has only been two starts, he appeared in 11 games early in the year and was amazing. He’s minor league stats are eye popping. With him Smoltz and Horacio (hoping he holds up like he has) we have our selves a nice 1-2-3. Hudson still doesn’t seem to realize that this team is winning now. It’s like he’s still in the “we ain’t no good” mode. If he could get out of it and pitch like a winner, then we will certainly catch up to the Mets. We still have the month of August!

^^GO BRAVES!!**

By TennesseePaul

July 4, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

I love it!!!! Pirates score three in the 6th! Let’s see some more of that Pirates!
Glavine’s got chinks in the armor. Pedro’s foot is finally catching up with him. The club house isn’t all roses. The Mets have lost 7 of their past 10. This is the Braves time of year!

By Max

July 4, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

Braves fan NO NEED for panic.No ONE has a better GM then we do we will get bullpen help,more then we did last year,and last year we got a huge boost from Farnsworth and those 19 saves(don’t think about his playoff disaster).I feel Cox more then ever realizes the importance of shorting game the same way Joe Torre of the Yankees did it in the 90’s.Anyway i don’t expect to see atleast 2 new additions to the team.Go Braves!!!

By Christian Zell

July 4, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Is it safe?

Yes, it’s very safe.

By MBATL

July 4, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

I see that the Muts are down 6-4 to the Pirates today, in the 5th, with Glavine knocked out. It would sure be a huge psycho advantage if we could pick up a couple of games before the break, and be within single digits… was it ‘93 when we were 9.5 out at the break?

DOB, thanks for the extra effort. Stay cool tonight.

Happy 4th to all!

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Wishful thinking. You guys forget that to shore up the Championship 2006 team Minaya has yet to make that move. The METs have trading chips AND cash so enjoy the mini slide. I would worry if they only win 6 or 7 games this month, brave fans know what im talking about.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 4, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

chop chop can sing barry manilow tunes. this concerns journalist jmmy smith. still, chop chop beat jimmy smith to the punch with the mandi lyrics. and why, mandi? thursday nights, right? that’s when he is mandi. now, baseball … yes, the mets are vulnerable and our met killer has bad toes. he must be cured! seek out a good toe man and get this problem fixed. now, bob … did you burn the little souse? jimmy smith hopes not because jimmy smith knows you were looking forward to this delicacy. happy fourth of july to all. mandi, thanks for working today.

By TennesseePaul

July 4, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

I, for one, can’t wait for the Mets to make a move to “shore up the team”. The last time they did that mid-season they traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano. If Met’s tradition holds, Milldege will be traded for Juan Pierre.

On the winning side of the track, the Braves still have a lot of cash and a huge amount of chips to trade and JS, the architect of 14 straight.
GO BRAVES

By brewdawg

July 4, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

The Mets would be advised not to let the Braves get the lead to below double digits before the All-Star break. If that happens the Mets may start looking over their shoulder a bit and the Braves will really start believing they can win this thing, and that is a dangerous conversation.

Now, at 26 I realize I haven’t been around all that long, but my favorite music all comes from classic rock and a lot of other great music from the 60’s and 70’s. So I’m having a hard time figuring out how I just discovered Joe South. He has the best sound I’ve heard in a long time. His ” Games People Play ” is amazing. Anyway, happy 4th everyone.

By MEB

July 4, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for the effort on this hot and sticky Fourth of July. If there are still tickets available for this bandwagon then sign me up for a seat on the aisle. Go Braves!

By David

July 4, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

DOB,Thanks for the Yeoman duty on this Holiday.What is the corresponding roster move with JT coming back to the active list?

Thanks Again.

By hk

July 4, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

… happy 4th Mandi, I mean David, appreciate your going that extra mile for us today !!

… speaking of extra miles, am greatly distracted at the moment, watching a replay of le tour on OLN, of the Peachtree on Turner South (my best time 38 something in ‘81), and a really neat live feed of Discovery (will run 24/7, very addictive) at

this NASA link

… things really look different today from my jun 28 spreadsheet guesses on Braves wins for the year (75), think I’ll re-figure, see what’s changed ….

… jimmy, based on latest data, the statistical correlation between your comments and chipper’s toe status has just jumped from 64 to 88 !!! … :))

By elbravo x

July 4, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Reborn on The 4th of July? Thanks for posting DOB! Miller time!!

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Scott Kazmir, different time, different front office. And speaking of a different front office look at the huge lead gained in the NL east this year. Look around at this didvision, it is still the weakest but the METS have proven to be a powerhouse against them. And besides its pretty evident the AL owned the NL this year. So with that said steer that braves ship towards the cellar becasue this 2 game winning streak will be the higlight of 06 for the braves.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Oh and the METS just reclaimed the lead like you all knew they would. 7-6.

By MBATL

July 4, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

HK…38 minutes? That’s strong, dude!

By krath

July 4, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Not going to comment much on the Braves because I’ve aleady said and or thought any number of scenarios that coulda/shoulda/mighta existed. Good point DOB, that who is definitively better in the WC chase than the Braves? Probably no one head and shoulders above the Braves in the WC but I think it’s a moot point due to the grave the Braves dug in the month of June. And even at that, there are too many holes in the lineup to go anywhere in post season. The fact is, nothing has really changed at this point for the Braves. They are still basically the same team that lost a record number of games in June. They are playing well now but if a black cat crosses someones path on the team….maybe they will be on another losing streak.

Dammit!!! I said I wasn’t gonna talk much about the Braves. I can’t help myself I suppose.

What I really want to talk about is THE METS!!

I think they will hold on but I also think they will hold on ONLY because they built the huge lead early. Position by position they match up as good or better than most anyone in the NL. Their bullpen is for the most part darn good. The make or break factor is going to be the starting pitching.

That being said, I have a feeling that GLAVINE WILL RUN OUT OF GAS before season’s end. In recent years he’s been known to be very hittable at the end of the season AND in the playoffs. At a year older, I have no reason to believe he will be any better prepared for the long haul.

BTW…..ESPN.com did an SI on Francoeur. Basically they said the same thing Sports Illustrated said about him. In a column talking about the “no stars,” this was said:

“Francoeur ranks among the league leaders with 15 homers and 58 RBI. But he swings at everything, so he never walks. His doubles numbers are also way down. The result is a horrible on-base percentage and a below-average slugging percentage. Mario Mendoza — the man for whom the Mendoza Line of a .200 batting average was named — had a career on-base percentage just slightly lower, at .245, in a much weaker offensive era. Francoeur’s bat has cost the Braves one full game in the standings compared with a replacement-level player — a Triple-A lifer or waiver-wire quality talent. When you’re less valuable than Adam Hyzdu, you have problems.”

I don’t know where he came up with this..”one game in the standings” assessment. Whatever… I just find it interesting the different point of views.

By hk

July 4, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

MBATL

… cool day, light rain, perfect conditions .. 2nd best ever was 42 something …

… did something really really dumb, had this obsession for qualifying for the Boston (3:30 or better) … ran 3 marathons in 4 weekends, never got below than 3:41 (Columbia, SC)… had to quit running in ‘91, bad hip, running doc told me it was from that marathon folly … said I needed hip replacement, never did do it … move verrry slow these days …

By ColumbusBuckeye

July 4, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Metroman,

Money can buy players, but it can’t buy chemistry. Keep talking smack, injuries will catch up to the Mets. The Braves may not catch them this season, but we may meet up in the first round of the playoffs (if Atlanta can catch fire during the 2nd half). Obviously you come to an Atlanta newspaper website to flame a bit, so enjoy your stay. At some point this season, Tom Glavine will show his age, and your lead will slip. So, continue to tell yourself that the Braves suck……but momentum is shifting, and the Bravos may yet make this thing interesting.

By brewdawg

July 4, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Actually Columbus we won’t face them in the first round- two teams from the same division can’t face eachother in the first round. It would be the second round at the earliest, which would still be great.

By MBATL

July 4, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

I really believe ESPN and SI will eat their words (again) on Frenchy. If he was in AAA (as some have suggested) he’d be the greatest prospect in the history of baseball. He’s getting some tough on the job training, but I still think will be a superstar within 3 years. We’ll see, I guess.

Well, the Muts won… their one big advantage over us (aside from our forgetting to show up in June) is their bullpen. About 4 or 5 guys with era’s under 3 in relief.

HK… you went for it… maybe too hard, with 3 long runs in a month… but much better than wishing you had!

By Mole

July 4, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

You heard it here First! Coming Soon. Giles goes to the Cards with another Brave for 2 or more. Serious talks also going on with Rangers,Royals,and the Cubs.Say what you want but when it happens remember where you heard it first!

By MBATL

July 4, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

More on Francoeur:

I know OBP is important, but: the guy is hitting .293 with RISP; .283 with runners on base; and is on pace for (roughly) 30 HR, 115 RBI, and 100 runs scored. At age 22. Oh, and plays a stellar right field.

I wish he’d take a walk too, but just don’t buy into him being a complete liability.

By Summerteeth

July 4, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

Dave,

While you are picking up some new music, pick up My Morning Jacket’s CD’s It Still Moves and Z.

And go online and buy Hobex’s Back in the 90’s. if you don’t like Hobex, I’ll refund you the money.

By brewdawg

July 4, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

LOL. I said in an earlier post ” that would be a dangerous conversation. ” Please replace conversation with “combination”. what a moron am i

By elbravo x

July 4, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

“The outburst came after manager Grady Little finally dropped the slumping Rafael Furcal from the leadoff spot all the way to seventh in the order, replacing him at the top with
Kenny Lofton.” So many things can be said about that, but I’m watching soccer.

By Bob, journalist

July 4, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

stipends … nice word, but we make allowances for extra effort, not give them.

A very nice post for the fourth … thanks!

While it’s highly improbable that a selected team will come from far back in the pack … I think ours has the talent to so do. We’ve just been through as tough a time as one could imagine … and many teams would have folded … but I think the negative impact on the team’s spirit was of shorter duration and far less devastating than it might have been. From where I sit, that bespeaks solid team chemistry and is very encouraging.

A while back, I think that it was 10 Paul who noted, in effect, that ABC, “wee willy” Baseball was exciting and translated into more run support than some might realize … I think we’ll see some of that throughout the rest of the season … maybe not 9 runs a game, but improved offensive consistency is what is needed in order for the pitchers to feel comfortable and perform as expected … it’s tough to perform well with a mindset that one mistake is likely to result in failure.

There are 79 games to go … let’s win them all, one game at a time.

By Del

July 4, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Lance Cormier optioned to Richmond.Per:Bill Shanks and Mark Bowman.

By elbravo x

July 4, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Wow, what a soccer game!

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Its so funny people talk about the braves winning the wild card and meeting the METS. Dont you know its Georgia law for a team to be eliminated in the 1st round if by miracle they make the playoffs. Granted the braves are not hungry for success. Every team that has not been to the playoffs will be trying to keep you guys out. Just wait until down the stretch when teams that have no shot will play spoiler and make sure the braves are in the stands this time around.

By hk

July 4, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

… what a difference a few days make, redid the numbers, now get 85 wins vs 76 a week ago !! … major contributors to increase in wins:

Player……..Wins

Chipper……..0.4

Giles……….0.6

Langy……….0.5

Ramirez……..1.6

James……….1.4

Sosa………..3.6

Oth Relievers..0.7

Tot Increase…9.0

click here for chart

MBATL …. agreed … helps me to appreciate the passion on this blog :))

By TennesseePaul

July 4, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Lance Cormier really redeemed himself in his starts. At least from where I am. And the fact that he does have all these options is pretty cool. I still would have rather have a lock down guy in the pen. But I guess this isn’t all bad. It’s better than having to out-right release.
Reitsma may have season ending surgery. That’s going to be a tough one. He’ll be untradable until he gets a good post-surgery season under his belt. That might never happen. I’ll hold out hope because he’s a really nice guy. But not much hope. The majority of my hope is invested in this Braves Season. I see a lot of potential there. I’m looking forward to watching this miracle play out.

By brian

July 4, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

The Braves are not out of it yet, wild card or NL East race. The Phillies have imploded. The Marlins and Nats have peaked and will continue to drop in the standings. As DOB has mentioned the Mets big flaw in starting pitching is exposed and they are slipping. Yes, they may be one big trade from locking up the division, but they are also one big injury away from being in a lot of trouble. Martinez’s back or Glavine could run out of gas. If Delgado, Wright, Reyes, OR Beltran gets hurt that will dramatically hurt their offense especially their offensive chemistry. If, and a big if at that, the braves pull close, the Mets will choke like they always do.

Coming into today, they Braves were the one team in the NL East with a winning record over the last 10 games, and I believe just 1 out of 3 in the entire NL.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Something we must all remember-no team is ever as good as their best or as bad as their worst. Choose which is the Braves and which is the Mets. As DOB said, the Mets pitching depth is already beginning to show, just when it appears the Braves’ pitching is coming together (Reitsma and Remlinger are gone, probably for good). Remember also, the Braves have 9 games left head to head with the Mets. Get under a double digit deficit and let the chippers fall where they may. The Mets never really could take us out head to head and so far this year they have gone pretty much .500 with us. It may be highly improbable, but you never know. Stranger things have been known to happen. I feel much better now than I did two weeks ago. At least a .500 season seems likely now.Not long ago I wouldn’t have bet on it. Anything to shut up the Mets fans. Why are they here, anyway.

By Chop Chop

July 4, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, the Braves don’t have to worry about Reitsma. He signed a one-year deal for ‘06 and, if Schuerholz is sane, we won’t see him on a mound for the Braves anymore.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Wow, hoping for 80 wins. Now without Chumper killing your rallies, who gets the blame now when you roll off 7 losses in a row??? Good luck Atlanta losers!!!

By David O'Brien

July 4, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Summerteeth, I haven’t heard of the Hobex CD, but I love all of My Morning Jacket’s stuff, including a live CD I got at Criminal Records of a show they did at a friend of the band’s wedding. They’re a great band.

By the way, nice logon. Great Wilco album, Summerteeth. But then, all WIlco albums have been great.

Krath, where did that ESPN stuff on Frenchy come from? What article? I didn’t see that.

Oh, and yes, Cormier’s the other part of the Thomson being activated move.

Mole, we’ve been saying for weeks that Giles at top of list of guys who could be dealt by the deadline, and mentioned St. Louis several times. Not to burst your bubble or anything….

ALSO, THIS JUST IN … not exactly earth-shattering, but Saltalamacchia’s horrid season now includes a stop of the DL as well. Sore wrist, supposedly not a big deal. They have 7-day DL and wanted him to get well by combining it with All-Star break _ since he’s, uh, obviously not participating in Double-A All-Star game.

Here’s the stats (cover your eyes if you have sensitive stomachs): .197 with four, yes 4, homers, 25 RBIs and 58 strikeouts in 239 at-bats over 69 games for Mississippi. Believe it or not, he’s got a slugging percentage (.297) in Double-A that’s 18 points lower than .219-hitting Pete Orr (.315) has in the majors this season.

By David O'Brien

July 4, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Langerhans is in lineup again (two homers in past two games) and LaRoche is back at first base.

Chipper not playing, might not be in lineup before All-Star break.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Listen Metrosexual Man, why aren’t you thumping your chest with others of your ilk on a Mets site instead of making an a*s of yourself on ours. What I said was that two weeks ago a .500 season looked unlikely. However we have played considerably better and our trouble areas are performing better. The Mets, however, are sliding. 34 runs given up the past three nights? That’s as bad if not worse than the Braves in June. I think the Braves have gained about 3 games on y’all this week and we played just slightly over .500 ourselves. Look to your own deficiencies. The Mets are about to begin their annual slide regardless of what the Braves may or may not do.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Wishful thinking lew. Just as you thought the braves would never have the division snatched from them, we know the METS are the real deal. Besides I go and post with fellow METS fans our NY blogs just like you guys do. However this is how I exprees my dislike for the bravos. If you guys had some passion about you, it might be different. But its easy to dislike a bunch or spoiled, grits eating, red sunday jersey wearing, no fire in the belly, slowfooted, southern drawl boys. Just ask your fans, beat writers, espn, and T. Glavine.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

34 runs in three days Metro Dude. It is a harbinger of things to come. We all predicted it in the pre-season and it is coming to pass. Steve Tracsel as number 3 starter. Thank God we can do better than that. The slide has started. Why else are all of you Mets fans on our blog? Are you trying to convince us or yourselves that you are that good?

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

No lew, its called rubbing it in. No matter how bad this past WEEK looked, I peeked at the standings and see a double digit lead and the braves in last. That right there tells me the METS are that good and the braves are that bad. You might want to remember all this because this is the worst slide the METS will endure all year. Glad your 3 game gain was worth it.

By nathan

July 4, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Metropolitan Man,

Are you Mets fans included in the rest of the baseball world, laughing their a*******es off at Steve Phillips actually still having a job in baseball?

I mean, how can anybody take that guy seriously, with how bad he messed up your organization.

Your Mets are probably not going to get caught this year, but Father Time will catch up next year. THAT ROTATION WILL BE MEDIOCRE AT BEST next season.

Speaking of buying division titles, how many home grown players do the Muts have in their starting line up nightly? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Money and other teams “giving up” does wonders, doesn’t it? Worked for JS and the Braves in the 90’s.

PS in case you are wondering, last night the Braves had 8 HOME GROWN players in their line up. (only exception was Renteria)

So get back to us, when your “genius” GM actually builds a sytem from the ground up, no from his wallet up.

L8R

By nathan

July 4, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Sorry, my “math” was wrong…….Smoltz did go through the Braves minor league system, but I guess we didn’t “DRAFT” him.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

It’s mediocre at best right now. I’m sure that the past fourteen years didn’t see Braves’ fans on Mets’ blogs rubbing it in or trying to convince ourselves that we were better than the Mets. Go get a life. You certainly aren’t proving anything except your own insecurity, so why do you insist on blathering ever onwards?

By sitra

July 4, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

Wishfull thinking Brave fans…this Met team is different. They may hit a little slide but this offense will produce runs, and the pen is strong. Omar won’t sit still… The Braves won’t get the wild card…too many teams to pass.

By chopthis

July 4, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

It’s absolutley amazing the torrent of optimism a mediocre little 6-4 run can inspire. You’ve still got the same enormous weaknesses you had 10 games ago, Braves fans, when you were calling for Cox to be fired and Francoeur to be demoted and Chipper to be benched (at least you got THAT wish) and Betemit to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and Giles to be traded and Andruw to be traded and Hudson to be traded and the entire bullpen to be shown the door.

Way to tease the gullible, chopping, fair-weather multitudes, Dave the Hack. They come thrashing to the surface like farm-raised catfish every time you toss them a few nuggets of hope.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

They will have to produce runs because the pitching staff will be giving up many runs. 34 runs in three nights and it is just the beginning. Glavine has not gone six innings the past two starts. Trachsel is a joke and your fourth and fifth starters are not even laughable enough to be considered a joke (unless Lima dyes his hair again-that WAS funny). I repeat, who are you trying to convince that the Mets are that great-us or yourselves? You haven’t even been in first for half a season yet. Don’t think this will ever even come close to comaring with the Braves or their run. Your slide has begun. It is all down hill from here.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Poor lew, you have said everything and I still wont go away just like the METS. If homegrown talnet has you in the cellar then send me the free agent roster. That might be the reason you guys are sucking so much. You think becasue the fans went to high school with your players that it makes a difference. All you guys are doing is isolating free agents from playing in this God forsaken town. I mean if you dont speak drawl, how can you understand management or teamates.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Trachsel didnt lose a game in June. As a matter of fact he almost won more games than your entire team in June. Oh yea, how is that closer experiemnt going???? Send smoltz to the Tigers for management, that should be fair.

By Calvin

July 4, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Why do “fans” from other teams feel the need to try and rain on the Braves fans parade? How grown up is that? Jeez.

By rickster

July 4, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

August 1992…the Braves were down 9 1/2 games…came back to win the division…even won the (Run, Sid Run) National League Pennant. It’s still early…anything can happen…it’s too early to give up!

By Paul Hamilton

July 4, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Hey metsrsexual man, I actually find it refreshing that you have to join the Braves blog and defend your team. The Mets are starting to show some wear, and as we Braves fans know your pitching will make you or break you. Nervous mets fans attacking the Braves who are are nowhere in site at the moment, maybe there is a tiny glimmer of hope left still. I’m glad we could take your mind off the game, while the Mets almost self destructed against the lowly Pirates.

By Lew

July 4, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Metro Guy-I repeat, who are you trying to convince? Why do you insist on beating it into the ground. We have no illusions about who is where (at the moment). You’re the insecure one. We know we’ve had a terrible first half. Do you think if you keep harping on the fact that the Mets will win the division? You’ve looked at our butts in front of your face for so long you’re afraid it will all go away if you just convince our fans that the Braves s**k. I would tell you how pathetic it all sounds, but in my experience you can tell a brick wall that it’s missing a mortar joint, but even if it understands you (and I’m sure you don’t have the understanding) it will still be incapable of fixing itself. Every time you post to refute your insecurity, you reinforce that insecurity. Bye Carpetbagger.

By DHD

July 4, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think it will happen, however, it’s one game per week to make up. It can be done, especially if we do well in the head to head games. Hey,you can’t have a great comeback if you’re not far behind. Let’s do it. It couldn’t happen to a better bunch than New Yor Mets fans.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

whats up with Giles?

By Beachcomber

July 4, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

By the way Muts, how’s that Kazmir trade working out?

By Bryan

July 4, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Didn’t know about the solo jayhawks effort - thanks for the tip. But hey - what about the new Cash CD!!!! have you heard his version of “God gonna cut you down”? Badasss.

Bryan

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

we need to stop stealing…….its not working

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

About that replacement peice ESPN did……doesnt Frenchy lead the team in two out RBI’s?

By nathan

July 4, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Strange how with all that payroll and still only a 13 game lead on the last place team?

We’ll see who get’s their “money’s worth” come october.

My guess is both the Braves & Mets will be watching the WS from their living rooms. Except it will have cost the Braves a LOT less money and they actually have a future with the pitchers in the rotation. The Muts will be OVER SPENDING again this offseason, like always. All to no avail. Good luck!

By ncscoots

July 4, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

baseball is a most wondrous sport, but, my God, it can be cruel. How to explain a guy such as Thomson going from lights-out to lit-up seemingly overnight, if not for the fickle baseball gods? Was it only six weeks ago that he looked like All-Star amterial?

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

He’s probably rusty…..

By ncscoots

July 4, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Billy, I wasn’t speaking of tonight. He was zooming along with a sub-2 ERA earlier int he year, and then just suddenly (it seemed) started getting hammered. His returning tonight just jogged my thought processes to useless JT meanderings!

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Frenchy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By SONNY

July 4, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

If Hudson can remember he’s a MLB pitcher and if Giles, Francour and whoever plays left field can pick it up, we have a shot at the wild card only.

Oh yeah, assuming the bullpen can at least be average, which they haven’t come close to so far this year.

By Josh

July 4, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

I think I will save all of Metropolitan Man’s entries. It will be hilarious to repost all of them in about 1.5 months. You would think that these lound-mouth yankees would learn.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Pujols is a great player but he has’nt earned the right to stop and stare at his HR’s yet.

By D Terrell

July 4, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Braves can’t sell out when they’re winning (ie, last year’s play-offs) —- can’t wait to see how few “Fans” show up when they start losing. Oh, yeah, I have. It was back in 1991, when dugout seats were $12 and only 8000 showed up in late August to see them in their 1st pennant chase. Better dump the high salaries while you can… Atanta doesn’t tolerate (or pay to see) a loser!

By brian

July 4, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

well said Josh.

By Metropolitan Man

July 4, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

lew, you are about as slow as laroach. If you dont play the sport you root for yout team. As of right now your team is garbage and you need to pick on the winning METS just like i’m picking on the losing braves. You telling me to go away is useless. I’m a METS fan 1st and a baseball fan second. Now becasue I live in the ATL i will bash the heck out of the braves every chance I get, just suck it up. And why use a mortar when you can use a claymore.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

D Terrell, Games sold out tongiht? Was sold out all three games of the boston series…..attendence I think is ahead of last year’s pace.

By bravefan

July 4, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

are you freaking kidding!!! the Braves suck and will never catch the Mets…My god man give it up!!!! The Braves are no longer winners…they are the losers they were most of their existance…get over it already and move on….they WILL NEVER catch up to the Mets!!!!

By Calvin

July 4, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

TBFNB, He does that on every homerun he hits. I hate it when players do that. It’s like they never hit one before. Pujols does it everytime but no one says anything because he is such a great hitter. A-rod does the same thing. Did you see what he did when he hit that hr against Sosa last week? He showed up the pitcher again when he hit that grandslam Sunday night. Why can’t players be more like Chipper Jones or Scott Rolen? Everytime Chipper or Scott hits a homerun, they put their head down and run around the bases.

By ncscoots

July 4, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Calvin, hitters get away with showing up pitchers like that because no one throws inside anymore. Nobody did that kind of bush-league against Gibson or Drysdale, at least and live to tell about it.

By D Terrell

July 4, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, retired… attendance in 1993 was just under 4 million. 1997 was 3 million. Last year it was around 2.25 million. That’s with a winning team! Hell, the Marlins recently drew 100,000 to see the Red Sox, so you can’t argue that point. 5 yrs ago avg was over 40,000/game. Last year UNDER 30,000… again with a winning team. If Braves can’t fill the seats with a winning team do you really expect to fill them with a loser? Attencance in 1991 was around 12,000 —- those are the real fans, not the current bandwagon fans.

By Shawn B

July 4, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

D Terrell—-I agree with Braves attendance the last several years. It has been disappointing at times. But don’t confuse 1991 with the eighties. I was there all season in 91 (as well as in the eighties when we use to buy upperdeck tickets and then sit where ever we wanted to) and Fulton County Stadium was absolutely packed the last couple of months of 91.

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

I think there are some players who can stare…..players with sevral years of productivity…..AROD, K. Griffey Jr. and Bonds (I hesitate to bring up his name) fits IMO…..It’s also diffent when a player hits a walk off.

By Beachcomber

July 4, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Calvin - Great post on how pros handle a home run. Oh for the days of Gibson, Drysdale and the like. Guys like Pujols were eating dirt the next time up!

By Billy, Retired Journalist (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

D Terrell,

Well, I dont really expect it but there attendance is pretty good right now. I agree though that our fans have gotten used to winning……..

By Shawn B

July 4, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Also, I agree with you about the bandwagon fan reference. It really trips me out to hear some people moaning about how horrible things are, and how the Braves suck so bad. I grew up being a Braves fan through the eighties. These twenty year old “fans” don’t know what bad really is.

By ncscoots

July 4, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

walk-offs, game-winners in the post-season, big homers, yeah, a little celebrating is order, sure. But even at that, you don’t intentionally show up a fellow major leaguer. I think what the thread is about is players who are so self-absorbed with their exploits that they forget where they are and who they are: The Show, and people who should act as if they know what that means.

By brewdawg

July 4, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, here is the link to that frenchy article: http://sports.espn.go.com/page2/story?page=keri/060703

By Shawn B

July 4, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

BRAVESFAN- fitting name there. “they are the losers they’ve been most of their existence”. do us all a favor, and go find a Mets blog to bother

By brewdawg

July 4, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

ok well that link sucked. just go to mlb front page and keep scrolling down until you see an article about the no-star team tucked away

By Calvin

July 4, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

TBFNB, There is nothing wrong with celebrating after a walk-off homerun. Some players take it to the extreme. Take Manny Rameriz for instance. I like the way he hits but he shows up the pitcher, A LOT. I can remember a game earlier this year where his team was down big and he hit a meaningless solo homer and stood at the plate to admire it for a least 10 seconds. Bonds does the same thing but people have gotten used to it. Jr. and Bonds does the samething everytime they hit a homerun. It’s funny at first but after a while, it gets annoying. I like to see players reactions after a homer just like the next person but some of the players today take it too far. Pujols, earlier this year, flip a bat after he hit a homerun against Oliver Perez. He got criticized for that and rightly so. I just wished these millionaire atheletes acted more like professionals instead of grade school kiddies.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Hope the game dont get called.

By Beachcomber

July 4, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Calvin’s post reminded one of the funniest moments in recent Braves history when Smoltzie imitated that hot dog Perez guy after striking him out. Classic moment when a pro gave a graphic illustration of how the game is NOT to be played.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 4, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

hk, journalist jimmy smith thanks you for the statistical analysis of toe injury. it is merely coincidence that chipper hurts his toe after a mention by jimmy smith. journalist jimmy smith has expertise in toes and has a better than average understanding of toe injury probability but journalist cannot predict the future. it is unfortunate that giles has brought rain with his uppercut swing. thank you dob for for a platform for discourse on independence day.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

I live in stockbridge and the view form my 3rd floor apartment balcony is awesome….with all the lighting nad fireworks going off in and aorund ATL…….cool view

By krath

July 4, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB, just checked back in on the blog. The column talking about Francoeur was in the special all star section of the MLB page on ESPN.com The column was tagged “The No Stars.” Haven’t figured out the formating here even the the legend tells me how to do it above. I’ll give it a try… but if it fails, I suppose you could copy and paste the column link:
[http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/060703]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/060703

By MetsWin

July 4, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, you Braves fans kill me. Why don’t you have your pathetic team try to get to .500 before talking trash about the Mets? What are you, 11 games under right now? And, at the moment, the only thing keeping you from being 12 under is the rain. That’s pretty sad. I guess there’s always the wild card for you…if you can catch up to the TEN OTHER TEAMS AHEAD OF YOU. Guess you all better get back to calling your manager a donkey and making up eighth-grade-insult nicknames for the players you supposedly support. Isn’t that what this blog is all about?

By Darius Rucker

July 4, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

The new Hootie and the Blowfish live DVD/CD entitled “Live in Charleston” will be in stores August 8th. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.

By David O'Brien

July 4, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Bryan, I went to Tower to get the new Cash CD and it wasn’t there. Is it out yet or coming out Tuesday? Maybe just one song out now? Anyway…I was disappointed, to say the least. Heard it’s great from reviewers I trust.

Billy, game is officially a sellout tonight. They just announced 47,514 a few minutes ago, and it looks like majority have stuck around through this 90-minute (so far) rain delay, for fireworks obviously.

Braves need Kyle Davies to come back strong from his groin surgery, because they simply can’t count on Thomson anymore. Dude has a 9.18 ERA in his past seven starts, after a 1.59 in his first seven. He’s gotten bombed three straight home starts, allowed 30 hits and 18 earned runs in only 9-1/3 innings (not a typo) in those games.

Hasn’t been same, frankly, since his finger injury 13 months ago.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

MetsWin,

You must want a reaction thus care about what Braves fans think of you and your team. If you werent worried about the Braves why would you come to an Atlanta Paper’s blog? Seems like you have envey issues and been waiting 14 years to express them. Your right its not likely that we (the Braves) will come back to win the divison……as I have read most of the people on this Blog has stated that the division is pretty much out of reach….in fact if you can point out to me anyone on this blog today that has mentioned that we WILL come back (mabey dont count as anything is possible in baseball). You can have your moment of glory……you certinally have waited a long time for it……

Peace Bro

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah MetsWin if we do come back will you post on this blog and say you were wrong? Or better yet if both teams are fortunate to get to the playoffs and the Braves advance and the Mets dont will you post onthe blog?

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

At this point,.500 would be an major achievement for this particular team imo.Currently,we’re 11 games under .500,soon to be 12 after tonight.That’s simply too much ground to make up in 81 games with a team so consistently inconsistent in virtually every facet.I’ve already accepted the fact that this season is all but over.I hope they can at least make it interesting enough until football season starts.

By flbravesgirl

July 4, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

beachcomber, I remember when Smoltz did that. It was hilarious. That darn Perez did his dance every time he got a strikeout. He probably didn’t enjoy being on the receiving end of it.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

ToddA,

Hate to keep posting but things look good tognight…..StL prob has to go to their bullpen….if the game gets started again…….dont think .500 should be a goal….win the game your playing and the standing will take care of them selves…IMO

By Calvin

July 4, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Which game was that beachcomber? I am pretty sure I didn’t see that one. Anyone know the exact date so I can search for footage of it?

By MurphyRules

July 4, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Any indication of when this game might resume? Are they taking the tarp of the field yet?

On a side note, I hope James isn’t considered the “fifth starter” with Thomson’s return. We don’t need to be skipping James in the rotation - not that it will matter for a couple of weeks.

By dalemurphyjr.

July 4, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Ouch! The truth hurts sometimes. Let’s face it, we’re not going to see the postseason with the way the lineup is currently configured. Hey DOB, whaddya think about Giles to Oakland for Danny Haren and a minor league blue chip? Chavez seems like he could really use some help. Does Billy Beane still have a man-crush on Marcus?

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

What did the announcers just say on T.V?

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Not saying the team should set a goal of .500.I just think that’s where the Braves will be at season’s end,more-than-likely..Not bad,considering the catastrophe,that was June.Certainly an organization that has prided itself on winning the division for 14 consecutive years won’t settle for a modest goal like that.I hope they don’t anyway.

Just try to win every series…take 2 out of 3.I know.Sounds great,but,let’s face facts.This team isn’t very good.They aren’t going to win the division,and the wildcard is a pipe dream at this point.No way I see them being able to play at a .600 clip for 3 months,and every team in front of them slumping point down the stretch.

The last week has been very encouraging.Hudson is going to have to step it up in a big way…and quick.Horam and James will have to continue with their good work.Sosa will have to become more consistent.The offense…..ah,well,they’re going to swing for the fences regardless.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Any chance Bobby can convince Thompson to go back on the DL?

By Matt

July 4, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

The only reason Mets fans post here is b/c they have only been to the playoffs maybe 1 time in 20 years (thats not exact, a guess). So they have alot of playoff experience and they know what it takes to win a division. Especially the Mets fans that live in Atlanta. They probably got beat up or robbed in NY and came down here. I love it when northerners make fun of southern accents and I was born in the north as my family and have lived down here my whole life. It shows their ignorance, we have an accent they don’t. RETARDS. Like I always say, the Mets are Yankee wannbes. You win this division 5 years straight and the WS 1 time, then brag. Until then shut up. Nobody likes talking to losers.

By Jeremy

July 4, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

How’s the weather looking DOB? Think they’ll paly tonight?

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Only reason Thompson even on this team is because of a “injury” he had during sring training…to this day I think he faked taht injury

By Matt

July 4, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

The only reason Mets fans post here is b/c they have only been to the playoffs maybe 1 time in 20 years (thats not exact, a guess). So they have alot of playoff experience and they know what it takes to win a division. Especially the Mets fans that live in Atlanta. They probably got beat up or robbed in NY and came down here. I love it when northerners make fun of southern accents and I was born in the north as my family and have lived down here my whole life. It shows their ignorance, we have an accent they don’t. RETARDS. Like I always say, the Mets are Yankee wannbes. You win this division 5 years straight and the WS 1 time, then brag. Until then shut up. Nobody likes talking to losers.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Missed the first 7 innings last night,and I have one question……on the pitch that beaned Frenchy last night,did he swing at it?

By Glass Half Full

July 4, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Can you blame Thomson? He was probably going to be sent to the Pirates for Craig Wilson at the end of Spring Training. Who would want to go there?

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

looks like we got a game at 1130…yes!

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 4, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Still I dont respect someone for being dishonest….I may be wrong but I’m a fan…..If I was a fellow team mate I would’nt respect taht would you?

By Matt

July 4, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Funny Todd A about Frenchy swinging at that pitch.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Billy,some have speculated that possibilty.

By Glass Half Full

July 4, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

I agree, Billy and though I can understand why Thomson might have “faked it,” I don’t think it makes it right.

By Ron Roberts

July 4, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

John Thomson is a massize buzz-kill, though. Any chance the Braves have at a 2nd half surge (and I said as much two-three days ago, myself) could be MUTED by performances like tonight’s from Thomson.

Horrid. Just horrid.

By Glass Half Full

July 4, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

I mean, the guy has an “injury” every time his name gets mentioned in trade rumors, and usually the rumors involve crappy teams no one would want to play for. Coincidence? Maybe.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Whether he faked it or not,Schuerholz would trade him for a bag of balls at this point.

By Glass Half Full

July 4, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Game on!!!! Anyone remember the July 4th, 1985 game against the Mets? It ended at 4:00 a.m. due to rain delays and a tie-game, and they still shot the fireworks…I’ll bet people in downtown Atlanta thought the damn Soviets were coming.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Why can the Braves never seem to execute a hit and run successfully?Seems quite a risk with a lineup loaded with undisciplined free-swingers.We must lead the league in strike ‘em out,throw ‘em out situations.

By Todd A

July 4, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry.Should have posted-why can’t the Braves ever seem to execute the hit and run successfully?Been a loooooong day.

By Matt

July 4, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

We can’t run, can’t bunt and can’t make contact when we want. The fundamentals on this team are horrible. What are the minor league coaches doing. For all you Betemit over CJones people, what are you thinking? Oh well, at least the games back on.

By Matt

July 4, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Hey AJones, you don’t have try to hit every ball 400 miles. No wonder your shoulders hurt. They take more of a beating when you swing. To everybody who would get mad about trading AJones - I love AJones, but how many RBI’s would he have if his RISP Average was at least where his batting average is. Last I heard it was around 200.

By TennesseePaul

July 4, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

This “too many teams above the Braves” talk is a little much. I know DOB says it. But honestly, it doesn’t matter how many teams there are, it’s a matter of how many games from first to your position. We can make up the difference. Regardless of teams in front. 8 games isn’t that steep. To win it, we’d need to play well, which would be the same if it were 1 game. If we were 8 games out of the NL east, the number of unbelievers would be much, much smaller. The number of Mets Bloggers seeking a boost in self-esteem would be the same. But honestly, that’s a common factor which will only increase regardless of the Mets production on the field. It’s “little man” syndrome. Every blog entry by a Mets fan just feeds right into it. They can’t help it. It’s chronic.
At worst, and I don’t take any pleasure in mentioning this, the Mets win the division when the division is awful. Something to be proud of for a Mets fan I guess. The Braves won last year with the entire division was over .500 and the Braves had 18 rookies. That’s something of which to be proud. That’s winning. That’s why it’s still in reach.

We got this. Nothing is out of reach yet. Let’s go Braves!!

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

I dont think it’s about fundementals as it is what kinda of players we have offensivily. We have a home run team plain and simple…..not much of contact hitters….Thats why CJ such an important peice of the line up….he may not have the power he once had but he can still get hits……Barry looks good….it’s prob got to with no one knows him.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this

AJ……make me proud

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Now’s the time for the 3 run shot!

By Louis Vales

July 5, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves usually become irrelevant the first week in October. This year it was earlier. 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! chances to win a World Series and the Atlanta Braves come up with one less than the free spending Florida Marlins. When history faces its inevitable revision 25 years or so down the line, the baseball scholars will note that 11 of those opportunities came about because the braves were basically in a 2 team division ALTHOUGH they did own the Phillies. The REASON YOU PLAY IS ToO WIN IT ALL!!! The poor, pitiful Florida Marlins accomplised that task twice as many times as the Ted Turner-Time Warner Braves—Is that sick???

By Matt

July 5, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this

Good hitting AJones, lets go McCann

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

Louis Vales,

Is that it…….man I was hoping for some origanlity but all we get is the same ole’ garbage……LOL.

By Jeremy

July 5, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

Similar situation for Francouer as that RedSox game on Sunday night a few weeks ago. He hit a 3-run homer that time!

By Matt

July 5, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Maybe its my bias, but I don’t give any team that gets the wild card and then makes the world series any credit except for gettting hot at the end of the year. A full season tells who the best team is. Chicago won it all last year, but the prior few years was won by wild card teams and it makes me sick. They can’t win their division but they can go to the world series. I hate the wildcard. They should get rid of it and let the team with the best record get the bye until the championship series or put the leagues back into 2 division (imo)

By Jeremy

July 5, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Great job by McCann and Francouer, huh?

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

Well we still have CJ on the bench……he can hit left handed……if lanerhans and LaRoach can do somthing mabey chipper can get one of our hottest hitters up……LOL M. Giles. Bleak out look. You can blame the bats all ya want but know way can you give up that many runs especially with their ace on the mound…..how bout the bullpen tonight…..been effective. It’s a pretty good streak they have going right now.

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this

Thats interesting……..M. Diaz….Mabey saving chip in case WB gets up?

By Billy (TBFNB)

July 5, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

come back tomorrow…..good night blog.

P.S. Cant get to down….after all their ace was going and we had JT….did’nt look good from the onset anyways.

Peace

By MetsWin

July 5, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Ouch….Braves lose AGAIN.

By chopthis

July 5, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

I don’t know if the Mets’ lead is safe, but I do know it’s a full game larger than it was this morning.

By chopthis

July 5, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

And by the way, Matt —

You’d better learn to embrace the wild card. It’s the only slim reed you’ve got to hang your postseason hopes on in 2006.

The division title run is done.

By chris

July 5, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

NO way is their lead safe. I have a gut feeling that after the all star break they will start to slide. If we can get everything clicking at once we will be fine. We need to have are hitters hot at the same time are pitchers are. Also huddson needs someone to get on his back. he is supposed to be the ace of the staff!!

By gotigers72

July 5, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Why in he** would they bring Thomson back and let him start a game without a stint at Rome or somewhere in rehab? It was obvious he didn’t have it. Couldn’t get the ball down. Molina’s hittin’ .213 so Thomson threw him one up in his eyes and he hits it off of the fence in dead center.

I have to agree with DOB about Thomson not being the same since he hurt his finger last year. Has no command now. I hope they can get him traded when Davies is able to come back. They win 2 in a row and then Thomson gives up 5 in the first 3 innings. They should have given him at least 1 or 2 rehab starts. Whose decision is that DOB? Bobby, McDowell, who? Who decides he was ready to go without a rehab? Based on simulated game or bullpen work I guess. It should be standard procedure that anyone coming off the DL should have a rehab start or two.

By justin

July 5, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

who has been worst john thompson or tim hudson?

By Head Coach

July 5, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

David O’Brien I appreciate the new blog ,but you should have also asked : Will the Braves stay in last place ? Dude , they just endured the worst month of baseball in the 40 year history of the Atlanta Braves. If that isnt a big flashing neon clue as to the obvious , I dont know what it will take too convince the Braves Nation of the impending 90 to 100 loss season that is 2006. I’m just shaking my head in disbelief at the people who still think this season is salvageable. Its like watching a speeding train headed over a washed out bridge with a stone cold drunk crew who are oblivious to their doom. There are 10 teams between the Braves and a wild card berth , do you honestly think this bunch can outplay 10 teams after the June debalicle we just witnessed ? If you do , I have plot of oceanfront property in Arizona I’ll sell you dirt cheap.

By micah

July 5, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

I think DOB needs to give a review of the Peter Gammons CD that’s coming out :-) It got a good review from the hometown paper, but I’m dubious. There’s no way it could ever be as bad as that country CD Terry Bradshaw came out with once, I’m sure, but I think it would be hilarious if DOB checked it out for us. And if I’m not mistaken, all the proceeds to go Theo Epstein’s charity anyway, so it wouldn’t be a waste of money.

By Chop Till You Drop Into Last Place

July 5, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this

All the Braves need is for their pitchers to quit making that “one bad pitch” that Bobby Cox hangs each and every loss on. John Thomson was rocked in every inning he pitched tonight, yet in the postgame interview, The Eternal Optimist said Thomson only made one bad pitch. I only saw him make one good pitch — strike three to Eckstein in the third. If Thomson only made one bad pitch, why did Cox bring the hook in the fourth?

And why keep using the same tired quote by that old goat in the paper? It’s obvious Cox feels compelled to go to ridiculous ends to protect his players. It’s not going to devastate a professional athlete for his manager to dish out just a little bit of honesty when that athlete sucks. There’s a difference between having your players’ backs and being an outright liar. Cox makes himself look preposterous and weak when he defends the indefensible like he did tonight.

DOB — next Braves loss, go to Roger McDowell for a quote about the pitching. He can’t be any farther out in fantasy land than Cox is.

By Jonathan

July 5, 2006 03:31 AM | Link to this

We need to stop trading the good talent for rental players.

Look at the Farny trade.

Look at the JD Drew trade.

We are getting smoked. If we are going to dump talent, lets get someone we can sign for a few years, not a few months.

We all knew JD Drew was going to be gone, and if you didnt, come on what were you smoking. I know, we will have stability when new ownership comes in, but we have had staility in ownership for the last decade.

Lets finally get a closer, damn I would take Wholers and/or Rocker. Lets get a power bat in left field and move Jeff up in the lineup.

Giles, Rent, Frenchy, Andruw, Chipper, Big Mac, whoever is on 1st, whoever is in left, whoever is pitching. This needs to be our lineup.

We are in this. The Mets fans are flipping out up here, and know they are going to fall.

By Johnny Taco

July 5, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

I believe the Braves could make it interesting the second half, but won’t be able to muster enough to get by the Mets. I expect the Mets will obtain another starting pitcher before July 30.

Next season I expect the Marlins will be the Braves’ nemesis. They are young, hungry & stocked with some outstanding talent.

I’d like to see Thomson dispatched soon. I’d start taking offers on Tim Hudson now while he still has value, albeit potential. The longer we wait the less value he will have. If they wait until 2007 to trade him, it’ll be too late, as everyone knows his contract escaletes to $13 million in 2008.

I keep hearing Carl Crawford is available for the right price.

By Cornholio

July 5, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

John Thomson is 2-7 with a 5.05 ERA.

He has no trade value.

I never could understand why the Braves’ exercised the option for him this season. The more he pitches the worse he gets.

According to the brilliant manager Thomson made one bad pitch last night. I saw more than one.

By Matt

July 5, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Of course, the Braves are going to win their 15th straight division title.

The Braves have their ebbs and flows, but the Mets always suck.

By Kevin

July 5, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

The Mets were asked by MLB to win the division to avoid another embarrassing performance by the NL East in October.

Braves fans are in denial and are bandwagoners .

Mets fans are loyal to the core.

World Championships; New York Mets 2 Atlanta Braves 1

and we are the losers?

Root for your team and stop obsessing over us.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

It’s totally amazing the difference a day can make. Before the win on Monday, we were discussing trades to strengthen the Braves for 2007. One win later and we are going to take out the Mets. I understand the emotional swing, but you know there will be no 15th division this season. If we play .600 ball the rest of the way, we will end up with 83 wins. Now it’s pretty certain that the Mets pitching staff will self destruct (it’s already started), but we are not going to catch them. It’s time to realize that this year, like the Mets have done for the past 15 and will for years again after this year, to take up the cry of “Wait until next year”. If we make intelligent moves like trading Giles and Hudson, not our kids, the Mets won’t see another division for years. Enjoy it while you can Mets fans, it’s been a LONG time. If history is any indication it will be a long time again after this year.

By Carolina Lady

July 5, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Kevin, honey! If we Braves fans are ‘obsessing’ over the Mets, why in heaven’s name are you over HERE posting on a Braves blog?? Just kinda wondering…. I would think you’d be over on your own blog instead of checking up on us. This blog has absolutely NOTHING to do with what the teams will do anyhow. Sounds like a personal issue to this old girl. No offense intended in any way, Kevin. It’s too hot to get anyone’s blood pressure up! :-)

By Greg

July 5, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

It’s pretty safe. We keep playing like idiots. And our pitching flat stinks.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, Maybe they need a sousemeat sandwhich or some of LeTwan’s Mama’s pie. I’m reminded of the Shakespeare’s comment about ” being full of sound and fury signifying nothing”.This, I suppose, is to be expected from a team whose first WS win is still referred to as a Miracle. It has been pointed out to us that the Mets have won 2 WS titles and we only one. Should I remind these “loyal to the core” fans (as has been thrown in our face constantly) that the Marlins have two in the past ten years? Nice to make your acquaintance, Ma’am.

By Brent

July 5, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

The Mets are not our focus.

The Wild Card is.

Beat St. Louis tonight, and then sweep the Reds this week-end.

It will all come into focus if we can sweep the Reds.

By geauxbraves2000

July 5, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

I really hate turning a game on knowing the Braves have no chance at all at winning, the only thing I could think of was at least it’s Thomson throwing, would hate to see anyone else’s effort wasted.

The Met’s lead will be safe, at least from the Braves until Thomson and Hudson either pick it up or pack it up.

By It's OVER People

July 5, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

HELLO!! MCFLY!!! The Braves are closer to LAST PLACE (in the entire LEAGUE) than to first place. Only the Cubbies and the Pirates have a worse record. Hey ATL: are you ready for some FOOTBALL? Because MLB season is OVER!

By Carolina Lady

July 5, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Good morning’, Lew! Good to meet you, too! I think you may be right. Risking the possibility of stirring up another flurry, I STILL think 14 Division titles is pretty nice! A team has to make it TO post-season to have a shot at the title, and no one has done that more consistantly than the Braves. None. I know that sticks in the craw of some, but I find that a big sip of cold sweet tea really helps that condition. The record still stands. When another team matches it, then they have a right to crow. Not before. Just this lady’s opinion. :-)

By Cornholio

July 5, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Lew,

Excellent point on the Mets. Their starting pitching is quite suspect. With Glavine’s age and Pedro’s health issues, they have to win - this year.

Looking ahead to 2007 the biggest threat to the Braves will be the Marlins & Nationals.

Now is the time to retool for 2007. Hudson would be the most marketable player. With a projected staff of Smoltz, Ramirez, Hampton, James & Davies, Hudson is expendable. Trade him before the 13 million salary kicks in in 2008.

We need a leadoff hitter with speed & onbase capabilities. Drop Marcus Giles down to 8 in the lineup.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Jonathan, your point is a good one. It hurts to see what Wainwright is doing in St. Louis, and the way Zach Minor is pitching in Detroit. Especially since both JD Drew, and Farnsworth are now playing elsewhere.

But that’s the prediciment Shuerholz has found himself in over the past few seasons. It used to be (when Ted Turner was the bossman) that if the Braves had a significant need heading into the season, they could simply whip out the checkbook and bring in an Andres Gallaraga.

Now when they have a glaring need, they’re forced to give up young talent to get someone by way of trade. The problem is that low-cost/high-production players (like JD Drew was in his one year here), usually only come available on the trade market when he’s a year or less away from free agency. And we can’t afford to trade for a guy who’s already making big money. So that means that we’re usually forced to look at players that could turn out to be nothing more but rentals.

It was Shuerholz’s hope with both Drew and Farnsworth that they wouldn’t be short-term rentals. The Braves made solid offers to both Drew and Farnsworth in hopes of re-signing them, but in the end, money was apparently the most important thing to both of them, and they simply went with the highest bidder. Notice that in both cases, Shuerholz traded for players that are from the Atlanta area. At times, the hometown (or close to it) advantage can help overcome the fact that you might not be the highest bidder. Sometimes it works (Tim Hudson), other times it doesn’t (Drew and Farnsworth).

Anyway, we wonder why Shurholz hasn’t pulled off any trades this season. Could be that he’s a little gun shy about paying a steep price (in talent) for players that may or may be part of the Braves’ future. I’m actually rather thankful that JS had the good sense, even through their deplorable June, not to panic and start dealing away young talent in order to stop the bleeding.

JS is the best in the business. Some trades work out. Others don’t. But at least we can all know as fans that Shuerholz isn’t going to sign off on a trade unless it makes sense. Here’s hoping a sensible deal presents itself. They’re play well right now, and a little more help in the bullpen, and maybe one more bat, could put them over the top in the wild card race.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 5, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

speaking of young talent … with good toes …

“The International League announced Monday that Buffalo Bisons infielder Andy Marte has been named the IL Batter-of- the-Week for the period from June 12-18. Marte hit .346 (9-26) with a double, five home runs and 12RBI in the seven games. He is the first Herd player to win the honor this season.”

“Marte, 22, is on a torrid stretch at the plate as he has homered in seven of his last nine games. The powerful stretch actually began on June 10 in Charlotte as Marte hit a solo home run in Buffalo’s 8-4 victory over the IL-leading Knights. Marte then homered in the next two games, his fifth and sixth of the season, becoming the first Bison hitter to homer in three consecutive games this season.”

By Kent

July 5, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, It would definitely hurt to see Marte turn into a franchise player at the major league level, but that one I can live with. At least we got an all-star shortstop for several seasons at a bargain price (with Boston paying half his salary).

By journalist jimmy smith

July 5, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

agreed, but the talent drain hurts. can’t say the same for wainwright, minor, and some of the others. how about derosa and green? derosa looked like it was over. green was dealt because giles was ahead of him. these players mature at different times - or maybe they need changes of scenery. whatever it is there have been some good ones that got away. the braves have especially let some promising young pitchers get away. rent-a-players are not the answer. good toes are a prerequisite.

By braves fan

July 5, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

I read/heard somewhere that the Jones’ boys said they’d retire rather than play for someone other than Bobby Cox. Remember that Andruw signed his current deal (which at the time was below market, in the era of A-rod’s mega deal) without the blessing of his agent, the venerable(not) Scott Boras. I’ve read that Boras says Andruw won’t take a home-town discount this time. But I bet Boras, if asked at the time, would’ve said exactly the same thing back then too. So any speculation that Andruw will be stomping his foot demanding a contract larger than his current one seems an overstatement. The question will be, would the Braves like to continue to pay Andruw what he makes now, factoring in an increase for inflation? Remember that Smoltz is only signed thru 2007, if his option is picked up (that’s a lock at $8million) and Chipper thru 2009. Those two guys might not play beyond those contracts leaving both a money vacuum and a talent gap. Sure the Braves have very good young players like Francoeur and McCann, but none of these guys are ready to fill the roles of either Jones. So the question to ask is, if Andruw is traded, who is going to replace him? Any player of equal offensive talent is going to be just as expensive, won’t be the best defensive CF ever, and won’t be a home grown player which is one thing that appeals to Braves fans. The young players aren’t going to become millionaires anytime soon, so if they let Andruw go, the payroll would drop to the $50-60 million range. They’re have been no indications that Time Warner or prospective owner Liberty Media would force the Braves into a budget lower than the $80 million range that they currently have. So where would they spend their money? Why not on a known commodity that they have time invested in, especially if Andruw wants to be here?

By Misty

July 5, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

While the Braves are certainly showing signs of turning things around, they still have alot of ground to cover. Like all Braves fans I am trying to be optimistic but to overcome their current double digit deficit would be nothing short of miraculous. However,regarding the Mets, they may ultimately clinch the NL East but they lack the talent to make it to the World Series. They are only in the top spot because the rest of their division has been playing so poorly, not because they are a much better team as their fans would like to believe.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 5, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

hk wrote: had to quit running in ‘91, bad hip, running doc told me it was from that marathon folly … said I needed hip replacement, never did do it … move verrry slow these days …

hk, jimmy smith does not mean to meddle but perhaps a good toe man should be consulted. toes affect everything we do. a bad toe could pose issues for the hip. a bad toe can even cause a toothache. toes are not to be trifled with. hope this suggestion is helpful. your friend, journalist jimmy smith

By gotigers72

July 5, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

As bad as the Braves are playing, management has been just as bad this year. Why do they insist on continuing to pitch mediocre to bad pitchers [Reitsma, Thomson, Cormier, Sosa as a starter, etc.]? I still can’t believe Reitsma didn’t tell anyone about his injury, That really hurt the team. The excuse “Well he’s a gamer” don’t get it.

For you that complain about the number of strikeouts Frenchy, LaWhiff and Andruw have, the worst offender is Langerhans. He has more strikeouts per at bat than anyone on the team. At least the others I mentioned have a decent amount of RBIs. Langerhans is a good defender, but he is hitting around .240 with all of those Ks. I’d take a little less defense for a little more offense. It looks like he may not be any more than a fourth outfielder.

By JB

July 5, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

WHEN WILL STOCKMAN BE READY DOB? We need to move Barry to the rotation, dump THomson, and move Stockman to the bullpen.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Cleanuphitter16

July 5, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

It’s fear, isn’t it Mets fans. Thats why you are here instead of the Philly board. After all they are in 2nd right now aren’t they? The Bravos fall to last place and yet you are still looking around other teams to stare at ATL. Why? This ATL team is young, the bullpen is a wreck, and the staff is inconsistant. why are you afraid?

I know why. It’s BECAUSE the team is young and talented, and, like your boy Reyes did, you know they will all get better with time. It’s because a rotation of Hudson, Smoltz, Hampton, James, Horam or Davies is set for next year and you know what kind of staff that could be. And it’s because the deadwood in the bullpen is already being burned away, starting with Remmy and Reitsma.

You know it. Omar knows it too, thats why he keeps spending and you all keep staring back at ATL no matter how far behind they fall this month. Its not that I blame you…it’s a justifiable fear. Up until now you hadn’t been able to buy the right mix to win, so you watched ATL and kept trying. Year after year.

Well, now is your time in the sun. Enjoy it and pray that your system produces 5 more Wright’s and 3 SPs before next season. If not just call up Houston and Florida…they are basically your minor league system anyway.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Kent and Journalist Jimmy. You are right about the minor league talent up to a point. I do miss Wainright, Miner, and Matt Belisle (let’s not forget him-such a nice young man, too), but we must keep in mind that we promoted our AA team to Atlanta last year. It was necessary and should be taken into account when we criticize the play of Francouer and others. They should be in AAA this year. I think what has hurt us more than lack of promotable talent is that we have had 11 pitchers on the DL this season, including 3/5 of our starting rotation for the second straight year. Foster did a credible job before getting hurt last year, the same with Hampton and Boyer all of whom are out for the season. I know it is de rigeur to annhialate Reitsma, but would he have been as effective as he was last July if he had the brains to tell people he was hurt? Yes, it would be nice to have some of those trades back (let’s not forget Juan Cruz either), but we have had major injury problems, well more than our share for two consecutive years. And now “THE TOE” rears it’s ugly head again (so to speak). Now, back to Jimmy Smith, Journalist.

By Glass Half Full

July 5, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

A sweep of the Reds would be nice, but I’d settle for a series win…even a split would be great. Regardless, the team is playing better and things are indeed looking up.

By Blake

July 5, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

I love Hudson, but a trade could be best for both sides in the offseason

By ernesto

July 5, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

John “Oh my God, I suck!” Thomson

By Kent

July 5, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

A moment ago in another post, I mentioned Ted Turner and the loose purse-strings the Braves once enjoyed. There is a great story in John Shuerholz’s book (great book BTW) about that…

JS recounted a phone conversation he had with Ted Turner back years ago. Jeff Blauser was coming off a solid offensive season, and was a free agent. JS was asked by the media if the Braves would be re-signing Blauser. Shueholz responded that they hoped to bring him back, and would do what they could, but would have to work within the constraints of the budget they had to work with.

Turner apparently caught wind of Shuerholz’s response to that question and called him. I’m paraphrasing, but the conversation went something like this:

Shuerholz answers phone.

TED: “John… Ted.”

JS: “Hello Ted.”

TED: “Hey. Listen… What’s this s**t I hear about the budget? If you want to sign Jeff Blauser, sign him.”

Say what you want about Ted Turner. Many of the not-so-nice things people say about him may be well deserved, but he was the perfect owner. He wanted to win, and was willing to write the checks, but he never got in the way of Shuerholz and Braves upper management doing its job. If only Turner hadn’t merged with Time Warner… he’d be about 10 billion dollars richer right now, and the Braves would be in 1st place.

By Glass Half Full

July 5, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

I agree, Blake. We should trade him while other teams believe they’ll be getting an “ace”…just like we thought we were getting.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Kent, Ted is ONE of a kind. My wife is a law school administrator and several years ago, Ted was the commencement speaker. I went to graduation wearing a Braves’ shirt. Ted looked over in his cap and gown as he was about to go inside and receive an honary doctorate and yelled to me “HOW BOUT THEM BRAVES”. Then he signed a baseball for me. That’s a true fan.

By Dave

July 5, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

DOB:

Agree that the current Thomson is NOT the Thomson prior to the finger injury.

I believe that he WILL be traded by the end of July, if for no other reason than the Braves do not need him next year and this is the last year on his currnt contract. What do you think??

BTW, still think the WORST thing that could happen is for the Braves to show life by going 7-3 in current homestand. That would just delay the HARD decisions that need to be made about this club.

Just my himble opinion!

By Glass Half Full

July 5, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

No. If the Braves show life, JS will actually make those decisions. If they limp into the break and play poorly throughout July, why make any trades other than to dump salaries?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 5, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

and cappelan, and admiral zumwalt, and on and on …

lew is wise to point out the injury situation with this team - so many injuries to so many key players. journalist jimmy smith thinks spring camp should look different next year. instead of golf and the daytona 500, maybe the team should run, do drills, learn to bunt and hit behind the runner. maybe some situational baseball would be practical. certainly some running, stretching, and preparing could help avoid all the muscle pulls. sore arms? that’s another thing. these guys are throwing hurt and not shutting down. it hurts them and the team. plus, the team needs a good toe man. toes are not to be trifled with.

By Glass Half Full

July 5, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

I also don’t see us getting much for Thomson other than someone cheaper…maybe not any better, but hey, cheaper is good for a team on a tight budget. I’m guessing he’s owed a little over $2 mill for the rest of the season.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith has hit on a cogent point. Am I the only one who thinks that the WBC is the root of much injury evil? This was the most bizarre Spring Training (I was there and it was definitely weird). I don’t think players got enough conditioning or experience playing as ateam. There appears to have been a lack of stretching considering the number of pulled muscles. Where has the fitness and strength people been during this fiasco? A good toe doctor is essential. I am diabetic and almost had to have a toe removed last year, but I have a great toe doctor and he saved my toe.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Lew: yeah, they broke the mold…

By Jason

July 5, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Thirteen and a half behind the Mets and 8 games out of the wildcard (11 teams in way); the 3rd worst record in the NL. No realistic hopes of adding payroll. It does not bode well.

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

I wish Hudson would put together 3 or 4 good starts in a row. There are (IMO) alot of teams that would be interested in him. In fact, I heard on a talk show this morning that Toronto is almost desperately looking for another starting pitcher. They have a good young farm system too. Not to mention, it would clear $12Mil from the books for the 2008 season in case the Braves really want to keep Andruw Jones. And calm down all you guys who claim I want a “fire sale”. I just believe that this team is not good enough to compete for a title and that is what I want! Hudson has been underachieving since he got to Atlanta, so maybe an AL team believes he can return to his old self for their club, and give up some good young players in return.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t really matter whether or not they believe a move to the AL will help. At the trade deadline, people pay way more than they should for reputation. Hudson and Giles would bring the greatest return for young talent. Giles can be replaced immediately, either with Betemit, or if Chipper goes down with Prado from the minors. Hudson would not really be missed next year. We have good depth in starters and we might get decent pitching talent in return. Thomson won’t bring much this year, but represents a $4.5 mil savings next year when we don’t re-sign him as a free agent. Same with Sosa at $2. Jordan at $1mil. Reitsma at $3. Looking better for next year?

By Rodger

July 5, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

I have a great idea, Mets fans-maybe y’all can pick up Thompson to add pitching depth!

By Kent

July 5, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Jason, “11 teams in the way”… WHO’s IN THE WAY??? Believe me, I’m not just echoing DOB comments. I’ve been saying this for a couple of weeks now. WHO’s ON THE WAY???

The Reds?

The Brewers?

The Rockies?

You gotta be kidding me. There are only three teams the Braves have to worry about in terms of their wild card chances: The Dodgers, the Astros, and most of all… The Braves.

8 games is nothing nothing to overcome when a team like Cincinnati is at the top of the heap (no disrespect to the Red’s intended, but they’re not gonna be there in September). The only question is, can the Braves continue to put it all together.

They’ve been playing really well of late, but there are a few things to keep an eye on that will determine Atlanta’s chances at the NL wild card (and these few things are not the Reds, the Phillies, or the Padres). They are as follows:

1-Tim Hudson. He’s got to get it straight for the Braves to win.

2-Can the bullpen continue to hold together? Will JS make a move to strengthen the pen?

3-What will we get from the Jones’? Can Andruw start hitting a little more like he did last season, and can Chipper remain in one piece long enough to help the team?

If those three things go right (and we avoid any unforeseen catastrophic injuries), Atlanta will win the wild card. There’s no team in the wild card race capable of stopping the Braves, except for the Braves.

By Carolina Lady

July 5, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

CleanUpHitter, an excellent post (10:58am)!

Lew and Jimmy, I also feel that the miserable WBC had a major and negative impact on the season. I may be mistaken but I had thought that Sping Training was for TRAINING and getting physically fit for the coming season. Golf may be enjoyable, but does nothing to prepare the body for the rigors of a regular season. (Golf isn’t my game - in one most excruciating outing, I quickly realized that my talents had to lie elsewhere!) In a long ago post, I even questioned if the Braves still had a Conditioning Coach and DOB affirmed that they do though he is never mentioned anywhere. I don’t blame him for staying under the radar as much as possible! :-)

They were simply NOT ready to play baseball, they paid the price in early injuries, woeful play, and when other factors such as the early schedule and weather kicked in, they developed a 90 degree glide angle. Do any of the Braves’ powers-that-be take notice or will history repeat itself?

Mentioned in posts above regarding Thomson’s injuries, the timeliness could certainly look suspicious, couldn’t it? He was quoted a long time back (sorry, I can’t remember which site) as saying he wanted to stay in ATL and would do anything he had to to stay. Did he? Causes one to wonder.

Just thoughts from someone with too much time on her hands these days….. :-)

By Ron Roberts

July 5, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

They only hard decisions that have to be made about this club are the no-brainers.

1. Thomson? GONE

2. Reitsma? GONE

3. Rotation? Smoltz, Horacio, Davies, Hampton, Hudson (if he isn’t traded off and becomes what he was billed to be all along) and Chuck James. Ya get outta these guys what we’re accustomed to getting out of ‘em, and that’s a solid rotation.

4. The big price-tagged position players? Chipper & Andruw will be back. Both like playing here, both have sacrificed to help the team win.

Other’n that, if this team does wind up 7-3 on the homestand going into the All-Star break, I have no problems with them standing pat (save for a little tweaking here and there) to try and win a playoff spot. They should hit the break 40-49 if they go 7-3 in this homestand, then, playing at their peak, should fare no worse than 9-7 thru the end of July. At that pace, I foresee a 19-9 August, which puts us at 68-65. If we can be at stride in September, there’s no reason to think this team wouldn’t go 21-8 in September/October and finish 89-73, and Mets fans peaking in, I hate to tell ya, but that’s close enough for you guys to be worried about the division, this year. It’s also PLENTY enough to win the wild card.

I deduce most of this from assuming a couple of things….

1. The Braves are better than the Reds, head-to-head.

2. The Braves are better and more balanced than the Phillies, head-to-head.

3. We’ve had the Rockies and Padres number so far this year, and I’d assume that wouldn’t change.

4. The Braves have to start beating up on teams like the Nationals, Pirates, Cubs.

5. They’ll also have to start pounding the Marlins into submission and holding their own against Cardinals, Mets, etc. without getting swept by any of ‘em on the road, and by winning home series, no matter the opponent.

Yeah, I’m hopeful, but I also see a different team the past week than we saw most of June. Players and pieces are falling into place where it seemed before we had no idea whom to play where - chiefly in the pitching department.

But Sosa’s done fairly well at closer, and guys, that makes using the bullpen that mich easier now. Baseball people will tell you, you build your bullpen from the ninth inning backwards, and that’s been the problem with this team all along.

The enigmas to deal with still are Thomson (bench him when Davies is back) and Hudson (give it some time til he figures it out - ‘cause he will; he always has.). Eliminate those concerns and top-to-bottom, this is a better squad than any other wild card contender, and frankly, even the Mets.

Pedro’s injury-prone, and after he and Glavine, who do they have that they know will be a dependable starter? Trachsel? PLEASE!!! In his June “wins” he gave up 14 earned runs in 29 innings pitched. His JUNE EAR is 4.30, so the Mets’ bats bailed him out.

I have a little hope with the current roster the Braves are sporting, but let ‘em go get a Scott Williamson-type reliever from the Cubs and I have a little more faith. He’s only making $2 million this year, and we eat a million, pro-rated.

Make it happan… attendance is up and if the Braves can round out a 7-3 homestand and continue the play thru August, we’re back over .500 and within striking distance.

By Jason

July 5, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Kent, Forget for a minute about who you do or do not think is valid competition for the Braves. Think of it this way; statistically speaking, with all these 14 teams playing each other for the next 98 games or so, there will be teams that are ahead of you that will post excellent records. It is not probable, its definite. In order for the Braves to win the Wildcard, they would have to post one of the best records down the stretch and hope for an almost reverse performance relative to record for all of the competition. If you run a simulation on this, the Braves chances would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1-2%.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jason, good point, but I disagree… especially with this comment:

“there will be teams that are ahead of you that will post excellent records. It is not probable, its definite.”

Jason, it is not definite at all when you look at the teams that we’re talking about. Most of them are .500 teams. I don’t mean “.500” by record, I mean .500 by nature. They are mediocre teams, plain and simple.

The only two other teams in the wild card race that have the potential to be something more than that are LA and Houston. That’s it. None of the other non-division-leading teams in the NL have the talent to make a serious run.

Atlanta has passed far better teams over the years to close larger defecits than the one standing between them and a wild card. I’m not saying that they will do it. I’m simply saying that the Braves have a very real shot at this thing.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Ron and Kent. I see what you are saying and do agree somewhat. However, Kent you said the Braves were playing well. 5-5 in the past 10 games is defintiely better than 3-21, but is still NOT playing well. The bullpen has been lights out the past 11 games, but the hitting has been spotty and the starting pitching (Hudson and Thomson) has not been good. I just have not seen their play suggest that we can go on a sustained enough run to get to the WildCard. Despite what some fans may think, the division title is out of reach. We would have to play .700 ball the rest of the way to reach 90+ wins and that won’t guarantee a division, much less a wild card. Sorry, but that’s real life. Do the math. Someone said earlier that the worst thing that could happen to the Braves is to go 7-3 before the All Star break. I agree. We HAVE to make changes (trade giles and Hudson) so we can take the division again next year. No quick fixes are going to do the trick this year. Sorry. I’m not happy about it either, but that’s the way it is.

By josh

July 5, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

13.5 games back! braves, we can’t even see u in the rear view mirror. ya’ll ain’t as bad as you’ve played but ain’t as good as ya’ll think. u talk about our rotation but we have a lower era and opponent batting average. who do u have on your team? smoltz, a. jones, renteria. mccann will not hit .350 all year, francoeur swings at everything, giles’ best years are behind him, chipper (where do i start?) is not nearly as good as braves’ fans make him out to be, and hudson gets rocked every game lately. don’t even count on james. can’t wait for the mets to raise the divison banner, just hope it is when the braves are in New York!

By mop-up man

July 5, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

If any of you people saw the game I saw last night, you would stop hoping. Completely flat and uninspired play from practically everyone. One brief eighth-inning flurry of singles was all they managed, and that was quickly snuffed out. The Cardinals coming into Atlanta were the coldest team in baseball, but the Braves seem to be the sure-fire remedy for a team on the skids.

As Roy Orbison sang, it’s over, it’s over, it’s oooooooooooover!

By JK

July 5, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Great comments. I think the rest of the season will be tremendous if there are no more injuries. GO BRAVES

By MBATL

July 5, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Winning and (slightly) declining attendance might be related just as much as losing and attendance. I was one of those with tomahawks attached to my windshield wipers in ‘91 and ‘92, danced on P’tree when we won the series in ‘95… but yeah, for the past decade it’s been kinda the same song with 10 similar verses… and it DOES become routine.

I’m not saying I don’t appreciate the streak of titles and the great baseball we get to witness every summer, but it’s human nature to take things for granted when they are so consistently provided.

I hold out hope that this team can turn it around and challenge for postseason this year… what an exciting run that would be after what happened this June. If not, this team is not a bust in need of rebuilding… just some tweaking to get right back where we were. And life does go on even if we miss the post-season… Just Ask the Mets!

Other bloggers have really pegged what needs to happen to turn it around, so I won’t repeat it. We need to win, say, 15 out of 20 very soon to make a run at it… hard to predict that will happen, but that’s why they play the games.

Go Braves!

By Bob

July 5, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Just a quick comment on Glavine and why he is going to “wear down” the second half. Glavine made some serious adjustments this season (maybe because he stunk the last 3)and they were successful because the National League hadn’t seen them and Tommy Gun surprised them. He’s been through the league a couple times now and hitters are going start making adjustments and the surprise element will be gone. Glavine has traditionally been a fast starter. Let the heat of July and August do its thing to his 40 year old body and the hitters catch on to his new style and he’ll be the same mediocre at best pitcher he was the last three years. Assuming Pedro is going to be off and on the rest of the year with the bad hip and the Mets have no where to turn. Delgado is also starting show some physical problems, he’s hitting now higher than LaRoche and my man Julio doesn’t even want to play every day. Lo Duca is overrated because he’s played in LA and now NY. AS is Beltran at .285. He’s never come close to his playoff performance with Houston. Cliff Floyd is fading (.237 BA)and also injury prone. Outside of David Wright and Jose Reyes the rest of their players are very average, certainly no better than the Braves. The only place they are significantly better is the bullpen with Wagner, but if our ‘pen can continue to improve (losing Reitsma was a blessing, that difference is not as great as it was. One last comment—has anyone else noticed what Mark DeRosa is doing in Texas? Chalk him up now with Wainwright, Miner, Dye, and Schmidt

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

DOB seriously, you can’t be serious. WHO exactly is going to catch the Mets? I mean, just look at the numbers… Atlanta is 36-48, IMO, to catch the Mets, I believe Atlanta will need at least 92 wins this year. That means the Braves will have to go 56-22 (.718 winning pct.) over the final 78 games to even have a chance of winning the division. And I also like the wild card talk, which to me is still a dream. Even though it is not impossible, the odds are just not good when you consider this team just won consecutive games for the first time since sweeping the CUBS in late MAY! Until this team either: 1) Puts together a string of at least 5 wins in a row or 2)Gets back to .500 (before the trade deadline) we have NO SHOT at making the playoffs. I mean, lets get real here!

By Peter

July 5, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

How about trading Giles and a couple others to the Nationals for Soriano He would be leadoff and not in the outfield?

By josh

July 5, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

So Bob, what you r saying is that a team of average players (in your opinion, the Mets) r better than the Braves? Every team is in front of the Braves right now! who is not loving this?

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Enough Braves bashing for right now, here are 5 positives I’m seeing from this team right now: 1) HoRam and Chuck James BIATCH look like they could be a solid 2-3 combo for years to come. 2) Sosa is already the best closer the Braves have had all year and could earn his way back to the bullpen for next season. 3) McCann, Brian McCann. 4) The bullpen is clearly (look at the last 15 games or so) showing improvement. 5) REITSMA MAY BE GONE FOR THE YEAR!!!

By Brooklyn Braves Brawler

July 5, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

I still think the Braves need more offense. I like Nevin as a guy you can platoon at 1B or a power bat off the bench. I like Renteria batting 2nd but the Braves suffer from having too many undisciplined batter on the team. Nevin is a relatively smart hitter and could provide Frenchy with a little more protection. I like Frenchy but he swings at everything and he’s always down 0-2 with RISP. He’s at the mercy of every pitcher he faces, especially late in games. If we are truly serious about making a run then we need a leadoff guy. Not only is Nevin available but Tony Womack is available as well. He’s not the future but he is a good stop gap for this season. He can also play 2nd and the outfield. He provides speed at the top of the lineup. Too many of our guys are just slow. They get thrown out on every steal attempt. Makes hard to play small ball. I like Langerhans but if it takes moving him and Giles to get a Nevin and Womack then I would do it. Then you move Larouche or Thompson for some Bullpen help or a starter. I’d even take a hard look at Jeff Weaver from the Angels. He’s serviceable arm that eats up innings.

Just my thoughts….

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

I have never said one bad thing about Bobby Cox as a manager, but I have had this question ever since last year (and tell me if anyone else has noticed this)… Why does he like to stick either 1) Rookie call-ups or 2)Bench player replacements into the lineup in the #1 or #3 spot in the batting order??? I noticed it last year when they called up Kelly Johnson, and he did it this year when they called up Thorman. Plus, this year when he sits Giles he sticks Orr right in at leadoff (.230 batting avg?) and now when Chipper goes down he sticks Betemit right in at #3 in the order. Does this not make sense to anyone other than myself???

By Lew

July 5, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

People, let’s get real on the trade thing, OK? Soriano is a really bad move. First of all he is signed only through this year. He just got $10 mil in arbitration and is still due $5mil this year. He is a mediocre second baseman and an even worse left fielder. Phil Nevin didn’t do diddly in SD so they dumped him on the Rangers where he has done even less diddly. His contract is also not one we would want to take on. THERE WILL BE NO QUICK FIX THIS TIME. Sorry fellow Braves fans, but Fred McGriff and a fire won’t turn it around this year. If we trade Giles and or Hudson, we sould take young pitching prospects or proven relief pitchers and build for the future. The future for us, Mets fans is next year. You have no minor league system and your pitching staff is old, injury prone (that’s the 1 and 2 starters). The rest of the staff is a complete patchwork conglomeration and will not be effective. Steve Trachsel is bound to die of old age between pitches and with men on base (all the time) looks like he’s doing a LaRoche cigar store imitation. There will be no Mets dynasty, but with some skillful manuevering, the Braves will only be out of contention for 1 year, not 20 like the Mets have been and are likely to be again very soon. Oh, and who will they give up for a top line starter? There ain’t no one left on the farm.

By JustTheFacts

July 5, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

As of July 5:

NL EAST NY Mets 49 34 .590 - Philadelphia 38 44 .463 10.5 Florida 35 45 .438 12.5 Washington 37 48 .435 13.0 Atlanta 36 48 .429 13.5

Braves 13.5 back, 8 games under 500 The Marlins and Nationals are ahead of you

WILD CARD Cincinnati 44 40 .524 - - Colorado 43 40 .518 0.5 Los Angeles 43 40 .518 0.5 San Diego 43 40 .518 0.5 San Francisco 43 41 .512 1.0 Houston 42 42 .500 2.0 Milwaukee 42 43 .494 2.5 Arizona 40 44 .476 4.0 Philadelphia 38 44 .463 5.0 Florida 35 45 .438 7.0 Washington 37 48 .435 7.5 Atlanta 36 48 .429 8.0

* 8 games out of Wild Card behind 11 teams, 3 worst in NL*

-J Smoltz ATL 5 5 -T Hudson ATL 6 8 -J Thomson ATL 2 7 wow what wonderful pitching

2006 Payrolls 1. NY Yankees 198,662,180 2. Boston 120,100,524 3. LA Angels 103,625,333 4. Chicago Sox 102,875,667 5. NY Mets 100,901,085 6. LA Dodgers 99,176,950 7. Chicago Cubs 94,841,166 8. Atlanta 92,461,852

about 8.5 mil difference, maybe you should have spent that money for the HD Screen on a player

Check out this article on ESPN.com

By Lew

July 5, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

Excuse me. That was Cigar Store Indian imitation.

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

I beg JS do not trade away any of our young talent for another arm or a lead-off guy unless the Braves know for a fact they can keep him for at least another 3 or 4 years. Build for next year PLEASE!

By MBATL

July 5, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone, I think the reason BC does that is because he doesn’t want his regulars moving all over the lineup just because one player (Giles, Chipper, whoever) is sitting. Plus, for better or worse, he expects role players to step in and do the job. Hasn’t worked so well this year (in Orr’s case, anyway… Betemit’s done pretty well in the 3 hole, I think). But mainly, doesn’t want to turn the whole lineup upside down to accommodate one substitution.

Bobby has his way of managing… and the results are pretty good, but he does stick to his philosophies pretty much come h_ll or high water.

By josh

July 5, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

when was the last time the braves won the league pennant? funny i do recall the mets having won one more recently than the braves. mets fans don’t worry about the past aka the braves

By Jeremy

July 5, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I never understood why Bobby consistently put Reitsma out there when he kept blowing save after save. Night after night the Braves would have a comfortable lead or were down by 1 run or so he would send him out there only to have the game tied and ultimately lose. It was a relief when they replaced him with Ken Ray before giving the role to Sosa. I like Ken Ray, I feel he is a solid addition to the middle relief. With Reitsma out of the picture, the bullpen is now shaping up. Reitsma is a good guy & a good pitcher but much like what happened to Wohlers, I feel it’s not only his injury but I feel it’s also a mental stumbling block affecting his mechanics.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Lew, The Braves have won 2 of their last 3 series, and were one strike away from taking that series up at Yankee stadium. (sosa gave up the game winning HR in that one, but you do have to take into account that it was one of the greatest players of our era who hit that game-winning shot, and cut Sosa at least a little slack for that.) You can pin two of their recent losses directly on Huddy. I guess, even in those games, I’m looking at how the rest of the team performed in those games despite Hudson’s meltdowns (quite well actually).

Atlanta’s win against St.Louis Monday night was fairly impressive. Last night’s outcome was predictable wasn’t it? John Thompson, fresh of the DL (again) against the reigning CY Young winner. I gave the Cardinals 10-1 odds last night.

Anyway, if Atlanta wins tonight, they will have won 3 of their last 4 series, + one that barely got away from them. They have been playing well since they finished up their last homestand. They haven’t been great over that stretch, thanks primarily to… yep… Huddy. But the Braves have been solid aside from his woes.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that they’re playing well enought right now to make a serious wild card run. I am saying that they’re playing much better, and all the talent is there to make a serious run.

If Hudson get’s his stuff straight, the bullpen holds together, and if they can get some consistent offense out of the Jones boys… they will be right there in the thick of things come September.

And that’s really not too much to hope for is it? I mean… does anyone in baseball expect Hudson to keep pitching this way? Andruw has always been streaky. Isn’t it likely that his bat will heat up at some point? The bullpen’s already doing a good job right now (keep up the good work boys!).

They don’t need a career year out of anybody. They simply need to be relatively healthy, and play like they’re capable of playing (again, I’m primarily talking about Hudson, the Jones’, and the bullpen).

I’m not putting any money on a Braves wild card berth, but they most definitely have a real shot at it.

By Ed Kranepool

July 5, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

It seems to me the Mets have been to the World Series more recently than the Braves have.

They are poised for yet another appearance this year.

The Braves are passe. How can you win by pitching stiffs like Hudson and Thomson ? Thats about 12 million down the toilet just for this year.

13 million this season for Chipper Jones ?

What idiot is approving such contracts?

The Braves should hire Clark Howard and copy the Marlins blueprint & 15 million payroll, instead of rewarding non-productive hasbeens.

GO METS !

By TCK

July 5, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

If the braves can’t trade Thomson and don’t want to relase him then I would put him on the DL again and send him to the minor to rehab his finger until he prove he can pitch again. I would bring ither comier back or one of the other young guns.

By MBATL

July 5, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Ed Kranepool: I’m not one of those who think this year’s Mets stink. IF your pitching can hold up even moderately, your lineup, with Delgado, Beltran, Wright, Reyes, Laduca, Nady is solid. Some guys may have had “career” first halves… that’s what the Braves fans have to hope… but it’s a good team. CONGRATULATIONS! You’re halfway there.

As to postseason, yes, you’ve been exactly twice since 1991, with no WS titles. And, as they say about the sun shining on a certain part of a dog’s anatomy, it’s bound to happen sometime when you’ve got the top payroll in the league.

But in that same period, you’ve also had a losing record NINE times and never managed to win a division. Seems to me if there’s any idiots signing contracts, it’s the Met guys who can’t see beyond what $100 mil will buy for the upcoming season. (we won’t even mention brilliant contract moves like Mo Vaughan)

By Kent

July 5, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

Mets Fans, be forewarned:

I know a few Mets fans who like to constantly remind me that Atlanta has only won one World Series. (As though somehow it was less pathetic for their team to play the role of the Braves’ woman year after year).

But I have to point something out for all you Mets fans who are dreaming about another World Series at Shay Stadium…

Your two horses, Glavine and Martinez, have a nice little pattern going of fading in September and October. Their level of play has fallen off sharply down the stretch over the last few years. And in the postseason? Forget about it. Since the turn of the new century, here’s how your 1&2 starters have looked in the postseason:

Martinez recent post-season (2003 & 2004) ERA: 4.41

Glavine recent post-season (2000/01/02) ERA: 6.60

OUCH!

Look on the bright side… maybe Steve Trachsel will bail you out in game 3. LOL!!

Enjoy the division crown, because you’re not going anywhere in October.

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Lew I agree with you on the trading. If we are going to propose trades, lets at least make them realisitic. Soriano? Trade for a guy who will definately not be a Brave next year? Womack and Nevin for Langerhans and Giles??? Are you mad Brooklyn??? Everyone stop trying to put a band-aid on a gaping, gushing wound! Put this team under anesthesia and lets do some real corrective surgery here. Our three main trading chips IMO should be Giles, Laroche, and Hudson. With possibly Thomson (if there are any takers) and HoRam (if JS gets an offer he can’t refuse). I’m not asking for a major over-haul of this team, but I believe trading 2-3 of these players can make the Braves significantly better for the next 3-5 years. I still say (if the Dodgers would do it) Hudson for Broxton (he’s only 22, 2.6 e.r.a., from Augusta GA, 42 strikeouts and only 15 BB’s in 34 innings). I believe this guy could be a dominant closer in the very near future. And being a rookie this year, he wouldn’t even be able to become a free agent for another 5 years. Dodgers starting pitching outside of Penny this year has been mediocre at best, which is why I think this trade would be something the Dodgers would really consider (hopefully).

By Kent

July 5, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Yeah, as far as trades are concerned… I think any moves we make at this point should also be able to benefit the Braves next season. Bringing in rent-a-players right now is kind of a scary proposition. With one exception…

Roberto Hernandez has been tearing it up in Pittsburg this year. He is 41 and is a free agent at the end of the season. At his age, and given the fact that the Pirates aren’t gonig anywhere, you would think we could swing a deal for Hernanadez without having to part with a prime prospect. Even if the Braves went out and got him, he wouldn’t be back next year, but that’s one “rental” trade I would be comfortable with.

Other than that, let’s only make the kinds of trades that will benefit us beyond this season. There is a huge ? hangning over this season, but the future looks quite bright.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Don-I pretty much agree except for Horacio. You have to figure that this is really only his third year and he’s still quite young. I think this kid is going to be a star and should anchor our rotation for some time. He’s still real cheap and we have him under contract (at least until free agency) for several more years. Kent I agree that the Braves are playing much better, but the fact remains that they have still gone just 5-5 the past ten games. Yeah, they’ve been one pitch away or one hit away from winning a couple more, but they were still 5-5 and that is average. Even winning 2 of 3 the rest of the season is still under .700 ball whcih would just get them over 90 wins whcih probably won’t do it. Let’s see them whip off a 12-2 or 10 in a row and I may change my mind, but until then they haven’t shown me playoff potential. Josh, if the Mets fans don’t worry about the past “AKA the Braves”, then why are you still here plaguing our existence with your presence and your totally inane posts. Go away. Enjoy the fact that you will probably win the division and leave us alone. As I said to Metro Dude last night. Who are you trying to convince? Us or yourselves? Go thump your collective chests or grab your crotches on your own sites. Be self congratulatory, even though you haven’t won a thing yet. Better yet, go search your sewer system in NY for alligators. That would make more sense than trying to make our lives miserable. It ain’t working anyway.

By Ed Kranepool

July 5, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, Atlanta.

Its great up here on the mountain top, looking down at ya ! 13.5 games !

Maybe Schuerholz can bring in Rico Brogna !

Perhaps starting AllStar LoDuca can teach McCann a thing or two.

Next year when your payroll is slashed to $50 million you’ll relish even more all those meaningless divisional championships you’ve racked up.

I’ll be happy with one more World Series trophy. If you don’t win it all, what is there to be content about.

By Ed Kranepool

July 5, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Hey, Atlanta.

Its great up here on the mountain top, looking down at ya ! 13.5 games !

Maybe Schuerholz can bring in Rico Brogna !

Perhaps starting AllStar LoDuca can teach McCann a thing or two.

Next year when your payroll is slashed to $50 million you’ll relish even more all those meaningless divisional championships you’ve racked up.

I’ll be happy with one more World Series trophy. If you don’t win it all, what is there to be content about.

By ernesto

July 5, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

I remember Ed Kranepool, nice guy, gave me an autograph when I was a kid. Idiots shouldn’t post under his name, it’s not respectful.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

Kranepool up on your mountain, how could LoDuca teach McCann anything? McCann’s stats beat anything LoDuca has ever put up. While we’re on this subject your starting AllStar ss doesn’t have the stats of Renteria (except for SB) and I think any team in baseball would rather have Andruw in center than the chronically underachieving Beltran. You guys stuffed the ballot boxes as did Pittsburgh to get Bay in there. See my post to Josh and go search for alligators. You have not won anything yet. Beware of earthquakes on your mountain top.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Lew: Yeah again, I’m not suggesting that the Braves are playing at championship level right now… just that they are playing much better (6-5 over their last 11 games - if not for Hudson’s woes, they would have been 8-3 over that stretch. The rest of the team played well enough to win those games).

My point is that if you look at their last 11 games, if you can look past the record, I think you will see some very encouraging signs.

Here’s a very real reason for the rest of the league to take the Braves seriously:

If Hudson gets it turned around, Atlanta will have the best rotation in the NL in the second half. That would certainly be something to build on, don’t you think?

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe McCann got in as an All-Star. Way to go, I thought there was no way the players and coaches would vote him in, but I guess the secret is out throughout baseball - aside from Joe Mauer, McCann is the best catcher in the majors right now. I just thought he wasn’t going to get any credit for it until at least next year…

By Kent

July 5, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Kranepool: Did you happen to notice my earlier post about Martinez and Glavine’s recent track record of September and post-season excellece?

You’re 2-deep in your rotation and the 2 ya got ain’t gonna cut it when it counts.

Just wait, it’ll be funny… for the rest of us, I mean.

By Lew

July 5, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Kent I know what you mean, but would haves and should haves still don’t add wins to their record. I’m encourages by their recent play, but they are not playing like champs. If they had been, there would haves and should haves would have been W’s. The other day someone mentioned that most of the hits against Hudson were not hit hard. Same could be said of Maddux in the playoffs. He still lost. Hudson gave up six runs in less than tree innings the other day even with the outfield throwing out TWO runners at third. Dude, that is not encouraging, nor is it indicative that Hudson will experience a turnaround. He has been mediocre at best since coming to Atlanta. I do believe he is betterthan that, but the way this season has gone, I’ll wait for that 12 game winning streak before I get too optimistic.Sorry.

By Vinnie Boombotz

July 5, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Oh my God!!! The Mets have lost 7 of their last 10 games!!! The ship is sinking!! The Braves and Phillies are going to overtake us!!!

Then reality sets in: The Mets are still 15 games over .500, 10.5 games up on the second place Phillies, and 13.5 against the lowly Atlanta Braves. And people on this board still have the nerve to say the Mets are the ones that suck?

The real reason the Mets are in first lies simply in the formula of addition by subtraction - we took key pieces from each of our NL East rivals and systematically weakened the entire division in the process. We took Delgado and LoDuca from the Marlins, Wagner and Chavez from the Phils, and Julio Franco from the Braves. Combine those pieces with the exciting core of youth we already have, and you have the makings of a division champion.

The Mets lead is definitely safe, and there will be no postseason in Atlanta this year. Truth of the matter is, the Mets will probably clinch the division on Sept 4-6 when the Braves come to Shea. What you hicks need to accept is that this remarkable run of division titles is over, and most of you morons where either too spoiled or too jaded to appreciate it while it was going on. You guys couldn’t even sell out a playoff game! That’s unheard of in NY!

All the Mets need is one player to put them over the top, you guys need five years of reliving the 80’s Braves before you can even think about being contenders again.

Deal with it.

By teeth

July 5, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

To Braves fans: I understand how you guys feel right as I have for the past few years it is difficult when your team is not playing well. Regardless I stuck by my team, the Mets, as I see you all are. This season has been enjoyable for me as Met fan primarily watching Reyes, Wright, and more recently Beltran become the players they been expected to be. Living in Atlanta with 2 die-hard Braves fn roommates I end up watching the Braves play more than I would like to. They do have some good players and have been playing better recently. It seems to me though that there is too much for you guys to overcome to make the playoffs. For your teams benefit though JS should not make any big moves. You have the talent it just seems their heads are out of it and they are underachieving. You will have Hampton back next year along with your young talent. The Mets are bringing along a few young pitching talents of the own. The next few yearsshould be fun to watch as a rivalry comes alive again. Go Mets! good luck to you Braves there is a light at the end of the tunnel, The Mets have finally had to put on sunglasses.

By Kent

July 5, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Lew: “but they are not playing like champs.”

Dude, one last time and then I’ll shut up. I never said, am not saying, and am not even thinking that they are playing like champs.

I am not arguing with you that Hudson’s play has been very discouraging. It’s been sad. No doubt about it.

My one and only point is this:

If you remove Hudson’s struggles from the equation, the level of play from the rest of the team has been encouraging. Again, if Hudson had been himself recently, Atlanta would be in the midst of an 8-3 stretch.

The only reason I bring that up is not to try and sell you on the notion that everything’s peachy. The reason I think it’s encouraging is that I believe it’s likely that Hudson will get it going. If he does, the Braves recent play suggests that they will be a very good team.

Please understand, I am not declaring the braves ready for a title run. But if Hudson gets it going… look out. That’s all I’m saying. You don’t disagree with that do you?

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Lew I agree, give me a 12-2 or 8 or 9 in a row and then I will start to scream “BUY BUY BUY!” Kent. But until that happens (which I don’t believe it will) we should be try and add pieces for next year - which may include trading HoRam Lew. I mean, lets get real here, him being cheap only increases his trade value. Plus, the Braves will have Hampton back next year (who we are stuck with regardless of how he performs) which gives us 2 lefty-starters already (James and Hampton). And, if you can remember 2003? when HoRam was a rookie, he had like 14 wins and we were saying how he was going to anchor the staff for years to come back then. In my opinion, he has only taken steps back since his rookie year. And I know he has been really good since coming off the DL, but do you really believe this is the real HoRam we are going to see night in and night out for the next 5-10 years? I don’t think the Braves should trade him, but if the right deal comes along I think JS has to. - Hell, there we go - I just thought of a great idea… The Dodgers already have one of our underachieving latin lefties on the team (ODP) lets give ‘em another - HoRam for Broxton!

By Todd A

July 5, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Jealous of the last 14 years,Ed?Why else would you be here?

By Kent

July 5, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Don Coburleone: I fear I’m being mistaken for a clueless optimist here.

I never said BUY!

I have said repeatedly that whatever the Braves do (with the possible exception of dealing for a guy like Roberto Hernandez who should come relatively cheap) it should be with next year in mind. They do have a legitimate shot at the wild card if they play as they are capable, but they would be crazy to start trading the farm for rental help!

The Braves have some very real issues that must be dealt with. But at the moment, Tim Hudson is the only glaring issue. The offense is performing well enough, the bullpen’s actually looking pretty good right now (has hell frozen over yet?)

Huddy’s the only immediate concern.

1-Smoltz 2-Hudson 3-Ramirez 4-James 5-please God anyone but John Thompson!

That’s a deeper rotation than any in the NL… if Huddy gets his crap together.

I don’t mean to be arrogant here, but I’m right about this.

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Damn, there is more Muts fans on here right now than Braves fans - and why is that Muts fans? I will tell you: you guys are obsessed with the Braves. Every year you guys have added pieces and keep falling short of beating the Braves in the division - and this year it looks like a free agent spending spree is finally going to pay off. Now you Muts fans don’t know what to do with yourselves - its hilarious. Just don’t count on a team within the division (dumb-f******* Marlins) handing you the players you need next year to stay ahead of the Braves… enjoy it while it lasts losers…

By DonCoburleone

July 5, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

And I didn’t even know about Kazmir for Zambrano - That’s hilarious! Here us Braves fans are complaining about trading away guys like Cruz, Wainwright, and Capellan. And the Mets traded away probably the best young lefty in the game (other than Liriano). But, look on the bright side Muts fans, at least starting pitching is not your biggest problem, LOL.. Oh thats great…

By Jason

July 5, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

The Braves demise has gotten the cover of ESPN.Com today.

By Eric

July 5, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

Step Up to the Plate @ your library® — Baseball Trivia Helps People Improve Literacy Skills

American Library Association and the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Team Up for Innovative Contest for All Ages

(Chicago – July 5, 2006) – A new baseball trivia contest, Step Up to the Plate @ your library®, launched by the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, allows baseball trivia enthusiasts to show off their knowledge, win some fabulous prizes and improve their literacy skills, which does not stop at being able to read.

One grand-prize winner will win a trip for two to the Hall of Fame’s World Series Game One Gala event in Cooperstown, N.Y. in October. The trip includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the famed Museum and a baseball autographed by Hall of Fame Shortstop and program spokesperson Ozzie Smith. Twenty first-place prize packages, five in each of the four age groups (10 and under, 11-13, 14-17 and 18 and over) will also be awarded. The packages consist of a commemorative hardbound copy of the Hall of Fame Yearbook, Hall of Fame t-shirt, a commemorative set of 20 Hall of Fame baseball cards and more.

“It is important for people to learn at a young age, how to use the wide array of print and electronic resources available at their local library in improving their research, evaluation and communication skills,” says Leslie Burger, ALA President-Elect. “Step Up to the Plate @ your library® provides a fun and exciting way for kids and parents to share in the library experience, improve their skills and to learn a little bit about baseball history they might not have known before.”

Children and adults can sign up for the contest by visiting their local library and picking up the official playbook containing game questions or they can play the game at www.ala.org/baseball. The questions, designed for each age group, were developed by National Baseball Hall of Fame librarians and are available in both English and Spanish. Question address five topic areas: women in baseball; African-Americans in baseball; Hispanics in baseball; Major League Baseball; and ballparks. The game runs through September 1, 2006.

Step Up to the Plate @ your library® is a part of The Campaign for America’s Libraries, ALA’s national, multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. The campaign is designed to showcase the unique and vital roles played by public, school, academic and special libraries nationwide.

For more information visit www.ala.org/baseball/pressroom. To arrange to interview with library spokespeople, please contact Eric Katzman at 212-245-0510 or via e-mail, ekatzman@pro-mediacommunications.com.

By metsfanintheatl

July 5, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

all we have to do is go 40-40 and i do not believe any of the bottomfeeders are capable of going better than 50-30 to catch us…they all have too many flaws…CRUISE METZOS!!!!!!!!!!

By Bobby Cox

July 5, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

How about that bullpen ! Its been more than a few days since its last unfortunate performance. Roger’s been spending lots of overtime with those kids, and its beginning to pay off. If we only had Reitsma and Remmie down there to lend some veteran experience!

Chipper’s still aching. Pete Orr will be on third tonight. Wilson needs a breather. All those at bats are wearing him down a bit.

Since he can’t start or finish a game, I’m gonna put Jorge Sosa in left tonight. He can hit ! Remember that homer he hit early in the season ?

Gotta go. Skip and I are going to have a few drinks before he game.

By Bobby Cox

July 5, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

How about that bullpen ! Its been more than a few days since its last unfortunate performance. Roger’s been spending lots of overtime with those kids, and its beginning to pay off. If we only had Reitsma and Remmie down there to lend some veteran experience!

Chipper’s still aching. Pete Orr will be on third tonight. Wilson needs a breather. All those at bats are wearing him down a bit.

Since he can’t start or finish a game, I’m gonna put Jorge Sosa in left tonight. He can hit ! Remember that homer he hit early in the season ?

Gotta go. Skip and I are going to have a few drinks before he game.

By Realistic Ricky

July 5, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Hudson and Sosa are definitely the keys for this season if the Braves are going to make a wild card run. As hard to believe as it may sound, I actually feel better about Sosa’s chances to succeed than Hudson’s. While Sosa still throws too many gopher balls, he has been a big improvement over Reitsma. On the other hand, I have not seen ANYTHING in a season and a half of watching Hudson to make me feel optimistic that he will regain his A.L. level of performance. I would love for him to prove me wrong, and things would suddenly get very scary for the other wild card contenders.

By wg

July 5, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Just wondering DOB why doesn’t anyone talk about moving Betemit in at 2nd instead of talking about plugging the likes of Walker in as a stop gap? If you don’t want to do that, how about Orr in the leadoff spot for some speed? Giles is definately expendable but what are you going to get for him? I’m one of the ones who thinks that the season is NOT OVER YET.

By Andee

July 6, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Kazmir for Zambrano: Yuk it up about that if you must, Braves fans, but in its own way that trade was the best thing that could have happened to the Mets.

Reason: Then-GM Jim Duquette, owner Fred Wilpon and his meddling COO son, Jeff, took such a beating from the fans and media as a result of that fiasco that the Wilpons were forced to admit that they didn’t know how to run a baseball team themselves, and hired Omar Minaya to replace Duquette and remake the franchise. (Sound familiar? It should, Ted Turner had a similar epiphany about his own inability to “run” the Braves back in the 80s, and turned the reins over to Cox and Schuerholz.)

Now, then…is the Mets’ lead “safe”? Of course not. No lead is “safe” in the beginning of July. And as a Mets fan, I would love it if someone would make them work for it, believe me. I think it’s bad for a team to sleepwalk its way into the postseason; there’s a reason five out of the last six seasons had at least one pennant-winner that was a wild card, and that’s because those teams came into the playoffs with momentum.

P.S. Pedro Martinez didn’t slip and fall in his bathroom. He caught his spikes on the cement floor leading to the visitors’ clubhouse at Dolphins Stadium.

By Jon Matlack

July 6, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Why do Braves fans keep bringing up 1) weak divisions and 2) payroll?

During their division streak, they spent more than any other team in the national league, and in more than half of those seasons the division was very weak.

By David

July 6, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to sound too obnoxious, but I’m certain that the Braves will win their division for an unprecedented 15th consecutive time. Its really simple!! The Braves are really embarrassed now and they want to show the fans of Atlanta that they still have a decent team. The Braves have ALWAYS gotten up off the mat when they were considered finished. They have done this repeatedly throughout their 14 year streak. Each divisional title didn’t just fall into their laps. They had to go out; kick some a* and play really inspired baseball to get it done over and over again. I think what the Braves showed everybody last night against the mighty Cardinals is just a precursor of what is to come as the season unwinds in the Second Half after the All-Star break. I feel as though the Braves will continue to win divisional titles throughout eternity—as long as they have Bobby Cox and John Sheuroltz at the helm running the show. The Braves will own the division from now on until baseball goes out of business. So cheer up, Atlanta fans, and please don’t write the Braves off too soon. At least wait until they are 30 games out before you throw in the towel—and don’t forget the great words of Yogi Berra—IT AIN’T OVER UNTIL ITS OVER!!!

By CBeltran

July 10, 2006 06:10 AM | Link to this

Nice try delusional Tomahawks…Single digits by the break??? Try 13 and this is while the Mets have played through a mediocre stretch…Expect the NYer’s to come back from the break with renewed energy and Omar to make some moves to strengthen the (admittedly) shaky rotation. Try playing really well, praying for utter collapses by the 6 or 7 teams in front of you, and perhaps you will have something to get excited about in the WC race come September…but I seriously doubt it.