AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThere’s still hope
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Although the Braves have stopped their fall, they remain 13 1/2 games behind the New York Mets in the NL East.
Another division title appears out of reach. The wild-card may not be.
The Braves open a four-game home series with Cincinnati tonight and it is an opportunity to show that they are still a playoff threat.
The Braves are just 7 1/2 games out of the wild-card, although there are a lot of teams to pass. One is Cincinnati, which has lost five straight and fallen out of the wild-card lead.
The Braves have won seven of their past 12 games and three of the four series.
John Smoltz said that the Braves needed to go 8-2 on this homestand leading up to the All-Star break. A sweep of the Reds would do it.
The Braves dug themselves a big hole with their June swoon. But they may yet be able to get out of it.
Having Chipper Jones able to play despite his sore foot is a big lift to the offense, and the pitching is getting better. Hope may not be lost after all.
Comments
By TOM
July 6, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
We still need a closer. If we can get the players to believe that 7 or 8 innings of hard work won’t be for nothing, i think that the braves ca put a double digit win streak together and if that happens, who knows?? We may not go to the playoffs…but at least we will go home with the heads up.
By Kevin C
July 6, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
Last nights win versus the Cards was greta for morale and the fans but we need to take one game at a time. Hudson going tonight needs to have a solid performance to give some hope for the second half. No matter what, I do not think he or Giles will be traded during the season, maybe in the offseason but JS has said more than once that next years rotation would be fine with Hampton back. Has anyone ever considered making Hampton a closer?? Look at the rotation of Smoltz, he is number 1, not Hudson, Hudson, Ramirez—could swap with Hudson here, James, and Davies. Crawford or a leadoff hitter is a must for next year and repairing the bullpen—do we count on any of the injured this year for next year? This series and the 10 game road swing to open the 2nd half will tell whether or not the Braves can crawl back into wild card contention. The NL is wideopen and maybe winning the wildcard is what is needed to be more successful in the playoffs. Also as many of you have stated, Andruw will be back with the Braves (after his contract runs out), the big spenders are already tied up in the outfield and the comfort level in Atlanta will be a big factor in his decision
By john
July 6, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
hey DOB - why don’t out standings columns have a wild card in them? check out the NY post. they do a good job with it. its interesting to see.
By rememberknucksyascloser
July 6, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
Nice tosee the team playing better, and to hear they haven’t given up hope. HOWEVER, we still have a problem with two starters (Hudson, Thomson) and bullpen remains a huge?. James has been a blessing to the rotation, can he keep up the pace, though? Here’s hoping that June was an aberration, and a strong 2nd half will get us to the playoffs. I still say, though, that it would be wrong to trade off any more up & comers this year. Get what you can for Giles, Thomson, Hudson if you get quality in return, but no need to make 1/2 year deals that drain off more young talent.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Sing it with me brave fans…….LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS, LETS GO METS!!!!
By count_schemula
July 6, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
Just imagine if the Braves got the Wild Card and somehow won the World Series? Would be an interesting twist to the end of the Division Title streak.
Ok, a real long shot there, but, this is why we watch.
By Carlos Beltran
July 6, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
Dude, NYFAN….Get a life, we Mets suck, I play CF for ‘em and I even knoe that!
By BES
July 6, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Since Davies is coming back this year I think putting Hudson on the market would be great for the Braves. Every team is looking for pitching and it is in short supply. By dangling a pitcher with Hudson’s reputation (forgetting what he’s done lately— and a desperate team will), the Braves should be able to get immediate bullpen help and maybe even a solid prospect or major league ready player. Even without Hudson the rotation for the rest of the year would be good enough to at least make a run for the playoffs.
By David O'Brien
July 6, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Bryan, Jimmy: I didn’t realize Guy had already posted a new blog, and I replied to you guys on yesterday’s blog with news of fungus beneath toe nails (mine) and Tom Waits. So if you wanna check it out, please do (not the fungus beneath my toenails, but my posts on other blog).
By Tony Almeida
July 6, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Oh please, don’t count on it. Stick a fork in the Braves, they’re done. They simply don’t have the talent to contend. John Schuerholtz is signing books with one hand and and his thumb up his a$$ with the other. Bullpen sucked last year, suck this year and will suck next year. Thanks John.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
How embarrssing, the braves are so bad that now they’re impersonating a METS player on the blog…..ha ha ha
By Lew
July 6, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Beats a Mets fan impersonating a knowledgeable human. Please go away.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 6, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
dob, you are to be commended for “doing journalism” even when it is unpleasant. being subjected to chipper’s and tim’s toes is beyond the call of the journalist - yet you have cut right to the toe of the matter with your insightful reporting. now, have that toe looked at by a good toe man. toes are not to be trifled with.
By nfire
July 6, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves are fine. June was an aberration and we’ll be back in to make a run for the wildcard. Give the Mets credit they’ve had a great season so far and I don’t see them slowing down, so no matter how much the Braves improve I doubt we can catch them. On the other hand, if we can make the playoffs as wildcard, Mets beware because we spank you guys around like a ragdoll. The Braves haven’t hit their hot streak yet this year, it’s just coming a little late, that’s all. Anybody that says this team doesn’t have talent doesn’t know anything about baseball.
By Buy a Team
July 6, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this
Heah NYFAN, why don’t you go buy a championship like the yankees, because that’s the only way you’ll ever win one over the braves. Mets=Yankees=we can’t win with good coaching and good talent, we can only win with great talent and crappy coaching. WOW, you should feel proud of that accomplishment!! Moron!!
By journalist jimmy smith does commentary
July 6, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
more commentary from journalist jimmy smith - - - this toe revelation made by dob in today’s ajc speaks to the toe issue discussed by this journalist for many months on this blog. toe health is essential for superior athletic performance. bad toes = performance woes. chipper has been rejuvenated since toe elevation treatments were introduced. now, there is tim hudson and the ugly toe (scoop to dob). why has this team allowed tim hudson to take the mound with known toe issues? is it indifferent ownership? is it lackadaisical management? or perhaps it is that no one wants to see and discuss the uggla toes? in any case, the tim hudson toe issue must be addressed so that he may be rejuvenated for the second half. some of journalist jimmy smith’s best work was done on the last blog just before journalist guy curtright opened this new blog. in capsule it is this: toes are not to be trifled with.
By Head Coach
July 6, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
I hope I’m going to win the lotto. I hope gas is going to go back down. I hope its not going to rain today…….. that might actually happen. What the hell are you smoking Curtwright ? Did you get ahold of the happy weed too ? You need a reality check. We have six pitchers on the DL , four are lost for the season. Chipper is walking wounded and it will take a miracle to keep him off the DL. We have zero and I mean zilch for pitching depth. Cox is holding this team together with glue , gum and bailing wire. Three of the current five starters have already spent time on the DL. Hudson and Thomson have stunk so far and Thomson is on the trading block. June was a month for the record books , you must think it was a bad dream. The offense is on its way to setting a record for team strikeouts. So you keep hoping the Bravos will somehow morph into a winner and I’ll keep an eye out for flying pigs.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Is that the whining of a small market team I hear. Have you checked the payroll of the braves for the last 10 years? it ranked among the highest in baseball. get your facts straight and stop your crying about the Mets or Yankees payroll because you know as well as I do that if the braves spent that much you wouldn’t have a problem with it.
By Ryan
July 6, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
The Mets have had a great season, but…
Beltran is playing WAAAAY over his career norm. Same goes for Glavine. Pedro is always one pitch away from the DL.
While not as extreme a situation, this Mets team reminds me a bit of last year’s Washington team: over-performed in the 1st half.
I won’t suggest they’re going to fall like the ‘05 Nats, but I completely believe there will be a correction at some point.
By biff pocoroba
July 6, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
is having 6 pitchers on the DL with 4 lost for the season really a bad thing when they cant pitch in the first place? Let some of our young guns in the minors have arun at it and let our GM trade for few more arms. Braves finally have some sort of swagger back which goes a long way in sports. we will make a run a the mets for division title. if we fall short we will take the wild card and run with it to the World Series. ….by the way whats wrong with the wacky-weed?
By Brent
July 6, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
Has anyone ever noticed how poorly written the poll questions are?
Typically, I’ll vote in a poll, but the way the ones on the AJC are written, it just makes you want to cringe.
Today’s “NO” answer doesn’t even really make sense, which is typical, and that’s why I don’t vote. It’s like they want you to commit to something that isn’t even necessary.
Even worse, the polls often have grammatical errors, etc.
Has this been discussed before?
Who writes these?
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
NYFAN, enjoy Glavine’s second-half decline (which has already begun) and spiral downward into a dismal playoffs where he will not even give you 1 quality start, let alone any kind of a dominant performance… Believe me, we know… It’s not 1995 anymore buddy…
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Glavine isn’t the only player on the team and I’m sure you want see him fail. We’ll see, there’s still lots of baseball to play. but in April braves fans said it’s only April then again in May. Now it’s July and the Mets still have a commanding lead in the division.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Hey, I hear the Muts are going after Livan Hernandez…HA! How many 1990’s era playoff pitchers can one team fit on a roster? El Duque, Glavine, Livan, (Pedro is more late 90’s - early 00’s, but still close enough). Poor NYFAN, if only it were 1997…
By Head Coach
July 6, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Biff , What young guns are you referring too ? wacky weed is just fine , keep smoking it.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Lets see the Mets have Reyes,Wright,Beltran all of which I don’t consider players from the 1990’s. Anyway those so called 1990’s players have the Mets in first and YOURS isn’t.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Hey, NYFAN, maybe you can convince the Yankees to deal Kevin Brown and Jaret Wright to you guys, then you’d be dominant!
By Lew
July 6, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Head Coach, I don’t disagree with you excet for one thing. Don’t blame the happy weed. It was the bullpen.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
NYFAN, I said starting pitching from the 90’s, you retard.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
I sense lots of negativity here. Is it because your braves suck and the Mets are in first. I could recommend a good therapist that specializes in anger managment.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Yeah, which one have you been seeing for the past 14 years NYFAN?
By Head Coach
July 6, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Hey man , I’m all for the legalization of marijuana. Pot should be free !!! Jojo Reyes is the nearest prospect pitcher available and he is playing A ball in Myrtle Beach.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
NY Fan- How often do you need to be told that your insecurity is pitiful. You haven’t won anything. Maybe your Mets will, but they haven’t yet. Still half to go. I know the Mets fans have been deprived for a decade and a half, but this has apparently driven you towards madness and insanity. I’m getting pretty tired of listening to you idiots keep grabbing you crotches (to see if you really have balls?), but you still haven’t won. This isn’t the minors where your first half record actually counts for something. It sounds to me like you are all trying to convince yourself that the Mets are for real. Time will tell, but it hasn’t yet. Go hunt for alligators in the NY sewer system. It would be time better spent. Any UGA fan will tell you, there ain’t no good gators. Go away.
By geauxbraves2000
July 6, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
We get it, yes, the Mets are in first place. They are in first place, no one is in front of them. There are five teams in the divison and the Mets are ahead of all of them. They have the best record in the NL East. They are in first place. There are looking up at no one. And they very well could finish in first place when the season is over. First time in what, 14 years?
Geaux Braves!!
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
DON….It’s easy to make derogatory remarks from the safety of your computer….Dude.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
I hear the Mets are seriously considering signing Al Leiter for a playoff run…
By Lew
July 6, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
NY Fan, what you gonna do. Do you want my address? Better go grab your crotch to see if you got what it takes first.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
LEW….the mets went to the world series in 2000, thats less than a decade and a half by my math.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 6, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
journalist bob, now, as to light or dark sousemeat … how would jimmy smith know? is all sousemeat gray? journalist jimmy smith will not be trying any more sousemeat to find out. now, buttermilk is fine in cornbread - not from the glass. country ham is a delicacy with red eye gravy and biscuits. journalist is becoming very southern, don’t you think? now, toes … this is the issue of the day. dob may have journalized on to something that will save our season. who is the country’s best toe man? toe woman? how soon can he be here? game time is 7:35 pm.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
They went and lost. So what. You’ve been staring at our behinds both before and after. I repeat. Go chase them gators.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
LEW, I checked my crotch but after your mother got done servicing me there wasn’t anything left.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
My mother died thirty years ago ahole. Go chase gators. Excuse me. Juvenile ahole.Probably wouldn’t even make a good gator hunter.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Omar Minaya: “I hear David Cone wants to join the team, with him, Glavine, Livan, and El Duque we can’t lose come playoff time!”
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
“Not to mention the recent additions of Jaret Wright and Kevin Brown!”
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
I was going to say your wife but it sounds like you play for the “other” team, if you know what I mean.
By NYHater
July 6, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Don, the Mets never lose come playoff time! Given the reason is they aren’t PLAYING come playoff time…..
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Darn, you mean a time machine hasn’t been invented yet?
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking of firing Willie Randolph and bringing in Mike Hargrove, he’s got plenty of 1990’s playoff coaching experience. He should be able to really gel with our starting pitching. — Omar Minaya
By TOM
July 6, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
I hear Darryl Strawberry is looking to play this year
By Head Coach
July 6, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
The Muts last won the world series in 1986 , before that was the miracle of 69. Your Metropolitans are way overdue , NYFAN. Maybe you should root for the Yankee’s.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
My, my…such acerbity! Good afternoon everyone. I see the insults are already flying. Good game last night; it seems to have restored some vinegar in my fellow fans. As for the toe issue, perhaps you’re on to something, J.J. Smith. The majority of pedicures are done professionally by charming Vietnamese women; they would likely know the best toe-person. Perhaps someone should interview them and tale a pole.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
The braves aren’t recent World Series Champions either. They won it over a decade ago. That the only one for the Atlanta version of the braves. The Mets have two……
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
“Take,” sorry.
By JohnBama
July 6, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
I have looked at this several times and wonder if just one deal could fill to voids at once for the Braves. What about a swap of a Betemit and a player for Scott Williamson and Juan Pierre of the Cubs. I think there would be a fair chance of signing one if not both for next year. Maybe you can pull something like this off without Betemit being a part of it…maybe the Cubs would be interested in Giles. But this fills a leadoff spot and could help to strenghten the pen.
By josh
July 6, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
how long have the mets been the new york version?
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
This Little-Man Syndrom is getting old. The rudeness and childishness of this LMS victim is strikingly similar to SJA.
The Mets are in first. The Mets have lost 7 of the past 10. The season isn’t over.
Now back to Braves Baseball…
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
44 years….They never had to move from city to city looking for a fan base.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Lew: I caught one of your earlier posts… you said: “I really don’t give much for our chances this year unless we go on a HUGE winning streak”
Your pessimism in regard to this Braves team continues to confound me. I say that only because you are one of the more thoughtful and articulate people to post on these blogs. So I keep thinking surely you can see beyond the surface, and recognize the potential of this team.
I am not one to look through rose colored windows. I am will willing to face reality. But it just so happens that the reality is this:
Assuming Hudson doesn’t continue to pitch this badly (and I am assuming that), when Huddy comes around, the Braves will have the best rotation in the NL.
Chipper and Gilly are finally coming around, and the offense as a whole has followed right along.
The bullpen has stabilized.
The reality is that the Braves are a better team right now than any of the teams currently standing between them and 1st place in the wild card hunt. I would find the 8 game deficit disconcerting if the competition were anything to write home about… but the Cincinnati Reds are in 1st place for the wild card. THE CINCINNATI REDS FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD!!!!! And you don’t give us much of a chance??????
They may not win it, but they will be in the thick of the wild card race come September. Bank on it.
By Dr. Jay
July 6, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Feelin’ the love, NYFAN? You epitomize the obnoxious NY sports loudmouth, taunting and flailing about like a three year old with serious acceptance issues. Why else would you be here? And, speaking of losers, we’re all beginning to witness the annual Mets Meltdown. Say bye-bye to your pitching and your double digit lead in the East. Just remember wiseguy, there’s a reason why the Mets play in “Flushing”…
By Chop Chop
July 6, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Sorry to hear about your toe, DOB. An ex-girlfriend of mine had that fungus under one of her toes. As I broke up with her, I said, “Don’t worry, honey. It’s not your toe…uh…I mean you. It’s not you. It’s me.”
hk, “hate” was a strong word for me to use about your graphs. I was just kidding. To me, the funniest graphs you put up are the ones that deal with bloggers. I would suggest that you take the top twenty bloggers here and rate them based on twenty different factors, none of which I can think of at the moment. You could compile a list of possible factors, post them here, have us vote on them and…get graphing! Of course, you’d have the final choice over the actual “data” used. That way, people will complain to you about why they aren’t the eleventh-most relevant blogger. On second thought, maybe that’s not such a good idea.
To all the Mets fans out there, I say that a 13.5 game lead means that there’s no smack to talk. There’s not even a competition at this point. The Braves fell and handed you the division. If there is a competitive division race between the Braves and the Mets this year, the Mets will have already failed to take advantage of that lead and will be doomed to an early playoff exit.
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
Juan Pierre is not worth even a struggling Reitsma. I say that because I can’t think of a soul who’d want Reitsma in the game everyday and Juan Pierre is everyday position player equivalent.
That said, looking to the Cubs to trade for relievers is a good start. They are tanking faster than any Cubs team has in recent history. They have a plethera of solid relievers. We might be able to get one or two from them for a reasonable price.
I think the leadoff hitter would have to come from somewhere else. Though Giles has been turning it up lately, which is good for the team and his trade value.
Has anyone else noticed how poorly Furcal is doing in LA? 18 errors already this season. Horrid at the plate. He’s been dropped in the line up to 7th. 13 million a year for that!?! I guess it’s good for him that the money is guaranteed. Sheesh!
By Kent
July 6, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
If everyone just ignores NYFAN, he’ll go away… just like the Met’s do down the stretch every year.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
You only have to win the division by a game. It doesn’t have to be double digits. And as far as a Mets collaps, You said the same thing in April so whats new?
By Voice Of Reason
July 6, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure why I have returned to the blog, but here goes…
A quote from today’s NY Post: “The Braves and White Sox had two scouts at last night’s game (NYY vs. CLE,) and the Tigers and Mariners were represented by one each.”
Any ideas as to whom is being scouted?
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
What’s the matter KENT you need a hug or something? Does the Mets having a 13.5 lead over your braves make you that angry.
By brian r
July 6, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
We need Joe Borowski to strengthen our pen. Get him now!!!
By NY State of Mind
July 6, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
The Mets have never left NY — true. Just remember, the Mets were created because two NL teams left NY looking for better places to play. Just remember what happened to your wild card Mutts in the 2000 World Series — they lost to the cross-town Yankees! How does it feel to be the second best baseball team in NYC?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 6, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
raisins, it is clear that you have been away. here we are facing a major toe crisis discovered this very morning and reported by esteemed dob, and you want to talk trade rumors. oh, the humanity! well, whoever it is let’s hope they have sound toes. maybe we can package a few players with toe issues and send them to cleveland. they can soak their toes in the lovely waters there - just don’t light a match. if jimmy smith were guessing ben broussard comes to mind as a candidate for trade.
By Nathan Gold
July 6, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
ALL I CAN SAY IS THE ATLANTA BRAVES WILL MAKE PLAYOFFS I KNOW THEY WILL. WHO GIVES A $HIT ABOUT THE METS THEY HAVE FINISHED BEHIND THE BRAVES FOR THE FAST 15 YRS. ITS FUNNY HOW PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HOW AWSOME THEY ARE BUT TO BE AWSOME YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DINESTY LIKE THE BRAVES DO. WE ARE ALWAYS A 2ND HALF OF THE SEASON TEAM SO BRAVES FANS DONT GIVE UP WE ARE MAKING A RUN!!
By Kent
July 6, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
NYFAN: I can tell you truly and honestly that I don’t care about the Mets lead or the Braves deficit. I don’t care whether or not the Braves win the division this year. They’ve won 14 in a row. The novelty has worn off. All I care about is that they get to play in October. As a division champ… as a wild card… I just don’t care.
Whether or not the Braves could do anything in October even if they made it there, would depend on how the pitching holds up. Same is true for the Mets.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
Thank You TennesseePaul, I would be very disappointed if the Braves got Juan Pierre, I wouldn’t want him for free. He has an OBP slightly higher than Francoeur! HE SUCKS!!!
By Kent
July 6, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
NYFAN: To add to what I was saying about pitching holding up…
Since the turn of the new century, Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine have a combined post-season ERA of over 5.00. Not good.
I say that just to warn you about too much trash talk, because the Mets aren’t going to the World Series this year. They simply don’t have enough pitching, and what they do have (Martinez and Glavine) has a tendency to fade late in the season and in October.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Kent…..I’m just supporting my team like the rest of the bloggers here.
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
VOR: I’d imagine the scouts were checking out Cleveland. I can’t think of a guy on the Yankees team that would be worth it. Most of the players are grossly over paid on the Yanks. The Indians are a different story. They have a lot of young players. They also have an aspiration to build from within and trade when the player gets expensive. Their bullpen is pretty useless, but they have some solid position players.
By Bob, journalist
July 6, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
There’s still hope … I talked to the folks in Chattanooga this morning and the doctor assures them that the problems with the computer have absolutely nothing to do with its feet!
I can emphathize with DOB and rewrites … it seems that all hope is gone! They just called and said that the MRI indicates that one of the computer is “toast” … but didn’t suggest trying to eat it … worse than a sousemeat float. However, my trip has been postponed, probably until tomorrow morning.
I thought for a moment that we finally had the skinny on David O’B … “ultra thin toes”! Can you imagine toes that are less than a quarter of an inch thick?! That would have explained a lot. For some reason, it brought to mind a atatue of Peter The Great … and his long, skinny fingers.
I just wish I could take some of what it’s going to cost to restore the servers and treat myself and others to the Tom Waits’ gig!
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul I live in the LA area and Furcal is a big story out here. He is struggling bad, I think it’s the LA nightlife which is causing him to play bad - you know how he loves to drink…LOL. No but seriously, I don’t know why he’s doing so poorly, but he’s making me look bad. I told all my Dodger fan friends that they are getting a solid player and you guys will be in love with him by the end of the season - now they are giving me sh!t for it cuz he’s been sucking. I still think he will turn it around though, remember how he was batting like .220 heading into July last year???
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
NY State of Mind, remember California had no baseball teams when the Dodgers and Giants left. Your talking a state with the hightest population in the country. It was good business to leave. No matter what they say baseball is a business.
By Nathan Gold
July 6, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
GET A LIFE NYFAN UV BEEN TALKIN SINCE 12:30
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves better not be looking at Bob Wickman. That guy looks like Kolb part II…
By Dr. Jay
July 6, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
In April I said the Mets would collapse? Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. What’s new is that it’s coming to pass. Anyway…NY hatred aside…I’m afraid it won’t matter at all who wins the NL pennant. There are at least 5 AL teams who would completely smoke any NL representative. Oh, I’ll watch because You Never Know…but the differences in the leagues are like night and day.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
I didn’t know there was a time limit here……
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Don: *I think it’s the LA nightlife which is causing him to play bad *.
Almost certainly. If it isn’t the nightlife with the under age girls, then it’s the nighlife of wollowing in shame from such bad playing. I have yet to see the man in LB. Meltdown Bradley was always in the LB before he was traded. That’s a good time.
Are you going to catch the Padre Games next week? Also, did you see Canseco is playing for LB now? I’m going tomorrow. Can’t wait to let into that guy.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
It’s still a little early for my prediction on tonights game, but I’m gonna give it now… 2 for 2 so far, called a 7-2 braves win last night and it ended up 14-4 - all i had to do was double each team’s run total and I had it… Anyway, 8-1 Braves win tonight, Joe Mays numbers are unbelievably bad and I think/hope Hudson rebounds tonight. GO BRAVES. I’m 3-0 Biatch! - Chuck James
By Buy a Team
July 6, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
METS Suck!! come on they have to have a payroll double ours just to beat us, I don’t ever recall us having a payroll double the Mets, unless the Mets unloaded their whole team year after year because they sucked and had to start rebuilding again. Oh yeah, so I guess you could say the braves payroll was always higher than the mets for that reason alone. just listen to it, 14 years of being in second place, man it has to hurt!! I would cry too if i was a mets fan,
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul… Yeah, I’ve got tickets to Friday night’s (7-14 my b-day!) game in San Diego and I plan on just buying tickets to the Saturday game when I’m down there. I was at game 2 & 3 of the first series of the year against the Dodgers… Game 3 was awesome… won alot of money from my buddies that night… But yeah I’ll be there next week, I’m just glad the Braves have been playing better recently. Now I can actually look forward to the game, rather than just looking forward to the stadium…
By Kent
July 6, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Okay… we’re at the half way point of the season. The Braves have a lousy record, but are coming on strong heading into the all-star break.
Let’s hear some specific predictions.
Where will the Braves finish in the NL-east standings, and where will they finish in the wild card standings?
(No generalizations… looking for specific predictions here)
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s game is totally on Hudson. The bats are awake now. The relief corps is with us. Hudson is the only guy who has yet to pitch well since the turn around. If he can turn in an ACE worthy performance, then this series is a lock.
By Blake
July 6, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Reds got Everyday Eddie. HE will be here Friday
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Dr. Jay That is what I have been saying… I think the Mets could easily win the NL when you look at the teams they will be competing against… I made this argument yesterday on a blog, put the Blue Jays, Yankees, Twins, and even the Angels in the NL and we are talking about them as being probably the best team in the NL. And all 4 of those teams may not even make the playoffs this year! I even think a team like Tampa Bay would be a serious wild card contender in the National League… It’s a joke what the NL has become.
By Blake
July 6, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
TenPaul,
Good point it is on Hudson and look at the guy we are facing. I mean really we should win this game. Then again I said the same thing last Saturday against Ortiz. That one sucked.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Actually, Thompson hasn’t been wonderful, either. However, much more is expected of Hudson and if he can give a quality start at this most excellent time, it would do wonders for the team’s psyche. Kent, predictions at this point are silly, but I’m a silly person. I’ll say 82-80 on the season, 7 1/2 out of first in the division (second place), win wild card by 1 1/2 and lose in the first round. Or not. I predict one or the other.
By Ron Roberts
July 6, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
They’ll finish 2nd to the Mets, despite the Mets’ faltering 2nd half, but they’ll grab the wild card in a tough fight with the Astros.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Here’s my prediction. I’m going to go ahead and say it…
I think the bullpen and offense have stabilized, and the thing that will cary the Braves to the post-season will be the same thing that’s done the job for so many years… starting pitching.
I think Hudson will get things straight. Smoltz will continue to be Smoltz. Heracio Ramirez is finally becoming what the Braves have envisioned from him for a few years, and Chuck James will continue to be solid in the second half.
That will be enough to catch the likes of the Cincinnati Reds, and all the other medeocre teams currently topping the Braves in the standings.
Yes the Braves were aweful in June. Okay, that’s an understatement. The Braves’ June was the most monumental display of underachievement I’ve ever seen as a baseball fan. But I truly do not believe this is the same team it was just a few weeks ago.
The Braves are a better team than any of the teams that currently sit ahead of them in the wild card standings, and a 1/2-season is plenty of time to make up 8 games.
My prediction: WILD CARD - Braves-1st place NL EAST - Braves 2nd place (finishing 5 games out).
By Kent
July 6, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
The Grinch: Yeah, of course predictions at this point are silly. But still fun. Especially if you happen to be turn out to be right. Then you can remind everyone of your brilliant predictions, and look really smart!
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Looking at the Indians team… I’m not sure who anyone would be scouting. I hope it’s not Wickman either. The Indians Bullpen doesn’t look good at any level. But the position players are a different matter. Their first basemen is having a great year. Don’t know much about him though, he looks to be a year away from Free Agency at best. Most of those guys, I think anyway, are franchise players. Hafner, Sizemore, and so on. But seeing Hollandsworth as the main RF makes me think they could be interested in Langerhans or some one of his ilk.
By Bob, journalist
July 6, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Lew, God must love uncouth belligerents … he made so many of them!
We’ve had many enthusiastic devotees of Met’s baseball who don’t fit into that category that have made meaningful and welcomed contributions to this Blog … me thinks this NYFAN is an imposter.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Kent-Again I realize what you are saying. I also feel that this is a good team with much more potential than shown thus far. I think we do have the potential to go on a huge streak. However, I want a little more evidence that our holes have been patched, boneheaded plays are thing of the past, bunts will be laid down on a regular basis, Giles is indeed out of his funk, Hudson shows me he is better than the last 4 games he’s pitched and Andruw decides to lay off that bail out pitch he’s suddenly swinging at again. A 7-5 record that COULD HAVE BEEN a 9-3 record does not fill me with warm fuzzy feelings quite yet. I acknowledge that for the past 2 weeks, 12 games, the bullpen has been excellent, giving up 6 runs in 42 innings for about a 1.3 ERA. The month of June kicked my sensabilities just like most Braves’ fans. We have not quite yet done a full 180 degree trunaround quite yet and that is what I feel will be necessary from here out to make the playoffs-we really have a lot of ground to make up and it will be very difficult at best to do it. Not pessimism, my friend, just not real sure yet.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Anyone wanna offer half-way picks on all the division winners and wild cards?
Here we go:
NL EAST: Mets
NL CENTRAL: Cardinals
NL WEST: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Braves
AL EAST: Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: White Sox
AL WEST: who cares? (Angels, I guess)
AL Wild Card: Tigers
By DCEMORY
July 6, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
I say it is an accurate prediction (prayer), that the Braves can finish the division in second place. The most frustration has come from not a lack of talent, but a lack of display of talent. If big names like Tim Hudson can come alive and throw to capability, we have a shot at finishing in numero dos. The Phillies of course will be the most arduous obstacle.
My God, we all know that we are a better ball club then FLA and the NATS. Chuck James may serve the role that Kyle Davies did for us last year down the stretch. Though he looked shaky last start, Thomson was dominant towards the end of the season last year. Let’s hope for more of the same. Horacio is on his game. Hopefully Smoltzie will not become a Tiger, we will surely need his competitive nature.
McCann is the man bottom line. The season seemed to take the biggest plunge the day he hurt that ankle. Thank the lord he’s back. Face it Pratt is done. If McCann continues to hit, and Chipper Jones and the veterans can display some leadership, we may have a shot at conquering the upper half of mediocricy in the NL East. We have to hit with RISP, perhaps the biggest contribution to the spiraling downfall of June. Sosa may find comfort as the closer, but he will give up homeruns. McDowell and Bobby need to know when to pull our BP pitchers, and do so without hesitations.
Our schedule does not get any easier, but the good news we have a chance to gain ground against division rivals. We surely need to finish strong until Allstar break, and prevail afterwards.
Please ATL fans do not be fairweather in these times. Go to the games and support our team and legacy. Let’s sweep the Reds
By Blake
July 6, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
If infact the Braves were scouting the Indians it would have been for someone like Rafael Betancourt, or maybe even Guillermo Mota (if they want to pay his remaining 1.5 million).
By Kent
July 6, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Lew: Alright, fair enough. I’ll quit pickin’ on ya.
By Cleanuphitter16
July 6, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Arguing that the Mets are better because they are able to sell out games is rather silly considering that the population of your Met/Yankee fan base (the 5 boroughs) is 8,048,278, while the population of the entire STATE of Georgia is 8,186,453 (Atlanta has a population of about 450,000 people in the city limits. The borough of Queens has 2,230,000. FYI.)
Yeah, I would think you could sell out 55,000 seats for a playoff game with 8 million people living in the vicinity of Queens.
By Mark
July 6, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
All I can say is I’m going to laugh my A$$ off when the Braves still make the playoffs…….even if it’s via the wild card. All you so called fans just gave up on your team. Don’t look now but we are 7.5 games out and we haven’t even got hot yet…. LOL..
By ernesto
July 6, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
The Reds got Everyday Eddie for some minor league scrub pitcher. I know Guardado hasn’t been that good this year, but we’ve given every other cast off in hte league a shot, why couldn’t we come up with a minor league scrub?
By Lew
July 6, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
No problem Kent. At least you are not a Chipper or BC basher, or obnoxious like some other bloggers we could mention. Sorry I lowered myself to the level of the infantile jacka88es. I can’t abide idiocy. Idiots should all be polled and forced to eat sousemeat that’s sat in the sun too long. Let them go chase gators. Have you noticed that Giles has started to close up his stance a bit and is not trying to hit everything against his stance? He’s pulling the ball more. I think that is the reason for his turnaround.
By Akagi
July 6, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks the Braves are going to be the NL wildcard is simply delusional. About as delusional if I were to say the Blue Jays (at 8 games back and only needing to leap-frog over two teams, unlike the Braves who need to jump over 9) are going to be the AL wildcard.
Yes there is still hope—for those that due to the last 14 years have lost all contact with reality.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Good point, Kent; I need all the help I can get. I predict Braves win 7-4 tonight, Hudson goes six, Mays gets knocked around early, LaRoche goes 2-4 (surprising everyone), 26 attractive young women will be zoomed in on by the TV cameraman, a random player will be caught on camera adjusting his cup and Bobby Cox will spit 672 times (nine caught in close-up). Does anyone else notice that he usually spits his first drink of water out before swallowing the second? It’s like he’s a boxer after the 8th round.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
The Braves didn’t want Edddie Guardado because they didn’t want to pay the remaining portion of his 2006 salary of 6.25 million, just so he can come here and suck in a different unifrom. Good call on that one I think. No need to take that kind of financial risk right now.
By Mark
July 6, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
Akagi……..Stay negative please!! I love it! It’s going to make it that much more sweeter to rub it in your face.
By HUCK FROM MARIETTA
July 6, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
All I gotta say is that there might be a 15th pennant as the NL Wildcard Champ (even though that’s an oxymoron since you’re actually the best 2nd place team within 3 divisions)…
By Bammer
July 6, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I’m sure it was Wickman the Braves were looking at. He’s got 13 saves, but has blown three and also has four losses. He’d basically be a rent-a-player, as he’s 37 and signed only through this year. He’s got the pedigree, but there’s no assurance he’d do any better than Sosa. I think the Braves should offer a mid-level minor leaguer, nothing more.
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Maybe I missed it somewhere, but has any Braves player over the past few years, credited TP with helping them correct a hitting problem? McCann asks his father. Chipper asks his father. They both turn it around when they do that and hit like crazy. Francoeur listens to TP and swings at the first pitch. Andruw refused to listen to anyone, until last season when he credited Willy Mays or some other HOF with his change. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Giles change in stance was from him putting in the extra time with the video equipment and AJ’s batting cage.
By DCEMORY
July 6, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Akagi, I talked to psychic Nina…she says the Braves will shock again.
By Brent
July 6, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
I am as excited about this series as I have been in awhile.
This is our time to get back into the race.
Tim Hudson: You’re on.
By Dr. Jay
July 6, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Akagi, count me as Delusional Fan #1. I know what you mean, but leapfrogging in the NL isn’t nearly the challenge it is in the AL. Somebody’s gotta rise ever so slightly above the mediocrity. It might as well be the Braves.
By geauxbraves2000
July 6, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
My predictions: The Mets, even with their unpredictable pitching staff will probably take the division, I think the bats they have will overcome just enough of the bad pitching performances they get. I don’t think the Braves will drop and play dead either though, it’s going to be a fight. If the Braves weren’t so far out at the moment I think they’d do like they’ve done so many times and just run away with the division.
As far as a wild card birth goes, there are alot of teams to jump over, but if any team can do it, it’s the Braves.
So, Mets take the East, St Louis takes the central and I’ll give the west to the Dodgers, they aren’t afraid to make moves when they need to, with the Braves taking the wildcard.
ALE = Boston, ALC = White Sox, ALW = Oakland, ALWC = Detroit.
By Akagi
July 6, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
NL
East: Mets Central: Reds West Rockies
Wild Card: Padres
AL
East: Blue Jays (hey if the Braves fans can be delusional, so can I).
Central: Tigers
West: Rangers
Wild Card: White Sox
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Okay Kent, you asked for it: Atlanta will finish at 82-80, second place in the NL East to the Mets, 4 games behind 86-76 wild card winning…. BREWERS.
By bravesdude
July 6, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
NY FAN You guys are gonna blow it….bottom line. NY history is doomed to repeat itself. You cant hide from it….just accept it! All star game is coming…Mets implosion is definately coming and the Braves will sneak on back to 1st where they belong. Before you start screaming, let me 1st say that i actually picked the Mets to win this division before the season began. It appears i am going to be wrong. You guys just dont have the nuts to hang for 160 game season. Pedro is toast..hate to say it cus i like him. Glavine on the other hand i picked to win Cy Young this year and hes starting to cave. Beltran is a joke…terrible decision by the Mets to pay this boob what they are payin him. Plus….the Braves seem to own Wagner…go look up the stats there. I will leave you with this….You better hope JS continues his book signings, if he starts being GM again and we pick up a closer and leadoff guy at the break you guys are in BIG trouble……GO BRAVES!!!!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Mmmmmm…..beer…
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Didn’t know we were giving all the winners: NL Central: Cardinals….. NL East: Muts…… NL West: Padres…… NL Wild Card: Brewers…….. AL Central: White Sox…… AL East: Yankees…….. AL West: Angels …….. AL Wild Card: Tigers —— Tigers beat the Brewers in the World Series… ha, hows that for a prediction.
By MBATL
July 6, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
As the Braves play a little better, I’m less inclined to trade valuable pieces like Giles and Hudson, but for what it’s worth, haven’t closed any doors.
My question is about left field. I like Langerhans, but he doesn’t seem like a longterm starter. Do we have anyone ‘in the system’ that can step in? Not that I’m aware of… so that’s a real hole that needs to be filled, not just for a playoff run but for the long term too.
Just seems to me that Hudson, and (within reason) whatever else we have to offer, for Crawford, would make a lot of sense, on the field and on the ledger. I know Crawford hasn’t hit as well at leadoff as down in the order, but he’s got the tools. What might it take to get him?
By ray
July 6, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
Did anyone else notice Andruw’s huge double chin in a recent photo? He’s out of shape.
By Max
July 6, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
It just mind blowing how Met fans really believe they are going to win.I asure you the all mighty Braves are not just going to roll over!Go Braves!!!
By geauxbraves2000
July 6, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
With Washington’s win today, if I’m not mistaken, the Braves with a win could move into a tie for 3rd place. 3rd place doesn’t sound like a lot, but you gotta get to 3rd before you can get to 2nd, etc.
Geaux Braves!
By MurphyRules
July 6, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
YAAAAAWWWWWWWNNNNNNN!
Another insightful blog from Curtright. Must have spent about 45 seconds on it.
Give me DOB or give me death!
By the way, DOB, has any date been set for a Davies rehab?
By Blake
July 6, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
The first problem is that Tampa Bay will never take on Hudson’s salary, unless the deal can be part of a three team trade. It would also take at least one of our SS prospects and a another young arm.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
The Grinch their is no way 82-80 will win the wild card this year… Even in the hopeless National League… Don’t forget, interleague play is over, NL records will get better as the season nears the end…
By Blake
July 6, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
The SS prospect for when they give up on Upton there
By Max
July 6, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Their is so many games to be played about 90 games to be played why are we counting the Braves out anybody that has played organized baseball knows that a couple of series win will cut that lead quick.What are the Muts counting on Pedro,Glavine and El Duque PLEASE!!!!.If that scares you anything does too.We should do like Schurholz does play our cards close to our chest and wait and see.It’s To early we Have 9 games to play against those BUMS don’t let them scare you!!!.GO BRAVES!!!!
By Blake
July 6, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
Don,
82 probably wont do it but 85 or 86 has a legit chance this season
By Max
July 6, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
LIsten guys we have a Great farm system we could get Crawford.We don’t have to give up Hudson.Who i believe is going to turn it around tonight.Hudson is to good to keep struggling like this.
By Blake
July 6, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
0 chance of getting crawford
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
The Mets will win the division and represent the National league in the Fall classic. It looks like the American league will be too strong so they will most likely lose in 5-6 games…….
By hk
July 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
… funny thing you should mention it, but when I first started participating on this blog back in April I did exactly what you describe, not really to judge anybody, but to get to know the names and numbers of the players so to speak … you can appreciate folks more if you know where they’re coming from … and, as you suggest, I did come up with some weighted criteria, and graded out each guy (not that many, 15 or 20 of the regulars) … let’s see, knowledge, age, maturity, intelligence, quality, humor were some of them I think …
.. the thought briefly, (like for one second) occurred to post it as you suggested … no way !!! … you know how sensitive folks are around here, I’d be sought out, tarred and feathered, and ridden out of town on a rail !!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
On mlb.com Tampa just said they would trade Crawford for 2 top pitchers.Ramirez and Davies with Salty!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Met FAN PEDRO is already hurting get it threw your head
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
STOP WITH THE CARL CRAWFORD TALK!!! YOU GUYS REALIZE WHAT WE WOULD HAVE TO GIVE UP FOR HIM? TRY AT LEAST THIS: BRIAN MCCANN & KYLE DAVIES/CHUCK JAMES B!TCH AND PROBABLY ANOTHER PLAYER (LANGERHANS, ORR) THROWN IN. THE ANGELS WERE IN TALKS AND YOU KNOW WHAT THE D-RAYS WANTED FOR CRAWFORD? FIGGINS, KENDRICK OR WOOD (VERY GOOD PROSPECTS) AND SANTANA! NOW MORE CARL CRAWFORD TALK PLEASE!!!
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
*NO more carl crawford talk please…
By Kent
July 6, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
MAX: Where on mlb.com are you finding this?
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Your right Max but lots of teams have players that get hurt during the season. Look at you guys,Smoltz Thompson and Hudson have had different health issues. We’ll be there in the end.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
MAX: BTW, there’s no way the Braves would give up Ramirez, Davies, and Salty for Crawford. They would be crazy to!!!
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
Blake you’re right on both counts… Thats why earlier on the blog I predicted the 86-76 Brewers would take the Wild Card this year. And there is a less than 0 chance we get Crawford!!
By MBATL
July 6, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Blake, thanks for the feedback. DonCorbuleone, I asked a simple question, dude. Get off my back.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
Don Coburleone: Just looked back and realized that you picked the Brewers to win the wild card… What in the &%#$$%^ are you smoking?
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
How about Hudson to Boston for Coco Crisp and a pitching prospect…
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
For the guy that wanted to know about our long term leftfield solution.We have Micheal Rosemond who is tearing s**t up in AA.Barbaro Carnizares who is a hitting machine remember Langy my not have a very good bat but think about how good his glove is.He plays Center when Andruw is given a days rest
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
MBATL that rant of mine wasn’t directed at you… people have been throwing this crawford thing out there for weeks now… just built up frustration, sorry…
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Mlb.com the rumor section
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Kent look at the Brewers, why couldn’t they win the wild card? If Sheets stays healthy the rest of the year, they’ve got a very solid 1-2 at the top of the rotation (Sheets and Capuano). They have a proven closer (granted he’s struggling now, but he’ll right the ship), and three solid big bats in Lee, Fielder, and Jenkins. Plus, they lead the league in come-from-behind wins this year. And we all know teams with good chemistry are prone to making late-season pushes. I see them as being just as good as the Braves this year if not better cuz they actually have a proven closer. Plus they haven’t dug themselves into a GIANT hole yet…
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
Sorry it’s not mlb.com it’s cbs sportsline
By MBATL
July 6, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
Appreciate that, DonC. It’s good.
My thought is just that in LF we need a stronger bat; Langy is a great defensive OF, and an adequate backup; and we need a leadoff hitter to settle in for a few years.
Not suggesting we give up the world, but if we could solve both in one move, even if it meant giving up some real value (we ain’t gonna get it for Thompson and LaRoche!), all the better. Oh well…
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Hey the Brewers could contend i don’t see why not
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
Before we think about settling LF we need to fix that bullpen
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
Max There is a Rumor section on MLB.com???
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
cbs sportsline.hey guys i’m watching the news as we speak(i’m from New york)and they are going to talk about Pedro having a other set back!!!!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
He way just put on the 15 day DL he was warming up and had to stop because of pain!!!! here comes the ALL MIGHTY BRAVES guy watch the game tonight!!!!!
By Lew
July 6, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
When in the world are all of you loonies who want Crawford going to realize he bats second, not leadoff. He also is not worth two pitchers and Salty, who, by the way is on the DL and having a lousy year. We don’t need outfielders. We have Langerhans Diaz and Thorman. You don’t have to have a superstar at each position. We need relief pitching. We don’t need an outfielder. As I have posted before, the outfield is not the reason we are in our current position. Neither is Adam LaRoche. The reason is our bullpen was the worst we’ve ever had. Fill your needs. We don’t need a leadoff hitter. Besides, who are you going to get. Everyone wants a leadoff hitter. The Sox aren’t going to give up Crisp. We are not going to pay an outrageous price for Crawford, who is not even a leadoff hitter. Stop and think about your trade proposals. Most of them make absolutely no sense.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
Thanks Max… Since when are we shopping Andruw Jones?
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew crawford stoled home last night and he does it leadoff and if he didn’t hit leadoff i would still want him hitting leadoff for us
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
Lew I don’t think Crisp is untouchable with the BoSox. They don’t see speed as an asset at all, and they’ve got Youkillis batting lead-off right now… But I do think it is highly improbable, just not impossible.
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
The Braves wouldn’t be the same without Andruw.I’ll take that as just rumors he’s not going nowhere
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s hot right now… Deal him to the desperate Angels for Escobar(Weaver or Santana preferrably, but the Angels won’t trade them) and a prospect… I think Chipper could excel for another 4-5 years as a DH. Plus the Angels don’t care about payroll, they could afford his salary.
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
Hey, Don i can’t disagree with you brother
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Lets go Braves… 8-1 win tonight!
By Max
July 6, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
I hope you are right Don
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Right on Max… the Angels are freakin desperate right now and I think Escobar could excel in the NL. Of course I’d much rather have Santana or Weaver, but if they were willing to give up either one of those I believe either Soriano or Carlos Lee would already be on the Angels. Max, would you do Chipper for Shields and a prospect? I think I would…
By Kent
July 6, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone: The Brewers do have a good young core to build on, but they’re not there yet. If they can get Ben Sheets healthy, they will have a good 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation, but beyond that, they have nooooothing in their rotation. And their “proven closer” has an ERA of 4.78.
There are far more talented and experienced teams (namely the Braves and Astros) in the wild card hunt. You’ll never convince me that the Braves won’t win 5 more games in the 2nd half of the season than the Brewers.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
And about left field, don’t forget about Kelly Johnson returning and taking the starting job back next year… that guy has a sweet swing..
By Max
July 6, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
I think we could move wilson to 3b and add more stability with Sheids who is awesome.this guys fastball has alot of action to it.and at the same time frees up a lot of salary
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Doug Davis is a decent 4 or 5 starter… Take him over Thomson, thats for sure. But overall, you’re right, not much depth in the rotation. Which is why you might see Carlos Lee for Weaver or Santana… And who cares what a closer’s e.r.a. is? All I care about is SAVE % !
By Max
July 6, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
I knew Pedro wouldn’t stay healthy.It would be to go to be true
By Kent
July 6, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone: It’s nice to see the Brewers getting some respect, but they’re not going to outpace the Braves and the Astros.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
I’m telling everybody right now… We have to get rid of 1 of 3 people if we are going to re-sign Andruw next year: Chipper Jones, Tim Hudson, or Mike Hampton. And I seriously doubt we’ll be able to dump Hampton unless he resorts back to NY days for the first half of next year…
By Max
July 6, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
Talk to to you guys lata going out to buy kfc before game starts
By Kent
July 6, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
DonC: Hampton is going to be just fine. The reason we won’t be able to trade Hampton will have nothing to do with his performance or trade value. The reason we can’t trade him is because he has a no trade clause.
Chipper also has trade veto powers (the union 10-5 clause).
Hudson is the only person we could trade, and that will depend on Liberty Media and what kind of payroll they dictate when they take over. Re-signing Andruw will also depend on that.
I’ve said it before, but I seriously doubt there will be any serious payroll slashing when the new owners take over. And I’m nearly positive that there won’t be anything added to the payroll. In all likelihood, the payroll will stay pretty much right where it is.
By MBATL
July 6, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this
Don C, talk about your subjects that have been beat to death: Chipper ain’t goin’ nowhere. Only way we could trade Hampton would be if he’s 13-0 at the break next year… then maybe at the trade deadline… not likely. So Huddie’s the only option, from your list.
I have a feeling we’re gonna send AJ to the Yankees for Phil Hughes and another pithcer. NOT ADVOCATING it, so please, no need to call me dirty names like ‘looney’.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Assuming that there is no more payroll slashing next year, I think we can probably re-sign Andruw Jones without too much trouble as long as Andruw doesn’t completely abdicate all decision making to Mr. Bor-a*s.
By Kent
July 6, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this
…didn’t mean to submit yet…
reason being that Andruw is making (I think) 13 million both this year and next year. They could probably work something out to where his 2008, 2009 salaries are no more than that, meaning that his salary wouldn’t become a big issue until 2010.
By Max
July 6, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
4-0 ya Andruw GO BRAVES!!!!
By Beachcomber
July 6, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
Recalling the words of Skip back in the mid-80’s “win, win, win. After awhile it gets boring.”
By journalist jimmy smith
July 6, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
the return of carolina lady has these braves playing some really good baseball.
By P'cola Michael
July 6, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
Andruw goes BOOM!
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
Don: If the talk of obtaining Crawford is getting to you… how can you even fathom a trade of Chipper Jones, with his large, no-trade clause contract? That talk to me is more frustrating and pointless than Crawford. Crawford can be had at a steep price, trading Chipper is simply never ever going to happen.
So, IF we have to get rid of one of the three you mention, it would seem Hudson would be the guy. He’ll be cheap next year, he’ll be locked up for a few more years, and he’s a pitcher, which most every single team needs. A Hudson trade, with JS steering, it would return more than Juan Cruz and Charles Thomas (what it took to get him). But I don’t think any of those folk will have to be traded. Andruw’s agent is Boras. So, Andruw will almost certainly file for free agency. It will cost a fortune to get Andruw, but he does live in Atlanta. He has played for the Braves since he was 16 or 17 and He loves Bobby. That along with his proven willingness to work with the Braves in contract negotionations means we have a good chance of getting a discount. Though that discount might not be as good as we would hope. But I don’t think we’ll lose AJ without a fight. And I certainly don’t think they’ll trade Chipper for AJ. And….. WAY TO GO ANDRUW!!!!
Anyway, that’s my thought on it. Don’t take it harsh, it isn’t intended with that kind of tone. More of a happy-go-lucky-the-work-day-is-done-and-a-cold-one-is-in-my-hand, kind of tone…
GO BRAVES
By brian
July 6, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
So DOB - how was the Cash CD? Just saw Walk the Line again - what a movie!
Hope we see the Hudson of old tonight fellas
By Max
July 6, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
The team is not going to be bought buy someone that is not willing to improve them.there is to many suiters for that.And i agree with don on chipper we need to work on that bullpen.and if we need a extra bat with all that money we are freeing up we could get a Aramis Ramirez type player to play 3B
By MBATL
July 6, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
An Aramis Ramirez type? He makes 11 mil per year the next 2 years, is batting .248 with an obp of 301. Why?
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
he might need a chande of scenery or maybe teams are pitching around him
By Bob, journalist
July 6, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
Edgar is a first inning hitting machine … and his “lobs” to first seem to have become more level with some zip … as has Giles’ swing.
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that Aramis Ramirez makes $11 million!.He’s way over paid
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
As a personal note, I don’t want to see Chipper go. I’ve watched him play since he was in AA. Same with Andruw.
As to the new owner, I can’t imagine the payroll being slashed anymore than it is. I’m pretty certain this team is already a money maker. If Liberty pulls of this tax evasion scheme they are cookin’, they might actually notch up payroll a tad to keep franchise players like Andruw. But even then, think about it, how much higher can Andruw go on the pay scale? He’s at 13 million right now? A-Rod and Manny are the only 20 million dollar guys and, I love Andruw, but he certainly doesn’t produce like A-Rod does or Manny. So with Chipper already taking pay cuts, Smoltz already on a pay cut and Hampton slotted at 8 million a year, Andruw would continue to be the highest paid guy on the team. Maybe they front load the contract so that he gets his money while the kids are still making close to league minimum.
On top of all that, this off season will set a standard for outfielders pay. We should pay attention to it. Alfonso and Lee are both free agents, and that will set the market no matter when or where they sign. So without Thomson and Reitsma, you have about 7 million extra dollars you can apply to Andruw, who isn’t going to get a 10 year, 20 million a year deal. I think it will be about 5 to 7 years at an average 15 to 17 million maybe. But honestly I don’t know.
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
what a double play by Laroche!!!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
i’m itching to see who we aquire
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
Max from NY….you’re a traitor and a loser. New York is too good for you….LETS GO METS!!!!
By Woogidy
July 6, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Hudson nibbles way too much around the plate. His stuff is so good, he could use the whole plate. - Nice DP.
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
i’m not a traitor everyone could root for whom ever they want to.Loser did you forget your a Met fan!!!
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
All the way from Queens……You’re a big time LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSER!!!!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
woogidy you have to nibble if you throw the ball down the middle you will get hammered even if you throw 100mph
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
nyfan;We brake your hearts every year!i understand your insanity.
By Miss Manners
July 6, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
Some familiar posts from unfamiliar names. Is there an impostor on the blog tonight? Their are some cleer giveaways.
By Max
July 6, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
ya that nyfan
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
You’re PITIFUL Max. It must be a real downer having you at the dinner table during family gatherings. How do they cover up for you??
By Woogidy
July 6, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
max, Does the name Greg Maddux come to mind? Hudson and MAddux have almost the same stuff - Maddux has/had better control. Madddux trusted his stuff, hence every hitter was 0-1 after the first pitch in the prime of his career. Tim Hudson doesn’t have that trust.
By MEB
July 6, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s toes had some spring in them on that play. Saved Huddy from a having a bad inning.
By Beachcomber
July 6, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
Nice play Chipper!
By berigan
July 6, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
If it has been mentioned before, sorry…but is Giles choking up just a bit? Different bat as well.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Woogidy,Maddux also had his problem with being wild in the strike zone.Yes it’s important to get 1 pitch strikes.But not just any strikes it’s quality strike you feel me brother?!and to Nyfan all my Family gathering talks are about how we won 14 division titles!! 11 are off YOU MET FAN!!!!!
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul-Tax evasion scheme is right. It has to be Hudson and Giles if anyone goes. We can’t afford any more kids and we MUST get pitching in return. Nothing but pitching. There’s not a thing wrong with our offense or everyday lineup. Bryan Pena would make me happier than Pratt as backup at catcher, but the rest of the lineup is good. Giles is expendable because we have middle infielders to step in.
By Reality Check
July 6, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
I would trade the entire roster for a dozen donuts and a large coffee. Keep the change you LOSERS !!!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Lew
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Max-Ignore him and he will go chase gators. If anyone has a great need to do a deal with the Rays, figure a way to get Scott Kazmir from them without giving up the farm.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know what fools got rid of Kazmir for Victor Zambrano?
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
It must be something in your genes if all of you are rooting against a NY team at the dinner table. I could understand the rednecks being against anything from the north but you????? You must be lost.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
All met fans have visited a asylum some time in there life.I now a buch of them went when kenny rogers walked Andruw to win the playoff series
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
Gators. Zambrano for Kazmir. Ha
By Homer
July 6, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
They better throw in a bagel or we have no deal. Just buy a big screen because that is as close as the playoffs will be for a while for this bunch of worthless crap. It starts at the top and flows down hill.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew let me guess was it ???the Mets!!!
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
HA
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
HHey homer,we are starting to win series give them a brake 90 games left way to many to give up
By metsfanforlife
July 6, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Hey, the Mets have the best record in the NL and will continue to get better. I’ve read alot of derogatory comments which shows the frustration of all the Braves fans out there. By the way, do your research as far as payrolls go. The Mets payroll is only 9 million greater than the Braves and we have plenty of young talent that will be here for years. Go METS
By metsfanforlife
July 6, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Hey, the Mets have the best record in the NL and will continue to get better. I’ve read alot of derogatory comments which shows the frustration of all the Braves fans out there. By the way, do your research as far as payrolls go. The Mets payroll is only 9 million greater than the Braves and we have plenty of young talent that will be here for years. Go METS
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Yeah it must be the genes. Max hasn’t been able to put together a proper sentence for most of the night. Atlanta …..you could have him.
By Lew
July 6, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
Gators and Zambrano. Ha
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
hey metfanforlife they are not going to get better your ace just got hurt.Only a met fan will say something as stupid as they are going to get better!!!
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Hey nyfan your not worth me trying to write proper.you like the muts i mean the mets
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
I’m starting to like this prediction stuff! Hudson has gone six (and counting), LaRoche got 2 hits (and counting) surprising everyone, Mays struggled early, an unknown Reds player grabbed his crotch in front of the camera, etc. Now if only Bobby spits 4 more times I’ll be almost perfect! I suppose I shouldn’t tempt fate by crowing ‘till we get the win, though. Wish I’d put some cash on it.
By NYFAN
July 6, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
Mets in first and the braves 13.5 games out…..good night Max.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
go Braves!!!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
McCann is 0-4 and it looks like his ankle is starting to bother him at the plate. I still think he needs to spend the All-Star break at home with his toes in a bucket of epsom salt. We can’t afford Pratt’s bat in the lineup for an extended period.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
YOU COULD HAVE THE LEAD NOW I’LL HAVE IT IN sEPTEMBER!!!!go braves
By JJMB
July 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Why in the hell did Gonzalez stop LaRoche with 2 down? Thanks for nothing!
By TennesseeBraveFan
July 6, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
You’re right JJS — These guys are playing better since Carolina Lady returned… Her return is the only thing that got me back to posting instead of just reading. Welcome back C Lady! You’re a breath of fresh air in the midst of vitrolic Mets fans, cheese, toes and souse meat.
By Max
July 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Griffey had a good shoot at gunning the slow footed Laroche.Besides we are winning it’s not a desperate situation
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Sheesh! Giles numbers are really looking good these last few games. In the last week he’s got a .556 OBP. If he can keep this up, we don’t need a leadoff hitter. We’ll just need some arms in the pen and maybe a nice bottle of champaign for # 15.
By brewdawg
July 6, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
Hey fellow Brave fans: it’s kind of ridiculous to talk about us coming back to win the division at this point. Let’s just concentrate on our boys just continuing to play well. I agree that it’s not over but it sounds stupid to talk trash at 13 and a half games out. NY fans have every right to talk smack right now, the same as we have for 14 years. I hate it as much if not more than you guys do but give them their props right now. They are the best team in the NL. Again, if we continue to play good ball we can get back in the wild card race and then and only then begin to think about the division.
By Larry Sr.
July 6, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Although he always ordered just ham and eggs everyday, Chipper at the diner always studied the menu carefully each day before ordering. One day, his regular waitress decided to see if he could be made to order anything else. Before giving him the menu she marked out the ham and eggs entry.
Once Chipper had looked over the menu for a few minutes, the waitress approached him and asked, “Sir, did you notice that I scratched something you like?”
Without looking up from the menu, Chipper quickly replied, “Well, then go wash your hands and bring me some ham and eggs.”
By Max
July 6, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
Okey guys it seems T-Hud got back on the horse.Go BRaves!!!!!Goodnight guys!
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t like where this is going.. . Let’s go BRAVES!
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
I am so freaking furious right now. Absolutely enraged!
By Bent
July 6, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
As I’m reading this, Sosa and the pen just blew a 5 run lead. No way can any run happen with this bullpen. I love J.S., he’s the best GM in the league, but this year’s pen debacle rests squarely at his feet.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
I assume we can put an end to the Sosa/Closer experiment now, can’t we?
In all actuality, this one falls on cox’s shoulders for sending Hudson out to start the 9th in the 1st place. But you gotta hold down a 5 run lead.
Yeah……..this team is going places! My A$$!!!!
By P'cola Michael
July 6, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
this is about par for the freakin’ course! Sosa sucks!
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
DIE SOSUCK! You do not deserve to breathe! Sosuck needs to never pitch in a Braves uniform again. This melt down is exactly what Farnsworthless did. I’m sick of this. We better come back and win. Those bats better realize they own these awful Reds and put this one away. Rip it from ‘em boys and shove it down Sosucks throat!
By MetsWin
July 6, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
Oh, this is PRICELESS! Yeah, you guys have that wild card all locked up.
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
I have things to do tonight. Then Sosuck entered into the equation. This is unexcusable and I hope he gets some talking to from the team tonight. Are they serious or are they just d!cking around for sh!ts and giggles?
By Dekl
July 6, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Didn’t take long for the stench to return to Turner Field !!!!!
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
As far as McBride goes. How about Bobby just worry about PITCHERS that get HITTERS out!!!!!!!!
This damn lefty/righty matchup crap is just worthless. My guess is Bobby wouldn’t let Mariano Rivera face lefties either! LOL
I realize he doesn’t have many options out there right now, but c’mon!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Jesus Nailholes! Does Hudson have a legitimate court case against Sosa? If not, a drive-by later tonight might be appropriate. I need a drink.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
Shoulda gave him a foot right in the A**e!
By derek
July 6, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
metswin, yeah dude, i couldnt agree more. the powerful juggernaught, the sleeping giant, the best team in the NL, yada yada yada. ya gotta love braves fans!
By Michael A.
July 6, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
What was the point of this experiment? Sosa gave up plenty of home runs in the first inning this year when he was starting. Why did we think he was less likely to give up home runs in the ninth as a closer? The only thing that has worked in the ‘pen all year has been Ray. Let’s give him the closer job back until he loses it instead of giving it to Sosa and hoping that he can earn it.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Grinch…..Hudson didn’t get anybody out in the 9th either. Bobby shoulda left him on the bench to start the 9th. And at the very least took him out after the first guy reached.
HEE HAW!
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Prediction………Reds 11 - Braves 7.
It must be Thanksgiving, cuz the little “tab” on the Turkey we call the Atlanta Braves just popped. Stick a fork in it….it’s DONE!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
True, this one reeks of mismanagement, but a starter who’s thrown 105 pitches over 8 innings and left with a 5-run lead shouldn’t have to suffer a no-decision 15 pitches later. Blah!
By brian
July 6, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
and the price for bullpen help keeps going up. If I were an opposing GM and JS called asking about bullpen help, I would be demanding top prospects because I would assume the Braves would be desparate for help. And as DOB has said, I would not be inclined to help the Braves or JS unless I was wowed with an offer
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Oh Yeah! Bobby….we’re goin to extra innings, how about you double switch out defense. Good call, leaving Diaz in left.
That’ll come back to haunt…mark my words.
DOB…I was ALMOST ready to believe that this team had an outside chance at the Wild Card. God do I feel like an idiot.
This bullpen is so bad and filled with idiots, that it literally sucks the intelligence out of my brain as I watch! I can’t imagine actually being there in person. No wonder Turner field is filled with zombies that make no noise. Their brains are turned to mush watching this team!
By Bo
July 6, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
Like Skip said ” how long do we have to watch this” (blown saves 18).Will someone go upstairs and kick John S A**. What kind of GM will do nothing for three years to get a closer? He should be fired.
By brian
July 6, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
this is now a must win game for the Braves. On a roll in July, finally got the old Hudson back. 5 run lead in the 9th and the pen blows it. We must win this game now or it will be a devastating loss
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
Sosuck let 5 runs cross before he decided to get serious. What is it with this crew in the pen? This is just disheartening. But now it is a battle of the blowpens.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
Yeah, at least their bullpen sucks too. This is like watching Falcons/Saints in the 80’s.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaking…..Ray did nothing to actally lose the closers roll if it was ever given to him.
Think Bobby goes to him next time?
By #1MetsFan
July 6, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa so f******* funny Jorge HOMERUN sosa has done it again you braves suck a*s there is no way your winning the wildcard with that sorry bulpen damn you guys suck assssssssssssssssssss.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
You guys realize that this team will get “just close enough” in the standings, that JS will be a buyer instead of a seller at the deadline, and that will pretty much be all she wrote for the next 3 years.
Though I have to admit….Chipper is HOT right now! Welcome back CJ.
Anyways, JS will trade off Salty, Davies among others to shore up a bullpen so we can make a “run”. It won’t work. So we’ll be stuck with no bargaining chips this off season to go into next year, so none of the problems we have right now will get fixed or be fixable through trades.
Sigh………….. Nothing like a Sh*tty bullpen, to bring out the negativity in me! LOL
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
See if this guy is stupid enough to throw Francoeur a strike!
By Don
July 6, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
In the top of the ninth tonight, just after the bullpen blew another save opportunity, Skip Carey very nearly showed a little backbone. A display on the screen indicated that the Braves easily lead the league in blown saves with 18. Skip, completely out of character, said, “And that tells you why the Braves are doing so badly.” Amazing. Absolute truth for the first time from a Braves’s announcer. However, that, of course, only lasted for a second or two as Skip hurriedly stated, “Now, that isn’t fair.”
Of course it is fair. It is the truth. If only one-half of those save opportunities weren’t blown, the record would be 46-39 (4.5 games out of first place). Convert just two-thirds of those blown saves (a most reasonable number) and the record jumps to 49-36 (1.5 gamers out of first place). Convert all 18 of the blown saves and Braves are in first place by 4.5 games at 55-30. So, Skip actually, and accidently, told the truth.
By nathan
July 6, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
Nice at bat…..Sh*tty pitch, and guess what…….THE BULLPEN STILL SUCKS!
Goodnight All!
By JIMo
July 6, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
METsfan- Even the mets don’t need fans with your nasty mouth. I will pray for you. BRAVES WIN! GO CHIPPER!
By Beachcomber
July 6, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Yea, let’s get rid of that lousy, overpaid third baseman!
By Dan
July 6, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
It looks like you are wrong again Nathan. You prove more and more you do not know what you are talking about.
By justin
July 6, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Nice win braves but bullpen still sucks sosa cant be the closer he gives up to many homeruns i say give ken ray the closers role back to ray
By nathan
July 6, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
Remember the Blake Street Bombers. (nick name for the mid-90’s Rockies hitters, for those of you who don’t)
Welcome to mid-90’s Rockies baseball, weak pitching, weaker bullpen, good defense (most of the time) and THUNDER in the lineup.
JS doesn’t need to trade for a Closer, bullpen help or a leadoff hitter. We need 2 or 3 more Mashers that play “Bobby Ball”!!!
Then we can out score everybody 15-14!! That’s the only way this team is going to the playoffs. By purely destroying the baseball.
In all fairness they did show a stat earlier tonight that showed the Braves bullpen had a 1.48 ERA over the last 12 games. I could actually handle that if it meant one “blow up” every two weeks…..better than every night I guess!!
Now I’m going to bed……Good Night!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s toe looks to be ok after all. That karate chop he gave after scoring the game-winner was the most emotion I’ve seen him show in years. This win shows the team has winning spirit, Hudson is back, Chipper’s back, etc. Unfortunately, it also showed (again) the bullpen is our Achillie’s heel (understatement of the century), Andruw’s back to swinging at pitches two feet off the plate and McCann needs rest. Let us see…
By dadgum
July 6, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
WOW!!!! Hard to believe any team could blow a 5 run lead in the 9th. I can promise you that the Braves have seen the last of Sosa.
I assume he is out of options but since there are no big prospects in Richmond it wouldn’t matter. Look for them to flat out release him or put him on waivers.
He simply can’t be counted on any more with any kind of lead. I doubt he would bring anything in trade so I think they will just release him. Maybe they can package him with Thomson in trade. Who knows. All I know is that they have to win as many games a spossible right now and the bullpen is the main nemesis. I feel sorry for Hudson. If he had just stayed out there after the two hits I guarantee you he wouldn’t have blown that lead. Bobby has to be kicking himself right now.
BRAVES WIN!!! ok it still doesn’t affect anything written to this point.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
“Achillies’”
By TennesseePaul
July 6, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Amazing. Just amazing. I love the fight. I love the hustle. I hate the pen. But Chipper is back. McCann. 0-5 and gets intentionally walked. Francoeur. The guy in front of you hasn’t hit all night and they walk him to get to you. Proud of what you did, but does that tell you anything?
GO BRAVES!!!
By nathan
July 6, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
OK Dan……”your right”
this team is incredible, the bullpen is carrying us to the promised land! You just keep on believing that this group of sorry a$$ relievers will get the job done on an every night basis. This win isn’t SWEET, it’s just another reminder of why the Braves are 13.5 games out of 1st before the allstar break. THEY GOT LUCKY…..they found another moron to throw Francoeur a strike! What can I say?
If you feel good about this team……good luck! Get back to me in about 2 weeks and see what JS actually does with his moves. I hope it’s better than the ones he’s pulled off already! Oh, WAIT! He hasn’t done Jack Sht (hey I just realized what JS *acutally stands for!)
IF you can’t take my sarcasm, buh bye! Come up with your own predictions. I bet mine are closer to reality!
By geauxbraves2000
July 6, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
The main reason for the bullpen woes: Ball 1. Change ball 1 to strike 1 and maybe they don’t blow a five run lead in the 9th. I wholehearted agree with Justin, Sosa gives up way to many homers to be the closer.
Anyhow, WTG team, nice comeback tonight!! Chipper’s reaction when he scored gives me hope, it’s nice to see him excited, he’s usually so hum drum anymore.
Again, WTG Braves!!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, obviously you forget how long Bobby stuck with Reitsma. Chris finally had to blow his arm out (though I’m still not convinced he isn’t making that up to save a little face…even to the point of having uneccessary surgery). Later, Nathan; take a prozac tommorrow morning like I do and maybe things will look a little bit better! :-)
By Dan
July 6, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Nathan, you do not know the first thing about the ins and outs of baseball. You only state the obvious. We all know the bullpen sucks, but that does not guarantee we would lose the game. You have not stated one intelligent comment since I have been reading your posts. Get some more knowledge before you come post that weak sh#t. Hee Haw!!!!!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
From now on, J.S. will be known as Jack Sh!t!. I love it! Number one, make it so.
By MEB
July 6, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Will everyone stop feeding the Mets trolls that are lurking here. They really are ruining a great blog.
nathan… dude you really need to relax because because this may turn out to be a season to remember.
I feel great about the win and Chipper’s resurgence but I feel terrible for Sosa who I think made a good pitch but Valentin made a great clutch swing and hit a home run. I really think a trainer or team doctor should check Jorge’s feet, because he’s got to have some bad toes.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO!!! The bullpen! Oh the HORROR!!!
By dadgum
July 6, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
He has stuck with Sosa quite awhile as well Grinch. Watch the trade wires after the Cincy series that is when JS will pull something. Better then than wait until panic time as the trade deadline nears. The Braves are on a roll I feel and now is the time to plug any gaps so as to give us any chance at a wild card.
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
I agree. My momentary anguish at how close we came to losing in an unacceptable fashion doesn’t completely dash my hopes for this season. We do need at least a moderately successful move or two by the deadline, though. What bugs me about Sosa is how great his stuff is. How can you suck that bad with stuff that good? I’d love to play poker with him.
By Jman
July 6, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
How long will JS sit on his butt and not make a move?
By berigan
July 6, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Ok, someone help me. I turned away when it was 5-1, checked it later 7-2 Braves, Sosa on bases loaded, nobody out. Were the bases loaded when Sosa came in, or did he allow a few of those runners? Ok, just checked out and saw Sosa came in bases loaded, NOBODY OUT! Bad move. Sosa is very new to closing. Bobby needs a decent closer, first and foremost. And as we know you work back from the closer.. He is our best bet to close, and now that is likely F*ed up. He still looks scared when he comes in. Cox knows Sosa needs a little wiggle room. Many closers give you white knuckles as they give up a walk, a hit, but get the job done. How can he possibly expect Sosa to not give up runs, or walk a player? It was literally a no win situation. You Don’t bring in your closer in a non-save situation(I don’t care what anyone says, 7-2 is not a save situation) Look what happened Wickman for Cleveland in a similar situation against the very same Reds, he gave up his first home run of the season, and it was a GRAND SLAM.
Sosa can do this, IF Bobby and the Fans have half a brain…which I a starting to doubt right about now.
By Jman
July 6, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
How long will JS sit on his butt and not make a move?
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
I know what you mean, Don C. I need to go watch “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to relax.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
I was watching the TBS feed, and did anyone see Cox in the 9th inning… Sosa had just went down 2-0 on the second batter (i think) he faced and the crowd started to boo. The camera panned to Cox and it showed him throw his arms up and look back and up(like he was mad at the crowd for booing). What the he!! do you expect the fans to do Cox??? Cheer? They could see it coming!!
By Chop Chop
July 6, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
You know what I love more than the fight the Braves showed? A good bullpen. This one stinks. Schuerholz has to make a move while this team is hitting. Otherwise, they’ll have very little chance at making up ground.
By DonCoburleone
July 6, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
I was watching the TBS feed, and did anyone see Cox in the 9th inning… Sosa had just went down 2-0 on the second batter (i think) he faced and the crowd started to boo. The camera panned to Cox and it showed him throw his arms up and look back and up(like he was mad at the crowd for booing). What the he!! do you expect the fans to do Cox??? Cheer? They could see it coming!!
By The Grinch
July 6, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Sosa is overmatched mentally. Berigan, I agree with you to an extent, but trying to make him into THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF THE PUZZLE at this point of the season, when there’s no wiggle room, isn’t likely to work. It may, and I hope it does, but I doubt it. Remember Alejandro Pena? His stuff, especially later in his career, wasn’t nearly as good as Sosa’s. But you knew when you brought him in with the bases loaded late in the game you’d have a decent shot at getting out of it. That’s why they called him “The Ice Man.” Good stuff is important, of course, but pitching (especially closing) is very much a mental thing, and Sosa right now, like Reitsma, is playing with a weak hand. Sorry about all the commas, I’m adding things as they occur to me.
By John Schuerholz
July 6, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Well i heard that the bullpen blew the lead again. But we still won. I still have 100% confidence in are bullpen. I didnt get to watch the game i was signing some books at a book store in down town Atlanta. Dont worry fans we dont need to make any moves are bullpen and are team is just fine. Bobby cox just called me and told me that jorge only made one bad pitch and other than that he looked great. Well i got to go braves fan, i got to go sign some more books.
sincerly, John
By Tony Almeida
July 6, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this
About time Chipper showed some emotion.
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
So…..I’m guessing Sosa won’t be our closer come september?
By nathan
July 7, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
Dan, BTW was I stating the obvious about the pitcher being stupid enough to throw Francoeur a strike……before it happened BTW.
But I’m sure you jumped up and down screaming like a little 12 year old girl saying “this team is great - what a comeback!”
I may be over the top. But I’m not stupid. If what I’m stating is so damn obvious, why hasn’t our fearless leaders figured it out and done somthing about it?
Maybe JS has a secret plan in place. I’ll believe it when I see it. There is nobody to trade for out there that is going to be worth the long term ramifications (trading prospects), just so this season can be “saved”. THIS SEASON WAS OVER WHEN JS CHOSE TO GO WITH REITSMA AS THE CLOSER, AND MORE SO WHEN BOBBY CHOSE TO STICK WITH HIM FOR TOO LONG!!! Again, if I’m stating the obvious, call JS and Bobby and let them know how obvious it is. The trades that are out there to be had are equivalent to the ANDY ASHBY trade a few years ago….sombody else’s garbage that isn’t actually going to help. This team needs AT LEAST 3 guys in the pen, a leadoff hitter and a hitting coach that can actually get somebody to listen to them.
I’m a big fan of Francoeur….I think his future is bright, very bright. But, if you think that on the SLIM TO NONE chance that this team actually gets into the playoffs, anybody on another “playoff caliber” pitching staff is going to give Francoeur anything in the same time zone to hit, you are sadly mistaken……OBVIOUS ENOUGH FOR YOU…. maybe you should inform other teams that he’ll swing at the first pitch about 60 percent of the time, it must not be obvious to their advanced scouts.
To those of you who “deal” with my sarcasm by ignoring it….whay to go! It’s the best way to not set me off. LOL
Besides, you guys had to vent on sombody other than the Mutz fans posting on the blogs. I’m just trying to take the heat off of those guys….spreading the love, you might say.
So in closing, Dan, knock my style, my sarcasm, whatever. But don’t knock my knowledge, I get it. Probably more than you’d ever like to give me credit for.
Just frustrated tonight…..It’s all good Dan, have a good night!
By nathan
July 7, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
PS…Grinch
thank you for the acknowledge on the JS “nickname”!
I’ve bashed JS enough this year even with the “past” moves he’s made to prolong this run.
But this last offseason he just didn’t have “it”.
So in closing due to the “Jack Sh*t” moves (or lack there of), that is what I will call him from this day forward.
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
Nice of the Mets fans to drop by tonight with well wishes and glad tidings after Sosa’s gopher ball.
By mike
July 7, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
My first post ever on here. I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer. You long-time Braves fans (pre ‘91; even pre ‘82)will appreciate my input.
A few things, then off to bed…
Must be tough to be a Mets fan and have to post on here every inning. Plus, pointing out the big lead is really impressive. Lots of pent-up frustration I guess! We deserve it, since it’s our fault you are frustrated.
There should be a site where only people who are still haunted by the Len Barker trade are allowed to post.
One more thing about Mets fans… The LAST thing they want is for the Braves to be around at the end. That’s why they are kicking us now, they do NOT want us to resurrect ourselves.
Maybe I’m being too optimistic, but there is a little ‘91 feeling to this season. Yeah, I know the bullpen issue is there (I didn’t want to mention the ‘B’ word), but I sense something. Even though we have won the division for so long, it still feels like a drought of success (like in ‘91). The mix of kids and veterans is cool. Someone/something different each win.
Good night!
By nathan
July 7, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this
nice points mike…..welcome!
That Len Barker trade wasn’t that bad….you know he did have a no-hitter under his belt before that trade, right? LOL
That’s gotta go down as one of the worst trades in Braves History. At that time, Bret Butler was probably the 2nd most popular Brave beind Dale Murphy. Unless you count Rufino Linares!! How’s that for a name from the past?
I remember in the off-season before 1991, Bret Butler chose the Dodgers over the Braves. I was so bummed! Butler was everything a leadoff hitter is meant to be. But JS (you know what it stands for by now) did get a pretty good leadoff hitter in Otis Nixon in 1991 anyways. That seemed to work out well!
Have a good night.
By nathan
July 7, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
BTW Mike, sorry if I was stating the obvious about that Len Barker for Bret Butler trade being one of the worst in Braves history!…..I’ve been know to state the obvious.
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
That trade has to go down as the absolute worst in Atlanta sports history.How do you trade such a popular player,especially with the name of Brett Butler…and the guy’s playing in Atlanta?C’mon.Even the movies couldn’t have scripted something so perfect.
The other two guys in the deal weren’t bad either.Brook Jacoby started several years in Cleveland,and Rick Behanna got more than a cup of coffee.
By Kentavo
July 7, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
Is Kyra Sedgewick available?
By Glass Half Full
July 7, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
Instead of blaming the “bullpen,” let’s identify the players who fucked up by name so there’s no carry over effect.
By Jeremy
July 7, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this
Why are all of these Braves bashers out here tonight? Haven’t you all had the last month and a half to do that?!?! The Braves are playing their best baseball of the year while the Mets gave up like 30 runs in 2 days earlier in the week. And they just put Pedro on the DL. So if there was anytime for the Braves and their fans to be confident and happy with the current situation, this would be it!!! I’m in the same boat as the rest of you in getting a leadoff hitter, a closer, and probobly a setup man too, but at least give the bashing a rest while the Braves are winning!!!
By mike
July 7, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this
Still awake, so I’ll put in one more before turning this thing off.
I think I mentioned Barker because of the mention of Behenna after Chuck James started 3-0. We lacked a left fielder (Butler) for an eternity after that deal, and we lacked a 3rd baseman for a while after Horner left. Remember Jim Presley?
The baseball gods must think that in order to pull off a Smoltz deal, you first must do a Len Barker deal.
I appreciated the Rufino comment. I would take Rick Camp (speaking of popular ex-Braves) right now.
Sorry to lump all of the pen into the “bullpen” comment. Unfortunately, whenever one of them messes up, it’s “the bullpen” again.
By Dirty Dawg
July 7, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
Got to give Chipper his props for the hustle on the winning run. As Torborg noted the other night, Chipper’s running as well as he ever has, and that’s with the bad foot. It must be that running straight ahead isn’t the problem, but whatever it is very few of the current Braves, and probably none of the regular starters, would have scored on that play…he’s really bustin’ his butt on the bases.
By Head Coach
July 7, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
86 games into the season and no closer in sight and none available in the trade market. 38-48 with eighteen blown saves , 11-21 in one run games. No closer + no bullpen = NO POSTSEASON
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this
The Braves really miss Blaine Boyer imo.I firmly believe that he would have solidified himself in the closers role by now if had he not been injured.He has the attitude and moxie needed to get the final 3 outs of a ballgame.He also has the stuff to get good hitters out.Of all the injuries,this one hurts the Braves the most.
By Dirty Dawg
July 7, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, meant to mention…the Reds were absolutely stupid to throw anything to Francouer on the inner half…off speed and off the plate and he may never again put a ball in play.
…LaRoche would have been a dead duck…and who cares if we ‘can’t win it all’…so what? What we can, and will, do is be competitive and dig our way out of this hole from here on out…with fans going to the park every night knowing that they have a better than good chance to go home happy…I mean, after all, what do you really want out of an evening of baseball? To go home a winner, which the Braves have done for their fans more than any other team in baseball over the past fifteen years…and they will again for the rest of this season. They’ll have one of best records in the NL after the break. We may not make it but they’ll still be bustin’ butt in late September - and you know they’ll beat the Mets from here on out - and I can’t wait.
By berigan
July 7, 2006 05:48 AM | Link to this
It’s funny, a fair bit of bashing of Andruw, yet he is on pace for 36hr’s and 136 rbi’s(which would be his all time high for runs batted in) and a .274 ba, which would be 11 points higher than last year.
By dylan
July 7, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this
Head Coach I will bet you 500 dollars right now that the braves end this season witha winning record.I kind of doubt they will win the wild card and I know the division is out of reach but this is not a sub .500 ball club.
By stantheman
July 7, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
have to give the Mets credit. They are very similar to the early 90’s Braves. Nice mix of home grown stars and veterans - very hungry team. they might not take it all this year but they will probably win more than one championship in the next 14 years. Enough about the past. The Braves have to start again. Smoltz is a free agent after this year who is not getting any younger. sign him or trade him. I fear he is going to want to finish his career with Glavine in NY so he can win another championship.
By Musial's Musings
July 7, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
Stantheman,
You have to give the Mets credit for finally buying the right free agents. Not for being hungry or young or scrappy. The 91 Braves they most certainly are not. The entire Braves rotation was home grown that year save Leibrandt. The closer was a total bum from the scrap heap in Berenguer until the end of the year when it was a committee and then Pena was picked up. The lineup was all home grown or cast offs except TP. Meantime, the Mets have a grand total of two guys in their starting lineup and rotation who are home grown - Wright and Reyes. The rest were all acquired via trade or free agency - and most were free agents. The Mets simply identified a need and bought the best player available. Credit? I guess. The Yankees can certainly do the same thing and they don’t have as good a roster so perhaps Minya does deserve credit for a more successful shopping spree. But long term planning, useful budgeting and the like are not part of what the Mets have done at all. Delgado, LoDuca, Floyd, Beltran, Glavine, Pedro, Wagner. I dare say any team in MLB could add those seven and be expected to win their division. Perhaps not the Royals, but you get the picture. The converse to all this is, of course, that the Braves were in a similar situation from 1993-2002 and won but one title. However, they did win the division every single year in that span. The Mets have been at this spend to the moon thing since 1997 and have, let’s see, ZERO titles to show for it. They made the WS as a wild card in 2000. Thus, hooray for them for finally getting the right hired guns. Yes, the Braves used to do that as well. However, umpteen division titles versus what appears to be one seems like an awfully lopsided score to me.
By Anti-Brave
July 7, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
The Braves are DEAD!!! ha ha ha! you guys suck from a philly fan!
By Max
July 7, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
I’m totally convinced that a huge trade is going to go down.Theirs NO WAY JS is just sitting on his a*s.We are 13/5 out!!!!!,with one of the worst bullpen ever made.What’s up with Brad Baker bring him up and let’s see what he brings to the table.JS we are dying for something big to happen let’s settle this bullpen down!!!.
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
We need Smoltz down here ASAP if we are going to make a run at the Wildcard. What will it take for you cellar dwellars to cough him up?
By Max
July 7, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hey MarlinNation have you loked at the standings we are not in last place.Besides we have a better chance of win then u do!!
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
No, I have not “loked” today.
By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)
July 7, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Looks like I missed an interesting game…..
By Met Nation
July 7, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Intresting game if you like putrid bullpens and teams that think entirely too much of themselves.
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
$15 Million and more talent…thats got to hurt boys.
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
last nite’s game was disgusting.. we are in truble
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
Especially with Chippers foot injury…I heard he tripped over a drunk Hooters waitress in his bathroom.
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
leave chipster outta this.. besides.. he is a met-killer.. we have to agree on that
By Amber
July 7, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
Berigan, 7-2 with bases empty is not a save situation. 7-2 with bases loaded IS a save situation. The tying run is on deck. Sorry, but that’s the guidelines of baseball.
I loved Chipper’s emotion after he crossed the plate, but I never thought he was a ho-hum player either. He just isn’t as demonstrative as Giles.
Frankly (Franc-ly?) we were pretty lucky to get that win. I’m glad to see that the Braves didn’t just wave the white flag after the bullpen blew it.
Braves officials - your 10 games are way up - time to DO something about this bullpen!!!!!
By geauxbraves2000
July 7, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Every time the pen blows a save I think surely JS is going to do something. 18 blown saves later…
By 311
July 7, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this
… there is water at the bottom of the ocean
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000, you’ve made some great posts, yesterday especially. And I sure wish JS had been able to sign some good players over winter, but they went for the bigger money, I think. Now the cupboard is bare. If we go to the store to buy eggs and there are no eggs, what do we do? We used to have chickens, but gave them away in years past.
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
I think you guys need to reinstall “Death” Ray as the closer…that guy really scares me. NOT
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, Your Chickens have Avian Bird Flu. The 14 consecutive divisions has clouded your collective judgement. This team is going nowhere. Sell out now to the hard charging Marlins!
By geauxbraves2000
July 7, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Thank you Carolina Lady. I do agree with you. It’s very frustrating though, I’m sure you can agree.
By mike
July 7, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
That was awesome Met Nation, the comment about thinking too much of themselves.
First, the ONE team for the last ten or so years that has thought way too much of themselves is the Mets. I still fondly remember a spring training report several years ago when players like Mo Vaughn and Alomar were being interviewed and they talked about how the Mets resembled an all-star team and how good they were going to be.
Second, how do the Reds think too much of themselves? I know that your jeolousy compels you to bash the Braves, but why the Reds?
Third, that post made you sound like a 7th grade girl. Go fix your hair, call your friends, and go skating.
By 311
July 7, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
cold and frosty morning there’s not a lot to say about the things caught in my mind and as the day was dawning my plane flew away with all the things caught in my mind I don’t wanna be there when your coming down I don’t wanna be there when you hit the ground
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Marlin, honey, I think you’re confused. This is the BRAVES blog. Yours is elsewhere. I know your mama taught you good manners and you must be just having a bad day to be showing this behavior, so I hope you feel better real soon! ‘Bye! :-)
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
311 - ain’t that the truth… don’t know what you got until it’s gone :(
By 13 Games And Counting
July 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
So this is how it ends…Mo Vaughn jokes…fitting isnt it.
By 311
July 7, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
there’s a little black spot on the sun today
By Bammer
July 7, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, the Marlins don’t need a blog. Both fans just telephone each other.
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Bammer, that’s funny! :-)))
Just checking out a few facts:
ATL runs = 423
FLA runs = 390
ATL hits = 794
FLA hits = 729
ATL hr = 103 FLA hr = 85
ATL RBI = 410 FLA RBI = 368
ATL TB = 1282
FLA TB = 1178
ATL BB = 291
FLA BB = 265
ATL SO = 653
FLA SO = 659
ATL av = .266
FLA av = .262
ATL % = .442
FLA % = .439
And he was over here behaving badly??
GeauxBraves2000, I sure do agree! It’s enough to have you walking around talking to yourself! :-))
By Vinnie Boombotz
July 7, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Musial,
Yeah, I keep forgetting that Sid Bream, Terry Pendleton, Charlie Liebrandt, and Otis Nixon where all out of the Braves magnificent farm system….even your precious John Smoltz was originally a Detroit Tiger.
Gimme a Break. Atlanta also picked its share of peaches from the free agent and trade tree over the years, including Tim Hudson, Fred McGriff, and Greg Maddux. Don’t be mad because you didn’t have the smarts or money to make the moves the Mets did this year. Nobody asked your boy Ted to sell out to Time Warner. Deal With It*
By 311
July 7, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
I ain’t, I ain’t, I ain’t buyin into your apathy, I’m gonna learn you my philosophy, you wanna learn know about atrocity, atrocity?
By Mets Stink
July 7, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how so many Mets, Marlins, etc. fans visit this blog. I don’t know how many Braves fans visit other blogs, but it sure does seem like there are a lot of people jealous of the Braves success. Losing is really getting old for us Braves fans, but I can’t imagine losing to the same team 14 years in a row.
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
now we’re comparing ourselves to the freakin Marlins.. great.. Judgment Day is certainly here
By Vinnie Boombotz
July 7, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Hey Mike,
You can relive the glory days if you turn to the NL East Standings in your local newspapers and turn it upside down. Until then, have a nice cup of shut the f@ck up and deal with it.
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
No, no, Superbowl! I was just wondering what may have possibly given the misplaced Marlins fan reason to think he needed to come to this blog and throw mud and belittle us. And I sure didn’t see anything in the stats.
By 311
July 7, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
I used to know a JS.. bumped into her in the hallway earlier today as a matter of fact.. she asked how Damian was.. and I laughed..
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
ok.. I just wish we could have won another worls series before this dance ended.. oh well.. we still have the falcons..
By Mets Stink
July 7, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
Vinnie is right. We certainly signed our share of free agents in the 90s. If we had another 20 mil to spend on a couple of free agents last winter, we would have done it.
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
You guys are still mad at that Livan Hernandez strike zone….I got a stat for you…Two Marlin World Series Titles in your precious 14 year run…..SUCKERS
By Bammer
July 7, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Funny how those WS titles didn’t make people care. Marlin NATION? Now that’s an oxymoron.
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Marlin, I’m not mad at anything! :-)) Life is too short to get blown out of shape about things over which you have no control! Things are what they are. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We have been blessed by far more wins than loses. We’re having a real rocky stretch right now, but we know that at some point we’ll be back where we want to be, the point where every team and fan wants to be. You want the Marlins to win, we want the Braves to win. Competition. We’ve all got that part down pat. Some of us need very much to work on the SPORTSMANSHIP part of it. That’s as, if not more, important. Another way to say it might be ‘personal character’ which is shown in many ways, even in sports.
By Marlin Nation
July 7, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Operative word…TITLE(S)…meaning multiple. Still smarting from that June sweep arent you.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Everybody look around the league, there is no real bullpen help available. At least, none that will make that big a difference this year. EVERY team in the majors almost is looking for bullpen help. Especially in the NL where all but like 4 teams think they have a legitimate shot at the wild card. Everybody wants/needs pitching, starting or relieving. So, I believe that unless we trade Giles, the only way we can get a decent reliever is by trading a starting pitcher. And we ain’t getting anything for Thomson or Sosa. So where does that leave us? Really only 2 options, Hudson or HoRam. And HoRam is still inexpensive, so I wouldn’t trade him. Hudson has to go! I know he had a good start last night, but he’s been doing that ever since he came to Atlanta. He is very capable of a 1 or 2 run complete game, he’s just not capable of doing it EVERY TIME HE PITCHES like a TRUE ACE is. The Dodgers are freakin desperate for another starter… Hudson for Broxton!!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
The Marlins don’t even know if they are staying in florida or not.!!!So are you still going to be a Marlins Fan when they move to Vegas???Ha Marlin fan???
By 311
July 7, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
hello me, hello you, you say you want out, wanna start a new, throw in your hand, break up the band, start a new life, be a new man.. but for all we know, we might still have a way to go..
By Blake
July 7, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Marlin Nation,
I bet you have a ton of friends. A guy who comes into a blog room to argue with people from his keyboard. That is sad. Just because your life sucks from the cubicle dont take it out on the rest of us.
By Max
July 7, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Hey,Don their are good releivers out there.We just have to be willing to give up quality people for them.Look at the Reds they got everyday Eddy for a guy name Chick.We could have done that.It’s crystal clear to me that JS is shooting for a BIG TRADE.!!!
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Marlins NATION??? That is freakin’ hilarious. South Florida won’t even have a baseball team in another 3 years… Too funny…
By 311
July 7, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
is that Robert Blake?? wassup mickey.. ohh.. and Viva Las Vegas.. I might be a Marlins fan then!
By Head Coach
July 7, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
These poor Marlins and Mets fans obviously dont have a blog of their own , lol. Ya’ll are going to hate me for saying this , but it has to be said. For my Bravos to start winning a few games is just about the worst thing that could happen right now. It creates false hope and it could adversely affect John Schuerholz ability to trade vterans for prospects. We are sellers in the trade market and thats all we are. I dont like losing anymore than the next fan , but the reality is we have played 86 games with no closer and a bullpen full of holes and that equals another 76 games of futility. All this false hope is going to break the hearts of more than a few Faithful Braves Fans.
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Don, we have to remember that some nations are Third World countries.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Max, with who do we trade though? There is no way 1 team is going to give up 2 relievers or 1 reliever and a lead-off guy. Here’s a possibility (and most of my trades center around So Cal teams cuz thats where I live and I know alot about them). A trade with the desperate for power Angels: How about LaRoche (his 25 homers a year would be 2nd on the Angels team) for Meicir Izturis and Carrasco? I think that would be a possiblity.
By Blaster
July 7, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Marlin nation, is it true that they don’t sell tickets in the nose-bleed section any more at your pathetic excuse of a stadium? I understand all the fans (all several hundred of them) sit around the backstop and try to think of ways of going to see their team in San Antonio or Las Vegas next year.
By Max
July 7, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Hey head coach your talking like if other teams are going to play great and we are just going to stink up the house.If it was that way we should not have teams playing 162 and just go by who looks better on paper.S**t happens,and i tell you this we are to rich in talent and money to keep this funk from continuing.It’s not going to get any worse it’s over with.This needed to happen so that JS could realize that we need a strong bullpen.Every year we enter the season with a bad bullpen.you will see that all that is about to change!!.GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
DON i know Texas is not happy with Cordero.And is is not expensive.
By Max
July 7, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Don remember JS is the best a trading players.We got Edgar for a might be type player that is still in the minors some where
By TennesseePaul
July 7, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
The Marlins and the Mets face each other four times this weekend. I guess the Marlins fans don’t have any ambition for a sweep of the Mets? They’d rather come down here to a blog for a team not in first place which they aren’t facing for over two weeks. Little Man Syndrome.
Head Coach: Winning is not the worst thing that can happen to this team. We have one of the best minor league systems in the majors. Why would we need to sale off the team for a bunch of prospects? We already have a bunch of prospects. What we need is a veteran reliever with some skill.
At the beginning of this season there was talk of how strong the minors are and have been for the Braves. Talk of the talent on the field. Talk of the issues with the pen. The only thing that has occured between then and now is a horrid June. Nothing else has changed. Well, I take that back. The bullpen is better. But mainly because the Remmer, Reitsma and Devine are no longer in it.
On another note, I will concure with the bloggers who believe a big trade is coming. I’m curious to see what it is. I’ve been waiting for some time now. Maybe JS is pleased with what he sees and is waiting to see the pre AllStar break standing. If the Braves can pull off a sweep, then the obvious trade is for relief. It’s the one part of this team that doesn’t have any positive veteran presence. The position players have Andruw, Chipper and Renteria. The Starters have Hudson and Smoltz. But the pen has nothing. We need a quality veteran arm in the pen. Preferably two quality veteran arms. I say look to the Cubs. They have spare parts all over the field. That’s just one franchise that is destined to lose no matter what.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
Maybe Giles for Padre’s Linebrink? Both Giles on the same team…
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
TNPaul, excellent post.
By NYFAN
July 7, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
The Mets magic number is 66…….
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
maybe 13 division titles for one more World Series ring..
By superbowl falcon
July 7, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
I hope Smoltz gets one more chance.. how deserving is that guy.. holy moly!! Do whatever it takes to get him to a contender.. he has earned it many times over
By 311
July 7, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
well someone told me yesterday, that when you throw your love away, you act as if you just don’t care, you look as if you going somewhere…..
By Mets Stink
July 7, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
The problem is that the Braves need more than one arm in the bullpen. It doesn’t do much good to trade for one or even two guys. Bobby needs 3 or 4 guys he can count on. Right now, there isn’t anyone in the pen that can get guys out consistently.
By Carolina Lady
July 7, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
About the Division titles vs WS titles…..
The WS win is great and I really wish we had more.
And sure as shootin’, I’d rather have all those Division titles than NOT have them. What if there was just the ONE WS win and nothing else? Picture Turner Field with just ONE pennant on the wall. All by it’s lonesome self. Hm. Sorry, there’s no way anybody can belittle that accomplishment. It’s been said that it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
By Calvin
July 7, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
I think Kevin Barry has proven with both of his pretty good appearances that he can get the job done.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
The Cubs, jesus, I don’t want anything from that team… I just hope to God JS doesn’t bring in ratboy Juan Pierre, he’s simply got speed, but he’s not a lead-off man. And their bullpen is terrible, what would we want from the Cubs???
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul, Look at the record and statistics for our minor league clubs… They are not that good!
By Mets Stink
July 7, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Two good appearances isn’t going to cut it. Filling our pen full of guys with very little experience hasn’t worked so far. Moylan, Devine, Paronto, McBride, Ray, and now Barry. Guys like that don’t cut it. The Braves need at least 3 solid guys who have proven that over the course of an entire season, they can get guys out. One of them HAS to be a closer. Without that, we aren’t going anywhere this year.
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Wonder if Marlin Nationwill still be a fan of the team when they relocate to another city?
By Todd A
July 7, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Btw,is there such a thing as a Marlin nation?
By robdawg06
July 13, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
Reds made a big trade getting relief pitching to help their push for the Wild Card. I really think in the end the Nats will have made the better trade. Why hasn’t JS made a move yet ? With the offense improving and adequate and the starting pitching much better with Davies on the horizon to return, the problem is still the need for a very good reliever and a closer. I do not trust Sosa nor Ray for that job. If the Braves get a reliver that can eat up innings without giving up tons of runs and a dominant “lockdown” closer then I think the Wild Card can be won.