AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWild-card race: the Lost Episode
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few thoughts about the Braves’ postseason chances, while pondering how many hours of life I’ve recently wasted watching nil-nil soccer games and the Century 21 (trademark) Home Run Derby. Hours and hours … back, back, back … gone.
Oh, and throw in another half-hour watching the severely disappointing first “Lost Episode” of the Dave Chappelle Show — please, if they’re all this mediocre, lose them again. Burn them. I’ll rewatch DVDs of the first two always-sensational seasons. The between-skits banter from Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings in place of Chappelle is painfully uncomfortable to watch.
OK, the Braves. This information is provided not only as comfort for those who hope and/or believe the Braves can still make the playoffs, but also for those stubborn cynics who refuse to acknowledge 1. The progress made in the past 2-1/2 weeks by the Braves; or 2. The rampant mediocrity and/or parity of all those eight teams — yes, eight — ahead of Atlanta in the wild-card race.
I’m simply a humble information provider, not suggesting the Braves will or won’t make the playoffs (although I have to say, I’m starting to get this little itch that tells me we’re in for a stirring race-to-the-wire the likes of which we haven’t seen around Atlanta for a lot of Septembers….)
The Braves, without even a three-game game winning streak, trimmed 3-1/2 off the wild-card lead last week, from 10 games to 6-1/2. After a 10-game losing skid, they finished the half going 10-6, including 7-3 in their final homestand.
That much, most of you know.
So I went back and checked how all the teams ahead of the Braves in the wild-card standings have done recently, curious to see how on earth not one of those teams had been able to separate itself from the pack, or at least how one of them hadn’t been able to move more than 6-1/2 games ahead of Atlanta.
Here’s what I found, and I’ll list the teams in order of current standing in the wild-card race. In the case of each team, I admittedly went back only as far as I needed to for the purposes of making my point, which is the prerogative of this scribe and the folks paying for the Stats, Inc. service.
You want to make another point, do your own research:
1. Los Angeles (46-42): Dodgers are 10-12 with a 4.85 ERA and only 11 home runs in 22 games since June 16, and have won just one of their past four series.
2. Colorado (44-43): Rockies are 10-11 with a .258 batting average since June 16, including three straight home losses to Arizona to close the “first half.”
3. Cincinnati (45-44): Reds went 1-8 with a 6.69 ERA to finish half. ‘Nuff said.
4. San Francisco (45-44): Giants are 11-12 with a .252 average and 4.52 ERA since June 16, and with one series win in five before the break.
5. Milwaukee (44-46): Brewers are 9-11 with .244 average and 5.01 ERA since June 19, and lost three in a row to the lowly Cubs to close the first half.
6. Arizona (43-45): D-backs are 9-23 with a 6.13 ERA since June 5. Six-one-three.
7. Houston (43-46): Astros are 7-13 with a .242 average and shaky bullpen since June 18, and lost three in a row to Central rival St. Louis before the break.
8. Philadelphia (40-47): Phillies are 7-18 with 5.72 ERA since June 11, and are expected to start selling off parts (Burrell, Gordon, etc.) any day now.
9. Atlanta (40-49): Braves are 10-6 with .292 average and 3.73 ERA since June 23, and lead the majors with .339 average and .564 slugging percentage in July.
10. Florida (38-48): Marlins’ youth is showing; 3-7 with a 6.93 ERA in July.
11. Washington (38-52): Nationals are 8-18 with a 6.51 ERA since June 12, and are expected to shed some big salaries before the July 31 trade deadline.
See, it doesn’t look so impossible for the Braves any more, does it?
OK, that’s it. I’m done.
You folks should see “The Devil Wears Prada” if you haven’t already. Don’t let anyone dismiss it as a “chick flick.” It’s hilarious.
And if you missed it a few months back, buy George Jones’ “Hits I missed … and One I Didn’t.” Or just buy it and give it to someone who thinks Tim McGraw or Garth Brooks is country music. Because it ain’t. The Possum (George Jones), now that’s country.
Comments
By Mitchell
July 11, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks for fanning the flame of optimism. It’s good to be able to hear that kind of talk after such an awful June.
Agreed on “The Devil Wear Prada,” it wasn’t half bad. I think I even liked it a little more than my wife did.
By JasonInMaine
July 11, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Man, I have been waiting for a new DOB blog! I read on the Pro Sports Daily rumor site where the Padres are interested in Betemit among others. It quotes Towers as saying he wouldn’t trade Linebrink, but I am wondering if the Braves will be able to pry him away. If not, do you think the Cubs will trade Howry, and if so, do you think the Braves will have interest?
Regards, Jason
By Brent
July 11, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
With Chipper’s injured right foot, seems like now would be the absolutely worst time to make a deal involving Betemit. Sure he’s done well on it the past couple of weeks, but who knows how it’s going to feel in a month?
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
DOB: Awsome. I’m glad to see you’ve done some nice research. Incredible. My research wasn’t going to be done until this weekend. But this will hold me over.
Let’s not forget people, the Month of August is going to be amazing for the Braves!
Let’s also not forget: We have 9 games left against the Mets. We are only 13 out. And the Mets are starting to show some injuries.
The only “unfortunate” thing is, we come back from the break against two first place teams. But, we have already handled the Cards, and I think we’ll be able to handle the Padres as well.
GO BRAVES
By Bryan
July 11, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
Any chance we land gordon?
Got the new Thom Yorke?
Find that Waylon Jennings/White Mansions CD?
Hows Devine/Foster/Boyer doing?
Starting to get excited for College Football? (I bet this blog gets exciting come fall)
Bryan
By Eric Webb
July 11, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB…..I was reading yesterday that Edage never attends the NL all star media thing. Said that in all 5 yrs he’s been selected, he has never attended. Why is that?
By Eric Webb
July 11, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
*Edgar
By Lew
July 11, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
My concerns have been, not the teams above us, but the Braves’ themselves. Yes, they have been playing MUCH better lately, no doubt about it. The hitters are where they should have been all along and the bullpens looks phenomenal after Reitsma and Remlinger exited. Here’s the rub. June scared the crap out of me. It should not have happened and I’m not sure exactly why it did happen. Yes, it certainly appears to have turned around. Praise to whomever you worship that the Chipper bashers have finally shut up. But before we start to worry about the X amount of teams ahead of us, let’s get to .500 first and see how life looks then. I caution patience (at least til the trade deadline), not pessimism.
By WW
July 11, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
I agree with Brent. We cannot trade Betemit because chances are Chipper will sit out more games this season. I don’t know about you folks but I sure am glad we traded Fooky for Edgar. I had a great feeling about it all along and it has kept up so far. Fooky is hardly showing mediocrity in L.A. GO BRAVES!!!
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
I have to admit DOB, the only teams that seem like any kind of a threat to the Braves IMO are the Astros and Dodgers/Padres (I think Dodgers will overtake the Padres for the division). The Dodgers have a pretty solid 1-2 going right now(Penny & Lowe) but after that they have 3 maybe #5 starters in this league, so that is where I see there biggest problem. Their lineup is solid as long as Nomar stays healthy and the kids keep producing like they have been. And we all know Furcal heats up with the weather, so the Dodgers definately have not seen his best effort yet. The Astros are simply the Astros… Oswalt, Pettitte, Clemens still have the potential to be the best 1-2-3 punch in the majors. Plus they have the most underrated player in all of baseball in Lance Berkman(by far best switch hitter in the game this year, and probably for the past 3-4 years). And not to mention it is essentially the same team that each of the last 2 seasons has come on like a bat out of hell in the second half to snag the wild card… I would love to put the Brewers in this category also, but God, that team is just so mind-boggling to me. How do you lose 3 in a row to the CUBS?!? right before the all-star break? It must be sooooo frustrating to be a Brewers fan… Anyway, we just need to hope that Petitte really is washed up and that their bullpen will continue to struggle. And as far as the Dodgers go, I’m counting on Nomar going down with injury right along-side FAT Brad Penny… GO BRAVES
By BOB C
July 11, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this
While the recent 10-game home stand was key to our season, nothing is as critical to our still alive post season hopes as the 10-game road trip right after the “Bud Bowl.” By no means do we have to run the table but anything short of 6-4 or 5-5, bring in Don Meredith to sing the finale. Let’s hope John S. can pick somebody’s pocket in the Steel City for one good bullpen arm or a good right-handed bat.
By JasonInMaine
July 11, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
Brent & WW,
I certainly see your point. But, to get someone to solidify the bullpen, we are going to have to give up someone that fills a need for another team. There will be some teams dumping salaries near the deadline, but not as many in years past. It may be one of the only options that we have. But, again, I see your point and would be a little worried about Chipper getting injured. I see Yunel Escobar has been getting some work in at 3rd…
Regards,
Jason
By chopthis
July 11, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Get these:
“The Complete Hank Williams” (10-CD box set)
Lefty Frizzell, “Life’s Like Poetry” (12-CD box set)
Sure, they’re expensive, but I’ll bet the AJC pays you enough, even minus the alimony, to afford them. Then — and only then — will you be qualified to tell us what’s country and what isn’t.
By chopthis
July 11, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
No knock on the great George Jones, by the way, but everything the Possum knows about country, he learned from Hank & Lefty.
By AZBravoFan
July 11, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
That sure does look encouraging Dave. I went looking back at what Houston did the last couple years. If you go back to 2004, on July 20 they were 45-48, 14 games out of 1st behind the Cards and 7 games out of the wildcard, led by San Francisco at that point. And there were Eight teams ahead of them in the wildcard race. Sound familiar? And we all know what happened there. Same story last year: 36-41 on July 1st, 6 1/2 out of the wildcard. Even our beloved Bravos were 5 1/2 out of first as late as July 2nd last year. And the Nats of last summer certainly were as shaky as all the teams mentioned above. Obviously they need to play well the rest of the way and there’s no cushion for another rough spot. But man it sure would be interesting to see what this team could do in the post-season if it was riding the momentum of a furious wildcard chase in September!
By the way Dave, what’s the scoop on Kevin Barry? Is he the real deal? He’s been lights-out so far. Any chance of him stepping into the rotation or even trying his hand at closing?
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Jason, do you have a link we can use to view the Betemeit article??
Agreed about the positive look on the 2nd half. With the amount of games we have at home, that will also contribute to us having a better outcome…IMO…I know our home record isn’t gleaming, but, being away that much in the 1st half, the bullpen and struggles of June had to have created a negative mindset in some of the players…you let JS pull some type of trade that shows he and the front office have faith that they can pull it off, combined with a couple of good outings by Huddy, let AJ get hot along with Chipper….take 5 or 6 of the 9 from the Mets….they’re taking the WildCard!
And that is that!
By Phat Bat Boy
July 11, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, what are your sources saying that Chicago wants for Williamson? And don’t you think that Scherholtz needs to make some attempt to address the bullpen just to give the players a little more confidence? And is there any chance that Bobby Cox will not personally help Thompson pack his locker at the end of the season? Or, if he develops a hang-nail, any thoughts of cutting him and letting him spend the rest of the summer at a tanning salon?
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
by “they’re taking the WildCard”…I mean the Muts…because we’ll be busy hanging another pennant in the big ATL!
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
VERY good point Lew, you never know when/if the Braves will revert back to that horrible baseball we saw in June… One thing is for certain though, if the Braves drop 10 in a row (or anything even close to that)again this season, they are done for sure.
By Ike
July 11, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
i think the information comes from Pro Sports Daily website, which i think scans newspapers from different cities and compiles rumor tidbits. It said SD was interested in a 3B, including betimit among others. Most of these articles are out of town newspapers that claim “since the braves are out of it” their teams have shots at acquiring Andruw and Smoltz. sounds like uninformed drivel trying to juice up a fanbase, as schuerholz has said we’re not selling off any major parts. but then again, do we ever know whats going on in his mind?
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
The Betemit thing would work, but not for the catcher they’re peddling. Braves don’t need another young catcher. If they’d give up Linebrink, it’d work, but sounds like they won’t. Not for Betemit, that’s for sure.
ChopThis, I’ve got a ton of Hank, but don’t have that complete set. I’d love to have it. I got the two-CD set that came out a year ago, and a few other single CDs/LPs. But you’re right, I need to huge set.
I do like Lefty, but I still consider Merle/Hank/Waylon/Johnny/Patsy/Loretta/Willie my favorites, with Bob Wills, Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette and newer guys like Steve Earle and Yoakam and Hank III, who are more rockin’ country (especially Earle and III) than pure old-school, obviously. And Woody Guthrie, who’s either country or country/folk. You know what else was great? The Ray Charles “Modern Sounds of Country & Western Music” album. Very solid. And obviously Dylan’s “Nashville Skyline.”
You ever hear the Wilco/Billy Bragg albums covering Woody Guthrie songs? Awesome.
Bryan, you gotta help me get that White Mansions CD. I looked everywhere for CD (no luck) and a couple of used-record stores for LP _ again, no luck. You got me interested in that thing, big time. Must … find … it!
By batrol
July 11, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Although I think the Braves have a good shot at the wild card I just can’t get excited because it would be a very quick exit from the playoffs. I would rather trade to build for next year.
By Jack
July 11, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Here’s how I see the Braves winning the wild card if it’s going to happen: First three series are on the road with SD,STL,PHI, and then home for FLA,NYM and follow that on the road with PIT & CIN. During that string of games they must win a minimum of 2 of 3 for each series and a sweep of one of the series would get them going if they can continue to win 2 of 3 in AUG. They cannot afford to be swept in any series or only win one game in a 3 game series. This will be tough and I’m not sure they can pull it off without a closer.
Forget, JS pulling off a big trade. If anything he may add a marginal player. The Braves don’t have anyone of value that makes sense to trade and the sellers are looking to brake the bank. If the Braves are going to get in the playoffs this year, it will be with what they have or another player comming up from the farm.
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Boy there are a lot of IF’S and MAYBE’S getting tossed around on this blog. LETS GO METS!!
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Just got finished looking at the schedule…6 of the 9 games against the NYM are at home…good news! Plus, the last 2 weeks in August, we’re at home against Pittsburgh, Washington and the Giants before going to Philly and the NYM…this will be when we need to really get hot!
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Rite, Rite, D.O.B on the Chappelle’s show’s debut episode, It was terrible, but I’m keeping the same thoughts I stated last nite…
“I guess everyone is seeing the new deal Total B.S. (TBS) Made, That was the official call of the ending of the braves being Americas Team….”
“Oh yea, Why does everyone hate Chris Berman, personally I grew up watching him when ESPN was good, I still think he does a good job, especially on NFL Primetime, but I think he maybe falling off a bit, because he seems too east coast biased (yanks/sox) as well….
At least we didn’t have to listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver
BTW I can’t stand John Kruk
But, Come to think of it, I hope they do put other teams games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, instead of Seinfeld and that Sex and The City Crap, that show is already on two other networks anyway, and is probably the most overplayed show other than Cops, The Fresh Prince and King of the Hill
As 4 the game Tonite, I hope Blow Buck and Tim McCarver are not calling it, I think they sould get someone different in there, like The Hawk and DJ
The NL Lineup Sucks, have U seen it? What the Hell is bay doing in the 4 hole, and The starters Penny against Rogers Please, people pay to see the marquee names starting on the hill… AL Wins 8-3
By JasonInMaine
July 11, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
I believe the link is as follows: Link:http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20060711-9999-1s11padres.html
DOB, I agree about the catching prospect, but if we can get Linebrink or get involved in a 3 team deal where the catching prospect goes somewhere else…
Also, I apologize for being repetitive, but have you heard anything about Howry becoming available from the Cubs? If he didn’t turn out to be the answer at closer, I am sure the Braves would be able to do something with him in the off season with such a shortage in bullpen arms.
Regards,
Jason
By Antonio McNugget
July 11, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
What are the odds this NYFAN guy is still around when the East race gets cut in half.
By JasonInMaine
July 11, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Sorry, first attempt at posting a link here on the good ol’ AJC blog.
Link:[http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20060711-9999-1s11padres.html]
By The Dude
July 11, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
The Braves have got to do something in the trade market. Either trade for the future or trade to try and make a run at this thing. The NL is extremely weak this year and I believe anyone has a shot if you make the playoffs. The Mets obviously have a dominant line-up, but their pitching is very shallow and very beatable. If it were me, I’d look to the future though. Get some good young arms to go along with the young talent we’ve got in the field. Let’s look for a World series ring in the next 3-4 years instead of another disappointing playoff run.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
I was reading the philly paper and someone pointed out that The Post Steroid Era Homerun Derby is Boring And I couldn’t agree more…And I quote…
“Anyone notice how everyone got really tired, except Howard, after the first round of the derby and when other years, (the Abreu anomoly aside) when it was roids a’plenty, guys were hitting 20 bombs in each of the rounds. Bodies are shrinking, these guys are becoming mere mortals again”
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
I’m sure deep inside you all new that when your run ended it would be the METS who won it……..c’mon admit. Anyway, you can forget it. The Mets are just a better overall team.
By Peter
July 11, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Its simple really, the Braves don’t have to win out the rest of thier games, thats just impossible But if they win series like taking 2 of 3 or 3 of 4 then they should be fine A modest 5 game winning streak a few times will propel them and help them in the wild card lead I would say winning the East is out of the question but maybe thats good, it seems to be a curse since after 1995 so if the Mets want the east, let them have it.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
13 games out, we are not catching the Mets, DEAL WITH IT!!! I for one am glad, now we can set this damn division titles streak aside and concentrate on whats really important, winning WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
That mutts team is sick, I’ll give them props, especially Reyes and Wright
We seriously need to draft and develop a Reyes like Leadoff hitter who can steal 50-70 bases annually, But I think those days are long over, given the fact that Chicks Dig The Longball…
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks Jason!
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
The METS are built to get to the world series not just divisions. New York is a VERY competetive city and the goal has alway been world titles regardless of the sport.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
OT, about Chappelle’s show…The 2pac skit was the best part of the show, and uh oh yea the part “when Darnell Rawlings was like I need all the airtime I can get, I was cracking up. He was in the camera posing and stuff.And Charlie Murphy said “If it wasn’t for Dave ya’ll would still be calling me ‘Eddie Murphy’s brother’” ” Tru That…
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin….we had one of those guys, he is in LA now…plus, Big Bobby doesn’t like the small ball..he digs the “Longball” too.
By Tony Almeida
July 11, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
What do you mean Tim McGraw isn’t country??? He wears a hat and everything.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
I’ll Tell you guys what….If we don’t make the playoffs, It would be good Karma, that The yankees don’t make the playoffs, and the Mutts get upset in the first round…
By The Dude
July 11, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry NYFan, I’m going to disagree with you on the Mets World Series Title…they just don’t have the pitching. They should be there, but you’ve got to have 2 studs leading the rotation. Glavin and Pedro are good, but not good enough. It will be another AL champ.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
ZB Pike, I meant when Furcal was here why didn’t the organization develop Furcal’s sucessor, Because everyone who watches the Braves knew that Furcal was going to demand high value when Free Agency Time came, we should have been developing his sucessor in the minors at that time, but come to think of it I always thought that Wilson Betemit would sucede him especially when Betemit was 20 pounds lighter
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
ZB Pike That station to station Crap and waiting 4 the longball stuff maybe the sole reason why we only have 1 ring in this run, That offensive philosophy doesn’t work in the Playoffs, especially when you’re stomping with the big dawgs…
By chopthis
July 11, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Dave,
By the way, your repudiation of the CD burners the other day was dead-on. Props to you.
I’ve never been a big Waylon & Willie fan, but let’s not quibble. Your other favorites are miraculously solid overall.
Ray Charles singing “You Don’t Know Me” — miraculous as well.
Steve Earle’s “El Corazon” album — pure bliss. His bluegrass album, “The Mountain,” is stellar as well.
Which leads us to Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs and a whole other set of essential artists in that field.
There’s so much more to life than the Braves, huh?
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
LaRoche to the power hungry Angels for Carrasco or Donnely. Give Thorman more playing time! His swing, stance, and approach to hitting remind me alot of Marcus’ brother Brian…
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
I agree…..ANY team coming out of the national league is going to have their hands full in this years world series. But, I believe Omar Minaya will make a big trade for a front line pitcher that should improve our chances.
By geauxbraves2000
July 11, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
I hate so say it, for I am a die hard NL fan, but I don’t think the NL is going to put up much of a fight in the WS. Hopefully I’ll be wrong.
Laugh if you will, by one of my favorite country artists is Ed Bruce. He was an “almost made it” singer. I believe he wrote “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” (with Patsy Bruce). Highly recommend.
Geaux Braves!!
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
I for one hope we can keep the streak alive. Like I said many times, streaks are an amazing part of baseball. Argue all you want about the division streak. All the arguments are futile because it fails to acknowledge the streak itself. All it does it point to what didn’t occur during the streak. It would be the same as saying the 56 game hit streak sucks and needed to be ended because it wasn’t a 56 game homer streak. The same as saying Hershisers 58 scoreless innings streak is pidgeon sh!t because it wasn’t 58 perfect innings. It’s a streak. It’s a baseball streak. Cy Young’s 22 perfect innings streak is about the only perfect streak in the history of baseball.
Secondly, I don’t believe that in this 14 year streak, the front office made moves simply to keep the streak alive. I honestly believe they did what they could to win the WS. You can’t win the series if you don’t reach the play-offs. If we must reach the play-offs to win it all, then why is it a knock against a team for winning the division along the way? Makes no sense at all.
Suppose we won 14 in a row, and during this time we won 4 WS. Say we won 2 at the start, and 2 in the middle. Would that mean it’s still time to give up, go for a lossing season. Sale all the players that made it happen. Wallow in the gutter for years like the Mets, and eventually buy a bunch of old vets and hope the hold up for a one off shot at winning? Forgive me. But that sounds worse than the 10 game losing streak.
Lastly, if for some reason we aren’t able to pull out the division, getting in via Wild Card would be cool. We’d still have a consecutive play-off appearance streak.
By DCBravesFan
July 11, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
The Braves have one thing no other team other than perhaps Houston and that’s playoff experience. Although they may choke once they get to the playoffs, this team knows how to win in the regular season.
As the weather gets hotter so does the race to the playoffs. I’d take Bobby Cox and Co. any day of the week when it comes to winning crucial games down the stretch.
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
The home run derby WAS pretty lame, though it was nice to see the NL win something for once. After the first round David Wright practically had to be helped to the batter’s box. This guy’s 23? I guess watching so may years of artificial enhancement has spoiled me, but it seems like he ought to be able to do more than hobble weakly to the plate and flame out in 15 pitches during the final round, especially with the 25-minute layoff he had to rest. It’s not like he just ran the Ididerod. Big Pappi was even concerned enough to walk over and try to give him some gatorade. He should have taken it; maybe it contained “The Clear.”
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
I write way to much because I have no life
By chopthis
July 11, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Hershiser’s streak reached 59 innings, and it actually was 67 innings, because he shut out the Mets over the first 8 innings of Game 1 of the 1988 NLCS. It’s definitely an underappreciated individual feat. No one’s come anywhere close to matching it since.
By Chop Chop
July 11, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing insincere or dispassionate about burning CDs of great music when, in most parts of this damn country (not the larger, more “cultured” cities), looking at album art on a cellophane-wrapped CD or scanning a barcode to hear a few select songs is the only “connection” you can make with an artist’s work before you make a purchase.
By Haywood Jablome
July 11, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, Now that it seems the Braves have an overflow of good-looking middle infielders, should some of them get packaged? Out of Prado, Pena Jr.,Escobar and Andrus…who do you think is a real keeper? P.S.:The real HoRam surfaced the other night, let’s trade him before it’s too late and everyone else figures out what we already know!
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
T’hawkin…I couldn’t agree more. The big bang ball definatel doesn’t work…If not WB, maybe a LF with some speed…A truly successful team needs to have someone in the OF that can make things happen…not that any of our guys are slow, but, it is not game changing speed…Typically, with RF being a power position, you would have a burner in one of the other slots.
By JasonInMaine
July 11, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
ZB Pike,
No problem. Sorry about the broken link. I have been having one of those days (:
Regards,
Jason
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Haywood…good point… I think one problem we have is that we’re wanting to get an impact player, have someone else pay for him (see Hampton and ER), and not give up anybody to get him….granted…it’s worked in the past…but, imagine if we were to actually give up somebody….hell, we could have an actual player!
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Jason, no worries…got it.
Thanks again
By Kevin C
July 11, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, great blog, any word on the Pirates and who they would trade? Not Wilson but any of their pen, Hernandez? FYI Steve Philips just said on the Dan Patrick show that Smoltz would be a Tiger by the trade deadline, this guy is still such a Met homer.
By Grant Crowe
July 11, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Let me start this by saying I hate the Mets. But I thaught they would win the Division after deep pockets Omar signed Delgado, Lodoco and wagner. However I still think the Braves will win the Wild card, thanks to Chuck James giving the Starting rotation a shot in the arm. He will be the number three starter next year, and I think they will move Ken Ray into the setup roll and deal sosa for a prospect. As for the closer I think J.S. will get someone who will get the job done and the Braves will get there revenge against the Mets in the NLCS.
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Revenge on the Mets?? We’ve dealt with 11-12 years of watching the braves take the division. It didn’t matter what we spent or traded for. Finally the Mets are better than the braves……trust me, the revenge in 2006 will be ours….GO METS!
By DHD
July 11, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
The reason no one can jump out to a bigger WC lead is that if they do get hot, they will overtake their division and no longer be a wild card team. That is a protection for us. The only team that is ahead of us that can get hot and leave us is Philly. That is because the Mets are so far ahead. But, if the Rockies get really hot, they will be the division leaders and the Padres would fall back into the WC race. I think we have an excellent shot at making the WC. Go Braves!!
By Don
July 11, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
DOB, good to see a new blog. I agree that everybody in the NL wild card race pretty much stinks; or to be charitable let’s say they all have major deficiencies.
However, it should be noted that the reason virtually of those recent records were so rotten is that the AL was beating the crap out of the NL during a good part of that stretch. As lousy as some of the NL wild card teams are, it is mathematically impossible for two of them to lose when they’re playing each other. So everybody in the NL wild card race won’t be backing up.
The Braves have to play .650+ ball the rest of the way and hope nobody ahead of them does much if they are to get past everybody and get the wild card. I hate to be a defeatist but I don’t see it with that wretched bullpen blowing games. And I don’t blame JS, everybody is looking for bullpen help and he would have to give up too much to get it. Plus you don’t know what you’re getting. This time a year ago Brad Lidge looked like the second coming of Mariano Rivera and look at him now.
The other issue is whether this team is capable of doing anything in the postseason if by some miracle they get there. I think not and am not that anxious to see another first round beatdown. I’d still rather see the Braves look to 2007 and beyond and to be a seller than a buyer. I say stockpile pitching prospects, which is how this run got started.
By Bob, journalist
July 11, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
I was going to post something about the second half … which I believe will be exciting … but will leave that to others.
The Chopthis comment “There’s so much more to life than the Braves, huh?” is on point!
My list of favorites includes Bob Wills, Jim Reeves, George Jones, Merle, both Hanks … Williams and Snow, Waylon, Johnny … to whom I’m now listening, Patsy, Loretta, Bill Monroe, the Carters, Woody Guthrie, and Mr. Tubb … nothing shabby about any of the rest mentioned herein.
By DHD
July 11, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
NYFAN…………
Win the division 14 times in a row, then come back and tell me how you tied us.
You can’t get revenge in one year for what we have done in 12 in the East.
But, enjoy 1st place while your pitchers are still standing. Don’t you have you own fishwrapper in NY?
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Lidge Is Still scarred After Pujols took him deep in the playoffs last year…
By Head Coach
July 11, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
David O ‘Brien , thank’s for the data. Yes its very encouraging , assuming that the teams you mentioned continue to play poorly and the Braves play at a .650 winning clip I’ll give Chipperand the boys about a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs. I’m not trying to be negative, it’s just that the month of June was what it was and I of course wrote this Team off at the end of May. Anything is possible , we saw the Astros storm into the playoffs with the second half surge they had and make it all the way to the series. I hope I’m wrong , but this team has a lot to prove before they can be considered playoff material.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Someone’s feeling hurt, or what? Is that why they tapped in as my name to say I have no life?
DHD: That’s a good point. and I like Don’s take on the AL smack down that occured recently. Most of DOB’s start dates were right at the beginning of Seligleague. But even still, nothings over yet.
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Yeah DHD, your gonna use that division streak till it’s dry. I figured that. If fishwrapper is your way of say BLOG the answer is yes but I like this one better……Deal with it.
By Bob, journalist
July 11, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
10 Paul … congratulations, my friend … keep it up! I hope you’re keeping a scrapbook of the many positive posts you’ve penned during this trying season … you’re a mighty fine fan!
By Greg
July 11, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Dave:
I know you prefer buying the CD. I do too. But if you like Americana, you can get a ton of it legally at emusic.com. 12 bucks for 65 tracks (essentially fiive CDs and change). That’s hard to beat. And you’d be amazed at the selection.
By Don
July 11, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Yeah, most of DOB’s starting points (other than the Braves) just happened to be at the beginning of interleague play. But in fairness he did warn us that he was mining the data.
By Ron Roberts
July 11, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Forget catching the Mets. Even with the 9 games left, say we go 7-2 against ‘em. At 13 back, ya know what 7-2 gets us? EIGHT games back of ‘em. Don’t sweat the division. By golly, if we play good enough to warrant talk about a division, they’ll need to play just as badly to lose it, and I don’t think that’ll happen, despite their manager, Willie Randolph’s blunders.
I, too, wonder about teams and their castoffs. My short list consists of Scott Williamson (Cubs bullpen) and Tom Gordon (Phillies bullpen) with only Carl Crawford (Tampa outfielder) to add to it. I don’t hold much hope in Tampa letting Crawford go without giving them something phenominal at AAA or on our bench, now, and uh, we don’t have much to match from those two coffers.
If we snag a Williamson or Gordon for the ‘pen, we’re in business. We’re more balanced than any team ahead of us in the wild card standings, and I’d like to think that’ll mete out by season’s end. But we got work to do.
Either way, don’t lose an ounce of sleep worrying that the Mets would win a World Series - let alone get there; Pedro’s breaking down, folks, and in a short series, their rotation’s a lot like the classic Braves’ rotations of years past; let ‘em face that Padres or Brewers (who I’m pulling for if the Braves don’t get in) rotation in a short series and watch ‘em weep their way into KNICKS season.
Oh wait…more weeping when the KNICKERBOCKERS* lace ‘em up, too, eh? Welcome to Hawks’ agony, Big Applers.
By Bob, journalist
July 11, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Sincere apologies to Head Coach, et alia for the unintended impact of yesterday’s post … I too am a Braves fan of long standing. If my earlier post served no other good purpose, at least it seems to have given the Coach something other than his television set … at which to throw his beer cans during the wee hours.
So that all will understand, I find the Coach delightful, insightful and a very good fan … and certainly did not mean to upset him with my earlier post.
However, Coach’s reaction certainly does concretely support my opine in the currently defamed post that “we can never be absolutely sure that our doings won’t somehow be offensive or upsetting to some, regardless of how hard we try to otherwise so do”.
I’m not insensitive to the fact that I’m infamous on the Blog for my verbosity … it’s the way my mind sometimes works and I admit that it was, in this case, intentionally excessive … as is my common practice when delicate issues and sensitive feelings appear to be involved. However, it’s always hoped that my message is clear to its intended audience … for I don’t proffer prose for the purpose of self indulgence or edification.
As an aside, I really do hope that the fact that I am almost always laughing at myself is recognized by most. Unfortunately, I also find myself laughing at some of the other posts, only to find that the bloggers didn’t alsways have that reaction in mind.
I sincerely hope that everyone appreciates the riffing … and other good humor in any form and from any source … that appears on this Blog … for what it is. That together with the information regarding the current baseball scene and other topics of interest, plus the diversity of opinions expressed herein … make this a nice place to frequent.
I posit that it certainly is less stressful than are today’s reports of terrorist bombings and attacks in India.
By BOB C
July 11, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Never thought I would do this - comment on music on my beloved Braves site BUT DOB you nailed it with Nashville Skyline and Ray’s Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music. In my misspent youth as an r&r DJ here in Tampa Bay, that was our “Album of the Week” when it came out - I never remember our phones lighting up so much - even when we were giving away a Corvette every summer! For the right price you could have everything else in my very extensive library but not those two!
By rian
July 11, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
The braves have 73 games left and only 25 are against winning teams. Of our 37 home games left only 9 are against winning teams. In August there is a stretch from the 7th to the 28th where we play 19 games in a row against losing teams. Also there is a stretch from Sept. 8th to the 20th where we play 12 games in a row against losing teams. But let us not forget that currently we are a losing team…..Do you guys think that 88 wins will grab the NL wild card? If it will we must go 48-25 over the 2nd half. Sounds tough but playing all those losing teams may help!!!
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
In spring training you said the Mets wouldn’t be able to compete for the division. Then in April you said “It’s only April” Then in May/June you said “They’ll fade away by the AllStar break. Now you say the Mets won’t get past the first round. So far none of your predictions have transpired. So I am confident you’ll continue to fail and cry while you are forced to watch the NY METS play in the Fall Classic.
By Patrick
July 11, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
You ever watch the show Entourage on HBO?? Fantastic show if you’ve never seen it before. I highly recommend that and buying the first two seasons on dvd.
By luke the drifter
July 11, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
i have the Waylon epic of the south “white mansions” on vinyl. eric clapton plays on it
How come nobody put Don Williams (ust played his lasst show at LanierLand Music Park) on their lists? (all of which were right on especially the Stanley Bros. Bill Monroe aka the Father of Bluegrass and Flatt&Scruggs. Chuck Berry took what Monroe composed on the mandolin and transferred that tempo to electric guitar, thus inventing, in part, rockNroll GO BRAVES- hell with the wildcard- we will take over 1st from the mets by sept 1
By Ike
July 11, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
NYFAN- you spent millions upon millions and depleted most of your farm system to assemble this all-star team you have. and congratulations, you have the most talented team in the National League. But that being said, don’t act like it’s some great f-ing feat that yall are dominating the East. i don’t think anyone doubts for 5 seconds who the most talented team in the NL east is right now, so stop beating your chest about something you were EXPECTED to do anyway. right now in this blog, we’re focusing on how our broken team in the middle of a broken season can somehow try to claw our way back into the wild card. so if you don’t mind, let us have our conversation amongst fellow braves fans and stay out of it with your asinine, irrelevant comments about the mets. thank you.
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
IKE….are you saying you can’t handle a little conversation from a fan other than a braves fan? I think it’s healthy. My best friend is a braves fan and some of the best sports conversation are between opposing fans…..take it easy, it won’t hurt.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t mind the conversation from NYfan. In his defense, he really hasn’t said anything too bad without being provoked. We’ll let him have his say for now.
By Ron Roberts
July 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
NYFAN, first of all, I wasn’t part of the crowd who used the old “the Mets always (over)spend but the Braves always in” crutch. I bemoaned Atlanta’s lack of offseason roster-tinkering while the Mets added tools, so be careful when you generalize.
Secondly, going 21-16 since June 1st isn’t exactly “lighting it up,” for a division leader, unless you lead a weak division, as the Mets do.
Heck, even with our 5-21 June swoon, we’re in a playoff race, and I have to believe you’d hate to face a resurgent Braves squad in the postseason. Admit it; it’d make you nervous, maybe with a hint of *”here we go again.”
All kidding aside (and this is light-hearted, so hold off on the smack-talk, k?), if Pedro’s injury problems persist (as they have in so many years past down the stretch), you guys are ordinary at-best. I’m just saying that in a short series, a good rotation can knock ya’ll out, and as a Braves fan, I know what it’s like to have the superior team and the inferior short-series rotation.
By ROCKBUSTER
July 11, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
GO BRAVES.
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Rian,
I took a look at that earlier…and you’re pretty dead on in that…If we shore up the bullpen, 48 wins in the 2nd half, IMO, is very attainable.
By JOHN B.
July 11, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
NYFAN,
You better hope like he11 the Mets spend more money and deplete their farm system even more to get another starting pitcher! The rotation the Mets have now will not win anything but the division. And that’s only because they have a good offense. If Beltran, Wright and Delgado slump after the All Star break, the Mets may not even win the division. Their rotation is pathetic. ANd Pedro could be one pitch away from throwing out his shoulder or elbow. He already has thrown out his hip. And Glavine has not been successful in the post season in about 8 years.
Basically what I’m saying is, you should not be running your mouth because the Mets are not as good as their record indicates! They have some real problems.
By OOps
July 11, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Just noticed I was still posting under TNPaul. Sorry Paul, I was just messin around earlier
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
One other thing….you need to check your numbers. The payroll of the Mets and Braves over the last decade have been pretty much the same. Also, a team should use whatever resources (Payroll/Farm system) in order to achieve the goal of winning the world series. I don’t understand your point IKE.
By Ike
July 11, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
I accepted the fact that we won’t win the division long ago when i realized we were not the most talented team in our division. With equal talent, it hurts to lose, but if you don’t exactly stack up then what else can you do? My point from earlier is that you are not making “conversation”. Conversation includes parttaking in relevant dialogue with others about a common topic. I have many good sports conversations with my Mets friends from Long Island in my fraternity. on the contrary, what YOU are doing is making random idiotic remarks completely off the topic of this blog.
By BOB C
July 11, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Ike - You are the man!
By Rob
July 11, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
I have 4 tickets to the game on Sat that I can’t attend. They’re free to whomever wants them. Very good seats. The same goes with Sun. This is July 15th and 16th at Petco Park. If anyone wants these tickets e-mail me at kmgjtg@yahoo.com…E-mail me immediately so I can ship them out to you. Again they’re FREE and this is legit. I just want some Braves fans in the crowd to keep the momentum going…..peace
By Peter Dragin
July 11, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Rob,
Are you nuts, your email is officially clogged,…what’s that I hear, sounds like something crashed. Sure is nice of ya though.
By Lew
July 11, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul-You don’t have a life? I don’t think any of us do the way we run our mouths on this site. NYFAN-I’ve forgiven you, but don’t count your unhatched chickens (or is that unhatched alligators)? I still contend you haven’t won anything yet. One half of a season, no matter how good it was (and yes the Mets had a good first half) doesn’t get you the gold ring. You better hope Reyes cut finger doesn’t get infected like Alex Rios leg. The Mets will go nowhere without Reyes staying hot. Their pitching is highly suspect and showing signs of wear and tear. Minaya may get a frontline starter (gee, if only they hadn’t given up Scott Kazmir), but he won’t get it in a trade. You have no farm system. He will have to spend a fortune and go out and buy one.
By rian
July 11, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
ZB - its gonna be tough but if you notice we can only lose 25 games if we want 88 wins and we have 25 games against winning teams left…funny how that works huh?
Chambers you here today?
By Chief Knockahomer
July 11, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
I, along with a group of Braves fans, aren’t ready to give up. Even through the bad times. So we started this:
The Art of the Rally
Visit and check out blogs, info and an all-around positive attitude about our Atlanta Braves.
No bandwagon fans allowed. Cmon Coxy!
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
Hey NY girly man…if the Muts are just Sooooo good, how come they are only leading the series vs. the self admittedly under talented braves by 1 game in heads up play this year? 5-4 against us thus far…oh yeah, and that offense you picked up at Fantasy Baseball Camp only put up 34 total runs to our 47…So, being a New Yorker…Apples are probably your favorite fruit…how bout these apples??
By Greg
July 11, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
NYFAN:
I agree you do anything legal and moral to win. Your owner obviously cares about your team. Unfortunately, we are owned by a NY-based corporation whose officers are likely Mets and Yankees fans and they consider the Braves nothing more than a corporate asset that to their mind is a loser. It hurts when you watch a proud franchise die like this because some bean counter won’t let us hire a closer. So forgive us for resenting your team’s payroll.
Enjoy your regular season, enjoy your pennant. But you don’t have a prayer in the WS. It’s stacked in favor of the AL. Ask the Astros. The DH is a major advantage. It’s one of the things that killed us in all of our WS attempts. The other was the lack of power pitchers. One (Smoltz) wassn’t enough. You need at least two guys who throw fire to win the Series. Finesse pitchers get eaten by the AL. But you’ll discover that when Glavine and Trachsel take the mound.
By HUCK FROM MARIETTA
July 11, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO SAY THE MID-TO-LATE EIGHTIES SAYING/INSIDE JOKE FOR ATLANTA FRANCHISES:
GO BRAVES!!! AND TAKE THE FALCONS WITH YOU!!!*
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
You all sound like bitter fans. I didn’t know that Ike was in charge of setting the topic of convesation. Read thru the Blog Ike and you’ve got people talking about music others trying to get rid of tickets and so on and so on. you’re just pissed that the Mets are in first and your team sucks.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t mind the conversation from NYfan. In his defense, he really hasn’t said anything too bad without being provoked. We’ll let him have his say for now.
——————————————————————————————
This is just lame. Why is it this clown must post under my name? Does this guy show up at social events with 15 costumes, change in and out of every one of them, carrying on a conversation with himself. PLEASE. If you have something to say, say it with your own name.
By hk
July 11, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
… don’t usually do this (repeat), but … did a chart showing Braves record vs each team, home and away, first 89 games, and team schedule for the remaining 73 … projected wins and losses, based on W/L record of each opponent, home and away, performance first half vs same team, etc etc …
…Braves opponents were a total of 3 games under .500 first half … second half opponents have been 114 games under .500 so far !!! …… home vs away slightly better (44-45 vs 37-36) … alot easier second half …
… came out 45-28 rest of season, 85-77 final record … enough for wild card ??? … 50/50 maybe …
click here for chart
By Don
July 11, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
Does anybody really think the Braves, with this horrible bullpen and mediocre starting pitching, can go 48-25 the rest of the way even with the favorable schedule? That’s .658. Detroit is the only team in MLB that’s played to that level so far this year. The Mets are tops in the NL at .596. Boston is not at .658 after winning 12 in a row or whatever it is. And they’ve got Ortiz and Ramirez and Schilling and Beckett and Papelbon with 26 saves and an ERA of about zero.
48-25 is possible if you have pitching like the Braves had 8-10 years ago. But not with this group.
If the Braves play the rest of the way at .596 like the Mets have played thus far, that would get them to 83-79. I don’t think they can do that and doubt it would win the wild card if they did.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Sorry, you just seem so cool and I want to be just like you.
By geauxbraves2000
July 11, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
NYFan, congrats on your team being in 1st place.
By NYFAN
July 11, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
ZB PIKE….you can twist the numbers anyway you like. It’s a long season and the goal is to win as many games as possible. Right now we’re won more games than you.
By CharlotteDave
July 11, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
If the Braves can find a way to protect ninth inning leads, hopefully with help from a trade, they might be the best team at this point among the wild card contenders. Everybody keeps thinking Houston might have another big run, but right now they’re four games under and not showing any real signs of it. One of those teams in the NL West might get red hot, but if they do they’ll probably end up in first place. I’m not sure if two teams in that division are likely to have a big run. I think the Braves have a real shot at this thing.
By ZB Pike
July 11, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
NYFAN…I will give you that!
I got a 20 says we win the year series against you though….and I’ll get you a shirt that says Chipper for President. :)
By TyMac
July 11, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
DOB, Any chance the Braves go after Tom Gordon? What would it take to get him away from a divison rival?
Thanks!
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
If we Are going to do anything we need three things to happen, With or without a trade
A) Hudson and Smoltz, Mainly Hudson need to put together a string of dominance where they are getting quality starts 85 percent of the time B) We need giles to bat at least .305 the rest of the way, and cut down on the K’s c) Consisntant Closer, Nuff Said about this point, This team ain’t going nowhere, but to the Alphretta Country Club in October, if we keep blowing 4 and 5 run leads…
By unknown journalist
July 11, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
during the break, chipper and laroche decided to head to chipper’s ranch - and as a special treat for chipper, laroche agreed that they would ride the train. bobby dews and hubbard were on the same train.
laroche and chipper both bought tickets and noticed that dews and hubbard only bought one ticket. “uh, how are you gonna travel on one ticket?’ chipper asked.
“watch and learn”, said dews.
all four boarded the train. chipper and laroche sat down but dews and hubbard crammed themselves into a toilet together and closed the door.
shortly after the train departed, the conductor came along to collect tickets. he knocked on the toilet door and said, “ticket please”.
a single arm emerged with a ticket in hand, the conductor took it and moved on.
Chipper just grinned when he saw what dews and hubbard had done. this was a clever idea. he and laroche decided to do the same thing on the connecting train.
they arrived at the station and bought a single ticket but to their astonishment dews and hubbard didn’t even buy one ticket.
“uh, how are you going to travel with no ticket?” chipper asked.
“watch and learn” said dews.
when they boarded the train chipper and laroche crammed themselves into a toilet and dews and hubbard crammed into another toilet just down the way.
shortly after the train began to move, dews left the toilet and walked over to the toilet where chipper and laroche were in hiding.
dews knocked on the door and said, “ticket, please.”
By Curious George
July 11, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Does anyone think the Marlins were secretly rooting for the Mets to take the crown away from the Braves? Why else would they give Delgado and LoDuca to a divison rival?
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
What’s the talk about Flash Gordon about, He’s washed up, from what I hear from the philly fans, plus he’s no spring chicken either, he’d be a 1 year rental at most
By geauxbraves2000
July 11, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
:) unknown journalist
By Vol
July 11, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Linebrink’s numbers have been great for four years running. I didn’t realize he was that solid, probably because Hoffman has been in the closer role. I was surprised when DOB said Betemit wouldn’t cut it for him until I looked it up. No way the Padres trade him since they are in contention. Every single team needs him.
I looked up Wickman and he had something like one 1-2-3 inning in his last 17 outings. He scares me. Gordon makes a ton of sense except for the inter-divison rival part. Anybody take a chance on Lidge? I would.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, which of the teams you mentioned do you think has the best chance of challenging the Braves for the wild card?
By Lickadyslit
July 11, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
The Braves are done and already packing the napsack for next year. Starting pitching stinks, relief pitching blow and starting lineup sucks. That about sums it up. Go ahead and have a pipe dream if you want but you would be better off if you just picked up a pipe for the rest of the year. Buy a big screen and prepare to watch some real baseball during the playoffs. You sure as hell not watching anything good here locally.
By uksportswriter
July 11, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Here is the link for the Waylon CD: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000839H/104-2994414-5707139?v=glance&n=5174
By Don
July 11, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
I’m guessing the guy who said finesse pitchers get eaten up in the American League didn’t notice Kenny Rogers is starting the All-Star game tonight for the AL.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
Well, after having to listen to that God-Awful crew on ESPN Last nite, We get round 2 tonite with Those Turds On Fox, Its gonna make me sick to listen to that crew…
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
There are people who I hear from giving David Wright Shyt for cussing on TV last nite, Obviously these same people have never watch Greg Maddux pitch and cuss left and right when he makes a mistake…
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
ROB!!! Can I have the Braves/Padres tickets on Saturday?!?
By glove51
July 11, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
DOB: What abour Giles for Linebrink? May need to make it a 3 way deal since they have a good young 2B.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Yes, I must agree, I do hate the terds on FOX. Freakin Joe Buck is a doosh bag, so is Tim McCarver (Thank you Deion). Friggin Joe Buck and his damn “That was a dispicable act” when Moss faked pulling his pants down after a touchdown… Get a grip you TOOL.
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
So, Don, how do you feel about Fox’s announcers? :-)
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
ROB: I’m interested in the Tickets. I’ll be going down there on Saturday, maybe Sunday, but certainly Saturday.
I’m not sure we can get Linebrink. But who knows, JS has pulled off some amazing deals in the past, I don’t see why this year should be any different.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Penny is going to get LIT UP tonight, guaranteed he doesn’t get out of the first inning…
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
NO! Rob, give me the tickets to the Saturday game, I am very poor and can’t afford that many Braves games…
By Bet at your own risk
July 11, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
I’m in Vegas on business. The RIO has the Braves to win WS at 200/1 and NL pennant at 75/1! Only Cubs and Pirates have worse odds. The Reds are at 6/1 for NL pennant!!!! I’m going to have to bet $20 just for the blatant lack of respect. The whole irony of 14 division titles/1 WS only to win one as a Wild Card is too much too pass up.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Penny is a joke. I don’t even know how he made the team. Clemens would be better than that guy.
He’s quite the party animal. Prior to his trade to LA when he was still with Florida, he had a game in NY against the Mets. Me and My buddies were out on the town, passed by a hotel, saw the big crowd around it and asked someone what was going on. They said the pro-teams stay there and the fans line up for autographs. It was 12:30 AM. Right then, Penny steps out of the crowd, into a car and heads out on the town. We show up at Shea the next day to watch some NL ball, for an afternoon game and low and behold, Penny is starting for the Fish. He was shelled. He lost the game easily. He looked so hung-over out on the mound, like corpse.
Now he and Furcal are on the same team out here in LA. If Meltdown Bradly hadn’t been traded, this team would be in the Betty Ford Clinic in no time.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
Don…Joe Buck has the nerve toi call Moss a Classless act, and yet he Advertises on his wack a-s-s beer commercials, Go Figure?
I thought what Moss did was da funniest shyt I had seen in football that entire year
He!! Yea! Thank you Deion
Tenn,Paul enlightenme about the great Schuerholtz trades, other than the one’s 4 Denny Neagle and McGriff
Most I recall are 4 one year rent-a-playas,(The Farns) or guys who get here and are absolute garbage (Rey Sanchez, Jose Hernandez, Luis Polonia), so I’m kinda stumped on dat one…
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
man, i get back from the gym and Tower records and there’s been some compelling discourse going on here at the old blogosphere. outstanding.
by the way, got two of the remastered Jesus & Mary Chain CDs that came out today, Psychocandy and Darklands.
Also got Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s new one that came out today, and a a remastered CD of the great soul man King Curtis Live at the Fillmore West. Got me some listening materials for the trip to San Diego and beyond….
glove51: They’re not looking at Giles, from what I hear. One Giles bouncing off the walls is enough (marcus, just kidding if you’re reading this).
Luke the Drifter, best logon of the day, or whatever the hell it’s called.
BOB C, right on. Nashville Skyline in a Corvette … now THAT is livin’ large. Andruw can have his Aston-Martin….
Speaking of Aston-Martins (how’s that for a transition)…. Entourage. The show. All the boys got Aston-Martins in latest episode. Bryan, I haven’t missed an episode in three years. LOVE Entourage. Ari is the man. Oh, and Vince is in The Devil Wears Prada, by the way. Boyfriend of the gorgeous babe played by Ann Hathaway….
Chopthis, El Corazon is the best damn album. And the one with Del McCoury band is great Earle, as well. But just about all of his stuff is great (Earle’s)….
I went to the Country Hall of Fame last christmas and the special exhibit at the time was Earl Scruggs. Great, great stuff about his whole career. I got a couple Flat & Scruggs CDs after I got back from that. Awesome musicianship….
By David O'Brien
July 11, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, you’re absolute right about Penny. The boy does like to stay out late, as they say….
I’ll never forget the story of him at Champions Bar in the Marriott Marquis at closing time, smoking cigs, when he had to pitch a day game for the Marlins vs. Braves the next day.
Uh, he didn’t do very well in that game, on a scorching afternoon.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin: Hudson for Charles Thomas and Juan Cruz was pretty solid, even with Hudson’s struggles. The Sheffield trade for Brian Jordan was solid as well. I don’t recall off the top of my head, but wasn’t Maddux acquired via trade?
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
I always wondered, if anyone know’s the percentage of players who smoke?
A Bar I used to work 4 had softball games where everytime you crossed homeplate, you had to funnel a beer, and They guys who smoked could barely cross second without coughing, so I’m curious if there are a lot of smokers in baseball, because I could not see how anyone can smoke, and still run the bases….?
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
I wish I had Andruw’s Aston-Martin…As for Steve Earle, I listen to “Ft. Worth Blues” every time I get drunk enough to start thinking about my ex. Usually makes me cry like a b***h. Good thing there’s no background music when I actually talk to her, though; I can remember why we broke up. Blues/bluegrass/real country are good things.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Oh yea Tenn, Paul, I thought you were talking about trade deadline deals, not the offseason variety
I do Miss Chucky however, man did he fall off…
Maddux signed as a free agent after the 1992 season
The Sheffield trade was solid, just wish It didn’t have to come at Brian Jordans expense, He used to be money in the clutch, against the Mutts, After that Trade Jordan was never the same player…
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Since there is a high demand 4 relievers, I think Flash Gordon will either end up in LA to fill in 4 Gagne, or WhineBrenner and the Yanks will buy him back
Oh yea Where did that Mutt fan who was talking all dat noise go, Its been quiet down here…
By Carroll
July 11, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
I give a shout out to Tommy.
DOB: a lot of peeps have been talkin ‘bout Carl Crawford and Dave Roberts and whatnot, presumably because LF is weak for us and we desperately need a leadoff man. What about Brady Clark? Dude has a bomby OBP, etc. Plus, if we lose Andruw in the future he would make an admirable replacement in CF. Do you think the Brewers will be sellers and if so, what would it take to net him.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
I saw That Homerun A. Jones Hit on Sunday and Fell down, That’s the tru meaning when Skip says “He doesn’t get Cheated up there”
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul, e-mail him for the Sunday tickets…
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
Carroll, What It is?
How did u like that Derby blast nite?
I Like that Ryan Freel cat, plays the game like it should be played, reminds me a little of Pete Rose, I guess its the reds uniform
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Clark is alright, I just don’t like the idea of trading with Milwaukee, Remember the last one
Also Milwaukee is in that central as well as the wildcard race, I hope they get hot and take out the Cardinals
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
Clark is alright, I just don’t like the idea of trading with Milwaukee, Remember the last trade with them
Also Milwaukee is in that central as well as the wildcard race, I hope they get hot and take out the Cardinals
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this
Don: You can have both days. I’m doing well enough to be able to purchase some for both days. I didn’t see your post until after I posted.
By TennesseePaul
July 11, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin: Yeah, the midseason trades are questionable. But, I can’t think of too many teams which have made better deals at mid-season. Even with the Astros and Beltran, the guy was a rental. Most teams trading at the deadline deal off soon-to-be free agents anyway. It’s the nature of the deadline deal. It’s also why Tampa is asking for so much for Crawford. The guy is locked up for a long time and cheap.
But, when it comes to trading, JS is has a better track record than most every other GM out there.
By chopthis
July 11, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Don’t stop there! Flatt & Scruggs got their start with the great Bill Monroe, and the recordings Monroe made during the time that Flatt & Scruggs were in his band are the Holy Grail of bluegrass.
The Stanley Brothers are essential listening as well. There’s no greater songwriter or warmer lead vocalist in all of bluegrass history than Carter Stanley, rest his soul.
But you should get “The Complete Hank Williams” first.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Come to think of it, I think only the Yankees seem to make the right deals at the deadline given that they have the unlimited salary to spend, one I can Call was when they got David Justice in 2000, he was money 4 them down the stretch
Gotta get some Gurb, Dawg, catch ya when the game is over so I can Bash Joe Buck, after his lovefest with the Yankees, and Red Sox players
I’d like to see Barry Bonds or Manny pull a Deion on him, I think they’d be the only ones crazy enough to do it…
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Garner has been paying more attention to what “Mike” McCann has done on the field than to what the kids name is… I really believe if it comes down to an important at-bat late in the game against a right-handed pitcher, I’d take McCann over just about anyone on the NL team. He makes contact consistently, and he has shown he can hit premiere pitching when it counts (Bomb off Clemens in playoffs). I think him and Andruw both have a shot at some late-inning heroics tonight…
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, seriously, I can’t go Sunday, e-mail him for the Sunday tickets. I’m not poor either, I just said that as kind of a joke… bad taste, I know… I’m going to hell I know it…
By stew
July 11, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
Reasons the Braves collapsed in June: 1. McCann got hurt just when they started to gain on the Mets. Dump Pratt and promote Clint Sammons. 2. The schedule for the first fifty games had too many road games. 3. Reitsma and Soso absolutely sucked. 4. The worst play of the first half had to be when LaRoche nonchalanted an out into a hit. He just doesn’t hustle.
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
Alright, Y’all; they game is about to begin. Go National League! We need all the help in the W.S. we can get. Unless we’re represented by the Mets. Hee-hee! I couldn’t even say that with a straight face.
By DonCoburleone
July 11, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
Chant it with me now… LETS GO NL! LETS GO NL! LETS GO NL! LETS GO NL! LETS GO NL!
By Woogidy
July 11, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Just lookin’ over some stats, Francouer looks good compared to Morgan Ensberg. What happened to that guy?
By Bob, journalist
July 11, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Is Andruw’s stance wider this season … relative to the 2005 version?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 11, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
relative toe strength of the respective leagues is equal. they must play in a national league park with no dh. this should favor the national league.
By elbravo x
July 11, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
I got my money on A.L. I have lost every bet in 2 weeks. Guys, load up on the N.L.!
By ncscoots
July 11, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Bob, it’s hard for me to tell if Andruw’s stance is wider, but I CAN tell he’s striding more. That spread out, plus taking a stride, it’s no wonder he’s falling down after contact. Torque those hips through the zone, and there’s no place to balance the weight shift, that right leg is already out from under him. I think he just needs to watch his footwork a little more to stop jumping at the ball.
By Andy
July 11, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Just have to say—that even though you have been gruff with me—-your blogs are simply the best. Congrads. We are lucky to have you. Thanks.
By ncscoots
July 11, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
duh…I meant his LEFT leg is already out from under him. Whoo, I have GOT to stop all those drugs!
By JJMB
July 11, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
I want AJ, McCann, and Renteria to do well. However, I want the NL to lose, in case the f-ing mutts make it to the WS.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 11, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
billy goat gruff? yes, dob is the talented beat writer as this journalist can attest after yesterday’s blogging necessity. keeping the blog going requires fortitude and considerable cheese. now, with respect to tonight’s game … it is now raining. all-stars do not wish to play in the rain or risk injury. what will happen now? would you want to stand in against penny right now in the rain? journalist would fake numbness.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 11, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
a toe promotion on television - head, shoulders, knees, toes. most entertaining and most truthful. the toe is not to be trifled with.
By Lew
July 11, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Does anyone realize that the reason the Mets are where they are has to be Julio Franco. He keeps in toes in excellent condition.
By Bob, journalist
July 11, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Hi Scoots … thanks! I think that’s exactly what I’ve being seeing … just didn’t put it together until you said it.
For power, I like a relatively wide stance in both baseball and golf but it seems to me that you really need to stay both flexed and connected to make it work … it disconcerting to see him so totally off balance … regardless of when it occurs.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 11, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
likewise, the braves have improved greatly with the emergence of chad parontoe.
By Woogidy
July 11, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t the correct answer to the trivia question be 50 for the very first all-star game, because they were all first time all-stars. Just wondering.
By krath
July 11, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
It may seem like a lack of respect but I assure you non is intended toward the Clemente family……but WHAT THE HELL!!! Do this ceremony PRE game…don’t stop the game for a half hour mid game!!!!
Geez!!! Between the idiots that run MLB, FOX sports and whatever.
Does anyone EVER tire of the hype???
By krath
July 11, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this
Clarification: Clemente’s career and efforts were not “hype.” But MLB and the networks could make Jesus Christs’ accomplishments look cheap for their own glorification!
By JJMB
July 11, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this
Could Joe Buck be a bigger idiot? He handles a tender, sentimental moment like a carnival huckster. Maybe little Chippy Carey could have done better….naaaa
By krath
July 11, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Actually…. maybe they could just keep the game going and the announcers off the field during the game. That might be a novel idea! I would rather see a five minute ceremony after the national anthem than to stop the game for that.
Why do the networks and ESPN keep putting their personalities on the field and piping them thru the stadium PA?
It’s like they strive to make themselves part of the story instead of just reporting the story.
By JJMB
July 11, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
I’m with you on that, krath.
By Bryan
July 11, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Dave,
e-mail me at my uga address (or just tell me here) and I will send you a copy of the best kept county secret of the 70s.
Bryan
By Bryan
July 11, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Dave,
e-mail me at my uga address (or just tell me here) and I will send you a copy of the best kept county secret of the 70s.
Bryan
By Bapple of Ballator
July 11, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
I have barely been able to watch this game because of FOX….between the rambling, poorly timed manager interviews, broadcasters on the field with the camera on them instead of the action, stopping the game for ANOTHER Clemente tribute (memo to anyone covering anything in Pittsburgh: You don’t have to automatically do a schtick to Clemente everytime you cover a game there!!)and the just completed worst rendition of “God Bless America” I have ever heard…….HOLY CRAP, WHEN ARE SKIP, PETE & JOE BACK ON????? THIS IS ABSOLUTE CRAP!!!! Leave it to FOX to ruin something as great as a baseball all star game - please NBC, TBS, ESPN - SOMEBODY OUTBID THESE JOKERS IN THE FUTURE!!!
By MetsWin
July 11, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
Someone a few posts back wrote: “The braves have 73 games left and only 25 are against winning teams,” as if that was a reason for hope. Do you realize that the Braves themselves ARE NOT A WINNING TEAM? You’re under .500! By nine games! Seriously, people…YOU are one of those teams that the good teams look forward to playing. All of this “catch the Mets” and “”We’ve got the Wild Card” talk is just ridiculous until and unless you can actually get to .500 baseball—which is extremely doubtful. Or are you Braves fans so deluded that you think your sub-.500, massively flawed team is going to win the World Series?
Laughable.
By The Captain
July 11, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
Are Joe Buck and Tim McCarver dating David Wright and Jose Reyes or something? It’s ridiculous. They totally snubbed Edgar when all they did was talk about Reyes through Edgar’s entire first at bat. They’re idiots. They’re love affair with the New York teams makes me sick.
By Woogidy
July 11, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Phil Garner has lost this one for the NL, Freddie Sanchez hits w/Uggla and Andruw on the bench. Carlos Lee in on Defense? DUMB.
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
My GOD, what a punch in the balls. This went from being possibly one of the best all-star games in a while to more of the same Sh!t. Trevor Hoffman’s ERA is closer to 2 than 3? Could’ve fooled me. I’m not even bothering to watch the bottom; no need. Wish we had a closer that could engender that kind of faith. Christ on a crutch.
By krath
July 11, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
How about Nomar, And Scott Roland? And when you have all star pitchers left, why do you stay with Hoffman after two straight hits?
By ChrisinPA
July 11, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
THIS MAY DO NO GOOD, BUT PLEASE STOP WATCHING SEINFIELD, FRIENDS, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND and ALL THE OTHER SHOWS THAT SEEM TO BE MORE IMPORTANT TO TURNER SPORTS - BRAVES COMPLETELY OFF OF TBS IS A JOKE!
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Guest editorial by Trevor Hoffman:
Hmmm. I’ gonna throw a change-up every pitch. That’s right, an 83 MPH fastball that goes straight. I won’t bother setting it up with a REAL fastball; hope nobody’s able to time it. It’s not like y’all are major league hitters, or anything. I mean, Penny got away with fastballs the first two innings; why can’t I get away with nothing but change-ups? Not everyone can hit a consistent 83-MPH pitch. Wait. They can? Well, why the hell am I throwing them, then? Do I have time to adjust? What do you mean, the game’s over and the AL has a F-ing advantage they don’t need? Well, the Padres weren’t going to be there anyway, so who cares? AC/DC’s still paying me to play their intro when I lose, right?
By JJMB
July 11, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
AL wins!!! woo hoo!!! MUT fans eat sh*t and GO BACK TO NEW JERK!
By Davey
July 11, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
WHERE THE HELL WAS ANDREW IN THIS GAME
By BravesFaninOH
July 11, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
What do you guys think is Wilson Betemit’s future? Does Betemit take over for Giles/Chipper next year, take over for Giles this year if he’s dealt before the deadline, or do you think Betemit gets traded to another team this year? I’d love to hear everyone’s input. Thanks.
By The Grinch
July 11, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Anyone want to buy my copy of “Back in Black?”
By Head Coach
July 11, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Trevor Hoffman , nice choke job , man. I sincerely hope you give the same effort when the Braves come to San Diego this weekend. The American League wins again and the more things change the more they stay the same.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
Krath, I agree wit you on Fox and all this hype crap, Do it before the game…
Penny set the tone 4 da game at least it wasn’t a blow out like I predicted…
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Why does everyone hate on Todd Pratt??? He’s probably the best backup I’ve seen Since Eddie Perez’s early days
In case you guys must not ever notice the emotion he shows when his pitchers get burned when they make a mistake…I think he’s probably gonna be a coach when he hangs em up…
By Tony Almeida
July 11, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Carlos Beltran plays the entire game??? Andruw sits??? 4 Position players don’t even get into the game??? The last person picked, Phil Garner’s boy Roy Oswalt was the first relief pitcher to get in there….what a load of crap, no wonder the Astros got swept in the Series….DUMBA$$.
By Todd A
July 11, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
Bob,I asked the same question about Andruw’s stance a few weeks back and got no response.He sure doesn’t seem to have the balance at the plate he had last year….almost to the point of falling to the ground every time he takes a rip.
By Tomahawkin
July 11, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Tony A…? What do you expect, the all-star games in every sport are all shytty, I kind of wonder why I put up listening to those turds at Fox
I had to change the channel and watch Some ECW, and Caught Michael Young’s triple at the end
Sweet ending because, I ended the lovefest beteen the Fox crew, and David Wright and Jose Reyes
Seriously was all the talk about Reyes necessary, since he didn’t play?
By Jman
July 11, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
They might as well just move in with David Wright! They interviewed his dad for goodness sake! Who cares what the crap his dad has to say!?!?! And apparently Carlos Beltran is the freakin best player in the game because he stole third base and scored on a wild pitch. Too bad they didnt have a bigger story to talk about when he almost got injured in the 9th. I bet not too many fans in the Big Apple would be happy with Phil Garner had that happened. Andruw should’ve gotten in the game. What a gyp.
By David
July 12, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Why was Andy not in the game at all? This is insane. Andruw does really well at these things. Beltran in the entire game is so idiotic. I thought after beltran got his at bat around 6th or 7th inning…I was like..ok ..Andruw will be in outfield no doubt. Boy was I wrong. Why wasn’t nomar in to pinch hit instead of astros boy? Nomar is having a great year and all he did was sit pine with andy. One of the most boring allstar games i’ve watched in a while. The fans didn’t like it and we (NL) was in the lead most of the time.
By Jman
July 12, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
I actually caught myself hoping the AL would tie it up in the 9th just to make it interesting. It was a horrible game. Very boring. A real yawnfest. Oh well.
Different subject
Braves not on TBS??? How horrible is this? Has anyone ever seen so much unravel in a single season for any sports team ever? First the sale of team, then the loss of the best announcers in sports on Turner South, then a 6 win June, and now we learn that TBS will not be carrying nearly as many Braves games. It’s sad and sickening!
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
Gawd, I was gonna laugh my a-s-s off If Blow-Tran Injured himself
That game was boring, The Crowd Noise at that park was Pathetic, Their fans weren’t into the game at all it seemed. I thought our crowd noise was bad, but we ain’t even on the level of those cats in pittsburgh, I think maybe because, that team is so God-Awful, they have little to care for is the NL would’ve won…
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
As annoying as some of the ESPN guys can be, Buck & McCarver are a hundred times worse. Bleecch! That stunk from a Braves fan’s standpoint. The only time they talk about Renteria is to remind everyone that he had a bad year last year, they barely acknowledge McCann’s existence and Andruw’s name was mentioned once I think. And why didn’t he get in the game?! Worst of all, did I hear Buck say Fox got a new 7-year deal with baseball? And no more Braves on TBS after next year…. I will not watch anything but Braves games on TBS. No Braves, no viewers in this household. The moron in charge of Turner Sports actually called this a proud day. I’d like to give him a good kick.
By David
July 12, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
Jman, I was hoping the same thing hah…I hate fox sports…the announcers are terrible…I like the TBS announcers so much more. I hope if they are going to cut back braves games that maybe they can announce them. Highly doubtful but can’t hurt to hope. Only good fox does is Fox soccer Channel.
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
Jman, Think about TBS this way.. Maybe they will put other teams games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, instead of Seinfeld and that Sex and The City Crap, that show is already on two other networks anyway, and is probably the most overplayed show other than Cops, The Fresh Prince and King of the Hill..
TBS Still SUCKS, But the format I mentioned above seems less of a blow to braves fans
By GAW
July 12, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
FOX SUCKS, sorry about the caps but I had to get that out of the way. What disrespect for Andruw. All the ESPN talk shows were dissing Manny for not bothering to show up. Andruw does and for what? Beltran did a good job but as stated before Andruw has always made a good showing.I thought the Braves should get a closer but after seeing what the NL can put out there in an allstar game it looks like a sad situation for the entire league.
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, according to what I just read, TBS will not carry Braves games after next year.
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
I’m glad Andruw didn’t play tonite, He needs all da rest he can get, especially since the team is about to hit a west coast swing…He needs to be rested so he can come out Smokin in the second half, Besides, He’s in their annually, and a lot these guys was their first chance, and maybe some of these guys last, You never know what can happen over the coarse of a year…
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Woogidy, that was certainly my answer to the All Stars trivia question.
Was that “God Bless America”? I don’t think the young man was singing from the same sheet of music as the one given to Miss Smith by Mr. Berlin a few years back.
What a song … what a shame … guess I’m getting old.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this
Flbravesgirl, are you single? I somehow doubt it, as intelligent women who like sports are usually only attracted to yuppies and wife-beaters. My luck, you’re a dude posing as a chick. :-) Anyhoo, I agree. They took what could’ve been a good game and made it boring; TBS sold all the way out, and there’s something mighty smelly about Turner sports in general. Nonetheless, I remain a loyal fan of all my cities’ franchises.
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
FLBraves Grl, Where did U see Dat, If Thats True, Then That BLOWS
Oh well I keep up on the team more anyways by reading the paper, I just hate we have to listen to those clowns on ESPN and Fox call our games more…
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
You’re not old, Bob; “God Bless” was butchered. We’ve finally gotten to where the National Anthem isn’t done in some sort of hip-hop or barbershop quartet bastardization; they apparently have a clause in their contract that at least one of the two must be offensive. Like our country doesn’t have enough problems to deal with; we can’t even get patriotism during the national pastime right.
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
You Guys Check It…If U hate McCarver
http://www.shutuptimmccarver.com/
BTW That Pujols Play was Sick, that man is da Truth…
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I don’t know whether to laugh or be insulted. Yes, I’m female and single and love the Braves. However, I hate, loathe and despise football, basketball, etc.
Tomahawkin, there’s an article about the TBS deal here on the Braves AJC page but there’s a more detailed one on the Braves MLB site.
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this
FlaBravesGrl, I live 4 Sundays in da fall, Flip back and forth, between baseball and football, Talk about good TV
I Bet if these braves teams played with a football-like intensity, we’d still sellout, and furthermore, we’d probably have more than 1 ring
I saw the TBS article last nite, so I know how its gonna go down, SUCKS
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this
Andy, much thanks. And, hey, sorry if I was overly gruff. We’ll try to be nicer in second half…. I said try.
But seriously, thanks for the kind words.
By the way, I, too, was shocked that Andruw (and Rolen) didn’t play. Haven’t talked to our man Stinny there covering the game to find out. Maybe he has it in his notebook. I’ll go check to see if it’s posted yet, see if maybe Andruw told Garner he’d prefer not to play or something. But Andruw was healthy, far as I know. I talked to him before Sunday’s game and he was fine.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this
Todd A, at first I thought it was only occurring when he was giving his best Ryan Klesko imitation … much to the delight of many cheering fans!
However, it seems that over the last several weeks … it’s become routine, expected behavior … like you said, “almost to the point of falling to the ground every time he takes a rip”.
I can’t imagine Andruw, Bobby, or Terry thinking that something which causes such a result is either desirable or fundamentally sound.
Perhaps I’ve been too critical of his “speed” in getting down the line on more than one occassion … I know from experience that it’s hard to start running from a prone position.
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
Well , I guess we will all be paying $80.00 bucks a year if we want to see all the games. MLB.com will have the market cornered on Braves games. Phil Garner , nice job in the ninth. You put gas on the mound for eight innings and bring in Trevor Hoffman with his 88 mph fastball and a change up as his out pitch and sit there and let him get lit up ? You had Brian Fuentes with 16 saves and his high ninties fasball sitting in the bullpen when you could have and should have brought him in to get the last out in the ninth. Unfortunately you were managing the all-star game while Ozzie was managing like this was the seventh game of the world series.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
Flbravesgirl, I meant for you to laugh. There are plenty of insulting things in life already not to have to resort to them in a blog, especially to the rare out-of-state female fan who we sorely need. However, if you really don’t like football, I’m afraid we must part company on that subject. As much as I love baseball and the Braves, football is the sport they surely must play in heaven. I forgive you of your sins, though, as you have proven your basic worth with your attitude towards my Braves. Peace and prosperity.
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
Woops I meant to say Carlos Zambrano and he is a starter not a reliever. Fuentes pitched the 6th inning.
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
DOB, I’ll be interested to hear the reason for Andruw not playing. Speaking of Mr. Stinson, I liked his feature on McCann’s AllStar experience. I’d love to see that piggyback ride, lol, considering that there doesn’t look like to be a great difference in size and weight between Andruw and Mac.
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this
OK, Grinch, now I’m laughing.:-)
Goodnight y’all.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Yes, Head Coach, you’ve made a good point. The AL, which is known for its hitting, had absolutely no answer for our continuous fastballs. What better way to bring them back into it than give them the old change-of-pace? Lord have mercy. Bob, what call do journalists have for running from the prone position? Point well taken, however. :-)
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
Carroll, Braves have been interested in Dave Roberts all season, and with Padres interested in Wilson Betemit … you never know, some deal could work out there involving those two.
Bryan, e-mail me at my regular address (the one under my byline in paper every time I write) and give me your e-mail address so I can give you an address to send that copy of White Mansions (is that the name? I’m dying to hear that stuff, man.)
Grinch, your post about “Fort Worth Blues” was priceless. Amazing how certain powerful, beautifully written songs like that can make you break down thinking about someone or some time with someone…
Harold Reynolds just picked Marlins to leap frog field into second place in NL East in second half. I haven’t confirmed yet, but I think they’re now asking Harold to take a drug test after that statement.
If the Marlins finish ahead of the Braves in the NL East, I will … well, I don’t do anything. I’ll just be shocked.
… Can’t believe you guys don’t like McCarver and Buck, by the way (I’m smiling as I write that, folks).
By Tomahawkin
July 12, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this
Always hated BUCK, he’s always biased against the Braves when we’re on Fox, And McCarver, Goes back to 91.All they do is ramble, and ramble, about those damn New England Teams…Just like ESPN, I dunno which is worse…
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, yes, Stinny can bring it home. The man has quite a flair, a wordsmith in the truest since.
By Calvin
July 12, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this
Bobby might have talked to Garner about not putting Andruw in unless in a dire emergency, ala extra innings. I’m surprised McCann was in the game with his sore ankle and all.
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
Dave Roberts would do the job in the leadoff hole , but there is no way would I trade Betemit for him , not with Chipper and his bad wheels. I mean if we trade Betemit and Chipper goes down , then what ? I know the Padres are shopping for a third baseman , but I think we could go get a Ryan Freel or Cory Patterson and not have to give up Betemit. I would trade Thomson straight up for Freel. Thats knowing Schuerholz wants to dump his contract and assuming Davies is still on track to come off the DL on July 20th ? DOB have you heard anything new on the status of Davies ?????? Thanks.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this
Dammit! I used the all-star game to get her out of my mind. “You always said the highway was your home/but we both know, that that ain’t true/it’s just the only place a man can go/when he don’t know/where he’s travellin’ to” Thanks Dave! Just kidding (but only some). You the man. Have you ever listened to “Appalachian Waltz” or “Appalachian Journey?” They’re collaborative alblums featuring Mark O’Connor (fiddle), Edgar Myer (Bass) and Yo-Yo-Ma (Cello) doing absolutely scorching instrumental renditions of a bunch of traditional bluegrass/celtic tunes. Great stuff. They are perhaps the best at their respective instruments and they play with no nonsense. Give them a listen; I wouldn’t steer you wrong (especially with the first).
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this
Grinch … I resemble that remark. Actually it was part of basic training a few years back … Fort Jackson, SC … after Korea and before Vietnam.
Regarding tonight’s exhibition entertainment, I agree with those who suggest that the game might have been better managed by the National League.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 03:06 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Y’all; it was time for a bacon and egg sandwich. I’m watching my cholesterol. Journalist Bob, my sincerest apologies. If it weren’t for journalists in the millitary, we wouldn’t have that fantastic shot of the flag being raised over Iwo Jima. Though perhaps you were not yet a journalist at that time (the time you were in, not WWII). I, myself have been a journalist, albeit briefly…yet bad wheels (football and unwise motorcycle wrecks) have kept me out of the millitary. Perhaps everything is for a reason, perhaps not. I’m rambling, and perhaps I ought to go to bed. Perhaps the Braves will sign a lights-out closer. Perhaps the Falcons will reconsider and sign Randy Moss. Perhaps Oprah will choke on an entire drumstick. Perhaps Bush and Kim-Jong II will make up and give each other a sportsman-like slap on the a*s. Perhaps I’ll win the lottery. Perhaps the south shall rise again. Perhaps a nice glass of buttermilk and a snooze would set me up just right…
By chopthis
July 12, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this
You know, Grinch, I’ll bet the song “Poison Lovers” off that same album doesn’t help you much when you’re drunk and missing the ex, either, does it?
Try “She Thinks I Still Care” by George Jones, too.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 03:33 AM | Link to this
Buttermilk sounds good … sleep well young man! Perhaps Tara, tomorrow is another day.
By Steve Eichelberger
July 12, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this
Let us not forget that this is STILL OUR DIVISION and until we notify the New York Mets at the end of September that we intend to let them have it, I don’t understand all of this wild card talk. If the Braves continue to play the way they have been playing lately, this thing is far from over. The Mets are starting show a little wear and tear. Glavine and Pedro are sure to show their age down the stretch. Let us also not forget the NY media. If the Braves show up in the Mets radar come September, the media up there will create a pressure cooker. They always do. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. The Mets still have to play us 9 more times. Wild Card? Not on my watch…….
By ATL-FAN
July 12, 2006 06:05 AM | Link to this
Since the beginning of the season, my stand has been, “we WILL pick up momentum after the All-Star break.” We need to acquire one more big bat and a decent set up man/closer. Even though we have 14 Division titles under our belts, Brave fans get nervous too quickly…….Remember last year we had a team full of no name “Rooks”, and we took the Division….”We WILL pick up momentum after the All-Star break”
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this
Coach, listen, we get it…you like Ryan Freel. And I happen to agree that he’s a fine player. But is it absolutely necessary to bring his name up EVERY time you discuss trades? Is there no one else in MLB you think might be valuable to the Braves?
By Suds
July 12, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this
Take your whining somewhere else, Lew. The Braves will have a monster second half. The best show in August and September is the Mets imploding; pretty soon the New York media is going to start hearing the Braves footsteps and all hell with break loose up there. Giles is getting comfortable in the leadoff spot, Frenchy is heating up, even Chipper is getting late-inning hits, and with Davies coming back in August, watch out. Forget the Wild Card, Braves will take the division. We still have Cox.
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this
All you brave fans have been waiting all year for the Mets to implode and it hasn’t. Did you notice who provided the the only two runs for the National league? That’s right they were METS. Even if the Mets have a breakdown, which won’t happen, who says the braves have enuf talent to take advantage of it? If you haven’t noticed you’re not even playing .500 ball.
By Bryan
July 12, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
Dave,
i just e-mailed your address under the subject White Mansions / Waylon Jennings
By mart
July 12, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
It’s 8:30 Wednesday morning, has the All-Star Game started yet?
By Scott
July 12, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
NYFAN, the Mets are a very good team, but they certainly have holes. And I don’t understand your post earlier about NY being a very competitive city and how that translates into championships. You have 2 baseball teams, 2 football teams, 1 or 2 basketball teams and the last championship was 6 years ago. The Mets haven’t won one since 1986. If the city demands championships, and the teams listen (as you propose), y’all should start doing a little more demanding. Especially since your payrolls give you an unfair advantage in almost every sport, and you still don’t win!
By Lew
July 12, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Suds,Don’t hyperventilate,dude. I sure hope the Braves win 23 straight like that old Brooklyn (I think) team of the fifties. They won on the last day of the season. I would like nothing more than to beat the Mets for the division. But let’s get real here. I’m not whining. Tell me where any of my reasoning is faulty. We haven’t played to our capabilities to this point. Let’s get to .500 first before we get too manic. Take your Ambien and let’s see if they can keep up the momentum. The game last night had a bit of a deja vu feeling. Was that Trevor Hoffman or Chris Reitsma?
By KC
July 12, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
If this d—m all-star game winds up deciding a world series… Selig ought to be drug out and shot!
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
Scott……Still don’t win??? Count the amount of overall championships NY has won in all the major sports. Tell me which city has more(you won’t find one)…..definitly not Atlanta.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
NYFAN-take away all of those championships where either Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig or Mickey Mantle played and NY has damn little else. Certainly not the Mets.
By Bobbymahlon
July 12, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
I watch the progress of our minor leaguers and find that Saltalamaccia has not played in about a month . DOB, Is he injured ? Also I see that Jurries is playing on and off is he still suffering the effects of his knee injury ? Both are struggling to hit 200 so I guess that are not ready for a recall this year. The other thing I would like to see is to give Thorman the left field slot and bring Langerhans in the late innings if neccessary. Also put Thorman at first against lefties, he looks alot better against them than does Laroche. From what I have seen of Barry thus far he deserves a shot at starting.
By KC
July 12, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
ya know, I’ve been looking at this Braves team over the past couple of days, and the more I think about this team, the more excited I am about it. Take a look at the pitching…
First of all, the rotation is in great shape both for the remainder of this season and especially for next year.
Smoltz, Hudson, Ramirez, James, Thompson/Davies/? The 5th starter slot is a bit of a problem as it seems that each time we start to get Thompson back on track, something else breaks down (an elbow, a shoulder, a blister). But, the fact is that a lot of teams have trouble getting quality starts out of the 5 slot. Heck, Most teams in the NL have a hard time getting a quality start out of their #3&4 guys. But we’re solid 1-4. I’m not sure there’s another team in the NL that can say that.
Even the bullpen is starting to look good! Don’t look now, but Atlanta has 5 guys in th ‘pen’ with very respectable ERA’s. I mentioned this in a post the other day, but here it is again in case you missed it:
Ray-2.66 / Paronto-2.93 / Yates-3.13 / Stockman-2.25(only 4 innings, but is a great looking young pitcher / Barry-0.00 (only 9 innings, but still impressive).
We’ve got some great young arms in the rotation in addition to some darn good veterans there. We also have some good young arms in the bullpen now. Braves fans have good cause to be encouraged. Things look good both now, and for the future of this team!
By Frank
July 12, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this
For several years I’ve been calling for the Braves to throw the regular season division title so they can approach the playoffs via a wild card. As we all know, the only way anyone from the NL wins the Series is to arrive via wild card. I’m pumped. The Braves look like a lock on a World Championship this year.
By KC
July 12, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
To add to what I was just saying, the offense looks great as well.
I just realized that we have 5 all-stars at the top of this line-up (Giles, Renteria, the Jones’, and McCann). Yes I know, obviously Giles and C. Jones weren’t on the all-star team this year, but when they’re right (and they are now), everyone knows that these guys are all-stars. Then at the bottom of the lineup, you have two guys in Francoeur and Laroche who will hit a combined 50-60 homers this year and together drive in close to 200 runs. not bad to have at the bottom of your order. As far as the #8 slot in the line-up is concerned… has anyone noticed the way Scott Thorman has begun to hit the ball. He looked as good at AAA as any hitter to ever come through the Braves system. If course AAA success doesn’t always translate to major league prominence, but this guy’s good a chance to be a GREAT major league hitter!
There are many more good days ahead for Braves fans. Bank on it.
By KC
July 12, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
I meant to say: Thorman has a good chance to be a GREAT major league hitter!
By Ike
July 12, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Are you really trying to compare cities in terms of sports? you have TWO baseball teams and TWO football teams. So congratulations on your city having more championships. That’s a real valid accomplishment. Also, take away the yanks and your city’s sports history is a JOKE
By JOHN B.
July 12, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
NYFAN ,
The point is the Mets have had an unlimited payroll for the last 6 years and they still have not won. The Braves have been reducing payroll for 4 or 5 years. This year alone, the Mets have a payroll of about $26 million more than the Braves. In 2005, it was 21 million more. In 2004, 12 million more. 2003, 11 million more. The Mets just keep adding payroll to try to BUY a World Sries ring.
For example, the Yankees 1st ring in 1996 was a legimate win with a good young core of developed talent (Pettitte, Jeter, Williams, Rivera, ect) and a few free agent signings (Boggs, ect) and small trades (O’Neill, ect). But the 3 after that were basically bought. Steinbrenner has tried to buy the ring every year since as well. HE started that trend as soon as he bought the Yankees in the mid 70’s. He bought Reggie Jackson, Jim Hunter and then Dave Winfield and so on.
Of course, I’m not saying that signing a free agent here and there is buying a ring, but when it’s the best free agents every year, it’s gets ridiculous.
The Mets have always tried to get the most expensive all stars possible by either signing them (Floyd, Pedro, Beltran, Bonilla, Glavine, Ventura) or trading for them (Delgado, LoDuca, Alomar, Vaughn, Piazza) Some of these stupid trades have given up good pitchers like Kazmir, Burnett, etc. The Mets are always trying to keep up with the Yankees. That is why both clubs have NO farm system to speak of. They can not develope their own guys now because they just try to trade for all stars.
The Braves on the other hand, have one of the best farm systems and have been competitive for a WS ring since 1991.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
but i digress… what i meant to say was… GO BRAVES
By Garth Brooks
July 12, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Are you telling me that Garth isn’t real country? You have got to be kidding me here. You better stick to your day job covering the Braves because your music opinion blows.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
yeah i’m gonna have to agree… as much as i like the old stuff, you can’t COMPLETELY write off the last 10 years of country music. Garth is great
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
KC-I agree about Thorman. His power is more impressive than we’ve seen so far. I sincerely hope that great days and winning streaks are ahead of us. KC- I hope you’re right, too. However, we still have no proven closer, nor is it likely we will get one from outside. Sosa still doesn’t look good. As you mention, however, Stockman has few innings (and is on the DL), Ray doesn’t really seem to have BC’s complete confidence, Barry has looked great (I even added him to my fantasy team), but 9 innings isn’t enough to give a clear picture. Paronto and Yates have also been good additions, but also have little experience for us to have a true picture yet. I know people say I’m whining, but I want to see the team hit .500 first. After we break even, then we can worry about who is where and how far in front of us. You think June can’t happen again, but I wouldn’t have thought it possible in the first place. A 10-6 record shows marked improvement over 6-23, but still is far short of how good we need to play. If we do well on the road trip right after the break, then I will have a much more optimistic outlook. There are still concerns on this team and players (notably Chipper and Marcus) are playing at less than 100% health. I wonder about Andruw’s health also, and I think Langerhans was hurt a lot more than he was letting on. He’s heated up recently also and no one seems to have noticed.
By geauxbraves2000
July 12, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
The TBS thing doesn’t surprise me at all, the powers that be have been trying to phase away the Braves for years, and they finally have done it. I never would’ve became a Braves fan if it wasn’t for TBS. I imagine alot of people can say that. A pending sale, no TBS games, the Braves might as well turn into a small market team, that’s the way they are headed. This really sucks.
How about an owner who cares about the team, not the bottom line, not the tax write off? Anyone got $400 million I could borrow?
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
Here’s one to get you country fans going-There is no country anymmore-it’s all southern rock sung through the nose. Long Live Rock and Roll.
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
When the braves were owned by Ted wasn’t he spending?? If you had the money now you’d be going out to get the best player too….admit it. I’ll be the first to admit it doesn’t always work but it’s nice to know your team has the financial resources to go out and get the players needed. But, as you that doesn’t guarantee you anything.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
NYFAN- The difference is that when Ted spent $$ we got exactly the players we needed to win. How many years have the Mets spent more than us and STILL did not get the players to win. I think maybe Omar Minaya may be the difference. See what we have known all along-it;s the GM and manager that are the difference. Ask the Yankees about Joe Torre. Blame it all on Bobby Valentine.
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Like I said Lew, it doesn’t always work. I give the braves their props. Not only did they spend money on the right players they always called up the right prospect. The one thing I like about Minaya is the fact he’s a New Yorker and takes his job personaly. That might be the difference for the Mets this year.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Maybe i’m the only one, but i am VERY opposed to trading Betimit. Not only is Chipper 34 (!) and fragile, but I think he’s more talented than giles, and the best lineup we could put on the field with this ballclub has him in it. He is the toughest out on the team— he is (most of the time) disciplined at the plate, taking pitches and fouling off tough strikes. how about this lineup: renteria, betimit, chipper, AJ, Frenchy, Mccann, laroche, thorman… ANy thoughts?
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
Like I said Lew, it doesn’t always work. I give the braves their props. Not only did they spend money on the right players they always called up the right prospect. The one thing I like about Minaya is the fact he’s a New Yorker and takes his job personaly. That might be the difference for the Mets this year.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Ike, not until we trade Giles for prospects. After that you can give second to Betemit, but not just by benching Giles. Besides, if he has to play for Chipper, who do you put at second, Orr?
By Mark
July 12, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
I said at the begining of the year I’d be satisfied if the Braves got the wild card this year. I’d like to see them have to fight to the finish and roll in to the post season with an edge. We’ve proven that having the division wrapped up in early September doesn’t work. We enter the post season flat and get knocked out in the first round. I like this team and I love the chemistry. We need to fix the bullpen issues no doubt. I think a battle to the wire is what they need. We’ll see I guess. It’s funny though how everyone had the Braves written off and now after the 7-3 run before the ASB everyone says……Don’t count the Braves out. SHAME on all of you for doubting AMERICA’S TEAM!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
the game was lost when garner called on a man named trevor. there is a t, there is an o, and there is an e, in his name. they are not in the right order. hence, toe issues and mis-alignment. toes are not to be trifled with.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
Good point… i was working under the assumption that we would get rid of giles i probably should’ve stated that though..
NYFAN- i was curious what you thought about Beltran playing all 9 innings last night. I was upset andruw didn’t play, but if I’m a met fan (or a fan of any contending team for that matter) i don’t want to see my star go all-out for 9 innings in an exhibition game during the only real break of the season.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Geauxbraves, I could loan you the $400 mill, but then I wouldn’t be able to pay my taxes, insurance, electric bill or fill up the car. :-)))) Man, if I had it, I’d sure buy that team. And a TV station to broadcast all the games!
TBS has no idea what they’re doing to themselves by terminating the Braves broadcasts. Who in the entire Southeast, much less the rest of the US and Carribean, would EVER have tuned in to TBS unless it was to watch the BRAVES?? Without the Braves games to watch, there is absolutely no reason for me to turn to that channel.
TBS gained it’s status by riding the popularity of the Braves. Otherwise it would still be a run-of-the-mill local station that no one had ever heard of. It’ll be mildly interesting to see how fast they sink back to that level, don’t you think?
By Ike
July 12, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
journalist— you should’ve told me you enjoyed tripping acid. we could’ve been partying a long time ago…
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mark, it’s really hard to remain optimistic in the midst of a 6-23 month. Pardon us for not automatically thinking that it would all work out in the end. However, that being said, we are still 9 games under .500. As I told someone earlier, don’t hyperventilate, just take your Ambien and we’ll see where the much improved Braves end up. As I told NYFAN-they haven’t won anything yet and guess what? Neither have we.
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
I too thought Beltran played too long. but I was glad to see contribution from he and Wright. I didn’t expect for Jones not to be used.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady-Good morning. Now let’s not come down too hard on TBS. They do still have the amazing new drama, The Closer. Even the Braves can’t make that claim. Oh, wait a minute. That’s not TBS, it’s TNT. Oh well.
By Mark
July 12, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Lew, agreed that June was painful to say the least. You are also correct that we haven’t won anything yet. It’s just funny to me that we win 7 out of 10 and the eyebrows are starting to rise. The Braves have earned the right in my opinion to not be counted out until the math doesn’t work. It’s more fun when people doubt you though.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Lew! Boy, did that news make me grumpy this morning! And I’m not a gurmpy person….. grrrr, growl…….. IDIOTS!!!!! (sorry……) (:-)
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Mark, I’ve never dounted the Braves, but June knocked my sensabilities to the wind. All I’m counseling is patience. People got reall bent out of shape when the Braves were lousy (hell, they even complained when we won all of those divisions) and now that the Braves are playing DECENT ball, there are some who actually think we will take the division. Maybe we will, but we will have to play much better than 7-3. If we win 7 of 10 the rest of the way we still will only have about 90 wins. This might not be enough for the WC if someone above us gets it’s act together. I hear everyone saying we just “have to win series”. I got news-2 of 3 is only a .667 clip. That won’t even get us out of 80+ win territory. Yes, be optimistic, but let’s also have a healthy dose of reality with our Wheaties and Prozac.
By geauxbraves2000
July 12, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Good morning Carolina Lady. You got me thinking about your comment about TBS returning to run of the mill station and I totally agree. Sometimes change is good and for the better, sometimes it’s not. This is one of those times where change is not good and I bet the TBS people are going to really regret this decision.
Well, at least we’ll have reruns of Seinfeld and Friends to watch. :)
By Lew
July 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady-you may have to keep your $400 million. If the Braves are indeed cut off from TBS, you may have to purchase the MLB Extra Innings package (only available on digital cable). I have had it for 5 years here in the Great White North and only miss one or two games a year. However, it costs $160 a season, broken up over four monts. I watch about 300 games a year. To make sure I don’t miss ANY games, I also have XM Satellite Radio, because I can’t get anything but Red Sox up here (or the Mets, but we won’t go there).
By KC
July 12, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
LEW: Yeah, I agree there are a number of variables and unknowns with this team. Will the bullpen perform well the rest of the way? Will hudson pitch the way he’s capable? Can Ramirez and Chuck James continue to pitch well enough to give us the depth we need in the rotation? Will chipper’s feet allow him to stay in the lineup?
I think Everyone I mentioned in the rotation will in fact perform well. I also believe the bullpen will perform capably. I think the offense will continue to get the job done. It would be nice to see Thorman really go off in the second half. That would be a huge shot in the arm. But I think the lineup will be very productive either way.
Based on what I’ve seen of late, I expect that these things are going to go the right way for Atlanta in the 2nd half. But hey, I’m no Miss Cleo.
My point is that the Braves have got a good chance to make some real noise the rest of the way this season. And next year… LOOK OUT! There’s a lotta upside with this ballclub.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Lew, buddy, how many perscription drugs are you on? seems like you reference something every other post. you gotta cut back on that stuff don’t let it get to your head
By Lew
July 12, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
KC-Thank God you’re not Miss Cleo-one is more than enough. I sure do hope your predictions are correct. Nothing would please me more, I assure you. I just want to know one thing-where can we get a Papelbon? That guy is truly sick.
By olcottr
July 12, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
It seems this season that every win is a treasure. Winning streaks even more so. I intend to keep enjoying the games at least until “the math doesn’t work” :)
By Lew
July 12, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
I’m on plenty of prescription meds, but they are all for diabetes and blood pressure. However, if you have read the posts here this year, both proponents and detractors, don’t you see many people either definitely on drugs or maybe should be. Hell, for that matter, isn’t this the Prozac Nation. Maybe you should try some yourself, Ike, you just might enjoy it.
By Jeff
July 12, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Well, sure we have a shot at the Wild Card if all the teams ahead of us tank and/or the Braves catch fire through the second half of the season. It’s not the starting eight that’s the problem or the starting pitching, it’s the…bullpen (Gee, what a revelation. Your job is safe, David.)
What’s the guess? How many games will a team need to win to secure the NL Wild Card berth? Let’s say 85, though it could be less if every contender limps along, but unlikely. For the Braves to win 85 games, they’d have to go 45-28 (.617). Possible, but they could ill afford meltdowns in the bullpen the rest of the way.
We’ll see.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
journalist knew ted turner when he had a billboard company then a television studio primarily for wrestling programming. when doing business with ted turner he favored bartering to protect cash flow. need any billboard space? the television station was made by the signal and the braves. signal first, braves first and a half. journalist is appalled at the programming now on tbs. these yankees do not understand, sugah, hush my mouth. what will become of skip, pete, joe, and the menagerie?
By Lew
July 12, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy-Maybe they can all sell BBQ at the ballpark.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
I probably need it, i’ll be sure to ask my doctor. Anyway, I’m not about to jump for joy about the winning streak, but here are a three things that i keep in mind when thinking of the Braves’ chances: first, we have looked good the past couple weeks, with our two weakest areas- bullpen and hitting- starting to come around. second, during our awful june we rarely lost a game by more than 3 runs; now while this means our bullpen sucks, it ALSO means there isn’t a wide talent discrepancy between us and other teams; to me, it means that we are very close to winning lots of those types of games if we can put a couple things together. Third, the braves know how to make the playoffs, maybe not win once we’re there, but make it; and we always go on a really big winning streak at somepoint in the season, usually it has been sooner but last year it was right around the allstar break. then again, this is much different than any other braves season. But i like that the team has grown closer in the adversity and is determined to win and prove everyone wrong. sorry for the long post, but this is my reasoning for WC hope!
By Lew
July 12, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Ike, Your hope is well founded and your rationale is impeccable. Let’s hope we can maintain this level of play and maybe improve upon it. Reitsma and Remlinger ARE gone after all. Funny how it all turned around with their departure. But they were such nice guys.
By John B.
July 12, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Not that it’s a big deal, but Houston has just acquired Aubrey Huff from the DRays for 2 minor leaguers.
Aubrey Huff
By ComeBackToReality
July 12, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Some of the trade ideas I see on here are just ludacris. No one wants John Thomson. No one wants LaRoche. Let’s just put that out there. The Reds WILL NOT trade a box of baseballs for a pitcher with one quality start or an aging “prospect” akin to Randall Simon, much less give up Ryan Freel. NO ONE needs pitching THAT BADLY. NO ONE needs a left-handed bat that badly. “Oh, let’s trade Thomson, the rights to Steve Avery, and Nate Minchey to the Cards for Pujols. We need a right handed bat. It’s perfect because they need pitching!” or “Giles, Thomson, Pete Smith and Lemke to the White SOx for Podsednik!” This isn’t like fooling that 10 year old in your fantasy baseball league. The only way the Braves are going to get anything of value is by giving up something of more immediate value. Giles has been hitting better, so maybe you give up him. MAybe you give up a prospect or two. Either way, teams know Atlanta is on the fence and would rather gamble that come July 30th the Bravos will have sunk too far to make a serious run and will dump studs like Smoltz or possibly Andruw. Moving AJones would probably be the smartest move at this point. You’d get a LOT for him, even though his defensive skills are declining, he strikes out a lot, and he doesn’t come through in the big games like he used to when he first came up. Franceour is athletic enough to play center, and finding an rightfielder in free agency is a lot easier than say… a productive firstbaseman or closer. Especially with the 10 million that would free up. Only thing I could see that would stop JS from doing that is attendance would fall-off sharply because that’s a white flag of surrender.
By steve smithfield
July 12, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Maybe they ought to hire Fred McGriff again.
By Jeremy DeLoach
July 12, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Mr. Obrien, thanks so much for shedding a positive light on a season that’s clearly not what the Braves or their fans would have chosen for themselves. It’s mind-boggling to see and hear the 2-year-old temper tantrums from the spoiled brat sports society of Atlanta. To someone who remembers following the Braves since the 80’s, seemingly the biggest mistake the Braves have ever made had nothing to do with an offseason transaction, leaving a pitcher in too long, or any other such in-game decision. It’s obvious to me that the biggest blunder in Braves’ history is to win in the manner that they have and do it with such consistency. We, as Braves fans, are ruined for life. We like to celebrate our Division Championships about the middle of August and camp out until the season’s done. This is not how baseball should be. I, for one, would love to see a buzz like 1991 and remember what it’s like to be somewhere you shouldn’t be because the odds were stacked against you. I’m not in any way suggesting that it’s fun to be down and have to dig through a mountain with a spoon. But I do believe that to gripe and complain about our current situation is arrogant and childish. The Braves have work to do and it’s the responsibility of the fans to rally behind these guys that play through injuries everyday. So, to all of those who sip their Starbuck’s and stone the Braves as if they’re the worst team in history, I’m sure you can find some nice real estate in the great city of Pittsburgh! (If you really want to feel like a loser). To those who think that the Braves don’t really care about winning, just because you don’t give your all on your job doesn’t mean that everyone else lives in that category. So, remember Braves, we’re behind you win or lose. There are some of us in the state who still love and will forever be caught in the magic that is arguably the greatest dynasty in American sports history! Go Braves
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, I agree completely with your post re: TBS. The Braves made TBS. I’m sure the NY-based weasels that run TW are smiling this morning over putting the fatal knife in the back of the Braves’ national fan base. I upgraded to digital cable a while back just to get MLBExtraInnings. It’s not cheap and sometimes you get stuck with the other team’s broadcasters, but it’s worth it for me.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
That’s a great setup, Lew! I don’t have digital TV and have a regular cable package, mainly because it gives me a worthwhile cost break on Roadrunner for my computer.
I don’t watch much TV except for Braves games. (My elderly mother watches endless reruns of ‘Little House on the Prairie’, ‘Matlock’, old movies, etc, though.)
Even the powers-that-be at Fox Sports Net decided that we in Southeastern North Carolina were ORIOLES fans and only broadcast those games here. Their extremely low ratings here should give them a clue even if they somehow missed all the louds howls of protest sent to them in letters, phone calls, petitions, and email. But, no, in their eminent wisdom, they continue to broadcast the Orioles.
sigh
gloom
sigh
I think I’ll go out into the garden and eat worms…….. sigh……
:-)))))
By KC
July 12, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
ComeBackToReality: I agree with most everything you said, but I did want to point out one thing.
You mentioned that “no one wants Laroche” and intimated that Atlanta could use a “productive 1st-baseman.
I just wanted to draw your attention to the fact that, first of all, Laroche is a gold-glove calibur 1st baseman.
AND…
If you project Laroches numbers out over 550 at-bats, you will have the following:
27 Homeruns
90 RBI
42 doubles
Sure, he strikes out a lot and his average isn’t great, but he’s still helping this team win. With that average, you don’t want him in the middle of you order, but for a #7 hitter, he’s outstanding.
By Calvin
July 12, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
With this latest decision about TBS and the agreement they have with MLB, it seems that Turner is more concerned with turning a hefty profit instead of insuring that the Braves remain on TBS. Oh well. I guess money is better than making the fans happy.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hey, Flbravesgirl! You’re right about everything being controlled out of NY! I used to think that they were motivated simply by money, but low ratings don’t seem to bother them in many cases, so there has to be another reason for some of their moves. It’s certainly not good business sense.
Great to have another lady on the blog! :-)
By Kevin C
July 12, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
For the people talking about trading LaRoche/Thomson they are right in that no one really wants them. The two most marketable players on the big league club are Giles, Betemit—Smoltz and Hudson will be back next year. Huff going to Houston was out of the blue so either people are being very quiet, like JS usually does, or some teams, the Rays for example, understand that they can dump salary and get minor leaguers rather than established major league players. Minnesota and Arizona are two teams to watch—neither is giong to the playoffs and maybe by the end of July will trade off some players.
By ernesto
July 12, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
What did the Astros want with Huff, did Ensberg go down, does Lamb not play there anymore? That seems like an odd trade to me.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
carolina lady, do not eat worms! in uganda worms are sometimes twelve inches in length, thick, and of a bright verditer-blue coloring. sometimes they are cooked on a spit, sometimes eaten on a cracker. still, until you are fully recovered journalist cousin jimmy smith urges that you eat no worms. jimmy smith’s other cousin, migadde smith, once ate a ugandan blue worm and had considerable discomfort. worms are sometimes friendly, but sometimes will eat maize and other crops. better to not eat them, though. did you read that journalist dob is now gruff? goat cheese is likely the culprit. jimmy smith will have a talk with dob when the season resumes. he must remain healthy for the second half.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Calvin, I may be wrong, but I believe that TBS is owned by TimeWarner now and Ted has nothing to say about it. If (faulty) memory serves, he’s not even with TW anymore.
Unless MLB is making astronomical contracts with TBS and others, there’s no way it can be profitable for the individual stations and small networks.
Well, thinking further, TW wants to totally erase anything identifiable with Turner, the Braves, and the South, so their moves make sense in that context…..or am I just too ticked off this morning? Man, this really fries my bacon!!!!!!!!!!! :-))
By ComeBackToReality
July 12, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
KC, I agree that LaRoche is a competant #7 hitter (on a mediocre team). However, the corner positions on the field are where you HAVE to have production at the plate. You need a big bat at first-base if you want to win a lot of games. LaRoche is a nice defensive complement, but you don’t help your team win when you hit .250 and strike out a lot. Teams that win have players that get on base, make productive outs, and hit clutch homeruns. That’s the main reason we let Furcal go. LaRoche doesn’t do any of those things well, and is going on 27 years old. If he was 23 or 24 I’d say keep him around. Now, I’d say he’s only valuable as a left-handed pinch-hitter or defensive substitution. I prefer him to Julio Franco or Brian Jordan at first, but I can’t see him as a part of the next pennant winning Braves team as a starter at the position.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Good morning, cousin Jimmy Smith! ummm, I don’t think I want any lunch now…..blue worms…..eeuuuuuuuuu
DOB is gruff again?? Oh, no….. But he’s been doing such a great job and making such great posts…… must be a ‘journalist’ thing…….
Hotter than blazes here. You’d think it was the middle of July or something! :-))
Can’t wait to see if the Braves continue their winning ways in CA!
By Eric Webb
July 12, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
I think Huff is going to do really well. He was getting hot before he got traded, and now he gets to play in a real good hitters park. Great trade for astros I think.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
yes, stick with the bacon! … but in moderation. bacon is a favorite with eggs from the guinea fowl. and how is the hartebeest?
By Calvin
July 12, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
CarolinaLady, Yea, I actually meants TimeWarner not Turner as in Ted Turner. My mistake on that one.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Cousin Jummy, the hartebeest is doing very well and is a favorite with the deer. I think we’ll have a new species this winter. Deerharts? (Hope they’re better than my John Deere! What a mistake I made there! Never again!)
By Lucifer
July 12, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
You must have seen a different movie. This one being called a comedy was a major stretch.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Oh! I apologize! Can’t even type this morning, Cousin JIMMY! How embarrassing!
By Tdad
July 12, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
The Braves cannot afford anywhere near the number of blown saves and have a chance regardless. I do not think the present bullpen can pull them through. They have to have a dominant closer.
By geauxbraves2000
July 12, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
IMO STL will take the central, so if Houston wants to get in it’s going to have to be via the WC, which in turn makes the Braves their competition. Maybe they needed Huff, maybe they didn’t, or maybe they didn’t want the Braves to get him.
By John B.
July 12, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Well, Huff can play either Right or Left, including both corner positions in the infield. Now, as for trading Giles, the only place I could really see him going is to San Diego to play with his brother, but that’s unlikely due to the fact that Josh Barfield seems to be a capable player (who’s 3 years younger and makes about 3mil less with better numbers). IF we did happen to send him there, I think that might be able to get us Linebrink.
One team I AM interested in is the Angels. They have quality arms in the Pen, and are in desperate need of another bat, preferably LH. With Betimit and possibly LaRoche to offer, they seem like likely candidate.
Dunno, just my opinion =O
By Chuck
July 12, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Everybody gives Thompson a bad time. In the past three years, I think he’s been one of the better pitchers. I’ve seen him run out of steam after having to get 5 outs in an inning a few times, but that wasn’t his fault. Maybe he has a hard time coming back from his teammates screw-ups - and that is a fault - but the complete meltdown of the defense behind him is only surpassed by the bullpen’s support of Smoltz. But Thompson’s pitching has always been better than his salary, in my humble opinion. However, it looks like he isn’t fitting in the Braves’ mold at the current time. I think he’ll be one of those guys - like Marquis, although he’s not like him - that will do really well after leaving Atlanta.
By H-Charles
July 12, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe people are still talking wildcard here. Sure, Houston did it last year. They also added a guy named Clemens added to their rotation. This team simply does not have enough talent to win the wildcard, period. Now, if they go out and address a few needs, perhaps. First, this team MUST get a real closer. No ifs, ands or buts. EVERY team that has won a WS has got one. You simply cannot win without one. If no real closer is added, there is no point in even discussing wildcard. If they add a closer, and if they add another setup man, and if Chipper stays healthy and hot, and if James doesn’t crumble after the league has a report on him, and if Giles continues to improve in the leadoff spot, and if Hudson can earn his salary,and if McCann doesn’t wear down at the plate like most catchers do in the 2nd half, and if nobody else gets hurt, and if all eight other wildcard teams collapse, the Braves have a shot.
By Akagi
July 12, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
The greatest dynasty in American sports history??? Give me a break!! Winning divisions doesn’t make you a dynasty, that title is reserved for teams that win championships. If the Atlanta Braves are one of the greatest dynasties in American sports, then so are the Denver Broncos of the 1980s. I guess we can also add the Toronto Blue Jays and Florida Marlins both with two World Series titles since 1991 as well as the Minnesota Twins, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, since all of these teams have as many World Series titles since 1991 as do the Braves. A dynasty is defined by results and one out of fourteen is not what a rational person would call a dynasty.
By ComeBackToReality
July 12, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Thomson pitches better than his salary? Did you have any idea that the fool makes 4.75 mill a year? I can think of a lot of pitchers that are better than 2-7 with 4.88 ERA. He’s won 10 games TWICE in his long career, those being the only seasons he made it through without being injured. He’s finished a year with an ERA below 4 just once, and has a lifetime .281 batting average against. If you think his record is a product of defensive melt-downs, then you are just not watching him pitch. It might also be worth mentioning that in his 200 or so career starts he’s allowed 150 homeruns. Tim Hudson makes around a million more than Thomson, is several years younger, and has been much more productive and reliable, allowing 30 less homeruns in about 10-15 more starts. His opponents are hitting .248 lifetime with a slugging percentage at 100 points LESS than Thomson allows. John Thomson is probably a nice dude, but he’s not worth 4.75 an hour, much less 4.75 mill a year as a starting pitcher. Guys who make that money should be 30 starts and 12-15 wins a year. You’re lucky to get 25 starts and 7 wins out of Thomson. The one thing you KNOW you’ll get is a lot of balls screaming off of opponents bats that might make it look like the defense is poor behind him…
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
I am a big NL fan and it was pretty painful to watch how they lost that game last night. I mean, 2 outs, nobody on base and whiffle-ball throwing Hoffman gives up 3 straight hits, unbelievable. BUT, the more I thought about it, the happier I was the AL came back to win. If Hoffman had closed the door in the 9th, you know what we would have had??? More DAVID WRIGHT D!CK SUCKING by the lame-a*s Fox announcers. I swear, the only player outside of Jew York or Boston any of those Fox turds wants to talk about is Pujols, which everybody already knows he’s the best player in the game… I swear, all I heard all night… Reyes this, Big Papi that, David Wright is already a hall-of-famer, Pedro’s on the DL, Manny’s not here, Mariano Rivera is a Latin God, Beltran’s having a break-out year, Reyes Wright Reyes Reyes Wright Reyes Wright Wright Wright… Just wanted to reach through the TV and strangle Buck and McCarver…
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Dave Roberts , Cory Patterson , Carl Crawford or Ryan Freel. Crawford is too expensive , Roberts and Patterson are generic outfielders. Your right I like Freel because of his ability to play six positions , hit , run , play defense , steal bases and he is the most affordable. There are no available closers out there , so going after a leadoff hitter is about the only option Schuerholz has. But I also know Im dreaming , 40-49 means we should be conducting a massive fire sale right before the trading deadline and that wont happen either. So , here we all are with a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs. Thats the sad reality of it all.
By Dave
July 12, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
ALL CONCERNED:
The Braves are playing a LOT better than in June, but how could they NOT play better, I ask??
That said, they are NOT burning it up (a 8-2 or 9-1 homestand is burning it up; 7-3 is good, NOT great).
However, given DOB’s notation about the cumulative performance of the teams ahead of the Braves (numbers DON’T lie), the Braves have a shot if they keep winning series.
BUT… they STILL need a closer (they nearly went 6-4 for the homestand courtesy of a gopher ball from Sosa) and a lead-off hitter (Giles is beginning to hit, but he freely admits that he HATES to lead off).
Getting a closer may be too hard. Wickman may be available in the next week or so, but I’m not sure he’s worth the price in young pitching that the Indians will ask for him. I say let’s try Ray out at closer for a few weeks and let Sosa try being the set-up guy in the 8th inning. Yates also has closer stuff.
As for lead-off, I would package Giles and Thomson (and maybe Langerhans/Diaz) for Dave Roberts, but only if we can sign Roberts to a long-term deal. Betemit can replace Giles (who will be gone after next season anyway) at least through the rest of this year.
Just my humble opinion!
By Jaybird
July 12, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, two questions. 1) Will a 50-23 second half get the Braves in? And 2)Why in the world would anyone stalk Bob Uecker?
By OregonBrave
July 12, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
H-Charles, are you a Yankee fan? You seem like the type who would boo A-Rod after a fly-out to center.
By GAW
July 12, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
Where is Dion sanders when we need him. I wish more players would dump ice on McCarver’s head after his preachy b******t.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Morning Jummy! Is your cousin the one after which the famous Ugandan College is named? Foot long blue worms … sounds more like weiners than bacon … or maybe little snakes. Maybe The Lady should import some of those to aerate her garden … the crows would probably eat them … get sick, and fly away.
Now that exhibition baseball is over, maybe the Braves can resume playing the kind of baseball that will give us something to crow about … even if we can’t see much of it on TBS.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
jummy smith is a cousin, not to worry. did any braves fan doubt that the national league would lose that game last night after the first al runner reached base in the ninth? then, the second runner … shades of braves baseball - and then the lead was gone and the nl batters had to face rivera. having a bad bullpen at home has made jimmy smith trust no lead and no reliever. well, maybe rivera. no game tonight. let bob sleep.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
H-Charles-My God they say I’m whining and pessemistic. Head Coach, if we can’t get a closer, I seriously doubt that a lead off hitter will do a damn bit of good. There isn’t really much out there I wpuld want to pay the price for. If we do trade anyone, I would demand pitching and only pitching in return. Going out and grabbing whatever is available seems to be exactly what has brought us to this point. If we can’t get pitching to help immediately, get what pitching that may help next year and beyond. We really don’t need someone else’s about to be free agent. Been there, done that (numerous times) and it didn’t work.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Hi Scoots … wherever you may be … Coach just wants to make sure.
By JOHN B.
July 12, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
ComeBackToReality,
How can you say Andruw Jones does not come up big in games that count??? He carried the Braves last year for 3 months during the regular season! He ended numerous games with homeruns. And in each of the last two playoff series’, he has: a .500 AVG, hit 3 HRs with 10 RBIs, 5 2bs and 4 BBs in just 10 games. And that is against the great Astros playoff rotation and bullpen including Pettitte, Clemens, Oswalt, Qualls and Lidge. Pitching that is considered the best in baseball!!! You can’t say he does not come through in big games. That is an ignorant statement.
Dave,
7-3 is hot. That’s winning 70% of their games. Or .700 ball! If they played .700 ball over 162 game schedule, that’s 113 wins!! And those wins came against good solid teams like St Louis and Cinncinatti. Now of course, it’s only a 10 game stretch. They have to continue to play well the rest of the year. But it’s a good sign. They could catch fire like they usually do in July or they might fizzle and finish 5-10 games under .500. Nobody knows, but at least they are on a hot stretch.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
DonC— Jew York? i hate the yankees and the fact that they are overhyped, but don’t be an a*****e.
By KC
July 12, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
ComeBackToReality: I know that traditionally, first base is a big offensive position. That’s primarily because 1st base is often where you would put a big, strong hitter who doesn’t have the agility to play any other position nearly as well. But there is no baseball law that says your 1st baseman must bat in the middle of your order.
The fact of the matter is that when you’re getting offense from traditionally weak offensive positions like the middle infield (as we are), from third base (as we are), from the catcher (as we are) and from at least two of your outfield positions (as we are), you don’t need your 1st baseman to bat .300 and hit 40 HR’s. Sure, it would be nice if he did, but (.255 / 27-HR / 90-RBI) will work just fine for a gold-glove caliber 1st baseman who bats 7th.
Jeff Francoeur hasn’t really given us anything more than Laroche has. But having those two guys hitting 6th and 7th in your order is a big plus. Pitchers can’t let their guard down when they get to the bottom of this order, or they’ll get crushed.
By ernesto
July 12, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
I really hope we don’t get Dave Roberts…I have no confindence in that guy…and that arm…
And TBS? That sucks! The people who have taken over there are no friend to Braves’ fans, especially those who have moved from the ATL. Boo!
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Plus, enough about Roberto Clemente and all that he meant to baseball… He was a Hall of Fame baseball player and an all-around good guy who happened to die tragicly, get over it baseball! And to think they are considering retiring his number from ALL of baseball! I am sorry, but to put his career accomplishments on the same level as Jackie Robinson is a friggin’ joke!
By KC
July 12, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Another reason why 1st base is traditionally a big offensive position is that it tends to be the safest position on the field. There are fewer ways to get hurt at 1B than at other positions. That makes 1B an appealing place to put your big bat that you don’t want to see on the DL.
1B is a big-offense position becasue that position tends to lend itself well to a lot of power hitters (especially in the NL where we don’t have the DH). That doesn’t mean you have to have a certain type of hitter there.
By ComeBackToReality
July 12, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Last year he hit .207 with runners in scoring position. That is NOT coming through in the clutch. This year is better, around .292 but with 30 strikeouts. If you look at other players making 13 Million plus… you’ll see better numbers. 18/36 with 3 homers and 10 RBI isn’t bad, don’t get me wrong, but three homeruns isn’t exactly shaking the ground. The year before that he was 1/17 with a bunch of strikeouts. He’s hit 3 homeruns late in close games this year. Out of 20. There have been a lot of close games. I’m not over-whelmed. I still don’t think his production warrants 13.5 million a year.
By not so optimistic
July 12, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
That’s great that everyone ahead of the Braves had such a horrible time of it the last few weeks.
Unfortunately, they were all getting pounded by American League teams. Now they will be playing eachother, which means that half of them will be winning every night. Gaining ground will be much more difficult as a result.
By Mark
July 12, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone…….. I’m with you on McCarver and Buck. They make me sick to my stomach every time I’m forced to watch a Fox game. It has always killed them to say something good about the Braves. I usually turn the TV down and listen to the games on the radio when it’s an option.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
…And another thing… I am SOOOOO damn tired of all the ESPN and other sports radio stations going on and on about how today’s All Star game isn’t what it used to be when they were growing up… WA WA WA, lets just cry about it, waaaaa, I’m old and I can’t relate to today’s players, waaaaa, it doesn’t mean anything to the players today, waaaaaa waaaaa waaaaa. Bunch of old terds I tell ya. And I got news for ‘em, there were players in their day who didn’t play in the All-Star game because of “injuries” they had suffered. I’m so sick of hearing about how baseball (and all sports in general) were so much better when they were growing up. GIVE ME A BREAK! Today’s athletes are bigger, stronger, faster, and better conditioned than athletes of just 20 years ago, let alone 30 or 40! The 1996 Yankees would have made mince meat out of the 1927 Yankees…the ‘04 Patriots would KILL the ‘75 Steelers… and the 2001 Lakers would destroy the ‘62 Celtics! Enough about the “Good ‘ol days of sports!”
By Dr. Troy
July 12, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
DOB, I have had it up to here with all your rants and raves on subject matters that don’t pertain to the Braves organization!
I don’t care that you like to watch the Dave Chappelle Show or that you sit on your rump and watch queer a*s soccer all day. I read your blogs to get insight on the TEAM not your personal issues!
Reading your BLOGS is like Corn’sie trying to do the nast with Shagari Alleyen without proper lube, it just isn’t smooth or any fun, esp. to those having to read your piece of crap excerpts. You see, you just can’t seem to stick to one thing in your God forsaken Blogs and thats a big problem.
So, the next time I see a BLOG that has a baseball related title, but starts out with you saying “I enjoy sucking on anuses” or “Im watching soccer and have been for the past 13 hours” I will simply click out of AJC and refuse to ever visit your site again.
One last thing, there is NO NEED for you to repsond to try and cover your a*s on how much you have SCREWED the AJC Braves blog, or to tell me how wrong I am. We know you can’t handle the truth or being set straight, so you responding to this would just reinforce this. So, just sit back, take this verbal assault like a man, and learn from it!
-Christain
By NYFAN
July 12, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
DonCo—you sound like a very angry person. you need a pina colada and some Jimmy Buffet music.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Dr. Troy-Go prescribe yourself a Prozac and chill.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Afternoon, BOB! No, no! Don’t want any big blue worms in the garden!! (Jimmy, I’m probably going to have nightmares about those things!!) We’re blessed to have rich, black soil here which is full of great little earthworms who do all the aerating……and whatever!
(Jimmy, I apologize again for mistyping your moniker! Don’t want to cause you any grief because of it! Now, Bob, we know that you used it in the kindest of gentle humor and I thought it was funny to pick up on my error that way; I think Jimmy did, too!)
No more TBS Braves games. This calls for drastic action. Hmmmm. Let me think……
By Ike
July 12, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Dr. Troy—
Chill.
ike
By ZB Pike
July 12, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
What trips me out also is the fact that this blog is the only place that has the Braves in Wild Card contention.
Listening to local and national sports talk shows, we are assumed to be sellers at this point. Are we just being homer fans?? Or do you all think we TRULY have a shot? IMO, our only shot comes with the addition of some new arms for the pen.
Thoughts?
By JOHN B.
July 12, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
If the Braves don’t continue their winning ways, they should trade away Giles, Hudson and of course Thompson and Sosa if anybody wants them. Even if they just get low level prospects for Thompson and Sosa. Sometimes low level prospects turn out to be good. The Braves included Zach Miner in the Farnsworth deal as a throw in. And The Twins received Francisco Liriano from the Giants as a throw in for AJ Peirzynski.
I think Hudson would bring a couple of great prospects back. Maybe to Detroit for 2 of their picthing prospects. Ledezma, Zumaya or the Sanchez kid in AAA. They have a lot of young pitching in AAA. The Padres and Angels would be interested too. They have young pitching depth as well. Or maybe Boston for Lester. If we could get somebody that would be able to step into the rotation next year, it would be worth it.
Giles needs to be packaged with Langerhans/Diaz/Johnson for a lead off guy. Dave Roberts is good but he’s 34 years old. I would think the Braves would want somebody younger. If Julio Lugo would sign a reasonable contract extension, then he would be good. But Tampa Bay would want every prospect the Braves have.
I’m sure JS is working on something. We’ll see.
By Bryan
July 12, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Baseball Related Tittle: Shortstop in 07???
I enjoy sucking anuses while watching soccer for 13 hours.
Sorry Dave I beat you to the punch.
Hey I got a good idea - its 2pm on a weekday, I am going to log on to a sports blog and complain about the sports content on the SLOWEST SPORTS DAY OF THE YEAR.
Thats right, the braves haven’t played in three days and won’t play for two more, WTF do you want to talk about? The dingle-berrys growing in kevin berrys buttcrack cause he is already sitting in the Sand Diego bullpen waiting to get a start.
Get alife and go drink some post-abortion fluid.
By Chuck
July 12, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Hey comebacktoreality, I surrender. I thought he was making $2.3 mil per year - and I think he has the stuff to be worth that. I get the feeling there is some mental duress between him and the team. But you’re right, he hasn’t performed to a $4.75M level. Question is, what do you do with a guy like that? His freak accident with his finger was tough luck (sort of). Remember they got rid of Gant when he broke his leg? He’s a free agent after this year, right? Atlanta doesn’t usually get themselves into being stuck with long term deals, which is good and bad - a double-edged sword. Good for obvious reasons, but bad because they don’t lock in anyone that didn’t come up through the farm system. The trend lately has been to sign people for a year, maybe two. I’m sure the Braves are lying awake nights wondering about Hampton’s arm and salary next year - and Hudson’s after next year - and Chipper’s deferred portion, etc. Ken Rosenthal’s article on trading Hudson was informative. After next year, his salary jumps to $13M. Trade him now and get something for him or bet that the last two years are abberations and hold on?
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Now, DOB, don’t even read “Dr Troy’s” post! Don’t want you to get all gruff and grumpy. Everbody hangs out here because we LIKE your blog, your posts and the info you give us. Just don’t get grumpy, OK? (Troy might have socialization issues and can’t help it. And since he’s not going to read/post to the blog anymore, it’s a non-issue, right?) :-)) Deeeep breath - now, you’re OK, right?? GREAT!! All is well in DOBblogland! :-)) (You do know this is written light-hearted and in sympathy, don’t you?!)
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Is anyone else aware that this is THE slowest day in sports??? There is NOTHING going on…
By Ike
July 12, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
ZB Pike—
You do raise an interesting point, and I was wondering the same thing myself. I am a shameless Braves homer, but that being said, I’ve also seen us down in the standings midway through the season. I don’t know how any rational person could count us out at 6 ½ games back with almost half the season left. We were 5 ½ games back last year, and while we do need to leapfrog 8 teams, I don’t think the wild card winner will be more than 10 games over .500. Yes, a few of those teams ahead of us will stick around and play well, but most of them will drop back. Two weeks ago we were 10 games back of the WC. Now it’s 6 ½. Who’s to say that 3 weeks from now we won’t gain another 3 ½ games. Will it be an uphill battle? Definitely. And perhaps we will fail miserably, start the 2nd half 5-10 and completely drop out. But to completely write us off now? That’s foolish.
By TennesseePaul
July 12, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
DOB: Super stoked on the Blog, the Music, the continues updates, the interaction with other bloggers and the sharp wit you pull out on all the Negheads. keep up the good work.
Last nights All Star game should have been a great game. A come from behind, last pitch win in a close game with amazing plays all around. I was blown away with how boring the announcers made it seem. If guys don’t homers, the chicks in the announcers booth for Fox don’t know what to talk about.
Also, Phill Garner should never be aloud to manage another NL All Star team. After last night, every other NL teams goal should be to see to it that he doesn’t make it to the WS. How did he manage to leave all those guys on the bench? What’s going through that mustache of his?
Just a few more days and real baseball starts back up. I look forward to it.
GO BRAVES
By Akagi
July 12, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
“And those wins came against good solid teams like St Louis and Cinncinatti (sic).”
Oh really? The Reds had lost 5 in a row before coming to Atlanta—not exactly at that point at solid team wouldn’t you say?
And St. Louis was 2-10 before coming to Atlanta, again not that solid at this point. So the Braves won three out of four against a team that was 0-5 and two out of three against a team that was 2-10. If you look at the last ten games before these three teams came into Atlanta, Baltimore was 3-10, the Reds were 4-6 and St. Louis was 2-8 for a total of 10-24 or .294. So the Braves played .700 over 10 games against teams that had won 10 games in their last 34 attempts—that doesn’t impress me very much. So I guess your definition of solid must be much different than mine.
Now true if the Braves won seven out of ten the entire season they would win 113 games, but they aren’t playing .700 ball for the entire season are they? They are only playing .449 ball which translates into 73 wins and if you look at June-July they are playing .342 ball. If they continue playing the rest of the season as they have so far in June-July they will win only 60 games, not exactly a record that would earn them a spot in the playoffs, either as the wildcard or the division winner.
The Royals have won 13 out of their last 20 or .650 ball, any bets on the Royals being the Al Wildcard? I mean if they Royals played .650 for the entire season they would win 105 games right? But they aren’t playing .650 ball for the entire season and the Braves won’t play .700 for the second half either. Because they aren’t going to be facing teams that are playing less than .300 for the entire second half and when the Braves face real playoff quality teams, they fold like a house of cards.
Neither the Royals nor the Braves are going anywhere in 2006.
By long way to go
July 12, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
I like the optimism, and I am down with that, but I still think we need to make a move somewhere. A closer would be nice, but good luck with that. A left-fielder who can lead off? A first baseman who doesn’t play like he just woke up? Gordon, Crawford, Wickman, [Soriano?!? Uggla?? Turnbow?? Helton??- these are unrealistic, but would be nice, gotta love being the armchair GM] just somebody to give the team a spark. We have the prospects to trade (tons of catchers and SS’s in the minors that will likely not see the field for many years playing behind McCann and Renteria).
I like the lineup okay, but it could be better and will have to better to get in and stay in the wildcard race. We know the bullpen is gonna blow more games for us, and we can’t afford to have so many one run losses, like in the 1st half. The Indians made their run last year with a much weaker staff and bullpen, why not us?!?
And, don’t we have like 50 of our last 70 games at home too? (or something ridiculous like that). hope you all join me in coming out to root root root for the home team when we get ourselves back into this race!!
[ps. I am sure the next chappelle’s have got to be A LOT funnier…: “i sprinkle diamonds on everything i eat”…]. Perhaps this is why he quit?
By ZB Pike
July 12, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Bryan,
Quit whining and learn how to spell…
By KC
July 12, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Chuck: The last “2” years could not possibly be abberitions for Husdon, because he pitched quite well despite injuries. He finished with an ERA of 3.52 and had 14 wins (which would-with-absolute-certainty have been at least 18 wins with a decent bullpen behind him).
We all have to hope that the first half of this season is an abberition, but that’s it. And there’s no way we should consider trading Hudson “now”. To do so would be to surrender any shot at a wild card berth. There won’t be a significant difference between his trade value now, and his trade value this winter.
Now, if we were looking to trade him after next year, then yes, his trade value would be significantly reduced. But even then, we would have no trouble finding a taker. We just wouldn’t get as much in return.
I’m much more concerned with trying to make the strongest possible post-season run this year and next year (before Andruw leaves and Chipper ages any more) than I am concerned about what prospects we could get for Huddy.
By KC
July 12, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
I misspelled “Aberration”. I’m an idiot.
By journalist PENN
July 12, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
WOW, such agony, such ugliness. it occurs to journalist PENN that those who don’t like the way DOB runs this blog might want to look for other blogs.
it also occurs to this observer that those who indulge in filthy language are simply proving to the world that they have a limited vocabulary and an inadequate education. i am certain you gents know to whom i’m referring. i wonder if the ugly writers use such language at their dinner table in front of their wives and daughters or their mothers. i can’t imagine that happening but maybe they do.
now for some baseball.
journalist Bob, my memory tells me that Andruw used to bat with both feet close together. and from that stance he was able to swing at (and miss) all those far outside (and in the dirt) pitches. my memory also says TP got him to widen his stance early in 2005 and it paid big dividends. he is following the same set up this year but with less results.
as for some of the trades that are proposed on these blogs, they do serve to provide amusement for the rest of us. any GM in baseball would trade John Thomson for Freel but NO GM would trade Freel for Thomson. and if he did he would no longer be a GM.
as for as anyone getting dontrelle this year they may as well stop dreaming. below is a link to the ft. liquordale sun-sentinel article which reports the marlins saying they are not interested whatsoever in trading him.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marnot12jul12,0,3886202.story?coll=sfla-sports-front
journalist jimmy smith, those blue worms almost made me lose that bowl of cereal my dear wife forced down my gullet this morning. she said it was punishment for that overly large dinner i ate last night in that chinese place that opened last week. no blue worms but the rest of that stuff was seriously tasty —- must have been the MSG.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Don, I’d guess that just about the entire Latin community would strongly disagree with your statement that comparing Clemente’s accomplishments to Jackie Robinson’s is “a joke.” And your reference to Jew York is simply unfunny and distasteful and should never have made it on this blog. If you think that crap’s funny, go spew it elsewhere. And I’m not being politically correct, I’m being a human being. That crap’s just not going to fly here. Just keep that stuff to yourself and any like-minded friends who don’t find it offensive.
As for Roberto, you ever look at Clemente’s on-field numbers? Ever read up on how much the man gave back to his community? Far, far more than today’s athletes. In the end, he gave his life itself trying to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua, getting on the plane himself when everyone told him not to bother and when a lot of other players and celebrities wouldn’t help him out and go along.
To minimize in any way the man’s accomplishments is just, well, ignorant. The Latin community is a major, major part of baseball. Don’t be dismissive or disrespectful, just because you might not understand the depth of their love and respect for the man. He’s THE GUY for them. The biggest single figure in the game, for most of the Latin players I’ve talked to about the subject. Just give them 15-20 minutes in one All-Star Game to celebrate him. It’s not that big a deal, especially given all the time wasted at these things on far less meaningful things.
Now, to other matters and questions raised by a few of you (if I can remember them all).
Somebody asked about Saltalamacchia. He hasn’t been out a month; just about 2 weeks, with sore wrist that put him on DL. He’ll be back after the minor league All-Star break this week. And he’s having one of the worst seasons I can ever remember for a top-rated prospect. Absolutely horrendous season, hitting under .200 with four homers and a strikeout every 3-1/2 at-bats or so.
Head coach, I about spit up my coffee when I read your suggestion of trading John Thomson for Freel. I mean, you weren’t serious, were you? That’s absolutely ridiculous, beyond the pale. Thomson, a pitcher with several health issues in recent month, not to mention terrible performances for the past month, who’s making $4.75 mill, for Freel? That’s laughable. I’m going to assume you were joking, give you benefit of the doubt.
By Ike
July 12, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Akagi- You had a chance to make a valid point, but it got lost in you being a douchebag. The difference between us and the royals is that they are 25 ½ games back and we are 6 ½ games back. I’m sure you know this, and probably thought it was cute and witty that you could come up with something as brilliant as comparing us to the worst team in baseball to prove your point, and completely misconstrue others’ statistics, but when people read crap like comparing our playoff chances to that of the royals, they usually disregard it as un-credible. But oh, Akagi, how your sarcasm cuts us like a knife! You master of wits you.
And to counter your point: it was an example of the Braves beating teams ahead of us in the wild card race, which is obviously vital. Furthermore, we play fewer than 30 games against teams with winning records the 2nd half of the season.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
One good thing about last night’s All Star game… Schilling wasn’t there, I HATE that arrogant p******k…
By mart
July 12, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Forgive me for cutting in here, but has anyone noticed if the All Star game has started yet? I keep tuning in and only seeing Joe Buck’s mug and a whole lot of commercials.
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys, I need some answers ASAP. I am not a guy to watch All Star Baseball, Football, Basketball or Hockey Games. Last night I watched the whole game. Now the important question…is it me but why didn’t Andruw Jones play last nite or even pinched hit? Was he hurt or something. Yes, Carlos Beltran has better numbers then Andruw but I thought Andruw should have played the last 2 or 3 innings. In the bottom half of the 9th inning Freddie Sanchez was the first batter of the inning against Mo Rivera. The National League needed one run to tie the game and a HR would have done it. Why didn’t he bat for Sanchez. Remember Andruw hit 51 HRS last year and his HR production is pretty good this year. Am I missing something. Also, in reference to Beltran the whole world know Andruw will go down as one of the top 3 fielding outfielders in MLB.
SAM
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys, I need some answers ASAP. I am not a guy to watch All Star Baseball, Football, Basketball or Hockey Games. Last night I watched the whole game. Now the important question…is it me but why didn’t Andruw Jones play last nite or even pinched hit? Was he hurt or something. Yes, Carlos Beltran has better numbers then Andruw but I thought Andruw should have played the last 2 or 3 innings. In the bottom half of the 9th inning Freddie Sanchez was the first batter of the inning against Mo Rivera. The National League needed one run to tie the game and a HR would have done it. Why didn’t he bat for Sanchez. Remember Andruw hit 51 HRS last year and his HR production is pretty good this year. Am I missing something. Also, in reference to Beltran the whole world know Andruw will go down as one of the top 3 fielding outfielders in MLB.
SAM
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Me thinks the boorish Dr. Troy is one of David O’B’s secret admirers. Notice the reason given for visiting the Blog … “I read your blogs to get insight on the TEAM …”. Sounds like respect and admiration to me!
Whether the good doctor is still doing his residency or is a just a permanent resident of the facility with which he is associated is a bit more difficult to discern … but the promises to vacate these environs are a breath of fresh air … reagrdless of their insincerity.
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
July 12, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
The Astros just picked Aubrey Huff from the Devil Rays. Don’t tell me that we couldn’t have swung a deal with some of our guys MLB and Minor league to acquire a bat like his. Schuerholz is asleep at the wheel once again.
By MGL
July 12, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Sam,
It was reported the Garner was going to put Andruw in in the 9th but Andruw said to leave Beltran in as he had a chance to win MVP if the NL won.
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Hey David O’ Brien if you are around….why didn’t Andruw play last night? He at least should have pinched hit for Freddie Sanchez. Please read my above email in ref. to the All Star game.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Sam, I just read an article (maybe on the ATL Braves site?) that quoted Andruw as saying that Garner had asked him if he wanted to play in the NINTH and Andruw told him no, to keep Beltran in. He gave his reason as he wanted Beltran a chance to win the MVP and no, he was NOT injured.
It seems to me (an admitted die-hard Braves fan) that Garner should have put Andruw in at least by the 5th or 6th. From this fan’s standpoint, I sorta think I’d take it as an insult, as a multi-gold glove winner and highly rated center fielder, to be offered the last few minutes (scraps) when Beltran had played all previous innings. I think I would have been very polite, but (to the discerning) very tongue-in-check.
I also believe that subtle baseball politics prevails more than any of us would wish. Just one fan’s thoughts. :-)
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
I know DOB, I agree about the Jew York comment, I apologize for that, I am just angry today for some reason. But I will not back down on the Clemente argument… I agree he was a great guy and he means alot to the latin community, but to retire his number so that NOBODY in baseball can again wear it is laughable. He was a great player on and off the field, but he was not even the first Latin player in baseball! He didn’t break any kind of barrier like Jackie Robinson did or have to endure the on-field harrassment on a nightly basis like Jackie did. I mean, if we’re going to start retiring numbers because they mean so much to a certain race, then where does it stop??? Pretty soon we will be retiring Ichiro’s number for the asian community, and Jason Bay’s number for the Canadian fans… it would get ridiculous!
By Patrick
July 12, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Now that Huff has been traded to Houston. You think will open the flood gates for the trading season to begin? And if the answer is yes, when are we going to start hearing the names of some better bullpen arms coming to Atlanta???
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
oh, the sensitivity today to the ugandan blue worm! jimmy smith did not mean to upset anyone - imagine this revulsion to blue worms in a city where the baseball manager picks his nose nightly on television! how can this be?
various recipes exist for the preparation of ugandan blue worms. they are usually sundried, fried and served with a sauce such as tomato, chilli, cheese or peanut. journalists seem to prefer the cheese sauce. still, this journalist prefers cheese and crackers - no worm.
how would one order a ugandan blue worm at the varsity? blue dog and bag of rags? it will be confusing if someone requires mustard.
it is time for a new blog. this one is in trouble.
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Hey Brooklyn Braves Brawler….John Schuerholz has been asleep the last 2 years and that is why I will not purchase his Braves Book he wrote. Everyone raves of what a great job JS has done for the Braves. But JS what have you done for the Bravos lately…CRAP…and I go back when the Braves were in Boston.
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Carolina Lady & MGL, Thanx for the answer and yes Carolina Lady I agree with you 125% I would be insulted if I was put in the 9th inning. He should have been put in the 6th inning. Oh yes..no one answered my other question….why didn’t Andruw pinch hit for Freddie Sanchez in the 9th inning when they needed a HR to tie the game. The Astro Manager is full of $#*&^@+.
By John B.
July 12, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Sam + Brooklyn, I just want to ask how JS has done crap? I’m guessing if he doesn’t pull off a trade for some megastar, that means he hasn’t done jack sh**? Be happy we don’t have an incompetent moron in the Front Office shipping away our prospects for has beens or never-will-be’s, Kolb being the exception, not the rule. Doesn’t overspend on FA’s who don’t deserve what they get paid. I’d much rather see homegrown talent on this club than some overpaid Vet who might not ever carry his own weight. Not proclaiming him to be the second coming of Christ, but he damn sure isn’t just sitting there doing nothing.
By ZB Pike
July 12, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
You think Andruw could have made the play in center field that let the runs in during the 9th?? He does get a good break on the ball?? Beltran broke late AND took a bad angle on the ball to let the 2nd run score if I am not mistaken. Thoughts?
By Sam
July 12, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Doncoburleone,
I disagree in reference to Curt Schilling. Remember he put up some great numbers when he pitched for the Phillies (he use to beat the Braves pretty steady) plus his years with the Red Sox, He pitched great in 2004 when the Red Sox won the WS plus in the playoffs in 2004. Remember the famous blood on his sock….he pitched pretty great then. Remember lots of great players are jerks including Babe Ruth and a few more..so I think you should rethink your question. He has done alot in Boston for different charities including Lou Gerrig disease….my brother-in-law has that dreadful disease and he lives in the Boston area. So I think you should shut your fat mouth.
By BB
July 12, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
runs would’ve scored if Beltran cut the ball off. It was in the right center gap, and the runner should have gotten a good jump since there were 2 outs. Beltran not cutting it off didn’t change anything.
By ZB Pike
July 12, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks BB…wasn’t sure how close it would have been.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Don, didn’t see the apology. Glad you offered one, at least. Because it’s just not cool to disrespect icons like that, man.
If they did retire his, I think it would stop there. Can’t see anyone else having any kind of impact on such huge segments of the minority population as Jackie and Roberto, ever again. As for Ichiro, what has he done other than be a great player and icon in Japan? Apples and oranges to compare them, I’d suggest. I’ve never heard of Ichiro doing humanitarian missions and putting his life in danger like Roberto, or encountering vicious racial abuse as he bravely knocked down barriers, like Jackie. Just don’t see any comparison whatsoever. So let’s drop it, OK? Cool.
Andruw … don’t know the details other than what you guys have read. I wasn’t there. I’ll talk to him tomorrow in San Diego.
But Garner certainly didn’t do anything to improve his rep as a tactical manager. Can’t BELIEVE Cabrera was in there at third base instead of Rolen in the ninth inning….
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
I can only guess that the LaRoche-bashers on the blog must think it’s still April, since that’s when about HALF of his strikeouts occurred (“LaRoche strikes out too much”, blah, blah, blah). Oh, and “no one wants him”? You think there are 29 other first basemen out there better than this guy??? And “you gotta have big-time production from first base”? Duh, we already get power from center, not a traditional power spot, which negates THAT thesis. 25 and 90 and great defense and you folks want him GONE??? For whom, Wilson Betemit? Puh-leeze.
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
David , I wasnt joking. You would be suprised what some desperate GM’s will do when they are in dire need of pitching. Nor was I joking when I said a fire sale would be my next option. You go drink your coffee and gag and see whats up with Davies ? Thanks.
By Sam
July 12, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Hey John B, You are 1/2 right in your answer. That is what a GM suppose to do is watch his budget and don’t overspend. The Bravos have lots of good minor league players in their farm system (Richmond, Mississippi, Myrtle Beach and Rome)but he’s go to get rid of some players because lots of them will not make it to the Big Leagues. JS, Jr is playing in the Braves minor league and he is batting in the low 200’s
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
oh, and Patrick: No, I don’t see it “opening floodgates.” just talked to a high-ranking official with an NL team, and he doesn’t think there’s going to be a lot of deals before trade deadline.
Braves may do something to shore up bullpen a bit. But there’s nothing active with Betemit and San Diego, from what I’m told.
Howry’s probably not going to be moved. Gordon has a big salary, still owed a lot for what he brings to table.
Williamson is the one I keep coming back to, because it makes sense for Braves and Cubs are definitely going to move him.
Wickman also makes some sense. Not what he used to be, but still an upgrade over what Braves have, for sure, in close role.
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
July 12, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Look. I llike Schuerholz and more koften then not he has done a pretty good job of getting something to help and energize the team down the stretch. The last 2 years however, we have failed or missed on a couple guys i.e. Hollandsworth, Kolb, and Powell. All I am saying is that it is put up or shut up time and the Braves are in a little diffrent position then in years past. We are now chasing instead of being chased. You have to be smarter and do more when you are the predator.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Head coach, didn’t mean to be quite as dismissive as I was. Just that Freel’s hitting .298 with an OBP over .380 and is a good young leadoff hitter. So why would they trade him for a pitcher making $4.75 mill, who’s had four injuries since May 2005, two stints on DL in that span, and is 2-7 with a 5.05 ERA? Why?
Which GM is going to be desperate there, and why? Desperate to get John Thomson? I’m sorry, I’m just not understanding who you’re saying would be desperate, and why? Desperate to dump a young player and add payroll in the form of a struggling pitcher of questionable health?
And you sure have an interesting tact in asking _ rather, telling _ me what to do. If I was as sensitive as you seem to be sometimes, I’d just ignore your requests. But I’m not. Not nearly. So I’ll answer by telling you to read the paper and you’d have seen where I wrote in the game story Sunday, in regards to Thomson’s injury, that Braves don’t expect to have Davies back until August.
So I’ll repeat it again, just for you: Braves expect Davies back in August. His rehab’s going fine, after previous minor setback involving torn scar tissue, they think.
By David O'Brien
July 12, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
I’ll correct myself on Freel _ he’s not young. He’s 30.
But everything else I said stands, and I see no way on earth they couldn’t do a lot better than John Thomson, who’s been every bit as bad or worse than Cincy’s own struggling pitchers.
J.T. has won three games since mid-May 2005. Three.
Free is making $1.3 mill. J.T. is making $4.75 mill. If they make that trade, I’ll eat my laptop.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t know whether or not Clemente’s number should or shouldn’t be retired. Like manyHOF elections, I don’t get a say and it’s a judgement call, anyway. I can tell you this, though: I saw Clemente play throughout the sixties til the end of his career. He was probably the best right fielder I ever saw. The man threw out I don’t know how many runners at first on SINGLES. Best arm I ever saw at the position and the best bad ball hitter of all time. Does this entitle him to the honor of retiring his number? Who knows. The fact is that it will happen. Why can’t we retire Babe Ruth’s number, too. Thanks Ike,you handled Akagi well.
By Calvin
July 12, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Torn scar tissue? That sucks. Speaking of rehabbing pitchers, how is Hampton’s recovery going?
By Chop Chop
July 12, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
I personally think Jackie Robinson’s number shouldn’t be retired. After all, no one can wear his number anymore as a tribute to him. That’s the main reason I don’t think Clemente’s number should be retired. After all, isn’t it better to have players actively showing their respect for guys like Robinson and Clemente by wearing their numbers than to have people bickering over which great players’ numbers should be off-limits for everyone? That’s just my take on it.
By Jim
July 12, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
The biggest mistake that Garner made last night was not putting in Rolen in the late innings for defense. Cabrera never got to bat anyway, and Rolen may or may not have got to that first hit of the 9th inning, but he would have made a better effort than Cabrerra, and may have ended the game right there. (Cabrerra would also have been available to pinch hit in the 9th inning if Garner so chose. Sanchez is from Pittsburg and is leading the league in hitting currently.)
BTW Who did the Astros give up for Huff?
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Ok , I see your point , but dumber things have happened and never underestimate John Schuerholz. So , if Thomson is in our rotation , what does that say about the state of our pitching ? Hypothetically , What would you think the Reds would want want for a player like Freel ? Did you see the Rome is burning show on ESPN ? that knucklehead actually had the balls to criticise VLad Guerrero for hitting a 98 mph shoulder high fastball out of the park for a homerun in the all-Star game last night. Guerrrero doesnt have a strike zone , he is the best badball slugger in baseball , if a pitch is in reach of his bat he can hit it out. And excuse my lunatic sense of humor , its been a bad day today , its 95 degrees and my ac is out.
By Calvin
July 12, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Jim, The ‘Stros gave up a couple of minor leaguers for Huff.
By bigboi
July 12, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Dave is it true that the Bravos maybe signing Slamming Sammy Sosa to play left field and platoon at first base? I just heard and was wondering if it was true.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
Head Coach-Why are you so gung ho on getting an outfielder or leadoff man. Pitching has been our problem. Even I think it is highly unlikely all of the bats will die at the same time again. Giles has been playing with that broken finger, but the stance adjustments have worked. Langerhans was playing hurt also, but has heated up considerably. Same with Thorman.By your own admission, you have concerns about the rotation and the bullpen. Don’t you think pitching is a much higher priority? If you still think the outfield option is necessary, can’t we better address it in the offseason?
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
They gave up two minor leaguers for Aubrey huff , which supports my argument that crazy lopsided trades do happen. They traded a pitcher(Mitch Talbot) and an infielder(Ben Zobrist).
By Jim
July 12, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
We are not loaded with prospects!!! Look at the records of the AAA and AA teams to help confirm this. Salty, as DOB posted, is having a terrible year and his prospect status (and the return value in a trade) may be greatly diminished. Most of our has either just reached AA or is in A ball, and it is hard to determine how a young player is going to develop as he moves into the higher classifications. We need to restock our organization, not deplete it for marginal talent.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I was going to suggest that we retire one number in recognition of the likes of Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige … My guess is that their talents were superior to those of Mr. Robinson but I don’t want to open up another can of the big blue wrigglers.
Jackie was also talented and endured a lot for those in the Negro Leagues and opened doors through which many others followed … It was exciting whenever he was on base always a chance that he’d try to steal Home. I’ve noticed that there aren’t many good pictures of Cool Papa running the bases … his image is usually blurred. I wouldn’t want to try to make a living facing Paige, pitching to Gibson, or trying to throw out Bell.
All baseball fans should be proud that Roberto Clemente played the game … a true great … player, role model, and humanitarian … he was a rare individual and would I strongly support any tribute to such a man, regardless of his origins.
By paluka
July 12, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
DOB: earlier in spring training I think I read something about Cleveland being interested in Ryan Langerhans. Would they still be, and if so could we get Rafael Bentencourt from them? I know he is not the greatest name out there, but there isn’t much out there to begin with and Bentencourt seems to have a pretty good arm and Langerhans can be replaced with Scott Thorman for now.
By Akagi
July 12, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
The Braves have 25 games with teams above .500, but since the Braves are 15-18 (.456) against the teams they must face that are below .500 that doesn’t give one a great deal of confidence in their chances the second half. And my pointing out that the Royals have played .650 ball for the last twenty games is no more ridiclous than saying “Look the Braves played .700 ball for ten games against three teams that went 10-24 the last ten games. Yeah Hoo, uncork the champaigne” Color me not impressed.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe NO SPORTS tonight, sad…
By hk
July 12, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
… really good blog today, kind of a ‘hot stove league’ in the middle of the summer … I had speculated that volume would fall off a good bit this week, but on the contrary … took a good while to get caught up reading here, then reloaded, 57 additional messages in the last hour or so !!! ….
… minor point on Andruw not playing, we have all been conditioned through the years to seeing everybody getting to play in this game … well, thinks to Mr Selig, mgrs now have to keep a few guys on the bench in reserve to try to win, particularly in close games like last night …
By krath
July 12, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
I know Tampa Bay has the rep of wanting a king’s ransom for anyone they have. They have been rumored in numerous trades the last few years that never materialized simply because they were asking rediculous returns for their goods. With the new management in place there, maybe they wised up as to what real market value is.
For a 100 rbi a year guy, the price Houston paid for Huff seemed pretty reasonable. Reports are they gave up a quality arm (but not their top prospect) and a mid level infielder.
Reading the story on ESPN.com I thought Houston’s GM philosophy 180 degrees different from Atlanta’s. I”ll post the quotes:
“Purpura said Huff’s arrival could also affect third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who has also struggled at the plate. Besides third base, Huff has also played first base and the outfield.
“Obviously it will cut into [Ensberg’s] playing time,” he said. “We’re in a position where we have to start moving forward. We can’t give bats to players because they have been in that spot before. We have to get production and performance out of our players.”
They are in the chase and aren’t waiting for players to produce. We’re talking about players who have produced in the recent past and have playoff experience! (Ensberg and Jason Lane)
It’s interesting just how patient Atlanta is with some of their personnel who have been around 3 or 4 years and still aren’t producing on a regular basis. Maybe the Braves are too patient sometimes. Maybe the Astros are too impatient.
I suppose the final result will indicate whose philosophy is the more valid.
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
Lew , its part of the problem. Before Giles there was Furcal , Grissom , Sanders and Nixon. they could all fly , run , steal a base and create havoc on the basepaths. Giles cant do that. The reason Giles is in the leadoff hole is because we have no other options. Which , again begs the question ? how can we compete like this ? WE are +11 in the stolen base department with an offense that has struck out 666 times . Third worst in the majors. Thats my point.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Hey, DOB, do think that possibly the scouts that the Braves have had looking at the Indians is for Guillermo Mota and not Bob Wickman? I know Mota used to be a Dodger and he was very effective for them as a setup man for Gagne a couple years back. You think maybe JS is thinking a return to the NL can rejuvinate his career like it did for Renteria???
By Wes (Atlanta)
July 12, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
1.) I don’t know why we are talking about trading Betiment. To anyone. Have you seen him play? If nothing else, he is the best utility guy in the NL, and I really think he should be taking grounders at first in practice…
2.) Why, DOB and everyone else, is no one dealing with the real issue from last night, that a reliver from San Diego costs the Mets (or any other NL team that finishes with a better record than an AL team …. so we are really just dealing with the Mets) a chance at home field in the World Series? How can it be justified that, despite their accomplishments this season, they have NO chance at home field due to the results of an exhibition game?
Is no one worried about Selig running baseball into the ground?
I am.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
Plus Mota averages about a strikeout per inning, something the Braves desperately need in their bullpen… I’d rather have this guy than Wickman, plus he’s cheaper and I’m sure we wouldn’t have to give up anything more than a mid-level prospect..
By TennesseePaul
July 12, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering where those minor leaguers ranked in the Houston system. Where they top prospects, or where they mid-level. Can’t fathom them being gutter level. Tampa Bay loves to demand your first born in any trade. But, they really couldn’t with Huff. Huff is a free agent at the end of the year…
“I don’t see ourselves being out of the division race,” Sabean said, then noted, “We’re trying to win the division. We’re probably going to have to tweak things to do so.”
—GM of the Giants
I like this guy’s attitude. He knows they probably, most likely won’t win the WS with the team they have, but he’s shooting for the Division anyway instead of selling off everything and everyone for a bunch of unproven youngsters with little to no major league experience. On top of that, 6 position players are free agents along with several pitchers. I have a feeling that the Giants team is going to be a few years from contending what with the rebuilding of the Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks and Rockies being several years ahead.
Akagi: The Royals comparison still doesn’t work in any way what-so-ever. They’re in the AL Central which is hands down the best division in baseball in the best league in baseball. The Braves are in the weakest division in baseball in the weakest league in baseball and only 6.5 games out of the wild card. On top of that, the Braves were playing over .500 ball all the way up until June. Now they’re playing .500+ ball again, making June the abirition, not the norm.
By Joe Roman
July 12, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t get to this blog as often as I probably should. Dave, but your intros are excellent! Thanks for the pean to George Jones and REAL country music. These days, any jerk with a cowboy hat and rudimentary guitar skills gets hyped as a country music god. Don’t get me started on the women. The numbers crunch on the other wild card wannabes was telling. They’ve all got one other problem. They ain’t got Bobby Cox.
By hk
July 12, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady,
… glad you’re back !! … A Nobody told us that you had a slight setback, maybe trying to do too much too soon … you are in most excellent form today, that ‘deer-hart’ observation is marvelous … take it easy now this time :))
… sorry to hear that Fox Sports Net is not broadcasting the Braves over your way, an ill omen … I had hoped that Fox would team up with Liberty (or whoever buys the Braves) to expand their Braves coverage next year, maybe employ Skip, Pete, Joe and company in the process, keep ‘America’s team’ alive … looks like our only hope at this point is Arthur Blank …
By krath
July 12, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
I understand the pitcher was a good arm and the infielder in the trade was a “mid” level hand.
Oh….and Tampa Bay sent cash to the Astros in the deal to take care of part of Huff’s salary.
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Good afternoon, everyone! The blog seemes a bit testy today, as to be expected in this withering heat and with no sporting events to speak of. The naughty Grinch got into my liquor cabinet last night and drank all my Stoli. I humbly apologize to those up late enough to have endured my incoherent rambling. Journalist Bob, buttermilk did indeed do the trick; I was snoozing comfortably within minutes. And ChopThis, I must agree there are few who understand post-relationship pathos greater than George Jones. He is responsible for several of the fat spots accumulating on my liver. Anyhoo, I’ve got to go and make up some of the work I missed out on sleeping late today; I’ll stick my nose back in later this evening. Perhaps everyone will be friendlier to one another when the temp goes down and the cold beer flows!
By TennesseePaul
July 12, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
Ah, hk reminded me, DOB is there any word or rumor that you’ve heard about the Braves creating their own network? Is there already a network? I could be way out of touch on that part.
Without the Braves on TBS on a regular schedule, I’ll be reducing my bills and removing most of the channels I get, TBS being one of them (I can own the Seinfeld DVDs and I really don’t care to see Tomb Raider any more. Not to mention that TV bloopers “show” they always play). I certainly hope so. MLB.tv isn’t as impressive as I would hope.
By unknown journalist about to go into hiding
July 12, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
three texas surgeons were playing golf and discussing surgeries that they had performed.
one of them said, “i’m the best surgeon in texas. a concert pianist lost 7 fingers in an accident, i reattached them and 8 months later he performed a private concert for the queen of england.”
one of the other surgeons said; “that’s nothing. a young man lost both arms and legs in an accident, i reattached them and 2 years later he won a gold medal in field events in the olympics.”
the third surgeon said; “you guys are amateurs. Several years ago a cowboy rode a horse into a tunnel and ran head-on into a train traveling 80 miles an hour. All I had left to work with was the horse’s azs and a cowboy hat. he has some toe problems now but still plays a pretty good third base.”
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
Carolina lady, if you’re confined to Orioles broadcasts, at least you still get to see “Rockin’ Leo!” DonC, I think Mota would be a good fit, too. And Joe Roman, has any genre of music fallen farther than country in the last 20 years? Most of these fruits are from California and probably got their “country upbringing” from watching “Young Guns.” And the women are mostly ex-underwear models who are singing through the same harmonizing effects machines that make no-talent tarts like Britney Spers sound at least passable. All of them (male an female) with very few exceptions are only making it in country ‘cause they missed out in pop. “Just change your hat” is the advice they get from their agents. The one reality show I’d condecend to watch would be dragging these imposters out to a ranch for a weekend and seing if any of the guys could actually ride a horse or plow behind a mule, or if any of those waif-like strumpets could cook a decent plate of biscuits from scratch. I’d tune in for that.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Mark Bowman is smokin something, he said his prediction for the second half is that ATL acquires a “top notch” starter and wins the wild card… And exactly who is this top notch starter??? Does he really think we have a shot at Willis or Zito?
By The Grinch
July 12, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Hee-hee! Good one, Unknown Journalist! On that note, I must temporarily depart. Later, all.
By TennesseePaul
July 12, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
has any genre of music fallen farther than country in the last 20 years?
Sometimes I think it’s a race between “country” and main stream rock, what with Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Boobastank, and the likes.
By Chop Chop
July 12, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
Top notch starter the Braves will acquire:
Royals All-Star pitcher Mark Redman.
The man’s an All-Star, folks. Can’t argue with that reasoning.
Dayton will give him to us for Yunel Escobar and Kyle Davies. What a steal.
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
July 12, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
For all the good moves that JS has made, he has screwed the pooch on his share. I’d kill to Jermaine Dye, Mike Cameron, Nick Green and Roman Colon during various times within this 14 year run. Have that being said, trading is tricky and very rarely do trades workout for either team. Most of JS’s success have been through the farm system which he inherited early and groomed late with a awesome scouting and farm dept. I think that you have to take chances and overpay to get talent sometimes. Our role is different and our situation is different. I still hold out hope of winning the division but a big time push is needed to provide a spark. We have good momentum now but we have to feed off of that and carry it over. To be quite honest I don’t care where the move comes from or where it helps i.e. the bullpen or the lineup but you have to show the guys in the clubhouse that the time is now and the front office is doing all it can. You worry about next year, NEXT YEAR.
If I see LaRouche and his A.D.D having .250 BA take one mor called strike with 2 on and nobody out, I will personally hide his meds and lock him in his locker until we are 1st in the wildcard. I’ve heard varing reports of trades on the wire don’t know the validity:
Giles Larouche for Cano (Like this one better)
Langerhans for Cano (fat chance) Giles Pavano
Betemit for Linebink
Pratt for Middle relief of some kind
Bringing up Brayan Pena Bringing Martin Prado
Love the Braves,
Thoughts
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, I think you may have to put heavy metal in that category… Oh for the day’s of Metallica, Slayer, AC/DC and Megadeath…
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
BrooklynBravesBrawler (good name by the way) there is noooo way we get anything for Pratt. Langerhans for Cano won’t happen, neither will Betemit for Linebrink. Giles and LaRoche for Cano is probably doable, but do we really want to give up two starters for one .300 line drive hitter? And Pavano for Giles… Unless Pavano has had huuuge strides towards a recovery I certainly wouldn’t do it. Not to mention the Yankees would have to pay at least half his salary for JS to consider that trade…
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Hi, HK! Thanks for the welcome and good words! A Nobody and my cousin have done yeoman’s duty helping me out. There’s no way anybody could ever say Thank You! enough or repay them for all they’ve done and are still doing! Beautiful and good people!
I loved the exchanges with cousin Jimmy et al back during the hartebeest-crow posts! Great fun!
Recovery: the docs told me it was going to be months before I could expect to be back to ‘normal’ - and I thought “Yeah, right!” Well, I guess they have all those diplomas for good reason. But the hardest thing in the world for me to do is to just sit! I’ve done as much as I can keeping mentally active, but my body isn’t used to this inactivity. I thought I could do some things, but found out pretty soon that I couldn’t. That’s just plain aggravating! (Makes me appreciate my Mother’s state more. She’s had 4 strokes and can do almost nothing now without assistance. How can I complain when I’m in so much better shape than is she?? There’s always someone so much worse off, so I’ll keep my complaints and impatience to myself……as best I can!) :-))
What’s new on the charts and graphs??
By gatorhater
July 12, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Great blog today.
to whomever was saying “there aren’t 29 first baseman better than Laroche…”
Let’s see how many we can name:
Howard, Delgado, Johnson, Pujols, Berkman, Lee, Garciapara, Casey (close, but Casey is a proven vet), Dunn, Helton.. and that’s just the NL.
I don’t think he is the WEAKEST link on the team (far from bullpen needs), but is one of them.
Just my thought, though i know it is unrealistic to think any trades for 1B will happen. I like Thorman though. Good stick, enthusiasm and energy. All things this young team thrives on.
By Akagi
July 12, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
Yes, only 6.5 games out but here is the part you Braves sycophants leave out, the Braves are in 9th place. That means there are 8 teams the Braves need to leap-frog over. The Braves were 25-28 on May 31, that is below .500. For the entire month of April and May, 53 games, the Braves were above .500 for only 11 of those games. They played below .500 for April (10-14 .417) and June (10-14 .417) They did play above .500 in May (18-11 .621) but were still below .500 for almost the entire month, and finished the month below .500. As for July, we shall see, at this point they are 6-3 (.667), but I’d keep my champagne on ice for now.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
Don-Now you’re speaking my musical language. Just finished listening to Hanoi Rocks and Vain. The Cano for LaRoche and Giles may actually be somewhat interesting. I’d like to keep Betemit and Langerhans. They are great bench players if nothing else, and we really need to keep a strong bench.
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Journalist Penn, brother Bill Buckley would probably have said it a bit differently but you do have a way with words.
However, while I have for many moons echoed your remarks on filthy language engagement, and continue to so do … it occurs to me that those of limited education should be expected to refrain from such behavior as well … as do many.
The dependence on confrontational dialog and vulgar abuse of the language; especially in this venue with our veiled identities, are complex weaknesses and sometimes difficult to understand … I truly pity those so afflicted … and thankfully, boorish behavior is never truly rewarding or satisfying and is only rarely incurable.
If memory serves, one of FDR’s favorite passages was “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” … I know it’s a stretch, but I suggest that such behavior is a “childish” thing and I would hope that those who so engage would put it away!
Penn, what you say about Andruw is true … except I think that TP was more more support than catalyst … I think the narrower stance facilitates greater swing flexability and better bat control … but to be successful, it’s still critical to stay connected.
However, for Andruw, I think the connected, wider stance is preferable … nevertheless, there’s something fundamentally wrong with any setup that results in the player routinely losing his balance, which I don’t remember from 2005 … especially if it’s to the extreme of his falling down.
You may have opened little Miss Pandora’s Box or Jimmy’s can of Ugandan Blues … with your comments on proposed Trades. I find most of them amusing but I am both bemused and amused by the extent to which attitudes change as a result of short term performance.
One thing’s for sure … with such a diversity in opinions … someone will certainly be able to point with pride … albeit false and say “I told you so!”
By geauxbraves2000
July 12, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
I’ve read alot today about the Braves having a chance at the WC, which I truly think they do, and alot about how the Braves are done and have no chance at all. Well, I just can’t understand that philosphy. Sure, if the Braves do go 2-8 in their next 10 then maybe they are done, but I don’t think that is going to happen. I know the Braves have to pass a bunch of teams, but they are only 6 1/2 out. They could catch up with Philadelphia tomorrow and even possibly pass Milwaukee within the next 10 games, then there are only four teams to pass. One team at a time. The Braves have an excellent chance at this thing.
Geaux Braves!!
By Ron Roberts
July 12, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
I have my hunch why Andruw didn’t play last night, and I’d been telling my co-workers in the office ever since Sunday that I sorta worried about this anyhow….
…then man fell to his knees not once, but twice (that I noticed) in Sunday’s game when he swung. He did it in an earlier at-bat that the TBS guys replayed and I swear, the way his ankle bent, it had to hurt at least a little. When he hit the homer, he did it again, and ya have to believe doing it again didn’t exactly improve his ankle.
I think Garner kept Andruw out as a courtesy, pure and simple. Andruw needed rest, not acclaim. I seriously believe (whether the Braves or Andruw wanna say it or not) that his right ankle was bothering him during and after Sunday’s game; usually 3-4 days off it will do it more good than anything else, and lo and behold, what’d he get? Three days’ rest going into the 2nd half.
Just my observation.
By Lew
July 12, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
Ron-I agree, I think he’s been playing on a hurt ankle. His loss of balance and his seeming lack of hustle down the line may well be indications. He’s also been bailing out on that low outside pitch. He laid off of it much of last year. He is definitely not being as selective as in 05 which accounts for his strikeout total. Journalist Bob-Your points are well made. I think that most of us are such huge Braves’ fans that sometimes we just let our emotions get the best of us. Look at MBATL-he hasn’t been back yet.
By geauxbraves2000
July 12, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Nice observation Ron. I saw him falling and I saw his ankle turn, but I never thought about him being hurt. It really didn’t break my heart to see him not play, and I cringed when I saw McCann running down the line with his sore ankle.
The All Star game needs to be an exhibition. This “This One Counts” crap take all the fun away from the game. You can’t enjoy it now, it’s a must win game that shouldn’t be.
I had 3 cents, now I only have 1.
Geaux Braves
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
gatorhater, what are your “good first baseman” criteria?
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
gatorhater, think you might have missed my point on LaRoche. Bashers on the blog are the ones basically saying that no one would want the guy in a trade, ergo, every other team must have a better 1B, yes? We both know that’s clueless on the face of it, don’t we? And if you have to reach for Casey and Dunn as superior first basemen, I believe you’ve kinda made my point for me. In any event, it’s not that I’m such a big fan of Adam LaRoche, but I absolutely HATE it when logic fails to impede the travels of the righteously wrong.
By hk
July 12, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady,
… well, this might sound crazy, but the thing that has helped me hugely over the last 20 years (I’m 73) is pushups against the kitchen counter … got the idea from one of those dumb half hour paid for commercials … they had top athletes, old guys, young mothers, etc all giving testimonials … tried it, started with five, I think, gradually built up over the years … it’s supposed to help all the organs in your torso one way or another, and has greatly accelerated the healing process with me a number of times, various ailments … I’ve got a bit of ‘ornery’ in me, expect you do to, that helps :))
… on charts, you probably saw this, Braves have a much easier schedule the rest of the season (opponents composite of 114 games under .500 vs 3 under first half of season) … predicted wins and losses for each series rest of the way, came out 85-77 end of year …
click here if you didn’t see it
By Akagi
July 12, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves:
I agree about the All-Star Game. The “this-one counts” fiasco is mindless. Although as a AL Fan since the AL has owned the NL for 9 years, this format is pleasing for that reason. In fairness either it should go back to how it was which is alternating between the AL and NL or have the team with the best record have advantage. Not that home field is that much of advantage. Examples, Blue Jays split in Minnesota in 1991 and got swept at Skydome in the AL Championship and the Braves are 0-5 at home in the WS against the Yankees.
By ChrisinPA
July 12, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
THIS MAY DO NO GOOD, BUT PLEASE STOP WATCHING SEINFIELD, FRIENDS, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND and ALL THE OTHER SHOWS THAT SEEM TO BE MORE IMPORTANT TO TURNER SPORTS - BRAVES COMPLETELY OFF OF TBS IS A JOKE!
I’d rather watch the WNBA AllStar game - their you go TBS - go buy the WNBA contract!!
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
HK, if I had been managing, I probably would have wanted to keep a few guys on the bench too … in an effort to win … but it probably would have been different guys.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks, HK! I’ll give that a try, and I’m off to the graph in a moment!
Scoots, “but I absolutely HATE it when logic fails to impede the travels of the righteously wrong.” BRAVO!!! Excellent!! :-)))))
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Scoots, I would applaud “I absolutely HATE it when logic fails to impede the travels of the righteously wrong” but fear I might later find myself being hoisted on that faithful pitard of mine.
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
I sure hope Chuck James B!tch can keep it up in the second half… I for one am going to wait to pass judgement on his abilities. Remember how Davies came up last year and tore it up in his first 5 starts or so? I think he allowed like 2 ER in his first 25 innings or something like that. And granted, he seems to be a good pitcher, just not that good, know what I mean? When are we going to get a young prospect that throws 98 or 99 MPH with a wicked slider? We need more strikeout pitchers now, MAZZONE IS GONE!!!
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
Bob, I too might find myself on that pitard, but that was such an excellent use of language and turn of phrase that I just had to applaud him. Well done!
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
hey, Bob, seems I read a post the other day in which someone complained about YOUR ability to turn a phrase, bubba! I didn’t have the opportunity at the time, but I’ll remind you that “Elegant use of the English language is no cause for apologia, bur rather exultation.” That’s you all over, dude.
By jch
July 12, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
DOB The white mansions album is the story of the civil war.. an album with jessie and waylon has to be great… sell it at barnes and noble.com Great album but more of a period of the civil war — excellent to have in library one you will go back to over and over
By DonCoburleone
July 12, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
DOB What do you think of Mota???
By hk
July 12, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob,
… maybe so … I watch guys faces on the bench alot, did so with Andruw that last couple of innings … saw no trace of concern, only a look that he wanted his guys to win … of course, that’s just the way he is …
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bob, besides…we’ve disagreed on any number of things, as I recall, but I don’t think either of us hold blindly to a perception or opinion when faced with evidence to the contrary. And, man, we baseball fans can be as dogmatic as any zealot, and I certainly include myself in THAT bunch!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
all this talk of zealots, hartebeests, pitards, and blue worms reminds journalist jimmy smith of home. that’s right, cordele - watermelon capital of the world. do you know how hot it is in cordele right now? only cold watermelon can cure the summer heat doldrums. now, trades … jimmy smith remembers in 1993 that the braves brought in mcgriff and made the run, that was significant but today the team has different issues. if the braves are to make the run that will win the wild card (or the little sign) they must have more pitching. true, the young pitchers are doing pretty well - and the pen is improved - but this team is a strong arm or two away from being ready to make the playoffs. remember, too, that smoltz’s arm could fall off at any time if he keeps churning out the innings. why would he ever leave a game now if he has a lead? will js bring us one or two more pitchers?
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
jjs, you speak true, but what pitchers? It would appear that the arms that could realistically make a significant difference just aren’t available. I can think of a lot of guys I’d like to see in a Braves’ uni, but I’m not so delusional that I think we can actually GET them. Do you have some ideas on specific personnel?
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000,
Lord knows that I don’t have much sense but here’s my one to go with the one you have remaining …
The All Star game has become an exhibition … it used to “count” for league pride, bragging rights, and all that once was the National Pastime. Trust me when I tell you it counted!
But “familiarity breeds contempt” as any
Dorothy Parker, I mean Sam Clemens buff knows … and those days are gone for ever! Baseball used to be an enteraining sport … now it’s a sporting form of entertainment.
Notions that the game counts are misguided … as are the notions that the Home Run Derby, as structured, is anything but a farce.
Some players feel honored to be selected to play in the game … but the selection process is so biased as to make it a dubious distinction to be so honored. Now, to be selected by the managers and players in your league to represent them against the dastardly villians from the other league … that would be an real honor.
The All Star Game made some sense before the illogical advent of Interleague Play … but now, the only thing I can see that is less relevant is the WBC.
Differing opinions make horse races … but though ours certainly do differ, the result is the same … it appears that we both think they’ve taken the fun out of the game.
By Josh
July 12, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
We can talk about this road trip all we want, and yes it is huge…….but the real tell-tale sign will be the MONTH OF AUGUST. The Braves have one of the weakest schedules imaginable in August, 6 vs. Pit, 7 vs. Washington…..plus series against Philly, Cincy, and Milwaukee. That month they need to win 20 games AT LEAST to have a shot @ the Wild Card.
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
I personally blame the current state of baseball on the players’ union. All that solidarity, etc. How are you supposed to throw one at a guy’s Adam’s apple with you’ve just been hanging with him at a meeting chaired by Donald Fehr? LOL
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, what’s the inside story with AJ? Did he refuse to pinch hit or not?
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
My Lady, it indeed heartwarming to find you in good spirits and in such good form!
Scoots can certainly turn a phrase with the best of them … while being succinct … and he passes out the highest of compliments. The man has presence!
I see HK’s prescribing push ups again without a license. I always suggest sleeping in the tub … that way, you can just turn on the hot water in the morning, relax your muscles, and soak those aches and pains right out of your body before you start your day.
Speking of which, I’ll be back after a few minutes in the aforementioned!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
scoots, jimmy smith does not know (1) who will be available, or (2) who js would part with, but journalist does know that the braves need more pitching strength. who knows what will happen? jimmy smith finds it hard to believe that js hasn’t already done something significant. in fairness, yates, stockman, parontoe, ray, and barry make the pen better but there are still holes and the starters are very fragile. this team knows how to win with great to very good pitching. not sure they have enough right now to get it done - though it looks better than june, huh?
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Scoots, there’s a lot of blame to be handed out, but you make an excellent point.
Just my opinion, but I feel the game has been ‘cheapened’ by efforts to make it ‘marketable’ by TV sports networks. Events such as the All-Star game are now full of negative distractions like intrusion announcers and commentators who want to BE the story and show themselves off (“Look at me and how important I am”), a mostly commercial venture with a little baseball thrown in, all geared towards being a SHOW instead of a SHOWCASE for the game and it’s supposed best players.
I still love your earlier phrase! Excellent!
Cousin Jimmy, got some de-li-ci-ous cold watermelon right here! Love the stuff!!
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
jimmy, especially when you consider the five guys you mention weren’t on the opening day roster. So, indeed, JS has made moves to shore up the bullpen, just not via trades. Frankly, most teams have the same bullpen-depth problems…you’re lucky, I think, to have 3 solid guys down there at any time during the year. So, except for the inexperience (and that IS a big concern), overall the ‘pen doesn’t look that bad. But, I’m like you, I’d like to see a couple of proven lockdown guys in there at crunch time.
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you a yankee-boy or a southerner? Where are you from?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
journalist bob, do not fall asleep in the bathtub! perhaps you are familiar with the song lyrics “I fell asleep in the bathtub and turned into a duck.” if you are not familiar you should still never fall asleep in the tub where you are succeptible to drowning and to practical jokes. now, blue worms - there has been much conversation today on the blue worm and considerable nausea brought on by the discussion. jimmy smith promises not to bring up the blue worm again tomorrow. now, pitching again … jimmy smith would not trade any young pitcher at this time. it seems smart to keep the young arms for the future.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Good evening, journalist Bob! Thank you, kind sir! And it’s always a pleasure to see you, as well!
I’ve been hard-pressed to find something to do with myself today - and have been on the computer doing this and that most all day.
This “resting” is wearing me out! :-))
By Joe Roman
July 12, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Good call, Grinch!! I said, “Don’t get me started.”. So, I’m glad I got you started. It ain’t nothin’ new. That story about Nashville telling Dwight Yoacum that he was “too country” is the God’s truth. I was still in the biz then. That’s why Yoakum was signed out of L.A. Sure, he’s highly indebeted to Buck Owens, but he freely admits it. Many believe religiously that Roy Acuff is the anti-Christ. He’s the one who turned Nashville into B.S. Some believe he had Hank Williams rubbed out. Trust me. Nashville is worse than Vegas when it comes to watering down entertainment.
By ncscoots
July 12, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
CL, I don’t know that I can go with the pushups against the kitchen counter for you, but if resting is what you are supposed to do, then please do so. Maybe you can try some isometrics while you’re sitting. And search that Web for all the interesting things you wanted to know more about anyway!
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
Scoots, before I go, which bunch … fan or zealot? Here! Here! Fehr or Flood … both have had their influence on the game.
I rather doubt that our Lew Burdett, Bob Gibson, Bob Feller or either Dean would have had too much trouble. I never cease to be amazed at those folks who get upset when the pitcher throws it high and inside, including the players.
What was once routine and expected is now rare and criticised … just as the arts of hitting and pitching were once integral parts of the game … GWTW.
Selah.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
Hi, Scoots! I’ve played Solitaire and a bunch of other games - I’ve cleaned out files - I’ve defragged and all that other maintenance stuff - I’ve rearranged folders - I’ve searched for recipes - I’ve checked back on the blog from time to time - I’ve read a lot of articles on everything from cabbages to Kings - I’ve caught up on correspondance -
Now what am I going to do tomorrow???
:-))
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
that last post may not have been from journalist bob, but from the old journalist posing as journalist bob. tell-tale signs include nostalgia and reference to gwtw, besides, bob is asleep in the bathtub.
now, carolina lady … hk is wise in the ways of statistical inference but must not be relied upon for recuperation therapy. jimmy smith thinks pushups ill-advised until the hartebeest returns from the mountain. know about that, right?
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
:-))) Lordy, Jimmy, I’m almost afraid to ask! :-))) OK, tell me about it!
By hk
July 12, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
… have been listening to the conversation back and forth over the last few months about Chipper’s intelligence … came up with some criteria for trying to guess at that, turns out there are a lot of things that go into it besides being skillful in front of the press corps, which often is all we have to go by … graded all the players out, but in the many instances where I haven’t a clue, just put down a ‘75’ … the only two guys I had a fairly good feel for were Smoltz, who is generally considered to be pretty bright, and Chipper …
click here for chart
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
hartebeest are mainly found in medium and tall grasslands, including savannas. a hartebeest that has been recently removed to coastal carolina (sound familiar?) likely will be drawn to the mountains for summer holiday. jimmy smith would guess appalachian mountains in this instance -perhaps via interstate 40. journalist suspects if you have not seen the hartebeest in a few days he may well be on the way to the mountain climes for cooler weather and craft fairs. the hartebeest is fond of appalachian music - fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, and toothless whistle. in a few weeks the hartebeest will tire of the mountains and will wind its way back to its new coastal home. by then, perhaps push-ups will be more in order. by then, perhaps the braves will be in second place in the east and closing in on first place. and so, the hartebeest returns from the mountain.
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you a yankee-boy or a southerner? Where are you from?
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
Well, I sure wish he had let me know and taken me with him! The car has a/c and would be a lot more comfortable than hoofin’ it for 500 miles and another 500 back. I just hope he’s careful ‘cause I40 doesn’t have a very good safety record!
Just heard a commotion on the back deck and went to check. Some of the baby raccoons think a plant stand I have out there makes a perfect jungle gym - and they’ve knocked the plants off and and turned it over. Again.
Wish you could see them! So tiny, and indescribably precious! The total of new babies for this year is 12, the most we’ve had in a long time!
By luke the drifter
July 12, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
A few things…
garth brooks typifies what johnny cash called “watered down country”, basically pop music.
example of how far it has dropped? Johnny Cash being dropped from RCA/Columbia Records in the 80’s. He MADE that label.
who cares about the all-$tar game anyway? it was much better when fred lynn was in the OF for the AL and Murphy was holding it down in CF for the NL
watch the “hurt” video by johnny and june carter cash. it is a song by the Nine inch Nails guy trent reznor that Cash recorded for Rick Rubin’s label American Recordings- just watch and listen…..
if you like HANK check out ALONE AND FORSAKEN..the lead singer from the 80’s band “THE THE” gives th intro ..HANK and CASH=real country.
GO BRAVES, laroche is a darn good #7 hitter, betemit needs to play EVERYDAY (he can play D anywhere on the field and we need his bat from both sides of the plate)
Finally, i dont care how good a defensive cathcer or pitcher handler TODD PRATT is.. if he is batting .208 he should retire. we have many catchers all the way down to Single-A ball that can hit better and we ill not make the playoffs with an AUTOMATIC OUT evertime he ATTEMPTS an at-bat…dont really care if he will make a good coach in the future either..i want the bravos to win…NOW
By Head Coach
July 12, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
Guys , Robinson Cano is on the DL. Injured players cant be traded. We are 40-49 and in no position to be trading our top prospects , if anything we should be sellers in a buyers market.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
from baby raccoons to johnny cash. ain’t the blog wonderful?
hk, you have done it now! you have proved chipper’s high intelligence (wink, wink) and now the path is clear for mbatl to return to the blog. this is a very considerate thing that you have done. jimmy smith notices that chipper was found to be less articulate than those for whom english is not the native language - but what the hey! he graded smart, so he must be smart. now, mbatl, come back to the blog.
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you a yankee-boy or a southerner? Where are you from?
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
HK, once upon a time I was faced with several TV cameras and microphones in my face, questions (probably regarded as “deep” by the questioner) that just didn’t merit much of an answer being asked.
All the while, my mind racing while I thought “I don’t want to answer that - what do I say - how are they going to edit this and what will it sound like when they’re done - etc”. While all that was going on, I was standing there, probably looking real dumb, saying, “Uhhhh…well………”. I’ve never been so uncomfortable in my life!
Afterward, I thought, Now why on earth didn’t I just say THIS…..or THAT. Having had that experience, I cut Chipper a lot of slack because I wonder if maybe he too is just very uncomfortable being interviewed. Do I wish he could be articulate and not speak in a dull monotone? Yep! But been there, done that, and got the T-shirt myself so I can’t fault him for what I couldn’t do either. Some people can carry it off, some can’t. I don’t think it has much to do with intelligence at all. Just my thoughts! :-)
Loved your chart, BTW!
By journalist PENN
July 12, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
journhalist BOB, i do agree with your observation about Andruw. i don’t remember him falling down last year either. come to think of it i’ve only seen him doing that in recent weeks. could that be connected to a possible sore ankle? i’ve also noticed him going less than “all out” down the first base line lately. of course he is getting a bit fat these days also.
observation: scott thorman is looking very good and appears to these tired old eyes as the real McCoy. i’d like him to get a real shot at first against lefties and righties. he could easily develop into that power hitting first baseman the braves haven’t had since McGriff and the BIG CAT.
as far as ugly language goes i guess it has its place but i’ve never found that place. it certainly isn’t on a public blog such as this. we’re dicussing a family sport among an unknown and mixed gathering.
journalist jimmy smith, do you think it’s possible andruw has hurt a small toe or even two toes, God forbid? just curious and saying a little prayer.
someone spoke harshly of JS for not trading two prospects for Aubrey Huff. why would the braves want huff? they have two or three better 3rd basemen in the system already and he will draw a heavy salary next fall. houston needed him since ensberg has been hitting around .210.
marcus is improving since he has been making an effort to level out his swing. maybe he reads the blogs.
looking forward to the last half. who knows, it may be more interesting than coasting that last month. coasting costs attendance also. if the braves play .667 ball watch the stands fill up.
one final point today. why not let the other players, coaches and managers have one vote for the all star game? or if the fans are allowed why not stop the silly 25 vote thing on the internet and restrict it to those buying tickets to an actual game?
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, the hot tub was so refreshing that I did my pushup when I got out. Now, I’m so tired and sleepy that I can’t remember if that was … or was not … my post.
My Lady, your “Just my opinion, but …” comments are far from that!
Seems that HK has determined Chipper’s cerebral capacity to be rather impressive.
Mercy Me, it’s 10 O’Clock in Nashville and I ain’t et yet … bye.
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you a yankee-boy or a southerner? Where are you from?
By flbravesgirl
July 12, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, I can sympathize with you. I have zero public-speaking ability and without a doubt would be a terrible interviewee. Not every player is going to be a natural at speaking to the media and I think it must be tough on the guys who don’t have that skill.
Esteemed journalist jimmy smith, I hope your home in Cordele was not too near the train switching station. I’ve had the misfortune of staying in a hotel there that was much too close and had a broken ac to boot.
By JJMB
July 12, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you a yankee-boy or a southerner? Where are you from?
By Mark I.
July 12, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
DOB What does this new deal with TBS mean to the five man Braves broadcast team? With Turner South booting the TBS crew out, it seems like five guys would be a little much for just radio and a few Braves games. Do you think TBS will keep Chip for the national games?
By Bob, journalist
July 12, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Esteemed journalist Penn, I couldn’t leave without noting that you entire post was on point, relative to every one of them … though I can find no use for ugly language. However, the effective use of the vulgar, excepting the ugly, has its place … problem is that few folks know what vulgar means or how to be effective in its use.
Regardless, your “why not let the other players, coaches and managers have one vote for the all star game?” was worth the price of admission! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 12, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
okay, it is settled. chipper is smart (wink, wink) and something is going on with andruw’s foot (jimmy smith joins journalist penn in prayer that it is not a toe problem). andruw’s falling down so many times must be a concern to all concerned.
yes, flbravesgirl, jimmy smith is familiar with that switching station and has enjoyed many a cold watermelon there with jimmy smith’s sweetheart from neighboring perry, georgia. it is a short trip via hartebeest or by train. train is sometimes easier because the switching station is convenient to the train tracks. now, listen to jimmy smith ramble. no air conditioning in cordele is a very bad thing. did you see any gnats? cordele is much like uganda in different ways.
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hey, Florida! If I have a little time to think about what I want to say, it’s different. I can hold my own then. But to have all kinds of questions flying at you from a bunch of people is another matter.
And the questions asked! Lordy mercy! Most can’t be answered in the 3 second sound bite that most of them want. In many cases, no matter what you answer, it’s going to be taken out of context and you aren’t going to win in any case. I can sure live without it, that’s for sure! :-)
These days, I’m quite content to live back here in the middle of my woods where it’s peaceful and quiet!
By Carolina Lady
July 12, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
Cousin Jimmy, have you Yogi-ized this?? “cordele is much like uganda in different ways.” Love it!! :-)))
By TennesseePaul
July 13, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
Nashville is worse than Vegas when it comes to watering down entertainment.
I’ve been to both. Grew up in Nashiville summers. Nothing tops Vegas in watered down entertainment.
By journalist PENN
July 13, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, how’d ya like to have been born 50 miles SOUTH of cordele? we had watermelons and cantalopes too and tobacco and all them things. i still love it, went by the old farm the last time i visited my old home county of thomas.
By flbravesgirl
July 13, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, I didn’t notice any gnats but I definately agree that no ac in Cordele is a very, very bad thing. Since you mentioned it, I’ve stayed in Perry too. Seems like the GA Nat. Fairgrounds are bigger every time I go by.
hk, your graph was very interesting. Do you think a player’s position could indicate a certain level of intelligence? For instance, I would think that a major league catcher would have to be fairly smart to succeed because of the complexities of the position. (And the great number of managers and coaches who are ex-catchers adds weight to the theory.) An outfielder, on the other hand, may be very bright or may be one of those guys who is a gifted athlete with good instincts for his sport but not much else going on upstairs. It would be much harder to guess the capabilities of individual outfielders or pitchers but I think your catchers and, to a somewhat lesser degree, infielders would have to be reasonably intelligent.
By David O'Brien
July 13, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Luke The Drifter, excellent lessons for the masses. I couldn’t agree more on your musical input. I love that Alone and Forsaken CD with the intro by Matt Johnson (The The). By the way, The The also did a CD of covers of Hank, called “Hanky Panky.” If you don’t have it, you should.
The Cash video for “Hurt” is simply the best music video ever made, hands down. Trent Reznor was kinda p——d when he first heard that Cash had recorded the song, then when he actually heard Johnny’s version, Reznor said it blew away his own version. I bought that video as a single on a DVD, maybe the best $8 or whatever I ever spent. Because you can throw that video on any time you’re in the mood, and it just tears you apart. Just so freakin’ powerful, the scenes from Cash’s vibrant youth juxtaposed with June looking down from the stairs at him trembling… the best video ever.
JJMB, I was born and raised in North Carolina (born in Durham, grew up in Greenville, N.C.), lived in Memphis a couple of years, then Kansas for about 12 years (dad was in meatpacking industry and got moved a couple of times). Lived in Fort Lauderdale 13 years before moving to Atlanta in 2002.
By Bob, journalist
July 13, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this
It isn’t only Baseball Announcers and Yogi … I just heard someone talking about the Acropolis of Athens … first said that “Acropolis” initally meant the high point in the city … then said that many Greek cities had them. I suppose that means that some were without a high point.
Sounds more like some of my vacations than cities. If I were prone to riffing I would redirect you to the Acropolis of North Carolina where I spent many days and much money … and where a young hartebeest was just spotted, but alas, no molasses brick candy.
Good night to all the night owls!
By hk
July 13, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl,
… hadn’t thought of it that way, hmmm …
… catchers, absolutely … won’t burden you with it here, but a while back I did a chart which included the value of each player, offensively and defensively … turns out McCann’s value to the team was right up there with Smoltz and Hudson, largely because of the importance of his defensive contributions, which in turn have to do with a total awareness of what’s going on all over the field …
… pitchers, well, they can either be cerebral like Maddux, or more intuitive, like most of the rest … infielders, yes, there has to be some chemistry there, particularly between short and second, and to a lesser degree first and third … outfielders, you’re right, they could go either way … darn good point … think I’ll go back and up McCann’s values a bit ..
By Head Coach
July 13, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this
About that Aubrey Huff trade. Mitch Talbot is a 2002 2nd round draft pick RHP and Ben Zobrist is a 2004 6th round pick SS. I’m just theorizing , but a fire sale of Smoltz , Hudson , Andruw , Renteria and Giles would bring a bumper crop of prospects. That of course would go completely against the philosophy of John Schuerholz who has a history of doing the exact oppposite. Yikes , four days of no braves baseball or any major sports. I think I’m going to go stir crazy.
By JOHN B.
July 13, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this
Akagi ,
St Louis and Cinncinatti are solid teams. The Cardinals lead the NL Central and the Reds are only a game or 2 out of the Wild Card. The Braves also played well against the Yankees. They have lost aover 20 games by 1 run, so they are not anywhere close to the Royals. I hope you were drunk when you were making that comparison. If not, then you are ignorant.
And when I said the Braves were playing .700 ball, I meant for the 10 game stretch that Dave said was not a “hot” streak. I was comparing the 10 game stretch to a full season to show that the 10 game stretch was hot. I was NOT saying the Braves were going to win 113 games this year.
By luke the drifter
July 13, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
this blog is getting pretty hefty (Bravos ready to make a majr move ala ‘91), havent seen one like this since the Dawgs won their 2nd SEC title in 3 years…of course nobody could give a gnats a*s about tech. The didnt sell out one home game last year except for UGA. I would like to see them send the irish back to indiana with and big fat L however. DAWGS,BRAVES…all is well in the world bc DJ is a Falcon and Matthew Stafford is a DAWG(altough neither may play much this season)
By robdawg06
July 13, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Who listens to country anyway ? Grandpa’s & Grandma’s. Get yourself a Godsmack,Motorhead,or Metallica cd and rock dude. You can listen to country music when your 65 years-old. These blog topics are few and far in between these days. I agree, the Braves can make a run for the Wild Card. We need a long reliever and a closer. Go Braves !
By robdawg06
July 13, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
All you Chipper bashers can apologize to Chipper now. The man averages .300 30 100 for a decade,wins an MVP,basically single- handedly (offensively) beats the Mets for 3 years,and you bash him ? If you read this Chipper, I’m one of your biggest fans and I thank you for being one of the best players in MLB and for all you’ve done for the Braves. You deserve to be in the Hall of Fame one day.
By Kenny the Big Guy
July 14, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Three easy trades: Laroache for Pujols Sosa for Carpenter Pratt for Trevor Hoffman. Problems are solved.
By Joe Roman
July 15, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
Is there a Pulitzer Prize for the slowest website of any major daily newspaper? If so, the AJC may have already won I completed my morning ‘rituals” before the post comment blockl came up. Anid I’ve got the highest speed DSL available!!
By 2 homo boys
July 16, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
Braves announcer said on sat nights game that the paper in san diego was full of rumors involving Wilson Betemit for Scott Linebrink,hurry JS and do this deal.we need linebrink,the announcer said san diego is reluctant to trade linebrink.only trade wilson for linebrink, no one else,we don’t need that catcher they are trying to pawn off.if san diego will include linebrink in a trade then do it.
By violet
July 25, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
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