Braves

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB! Keep us udpated on any rumors you may hear flying around!

Regards, Jason

By mariner

July 14, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

If the Pads wan’t Betemit, but won’t give up Linebrink, I’d take Dave Roberts and a prospect. I think Roberts would do great for us hitting leadoff. And Giles hitting 7 or 8 makes it a stronger, deeper lineup. Not that Marcus would appreciate hitting so low. But he’s not going back to 2nd, and I don’t think he’ll be around next year.

By bigboi

July 14, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

DOB have you heard anything about us getting Slammin’ Sammy Sosa to play left field and to platoon at first base?

By brewdawg

July 14, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

I am shocked to hear that Orel picked us to win the wild card. I kind of thought he always held a grudge against us from the ‘95 series. ( I remember seething at his smug, know-it-all comments about the Maddux-Murray stand-off in the World Series tape from that year.) And maybe he does hate us and hold a grudge against us. But if he does, it’s nice to know he doesn’t let that get in the way of his baseball analysis. Hey Orel, not that you care what I think, but you just earned my respect. You are a true professional. ( Now let’s hope he knows what the hell he’s talking about ).

By TennesseePaul

July 14, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the post DOB.

Let’s go BRAVES!!! Here’s to hoping we start it off great in the second half!

By Andy

July 14, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Man—that Sammy thing—-wow. Its my guess that he felt the million balt. offered at the start of the season was an insult—how much are the braves gonna risk on Sammy—not much. So I will go out on a big limb here and say—my thought—(for what they are worth)—no. Its fun to dream though. I wanted them to bring back Dale Murphy just to sit on the bench and pinch hit right after he retired as well. It was fun dreaming on the Braves getting a ring with Dale. Oh well.

By NYFAN

July 14, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Why would ANY team want Sosa?? It’s obvious he was a steroid user. I don’t think he want anything to do with MLB. He been gone from sight since MLB raised the heat on users of banned substances.

By Not-A-Blogger

July 14, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Dave:

Sorry you missed the Davies show. So you’re a country music fan who also likes the Kinks?

Then you gotta hear “Muswell Hillbillies” from the early 70’s, if you haven’t already.

Brilliant!

By Chop Chop

July 14, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

The main reason why national baseball analysts don’t take the Braves seriously is because of the bullpen. However, if one looks closely at the Braves, there is no solid reason (other than their 40-49 record and the number of teams they need to pass) why the Braves shouldn’t be able to make a strong run at the wild card the rest of the way. The Braves have Smoltz and Hudson. If Hudson pitches like he did last year in the second half, the Braves’ top two will be very tough. Even if Horacio continues to be inconsistent, he’s keeping the ball in the park a lot better this year. James is a solid starter at the back end right now and should only get better.

On the hitting side of things, the Braves happen to have three .300 hitters in the lineup (Chipper, Renteria and McCann). They have Andruw Jones, who should crank out close to 40 homers and drive in 125 or so. They have Francoeur, who’s on-base percentage is lamentable, but the guy has a knack for big hits. They have a guy in Giles who, if he ends up close to his career averages by the end of the year, should have a big-time second half.

In short, if the Braves can add some solid relief help at the top of the bullpen, they could win the wild-card and even make the Mets sweat at the end of the year. That would be a hell of an accomplishment after that June swoon.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

what to do, what to do? The (publicly) available pitching is just not gonna help, bloggers are reduced to bandying names such as Juan Pierre (!), Jacque Jones, and Dave Roberts (!!) around (and worse, but I draw the line at mentioning the truly ridiculous)…could it be that the best thing to do is NOTHING? Frankly, the guys in the bullpen that Bobby’s likely to call on AREN’T the ones who have blown 9 million saves this year, and I have yet to see a trade name that really inspires confidence as an upgrade. And truly, I have no problem with Giles at leadoff if he hits to his historical levels (I’ve said all season that the guy just didn’t suddenly forget how to hit). So, is there a trade, or two, that really, REALLY impoves the club? If there are, JS can see ‘em, but I sure can’t.

By Sammy Kershaw

July 14, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Anyone here ever take Sociology at Auburn?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 14, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

the giles brothers? cough drops, right? the killer talk will not go away with dob now implicating a lobster. someone pass that on to homicide back home in atlanta. if bob is awake please put him on the coffin project - maybe he can persuade someone from georgie tech to construct one for poor aaron. apologies to the late bobby dodd. quick kick, right? the old journalist will love this post. now, baseball … giles is “dirt” like lemke was dirt. that appeals to bobby cox. one more thought … the team is not as solid up the middle as before. furcal had more range and a stronger arm than edgar. if giles goes, which 2b candidate can replace his range and effectiveness?

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

I agree Marcus hasn’t forgotten how to hit, but he never knew how to hit lead-off. He’s a No. 2 hitter and still approaches it that way, only now he’s pressing so he’s not great at either. I think he’ll eventually settle in, though I hope if we aquire a true lead-off hitter and move him back a spot it hasn’t messed him up. I remember when I learned how to drive a tractor-trailer I was so good at backing a car that it took me forever to get the hang of doing it backwards in a truck. Then when I’d get back in a car, I’d look like I didn’t know what I was doing. Takes a while.

By mariner

July 14, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

I think Marcus will improve his hitting in the second half. His defense is great, I love his relays to home. The problem I have with him in leadoff is that the Braves already don’t run well and he doesn’t help the problem.

By Chop Chop

July 14, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, look at what Dave Roberts has done this year (.292, 23 steals, .364 OBP, .425 slugging percentage and solid defense in the outfield). Why wouldn’t the Braves want a veteran guy who’s won a World Series leading off and playing left field for the rest of the year? Roberts isn’t a great player, but he knows how to win and does the things necessary to enable his team to win. That’s precisely the type of guy the Braves need right now.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

Grinch, maybe you’ve hit on the reason for his early struggles. Maybe he was trying to hit “leadoff” instead of just HIT. Could be he’s just said “screw it” and gone back to see the ball, hit the ball, LOL. In any event, he seems to be getting back in a groove, and Giles in a hitting groove is plenty fine for just about any lineup spot.

By journalist PENN

July 14, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

as for sosa, journalist PENN thinks that without his pills and cork he’s finished. I doubt he could hit one out if the BP pitcher was throwing the ball. no one wanted him in march and no one wants him now. he ruined himself trying to keep up with his fellow juicer from st. louis. if JS signed that rotten piece of trash i’d be very disappointed.

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Of course, I wasn’t paid millions to do so.

Journalist Jimmy, various hooved fauna were munching my prize-winning (at least it said so on the pots) roses, and I found the old crossman air rifle to be an effective deterrent. You must study their habits through the window (or some other suitable observation post)at dawn or dusk (this seems to be their preferred time for pilfering) and when you have correctly gauged their habits, as they are nothing if not creatures of habit, you must lay silently in ambush. Pump your rifle 10 times before doing so as a .177 pellet has pitiful range, and remain very, very still for at least 30 minutes (just make sure you’re not in a fire ant bed). You will see them appear at almost exactly the same place they did the day before, and the day before that. Move very slowly (they can smell you but not see you unless you move quickly), pop one in the hiney and shout and gesticulate wildly at them when they take off. Then go stand next to your beloved hostas and urinate nearby. Sounds crude, I know, but it works. They will associate your scent with fear and terror, and take aim at easier targets. Utilizing the pellet rifle instead of something high-powered will also keep the investigators with nice hats from attempting to link you to the current deceased herbivore.

By Ptown Bravo

July 14, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

DOB - aside from the outstanding work you do as the beat writer for the Braves, I appreciate even more the baseball/music fusion that occurs here (near daily) on this blog.

Three honorable mentions on the fringe of things that I left off the last blog: Railroad Earth, Split Lip Rayfield and The Waifs.

Thanks to you and your readers for the White Mansions rec. - I’ve got to start writing some of these down, because there’s been some excellent picks posted here.

Can’t wait to see the superfreak, Chuck James, take on Peavy.

Re: the Brothers Giles…as much as I’ve always been a fan of both, I wonder how much can be attributed to the new scrutiny on HGH, etc…not pointing fingers, just wondering out loud, ya know.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Chop, Dave Roberts is a fine player, didn’t mean to imply that he wasn’t. But he’s 35 (or so), and not matter how solid his defense, he can’t compare to Langerhans, and I don’t see that he’s a great improvement to the squad. That’s really the point I was trying make, that none of the names floated are difference-makers, but only marginal (at best) upgrades over the current personnel.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 14, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone what do you think about this? How about JS give the Pirates a call and propose that we send LaRoche and Langerhans to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez and Sean Casey.

He then gives the Padres and the Cubs a call and proposes a three way trade that would send Betemit to the Cubs and Aramis Ramirez to the Padres and Scott Williamson and Todd Walker to the Braves.

This trade would give us a decent closer and solid 1B and another good bullpen pitcher along with Walker who could spell Chipper from time to time at 3rd and maybe reduce the stress Chipper would feel.

Or if the three way trade doesn’t work out, give the Royals a call and offer Betemit and maybe Giles for Grzedilanek (sp?) and Gaithright or maybe even pry Mark Redman away as pitching insurance in case Davies recovery hits a snag or James hits a wall and isn’t as effective as he is now.

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

P’town, love your posts but even vaguely accusing someone who stands 5-8 of taking human growth horomone? Man, he must’ve looked like wee-man from Jacka$$ beforehand. :-)

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 14, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

I could be wrong but I highly doubt any Brave on the current roster used any steroids or HGH. I mean you don’t even hear whispers let alone has there been any difference in body shape. Andruw has always had that gut; its just bigger this year. Chipper and Giles look the same. I think this whole steroid thing has got people pointing fingers at everyone even when their is no substantial reason.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

man, Andruw Jones is fat like King Kong was fat. Ask DOB to get AJ’s body-fat ratio from Jeff Porter.

By journalist PENN

July 14, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

as journalist PENN peels off for a few hours he go with this thought.

can anyone imagine anything more enjoyable than winning the wild card spot and then knocking the muts out of the playoffs? that would be worth all the anguish the braves and their fans have suffered this entire season.

what a delightful thought. cheers.

By mariner

July 14, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

i think trades that are only marginal upgrades are still worth doing, and more realistic. and i’m not sure about much with this team, but i’m pretty sure that langerhans has demonstrated his place on the roster is as the 4th outfielder. great defender, can play all three outfield postions, doesn’t hit much, strikes out too much, and I think it’s unrealistic to expect a second half surge. i’d take roberts anyday over langerhans as the everyday lf, and anyday or giles as leadoff.

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Two things here. 1. It’s a good sign to see Mr. Gammons up and around on his feet. I am glad he is doing so well. A good writer but an even better person in my opinion. 2. Sammy Sosa hasn’t been the same since he got plunked in the helmet back in the middle of the season of ‘04. His bat is slow and he strikes out even more than he used to with the Cubbies. I view a move to get Sosa in relevance to getting Mondesi last year.

By TennesseePaul

July 14, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

PENN: To me, more enjoyable would be to catch and surpass the Mets leaving them out of the post season entirely and then going on to win it all.

I still hold out hope. 1993, August 2nd, 10 games out. We could be less than that out by August first this year. We just have to play great ball.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

mariner, really? I admire your faith in Dave Roberts, but I’ll have to respectfully disagree with you this time, my friend.

By hk

July 14, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

… this just off the Yahoo site …

“Liberty Media’s bid to buy the Atlanta Braves is facing new opposition from pro-family advocates because Liberty owns On Command, which sells adult movies in hotel rooms across the nation.”

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

hk…Hoping against hope huh? It would be nice to see Arthur Blank purchase the Braves. We know he will invest in the team if he does buy them.

By hk

July 14, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this

… Yahoo link …

[http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/atl;_ylt=AubPuEwilbAyHn01SUlG3yM5nYcB]

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

Hk, if these people are pro-family, don’t they realize that adult movies in motel rooms get people in the mood to have families? I’m confused…

By geauxbraves2000

July 14, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

I read that about Liberty. Maybe, (please please please) maybe with bad publicity, Liberty will go away and TW will sell to someone who actually gives a crap about this team.

Geaux Braves!!

7-3 road trip, how would that be?

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

Oh my god, Y’all…I just read the funniest thing ever; I’ll try to link it: http://www.sportspickle.com/features/volume5/2006-0712-cox.html

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

For some reason, that link just takes me back to the AJC home page. But type that url in, or just go to www.sportspickle.com and you’ll see the main story. Absolutely priceless for any Braves fan!

By Woogidy

July 14, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

DOB - Here’s your solution, Giles, Langerhans and Lance Cormier, or Kevin Barry to the Nationals for Soriano. So what if it’s a rental. He could leadoff and play LF, Betimit could play 2b. How is Davies doing you know?

By Stanford

July 14, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

I’ve got the White Mansions album in an old Peaches crate, buried in a closet. Hate to think of its condition, as it served heavy duty during poker parties in Athens back in the day. God, haven’t even thought about it in years!

I am leaning toward agreeing that maybe doing nothing is better than doing something just for the sake of doing it. Not only would I not trade Giles now; at age 28 and given his hitting and fielding abilities, I hope we’ll sign him next year and beyond.

By Ptown Bravo

July 14, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Grinch -

HGH doesn’t make you taller, just thicker. But your point is well taken - all ball players today are innocent until proven guilty, and there is certainly mass hysteria in MLB now on this issue. At the same time, the numbers DOB has posted beg many, many questions.

A sad issue for one of the greatest games ever invented. What a wonderful world it would be if baseball rid itself of its two biggest cancers: the DH and steroids.

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Hello Jimmy Smith, My Lady, Penn, Lew, Grinch, Scoots, Et Alia

I just did a most wonderful post as I had my coffee, eggs and sausage … maybe my best ever … and it simply vanished … up in smoke, gone for ever … with the lilies, which I did not take!

Well, I ain’t going to write it over … I’m old, before the modern Maddona and life is too short … just look at how much the Grinch missed in 2 short hours of playing pool when he could have just as easily remained and been snookered without raising a sweat.

I do want to express thanks to both The Lady and Penn for their kind offers of help … My Lady, I can barely even spell Adobe these days, much less PhotoShoppe … so the old, warm fuzzy is probably best for me. Penn, I registered and will vigorously pursue it as soon as I’m validated. Not sure about ther book but the cover seems to indicate that they might not be too offended by the conservative views of an old buzzard like me, as incomplete of a fool as I might be.

I may sometimes be hoisted on my own pitard but I ain’t getting involved with any new coffin projects - at least not unitl I cut down on my smokin’ - I already cough too much.

I figure that David O’B is probably poised with his pen … his 3 week Chipper - “Buttermint Babe” exellence challenge is humorous to this old salt. There aren’t too many, including ole Larry himself, that’s going to perform that well very often. Somehow reminds me of another day, another Brave, another Babe and another challenging performance … Forbes Field … 712, 713, and 714! But I have a hunch that neither Larry or Buttermint are finished quite yet.

Bobby isn’t the only one who likes dirt. Hitler liked dirt so much that he started a war just to get more of it … and after seeing the movie, I’m convinced that when the Japanese bombed Pearl, they were just seeking revenge on behalf of Georgians for what the Yankees did to Tara, Tara, and Tara! The English version of GWTW never never mentions that the O’Hara’s had 3 plantations.

I like dirt and Giles too … but it’s easy to confuse descriptors … so too is it easy to misjudge a player based on his first few days in the sun … which I have been standing in for a bit too long.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 14, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling some kind of deal is about to go down. I think Scott Williamson and Dave Roberts are going to be Braves in the next week as well as Bob Wickman. I’m not that high on Dave Roberts simply because he is 35 and isn’t likely to stay in Atlanta beyond this year.

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

I didn’t bother to see who wrote “all ball players today are innocent until proven guilty” … but my feelings are well known … “them who’s guilty is guilty, regardless of whether we’re smart enough to catch them or not!”.

By El Guapo

July 14, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why it is somehow reasonable that the Braves could get the wildcard, but nobody is even mentioning the possiblity of a divison title.

Look, to win the wildcard the Braves have to climb over something like 8 teams. Not real likely.

However, to win the division, the Braves need to play well and have just ONE (1) team collapse. Now, we all know the Mets are no strangers when it comes to collapsation. So, let’s discuss.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 14, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

El Guapo, the division could still be won but is highly unlikely. The Mets would really have to collapse at this point. And I think they will collapse but the Braves just have too much ground to make up. I think this team will win 45-50 of its remaining 73 games. But, in order for them to have any possibility of catching the Mets they would have to win 60 of the 73 games and that is a tall order for this team. Besides I like the idea of having to win the Wild Card. Its something about the wild card that gives teams that extra something.

By krath

July 14, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

If I were the Padres,(or any team for that matter) I would two to one rather have Betemit than anyone else the Braves may be willing to move. I think he has much more future upside than anyone the Braves would be willing to part with.

When Wilson leaves, I’ll have mixed feelings. I’ll be sorry to lose such a valuable asset to the Braves, but I’ll be glad to see him finally have a chance to compete for an every day job somewhere.

I still think he will be a Jermaine Dye type story where he will only realize his true potential only after leaving the Braves.

One more thing. Referring to the other blog…. Wilson will never have the same opportunity as Chipper or any other Brave to put together a 13 game streak like Chipper has…… at least as long as he’s a Brave.

Does anyone still remember the killer weekend Wilson had at Houston where Bobby vowed he was going to get much more playing time because of his performance? How many starts did he get in the next week? If memory serves me I believe it was 1!

I would have hate to see how much playing time he would have received had he gone 0 for a couple of days!

I’m sorry but I just don’t buy comparing Wilson directly to any starting player. (expecting 13 game unconscious streaks like Chipper is having) Chipper has only had like 11 years as a starter to have the opportunity to have a streak like that. Let’s see…. how many years has Wilson had as an every day player to do this???? Oh yeah….0 years! It’s like apples and oranges. The regulars play every day….Wilson has to perform playing whenever he gets the opportunity.

Good luck Wilson B, where ever you may land.

By Max

July 14, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Hey guy’s are you excited to watch the Braves tonight or what?!!!!!!!!!

By Carolina Lady

July 14, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Hey, Max! I was just wondering where everyone went. Must be gathering snacks and NoDoze.

By JeffA

July 14, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

with the Giles topic, this seemed like a good place to post this…

I did a little video analysis of Marcus Giles’ swing and noticed some changes since his big year in ‘03

Part 1

Part2

I’d definately appreciate comments and feedback

Hopefully, Giles makes a couple adjustments and gets back to his old self!

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

HK, I read that earlier and hope that they have the “whatever it takes to make a difference” required to impact the decision making process … however, considering the perceived, if not real, overall baseball fan base and the private agendas of those involved, it’s unlikely.

Grinch, you may indeed have a point … but, I think those may be the very ones that Lew was talking about … or at least help explain the rapid growth of one population segment … I think we sometimes need to protect some folks from themselves. It’s not that I’m necessarially against adults watching such things as Adult Movies … but I am opposed to filth proffered under the guise of adult entertainment and I’m just concerned that those who enjoy watching such filth may find it rubbing off … some dirt comes off easier than others … and I also doubt that a majority of those who so do are adults, regardless of their age.

I know that I’ll incur the ire of the SPCA and many Liberals but I’m not totally convinced that we should encourage such folks to have children, at least not until we count their toes.

I don’t believe in accepting money from the Devil in the name of doing God’s work … but it is always nice to see someone actively opposing the things I oppose, regardless of their motivation.

By JAlbert

July 14, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

with the Giles topic, this seemed like a good place to post this…

I did a little video analysis of Marcus Giles’ swing and noticed some changes since his big year in ‘03

Part 1

Part2

I’d definately appreciate comments and feedback

Hopefully, Giles makes a couple adjustments and gets back to his old self!

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Greetings, Journalist Bob! Love the reference to Atlanta’s dissapearing theatres; I may be one of the few who caught it (at least in conjuction with the WWII movies). I think when they finally shut the last one down they should show Charlton Heston flashing his trademark grimace while trying to land a burning fighter on an aircraft carrier. Come to think of it, that was “Midway,” though. Oh well, it would still serve as a warning to “progress.” Speaking of Heston, he used to advertise Chesterfields. Journalist Bob, I strongly urge you to do away with that particular habit! I read on a pack the other day that the Surgeon General warns that cigarette smoke may cause cancer in journalists, or those who may become journalists. I somoked Camel unfiltereds from 5th grade ‘till about age 19; I now content myself with the very occasional Macanudo with a glass of scotch. My lungs thank me, as does my reading audience (such as it is). We are already posed with the conundrum of burying a giraffe, and he couldn’t even type! His hooves did not oppose each other. I urge you to take to chewing gum (sugar free, of course). As for baseball, I agree Betemit is underutilized and he should be allowed to play SOMEWHERE, at least…a little birdie tells me J.S. has something in the works that will allow this for here or somewhere else. And the Mets will collapse, but I doubt they will enough for us to win the division. Oh, but if they did! Mets fans would be forced to gnash their teeth and rend there garments in silence for at least five years!

By Max

July 14, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Listen guys if we could get Linebrink from the Padres i’ll take it.we could put wilson to play 2nd everyday

By journalist jimmy smith

July 14, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

while jimmy smith has no aversion to plunking the invading predators with pellets, journalist must admit some reluctance to mark territory in the way suggested by grinch. don’t get jimmy smith wrong, journalist is no pre-madonna, but journalist is modest and the hostas are in sight of neighboring homes. would it not be suitable to just post a sign asking predators to eat elsewhere? we just had a deceased giraffe score an identical-to-chipper 90 on hk’s intelligence test - so maybe a sign would work. then, sometimes people are territorial to an extreme. say, they won’t move from one corner of the infield to another. makes jimmy smith wonder if someone has marked the area around 3b with scent. that thought is making jimmy smith disgusted and journalist is about to change the subject. ah, san diego … home to the san diego zoo and many healthy giraffes. if bill campbell were still mayor of atlanta you could buy giraffe skin wallets today at stands all over town.

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

“Their,” excuse me. Hey Max! Always looking forward to the game, especially after a 5-day layoff. Carolina Lady, I posted a thing or two on the last blog concerning you, but it looks to be shut down. Could you provide me with that musical link again? It was indeed relaxing. It’s time for Hudson to set the pace for the second half and get nasty!
Bob, I agree children shouldn’t have access to adult movies, but what’s more wholesome to the lonely traveller than four lovely ladies and a lost pizza man? Hee-hee!

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Journalist Jimmy; remind me not to slide headfirst into third at Turner Field anymore. I must admit I hadn’t thought about a sign, however. I wonder how many roving herbivores can read as well or better than, uh, Chipper? Perhaps we should take a pole.

By Woogidy

July 14, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

Where do you want to take that pole grinch?… or did you mean poll?

By Lew

July 14, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying for weeks that Giles’ whole problem has been his stance. When he is going great, his power is to right center field. If you noticed earlier and to some extent even now, his stance was as open as it could be. If you try to hit to right center with an open stance, you either pop to third or ground to short. This is exactly what he did for the first half. The past two weeks he has been closing up more before he swings and is hitting the ball more solidly as a result. As far as the family rights groups-they are probably all crazy, but in this case maybe they can help us avoid still more corporate ownership.

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Braves are still hot. Can anyone get Chipper out? yikes.

By Carolina Lady

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

Evenin’, everyone! I surely have enjoyed reading your posts this evening.

Grinch, here’s the link and I’m so glad you enjoy it also! Hearing it on a quality CD and player makes a world of difference! Do I ever wish I had such talent!

Won’t be able to catch more than an inning or 2 before zzzzzzzzzzzz. Here’s hoping the team has an excellent game!

By Lew

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

Damn-That Chipper boy’s bat is hot. 3 zip already.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

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

HI blog….hoope you enjoyed the AS break…see chipper is still hot.

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Holy crap!! That has to be one of the longest homeruns in Petco park history by Andruw…wow!

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 14, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

wow….I never seen someone unload like that

By journalist jimmy smith

July 14, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

chipper once wrote a rather entertaining journal in the ajc. we must not discount his intelligence. sadly, his playing days will end and one day he may be in the booth with a toothless professor and skip. journalist poses a question: if a chopper is hit to someone other than chipper does it remain a chopper or is it something else? if a chopper were hit to first base and chipper was there would it be a chopper to chipper with the pitcher covering? these questions should be answered. braves are up 4-0 with no outs. oh, the humanity!

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Don’t give up on October Braves baseball yet.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

krath, I remember WB’s killer weekend in Houston. I also remember the games where he had worse hands than the Great Wall Of China. I swore that I wasn’t going to post any more about this guy, since I seem to be the only person on the blog who doesn’t believe he’s a star in waiting, but I guess I just couldn’t resist one parting shot.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope Hudson can handle a four run lead

By Max

July 14, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

her we go Grinch LET’S GO BRAVES!!! LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!

By MEB

July 14, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Single (stolen base), double, homerun, homerun. 4-0 Braves in the top of the 1st inning. Gotta love Braves baseball.

I think Mr. Giles desires to stay right where he is at, leading off and playing 2nd base for the Atlanta Braves. I’m happy where he is at as well.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

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

Is that the first time this year CJ and AJ went back to back?

By Stanford

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

What is the fascination with Wilson Betemit in this blog? He has a pretty good bat. But he is only htting in the 270s, not the high 300s. He is not a power hitter or a high-average hitter. He is not real fast. He is only adequate on defense. We are lucky to have him as a backup, but he is not better than anyone who is starting.

By mariner

July 14, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, we can agree about wb. i think he’s a very valuable and versatile back-up, will probably have a nice career once he gets to start, but i wouldn’t hold him back in a trade if we got the pitching help we needed. he’s not better than chipper now, and that’s what matters to me.

By Max

July 14, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

What pisses me off is that our team is being written off.No one expected us to be this bad.the Muts and other teams could end up having a worse half.If it could happen to us Believe me it could happen to anybody in the National league.Reason i say NL is because no team has a great rotation.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 14, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

wheres the chipper bashers?

By Sane Jane

July 14, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Why must some insist on beginning their posts with “Like I’ve been saying for weeks…”?

Is it not enough to make your point? Must you take the extra step & allege that you were so prescient about it all?

“Napoleon, like anyone could even know that”

By Max

July 14, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Mariner i disagree wilson could play any infield position and is a very good hitter of the bench.and he switch hits .Very clutch

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

Stanford and mariner are now my newest bestest friends, LOL.

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Yee-ha! Outstanding. You know what bugs me, TBFNB? The Jonses going back to back used to almost be a matter of course, now it’s a thing to be remarked upon. Thank you, Carolina lady, and since I’m a closet geek I don’t need headphones at the moment (although under certain circumstances they certainly enhance); I’ve got 5.1 surround on my computer. Great stuff! Two observations: Andruw rolled both ankles and almost busted his butt on that homer, much like he did in his last game. Both were monster shots with no ill-effects. Maybe the fans telling him he needs to start “Busting his behind” has payed off. Also, Chipper cranked that one not 3 seconds after Chip Carey mentioned the words “toe problem.” Journalist Jimmy, I think we can be assured from this that cortisone is a temporary solution to toe problems. As for the long-term effects… Good to see we have another Intelligent woman posting, Jane. Woogidy, it’s a running joke…look back and you’ll sea.

By ncscoots

July 14, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

CL, is the moonlight shining over the Outer Banks tonight?

By David O'Brien

July 14, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Krath, I know you’re probably of the opinion that Betemit would do the same thing if given the chance, but Chipper’s home run gave him a streak of 12 games with at least one extra-base hit, something that hasn’t been done since Rogers Hornsby in 1928.

I know, even a blind squirrel and all that, right? Yeah, whatever.

And good point about it taking Chipper 13 years to have a streak like this. Oh, wait, I’m betting he had a couple of decent little streaks in the second half of that 1999 season, when he won the NL MVP and basically put the Braves on his back and carried them past the Mets.

I hate to sound like a Chipper apologist _ hate it because it’s absurd that anyone in Atlanta would have to defend Chipper Jones. I mean, talk about what-have-you-done-for-me-lately. Anyone who would replace Chipper with Wilson Betemit … well, it says something about your knowledge of baseball.

San Diego wants to replace Vinny Castilla with Wilson. Vinny’s numbers are just a weeee bit shy of Chipper’s, see. Ask around baseball and find out how many people in the business would rather have Wilson Betemit playing 3B than Chipper Jones on a daily basis. You’ll get laughed at, whether you believe it or not.

And there goes Edgar Renteria with his second double of the game. Some of you would rather have Furcal right now, right?

By David O'Brien

July 14, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Hey, by the way, what’s this about On Command and adult movies in hotel rooms? Never heard of it….

By Max

July 14, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

NO ,NO i’ll take EDGARRR over Furcal!

By Max

July 14, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

O’BRIEN it’s nothing to even think about.

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Grinch, speaking of changing times, Daddy used to boast that you could blindfold him, take him anywhere in Atlanta … let him out, and in 15 minutes … he’d find his way. I’m not my Dad … but today, you could put me out in Little 5 Points and I imagine I’d have trouble finding Euclid Avenue … and I know I’d have trouble finding Nancy Creek if I were out on West Paces Ferry.

Midway was, and is, a wonderful adult movie with maybe a bit too much Hollywood … but for those who want good adult entertainment with more than a touch of the bawdy … let me suggest Chaucer, The Bard, Fielding, and Thorne Smith.

Royal Salute and a Macanudo, now old Sam would call that a good smoke. I think I would give up my cokes and cigarettes for that! Who am I kidding … I can’t afford cokes!

Actually, I prefer Partagas to Macanudo. Some years back, when my brother was with Edgar Cullman at General Cigar, I’d get unwrapped boxes of both … as an aside, my baby brother developed Silver Creek, Gold River and Chattanooga Chew for them.

You need teeth to chew gum, regardless of the sugar … but have no fear, I had four pieces of Sugar Toast this week … and we’re not on speaking terms, at least while the memory is fresh.

Regarding the Division Title, we only need to lose 13 or less fewer games than the Mets over the remainder of the season … that’s doable, especially if we win 5 of 6 from the old pre-madonnas in New York.

The Buttermint Babe will play somewhere, I agree with that! I’d keep him here … at Short, with Edgar playing Second … of course, I have yet to discuss that with Edgar.

By MEB

July 14, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

You know I can remember feeling physically ill about not signing Raphael Furcal. But, now with Renteria I am physically jumping up and down with joy. Edgar is playing some absolutely fantastic shortstop.

Chipper’s toes look fairly fleet tonight. Must be the cool temps and low humidity.

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Here we go again with our “Ace”

By David

July 14, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

I liked Furcal, but I love Renteria!!! Hudson is getting hit!!!Need to keep adding runs!! David

By Carolina Lady

July 14, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

MEB, it’s the Listerine.

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

T-HUd better win this game

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Hudson is killing us.

By David

July 14, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Every game he has an inning like this …

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Seriously, we will not WIN anything as long as we are depending on Hudson for ANYTHING. He sux. Period. End of argument. Ace? More like an A$$. Aces don’t blow 4-0 and 5-1 leads. They just don’t. Maybe once in a while, but man Hudson is just down right atrocious and has been for a while now. It isn’t like its one or two starts. This will be huge if the Braves lose this game.

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

David O’B … It’s just somethin’ old Weylon did but never published … “Weylon Jones and the Freedom Fighters” that is … defenders of strong morals, justice and the Braves being owned by someone who cares!

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, I had no idea Chaucer was bawdy. You must not have read the Miller’s tale (wink)! Shakespeare’s plots don’t amount to much, but the language…I have a copy of “Tom Jones” but I’m not familier with the fourth author. Nor Partagas, but I’ll give them a whirl. As for modern day Atlanta, I can assure you if someone blindfolded you anywhere (especially little 5) and set you loose, you’d be missing your wallet and watch within 15 minutes. I’m sorry you are no longer on speaking terms with your toast. It must make for an uncomfortable kitchen atmosphere. Who is this Linkenstrufel (sic) fellow they’re talking about trading Wilson for?

By Justin

July 14, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

HudSon fuckinnggggggggggg sUCKKKKSSSSSSSSSSS ASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs Damn you u stupid basterd u suck TRADE HIS A*S NOW

By krath

July 14, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, Wilson may see the ball coming at him from 3rd base one day. He may be playing second the next time he plays and short the next time. Think Chipper wouldn’t boot a few if he had to do that? Taking reps at YOUR position every day is what makes a decent glove a good glove. Wilson is a decent glove. I don’t think his glove is why I would have tried to find a place in the lineup for him.

Unlike some here, I have never advocated moving Chipper to first to find room for Wilson. I would cut out the middle man and try Wilson at first. As I have mentioned before I don’t see LaRoache as ever being better than he is now….like Giles his swing makes him too streaky.

I suppose the only way we will ever know Wilson’s true ability is if he is traded somewhere where he has a chance to play every day. That could happen. I’ve been reading reports for the last year where many GM’s think he’s an every day player. Quite a few in the Braves organization have said as much.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.

I see Hudson didn’t find any solutions to his problems over the all star break. This is pretty ugly.

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Trade Hudson for a bucket of pi$$.

By The Grinch

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

Carolina lady! Shhhhh…everyone thinks it’s the cortisone! Don’t give away trade secrets! :-)

By MEB

July 14, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Someone hurry and pass that Listerine to Huddy. YIKES!!!

By MetsFan

July 14, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

What a Great ace you guys have ha ha ha laughing my a*s offfffffffffffffffffff

By Glass Half Full

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

I’ve been on the “Trade Hudson” bandwagon for several weeks now. I don’t know what we could get from the Yankees, but if they’re willing to sign Sidney Ponson, they’d take Hudson. The way I see it, he’s not willing is games and even if he gets hot later, you never know which Hudson will show up.

By Greg

July 14, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

I admit. I was optimistic about the wild card. But Hudson sucks. Our pitching can’t win this year. Pack it in.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

“winning” not “willing.” Too much Miller Lite.

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

I am with ya Glass. I have also been advocating trading his sorry a$$ for quite a while. With the lack of pitching and the number of teams looking, we should be able to get something for him and shed his salary.

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

C’mon Max! Focus on the screen with me…it’s time for a rally! We can do this…

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Word around the diamond is that JS will not trade Hudson because he wants him to team with Smoltz and Hampton next year for a “formiable” rotation. If Hudson keeps pitching the way he has been lately, the rotation won’t be as good as JS thinks it could be..

LaRoche hits a bomb to right-center..wow!

By Justin

July 14, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Take hudson out know that we have the lead and put berry in before hudson gives up the lead again.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Well, if you can get someone to replace the injury prone Thomson, you’re looking at 3 wins out of 5. If Horacio is between bad outings, 4 out of 5. Just pencil Hudson in for the “L.”

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Trade t-Hud for a closer and a set-up man give kevin Barry a starting job!!!

By JasonInMaine

July 14, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

LaRoche has been on fire lately. But, we just can’t rely on Hudson. We should get one of those starters that the White Sox are offering, trade Hudson, get a LF that can leadoff, and a closer. Pretty simple, huh? (:

By krath

July 14, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB… you can be a real A*******hole sometimes. What’s with the condescending attitude? You’re the God of sportswriters who follows the team and since you’re in the locker room with them you have ultimate insight into everything!!

As you say..”yeah whatever.”

I come here, politely make my point. Respectfully disagree with some folks. Don’t call people nuts or crazy for their opinions and I get a “yeah whatever” from you for voicing an oposing opinion that doesn’t agree with your prounouncments?

Hey and don’t jump to conclusions. I never under stated what Chipper has done, only stated that we would probably never see if Wilson could match it while he was in Atlanta because he’s probably not going to get the opportunity to play on a regular basis.

What a jerk!

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

LET’S GO BRAVES!!! LET”S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 14, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

toe problems do not disappear. yes, cortisone may mask the problem, but toe problems don’t just go away. ask aaron (toes pointed upward tonight) if toes are to be trifled with. now, worst toes on the team belong to tim hudson. or maybe to mcdowell and bobby cox who did nothing to change the pace of what was going on. oh, the humanity of blowing a 4 run lead! perhaps andruw has developed toe issues that make him fall down at the plate. great power but at what price? is he twisting something he should not twist? he’s gonna swing like that some day and accidentally mark the territory at home plate (wink, wink). how strong is he? now, dob knows nothing of this room channel? “p” player pete orr is at bat. journalist must end post and watch.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

JS should realize that there is a difference between an “actual” formidable rotation and one based on reputation. On paper, Smoltz, Hudson, & Hampton looks good, but what about the numbers?

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

lol glass Head scratcher of the night…..why did Bobby pinch hit for Tim Hudson only to have Orr put down a sac bunt? Couldn’t Hudson have put down the bunt and saved the Braves a player for the later innings? Odd.

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Grinch, maybe my memory is worse than I thought … not sure cause I can’t remember how bad I thought it was … but Woogidy may be a distance runner who’s having you on … me thinks he was around while all the poles were being took … look back and I think you’ll see … not sure … I could just be having faulty flashbacks.

By Justin

July 14, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

who are the braves calling up to replace thomson anyone know?

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

A minor leaguer Justin

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Justin,

Moylan to replace Thomson until his time in the rotation comes around, then another roster move.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 14, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

this late-night baseball is taking its tole on journalist jimmy smith. journalist retires with full confidence in the braves bullpen to hold the lead provided by the talented adam laroche with francoeur on base. gee, giles just missed the fowl poll. journalist is going to bed. g’night.

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Later jimmy

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

CHIPPERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

I’ve solved the Braves rotation woes while also finding a way to increase fan involvement…#1)pitching machine. #2). Some lucky jackass with the winning ticket number can bat every time the pitcher’s spot comes around in the batting order.

By Calvin

July 14, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Ok seriously, someone needs to get Chipper out…The last time I seen him this hot, he was singlehandledly beating up on the Mets in 99.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

The last-time Chipper was this hot he was impregnating a Hooter’s girl.

By hk

July 14, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

… through the 4th, the good news is the Braves batting average has moved from .260 to .269 in the last 10 games … and, reliever’s era has dropped from 5.37 to 4.64, last 20 games …

… the bad news is starters era has gone from 4.50 to 4.71, last 10 games …

click here for chart

By Max

July 14, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

the vulture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!8-1

By Bob, journalist

July 14, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

Jimmy … TV’s out so I’m not watching but these first inning offensive outbursts are suggestive … maybe someone actually does have a gameplan. And I assume from your “pace” reference that someone is guilty of the inefffective use of time outs.

Unfortunately, I can see Andruw’s mighty swing without the benefit of TV.

Optimist Glass, I’m puzzled by “Moylan to replace Thomson until his time in the rotation comes around, then another roster move” … no humor here, truly puzzled.

Welcome back Billy … the Blog was certainly different without your cheerful and colorful comments!

By The Grinch

July 14, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry, all…even in my prime I was never considered a distance runner. I fear I may have been had as I suppose I am somewhat of a newbie myself, and none too observant at that. Sigh. I must repress the urge to hang myself from the nearest poll.
Calvin, I think Bobby correctly assumed that the bullpen couldn’t do worse than Hudson at this point and tried to get Orr and his speed on base with the possibility of playing small-ball. Something he learned from Scrap-iron in the all-star game, though there were no signs. Hudson did the unthinkeable: waking up MetFan…now the Braves must score to put him back to sleep where he can continue to dream of what a division title might possibly look like hoisted in Flushing. I feel small now, as if I’d just taken the last present from Cindy Lou Who. I apologize to the many veterans of this blog for my hubris.

By Glass Half Full

July 14, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

No, they’re calling up Moylan so the team won’t be short a pitcher, then next week the Braves will promote a starter (maybe Jason Shiell).

By Max

July 15, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

GO BARRY!!!

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

I think it’s safe to say at this point a new leadoff hitter is not our main concern…

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe my “impregnating a Hooter’s girl” remark generated no comments.

By MetsFan

July 15, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

HaaaaaaaaaaHHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa So Funny that has to be the worst bulpen in the national legue ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha im loving it.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

July 15, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

How is it Barry looks lights out against the Yankees, Marlins, and Cardinals and then serves up a Meatball to Piazza.

Geesh is this bullpen frustrating

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

It got a laugh out of me glass.

As for the bullpen, I don’t think there is nothing to say that hasn’t already been said.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

I think adding one veteran arm might help. Remember that our current pen is full of journeymen and young guys.

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I wasn’t second guessing replacing Hudson. I questioned why use a pinch hitter when Hudson is capable of laying down a bunt just as well as Pete Orr.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

Grinch … There are those who’ve suggested that hubristic be associated with some of my my posts but, I’m sure your reference is to the modern usage of hubris … and is totally unjustified … but that’s just the opinion of one humble, hubristic user of the poison pen.

Does that mean that I can go to bed knowing that my memory is reasonably sound, or do we need to take a short pole?

By Sonny

July 15, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Hudson = Steaming pile of turd.

So do JS and the Braves get a refund from Hudson for his dogsh*t performance this year that only he could call pitching??? Actually, the guy has sucked since day 1 with the Bravos.

BTW, he lasted a whole 3 innings tonight!!!

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

I was just thinking that Orr was more likely to be able to steal second than Hudson if he got on (which he almost did), but the point is moot now. GHF, I found it funny, too, but then our pitching blew up. I think I need a drink.

By Ace

July 15, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

DOB - don’t know if anyone answered your question or not (I can’t sit here and read every comment! regarding the On-Demand movies and stuff.

Apparently some family values groups are urging people to call Bud Selig et. al. about the potential sale of the Braves to that Colorado group. Apparently they do more than home-shopping - they are the largest purveyors of porn in hotels and “on demand” type outlets.

I heard it today flipping through the radio on “Family News in Focus.” It will be interesting to see if, in fact, they succeed in creating a ruckus about it.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, I probably was a bit harsh on myself, and the term “Hubris” was going a bit far considering the circumstances…we are all of us falliable. I am trusting your memory for better or worse; regardless, you may sleep peacefully. If you are indeed signing off, I wish you and your toast to make up in the morning; perhaps you should give it a peace offering of marmelade, or perhaps a glass of orange juice. Nothing says I forgive you and good morning like orange juice. Nevertheless I won’t presume to get in between you and your toast (that would make a sandwich!); I’m not sure what transpired to create such animosity in the first place.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

Cool! Trevor Hoffman’s up! Maybe he’ll give us the old change-of-pace without a fastball to work it off of!

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this

Never mind, Bob; I remember now. Still, you all could at least be civilized toward one another while reading the paper…

By Sane Jane

July 15, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Edgar was so confident of ball four. That looked close!

By Sane Jane

July 15, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this

Do we really think a homer off Hoffman 9 years ago really tips things in Andruw’s favor?

By Sane Jane

July 15, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Holy $hit. I love everyone and everything.

Even Lew.

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

WAY TO GO ANDRUW!!!!

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

who the hell says AJ not clutch…come and get pie thrown all over your face……..oh yeah CJ bashers bring it

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

“Wild” card run under way. <———(I typed this b4 Andruw’s hit)

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Now lets hope Sosa can hold it….

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Grinch, We can’t afford the paper either … we get our news online like all lazy folks … and I’ll be toast if certain folks read my posts.

Now I’m out of Cigarettes and and you’ve got me remembering what is really a good smoke … or what one really is.

David O’B, my earlier post assumed that you knew about the Liberty / family values thing and were being Tongue-In-Cheek … there’s an article that can be accessed through Yahoo Sports and I’m sure others but Ace’s post gave you the skinny as best I can tell.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Man, this game belongs on TNT, and whore-hey’s not even on the mound yet to shut the door!

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

If we lose this thing, I’m going to say some really bad words … worse than Goodness and Dadgum!

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

wheres mets fan at?

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

A 1-2-3 inning from Sosa would be great right here…..

By hk

July 15, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

… one away …

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

whew

By hk

July 15, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

.. two away …

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

Wow!..talk about a scare.

By Sane Jane

July 15, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Ess Jay says “Be Mac” is a silly name.

By Aaron

July 15, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

Not again!

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this

dam it

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

oh my goodness…….pitiful.

By hk

July 15, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

… goodness … dadgum …

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

we need a closer bad

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this

If Sosa has ANY SENSE AT ALL, he WILL NOT get back on the plane to Atlanta. He will become an annonymous short-order cook at an IHOP in California. It has been many, many years since I witnessed such ineptitude in a Braves uniform.

By larochy

July 15, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

Why is Sosa our closer??!!!!! How dumb is Bobby, seriously. Ken Ray should be the closer….period.

By Nick

July 15, 2006 01:45 AM | Link to this

Why keep putting faith in Sosa? Why?

Can we please just start calling pitchers up from the minors and have an open audition for closer every night? I think we know what we’re getting from Sosa by now.

By Michael

July 15, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

Sosa goes 1-10 as a starter, so what do the Braves do, they make him their closer!!!

I guess they wanted to see him lose games in the 9th, rather than in innings 1-7.

Explain to me again why Kenny Ray isn’t just handed the job at this point??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

By Aaron

July 15, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

It was either Sosa or Yates, take your pick.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

And for that matter, if Bobby wishes to preserve HIS job (and I have been very kind to him so far this year), surely he must have Sosa’s walking papers ready…a manager cannot just simply hand such hard-fought leads away time after time without fear of reprecussion, HOF’er or no. His loyalty was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be misplaced with Reitsma, and now Sosa, who doesn’t have a F** pinched nerve. The rent is DUE.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

It’s not the “stuff” in your arm, it’s the “stuff” in your head when your a closer. Sosa has one and not the other.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

damn can we have three blown saves in one game…

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

omg..someone shoot me right now…what a crazy game…LaRoche has two homers tonight…what the hell?

By Sonny

July 15, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

The season is over. JS isn’t trading for anyone and the pitching we have won’t be able to come close to winning the wild card this year.

JS’s failure to address the bullpen in the offseason cost the Braves the division and gave the fans a year of sh*tty baseball.

By Aaron

July 15, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Let LaRoche come in and close.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

funny stuff skip.

By larochy

July 15, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Wow…LaLazy comes through, miracles do happen. Don’t worry though, I saw Sosa grabbing a batting helmet, he’s coming in to blow TWO saves in one game, you watch….

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

Skip Caray tells it like it is….at least someone has the nutz to do so..

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

can’t blow a save when your the pitcher of record larochy.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Nick…at least with AAA pitchers no-one would be to blame, and surely to god one or two might do better? I wouldn’t let Sosa try to put out my cat.

By larochy

July 15, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this

Yates…easy choice….

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Maybe you LaRoche bashers can STFU about him, now, eh?

He’s only hitting .261, on pace to hit 27 HR and drive in 80 RBI…

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Remember how Andruw reacted last year when the bullpen blew a late lead in Washington? I am surprised he hasn’t done the same in this game. I am surprised no one has swung a couple of bats at the bullpens collective heads….Seriously, Sosa is just terrible.

By Aaron

July 15, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

Ok Bobby, Let’s try Sosa for one more inning so he can blow two saves in one game.

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this

I give up. This is really pathetic.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

WTF

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

lol…Sosa is probably the worst reliever in the history of baseball.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

This is nucking futs.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

July 15, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

Just put gasoline on this bullpen and burn it

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

Once you’ve blown a save and stay in the game, you become the pitcher of record as long as you’re in the game. That means if you pitch the duration and your team either wins or loses, you get the win or loss… you cannot blow a save opportunity when you’re in position to either win or lose at that point;

That being said, it has to suck being the manager of a team whose management expects you to compete for a playoff spot when your bullpen consists of rookies, spare parts, waiver pickups and pet-projects.

Sosa blows, but good grief, who do ya put in to close this damned thing?

By berigan

July 15, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this

Why is Yates not in there???? Bobby just doesn’t care if they win tonight. Not even warming up!!! I will have to agree now with everyone else who said Sosa is toast…BUT…coming back again like we did, if Yates came in and got the save, Sosa gets a win, and might have gotten some confidence back.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

For those of you who don’t know, Bobby asks each pitcher if they are available before the game, If a pitcher says no, he will be an emergency option. I am guessing yates said no before the game.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Anyone think I’m overreacting now? Jorge Sosa just BLEW TWO SAVES IN THE SAME GAME. For that, he should go to the hall of fame. Can anyone here remember any pitcher in the history of the game that had a mid-nineties fastball, decent slider and passable curve that sucked to such an unholy level? I challenge you.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this

C’mon, Max, let’s get it going. If nothing else, this game displays how much the rest of the team really wants to win.

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this

Yeah, that’s it… Bobby Cox doesn’t care if they win the game….right.

Grinch, read my most recent post (before this one). You can’t blow two saves in the same game.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:17 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Ron; I’m buzzed and disconcerted. But if any pitcher COULD blow two saves in a game, it would be Sosa. I would say I can think of something else he could blow, but I’m a gentleman.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 02:17 AM | Link to this

either way this game has had a little of every thing….what game…im enjoying the back and forth…..and aggravating at the same time.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this

look at rochy!!!!!!!!1

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this

That’s FIVE rbis for LaRoche, you haters.

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

man…When did this MLB game turn into little league ? Hopefully, Yates can get this game over with.

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this

That’s a 27 HR 86 RBI clip for LaRoche if he averages out this pace through the end of the season, folks, and he’s actually picked it up since a slow start of the year.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this

C’mon, why isn’t Sosa pitching the umpteenth inning? I AM really proud of the rest of the team, though. Good, scrappy effort, win or lose.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this

And a 3 run lead at this point is no foregone conclusion.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

July 15, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this

Can any Braves bullpen pitcher throw strikes with a lead?

By hk

July 15, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

… two away !!!!!!!

By gotigers72

July 15, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

I think the players really think they can win a playoff spot, but I don’t believe JS does or he would have done SOMETHING over the All star break to improve the team. Sosa needs to be gone. He can’t keep the ball down, or put it where it needs to be. Neither can Hudson in the last month.

I heard that the Braves are bringing up Peter Moylan to take Thomson’s place. Let’s see now, he couldn’t get hitters out at the ML level, he hasn’t been getting hitters out at AAA [ERA near 6], so they’re bringing him back up? He throws that side arm slop with “Hit Me” written all over it. To be considered one of the top GMs, JS has done a HORRIBLE job this year. He’s just sat on his bum and done nothing. Wild Card, Schmild Card.

By berigan

July 15, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this

Ron, Yates is coming in now…he has been off how many days???? It makes no sense. Call up another pitcher tomorrow from the minors if Smoltz just goes a couple of innings. Bobby should be able to tell the Sosa didn’t have it tonight(I know, when does he ever have “it”?) I am happy for LaRoche, we would be hard pressed to find a guy via trade to do better than him….it’s pitching we need…in case someone has been on solitary the last several months.

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 15, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this

what a game

By hk

July 15, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this

… three away !!!!!

… tied with the Phillys for 2nd, and 5 1/2 back in wthe wild card !!!

… well worth staying up for ….

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

They sure as hell aren’t boring to watch! Did anyone else eat all of their fingenails? Great pickup of the pitching staff tonight by the hitters. Gotta get some help in the ‘pen JS. G’nite all.

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:31 AM | Link to this

What worries me is that this is JUST the same way (almost) we started the first half of the season….

….on the west coast, Hudson starting (and sucking) and our bats getting us by all day long for a high-scoring win.

Look where that got us the first half…

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 02:32 AM | Link to this

Sosa gets a win

By MEB

July 15, 2006 02:32 AM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see how the Braves come back from this victory. I can’t believe what I just saw! Go Braves!

The dude in the stands is still asleep and I think that is a great idea.

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 02:34 AM | Link to this

I understand why Cox held off on using Yates, myself, given Smoltz starting tomorrow and his age, and if we DO get to the playoffs I don’t want him unusable as he was essentially last October when we might’ve needed him in a Game 5 scenario.

Bobby was laying odds that Sosa wouldn’t pitch consecutive bad innings….he pitches some bad innings, but not usually back-to-back.

By flbravesgirl

July 15, 2006 02:39 AM | Link to this

I’d call that one the definitive example of wild and wooly.

Goodnight y’all.

By Brad

July 15, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this

Oh my…I don’t know how much more stressful watching this bullpen can get. Great win, but JS HAS to do something to fix this pen ASAP.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 02:54 AM | Link to this

There IS justice in the world, after all! Sosa got the win! After all if it weren’t for his clutch pitching…however, I am now contentedly munching quesadillas in anticipation of a nap. It must be the xanax I had to take several innings ago. Great game, great team, great entertainment, $**y pitching, all in a day’s work. Good to see you’re still up, FLbravesgirl. Hope you and any of the rest of us can sleep well after that horror movie.

By Kent

July 15, 2006 03:06 AM | Link to this

Can’t believe I stayed up to watch the end of that game! I’ll be tired in the morning, when my kids will invariable refuse to let me sleep in, but at least it well. Pretty interesting game, huh?

Tonight’s (or should I say this morning’s) game served as a reminder of several things.

1-First and foremost that Jorge Sosa shouldn’t be pitching for any team that hopes to be a contender… for anything.

2-We need bullpen help. (Though I’m not convinced that we necessarily need to import a closer. I still think Ken Ray might be the answer to that issue.)

3-Chipper is still a stud.

4-Adam Laroche isn’t a no good lousy bum, and he isn’t hurting this team as many post-ers around here have insisted.

5-Macay McBride is extremely useful for getting out left-handed batters.

6-We would be in serious trouble without Ken Ray.

7-The Braves have a damn good lineup, top to bottom.

8-Villareal, as it turns out, is pretty good in the long-relief role. (Problem is, you’re not supposed to have to use your long-reliever 2-3 times a week,)

9-And the final fact this game should have reminded us all of is this…

If Tim Hudson doesn’t start coming through for the Braves, the other 8 items listed above won’t mean a damn thing. As Huddy goes, so go Atlanta’s playoff hopes… so here’s hoping.

By Kent

July 15, 2006 03:08 AM | Link to this

meant to say… “at least it ended well.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 03:21 AM | Link to this

Good post Ken; I agree with all points but two: Ken Ray is the best of the bunch to this point, but I’m still not sure he’s closer material, and Sosa deserves to be competing on any team that is giving its all to suck. He should win MVP in that race. He can close a loss with the best of them, and consistently. Otherwise, I commend you for being so coherent at this hour. I must myself take a snooze. G’night, Y’all.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 03:57 AM | Link to this

Well, I was worried but goodness and dadgum, we won! I fell asleep … now to listen to the archive.

By Elmer

July 15, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

First of all, DOB, you are a good writer. I enjoy your columns. Does Sobad, I mean Sosa, get two blown saves for this crap? I thought he might be an OK closer but he sucks. Whether Chipper haters want to admit it or not, the Braves go as he does. If he is in one of the streaks when he is hitting the ball and playing well, they usually have a pretty good record. My yearly trek from Virginia to the Ted is coming up in four weeks, (milwaukee series). I can’t wait. GO BRAVES!!!!

By Davis

July 15, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Both Giles have been of interest to me since steroid testing was implemented, especially Brian. For one, the guy just looks smaller compaired to even just 3-4 years ago. I am a firm believer that Petco Park is not the only reason for his decline in numbers. Take a good look at his numbers, pre roid testing. Marcus is also intruiging to look at. My buddies and I love playing the “who was on roids” game. Guys like Brian Giles are a definite yes. Marcus is a probable in our books. Just look at the numbers and look at the lack of homers to right center and right from the little 5-8 guy, like we saw in ‘03, ‘04. Just something to think about. Wish I was out there enjoying a few fish tacos!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

when this journalist left the game last night all was well with a two run lead. jimmy smith did not consider that the lead would be squandered again and again. this sosa, the closa … what is bobby cox thinking? well, the bullpen is improved but is still a mess when you consider there is no closer. ray seems to win the job then have it taken away. then win and have it taken away again. does bobby not like ken ray? halitosis? recycled listerine? now, casket … journalist bob will sleep well into the morning but when he awakens someone please tell him there in no longer a need for a very long casket. delay in procuring same has resulted in riigor mortis setting in and now aaron cannot be bent. a chain saw will be more useful now than a box. perhaps the same chain saw can be applied to the closa. now, chipper jones … has anyone noticed that chipper went on a tear when hk revealed that he is the smartest player on the team? this is strange but true. now, toes … they are not to be trifled with. now, outside to count hostas.

By MEB

July 15, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

AC/DC - Hells Bells Lyrics **I’m rolling thunder, pouring rain I’m coming on like a hurricane My lightning’s flashing across the sky You’re only young but you’re gonna die I won’t take no prisoners won’t spare no lives Nobody’s putting up a fight I got my bell I’m gonna take you to hell I’m gonna get ya, satan get ya

Hells bells Hells bells, you got me ringing Hells bells, my temperature’s high Hells bells**

Poor Trevor Hoffman… after last night and his meltdown in the All Star game he may want to look for a new theme song. Anybody have any suggestions for his new entry chorus?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I keep hoping to see “Jorge Sosa designated for assignment” scroll across the bottom of the screen.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

If JS is worried about wasting money IF Sosa were to be let go, I got news for him…the money is already wasted. Do what Arizona did with Ortiz (and he was owed alot more than Sosa). The D-backs would pay anything to get him off their team. The Braves should follow suit.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

MEB - “Tiptoe Through The Tulips”?

By Carroll

July 15, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

I love how LaRoche has one really good game, amid a season full of head-up-the-a**e plays that have cost games and about a million strikeouts and doubleplays, and then all the kool aid drinkers come out of the woodwork and start telling everyone to “STFU”. As soon as a “good game” or a “good month” or a “good streak” becomes a “good season”, THEN you can start telling people to “STFU”. Until then, practice whacha preach.

By Carroll

July 15, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

MEB: we’re in no position, as Braves fans, to make fun of anyone else’s bullpen issues. Especially for a team (the Padres) whose worst reliever has like a 2.59 ERA. That being said, I think the song that should be played when any Braves reliever comes in is either:

1. I’m a loser baby; or

2. Everything Falls Apart

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Okay, lets clear something up. Adam LaRoche is nowhere near the top of the list of problems with this Braves team. I am so tired of the bashing of him and Francoeur. Its obsurd. Yes, LaRoche can be frustrating but its no different than Manny Ramirez. Now, while LaRoche is nowhere near the player Manny is, Manny does a lot of things that put his team in jeopardy. A lot more than LaRoche. Does anyone other than me think its ironic that he hits better on the road than at home? Wonder why?

Where are all the Chipper bashers? You guys are so tiresome. Chipper is one of the best players in the majors and all he gets is crapped on. Is it really a suprise that he has began to hit?

Last night’s game proved a couple of things. One, relief help must be found immediatedly. And, two, Sosa has to be released. Today!!!!!!!!!! He is untradeable and he can’t pitch. Last year was a fluke and that is soooooooo obvious.

This team also showed it has character and that they have every intention of winning the wild card. And, you know what? They will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

How about “It’s the End of the World as We Know it”?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Sure, LaRoche lacks hustle, but he’s solid defensively and that ‘ole batting average is creeping up slowly. He hit 20 HRs last year and will ceratinly pass that mark this season (14 down, 6 to go). As far Francoeur: he’s only 22 and hasn’t yet played a full season in the majors. We’re still looking at 30 HRs and 100 rbi.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

The thing about Francoeur is that in what amounts to now a full season. He has hit 31 HR and 108RBI. Now, you tell me what national league team wouldn’t take those numbers from their number 6 hitter.

Yes, the strikeouts are frustrating but he is learning. He is more raw than a Pujols or David Wright. And I did notice last night that he was making a concerted effort at being more patient. To all those people who say he is selfish and unteachable. Shut up!!!!!!!!! Give me one example of his selfishness. Sheffield can be selfish. Bonds can be selfish. Manny can be selfish. Francoeur has been anything but selfish or arrogant or conceited. Is he confident? Yes. But, not selfish. This guy has more late inning rbi and 2 strike rbi than anyone in baseball. What does that say about him? It says he is dang good player.

By Dirty Dawg

July 15, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Sosa’s inability to throw strikes consistently…combined with last night’s tight strike zone…means he’s obviously incapable of being a closer…hell, he doesn’t even have an ‘out’ pitch. Everybody can get a bat on every pitch he throws that’s even close to a strike.

The Braves bats are hot, yet Linebrink threw pitches right down the middle that we couldn’t touch…hope we don’t have to give up too much to get him, but without somebody that can get people out in the end, it won’t matter who we have to give up.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Put Sosa on the DL for prolonged “flu-like symptoms” if JS doesn’t want to “eat” his salary.

By Rick

July 15, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

One trade I really wouldnt mind seeing and I think it would be possible is the Braves trading a prospect to the cubs for Greg Maddux. Yes, I know he is older and not having a “Greg Maddux” year but he can still give the Braves some good innings. Put Chuck James as the fifth starter and put John Thomson to the bullpen. Hudson, Smoltz, Ramirez, Maddux, James Sosa, Thomson, Villareal, Ray, Paranto, Mcbride

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

With the Padres in the thick of the NL West race and the Wildcard, I really don’t see them moving anyone from their current bullpen, especially Linebrink.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I’ve considered Maddux, but he’s owed over $4 million the rest of the season, and the Brewers are after him too.

By Sonny

July 15, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Is it me, or is Sosa the black Chris Reitsma???

By nathan

July 15, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

chop chop

way up top in this blog you stated that the there isn’t any reason with smoltz and hudson on board that we couldn’t win the Wild Card.

I couldn’t disagree more! I believe that Hudson pitching every 5 days, will be the downfall of this team. We don’t have time for him to “figure out what is wrong”. Every time he gives up 5-6 runs in the first 3 innings it KILLS US! Yeah, he got bailed out last night, and the pen did blow his last lead. But he is way too inconsistant to be relied on at this point.

TRADE HIM NOW!!!! BEFORE WE CAN’T AND WE’RE STUCK WITH THAT HUGE CONTRACT IN TWO YEARS!!!

If he goes on to dominate else where, b*tch about it then, but right now, he aint helping.

By nathan

July 15, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

sonny…..it’s hard to be the “black” anything when you are hispanic! LOL

nice try, though!

By The GM

July 15, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Read that the Twins are looking for a 3B. How about Betemit, Elvis Andrus, Ryan Langerhans for Joe Nathan, Shannon Stewart, and player to be named?

Or what about Giles, Elvis Andrus, & Lerew for Indians Ronnie Belliard, Bob Wickman, & Grady Sizemore?

Wilson Betemit, & Lerew for Padres Linebrink and Roberts?

Or Salty, Lerew, & Betemit for Brewers Carlos Lee, Jose Capellan, Chris Capuano?

Or, finally, Giles, Salty, & Lerew for Mariners 2B Jose Lopez, SP Gil Meche, RP Julio Mateo?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

The Yankees would take him. The love over-paying for name-brand players. Hudson for Wang and Melky Cabrera. Both those guys would cost less than $500 K COMBINED for the rest of the season.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

We might want to hold onto Andrus. Lerew has been demoted from AAA. Shannon Stewart is a possibility, but I don’t see Joe Nathan being part of the deal.

By journalist PENN

July 15, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

PROPOSED RULE CHANGE:

baseball should correct a glaring inequity in its rules. i suggest the following:

1. credit for a win CANNOT be credited to a pitcher who has blown a save in that game.

1a. credit for the win should go to the pitcher who last held the lead before it was blown.

Observation:

if i controlled such things there is no way jorge sosa would ever again throw a pitch while wearing a braves uniform —- unless he bought the uniform in the braves store and did his pitching in the playgrounds in n. fulton park.

TO: Bob, journalist

You should have been able to get into that forum immediately after registering. If you have any trouble getting back in let me know via billfall@bellsouth.net

i wonder who they will bring up to replace sosa. anyone will do thank you. how can you cancel a contract worth $2.2 mil? i know, it’s not possible, right? OK, then designate him for assignment and eat his contract. at least he will not lose any more games for you.

my dear wife finally deserted me around 1:30 but i stayed to the lovely and exciting end. (at least she outlasted that fellow in the stands who was dozing so peacefully.)

when she asked me this morning who won i replied, “try to imagine being bruce bochy and seeing your team get nineteen hits and score twelve runs and still lose. how ya think that poor sap feels this morning?”

By The GM

July 15, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Didnt know that about Lerew. Arizona is reportedly shopping Shawn Green.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Bochy should grow a mustache. He looks very strange without one, but he (and Phil Garner) look like porn stars with ‘staches. Oh, well. Pick your poison.

By Sonny

July 15, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Nathan…you know what I meant. :O It’s like deja vu all over again with Sosa as the closer.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Shawn Green is under contract through 2007 with a mutual option for 2008. He’s expensive, though. He’s owed $4 million + the rest of this season and $9 million next year. To get him we’d have to dump some payroll somewhere.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hudson for Shawn Green? I don’t know. How desperate are the D-backs for starting pitching?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

As far as Sosa goes: let’s close down the lab. The Braves can’t afford to experiment with him at closer, especially these confidence-building exercises like letting him hit for himself and staying in the game in the 10th.

By Stanford

July 15, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Why would we want Shawn Green?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Green has a limited no trade clause…apparently he wants to remain in the West (he would approve a trade to the Angels, Dodgers, & Padres).

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Just speculating.

By chewyandrw

July 15, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

hello…does anyone think that either or both of those guys were on steroids….its not their fields, its not any other excuse, being off the juice is killing them and it shows…The Giles brothers were two of the worst steroid users around and now they are getting what they deserve….not to mention Marcus’ drug use (pot, cocaine, just to mention) well hope their is no disputes bc i know these for a fact

By krath

July 15, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure why LaRoache hits better on the road. It’s not like Atlanta fans are the toughest fans in the majors on their hometown team. Maybe this year will be different, but LaRoache has had hot streaks in the past but he seems to be an all or nothing hitter. His timing is perfect and he is streaking or he goes a couple of weeks and doesn’t put the bat on the ball. I think it’s a hot phase that the team and fans should enjoy because I look to see the “swing and sitdown” LaRoache in a couple weeks. I hope he proves me wrong but I’ve seen this before.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

I know; let’s trade Hudson, Thompson and Sosa to the Astros for Oswalt, Clemmons and Berkman. Then we can bat Pratt leadoff.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

After moving Smoltz back to closer.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Every year teams are looking for relief pitching at the deadline. It would be so refreshing if one year everyone was looking for a back-up catcher. Todd Pratt anyone?

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Four blown leads and six rewrites in 45 minutes by your dedicated correspondent. What a FREAKIN’ NIGHT!!!

Simply hard to believe, all that happened. I’ll try to relate some of it in follow-up article to be posted later today/tonight, whatever.

Before I forget again, I didn’t get in paper the fact that Braves are bringing back Peter Moylan from Richmond for three games Saturday-Monday in Thomson’s roster spot, then will send Moylan back and bring up another starter to take Thomson’s scheduled turn Tuesday at St. Louis.

As for last night’s game, whew, good thing for Bobby Cox that the Braves pulled it out. Because it sounded to me like The Grinch was ready to go fire him. From what, exactly, Grinch? Your fantasy team? When you file posts like yours, with ultimatums, in hindsight don’t they look kinda silly? I mean, dude, you have absolutely no say whatsoever in Cox’s future, obviously. Right? You realize that, right? And he’s absolutely not going to get fired, you know that, right? OK, good. We’ve got that straight.

Couple of us hacks were sitting in pressbox, wondering what the Band of LaRoche haters and Chipper Haters do during games like last night? Is it bittersweet to watch the objects of your bitter rants put the team on their backs, along with Andruw, and help carry them to a huge win? Just curious.

Carroll, face it, LaRoche is having a pretty good season since his boneheaded play, which, by the way, was about two months ago, so you might want to start the letting-it-go process, the grieving can end now. What’s it go, denial, anger, acceptance, etc? Let’s get to accceptance now and see if we can put our lives back together and accept Roachy, OK?

But seriously, the boy’s got some serious, serious pop in that smooth, unusual swing of his. That drive to CF was the second-longest in Petco Park’s three seasons, and LaRoche barely looked like he exerted effort on it. Of course, that goes to the root of the problem with some fans about LaRoche _ really has less to do with his errors or strikeouts (because if you look, he has far fewer in both categories than several other Braves), and mostly to do with the fact he doesn’t look like he’s scrapping and grinding and running hard out there like the Pete Rose-types that some fans prefer, the dirt-ball grinders who play like they appreciate their lucky fortunes of being major leaguers.

It’s the way he plays the game. It’s his demeanor. Deal with it. Just like some hated when Andruw would smile after a strikeout, or some hate how unemotional Chipper looks sometimes, it’s their demeanor, their personalities, people. Different people deal with situations in different ways. Stop trying to have everybody fit your molds, and if they don’t, then you think by focusing on their negatives _ Carroll, list just a couple other of the numerous boneheaded plays you refer to LaRoche making, because I sure don’t remember them _ and minimizing their accomplishments.

LaRoche is hitting .264 with 15 homers, 48 RBIs, and a .513 slugging percentage. That’s the third-highest slugging percentage on the team, ONE POINT BELOW All-Star Andruw Jones, who’s slugging .514, and well behind team leader Chipper Jones (.541).

Man, if the Braves could only get Chipper to move to first base and have Wilson Betemit in the daily lineup, the Braves might have something. Puhleeze.

By chopthis

July 15, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Dave the Hack,

You’re having just a little too much fun making fun of folks who blog with their hearts and not their heads. These poor souls look up to you for validation and gentle guidance. Don’t shun them; you’re their whole world.

Remind me later to tell you about a Hank Williams tribute concert I attended at the Smithsonian in 1999 starring Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Carroll, most of the folks who are suggesting that each player’s efforts and contributions be recognized and appreciated by fans … are simply opposed to being continually subjected to boorish defaming efforts.

I think you’ll also find that they, as a group, don’t find it necessary to resort to crude vulgarities to make their point … perhaps because they recognize that there are more effective ways to so do … but I suspect that self-esteem and respect for others has something to do with it too.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Other than Soloman (sp) Torres, what other Pirate relievers might be available?

By Kentavo

July 15, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

No joke - I watched that game last night til nearly 3 a.m. at a place called The Beaver Bar.

Okay, for the music music strain - D.O.B. on Monday, you’ll be able to download from iTunes, The Who’s first single in more than 20 years, “Wire & Glass,” a six-song excerpt from a new mini-rock opera.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Dang DOB, That was a boring entry, to those of us who agree with you anyways. Yea maybe we should put Pete Orr at first cause he’s a “hustler”. Who the Braves gonna bring up to start for JT?

By hk

July 15, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

… I’m really really proud of our guys, they never gave up … last night was about as close as we’ve come to the edge of the cliff, to lose that way might have done us in … as it is, we live to fight another day … I’m glad I stayed up to watch …

… my read on Huddy is that never before in his carreer has he been chosen as ‘the man’, starting the first game of the season, acknowledged as well by Smoltzy … as I’ve mentioned before Huddy is an emotional intuitive battler type pitcher, alot of heart, which I believe has worked against him so far … so glad Smoltzy is pitching tonight … if he comes through again (and I think he will) maybe it will rub off on Huddy, and with his makeup, the better it gets, the better it will get …

… and Sosa, two blown saves within minutes, then gets the win (I understand that’s not techically correct, poor baby :)) … may be a blessing in disguise, think that’s the last we’ll see of him as a closer …

… but what drama we’re seeing, what terrific baseball !!!!

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

The last we’ll see of Sosa as closer? Oh, if only that were true.

By Jim

July 15, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

I think Sosa ended up as “the closer” in last night’s game because Bobby wanted to make sure that the deficit remained at 1 going into the 9th inning and used Ray to hold the game there with the heart of the order coming up in the last of the 8th. I was surprised he didn’t double switch with Langerhans, who made the last out in the 8th, but if he used Diaz, he would probably want to pinch hit with Betemint, and then wouldn’t have another OF for the bottom of the 9th.

One of the main reasons for so much offense last night was the umpire’s strike zone. He called one pitch ( on Renteria in the 9th) that was at or below the knees, and had a tight strike zone on the corners as well. He took away the low strike but did give the high strike. Not to make excuses for Hudson, but the ump did take away his strength. This also affected Barry — he had two pitches at the knees to the first batter called balls and ended up coming in too high with a 3-2 pitch. Of course the Padre pitchers were also victimized by this strike zone. As for Sosa, he blew two leads and deserves the abuse he’s getting in this blog, but if it weren’t for a great AB by Barfield his night would have been a lot different.

By Kent

July 15, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Thank you DaveOB for being the voice of reason in regard to LaRoche. I’m still trying to figure out why there are so many haters when it comes to this guy.

Project his numbers out to 550 AB’s now, and you have the following:

31-homers / 104-RBI / 45-doubles

And despite his one glaring bone-headed play that so many refuse to let go of… the guy is a helluva 1st-baseman.

People please open your eyes. Adam Laroche is helping this team win!

By hk

July 15, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

… thank you thank you thank you !!! … this is a little personal, but I have had this sore place on my backside for quite a while, really bothers me when I sit at the computer for a long time … well, you know how sometimes a Message will come from an unexpected place ??? … I kept seeing one-liners from you on this blog, ‘listerine’ … ‘listerine’ … thought (hmmmm ….)

… had some on hand, on impulse I began dabbing a little now and then … woke up this morning ….. I’m healed !!!

… reflecting, it suddenly hit me … listerine is good for getting rid of a pain in the rear !!! … the implications of that Truth are staggering :)))

… victory last night and now this, all is most certainly right with the world …

By Jim

July 15, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Let me mention one dark horse candidate for the next Thomson start — Matt Wright. Here are his stats at AA:

IP 89; ERA 2.22; SO 84; BB 28; H 74; HR 3; WHIP 1.15

He’s 7 and 3 with a last place team.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

HK, :-))))))))))) Now that’s funny!!

Ahem. Glad the home remedy helped, sir.

LOL!

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

HK, BTW, you should see the remedies listed for WD40, for white vinegar, and for baking soda! Amazing! :-))

By Snowball's Chance

July 15, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

One of the best moves the Mets made was overpaying Julio Franco to take him from the Braves. 20-20 hindsight sees the Braves wasting something like 850k on Brian Jordan.Add that to what they would have paid Julio and maybe he is still a Brave. With a productive right hand platoon ther wouldn’t be as much Laroche bashing. And if my aunt had balls she’d be my uncle.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Chop this, ANY concert with Lucinda and Steve Earle has to be a fantastic show. Add a tribute to Hank to the equation … wow, that had to be beyond cool.

Ernesto, the Beaver Bar, eh? Where’s that establishment located?

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Penn, adroit with the pen as per usual!

Verification of the registration was confirmed but issues with our air conditioning is keeping me preoccupied - this is but a short break but I’ll post my delimma sometime today … Thanks!

To provide supporting rhetoric for your proposed rule changes would be to belabor the obvious … I’ve suggested something equivalent to your “1A” in the past.

Funny, but the very first thing that came to mind when I found that we had won … was exactly what you told your wife about Bruce! The shoe would have been on the other foot if we had bochyed it … think of the toe problems … I was practicing saying bad words, just in case … but, I wouldn’t have posted them!

I liked David O’B’s “Different people deal with situations in different ways” … ain’t it the truth!

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

The “issues with our air conditioning” is a collective noun.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

I did a quick rewrite on game story just now and added some quotes and more facts from a record-filled game, in case anyone wants to check out what a few guys had to say afterward.

It’s posted on website, same headline and all as game story had last night. I just added a bunch of stuff to it.

No word yet on Tuesday starter, but someone from Richmond.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

Snowball’s chance, I agree on Julio. That platoon worked perfectly, and Julio was one of the few veterans who truly has a presence that’s worth paying for. Although he did appear to have slowed significantly, both in bat speed and quickness around first base, in the second half last season, some may have been due to injury (wrist, I think it was, though I’d have to look back at notes, which I’m not going to do on this gorgeous San Diego day that I’m already frittering away….)

By Chop Chop

July 15, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

Nathan, in your 12:01 p.m. post from today, you had this to say:

“chop chop

way up top in this blog you stated that the there isn’t any reason with smoltz and hudson on board that we couldn’t win the Wild Card.

I couldn’t disagree more! I believe that Hudson pitching every 5 days, will be the downfall of this team. We don’t have time for him to “figure out what is wrong”.”

Okay. This is what I said about Hudson:

“If Hudson pitches like he did last year in the second half, the Braves’ top two will be very tough.”

Nowhere in there do I say that the Braves can make the playoffs with the way Hudson is pitching right now. The crucial part of the equation is Hudson pitching like a top-of-the-rotation starter. If he doesn’t do that, the Braves aren’t going anywhere.

To me, the most telling stat about Tim Hudson as a Brave is the fact that he has a 15-5 record when the team scores four or more runs for him. In six seasons in Oakland, Hudson was 75-2 when the A’s scored four or more runs for him. Think about that. Two losses in six seasons…five losses in two seasons. Tim Hudson has not lived up to what the Braves thought he’d be.

So Nathan, if the Hudson that showed up last night shows up often over the rest of the season, that will be one huge reason why the Braves won’t make the wild-card.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

One final thing before I turn it back over to my esteemed journalists in spirit: Jeff Conine is being shopped, and he’s a right-handed hitting veteran who can fit instantly into any clubhouse and has versatility to help at OF corners and still-stong 1B defense. Can even still play 3B, his original position.

By hk

July 15, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

… about 20 years ago I started brushing my teeth with listerine, read somewhere there was something wrong with toothpaste, etc … next time I went to the dentist for a routine teeth cleaning, the gal said “why are you here, there’s no plaque or anything, your teeth don’t need cleaning!) … haven’t had my teeth cleaned in 20 years, have talked to my dentist about it when getting fillings, he says it’s fine … (Orel history :)..

… appreciated your thoughts the other day about being interviewed and all …. I remember Chipper back in the early days, he had a call-in radio show, was quite good, very responsive to callers and quite perceptive, good sense of humor, no monotone at all … then the media got on him about some of the things going on in his personal life and he changed, became very guarded in his communications, and the radio show went away … the media can be very cruel …

… oh, last night, 11th inning, tied 12-12 … Chipper up first, flied out to left, thought (oh, no …) … then in quick succession Andruw walked, McCann singled him to third, Frenchy got him in with what turned out to be the winning run …

… the image I’ll remember for a long time was Chipper’s face as he shook Andruw’s hand (yes, shook his hand) as he crossed the plate … he had a similar look the night the Braves broke that losing streak …

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

My Lady, what remedies do you find that involve ST37? Seems like it might have been a substitute for Listerine in the old days. Of course, mama’s cure for anything and everything was ST37 and/or mustard plasters.

HK posits that listerine is good for getting rid of a pain in the rear !!! I agree but think it’s a waste if good mouthwash since old fashion Lye Soap would do the same job!

By Chop Chop

July 15, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Robert(Justice is the best),

I’m still trying to figure out what you mean by this:

“Yes, LaRoche can be frustrating but its no different than Manny Ramirez. Now, while LaRoche is nowhere near the player Manny is, Manny does a lot of things that put his team in jeopardy. A lot more than LaRoche.”

My guess is that you’re saying Manny puts his team in jeopardy by trade demands, asking out of the lineup from time to time, etc. Well, in defense of Manny, the guy’s played 150+ games each of the last three years, 42 homers, 126 RBI, .308 average. He’s certainly not a good outfielder, but he plays the Monster really well at Fenway. He’s definitely a distraction in Boston, but it’s something that is fueled more by the media and the fans than the team itself.

As for LaRoche, he doesn’t belong in the same sentence with Manny Ramirez. He’s not the player that Manny is and, most importantly, he isn’t being paid to produce like Manny. Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to. With what the Braves are paying LaRoche (a mere $420,000 in ‘06), they’re getting a good return for their investment. The guy is going to hit his 20+ homers, drive in 80+ runs, hit around .270 or slightly above and play, despite the occasional mental lapse, a very good defensive first base.

By MEB

July 15, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Jim… your comments about the tight strike zone and the great at bat by Barfield are exactly why our pitchers did not find better success. Maddox and Glavine would have had a tough night. Sosa made a lot of great pitches in the bottom of the 9th but the Padres deserve some credit for a couple of great at bats.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Brush your breath with Dentine and your teeth with Listerine … my, my!

By nathan

July 15, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Sonny ……

Yeah, I knew what you meant. I just had to give you a hard time!! LOL

By hk

July 15, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, you read my thoughts precisely :)))

By nathan

July 15, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

sorry chop chop

I was just skimming, and didn’t read all of your post. My mistake. You’re right about the “old” Hudson. If he shows up, were fine. If not, well……….

I have serious doubts if that Hudson will ever show up again. Maybe Oakland knew somthing before they traded him?

By Steve

July 15, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

What if McDowell coached from the bullpen and Bobby Dews became the coach from the dugout. Wouldn’t they both be more valuable in these areas?

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Wow, HK, I really enjoyed your account of the game and comments on Chipper. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay up and see the game! (Being on the DL is NO fun!)

You’re right about the effects of Listerine. I used to call it ‘Blisterine’, ‘mint-flavored gasoline’, etc. but I’ve actually gotten used to it now! And it TRULY makes a huge difference with regular, consistant (is that redundant??) use!

It probably has many more applications than we’ve thought of!

By Jim

July 15, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

Hudson needs to be moved for young pitching and to get out from under his contract. The Yankees and Red Sox may be interested but don’t know what either team has to return in the way of pitching. (I would like to see a major league ready mid level prospect (or current major league pitcher lack a Zach Miner and a AA or better high level prospect). The teams from the West of both divisions are all in contention. Do the Giants have another Francisco Liriano to discard?

By krath

July 15, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I still have a bone to pick with you! You may be a bonafide, getting paid to do it, sports writer, but maybe you need a short course in reading comprehension! It’s no wonder that people don’t trust the media anymore. Some don’t seem to be able to report the facts.

Simply because I seem to think Wilson Betemit deserved a chance to compete for a spot in the lineup earlier in the season YOU chose to go off on a rant, insinuating that I made statements that I did not make.

I CHALLENGE YOU to go back anywhere in previous blogs (the evidence is still there or should I say lack of evidence) go back anywhere and point out where I said or even hinted that Wilson should displace Chipper Jones in the lineup! I have never made one negative statement about CJ in any blog here. I repeat NEVER! Stating that Wilson would never have the opportunity to have similar success as Chipper because Wilson would never have 11-13 seasons as a starter to have such a streak IS NOT minimizing Chipper’s accomplishments.

Maybe you responded to actual suggestions posted on the AJC blogs but I DID NOT make the suggestions!

I suggest before you “go off” on anyone here, at least have your facts straight when you attack.

If I think we can do better than LaRoache, then I’m a LaRoache hater. If someone thinks we can do better than someone else, then they are a hater. When Bobby decides someone isn’t doing the job and sends them to Richmond is he a hater? If JS decides he can trade someone to better help the team is he a “hater” of the person he traded?

I can see you aren’t one of those people who can stand an opposing viewpoint without getting nasty. Seems like we’ve got a world crisis going on because people can’t tolerate other people’s point of view.

One more thing….. You are the same in some ways as anyone on this blog. You don’t play the game, you just watch. You don’t make the trades, you just report them. You have a talent to write about the game and voice your opiion. You get paid to do it. Others (including myself) don’t. This is a blog. The purpose is to share/voice opinions. If you don’t want to hear those opinions then AJC should just leave you to write your columns and let the amateurs post in forums where they can’t mingle with the “professionals.”

You obviously enjoy music. You aren’t afraid to share your opinions on that. I suppose you feel it would be ok if a “real” music critic were to read your opinions and respond in a manner that insinuated that you were an idiot and should leave public opinions regarding music to the “pros.” Oh and one more thing about music….that may be a field that I have a bit more expertise than you , but I ain’t even going there. You see, I’m not a snob who believes that you must have played “The House Of Blues” before you are qualified to state what you enjoy listening to and what you don‘t.

I don’t like getting nasty, but when I treat people on a blog with respect and get garbage back from you because my viewpoint is different, I don’t like it!

By Jim

July 15, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t think trading Hudson for Prospects would jeopardize our chances at the wild card. Even in his better starts he has run up the pitch count to where he is out of the game by the 7th inning, and in too many games he’s out by the 4th. Far from being the ace he has put a strain on a weak pen and does not give us a better than 60% chance of winning each game he pitches (which is what one should expect from an ace). A young major league ready pitcher should give us everything that Hudson has given us and more, and given no injuires to Smoltz, our chances of making the playoffs will ride or fall on what HoRam, James, and Davies give us the rest of the way.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

The Braves actually targeted Conine in the off-season.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

HK, which thoughts are those? I thought of the rhyme ‘cause the young man who came up with the Dentine Slogan … who ain’t so young any more … shares my last name!

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

I agree, Jim. Moving Hudson IMPROVES our wild card chances. Even before his salary explodes in 2008, he’s still making too much to pitch 3 innings every 5 days. Last time I checked, he wasn’t a relief pitcher.

By hk

July 15, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

… I tried the sweet stuff, but the yellow bad tasting listerine is the only thing that works … have used white vinegar for quite a few years, but there’s a limit I think to what can be shared on this blog :)

By Kentavo

July 15, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

The Beaver Bar is Murrells Inlet, S.C., right next door to famed biker bar Suck, Bang, Blow.

As for Conine - I’d love to have him, but didn’t the Braves go after him last off-season? Didn’t they try to get him when he was traded back to the Marlins?

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Conine is 40, though, and what would Baltimore want for him? Anything more than a AA ball-boy, I say “No way!”

By hk

July 15, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob,

… oh no, I meant your previous observations about the possible applications lye soap …

… yes yes …

‘Brush your breath, Brush your breath, Brush your breath with dentine’

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

I’m warming to the idea of Shannon Stewart; I read that he’s unhappy at DH, where the Twins have been using him lately, and is open to a trade.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Of course, the Braves would have to cover about $3 million of his salary and they probably wouldn’t be able to re-sign him for 2007, so nevermind…

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

HK, I honestly find the uses of vinegar to be as interesting as they are surprising … a lot of uses for a spoon or so of vinegar, in addition to its effect on sousemeat.

However, our most common uses are (a) to calm upset stomaches and (b) as the vital, final ingredient to homemade soup.

I remember that Mama had a mixture that included white vinegar which she used to remove some stains.

By Lew

July 15, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Come on DOB- is the beautiful sunny California weather getting to you? Come on dude, I agree with much of what you say most of the time, but getting Conine is not what we need, unless he has learned to pitch. We scored 15 damn runs last night and almost lost 3 times. IT’S THE PITCHING. We need pitching. It is not first base defense (and good Lord, LaRoche is hot). It’s not Chipper. It’s not the lack of a productive bat in left. It’s not the lack of a lead off hitter. IT’S THE PITCHING. Son, all that country music is eating your brain away. You need to listen to some Night Ranger and get a new perspective.

By tyyosh

July 15, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Two things:

I only see the free TV games, but when was the last time an umpire’s strike zone looked like that one?!? Nothing low, everything high. You could see the pitchers trying to adjust and getting their pitches up.

You wonder if Bobby was sending Hudson a message by pulling him after that inning. He used Orr to do what he could have used Hudson to do (bunt). Or, what if there was something wrong with Hudson?

By journalist PENN

July 15, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Jeff Conine is a “professional” in every sense of the word. I’ve watched him play for years including his time down here in S. Florida and I was really hoping the Braves would get him last year. But the Orioles paid him $1.7 mil against the $1 mil the Braves reportedly offered.

He is hitting .258 and is on track for 32 HR’s and 52 RBi’s in a part time role. He can play a very creditable first base and a very good LF. His arm is still sound and so are his legs.

anyone wanting a player that will give them a hit every four times a bat would do well to look at him.

Also, he has only made 91 errors in 16 YEARS, in all the positions he’s played. the man is a solid citizen and keeps himself ready to play each and every day. He would make an outstanding addition to the braves this year and as long as he can trot out on the field. he’s a 40 year old version of Julio but with an average about 40 points less.

By journalist PENN

July 15, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

Jeff Conine is a “professional” in every sense of the word. I’ve watched him play for years including his time down here in S. Florida and I was really hoping the Braves would get him last year. But the Orioles paid him $1.7 mil against the $1 mil the Braves reportedly offered.

He is hitting .258 and is on track for 32 HR’s and 52 RBi’s in a part time role. He can play a very creditable first base and a very good LF. His arm is still sound and so are his legs.

anyone wanting a player that will give them a hit every four times a bat would do well to look at him.

Also, he has only made 91 errors in 16 YEARS, in all the positions he’s played. the man is a solid citizen and keeps himself ready to play each and every day. He would make an outstanding addition to the braves this year and as long as he can trot out on the field. he’s a 40 year old version of Julio but with an average about 40 points less.

By journalist PENN

July 15, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION:

Make that 13 HR’s for Conine’s projection.

Does anyone else have trouble with the mechanics of this site? It is without a doubt the slowest and least responsive of any site I visit on a regular or part time basis. it truly drives me bonkers.

i would think the AJC could afford a website that runs at least half way efficiently.

By MGL

July 15, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Some of you like Krath seem to have this blind devotion to Wilson Betemit. Now, before you hang me I will say that I like the guy and think that he has a future. BUT! look at his stats seriously. Even though he has had some clutch hits that were great, his AVE drops significantly in games he has started. Additionally, he has the next to highest strikeout ave on the team with over 100 AB’s, just short of Langerhans and over 27%. He also has the lowest walk ratio behind Frenchy. Worse, he has the highest error rate per innings played of anyone on the team. Please tell me why you people are so hot on getting him in the line-up every day!! To put him in at 2nd would be a serious mistake, he has no where close to the range and speed of Marcus, not the grit.

If Bobby thought WB would improve the team by being in every day, he would do it! Let this one go guys and trade him for relief help.

By hk

July 15, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

… I halfway expected you to break out in that Julie Andrews song from the Sound of Music :) …

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Lew, you’re absolutely right _ Braves need pitching first, second and third. Just saying, if they could get Conine, he might help only because they don’t have a right-handed hitting first baseman. But if LaRoche hits them like he has in limited spots lately, might not need them. Still, nice to have a veteran off the bench who can play a few spots.

But don’t want to overstate Conine. Not important or a big potential move or anything else. Relief pitching is crucial need, as we saw yet again last night. if they could get Linebrink for Betemit, they’d do it. Just don’t know that San Diego will let him go; they love Linebrink.

If Braves hit like they did last night and like they have in July _ they lead NL in scoring and average and most everything else _ they’ll win the wild card even with mediocre to bad pitching. But I don’t expect them to hit like this, obviously, for a sustained period. Still somewhere between this and June’s hitting will do it, if they can get just a bit better starting and improved relief.

Krath, you OK after that diatribe? Geez, man, don’t take my missives so personally. It was a long night, and I’m just shooting from the hip, dude.

And I’m simply a music fan, not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Never claimed to be anything more. I’ll be clear, just in case: I don’t play an instrument, never took music lessons, don’t know anything more than what I like?

But I do know Night Ranger and Twisted Sister should never, ever be mentioned in the same sentence as artists such as Hank Williams, Lou Reed, Led Zep, Metallica, Lucinda, Prince _ you name it, there’s incredible artists in every genre, but selling a lot of records and being the flavor-of-the-day doesn’t mean you’re talented. I do know that, and I do know plenty of musicians whose opinion I respect, who tell me the same thing.

It doesn’t make one a music snob to appreciate true talent and dismiss poseurs and big-selling pop acts who appeal briefly to the masses. Or maybe that does one make one a music snob. In which case, I’m one.

Anyway, sorry to hurt your feelings, man. I’ll stick to sparring with a few other dudes here who like the give-and-take. You fellas know who you are, and I enjoy our regular banter and back-and-forth. Krath, I know where you stand now. I’ll avoid commenting on your posts when I disagree.

Where should Braves play Betemit tonight, by the way?

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I find it interesting DOB brought up Jeff Conine. I happen to think picking up Conine would be an excellent idea. I bet we would not have to give up too much. I bet a deal involving Pete Orr and and maybe Langerhans or Diaz would be tempting to the Orioles.

Before anyone jumps on me about Diaz think about this. We have to get a leadoff hitter (whether its now or in the offseason). Unless that leadoff hitter comes from 2B in a trade for Giles the outfield will be the most likely position to get that hitter. Once we acquire that leadoff hitter Diaz would be somewhat expendable. And to be honest I think Diaz could be easier to move than Langerhans simply because Diaz shows more ability to be an everyday player than does Langerhans.

If we were to acquire Conine, he could platton with Thorman, that is unless we are able to somehow miracoulsy come up with a leadoff hitter.

Of course, a closer or some kind of bullpen help is the most immediate need.

DOB, is there ANY…..ANY news on the trade front. I know JS keeps things close to the vest but he is not the FBI for God’s sake. What is going on?????????????????????

By MGL

July 15, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised that this has not been brought up, but there is a real simple way to win the Division, not just the WC. That is to sweep the Mets in the nine games that we play them. That would narrow the lead by nine and so demoralize the Mets that they would drop enough games to others for us to pull ahead.

That’s what I would like to shoot for. Every Mets game should be scouted, and the game plan needs to be very aggressive and presise. It could be done!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

hk has found yet another use for listerine. imagine hk sitting in a large bowl of listerine - no on second thought put that out of your mind. one would hope there is no chance of hk’s recycling the listerine product. oh, the humanity! and this reference from dob to esteemed journalists in spirit … to whom does he refer?

dob: One final thing before I turn it back over to my esteemed journalists in spirit: Jeff Conine is being shopped, and he’s a right-handed hitting veteran who can fit instantly into any clubhouse and has versatility to help at OF corners and still-stong 1B defense. Can even still play 3B, his original position.

has no one told dob that the area around 3b has been territorially marked? and dob, stong defense is what carroll was complaining about. now is the time to sell your sosa stock.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

MGL, thanks for the astute observations about Betemit’s stats. And let me say, he’s a really good guy and easy to talk to, plays hard, works hard, etc. But frankly, he’s just not performed well as a starter. And before the members of his fan club start on how great he played in Chipper’s place last year, look at the actual stats and you’ll see they’re not very impressive. He was a singles hitter for the last two months or so of the season, with amazingly low number of extra-base hits per at-bats after the break.

Anyway, you’re right _ if Bobby thought he’d improve the lineup, he’d play him. But he doesn’t think that, and he won’t play him regularly until someone gets hurt. Even then, if Giles were traded or something, I think you’d see Prado at second base, not Betemit.

By geauxbraves2000

July 15, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Can Betemit pitch?

By geauxbraves2000

July 15, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, question, you are around the Braves players; have you any idea what goes through their mind when they are scoring runs only to see the pitchers keep giving them back?

By blahhh

July 15, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

**WHEN WILL SOSA BE DFAed DOB??? And WILL STOCKMAN BECOME PART OF THE BULLPEN AGAIN???!!! DOB???

By srrry

July 15, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

WHEN WILL SOSA BE DFAed DOB??? And WILL STOCKMAN BECOME PART OF THE BULLPEN AGAIN???!!! DOB???

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

HK, the Dentine thing must have been close to 30 years ago. Another true, “out of school” tale from those times … I remember getting a late night call … “Bobby, what do you think of the name ‘Buglemouth Bass Burgers’?”

In our younger days, we had once caught a huge carp, about as big as he was … we gave it to a very nice, old black lady we knew who told us it was a “Buglemouth Bass” and that it was real good eatin’ … that is, if you knew how to properly remove its “mud vein”.

Well, it seems that a certain, leading national chain was considering using “farm raised” carp to make cheap fish sandwiches … and wanted a “name” that was a little more marketable than “carp”.

He remembered our little adventure and gave me that call! Now I thought that the BMBB name was really neat but do remember suggesting that the risk-reward ratio, relative to their business reputation and his career was a bit on the shaky side … and jesting that the potatoes wouldn’t be the only things getting fried it they tried that … we bantered for over an hour that night.

I’m not sure what they eventually did but I never heard of any carp scandals … and their fish sandwiches have always tasted pretty good to me, all things considered.

The story may sound a bit fishy, but it’s 100% true … no carp!

By Lew

July 15, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

DOB-you didn’t hurt my feelings. I make no apology for my base tastes and desires. I just can’t handle country, especially the older stuff that I know you adore. I promise, I don’t hold it against you and I HOPE you continue to spar with me musically. I love it. It’s fun. No umbrage taken, my friend, have no fear. Now, that being said, I have absolutely no Twisted Sister in my collection, nor would I ever compare Dee Snider to anyone, much less Johnny Cash or someone of his talent. I just don’t dig country. I’m sorry, I would be a p##s poor redneck, y’all. Now. Dob, also do not forget, I DID ask your opinion on new GOOD hard rockers and you never responded. A right handed corner infielder would be good. I heard someone propose, on XM Home Plate, that the Braves go out and trade Salty, Davies and Langerhans for Dontrelle and Cabrera. This is the inanity I have been dealing with today. The analyst laughed him off the air and told him to just trade Langerhans straight up to the Angels for Guerrero. The lunatic is in the hall-or so it seems. See, I like Jim Morrison. too.

By MGL

July 15, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the reinforcement. I am really a WB fan, but cannot see anyone in the starting line-up that I would take out for him. He is fantastic of the bench, and a good fill-in, and he might make a starter somewhere else, but he is behind all infield starters we currently have, so let him continue in the role he has played or trade him.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, what is up with your boy, Mark Bradley. Why does he think that the Braves trying to win the wild card would be a mistake. Does he not see that this team has a base that is strong and will be here for years. I think most teams would feel pretty good about having Francoeur, McCann, Andruw, James, Lerew, and Horacio as a foundation for the future.

Why are those guys always so negative about the Braves?

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Why mess up the flow by playing Betemit? Everyone seems to be in a groove. We don’t need to mess that up now do we?

By krath

July 15, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, I can take disagreement and I can take someone pointing out the flaws in any argument I may make. But we can disagree without becoming insulting. I also don’t agree when someone here “gets personal” when they critique a players performance. , Just cause a guy is not performing well doesn’t mean that he’s terrible excuse for a human being! I think a players performance can be critiqued without questioning his very existence.

As for where to play Betemit tonight? Probably would sit him beside Bobby. The offense was flaming last night. If you had asked me mid June when the Braves were losing over 20 games and Giles and LaRoache looked like lost pups…. I would have said, “take your pick, but get his bat in the lineup somewhere cause these guys are lost.”

By Stanford

July 15, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Just read this on foxsports.com (Ken Rosenthal).

“The White Sox, who face the Yankees on Saturday on MLB on FOX (1 p.m. ET), did ask about Braves center fielder Andruw Jones and Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis, and in both cases were told, “No!”

A McCarthy-Anderson package would make sense for either of those players, but the Braves and Marlins weren’t even willing to exchange names, much less enter serious discussions/”

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

DOB I was already a big fan of yours, but after your “LaRoche haters, let it go” post, I’m your BIGGEST FREAKING FAN, man.

I’m so sick of seeing all that irrational blather from people who just knee-jerk their way through watching a baseball game. Man, if Braves management listened to some people, we’d have traded Andruw away, benched or dropped Chipper altogether for Wilson Betemit, benched LaRoche for god only knows whom, brought up Saltalamacchia and moved him to first base with no experience there whatsoever, just to name a few….

LaRoche is on-pace for a .262 average, 27 HRs 86 RBI full-season.

Deal with it and STFU.

Good job DOB.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

David O’B’s astute observation that “being the ‘flavor-of-the-day’ doesn’t mean you’re talented” … applies, not only to music and baseball … but to life itself.

Musically, I like a bit of just about everything from Opry to Grand Opera, including Classical, Gospel, Jazz and Rock … just a bit mind you … these days, it’s easier for me to find what I don’t like than what I do.

From my perspective, I think the verdict is still out on my “Buttermint Babe” … if you look in that little black box he carries around, you’ll find that he has all the tools, including Listerine. His failure to put those to good use and meet expectations as a regular may well be a “fear of failure” manifestation, similiar to that experienced by our starting pitchers and leadoff hitter a while back.

As I may have suggested once before … it’s above the neck … unless it’s in the toes.

It frequently seems that when nice things are said about a player, it brings out his detractors … and when bad things are said, the supporters stand up and yell.

The interesting thing to me is how many folks belong to both groups … or at least change sides at the drop of the hat.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Penn, “Does anyone else have trouble with the mechanics of this site?”

Poor fellow, you’re the only one!

There are books, CD’s, and some websites available that might help you … and if you’re at all familiar with the infamous Ms Woods, you could probably find the solution while waiting for the site to refresh.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Bob, you’re in your usual good form!

“The interesting thing to me is how many folks belong to both groups … or at least change sides at the drop of the hat.” That strongly suggests instability, doens’t it?

I wonder if the problem with the AJC site is that it’s server can’t handle all the traffic. Bigger server could more easily handle the load. Of course, I’m sure they’ll run right out and take care of that, right?? :-))) (But it IS a thought!)

While they’re at it, a ‘Preview’ feature would be soooooo nice on the blog.

Did you check out the music link from yesterday evening, Bob? Listen to some of the pieces in the lower half of the list. Just beautiful! I’ve literally worn out several CDs of his music.

I’m not much of hard rock, but like and enjoy many types of music, but especially like country - the OLD country of Reaves, Loretta, Patsy, Scruggs & Flatts (met them once!), etc. How ‘bout some good ragtime? Swing? Big band? 50s? New Age? Don’t like whole operas but there are some great arias and other bits and pieces. (There is probably an entire group of folks who have only a vague notion what Swing, etc, is! :-)) Lots of good stuf around! Goes well with Listerine!

By Chop Chop

July 15, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, LaRoche is an average first baseman. I don’t have a problem with people ripping the guy or loving him to death. All I know is that he’s not a major factor in the Braves’ struggles this season. Oh, there’s no reason to tell people to “STFU” because you don’t like their opinions. Sure, most of the people calling for “wild and wacky” positional changes or trades are probably half-crazy, but their opinions add to the load time for this blog, and I think we all appreciate that.

As for the “Betemit should play (insert base here)” argument, DOB’s right. The more Betemit plays, the more he is exposed. Instead of panning out as a top prospect, he went the way of Mark DeRosa or Tony Graffanino. There’s no shame in that, but he’s not a guy that can be counted to hold down a position and be more productive than an average player. As long as Chipper can move around over at third and he’s not absolutely killing the team in the field, he has to stay there. I’m one of the people who feels he will eventually move to first base, but I know it won’t happen this year or next. The Braves don’t have a guy ready (No, it’s not Betemit. Shall I punch you?) to step in for Chipper at third and hit well (and for power) on a consistent basis.

By hk

July 15, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

Penn,

… awhile back during a power outage, was amazed to find that AJC pages downloaded just as fast over the old dial-up as on our DSL … I think it’s all the blogs on the website … this blog page, right now for instance, is 294k with 335 messages … with all the bloggers continually refreshing the page, posting messages, etc etc that’s a pretty good load, considering all the blogs … AJC probabably should think about beefing up its capacity, it is by far the slowest site I know of on the net …

… main thing is, often after you click ‘post’ it looks like nothing happened or something’s gone wrong, but usually it’s still OK … what I do when that happens is open a separate browser, access the blog again, usually my post is there OK …

By Ron Roberts

July 15, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Wilson Betemit’s the kinda guy, I think, that would do well in an organization like Kansas City, Tampa, etc., but he’s no every-day guy, at least not in my opinion.

He’s proof that you have to keep using your everyday guys, funk/slump or not, and let ‘em work their way out of it. WB’s fine off the bench (statistically better, I’m guessing) but not superior to Chipper, Renteria, Giles or LaRoche, imho.

And Chop, I’m not (nor have I ever) suggesting that LaRoche is somebody the Braves can hang their hats on, but people who senselessly (yeah, I said it….) knock him are just bloviating about somebody who’s not the team’s weakness.

The numbers dictate he’s on average tohit .262-.264 with 27 HRs and 86.4 RBIs through the full season. That’s not a problem spot in our lineup; and he’s usually very good in the field.

But aside from the bullpen fellas, which everyday player’s been brow-beaten on these blogs more then LaRoche? Giles is probably 2nd with Chipper a close 3rd, but DOB made solid points about people who blog with their hearts and not their heads…

…I’m just glad he made the point.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

I’ll answer that question DOB, Betemit should start On the BENCH!

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

LaRoche is a decent 1B. He is not the guy who can carry a team for two weeks but his defense saves runs and hits and his offense is good enough to cause a few wins as was the case last night. I’m all for an upgrade at 1st but it has to be that an upgrade. I bet there are about 15 or so teams right now that would kill to have LaRoche at 1st. The guy is not the reason the Braves have struggled nor should he be a lightening rod for criticism. If you are looking for someone to replace McGriff, that will be hard to do. But, he is by far the best option we have had there since the “Crime Dog”. Need I bring up the names of Caminiti, Brogna, and Fick?

By krath

July 15, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, I remember a few years back when Mark DeRosa won the second base job and tore it up the first part of the season before screwing a wheel up. He was out forever. Marcus Giles stepped in and basically took the job. DeRosa wasn’t able to perform at a similar level again when he came back. Later, he was given the 3rd base job when Chipper was in the outfield and quite honestly failed miserably. He got a shot and didn’t produce. He seems like a good guy and glad to see he’s hitting about .340 at Texas. (that ain’t too bad)

You may be right about Wilson. I don’t think so but I’ve been wrong before. I would have shipped Andruw out 3 years ago. He proved me wrong in a big way. Wilson may prove me wrong as well.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m back and just noticed the attack on me 6 hours ago. DOB, I AM in charge of Bobby’s contract and if he doesn’t start doing better soon, I WILL fire him. Show’s what YOU know, Mr. Insider. :-) Seriously, though, I hope you were joking earlier, and that you may have noticed that 90% of my posts to this point have been playfully sarcastic and light-hearted? I sometimes do get pissed, especially late at night after a few brews and the team blows six leads and takes two years off my life, but it doesn’t last for more than a few minutes, and I mentioned several times afterward I was glad we won. Would you prefer I stayed silent, and kicked my dog instead? I may have a temper and a penchant for sarcasm, but I also dearly love my team, ALL my Atlanta teams (except Georgia Tech) and the intensity of my rants reflects that love and not a problem comprehending that I can’t fire Bobby Cox. I wouldn’t if I could. I was just ranting so I didn’t have to join Peter Gammons in the ICU. Good thing you don’t cover UGA or Falcons blogs… I am aware of my humble place in the universe, oh, Captain, my Captain… :-)

By CharlotteDave

July 15, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

People can be amazingly fickle. Betemit has had a little bit of a slump in recent weeks and suddenly the doubters start coming out of the woodwork. If some have exaggerated at times in the positive direction, now the Betemit doubters are taking things to the other extreme. Why I don’t know. What’s not to like? Betemit has developed into a very disciplined hitter, has shown good power, hits to all fields, is a switch hitter, and has shown himself to be a good clutch hitter. On top of all that, he is still just 24 years old. Yet, we get all these sweeping statements about what Wilson Betemit will never be and will never do. Very strange.

Finally, and I stand to corrected if I’m remembering this wrong, but hasn’t even DOB advocated more playing time for Betemit at times this year?

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

LOOK AT THE BRAVES SCHEDULE IN AUGUST IF YOU NEED HOPE!

By Kent

July 15, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop:

Actually, Ron understated Adam LaRoche’s case a bit. If you project “Rochey’s” number this year out to 550 AB’s, you will have the following:

31 Home Runs / 104 RBI / 44 doubles

He has brought his average up to .264 which is not impressive, but neither is it shameful.

His slugging percentage is .523, second only to the Jones boys on this team.

He is also largely regarded as one of the best defensive 1st baseman in the league.

There are (obviously) 30 starting 1st-baseman accross Major League Baseball, Here’s how LaRoche ranks among all starting MLB 1st-baseman (per 500 at-bats):

Home Runs: #8

RBI: #5

Doubles: #5

Slugging percentage: #9

Runs: #9

No, Chop Chop… according to the numbers, he is not an average 1st baseman. He is much better than average.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Now I know I’m a redneck … maybe it’s from the North Georgia clay, too much sunshine without wearing a strawhat … or just in the genes … inspite of the fact that mine are all faded from repeated washin’s in Listerine.

Point is that when you grow up with Maybelle, Bill Monroe, Bob Wills, Ernst, Hank, Chet, Mr. Acuff, Miss Minnie and folks like that … well, it’s more than just music, it’s friends and family.

You think I’m a spoofin’ but I ain’t … you can drive up just about any holler in the hills of middle Tennessee … and folks will tell you the exact same thing!

They don’t have to know you to invite you in for roastin’ ears and country ham and then stay to hear the Opry on WSM! Believe, they’ll talk your ears off about all those folks I’ve mentioned and many more … they’re family.

The best part is that most of it has a good sound, tells a story and you can understand what the words are when they sing … that also includes Little Jimmy, Grandpa, Mr. George Jones, Gentleman Jim, June, John, Merle, Weylan, Charlie, Loretta, Patsy, Skeeter … and many of the young ones too.

Whether he was ridin’ on a tanker during WWII or just seeing the light … you were always there with Hank when he sang … you could see him just as plain as day … and you wanted to know him and his misic pretty good ‘cause he might just drop in for supper sometime.

A lot of us and them were, and are, characters … that’s for sure … but, I think that captures some of the essence of what country music means to at least a few of us rednecks … at least there’s a lot more than just a bit of truth in what I’ve said.

You don’t have to be a redneck to like Country Music … it helps, but isn’t a requirement. Dan Quayle likes Country and says to tell folks that Ben Franklin did too.

Even the Bard liked Country Music … different country, different music but Country all the same, and I can assure you that his neck wasn’t red!

I won’t hold it against you if you don’t like my friends and family … I think I can cope with that … but I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit … with study, patience, hard work and practice … I’ll bet you could become a good redneck, just like me.

Lew, “rednecks” … well, that’s sort of like the difference between polls and poles … or complete and incomplete fools … just a matter of perspective.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady and various Journalists, I, too have noticed that the original nasty listerine does wonders for many things…Jeff Porter should have an industrial-sized bottle on his hip like a gunslinger during games and should periodically call time to apply it to various players toes (especially the ones who are slumping). Perhaps we could even talk a bottle into pitching the 9th? During home games, the other team would be forced to use cool mint, putting them at a decided disadvantage.

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 15, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

In DOB’s defense about Betemit. He did say awhile back that Betemit should get more playing time, but he also said that it should come in the form of giving a combination of Chipper, Renteria, and Giles days off and maybe even LaRoche (whom he said should start playing everyday because Jordan was not getting it done at all. He never said that Betemit should supplant any of the starters. I think Giles is tradeable if it means getting some much needed bullpen help or a leadoff hitter but in no way should Giles be benched in favor of Betermit. And Lord knows that Renteria or Chipper shouldn’t. Do I think Betemit can play everyday? Yes. Is it going to be in a Braves’ uniform? Not as long as the current infield stays the way it is.

By Max

July 15, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Guys wansn’t last nights game AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kent

July 15, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

If you look at his numbers and his defensive ability, you will find that Laroche is one of the top-10 first-baseman in baseball. Granted, he’s no Lance Berkman or Albert Pujhols (of course, who is?), but he’s a darn fine first-baseman.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Bob, you are an artist with words!

By Max

July 15, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Sosa had 2 BLOWN SAVES i don’t care what nobody says!!!!!!

By Max

July 15, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Laroach is the best Defensive 1b i have seen

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, excellent treatise on country and redneck-ism. Lew has many shining parts, and would make a worthy disciple if he so chose. A baptism in the waters of the chattahoochie is not to be dismissed (not for religious purposes, but for country annointment). But I agree with him that new country is not country. Garth Brooks knows not of red-eye gravy nor roasting ears, much less the sweet blue grass of Tennessee.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Kent, Lance Berkman and Albert Puhols are! :-) Just messin’ with you. LaRoche’ll do just fine. Max, we got it done but it just about cost me a stroke. Tonight Smoltz needs to show ‘em what a starter does.

By Kent

July 15, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Please forgive the re-post, but I wanted to add something to my post from lastnight/this morning.

Lastnight’s (or should I say this morning’s) game served as a reminder of several things… 9 things in particular:

1-First and foremost that Jorge Sosa shouldn’t be pitching for any team that hopes to be a contender… for anything.

2-We need bullpen help. (Though I’m not convinced that we necessarily need to import a closer. I still think Ken Ray might be the answer to that issue.)

3-Chipper is still a stud.

4-Adam Laroche isn’t part of the problem… he’s part of the solution.

5-Macay McBride is extremely useful for getting out left-handed batters.

6-We would be in serious trouble without Ken Ray. (Not even within shouting distance of the wild card.)

7-The Braves have a darn good lineup, top to bottom. Possibly as good as any in the NL.

8-Villareal, as it turns out, is pretty good in the long-relief role. (Problem is, you’re not supposed to have to use your long-reliever 2-3 times a week.)

9-And the final fact this game should have reminded us all of is this…

If Tim Hudson doesn’t start coming through for the Braves, the other 8 items listed above won’t mean a damn thing. As Huddy goes, so go Atlanta’s playoff hopes… so here’s hoping.

By Max

July 15, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Smoltzie!!!!

By Stanford

July 15, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Smoltz has owned the Padres. So a good chance to take at least 2 of 3 from a division leader, on the road!

Man, this is one strange blog. That’s not a criticism. Just an observation.

By Max

July 15, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

I agree with u Kent.After last night you get the sense JS and cox are will to give up alot just as long they get that BULLPEN HELP!!!

By Kent

July 15, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Max: Yeah, it looks like we absolutely have to get some kind of significant bullpen help in here if we’re going to make a run.

But again, any progress we make will ultimately be derailed if Hudson doesn’t get things straight. Odds certainly are that he will. We won’t be able to keep finding ways to win in spite of the performance of that guy that’s supposed to be our ace… but hopefully we can until he get’s things turned around.

By hk

July 15, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

journalist bob,

… just knew there was something ‘fishy’, with all the ‘carping’ going on … sorry, couldn’t help it, euphoria carrying over from last night… a like the old stuff you’re talking about, not much for the new, with a couple of exceptions: I love everything Clint Black has written and sings, I think he’s one of the nicest guys around … same with Shania Twain (although I sometime question my objectivity there) … I really like all the stuff that Grey Eye Glances does, something captivating about that little gal’s voice …

… love all the classics, Vivaldi by far my favorite..

… Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, that ilk … I love all the music that John Barry wrote for the 007 movies … Burt Bacharach, wonderful … background music of Top Gun, The Alamo …

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t set up for a Hudson apologist. y’all, but remember he did go 8 the other night and only gave up 1 (I know the stats say 4, but that isn’t really fair). The guy knows how to pitch; he just isn’t consistently doing it here. Maybe the pressure of being brought in as the “Ace” for such a prestigious team has undone him. He was at his best on a crappy AL team sharing the “Ace” status with Mulder and Zito; a kind of three headed monster like the Astros rotation. He may not come around here, but he certainly might. He doesn’t SUCK outright, anyway, like Sosa.

By David O'Brien

July 15, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

CharlotteDave, I was about to answer you and Robert already did. Yes, I certainly did advocate more playing time for Betemit early, when all those guys were struggling. And I said he could move around, play 3-4 positions and end up starting 5 games a week.

Again, that was when Chipper was hurting, Giles was hitting barely .200, LaRoche was struggling, and Langerhans was hitting about .200.

That’s all changed, obviously, and so has my view. You have to adjust, realize certain guys have turned their seasons around, etc. And the more Betemit plays, the more he doesn’t look like an impact, every-day player. He is slow defensively at third, lets a lot of balls past him on line. And as long as Chipper looks like Chipper of old, or at least close, then I’d play him every day unless Chipper asks for a day off.

THIS JUST IN: Betemit’s in lineup tonight in place of Giles, who hurt his thumb sliding head-first last night. Giles is going to get it X-rayed. He fears it’s broke, but Bobby doesn’t think so, cites Giles playing 10 innings last night after he hurt it in first.

I saw the thumb and it’s not swollen or black and blue. I’d guess it’s not broken, but who am I? A hack with no medical degree.

Later. Gotta write some stuff.

By Stanford

July 15, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

You guys will laugh or scream at this one, but one arm out there is Chris Hammond. The Reds just cut him because he stunk. But, he actually pitched pretty well on the road this year, and got bombed at home in Cincinatti. Who knows what that might be all about. He was great for the Braves a few years ago but we didn’t keep him for some reason.

He is certainly not the answer to all our problems, but might be more effective than some of the guys we are throwing out there. And he would be cheap, not really affecting any bigger moves we might make.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

Good call on the music, hk. I don’t listen to new country as a general rule but Shania looks great with the mute button on. However, I keep a copy of “Four Seasons” in my car wherever I go. Vivaldi was WAY ahead of his time, and the blistering violin he created is the forefront for most modern high-speed guitar solos. Great stuff, as is Dorsey and Miller, who my dad turned me on to at an early age. Journalist Bob, down in the Emanuel county area from where I just moved those fish are referred to as “Grass Carp.” They are monsterous, and said to be unable to reproduce. I hear the black folk say they are right tasty when deep fried like salmon croquettes. I have not tried it myself, to my knowledge. I HAVE had the carp scared out of me seeing the shadow of one pass under my jonboat on a small pond.

By ncscoots

July 15, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, shouldn’t Jorge Sosa still have at least one minor league option left? Or have I forgotten something?

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Hi My Lady!

Coach Dodd used to say that he would rather be lucky than good … I not sure that my form is good … but I’ll take form over substance any day!

Interesting indeed … you are one astute and observant lady!

We have a nice one out in the back yard … an old tire hanging down from an oak tree limb.

There are some awesome operas but I have to see most operas about 5 times, even with a program and overhead prompts, to really understand them … maybe that’s why I really love Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” and the movie Topsy-Turvy.

I haven’t checked the link … but I’ve copied it and will so do … tonight or tomorrow … thanks! I’ll be back after supper.

I didn’t realize the Grinch’s association with the school in Athens … until his last post … if that’s where he matriculated it would explain a lot but I’m still impressed with his choice of smokes!

Grinch, welcome back! I don’t believing in telling folks when to laugh but … now’s the time!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith shed a tear after reading journalist bob’s touching red-eye gravy post. here we have stanford joining us and observing a strangeness associated with this blog? whatever can stanford mean? now, toes … what is all this talk of toes? the worst toes on the team now belong to hudson followed closely by sosa. now, aaron giraffe, is known to have enjoyed an occasional light beer and then to mark territory akin to what has happened at turner field. now, baseball … is sosa still with the team?

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Good try, Journalist Bob! I did not attend the aforementioned university; rather I grew up watching and loving their football team. Therefore, I take no offense! Not that I would, anyway…Tech is offensive enough on the field to keep me from piling on derrogatory comments! :-) However, I have had the experience of being involved in tech support related to some of their (Tech’s) graduate classes in geophysical thermodynamics, and I must admit I am impressed with them as an institution of higher learning. Too bad they decided to dabble in sports! My degree is from Georgia Southern, which is even more suspect than UGA, but I assure you 98% of my real education comes from intensive library research. Woof! Woof!

By JJMB

July 15, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

I hope Giles broke his thumb, his arm, his leg, etc.

By ncscoots

July 15, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

jjs, you know I’m a big Bob fan (he’s my oldest bestest friend on the blog, as opposed to my newest bestest friends, STanford and mariner), but, bro, I can’t get anywhere near “touching” and “red-eye gravy” in the same sentence! Better check your toes, my man, LOL

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, that observation fits in with my conspiracy theory…could Aaron, enjoying the “High Life,” have accidentally marked over Chipper’s scent at third? This would back my toe-in-the-water theory…

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

wurlitzer people please note this from dob: I saw the thumb and it’s not swollen or black and blue. I’d guess it’s not broken, but who am I? A hack with no medical degree. this is what jimmy smith means! this man is deserving of a wurlitzer prize this year! the worlitzer prize is awarded for a distinguished example of beat reporting characterized by sustained and knowledgeable coverage of a particular subject or activity, in print or in print and online. dob brings home the story of toes and thumbs! jimmy smith thinks we have a winner!

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

I will be back after supper but must something to everyone’s attention … it’s HK’s country music comment that said, in effect, that he thought Shania Twain was one of the nicest guys around. He then added “(although I sometime question my objectivity there)” … I almost chocked!

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Now Journalist Bob-Just because at the moment I am in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont, which do look much like the beautiful green mountains of Tennessee (cite whatever Davy Crockett lyrics may seem appropriate here), does not mean I haven’t paid my dues in the south’s heat. I lived, went to school and worked for some years in Macon. Now if one desires to experience the joys of the south, I heartily reccomend (I never could spell that word right, I know) a summer in the great Ocmulgee valley, painting the Macon Mall parking lot while inhaling the delightful fumes of the various pulp mills. I’m just a bit more like the “Long haired country boy” of Charlie Daniels fame. I just meant I don’t care for country music very much. I well appreciate that other people do and don’t mean to attempt to switch their musical allegiance. I certainly don’t mean to disparage the esteemed farmer’s tan, either- I’ve worn them myself many times.

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

And I, too am a Georgia Bulldog, having been at every game Hesrschel played between the hedges.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Charlie Daniels. Now there’s a character! Local boy, born and raised about 20 miles from here, all of his family still in residence since a few hundred years ago. Can he play a fiddle or what?!

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Excuse me Athenians-that’s Herschel.

By krath

July 15, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

A Disclaimer: The following event is for amusement purposes only. It isn’t gonna happen, it will never happen and it is on NO ONE’S radar. I repeat, for amusement purposes only.

Given each players current age, status blah, blah, blah….. Would you trade Andruw Jones straight up for Mariano Rivera?

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Yes, ma’am, that he can. So can that boy Robbie from the band Kansas. He’s a nice young man, too.

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

No. I wouldn’t take Rivera. He wouldn’t be enough on his own to fill our bullpen holes and we have no replacement for Andruw.

By ncscoots

July 15, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, a pleasant good evening. As always, seeing your name on the blog is like the light in the window of home after a dreary night’s journey. How’s the water lookin’ tonight?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

scoots, red-eye gravy can be medicinal. too bad aaron didn’t have some red-eye gravy after the toe surgery. journalist bob’s posts often touch jimmy smith - this latest bob post tears at the sole of all. now, country music and jimmy smith. journalist once discovered wplo on the radio and immediately turned it off. if you don’t want your pickup truck stolen, take the keys with you when you go inside. spilled beer is a tough one but no reason to cry. baby seal, however, favors country music and is working on a new song now. baby seal is musically talented and plays several instruments including the harp. perhaps jimmy smith will offer a preview of the lyrics in a post later on (if this is acceptable to baby seal).

By Lew

July 15, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

You left me needin honey, my heart, it lay bleedin’ in the sawdust of the honkey tonk floor. Now how’s that for country y’all.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Evenin’, Scoots! What a beautiful compliment, sir! Thank you!

The water is sparkling under an almost-full Carolina moon. A thunderstorm just moved through and the Atlantic has that just-slightly-stirred-up look which makes the moon diamonds dance even more. And the air has cooled a bit and has the refreshing feel that only an electrically-charged storm can give.

In other words, it’s heavenly! :-)) I just hope there’s no trouble in paradise after the game tonight! I sure can’t stay up that late to watch, but I know the superb wordsmiths on the blog will recount the salient moments with perfect artistry!

How are things in the sandhills? :-))

By ncscoots

July 15, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

not as lovely as there…thought the rain might have added that extra touch of paradise to your part of the world, just wanted to eat my heart out hearing about it, LOL…I, however, AM staying up for the game tonight, to heck with it. I was very productive today, so I deserve a treat!

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Good for you, Scoots! Enjoy it for both of us!

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

My, how the blog doth wax prosaic! The moon-diamonds don’t normally dance for me without a little herbal help, but then I’m a historian. Lew, good call on Charlie Daniels; I didn’t know you were into that sort of thing. And Kansas; “Play the game tonight” is one I haven’t heard in a while. Number 34 between the hedges was all the poetry anyone ever needs…

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

All right, Y’all! Let’s get fired up for the game! Cue the Rick Springfield! Hee-hee! Carolina Lady, I promise you a succinct account of the game including all my emotional ups and downs…tune in this station post-game for a Grinchy analysis!

By ncscoots

July 15, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch, a little word music to soothe the savage breast sure uplifts the blog, though, don’t ya think? :-) I mean, as opposed to another gazillion posts on trading for bullpen help?!?

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Ok, Grinch! I’m countin’ on you! :-))

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

I take offense to any suggestion that I was touching any kind of gravy … ever … especially if it had red eyes. That would be unseemly and unacceptable behavior … not to mention unhealthy … and I’m no Mr. Hippercrit; my oldest, bestest friends on the Blog will tell you that!

However, there’s nothing better than good red-eye gravy on homemade biscuits made from scratch with Martha White plain … unless it’s good, homemade buttermilk gravy with scrambled eggs and fried “streak-o-lean”.

And I resemble any remark that suggests that I am opposed to Stanford and Mariner. I like them too … just not as much as Lester and Earl.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Bob, how ‘bout red-eye gravy on grits with eggs and ham?? And hot coffee.

By Max

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

GO SMOLTZIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hk

July 15, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

.. but journalist bob, it wasn’t, er, I didn’t mean, er, that is … I’m sorry you almost ‘chocked’ :)))

By Max

July 15, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

DOB,

In spite of my Twisted Sister reference, I have a very respectable collection of Hanks Sr, Hank Jr., Conway, the Possum, Willie, and Waylon, etc., Plus, if you wanna hear the voice of God, listen to Patsy Cline sing a slow country song.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

THAT’S 2 EXTRA OUTS BETEMIT HAS GIVEN UP ALREADY.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Betemit is clearly not comfortable playing on the right side of the infield. I’m afraid he’ll only be a bench player as long as he’s a Brave.

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

My all-time favorite Brave will always be Dale Murphy. This is probably a bad time to bring up this topic since we are in the middle of the game right now but I’m curious. Who is your favorite Brave from this current run? (91-current) Mine is Steve Avery. He was a great pitcher for the time he was here and won a lot of important games for us, but I think it’s for another reason. I went to a game back when I was 11 or 12 and I remember he was warming up in center field, stretching and jogging. Me and my buddy kept screaming his name and finally he heard us- or just got tired of our incessant yelling- and gave us a little wave. No big deal right? Well, I’ve got to say it was an unbelievable moment for me. It’s something I’ll never forget and will always appreciate. It’s funny how such a simple gesture can make such a lasting impression. By the way, Smoltz is a very close second and Glavine is third on my list. Now let’s get a win boys!

By Max

July 15, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

GOOD BETEMIT AT BAT!!

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Gotta be Smoltz (91-2006), though I was a hugh Rico Brogna fan…er, just kidding.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

How about everyone’s least favorite Brave from the current run (91-06)? Is Dan Kolb the #1 answer?

By Max

July 15, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

My idol Growing up was Mad Dog.Will NEVER forget the game at Candelstick against that GREAT 93’Giants team.Maddux got out of a bases loaded jam with NO OUTS!!

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Kenny Lofton Glass-Half. He just didn’t fit well and Justice was far from done at the time.

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is and always has been my favorite. A total Class Act, superb athlete.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Say what you will, but Rocker was the bomb in 1999…especially in the NLCS against the Mets. Too bad he was clinically insane.

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

GHF, Reitsma for me ‘cause he’s screwed up for 2 years now. Lonnie Smith would be second.

By Max

July 15, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

Kolb is up there as least favorite.Hated B.J Surhoff

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Lew, I pray for some Bulldogs just about every night … I figure that they need all the help they can get!

Actually, we’ve got ties with Bulldogs from both Yale and Georgia, Jackets, Longhorns, Volunteers, Blue Devils, Tarheels, and Razorbacks.

Charlie Daniels … can flat get it!

Speaking again of family, years ago I was so proud to find out that Davy was my 13th cousin … undaunted, even after my wife informed me that Mexican records indicate he was among a group of seven who were captured and shot by Santa Anna as cowards … it may be true, but I’ll never believe that of the Colonel.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

mike lum

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I wasn’t down with Lofton either. Robert Fick kinda sucked too; I lost what little respect I had for him in the 2003 NLDS when he tried to interfere with Eric Karros catching the throw to 1st base.

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Ya, like I said Carolina, Smoltz is a close second for me. It would really hurt me to see him finish his career with some other team, even if we were to get back a killer prospect or two for him. He also doesn’t sugar coat things. He tells it like it is without ever being a jack-a*s or disrespectful towards anyone. BTW- Andruw is really heating up and the way Smoltz is pitching that HR might be all we need.

By hk

July 15, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

… 453 feet !!! …

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Did I see Chipper running down the 1st base line just now????

Ok, bedtime for me. Grinch, Bob, HK, Scoots, Jimmy - y’all get us a win!

OK!!!! Andruw!!! :-))) WOW! :-)))

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Reitsma makes me want to throw up and so does Sosa.I mean how could you call yourself a major leaguer!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

My Lady, you’re making me hungry and I’m sitting here eating county ham and white acre peas … that’s the only I can eat grits!

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this

Hated Klesko and Lemke

By journalist jimmy smith

July 15, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

sonny jackson

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

How about Albie Lopez? Talk about effective.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

You know, Khalil Green kinda looks like a young Sean Penn, especially in his Jeff Spicolli days.

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Bret Boone

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

I agree, brewdawg. I couldn’t stand seeing Smoltz in any other uniform. I like everything about him, on and off the field. He’s genuine.

Ok, I’ve GOT to turn this thing off now and get myself to sleep! Grrrrrrrrr

Y’all post and fill me, OK??

Good night! :-)

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t even remember him it was only 1 year right?97’ i think?

By Woogidy

July 15, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Brewdawg, you point out something I have noticed about the braves, Can you name me an African-American on the current active roster? What about last year? I know about Brian Jordan, but this team seems to always be void of African-Americans. Just pointing that out. Sheffield in 2003 was the last prominent African-American on the team. What do y’all think?

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Goodnight Carolina Lady

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Lopez was in the last 5 years. He was abysmal. If you meant Lofton, yes that was ‘97. He came from Cleveland and went back there after the season.

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Max- Mark Lemke, really? Wow. That is a suprising choice for me considering how he would have been the MVP of the ‘91 Series had we won it. He was the epitome of the early Braves- overachieving, hustling, all-heart kind of guy. But hey, different strokes for different folks. Dang, every time I’m writing a post we hit a HR. Lol atta boy Man of Thor.

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is Caribbean i don’t think it’s premeditated

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed that, too. None of the rookies from last year were black, but we can’t paint the Braves organization with a white sheet. In recent years, baseball has become a game dominated by hispanic and Latino players (and yes, there is a difference) and white guys. Basketball is a much faster route to “fame and fortune.”

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Yea Brewbawg but every year hit .240-.250avg

By Carolina Lady

July 15, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

‘Night, Max! :-)

By krath

July 15, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Betemit called on to bunt surprised Wilson, Don and Pete. Guess Bobby really doesn’t have any confidence in him. Surprising call especially since Thorman hit one to the beach and Smoltz almost undressed Park he hit it so hard and Wilson reached base both his previous at bats. No one out and the possibility for a big inning.

Oh well. Bobby gets paid the big money for making the decisions…..I’m just a nobody watchin a ballgame.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Unless you’re patient and/or very talented, it takes awhile to make millions playing baseball. Football and basketball are the big draws for young athletes.

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

I agree Glass

By Calvin

July 15, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

I think Andruw might be making a push for the MVP lol.

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Yes! That will be enough for Smoltz but will it be enough for our bullpen? Um… let’s get about 10 more guys just to play it safe.

By hk

July 15, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

… 4-0, one out, bases still loaded, lookin’ good !!!

By MEB

July 15, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

JD Drew… Never felt like he was really a Brave, just a rental.

By Max

July 15, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

I actually thought JD would resign he’s a traitor.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

If Thorman continues to develop, who becomes MORE expendable, LaRoche or Langerhans in the offseason?

By hk

July 15, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

… Smoltzy 61 pitches through 4 … at that rate he can go 7 (105), 8 max (120) … he’s well rested though, so if we’re lucky maybe only an inning of relief (Ray hopefully) ..

By David

July 15, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Good question … maybe both??

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Blah. Sorry, Y’all; I got saddled with ex-girlfriend problems about the second pitch of the game. Just tuned back in to see we’re ahead. Yay. Carolina Lady, why must the fairer sex be so cruel? No, you don’t really need to answer that. Johnnie Walker, then Braves. All will be well. :-(

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Optimist Glass, you might want to use my 20 foot poll in discussing the differences between Hispanics and Latinos … many folks have differing understandings. I always think that players from Latin America are Latinos, regardless of their language or connection with Spain … so there are plenty Latino players who are Hispanic.

What’s your definition?

Regarding African Americans, how do we classify Egyptians? … not that any are on the current roster … I don’t know, but I imagine that Brian Jordan just considers himself proud to be an American, just like me.

By brewdawg

July 15, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

I say Langerhans. As frusrating as Laroche can be, he consistently puts up 20+ HRs and plays great D- with a mental error or 2 thrown in of course. Langerhans has struggled in a full-time role while Thorman is still basically a prospect.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

As a social studies teacher, Latinos are technically those from Mexico, Central America, and I guess the Spanish-speaking regions of South America. Hispanics are those from the Caribbean islands.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Glass, I think LaRoche has proved himself to be reasonably dependable offensively and defensively. Langerhans has definitely proved his defense, though his hitting is inconsistent. Thorman would have to prove his offense is consistent over a fair amount of time to supplant either; though I think he has the talent to do so ultimately.

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Well, would a white person from South Africa who immigrated to the U.S. be an African-American?

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, most of the pyramid schemes I’ve been subjected to have been initiated by white people! :-)

By hk

July 15, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

.. another extra base hit for Chipper, 13 in a row, all time record 14 !!!!

By Glass Half Full

July 15, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

And on that note…the oldest human remains were found in Africa, so in a way, all Americans are African-Americans.

By The Grinch

July 15, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Good point, Glass. I expect they’d be viewed as Dutch. For that matter, I believe Andruw hails from a South African territory and speaks Dutch himself, among several other languages. However, I find Racism, Politics and Religion to be volatile subjects, especially for a sports blog. Nobody ever wins an argument in these subjects, and only hurt feelings can come of it. Of course, nobody asked my opinion; just thought I’d throw it out there for whatever it’s worth (which probably isn’t much).

By Bob, journalist

July 15, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Optimist Glass, thanks for your definition … our definitions differ but so long as we each know what they are, it matters not.

You’re certainly a solid supporter and, as a social studies teacher, I imagine you find this Blog to be rather interesting!

As an aside, I was referencing Americans of Egyptian heritage … not those who are current generation Egyptians … pardon the misspeak.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

Glass your WRONG!.I’m DOMINICAN and we are mixed with African-slaves and Spaniards.The WHOLE Caribbean is African with some European(French,italian,england orSpain).Explores used these islands to grow sugarcane among other foods as a source of TRADE

By hk

July 16, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

… 9-0 !!! …

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

9 run lead…just don’t bring is Sosa.

By MEB

July 16, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

9-0 Braves… We can hold this lead, can’t we?

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this

Crap. Here I was bloviating, and I missed even more of the game. Sorry, Carolina Lady. I’ll quote some poetry later to make up for it! :-)

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Many Caribbean folks don’t like to acknowledge their African heritage for whatever reason, though.

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

I didn’t see the early part of the game, so I didn’t hear any more about Giles’ injury. But I wonder if Betemit is playing as a showcase for the Padres. If so, the way we’re pounding their pitching, they may have no interest in trading Linebrink after this series.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

In fact, the majority of African slaves were brought to the Caribbean, not the mainland. I was making a distinction reported to me from a Latino professor of Latin-American and Hispanic Studies.

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Stanford, No, Giles is not playing because he hurt his thumb stealing 2nd in the 1st inning in last night’s game. I don’t think Betemit is getting “showcased”.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Listen Glass it is what it is.People at times can’t handle the truth.i could

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Ok, now I am annoyed. Why did Bobby replace Thorman with Diaz? It’s fine in trying to get Diaz some at-bats in a blowout game but at least put Thorman at first to give the rook some more at-bats in the majors…jeez…

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

Bob, this blog IS interesting, and I must confess it has become somewhat of an obscession (sp?) in these workless summer months.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

GO BETEMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

This is the BEST BLOG EVER!!!!!!!!! hey guys do i hear 4 game winning streak!!!!!!!!!!!!.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

We get 2 pick up a game on the Muts.By the way Pedro was taken 2 the hospital today because of a headache.What a panzee!.reyes has stiches on a finger!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Whoo-hoo! Now THIS looks like a team trying to get something done. 9 HR’s in two days in a pitcher’s park! I won’t really start crowing ‘till our bullpen DOESN’T give it up, though. And though Smoltz may have lost a step, he’s still a stud hoss. 11-0 after 7 in San Diego? Gotta go nine, Johnny. Let’s give ‘em hell, Max!

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Being the optimist, I’m hoping to be at .500 or damn near it by the time the team returns to Atlanta.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Lew; popped on “Rock in America” just for you, brother! “She’s goin’ out she’s gonna party tonight/She’s gonna shake it baby, last all NI-ight”

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

everyday i wonder how are we going to aquire?.And who we are giving up

By journalist PENN

July 16, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

journalist Bob, i know this is a bit tardy but before going off to dreamland with a 11-0 lead i did want to let you know that your skill with word manipulation is a thing of beauty. please keep up the good work as it is appreciated by a number of us —- or so it seems.

and as i read all these words about great halls of higher learning i hasten to add that my feeble attempt at that endeavor took place in downtown atlanta at what was then known as UofG, atlanta div. i do have an awful lot of money invested in the lovely little village a few miles west of columbus, ga. my misguided son ya know?

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I figure that you know two or three things about me (1) I’m prone to ponder, (2)I do express myself rather obliquely at times, (3) hidden beneth my ill attempted humor efforts, you’ll find sincerity, and (4) I’m neither mean spirited nor racially biased … well now maybe (5) I can’t count.

While I was looking for something that The Lady had said, I happened to see where the Optimist Glass had commented to someone that Hispanics and Latinos were different … I agree that they aren’t identical groups but certainly some Latinos are Hispanic, at least to my way of thinking.

It made me curious … so I asked for his definition … I have the same “overlap” problems with the term “African American” … totally agreeing with the notion that most, if not all, of us have some African heritage connection. That’s why I have some reservations in using the term when referencing one segment of the population.

I assure you that my question and comments were sincere and certainly not racially motivated.

By Max

July 16, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

allright guys i’m calling it a night .4 straight baby!!!!!

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

Not surprising…McBride has given up 3 runs in the 8th. If the bullpen cough up this one….man…

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

You wanna know how pissed off Bobby is at McBride? He sent out McDowell for the pitching change. I think that is like the second or third time that I have been watching the Braves games that he has not made the pitching change. He must be really pissed.

By hk

July 16, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

… a ‘Ray’ of hope …

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

A) Max, you can’t call it a night when the bullpen is still out there…we could lose a 14-0 lead in ten pitches with these fools… B) By far, most importantly, Journalist Bob! I did not, in any way, mean to insinuate that you were being a racist! Among my many, many flaws I am FAR from being politically correct; I just came from a volatile personal situation and saw a potentially volatile situation brewing on the blog and wished to diffuse it before it began. You certainly said nothing wrong, nor did anyone else really, upon reflection; I have just seen so many happy situations deteriorate so quickly in the past I didn’t want to see my new-found buddies get cat-scratch-fever when I just came here to retreat from my sins and be happy again. You are the essence of sensability, as far as I’m concerned, and you were privy to more wisdom than I’m ever likely to achieve before I ever had my first set of diapers changed. The lash of my satirical tongue shall be reserved for the less worthy…

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

But that doesn’t mean my Dawgs won’t stomp Tech, if nothing else in the equestrian field!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

And, also, 51-7.

By CharlotteDave

July 16, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the response DOB. I have to say, though, I haven’t seen much evidence of Betemit being slow at third base, but each to his own opinion. From an offensive standpoint, tonight’s game had a couple of good examples of why I’m so high on Betemit’s potential. As nice as the homerun was, those two walks were indicative of what a disciplined hitter and tough out he has become. In both of those at bats he started out either 0 and 2 or 1 and 2 but kept working the count and fouling off numerous tough pitches until he got the walk. Of course, he was on base four times tonight.

By flbravesgirl

July 16, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

McBride’s inning aside, that was really fun (and much less stressful than yesterday).

brewdawg, thanks for mentioning Avery. He was my longtime fav. Brave (and the only player I ever went to the trouble of getting an autograph from). I still smile when one of the broadcasters brings up his name. As far as the current team, I took a liking to McCann as soon as he came up last year and he’s made me look pretty smart so far!

By geauxbraves2000

July 16, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

The positive geauxbraves2000 = I am thrilled about the win, WTG Team.

The negative geauxbraves2000 = I was very uncomfortable about an 11 run lead with the bullpen pitching. One shouldn’t feel stress with that kind of a lead in the 8th inning, should one?

Back to the positive geauxbraves2000 = Nice 9th inning Ray! Like Don or Pete said, I’d rather see him give up a double than a walk.

Once again, WTGeauxBraves!!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, I apologize for my verb-tense agreement, but not my sporting predictions! Flbravesgirl, you seem to have a penchant for baby-faced Braves. Is it a coincidence they happen to be good? :-)

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Geauxbraves, Go Braves! All Braves fans should get an automatic valium prescription from their doctor, though, thanks to the F*ing bullpen.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, here is my humble apology… Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art—Not in lone splendor hung aloft the night, And watching, with eternal lids apart, Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite, The moving waters at their priestlike task/Of pure abolution round earth’s human shores, Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask/Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—No—yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,/Pillowed upon my fair love’s ripening breast, To feel forever its soft fall and swell, Awake forever in a sweet unrest, Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever—or else swoon to death. Pleasant dreams…

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 03:33 AM | Link to this

Journalist Penn, sometimes when I make people laugh … it’s hard to tell whether I’m being the jokester or the joke. I figure that either way I’m a winner; causing folks to a smile is always better than making them frown.

Well, I couldn’t perserve the shutout … I think the trouble may be that Macay uses Cepacol. However, I must say that John walked the walk real good tonight going 2 for 3 and pitched pretty well too … he was great!

I don’t care what anybody says, my Buttermint Babe seems to like stating at second base! I like this fellow Thorman too and think he’s getting the hang of it … in fact, the way they’re playing together as a team makes you want to stand up and sing dixie!

I wouldn’t trust any IQ test designed by HK, but this Larry Jones guy has been rather impressive lately … seems like he’s getting “extrabasehits” more often than I take Tylenol. Wouldn’t it be something if he were to break Mr. Waner’s record and Mr. Coffee’s too?!

My only excuse is that it’s late … but I did want to thank you for your kind words before calling it a day … sincerely, I’m very much oblidged … and maybe a little overwhelmed … I know my limitations.

I’ve been called a manipulator before but never so nicely! Thanks!

I think you already know that I attended that same institution circa 1958-1960 after its name changed … upon reflection, attended is a good word for what I did … that and play liar’s poker. I was in the first Actuarial Science Class and studied under Dr. Floyd S. Harper … perhaps the smartest and certainly one of the wisest men I’ve had the good fortune to know.

I know that Auburn wasn’t on that list but I’ll always have a spot in my heart for those folks calling themselves War Eagles … I remember 50 years ago in 1956 … being abruptly awakened at 3:00 a.m. by a group of them setting off all the fire alarms in Cloudman Dorm … 4 days in a row mind you; the week of the game of course … but we still won! Danged Turkey Buzzards they were, not an eagle among em!

I may have lost my 20 footer but I still have my broom … let’s get some sleep and then the sweep!!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 04:24 AM | Link to this

Well. Auburn, Ga Tech and Florida form the three-headed dog Cerebus…guardian to the gateway of hell…I’ll snooze comfortably knowing we have a better running game this year…:-)

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 04:56 AM | Link to this

Grinch, you’re a wonderful piece of work! It wasn’t my intention to suggest that your obviously sincere counsel wasn’t well received … I just wanted to explain so that you’d know from where I was coming … and perhaps where I was going.

The only Lash with which I’m familiar is Al Larue, aka The Cheyenne Kid and he had a voice I shan’t forget. Now it’s true that I was long ago privy to a lot of wisdom but unfortunately most of it has gone the way of the Old South … with the wind.

I’m sure that you’ve observed that many Americans speak in tongues … they call it English but they’re not fooling me … you sir, have acheived wisdom, beyond your own realization … a master of both the language and of wit; you’re a man who knows a good smoke … and it’s a privelege to be so acknowledged by one like you! I shan’t forget.

Regarding your poetry, you wax most eloquently … I’m impressed and The Lady will be touched, as any lady would upon receiving such a fine and thoughtful apology!

Still, I think the changing of those diapers might be a bit overdue and your sports predictions are worse than HK’s estimate of Chipper’s artificial intelligence!

Apologies, apologies … it’s late, I meant to say HK’s artificial estimate of Chipper’s intelligence.

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 05:24 AM | Link to this

David O’B, I just noticed in your “Braves Hammer Padres” gem … I’ve seen enough of Smoltz, said Padres manager Bruce Bochy, whose NL West-leading Padres had a five-game losing streak before the Braves came calling.

You might want to change that if you intended 5 game winning streak.

What did you say to the team that set them on this rampage? What ever it was, don’t forget the formula!

By Andy

July 16, 2006 05:26 AM | Link to this

How about chipper at second?

By Andy

July 16, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this

I was at the game tonight—-if I ever get a chance to see the Braves its special—-I’ve been to the opening day game at the Dodgers(win—Smotlz should have pitched)—and two SD games (Smotlz pitched both—guess who won)—-Petco is such a great park. I just wanted to say the announcer on the SD station after the games said if Piazza had hit the same ball as Andruw they would have said it was hit 470-480 not 453. Great game—-this is a strange repeat of the start of the season—except with good weather. I hope the starters can turn it around. If James can beat Peavy tomorrow, who knows…..

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

Andy, thanks for the great report!

Seems like Mr. Cox and Mr. Jones shared the opinion of the SD announcers regarding the measurment of Andruw’s Blast!

It was a great game but I wouldn’t worry about a repeat of the start of the season … this is a different team. That is to say, this is a team!!

What do you mean “if James can beat Peavy tomorrow”? … I’m sure you really meant “when James beats Peavy today”.

I’ve seen a preview of HK’s graphs … he projects a 9-1 win and the Grinch predicts that some 3 headed dawg from Georgia is going to chase Jake all the way out into the Pacific. I don’t put much stock in predictions but I’d take another 11-3 squeaker, just so long as Chipper gets another “extrabase” hit.

I’m over reacting, we shouldn’t get too excited … after all, it’s a pitcher’s park and the Buttermint Babe is supposed to be in the lineup again today … I think all this offense has something to do with Listerine … but who knows.

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

Now I don’t know Mark Bradley from Milton, Bill or Omar but his calling the current edition of the Braves a “substandard team” isn’t very nice … I suspect either a Met or a Terence Moore conspiracy.

He may have some real smart things to say but if he can’t be nice then I’m not listening. Besides, he’s watching a different team than I.

Granted we did get off to a substandard start but Yogi said it ain’t over and that’s just as good as money in my book!

Frankly, I prefer delusional to apathetic … but I’m not being paid to proffer my opinions … I wish I were, Lord knows I need the money.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 16, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

journalist bob has used “shan’t” on this blog. shan’t, can you believe it? this is dob territory that bob is invading. additionally bob has referred to omar bradley in superb transition. will bob now wax eloquently? baby seal is furiously working with pen and parchment at this very moment in an attempt to incorporate “thweren’t” into baby seal’s next post. now, bob … dr. floyd harper is skinny bobby, right? dr. don rose? quixie in dixie?

By Lew

July 16, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

“Thweren’t”?

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Good morning, All! Journalist Bob, thank you for the kind assessment of my worth; if only my family felt the same way…:-) As for the poem, alas, I cannot accept credit for its composition. That must fall upon the immortal John Keats. My own humble poetry would hardly stand comparison. However, I did pick it out specifically for Carolina Lady both as a humble apology for failing to keep a promise and as a barometer of my elation in thrshing the representatives of Saint Diego. The Tech/Georgia feud is much like politics and Religion in that rational conversation is rarely employed without emotional outbursts marring it beyond hope of redemption. Oops! Speaking of emotional outbursts, I believe my diaper DOES need changing! So many things to get used to when living alone! :-)

By robdawg06

July 16, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I was wondering why you left out part of Smoltz comments in your most recent post ? I copied and pasted this off Yahoo Sports. Smoltz had this to say :

“And that’s why I echo again — I sure hope we make some moves,” Smoltz said. “I hope we do something. If we can crawl back into this, it would be nothing more than to give us some veteran help down there because we’re relying on a lot of young guys.”

Asked if he was referring to the Braves’ bullpen, which has been shaky, he said: “Any area that we need strengthened. It is what it is. That’s why Andruw and Chipper are so vital.

“It just would help,” Smoltz said. “Hopefully we can play our way into a position where maybe that move can be made, but certainly we could shore up a couple of things.”

Can we get the full report from AJC ?

By robdawg06

July 16, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I was wondering why you left out part of Smoltz comments in your most recent post ? I copied and pasted this off Yahoo Sports. Smoltz had this to say :

“And that’s why I echo again — I sure hope we make some moves,” Smoltz said. “I hope we do something. If we can crawl back into this, it would be nothing more than to give us some veteran help down there because we’re relying on a lot of young guys.”

Asked if he was referring to the Braves’ bullpen, which has been shaky, he said: “Any area that we need strengthened. It is what it is. That’s why Andruw and Chipper are so vital.

“It just would help,” Smoltz said. “Hopefully we can play our way into a position where maybe that move can be made, but certainly we could shore up a couple of things.”

Can we get the full report from AJC sometimes ?

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Smoltz thinks we need bullpen help? What team has he been watching? :-)

By David O'Brien

July 16, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Bob, thanks for the catch on the five-game Padres streak. I just fixed it, a bit late, but, hey…

By Robert(Justice Is the Best)

July 16, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, is there any news at all on the trade front.

I mean this team is doing exactly what I thought they would and getting hot and getting it turned around. However, we have some sort of bullpen help. At this point, anybody will do.

By krath

July 16, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Told of Smoltz’s comments, Chipper Jones said: “I’ll let the 19-year vet say that.”

The master of understatement and no comment strikes again!!!

Seriously though, Chipper lets his on field performance lead I suppose. I’m not in the clubhouse or dugout so I have no idea if he leads there.

One thing I will never do though is question Chipper’s desire to win. He offered to restructure his contract to allow the Braves to sign Hudson (even though they didn’t have to do that)Then restructured his contract last season to help free up some payroll room. Maybe Chipper actually came out better thru restructuring. (i’ve heard both sides)Doesn’t matter, it helped current payroll situation.

Steve Phillips just said on BB T,nite that IF (he didn’t say he was he said IF) John Smoltz is availible, he is without a doubt the biggest difference making pitcher on the market before the deadline.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Honestly, this team is really becomming fun to watch, and I’d hate to see us fail over sticking obstinitely with the same gathering of the lame and the dead in the bullpen. That chick that started for the USA softball team yesterday can’t be worse than Sosa; why not give others a chance?

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon, all! What a privilege to read such excellent posts! Y’all are so far above me in your writing skills, I am almost embarassed to post! :-))

Grinch, I’m so sorry you had a bad experience, but you outdid yourself, sir, with your apology - which is accepted with humble thanks and a huge grin! Thank you! (Keats is one of my favorites!)

Y’all did a great job in getting those runs last night - and making the lead stand through the ‘pens innings, wow! Super job!

So many interesting topics during the wee hours! What are we who live in this country? HUMANS first. AMERICANS second.

From whence did we come? I’ve always understood that the cradle of civilization was in present-day Iraq. Does that make us all Arabs? Unh-uh. Just human. And we didn’t ‘evolve’ from monkeys!! If that evolution had taken place, there would be NO monkeys! Been to the zoo lately?? ‘Sides, my Bible tells me different and that’s my first and final source of information on the subject. Just one person’s opinion! :-))

Max, I’m so glad you’ve ‘joined’ the blog! Welcome!

Jimmy, can’t wait to see what Baby Seal comes up with! You’ve taught him well! (How many hostas?) No sign of the Hartebeest yet.

Bob, Lash LaRue’s son lives in Carolina Beach (south of my location). Along with Wilford Brimley. For such a small, out-of-the-way corner as the area where I live, there are many famous faces to be seen now and then. How on earth do they even know about this place??

The only current Braves connection is Jeff Porter who hails from this neck of the woods. I think Mama Porter still resides here. Quinten McCracken is from the same place as Charlie Daniels right across the river, and Otis Nixon’s home is about 30 miles or so west. There are some others, but I can’t think of them right now.

Going way back there was Sonny Jurgenson and Roman Gabriel (football); Edith Head, a Hollywood costume designer for many years; Michael Jordan (basketball). I guess we’ve done all right around here. I think my contributions are pretty much limited to taking care of animals, so I wouldn’t exactly expect for anyone to pay me any mind! :-))) That’s OK with me. I’m happy doing what I’m doing. Don’t have to face TV cameras or microphones anymore! :-)))))

Boy, did I ever ramble off the track! Sorry! :-)) GREAT posts through the night and morning! Really enjoyed them!

By Lew

July 16, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Hello All- Back in the day there was a comedy improv group called Fiersign Theater. They once put out an album (yes, in the days before cd’s), aptly entitled “We’re All Bozos on This Bus”. Seems we may fit the bill. Ya think?

By David O'Brien

July 16, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

Robdawg, I write for a newspaper with deadline, not an online service with 24-hour-a-day forum, like MLB.com. And why we do have this blog available now, I’m frankly not going to work all night and write stories just for the online component of the paper, unless they’re really big, breaking-news type of stories. Smoltz’s comments don’t fit that, which is why I wanted to wait and use them today, for a story for the actual newspaper.

You understand what I’m saying, right? You say, can we get the whole report from the AJC? Come on, man, it’s a newspaper with deadline and space limits, not an online service with none of the above. You have to pick and choose what should go in, and there was an overload of info last night that needed to get in. I can’t write 50-inch game stories and work until 4 a.m., EDT, in order to post stories online. They’re not paying me to do that.

And by the way, if all readers were as ungrateful as you, no way would I do the extra work I do here on this blog. No way. Your comments about “can we ever get the full report” just are so grating and annoying and infuriating. get your news elsewhere if this isn’t good enough for you.

Fortunately, almost none of the other regulars here make comments like that and understand and appreciate how it works at a newspaper and what I’m trying to provide here, on top of my actual job.

FOR OTHERS THAN ROBDAWG: There’s a new blog I just posted, because I noticed how bogged down this thing was. It’s posted now.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon, Carolina Lady! You cannot possibly ramble off the track in this blog as there is no track. As for wondering why so many famous people would seek such an out of the way place to be, perhaps it’s because out of the way places are the best places to be. City dwellers do not understand this. Look at how many people flock to New York, the home of thieves, highwaymen, beggars and Met fans. Yuck! They do have good pizza, however. I’m afraid the time has finally come where I must ask: What, exactly, is a Hartebeest? Is it akin to a Wildebeest? Is it an omnivore, carnivore or herbivore? Does it eat oats? If so, it is in good company with Mr. Brimley. I hope for Jimmy’s sake it does not eat hostas. If it is anything like the size of a Wildebeest (also known as the White-bearded Gnu), then something substatially larger than an air rifle would be needed to drive it out of one’s garden. Do tell, so I don’t have to take a pole!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Nothing worse than a bogged blog! Perhaps we should shift over…

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Hi, Grinch!

The hartebeest! This goes back many months to when I had an invasion of crows who were attempting a hostile take-over. Journalist Jimmy Smith kindly imported a hartebeest from a cousin in Uganda because he believed that it’s presence would deter the crows. However, prior to it’s arrival (there’s another whole story involving the mail lady and Dave, our UPS guy - she’s doing well at the Oaks, I’m told, and we hope she’ll be back on her regular route before long! They’ve finally gotten the UPS truck clean and Dave no longer boycotts my packages), I discovered that my faithful little Daisy BB did a pretty fair job of peppering the hind feathers of the crows. It wasn’t long before they looked elsewhere to establish a territory.

So. When the hartebeest finally arrived (along with the police who were looking for a J. Smith, the name listed as ‘shipper’) there wasn’t much to do in the way of crow-scaring, so he naturally made the acquaintance of the local deer herd.

He fits in pretty well with them, as a hartebeest is an antelope from the open grassland and bush regions throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Can hit top speed bursts of 60+ mph! (I told Jimmy that there was no way I could catch the thing and if wanted him back he was going to have to come catch it himself!) Anyhow, here’s a link that has a picture and a little info.

DOB has the most educational blog on the sports beat! Sometimes we even discuss baseball! :-)))

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what everyone is so excited about … Peavy got our best All Star Catcher out twice in the same inning!

And Larry Jones, 33 out of 63 … what did he do the other 30 times?

Take that, Mark Bradley!

By robdawg06

July 16, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, your post was identical to the post on Yahoo minus Smoltz comment that I posted. So I ask you if you got your post from Yahoo too ? Its obvious you did so you didn’t stay up late at all. You copied what another site reported.

By DonCoburleone

July 17, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

The other blog is jacked up!

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