Braves

By Woogidy

July 16, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

Nice work DOB, A sweep would be nice, but JAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKE PEAVEY is on the mound today. Was this blog entry a lash against your colleague Mark Bradley?

By Josh

July 16, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

Orel knows his role, especially after 95. But once again i’m gonna say that while this road trip is huge and we’re off to a great start, August will be the key. We have a schedule in August that’s as soft as it gets and we need a minimum of 20 wins. None of the teams ahead of Atlanta are as good as they are in my opinion, and the only team I truly worry about is the Houston Astros for obvious reasons. D.O.B……ready to check out the new Busch???

By David O'Brien

July 16, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

No, not against anyone in particular. Just what was on my mind.

By the way, I’ll write something today about Smoltz’s comments after game regarding need to make a trade or two. He didn’t mention bullpen, but clearly implied that. It was too late last night to get them anywhere but online, so I wanted to wait and write a proper story or notebook item today about it, rather than file it strictly for blog at 2 a.m. EDT, where no one was left in our office to post a story if I’d written it then. Something at least one unnamed blogger probably will complain about. Right, RD?

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the extra work, DOB! Your gang appreciates it! Hope you’re getting at least a little time to enjoy San Diego et al.

By CharlotteDave

July 16, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

I agree with every thing you said, DOB. I just hope they make that trade or two sooner rather than later. Otherwise, they might have to do something Skip Caray talked about during the broadcast on Friday night: After the Braves had blown the lead for something like the third or fourth time, Skip said, “I understand the Braves clubhouse collection will be adding a hangman’s noose.”

That wouldn’t be a bad idea with this bullpen.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, Lew! Your post: “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?”

Yeah, I think we’d fit the bill pretty well! :-)))

Talking about ‘albums’, my music system consists of a unit that plays vinyl records and has a built-in 8-track player.

And I have the 8-tracks to put in it….

:-))

By Kevin C

July 16, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

DOB—great post and yes the Braves should not give up on the season. If the record in June was 12 and 15 instead of 6 and 21, the outlook would be a great deal different. A trade or two for the bullpen is a must a Browoski/Mota/of Wickman would help. If this was the AL, I would say yes to preparing for next year but the NL is wide open. Even though the Twins are winning, what realistic chance do they have against, the Tigers, White Sox, Yanks, Bosox, not to mention the West?

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, did you read my last post on the other blog? I’m afraid I was a bit behind everyone on the shift…

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, your efforts above and beyond the call of duty are well appreciated. I admit after reading this blog I had the same reaction as Woogidy; I smell a water-cooler smackdown at the AJC office! :-)

By geauxbraves2000

July 16, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon all. Thanks DOB for all the hard work you do. I’ve not read anything from you that I didn’t enjoy.

Ray looked good last night. Paronto came into the game in a key situation and delivered. The pen is being weeded though with the departure of Remlinger (I had no problem with him, it’s just his time had passed) and Reistma. Now, make a couple of more changes, ie Sosa & McBride (maybe they need some AAA work??), add a veteran or two and these team should be solid, and there would be no reason to think the Braves would not be in postseason.

Okay, Sunday afternoon nap time. I plan on listening to the game on MLB.com since I live no where near where the games are telecast. Thanks TBS.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

July 16, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I have a friend who has an ALBUM collection of over 9000 titles. Glad I don’t have to convert it to cd like I did with mine. Yes, sometimes it does seem like we’re all bozos on this bus. At least we’re among those who realize it and seem to revel in the fact. It is those in denial who are dangerous, as a rule. We just shouldn’t take ourselves all that seriously sometimes. DOB-I don’t doubt the Braves’ potential, but rather doubted what my eyes saw in June. As someone posted in the wee hours last night, it is very bad when you don’t have the confidence in the bullpen to hold an 11 run lead in the 8th, though. I think many of us are gun shy at the moment. Maybe it’s post traumatic stress from the 6-23 record. Maybe the bullpen should listen to that Night Ranger.

By Brad

July 16, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

DOB…you do an amazing job posting on here. I don’t think there is anywhere online you can get more information about the Braves, and not living anywhere close to Atlanta its great to be able to read all the info. you provide on the blogs. Thanks for all your efforts!

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Good call on the “Bozos” theme, Lew. I think we could all use some big shoes and clown noses. For that matter, so could the bullpen! I have one of those record player/8-track combo monstrosities, too. It’s about six feet wide and 2 1/2 feet tall, and I banged the crap out of my elbow on it earlier this morning.

By hk

July 16, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady,

… good afternoon !

… thought about you last night after you turned in, whether there might be anything of interest that you might be missing … we were so far ahead though, there wasn’t much, until the 8th that is when McCay McBride came in … quickly, 2 outs, man on first, no problem … then he walks a guy (pulse rate starts going up) … then a 3 run home run (oh, no …) … two seconds later, or so it seemed, bases loaded again , thinking (one swing of the bat makes it 11-7) … in comes Paranto, gets the 3rd out (whew) …

… Ray comes in and gets them out in the 9th (I like him) …

… my euphoria gone, all the old anxieties returned … the bullpen (groan) …

… I can tell you got a good good rest last night :))

By Lew

July 16, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

DOB-I just went and read the end of the last blog. What’s this about you having a real job? You mean you’re not like the rest of us with way too much time on your hands? Geez-just when you think you know someone.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Hi, Grinch! Switching over from the other blog a post I just made in response to your question about the hartebeest:

“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! :-)))”

Lew, 9000 albums! That has to be a world record of some sort! :-))

It is apparent to me that the Braves are now a team and have a focused purpose and resolve. In my personal opinion, the Braves Nation can thank one John Smoltz for that (but, of course, I’m terribly predjudiced in his favor. An outstanding human being!)

They will lose some games this year, but NOW they know where they’re headed, they have a united goal, and I just wouldn’t be very surprised to see them achieve it. Is this what Bobby and JS have been waiting for? I shan’t be surprised about that, either. ;-)

By Lew

July 16, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Yes ma’am, 9000 albums. I don’t know if it’s a world record, but it does take up a goodly portion of the world’s records and his basement. Maybe the bullpen could use a hartebeest to keep them loose. Better yet, can the hartebeest close games?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 16, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

dob has been disparaged on his own blog! allow journalist jimmy smith (who learned everything from dob) to defend our esteemed blog leader who has freshened the blog on a sunday so that we may continue at a reasonable pace. sometimes dob gets just a bit testy with this journalist but that is a product of frustration at not yet receiving the wurlitzer prize that jimmy smith continues to pursue for dob. now, betemit - is he destined to play only when thumb injuries occur? how many sick thumbs have there been so far this season? where does one place a thumb to wreak such havoc? and, while thweren’t is no longer in common usage, still it is powerful and is journalist’s only answer to shan’t. now, it is an afternoon game and someone must wake up bob. hk, perhaps we could see a graph before the game? and what has become of our friend, scribe? all journalists must stick together in this time of journalistic scrutiny.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Hi, HK! Yes, I feel pretty good today, thank you! Great update on the later innings! I well know that feeling when your stomach tighens unpleasantly in anticipation of the upcoming bullpen participation. We’ve already found out that a 7 run lead (that’s correct, isn’t it?) isn’t enough. Anyhow, it was a big lead in which we used to have total confidence. Those were the days…..

:-))

Thanks, HK!

By Lew

July 16, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

Thumb health can be as dangerous as toe health. I remember back at good old UGA, Herschel Walker once hurt his thumb. I think a hurt thumb also ended Steve Garvey’s consecutive game streak and ended a season for Bob Horner. One does not trifle with thumbs, either. Jimmy, I for one, would like to thank you for your public service in regards to toe health. I am an insulin dependent diabetic and almost lost a toe to an ulcer 11/2 years ago. I luckily found the BEST toe doctor in the country and he saved the troubled digit. Keep getting the word out, esteemed journalist.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 16, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

lew, thank you for remembering journalist jimmy smith in this kind way. as you will know, jimmy smith has been touting toe health for many months on this blog. toes are not to be trifled with. now, thumb issues seem to be wearing down this braves team. chipper missed games due to a sore thumb (betemit responded by going 3-3 with a hr). giles missed a game due to a sore thumb (betemit was on base 4 times and hit a hr). remember, bob horner had a bad thumb but also famed ken oberkfell broke his thumnb not long after coming over from st. louis in 1984. the thumb is important to team health - but the toe is vital to team health. jimmy smith would not say it if it thweren’t so.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Best of all, the Hartebeest might frighten off the bullpen altogether, and cavort and munch contentedly on the outfield grass, giving Ed Mangan’s crew some much-needed rest. Man, I thought my record collection was fairly big (about 300). I’ll go hide now.

By RRR

July 16, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

Thanx for this DOB!

This was most definitely a counter argument to Bradley’s recent one. And, you said it best with your opening lines:

Anyone still suggesting the Braves should wave a figurative white flag on this season and instead aim for the future must not be paying attention to the rampant parity in the NL wild-card race. Either that, or they don’t believe in this recent Braves resurgence.

And if that’s you on either point, then frankly, I have a difficult time understanding your reasoning.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Thumb health is important, to be sure, but so is thumb location. For instance, Sosa seems to have placed his…well, you know.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 16, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

yes, carolina lady they are a team, and that was evidenced last night when (as you pointed out) chipper ran so hard to and through first base. it was such a different sight that it caught this journalist’s attention. this team is playing hard - everyone of them. chipper is leading by example. he will not inspire with words (well, maybe he will inspire a horse) but his superior play says much about what he wants to accomplish. let’s pull for him to establish a new record today. now, hartebeest … jimmy smith’s cover about growing up in cordele has been blown with the explanation to grinch. now, the authorities may be knocking again at jimmy smith’s door. perhaps dob will provide an alibi for his colleague.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Lew, that number of albums is mind-boggling! Each one plays for about 3 hours, right?

3 x 9,000 = 27,000 hours of music

27,000/24 hours per day = 1,125 days

1,125 days = 3.08 years of non-stop music.

Incredible!

By doc

July 16, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

dob, havent checked in much lately but continue to read.

this team needs a bone thrown their way by management in the way of a solid pen guy, it just cant come from the orgamization this year. sosa is overpitched and hasnt had a break for his arm probably in 18 months with wbc and winter ball. he doesnt have the juice he had last year.

this team has the oportunity to be the indians of last year and close strong and fortunately the rest of the league is “balanced” to make it posible to end up with a wild card. i still expect the mets to fold if glavine does his usual thing (or has he found hgh ectsasy as well) or pedro flames out. in spite of comments otherwise, this is a young team with vets sprinkled that is coming up not folding. give them a bit of a chance in the pen and their confidence will soar.

still think this team was too young to handle 33 of 50 games on the road to start a season, or any team for that matter. need to tuck frenchy in bed earlier on the road, dob, too many nights out with chipper and the like of jeter on his bday.

gram attended my high school and was a year ahead, he was a literary genius even then.it got him into harvard based on those expectations alone as he probably was given a diploma based on his grades. he left there after a year to ultimately die mysteriously in the deser, maybe in emmy lou’s arms. maybe not a bad way to go. glad you brought him up the other day.

keep it rollin dob.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

This is an awkward time to deal. If a team blows its wad to get someone now, they may miss out on players who will be available in 2 weeks.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Oh, no, Jimmy! I really messed up, didn’t I??

But, wait! They still think it’s a COW. And he’s still on vacation perhaps in the mountains….. (No reports of any sightings on I40 so he must be taking the scenic route…)There must be a way out of this! Do they (authorities) read DOB’s blog??

I think Dave is the one you should keep an eye out for! He was really upset about his truck! :-)))

By Snowball's Chance

July 16, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

I’ve been trying to find out about one of the Brave’s draft picks, Kevin Gunderson of NCAA champs Oregon State. He was the top closer in college. What little I could find said he would probably end up in middle relief. How long before he might make it to the major leagues?

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

We don’t want to “pull a Devine” by rushing Gunderson to the majors, though.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Would the Pirates make Mike Gonzalez available? Steve Phillips mentioned that the Dodgers are interested. He’s got good numbers and he’s young and inexpensive.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez not Steve Phillips.

By Woogidy

July 16, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

GlassHF, If they don’t deal now, that player may not be available when they need him. If you deal now, and fall out of it you cab turn the player(s) around and re-deal him. The deadline deals as well as the deadline itself is a risk-reward thing. As long as the team continues to win despite the struggles in the ‘pen, JS will more than likely wait until midnight on July 31st to pull the trigger on a potential trade.

By David O'Brien

July 16, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Lew, 9000 albums _ that’s impressive. makes me feel a lot better about the money I’ve wasted (or as I prefer to put it, invested) in 2,500-3,000 or so albums and CDs (haven’t counted in a few years).

Giles could be back in lineup in couple or three games, Bobby said. X-rays negative, feels better today. Betemit playing again today and probably tomorrow.

Still no decision on Wednesday starter, but sounds like Schiell will be the guy. Huddy definitely moving up to Tuesday on short rest.

Roger McDowell, by the way, this morning paced the distance on Andruw’s monster homer last night and came up with 490-something feet.

I asked T.Pendleton if this is best Chipper’s looked since he was hitting coach here, and he said it was about the best few weeks he’s ever seen ANYBODY look, be it teammate, opposing hitter, etc.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

It would be great to just have a low-level deal now just to whet the appetite.

By Lew

July 16, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Actually ma’am, they play for closer to one hour. I was telling Grinch that if I listened to one cd per day, it would take me over three years to listen to my entire collection. We are serious about our music (but I swear, DOB, there is no Twisted Sister). Chipper’s theme song when he bats is “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne, with the late, great-yes, great DOB, Randy Rhodes on guiter. Chipper is a very discriminating listener. I also believe Ryan Langerhans uses Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” as his theme. The Braves are apparently a bunch of head bangers.

By Lew

July 16, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Actually he used to play a guitar. Jimmy Smith may be the only one who knows what a guiter is.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Have the Braves expressed any interest in Antonio Alfonseca since his release by Texas?

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

“For Those About to Rock” by AC/DC would be a good baseball theme song.

By Lew

July 16, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Come on Glass-Alfonseca? Didn’t he have toe problems, too. Check out a DRays pitcher named Seth McClung. He began the year as a starter and lost 10 games with a 6. something ERA with tons of walks. They sent him down to AAA Durham to become a reliever. Since he has been there, he has pitched in about 10 games and is 1-0 with 2 saves, 17 strikeouts and one BB in 11 innings. His WHIP is less than 1. He throws routinely in the 96-97 mph range and has been clocked at 102. His problem when starting was he pitched well for 4 or 5 innings and then tire and lose his control. He seems to have adapted to relief and closing and is making just slightly over the major league minimum. We should look at him. We could get him cheap. He’s a real nice guy, too. He has one of the nastiest curves I have ever seen and good movement on his 2 and 4 seamers, too.

By Roper

July 16, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

I thought Smoltz was going to go Wednesday on short rest. Or I should say Pete and Don. So Smoltz will pitch on Thursday then?

By Chop Chop

July 16, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

AC/DC’s “Big Balls” would also be cool.

Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy”, “Battery”, “Disposable Heroes” and “Whiplash” would all make good entrance songs.

Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”…also good.

Of course, the most important question is this:

Which Braves player should use the Crash Test Dummies’ “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” as his “walking up to the plate to vanquish his foe” theme song?

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

Randy Rhodes has been dead for 24 years and he’s still better than most “Rock Guitarists” now. I hope to hear him in heaven (though I’ll likely burn in the sixth circle for eternity). Journalist Jimmy, I am mortified that my inquisitiveness might have compromised your freedom, though if these investigators are currently believing in a 60mph cow, I expect you have little to fear. They must have nice hats, indeed. Alfonseca might be a good pickup even if he isn’t effective on the mound anymore, as his extra digits must qualify him to councel the team on thumbs and toes.

By The Grinch

July 16, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Good musical chices, chop2 (the keyboard won’t let me put the 2 in as an exponent).

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Snowball’s Chance, the only thing I’ve read about Gunderson since we drafted him is that his stuff is actually a little flat compared to his earlier years at OSU. He is not a power pitcher, and needs to re-establish his slider. But that’s just somebody’s opinion that I read.

I think that Devine, who was a similar pick last year, didn’t come up to the bigs until late August, and he was probably a better prospect than Gunderson.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 16, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

yes, this southern boy journalist from cordele is somewhat familiar with fingerstyle guiter music from uganda but nothing should be made of the coincidence. the famed kabanda family of musicians is worthy of note. they once played the watermelon festival and were especially well regarded. does lew possess any of their works? now, someone must seriously wake up bob before the game.

By Lew

July 16, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, the way the bullpen has gone this year, maybe they should play “Highway Star” by Deep Purple. Oh and Seth’s ERA at AAA is about 2.5. They only scored on him in one game. Some people were just born to relieve.

By gotigers72

July 16, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

I am growing a little weary of people not showing respect for Marcus Giles. Everybody wants to trade Marcus. I didn’t have time to read every post on this blog, so I’m not sure anybody mentioned trading Marcus, but I would bet someone did because it’s usually all over every Braves’ blog.

Marcus is having a down year offensively. I think it’s an aberration because in the past he has been a gap hitter with tons of doubles and 15-20 homers each year. I think his offensive capabilities will come back before long. He busts his hump every play of every game, dives for balls,takes shots on double plays and still turns them, and is fundamentally sound. I saw him play in the minors, and he was an average second baseman [defensively] at best. But he has worked hard to improve his defense and is now an outstanding defensive second baseman.

Marcus is a winner in my opinion. If I was a manager, I would want players like Marcus on my team and would raise he** if he was even mentioned as trade bait.

By Chop Chop

July 16, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Dylan’s “Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again” would be appropriate…

“Oh, mama, can this really be the end? To be stuck inside the dugout with the Sosa blues again?”

Basically, you can use any two-syllabled Braves bullpen fire-starter’s name in that line. That comes in handy.

By Lew

July 16, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

No, esteemed Journalist Jimmy, no Kabanda Family in the collection. Possibly Sly and the Family Stone, though. I will look up the Kabands after the game. Do they use Hartebeest bone instruments? DOB-money spent on music can NEVER be money mispent, whether you spend it on Country, Rock or Kabandas. The only reason I know how many I own (half of your collection DOB) is for insurance purposes. My friend with the 9,000 had some stolen in a break in and was quite glad he had documentation. They took all of the original release Beatle and Mothers of Invention. The insurance company actually replaced the albums wherever possible. Talk to all after the game.

By ssiscribe

July 16, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Jimmy, I’m alive and well, just on vacation (been to Vegas and currently about 10 minutes south of The Ted) and had some other non-baseball-blog things that have required me spending time on the Internet working, not playing.

But I’ll be back here more often soon. Promise.

DOB, I couldn’t agree more. Smoltz’s comment of needing an 8-2 homestand was almost right on. I felt if the Braves could go 6-4 or better and continue the momentum into this huge 10-game roadie to start the second half, they would vault themselves smack dab into the race.

And while there are eight games left on this swing, that’s exactly what’s happened. If you’re a Braves fan, you gotta be praying the front office can pull something off in the next two weeks to get a vet arm in the bullpen.

They won’t hit like this the rest of the season, but they’re good enough to win the wild card. And that, my friends, is a good thing.

Like I’ve been saying the past month to anybody who will listen, if the Braves are in the race in September, playing playoff-type games every night, it’s going to fire up the fan base, especially considering how everybody had just about given them up for dead during that 3-20 death march in June.

Win the wild card, carry that momentum into the playoffs. Instead of sleep-walking through the final week, then opening up at home before 10,000 empty seats and a bored fan base, you open up on the road, steal one of the first two, then come home to a sold-out, fired-up Turner Field, two wins from your first NLCS since 2001.

Long way to go, but hey, it’s a hell of a lot more realistic now than it was three weeks ago. Sorry Mark Bradley: with all due respect, you’re way off base on this one.

Gotta big day tomorrow, so I gotta go get ready. See y’all soon.

By Carolina Lady

July 16, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe, it’s GREAT to have you back!

By Haywood Jablome

July 16, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Now that Adam Laroche is officially out of my doghouse, it seems like a great time to offer him up as trade bait. He’s picked the perfect time to lift his stats. How about LaRoche and Sosa to San Francisco for Matt Cain? I don’t think LaRoche is a core part of our offense and he’s holding up Thorman, anyway. I’ll concede that Horacio will need to stay here for the time-being, but we’ve still got some other interesting parts we could sell.

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

I think the longest homerun I have seen Andruw hit was the one he hit in Houston a couple of years ago.

By MEB

July 16, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

DOB keep up the good work as our man on the inside with our beloved Braves. Looking forward to the pennant race and many game days worth of front line journalism. Don’t forget if you ever need us we got your back.

Chuck James certainly looks to be on his game today. Sure would like to give the bullpen the day off.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

The Rockies and Brewers are ahead of us in the wild card race and both clubs have been struggling lately. 7 straight Ls for Colorado and 5 for the Brewers. With a little help, the Braves could pass those clubs in the next few days.

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

just finally catching up on the posts, and naturally the Mike Gonzalez mention caught my eye. If it were anybody but the ESPN-beciles bringing it up, I might get just a little excited. That bubba is the real deal, 14-for-14 saves, 37K in 37.2 innings (albeit with 23 walks). I can’t believe Pirates would even think about dealing him, though.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

I agree, ncscoots. He’s one of the few bright spots in Pittsburgh. Would love to have him in Atlanta, though.

By nathan

July 16, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

DOB……

couldn’t they make moves that both improve the “possiblity” of making it to post season play this year and actually being able to do somthing when they get there? But also looking towards the future a little bit.

I’m not neccessarliy saying “don’t trade away a top prospect” to aquire a player. I’m just saying if they do trade away a prospect, do it for sombody that can not only help this year but be part of their future (like a Carl Crawford). I’m not saying “go get” Crawford, just sombody like him that is good enough to help now, but young enough to stick around a while.

I actually think this team has enough “fire power” to overtake the wild card as it sits right now. That’s how crappy the rest of the teams are. But this team is no different than those Braves teams that proceeded them. THEY WILL GET PUMPED IN THE PLAYOFFS IF THEY DON’T SHORE UP THE PEN!

So all I ask is that JS doesn’t mortgage the future for sombody that probably won’t be all that much help this year or the future. Like that whopper of a trade for Andy Ashby a few years back. If he trades any of the “TOP” prospects for anything less than an above average to great player, I can’t stand by that. If that is all that is available to be had in trades this year (nobody really outstanding out there to be had as far as I can see), then YES, I would rather they look toward the future.

I’d rather miss the playoffs this year, and start a new run next season than gamble that this is the year it’s going to happen and be paying for bad trades for the next 5 years.

Sorry to ramble on, it’s all I know how to do. LOL!

I’ve been away for a while…..if feels good to be back!

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Is there a site in which the players who are “on the trade block” are identified without any spin or speculation? I’d like to know exactly which players are out there without some jackass telling me which teams he’ll be traded to.

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

well, if it’s gonna take a steal, a sac bunt, and a sac fly all to get one run off CJB, gonna be a long day for the Friars.

By nathan

July 16, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

I love Francoeur. I’m officially off of the “he needs to be more patient” bandwagon. But it is funny, 2 AB’s - 2 pitches seen! I love it!!

I guess he can be successful by being “selectively aggressive” LOL!

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

omg..Someone cool off Chipper lol.. that’s 14 straight games with an XBH…talk about hot…..

By nathan

July 16, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

DOB…..maybe we’re both wrong about the offense not keeping this up! LOL

I haven’t looked in a while at team stats, but weren’t the Padres leading the league in pitching?

By MEB

July 16, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Prophetic words there ncscoots the Braves are hammering the ball. There it is, Chipper hits a homerun and that makes 14 . GO BRAVES!!!

By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)

July 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

where are the chipper bashers??????? unreal.

By Kevin C

July 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Great inning for the Braves—Chipper hit a bomb and a great new Nickname for Scott Thorman—Thor. MLB is worth the price over the internet

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

my gosh…Chipper is redefining “en fuego”. This is just, not human. Ridiculous, wicked sick, pick a phrase, JEEZ!

By hk

July 16, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

… 14 HR and 14 consecutive games with an extra base hit, tying Paul Waner’s all time record !!!

By nathan

July 16, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Billy

I have to admit, a month ago I was all over Chipper. I figured he’d be a good “singles and RBI” guy if he stayed healthy (BIG IF), but I was sure his power stroke was gone.

Guess I was wrong!….but lot of games left for him to get hurt again! Sorry, gotta to be a pessimist! But it’s reality.

But if he stays healthy the rest of the way, it would obviously be a big lift for the team. As JS would say “it’s kind of like making a trade for a big name player!”

I always love it when he says stuff like that. But sadly enough it’s kind of true!

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

BTW, nobody think the world has stopped turning, but I’m giving WB props today. He’s really stepped up at the dish the last two days, good job.

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Where’s my coffee?

I woke up and posted to the wrong blog …

I don’t know what everyone is so excited about … Peavy just got our All Star Catcher out twice in the same inning!

And what’s the deal with Larry Jones, 33 out of 63 … what did he do the other 30 times?

Take that, Mark Bradley!

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Nice job, Scoots!

By nathan

July 16, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Uh-Oh!

We might have to watch the bullpen today!

Come on bats, don’t let down now! Pour it on!

BTW….does anybody remember me saying that the Braves should play “old school” Rockies baseball (Blake Street Bombers), about a month ago?

I think I’m gonna stick to that theory. LOL!! We don’t need to trade for bullpen help people! Just the opposite. Trade all of the pitching for MORE POWER!! Soriano, Carlos Lee, etc….

Obviously I’m kidding. But it is a thought due to the fact that “good” bats could probably be had easier than picking up reliable arms.

By brewdawg

July 16, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

I’d rather Chuck James give up a 2-run hr than start walking guys. He just needs to throw strikes and give us 6-7 innings. Let’s get some more runs guys!

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

In James’ last start, the team gave him a big lead and he started to lose focus…gave up some bombs. Hope that doesn’t happen today.

By nathan

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

great point brewdawg

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

I think Chuckie’s gonna give up some long flys occasionally…he’s not afraid to pitch inside to right-handers, and he can sometimes be a little up in the zone. Course, that funky delivery and up-and-in gets him a lot of outs, too.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

Oh, that was ugly…

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

JS has had three dinners with the Pads GM this weekend. If we trade Betemit for Linebrink, will he be our closer? It doesn’t look like he’s done it before.

Is Linebrink signed only through this year? His salary was cheap ($1.6MM I think).

By nathan

July 16, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Anybody else think that Thorman is Klesko all over again? Brought up for his bat, but placed out of position, so you take the good with the bad.

I guess you’ve got to pick your poison: Thorman’s bat and below average defense that might cost you in the OF. Or great defense from Langerhans, but a “true” number eight hitter in the lineup.

It’s a tough choice. These pitchers could use all the defensive help they could get. But what’s a better defense for this bullpen than scoring 12 runs a game? LOL

I’m on the fense, but right now I’ll take Thorman’s glove as long as he’s hitting well. If he cools off with the bat, I guess you gotta go with Langerhans.

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

I have to wonder whether McDowell is part of the problem. I don’t know that he is, but it seems like none of the younger Braves have much focus on the mound. Found this quote from Mike Remlinger (not that he is a great pitcher any more but he has been around a while). Talking about Mazzone, he said:

“Especially with the younger guys, Leo could be a little bit gruff,” Remlinger said. “If he didn’t get it the way he wanted, he would let you know about it.

“Even he and I butted heads a couple of times. But the next day, he didn’t hold things against you and it was time to get back to work. He helped me tremendously.

“I lot of guys don’t want to hear the truth. Sometimes you need to hear, ‘You’re not very good right now.’ Sometimes you have to face that reality and get things fixed.”

I just wonder if a little of that attitude might be needed with some of our young relievers. Calvin made a good point that Bobby Cox must have been hot at McBride last night, sending out McDowell to pull him. Is McDowell just too “nice” to these guys?

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Vol, did that happen or are you just speculating about the dinners? Who is your source? Interesting if the 2 are discussing trade possibilities.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Somehow, Bobby will manage to get ejected after Bochy gets off the field. He’s going for the record!

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

On Linebrink, I have a feeling that trade is about to happen, after today’s game. That’s not a prediction, just a feeling. And I read on some site that Linebrink’s contract has a club option for 2007.

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

GHF:

I wish I was close enough to know who was dining with whom. Just thinking that things sometimes happen after a series like this. These are two decent team with holes to fill in what happen to be different positions.

Reading above that there may be a club option on Linebrink next year, I’d probably deal Betemit, as tough as that would be.

By brewdawg

July 16, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

James is going to have his struggles. Look at Smoltz, Glavine’s, and Maddux first few years. I’d really love to have Glavine back just to mentor him, because their stuff is almost identical. I’m posting this bc I don’t want people getting all over him for his last couple of sub-par outings. Let’s give the rook some time.

By Jimbo

July 16, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

No lead is safe with this team.

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

Well, Pads need offense at third, but I don’t think WB would be what they had in mind. They’re looking for someone with a lot of thump.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Linebrink does have a club option, but it’s my understanding that it would be exercised if he appeared in 100 games total in 2005-2006. That has happened; 73 games in 05, 41 in 06.

By Jimbo

July 16, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Big trouble brewing…we are into our bullpen.

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Going to the pen in the 6th! Who feels good about this one?

Can we just rent Linebrink for a game since he’s already at the park?

By ncscoots

July 16, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Uh oh, Paronto in the sixth is too early. I was hoping to see Barry, Yates, Paronto, and Ray. If Death Ray is in for the eighth, I think I’ll be sick, cause you know who will be there in the ninth.

By nathan

July 16, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Yikes…….this is waaaaay too predictable.

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

One more comment about Linebrink and I’ll stop obsessing.

Do you think they would would rather have Betemit up in place of Castilla right now, and we’d rather have Linebrink throwing place of Paranto?

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

The rumor sites suggest that they are interested in Betemit, and in former Brave Andy Marte. And Brewer’s Billy Hall and Cory Koskie. But they also say that the Padres are very hesitant to lose Linebrink.

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Nine more outs!

By brewdawg

July 16, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

HUGE double play. This would be a devasting loss. Let’s get some more insurance runs.

By nathan

July 16, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

what I meant to say, was: “I see a double play coming”

Yeah Right! LOL

By Vol

July 16, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

This is starting to feel like the playoffs, and there are tons of games left. WHY is this one not on TBS? I’m sure I’ll ask that about 40 more times this summer.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

I told you guys Bobby was getting tossed.

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

Why did Bobby get ejected? I can’t watch the game because I don’t have TS. Can someone enlighten me?

By Lew

July 16, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

GHF, there was a link on the Braves’ site to the MLB listing of who was trade bait and their contract essentials as well.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Lew. After I posted the question I found it myself. CALVIN, Francoeur got tossed for arguing a bad call and Bobby came out and said the “magic word.”

By MEB

July 16, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby was on the umpire as fast as a hartebeest as soon as Frenchy was tossed. Bobby did toss down rather vehemently his lineup cards that he was carrying and I think that plus a few choice words got him tossed.

By Stanford

July 16, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

Calvin, Frenchy got tossed very quickly and while walking away from the umpire, for arguing a third strike. Bobby came out and said maybe 5 words and was gone. A very quick hook on both of them. Frenchy was almost back in the dugout when the ump chased him down and tossed him.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Well, when 2 of those words refer to an incestuous sun it doesn’t matter what the other 3 words were.

By Glass Half Full

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

“son” not “sun.”

By Lew

July 16, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

I agree, the umpire was much quicker than the proverbial hartebeest. He tossed Bochy before he even got his mouth open. At least BC got to throw his lineup cards.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Alright, it’s getting late and I better not hear these words: “Jorge Sosa is warming up in the bullpen.”

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Ah so Frenchy and Bobby got tossed?
Why did the bench coach for the Pads get tossed? Did he argue the stolen base by Renteria?

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

He was arguing a check swing from Chipper.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Jeez, where has THIS Chipper been in the last 7 years? Who are we playing, the 1999 Mets at Shea?

By MEB

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

The bench coach actually got tossed prior to Bochy on the check swing call with Chipper. The bech coarch actually said the magic words from of all places the bench. Some more clutch hitting by Chipper… amazing!

By Calvin

July 16, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

Oh ok. Thanks glass.

By Glass Half Full

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

I wanna see the bullpen coach get tossed. Has that ever happened?

By nathan

July 16, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Man I hope chipper stays healthy the rest of the way. That’ll take some pressure off of Francoeur and McCann.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a braves hitter this HOT in the last 15 years. It’s insane!!!

Right about now I feel like Randy Quaid in Major League 2. LOL (ragging on Vaughn all year and getting pumped up when the “old” Vaughn comes back!)

I officially owe CJ an appology.

By Glass Half Full

July 16, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

I would say, “Get out those brooms,” but Sosa is still in the bullpen. Can’t be too sure.

By Bob, journalist

July 16, 2006 06:19 PM |