Braves

By Lew

July 18, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

DOB-This may shock you coming from me, but I have a Tony Joe White album with several duets, including one with Lucinda Williams. The album is called Heroines and also has a duet with Jesse Colter called Fireflies In The Wind. You would like this cd. Am I redeemed, now?

By Jimbo

July 18, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Do you honestly think this team is going to continue hitting the way it is now? Do you honestly think the pitching, as the staff is currently constructed, is going to get any better? I think not on both counts. I’m enjoying this streak as much as anyone but let’s be realistic. What we saw in June could return any day now. What is a “safe” lead for this bullpen? 8 - 9 - 10 runs? I don’t think this team can win a 3-2 game because it’s rare they can hold a team to 2 runs.

But, thanks for the optimism.

By Greg

July 18, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

I guarantee you that Cox is dumb enough to take Betemit out of the lineup when Giles returns. Then Giles will drag down the rest of the team. Somebody has to convince him, to for once, stick with the hot hand.

By Brent

July 18, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Please tell me that Brian Jordan and Todd Pratt are not going to re-appear and screw this all up.

Go Braves.

By David O'Brien

July 18, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Jimbo, do you HONESTLY NOT READ THE BLOGS BEFORE YOU COMMENT? I said, more than once in fact, that this hitting would not, could not continue. What part of that didn’t you understand?

At the same token, do you expect them to revert to 6-21 June form? No. Somewhere between is where they belong, but I’d suggest a bit more toward what’s happening now than during the 3-20 June stretch.

So which team, Jimbo, is uncatchable in that wild-card group? Just curious who you think the Braves can’t catch out of that flawed bunch.

By ssiscribe

July 18, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Good lyrics. Better baseball.

The sheer numbers are mind-boggling. Some people are asking where this team has been for the past three months. It just was a matter of some guys shaking off slow starts (LaRoche, Francoeur), some guys shaking off injuries (Chipper) and some guys shaking off rust (Betemit). And, as for Brian McCann, he’s 22 going on 29. Prime-time player.

Folks, I’ve watched a lot of baseball in my 33 years. Right now, this team is playing just about as well as possible. Remember a few weeks ago, when the Braves seemed destined to lose, no matter what? Now, it’s like they’re destined to win. You’re not supposed to win a game, on the road, against a division leader, in which you blow FOUR leads. Yet the Braves did that on this trip already.

It’s not 1993, but for the past few days, it’s certainly felt like it. Or, for that matter, like early 2000, when the Braves won something like 36 of their first 50, only to fade at the finish.

I wrote a few weeks ago how critical the 10-game homestand before the break and the 10-game roadie after the break would be. Those 20 games would make or break the Braves season, and right now, through 13 games, Atlanta is 11-3. Were the Braves, say, 4-10, this thing would be over. But, it’s not. Game on.

Certainly, the Braves won’t (can’t, can they?) hit like they have in recent days. But for anybody (this means you, John Kruk) to say the Braves can’t win the wild card is asinine. Come on! Look who’s ahead of the Braves. Look how they’re playing right now. Look at the flippin schedule come August, which is a heck of a lot easier than the stretch the Braves are laying waste to at the moment.

Forget about the Mets, at least right now. Let Pedro and Co. keep cruising along at the top of the East. As long as Atlanta keeps winning series, it will find itself within reach of the wild card soon enough, sooner rather than later.

DOB, it was 107 in Vegas last Thursday. Bet it feels worse than that today in the Lou. Plenty of ice water, and hopefully a rough greeting for former Brave Jason Marquis tonight at the new Busch.

By Lew

July 18, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

Come Onl Let’s not start the Giles bashing. If you remember, people bashed Chipper for months (Thank God they shut up). They have bashed LaRoche for months (Thank God they’ve finally shut up). When was the last time you saw Giles not put out everything he had in a game? He is one of the best, if not THE best second baseman in the NL. Have you seen Betemit tripping over his feet in the field. Giles has close to a .300 lifetime average. Betemit is, at the moment, a VERY hot utility player and nothing more. Let’s see how playing a complete season affects him. He’s fresh off of the bench right now. That may have something to do with his success. BC should have done what he said he would and have him spell all of the middle infield. It would have helped everyone. He may well get his shot, but let’s not put down someone who has left it all on the field for us for several years just because he hasn’t quite performed to expectations.

By Braveheart

July 18, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

It would be absolutely ABSURD to trade Betemit for Linebrink. The only trade I would make for Betemit is for a proven closer like Joe Nathan (1.62 ERA, 17 SV in 18 SVO) of the Twins or Tom Gordon(2.11 ERA, 21 SV in 23 SVO) of the Phillies. Even then I would hestitate because Betemit will be tearing up MLB pitchers for many years to come.

By Brent

July 18, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m glad you were still around to defend yourself before everyone else jumped on Jimbo.

So, why don’t you think the Braves will keep hitting this way? ;)

Seriously, does this not remind anyone else of the 1996 NLCS (and first two games of the World Series)?

We came from the dead and then just started knocking the snot out of the ball.

But when it ends … crash!

Go Braves!

By Billy

July 18, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this

Jimbo

Read the 1st line of the 12th paragraph…..now dont you feel stupid.

By ssiscribe

July 18, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

For accuracy (just looked it up), Los Bravos started 2000 35-16, not 36-14.

By Snowball's Chance

July 18, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I saw Lucinda live when “Car wheels” came out.Great show.She had a guitarist who looked and played like Neil Young’s younger weirder brother, and I mean that in a good way. She can sing like an angel if she chose but instead she just lays it out there.

You mentioned Jeff Codine a few blogs ago. Have you heard any promising rumors.

By Andy

July 18, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Jimbo in the ariticle DOB states they can’t/won’t hit like this for the season—just enjoy it while it lasts. Are you saying Jimbo the pitching can’t improve? It seems like the pitching has so under-performed that the sky is the limit. Plus whoever the braves bring in to help. And a 3-2 lead is not the safest—-no. But CAN the bul pen do it? YES—-not always but yes they can—they are getting better and with the trades even better.

By Brent

July 18, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

So, the Padres really turned down Betemit for Linebrink?

Seems a bit surprising; but, after watching Hoffman blow the save in the All-Star and last Friday night, Linebrink might be a good guy to keep around.

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

This hitting tear is amazing, and Jimbo if you had actually read the article you would see that DOB doesn’t think the Braves can keep hitting like this… Which is exactly why he said Hudson has to turn it around and we need to acquire a veteran Bullpen arm. Those things are crucial. And DOB is right on about the Padres reconsidering the Betemit for Linebrink trade. I posted the stats of Betemit versus Brian Giles on a previous blog, but here it is again: In almost twice as many at-bats for Giles (347 to Betemit’s 171) - WB has more HR’s, (8 to 6), higher AVG by .18 pts (.298 to .280), much higher slugging pctg (.520 to .389), and only 22 less RBI, in HALF as many at bats!

By Lew

July 18, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Well, I was honestly more surprised with the way the team played in June than I am with the current state of affairs. I’m still in shock over the 6-23. I don’t really know how it happened, even with the bullpen. Nathan would be a great pickup. DOB-do you have any idea what the Twins would look for in exchange?

By Haywood Jablome

July 18, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, If you had discourse last night, I hope you used protection! Question: Jorge Sosa would need 5 years service time in the majors in order to refuse to go to Richmond, right? Is it more likely that he gets optioned to Richmond, gets traded or is released?

By fan in va

July 18, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Do I dare root for the mets tonight? Reds are currently in first place in the wild card standings but the mets are…well, the mets. to borrow a phrase, the gods must be crazy.

By Tyler Smith

July 18, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, Are the Braves looking to trade for exactly? We all know they need a guy who can close, but couldn’t they also use another lefty down there and maybe even another starter or leadoff hitter? Thanks!

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you heard any kind of whispers regarding Hudson’s health? Maybe he’s been playing hurt and doesn’t want to tell anyone? And DOB, did you hear Harold Reynolds last night on Baseball Tonight credit TIM HUDSON’S RECENT TURNAROUND to the Braves current success? Priceless…

By Choppin Bob

July 18, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, still havent puked yet. Have you checked the new Chili Peppers? Go Bravos! WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Point is, Betemit would challenge Brian Giles as the BEST HITTER on the Padres team right now… And they don’t want to give up a setup man for that?

By FARNSWORTH!!!!!!

July 18, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Langerhans for Farnsworth????? heard this rumor on a site. Makes sense for both teams as both are needed by the other and are expendable with their current one. Maybe NY can pick up a little of the dough.

I believe Farnsworth will definitely improve in ATL vs pressure packed NYC — maybe back to last season….but you can still count on him for a few big blown saves.

By Andy

July 18, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

Jimbo—when I responded to you there were 4 comments—by the time I posted 20 or so others chipped in(including DOB)—-I am saying this in regards to piling on. Sorry.

By Billy

July 18, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Anybody rember M. DeRosa? I’m sure people were screaming to get him in the everyday line up…….it took him YEARS to get his cofience back. WB in my opinion if better than a back-up but not quite good enough starter. I think his role on the team is adequet.

People bashing M. Giles are likley the same ones who bashed CJ, and Francour. Oh yeah, check the numbers on WB and Giles….only real differnce is average but is neagated by M. Giles walks. OBP is only .01 diffent. In othere words WB gets on base a little more than 1% of the time. Is that 1% worth the loss of defense at 2B?

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

So now you really know what David O’B thinks of me and my opinions … crazy! Well, I never! I liked it better when we were talking about the Lovelace!

And that song … now, you’ve done it. When the Grinch sees that, I’ll bet we’re in for a treat as he waxes ever so eloquently as the hours pass by!

David, you never cease to amaze … but, I think you might be right about the Buttermint Babe possibly being ole “tanglefoot”, reincarnated … especially when you consider his other guest appearances at second base.

Nice post David! Third ear folks, third ear!

By Ran E.

July 18, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Thank You Dave Obrien for banging out another great article by the AJC SPORTS DEPT. I to believe the Braves will go past everyone in the wild card race and I don’t believe it will be at the end of the season, it will happen before July is over. As much as I hate to see Marcus go he is a free agent next year and continuing with thee current trend the Braves either won’t be able to or just won’t resign him. AWOL has practically stangled our team and they do still own it. If not for the oustanding work at drafting in the last five years the ride would never have lasted this long. They did however miss on Joey Side at UGA, he was drafted in the fifth round by Arizona, he was thought to be as good as Frenchy. Also Andrew is also going to be a free agent, and you know he’s going to command a fortune on the open market.The Twins have a fine reliever and Andrew doesn’t hit well with two out with men own,Jeff has a better arm and is on his way to being as good in the field. Now when I say better arm I mean he usually hits what he’s aiming at. The braves have Langerhans and the new guy, plus there is also Diaz.

By doug

July 18, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Anyway the Pads give up Linebrink for Giles? Giles taken out of the leadoff spot and hitting either in front of or behind his brother might rejuvinate him. Or would they rather have Betemit because he is cheaper?

I need to know, not getting any work done here, just keep looking to see if we acquired one of those big shot releivers the cubs signed at the beginning of free agency. Eyre or Howry. When they did that I thought they were so smart. Taking the best middle releivers available off the market to solidify their bullpen, but now look at them. Funny how stuff works isn’t it.

Did anyone else tune into the game last night only to realize it had already been on for an hour? OK it was just me, anyways I sat down for the first 10 minutes and watched them score 5 runs. Great game, loved it.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

well, if it’s a “veteran presence” in the bullpen the Braves are looking for, my guess is it wouldn’t be Mike Gonzalez, hoss that he is (IMHO). He hasn’t exactly been seasoned by playoff pressure. And I have to believe the Twins will deal Nathan only if knocked out by an offer (which I don’t think the Braves can or will make). I don’t see Wickman as an answer, and even I, noted disparager of WB, wouldn’t trade Betemit for Linebrink straight up. I’m at a loss as to coming up with a name that would upgrade the bullpen at a cost that’s palatable. Somebody help me here…

By ESPN is Stupid

July 18, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Last night on ESPN, Kruk and Reynolds were talking about the Braves. Reynolds said that Chipper was a big reason why we’re doing good now (oh really?). He said the other reason is that Tim Hudson is now pitching like the Tim Hudson of old (OH REALLY????). Kruk followed that up with saying that there’s no WAAYYY POSSIBLE for the Braves to win the wild card. After all, all the teams in the west are .500…will keep beating up on each other…and will end up around .500…thus meaning that one of the teams from the West will win the wild card. What kind of retarded logic is that????!!!!!!!!??? He then ended it by saying that the Braves MUST get rid of Smoltz now while they still can get something for him (hey idiot, they have his option next year at $8 MIL…which I think is less than what Jeff Weaver will get next year).

I turned the channel wondering if Kruk and Reynolds were competing in the “Who can be dumber and more wrong” contest. How about some researchers turning off their mikes.

By doug

July 18, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

On second thought, if the Padres are so high on Linebrink, give us Hoffman for Giles. The Braves can afford Hoffman for the rest of the year and the Padres get the Giles Brothers playing in front of the Home folks. Yeah, that’s it.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

DOB…..I have to admit. I didn’t think this team had it in them. The way the played in June, it looked like everyone was playing Not to Lose rather than to win.

I jumped the gun on saying who should be traded and quick. But in all fairness to my own comments, I never stated that Andruw or Smoltz should be traded because they couldn’t play any more. I might have assumed that that was the case with Chipper. Which of course now looks like I was completely wrong. And even there, I never said the guy can’t play any more, I said he can’t stay healthy any more, which in turn causes him to not play like he is capable of…..two different things, and there is a LOT of season left for him to stay healthy through, so we’ll see.

But getting back to me saying the Braves should “move” Andruw and Smoltz had way more to do with my belief that as long as they are on the payroll and Hampton is still here, if the Braves payroll doesn’t go up, this is the type of bullpen we will have until they are gone. Because of the fact that Hampton, Smoltz, Andruw, Chipper, Hudson will take up roughly 55 percent of the 80 million dollar payroll. Again, I’ll repeat: IF NEW OWNERSHIP RAISES JS’S PAYROLL, BY ALL MEANS KEEP EVERYBODY AND JUST ADD EXPENSIVE BULLPEN PIECES!!!! But if payroll goes down or even stays the same…we are looking at the same kinda mess next year.

I’m all for trying to win now, if it is reasonable thinking to try and do so. I honestly didn’t think that they would make up this much ground this quickly…..I WAS WRONG! I’m still not sure they are going to do it. But if you are JS, you’ve gotta make a move or two to try. Don’t you?

Again, I’ll repeat somthing else I’ve been preaching about that I still stand behind. I don’t have a problem trading Salty or other “top” prospects for good pieces to the puzzle. But I’m gonna freak out as a fan, if we trade a top pitching prospect and Salty for somebody like Antonio Alfonseca (actually, he might be a FA right now - but you get my point.)

So to make a short story long……I’m “back” on board going for the wild card (I officially was never “off”, just didn’t think they could do it. Now it looks possible, so I say GO FOR IT. Just not at the cost of ALL of our top prospects.

BTW: If Hudson aint on his game tonight, I will be livid if they don’t move him soon. Simple fact people, other than the last start anf a few other good ones in between his shaky outings he’s darn near as responsible as the bullpen for the month of June. ACES STOP LOSING STREAKS, THEY DON’T CONTINUE THEM OR START NEW ONES! He’s getting paid ACE money (average salary of total contract) He should pitch like an ACE or go do his impersonation else where.

You can’t possibly have anything good to say about how Hudson has performed this year, can you DOB? Just watch, we’ve been on a roll in spite of his pitching last time out and he’ll do his best to try and bring the winning streak to an end tonight. I can just feel it. If I’m wrong, I’ll oppologize to everybody for rambling, but if I’m right I expect SOMBODY, ANYBODY to say “hey, nathan, you were right!” LOL!

By Ike

July 18, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Billy— Betemit is not a starter? you can’t be serious. Giles has struggled all year, and since betemit has been in the lineup we’ve been on a tear. yes, i know you can attribute the hot streak to just about everyone, but Betemit has been so hot, he’s been our best prospect for YEARS, and in terms of talent and upside potential he has giles beat by miles (no rhyme intended). MARK MY WORDS: if we trade betemit, we will NOT make the playoffs. i just can’t believe it’s taken us this long to get him in the lineup every day

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves have a better shot at catching and passing the Mets, which, will result in passing the other teams for the wild card. The Mets have all kinds of pitching problems. Pedro is hurt. Glavine has cooled down as of late. Trachsel has an ERA over 4. Hernandez just got lit up by the lowly Cubs on Sunday. They have issues. I think if the Braves somehow are able to get a pair of arms for the bullpen, including a closer, they might have enough to over take and even pass the Mets. Their hitting has been pretty good even during rough month of June. Of course they won’t continue scoring 10 runs a game. However, I think they can score 5 runs a night on a consistent basis. All we need is a consistent outing from the starting staff and average outings from the bullpen and we just might have a chance.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

BTW in my above epic post I stated a “double standard” about Hudson’s “last” outing. I meant his outing in SD as the pitiful one, but the one right before the break that he started the 9th inning when Sosa gave up 5 runs. That wasn’t bad other than giving up 2 hits to start the 9th.

So I’m not contradicting myself, just got the two of them mixed up.

By A.J.

July 18, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

DOB I was just wondering about a couple of things:

1. Have you heard anything about the Braves going after Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates? He is a solid closer both this year and over his short career. 2.27 ERA this year (2.42 career), and 14 for 14 in save chances this year, (18 for 21 career). His team stinks, and he is headed to arbitration eligibility, there is no reason for the Pirates to keep him. He is almost definitely the best closer on the market. I don’t know why I haven’t heard his name in more rumors.

2. Is there a reason Diaz isn’t starting in left over Thorman? He’s played good enough to get a shot to start almost daily, I am all for getting Thorman some at bats to see what he can be, but we have seen what Diaz can be in this pinch-hit, platoon deal, why can’t we see if he can do it every day?

3. I know the Padres want Betemit for Linebrink, but could we cajole them into taking Giles instead, hometown boy, reuniting the Gileses?

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

nathan, I’m not gonna disagree with you about Huddy’s performance this year (short of putrid, but the smell’s not getting any better), but replace him this year with whom? If there was some gas-throwing strikeout-king monster waiting in the minors, OK. But unless you got back a starter in a Hudson trade (unlikely), how do you replace him the rotation THIS year? I’m not being snarky here, I just want to know your thoughts about filling the hold if he IS traded.

By ssiscribe

July 18, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Gotta agree with the sentiment that Hudson’s got another chance to show he’s the ace tonight, and his team needs him to pitch better than he has of late.

Look at his last 10 starts: 2-5, 5.76 ERA. Two of his past three outings were abysmal: 2 2/3 IP, 11 H (11!!), 5 ER vs. Baltimore; 3 IP, 9 H, 5 ER vs. San Diego. Huddy’s allowed seven hits or more in four of his past five starts, although he pitched more than seven innings just once during that stretch (25 2/3 IP, 42 H, 24 ER, 12 BB, 11K), and has given up five earned runs in four of his past five games (four in the other outing).

Not saying he’s pitching hurt and not saying so (like his buddy Mark Mulder was in the Lou), but the numbers aren’t very pretty right now. And, even though the Braves are the hottest team in baseball, because of that putrid June, they need to win every game they can, especially with their Opening Day starter standing on the slab.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Anybody that thinks I’m stupid. Here is some stats for you:

Tim Hudson: 125 IP, 67 ER = 4.81 ERA

Jorge Sosa: 85 IP, 53 ER = 5.60 ERA

HUDSON’S ERA IS ONLY .80 RUNS PER GAME BETTER THAN SOSA. AND HE’S HAD 40 MORE INNINGS TO “CORRECT” HIS PROBLEMS AND SHOW THAT THE BAD OUTINGS ARE THE EXCEPTION, NOT THE RULE!

Everybody and their mom has been on these boards ripping Sosa a new one, including myself. And everybody has been sticking up for Hudson because “he’s got a track record as a proven ACE”. Yeah, So does Fernando Valenzuela, why don’t we sign him to a 4 year deal averageing 10 million a year?

Face it people, Hudson has barely been better than Sosa and actually worse ERA wise than Oscar this year. It’s time to call it what it is. How did TO put it a couple of years back? If it looks like a rat, and smells like a rat, well then it must be a rat!

Hudson will go down as one of the biggest “busts” of the JS era. Maybe the move that “prevented” the streak from going on rather than continuing it.

By doug

July 18, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I agree, Hudson will turn it around tonight. I noticed in the Padres game, he came out smoking but the umpire wasn’t calling low strikes. It visible upset him and he had to bring the ball up. But his stuff is so good, and moves so much, he has to figure it out, I have faith in him. He’ll get a better umpire tonight and the streak continues.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

I hear you ncscoots, we might not be able to replace him with an ACE. But you have to admit that Cormier could give us the same results for quite a bit less money. So just move him to clear payroll to aquire other needs (bullpen)

By chopthis

July 18, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Dave,

*The way you blog

It’s right in time

It’s right in time with me.*

Good luck tonight.

*Maybe in St. Louis you’ll find your joy.

Maybe in St. Louis you’ll find your joy.*

By Chop Chop

July 18, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Let’s move Hudson into the closer’s role and put Sosa back in the rotation! That will fix everything! Yippee!

By Byron Dawg

July 18, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Where are those bandwagon fans who had the paper sacks on there heads on espn.com a couple of weeks ago now?

By A.J.

July 18, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Not that I have a problem with Marcus, I’d love for him to get it going, but Linebrink is as solid a setup man as they come, and it’s one of those situations where we can help ourselves out a lot in the pen, at worst not lose too much and at best be a bit better at second base. Plus it’s one of those things where you can make a smart business move, and put guy you really like, in Giles, into a situation he would like. Noone loses. Maybe throw in a prospect too, it should make the Padres happy. But as long as we have Chipper and Renteria there is no reason to keep both Giles and Betemit and with our needs you can’t really justify it.

By Andy

July 18, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

nathan you are right!!! regardless of tonight. You are right! Okay?

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop…….that’s not even close to what i’m suggesting. I’m saying they are both as equally bad as each other and should touch the ball as little as possible right now.

The reality is that Hudson’s “track record” says he’ll turn it around. But he was far from dominating last year. And nowhere close to a mediocre starter this year. Do you think he’d still be in the Yankees rotation if he’d be pitching like this for them? The Boss would be freakin out!

Sosa was the master of escape last year. Obviously a total fluke. Good stuff - no brain. But he outperformed Hudson last year and isn’t too far off of him this year. Yet everybody wants to run Sosa out of town and keep giving Hudson the benefit of the doubt. I just want to know why the double standard?

By BOB C

July 18, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

In regards to Giles getting “Wally Pipped” by WB - Wally is our family’s nickname for Giles - but that goes back to Nick Green’s hot streak of a few years back. We all need to remember that the Braves don’t play in a roto league. You must also catch the ball at second base which is why Lemke was there for eight years. WB, while a better than average bat, is a less than average glove - at any position. The 14 year run has been marked by great D - see Lemke, Grissom, Weiss, Nixon etc. - not to mention the best center fielder any of us will ever see in our lifetimes.

By BP

July 18, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

I could swear a few years ago Giles played some games in LF. Could this not be a solution to the Betemit “problem”?

Ordinarily you wouldn’t want to move a middle infielder to a corner outfield spot but if its Giles, Thorman, or Langerhans…I’ll take Giles.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

thanks andy…..i think! LOL

By geauxbraves2000

July 18, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

I had something really clever and insightful to post, but for the life of me I can’t remember it.

Oh well, Geaux Huddy & Geaux Braves!! Only 1/2 a game before the next jump.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

but nathan…if you’re saying that the level of performance in that rotation spot is unacceptable, and that trading Hudson would not upgrade that level of performance, what do you gain by the trade, other than money? Even assuming that you took those dollars and applied them to some other area, that still leaves you with a rotation spot that’s underperforming. If that be the case, then I have to say, wait until the offseason. There’s a higher probability of Tim Hudson returning to his former level of excellence than a journeyman becoming lights-out, no?

By geauxbraves2000

July 18, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, for all those Andruw traders, look into my crystal ball and see CF w/o AJ. See all those balls dropping, all those runs scoring. Pay the man what he wants, he has to stay.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Nathan, methinks you’re getting longer winded than Journalist Bob, and I assure you that I know what I’m talking about!

Again, I do believe you’re becoming an optimist.

By Chop Chop

July 18, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

nathan, I was just typing something stupid for no one in particular. I wasn’t pointing that at you. It’s funny that you thought I did, though.

I actually nominate you to take over for Chop Chick on her blog. I think you would be a lot more entertaining. Her “Yankee love” blog today bothered me.

By Andy

July 18, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t laff—-you can say hateful things—but you have to really mean them. Okay my fantasy is this—-said this during the beging of the SD series—-trade Giles/Betemit/Sosa and Thompson to SD for Kelsco/Castilla and Linebrink. I don’t think Betemit is enough to go straight up in a trade with SD—they need a starter and a number 2 guy—-the braves are giving up alot with Sosa and Thompson(wink) but it would be fun to have a closer and 2 old guys from out past to go one last time for the gold. Vinny backs up chipper—-giles is already gone—we’ll do well to bring up the singing guy. Its my dream darn it—regardless of the lack of true baseball knowledge.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

very good points ncscoots, but to counter argue with you. you probably would get more for him (because of his track record) in the middle of the pennant with desperate teams out there than you would in the off season.

And really, what is the difference. If the spot is weak, the spot is weak. cut the payroll. But I can agree that it could wait till the off season.

And I’m tired of the veterans just getting run out their night after night despite poor performance after poor performance. I thought Cormier did an admirable job spot starting. Does that mean I think he is better than Hudson? Probably not. But go with the hot hand, for cryin out loud. Isn’t that a manager and a GM’s job not only in the off season but during the season? To put the best possible people out on the field on a nightly basis?

I don’t know, it sucks! I actually like Hudson, but he’s been a dissapointment. I think he’s hurt. But if he is and he’s not saying anything, that’s just STUPID not TOUGH. Ask Reitsma how that worked out for him. If he’s not hurt, than he’s just not that good anymore.

But who knows, maybe he rips off 5 straight kick a$$ starts and I look like a fool like I did with Chipper. But Chipper always looks good when he’s healthy. that just doesn’t happen to be very often anymore.

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Nathan, you make a good argument and I sure haven’t heard anybody call you stupid for it.

I disagree, though. Hudson is a quality starter who’s relatively young but very experienced. He’s having a bad year! We’ve got him at a very good price, a #3 price, if you will, for next year. And we have no one to replace him in the rotation this year.

I think we have to count on him to turn it around, and if he’s still not performing, trade him in the offseason or next year at this time.

Even taking the attitude that it’s all about winning this year, it’s hard for me to see how we’d have a better chance by trading Hudson out of desperation and starting - who? - in his place.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

bob I’ve always been an optimist. I’m just pessimistic about how often I’ll be optimistic! LOL

chop chop Thanks for the vote. I appreciate it.

By Choppin Bob

July 18, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe this is the fir motivation we need to succeed in the post season.

Chop Chop good point. I dont give a s—t about the yanks! Be a real reporter and find out something useful, like wheres the relief help? I would even say try giving the bullpen some of those $7 hot dogs before they go in.

By Josh

July 18, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

I am in absolute disbelief at what the Braves offense has done. PLEASE LOOK @ THOSE STATS D.O.B PUT UP. It’s hard to hit .390 as a team over 5 games in SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL. This is absolutley unreal. I said a month ago that when everyone is cold at the same time, they may all get hot at the same time. Well they have, and this is what it’s like when that happens. Go Braves!

By Bryan

July 18, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Dave,

My girl friend is from Jackson Mississippi (nope, not an inbreed or a racist hick) and her favorite song from “Gravel Road” is Jackson … so simple, so sweet.

My question to you, which “Jackson” song do you like better - Cash’s song about cheating on your wife or Lucinda’s song about a broken heart?

What’s the chance the braves trade for Pittsburgh’s closer or the Royal’s McDougal who just got off the DL but was very effective last year - don’t we know someone in KC who owes us a favor.

Ohhh and whats your take on guy cuttright’s article about Jones wanting to play really bad in Atlanta? Did JS screw the pooch on that one - sounds like all he wanted was a 2nd year.

Bryan

By doug

July 18, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t think McBride or Sosa need any more $7 hot dogs.

By Choppin Bob

July 18, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Doug forgot about that. Maybe some energy drinks from Coke or something. anything.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Stanford very good points. I can accept that. People do have bad years and bounce back, look at Thome. But that comparison almost scares me. Traded to NL and underperforms, traded back to AL and tears it up. Just a thought.

I can accept he’s having a bad year. It’s not really about him sucking. It’s about him sucking and taking up too much payroll in 2 years. If he turns it around, even at 13 million in 2008 it will be worth it. But if he doesn’t and we don’t trade him this offseason, who’s going to want him next summer with two 13 million dollar season left on his deal?……NOBODY. That’s what I’m getting at. I’ll repeat: if he’s pitching like “Tim Hudson” he’s worth it, thus, we keep him for the remainder of deal. If he’s not pitching good next year at this time NOBODY WILL WANT HIM, thus we’ll keep him for the remainder of his deal LOL

see what I’m getting at? It’s almost as though the possibility of the “reward” is not worth the risk. And that’s not even getting into the possibility of Hampton not be “the Hampton of years past” next year if he’s not fully recovered from TJ surgery and ready to compete at a high level.

What is Hudson’s salary next year (I think it’s 9 million - though I could be wrong maybe 6 million?)

Anyhow, do all of you realize that if Hampton and Hudson struggle next year, that 2/5 of our rotation will be costing around 20 million dollars?!? (or 1/4 of our total current salary restraints) That’s too much for 2 ACES on top of their game much less to underachievers. IMO

As a fan it’s hard to not root for them to “go for it” this year. But I’d rather not do it at the cost of the next 5. Thought I do agree with DOB’s “anybody could get hit by a bus” theory. When you see a window of opportunity, you better jump through it with everything you’ve got!

I think I’ve got what Reitsma had…….Cuz I can’t feel my fingers!!! LOL

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

So, there are 13 days before the All-Star break… about 11-12 games for most teams. I don’t see any of the NL wild-card teams completely dropping out of it leading up to July 31st short of a 1-10 or 2-10 skid. There will not be much bullpen help to go after. Here’s an idea for the retard leading baseball who calls himself the commissioner: MOVE THE TRADE DEADLINE BACK ANOTHER 10-14 DAYS! What does it matter when the deadline is? Maybe DOB can help with an explanation, but I just don’t get it. In today’s game, with 3 divisions and 2 wild cards, why does MLB still have the deadline at a time when there is still 1/3 of the entire season left? If you move it back to say, August 14th, you’d have at least another 2-3 teams in each league who would officially be out of playoff contention by then. Am I the only one who wonders about this???

By Dan K

July 18, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t trade Betemit here. He has too much upside at much less cost than Giles, plus he can play multiple positions and pinch hit. Giles is a very popular and gritty player, but I would be more inclined to move him, especially with budget constraints, and especially so if he can bring back quality bullpen help. I’m also a seller of Hudson before or after the season if he doesn’t turn it around here; he’s had a terrible season so far, and if he isn’t hurt, he is clearly not the player the Braves believed they acquired, and I doubt the Braves would want to keep his payroll.

I think there should be little doubt the Braves will make a move. And let’s hope they keep winning this week and next as they’re barganing position will be that much better. Their needs are very clear, and they never addressed the closer issue since Smoltz moved back from the rotaion.

Fix Hudson, trade for a closer and let Betemit lead off and play second. With Chipper being Chipper again, the Braves should be right back in it.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Don. I completely disagree. I think the trade deadline should be moved UP to June 1st. That way teams have to think long and hard about giving up on a season. And the teams with good drafting, FA signing and the forsight to make good trades in the offseason will get rewarded for a job well done. Not the Yankees, Red Sox and Braves of OLD picking up everybody elses superstars in July when their teams are out of it. Anybody with an open checkbook and desperate trading partners can make those deadline deals. But we’d find out who the true genius GM’s would be when they had to see the future in November - May.

Just a thought. And yeah, I realize the braves don’t win in 1993 if this was the case. But it just seems logical to me. Dump the “waiver” deals after July 31 also. That system is a complete joke.

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Nathan, taking your point of view, what if the Sox would send us McCarthy and Anderson for Hudson? Obviously, we would have a glut of outfielders and someone would have to be moved. But the rumor is that they’d offer that package for Schmidt. Would they offer it for Hudson (we would probably have to sweeten the pot a little, or take back some salary)?

I don’t know how true it is that we’ve “journaled” Hampton at $8 mil per year since he got here, so his salary is not such an issue the next few years. Is that fact? If so, that makes it a little more bearable.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Stanford….I had also seen where DOB or sombody mentioned that they had “averaged” Hamptons salary out like that. If that’s the case, that does help.

To me there just seems to be a lack of ACES or anything cloes in the system coming up. Yeah, I know we’ll probably never have a young threesome like Avery, Smoltz and Glavine all come up at once or close to at once, like they did. But everybody seems to forget. They were all young and not the highest paid pitchers at the beginning of this run. Have some faith in the youth JS and Bobby Cox! And if we don’t have the talent coming up in the system, then maybe our player development isn’t as good as everybody says it is.

IMO it is OK for a team to win for a couple of years and have a down year and then pick itself up off the ground again. But you have to know when to pull the ripcord. This run was started by good young pitching. Not hired guns. Start a new run.

By Jman

July 18, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

The thing that worries me about possibly trading Giles is that I think it could hurt the chemistry of the team. That guy is a spark plug and is always the first one hitting guys on helmets in the dugout and just generally being very excitible. Believe it or not that does count for something.

By Chief

July 18, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

I understand the impulse to trade Giles for help, but Betemit’s fielding has been inconsistent, and Giles has always had a great glove. Also, I don’t think you can discount Giles’ value as a clubhouse guy — he’s a veteran whose energy resonates with the young guys. Giles’ youthful enthusiasm seems to take the edge off a dugout that can be a bit intimidating (Chipper, Andruw, Smoltz, etc).

On a different note, why do we need three left fielders, with a fourth (Kelly Johnson) lurking at Richmond? The Braves’ left field situation is akin to the Georgia football team’s QB situation - plenty of reasons to like each option, but only one can play. I trust JS and Bobby Cox to decide which of these guys is ours for the long-haul, but whomever they don’t pick, isn’t he worth a middle reliever somewhere?

By Miss Manners

July 18, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Anybody that thinks I’m stupid. Here is some stats for you:

Enough Said.

By brian

July 18, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

I agree Dan. I would trade Hudson for McCarthy and Anderson, of course if the White Sox would make that offer. That trade would help us now and in the future, Hudson needs a change of scenery as does Anderson (a former top OF prospect). McCarthy is young but has a top arm and is a top prospect himself. although risky to add another young arm to the starting rotation, I would be willing to bet he could start and kepp his ERA around 5 or better and be equal to Hudson. I would only trade Hudson if we could get a young starter now or dreaming use Hudson as part of a 3-way deal to get Willis. Hudson to Boston for Lester and a prospect would also work for the Braves (I don’t know about Boston though)

Short of that I agree with DOB. With the recent play it is foolish to talk of trading either Jones or Smoltz, probably was foolish to talk about those trades anyway.

Giles though, I would trade if possible. The trouble with the Giles to San Diego instead of Betemit is that San Diego needs a 3B, not a 2B with Barfield.

By Lew

July 18, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Stanford, The farm system is still in good shape, but you have to realize we played 18 rookies last year. We brought up a sizable portion of AA to the show last year. Add to that the fact that Davies, Boyer, and Devine have all been injured, not to mention Kelley Johnson also hurt, and a temporary toll has been taken on the minors. Give things another year and all will be well. However, a trade to replace some of the young pitching we’ve ;ost in recent years would be nice. Don’t trade anyone without getting pitching in return.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

sorry miss manners when I emailed my post to my english teacher to check my grammar, she didn’t respond!

Enough Said.

BTW, is there anything correct about having two words in a sentence capitalized?

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Lew, I agree entirely. I think Devine will be our closer one day. I don’t really want to trade anyone (well, except for the obvious guys that no one would want). The Sox deal for Hudson would bring in more young pitching and free up payroll. But, it’s probably not an option and I like Hudson anyway. Hope he’ll start his turnaround tonight.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Jman, welcome to today’s blog. journalist jimmy smith read your post with interest:

July 18, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

“The thing that worries me about possibly trading Giles is that I think it could hurt the chemistry of the team. That guy is a spark plug and is always the first one hitting guys on helmets in the dugout and just generally being very excitible. Believe it or not that does count for something.”

what you may not know is that the plug was pulled last night. that’s right, dob reported that giles was taking a batting test and he pulled a plug. so, it is not the same if he leaves now. and slapping helmets may be the cause of thumb distress. not sure where marcus finished on hk’s intelligence test but aaron just passed him and it’s been almost a week since aaron was himself. giles is a good glove man but jimmy smith cannot remember him at another position. betemit has played 3b,ss, and now 2b - for the first time. he beat out “p” player pete orr for a 2b - position he has not played before. that speaks well of betemit or not so well of the “p’ player. go figure.

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Nathan you’re absolutely right. I have been screaming for a trade of Hudson for weeks now. Even if he throws back-to-back no hitters in his final 2 starts before the All-Star break I say we still trade him. It’s economics people! A new owner is going to do 1 of 2 things when he/they take over. Either keep payroll where it’s at or CUT PAYROLL! We cannot logically keep Hampton, Hudson, Smoltz, Chipper and Andruw in 2008! The economics don’t work! Every one of those players will be making well over $10mil in 2008, which, if they collectively average $12mil that year, theres $60mil of an $80mil(max) payroll in just 5 guys! That WON’T WORK! Trade Hudson!

By Brian

July 18, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

nathan, get a life, dude!! You sure sling around a lot of words not to say anything worthwhile. About the only think you have said in this whole blog that makes any sense is that you “look like a fool”. Hey, I think ESPN is hiring!!

By Kentavo

July 18, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

I think Hudson will still have value even if he continues to stink it up. Look at the outrageous contracts the likes of A.J. Burnett, Matt Clement, etc. have gotten, and they have no where the proven track record of Hudson. Someone will want him.

By Lew

July 18, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t know about Devine. He has had disc problems this year and missed much time. It was my understanding that this is a potential career threatening injury. I don’t know this for sure, but it has been speculated that this may come to pass. I’m much more eager to get Boyer and Foster back, not to mention Davies.

By HATinGA

July 18, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

Giles should never be in the leadoff spot again for any1,his swing is long like a 5 or 6 hitter but he is small and only has a little pop in the bat so he will always be streaky , he may have a 3 games were he will go 8 for 16 ,but then have 16 games were he will go 5 for 40 and almost never walk, not what your looking for in the leadoff spot .Wilson is not really a leadoff guy either but he will be alot more consistant than Giles and he is such a good hitter they have got to get him in there somewere. sumup! trade Giles!!!

By Lew

July 18, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Don, I can’t argue with your cost cutting logic, but I think they may wait until next year. He’s still relatively cheap at $6mil next year, so they may try to get the most out of him they can. I was in favor of dumping his salary and Giles’ too, but lets see how things shake out in the next wqeek. A well performing Hudson would help us immensely. I’m still not thrilled with the direction the starters are headed. We may need help there, too.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

ironic how two posts can say different things.

DonCoburleone says: Nathan you’re absolutely right.

Brian says: You sure sling around a lot of words not to say anything worthwhile.

One of you has to be wrong! Can you guess which one I’m voting for?

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Ok, break time. What’s this about Cash singing a song about cheating on DOB’s wife? :-) Journalist Bob, you’re far, far too kind. As for the lyrics, I doubt I could’ve done better myself (wink). In regards to my comment on the previous blog about Linda Cohn: yeah, LawDawg, I was kidding. God bless her, that woman could pick peas from a quart jar without using her hands. Or corn on the cob through a pickett fence.

By Lew

July 18, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

HatinGa- when other than the first half of this year has Giles ever hit like you just discribed? Do you think that maybe he was placed in a difficult situation and had a tough time adapting. I swear all of you people that think an 80 game performance can cancel out a .300 lifetime average totally perplex me. Giles has always given the proverbial 110% for three or four years. Now all of a sudden he’s ready for the scrap heap. If we need to trade him for salary and personnel considerations, fine, but just like all of the ones saying Chipper Andruw and Smoltz needed to go because we were in a bad streak, you people really don’t have a clue about where the equities lie. Jump off the bandwagon.

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Ok, everyone, time for a pole on Nathan! :-)

By Lew

July 18, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

Oh. As far as Betemit. Yes he’s hot as a firecracker with the bat, but his fielding has been mediocre to comical. Let him play for a couple of months before trying to convince me he’s the second coming. He could be going great guns now because he’s fresh from not playing.

By Kin

July 18, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Lew, I think that Betemit’s adventures at second are simply a product of the position being relatively new for Betemit. Yes, he’s worked in the middle infield before, but never exclusively at second base. He’s been a top prospect for us for several years, and like his career in general, I think it’ll just take some time for him to get acclimated to second base.

That said, I’d like to say that I’m no Marcus Giles basher, but moving him makes sense. You have a guy with huge upside in Betemit who is making it tough on the coaching staff to take him out of the lineup. You have a struggling Giles who could conceivably turn his career around in a different setting while not having to evolve into a leadoff man. And you have the glaring needs of the bullpen, which the Braves can address by trading Giles.

Betemit is doing what he’s been projected to do since he was in the minors. He’s younger than Giles (25 to 28) and like I said earlier, has big upside.

I say trading Giles is the way to go. But then again, I’m not a general manager.

By Kent

July 18, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

I keep hearing Braves fans saying things like “we need to bench Giles” or “Giles will drag down the rest of the team”.

It’s taken Giles 1/2 the season to adjust to batting leadoff (instead of 2nd where he’s most comfortable), but he has mad that adjustment and (before hurting his thumb) was really tearing it up.

But apparently, many people have a short enough memory that 3 months have erased (in their minds) everything Giles has done and is capable of. But before you get in a hurry to send him packing, I feel an obligation to remind you what kind of player he is.

Here are his stats over the last few years:

2003: .316, 21-HR, 69-RBI, 49-Doubles, 14-SB, 101-Runs

2004: Hit .311 in 370 at-bats. (Missed nearly half the season due to injury that year.)

2005: .291, 15-HR, 63-RBI, 45-Doubles, 16-SB, 104-Runs

“Bench him”??? Are you crazy? This guy’s an all-star. Don’t forget it.

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s a thought: What about when John Thomson comes back from the DL we put him right into the bullpen as our setup man with Ray closing. I know we are all quick to forget, but Thomson has shown to be an effective starter and reliever before and it was just this year when he was leading the NL in ERA through the first 6-7 weeks of the season. (until LaRoche’s bonehead play killed his confidence). I think the guy can be effective when he’s healthy and I truly believe he can be an important piece for the bullpen down the stretch. Anyone think I’m crazy with this idea?

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I just read where someone was taking your position … and then read where there are 13 days before the All-Star break … scary, but if either is true, the other probably is too!

Pardon my nonsense boys … but if folks want to give other folks a hard time, try me … I’m your huckleberry! … and besides, I’m so dumb I’ll take it as a compliment. It might just save some hurt feelings or toes and nice folks like us need none of that!

By HATinGA

July 18, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Lew I never liked Giles I thought Derosa should of had the job when Giles got it,now he is batting 335 for Texas and were stuck with a little streaky leadoff man who never walks.The only reason he won the job from Derosa was he was short like Hubbard and Lemki and the Braves think a 2nd basman cant be more than 5 3”.LOL

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this

I think almost all of Giles’ hitting problems are due to batting out of his natural spot. He NEVER had a problem before that. Same for Betamit’s fielding at second, remember, the guy’s been a shortstop most of his life with a little third thrown in. Giles probably hasn’t batted leadoff since little league, if he even did it then. It’s not something everyone can just “do” and achieve instant success. People that can are the exception, not the rule. That said, Bobby might have noticed some time back this leadoff experiment wsn’t working and done something about it, but then he’s the manager and I’m not.

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Uh, oh; Bob’s fingers are ticklin’ the ivory handles of his Colts…

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

And LEW, come on man, the Braves were in the midst of a 3-20! stretch that had them 12 games under .500! Of course we are going to talk about potential trades for Smoltz and the Jones’s, what the f&%# else are we supposed to talk about? And I for one was also praising McCann at that time for being the only consistent player on the Braves team… so don’t start with your “bandwagon fan” talk okay?

By Kin

July 18, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

How can you not like a guy who hits around .300 with 40+ doubles a year? So what if he’s not a great leadoff man. He stepped up for the team when they lacked that leadoff spark. He put the team’s needs first. How can you not respect that?

And Giles actually has 46 walks this season, most on the team. I think it’s a little unfair to say he never walks.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Grinch, methinks that someone once suggested that Nathan might actually be a Pole but Nathan cried foul and hired the esteemed Johnny Lee to defend him … the accusing blogger mysteriously disappeared and the subject was dropped.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I do like to talk to a man who likes to talk … and who recognizes ivory and and a good smoke! Death to those who think they’re pearl!

It’s starting to storm in the surrounding hills so I’ll see you in a few … we need a shutout tonight, say 12-0 Braves!

By Joe Roman

July 18, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

It’s just amazes me that in the wake of what has been the most exciting beginning to a second half of the season few if any have ever seen that some people here want to inflict their negative attitude on the proceedings. Can you say pathological?

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

Anyone think my John Thomson setup man with Ray closing theory makes any sense?

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this

Bob, glad to see I’m not the only Val Kilmer fan on the blog. “Say when…”

By Woogidy

July 18, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Here is what I would do if I was GM:

1. Trade Giles to the Blue Jays (or whoever)for a minor league pitcher.

2. Pick up a veteran for the roster spot Giles voided. (Conine, Hollandsworth, Grudzielanek) A pinch hitter type since Betemit will be starting.

3. Designate Sosa for Assignment.

4. Get a closer. (Borowski, Wickman, Gonzalez, the one who costs less)

Am I Hired??

btw Hudson will pitch better on short rest tonight (Houston Game 4 2005 NLDS)

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

betemit at second, leading off tonight. no “p” players. thorman in left, batting eighth. think bobby wants to win?

can you say, “cadaver”? aaron cadaver put on waivers today - maybe he can be picked up?

now, hostas … jimmy smith is looking out the window. the crossman has been pumped 10 times. make jimmy smith’s day.

By Carolina Lady

July 18, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Grinch, your ‘pole’ on Nathan: I vote we keep him! :-)

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this

Scoots, I rebooted too quick and I’m shutting back down til this little storm passes … nothing reported on the radar or weather channel … but it sure is noisy!

I’m a long time, total fan of Val Kilmer … hard to pick a favorite movie but Thunderhart and Tombstone are high on the list … a couple of recend ones disappointed a bit … good on the stage too! What else would you expect from a relative of Joyce?

By Carolina Lady

July 18, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

“now, hostas … jimmy smith is looking out the window. the crossman has been pumped 10 times. make jimmy smith’s day”

WHOA! 10 times??? Check the background before firing, cousin! :-)))

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

today is primary election day in georgia. jimmy smith thinks nathan should campaign before we vote in the pole. likewise, his detractor(s) can campaign. vote during the stretch tonight. sounds reasonable. jimmy smith asks if nathan is still beating his wife? what, no wife? go figure. good luck to nathan in this endeavor. carolina lady has put nathan in the lead by one vote.

By krath

July 18, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

ncsoots and I are polar opposites in our opinions of Betemit. He is not impressed, I am.

I am a realist though. I know that Betemit probably has more trade value than anyone the Braves have on their big league roster. Even if Giles isn’t on the DL (who knows where that situation is right now?)I don’t know if there are any takers for him right now. Betemit seems to be the date everyone wants for the prom. (maybe Smoltz more so, but he ain’t leaving)

ncscoots may not agree with me on Betemits ability but he is savy enough to realize that you don’t move him for anything less than a proven closer. You shouldn’t just give the guy away for some veteran journeyman. Even if you get a proven closer, I would hate to see him leave, but it seems inevitable.

Just hope the Braves don’t overpay for bullpen help.

There will be no easy solution to the bullpen issue.

By Beachcomber

July 18, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Bob C. and Chief said it best. Besides pitching well and hitting the rest of the way, we have to catch the ball. That’s what Giles does that WB doesn’t do - at second or anywhere else. Down here in St. Pete, you wanted cover your eyes everytime a ball was hit to WB at third - it wasn’t pretty. Hard to hide a bad glove. WB’s best position might be DH.

By Not-A-Blogger

July 18, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

This streak is exciting. Not to pour cold water on everyone’s enthusiasm, but:

The Padres scored 20 runs in three games. How many times can you sweep a team (or even win the series) while pitching like that?

By Carroll

July 18, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

I would trade Gily before Betemit. WB is WAY too valuable to this team right now.

As for Kruk’s comments, he is the one who argued with Peter Gammons a couple years back that Juan Pierre was more valuable than Barry Bonds (steroids notwithstanding, that is just plain mind-bogglingly stupid). The argugument eventually got so heated between the two that Kruk stormed off the set and proclaimed that he would just “take his ball and go home.”

By nathan

July 18, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Thanx Carolina Lady!

By Jon

July 18, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Hey not-a-blogger, if I remember correctly, they scored most of those 20 runs(12 to be exact) in the first game of that series, 3 in the next, and 5 in the final game. Its not like we got blown away the last two games. The first game was a product of the bullpen, which I reiterate, we need help for that area, if we get it, we could be set all the way to the postseason.

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

This Pelfry kid for the Muts is only 21 or 22? I hope he doesn’t turn out to be the starter they desperately need… And also, how in the he!! is Jose Valentin batting .284 for the Muts? I watched him all last year for the Dodgers, the guy was completely washed up then (like a .190 BA). Must be using Delgado’s “trainer” now just like Beltran is. DIRTY MUTS…

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, journalist jimmy smith is a marksman. jimmy smith can cut the hosta from the mouth of the offender with one shot - no blood spilled. still, ten pumps may be excessive depending on the size of the invader. jimmy smith must see what appears outside jimmy smith’s window before determining whether to shoot with such velocity - much like tim hudson must decide at what velocity to throw his pitches tonight.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Scoots … and not to forget his Simon Templer; though I’m rather biased toward the voice of Vincent Price and of course, George Sanders.

By Paul Hamilton

July 18, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Okay people once and for all, the reason Giles name comes up so much in rumors is his payroll number. We all love Giles, I mean who couldnt. The guy plays hard, he takes pride in his job, and he has been great. The problem is the Braves have to watch the payroll and tough decisions have to be made. I for one see far more urgent issues with this team than the 2b position. They really cannot trade Chipper(10,5), so that leaves Andruw, Renteria, Giles. So who you going to get rid of out of those 3 everyday players???? They do have some money to play with but if they really want a top notch closer, then they are going to pay some serious money. Add a quality setup man and you have a nice chunk of change. JS has to manage the payroll and try to put out the most productive team possible for the money. I think its about time the Braves stopped short changing the bullpen so much, which goes back to the fact that someone is going to take a hit somewhere else! If hampton wasnt on the payroll as our highest paid player it might be a little different, but unfortunately his salary is quite unfriendly at the moment. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, unless your the Yankess. Last time I looked we weren’t the Yankees.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

krath, I don’t know that we are “polar opposites” on WB, I happen to think (and have since last year) that he’s a good, solid major leaguer. I don’t think I’ve ever said otherwise. What I HAVE said is that he’s not the impact player that many on the blog think he is. If I’ve harshed Wilson’s mellow a little too much (heh), that may be just my reaction to the anointed-hero tone many take. Honestly, if you hadn’t mentioned me by name, I wouldn’t have posted any more content about the guy. I haven’t been able to make my points well enough, and there are other posters to bear the WB-reality-check-post burden, anyway. Would the Braves go in the dumper if WB played every day? Shoot, no, at least not because of him. Is he so good that Giles should be thrown under a bus? Shoot, no, to that, either. Middle infield and leadoff ain’t the fly in this ointment, boys and girls, time we focus on the pitching holes.

By Glass Half Full

July 18, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Any word on F-ellatio Ramirez? Has Sosa been DFA yet?

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Hudson… Just keep ‘em down until we take the lead, and the bats will take over from there… Let’s run it to 7 in a row!!!

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Bob, dead on about Val’s genes, and a Tombstone performance makes up for a lot of clunkers. Sure wouldn’t mind a closer with a little of Doc Holliday’s laughing squint and steely nerves!

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, good to see you back! I was beginning to think you had been whisked away by someone you met on match.com. As for your safety, Crossman makes a fine air rifle, but I feel you have little to fear in regards to it shooting from Jimmy’s window, through the interloper, out the other side, the rest of the distance from Cordele to North Carolina and still having enough force to knock you from your keyboard. You may breathe easy now. :-)

By DonCoburleone

July 18, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Two best teams in baseball battling it out: White Sox and Tigers… and who says there is no parody in baseball???

By Carolina Lady

July 18, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

All riiiiiight, cousin Jimmy! I should have had confidence in your marksmanship!

Did you open the window?

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

Ncscoots: agreed, but preferably without the alcoholism. I didn’t know he was related to Joyce; how so? Oops, gametime!

By Glass Half Full

July 18, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

The Tigers have the best record in baseball, and how many times has ESPN featured one of their games as a national broadcast? It’s not like the NFL; they have flexibility over the games they air.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Here’s the thing people. Everybody (myself included) keeps talking about the Yankees Payroll this, the Yankees payroll that. It’s the same about the Red Sox, the Dodgers, and the Blue Jays this off season.

Paul Hamilton, you just said in your last post. “The last time I checked, we weren’t the Yankees.” Nope were not. But we have won as many WS titles as they have since 2000. For those of you counting, that would be ZERO

Spending money and lots of it, doesn’t always guarantee success. Remember Baltimore a few years back? It doesn’t matter “how much” you spend on a player. If that said player is not the right player or even sometimes the right position needed by a team, it aint gonna work.

Kind of like this last off season. If you would’ve asked me in December if we should “break the bank” for BJ Ryan, I would have laughed at you. But in hind sight, that wouldn’t have been as dumb of a move as say……Trusting Chris Reitsma with the job, or failing to offer Todd Jones a second year like he claims JS wouldn’t do.

The Yankees have not won a WS since they started their big spending sprees. When they were dominating post season play in the late 90’s, it was with a strong core of home grown players (granted they rewarded those players with big contracts, but they were their own players none the less), so what I’m getting at is that maybe instead of b*tching about payroll constraints and Time AOL, Liberty Media bla bla bla, maybe we should be asking JS to “spread the payroll througout the roster to balance out the team a little. Maybe we need to settle for a NO HIT - All DEFENSE shortstop hitting 8th like a Rafael Belliard was. Just so we can spend the money on the Bullpen. And no, I’m not saying dump Renteria, it was just an example.

Even though they are on the verge of diving right back into full fledged contention in this wild card, I don’t think anybody out there can deny that JS dropped the ball in the off season and through the 1st half of the year. Yes Renteria was a nice, even a great move. But let’s say for instance he would’ve “trusted” Betemit to do the job at SS. Then he could’ve used the dollars that we are paying Renteria for say……Hoffman (who probably was never gonna leave SD), or Wagner, or Ryan or any of the other closers that were available and better options than we had. Again for those of you keeping score at home that would be ALL OF THEM THAT WERE AVAILABLE….even Todd Jones!

Just some more random thoughts from a guy who has no idea what he’s talking about.

By Glass Half Full

July 18, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Well, this year the networks will have flexibility over the Sunday and Monday night NFL games.

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

Or the tuberculosis, for that matter, though closers rarely have to run the basepaths. Still the racking cough could have a negative effect on his delivery.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Grinch, he’s a distant cousin, or second cousin, something like that to Joyce Kilmer, of whom a critic once wrote “a very mediocre poet who stumbled upon one good poem, ‘Trees’”. Now THAT guy would have REALLY thrown Giles under a bus!

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Thank Jebus, WB is starting tonight!

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

What do you say guys,are we pumped or what?!!!!!!!!!!!LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hk

July 18, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

.. way to go Andruw !!!

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

Get ‘em, Max! Time to rumble…

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Anybody still complaining about Marquis being “the one who got away”?

By Carolina Lady

July 18, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Hi, Grinch! No, no match.com for me! Sometimes I just don’t have the energy to post much or everything I would say has been/is being said.

Boy, cousin Jimmy is serious about his hostas, isn’t he? (The Crossman is nice!)

Off to the game!! Later! :-))

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Scoots … well shut my mouth! When the chemistry’s right, he’s awesome … Powers Booth, Graham Greene, Elizabeth Shue … to name but a few.

Disappointing, unfulfilled talents who selfdestructed worse than Jack Parr … Robert Downey, Jr. and Gary Busey.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

So what is he now? 4-7 with 4 home runs? Talk about owning a pitcher! WAY TO GO ANDRUW!

GO BRAVES

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

I listening on WGST … did Andruw fall down?

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

What does Wilson Betemit got to do to be a starter ? He filled in for Chipper and hit .300 then hits .400 filling in for Giles. Why any manager would put a guy with his talent on the bench to play (Giles) a hitter hitting .258 is beyond me. Go Braves !

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

nathan: No. Emphatic No. I would much rather have that division title than Marquis

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

one thing we could tell by that 1st inning is that our team has a gameplan.they are HACKING AWAY!!!

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

Betemit as a starter? Hmmmm…. why anyone would replace veteran with a career .300 average for a bench player is beyond me. Willy B is good. I hope he keeps playing well. But I’m not entirely sold on him. He was the top prospect for a while. Then faded. He was brought up because he was out of options and had no where to go. He was still good enough to keep, but not good enough to trade anyone away for to make room.
Don’t get me wrong. I love what he is doing. But I still have the bad taste of DeRosa around. That guy was a super sub until they gave him a spot. It took him years to get over blowing all those games.

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Anyone got any video of the confrontation on the mound last night between Sosa and Cox?

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

LET GO T-HUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By brewdawg

July 18, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

I’d still rather have Marquis and his 11 wins than say… John Thompson and Jorge Sosa’s combined 5- I think it’s 5 anyway.

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

2-0 Let’s Go Braves !!!

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

As to the Mets or Reds question… I say Reds. We are only 5 behind them. Let all the teams between us drop out. I’d love to see a win tonight and the division down to 10.5 games. Plus, and this is the biggest part for me… screw the Mets.

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Betemit is a bench player because of lack of opportunity. He’s been unfairly labeled a “bench player” Put him in at 3B,SS,or preferably 2B for 162 games and his numbers would be .300 25 85

By aaron

July 18, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

contrary to reports, not deceased, and no official notification of waiver filing - yet - but now very nervous about future. strange animal recently stormed condominium door, foolishly left open so neighbor girl, quite attractive, could stop in for libations after work; resembled a deer (the animal, not neighbor girl) but larger, or an elk, no one reported a clear look, or perhaps all witnesses afraid of repercussions, but all-in-all quite frightening. turned out strange animal was benign, wanted only attention and perhaps grazing grounds, but not blood. very similar to incident in 2002 when a beest charged aaron while vacationing in yellowstone park (aaron was vacationing; beest seems to have lived there, having been relocated from another hemisphere, but no confirmation of beest’s residence is available of course.) beest actually injured aaron junior just to make a point, no coffin required, and park ranger provided aid. beest was never found, but is assumed to be a threat to those not in its favor. some years earlier aaron as a young and foolish man crossed paths with beest’s elders while on weed-eradication mission in Kenya, and many run-ins with similar beests since, perhaps coincidental, perhaps not. at any rate, aaron is understandably laying low pending capture of strange beest, or confirmation that beests intentions were not malicious.

aaron enjoys baseball broadcasts and conversation on internet, and kind attention of family, and has fond memories of days when condominium door was not secured, but now must wear dark glasses and may only leave condominium after dark. aaron is embattled, but not deceased.

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

it was a good one Calvin.Sosa didn’t look at him in the eye

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Just look at Gary Matthews Jr. for the Rangers this year. A “bench player” all his career that gets to start and has an all-star year. Betemit is still young and was the best prospect in the Braves organization once. He deserves to be a starter by his numbers. Why put overswinging upper-cut .260 Giles back in ?

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

if there is anybody in that trade I’d rather have back, it’s wainwright (sp?)

Marquis is just like Sosa, Electrifying stuff, no consistancy and he’s a good hitter! LOL

BTW along with his 11 wins you get a 5.44 ERA. Sounds like Pujols has helped him get some wins with his bat this year! He’s a poor mans Russ Ortiz.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

I know were hitting good and all. But you need to BUNT in the playoffs to win games.

Just one more thing Hudson doesn’t do well.

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Giles flat out said he was uncomfortable hitting leadoff. Too bad Marcus! Get comfortable or get out of the way! When Bobby sits WB for the midget’s return (it’ll happen), it will just be another chapter in BC’s book of squandering talent.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

nathan, my gosh, that guy would have to be more than poor, he’d have to destitute!

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Nathan i agree when he pitched against us he was NASTY!

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

When WillyB starts for extended periods of time, his average dips.
He is a super clutch pinch hitter though. And with Franco off to the enemy, we need that. He serves the Braves brilliantly in the back up role. I’d rather have him on the bench than another Pete Orr. Even though Orr plays with a ton of heart and is crazy fast for a Canadian.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be CRAZY if the Braves had the polar opposite of June? 20 wins or so! Score about 10-11 runs a game. Sounds good to me.

Sorry everybody, I don’t know who it was a while back that “warned” me about never mentioning Russ O’s name again!

Hey St. Louis 1996 called and want their NLCS back. Didn’t we score about 30 runs in the last 3 games of that series after being down three games to one? Holy Flashback!

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

what goes thru a pitcher’s mind when facing the Braves right now? Grady Seasons to Tom Cruise in Color OF Money- “It’s a nightmare, isn’t it? It just keeps getting worse, doesn’t it?”

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

This is funny how much the Atlanta offense is scoring…almost scary.

By brewdawg

July 18, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, as for the Mets-Reds debate- who cares? As long as we win we pick up ground on one of them. Having said that, I think we should probably look at continuing to gain ground in the wild card, once we lead that then I’m all for making a division run. Again though, if we win we pick up ground on one of them so I won’t complain either way.

By Mets Fan

July 18, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Braves will win the division YET AGAIN…just like I’ve been saying all year

By Woogidy

July 18, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Well said Calvin, I just laugh at a run scoring these days.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

oooohhhh….the impossible dream!

Hey, Grady….Up your A$$ with the spot!

That’s just fine by me!!!

Thought I’d throw those quotes out there for ya ncscoots.

Color of Money is one of the greatest movies of all time!

By nathan

July 18, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

C’mon HUDSON!! You’re makin’ me look bad! Give up some runs already!! LOL

Just kidding people, I’d love nothing more than to see him turn it around.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

thank you. journalist will open window.

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

To even say that Giles is better than Betemit in insane to me. Let’s compare their current numbers. No opinions or favoritism needed. The numbers do the talking.

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

listen guys we have like 13games left this month i’ll be happy with ten more wins this month.that will deffently move us up in standings.but i would also want to sweep the Muts

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

hey Mut fan go to a Muts blog you make me sick

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Betemit is a better 2b, also.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

nathan, “Hey, Muts….Up your A$$ with the spot!”

By Woogidy

July 18, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Laroche is mashing!!! Holy explative! This is soooo sick.

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

I can just see DOB with his calculator! What has gotten into these guys?

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

I think Giles is a great no 2 hitter as he has proven to be behind Furcal the last few years. If you remember, back in 01 when Furcal hurt his shoulder, Giles was pressed into hitting leadoff and he didn’t do a bad job. He really didn’t do a good job either. Anyway, Betemit has shown he can be a good player in spurts. I am not sure he has proven he can do it on a consistent basis. So who would I rather have? Giles in the no 2 spot with a good leadoff hitter.

BTW, Laroche hits another homer lol.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

This is just ridiculous.

GO BRAVES

By MEB

July 18, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, our Braves are killing the ball! LaRoache’s swing is definately in sync

By Max

July 18, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Nathan let’s really hope Hudson is lights -out from here on!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

it is growing dark. visibility is limited. journalist awaits invader. meanwhile, braves 6, cards 0. journalist intends to strike the toe of the invader. this should discourage future visits. now, what’s that … ?

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Scoots, your memory is as good as you power with the pen and appreciation of good acting … St. Louis 1996 … exactly what I was thinking about in the 5th inning last night!!

Adam isn’t quite the quitter some folks thought … now is he?! … but, now he is quite the hitter, isn’t he?!

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

The Braves have a world-class no 2 hitter. His name is _ _. Read a newspaper once in a while.

By krath

July 18, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Actually DeRosa had two starting jobs. He was starting second base IN FRONT of Giles till he had the ankle injury I think it was. He and Marcus had been battling for the job for some time until DeRosa won it. He was the hottest hitter the Braves had at the time. I’m sure the stats are out there somewhere but he was hitting over .300. In fact, he was about the only one hitting! He looked like a starter then. He was out with the ankle forever and never returned to start at second when he finally got back.

He was a miserable failure at 3rd. Different year, different time, different place. He’s flourishing with the Rangers now.

I do like Giles for his hustle, his grittiness and competitive nature.

His swing drives me nuts!! I wish someone could have convinced him earlier in his career that if he would get rid of the uppercut, he might hit .330. Don’t think his swing will change at this stage of his career. Streaky hitters drive me nuts! Sure, Giles may hit .300 but he does it by hitting .600 for 10 days and .100 for 10 days. The bad thing about that is while he’s hitting .600 he may be contributing to 20 runs, but when he’s hitting .100 there may not be any contribution at all. In close games a single run or hit can mean everything.

just a thought…that’s all.

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

anyone realize LaRoche is 6-6 in the past two games with a couple of bombs to centerfield?

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

Bob, nothing to it, my man…I got good toes.

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

EdGAR and Jeter are the best #2 hitters i’ve seen

By Woogidy

July 18, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

Honestly, this is video game type stuff. It’s like some old man was playing the first half, and at the all-star break he handed his xbox controller over to some kid who plays the game all day.

By Paul

July 18, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Not sure if anyone posted this yet, MLB Extra Innings is free this week.

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Andruw is killing Marquis…holy crap!!

By Woogidy

July 18, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Their hands gotta be sore from all the high-5’s!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 18, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! journalist has hit something! what a noise! where is the flashlight?

By hk

July 18, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

… a couple of weeks ago, the Cardinals led the league in batting at .280, Braves were 12th at .260 …

… at the moment, Cardinals .277, Braves .275 …

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

Woogidy, that’s the most apt description of this of this stuff on the blog to date. Man, I’m just LMAO, pitch carefully to Chipper to get to the guy who owns your locker, oh man, oh man, seriously, I’m laughing out LOUD at this insanity…

By Lew

July 18, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

RobDawg-Up to this point man, Betemit is an Extremely Hot substitute and Giles had an off 1/2 season. Let’s see what Wilson can do over a couple of month period before you start making comparisons to veterans. He hasn’t played much and he’s very fresh right now, while Giles is banged up. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Besides, with Marcus out, it’s a moot point anyway. I just hope Betemit doesn’t land on his butt trying to field a pop up again.

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, Jimmy, it was a Hostabeest. :-)

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

meanwhile, Huddy: 11 pitches per inning, no walks, 33 stikes…

By Vol

July 18, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Frenchy was hit by a pitch - anybody with video think it had any meaning? Marquis is shockingly still pitching. I guess they are saving the pen for game 3 when Carpenter gets shelled.

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Thorman looks good!

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

At-a-boy Jason…. put them on base. Give them a chance.

LET’s GO WILLYB!

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

i like your attitude VOl

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Betemit : Just another hit & 2 more RBI’s…

By Vol

July 18, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

five games in a row with 10 plus runs.

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

AJ has 86 rbis in 94 games. That extrapolates to 148 in 162 games. Not too bad!

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Betemit filled in for Chipper last year for aboutr 3 months and hit .300 Again, Betemit would easily do .300 25 85 if a starter, maybe even better.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Yeah…well… I’d still rather have Andruw over you, Edmonds.

Come on Hudson! Keep your head in the game!

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

I jinxed Hudson…

By nathan

July 18, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

I’ve got no problem with solo homeruns. Better than walking people with a big lead.

Keep throwing strikes Tim.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Not so fast ncscoots…. I’m starting to re-think my evaluations of Harold Reynolds. Now, if we can get those clowns to make such statements before all of Hudson starts, we’ll be in the lead in no time!
You think they have a crystal ball somewhere?

Let’s go braves. we need 2 runs an inning for another 4 innings! You can do it!

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

How many games in a row is that with a homerun in a game for the Braves?

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

GO TIM IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY GO GO GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

lol another homer for Chipper. I wonder why Marquis is still in the game? Trying to save the bullpen maybe?

By hk

July 18, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

… Cincy down 7-3 in the 8th, Braves closing in on 4 games from the wild card leader ….

By nathan

July 18, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Apparently Marquis is in LaRussa’s doghouse?

Why else would he leave him out there to get pounded like this?

This is ridiculous!!

By krath

July 18, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Man I hope the Braves don’t wake up from this dream.

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

So I’m guessing Marquis’ chances at the ERA crown are gone?

By Vol

July 18, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

Chipper and Andruw 6-7 combined. I guess DOB called that in the bottom of his blog!

Is Larussa treating Marquis to a steak dinner for making him stay out there?

By Carolina Lady

July 18, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

Are they running on adrenalin? Please don’t let this end!

(What did you shoot, jimmy?)

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

Bullpen? We don’t need no stinkin’ bullpen!

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

ok…ok…This is like watching someone play a videogame. Another homerun for McCann..this is nuts…

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Chipper is the essence of the Atlanta Braves.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Are pigs flying? Seriously!

GO BRAVES

By nathan

July 18, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

You guys realize that this is just like some of those playoff series, don’t you?

We’re gonna score about 75 runs in about a weeks time, then we’ll score 4 runs in 5 games the next week.

Spread it out boys, leave some runs for tomorrow! LOL

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

12 more outs lets go CHU CHU!!!!!

By Tony Danza

July 18, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Why does Bob Rathbun say such stupid things. A few moments after McCann’s homer, he squealed: “these aren’t wallscapers.”

Hey Bingo Bob, that’s exactly what McCann’s homer did…it barely made it over.

You don’t have to be such a homer when the team is up 13-1.

By Max

July 18, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

12 more outs lets go CHU CHU!!!!!

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Man, the heat must be getting to the Cards…their pitcher’s been blowing chunks from the get go and they leave him in ‘till he gives up 11. Then they pull the only guy out who’s scored a run (and who is probably the second-best center-fielder in the game) and put in a 5 foot tall Japanese guy in as a defensive replacemrnt. At least the second move worked! If they’re the division leaders, we should definitely be able to get the wild card.

By elbravox

July 18, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

whaaat…….

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

“Tony Danza,” you really must have something long and vicious stuck up your a$$ to complain about someone calling Brave HRS. Unless, of course, you’re a MUTT fan.

By MEB

July 18, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

The new Busch is not a hitters park and a homerun to center field anywhere generally takes quite a wallop.

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Yell, TONY! at a NY game. See how many jabroni’s turn their heads.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

for whoever asked. the braves have hit homeruns in 19 straight games and the record is 21.

By baby seal

July 18, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith admonished baby seal to stay in the house and jimmy smith went outside to investigate the shooting. journalist jimmy smith has not returned. baby seal knows that jimmy smith would want this story broken immediately. though it involves yankees it is newsworthy and proves that a toe should not be trifled with. “alex rodriguez was not in the new york yankees’ starting lineup tuesday night because of a sore toe.” why this sudden breakdown of superstar toes? baby seal will keep you informed until journalist returns.

By elbravox

July 18, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

get Huddy out now.

By nathan

July 18, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

it’s hot, he’s tiring and he is obviously not getting it done anymore this evening. Probably heat exhaustion. Get him out of there Bobby!!!!!!!

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Hudson pitching on 3 days rest obviously is tired but great Mgr. Cox leaves him in ? Why ? So the Cardinals can get back in the game I guess ?

By brewdawg

July 18, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

This is a shame for Hudson, but I’m hoping against hope this is just 3 days rest coming back to bite him, and the first five innings were more indicitave of what he will do the rest of the year than this last inning.

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Ty nathan I asked the question. I know the Braves already have that record with Klesko hitting the homer in the 21st game some odd years ago.

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

THE VULTURE!!!!!!

By nathan

July 18, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Calvin….I wasn’t really listening to the radio broadcast that closely. Maybe that’s what they were talking about was the “Braves Record” not the MLB record. I’m not sure.

Sorry if I mis-informed you. I think I remember that too, was that when we had the Big Cat?

By Tony Almeida

July 18, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Another crap outing by Hudson….Good Times….

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Tough on Hudson. When we’re discussing trading him a week from now, we should remember that he threw 5 great innings and that the runs came after they didn’t matter. When you’re up by a dozen, you throw the ball over the plate.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

I go to the store … Cards score 4 and Jimmy shoots my cat! What else can happen?!

By Max

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

I agree Stanford

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Stanford’s on it, Hudson looked sterling for five. Got to believe he just gassed there in the sixth.

By jim from tenn

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

I think Someone has found his role “janitor”

By The Grinch

July 18, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Bob, you shouldn’t have trained your cat to steal hostas!
Man, wish we had Wainwright back.

By Eric C.

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

Hudson has no stamina…3 or 4 days rest…doesn’t matter. If Hudson doesn’t pitch deeper into games…no way the Braves win the wild card…much less a playoff series.

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Nathan, Yea. I wanna say that was in 98 but don’t quote me on that. Btw, does anyone know if Andruw has ever had a 5 hit game in his career?

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Eric C what the HECK are you talking about he could go 9 with the best of them.He just hasn’t pitched good.i really disagree with you

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Well, he has one now lol.

By Stanford

July 18, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Calvin, Rathburn just answered your question: “Andrew matching his career high with 5 hits in a game.”

By Calvin

July 18, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

ok thanks.

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

recalculating……AJ on 150 rbi pace.

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves need a challenge these days… Let’s see if they can score 20 runs this game.

GO BRAVES

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hudson pitched well when it counted. I’m sure he was ready to leave the blowout and save his strength and pitches for his next start. He had a no hitter thru 4 innings. Geez ! Lay off Hudson already.

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

W@ho’s hottest ? Chipper,Andruw,LaRoche,or McCann ? Tough choice which is great !

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

6 more outs.will this be 6 or 7 wins in a row?

By Tony Almeida

July 18, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

If they can get anything for Langerhans, they need to deal him NOW. He sucks.

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

tough one they are all scorching HOT

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

What about Langerhans,Pratt,and Thomson for a real good closer ? Will any teams bite ? I doubt it.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Grinch, He wasn’t stealing Hostas, he was hunting rabbits! Braves needs nore runs, my calculations indicated a 12 run spread … just underestimated how long estimated Bobby would go with Tim on 3 days rest.

Can you believers the negative attitudes? Enjoy!

By TennesseePaul

July 18, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

“Good bye ravenous, ravenous rhinos”

So the Reds lost…

By ncscoots

July 18, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve had entirely too much fun tonight, so I’m gonna bag it. Look forward to reading the overnights tomorrow morning while the coffee’s perking. I love the smell of blog in the morning…

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

Anyone else remember as many homeruns to dead center field in one game ?

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

3 more outs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Oops, sorry about that … out of Coke … been drinking the hard stuff; Big K Cherry Cola … messes up my vision and typing, but not my third ear.

By Max

July 18, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

goodnight guys!

By robdawg06

July 18, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Good night dudes ! Braves Rock !

By JJMB

July 18, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Remember this incredible run(s), Braves fans (I know you will, but I wanted to say it anyway). This is history.

By Bob, journalist

July 18, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

127 runs in 14 games in July … awesome! How about the Buttermint Babe 2 more hits tonight when starting at second!

By Snowball's Chance

July 18, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, what is a good way to send best wishes to Peter Gammons? Many of us, including myself, b***h about ESPN. He is the best thing on ESPN or any other media. Neil Young suffered the same setback and recovered. I hope Peter does.

By The Grinch

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

G’night, all who are going to sleep! Robdawg, I noticed that, too. These weren’t 325-foot shots. Yeah, Bob, I thought W. Buttermilk was gonna get us that homerun record in the 8th. And Renteria’s defense is spectacular. Glad the Red Sox gave up on him; them paying us for him to be an all-star here almost counterbalances us paying Reitsma anything at all. By the way, did y’all hear the good news from Rathbun? Chris had surgury today and will be ready for spring training. I’m surprised Bobby didn’t try to fly him in from the hospital to pitch the 9th. Looks like Jimmy pulled an Elmer Fudd.

By maddog

July 18, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

I was one of those who suggested trading veterans and rebuilding rather than trying to compete this year.

I was wrong.

I have never been so happy to be so wrong.

By jch

July 18, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

We didnt think June would last as long as it did- and we keep thinking july cant either (of course this is way better) Lets enjoy while we can This is awsome…. GO BRAVES OLD STARS _ NEW STARS - mutts fade BRAVES WIN BRAVES WIN… NEVER GIVE UP NEVER SURRENDER (HA) go braves

By Greg

July 18, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Before we celebrate too much. Here’s a cold dose of reality: Hudson gave up five runs tonight. He was dominant and then he got slapped around. That’s not exactly a quality start. Otherwise, Wow! What a great game?

By Tomahawkin

July 19, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

Glad Hudson proved me wrong tonite, Whats up with thembats, I have never seen a braves team on an offensive tear like this

Glad we have already took 2 of 3 from dem cardinals, Living here in Cardinal Country I can now clown those bandwagon cardinal fans all I want too…

Oh yea who From the last blog thinks Linda Cohn is Sexy, I’d take Erin AAndrews anyday over her, and I don’t think she is married either, whats up with that?

By jch

July 19, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

Erin andrews is as hot as those bats…. linda cohen is about as sexy as my tractor. and its got 3 flat tires.. erin needs to be on Monday night football to quote skip… “whats wrong with that girl…. not a d*&n thing” go braves

By Tomahawkin

July 19, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Someone commented on Langerhans Sucks, His offense does, as he is a dead pull hitter, but his defense is great…

Anyone think that since the Flubbies are way out of it that Maddux will Join Glavine in New Yawk…?

And on Linda Cohn, I’d also take Julian Barberie or Summer Sanders, (Dat Chick on the top 10 sports list) over her, They need to put Summer Sanders on the FOX game of the week, Maybe that will restore some respectabality to an otherwise crappy broadcast team…

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this

Y’all, go back to my 6:12 pm post and see what I meant about Linda Cohn…

By geauxbraves2000

July 19, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

Wow.

By Tomahawkin

July 19, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

Oh ok Grinch, I knew you had to be joking about that woman being Sexy, She is a Milf however…

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

Speaking of the 1897 Boston team scoring 10 in 5 straight … they did it playing wee willy baseball. We could use Kid Nichols! He started 40 games and was a pretty good closer too, completing 36 … winning 31 and saving 3!

The Elder, Elder Grinch was Hugh Duffy’s roommate that season but never saw any action as a player … at least not as I know about … Duffy said that the Grinch just kept him awake at night singing “love-sick” songs and reciting poetry but that he was good to have around in case of a fight.

Actually, I don’t remember much about that team … that was a long time ago, but I do recall that the Mets did not win the division that year either … Boston won the pennant and twern’t any Wild Card that year neither!

Even David O’B is catching the fever … in just one day, he’s gone from implying I’m crazy to “if and when the Braves stop scoring runs like a beer-league softball team” … and I have it on good authority that they ain’t!

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

.355 in July, folks. 20 homers in five games.

wild-card deficit reduced from 10 games to four since july 1.

65 runs and 81 hits in five games since the All-Star break, all road wins by three or more runs against the NL West-leading Padres and NL Central-leading Cardinals.

Hey, this is far from a perfect team, as the performance by supposed co-ace Tim Hudson showed again tonight (though we’ll give him some benefit of doubt in that he pitched a strong five innings on short rest in stifling heat, before coming unglued in sixth).

It’s not perfect, but neither are any of the other teams in the wild-card race. And this Braves team has the best lineup of the bunch, I now can say with conviction.

Not basing that on the past 2-3 weeks, but on overall stats this season. Braves rank near top of league now in most everything offensively, but the ones that stand out are their first-place ranking with RISP and two outs, things like that.

it’s a helluva offense, and after talking to John Smoltz tonight, i really think they’ll make a move soon to bring in another reliever.

enjoy it, folks. this team’s giving you something to remember. flawed, yes. but this is a powerhouse lineup and a bunch of guys that have not given up one bit, when so many gave up on them.

hey, gotta give credit where credit’s due.

and if they could trade Giles for some serious relief help, I think they should. Just because Betemit is showing he’s serviceable defensively at second base and can provide something at the top of the order, which I admit I had serious doubts about before.

OK, i’m out. gonna go burn down the town. or not.

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

Tommy Hawk, the way things have been going for him, I kinda hope he does. However, he’s the smartest pitcher I can remember and, while I can understand his being a Cub, I would have would have some emotional problems seeing him as a met.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

wow, what a slip up. meant to say “after talking to John SCHUERHOLZ tonight,” not after talking to Smoltz

weird, but understandable mistake, I guess. given recent developments and all.

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 01:54 AM | Link to this

David O’B … best laugh that I’ve had today! Goodnight young man!

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this

DOB, you’re the man. Hoist a few for me in the gateway to the west. T’hawkin’; I will admit she (Cohn) looked kind of sexy from behind when she was getting that shoulder tatoo in a commercial a couple of years ago, but only ‘cause I’ve hoisted a few myself. Journalist Bob, don’t even get me started on the elder, elder Grinch…a more enigmatical and confusing man I never knew. I sometimes feel his strange genes taking over my moods and thought processees and have to choke them off. Come to think of it, that holds true for both sides of the family, though one died before I was born (his stories and legends did not, however). As for poetry, I’m not currently (at least this particular point of the evening) giving a hoot about anyone in particular, but I may pick something out more suited to the situation in a bit. Any news on Jimmy? Is he shell-shocked, or should I say BB shocked?

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

An exerpt from T.S. Elliot’s “The Waste Land”… A rat crept softly through the vegetation/Dragging its slimy belly on the bank/While I was fishing in the dull canal/On a winter evening round behind the gashouse/Musing upon the king my brother’s wreck/And on the king my father’s death before him. White bodies lay naked on the low damp ground/And bones cast in a little low dry garret, Rattled by the rat’s foot only, year to year. But at my back from time to time I hear/The sound of horns and motors, which shall bring/Sweeney to Mrs. Porter in the spring/O the moon shone bright on Mrs. Porter/And on her daughter/They wash their feet in soda water… I take this to mean J.S. was trying to make a trade with the Marlins, but remembered his last two bad deals, then suddenly traded for Mike Sweeney, who had an affair with Jeff Porter’s wife. Porter’s wife and daughter apparently get free cokes during night games at Turner field, which they use to maintain their toe health. Jimmy! I’ve got it! T.S. Elliot predicted the solution to Chipper’s toe problems, and conveyed it to Jeff Porter! It’s soaking one’s toes in Coke! Now I know why I sat through english lit!

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this

Everyone else’s asleep…This blog is mine! MINE! I can do whatever I wish…Karaoke? Tap dancing? Long-winded political rants? Brownie recipes? Maybe I’ll hack into the AJC’s server and give DOB a promotion…Who knows? Who cares? No one but me, ‘cause I’m the only one here! Bwah-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!

By Billy Hopson

July 19, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this

I see all of these comments in the “vent” section, yet they won’t post a link to the online petition against TBS. myspace.com/nobravesnotbs. Good day… I SAID GOOD DAY!

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this

It’s lonely at the top of Grinch mountain. You guys are boring. Maybe it’s because you’re asleep and I can’t plug into your dreams. Or maybe I can… Screw it; I’m gonna go finish “Jarhead.” Night, all!

By The Grinch

July 19, 2006 02:58 AM | Link to this

Billy, maybe the corporations are affiliated. Corporations and facism in general suck; I agree with you. Storm the gates and take back our programming! Eviscerate the proletariat (sic)! I’m really leaving now…

By anotherearlyexit

July 19, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Don’t tease us man!

it’s a helluva offense, and after talking to John Smoltz tonight, i really think they’ll make a move soon to bring in another reliever.

I know the Braves org doesn’t leak but what are you hearing around the league about other teams. What players are being shopped? Again not Braves specific but what are you hearing? It might give us a clue who the Braves might get. Less than 2 weeks til the non waiver deadline.

You gonna let us know how the new Segar album is in Sept?

By doc

July 19, 2006 03:06 AM | Link to this

well dave. you are beginning to sound the way i did about this time last year as everyone went on trashing andruw about his lack of production and his risp number. i was saying keep complaining while he has one of the best offensive seasons ever for a brave; if you dont wake up you will miss it. he went on to do just about that. wouldnt it be a wonderful season to watch as the braves continue their offensive prowess similarly the rest of the season as aj did last year to shut down the rediculous complaining and make you a similar prophet. this team has the potential to make a run like cleveland did or the astros did last year with less competition to make it into the playoffs.

this team has the youth and leadership to let the good times continue to roll. if this does continue it will allow the braves the opportunity i believe to finish the job once in the post season. that is true, especially, if they could have giles/betemet combo to give the braves more depth to make up for the designated hittter role that gives the american league the advantage every year in the world series.

DOB keep the hits rolling. now for the most important question: were the new se;ections for gram parsons worth the wait and worth the expense to buy them to make the collection complete?

stanford, keep up the vibes man.

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 03:18 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I flunked English Lit but I do recall that I liked ole Bobby Burns, young Johnny Keats, Percy Shelly and his delightful better half, the club footed Lord Byron, Romantic Bob Browning, his little Liz, and the good Lord Alfred Tennyson … how did I fail? I couldn’t begin to count the ways.

I do remember trying to understand that four legged Beowulf, and it could be he that’s eating Jimmy’s Hostas … they’re expensive you know … squirrels got ours when we lived in Ohio.

I read the tales of Chaucer and remember at bit of the Bard’s and Charlie Dickens too.

I remember now why it was I failed … I actually can count the ways … First, I wrote an essay in which I explained that it really was Tom Jefferson that first defeated Napoleon, not the Duke of Wellington … and that, coupled with the fact that I was a direct decendant of the Enlish Poet Henry Vaughan, whom my teacher hated … spelled my Waterloo.

You, my friend are remarkable! As are the Braves!

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 03:30 AM | Link to this

Actually, my favorite was and is Henry Fielding … with his not so suttle attacks on the education system and the Methodist Church … his humor and insights are a sight to behold … with the good and unforgetful Squire Allworthy and his sister Bridget … and his wonderful chapter introductions … hope I’m remembering correctly; it’s been some years since I read anything of consequence, excepting some things I do read on this Blog.

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 04:46 AM | Link to this

Before the rub, I thought perchance some of you lazies would like to see the current averages of the Braves’ starting lineup:

Buttermint .301, Mister Ed .320, The Jones Boys … Larry .334 and Curly .283, The Mann .351, Frenchy .263, rejuvenated Adam the Cat .273, and man’s best Scottie .273!

Good but not great until you consider the averages of those starting 1-8 going into the last week in June.

That’s without Mrs. Diaz’ boy’s little .326 hiding in the weeds … or that certain young catcher waiting to be recalled as a backup.

By Braves Realist

July 19, 2006 05:08 AM | Link to this

After witnessing June and now July , I must ask , who the Hell are these guys ????? Jykle & Hyde ! This offensive explosion is just absurd , they look like a beer softball league team regularly putting up 20 runs a game and they are doing it against the Padres and Cardinals to boot. It’s great fun , but Smoltz is right. They need some more help in that bullpen and Davies need’s to get back into the rotation because Smoltz , Ramirez(walking wounded) , James(rookie), Thomson(always injured) and Hudson(inconsistent) just isnt going to be enough for them to stay in the wildcard race.

By Andy

July 19, 2006 05:14 AM | Link to this

hey Bob since you are the only one up—-how about this—if the Braves manage to beat the cards tomorrow—-what are the chances of taking this run into the Phils who can’t beat the Pads? I say if we win tomorrow we’ll take 3 of four from the phithen phils—come home and mash the marlins. Then being .500 at that point to take on the miserable muts. I know I am getting ahead of myself. If we can win tomorrow—-very slim chance indeed, BUT if we do—I think we’ll be at .500 for the muts series. When the series starts with the muts I hope we could be 9 or 8 out so at the end of the month(and series with the ny) we’ll be 5 or 6 out with 4 road trips left—-all 6 or 7 games series—no 10 game 13 day trips—-all reasonable travel—no west coast then east coast stuff—-so by the end of Aug—the braves will be in the lead or tied. Thats my fantasy.

By Carroll

July 19, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this

DOB: do you have any insight as to the Braves record and/or offensive statistics in games that WB leads off? It seems that he has done so for about 10 games this season, and every one that I can remember has been an easy win with a considerable offensive output. In fact, one of them came amid the long losing streak….it was a rare easy, solid win in the month of June. And now this…I think we should leave well enough alone, and let him keep setting the table for these outbursts, until he proves that it was just a coincidence.

By old timer

July 19, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

It it takes Kearns and Felipe Lopez to get Majewski, what can we get for Betemit and Langerhans? Lance Cormier? Oh, that’s right, we already have him.

Gotta think about swapping Salty. How could he ever beat out McCann?

Whatever happens this year, this team’s got a great future. I am sure JS doesn’t want to screw that up.

I agree. Giles is expendible in the right deal.

By TONY HARMON

July 19, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

LET’S FACE IT! THIS WILL END SOON. ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN. BOBBY COX WILL STOP THE HOT STREAK HIMSELF. HE CAN’T WAIT UNTIL GILES COMES BACK. HE IS JUST ITCHING TO GET TODD PRATT——BRIAN JORDAN—-MARCUS GILES—-PETE ORR AND LANGERHANS ALL PLAYING TOGETHER. IT’S HIS DREAM.

THIS TEAM CANNOT WIN CLOSE GAMES. THE 3-2, 4-3, TYPES OF GAME IS OUT OF THEIR LEAGUE. THE PLAY-OFFS ARE INTENSE AND EVERY PITCH WILL BE A PRESSURIZE PITCH. YOU CANNOT GO INTO THE PLAY-OFFS WITHOUT A PROVEN BULL-PEN.

THE BRAVES WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST, BY TRAD- ING GILES. BETEMIT IS MUCH CHEAPER AND HE IS SIMPLY, BETTER THAN GILES. GILES ALWAYS SWING FOR THE SKY. WHERE DOES HE GET THAT STUPID SWING? GILES AND LANGERHANS SHOULD BE PACKAGE TOGETHER IN A DEAL FOR SOME BULL-PEN HELP.

REMEMBER! NOTHING LAST FOREVER! GOOD THINGS TEND TO HAVE SAD ENDINGS. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE YOUR PLAY-OFFS TICKETS JUST YET! ESPECIALLY SINCE THE BRAVES HAVE BOBBY COX. GOOD NIGHT NOW!

By Jon

July 19, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Tony, what’s up with the CAPS? We know this won’t last but it’s nice while it’s happening, so leave it be and let us enjoy it. Stop coming around here with that negativity.

By Kevin C

July 19, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

DOB

Do you get the impression that the Braves could be involved ina 3 way deal to get more prospects or players to move for a reliever? Alos Jayson Stark said SF MIGHT move Schmidt if they could get a starter in return, would JS or the Braves consider that type of move? Thanks

By ssiscribe

July 19, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Some random thoughts from the coast, as vacation begins to enter the stretch drive and some duties for my real job await my attention.

• Folks, just take a minute sometime today to think about what in the world we’ve seen from this baseball team the past five games. We’ll be hard-pressed to see anything like this again.

• We saw some glimpses of a solid lineup the first four or five weeks of the season, when the Braves hit well with runners in scoring position and in the clutch. But the past few days have been … heck, pick your own adjective. Sick. Ridicilous. Crazy. PlayStation-esque. Ruthian.

• Honestly, I think June’s swoon was a combination of several key cogs going cold all at once, the bullpen’s unraveling and substandard starting pitching. During the midst of it, it seemed like it never would end but, in hindsight, there was no way the Braves were going to play like that for much longer.

• Is there anybody out there — ANYBODY — who wants to face this team in the playoffs? Yes, I said playoffs (cue up Jim Mora’s daddy) because while the Braves won’t score 10 runs a game the rest of the season, there’s nobody in the wild-card race that can hold this team off during the next two months. And, if the Braves won the wild card, it’s quite possible they would open up with either the Cardinals or the Padres, the two teams the Braves have punked, on the road, the past week.

• I’m still not worried about the Mets. Let’s get to the wild card lead first, then see what happens. There are nine games left with the Mets. Go 7-2, and you gain five games right there.

• I need to win the lottery, because it’s a long way from here to Turner Field and gas is expensive. But there’s no way I’m not going to at least a few games down the stretch, football season or not.

• Finally, June may have been the best thing to happen to all of us. It looked like the run was just about over. Now, the ballclub’s right back in it. I think Turner Field’s going to be a very, very fun place to be the final two months of the season and into October, and I think you’re going to see even more passion from the fan base than you did last year. I’ll say this: there won’t be a single empty seat in that place for any playoff games this year, considering the playoffs looked like a pipe dream this time last month.

Maybe, just maybe, the typical October struggles came in June this time around. Like somebody said yesterday — and I can’t stop thinking about this — let’s have a July, August and September like 1993, and an October like 1995.

Over and out.

By Jeff

July 19, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

During the Braves’ winning streak, what is the pitching staff’s ERA? In the neighborhood of 5.00? What happens when the hitting cools, which it inevitably will? A team can’t give up five runs a game and expect to win most of them. A lot of teams try the “Out Slug the Opposition” forumula and it doesn’t work (Go look up the Braves’ teams in the 70s and early 80s). Braves need a closer, for sure, and middle inning relievers and more than a subpar season from Hudson. Schuerholz shouldn’t give up quailty prospects for average pitching talent, though. Not worth the price.

Teams that live by offense, die by offense. With no marked improvement in the pitching, this team is as likely to go on another losing skid as quickly as it went on a winning streak.

Pitching and defense are the keys to winning. Those Braves’ teams in the 90s are the proof.

By ssiscribe

July 19, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Oh, one more thing. Saw this while passing through the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Web site this morning. Derrick Goold, a fine baseball writer who covers the Cards for the P-D (along with former AJC scribe Joe Strauss) has a Cards blog, and posted this Tuesday afternoon about DOB and the forum we have here:

“Checked out the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Web site this morning. And beat writer David O’Brien has a Braves Blog going. It was the first place I read that detonated the John Smoltz trade rumors. And in swinging through it today I realized something striking … yesterday’s entry had 338 responses! A few days ago an entry on the Giles Brothers inspired 516 comments.

I have blog envy.”

By Jim

July 19, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

Short of acquiring a real closer like Nathan or Gonzales, the best move the Braves could make to help the bullpen would be to trade for Jason Schmidt or Tony Armas Jr. If we had relaibale starters that could go 7 innings every 3 out of 4 starts, we would expose a lot less of the bullpen and Yates and Ray have been decent in their late innings roles. To me Wickman, Willamson, Borowski, Dempster, and some of the other names being mentioned are not much of an upgrade, if at all over Yates + Ray. The best way to help the bullpen is to see a lot less of it! If there is one big trade to be made, it might be best for a quality starter.

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Just read this on a Cubs site:

Rumor mill

Greg Maddux is the subject of several trade rumors, the latest involving a return to Atlanta, where he pitched from 1993-2003.

The link is http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dssports/pro/191sd6.htm

Regards,

Jason

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

Ok, one more that I thought people may find interesting:

The Rockies are shopping King. Colorado has expressed interest in the Boston Red Sox’s Rudy Seanez and the Atlanta Braves’ Jorge Sosa, slumping relievers who could benefit from a change of scenery, and in Seanez’s case has a contract that matches up.

Click here for the article.

Imagine how many homeruns Sosa would let up in Colorado!!

Regards,

Jason

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

If you’d like to express your displeasure to TBS for ending Braves coverage, here’s a link to a petition that someone put up: Petition

By baby seal

July 19, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

whither jimmy smith? has anyone seen journalist?

By ssiscribe

July 19, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

Stumbled across some of the mentioned rumors above. I gotta get to work, but first, a little more Bravos talk:

Sosa in Denver? Good grief, what’s the over/under on homers allowed? 40? 50? 60?

I always liked Ray King’s intensity and the fact he’s a lefty. He hasn’t pitched real well this season, but it’s Colorado. I would do King for Sosa straight up, definitely.

Of course, I’d love to have the guy who went with King and Jason Marquis to the Lou for the rental of J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero, but Adam Wainwright’s not going anywhere but the eighth inning this year, and into the Lou’s rotation next year. Damnit. He looked good last night, gang.

Jim makes a great point about lock-down starters. Right now, I think we all have confidence in Smoltz in the postseason. HoRam, if healthy, gives you a good lefty arm. Same with Chuck James, albeit he’s young (yet he’s poised. Steve Avery-esque in October? We may find out). Hudson needs to pitch better, plain and simple. Last night was a good step in the right direction until the heat got to him in the sixth.

Davies comes back in late August (right, DOB? And how was his BP session yesterday, by the way?). So, do you make a deal for another stud starter? We talked about this earlier with D-Train on the market. As I said earlier, give me D-Train and I’m sending Salty and another infield prospect south to Miami.

Smoltz, D-Train (or Schmidt), and Hudson as top three would be impressive, indeed, but I wonder if some sort of mix of Davies/James/HoRam at No. 3 and No. 4 would work better, and allow the move to be made to get a veteran arm for the bullpen? Again, if I could get D-Train, especially with the surge we’re on right now, I do it. Can you imagine adding that funky lefty to the mix with the excitement being generated right now?

As for Maddux? Wouldn’t it be something if Mad Dog came back here and beat Glavine in Game 7 of the NLCS to send the Braves to the World Series? OK, not likely to happen (the Maddux/Glavine in Game 7 matchup, that is; I fully believe the Braves could find themselves in the NLCS), but it’d be something to see nonetheless.

As a final aside, and something I meant to drop in my notes above, I’d move Giles at this point if it helps get a deal done. Great guy, we all love him, plays the game the right way. But like DOB said earlier, I think Betemit’s proven himself both at second and at the top of the order.

I gotta get outta here and get some work done, for the office and around the house. If the Braves score double-digits tonight against Chris Carpenter, with Jason Schill of Windsor Forest in Savannah on the hill, I just might start saving for World Series tickets!

Later.

By I think with a drawl

July 19, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Attention folks, hurry, hurr, hurry, jump on now while there is still plenty of room on the bandwagon!!!

Go Braves!

Let’s go get Soriano!!!

By ssiscribe

July 19, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Oops. Tonight’s starter is Jason Shiell, which still rhymes with hill, and still would be amazing if he can best Cy Young Carp.

By Sonny

July 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Now let’s keep Betemit leading off and STARTING. Giles has had months to prove he can handle lead-off, and he failed. This offensive explosion actually started around the time he went down and Betemit went in…coincidence?

By Lew

July 19, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Tony-I’m going to say this one more time for your benefit. Get off the Giles bashing bandwagon. Chipper was bashed all year (now the detractors have shut up). All year long LaRoche was bashed (now they’ve finally shut upt). Giles has put together a career batting average of close to .300. He has been a veritable doubles machine. He has been placed in an uncomfortable and new position this year. He has played banged up the entire season. He has given everything he has on every play he makes and has done so since he’s been a Brave. Wilson Betemit is, at this point in time, an EXTREMELY hot substitute-nothing more. He hasn’t played more than a couple of weeks straight since he’s been in the bigs. He has performed quite well. He trips over his own feet in the field while Giles is arguably the best defensdive 2nd basman in the NL. Maybe Betemit is so hot right now for the simple reason that he is fresh and rested and not banged up like Giles. Giles mechanics this year are off, but he has started to turn it around. Stop and think about what you are saying before you open your mouths and insert your feet into it. The Giles bashers don’t no s##t any more than the Chipper or La Roche bashers did. Shut up, please.

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Doc, the Gram Parsons extras make it well, well worth the purchase price. I found a copy of the three-city set at my favorite used CD store, Ella Guru in Toco Hill Shopping Center. For $20, best $20 I’ve spent in a while. There’s extra stuff on each CD, GP and Grievous Angel, then a whole CD of extras that kicks tail.

You true music fans should go there. Tell Don, the cool owner with the scraggly goatee (or some semblance of one) that I sent you and he might give you some swag of some sort. Or not. Anyway, tell him I sent you, so maybe he’ll give me some more swag.

Oh, and Don: I haven’t changed my view of Andruw’s sorry RISP performance last year in an otherwise remarkable season. If he’d just hit 40 points higher with RISP, he’d have drove in 160 runs and won the MVP going away.

So many Braves are killing the ball with RISP this season, especially McCann in those spots with two outs, where he leads the majors.

The Maddux thing is intriguing, and I say it only because I know how much Bobby absolutely loves Maddux and would like to have him back on the team. Price is the only thing. If Boras would take something reasonable contract-wise, Braves would bring him back. But I don’t know that they’d give up much to get him this season, not just as a rental player for rest of season. They’d have to believe they could re-sign him, first.

I haven’t heard anything like that in recent days, but that means nothing.

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

DOB, anything to the whispers on the wind that Glavine wants to come back home?

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

UH, it’s early, make that three-CD set. god, get me the coffee…

By Don

July 19, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

DOB, if we were to get Maddux back do you have any thoughts on starters who could be moved into the bullpen? Chuck James and/or Davies (when he returns) would seem to be the most likely candidates. Thomson is obvious if he’s ever healthy enough to pitch. Given the high price for mediocre relief pitchers, getting Maddux and moving one or more starters into the bullpen might be a better answer.

I’d give up Giles and Langerhans for Maddux, even if he’s a rental for the rest of the season. With the Cubs going nowhere, maybe they’d take Sosa as a throw-in. With their hitting they might put him in the outfield.

It’s unlikely the Braves are going to keep Giles next year when his price tag goes up and Langerhans is looking like a surplus outfielder.

And Lew, if you want to play censor how about starting your own blog?

By David O'Brien

July 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

SSIscribe, Davies’ BP session yesterday went very well, no problems at all. But as Bobby keeps reminding us, “He’s still a long way from being back here.” Actually, it could be just 3-4 weeks, but that’s still a relatively long way. I wouldn’t count on him being back in Braves rotation until mid-August at earlier. Gotta rebuild arm strength and do more BP sessions before a brief rehab assignment.

Sosa to Colorado … that’s just perfect. if they take him back, i hope for their sake they’re doing it because they believe he can be an outfielder again (he was one in their organization to begin his career). For the Braves’ sake, though, as long as they’d take him back and give up anything, anything at all, in return, it’d be a huge coup to dump his salary alone.

By mart

July 19, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

The Braves are not going to repeat their 6-21 horrors, but they also aren’t going to maintain their current torrid streak——-so they’ll eventually start playing .500 (or maybe slightly better) ball. Unfortunately, playing slightly better than .500 won’t get them into the playoffs even in the weak NL. The hole they dug is too deep. Decisions should be made based on the future, not this year.

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Don Giles and Langerhans for Maddux?!?, are you insane? I wouldn’t trade Pete Orr for Greg Maddux. Have you looked at his numbers since the beginning of May? They are worse than Jorge Sosa’s! The guy has made it out of the 6th inning like twice all year! Just what we need, an old, washed up pitcher who rely’s on the bullpen to get his wins. NO THANKS!

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, there’s no way they keep this offense rolling against Carpenter tonight right?

By Glass Half Full

July 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Hey, if Colorado has expressed interest in Sosa, get whatever you can for him. It’s been addition by subtraction in the Atlanta pen all year. R-imjobber and Reitsma down, Sosa to go.

By Don

July 19, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Maddux has been a 5-6 inning pitcher for years. Is that news? Given the wreck that is the Braves pitching staff I’d take a guy who can generally produce a “quality start”, 6 innings and 3 earned runs. In case you haven’t noticed, pitching standards aren’t what they used to be. See a guy like Jason Marquis with 11 wins and an ERA of nearly 6, pitching in the rotation for a first place team. I’d sure rather get Maddux and then move one or more guys to the bullpen than trade for a Borowski or Wickman.

Like I said, Langerhans is surplus and Giles is effectively a rental at this point, just like Maddux would be. We wouldn’t be giving up that much in my view and the market for pitching is insane, in case you haven’t noticed.

One thing that I’m getting a better appreciation for is just how bad the NL stinks. San Diego and St. Louis are pathetic excuses for first place teams, and not just because the Braves have been hammering them. Look at their rosters. The Mets are the only team in the NL that wouldn’t get embarrassed playing a full year in the AL right now. The Braves teams of the 90’s would win 110 games in this year’s National League.

By Patrick

July 19, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

BIG NEWS DOB

By Patrick

July 19, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

BIG NEWS DOB,

Jason Stark was just on ESPN and said that the Braves are agressively pursing two bullpen arms and that if we land these two said relievers that it will not only put us over the top but he almost went as far as saying that we’d be the best team in the NL. Any idea whom is speaking of??

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Just my personal thoughts, but I’d be a little conerned about bringing Maddux back. He could barely get through 5 innings before he left, which would mean more bullpen exposure; and his salary could be better used towards inproving the ‘pen.

Glavine. I don’t know. I sorta feel that it would be better if he didn’t return. Can’t really pin it down other than that.

Hmmmmm, I dunno. That glorious era is over. And another is beginning, so I think I’d continue on this path leading into the future and just revel in the memories of the past.

I know, you can find a million reasons why I’m wrong and I’m willing to listen to at least a half-million of them. :-))

By DCBravesFan

July 19, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Where is NYFan now? I was in San Diego this past weekend and there was one thing I took away from it in regards to the Braves.

Fans of other teams still fear the Braves. I was having drinks and watching the Saturday game at a local watering hole and it amazed me that there is such respect for this team.

The general feeling amongest fans of the Padres, Dodgers and Angels was that Bobby Cox is the man and Chipper Jones gets no respect. Loved hearing that! Go Braves!!

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Hey, DC! It’s nice to get a different perspective. Thanks for sharing that!

By Choppin Bob

July 19, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Sorry Carolina Lady, but i dont think maddux or glavine is the answer. their time has come and gone, and its time for the new braves. obviously the braves dont consist of pitching and thats why we are in the position we are in. i cant wait to beat up on the mets and greedy glavine!

By TyBug 32

July 19, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Patrick, Was Stark on ESPN NEWS or SportsCenter or what? Thanks!

By DK

July 19, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

DOB - I know the Twins have been playing really well lately and have two unreal lefty starters to build around for the future, not to mention the league’s best hitter, but they are still in the same division as Detroit and Chicago. Have you heard anything suggesting Joe Nathan’s availability (or unavailability)?

By JasonInMaine

July 19, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Patrick,

Very interesting. While not quite Peter Gammons, Stark is reputable. But, could there really be that type of reliever out there? It would take a Mariano Rivera type player to make statements like that. It is too bad Minnesota has been playing so well or we may have been able to pry Nathan away. But, it will still be interesting to see who the Braves get (if anyone) and who they were after.

Regards,

Jason

By Carolina Lady

July 19, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Hi, Choppin’Bob! We’re in agreement. It would be ‘nice’ for Maddux to retire in a Braves Uniform, but I don’t think that he can provide what the team needs now, unless maybe in middle relief, but I don’t see that happening - especially at the price he’d demand. I think we’d be better off leaving the past in the past.

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, you would really want Maddux back at this point in his career? Until I hear those magic words come out of his mouth “retirement” I don’t want him anywhere near the Braves organization. LOOK AT THE NUMBERS! GO ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF LAST YEAR! HE’S BEEN AWFUL!

By Lew

July 19, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Don-Exacxtly what did I censor? I don’t tell anyone not to speak therir mind, just to think about what they are saying first.

By Don

July 19, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

Lew, maybe it’s just me but I read “Just shut up, please” as telling someone not to speak their mind.

Whether it’s fair or not, I think some of us are wondering if the big dropoff in the power numbers for the Giles brothers this year is coincidental, particularly given that their past power has been somewhat freakish relative to their sizes. I look at that big uppercut swing from Giles and think if he loses just a little bit of timing or bat speed, you get what we’ve seen this year. I think Betemit looks more fundamentally sound as a hitter. He’s a switch hitter and he’s cheap. No question that he’s not nearly as good at 2B defensively as Giles but he’s new at the position and I think he’ll be adequate, just as he has been at third and short.

Would you really put Betimit back on the bench when Giles is ready to play again if he continues to swing a hot bat from the leadoff spot? Do you think with the Braves payroll situation they’re going to sign Giles to a multiyear deal after this season? Would you spend $6-$7 million per year or whatever his market value will be on Giles, or would you spend it on the bullpen? If you wouldn’t give him a long-term deal and we have a replacement in place now and some good young middle infielders in the minors, why not trade him for pitching now?

I don’t think talking about dealing Giles is bashing him or being stupid, regardless of how much you rant and rave.

By Antonio McNugget

July 19, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

I didnt trust Hudson when we got him, because he came from Auburn, but he has done nothing consistantly to make me beleive he can be the guy he was in Oakland. Trust me i want him to do good ive gotten over the auburn thing but jesus, he gives up 6 every time he pitches. Last night he pitched 4 good innings then got rocked, i dont care how hot it was you still gotta go 5.

Hudson is 21-17 (he has only lost 56 in his whole career thats 30% total losses in a year and a half) with a 4.10 ERA since joining the Braves and dude is getting 6.5 million on a contract that will start going up next year i think. Not sure you dont trade him now before you loose all value and have a huge contract. I want them to have a 2nd good pitcher but you dont want an untradeable (Mike Hampton) type player this time next year. I think he has dodged critisism this year because everyone else has done so bad. Again i hope he gets better but inconsistant is an understatement. Hopefully he turns it around before we stop hitting and then it will be forgotten. comparison ERA IP

Jorge Sosa 5.61 85 Tim Hudson 4.95 131

This just shows he has proven it over a longer period than Sosa.

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Just for everyone who wants Maddux back this year - Since May 1st - Maddux: 83 1/3IP, 2W-10L, 5.94 ERA. Jorge Sosa Since May 1st: 69IP, 3W-6L, 5.34 ERA… This is over a 10 week span folks! Maddux is not in a “slump”, this is who he is now!

By Antonio McNugget

July 19, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

I heard about the same coments from Stark from a friend who was listening and he said Stark said the deal would “make the Braves the best team in the NL WIld Card Race”

By ssiscribe

July 19, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Mart writes: “Decisions should be made based on the future, not this year.”

Agree that if the Braves make a major move before the deadline, it should be one that will pay benefits beyond the end of this season, whether that’s Oct. 1 or the playoffs.

However, I disagree with the assertion that the Braves will play around .500 the rest of the season. Certainly, they’re not going to play .850 the rest of the season. But, there are 68 games remaining, and if the Braves play .632 the rest of the way, they finish 88-74. That’s probably going to be good enough to win the wild card in the somewhat-pathetic National League.

If the Braves win today, and the Rockies and Brewers lose, Atlanta is in FIFTH in the wild card standings. If the Reds lose and the above scenario plays out, the Braves are a mere THREE games out of the wild card lead.

Three games with TWO months and change to go. Look to 2007? Not a chance.

Look at the schedule. After the road trip ends, the Braves will have 63 games left. Of those 63, 37 are at home, and of the 37 at home, 31 are against teams that today sit at .500 or lower.

(Those other six home games, you may have figured out, are against the Mets).

While I would not mortgage the farm to rent somebody for two months, if it’s a player who will play a key role next year and beyond (i.e. signing D-Train to a long-term deal), then you pull the trigger.

The run appeared toast this time last month. Today, the Braves are right in the thick of it. You make a move for right now, and for the future, and try to win because, even though Atlanta’s been there every year since 1991, there are no guarantees from year to year, and you don’t let a chance to win right now pass you by.

Thanks, DOB, for the update on Davies.

Out.

By chopthis

July 19, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

He who rests his hopes on the rumors of Jayson Stark will end up perpetually disappointed.

You guys do nothing but bash the ESPN crew when they do anything less than kiss the Braves’ butts, but the slightest wisp of hope from the absolute least reliable one of them causes this blog to light up like a Christmas tree.

By BB

July 19, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else think that ajc.com should take down Mark Bradley’s column from the other day? I don’t think it belongs there anymore.

By Bammer

July 19, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

Interesting article out of New York: http://www.nysun.com/article/36325

By Don

July 19, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Having looked at Maddux’s stats by game, prompted by Don Corb’s post, I hereby retract my offer for him. I didn’t realize how much he’d declined since April. I was only thinking of him as a rental to the end of the year, but he doesn’t appear to be better than anybody we’ve got in the rotation now. Good call DonC.

Bad hitters have always been measured against the Mendoza line. It appears the measuring stick for pitchers is now the Sosa line.

By DonCoburleone

July 19, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

If they rope Carpenter tonight, this offensive onslaught might never end… And am I the only one who wonders why we are calling on an independent league pitcher to start tonight? Why not give the Barry kid a chance to start a game? I just don’t understand this one…

By Carroll

July 19, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Patrick: I was racking my brain trying to think of relievers who might be available (i.e. on bad teams) that are SO effective that they would make that much difference for the Braves. If we’re talking closers, I wonder if it could be:

1.BJ Ryan—have the Jays fallen out of it enough to consider moving him?

2.Bryan Fuentes—I know the ROckies are looking to offload King, would they consider moving him AND Fuentes?

3.I still think Nathan may be a possibility even though the Twinkies have been playing well lately, because they are still not gonna make the playoffs uness the ChiSox or Tigers’ team plane crashes.

Thought? Other ideas?

By journalist PENN

July 19, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading all this stuff about Andruw’s low RISP. Will someone tell me who he has been driving in? The last time I looked (a few minutes ago) he was leading the league in RBI’s.

I think I’ve figured it out. If your team fails to put runners on base and in scoring position ahead of you then you are likely to have a much higher RISP. Or not? Anyone scrambling over that one yet?

That RISP stat makes about as much sense as a pitcher blowing a lead two or three times and then getting credit for the win. Now that is dumb. In cases like that why not let the official scorer decide who gets the W, like he does if a starter doesn’t complete five innings?

Cheers,

By Antonio McNugget

July 19, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

I would be shocked if BJ Ryan was available. They are still within 3 or 4 games i think.

Colorodo’s closer probably makes more sence and we have all see what Ray King can do out of the atlanta bullpen. But is Bryan Fuentes worth giving up what would more than likely be a kings ransom considering what the Reds had to pay for 2 middle relievers.

By Brooklyn Braves Brawler

July 19, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

As much as I depise LaRouche, I can’t deny that he has stepped up his game considerably within the last couple of weeks. I hope it continues. I would love for them to add the necessary pitching (rotational, bullpen) but, I would like to see them add another playoff bat like Frank Catalanatto, or Tony Clark to spott start. Those guys hit in big situations, both are clutch bats.

By Tomahawkin

July 19, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Chop this, I don’t care if The ESPN Doesn’t like the braves, thats why I’m reluctamt to watch them or believe anything they say, but the whole east coast bias with them is crazy, and not to mention 85 percent of the stuff they say isn’t worth a damn….

By Since82

July 19, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how good he is or how many runs a game he saves, I wish the Braves would trade ANDRUW JONES. Anybody that will not run, I said RUN, to first base everytime does not deserve to be paid. There are some players on the team that give 100% every at bat and I hope they know that it doesn’t go unnoticed by the fans.

By Bob, journalist

July 19, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

Mr. SSIScribe, I’m glad that we have all those home games left but the way they’ve been playing against these two division leaders, methinks that it won’t make much difference who they play or where … so long as they keep things in proper perspective and play close attention to our advice.

By Karma Cop

July 19, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Since 82, anybody who is on a pace to knock in 150 runs can crawl tho first base as far as I’m concerned. Get a life and get some perspective.

By Since82

July 19, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Andruw is pretty good at knocking in runs, unless its a clutch situation.

By 2 homo boys

July 20, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

We hear there are several closers available,Tom Flash Gordon would be good,also joe nathan,joe borowski,scott sullivan,chad cordero,only bob wickman as a last resort,mike gonzales would be ok and linebrink.also braves need another starter,paul byrd would work,jason schmidt,tony armas jr or livan hernandez.also my boyfriend and i rhink Ray (burger) King would be good for the pen,yes send Sosa to colorado,also Latroy Hawkins could help and so could Julian Tavarez.

By Andy

July 20, 2006 03:30 AM | Link to this

Any one consider that Madddox is pitching at wrigley? Yes you want maddox—-even if he just sits in the dugout and helps davis and james and god knows what he could do for Hudson. Could we use Maddox…..YES! Would he be our #1 starter in the playoffs? Of course not—he would even be our #2—-but he could help—-he really could have helped tonight for example. Would have rather had schneil or Maddox? Thompson or Maddox? This is silly isn’t it. Maddox pitches in Chicago—bad defense behind him—-really bad team. Losing is contagious on a bad team—-come on. If we could pick up Mad dog for not much—-OF COURSE JS will take that trade. If it is a steep price—of course he won’t. Everyone has a right to whatever they think—I don’t know much—sorry if this sounds extreme or anything—-just even the debate of Sosa and Maddox in the same breathe—-after all Maddox did for us throught the years. Come on—-respect the man. Maddox is as bad as Kolb!….what? Really guys. I doubt maddox would come here and Glavine will not come here either. No matter how much they like Cox want to end their careers on a comfortable note—-they still want to get paid—-although Maddox turned down something crazy like 15 mil to resign with atl(so did smotlz by the way)—-I just don’t think they will—-Someone will offer 10 million for one year or something like that—we can’t do that. But if they did—-that would be a starting line up….Smotlz, Hudson, Hampton, Maddox and Glavine. How many wins is that like…900? Never. Throw Davis and James in the pen have them listen to them for a year—-how good would james be under the teaching of Glavine for a year? Davis under maddox for a year? I kow Leo helped turn around players careers and all but Maddox and Glavine helped alot as well.(I know Marquis did not do well trying to be like Maddox—-and Maddox kept telling him—kid if I had your stuff—I would not pitch the way I do/have to—but that is besides this long winded point.) Go Braves.