AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEnjoy the record ride, Dylan’s work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It can’t go on forever, but this must be one hell of a ride for all you Braves fans, huh? I mean, come on, it doesn’t get much better than this, not in July.
No team ever will hit anything remotely like this in, say, mid-October, when they face quality pitching every night. But to discount what the Braves have done in the past week, and the past two-three weeks, seems pointless.
I mean, if it were this easy to hit a mixed bag of good, mediocre and just plain lousy pitching, then why haven’t other teams done it for any stretch like this? Why hasn’t a single team since the 1930 Yankees of Ruth and Gehrig scored 10 or more runs in five consecutive games until the Braves did it on this road trip — and against two division-leading teams, to boot.
Now, we’ll reiterate, so a couple of you contrarians or just plain bitter folks who wrote off the Braves a while back and now seem upset that they haven’t died, just so you folks won’t fire off a missive about how this won’t last: We know.
The Braves absolutely will not hit .355 for the rest of July. They won’t hit three or four homers a night and score 10-15 runs. We know, we know, we know.
But the mere fact that they’ve put together this ridiculously strong hitting surge has done something big in the clubhouse. It’s jacked up everyone’s confidence, and this game is so much about confidence and belief, etc.
The Braves still have plenty of concerns, beginning with the back end of the rotation (and the front end, at least the part of the front end that is Tim Hudson). The bullpen is still suspect, the closer situation still totally unresolved.
But they’re winning anyway. Seven in a row, 11 of 13, and 15 of 21 since their 3-20 skid and 10-game losing streak. They’re winning and they’re hitting as if this were the Blake Street Bombers of the pre-humidor era at Coors Field. Remember that time, seems so long ago… where have you gone, Dante Bichette?
Only this time, there’s no thin air or dry baseballs to explain it. There really is no explanation for having this many guys hot at one time, although, as I’ve said, facing some suspect pitching does contribute (Jason Marquis may have 11 wins, but he’s not that good).
Fact of the matter is, the Braves have a lot of weapons in their lineup, as Tony La Russa put it after last night’s game. They have a lot of talented hitters, from the Joneses to McCann and Renteria and early season whipping boy Adam LaRoche, who didn’t let the boos and mountains of criticism affect him.
LaRoche, by the way? He’s hitting .309 with 12 homers and 37 RBIs in his past 57 games, and .370 with six homers and 14 RBIs in his past 18 games, and if you’re still holding onto anger over the boneheaded play he made in May, well, his teammates and others have long since gotten past it.
But he’s not even their hottest hitter, just one of a bunch that’s sizzling. It’s absurd how many they’ve got killing the ball at once. The Braves have FIVE of the top seven National League RBI men over the past 10 days: Andruw with 15, McCann with 14, the ascendant Wilson Betemit with 10, and Chipper and LaRoche with nine.
The Braves have FOUR of the top five NL home-run hitters over the past 10 days: Andruw with five, McCann, LaRoche and Chipper with four apiece.
They’re hitting .355 with 36 homers, 127 runs, a .418 OBP and .635 slugging percentage in 14 July games, leading the majors by wide gulfs in each of those categories (at 11-3, they also have the best record in the league).
It won’t last, but it’s something to behold while it’s happening.
Oh, by the way, the wild-card lead is down to four games. No way the Braves can win it, right?
As promised, today’s installment of excellence in songwriting, an admittedly random ode to Braves hitting that will continue as long as they keep scoring 10 or more runs a game (if they can get 7-8 tonight against Carpenter and the Cards bullpen, that’ll be good enough for me to keep this thing going; we make exceptions for recent Cy Young winners):
POSITIVELY 4th STREET, by Bob Dylan
You got a lotta nerve
To say you are my friend
When I was down
You just stood there grinning
You got a lotta nerve
To say you got a helping hand to lend
You just want to be on
The side that’s winning
You say I let you down
You know it’s not like that
If you’re so hurt
Why then don’t you show it
You say you lost your faith
But that’s not where it’s at
You had no faith to lose
And you know it
I know the reason
That you talk behind my back
I used to be among the crowd
You’re in with
Do you take me for such a fool
To think I’d make contact
With the one who tries to hide
What he don’t know to begin with
You see me on the street
You always act surprised
You say, “How are you?” “Good luck”
But you don’t mean it
When you know as well as me
You’d rather see me paralyzed
Why don’t you just come out once
And scream it
No, I do not feel that good
When I see the heartbreaks you embrace
If I was a master thief
Perhaps I’d rob them
And now I know you’re dissatisfied
With your position and your place
Don’t you understand
It’s not my problem
I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
And just for that one moment
I could be you
Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You’d know what a drag it is
To see you
Services »
Comments
By chopthis
July 19, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Great song on the whole, but I’d have to say this awkward verse:
*No, I do not feel that good
When I see the heartbreaks you embrace
If I was a master thief
Perhaps I’d rob them*
keeps it from being a true example of “excellence in songwriting.” It’s near-great, though.
Hank (“I Won’t Be Home No More”) and Johnny Cash (“Understand Your Man”) have written better masterpieces in bitter backlash. Of course, “Understand Your Man” steals Dylan’s melody from “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” so Bob shares the glory there.
By dfree
July 19, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, you wrote last night that JS was working the phones etc. what rumors if any have you heard and is there anything immienent? keep up the great work man.
By El Guapo
July 19, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
I think we should be talking about the Braves 15th division title, not the wild card.
There are too many teams to jump over to get to the wild card, but we need only ONE team to collapse to make a successful run at the title. And we all know the Mets are collapsatastic.
By Chop Chop
July 19, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
chopthis,
The man was just posting a good song. No reason to get on your music critic’s “high horse” and judge one verse. In fact, here’s another Dylan verse for ya…
*Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no telling
Who that it’s namin’.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’.*
By chopthis
July 19, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
“The Times They Are A-Changin’”? yeah, I’ve heard Mets fans singing that one a lot this season.
Butt out of me and Dave’s musical musings. And don’t criticize what you don’t understand.
Where have I heard that line before?
By mart
July 19, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
This “one hell of a ride” has gotten the Braves to within 5 games of .500. This is truly a season of diminished expectations. Enjoy this hitting streak while it lasts. Unless the Braves go on and become WS champs, this fortnight of great hitting will be remembered by no one.
By alex
July 19, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
That song would be a lot nicer if we had a true closer…..
lets say wickman and mota
and if we would trade sosa to colorado for burger king
By Emilio
July 19, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
DOB, appreciate the BLOG and updates! I read alot and seldom comment. Thought I’d hit an item that has been on my mind. From time to time, I read the negatives on various announcers/broadcasters of Bravo games.
They are ALL different individuals bringing varied backgrounds, and skills to the the table. I find I can enjoy all to differing degrees. I like the blend! I want to put in a good word for Jeff Tourburg (SP?). If you played beyond little league, you have to appreciate some of his insights. The man was in the show, coached, and managed at various levels, and was a catcher (quarterback, so to speak). Is he a professioal announcer? Heck no! Like what he brings.
I also like what the Braves are bringing! Tonight will be tougher! Very much looking forward to the game and to the many interesting comments of my fellow Bloggers!
Let’s enjoy the GREAT times! AND those who do their best to bring them to us and make it fun for most of us!
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
DOB, I have to admit, I am a pretty vocal LaRoche basher. But, he has been playing very well lately so I will try and lay off. And I guess if the team is over his bonehead play than I can be too… Now trade him while his value is at it’s highest!!! hehe
By Haywood Jablome
July 19, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Can the the Braves at least get back to .500 before everyone starts making plans for the play-offs? Tonight will be a big test…nevermind another 10+ runs, how about some good, quality at-bats against arguably the best pitcher in the N.L. and no lead-off walks from the bullpen!
By krath
July 19, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
All points well made. Can’t help but go to bed with a smile on your face after watching the latest Braves outburst. Actually you could ask my wife, I seldom go to bed with a smile on my face, but that’s another story :)
But as you say, DOB, the offensive onslaught won’t last forever. In October, the pitchers do get tougher and even before October the Braves have a NEED to be able to win the close ones.
JS said in a recent article that the Braves don’t “need” anything. He likes to look at it from a standpoint of what would improve the team rather than to address it as a need.
I don’t care what John calls it, I call it a “NEED!” The Braves NEED some help on this pitching staff, if they want to play in October and/or advance in October.
The question that remains is, are there any pitchers available who are any better than what we have? And… are we gonna have to overpay to get a rent-a-pitcher or mediocre pitcher?
By Carolina Gent
July 19, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
Obviously this hitting tear won’t last, but, just as obviously, it sure is fun now. I just hope that JS and the rest of the brass aren’t using this as justification to not swing a deal. It almost seems as if JS believes that just because he’s pulled off deals in past years, he’ll automatically be able to do so again. Right now, this incredible bashing is doing a nice job of re-energizing the team and the fan base, while at the same time covering up some real pitching concerns. Huddy is mediocre, at best right now, HR is still fighting a hammy, James is young and making youthful mistakes more often while Smoltzie is holding the rotation together and trying to act as GM at the same time!
By ME
July 19, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
heres some bobby d for all those f******* mets fans that spend spend spend and still can just barely win win win.
watch your asses mofo the bravos are coming!
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I’m young
You might say I’m unlearned
But there’s one thing I know
Though I’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
And I hope that you die
And your death’ll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I’ll watch while you’re lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I’ll stand o’er your grave
‘Til I’m sure that you’re dead
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Allright! Lets go Pittsburgh! 6-4 lead over the Rockies in the 8th inning. If Pittsburgh hangs on, it would put the Braves in a tie with the Rockies! IT’S TIME TO RUN DOWN THE NL WEST AND THEN IT WILL JUST BE US AND THE REDS!
By CarolinaMike
July 19, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Yes, yes, we all know the Mets are going to collapse (even though a Mets team with a lead this huge never has). Just keep repeating it and maybe it will come true.
And while the Braves have been grabbing the headlines and acting like they’re the modern incarnation of Murderer’s Row, what have those collapsing Mets been doing? What was that? Three grand slams in two days?
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
If we play .575 ball the rest of the way, we will be stompin and Choppin in October, much to ESPN’s disgrace, but if we don’t address this Blow-pen It will be another first round exit
I Know This offense won’t last either, but I wish we had hit like this in the Octobers of the past, at least 2 or 3 times
Dizam this lineup so far this month is looking like the 2003 Squad
By Chop Chop
July 19, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Ouch, ME.
Hittin’ them Mets with some “Masters Of War”…
Here’s another one for chopthis…
See the primitive wallflower freeze When the jelly-faced women all sneeze Hear the one with the mustache say, “Jeeze, I can’t find my knees.” (Visions of Johanna)
And another one…
Well Mack the Finger said to Louie the King I got forty red white and blue shoe strings And a thousand telephones that don’t ring Do you know where I can get rid of these things? (Highway 61 Revisited)
These two awkward verses really hinder those songs, don’t they?
chopthis, it is very easy to pick out the awkward/throwaway verses in songs, but this isn’t wine tasting. It’s music. Keep a clean nose.
By student
July 19, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
No, the division won’t be easier to win than the WC. Thats nonsense. The mets are 11.5 up and still playing fairly well. I doubt we can catch them and if we get anywhere close I would expect to be leading the wildcard by then anyway. There may be a bunch of teams ahead of us but none of them are playing very well or very far ahead. Brewers are 1/2 game up, Arizona 1.5, Dodgers, Giants 2 up and Reds 4. If we can just keep winning series, we will pass all of them.
By alex
July 19, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
This deadline is going to be a make or break deadline!
In all their need some teams are going to mess up bigtime! Hope the bravos dont do something stupid.
By Brent
July 19, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
I will never understand this, “we’ve gotta get back to .500 before we can talk play-offs” mantra.
It’s asinine.
We trail the Reds by 4 games. That’s it.
Whether we’re 5 games under or 5 games over, 4 games back of the WC lead is what matters!
Was the Padres focus last year on getting back to .500, or winning the division?
.500 means nothing. It’s just a number that we will end up passing on our way to the top of the WC standings, but when we get there, no one will stop and make a special announcement, there won’t be a front-page spread in the AJC, no champagne will be spewed, and we will not rest any easier because we have reached .500.
Your goal is to outpace your competition - that’s it.
Just ask the 1993 Giants how it felt to win 103 games.
By me
July 19, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS
SOSA FOR RAY KING
GOOD DEAL???
RAY KING CANT HIT HOMERS LIKE SO-SO SOSA CAN!!
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
About this hitting rampage, We head to philly which there should be several more slugfests there, but once we get home to the a pitchers ballpark, the hitting will stop
A-lot of the homeruns hit on this trip would have been outs at home
Look at the 399 mark in Petco park, where one of Chippers homers landed, as well as the Brian McCann Slam would have been an out at the Ted, so the hitting will cease when we get home
As Good as this team is playing on the road now, Coming home is gonna suck
I love watching the road games, Watching the games at the Ted on TV is boring… especially playing in a pitchers park…
By ssiscribe
July 19, 2006 02:54 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 student
July 19, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
um, Tomahawkin, Petco is not a hitter’s park by any strech of the imagination and we hit the two longest home runs ever hit there. They are hitting the ball hard and would be scoring runs wherever they were playing.
By PA Bravefan
July 19, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Hitting may last longer than any of you may think. If you look at August schedule, it makes you mouth salivate!!! We play Pittsburgh, Chicago, Washington, Florida, and Philadelphia predominantly. Washington will have unloaded most of their weapons by then, and Philapdelphia may have too. The young guys in Florida will start to hit the wall of the long season, and Chicago and Pittsburgh may have unloaded the only weapond that they have by that point! I am telling you, August could see us making a run at the wild card and taking over the lead, and then if all keeps going half as well as it is now, possibly making a run a the Mets. I know it is unlikely that we will catch the Mets, just because we are so far behind and the Mets have a lot of games against the Nats, Phils, and Marlins also. I will be happy with the Wild Card. If the season were to end today and lets say we did have the wild card, we would play either the Pads or the Card in the first round. We have pretty much owned those two teams so far this season. Here is the BUT in all of this!!! WE NEED 2 things. 1. 2 solid veterans in the bullpen (1 of which is a closer)and Tim Hudson to pitch like he did through the first 5 innings last night. The announcers said it looked like he hit a wall. Think about how many innings he has thrown over the past month. His outings have all been 2-4 innings for the most part. He hasn’t been stretched to the later innings. THat aside, he still pitched pretty well. A couple of hte hits were good pitches that they just got the bat on them and put them in the right place. (Rolen and Gonzalez) I would love to see Smoltz going tonight, but I will trust Bobby’s judgement on this one. As much as we all on this blog think we sometimes know more than he does, WE DON’T!!!
This season is bringing back the memories of 1991 for all of us old Braves fans, who suffered through the 80’s. (I have been a fan since 1977, and I know some of you have been longer.) The newbies, those that only remember the Braves being good, don’t appreciate what we have to do this year because we haven’t has to for sooooo long. Aren’t we all glad about that! I don’t care about all of the bashing about only one WS title that all of the wannabes keep laying out there! We have been able to enjoy the postseason for 14 stright years!!! They all can kiss it if they can’t admit that they are just jealous!!
LETS GO BRAVES!!!! KEEP ON ROLLING!!!
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Student, we’ll see what happens next week, when we come home depending on the longball to win games, I’m not bashing the team for doing so, but late in the year against good teams were gonna have to play A-B-C offense against a good starter
Just hope we keep hitting like we do with 2 outs and RISP
By ssiscribe
July 19, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Rox score in the ninth, pull within 6-5 and have the bags packed with one out.
By ssiscribe
July 19, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Rox score in the ninth, pull within 6-5 and have the bags packed with two outs.
By ssiscribe
July 19, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the weird double post above. Anyway, Rox just lost to Bucs 6-5. Another one creeps closer to the hard-charging Braves Express in the wild card race.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
rockies lose 6-5
By Brent
July 19, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Tied with the Rocks.
This is fun, chasing bad teams.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Pirates win, 6-5! Rockies - the first of the WEST to fall…
By mariner
July 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
gonzalez struggled to close it out for the pirates. loaded the bases with a walk and two singles. i’d still like to see js make a run at getting him
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
We ain’t gonna lose no more, we ain’t gonna lose no more … how in the heck can this red neck tell … we ain’t gonna lose no more?! Herman’s daddy Gene came to me in a dream and told me so … and if old Gene said it, it’s just gotta be true!
I couldn’t help but smile when I read the title “Enjoy The Ride” and envisioning David O’B long journey back from San diego to Saint Louis via Atlanta. From there I went to thoughts of “No raining on our parade now” to “It ain’t gonna rain no more” to the old parody of the democrats “They ain’t gonna lie no more” to the “King of Georgia Democrats” … some say the “KingFish”.
Don’t ask me why ‘cause I have no idea … might be the Listerine!
However, I can’t see why we shouldn’t expect to do as well in the playoffs … after all, we’ve done this against two teams leading their divisions and everybody knows that now that they figured it out, the Braves will do even better against the other division Leader in the very near future … and, since we can’t play ourselves in the playoffs, we’ll just have to beatup on the Wild Card team then as well.
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
ERA 7.23 WHIP 1.66 BAA.329
That is the Braves line against the best pitcher in the league.
Looks like the chances of continuing the win streak are very good. Tonight rides heavily on the new pitcher Shiele or however you spell his name, an eleven year minor leaguer.
Looks like if we get 4 or 5 good innings from him then the game will rest on the shoulders of “the Bullpen”.
I felt pretty good about our chances until I realized that our bullpen remains the same with no closer and no long relief.
But perhaps after JS sees the implosion tonight he will dial the hotline to San Diego for Linebrink and get the deal done.
I am sure they would listen to any reasonable offer for the best closer er setup man in the league.
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
is the king for sosa deal for real????
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
is the sosa for king deal for real???
By Adam
July 19, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
Is that Sosa for Ray King trade real
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
is the king for sosa deal for real????
By Dr. Jay
July 19, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
If I see one more unneccesary, overused “BREAKING NEWS” header, I’m gonna go postal. NOW, I see it in this blog, used in some bogus reference to a Ray King - Jorge Sosa trade which isn’t on any wire reports as of 3:21 Eastern. Anyway…I don’t think I want Burger King back, even if it means getting rid of Sosa. And that’s saying something.
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
yunel escobar fractured his heel yesterday!out indefinetly! he might have been a good dealing chip!
says rotoworld
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Maybe it is time to put Huson in the pen and let him close a few games. His stamina is low and he can’t seem to get past 3-5 innings per game. Ho. ramirez, Smoltz and James are three pretty good arms and perhaps a well planned trade can bring in another such as Willis from the Marlins.
Just a thought…. Hudson is too good to be this bad. I know he pitched well for five innings last night but then he hit the wall. He may need the renewal of going to the pen and closing a few games out to get back on track.
Who knows… he may even like the change.
By krath
July 19, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
If this has been posted earlier, I appologize, but I found this over on MLB.Com.
“July 19: The Daily Southtown reports that Maddux is the subject of several trade rumors, the latest involving a return to Atlanta, where he pitched from 1993-2003. Maddux and former Braves star Tom Glavine are still good friends, and when asked whether Glavine (now a member of the New York Mets) tried talking him into becoming a Met, Maddux just smiled, paused, and said, “Huh?”“
By Brent
July 19, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Hear that the Padres just released Vinny Castilla …
By Brent
July 19, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Heard that the Padres just released Vinny Castilla …
By mariner
July 19, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
the padres waived vinny castilla today. maybe they’ll get serious now about finding a 3rd baseman. betemit? i’ve got mixed feelings. would hate to lose him, but really need some bullpen help
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Hmmm Betemit for Linebrink… that sounds familiar…
By KC
July 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
ck: Hudson really didn’t all that badly, even in the 6th innning last night. There were a few bloop hits, followed by 1 or 2 mistakes on Hudson’s part.
Anyway, keep in mind that he was pitching on 3 days rest yesterday. There’s nothing wrong with his stamina. When he pitches well, he nearly always goes late into the game.
By Brent
July 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Heard that the Padres just released Vinny Castilla …
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
KC thanks for the update… It was just a thought… I would much rather see LineBrink closing even tho I hate to see betemit go and I beleive any trade for Linebrink would involve Betemit.
Do the Braves have any other 3B in the minors to replace Chipper when the time comes?
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
imagine if we still had marte??? we could swap him for lidge right now
By NYFAN
July 19, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
There’s more excitement on the blog latley. I guess the braves are winning again. That’s good. There will be more interest when the Mets and braves meet next week.
By Ike
July 19, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
If we trade betemit, we won’t make the playoffs. simple as that.
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Someone we dont talk about is another great catcher in the minors calles peña!!
after what he showed in the bigs he might be worth something in a trade!
on the other hand….if we dont hear anything about a deal it means that something is about to happen!!
These are J.S. last couple of years as a GM, he wont have to be spo careful about trading kids
By crocker
July 19, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
TIM HUDSON SUCKSSSSSSSSS
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Tommy Hawk, even with all the power, there’s some evidence of wee wille … certainly more than before! But, I too fear that some of them are enamoured with old Earl Weaver, and may be competing to see who can hit it the fartherest!
By Brent
July 19, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Heard that the Padres just released Vinny Castilla …
By mama
July 19, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
http://abcrad.vo.llnwd.net/o1/espnradio/insider/baseball_today/baseball060719.mp3
this doesnt say much but its the first time ive heard anything from ESPN all year saying something positive about the braves. and that never gets old to me.
mostly about how atlanta is 8…i mean 5 games back.. out of the wildcard and he doesnt think atlanta will sell bc js told him hed like to try to build a wild-card type team one year to see if he was smart enough. blah blah go braves
link
By Kevin C
July 19, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
CK
Eric Campbell is in the minors and probably is viewed as the future after Chipper retires. If Betimit is traded for Linebrink, who will play second? Orr is not reliable. I would promote Prado, just speculation. Hudson looked okay for 5 and like some said, 3 days rest plus the heat probably was just as responsible for the runs as anything else. Would the Padres consider taking Marcus and reunite him with his brother? The ONLY reason I bring this up is due to money, Betimit makes a great deal less. In a perfect world I would keep both and use the system to trade with Cleveland for an arm and then send Boone to padres for Linebrink
By student
July 19, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Look, this is a ridiculous strech. As DOB said, predicting that it won’t last doesn’t exactly make you Nostradumus. McCann, Chipper, LaRoche and Andruw are all hitting as well as they have all year and everyone else is going pretty well, no one in a slump. Eventually, these guys are going to cool down a little, but I don’t see what going back to Turner Field has to do with it. Its something of a pitcher’s park but less so than PETCO. We’ve been scoring a lot of runs because they’ve been knocking the crap out of the ball. Where we are doesn’t have much to do with it.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
good call ike. it took several years for betemit to become who he is now. several. i remember seeing im in richmond 3-4 years ago.. no one close to that caliber is ready to come up. maybe jurries, but we dont need a first baseman.
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Ike… if we don’t give up Betemit then who should go? (The Padres aren’t about to let Linebrink go for Sosa or Giles).
I agree Betemit is a good insurance ploicy for us and I even beleive he should keep starting even when Giles returns but I can’t see anyone else the Padres would take and Linebrink is by far the best closer prospect that may be available this year.
By Ike
July 19, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
imagine if we still had marte??? we could swap him for lidge right now
yeah… then we wouldn’t have Renteria and we’d be 12 games back from the Wild Card right now
By ck
July 19, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Good call on Renteria Ike…
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
yeah… then we wouldn’t have Renteria and we’d be 12 games back from the Wild Card right now
bettemit would be playin SS
By student
July 19, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Betemit is a good player and I’m sure he could start and do all right, but he he’s not Renteria. We would not be where we are now without Renteria.
By Ike
July 19, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
LOOK PPL— Linebrink is solid but he’s not amazing. And actually, i disagree with the assumption that he’s a great closer prospect.
My goodness people, the man has been in the league 6 years and has recorded 2 saves. How many setup men have we tried to convert into closers? how many times has that worked??? Yeah, he’d be great to have, but there are other people who would be suitable upgrades that wouldn’t cost us a gem like Betemit. compare our record with giles starting and without. it’s startling. Betemit has hit over .300 as a leadoff hitter and giles under .250. we CANNOT trade betemit
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Lets be honest!
nobody ever thought renteria would bounce back this way he has been amazing!!!!
Way better than lugo
By Jim
July 19, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Unless we can get Nathan or Gonzalez, the trade I would like to see us make would be for Jason Schmidt, or more realistically for Tony Armas Jr. If we had starters that could give us 7+ innings 2 out of every 3 starts we would imporove the pen by not having to use most of the pitchers out there. To me Wickman, Borowski, etc. are not much of an improvement, if any, over Ray. If our starters could just get the game to Yates + Ray, I think we’d be in decent shape.
The downside of this recent streak has been the pitching — Only Smoltz and HoRam (if healthy) give you confidence of winning a low scoring game. Hudson not getting through the 6th inning last night cast a bit of a cloud over an otherwise perfect evening.
By alex
July 19, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
i am not sold on linebrink either!!
i believe the indians would give us wickman and mota for bettemit and minor leaguer.
remeber that we have 6 mil. available! or is that just bull.?
By chopthis
July 19, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
The next time you see me comin’, you better run.
By Haywood Jablome
July 19, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
.500 means nothing?? What? What does that percentage mean then. Since there’s never been a division winner under .500 and the wild card winners for the last 10 years average about 92 wins, I think .500 is a reasonable goal for now. I agree we’ll pass .500, maybe even by Sunday, but my point is we’ve still got alot of work ahead of us. But since you’re so f**ing smart, I bet you knew that already.
By KC
July 19, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
alex: Why aren’t you sold on Linebrink? He’s been one of the best and most consistent setup men in baseball over the past few years.
Probably won’t matter anyway. We’re not likely to get him.
By Ike
July 19, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Ever since Betemit has been in the lineup we’ve been on a rediculous offensive tear like we’ve never seen. WE’re truly gelling as an offensive unit and our defense hasn’t suffered with him either.
Now, to say that our offsive surge is due to betemit is downright silly. But to say he’s not a part of the winning equation is equally as shortsighted. we need him in our lineup.
By doug
July 19, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Can’t say I wouldn’t mind facing some of that tough October pitching again. If we ended up with the wild card, we don’t play the Mets in the first round so we get the central champ (St Louis or Cinn) both of whom we just creamed, or the west champ who is currently San Diego who we also just creamed. Just so long as its not Houston again, then we go to the NLCS. That in itself is further than we have been in awhile, but then its at least two starts against Glavine in that series. Sounds good to me.
By alex
July 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I would prefer wickman and mota!!! But linebrink is fine by me!!
anything is better than sosa and reitsma
anyways!! maybe JS can convince Tod Jones to be released and close for his beloved braves!
I am tired of hearing this guy say how much he wanted to be a brave!!
By Paul Hamilton
July 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
I just had a strange idea, everyone may laugh at this idea, but I don’t really care. Is there any possibility Maddux would consider taking on the closer role for this team?? I know Maddux is getting older and doesn’t quite have the stuff he used to, but I would feel a lot more comfortable putting Maddux into tough situations with the game on the line than I do all of our other relievers combined. It would also be kind of cool to have Maddux back for the rest of the season as a Brave. He probably wouldnt consider the idea, but stranger things have happened. If we could also acquire a good setup man to bridge the gap to Maddux…might work. Just a thought.
By doc
July 19, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
dave, thanks for take on gram parson album set. he was really a very talented guy and what a way to go.
thanks for the info on the guru at toco. that is right around the corner and seems like it might be a place for me to spend some down time.
dave appreciate the insights, i know you arent a braves fan but like the way the game is played when it is done well and are quick to point out the difference and to also give cred when it is appropriate with emphasis and passion.
By ck
July 19, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Linebrink only has two saves because he has been setting up for Hoffman. Hoffamn has been as solid a closer as any in the league. Linebrink has the mentality for closing and he has proven it time and again by performing in his setup role very well.
And a note to Haywood… keep it clean and don’t be so offensive to other bloggers. profanity has no place in a public forum.
By doug
July 19, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
BTW, the kool aid is great.
By Ike
July 19, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Reitsma was good at being a setup man time and time again, with a 95 mph fastball and lots of promise. how did that one turn out?
I know that we turned Smoltz from starter to closer and it worked out great. But that was 4 years ago, and ever since we’ve been plagued by 9th inning uncertainty. I’m just tired of the “lets pick a guy up with a decent ERA and turn him into a closer thing”. maybe that works at the beginning of the season when you can experiment and play around with different things, but in the middle of a playoff race after many failed experiments i’d rather get a decent closer for a cheaper price that has been in the situation before than get a top setup man who has been in the situation TWICE in his career and give up a top player
By Sharon
July 19, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t trade Betemit.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Paul, I seriously doubt a guy with over 300 wins will decide to close games at this stage of his career. I think Glavine has a better shot of landing in Atlanta next year than Maddux does this year. If JS makes a trade, I don’t see him involving Betemit in any of them. He is just too valuable right now to trade. However, I do see him putting in some young talent such as Salty(won’t even pretend to spell his name) or one of the 8 billion short stops we currently have.
By KC
July 19, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Calvin: It would be nice to see either Maddux or Glavine back in a Braves uniform from a sentimental standpoint, but there’s 0 chance that either will return next year.
As it is, we’re going to have 6 starters for 5 spots in the rotation (with the return of Hampton).
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
I dont like the idea of giving up salty for anyone. can yall remember when we got estrada and he was hot we thought he’d be here for a while. at that point we didnt even hear of mccann. i would hate to think bryan pena is our answer after mccann. i say throw some infielder and pitchers from the minors out there with giles instead of betemit and salty.
By Dr. Jay
July 19, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
The only closer prospect being mentioned (on this blog) who’d really get me stoked is Joe Nathan. But is that realistic? Just asking…I’m not sure why the Twins would part with him. Something I don’t know?
By Brent
July 19, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Hambone, the padres could’ve won the west last year at 78-84.
My point is that .500 itself is not the goal, the WC is.
If you could defend that without using foul language, I might listen to you.
Will we need to be better than .500 to get the Wild Card? Almost definitely.
But why make that the focus right now, when the real goal - the Wild Card - is in sight (and could potentially be reached without reaching .500)?
.500 is a goal for teams that don’t have real play-offs hopes to try and get to by season’s end.
I find it silly to act like you can’t focus on the play-offs until you reach that number.
What if we win 4/5 and the Reds lose 5 straight?
What then? Should we not be happy that we caught the Reds because we’re below .500?
By Chop Chop
July 19, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
In the dime stores and bus stations, people talk of situations; read books, repeat quotations…draw conclusions on the wall. And if my thought-dreams could be seen, chopthis, (well, he puts his cigar out in your face just for kicks), they’d probably put my head in a guillotine. At times I think there are no words, but these to tell what’s true: All the masters make the rules for the wise men and the fools.
We just saw it from a different point of view, chopthis. Is it hopeless and forlorn? May God bless and keep you always, oh, but you who philosophize, disgrace and criticize awkward lyrics, bury the rag deep in your face for now’s the time for your tears.
By ck
July 19, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard anything about Cordero in Texas? He is as good a closer as any but could he be available since Otsuka is pitching so well? I’ll be surprised if JS doesn’t pull the strings soon and get a closer and a long reliever in here.
I haven’t heard anything about Nathan being available but you never know!
The Reds oneupped us on Fast Eddie… he could have solved the closer problem.
By Max
July 19, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
guys listen JS has to go after Todd jONES.tHIS GUY GREW UP LOVING THE Almighty BRAVES.WHEN YOU PLAY FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEAM YOU DO BETTER.AND HE WILL NOT COST MUCH
By BOB C
July 19, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Before we trade away somebody we shouldn’t (read Giles) please consider catching the ball - since we are are near the bottom in pitcher strikeouts. Some statistics for our middle infielders - Giles 379 chances - 5 errors; Renteria 254/8; Orr 46/0; Betemit 137/7 - as many as either Giles or Renteria in approximately half the chances.
By David O'Brien
July 19, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
MART, congrats. worst post of the day. infantile and added nothing for anyone. you da man. keep up the bad work.
By kevin
July 19, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I wanna see 10+ runs against Chris Carpenter!
By KC
July 19, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I was looking at Wilson Betemit’s numbers yesterday…
He’s hitting .301, and if you project his 2006 numbers out to 550 at-bats, you will have the folling:
26-homers, 85-RBI, 47-Doubles, 151 strike-outs
Very good production, but I didn’t realize that he strikes out as much as he does.
That being said… Betemit will either be our everyday second-baseman next year (Giles traded), or he will be traded for bullpen help. He’s too good to be a fill-in/utility guy.
By Cobby
July 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
We all just need to enjoy the ride!!!! If the Braves make the playoffs—- great!! If not —we must be patient and hope for beter things next year. I always see the glass half full—- so there!
By Max
July 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
HEY CK BOTH THOSE GUYS SHOULD BE AVALIABLE,THERE TEAMS AREN’T GOING NOWHERE.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Bob C: if betemit contributes more to the overall effectiveness of the offense as opposed to giles wouldnt that offset the errors. as it is right now betemit has better or close to the same offensive numbers as giles.
By KC
July 19, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Maybe Boston would be interested in a Sosa-for-Papelbon trade?
By ck
July 19, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
KC… re you kidding? Sosa for Papelbon… And I thought I was a dreamer!
By BOB C
July 19, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
C Bob - Perhaps. Goodness knows, he’s doing well in the lead-off spot - if we could just hide his glove. I keep remembering how we started this run with gloves like Belliard, Lemke, Bream and Pendeleton - and that was when we had guys who fanned more batters than our current staff. Certainly no problem in the outfield with Andruw surrounded by two greyhounds in Langerhans and Frenchy.
By SAMMY HAGAR
July 19, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Great job by Bobby Cox recently with lineup selections, not that it is that hard of a decision to keep Pratt and Orr on the bench aside from late game mop-ups. Hopefully, Brian Jordan won’t be returning this year to the lineup.
By will
July 19, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
AJC > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 18 > Entry
When Smoltz talks… By Chop Chick | Tuesday, July 18, 2006, 10:10 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
…why SHOULDN’T Schuerholz listen?
Our true ace knows that we need a TRUE closer. Find that man. Find him soon.
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments By crocker
July 18, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
While hudson continues to be another schuerholz bust rather than ace giving up 5 runs in 5 2/3 despite a 10-0 lead. WORTHLESS!!!
By guru
July 19, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe so many have been so quick to bash Schuerholz. He’s no idiot - and he’s got the track record to prove it. Be honest - if you could go back to 1991 and trade GMs with any team, would you??? Of course not. He’s been wildly successful. Having said that, I think that he’s been a little too complacent, but I think the recent power surge and spirit of our players will lead him to renew his love of winning and deal-making. I smell a closer on the way (just hope that its a good smell!)
By Raula
July 19, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this
Yesterday, John Smoltz left me a voicemail on behalf of his pal Ralph Reed. LOSER!
By DC_Braves Fan
July 19, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this
Seriously, guys…the relentless bashing of Hudson has to stop. Crocker, if you watched that game at ALL tonight, you saw that Hudson had great stuff the entire game. Of the 5 runs, 2 were scored on Rolen swinging for his life on a way inside pitch and blooping it down the line and 1 was scored on a “wave the bat” double by the next guy. The rest of the night, Hudson’s ball was sinking, diving and moving all over the place. He definitely got shelled his last start, but the start before that, he gave up 4 runs but also had great stuff. He just ran into a bit of bad luck with bleeders and a couple of solid shots. He’s going to be fine. The real worry will continue to be the bullpen.
By Rico
July 19, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
I know it’s a broken record. But, put Smoltz back in the closer role and trade Giles and a couple of minor league propects for Miguel Batista and Brandon Medders.
By Brian
July 19, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this
New to the site here, but a life-long Braves fan in Colorado. It’s tough to bash Schuerholz. The guy has been amazing for so long. How many years recently has the Braves’ demise been predicted, yet he keeps putting a winning product on the field. Even in this bad year, they’re in the wild card chase. The odds are just catching up with the Braves - nobody can win EVERY year. That said, a couple of tweaks can get the Braves in the playoffs. You can’t put Smoltz in the bullpen again, because then you weaken your rotation. They’ve definitely got to make a move for a closer to make the postseason, though. I think that’s the only piece missing.
By Rico
July 19, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this
Brian….How can you weaken this staff by adding two quality starters and putting the third best closer in the game back in the bullpen. Most years I would agree with you. But, this year there are zero quality closers available on teams that are out of contention and would be willing to deal. If Smoltz wants to go back to the World Series with the Braves, he needs to get back in the pin. Just like last year, heis arm will burn up during the last half of the year. He finally admitted after the last post season game against Houston, that there was no way he could have pitched another game. Without Smoltz leading the bullpen, the Braves have no chance to go deep into the playoffs. Yeah, I know…It’s useless, Smoltz really has convinced himself that the preperation for starters is better for his arm. That’s crap. Let me see, 110 pitches a night vs 25. Because of his proven track record and the respect he has earned, he has managed to convince even the most knowledable baseball people that the starters preperation is better for his arm vs the closer preperation. Look…All I know for a fact is that there is no better closer in the game that is available right now.
HEY SMOLTZY! Lead us back to the World Series by way of the 8th and 9th innings.
By Andy
July 19, 2006 04:40 AM | Link to this
Children—-yes children!! Man what is up with you guys—-Hudson is worhtless—-pitching on short rest on an HOT and HUMID night with a 12 run lead with 2 OUTS——yeah you throw the ball down the middle of the plate—-5 runs SO WHAT! The game was over. The braves are playing the best they have in…..(fill in the blank)—-ENJOY IT!!! As far as ‘get a closer now’—-man come on—-I get the emotions. Believe me. I am just gonna enjoy tonight—-and pray for Schneil(sp—whatever) tomorrow—-hope he turns into the Sosa of last year. The new old baby brave(age 29) from Sav. GA.
By Thinkin ‘91
July 19, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
Andy - agree with you 100%. I am tired of hearing all these GM wannabe’s crying about what JS should be doing. Baseball insiders will tell you he is one of the very top GM’s in the business. WHEN he feels he has the man, and the deal, he WILL pull the string, but let’s not trade away out future for an average arm. Look how the media is laughing at Cincinnati after their panic-mode deal last week.
Yes, we need to fine tune the closer’s role. But that is one position where it’s not what’s in your arm it’s what’s inside your head that counts. And I like what I see in Ken Ray. Here’s a guy who has that ‘never say die’ attitude. I say, give him the ball and let’s rock on!
We’ve cut a 10 gane deficit down to 4 in what, less than 3 weeks. There’s plenty of time to grab the WC and then aim for the Mets. They have to be gettin’ crazy looking over their shoulders at how the Braves are playing right now!
By CITYofdecatur
July 19, 2006 06:40 AM | Link to this
Gonna be a long wild ride this summer Does it feel a touch like 91 comin’ out of the break. JS got us a recycled closer then and hopefully things work out this year.
By the ricker
July 19, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
JS, go get Kris Benson. The O’s are done and will sell.
By ROCKBUSTER
July 19, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
PLEASE JS GET SOME BULLPEN HELP NOW.WHILE WE’RE ON A ROLL.GO BRAVES
By Norcrossue
July 19, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this
Time Warner, send money for bullpen or better yet, Ted T. please buy the braves! We know you made sure there was money for what we needed.
By King 3-B
July 19, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Our Braves have figured out the way to not really needing a closer.
They simply go out and put up double figures on the scoreboard. They then can send any group of relievers out there for mop up duty.
By vinnie boombotz
July 19, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Since you guys need a closer, why don’t you bring back John Rocker? LMAO @ you clowns thinking you got a real s**t to win ANYTHING.
By vinnie boombotz
July 19, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Since you guys need a closer, why don’t you bring back John Rocker? LMAO @ you clowns thinking you got a real shot to win ANYTHING.
By Mike
July 19, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Tim Hudson has lost 6-9 mph off his fastball from his Oakland days; he is a drop and drive pitcher and his best pitches—sinking fastball and slider—are not as sharp. Maybe Tim can figure it out.
By Haywood Jablome
July 19, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
What the hell is with the Yankees? Now we’re hearing that they’re interested in Cubs’ Scott Williamson! Is there anyone they won’t throw money at? I’m still scratching my head over what prospects the Yankees have (other than over-rated Philip Hughes). They’re just a refuge for teams looking to dump salaries…how the f* can you root for a team like that?!
By Dr. Jay
July 19, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Ugh…Please no Kris Benson. I was at the game a few weeks ago when he pitched for the Oreos (as Don Sutton calls them) and he had nothing on his pitches. The second time through the order and we had his number. Better for the Mets to get him and let us feast on his mediocre stuff.
I think Vinnie Boozebutt needs a hug.
By jch
July 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Vinnie b
Once a decade ,Is it really fun to be a mutts fan and come out of the wood work every 10 years or so! Enjoy it while you can … th braves smell blood and you know it.and I know it and worse for you is the mutts know it… Remember old Luchovich cartoon—- Look into the side view mirro what does it say Things are closer than they appear…. GO BRAVES…
By Beth in P’Cola
July 19, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Chop Chick, isn’t this just WONDERFUL?! Like one of the boys said recently “we just want to enjoy this and ride it as long as we can” I’ve been a baseball fan since 1956 when my Dad took me to my first ballgame at Crosley Field, and I’ve never seen anything like this. FANTASTIC!! BTW, I agree with giving Key Ray a real shot at closer. He appears to have the mental set for it. And Kris Benson - HA - after reading how folks are upset with an owner providing porn for hotels, I’d love to see the reaction to acquiring Kris.(and his sexy wife)
By Ricky
July 19, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
I dont understand something. Will someone please explain to me why we are not trying to talk to Washington about Cordero? The guy can close, he has proven that over the past couple of years. Washington is obviously dumping talent i.e. Soriano and Hernandez. So why dont we try and make a deal with them? Is there something that I am missing?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Hey Vinnie-Can you pitch?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Yeah Ricky-You’re missing something. Soriano makes $10 mil a year and will make more next year. Hernandez makes many$$. Cordero is a second year player who won’t even be arbitration eligible for another full year. Would you give up a cheap reliever of his quality. Ther’s no salary to dump.
By rice
July 19, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
guys, i’m all willing to trade for some bullpen help or a closer but not if we have to give up wilson betimet. this guy fills in anywhere and if he played everyday he would be an allstar. i like giles but maybe he’s the one that needs to go along with langerhans for any closer not named reitsma, kolb, or farnsworthless.
By mart
July 19, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
Has anyone seen Chad Cordero pitch lately (like, say, this year)? He’s terrible. He makes Dan Kolb look like Cecil Upshaw.
By shawn
July 19, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
I keep hearing that there ar no closers available. What about Matt Clement, Chad Cordero,Bob Wickman, and Tom Gordon. All of these guys are on teams going south. How about Davies, Satch, and Diaz for Soriano, Stanton, and Cordero. Maybe Giles and minor leaguer for Clement and Nevin.
By rob
July 19, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez in Pittsburgh is the guy.
By james gordon
July 19, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
It’s plain it’s simple, we need a closer and a setup man in the bullpen. It’s time to get some pitching on both sides. Smoltz is the only pitcher we can count on and then the bullpen blows his leads. S—t or get off the pot. Its time for action. I’ve been a Loyal Braves fan since 1966 and have put up with a lot and I am tired of it. Sell the team to someone who wants to win and win now. We have been so close but so far away too long.
James Gordon Knoxville TN I was Georgia born and bread. Get with it now.
By Rock Preston
July 19, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Trade Giles to Pittsburgh for Mike Gonzalez.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
The Sox aren’t giving up Clement. Cordero is too cheap for the Nats to give up on. Wickman looks like he has been partying with his twin brother David Wells and Gordon is making over $10 mil a year and he’s 40+. Next question.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, Clement is with the Rangers, but he has a 6.61 ERA-worse than Sosa
By rob
July 19, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Exactly! Trade Giles while he is hot and on the bench for Gonzalez.
Next trade prospects, $$$, and Langerhans for Maddux to be the #3 or #4 starter.
Bam! World Series Title!
By jim
July 19, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves really only need to trade Marcus Giles and Thompson at this point and only if they can get decent bull pen help Im probly insane but i think Yates can be the closer If you can use Stockman And Moyian as set up I think it will work. At this point dont mortgage the future. Everyone is hot about the MEts future and they have two future stars in Reyes and Wright. The Brav es have Mccann, Betemit,Laroache,Francour and Andrew J is only 29 Oh and by the way we have young up and coming pitching not old and tired.The Braves future is bright Seems like the best route is to relish the way they are playing right now. Pray it can continue and accept whatever fate they end up with this year. THANKS FOR NOT QUITTING BRAVES .Go get those stinking Mets any body notice who quickly the Mets fans posting on these sites have left.GO BRaves
By Dean
July 19, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard the below rumor?
July 19 Daily Southtown (scroll down): “Greg Maddux is the subject of several trade rumors, the latest involving a return to Atlanta, where he pitched from 1993-2003.”
By Josh
July 19, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Our new closers name is JOE NATHAN. Send whoever it takes to Minnesota, we have 6 million waiting to pay him with………do whatever it takes
By Chop Chick
July 19, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Trade Thomson? Is some team desperate enough to want him? No, really - I’m just asking.
By will
July 19, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
I think Hudsons problems come from the bay area. Anybody notice that alot of stars that leave there or stay there for that matter have been tied with roids. Big mac, Giambi, Tejada w/ Palmeiro, BONDS.Hudson and Mulder have fell off. Zito is not what he used to be. I dont know but its something to think about. What does everybody else think.
By will
July 19, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
AJC > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 18 > Entry
When Smoltz talks… By Chop Chick | Tuesday, July 18, 2006, 10:10 PM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
…why SHOULDN’T Schuerholz listen?
Our true ace knows that we need a TRUE closer. Find that man. Find him soon.
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments By crocker
July 18, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
While hudson continues to be another schuerholz bust rather than ace giving up 5 runs in 5 2/3 despite a 10-0 lead. WORTHLESS!!!
By guru
July 19, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe so many have been so quick to bash Schuerholz. He’s no idiot - and he’s got the track record to prove it. Be honest - if you could go back to 1991 and trade GMs with any team, would you??? Of course not. He’s been wildly successful. Having said that, I think that he’s been a little too complacent, but I think the recent power surge and spirit of our players will lead him to renew his love of winning and deal-making. I smell a closer on the way (just hope that its a good smell!)
By Raula
July 19, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this
Yesterday, John Smoltz left me a voicemail on behalf of his pal Ralph Reed. LOSER!
By DC_Braves Fan
July 19, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this
Seriously, guys…the relentless bashing of Hudson has to stop. Crocker, if you watched that game at ALL tonight, you saw that Hudson had great stuff the entire game. Of the 5 runs, 2 were scored on Rolen swinging for his life on a way inside pitch and blooping it down the line and 1 was scored on a “wave the bat” double by the next guy. The rest of the night, Hudson’s ball was sinking, diving and moving all over the place. He definitely got shelled his last start, but the start before that, he gave up 4 runs but also had great stuff. He just ran into a bit of bad luck with bleeders and a couple of solid shots. He’s going to be fine. The real worry will continue to be the bullpen.
By Rico
July 19, 2006 02:04 AM | Link to this
I know it’s a broken record. But, put Smoltz back in the closer role and trade Giles and a couple of minor league propects for Miguel Batista and Brandon Medders.
By Brian
July 19, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this
New to the site here, but a life-long Braves fan in Colorado. It’s tough to bash Schuerholz. The guy has been amazing for so long. How many years recently has the Braves’ demise been predicted, yet he keeps putting a winning product on the field. Even in this bad year, they’re in the wild card chase. The odds are just catching up with the Braves - nobody can win EVERY year. That said, a couple of tweaks can get the Braves in the playoffs. You can’t put Smoltz in the bullpen again, because then you weaken your rotation. They’ve definitely got to make a move for a closer to make the postseason, though. I think that’s the only piece missing.
By Rico
July 19, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this
Brian….How can you weaken this staff by adding two quality starters and putting the third best closer in the game back in the bullpen. Most years I would agree with you. But, this year there are zero quality closers available on teams that are out of contention and would be willing to deal. If Smoltz wants to go back to the World Series with the Braves, he needs to get back in the pin. Just like last year, heis arm will burn up during the last half of the year. He finally admitted after the last post season game against Houston, that there was no way he could have pitched another game. Without Smoltz leading the bullpen, the Braves have no chance to go deep into the playoffs. Yeah, I know…It’s useless, Smoltz really has convinced himself that the preperation for starters is better for his arm. That’s crap. Let me see, 110 pitches a night vs 25. Because of his proven track record and the respect he has earned, he has managed to convince even the most knowledable baseball people that the starters preperation is better for his arm vs the closer preperation. Look…All I know for a fact is that there is no better closer in the game that is available right now.
HEY SMOLTZY! Lead us back to the World Series by way of the 8th and 9th innings.
By Andy
July 19, 2006 04:40 AM | Link to this
Children—-yes children!! Man what is up with you guys—-Hudson is worhtless—-pitching on short rest on an HOT and HUMID night with a 12 run lead with 2 OUTS——yeah you throw the ball down the middle of the plate—-5 runs SO WHAT! The game was over. The braves are playing the best they have in…..(fill in the blank)—-ENJOY IT!!! As far as ‘get a closer now’—-man come on—-I get the emotions. Believe me. I am just gonna enjoy tonight—-and pray for Schneil(sp—whatever) tomorrow—-hope he turns into the Sosa of last year. The new old baby brave(age 29) from Sav. GA.
By Thinkin ‘91
July 19, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
Andy - agree with you 100%. I am tired of hearing all these GM wannabe’s crying about what JS should be doing. Baseball insiders will tell you he is one of the very top GM’s in the business. WHEN he feels he has the man, and the deal, he WILL pull the string, but let’s not trade away out future for an average arm. Look how the media is laughing at Cincinnati after their panic-mode deal last week.
Yes, we need to fine tune the closer’s role. But that is one position where it’s not what’s in your arm it’s what’s inside your head that counts. And I like what I see in Ken Ray. Here’s a guy who has that ‘never say die’ attitude. I say, give him the ball and let’s rock on!
We’ve cut a 10 gane deficit down to 4 in what, less than 3 weeks. There’s plenty of time to grab the WC and then aim for the Mets. They have to be gettin’ crazy looking over their shoulders at how the Braves are playing right now!
By CITYofdecatur
July 19, 2006 06:40 AM | Link to this
Gonna be a long wild ride this summer Does it feel a touch like 91 comin’ out of the break. JS got us a recycled closer then and hopefully things work out this year.
By the ricker
July 19, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
JS, go get Kris Benson. The O’s are done and will sell.
By ROCKBUSTER
July 19, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
PLEASE JS GET SOME BULLPEN HELP NOW.WHILE WE’RE ON A ROLL.GO BRAVES
By Norcrossue
July 19, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this
Time Warner, send money for bullpen or better yet, Ted T. please buy the braves! We know you made sure there was money for what we needed.
By King 3-B
July 19, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Our Braves have figured out the way to not really needing a closer.
They simply go out and put up double figures on the scoreboard. They then can send any group of relievers out there for mop up duty.
By vinnie boombotz
July 19, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Since you guys need a closer, why don’t you bring back John Rocker? LMAO @ you clowns thinking you got a real s**t to win ANYTHING.
By vinnie boombotz
July 19, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Since you guys need a closer, why don’t you bring back John Rocker? LMAO @ you clowns thinking you got a real shot to win ANYTHING.
By Mike
July 19, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Tim Hudson has lost 6-9 mph off his fastball from his Oakland days; he is a drop and drive pitcher and his best pitches—sinking fastball and slider—are not as sharp. Maybe Tim can figure it out.
By Haywood Jablome
July 19, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
What the hell is with the Yankees? Now we’re hearing that they’re interested in Cubs’ Scott Williamson! Is there anyone they won’t throw money at? I’m still scratching my head over what prospects the Yankees have (other than over-rated Philip Hughes). They’re just a refuge for teams looking to dump salaries…how the f* can you root for a team like that?!
By Dr. Jay
July 19, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Ugh…Please no Kris Benson. I was at the game a few weeks ago when he pitched for the Oreos (as Don Sutton calls them) and he had nothing on his pitches. The second time through the order and we had his number. Better for the Mets to get him and let us feast on his mediocre stuff.
I think Vinnie Boozebutt needs a hug.
By jch
July 19, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Vinnie b
Once a decade ,Is it really fun to be a mutts fan and come out of the wood work every 10 years or so! Enjoy it while you can … th braves smell blood and you know it.and I know it and worse for you is the mutts know it… Remember old Luchovich cartoon—- Look into the side view mirro what does it say Things are closer than they appear…. GO BRAVES…
By Beth in P’Cola
July 19, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Chop Chick, isn’t this just WONDERFUL?! Like one of the boys said recently “we just want to enjoy this and ride it as long as we can” I’ve been a baseball fan since 1956 when my Dad took me to my first ballgame at Crosley Field, and I’ve never seen anything like this. FANTASTIC!! BTW, I agree with giving Key Ray a real shot at closer. He appears to have the mental set for it. And Kris Benson - HA - after reading how folks are upset with an owner providing porn for hotels, I’d love to see the reaction to acquiring Kris.(and his sexy wife)
By Ricky
July 19, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
I dont understand something. Will someone please explain to me why we are not trying to talk to Washington about Cordero? The guy can close, he has proven that over the past couple of years. Washington is obviously dumping talent i.e. Soriano and Hernandez. So why dont we try and make a deal with them? Is there something that I am missing?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Hey Vinnie-Can you pitch?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Yeah Ricky-You’re missing something. Soriano makes $10 mil a year and will make more next year. Hernandez makes many$$. Cordero is a second year player who won’t even be arbitration eligible for another full year. Would you give up a cheap reliever of his quality. Ther’s no salary to dump.
By rice
July 19, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
guys, i’m all willing to trade for some bullpen help or a closer but not if we have to give up wilson betimet. this guy fills in anywhere and if he played everyday he would be an allstar. i like giles but maybe he’s the one that needs to go along with langerhans for any closer not named reitsma, kolb, or farnsworthless.
By mart
July 19, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
Has anyone seen Chad Cordero pitch lately (like, say, this year)? He’s terrible. He makes Dan Kolb look like Cecil Upshaw.
By shawn
July 19, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
I keep hearing that there ar no closers available. What about Matt Clement, Chad Cordero,Bob Wickman, and Tom Gordon. All of these guys are on teams going south. How about Davies, Satch, and Diaz for Soriano, Stanton, and Cordero. Maybe Giles and minor leaguer for Clement and Nevin.
By rob
July 19, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez in Pittsburgh is the guy.
By james gordon
July 19, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
It’s plain it’s simple, we need a closer and a setup man in the bullpen. It’s time to get some pitching on both sides. Smoltz is the only pitcher we can count on and then the bullpen blows his leads. S—t or get off the pot. Its time for action. I’ve been a Loyal Braves fan since 1966 and have put up with a lot and I am tired of it. Sell the team to someone who wants to win and win now. We have been so close but so far away too long.
James Gordon Knoxville TN I was Georgia born and bread. Get with it now.
By Rock Preston
July 19, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Trade Giles to Pittsburgh for Mike Gonzalez.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
The Sox aren’t giving up Clement. Cordero is too cheap for the Nats to give up on. Wickman looks like he has been partying with his twin brother David Wells and Gordon is making over $10 mil a year and he’s 40+. Next question.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, Clement is with the Rangers, but he has a 6.61 ERA-worse than Sosa
By rob
July 19, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Exactly! Trade Giles while he is hot and on the bench for Gonzalez.
Next trade prospects, $$$, and Langerhans for Maddux to be the #3 or #4 starter.
Bam! World Series Title!
By jim
July 19, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves really only need to trade Marcus Giles and Thompson at this point and only if they can get decent bull pen help Im probly insane but i think Yates can be the closer If you can use Stockman And Moyian as set up I think it will work. At this point dont mortgage the future. Everyone is hot about the MEts future and they have two future stars in Reyes and Wright. The Brav es have Mccann, Betemit,Laroache,Francour and Andrew J is only 29 Oh and by the way we have young up and coming pitching not old and tired.The Braves future is bright Seems like the best route is to relish the way they are playing right now. Pray it can continue and accept whatever fate they end up with this year. THANKS FOR NOT QUITTING BRAVES .Go get those stinking Mets any body notice who quickly the Mets fans posting on these sites have left.GO BRaves
By Dean
July 19, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard the below rumor?
July 19 Daily Southtown (scroll down): “Greg Maddux is the subject of several trade rumors, the latest involving a return to Atlanta, where he pitched from 1993-2003.”
By Josh
July 19, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Our new closers name is JOE NATHAN. Send whoever it takes to Minnesota, we have 6 million waiting to pay him with………do whatever it takes
By Chop Chick
July 19, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Trade Thomson? Is some team desperate enough to want him? No, really - I’m just asking.
By will
July 19, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
I think Hudsons problems come from the bay area. Anybody notice that alot of stars that leave there or stay there for that matter have been tied with roids. Big mac, Giambi, Tejada w/ Palmeiro, BONDS.Hudson and Mulder have fell off. Zito is not what he used to be. I dont know but its something to think about. What does everybody else think.
By Jman
July 19, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves are just showcasing Thorman. I think he’ll be included in any deal. Braves on the block include Thorman, Betemit, Giles, Langerhans, and Sosa. In my humble opinion. Of course it wont be all of them, but I think those some combination of 2 or 3 of those guys will be what it takes to get a good late inning pitcher and/or 4th SP.
By KC
July 19, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob: Sure, Giles has (until recently) not been hitting all that well this season. But I think you have to chalk it up to nothing more than a guy who was pressing too hard and trying to get used to batting leadoff (where he’s not very comfortable). No matter the reason, he was tearing the cover off the ball before he hurt his thumb, and we have to remember what kind of player Giles really is.
I’ve posted these numbers a couple of times in different blogs, but these stats bear repeating.
Here are Giles numbers over the past few seasons:
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
Giles had a few bad months at the plate. He’s over it now. I love Betemit, and I’m not against trading Giles (if we can get something significant in return), and playing Betemit everyday. He’s younger, he costs less, and it wouldn’t mean a big offensive drop off in the lineup.
But I’m not convinced that he’s a better option offensively than Giles. Not when you really pay attention to what kind of hitter Marcus Giles is.
By Braves Realist
July 19, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Yes , enjoy this while it continues. They are alive and kicking at the moment. But , somehow the pitching doesn’t inspire me much. The August schedule looks like a cherry tree ripe for the picking , lets hope Schuerholz picks up some veteran arms and Davies get’s healthy.
By fan in va
July 19, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Brian Giles on the release of Vinny C.
“Obviously you think there’s something that’s going to happen if they’re going to let him go,” Giles said. “But like I said, what he meant to our team and the guys in here, his personality, he brought a lot to this team.”
wonder if the betemit trade is just around the corner. I hope we keep betemit - he’s been a beast at the plate this year.. i saw A LOT of him in richmond - he never seemed to find his potential. now that he has got his swing, it would be disappointing to see him go. But at least if he did go, I wouldn’t be forced to listen to jon miller of espn call him “bait-a-meat” constantly.
btw…what ever happened to charles thomas?
By Jman
July 19, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
I still want the Braves to pick up Gil Meche. He’s having a good year in the AL and would become even better in the NL. He could be a #2 SP in the NL! It looks like the Mariners are going to be buyers though. Heard they’re going after Soriano. I’d love to see them package Meche and Putz for Thorman, and a couple prospects.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
DOB……
Do you or do you not agree that if JS doesn’t make a trade for a closer…..ANY CLOSER, that no matter what ammount of runs the Braves score, it wont matter?
Or do you believe that with the current cast of “characters” already on the roster or in the system, the have their closer right under their nose and haven’t found him yet?
I have shown some recent optimism about the way this team is playing. Not just the wins and all the runs. But playing with passion, excitement and general enthusiasm. In other words they are playing like they want it!
But that optimism will not just turn to pessimism if a legit closer is not gotten, it will turn into anger. I realize Todd Jones wasn’t 1st on anybody’s “wishlist” this offseason, he sure wasn’t on mine! But I became even more upset with JS and Bobby, when I read that Jones said he wanted to pitch for Atlanta and would’ve done so at a “home town” discount if JS had offered the 2nd year. Didn’t Chipper redo his deal so JS could aquire some help? I’m always one for not mortgaging the future, and like I said Todd Jones is no Mariano Rivera, but it is nothing more than pure stubborness and ego on JS’s and Bobby’s part to honestly think that Reitsma and Devine were better options than Todd Jones. For as much as I’ve ripped Chipper this year, if I were him I’d ask for my money back ASAP!
I stand by what I’ve said all along, if there is no shot at the post season (and going deep in post season) then veterans should be moved for good young players. And in my opinion, if we do not aquire a closer with actual experience and reasonable success closing big league games, then we have NO SHOT at post season, much less doing anything once we get there.
BTW, you are correct DOB, this offensive explosion is incredible. But you nailed it right on the head it aint ever gonna happen in October against good pitching. Then again, didn’t the Braves run off 5 games like this in the 1996 post season (3 to close out the Cardinals and the 1st 2 against the Yankees? - what were the run totals over that 5 game stretch?)
Sorry for the long post…….wait a minute, NO I’M NOT!!! LOL!
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
i guess i must just be a big fan of wilson because to me everything about him makes sense. his salary-cheaper than marcus. offense-better than marcus minus the k’s. defense-he needs more time in the field to become better, and by tossing him around everywhere does no good. no one will ever have the hands of lemke, but marcus is better than wilson there. take edgar for instance-sucked in the field last year and better this year.
By geauxbraves2000
July 19, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Fan in VA, Chalres Thomas went to Oakland w/Dan Meyer & Juan Cruz for Tim Hudson. Last I heard CT was in Oakland’s minor league system.
By geauxbraves2000
July 19, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
I know how to spell, apparently I’ve forgotten how to type. That would be Charles Thomas not Chalres. Oh well.
Geaux Braves
By Jerald Holcombe
July 19, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Just a thought, but I wonder if the Padres would be interested in Giles for Linebrink and 1 more suitable reliever? I mean, they know that Giles is a very good hitter and has been outta his element this year at leadoff. They also know that he is from that area and that having both Giles brothers there gives them bargaining leverage in future takes. Also, Giles has played third before and can do so again. I would just hate to see Betemit get traded. I’d even go so far as to say that making the playoffs isn’t that important to me if it means trading him. I have alwys believed that under the right circumstances, Betemit could be a superstar in this league and I’d rather not look back and say that we traded him for a setup man. But that just me.
By fan in va
July 19, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
no, I got it…thanks geauxbraves. I knew he went in the Hudson deal - wasn’t sure about him now…he was a fan fav for awhile. thanks again.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Idle thoughts … I didn’t see the game but it sounded over WGST that Hudson pitched rather well … I’m almost sure that there’s some showcasing going on … but we may be surprised who’s really being “showcased” hope it’s not any of our elite 8; chances are we’ll make the final four … ck’s right, this Blog is no place for profane language, abreviated, doctored or otherwise; and try not to be too critical of players whose performances fall short of your expectations or bloggers with whom you disagree … it’s a moment to remember and enjoy!
It’s 100 here .. or was a bit ago, and the air conditioning just locked up … see you at game time.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to add this, before everybody yells at me for being so negative.
I’m enjoying watching this team right now. I’ve never stopped enjoying watching Braves baseball. I’ve just gotten used to watching “well played” baseball for the last 15 years. So I expect that out of a Bobby Cox led team.
My opinions I’ve stated the last 3 days, are not made to “bring everybody down” while we are all in the middle of one helluva high! They are made with guarded and cautious optimism. We shouldn’t let all of these vitories mask the fact that Hudson still doesn’t look that great (yeah he did for 4 innings - ACES PITCH MORE THAN 4 GOOD INNINGS - and yes I realize it was HOT), we still don’t have a closer and everybody needs to realize, the Braves still suck in one run games. They aren’t all gonna be blowouts. The real bullpen will show up in tight games. No pressure with a big lead - unless your last name is Reitsma or Sosa! LOL.
So bare with me, if I’m not sold just yet. I’m sold on the Offense. Sure they won’t score 10 runs a game but they are much better than what they did in June. Imagine what they’d do with a natural leadoff hitter. Thorman looks like a good one. And honestly, I can’t think of anybody who is available to trade for that would “upgrade” our lineup. Like DOB says, even LaRoche is having a legitimate year. I’m waiting to see what this rotation and bullpen does when we don’t have a big lead by the 3rd inning.
One of these days I’ll offer up some one sentence posts!….Just not today.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
The Braves are a +240 underdog in Vegas for tonights game. And the over/under is 9. I so desperately want to put down some money on the Braves and the over. But I can’t, don’t ever bet my team…
By doc
July 19, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
dob. when it comes to dylan of the many; lay lady lay, just like a woman etc, there is still the one called “all along the watchtower” that has stood the time from acoustic, hendrix and then dave matthews blues rock, love it everytime i hear it that much more. it is like an anthem for each time and era.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
Nathan, before shuting down; I just wanted to say it’s good to see you being so optimistic … one thing I have noticed is what appears to be Buttermint’s improvement in recognizing and handling the borderline inside pitch, especially batting lefthanded with 2 strikes … should reduce his strikeouts.
If you want to make one sentence posts, just write in German … you can write a book and construct it so that it’s only one!
By Jerald Holcombe
July 19, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
It sure would be nice to be able to come here and read content that is 100% about baseball, and not have to wade through tons of crap about country and folk singers of the past. Actually, talking anything other than baseball should be frowned on. I really like reading DOB’s posts, but who cares about all the added junk?
By dadgum
July 19, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Maddux is interesting but that will not get us to the bottom line. Read: make the playoffs. Maddux brings the experience factor and added strength missing from the starting rotation as we now see it but when we pull Maddux after 6 innings (hopefully at least 7)who is going to keep the opponents at bay and in addition who are you really going to trust to close the game if Maddux leaves with a lead.
You see….you can’t add Maddux without adding a closer. Of course if we can expect 10+ runs a night….who needs a closer. Hey DOB got some real classic Harry Chapin stuff (live). Wow if you never saw him (not that many did) worth every penny, and then some. GO BRAVOS!! If the Braves can pull this year out of the bag it will be the best of all 15. Trust me.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
Don-Sorry I’ve been gone all afternoon, but I wanted to respond to the previous blog and your irritation with one of my responses. I was responding to a person who first of all typed his post in all caps and was indulging in blatant Giles bashing. Yes, I told him to shut up, not because he thought Giles should be traded, but because he went off on a rant on how Giles S##ked. I realize Giles might be our best trade bait right now. I don’t dispute that we may have to move him for some pitching. I’ve actually advocated this myself. My objection is this: all week long the Giles bashers have been out in full force. Just like earlier in the year the Chipper bashers and the LaRoche bashers were out in full force. They also, thankfully, have quit with their rant. Ain’t it grand what a couple of HR will do to the mood of the critics? My point was that Giles gives it everything he’s got on every play and has done so ever since he arrived several years ago. He has a lifetime average of close to .300. He did get off to a slow start this year (Ithink because of his batting stance, but I’m not TP), but was coming on when he just got hurt. I think Betemit has done an excellent job filling in, but he looks like an amateur defensively where Giles is possibly the besat defensive 2nd baseman in the NL. Betemit has only played for a couple of weeks at any given time. Let’s see what his numbers are after he plays acouple months. This is all a moot point while Giles is injured. Still and all, when he returns, he is the vet with the proven track record, not Wilson. My problem was not with the trade possibility, but this jerk low rating a player who doesn’t deserve this crap after all he’s given to this organization-he literally has left his blood on the field numerous times. So, should the bashers shut up. You bet. If they have something constructive to say, then let them say it civilly and logically or let them shut upo. Sorry if you don’t agree.
By doc
July 19, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
jerald, it is what it is, nothing pure these days and there is plenty of real baseball stuff to pick up on. it gives this thing a little personality and there is nothing wrong with talking about dylan toens, right jimmy smith? who would ever refer to someones toens as added junk or crap.
sorry it seems to offend you, jerome but you are more that capable of stepping up to bat and delivering anything you want about 100% baseball and it wont offend anyone.
By Chief
July 19, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, any chance the AJC could run an article about the Braves’ history of second-half surges during the 14-year reign? I can think of a few, but I think there’s a trend/story there.
By MGL
July 19, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Lew, well said!!
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
Thank you MGL. Now, about hte newest band wagon-picking up Greg Maddux. Is anyone aware that he is 2-10 in his last 12 games? What would the Cubs want for him? Can we really afford him the rest of this year and still get relief pitching? Should we give up prospects for him and then have him until October? Could we resign him for next year at an affordable rate? Will he be worth what we pay him next year if we do sign him? Any time you have this many questions about a very expensive player in his 40’s, chances are, even if it IS Greg Maddux, you probably don’t need to go there. Jerald, post whatever you want and if you do it in a rational, civil manner, we will welcome your insight. However, we like it this way. My favorite is Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts from “Blood on the Tracks”.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Here is an odd question, but it’s just a thought.
I wonder if Maddux would consider working out of the pen? He’s obviously not over powering in the true sense of the term. But he can still get guys out. Maybe his “stuff” isn’t as good as it used to be to pitch 6-7 innings a game anymore. Trevor Hoffman seems to do good things with a low 90’s fastball, an above average changeup and great location. Maybe, Maddux could do the same. At least we know he won’t come in a walk people.
I’m not “requesting” this scenario, just mentioning it. He’s fearless enough to work out of the pen. Plus if I’m not mistaking, in 1998 (granted that was 8 years ago) when he came in out of the pen to record a save against the Padres, he was hitting 94 on the gun. Sutton always said, that Maddux could throw harder if he wanted to, he just didn’t want/need to.
Anyways, just thought I’d throw that out there to see the response it would get.
By Chop Chop
July 19, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
Good song, Lew.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Lew all good points. I haven’t been bashing Giles, but I’m all for trading him. We have plenty of guys that at least defensively, are ready to play 2nd base. Not to mention Betemit. IMO we could trade both Giles and Betemit for bullpen help. If our bullpen was reliable, we wouldn’t need either of their offense. Just sombody to catch the ball, throw the ball and bat eighth in the lineup (similar to Rafael Belliard did for all those years)
As far as all the Chipper bashers. You made the comment “amazing what a couple of HR’s will do”……Dude, it’s been considerably more than a couple of HR’s! Of course Chipper performing like Chipper is capable of doing is gonna shut everybody up. That’s all anybody ever wanted him to do. If it rains 20 days in a row, people are going to complain about it. But on the 21st day if it’s sunny, people will stop complaining……get my point?
I’ve been ripping Hudson for about a month. Believe me if he rips off 5, 6 or 7 straight quality starts. I’ll stop. But until then, I’m not changin my tune. People are entitled to have bad games, weeks and even seasons. But when you “sign on” to be an ACE of a staff and are expected to be a leader, then you better deal with people being worried about your performances. How do you think AROD feels? I think NY fans are being a little hard on AROD, but hey, the price of tickets probably went up when they traded for him, so the fans have every right to complain if a player that’s being paid with “their ticket money” is not doing as well as they think he should do.
That’s all for now.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure if Maddux would agree to come out of the pen, but maybe we need to look at the situation like this. We moved Chipper to left-didn’t work. We moved Giles to leadoff-didn’t work.We moved Smoltz to closer-it worked great, except he doesn’t want to do it. Maybe we need to quit trying to force players into the square peg. Apparently change in baseball is not as easy as people would like to think. Maybe this should guide our actions when suggesting radical change. And no, we shouldn’t move Chipper to first or let Thorman pitch or whatever the change du jour happens to be.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Jerald,
Lew, Doc and others have expressed things far better than I ever could and while I just mostly listen, I can attest to the fact that you can learn a lot from them … on many subjects, including some baseball though a lot of it is written in code.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
I agree Lew. I know when Randy Johnson was traded to Houston from Seattle, the Braves were after him. But they wanted him to close and he didn’t want to, so the deal never happened. At least that’s what Gammons said at the time, so I believe it.
Like I said, Maddux probably wouldn’t want to do it, and he probably wouldn’t be as successful as smoltz with out the 97 mph fastball and nasty splitter. But as I said, he could sure do what Hoffman’s doing.
Anyways, IMO, I wouldn’t “waste” the money on Maddux this year. If the Braves want to bring him back, I’d be all for it. But do it in the offseason. He’d be great around all of these young pitchers. Especially guys like Davies, James and anybody else who relies on offspeed pitches instead of heat. Who better than the master to teach it. That’s not a knock on McDowell either, I don’t think it’s fair to judge him with this group. Give it a year or two. Leo hasn’t done anything in Baltimore either, so case closed. Hell, even Hudson might benefit from Maddux being around.
I just wish that Smoltz would wake up tomorrow and show up to the park and tell Bobby “I’ll be in the pen, ring the phone when you need me” LOL! Yeah, Right!
Oh well, a guy can dream, can’t he?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Nathan, I have no problem with fans getting angry because their favorite player is in a slump. You pay your bucks, you get to boo the plays. My problem is this (and yes, I’m aware it was more than just a few HR), fans take matters in this blog and out in the real world to a very personal level. When Reitsma was in the middle of what I consider to be the worst pitching performance I ever saw, he was getting death threats and at one time, when he was in his front yard with his kids, someone drove up, stopped and yelled that he s##cked. Man, this is totally over the top. He didn’t deserve this no matter if he had a 22.98 ERA and pi##ed on the mound. The same with Chipper, Giles and LaRoche. If I heardone more person call him Chumper or worse, I was ready to hurt someone. Now with all of the criticism of Giles, just or not, it ticks me off even more because Giles really plays as hard as anyone in the game. Boo your team if you want, but man there are limits.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
Nathan couldn’t agree with you more. Hudson is NOT an ace anymore. I hope it is Hudson being “showcased” for a trade- that would be sweet. Maybe there is an AL team who believes a return to that league will set him straight, never know. I’m sure Boston and New York would be interested in him, but I’m not sure what we could get from those teams. I know Boston has a couple of highly-touted minor league pitching prospects (outside of Lester and Papelbon), those would definately be intrigueing to me. This Braves organization can definately use a fireballer or two, someone for Smoltz to pass the torch to, know what I mean?
By Stanford
July 19, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Lew, you’re the man; Blood on the Tracks is one of the alltimers, a HOF’er!. Lilly, Rosemary, etc puts you in a freakin’ trance if you let it!
Nathan, mighty hard to argue Hudson’s good side. I guess I just think there is not much to be gained by trading him now when we’d have to have someone replace him in the rotation. If we did, okay by me, but I’ll hold out hope that he’ll turn it around.
I wouldn’t want Maddux except maybe for a day next year, so he can retire a Brave (wonder if he’d want to?).
Take away his April (which of course is unfair) and he’s just been pounded all year.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Am I gonna have to post Maddux’s stats since May 1st again? Enough with the Maddux talk! He’s not any good and he’s not coming back!
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Lew, I must say that you’re in good form today … I can’t stand the heat in here today for long stretches … believe it or no, it’s cooler in the kitchen. Regarding baseball, I’m getting worried about you ‘cause I’m agreeing with too much of what you’re preaching!
Just the latest reaction from an incomplete old fool. Selah.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Check out Seth McClung of the DRays. He was a starter and didn’t fare well, but has been lights out as a reliever since they sent him to Durham. 2.31 ERA, 20 K and 1BB in 10.2 innings. Relieving agress with him. He throws 96-97 and has been clocked at 102. He would come cheap.
By Spike
July 19, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
I think we should all just enjoy this run. If nothing else it has gotten us back into the mix and knowing that we are at least playing for something again will make it exciting. The bullpen still has issues, but no more than most of the other teams in baseball. Yates, Paronto, and Ray have been extremely consistent, Barry looks promising, and if Ray can be a consistent closer we have a shot. Ray is not your classic closer, and he will blow a couple of saves, but starters will blow some leads and defense will make some errors and thats the game of baseball. Division champs is out of reach, but wild card can be done.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob-Just burning off steam. I go in Tuesday for my 7th eye operation and right now, screaming just feels good. Give me the old soapbox and I’m cool. Let’s hear it for incomplete old fools. I’ve been one for years and like Chipper in left, I don’t see the point in changing. Go sit in front of your kitchen fan. Sometimes it’s the best place to be.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Lew I hear you. No need to personally attack players. Especially in front of his kids. That’s wrong. Yes, I have made a couple of “I can’t feel my fingers” jokes directed at Reitsma, but hey, imagine how differently this season would look if he had told Bobby he was hurt. They might have made a trade in April. Who knows? Maybe they did know and kept putting him out there, I doubt it.
I just give my opinions, I hope they don’t come across as personal attacks on players.
Don, I agree. You are probably right about Boston and NY. But there is no way Boston gives up those two guys for Hudson, unless he was dominating. And if that was the case, we wouldn’t be even mentioning his name in trade possibilities. What to do with Hudson is a mystery to me. He’s gotta go, if he keeps this up. But I’d hate to give up too soon. (is a season and a half enough time?). Ultimately I’d just like Hudson to turn it around. He seems like a standup guy, and a good teamate. But Dale Murphy could jump right in and be both of those, it still doesn’t mean he’d do us any good! LOL
Anyway, time to go out. Gonna miss the game and won’t be online until the game is probably over. So to those of you that will still be online……type at ya then!
By Ike
July 19, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
If we trade betemit, we won’t make the playoffs. We’re jelling offensively like we never have before WHY MESS WITH SOMETHING THATS PERFECT!
By Lew
July 19, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Nathan, It wasn’t you, but someone on another AJC blog this morning and Don took me to task for it. No problem, I had my say and at least hope people thoought it was reasonable and logically thought out.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned earlier about the Braves possibly showcasing Thorman for a trade… What if they are testing him rather than showcasing him? What if the real guy on the block is LaRoche and BC and JS keep putting Thorman out there to see how he’ll do? I think LaRoche would get some real interest from alot of teams. I hear that the Pirate’s will be shipping Casey to someone, maybe they are planning to trade Casey to someone, then trade Gonzalez to the Braves for LaRoche… Probably take a throw-in (Langerhans) for a deal to get done, but you never know.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 19, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Okay, folks I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what this Jayson Stark assertion is that the Braves could make a trade that will make them the best team of the wild card contenders.
I think I could have possibly came up with something. What if the Braves make a trade with the Astros. The trade would go as follows: Atlanta sends LaRoche, Betemit, and Langerhans for Ensberg, Tavaras, and Lidge.
Hear me out. The Astros have been rumored to want to trade Ensberg. I don’t know why but I have seen it in quite a few places. Ensberg could move to first and we all know from last years’ NLCS that he can hit. The Astros also have been heavily reported to been shopping Tavaras. He could play left and leadoff. He has tremendous speed. And, of course, there is Lidge. “Lights out” Lidge speaks for himself.
This trade sounds crazy on the surface but could in fact make a lot of sense. Ensberg’s contract could ease some of the fiancial straints that Rockets contract has put on the team. I mean lets face it. If the Astros don’t make the playoffs then Clemens contract would be a definite loss. Betemit makes considerably less money and could easily play third. The Astros have been reported to be looking for a 1B, so Berkman could move to the outfield on a permanent basis. And Langerhans gives them a true outfielder that can play in any of the three positions.
I can’t figure out (other than this) who the Braves could acquire that would make Jayson Stark say that. I hope he doesn’t mean Wickman. That would be silly.
I also thoght about the Pirates and Hernandez and Gonzales but truthfully a trade would not make much sense for the Pirates because the principal party would have to be either Giles or Betemit and they really don’t need either.
By nathan
July 19, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
OK Stanford, I’m not being an A$$ or trying to argue, ok maybe a litlle :)
Just trying to show you, that your loyalty to hudson is nothing more than blind faith.
You say don’t give up on Hudson and don’t bring back maddux.
Hudson: 7-8 with a 4.99 ERA in 131 IP
Maddux: 7-10 with a 4.95 ERA in 117 IP
Kinda hard to stick up for one and slam the other, don’t you think? Yeah, I know Maddux is much older, but who cares. It’s a what have you done for me lately world we live in, isn’t it? LOL
Like I said, I’m not saying bring Maddux back so he can save our season. I just think he’d be a valuble guy to have around the other players kind of the way Julio was. When he wasn’t playing, he served as an extra coach.
Anyhow, now I’m late!
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
Nathan I didn’t think Boston would give up those 2 guys… I know they won’t give up Lester or Papelbon, I’m talking about a couple of other fireballers down in the minors. I’m talking a Hudson for one of those minor leaguers. Hell I’d do it at this point, Hudson is just soooooo frustrating.
By Stanford
July 19, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
Maybe so, Nathan. I wouldn’t fall on my sword of Maddog spent the summer here — if we’re not gonna spend that extra $6 mil that’s just laying around on someone better, okay. You’re right, he’d be a great influence if nothing else. I’m still not “for it,” but fair enough.
I’m doing the same thing with Hudson (hoping) that your doing with Maddux. Guess we’re both delusional.
By Steve Barton
July 19, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
DOB: The quote for your rejoinder to mart is “Nothing is revealed.”
All the best, Steve Barton
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
What about LaRoche to the Tigers? I know they are looking for a left-handed power bat and I know they can’t be completely happy with Shelton at first base…. and the Tiger’s are loaded with pitching.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Muts already up 2-0 in the first… I find myself looking at the score and being mad, then I realize it’s probably better for the Braves to have the Reds lose. But it just feels wrong to not want the Muts to lose, anyone feel the same way?
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Okay, here it is… LaRoche to the Angels for Carrasco or Donnelly AND Homer Bailey.
By David O'Brien
July 19, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
Doc, complete agreement on Lay Lady Lay and All Along The Watchtower (which he sang, by the way, as part of his encore at recent Chastain show).
But so, so many masterpieces by Mr. Zimmerman. I was going to put Masters of War on here, but didn’t know if some at paper might construe it as political statement (not saying it wouldn’t be), and we’re supposed to avoid making those, I think.
By brewdawg
July 19, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
We get the wildcard lead first, then worry about the Mets. It’s not likely that we are going to catch them anyway. I’ll never count us out, but first thing’s first, let’s get the wildcard lead. Go Mets! Beat the Reds! I’m going to go throw up now.
By David O'Brien
July 19, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Oh, and John Schuerholz has got several irons in the fire, in regards to trades. He went in and out of Bobby’s office several times (with the manager) and updated him on potential trades this afternoon. Something is going to happen, I’m pretty certain.
The King-for-Sosa thing drew a scoff from a certain high-ranking team official, however. And Maddux sounds like mere groundless speculation
By Lew
July 19, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
I heard someone the other day on XM Home Plate actually propose a trade of Langerhans, Sosa and Betemit to the Marlins for Dontrelle and Cabrera. The analyst literally laughed out loud and told him to just go ahead and propose Langerhans straight up to the Angels for Guerrero. Better yet, let’s just trade Sosa for Dontrelle and make him a closer.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
I’m all for getting rid of Sosa, but I think he should pull a Rick Ankiel and move to the outfield wherever he plays. As far as him pitching in Coors Field…that ERA and homerun total will certainly decrease…uh, wait a minute.
By Sam
July 19, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
Know one has mentioned Mike MacDougal closer of the Royals. He just came off the DL plus he was lites out a few years ago as a closer. Something to think about.
By Smilin' Bob
July 19, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
Any day now, any day now, I shall be released.
By Lew
July 19, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
The problem with Sosa, GHF, is that he came up as an outfielder and they made him apitcher. It makes me wonder how bad an outfileder he was. DOB- picked up used copies of Neil Young and Crazy Horses double “Weld” cd at a little place near Dartmouth U. Am I redeemed yet?
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Joe Borowski is having a better year than Bob Wickman. Plus, he’s 2 years young, thinner, and $4.6 million cheaper.
By DonCoburleone
July 19, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Lets go Braves!!! Show Carpenter who’s the boss tonight!
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
Good point, Lew, but Sosa pitching in Colorado is a scary thought.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
Didn’t someone mention Fuentes from the Rockies on the blog? So many names, both the interesting and the ridiculous, have flown by, I can’t keep up. But didn’t the Braves try to make a trade for that guy in the offseason? Something about getting him and Matt Holiday?
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
I think the Rockies were interested in Reitsma and were offering Fuentes and someone else. Who the hell is their GM?
By TennesseePaul
July 19, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Sheesh! Took so long to get caught up on the posts today. Probably wouldn’t have been so long had someone not reposted all of Chop Chicks blog. I avoid that for a reason, and now it’s coming here. Bummer man.
Betemit is no Marcus Giles. Betemit can’t field as well as Giles for one thing. And Giles has already proven himself over multiple major league seasons on an everyday basis. I love both of them. Absolutely thrilled we have both. But I wouldn’t take Betemit over Giles at second. Or Betemit over Renteria at short. Or Betemit over Chipper at Third. There is no way I’d take Betemit over any of those three All-Stars. I’m not sure any other team would either. But they certainly would take Betemit over Vinny Cast-away and so forth.
I’m not sure what the problem is either with having probably the best bench player in the National League. From Betemits stand point, it probably is a little bit of a bummer not to start every day. But, again, you have to look at who he’s backing up and what team he’s on and I’m sure he isn’t all broken up about it. Plus, Giles gets injured a lot. He gets injured making plays Betemit couldn’t make. Giles plays hard and I like it. Chipper gets injured frequently now-a-days as well. So, Betemit gets a lot of playing time as it is. And he fills in beautifully.
I’m not complaining about Betemits roll on the team. Betemit offers us depth, which is just as important in the post season as good pitching.
I’m looking forward to a fabulous game tonight. A proven verteran Cy Young winner against the hottest team in the majors. This will be fun to watch. Will the bats over power the pitching, or will the old saying “Good pitching beats good hitting” play out?
Actually, though, if the Braves slaughter Carpenter tonight, I won’t think that saying is irrelevant. That saying really doesn’t take into account stupendous hitting. How does good hitting match up against absolutely-out-of-of-this-world-blow-your-mind hitting? It’ll be fun to see…
By TennesseePaul
July 19, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Should say: How does good pitching match up against absolutely-out-of-of-this-world-blow-your-mind hitting?
By MEB
July 19, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
The picture of Jason Shiell they just put on FSN was hilarious. The hat was pulled down so far his ears were sticking out.
Darn, looks like a rain delay.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
Anyone would doesn’t like our wild card chances should check out the Braves’ schedule in August.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
“who” not “would.”
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
Insightful bloggers, what’s the skinny on expections as to how the rain delay will affect Carpenter and/or Shiell?
By chopthis
July 19, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Dave,
I can get into bitter, angry Bob Dylan as much as anybody, but gee, man, the “Masters of War” lyrics are just jejune, especially for a lyricist of Dylan’s caliber. And again, Bob’s hero Johnny Cash has him clearly beat on this theme. On “Singin’ In Viet Nam Talking Blues” JC subtly and eloquently indicts the Vietnam War without taking an obstinate, divisive stance or (as in Dylan’s “Masters of War”) going so far wrong as to pray for the deaths of the war hawks.
I’d suggest some kinder, gentler Bob, like the lovely “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.”
Post us something life-affirming next time, Dave!
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Probably won’t affect Shiell since he would have had to wait a few minutes anyway. I think Carpenter will be in there, too.
By Patrick
July 19, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
How about this name DOB. I’ve heard this more and more frequently in the past few days and I know we’ve tried to get him before and I think he’d be great: Mike Gonzalez
Hear anything?
By MEB
July 19, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
The radar picture of the St. Louis area shows a massive thunderstorm right on top of the city. Just guessing based on the 2-hour loop its going to take close to 2 hours for it to move out.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
oops, hit the submit a bit early.
Please add the appositive: “given that the game has yet to start”.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
TPaul, Lew, Stanford, guys…please don’t post any more rebuttals to the WB-is-a-god posts. I did it for months, and I can tell you it only encourages more of the same. Do as I do, scroll past, grin and bear it. Honestly, it’ll help the blood pressure…sure worked for me!
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
Bob, how’s your cat? Anybody seen Jimmy? Did he shoot himself in the foot? Need Listerine?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Tennesse Paul. We definitely need a strong bench. It’s a good reason to keep Langerhans, too. I can’t recal a single champion who won without a kick butt bench. It’s hurt us in the past not having one. Betemit has proven himself to be a great fill-in player, but I don’t see him as a replacement for any of the three you mentioned. His defense has been so suspect, I would be tempted to bring up Prado if Giles does get traded. I know he’s the emotional favorite at this time, but he still hasn’t proven himself long term. Marcus has. I also have questions about what the loss of Marcus would do to the club chemistry. The Dude is always upbeat and appears to be the heart of the team.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bob, CL, rain delay in STL…on what non-baseball topic shall we embark to infuriate the one-dimensional among us?
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Sometimes the home team has some “pull” on weather or not the game will start if bad weather is knowingly coming through. I’d say Larussa said to hold off, b/c his bullpen is toast and he doesn’t want to waste a start from his ace. All that to say neither pitcher will be affected by the delay.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Optimist Glass, hopefully Shiell can get loose in the batters box before he has to pitch. However, I tend to agree with you though I know nothing of the stadium’s “indoor” facilities available to visiting pitchers… and it looks like it could be an extended delay.
By MEB
July 19, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Lew… your comment about Giles being “the heart of the team” is exactly why he should be a fixture on this team. Chemistry is what can make a team gel and perform above their talent level.
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
NCSCOOTS, or anyone, have any of you been to da New Busch Stadium?
CK I would like to see A Deal with the rangers 4 Co-Co Cordero, I bet we could get him for really cheap, since his stock has gone down…Oh yea anyone Know what happened to Alfonseca after he was released from the Rangers???
By Jeff
July 19, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
The storm is moving so fast, there will be baseball within the hour.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, Scoots! I dunno; you lead off! :-))
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Last I heard, Alfonseca is sitting ‘round (no pun in…ah, hell, pun intended) waiting for the phone to ring.
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
MEB/LEW, your comments of
“Giles being “the heart of the team” is exactly why he should be a fixture on this team. Chemistry is what can make a team gel and perform above their talent level.”
I’ll cosign on that statement as well, Look at the dayz when David Justice was the face of the team, them boyz used to get pumped…
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
gosh, CL, Jeff says baseball within the hour, don’t know if that gives me the proper time to expound! ;-) Bob will come up with something, or maybe jimmy will surface. I always defer to those good gentlemen.
By berigan
July 19, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Robert(Justice Is The Best) You mentioned trading for Brad Lidge, but he is not the same pitcher he was last year, and I don’t think it is becuase of the Fat Albert homer. He still throws 99 consistantly, but his slider almost never slides anymore. I wonder if his elbow is ok, because if you could throw it all the time before, why not now?
By baby seal
July 19, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
scoots, jimmy smith has not come home. there are signs of a struggle in the hosta bed. call the authorities?
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
baby seal (cause I can’t see myself shortcutting your name to BS), can baby seals dial 911 with their toes?
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
there is a monsoon in ST Louie, i say at least an hour if it does happen.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Scoots, last I heard of Jimmy he was going outside to see what sort of critter was attacking his hostas…..with an airgun. The silence is deafening. Bob said he thought Jimmy had shot his cat, but that hasn’t been verified.
Somebody really messed up the blog today by posting the entire ChopChick blog here. Somebody explain to me what kind of person enjoys doing that sort of stuff. (Probably the kind of person you read about in weird newspaper stories.)
:-))
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, how’s it shaking at your shop tonight? How’s your health and hatsize?
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
i bet it was that NYCMetFan that failed to show today
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Baby Seal, I’d be cautious about calling the authorities…..remember there’s that little thing about the hartebeest that remains unresolved. Is there a trustworthy adult nearby on whom you can call??
By Vol
July 19, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
I guess the delay is to our advantage since Carp is the better pitcher. Too bad it didn’t happen after a few innings and they had to hit the pen early (again).
By vinceb
July 19, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
What do you mean, “No team ever will hit anything remotely like this in, say, mid-October, when they face quality pitching every night.” Aren’t the Padres and Cardinals both leading their divisions? Isn’t this exactly the pitching the Braves would face in mid-October? Why do you want to take away from what the Braves are doing? Why not just enjoy it?
By Tomahawkin
July 19, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
I just read in the philly paper that Octavio Dotel is a free agent this offseason, I hope J.S. knows that, maybe he could be the end of this shytty Blow-pen experience
By Lew
July 19, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Ma’am, given the state of some of these bloggers, do you think any of us even knows a responsible adult?
By baby seal
July 19, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
not sure what to do. there was a terrific roar when the shot was fired and much rustling in the bushes. jimmy smith was very brave to go outside. oh, the mammality!
baby seal thought about calling the great seal of the united states for advice but it is a long distance call.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Scoots, all is well. Hot and sticky outside as only it can be in mid-July.
Hatsize is outlandish! I look like one of those balloon characters you’d see in a parade in NY or something! But it is SO lovely being knee-deep in roses, even if you know you don’t deserve them! :-))))
What’s happenin’ in the sandhills?
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Lew, you are so right! :-)))
Baby Seal, are you sure the loud rush of air came from the airgun?
You’re right to think of the Great Seal. If you explain to the operator that it is an emergency, they may accept the charges.
We’re all very concerned. Journalist Jimmy Smith is most important to this blog. Who would fill in when DOB is off-duty? Serious stuff this is! Please keep us informed, Baby Seal. (Scoots, your decision to write his name was right on! Such an esteemed personage must be properly addressed.)
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
jeez, Lew, you’re an intelligent guy, so I’m sure you know that blogs in general were INVENTED for the express purpose of providing forums for the clueless to spew drivel. That the content of this blog is better than that (much better, in fact) is the miracle of our times. I swear, I love the First Amendment like a father loves his child, but there are times on here when I want to rethink the principle. But then, the good folks post, and I go Mr. Rogers again.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
if they got drainage at busch like at the Ted this game is on. still sprinkling, storm is gone. heavy gusts, roofs blowin off houses. field crew starting to come out. tarp still on. stay tuned for more……….
By Lew
July 19, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
ncscoots-OK, I think.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, things are rockin’ here down the I from you. Happy as a clam buried in the sand, I am, and pleased that you ask. Toes are good, no “p” players in sight, and good conversation, darlin’, not much more a man can ask!
By baby seal
July 19, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
that may be jimmy smith. be right back.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Lew, maybe I should have made it clear I think you’re one of the good folks! LOL
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal said a few minutes ago that he expects the Braves to seriosuly contend for the wildcard…finally, a little respect.
By The Baseball Fan Also Known as Billy (TBFNB)
July 19, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
DOB how ya like StL right now?
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Glass, that’s probably the kiss of death. Who wants respect from a total baseball buffoon?
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Good on ya, Scoots! :-)) I love the connection the internet provides to really great folks like most all here in DOBland!
By Vol
July 19, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
The Rosenthal endorsement is like a stock picker recommending something after it has already doubled in price. Orel H. gets the prize for picking us at the break.
Any estimates on start time?
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
umps are on the field assessing the field. tarp still on. field crew trying to figure out how to get water off tarp. i say larussa calls it off somehow.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but 75% of baseball “fans” believe every word he says along with the wisdom of ESPN analysts.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the updates, Choppin’ Bob!
“field crew trying to figure out how to get water off tarp.” They haven’t done this before?? :-))
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
I sure hope “Orel” is a family name. I imagine that high school was brutal for him.
By Johnny5
July 19, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
It looks like Sam might be on to something with MacDougal. Moore might be making him available.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/07/royalsrumorsr.html
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
wasnt there a serious debacle with the tarp crew somewhere a year or 2 ago?
anyways, the tarp is coming off, fans are in the stands! i say 30 minutes to prep the field good. the only thing i worry about is one of our boys gettin hurt.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
MacDougal would be a risk since he’s pitched 2 innings this year and has been on the DL for an extended period.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper and wet grass are a bad mix.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
As I mentioned earlier, Borowski from Florida would be a decent pickup.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Glass, I believe he’s actually Orel IV, and I doubt he had any problems after his first Little League game.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
I think you’re right, Choppin’ Bob. I seem to remember that a game was called because they messed it up so badly. Maybe someone with a better memory can fill us in.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
i dont like closers coming from losing teams. perfect example: there was this guy from the brewers a few years ago (i will never say his name again) that was good. but heres the catch: on a losing team a closer may appear good because the team he is facing is already doing poorly that night and probably couldnt hit the broad side of a barn. now we tried that too with several guys only to have the opposite effect. i find it hard to agree with bc’s choices sometimes, but i just dont trust a guy from a losing team. is he really used to the pressure because his team was never in it since day 1. its easy to let it roll off and blame the rest of the team for the shortcomings.
By Stanford
July 19, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Heard on the radio that the tarp literally tore in half… the wind was whipping, and they tried to use the groundscrew vehicles to hold it down, and it just shred like an old sheet. Then they had to keep the vehicles on it to hold it down. Choppin Bob, you seeing any of that?
By Lew
July 19, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks Scoots-It’s been a long day and I feel somewhat insubstantial. I hate rain delays. The game won’t start until after the blood pressure meds kick in.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
The Florida groundcrew became a laughingstock last season
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
yeah i saw it, there was a monsoon and the tarp was flyin all over the place. i thought there was no way this was being played, but checked the radar and saw the pace of the storm movin quick. saw them bring the vehicles out there, thought it was funny.
By MEB
July 19, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
The “debacle” was the Florida Marlin ground crew last year and their inept efforts to cover the field. It was one of the funniest sports highlights of last year.
Wow the homeplate area looks like a huge mud hole.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Mets and Reds have been in a rain delay for an hour or so.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Lew, you? Insubstantial??? NE-VER! :-))
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Lew, the substance of a man lies in his soul and conscience, my friend, not the physical being. Shake that off, bubba, I bet you’d rate high on an hk “substance” graph!
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Cubs annnouncers just said Sammy Sosa is considering a “comeback” next season.
By baby seal
July 19, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith is in the shower. journalist is a mess. jimmy smith was trembling and covered in dirt and goo when he returned to the house. smells bad, too. braves cap is missing. baby seal out.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
It will probably take ‘til then to get his system clean.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
million dollar question: how serious do the braves play this game? field conditions indicate a high probability of injury. chipper..nuf said. mccanns ankle, betemit trying to field a funny hop. andruw will make a diving catch only to slide from center into 2nd.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Would one of y’all go check on Jimmy and Baby Seal, please? And somebody go wake Bob; he’ll miss the game (if it’s ever played).
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
We need to get a snorkle for Andruw.
By David O'Brien
July 19, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
NCSCOOTS, hilarious reply that i was just about to write myself, something along those lines at least. regarding orel.
i was going to say i doubt he had any problems in high school once he threw in that first JV game as an 8th- or 9th-grader.
“Skinny dude in the glasses, you’re going to the varsity, son.”
You folks should have seen the storm that whipped through this place. Trash flying everywhere, flags whipping, and the tarp ripped right in half by the sheer force of the wind.
they did a poor job covering home plate, either that or the tarp problems affected it. anyway, it’s basically a rebuilding job going on right now, though the rest of the field looks fine, just some standing water on the warning track (don’t know why these dudes aren’t out there getting that squeegeed off _ maybe they’re hoping andruw won’t play if they leave it there).
St. Louis _ it’s paradise in july, let me tell you. schedule your vacations for next season, because i doubt you can get in now at this late juncture. everybody wants to be here during to enjoy the kiln-like temperatures, and the tornado threat is an added bonus.
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
when we gonna see baseball dob?
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
But you can bet the other team made BJ gestures when Orel was pitching…and that’s the ones who weren’t chanting “a-nal, a-nal!”
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
I turn on the VCR and fell asleep … Optimist Glass, 75% of me may believe every word but I only pay attention to the other 25% … so it makes no nevermind.
Scoots, I always thought the first amendment protected the rights of those of us who were religious from the governor and folks like that … and kept them from telling us the what, how and to whom we could say it … now I’m told it protects everybody regardless of whether they have any beliefs or no … and that anybody can say anything about anything or anybody, even on Mr. Rogers and the blogs.
Methinks that doesn’t sound like very much protection to me.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
protection for me … not to
By Vol
July 19, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
I really thought the Braves would have scored before 10PM tonight since they’ve been so hot. I’ll bet Larussa had something to do with that tarp tearing or home plate not being covered properly. Bobby was probably laying his body over home plate to keep it dry and get this one in.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, I blush at the praise…now go find out if they’re trading for Gonzalez or Fuentes or somebody! :-)
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
hey dob, tell me you didnt party too much on those casino riverboats and break your streak?
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
Glass, What does Brian Jordan have to do with Orel? ;)
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Scoots, what goes around comes around!
How did Shiell do tonight?
By MEB
July 19, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Lady… I’m afraid and I’m also afraid I might lose my lucky Braves cap.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 19, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
blue worms. gigantic ugandan blue worms. how did they get here? when jimmy smith fired his crossman there was a shrieking, “yahoo . . ooo” sound (and look at yahoo stock today) and much rustling in the bushes and under the hostas. jimmy smith rushed to the site and leaned over to investigate …
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Well, Woogidy, I was trying to be discreet since there are ladies present…BJ isn’t Brian Jordan. It isn’t a person at all.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Lets just call the game and move on to Philly.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bob, wonder if we could stretch “redress of grievances” to include removal of rancorous bloggers? LOL
By JasonInMaine
July 19, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I guessed there wasn’t any substance to the Sosa or Maddux rumors, but thought I would post them anyway just in case. But, it is interesting to see what Stark said on ESPN. Again, while not Peter Gammons, there are worse and he is pretty reputable. You mentioned that JS was in and out of Bobby’s office. It does appear he is up to something, and if it is in regards to the bullpen (which it must be!), then I hope it is big!
Does it look like they will play the game tonight?
Regards,
Jason
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
GAME ON! lets get it on!
By David O'Brien
July 19, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
we’re about to play some baseball, folks. maybe 10-15 mote minutes, tops.
you should’ve seen the Braves standing on their dugout steps when the storm first hit. fans were screaming and running up the aisles, and the Cardinals had retreated to their clubhouse, and most of the Braves just stood ready to go, like, “This ain’t nothing but a little wind, fellas, let’s play some damn ball.”
By journalist jimmy smith
July 19, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
… that is all that jimmy smith remembers. this morning journalist woke up covered in dirt and slime … and journalist’s braves cap was missing. jimmy smith was too weak to go inside. journalist lay in the hostas much of the day - like some other bloggers but for different reasons. the ugandan blue worm should not be in this country. it should not be around hostas! now, blue worms likelu have had their way with the field in st. louis. will they play baseball tonight? no, not the blue worms - the braves and cards.
By MurphyRules
July 19, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, DOB: Watch out for flying windows.
Speaking of BJ, did he retire? Haven’t heard a word on him since he cracked his clavicle. Please tell me, God bless him, Jordan’s not going to replace Thorman on the roster when he comes back.
By ncscoots
July 19, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
well, this has turned into a West Coast game for me, so I’m chugging. jimmy, glad you survived the mishap, but count your toes, bro!
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
MEB, protect that hat at all costs! We can let nothing upset the delicate cosmic balance in which the Braves operate now!
Let’s hope the loss of Jimmy’s hat doesn’t upset this balance. After such a traumatic and harrowing experience, I doubt he could be persuaded to go find it, so the rest of us have to be extra careful!
Jimmy, we’re so glad you’re all right! Have you fed Baby Seal yet? He’s probably pretty hungry.
(Is it time to play baseball yet???) :-)))
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
bj’s retire when you get married! Ba-da-bing.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
ain’t that the truth, woogidy
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Scoots, I doubt it … AJC seems to be in control of such things; Furman’s too old and McGill is long gone.
Daddy used to say that all our problems started when they gave women the right to vote … I can’t say on this blog what mama said but it would sure surprise a lot of folks!
One possibility … start our own league and trade Bloggers who didn’t behave themselves.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
back to back walks. WTF?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 19, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith has a can of raid and will go out to spray the blue worms in a few minutes. looking for one wearing a cap. first, though, journalist will indulge in some country ham, red eye gravy and biscuits. cannot go out there hungry like last night. and where is the crossman? another sinker ball pitcher? keep ‘em coming, bubba. oh, the humanity! look at this young man pitch!
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
weird delivery. no extension on the front leg.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment by the Bluejays. Just throwing that out there.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
i think the boya couldve seen a few more pitches there. we may see the cards in the playoffs and if so carpenter twice.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
shea was demanding to be traded earlier and badmouthing the front office.
By krath
July 19, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Hillenbrand was barking pretty good at management and bitching about his role on the team. Even if JS still felt like he needed that right handed bat at first, it wouldn’t be Hillenbrand…. not now anyway.
Only player with an attitude that i’ve ever known the Braves to take a chance on was Sheffield and he ain’t no Sheffield.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this
4 Ks so far for Shiell. Hey, that’s 3 more than Huddy last night.
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
I’m thinkin’ some hitting streaks are gonna end tonight.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, glad to see that you’re okay but where do I send the bill? It cost me $285 to get my cat taken care of … vet’s examination $35, animal psychiatrist $150 and $100 for slime removal. The vet said the Ralph indicated he thought he was shot in the tail but couldn’t find any supporting evidence … just scared half to death and covered in blue slime.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
Question: Jorge Sosa has been in the big leagues since 2002. Why does he still need a translator?
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
Yea. Carpenter is dealing tonight.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
That wasn’t nice!
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe our search for a 5th starter can be found in AAA this season.
By ssiscribe
July 19, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
DOB: Just read the wire story on the storm that hit the stadium. Hope you folks up on press row made it through OK, considering some of the windows were blown out.
Kid from Savannah is doing well so far. Great to get a run for him early. Had to help his confidence. Hopefully, he can get through the third without any more runs scoring.
By the way, gang, it’s likely I won’t be on here much the next few weeks, as we change our latitude and bring our kids back closer to the rest of the family. For me, it means getting to go to the ballpark a hell of a lot more often, which is cool. Going back to the ATL is going to be a good thing, and having the Bravos getting it down and chasing a playoff berth will be a fun side benefit to the move.
Later.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
glass, Vlad G is the same way. He refuses to learn english for whatever reason.
By Carolina Lady
July 19, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Oh, me..4-1 and counting…. methinks I’ll call it a night. Goodnight, all!
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Make him a closer, at least he’s good for 2 innings!
By woogidy
July 19, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
You pitch from behind, you will get your behind beat.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
You can’t be successful if you don’t throw strikes. Simple as that.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
I think we’re all just hoping one of the AAA callups can do better than Thomson.
By Bob, journalist
July 19, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Goodness and doggone, I swear didn’t hit the button … intended to say: That’s not nice. He just got shielled …make him a closer, methinks he may just be good for 2 innings!
Actually, I like a lot of what I’ve seen of him.
By Justin
July 19, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
This Sucks dont believe we coming back carpenter is to good.
By Glass Half Full
July 19, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
The Rangers are looking to deal Kevin Mench. Could be an offensive upgrade in the outfield.
By Justin
July 19, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
This Sucks dont believe we coming back carpenter is to good.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 19, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
kevin mench has toe issues.
By Choppin Bob
July 19, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
what the hell frenchy, take a strike! it wont kill you, but it kills me when u dont.
By Calvin
July 19, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
I like Thorman out in left. He has down a solid job since coming up. I think we should attempt to either get Mike Gonzalez from Pittsburgh or see if the Nats are willing to deal Chad Cordero.
By jason
July 19, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Mench also has an OPS of .777 and a career OPS of .811. Not exactly a lineup changing player.
By woogidy
July 20, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
rough night. The old man has the controller tonight.
By jch
July 20, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this
d.o..b.
Did u find that White mansions album. Barnes and noble music has…
Anyhow.. alot of those pitches tonight looked like strikes… dosnt help if the ump is unwilling to call all 13 inches of the plate.. Kid looked excellent couple of bad pitched to a couple of good hitter.. regroup and head to philly. GO BRAVES
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
Greetings, all! Wish we could trade everyone we don’t want for Carpenter and Poo-holes. Nonetheless, I am glad to see Jimmy Smith is alive at least, if not well. Surely you were able to kill at least one of those worms with your trusty Crossman, so you can roast him on a spit with peanut sauce? Or do they carry off their dead like “13th Warrior?” If you decide to upgrade your weaponry and wage full-scale war against these miscreants and vermin, and should you wax victorious, will you take Baby seal out clubbing in celebration? Hee-hee! Sorry, that was in terribly bad taste, and I apologize. It has been a long day of work, and I grow jaded. Journalist Bob, I tip my hat and beer to you. I am about to fix some food, and return to the instrument of communication. If you will still be up, I look forward to virtual intercourse (not of the sexual kind).
By jch
July 20, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
is this a 9th inning rally i smell. Oh VINNY AND TONY where are y’all now that the MuTS blew a game in the late innings— Dont hear much from Mutts fans when they lose do we GO BRAVES
By flbravesgirl
July 20, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
Bleecch! The only good thing about that game was McCann’s homer. 5 straight games with a HR for him, I believe.
I’ve been trying to get caught up since the tech guy came and fixed the modem today. 2 days with no internet…the horror! Why do the tech guys all appear to be 16 years old and wear pants that are 14 sizes too big? I keep hoping the saggy, baggy clothes will go out of style.
DOB, hope you and your computer made it through OK tonight. Sounds like it got a little dicey in the pressbox during the storm.
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this
Sorry if that last comment seemed licentious; I’ve been dealing with neanderthals and cretins all day and it sometimes rubs off. Not to mention, there are those who classify me in the aforementioned categories. Braves lost, but took 2 out of 3 in a convincing fashion for the Cards at their home. Good deal. I am happy.
By berigan
July 20, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
Why did Turner South not run the game??? WTH???
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
Flbravesgirl, I am with you. It does appear that the current misgeneration knows not what size they wear. I am not sure what they are hoping to accomplish by this, other than maybe hiding weaponry.
By flbravesgirl
July 20, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this
Grinch, the thing that really annoys me is that baseball uniforms are being worn that way. I absolutely hate that sloppy, too big, pants-too-long look. Someday, a player is going to catch a spike in his floppy pants and break an ankle. (I sound like a combo of a nagging mother and the fashion police, lol.)
By Snowball's Chance
July 20, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this
Does anyone read the other columnists/ blogs? I read Bradley’s. Don’t bother, just read the first blog. It’s Priceless. Moore’s column says “Pitching will be the Braves downfall”. Duh. Dob, I hope you’re making more cash than these cretins. Not more than Guy Curtwright, Since he takes the managements edict seriously. Never more than 10 minutes.
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this
No, all BS aside, you’re on to something I agree with. Players now (a mojority of them) wear their pants down to the point where their cuffs are litterally spilling over their heels. Why? Not only does this look stupid and not even phisically safe, but it flies in the face of tradition. Why? Show your individuallity at the plate or in an interview. Don’t try to be ghetto just for an ESPN shout-out by Stu Scott.
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this
Snowball, I’m not just saying this to kiss DOB’s hiney; he’s a much more intelligent, hard-working and precient writer than Bradley or Moore. He really does deserve his own column. But then, what moron would they put in position to manage our blog?
By flbravesgirl
July 20, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this
I’ve basically given up on the columnists. They only write really negative stuff. Stick with DOB’s blog. He gives it to us straight, good or bad, without any personal agenda. And he gives us a lot more time and effort than he has to, considering that this isn’t really part of his paying job.
By Snowball's Chance
July 20, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Has the shipment arrived? I sent a box of OpusXX with a humidor made from virgin timber with spotted owl feathers imbedded in it.
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this
Snowball, I got the site (www.Jrcigars.com) up now, but I’m somewhat impaired; where do I look to find out? I’ll buy it on your advice if you’ll tell me how. It’s been a long day, my friend!
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
Do tell which cigars exactly you recommended…I saw an Opus X humidor for $225, and I’ll be honest; if the combined price of the cigars and humidor you recommended are a heck of a lot higher than that, it may tale me a month or so to afford it. I am but a humble writer, after all…but I do love a good smoke, so I’ll see what I can do!
By berigan
July 20, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this
I wish all the Chipper haters could see the beyond the glory show on him that ran on Turner South. The guy pitched with a broken hand in the H.S. state championship game!!!
By Bobby Vaughan
July 20, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this
Hi Grinch! I’m still up but it hotter than Dante’s 3rd level in here and I’m headed out of the room to cool off for a spell … maybe a hot tub will do the trick!
Tonight was a bummmer but I blame in on the rain … took the edge off our guys … and that Carpenter brought his tool box with him tonight … still, I thought the newbie looked rather good, too many bad counts at the wrong times though.
If you’re interested, you might check out my comments to Mark toward the end of the latest Terrance Moore Blog. I’ll be back if and when I handle this heat.
By Tomahawkin
July 20, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this
Berigan, Damn they showed Behind the Glory with Chipper, You Guys are lucky, I had to put up with those wack Cardinal infomercials they show on the Cardinal network becuz I don’t get Turner South, So I just watched old reruns of Martin rather than watch thap crap on the Cardinal network
By Tomahawkin
July 20, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this
Gawd TBS SUCKS they show back to back games 4 the padres series, and now they haven’t shown one since, and won’t til saturday night I believe, WHAT DA PHYUCK
As 4 da game tonite, I knew that when Schill would not come inside we were doomed, But whaddya expect. It looked like he was intimidated by the middle of that cardinal lineup, I guess thats something that can be worked out with more experience. Time to slug it out in Philly, We should take 2 of 3 easily, anything less and I’m gonna be pi-s-s-ed off, especially if we go into a power outage at that bandbox they play in
By Tomahawkin
July 20, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this
Oh yea, Is it concerning anyone else about Andruw’S fall down follow through when he overswings, Dude is gonna hurt himself if he keeps doing that over a prolonged period of time, plus anything hit on the infield is an automatic out, even if an infielder boots it…
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 02:36 AM | Link to this
Glad to know ya, Bobby, and I’ve been having to go out to the car every so often and cool myself off here; so I know where you’re comin’ from. I agree that for a few bad pitches, we didn’t look all that bad tonight, considering the heat, but Carpenter was definitely on the level (Hee-hee!). T’Hawkin, We’ll take at least 2 of 4 from these fools, if not three. I have much faith. Lookin’ like a team on a mission…and i have Turner South but missed the report ‘cause I’m an A*******hole.
By The Grinch
July 20, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Andruw modifying to this point at this stage of his career makes me worry a bit, but he IS crankin it out…
By Andy
July 20, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this
I was reading about how people from the other blog or maybe this one were venting about how the braves should avoid Maddox—-he(maddox) was the same or worse than sosa. 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.
By Bob, journalist
July 20, 2006 05:12 AM | Link to this
Goodnight All!
By Steve
July 20, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this
For Bob Dylan’s most underrated song, I nominate “If you see her, say hello” from the album Blood on the Tracks (one of the best albums ever made by anybody) It’s very slow and moving. I find it surprising this song isn’t even mentioned among his top 100 of all time.
By doc
July 20, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this
DAVE, i really try to stay out of you and your guys way and enjoy this for the ride but i have to throw a little more nostalgia in on dylan because he has done so much to influence the music scene and our culture in general by opening us up to a bigger world ala his take on the boos he got in england for the albert hall series as he switched from acoustics to electric and threw out the f word.
i was completely blown away by dylan at the first atlanta rock festival and he wasnt even one of the acts. this concert was held in the middle of atlanta int raceway in the summer of 1969 and there was no comprehension of how big it was going to swell, so hot they were bringing in fire trucks to cool people off as there was no where to go for shade in the infield, thunderstorms welcomed at dusk to cool things off in spite of the ga red caly and this was before woodstock which was being advertised in between shows. i had been a dylan fan growing up and had all his albums along with peter paul and mary. :-)
here i was now into the psychcodelic era gravitating from the soul man that i was with the beatles sgt pepper album and cream with clapton. even now i still think lou rawls is the purest voice this side of heaven and was sitting there listening to music on the loud speakers while they set the stage for the next band. all of a sudden they start playing lay lady lay which hadnt been released yet. it was haunting and so cool. now what i heard next and is the real kicker was girl from north country fair and the duet of dylan and johnny cash. it was a true transformative experience and all of a sudden i have been elevated to an understanding and appreciation for country music and moved once again to a more open look at the world and what it had to offer, metaphorically. they kept playing those two songs over and over and that album ultimately became transfixed in my memory bank at a celllular level.
sorry, now play ball. go braves! keep it going roachy, to quiet all the idiots that rear their idiotic minds and show their complete ignorance of the national past time and finally onto the playoffs or die blogging.
whew, back onto the subject of most import.
By Jeff
July 20, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Braves in the wild-card race? Yes, indeed. But there pitching is p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c. Last night’s 8-3 loss is a fine example. Sure, if the Braves posted 9 runs, they’re winners. But no team is going to rack up a lot of runs in enough games to win consistently. The big offensive surge was an oddity (as references to teams that did the same fifty years ago indicates).
Seems that a lot of fans are running around in a fog forgetting what made the Braves the Braves through their title years: strong pitching and strong defense. And that’s still the formula that gets teams to the Promised Land.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the best wishes and words of concern, you crazy diamonds. I made it through the storm just fine. Actually, Bowman, myself and Travis Haney, being the resourceful scribes that we are, all had secured other accomodations than the horrendously hot (you know the feeling when you climb the steps to your attic in summer? it’s exactly that, no kidding) and windowless (unless you count plastic pull-down window substitutes) writers’ pressbox. Finding that unsuitable to our needs, on Tuesday we repaired to an air-conditioned visiting-team radio booth that wasn’t being used.
That was obviously a good place to be Wednesday when hell unleashed her fury upon new Busch. While others were huddled in stairwells to get away from the howling winds and rain thrashing the upper pressbox, the three of us were in our comfy booth, me chugging coffee, Bowman dipping smokeless tobacco, all of us typing away and marveling at the ferocity of the storm and the screams of fans scurrying for cover. it was quite a night.
Anyway…
Doc, if you saw Dylan and Cash sing “Girl From North Country Fair,” you, my friend, have been blessed. What I would have given to see that…. Wow. Extremely rich experience, I can only imagine.
Steve, agree with you on “If You See Her, Say Hello.” Great song, and definitely one of his 2-3 best albums, in my opinion. Tough to narrow it down, and everybody has their own rankings and will argue them to the end, but to me it’s Blood On The Tracks and Blonde on Blonde.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
8-3 loss. Guess we’ll get no song today, huh?
These visions of Atlanta, they torture my mind.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
These visions of Preston Hanna, they conquer my mind.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
These visions of Dan Tanna, they torment my mind.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
These visions of Roseanne Roseannadanna, they infect my mind.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
These visions of cold Fanta, they placate my mind.
By Carolina Lady
July 20, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
“we repaired to an air-conditioned visiting-team radio booth that wasn’t being used.”
Way to go, DOB! :-))) Smarter than a showdog! (And a Southern boy will know that that’s a compliment!) :-)))
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
These visions of green cannas, they restore my mind.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
Great nickname for the Braves’ bullpen: Desolation Row!
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
Gotta go now. I’m picking up Angel, who just arrived here from the coast.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Think I’ll pick up a cold Fanta on the way to the airport.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 20, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
has jimmy smith broken the blog? journalist’s last post has been lost. at least journalist now has journalist’s braves cap back.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 20, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
no song lyrics today? jimmy smith thinks not! please enjoy.
In the Passageway by Jimi Mbaye The world we knew is all changed now, Our lives simply not what they were. My mind, once numb, is awake at last And my soul is beginning to stir. All around me a million throats sing The unfastened songs of our dreams. “In the mind of age dwells the hope of youth.” Life never is just what it seems. chorus: We know what you want for us, Papa. We know what you want us to do. We know what you want for us, Papa. We know and we look out for you. now, everybody: Yow yaak mana yem Domou Adama la gnou Naka nga mana takaweedi ma teukkoo. Gni ngui djeul sougnou khel Sougnou khalat djokh seytane. Te dougnou dougnou dougal loudoul si fitna ak thiono. Nagnou gnaan ci yala mi mana sopi nit man koo defar. Mou weulbati sougnou khel Deupeule sougnou khol. Sougnou ko defe Dina gnou jubo Te sou bouba Fitna yi wagne kou.
now, dob … that is some fine music!
By Lew
July 20, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Everyone. DOB, glad to hear you weathered the storm. I caught the game last night on MLB Extra Innings and had the FSN Midwest feed with Joe Buck and the Mad Hungarian. They were talking about Andruw’s ankle breaking swing and seem to think it’s because he tries to pull everything. I think I agree. TP needs to do something before Andruw hurts himself. This can’t be good. Doc, the Atlanta Pop Festival? Damn, son, you’re as old as me. I was at Ga. College when that show happened. I just picked up the double cd-Allman Brothers at Atlanta Pop. Great CD. To the persone not understanding rejecting Greg Maddux’s acquisition, try this-A.age B. Huge salary C. He’s 2-11 in his past 13 games D. He’s over 40 E. Scott Boras is his agent (think about re-signing him) F. So what if he’s pitching at Wrigley? He won a Cy Young award there. Maybe if the price were right, but it won’t be. I’ve gotta go with “Blood On The Tracks”. Definitely Dylan’s best.
By Not-A-Blogger
July 20, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Doc:
I came up from Augusta for the 1st Atlanta Festival. I’m sure the authorities had no inkling of what was to transpire.
Joplin, Zeppelin, Spirit, Cocker, Credence, etc, etc, etc — wow.
In ‘70, of course, it moved south to Byron, with Hendrix headlining, and about a 4-500,000 people showed up. The mayor of Macon was advocating automatic weapons for crowd control.
Give me “John Wesley Harding,” covers of “Highway 61” by Johnny Winter or Terry Reid, and Blue Cheer’s cover of “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry.”
By Not-A-Blogger
July 20, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Lew:
Those Allman Bros tracks are from the 1970 Pop. There were several secondary stages set up, and the band moved around (seemingly) playing all weekend.
Their best sets, though, were the many free shows they played at Piedmont Park around the time the 1st album was released.
By Lew
July 20, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
I stand corrected. It’s still a great cd. I remember “Machine Gun Roniie” Thompson, the gun totin’ Macon Mayor. I was at Mercer shortly thereafter. The man was nuts. I think he single handedly (I don’t even know if that’s a word) tried to start a race riot. I repeat, the man was nuts.
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
Okay, had to completely empty a crowded closet, but had to do it: pulled out my White Mansions album. Unlike some bloggers, I don’t have a turntable (except probably in another closet); so all I can do now is read the notes and lyrics; the insert is like a story of the civil war from a purely and soulfully southern perspective.
I forgot that Eric Clapton played some backup. Anyway, my lyrical contribution, from “Dixie, Now You’re Done,” final song on the album, performed by Waylon Jennings as “the Drifter”:
Oh Dixie, now the land is scarred
The States are bleeding, they’re wounded and marred
Master Lincoln isn’t here to lend a hand
Now he’s gone and bitter hate rules the land
You’re done, oh, oh Dixie, you’re done.
By Lew
July 20, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I was at the second Piedmont Park show, right after the Idlewild South album came out. They played for three haours and did all of both albums. Duane never took the slide off his finger the whole time. I also was at the Municipal Auditorium show in Atlanta when they previewed the song “Hotlanta”. Another great show. Saw many good Municipal Aud. shows including Airplane, Mountain and Ten Years After. Not to mention ELP with Humble Pie. Great old venue.
By TDub
July 20, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Hey, just read the Twins are looking for an OF. How about Diaz for Jesse Crain? Not a blockbuster, but it’s a start for the bullpen…
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Oh, a baseball comment; last night’s loss does show how difficult it is to pass so many teams in the WC race. One loss and we lose ground to several teams. It’s certainly doable, and I think we’ll do it, but we will have to play very well.
I was impressed with Shiell (sp?). He nibbled a little too much but obviously doesn’t have the power to go after quality hitters too directly. Take away the fat pitch to Edmunds (that guy KILLS the Braves, I hate to even see him come to the plate), and a pretty good performance. You could sorta tell that the 2nd time through the lineup was going to be a little difficult.
I don’t think he’s “the answer” but looks like he could provide some help.
I am also concerned about AJ’s swing. Not so much that he’ll hurt himself, but that for about the last 3 weeks he seems to have abandoned all pretense of going with the pitch. He seems to have decided to go for the fences on every swing, which is great when he’s connecting, but I fear a lot of pop flies like last night if he keeps it up. Not hatin’ on him, just concerned. I’m always afraid he’s on the verge of a slump, but you can’t argue too much with his production.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Juan Rincon from the Twins would be better.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Who is the least informed, Terrance Moore or Mark Bradley?
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing what a little win streak will do. It’s been weeks, it seems, since any knee-jerk jerks have called for Bobby Cox to be fired. Guess he’s gotten a lot smarter this month.
By geauxbraves2000
July 20, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
The Braves are now 7-1 in their last 8. Excellent. My only concern about last night’s game is the team going into a batting slump. Good pitchers can do that. I was glad to see them load the bases in the 9th though, so maybe no slump. 3 out of 4 in Philadelphia and it’s an 8-2 road trip. That’ll work.
Geaux Braves
By Bryan
July 20, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Stanford.
That white mansion album (which I have on CD) is incredible! I actually am making a copy for mr O’brien.
I am a college aged braves fan known more for my love of college rock and hip-hop - but White Mansions is amazing. Ran non-stop on my cd player last week.
Getting excited about it dave???
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
I think we can relax after last night’s lose. The Phillies aren’t very good no matter how much they spend or who they acquire.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
They’re classic underachievers.
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
Bryan, country is not my genre either. Don’t really even remember how I stumbled on mansions.
Seems to me that Thorman might be the best trade prosepect we have. He’s a blue chip recruit, a first rounder, who has hit at every level; is a natural 1B but an adequate OF, a Ryan Klesko type.
I wouldn’t trade him unless it was for a longterm player, someone who could help this year and beyond. But I wonder if he might be getting so much playing time to showcase him a little. Short of Giles or Betemit, he might have the most value of anyone on the team. Not so much to the Yankees or White Sox, etc, who want proven hitting, but to a team like Tampa or FL who is looking for cheap major-league-ready young talent.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how the Phillies, at 43-50, are “classic underachievers” while the Braves, at 45-50, are somehow the team to beat in the National League.
People just see what they want to see, I guess. Well, I see some seriously flawed rationale.
By Patrick
July 20, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
DOB
Cleveland radio is reporting that the Indians have just traded us Bob Wickman for a minor league catcher, have you heard anything???
By geauxbraves2000
July 20, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
I’d trade Thorman for Jonathan Papelbon right now, but no one else. Thorman I think is going to be the “real deal”. The Braves have a bright future with McCann, Francouer & Thorman, they need to be who the teams builds itself around in the future. IMHO.
Geaux Braves!!
By doc
July 20, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
jimmy, my fav is toepulo honey. nother fav is toenights the night.
not a blogger, was at byron as well and heard allman brothers band after a bit too much to drink, a cheap burgundy red jug wine one step up from ripple and a bit of weed. they came on stage and the skies opened up, biggest durn raindrops i have ever felt and very vivid memories. also had the worst case of poison ivy in the worst of places after taking a field dump next to some farmer’s pond that we found to wash off in.
yeah lew aint aging great.
ok guys will check back again, just keep the bravos on the roll. i say get them to within 8 of the mets by the fist week of august and they cave. heh heh
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
The Braves are the team to beat in the East…at least until the Mets actually win the division. Same with the Yanks and Cards in their respective divisions.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
For the people fixated on the bullpen.
Returning Smoltz to the pen is NOT the answer. He is the only pitcher in the rotation that gives us 7+ innings with a chance to win each time.
The biggest problem with the pen is the lack of quality STARTERS if we were only seeing Yates and Ray on a regular basis we wouldn’t have such a problem with the “blowpen”. To be able to win the 3-2 type game we need to have consistent work from the starter before we ever get to the pen.
The best way we can help our bullpen is to trade for a starter like Schmidt or T. Armas Jr. to give us quality innings and to reduce the number of games that Sosa, Villareal, etc. apppear in. (Not to contradict myself, but I would also advocate trading Hudson if the deal could bring us back a young pitcher ready to fit into the rotation. I have seen little evidence that he is going to help us reach the playoffs this year and will become a drag on the budget in the future.)
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
So, I guess good pitching does stop great hitting… Though, I think had Smoltz been on the mound tonight, we would have pulled off the win. I lay this loss at the feet of the career minor leaguer. But I give him props. He did strike out a bunch. He just needed to come inside some more. Be a little more aggressive.
It’s on to Philly where we shall trounce them and take a 4 game win streak into Florida. McCann will continue his homer parade and set the new MLB record. I’d like to see a sweep of the Mets at the end of the Month.
GO BRAVES
By Jim
July 20, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
I would like to see a 3-way trade that would send Hudson to an AL contender or the Dodgers, the team getting Hudson sending one prospect to Atlanta and one prospect to a deadline seller who in turn would send a bullpen arm to the Braves. The trade could be rounded out with additional players being exchanged.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
Smoltz in the bullpen certainly isn’t going to fix everything, but having the potential for 50-plus saves down there makes the Braves better for sure. You can’t tell me the Braves wouldn’t have a better record if than they do today if they had started the season with Smoltz as the closer.
So, no, Jim, it’s not the answer. But it is the solution to the Braves most glaring weakness.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Don’t trade Thorman, period! Trade LaRoche and put Thorman at 1st full time!
By Jim
July 20, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
You only get 50 saves if you take a lead into the 9th inning 50+ times. What set of Braves starters (other than Smoltz) would give us that? The only other Brave starter to give (fairly) consistent performances with innings is HoRam.
Forget about Reitsma and Sosa, they are NOT the current late inning options. If the starters consistently turn over a lead to Yates and Ray after 7+ innings, I like my chances a lot better than having the rest of the staff having a lead to protect for 2+ innings by the rest of the pen to get to Smoltz!
Good starters make better bullpens.
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Patrick,
Well, if we do get Wickman, I hope he is the 2nd of the two “bullpen arms” that Stark reporeted the Braves are agressively pursuing. The only way he makes us the “team to beat” in the wildcard is if he is pithcing the 8th and setting up for a true stud closer.
Regards,
Jason
By Patrick
July 20, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
From all reports in Cleveland, this is a done deal. Bob Wickman is a Brave
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
Patrick,
Are you for real? I will repeat what I said before…this is only significant if we are getting Wickman to setup for a true closer such as a Joe Nathan. Then and only then will the Braves be the team to beat in the wildcard.
Regards,
Jason
By journalist jimmy smith
July 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
why did the braves use a pitcher with known toe issues last night? inquiring journalist wants to know.
doc, tiptoe through the hostas.
journalist recovered journalist’s braves cap from ring-worm-leader. worm-ring-leader? whatever.
now, carolina lady, thanks for your help to baby seal during the recent difficulties. baby seal called washington but was told the great seal had been put up for the evening. must have been a nice hotel.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Well, if Wickman doesn’t work out, we can always try to ship him and Paronto to the Falcons to beef up their offensive line.
By tigger101023
July 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
DOB, any word yet on the minor league catcher going back to the Tribe? The identity of that catcher makes this trade anything from decent to just terrible.
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Jim: Your point is dead on when it comes to moving Smoltz from the rotation to the pen. Which is baffling after your post of trading Hudson for a prospect and long relief. Why would you argue so well for keeping Smoltz in the Rotation and then trade away another Starter with no reliable replacment for him?
I’m bummed on Hudson’s performances lately, but I don’t see that trade as helping us out. Though I must say, I was pleased with Hudson The other day. Despite the wearing out in the 6th. I think it’s fair to say he was tired from short rest and oppressive heat.
By Patrick
July 20, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
Jason,
Just got the confirmation. Bob Wickman for minor league catcher Max Ramirez
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Also, I think we could get a lot more for Hudson than a prospect and a reliever.
Where are these reports about Wickman being a Brave?
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Delgado just homered. 2-0 Muts in the Top of the 4th. GO M…. I just can’t say it, what a painful thing to have to root for. It reminds me of like having to put a dog down because he is just too old and he’s suffering, so, in the best interest of the dog, you have to put him down.
By Bammer
July 20, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
Patrick, who’s your source for the Wickman info?
By tigger101023
July 20, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I can deal with that. It’s not a glamorous trade, but we need any help we can get and it wasn’t too steep a price to pay for an organization knee deep in catchers. At least Wickman’s done it before, and in the AL, to boot. He should be helpful to the team.
Onto the 2nd reliever referred to by Jayson Stark!
By Brian
July 20, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Check Cleveland Plain Dealer online. They have the story.
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Don,
I was saying the same thing today…it is just PAINFUL to have to root for the Muts!
Patrick, were are you getting your info? Not doubting you my man, but just wondering. Man, I hope Wickman is the lesser of the two arms the Braves are after! The, we just may be the team to beat!
Regards,
Jason
By tigger101023
July 20, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
I can deal with that. It’s not a glamorous trade, but we need any help we can get and it wasn’t too steep a price to pay for an organization knee deep in catchers. At least Wickman’s done it before, and in the AL, to boot. He should be helpful to the team.
Onto the 2nd reliever referred to by Jayson Stark!
By Vinnie Boombotz
July 20, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Mets lost yesterday, but the magic number still went down to 57. It’s amazing you guys still believe you are going to the playoffs with that horrendous relief staff. You guys can live in the past and talk about that record division title streak, but I am a here and now kind of guy. And here and now, I am telling you, the only way the Braves are seeing posteason play this year is if they buy a ticket to Shea Stadium.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
Where are you hearing these reports about Wickman being a Brave Patrick?
By MGL
July 20, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
From Cleveland rag -
The Indians traded Bob Wickman, their all-time saves leader, to Atlanta on Thursday afternoon for a minor league prospect.
The Indians will hold a 2:45 p.m. conference call with general manager Mark Shapiro to announce the trade.
Wickman, who made his 750th appearance in the Tribe’s 6-4 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, is 15-for-18 in save situations this year. Altanta, struggling to reach the postseason for the 15th consecutive year in the National League East, has had bullpen problems all season.
The Indians signed Wickman over the winter to a one-year $5 million contract. He went 45-for-50 in save situations last year for the Tribe.
Wickman passed Doug Jones as the Tribe’s all-time saves leader on May 7 against Seattle. It was Wickman’s 138th save as an Indian.
Before Wickman, the Indians traded veterans Jason Johnson and Eduardo Perez since falling out of the American League Central race. The prospect they’re receiving from the Braves will not have an impact on this year’s big-league team.
Wickman, with 10 years in the big leagues and five years with the same team, had to approve the deal.
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
From the site Brian provided:
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Indians trade Wickman to Braves 1:27 p.m.
PAUL HOYNES Plain Dealer Reporter
The Indians traded Bob Wickman, their all-time saves leader, to Atlanta on Thursday afternoon for a minor league prospect.
The Indians will hold a 2:45 p.m. conference call with general manager Mark Shapiro to announce the trade.
Wickman, who made his 750th appearance in the Tribe’s 6-4 victory over the Angels on Wednesday, is 15-for-18 in save situations this year. Altanta, struggling to reach the postseason for the 15th consecutive year in the National League East, has had bullpen problems all season.
The Indians signed Wickman over the winter to a one-year $5 million contract. He went 45-for-50 in save situations last year for the Tribe.
Wickman passed Doug Jones as the Tribe’s all-time saves leader on May 7 against Seattle. It was Wickman’s 138th save as an Indian.
Before Wickman, the Indians traded veterans Jason Johnson and Eduardo Perez since falling out of the American League Central race. The prospect they’re receiving from the Braves will not have an impact on this year’s big-league team.
Wickman, with 10 years in the big leagues and five years with the same team, had to approve the deal.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
The key word in your post is reliable. Hudson has not been reliable. He throws too many pitches, too few innings, gives up too many hits and walks, and strikes out too few batters. I will give a pass on the game against San Diego when the umps strike zone caused a major problem, but then again one game its the strike zone, next its the heat, another time the arm angle…. Two thirds of this season plus the second half of last year is a pretty good sample of what we can expect from Hudson and I think we can get the same performance (or better)from an unproven younger pitcher with potential, or that pitcher can be turned around to get us someone like Armas Jr.
By geauxbraves2000
July 20, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
Wickman Trade
By tigger101023
July 20, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
I can deal with this trade. Wickman’s not sexy, but he’s experienced and he’s changing leagues. And we’re knee deep in catching prospects. Overall, I’m pleased. Since we can’t get a lights-out closer without getting absolutely ripped off, this is a reasonable alternative.
By Patrick
July 20, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
WTAM in Cleveland is reporting is. Both the Braves and Indians message boads on scout.com are reporting it.
Link from Cleveland paper http://www.cleveland.com/weblogs/pdsports/index.ssf?/mtlogs/clevepdsports/archives/200607.html
By tvsportscaster
July 20, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
Deal is confirmed Wickman for Max Ramirez, Cleveland Indians flagship is reporting, also being in TV I have sources and they’ve confirmed it.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Just got off flight from St. Louis. It is a done deal, from what I’m told, will be announced by Braves after 2 p.m. Wickman, who’s a HUGE upgrade for Braves at closer, for minor leaguec catcher Max Ramirez, a 21-year-old, solid prospect, but one obviously expendable because of McCann and Salty.
Classic case of trading from a position of power, which John S. has always done. My first reaction is, very good deal for Braves.
Gotta get to work on it, though. Just wanted you all to know what I know
By Bammer
July 20, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Brian, thanks for the Plain Dealer info. Wickman is a perfect addition, experienced and proven. He’s not Rivera - shoot, no one is - but he’s the best available closer. I bet the Braves starting pitchers feel good about this.
By chopthis
July 20, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Jim, I’ll repeat, since you’re obviously very slow:
You can’t tell me the Braves wouldn’t have a better record this season than they do if Smoltz had been the closer from Day One.
Even the worst team (none of which has Smoltz as a starter, either) wins one-third of their games. Even the best teams lose one-third. I like my odds having Smoltz closing out a good portion of the 54 games remaining.
But how can I argue with a whiz-kid like you? After all, the stats are all on your side: the Braves are a whopping 45-50 this year with Smoltz starting!!
I guess I know when I’m licked.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
http://www.cleveland.com/weblogs/pdsports/index.ssf?/mtlogs/clevepdsports/archives/200607.html#163304 - Website address, I guess it’s for real
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Great deal! Maybe not a great closer, but a real upgrade. Now let JS work his magic for Linebrink (or someone like him) and presto, you’ve got a bullpen.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Well, I was comparing Wickman to Dan Kolb last week, but, considering I didn’t even know who Max Ramirez was until a couple of minutes ago, I guess it’s a good trade?
By flbravesgirl
July 20, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Patrick, for the alert on Wickman and DOB, for the quick confirmation of the deal. He certainly has plenty of experience. Hopefully he’s just what the ‘pen needs to lead the way for the young/inexperienced guys.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Very pleased with the deal. I’m assuming the Braves are covering the remaining portion of Wickman’s $5 million contract for 2006, which still leaves some money available for more bullpen help. Now, if he’s effective can we not let him walk away after the season? I know he’s 37, but he’s now the only experienced closer we’ve got.
By Carroll
July 20, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Considering what the Reds just gave up for two relievers who aren’t even as qualified as Wickman, and our current bullpen situation, this was a VERY good move!
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Ken Ray in the 8th is not bad, Paronto and Yates in the 7th aren’t bad either.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Anybody know how old Wickman is? Would he be a reasonable guy to resign for next year?
By Lew
July 20, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Well, he beats the hell out of Sosa and we didn’t give up anything for him. Works for me. We should still have about $4mil left.
By tigger101023
July 20, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Per the Cleveland fans, Wickman likes one-year deals because he thinks about retiring every year. So the decision to retain him or let him go should be rather painless. He allows too many baserunners, but it’s still an upgrade.
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Looking at his “splits”, his era is 4+, but he gave up 5 runs in 2/3 of an inning in late june…. absent that, era is about 2.6. Kind of like that year Smoltz gave up a bajillion runs in his first outing and spent the whole year bringing it down an inning at a time.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Let’s take the Pirates as an example of a “worst team” that will win 54+ games. They have a closer coveted by many on this blog. How many saves will Gonzalez have this year? I don’t think it will be anywhere close to 50. Blown saves occur anywhere after the 5th inning and many of our blown saves occurred before the 9th inning (or multiple times in the same games as in NY and SD recently). One reason that the bullpen has blown a disproportionate number of saves for Smoltz is that he gave them more save opportunities to blow than any other pitcher. We are not even considering the fact that Smoltz thought the bullpen took a greater toll on his arm and that he broke down at the end of each year when he was closing. Without responding to sarcasm, I firmly maintain that we are better off with Smoltz in the rotation than in the pen with the staff as currently constituted.
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Don, I believe I read that Wick is 37
Regards,
Jason
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Gotta watch “Baseball Tonight” to see how they criticize this deal. A little perspective is necessary, though. Before Wickman our closer was…uh, gimme a minute…Reitsma? No. Ray? Maybe. Sosa? Don’t think so. Ray again? Possible…See what I mean?
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Max Ramirez stats at A Rome: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Maximiliano%20Ramirez&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=445615
By parks
July 20, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
this may be old news to some but per rotoworld.com we just got Bob Wickman for Max Ramirez a cather from single a Rome
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Well I must say, I’m pretty excited about this trade. Only one minor leaguer?!?! And not even a top catching minor leaguer. I would have thought it would take Brayan Pena or some one closer to the pros. Not bad at all. Now there are only two things left to deal with in this trade… success from Wickman, and the inevitable posts from those saying Max Ramirez is going to perform so well we’ll regret this half season rental.
Jim, I still don’t think trading Hudson for a prospect and a reliever is going to improve the team. There is one thing Hudson has that an unproven minor league pitcher doesn’t, and that’s “respect.” Hitters are a little more cautious with Hudson than they would be with a minor leaguer. Mainly because they don’t know if Good Hudson or Bad Hudson is showing up. But also, about tossing out a veteran proven winner for a prospect and a reliever, who would we replace him with in our system? We already have Thomson and Sosa out of the rotation leaving a gaping hole. If Hudson is to be traded, it would be in the offseason when we know Hampton is coming back off the DL.
Next year, if no pitchers are traded, we will have 3 righties and 3 lefties to choose from. Something’s gotta give. Who get’s traded, who is kept. Next year would be the year to talk about Smoltz closing… But even then, I’d rather have him on the mound for 7 innings than 1.
By ssiscribe
July 20, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Good move. Braves don’t lose anything, and they pick up a guy with 229 career saves and lots of experience pitching in the ninth inning.
Question Trader John? Yeah, right.
Wickman indeed is 37. His 4.18 ERA, as noted above, was ballooned by one bad outing. He’s picked up saves in his past four opportunities and is 15-for-18 on the season.
Braves fans, think about it: a closer who five times out of six gets the save?? Wow.
Last year, 45-of-50 in saves with a 2.47 ERA. This year, leftys are hitting .308 against him, but rightys are .216.
This, folks, is a good move. Ray settles into the eighth. I like Yates in the seventh, along with Paronto, with McBride the lefty specialist.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
It’s a great deal, folks. Wick ain’t what he once was, but he’s still a big, big upgrade over what the Brave have. That’s the key, because Max Ramirez was never going to catch for this team as long as McCann is healthy. You trade to win now, long as it doesn’t cost you hugely in the future. And this won’t cost the Braves because, as I said, Max wasn’t going to catch here.
Wickman is arguably the best available closer in a very, very limited group.
HERE’S STORY I JUST SENT TO BE POSTED SHORTLY
The Braves filled their most glaring need Thursday by acquiring veteran Cleveland Indians closer Bob Wickman in a trade for a minor league catching prospect _ and not top prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
The Braves traded Class A catcher Max Ramirez for Wickman, 37, who has converted 15 of 18 save opportunities this season and was 1-4 with a 4.18 ERA and only one home run allowed.
He has a 3.64 career ERA with 229 saves in 290 opportunities, and gives the Braves their first established veteran closer since John Smoltz moved back to the starting rotation after the 2004 season.
Wickman, the Indians’ all-times saves leader, had to approve the deal as a 10-and-5 player with at least 10 years of major league service and five with his current team. He approved it and the deal is expected to be announced by 3 p.m. by the Braves and Indians in separate news conferences.
Atlanta relievers have a National League-worst 20 blown saves in 40 opportunities, and the Braves have had inconsistency all season from closers Chris Reitsma, Ken Ray and Jorge Sosa.
While Wickman not having one of his best seasons, the veteran is a proven commodity and an upgrade over the Braves’ most-recent closers, Sosa and Ray. The move will allow the Braves to move Ray back into a setup role, where he’s been most effective.
Ramirez, 21, was batting .285 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs for Class A Rome. The Venezuelan is a bright young prospect, but the Braves have a 22-year-old All-Star catcher Brian McCann and Saltalamacchia, who’s having a terrible season at Class AA Mississippi but remains a top prospect.
By Carroll
July 20, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
Tigger: it seems like even John Wettland and some other prominent closers also had issues with allowing baserunners. Even Rivera struggles with it from time to time. But ultimately, all that matters is getting that 3rd out. In the preseason I may have been lukewarm on this deal, but after a half season of utterly gut-wrenching garbage, I’ll take it!
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks Patrick for bringing the news to the blog. Thanks DOB for confirming as soon as you could. Seriously, if we get one more real good bullpen arm and move Ray to the 7th, we may have a shot…especially if that one arm is someone who also has closed!
Regards,
Jason
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Just that a deal was made before the deadline for an established closer should have a positive impact on the team mentally.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 20, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
now, a nickname. wickie? wicky? wickey?
“c’mon wicky … hope the ball i handed you isn’t sticky.”
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
You have to think that at least one other trade will happen before the deadline. It’s not exactly like we shot the wad on our end…a single A catcher for a veteran closer? Can’t beat that. We’ve still got other irons in the fire.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
I do like that neither ESPN nor Fox had the scoop on this deal. Once again, they are clueless when it comes to JS deals.
By Miss Manners
July 20, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Sticky balls? Never mind.
By BB
July 20, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Journalist jimmy, how about Wicked?
By geauxbraves2000
July 20, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
I sure hate to lose Betemit, but Betemit for Linebrink sounds awesome right now. Put Linkebrink in the 8th where he is used to being with Wickman closing. Ray/Paronto/Yates in the 7th, with the good McBride as a lefty specialist which siscribe said. On the way to turning a sows ear into a silk purse.
Geaux Braves!!
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
I sure wish I could’ve taken JS with me to all those pawn shops when I was a broke musician in the 1990s.
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
I know that I mentioned a week or so ago here that Brayan Pena could be involved in a deal for Wickman, mainly because Victor Martinez can’t throw out basestealers and is due for a position change. I suppose Max Ramirez has a better arm than Pena and the Indians liked him better. Even if Wickman struggles, it’s a good move by Schuerholz.
Because the Braves only had to give up one young player for Wickman, this deal allows Schuerholz plenty of flexibility to go out and get more relief, starting pitching, or bench help.
By Tomahawkin
July 20, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
I’ll wait and see on wickman, I remember the last deal with the Indians for 2 Relievers didn’t go to well, Just hope Wickman doesn’t catch a Kolb while in a Braves uniform…
2 of 3 in that bandbox in philly should be easy anything less and I’m be pi-s-s-ed off..
By Lew
July 20, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Carroll-You called it dead on. It is about getting the third out. How many two out runs have we given up this year. Starters, relievers, it doesn’t matter. Two out runs have demolished us this year. I can’t believe we gave up nothing in this deal. For all of you who have been ranting about JS being in decline-I guess now you know he’s still the man. Maybe not the best closer we’ve ever seen, but as I said before, he beats hell out of Sosa and he cost nothing.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Any word on who will be sent down or dfa’d to make room for Wickman. My guess is that it will be Barry, but that leaves another move to make when (if) Stockman is activated.
Tenn. Paul — I can’t disagree too much with your argument on Hudson. My concern is that he may bring more in return now when teams are desperate than he would during the winter if he continues to underwhelm. Your point about a winter trade being essentially a Hampton for Hudson swap is well founded. I can live with keeping him for the rest of the year and I can equally live with seeing him go for the kind of deal I suggested (which I think is the best we could get right now). If a 3-way trade could be arranged that brought back Armas Jr. or (less likely) Jason Schmidt for Hudson, I would jump at it.
By dylan
July 20, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Actually Fox reported it before the AJC. DOB had the scoop on everyone because he has the luxury of being around the team at all times and writing to a blog that allows him the freedome to post info as soon as he has it.I love DOB for this its why I read this blog but be fair as far as first articles Fox was quick.(It pains me to say that because I cant stand Fox they are a terrible news source and have ruined sports broadcasts).
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Jim: To add to that, you could look at all those fill-ins the Braves have used this year. If Smoltz were in the pen, some one would have to take his spot in the rotation. From our system we have used Thomson, Sosa, Shiell, Smith, and Cormier to fill in the 5th spot. The Braves are a combined 8 and 24 in those games. Most of those loses, we never had a lead to protect. So, that’s the replacement for Smoltz if he were to go to the pen. We’d have that times two since we’d still have the 5th starter hole to fill as well. Of course, we could move Smoltz to the pen and trade Hudson… we’d look just like the Cubs though with a fabulous pen and no team to hand them a win.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Scott Williamson could still be a nice addition if the Yankees don’t overpay for him.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Max Ramirez stats at A Rome: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Maximiliano%20Ramirez&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=445615
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Here are a couple of good YouTube music video clips of Dylan and Cash playing together:
One Too Many Mornings
Girl From The North Country
Just in case you’re wondering, YouTube has all kinds of rare Dylan and Cash video clips. Good stuff.
By Ron Roberts
July 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
BEAUTIFUL!!
Wickman’s not the closer he used to be, but he’s still converted 15 of 18 saves (one less blown save than Wagner of the Mets, mind you) and is an obvious upgrade over anything we’ve put out there to close all season long.
This gives Cox all the necessary tools now to use the bullpen to its fullest capabilities, folks. Ken Ray has been very effective in his setup role, and McBride’s the lefty specialist. Tyler Yates has done pretty darn good out of the ‘pen, too, and with Wickman, Ray, McBride, Yates and yeah, even Villareal used in proper spots, I think this puts an end to our bullpen problems.
And to make room, they need to designate for assignment a certain overweight Dominican former-starter.
Schueholz does it again; he gets us a proven commodity for an unknown future piece that (with McCann doing what he does) we probably wouldn’t have needed, anyhow.
I’m betting the dealings aren’t done, either, but the only upgrades I would think Schuerholz would consider is a straight up Langerhans-or-Kelly Johnson for Hillenbrand from Toronto (remember, Toronto’s playing from a position of weakness since they played their hand with him, already, so we don’t have to give upanything we’d like to keep, but do need to entice them at least somewhat).
The Braves fan in me wants Maddux back, but I also remember (being the same Braves fan) that he didn’t provide much for us in the postseason, either.
But hey, whatever just gets us to the postseason, at this point; I’d rather we got him than the Mets shoring up their weak @ss rotation. We don’t need Maddux, but we certainly don’t need the Mets or Astros or Dodgers to get him, either.
By Sammy Kershaw
July 20, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
I hope the fact Wickman closed for the Brewers a few years ago isnt a curse
By krath
July 20, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Good trade.
Wickman is no Mariano Rivera, but who is?
Experienced closer. Beats what we had. Has to beat Kolb and Reitsma. Not lights out but probably servicable. No worse than Todd Jones In my opinion.
What better closer was available?
The best part is we didn’t have to overpay for him which was my biggest fear in sellers market.
Now, does anyone know where we can find one more starter for the rotation?
By TDub
July 20, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
A closer! A closer! It’s taking everything I’ve got to keep me from standing up at my desk and doing the cabbage patch…
By bigboi
July 20, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
I just read that Sammy Sosa has been tearing the cover off of the ball in the Dominican League and is set to join the Braves in Philli tomorrow. He should start in left and platoon at first. I’m thinking he’ll bat 5th and move McCann to the 6 hole. Have you heard that DOB?
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Krath, the Royals are shopping Mark Redman, but I don’t think that’s the answer.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
The Dominican League is a developmental league for 16-17 year old kids from the island that have just signed major league contracts and provides a buffer before they continue their careers in a foreign culture.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
I think we are going to get a starter if anything, I think the bullpen is set now with McBride, Yates, Paronto, Villareal?, Ray and Wickman. Maybe there is a 3-way trade possibility with Toronto and Washington so we can somehow land Armas, Jr. Toronto would kill for a 2b like Giles, especially after losing Hillenbrand today.
By woogidy
July 20, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Rodrigo Lopez next? Scot Williamson next? This is when being a Braves fan is fun. JS pulled this deal out of nowhere. He is the Stealth Bomber of GM’s. Wick would have been my first choice over all the available closers. He’s a below average fielder, that at some point in every season costs him a run or two. Other than that, Good deal.
By Ron Roberts
July 20, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
rolls up newspaper and raps bigboi on the nose…
NO!!
NO!!
BAD!!!!
By Mets Stink
July 20, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Does this mean sosa gets designated…..hopefully
By journalist jimmy smith
July 20, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
journalist will check for toe issues. if none found, journalist highly endorses this trade. tommy john surgery was no big deal, right?
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Muts and Cincy tied 2-2 Bottom 9. Cubs beating Houston 3-0 top 5th with Zambrano pitching a GEM, no hitter with no outs in the 5th… Go Zambrano!
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
Plus, Wickman should have an easier, not easy time against the NL instead of facing all the boppers in the AL.
By krath
July 20, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
GHF, I’m with you on Redmon. I wish we could turn another deal for a starter that was the equal of the Wickman trade. (a proven product, not too flashy and at the right price)
I worry that the starting rotation will experience some more DL time before the season ends. Ho Ram seems to find a way to get hurt and Smoltz, well, I hold my breath every time he winces for any reason on the mound.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Sammy said he’d like to come back next season. I’m thinking he’s got to get the ‘roids, greenies, & HGH out of his system first. Oh, and all those damn corks out of his bats.
By BB FAN
July 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Good trade. I think Wickman helps solidify the bullpen a lot. Now I wonder why the Braves did not pull the trigger on the Sosa to Colorado for King deal? King is a lefty that can get left handed hitters out. I think it would be a good trade. They both make about the same salary (~2.5 mill).
I think they really need to consider trading Hudson. He just doesn’t seem to have what it takes. I think SF would take him for Schmidt and a mid-level prospect. It would be worth it as Schmidt is a hard thrower. I’m sick of the soft tossing starters the Braves have. They need to get some guys that throw heat. Hell even if Schmidt leaves as a free agent, at least the Braves get rid of Hudson’s future salary. (which is about 33 million over the next 3 years) Money that can be used to go after a hard throwing starter and re-sign Andruw Jones.
By Jim
July 20, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Two thoughts on making any trades with the Royals —
Dayton Moore knows JS better than anyone, and might be very reluctant to even appear to be “taken to the cleaners” by his old boss. On the other hand —
There is no GM that knows the Braves’ system and the evaluation that the system has placed on each of its prospects any better than him. He would be the one GM least likely to accept anything less than a blue chip prospect for any player he would trade to the Braves. For that reason going to KC for someone like MacDougal or (yuck!) Redman would probably be our least desirable option.
By Ron Roberts
July 20, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Why would the Giants trade Schmidt for Hudson? Schmidt is 6-6 with a 3.06, and Hudson, as we’ve noticed, blows, lately.
By Tony Almeida
July 20, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
WOW…Schuerholtz finally took his thumb out of his a$$. Too bad he waited til we were so far behind.
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
A Giles trade could help offset the payroll “hit” by Wickman’s salary. Wish the Rockies would part with either Holiday or Hawpe in the outfield for Sosa…would never happen, but hey, I can dream damnit.
By Lew
July 20, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
BB FAN-we already have a lefty who can get out lefthanders-McBride. Lefties have hit about .180 against him. I wouldn’t trust any player we could get for Sosa straight up.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Muts just went up 3-2 in the 10th… Way to gggg….. I CAN’T DO IT!!!
By Lew
July 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Glass-We aren’t really taking a hit on Wickman’s salary. JS had $6 mil left from the Chipper thing. Even with Wickman (less than 1/2 year left) we should still have $4mil left for more bullpen help. We don’t need to jettison Marcus’ salary til next year. If we can get more pitching for him, however, but I’d still rather wait til the offseason rather than screw up team chemistry.
By Ron Roberts
July 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Guys, you’re wasting your time pondering up trades where we send our worthless parts for things we want. WHO would trade for Jorge Sosa???
And FYI, Bob Wickman’s salary this season is at $5 million, so pro-rated, we should play less than $2.5 million.
That ought to leave $3.5 million for anything else we might pick up if we make another move.
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Jim: To add to that, you could look at all those fill-ins the Braves have used this year. If Smoltz were in the pen, some one would have to take his spot in the rotation. From our system we have used Thomson, Sosa, Shiell, Smith, and Cormier to fill in the 5th spot. The Braves are a combined 8 and 24 in those games. Most of those loses, we never had a lead to protect. So, that’s the replacement for Smoltz if he were to go to the pen. We’d have that times two since we’d still have the 5th starter hole to fill as well. Of course, we could move Smoltz to the pen and trade Hudson… we’d look just like the Cubs though with a fabulous pen and no team to hand them a win.
By KC
July 20, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Good move. Is Shuerholz done or are more moves coming?
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Way to go Majewski! Allows the go-ahead double in the 10th. How’s that “blockbuster” deal treatin you now Reds?
By Phat Bat Boy
July 20, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
How many more years does Wickman have on his contract? (I apologize if that has been covered already but I didn’t see it anywhere). We have had a closer problem since Smoltz left, so while this may help us for the next few months, do we know that we have this guy beyond September (assuming he performs well which I personally doubt)?
By Don
July 20, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Great trade by JS, but get out the Maalox as Wickman has allowed 40 baserunners in 28 innings. The catcher we gave up was the 20th rated prospect in our farm system according to ESPN. Even if Wickman doesn’t get the job done, that’s a trade you have to make with such a glaring need and a seller’s market for relief pitching.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Wickman insisted on a closing rather than a setup role as a condition for approving the trade as a 10 and 5 guy. That would have knocked the teams looking for setup help out of the mix.
Cleveland is also shopping Mota. He has an ERA of 5 but it wasn’t that long ago he was throwing gas for the Dodgers as a setup guy for Gagne. Don’t know what’s happened to him since.
By Ron Roberts
July 20, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
He’s only signed through the season.
By BB FAN
July 20, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
The Giants may not mind trading Schmidt if they realize they can’t resign him. And Hudson is signed for 3 years and maybe a trade to the Bay Area will help him recover whatever he has lost.
And Hudson has shown signs of recovering. The start just before the AS break was good. If Cox had not kept him in after 8 innings, it would have been a great outing. ANd his last start was good through five on 3 days rest. Cox again, should not have kept him in after the 5th.
By KC
July 20, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Phat Bat Boy:
Wickman is a free agent at the end of this season. Probably wouldn’t be hard to resign him this winter if JS & Bobby decide we want him back next year.
By krath
July 20, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Phat Bat, he’s a free agent at season’s end. He was in a one year deal with Cleveland.
By ncscoots
July 20, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Bob Wickman? Well, I don’t know….he’s no Gary Majewski! Seriously, it’s win-win for the Braves, at this cost. If he’s ridiculous the rest of the season, it’s “the best trade ever made by JS”. If he’s mediocre, it’s “he didn’t cost us anything”. I doubt he’s a savior, but it does get somebody who has been through the wars down to the pen with the inexperienced guys. And that may be Wicked’s biggest contribution.
By Don
July 20, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Cox should have pulled Hudson after 5 innings, 1 earned run and 55 pitches? I can only imagine the wailing we’d have seen if he’d done that and the bullpen had gotten shelled. I love these 20-20 hindsight posts.
By krath
July 20, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
I agree with both Don and Scoots.
I saw Wickman’s numbers concerning baserunners allowed. I understand many of his saves are adventures. I suppose he’s like a Don “fullpack” Stanhouse.
And like Scoots said, he really didn’t cost us much. He only has to be over .500 in save situations to be an upgrade over the results we’ve been getting from our closer position. (although I do expect more than that from him) I don’t expect him to be automatic, but I don’t expect him to fall on his face either.
By BB FAN
July 20, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Don, Hudson was pitching on 3 days rest in St Louis after throwing about 60 pitches in SD and getting hit hard then. And it was 98 degrees in St Louis that night. So it was probably 120 degrees on the field. It made perfect sense to pull him out because of those conditions. (after 5 great innings in 98 degree weather on 3 days rest)
For your information, it was not 20/20 hindsight. I was telling my wife that when Hudson went to the mound in the 6th.
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Well, if the Braves truly have the “$6 million” to play with (according to Mark Bowman) to add help before the trade deadline, Wickman takes up about $2 million of it for the rest of the year. In other words, I think we can expect another deal or two before the deadline.
By KC
July 20, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop: We have plenty of resources left (both money and talent) to help us trade for one more arm. It’d be nice.
If not however, I think we’re in pretty good shape with what we’ve got.
By KC
July 20, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
BB FAN: Good point on Huddy. His last start (though it looks ugly in the box score), shouldn’t worry anyone (for the reasons you just outlined). If fact we should be encouraged by the 5 dominant innings he pitched.
By Don
July 20, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
It was 120 degrees in the early evening on a grass field in a ballpark that isn’t completely enclosed? Give me a break. Hudson is certainly fit enough to go more than 55 pitches. Even Greg Maddux can go 75-80.
By ncscoots
July 20, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
But can JS make another something-for-nothing deal like this? I doubt he can get a starting pitcher of any consequence for such a low price, though that may not even be on his radar. I wonder if now would be the time to go after a guy like Gonzalez, who could “season” for half-a-year in (hopefully) a playoff race without having to undergo the stress of being the closer, and still be under club control for a year or two after this. Not saying that’s the way to go, just found it an interesting scenario.
By KC
July 20, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Don: He WAS on short rest and pitching in very physically taxing conditions. Those are facts. Dismiss them if you want to. I can tell you that Huddy’s pregame regemin doesn’t involve Twinkies. The guy is a great athelete. He’s in good shape. He just wore down under very taxing circumstances.
By Lew
July 20, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
Another thing about Hudson-He is one skinny dude and has had stamina problems in the past. The heat in St.Louis (or Atlanta, for that matter) is a far cry from the balmy breezes of Oakland.
By Stanford
July 20, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
I like that scenario, nscoots. Would be very surprised if Pitt did, but who knows? I do think we’d have to give up real value (Betemit, Giles, Thorman, or at least a top prospect), but who knows?
Just a comment on the ‘steal’ for Wickman. What we gave up was a prospect who would’ve brought probably greater value a year from now, if we weren’t in such a fix for a closer now. We may never need Ramirez, but we did trade away a good bargaining chip for Wickman. So, it’s not without any downside. But, I’m all for it.
By KC
July 20, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Stanford: Agreed. No one gives away something for nothing. If this Hernandez kid wasn’t a decent prospect, the Indians wouldn’t have made the trade.
Still a good deal though. Cudos to JS.
By Lew
July 20, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
Stanford- This was a prospect that hardly anyone ever heard of. I hadn’t and I pay pretty close attention. He is a catcher that would never have seen playing time in Atlanta. McCann, Pena and Salty come first. Are you kidding, this WAS a steal. I was afraid we would have had to give up Pena or Salty to get him and I would have thought THAT was cheap. No, JS ain’t lost it yet. Next year we’ll have another A prospect. Believe me, this was no big deal giving up this kid.
By MGL
July 20, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
Cubbies knock of Astros 4-1. A little help from below on the WC.
By Antonio McNugget
July 20, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
KC thats the most ridiculous post i have ever seen. GREAT athlete…. right all 150 pounds of him. I dont care how hot it is you HAVE to go 5 innings if you are the great starter you want him to be. 3 days rest after getting rocked for 5 runs in 60 pitches. You must be an Awbarn grad. I posted this yesterday you may need to take a look.
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 Stanford
July 20, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Lew, no argument. I wasn’t familiar with him either. Catching prospects (who can hit) are not a dime-a-dozen (except in the Braves organization, it seems!). Aside from pitching, it’s probably what most teams most need. A year from now, at AA, he’d have greater value (if he progresses)… was my only point.
But anyway, I was not criticizing the deal or JS, or trying to rain on the parade. Just a comment - that we didn’t get Wickman for quite nothing - and like I said, I’m all for it.
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
Here’s a trade which was just floated as a done deal on XM radio:
Tom Gordon, Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrel, & David Bell for A-Rod, Melky Cabrera, and a player to be named later.
Hudson is still good. This comparison of him to Sosa is just obsurd. They are leagues, fathoms, light-years appart, even as Braves pitchers. As poor as Hudson has been this year, he isn’t close to as bad as Sosa has been.
By BOB C
July 20, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Wickman - ouch! At least we dealt from one of our deepest positions in the system. Would like to believe this acquisition was a good as our deal with the Tigers last year - but doubt it. If we just had spent a few extra bucks in the off-season we wouldn’t be in this mess.
By Don
July 20, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Hudson has thrown 134 pitches in the 2 games he’s pitched since July 6, 2 weeks ago. Poor guy, Bobby Cox is overworking him even though he’s only made it through the 6th inning in one of his last five starts. Trying to come back on 3 days rest after throwing a whopping 67 pitches. Never mind if he’d had a week of rest before that because of the All-Star break. Give that guy combat pay, and tell Cox to quit abusing him.
But there’s nothing wrong with Hudson. He gave us 5 great innings the other night. That’s all we need with the bullpen we’ve got. It’s not reasonable to expect your ace to go more than 55 pitches when it’s hot outside.
By Andy
July 20, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Ron roberts that dog thing was brilliant— seriously funny. This really makes the Reds trade for pen help look really really bad.
By hk
July 20, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
ncscoots, appreciate your reference to my ‘substance’ graph … while I called it something else, that’s the point I was trying to make :)
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
I appreciate your sarcasm, Don.
As Mr. McNugget stated a few posts back, Hudson is 21-17 as a Brave. Hudson has come nowhere close to living up to what I thought he’d be: a very strong, top-of-the-rotation starter. Instead of anchoring the staff this year, he’s been one of the anchors holding it down. Remember this: Hudson was the opening day starter. That is symbolic of what an organization expects of a pitcher. Coming into this season, the organization, the fans and Hudson all believed he would be better than what he was last year, right? This guy’s got to get his (stuff) together and get some wins for the ballclub.
By Kent
July 20, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
Antonio McNugget:
Hudson pitched well for us last season. 14 wins (that would have been 18-19 wins with so much as a mediocre bullpen behind him), and an ERA around 3.50… despite playing hurt part of the season. Please everyone, leave those “Hudson’s sucked ever since he got to Atlanta” whines in your sack of lame arguments. I’m tired of hearing it… mainly because it’s not true.
Huddy was solid last season. He’s had a lousy half-season. He’s a great pitcher. He will recover. Period.
By Calvin
July 20, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
Good trade. We didn’t give up anything really because we are frigging stocked at catcher. I think this may be the swan song for Sosa. At least I hope it is.
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
July 20, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
White Sox just released Cliff Politte. I’ve always kind of liked him, even when he was in Philly. Would be a nice arm in our bullpen. He didn’t really fit with what Ozzie was trying to do.
By krath
July 20, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
I noticed Wickman is a 10-5 guy so he had to approve the trade.
With few exceptions, I would have to say that Atlanta has to be one of the top “go to” destinations for players who are facing a trade or even free agency. The free agency isn’t so much of a factor simply because Atlanta doesn’t have the unlimited New York payrolls, but you get my drift.
Many players develop an attachment for a town or organization if they have been there for a while, but I bet Wickman had to think about going to Atlanta for about 5 seconds before OK’ing the deal.
Seldom hear a player dissing Atlanta, the organization or making the observation that “yeah, but they have only won one World Series.”
I know Sheffield left, but he swears he would have stayed in Atlanta had he been offered the same contract the Yanks gave him.
Then there is Farnsworth. Did a good job last year but he never impressed me as being the brightest candle on the cake.
Then Glavine. The guy took one for the players association.
And finally Maddux. The Braves just didn’t even make an offer. Suppose they were still stinging over the arbitration he accepted the year before.
All things being equal, (and that’s money folks) seems like players want to come to Atlanta and would stay there if possible.
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Kent, Hudson wasn’t a “great pitcher” last year. He hasn’t been “great” since 2003 when he was 16-7 with a 2.70 ERA in 240 IP. He struck out 162 guys that year. Here are his season strikeout totals since ‘03: (103, 115, and 81 so far this year…in 21 starts). Meanwhile, his walk rate has been consistently going up (44, 65, and 45 so far this year). He’s just not the same pitcher right now that he was during his best years in Oakland. After all, isn’t it supposed to be easier for pitchers in the NL? He posted a good overall season last year, but he’s not the same guy this year.
By Chop Chop
July 20, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Brooklyn Braves Brawler,
Cliff Politte has a shoulder problem. The boys on FOX (yeah, they stink) were talking about it during a White Sox-Yankees game the other day. He’s lost a lot of velocity due to tendinitis and probably needs surgery.
By KC
July 20, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t claiming that he was a CY Young caliber pitcher last year… but simply that it’s innaccurate for people to intimate that he hasn’t been any good since he got to Atlanta. He was very good last year (game 1 of NLDS withstanding). Again, not CY Young, but he was very good. This year’s another story, but he’s coming around.
FYI: Kent and KC are on in the same. I keep forgetting that my name pops up differently on my home/office computers.
Not that anyone should care.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Cincy loses - 4.5GB, Houston loses - .5GB (tied in the loss column). Good results so far today…
By Kenny the Big Guy
July 20, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
Let’s don’t write off another division championship yet. Once the deficit gets into single digits - which could happen within a week - our chances will look pretty reasonable….especially with two months left on the clock. Is a 15th division championship probable? Nah. Reasonably possible? Yep.
By Jman
July 20, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
JS finally works his magic! To get Wickman, who is by no means Mariano Rivera, or Lee Smith, but still the best availible 9th inning guy on the market for a Class A catcher is astounding and remarkable! This is definitely an upgrade to what we currently have! I would still like to see at least one more move. We could use a 7th inning reliever, or a starter. (Linebrink, Maddux) And I dont think it would hurt to get a solid LF. But I really believe that with Giles picking it up at leadoff right before the injury that the Braves will be satisfied with him at the top for the remainder of the year. If Wicky costs us 2mil for the rest of the season, then by my calculations we still have about 4 mil left. Maddux’s deal would probably cost about that much for the rest of the season. He pitched great last night. If JS can pull this kind of magic on a trade for him it would be great!
By Glass Half Full
July 20, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Williamson from the Cubs would still be a good fit.
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Hudson certainly hasn’t lived up to the billing. I wouldn’t argue that he has. But I reject any comparison to Sosa. That’s just nonsense. You may compare Thomson and Sosa, or Smith and Sosa, or Kolb and Sosa, Reitsma and Sosa… but not Hudson. Hudson still has a ways to go before he is as awful as Sosa has been. Hudson would have to go out there and give up 20 home runs in 13 starts, losing all but 3 of them and still only lasting until the 5th in all of them, then completely forget how to speak english and refuse to re-learn it before he could be compared to Sosa.
Here’s a better comparison… Hudson has been about equal to Hampton. But I hope Hudson doesn’t go down with a season ending injury. At least not until after we trade him.
By KC
July 20, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Again… Are there credible Maddux rumors that I don’t know anything about??
By Don
July 20, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
I’m pulling for Hudson, but I don’t see how anybody can say “he’s coming around” based on 5 good innings the other day before he got knocked out in the 6th. He’s made it through 6 innings in one of his last 5 starts. I think he’s already had 5 starts this year of 4 innings or less. I remember early in the year when he pitched that great game against the Mets and said he’d figured out a past problem with his arm angle. And then he went back to being mediocre to bad. So I’m not convinced by one partially good outing. I want to see 3 or 4 quality starts in a row, which is a reasonable expectation of a guy who’s supposed to be a #1 starter.
It looks to me as if he still has good movement and good velocity but can’t locate his pitches. His pitches that start low tend to dip out of the strike zone but the ones that are up scream “Hit Me!”. When hitters won’t chase him out of the zone, he gets behind in the count and then leaves fastballs without much movement right in the heart of the plate. He’s like Maddux was his last 2 or 3 years here, he puts up 4 or 5 scoreless innings around one bad inning.
Whatever Hudson’s problem is, he and McDowell better figure it out if the Braves are going to make a run at the wild card.
By Jman
July 20, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
No credible rumors that I’ve heard. Just hoping.
By Bob Wickman
July 20, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
Hi guys. Good to be here. I love Atlanta, Bobby Cox is my dad. What do ya’ll say we win this thang.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
I think if you look at the trade from both sides it works. The Braves got a closer for (at least) the rest of the season to improve their chances of the wild card. While Cleveland, who is NOT going anywhere this year, probably just wanted to dump Wickman’s remaining salary anyway(I bet sell-outs are pretty rare in Cleveland right now). I’m sure they were not going to re-sign him in the offseason, so now they have a couple months left to see if they can find a closer within the organization to fill that spot. And if they don’t, they know they have to get a closer in the offseason. Plus, if this single A prospect turns into even an average major leaguer it makes the deal that much sweeter. Works out for everyone.
By krath
July 20, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
The “Daily Southside” ( I suppose a Chicago rag) reported the Braves might be a player for Maddux. How credible the report? Who knows? Evertyhing is speculation this time of year.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t think JS “pulled a fast one” on Cleveland. He should not get credit for a “steal”. The credit should go to him for being the GM that convinced Cleveland to hand Wickman over to the Braves and not someone else. Lets face it, there was absolutely NO reason for Cleveland to keep Wickman the rest of the year. They are out of the race, he’s a FA after the season, and he’s still owed $2mil. Plus, like I already said, it gives Cleveland a chance to try out a closer from within the organization for the remainder of the season. There had to be at least 5 or 6 teams who wanted Wickman, and I’m sure they had offers just as good as JS’s offer(single-A prospect). But the difference is JS got the job done, I think there is such a respect and admiration for him around the league, that when he talks, other GM’s really listen and believe him. And that is JS’s greatest asset to the Atlanta Braves…. Now get some freakin saves Wickman so JS can keep looking brilliant!!!
By Lew
July 20, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul-I wonder if it was the same guy on XM the other day who proposed Langerhans Sosa and Betemit for Dontrelle and Cabrera. At least the trade you mentioned sounds a bit more reasonable. Now that we have Wickman (for next to nothing) and still have $4mil according to the Braves’ site, Williamson or Howry would be great.
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, no new blog yet?
By JasonInMaine
July 20, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
DOB,
What are your thoughts. Do you think JS still has irons in the fire or has he taken them out since this trade happened?
Regards,
Jason
By DonCoburleone
July 20, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I don’t want Maddux back. I remember watching him in the middle of 4 CONSECUTIVE Cy Youngs - he is not even close to the same pitcher. I personally felt that he should have retired after last season when his string of 15+ wins a year went out the door. Not to mention an ERA well over 4 and a losing record. I absolutely love Maddux, he was my favorite to watch of ALL the Braves great pitchers. I would be in awe of the movement and control he displayed on a nightly basis, but am I the only one who now thinks he should just call it quits?
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 20, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
I am please with today’s trade but not satisfied. I think we need one more reliever.
I say we send Langerhans to the Cubs for Williamson.
We could still use a true leadoff hitter. I think Carl Crawford could be for the taking. Have you noticed the talk about him has died since Soriano and Abreu have been put on the block? We could send them maybe Jurries. They need a 1B.
I also say we give the Blue Jays a call and acquire Hillenbrand. We could give them Betemit or Giles in return for Hillenbrand and a couple of prospects. The Jays aren’t really in a positon of power since they only have 9 days to get rid of him.
So, does this sound crazy?
DOB, what do you think?
By old timer
July 20, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
I like this Wickman deal a lot better than the rumored Betemit for Linebrink trade. We already have two or three Linebrinks. Maybe Wickman has enough left to help. At least he won’t panic out there in the 9th.
By paluka
July 20, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
I think a Giles/Hillenbrand trade would work out nice for the Blue Jays, but Hillenbrand probably want to play every day and there isn’t an every day spot for him in Atlanta. Perhaps a 3 way deal can be worked out where Giles goes to Toronto, Hillenbrand goes to San Diego and Linebrink comes to Atlanta all invloved get what they want and need. All these talks of Giles to San Diego make no sense. They have Josh Barfield there and is playing better than Giles. Also I read that the Reds have released Chris Hammond maybe he can get a tuff lefty out for the Braves and would cost next to nothing.
By ncscoots
July 20, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
God save me from Shea Hillenbrand trade talk. The guy is a total head case, from all reports, and he certainly doesn’t have the skills to overlook that. Check his splits, if you like. It would be “nice” to have another right-handed bat on the bench, but, Lordy, not THIS guy.
By krath
July 20, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Hillenbrand isn’t a Braves organization fit and I’m sure JS knows this. It would be a total shock to me if he wound up in Atlanta.
By Don
July 20, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Something tells me any pitcher released by the Reds likely has 4 bald tires at this point, given their desperation for pitching (see the trade with Washington). We picked up Hammond up off 4-5 years ago after he’d been out of baseball and he wasn’t young then. He had that great year for the Braves and I don’t think he could have broken a pane of glass with his fastball.
By the way, how many relief pitchers have the Yanks gotten burned on in the last few years on multiyear deals after they passed through Atlanta? I can think of Hammond, Karsay and Farnsworth off the top of my head. The Yankees spent $40+ million on that trio. And before that there was Mike Stanton. At least he had some good years for them.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
Predicition: I’ll be batting leadoff before Hillenbrand is a Brave.
Now move it on over … to the new blog I just posted. Better late than early, as I always say.
By Bob, journalist
July 20, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Scoots, this old fell is a bit under the weather … due in part to the heat, I’m sure … so, I haven’t posted and haven’t read of today’s posts, at least not yet. However, I did read one of yours and a few others … and thought I add my one.
Wicked Bob Wickman Well, I don’t know either but he certainly provides a breath of fresh air and should add to the factors that are currently fueling the team’s surging confidence.
Depending on the bullpen dynamic, his arrival could be the catalyst needed to raise our relief pitching to a higher level. Certainly it should help better define the different roles.
Some of our comments remind me of the reaction of some folks to the recent arrival in the USA of those “rescued” from Lebanon. They were complaining about how long the flight took rather than expressing thanks for a safe return home.