Braves

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

OK, DOB, we’re even…I might have gotten Orel before you, but you beat me on Crawford-for-Jurries. I put that down to moments of stunned inaction due to disbelief LOL.

By Scott R

July 20, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Agree completely. Got the best available in the ‘pen by trading from a position of strength. Any chance the Braves grab Hillenbrand? I think he would be a great addition for pinch hitting and an occasional start?

By Dmap

July 20, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

“Big D” I could not have said it better myself. “Bumpin Bob” is excactly what the good dr ordered. He brings a ton of experience and some much needed veteran attitude to this young relief corp. We finally have a real closer in ATL now lets see what we can do.

P.S. I just hope he doesn’t catch a “Kolb” on the flight in.

By JasonInMaine

July 20, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

I too hope the Braves get another solid arm. The rumors are floating around ESPN still that they are agressively pursuing another quality arm. Let’s hope so!

Regards,

Jason

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

I’d like to think that Stockman can still make a contribution this year, in addition to the folks mentioned above. I still think that Wickman’s greatest contribution may be the experience he can share with the young guys.

By Bill

July 20, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think we need to find a guy who can come in and get a big strike out in the 7th and 8th innings

By anotherearlyexit

July 20, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Anything to the rumors about Maddux to the Braves?

Also, who gets sent out when Wickman gets here?

By Carolina Lady

July 20, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB! Appreciate the new blog!

How does Schuerholz do it?? I sure hope this works out!

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, read a late post from Bob on the other blog, says he’s a little under the (hot) weather today. That harshes my mellow somewhat…

By Mets Stink

July 20, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Great move, Braves get Wickman for practically nothing. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

By MEB

July 20, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

Very happy with the trade news and I am looking forward to what JS has in store for us. DOB what is the talk concerning Jason Shiell’s performance and whether he will be given another opportunity to start? I know you are glad to be leaving the lovely “Show Me State.” I’ve spent some time in St. Louis in the summer time and can only compare it to lower Uganda. Poor Jason looked like he needed an IV after his four innings.

By krath

July 20, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

First off, thanks DOB for the new blog. Yep the other was getting “blogged down.” (Sorry bad joke)

I totally agree that another arm is more important than a leadoff hitter. I know we don’t have a prototypical leadoff hitter but it really doesn’t matter as long as we can have someone in that spot who has a decent OBP.

I’m hoping for a starter, but I’ll accept a solid reliever.

By Lew

July 20, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

I think JS just shut the GM bashers mouths. I don’t see how he does it. He must be a hypnotist or something. The best option on the market for someone most of us never hear of. Did he get Cleveland to pay half his salry for the rest of his career, too. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least. Now if Houdini can just make Sosa disappear.

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

I think I’ve asked this before, but shouldn’t Sosa have minor league options left?

By Ace

July 20, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

It is incredible to get Wickman for a catcher who the Braves don’t need anyway. (And you know the catcher is glad to go because of the line in front of him with the Braves.) with a price that low, there’s nothing to lose. Wickman could be incredible. But even if he’s just OK he’s an upgrade.

With the Padres cutting old Vinny, are they interested in dealing Linebrink for Betemit? Would the Braves do it? Or could Betemit be unseating Giles as we speak?

By Stanford

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

nscoots, I’m not sure I know the rules, but I think Sosa had 3+ years ML service coming into this year, and after 3 years, no options.

From espn.com,

When you hear that a player is “out of options,” that means he’s been on the 40-man roster during three different seasons, beginning with his fourth as a pro, and to be sent down again he’ll have to clear waivers (more on those below).

I’m not 100% on this, though…

By Ace

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

Could Shiell’s sinker be helpful in the bullpen? Seems like he had pretty good control with it until he got worn out.

By Lew

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

I’m not positive, but options may have no further meaning after a certain amount of ML time. DOB-Do you have any idea? I wasn’t all that convinced about Wickman, but thought we might have to give up someone from our ML roster or maybe Pena. For a prospect this far down the totem poll, I don’t see how we can possibly go wrong on this deal. He has to be better than what we’ve had up to this point. Evenin’ ma’am, how are you?

By tvsportscaster

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

Great trade, nothing not to like about it, and to the question as to who gets sent down to make room for Wickman, my guess would be Kevin Barry.

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

David O’B … Thanks! You’d probably be surprised at the number of times, especially of late, that posting a blog takes more than a couple of minutes.

John has an ability to recognize opportunities and press the right buttons to make things happen. Sometimes it misfires … but this looks like a keeper.

Scoots I posted to you on the last blog, just after Mr. O’B made this one available … one of my common practices.

You know of my aversion to finding fault with folks … well, that doesn’t always hold true. Yesterday, I had occassion to read Mister Moore’s latest … responded hastilly to one blogger and told him what I thought!

Having a day earlier told The Grinch of my relation Henry Vaughan, the 17th Century Poet, … I used my “Bobby Vaughan” persona to so do. I then posted to The Grinch as “Bobby Vaughan” and suggested he read it. Based on his reaction, I don’t believe that he recognized that it ws I!

You can only say it so many ways but I think that, based on his first name, Wickman may be just what the doctor ordered … and, while it might be good to acquire additional help, I rather doubt that we’ll see anything approaching this one in terms of value.

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

ahhhh, good deal, thanks. For some reason, I was thinking five years.

By tvsportscaster

July 20, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

By the way DOB, I compliment you on your diligence in keeping the blog up to date it’s much appreciated and I agree with you about adding another arm possibly Williamson, if they do that, there’s no question we’re the wildcard favorites and we might be right now after today’s trade.

By tyyosh

July 20, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, I really appreciate your making the effort on this blog. It makes it way more fun. I can’t wait until they get the 2nd arm. I assume they will wait until tomorrow to make their roster move on this one, though. Counting the hours…

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

“Bobby Vaughan”, indeed! That way lies madness, my friend…

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Hello My Lady, Scoots …

I’m headed back to bed … actually, I’m told it’s a 3 day virus … but scoots’ reference to marshmellows make me hungry to find out what all has been said today … and to get back into high gear!

By Carolina Lady

July 20, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Evenin’, Lew, Scoots, Bob, et al!

Bob hope you’re feeling a lot better now! Don’t want you on the DL! (How’s the cat?)

(Also, Bob, I totally agree with your comment (previous blog) about the arrivals’ complaints instead of thanks.)

Can’t wait to see how Wickman does as a Brave. How on earth did Schuerholz get him for one A-ball catcher?? I read (somewhere? tired mind right now!) that John S had had “preliminary” talks with Wickman over winter before Wickman decided to stay with the Indians. Guess JS did a superb job during those early talks, huh?

It’s going to be an early bedtime for me tonight. I didn’t do much today, but it was enough to take the starch out of my sails! :-)

By scott

July 20, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Wickman has allowed left handers to hit over .300 against him this year. He has given up more hits than innings. He has 4 defeats and 3 blown saves. I don’t think that he will be much of an improvement over the woeful Sosa. 2 months from now, Wickman will be vilified here

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Great trade JS ! Thank you for getting a closer ! I would ask for more than Linebrink in a trade involving Betemit. Maybe Linebrink and a top A pitcher. Betemit is solid and will put up very good numbers if he plays every day. I wish the Braves would keep him and trade Giles (if they trade any infielder). Better yet, trade Langerhans (we’ve got Diaz & Thorman for LF), Pratt (we’ve got McCann & Pena for C),and/or John Thomson (we’ve got Davies & James).

By Glenn in Alaska

July 20, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Oh,if the Braves had saved two-thirds of those games they lost look where they would be. Bobby certainly tried all he could with what he had, I think this is a good move. The mets will fall some but will have to crumble if the Braves are to win the Div. I do look for them to be a wild card and they even will get past the first round. From the last frontier, Glenn

By Carolina Lady

July 20, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Glenn, I just gotta ask: what is the temperature up there???

By Summerteeth

July 20, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

This is going to sound out there but here goes…

I wonder if JS could have had conversations with Cleveland before dealing Marte to Boston (of course all involved would have had to had known Marte would ultimately be shipped to Clevelnad)? Maybe there was a little handshake agreement that if the Braves dealt Marte to the Red Sox, who in turn would deal him to the Indians, then Cleveland would give Atlanta first dibs? Schuerholz did say that Cleveland called him first…Hmmmm.

Just x-filing…

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

If Wickman fails then we can complain as we always do. But let’s give the guy a chance. I remember some other not so good closers that did great after becoming Braves (Alejandro Pena and Juan Berenguer).

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

My Lady, I still feel bad … but still feel a lot better; still, it’s good just to be able to feel.

The cat is still suffering from the blues, but as soon as Jimmy reimburses me, I’ll schedule another doctor’s visit for him.

I too am enegryless and headed back to bed … but, tomorrow is another

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

scott, all true about Wickman’s stats (and how can I not agree with a guy with your name, LOL). Vilification remains to be seen, though. If expectations are Rivera-like, you’re right, he might as well buy the wood for the cross right now. If the expectations are 16-out-of-20, or thereabouts, I think he’ll be permitted to continue living by the bloggers.

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Ray King ? Are the Braves entering an eating contest or something ?

By Glenn in Alaska

July 20, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

It is 70* here in Eagle River Alaska

By Jordan

July 20, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

JS obviously pulled another great trade today, but I am really hoping there is another one in the works as well. I love Giles, but Betemit is a better option for the future. He’s a great switch hitter with power, and that is hard to find in baseball anywhere. The time has come to trade Giles, and dump some salary in the process. Betemit is a much cheaper option, and maybe just maybe the Braves could put a deal together involving Giles for someone like Scott Shields of the Angels or Rafael Soriano of the Mariners. Preferably Shields

By mark

July 20, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this

Wouldnt it be like crazy fun if the Braves caught the Mets ….this season….just a fun thought..but….

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

It would seem like some Orioles,Royals,and Cubs pitchers would be up for trades ? I like Jeremy Affeldt. I think he would dominate in a Braves uniform !

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Scoots, are you referring to the use of the name, admitting my relationship to Henry, or the content of the post? I’m changing my name, email addresses, and leaving town!

By MEB

July 20, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

I could not recall the time period either for a player without options. Borrowed this from Wikipedia. Needless to say I believe that Sosa is out of options.

If a player is on the 40-man roster but not on the active major league roster, he is said to be on optional assignment—his organization may freely move him between the major league club and the minor league club. If a player is on the 40-man roster and not the active 25 man roster for any part of more than three seasons, he is out of options and may not be assigned to the minors without first clearing waivers. If a major league player is ineligible for free agency and “has options” remaining, his team may option him to a minor league team without consequence. This is usually what is meant when players are “sent down” to the minors. Likewise, when a player on the 40-man roster is added to the active major league roster, he is “called up” to the majors.

By Carolina Lady

July 20, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Rest well, Bob!

Glenn, could you send just a little of that cool air to southeastern NC? Pleeeeeze?? :-))

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

We will also appreciate an iceberg or two over here in S.W. Ga. !

By OSU

July 20, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Just a little warning to Braves fans, I’m a former Cleveland area resident and don’t be shocked when Wick puts a few guys on base then works out of a jam. With a 3,4 run lead in the ninth he is known to make the game interesting. He’s the best you could have gotten with giving up nothing, just be easy on him.

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Oh, gosh, no, Bob, I meant madness for ME! Don’t make me search through posts by other names when I want to read your pearls of wisdom :-)

By robdawg06

July 20, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Uh oh, sounds like another Mark Wohlers… Maybe he will throw strikes as a Brave ?

By For The Homers

July 20, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Wickman ….. Just another turd on top of an ever going pile of dung. Good Luck LOSERS …..

By ncscoots

July 20, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

I’m toodling out of here, too, but I leave with a final, little-noticed and unremarked-upon upside to the Wickman trade: there’s now someone on the squad from Chad Paronto can borrow shirts. Night!

By The Grinch

July 20, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Good evening, all! Journalist Bob, I am sorry to hear you’re under the weather. I was somewhat in cups last night (surprise, surprise!) and I didn’t catch the Bobby Vaughn post; I’ll go check it out in a bit. I’m having to catch up on my work tonight that I haven’t done enough of recently. Blah! I am definitely happy about aquiring Wickman, though we still need another to really be solid. That was funny about the eating contest; I’d hate to be the owner of a golden corral and see Wickman, Paranto, and Ray King walking in! Now all we need is David Wells. I have low energy both mentally and physically tonight, so I probably won’t be posting much (I can already hear some sighs of relief). Just wanted y’all to know I’m still alive. Bob, get some rest, my friend. We need you in good form for tommorrow night’s game, where hopefully Wickman will get a save opportunity.

By Mac

July 20, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m with you, this is as good a trade as could be expected without mortgaging the future with our best prospects. Hats off to JS for the trade but let’s back it up with one more bullpen guy.

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Well, you scared me … twern’t minnie pearls in that hastily written post … but, it taught me a lesson! It’s best to stay away from blighted neighborhoods … it’s much safer over here!

Good Night all!

By The Grinch

July 20, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Good one, ncscoots! Goodnight.

By Reality

July 20, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

The Braves should have at least gotten a six-pack thrown in with Wickman so that at least they would have some beer to cry in come playoff time. Get A Life Losers ….

By alex

July 20, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

i wouldnt be surprised about linebrink!

i would be surprised abou a maddux and juan pierre in LF for langer/diaz+bettemit or someone else

By Solomon

July 20, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Next up: Mota, King or god willing Williamson.

By Bob, journalist

July 20, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Grinch! Thanks for the words. This is my last post for tonight … Thw Wicked One will not get an opportunity tomorrow … our offense is going to make sure of that!

However, should by some fluke, he should be needed, it’s nice to know that he’s ready to go!

My “Bobby Vaughan” post to you gave you plenty of hints that it was me with a reference to “Dante’s 3rd level” and such … but if you do look for the one on the “Terrence Moore” Blog, remember it’s the English Vaughan and not the German “Vaughn” … though I must admit that there are some “outlaw” Vaughns found in our family tree.

By Longwood's Finest

July 20, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

I bet ‘Reality’ is a Muts fan, by the way, you should tell your minor leaguers to stop using the ‘roids

By Reality

July 20, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Some moron Vaughns too ….

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, you are a refreshing ray of sunshine in the darkness. You are a diamond in a heaping pile of Terence Moore and Mark Bradley.

You actually seem to want the Braves to do well. That’s a vibe I’m not getting from your colleagues lately.

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

If we don’t win the division… we’ll know why:

THE CURSE OF JULIO FRANCO!

We never should have let him go.

By Reason

July 20, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

I would rather cheer on a winner instead of back a loser like we have here in Atlanta. The cleaning house needs to start at the top before this team will win anything of any value. Making the playoffs, big freaking deal. It is what you do when you get there that is a measure of the man and Cox never had it in the first place. This town just needs one big enema to clean out what ails it. I will supply the tubing and one of you can provide the suction. Good luck Losers.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

Hey, REALITY, that was a nice post.

Now get back behind the cash register, your 10-minute smoking break is over.

Those inquiring of Mr. Sosa _ no minor league options for Jorge. Those are exhausted. As am I, watching him.

As I said on other blog, Hillenbrand will not be a Brave. Or if he is, I’ll be absolutely, positively shocked. His actions don’t sit well with those of the old school.

By David O'Brien

July 20, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Reason, meet Reality. You two deserve each other.

By shame on you

July 20, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Wickman is a has been you will see..

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Let’s just hope the Met’s don’t get Zito. That would not only make an NL East (already unlikely) nearly impossible, but it would make the Mets a much more formidable opponent should we meet them in the post-season.

PLEASE, ZITO TO ANYONE BUT THE METS!!!!!

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

meant to say… “That would not only make an NL East comeback nearly impossible…”

By Homer

July 20, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

You could not get a stale box of Wheaties for any of this Braves roster. Let’s just add a couple of more of other teams castoffs and call it a day. That is all this GM has been able to do since he started. Somebody, please take out the trash ….. It is beginning to stink up the joint.

By Longwood's Finest

July 20, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Where did the Maddux rumors start? And if he came back, would he be worth anything besides knowledge for the young guns?

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

I also believe the Braves will make one more move. And I think it would be geat to get one more fire-tested reliever.

But let’s keep in mind, the bullpen is already solid in front of Wickman. We have 3 guys with ERA’s under 3.00 (not including Phil Stockman): Ray, Yates, and Paronto. Plus a guy who is murder on left-handed hitters (opposing lefties batting .173): Macay McBride.

Not bad at all.

By krath

July 20, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Just got around to reading Mark Bradley’s latest. Even though I consider myself a realist and not necessarily an optimist, Bradley makes me look like Pollyanna! lol

It’s going to be a hard battle the rest of the year but I like the Braves chances as well as anyone’s, provided they can play at a level more toward July play than June play.

I have to say that Bradley did make one point that did resonate with me. The GM has made a big deal that he had 6 mil to play with since the Braves broke camp should the team need help in July.

Bradley’s point that if he had spent that 6 mil over the winter to try and sign an experienced closer or shore up the pen instead of relying on Reitsma might translate that the Braves wouldn’t be in the hole they find themselves in now.

JS made a good move by getting Wickman but Bradley may not be wrong with his observation about the move the GM DID NOT make during the off season.

By INDOCUMENTADO

July 20, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

HI,AMIGOS,WAKE UP,SENORES GO GET GOOD PITCHERS FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC,THEY ARE CHEAP,THEY ARE GOOD,AND THEY ARE HUNGRY TO PLAY IN THE BIG LEAGUES,BRING THEM HERE,AND ATLANTA BRAVES WILL BE WORLD CHAMPIOMS AGAIN IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.I PROMISE YOU,OTHERWISE NO WAY JOSE.GRACIAS.

By Chris

July 20, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

The Clevland GM will be on Baseball Tonight in a few minutes. Should be interesting what he has to say.

By KC

July 20, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Homer: Go have a donut, a frosty mug of Duff’s beer, and scratch yourself.

By Lew

July 20, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Let’s see-Reality and Reason. Like Reitsma and Remlinger, they should just fade away. Scott, you may be right, we may villify Wickman,but we didn’t give up Wainright, Cappelan, Miner, Belisle, Zumwalt, Colon or Cruz to get him either. DOB- cashier may be giving them a job promotion. KC-I’ve always though that Julio was the real reason for the Mets short stay on the heap of respectability.

By Dan

July 20, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

It sounds to me like Reality and Reason have been eating too many retard sandwiches.

By Eyes Wide Open

July 20, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Take the blinders off and juat face the facts ….. The Braves are on a downhill slide and need a face lift (and some may need a boob job also). It starts at the top and flows down hill like crap. Buy the whole lot of them a fishing pole and a can of corn and send them on their way.

By BP

July 20, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

Bob Wickman?? What a joke. I understand that this probably the best you could do, but if this the answer then the braves are in worse trouble than i thought.

By Looking Back On It

July 20, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Just look in the rearview mirror …. That is your playoff chance disappearing in the distance.

By Longwood's Finest

July 20, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Why are all of these Muts fans on here, I think they are just worried of a threat in the East. Maybe these bashers should go to their respective ‘guys only’ clubs with their third baseman… D. Wright

By Kicking Machine

July 20, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Might as well kick Bobby while he is down because ‘He hass fallen and he can’t get up.’ What a retarded troll …..

By Ahsan

July 20, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

DOB,

What are the chances of the Braves getting Borowski from the Marlins?

By The Fence

July 20, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Looks like there is a long line in the Braves locker room that would be on the bus to the ‘guys only’ club. Rumor has it that someone on team actually is part owner in the club and he also plays third base. But he plays catcher at the club.

By Longwood's Finest

July 20, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Can you go back to your 4th grade notes and review them? If you can, then I am sure they will say something about proofreading; I’ll give you a break because you were out last night. And if you are lost, read your second sentence.

By chopthis

July 20, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

Dave!

I’m not complaining — your song choice is excellent and your taste is impeccable, and “Lost Highway” is indeed a Hank Williams record — but the lyrics are by Leon Payne (who also penned the country chestnut “I Love You Because”). “Lost Highway” probably vies with “Take These Chains From My Heart” for the title of Greatest Hit Hank Recorded That He Did Not Write.

And I don’t mean to quibble, and maybe it was just a mistake, but you omitted the last verse, which is a stunner:

“Now, boys, don’t start your ramblin’ around

On this road of sin, or you’re sorrow bound

Take my advice or you’ll curse the day

You started rollin’ down that lost highway”

Recorded March 1, 1949, in Cincinnati, at the same session that produced another classic country standard (this one written by Hank), “May You Never Be Alone.”

Again, great choice, and thanks for giving Hank his props on your blog, but hey — Leon deserves his props, too.

By Grapevine

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

What is that I hear ???? It is another nail in the Braves 2006 coffin. Music to my ears.

By mariner

July 20, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

cleveland gm, mark shapiro, made the point on “baseball tonight” that wickman will benefit from better defense with the braves. a quick check of stats shows that cleveland is below average in fielding percentage at just about every position. they’re a train wreck at first and third and martinez is not cutting it behind the plate. by comparison, the braves are in the upper half at all positions except for third, where chipper looks to be about the worst fielding 3rd baseman in the majors, at least using fielding % as the measure. better defense, and no dh should help wickman.

By chopthis

July 20, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

No DH is pretty much immaterial to Wickman. If he’s closing, he’s not going to be facing any pitchers in the 8th and 9th.

By mariner

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

but he won’t be facing thome, big papi, and the like. american league dh’s are a lot better hitters than national league pinch hitters, such as orr, diaz, etc.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 20, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, I guess the Jurries for Crawford deal is a bit absurd. My point was the Rays may be willing to trade him for a mid level prospect since his demand has seem to have gone down.

I would feel a lot more comfortable with another bullpen arm. I still like Williamson from the Cubs and something tells me that he will be a Brave by the time the Mets come to town next weekend. I think a trade involving Giles and maybe Langerhans to the Cubs for Williamson and Walker would be good. Walker and Betemit can share time at 2nd and both can give Chipper some days off to rest his foot and make sure that it doesn’t get worse.

I realize that Walker is not a “marquee” player but he is a very solid guy who can definitely hit. Besides Prado will probably be ready to play next year (right?) and the chances of Giles resinging in 2008 isn’t likely as opposed to the Cubs who can throw a good amount of money at him to get him to stay. Not to mention Giles would be the best 2B they have had since Sandberg and his style of play would go over really big with Cubs fans.

By chopthis

July 20, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yes, that’s certainly true. And Wickman’s coming to a vastly inferior league. There’s no question it’s a good move for him.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 20, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

One thing I am sick of hearing is how the Braves can’t win the wild card because there are so many teams above them. Who cares? All they have to do is win. Its not like any of those teams are going to go on some sort of tear and run away. I think we saw today that the Reds made a horrible deal that is going to blow up in their face.

By JiminNC

July 20, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Wonder if it would be worth a shot to sign Cliff Politte. He was great last year. Surely he’s not as bad as he’s pitched this year.

By Offers

July 20, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Just give Cox a diaper and call it a day. The old man just can not get the job done. If you listen to him during an interview it seems that he has been drinking or maybe that is just what comes with advanced age. The whole organization needs a good reaming out and there is no time like the present. Stop kidding yourself, this team is done.

By chopthis

July 20, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

The other teams can go on a tear just as easily as the Braves can. What kind of reasoning is that? In fact, you can bet the house that one or two of them WILL go on a tear before season’s end. This is not to say the Braves won’t win the wild card, I’m just saying that players and teams don’t necessarily have to have an “A” on their caps to get hot. Take your red-and-blue blinders off, Bob!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 20, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

In JS’ defense about money to spend on a closer. All available closers either were too pricey or just didn’t want to come to Atlanta. Farnsworth, Wickman, and Hoffman all turned the Braves down. There was no way we could give Jones and Wagner the kind of money they got from the teams they went to. The truth is the market was limited and not much available.

By mike

July 20, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, this doesn’t really fit in this blog, but I have to point this out.

David Wright of the Mets is a dead ringer for Louis Skolnick on Revenge of the Nerds.

By Chris

July 20, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

DOB….interesting statement about how Schuerholz “simply does not get fleeced in a trade”. I think Capellan for Kolb constituted a fleecing. Yeah, yeah, yeah…Kolb was decent the year before, but you give away one of the top young arms on the farm to get a one year wonder flash in the pan? Capellan would be a nice addition to this bullpen right now given that he is eating up some solid innings in the pen for the Brew Crew. Fleecing #2 - Zach Miner and Roman Colon for Farnsworth. Farnsy pitches here 8 weeks, predictably leaves in free agency (despite being from the area, never thought that flake would stay for less $). We all know what Miner is doing now. And this does not constitute a fleecing, but trading Wainwright to the Cards so we could rent JD Drew for one year is coming back to bite us. We have given way three pitching prospects for essentially nothing any way you look at it. Schuerholz has never really been one to trade young pitching but he has the last couple years for players he should have known sucked (Kolb) or would not stick around (Drew and Farnsy). The Dan Meyer trade to Oakland is tolerable b/c we got Huddy, but the other trades were not Schuerholz-esque by the 90’s standards

By Adam

July 20, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

Robert, I have to admit that is one of the first trade ideas that I have seen on this blog that actually makes sense for both teams. I was worried that by trading Giles we would weaken our bench, but having Walker would give us someone besides Pete all I can do is run fast Orr coming off the bench.

By mariner

July 20, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

JiminNC….I feel the same way about Sosa as you do about Politte, “He was great last year. Surely he’s not as bad as he’s pitched this year.” I don’t know if Politte is worth taking a chance on or not, but I think Sosa is worth keeping for the rest of the season, and trying to get him fixed. He’s got one of the best arms on the staff.

By 2 homo boys

July 20, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

This is a good trade for the Braves,now they just need two more pieces of the puzzle,another reliever and a starter,lets say Williamson or Linebrink as the reliever and paul byrd,or tony armas jr,or livan hernandez.then my lover and myself will be happy and will attend more games.lets hear it for the Homos,we are great.Maybe oneday we can get John S to join us in the Homo worl,it is great.

By JiminNC

July 20, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Mariner, I hear what you’re saying, but I always felt Sosa last year was more lucky than good. Sort of a modern-day Damian Moss.

By journalist PENN

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

quote: [“Schuerholz has never really been one to trade young pitching but he has the last couple years for players he should have known sucked (Kolb) or would not stick around (Drew and Farnsy).”]

There is no way the Braves could have won the division during the last two years without Drew and Farnsworth.

What was that you were saying about JS getting fleeced? I think not.

By Robin

July 21, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this

How about Giles and Langerhans (or Kelly Johnson) for Linebrink and Dave Roberts of SD. You get a great arm and a legitimate lead-off man. Through in Thompsonm, or Sosa, or both, if SD will take them.

By sameoldstory

July 21, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

well shuerholz is at it again, trading away solid prospects for one season, over the hill, players as he does what he always does, trades away our minor league talent for guys that are marginal at best.

If we had back just half the guys he has traded away we would be loaded right now.

Prediction: we miss the playoffs and the catcher we traded becomes a starter by the end of next year.

By Robin

July 21, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

A few weeks ago, a lot of people on this Blog would have been happy to unload LaRoche. All of a sudden, he goes on a tear, hits like Lou Gehrig, and looks like he’ll put up reasonably impressive numbers for the year (25-30 HR, 90 RBIs). But his stock is probably higher than its ever been at this point, and you have Thorman to play 1B—-so how about LaRoche for LineBrink and Roberts, along with some Brave throw-ins (Langerhans etc).

By robdawg06

July 21, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

These Mets fans are badly misinformed on the state of the Braves future. The Braves still have one of the top 5 minor leagues in developing MLB players. Look at the the players we developed : Chipper Jones,John Smoltz,Andruw Jones,Brian McCann,Jeff Francoeur,Wilson Betemit,Chuck James,etc. Plus all the ones on other teams.

It just goes to show you that few players are loyal to teams (Farnsworth & Drew) in their home states. They sell out for more cashola $$$.

By robdawg06

July 21, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

I still want Dontrelle Willis. Trade Thomson,Langerhans,Pratt,& Giles for D.Willis. Salary dumps for an ace.

By nathan

July 21, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Chris you mention the trading Dan Meyer to Oakland was tolerable because we got Huddy.

Please share whatever is helping you halucinate!!!

Yeah, we only “rented” JD Drew for one year. But of all the players we’ve ever rented for a year. He had the best one. I was not sad when he “walked” because anybody that’s payed attention, knows he’ll NEVER stay healthy for too long. We were lucky that year. Only after Chipper ripped him a new one about staying in the lineup.

Yes it would be great to have Wainright, but it’s not like JD didn’t perform.

As for Huddy, how can you call that trade “tolerable”? If JS would’ve traded a bat-boy for Hudson, it would’ve been too much. Maybe that’s a little harsh, but it’s not too far off.

No way can you say the Drew trade was worse than the one for Hudson.

By Head Coach

July 21, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Shcuerholz made a very good trade. He gave up nothing for a solid closer and not many GM’s are that astute. I do believe DOB is right , we need another veteran arm in the bullpen , preferably a lefty. Is it enough ? I dont know , but at least I can put the obituary away for the moment. 45-50 after 90 games , can they win another 45 in 67 games ? (45-22) alot of things have to go right for it too happen , but God forgive me I think this team has a pulse and a chance at the wildcard. Betemit has to stay in the leadoff hole , Thomson and Davies have to get healthy and contribute , Chipper and McCann have to stay healthy , they have to hit the longball consistently , Lord knows they are slow as molasses on the basepaths and Hudson has to pull his butt out of his head. Basically its a very steep mountain to climb , but hey………… these are the Atlanta Braves and they believe anything is possible.

By Suds

July 21, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

Greetings from Dongguan, China.

My, my, with the sudden increase in bile bring disgorged by ‘Mets fans’ today, let me offer a couple of thoughts.

Door #1

I scrolled back and reread what seem to be about five entries (Reason, Reality, etc.) and it seems to me that they all sound about the same; same thoughts, same level of intelligence. Methinks there may be one, sad neandrathal who would like us to believe there are many for us to worry about. Not an unreasonable thought. or, could it be that behind

Door #2

there are many Mets fans out there reading our dear blog. That would mean:

1) There are quite a few Mets fans with a very base intelligence, and that;

2) They are all of a sudden very interested in what the Braves are doing. Another very believable perspective.

Too bad we can’t have

Door #3

A thoughtful, well-intentioned, and reasonable debate with those of the Mets nation who are willing to come on this blog and offer some insights backing up their team. I learned from Lew last week that this is a site where it’s quite OK to disagree, in fact, what is a blog without different points of view? But don’t come here without some game. If you’re so much behind your team, tell us why you think they won’t choke like most of us do. Not to say the Braves won’t end up in the playoffs via the Wild Card, but back yourself up with at least something besides puerile blatherings.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

ChopThis, I’m just passing through … saw “Take your red-and-blue blinders off, Bob!” Given the conservative realist that everyone knows me to be, I just chuckled and thought “now, about whom in the world do you think he could be speaking?”.

I’m sure that it was a bit after Hank’s time … but wasn’t it Leon Payne who wrote “Stay and Teach Me to Forget”?

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this

Song for june -Jimi Hendrix, “Manic Depression”. Song for July- ‘Everything is beautiful”. I don’t know. Is that Bobby Goldsboro? sorry.

This blog is getting overloaded. I hope DOB gets a heads up for it.

By nathan

July 21, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this

snowball’s chance

I have a bootleg version of each of those songs. I don’t remember the name of the singer. But is was some fat lady :)

By Steve

July 21, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys, Let me tell you why the Braves fans here should be very excited about Big Bob - for his career, he only walks one batter about every 3 innings. For a closer in Atlanta, that will be a welcome change. Hopefully the days of Sosa, Reitsma and Kolb walking the tieing run into scoring position have ended! Go Braves! Good work JS.

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

I googled Everything is beatiful. Ray stevens wrote it. As you old guys know he wrote “Ahab the Arab” back in the 50’s or early 60’s. He is still writing funny stuff. This was his “serious” hit. What I was thinking of was “Raindrops keep falling on my head”. Same kind of mindless song. The connection is B.J.Thomas, the singer of Raindrops had a hit in the early sixties with “I’m so lonesome I could cry”. that got this suburban punk’s attention.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this

One last comment regarding the “fleecings” … to me, getting fleeced means to be taken advantage of as a result of deceit. Perhaps there have been situations where the ones with whom John was trading … did indeed pull some fast ones. You may think that, and it may be correct, but I’m not so inclined.

If you have a different “fleecing” definition that supports the opinion that John has been fleeced, please share it.

Before exiting, I want to extend a southern howdy and welcome back to Suds and Coach! I haven’t been up to the task of readingh all the posts but it appears that Suds has effectively redressed some folks who are probably most deserving … Goodness and dadgum, and the old HeadCoach shows signs of becoming an optimist!

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:07 AM | Link to this

Nathan ,SSSSome fat lady? What the f@#%&*( I just saves AJC some money, since those are my asterisks. say that really fast.

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Nathan ,who is the fat lady?

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

SnowballsChance, Methinks you don’t appreciate Nathan’s understated humor.

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Nathan ,who is the fat lady?

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this

F*** you very much

By Andy

July 21, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this

coach you’re back!!!!

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

sorry ,for any bloggers. The people in control are not happy with me.The last blog was meant for the nuns in control.

By Andy

July 21, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this

I think we will pick up vinny—-esp after the trade that sends Giles or WB somewhere. But again that is just me.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 02:57 AM | Link to this

CHOPTHIS, outstanding contribution, my man. I have no idea how the last verse got cut from my original post. I checked to make sure, and I definitely had it in the file, but maybe when I cut-and-pasted it, I left it out. Anyway, you’re right, that’s the best verse, and I just added it.

Now, I gotta admit, I was entirely unaware that Leon Payne wrote that. But you’re right. I checked it out, and Payne, who was blind (not that that has anything to do with anything) originally recorded it in 1949. And apparently most people are like me and assume Hank wrote it (that’s what it said on an entry I found about the song).

Hey, have you seen Don’t Look Back, the Dylan doc from 1960s tour of England? It’s outstanding, and there’s a snipped of Dylan singing Lost Highway…

Again, thanks for the input. I love that stuff. Good info.

CHRIS, I disagree with you on the Farnsworth trade, for one simple reason: Without him, Braves don’t win the division title last year, period. Granted, he screwed it up in the division series, but doesn’t change fact that Farnsworth was great in last 2 months of regular seasons and they never win it without him.

How were Braves to know Farnsworth would opt to take what amounts to less money (given cost of living and fact he has to rent another place in NY during season, since he keeps his home in Atlanta suburbs) to be a setup man for Yankees over a three-year offer to close for Braves?

He simply didn’t want the pressure, a lot of people feel, of being an every-day closer. Braves couldn’t know that when they traded for him, because Farnsworth had stated his desire to be a closer, so they had to assume they’d have a good chance to keep the Georgia boy if they made him a competitive offer to close, right?

By chopthis

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

Nice one, Bob!

Leon Payne did indeed write “Teach Me to Forget.” Willie Nelson recorded it in his pre-outlaw days around ‘66, I believe, for his “Make Way for Willie Neslon” LP, which probably sold about 100 copies. Merle Haggard also features the song on his “Mama Tried” album from 1968 — Leon made quite a few thousand dollars more in royalties off Merle, I’m guessing.

Leon Payne was blind, you know. Committed suicide in 1974, may he rest in peace.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this

That’s “snippet,” not “snipped.” It’s late, why the hell am I up? I’ve been up since 6 a.m.

i’m going to bed

GLENN IN ALASKA, have you read that book, “Into the Wild,” by Jon Krakauer, the Outside Magazine writer? It’s his second great book (other was “In Thin Air”). Anyway, if you haven’t, you’ll love it. I’m reading it now. It’s the true story of the dude from the rich family who graduated from Emory U. with honors, gave away his $25,000 college fund, burned the remaining money he had, hitchhiked around the U.S., and eventually went to Alaska and died in the wilderness.

That’s my weak Cliff’s Notes version, but it’s an incredible book. I was just reading on the plane this morning.

By chopthis

July 21, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this

Boy, Dave, you’re up late!

Hank was astute enough to record another Leon Payne tune, “They’ll Never Take Her Love from Me,” which was a minor hit (at least by Hank standards) in 1950 or ‘51. John Prine has a touching version of this tune on his “German Afternoons” album from 1986.

Leon Payne’s life would probably make a good film. But first some producer should give Hank III a screen test while he’s still young enough, because if he can act at all, they need to get cranking on the script for the biopic Hank Sr. so richly deserves. Hollywood needs to wipe out all memory of George Hamilton’s insipid portrayal of country music’s tragic king.

Hollywood’s done more than right by Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, so it’s time to give Hank another shot.

By chopthis

July 21, 2006 03:23 AM | Link to this

Dave,

I haven’t seen that film, but I’d like to. I know from reading Dylan interviews (and the liner notes to “Bringing It All Back Home”) that Dylan is a big Hank Williams admirer. I’ll get my hands on that DVD soon.

Dylan had the most awesome quote paying tribute to Johnny Cash after his death — I’ll have to find that and post it. It was very eloquent and moving. No one summed up the Man in Black’s career any better.

I remember hearing a Beatles bootleg album years ago, just recordings of them fooling around in the studio. At one point, John Lennon, I believe, starts belting out a verse of “You Win Again,” and the others join in for a few lines. For just a moment, the Fab Four makes a connection with the poet laureate of Alabama.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 03:26 AM | Link to this

It’s UNBELIEVABLE the physical reseblance of Hank III and Hank. I have the black-and-white iconic photo of Hank in the big cowboy hat framed in my CD room, and beside it I penned to the wall a picture of Hank III from a local music magazine a couple of issues back, wherein Hank III looks freakin’ identical to Hank. Eerily similar.

By the way, you’re now responsible for me having a song in my head, “Band of Gold,” from my youth, by FRIDA Payne.

The mind wanders in strange directions this late, from Leon Payne to Frida Payne.

Back in my youth in the very early ’70s, long before I attended my first concerts _ Kiss and Ted Nugent, respectively _ when top-40 radio was awesome, Band of Gold and Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” were my favorite songs. (it was Jean Knight, right?) That and, I hate to admit it, “Dancing Machine” and “Squeeze Box” (“Mama’s got a squeeze box she wears on her chest …” remember that?) and “On the cover of the Rolling Stone….” Those songs that you might not hear for 20 years, but when you do, you know every freakin’ word, every note, because they’re burned into your subconscious from youthful repeated listenings….

OK, i must be delirious. good night.

By chopthis

July 21, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this

Dave,

I haven’t seen that film, but I’d like to. I know from reading Dylan interviews (and the liner notes to “Bringing It All Back Home”) that Dylan is a big Hank Williams admirer. I’ll get my hands on that DVD soon.

Dylan had the most awesome quote paying tribute to Johnny Cash after his death — I’ll have to find that and post it. It was very eloquent and moving. No one summed up the Man in Black’s career any better.

I remember hearing a Beatles bootleg album years ago, just recordings of them fooling around in the studio. At one point, John Lennon, I believe, starts belting out a verse of “You Win Again,” and the others join in for a few lines. For just a moment, the Fab Four makes a connection with the poet laureate of Alabama.

By chopthis

July 21, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this

Dave,

Found the Cash tribute. I’m sure I won’t offend you when I say this is the most beautiful piece of writing ever posted on your blog.

Bob Dylan on the death of Johnny Cash:

I was asked to give a statement on Johnny’s passing and thought about writing a piece instead called “Cash Is King,” because that is the way I really feel.

In plain terms, Johnny was and is the North Star; you could guide your ship by him — the greatest of the greats then and now. I first met him in ‘62 or ‘63 and saw him a lot in those years. Not so much recently, but in some kind of way he was with me more than people I see every day. There wasn’t much music media in the early Sixties, and “Sing Out!” was the magazine covering all things folk in character. The editors had published a letter chastising me for the direction my music was going. Johnny wrote the magazine back an open letter telling the editors to shut up and let me sing, that I knew what I was doing. This was before I had ever met him, and the letter meant the world to me. I’ve kept the magazine to this day.

Of course, I knew of him before he ever heard of me. In ‘55 or ‘56, “I Walk the Line” played all summer on the radio, and it was different than anything else you had ever heard. The record sounded like a voice from the middle of the earth. It was so powerful and moving. It was profound, and so was the tone of it, every line; deep and rich, awesome and mysterious all at once. “I Walk the Line” had a monumental presence and a certain type of majesty that was humbling. Even a simple line like “I find it very, very easy to be true” can take your measure. We can remember that and see how far we fall short of it.

Johnny wrote thousands of lines like that. Truly he is what the land and country is all about, the heart and soul of it personified and what it means to be here; and he said it all in plain English. I think we can have recollections of him, but we can’t define him any more than we can define a fountain of truth, light and beauty.

If we want to know what it means to be mortal, we need look no further than the Man in Black. Blessed with a profound imagination, he used the gift to express all the various lost causes of the human soul. This is a miraculous and humbling thing. Listen to him, and he always brings you to your senses. He rises high above all, and he’ll never die or be forgotten, even by persons not born yet — especially those persons — and that is forever.

By old timer

July 21, 2006 04:02 AM | Link to this

At least Wickman won’t be nervous in the 9th. He’ll come in and throw strikes. This is much better than losing Betemit amd gaining only Linebrink.

By ROCKBUSTER

July 21, 2006 05:42 AM | Link to this

GREAT TRADE.GO BRAVES.

By MikeY

July 21, 2006 06:17 AM | Link to this

Wickman is a good move. Now what we need is a real lead-off hitter. I say, trade for Juan Pierre, the Cubs will happily trade him as he is only signed through this year. Put him in left field, let him bat lead-off, and the Braves offense will continue to score lots of runs.

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

Good morning, All! Thanks for posting the Dylan quote, ChopThis. Cash is one of the very few I’d call a genuine American hero. And thanks, DOB; I’ve got Sinatra singing “Band of Gold” in my head now, and I’m sure it’s not as good as the version you’re referring to. I read “Into Thin Air,” and liked it. I’ll check out his latest. As for Hank III, I read an interview of him on Mr. Skin’s (don’t ask) website not too long ago, and while he definitely sounds like a hell of a musician and someone you’d want to have a beer with (I really hate that cliche, but it’s appropriate here), he seems a mite wild and irreverant for the job in question. Although, I suppose that could work in his favor; it’d be interesting to see. I just can’t see him doing what a director tells him to. Welcome back, Suds! I’m in agreement; I think it likely that those unpleasant cretins flooding the blog last night might very well be one lonely moron. Let us hope they(he) find(s) something more interesting to do, like maybe stare at the sun. Journalist Vaughn, has the heat come down any in the inferno? Methinks you need to call the Maytag man!

By Bob Wickman

July 21, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this

I’m watching the second round of the British Open, and I gotta tell you, Mike Tirico is the best announcer in Sports. That brings me to ask y’all, if he isn’t, Who is?

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this

MikeY, the Cubs will happily trade Pierre, but not just because he’s only signed through this year. It also would have something to do with him batting around .200.

By berigan

July 21, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

I know people who claim to be fans will gripe about how big Wickman is….who gives a flying…flip? Get Ray King back as well. I don’t care if a pitcher weighs 300 pounds, if he gets guys out. A lot of fit looking pitchers have sucked this year!

By JasonInMaine

July 21, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this

This is a huge, huge series. The Phils are only one game behind the Bravos. If the Braves can take 3 out of 4 and ignite a Phillies fire sale, there will be one less team to worry about in the playoff race. There are 3 teams only .5 games ahead of the braves. If we can take 3 out of 4, there may only be 2 teams ahead of us by the end of the weekend!

I still think JS has another move or two up his sleeve. I just don’t think he is done yet.

Regards,

Jason

By TOM

July 21, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this

Any thought of maybe putting the kid who start Wed night in the pen for the 7 and 8 innings? He seemed to have goos stuff,

By berigan

July 21, 2006 07:34 AM | Link to this

Since everyone is talking about Johnny Cash, her is an interesting story on his last days recording… http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/07/02/this_day/news02.txt

By H-Charles

July 21, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Great Move!

Something that desperately needs mentioning in addtion to the comments above is that Wickman has been pitching against MUCH better competition in the AL than he will see in Atlanta. You can lop off at least a run from that ERA by facing the offensive talent in his division on a daily basis compared to what he will see in the NL East. In today’s game the Braves (and every NL team) should look almost exclusively to the AL for their pitching. Much better deals to be had. Wickman will shine here.

By Debby Downer

July 21, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

Not to poo poo on everyone’s parade, but this trade absolutely reeks of Jeff Reardon. I mean, I realize it’s better than nothing, and it’s the best we could do for now, but I just don’t want everyone getting their hopes up like as if we just acquired Mariano Rivera.

By Joe Roman

July 21, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

Give the country music stuff a rest, Dave. Like hairspray, a little is good, a lot ain’t appropriate. This chorus of “Gimme more! Gimme more!” is more than a little tiresome. The team is surging. Subracting one existing bullpen guy and adding Wickman is a huge step. Why anyone would second-guess John Scheurholz is beyond me. There’s ten days left. All you editorialists-both professional and amateur need to chill.

By batrol

July 21, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Wickman’s stats look alot like Kolb’s and Wickman sort of looks like Kolb. It was the best trade they could have made, I guess, but nothing to get excited about.

By dylan

July 21, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

Reardon was a different time the american league wasnt as strong as it is now Reardon had been a strikeout pitcher through out his career where as Wickman is more of a contact type of pitcher this could be another Kolb thing but I doubt it considering the experience difference and confidence levels of the 2 I think with a bullpen that has been as poor as ours getting any kind of consistancy at all in the closers role will serve to help getting this bullpen on track. My worries for the braves are in the starting rotation we have a staff of guys that have been incosistent at best if they can put it together and pitch effectively we could do really well not only in the regular season but the postseason as well.

By Play that funky music whiteboy

July 21, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

If the Braves are going to really make a run at the Mets or the wild card in the second half, a veteran is exactly what we need. Wickman is proven and he gets the mental side of that role. He may not be a flamethrower, but if he has a bad outing, he won’t go in a funk for weeks. This is a good move and will give the Braves the opportunity to make the postseason.

By Bryan

July 21, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Dave,

figure you should know about the october 25th show at the loft in Atlanta featuring hank III. I’ll be there getting my face rocked off.

Bryan

By Rob

July 21, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

I guess it was a good move since he was the only one left out there. I wouldn’t get too excited Braves’ fans. There’s a reason nobody else had picked him up already.

By Greg in TN

July 21, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a good move for JS and the gang. Wickman will fit in nicely and I think he’ll enjoy NL batters much more than the batsmen in the AL. I hope to everything that’s holy and to the memory of Biff Pocoroba that we don’t get Hillenbrand. We don’t need that in the clubhouse. Hopefully JS can pull off another deal, but I expect that anything else will be a bit more painful than a catcher from Rome.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

dob, why did it take 6 hours to write an article? why did it take me 12 hours to respond?

the wickman deal is good for now, but we need a closer that good for several years to come. who will depart the pen now? who will leave if we get a starter? if we get a starter JS wont rent him, but rather ink him for a few.

Either I am a moron or no one thinks like me. the braves need momentum and push to drive them through the playoffs. teams that get hot in the end are who wins. we coast every year only to score 1.9 runs a game and lose in the playoffs.

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

The only reason we’re getting any Wickman/Kolb comparisons is because they are somewhat similar in physical stature, which is silly.

BTW: Let me just mention that Kolb was a damn good closer for the Brewers before coming to Atlanta and having a head trip of some sort.

One HUGE difference… Kolb had only been a closer for 2 years and hadn’t really experienced the pressure that comes from pitching for a contender. Wickman has been a closer for a looooong time, and they’re is nothing that he hasn’t experienced, and nothing that’s going to catch him by surprise.

Wickman is not a lights-out / strike-out closer, but he’s a guy who will get the job done the vast majority of the time. And that will work just fine.

By Carroll

July 21, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

DOB and Rob: I’d be interested to see how the numbers of those two pitchers the Red’s just acquired (Majewski and someone else) compare to Wickman. If they’re at all similar, then this is a major coup. The Reds gave up half their damned team for those guys! We gave up nothing. It’s a no-lose situation for us UNLESS JS thinks that by getting Wickman, he doesn’t need to make any more moves.

By Gil

July 21, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Another example why John S is one of the best GMs in the game and all of you folks just speculate on what could have , should have, or would have done. I doubt the Braves are going to trade any front line player right now and this includes Betimit and Giles. The team is starting to gel and play up to expectations. yes, it would be great to have 5 aces but be realistic. There are only so many players availible and just throwing money at the problem does not always answer it. Ask the Orioles of the 90s and the Angels of the 80s.

There are lots of talent in the Braves organization, some is needed and some are spare parts but look at the Dodgers of old. They always had lots of talent to draw upon and were always in the hunt. That was until they traded their future away in the early 90s and have not been the same since.

So sit back and enjoy the ride. The Baves are still in the hunt and I actually like their play better now than the last month of the 2005 season when they tanked and just held on because everyone else didi too.

By ssiscribe

July 21, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Morning. Time to take a break from packing (you have absolutely no flippin idea how much stuff you have until you get ready to move a family of four 300 miles) and weigh in on some things.

I said yesterday the Wickman trade was good. Now that I think about it, it could be a huge steal. We gave up a catcher who wasn’t going to sniff one single inning in the majors (with McCann, Pratt, Pena, Sammons and Salty ahead of him) for a guy who last year led the AL with 45 saves, who has a save-conversion percentage of 83.3 percent this year (15-of-18, fewer opportunities because his team has underachieved) and he’s coming to a team that has blown half of its save chances.

Sure, a proven closer last winter would’ve cut down on the number of blown saves, thus keeping the Braves from falling as far behind. But, it’s July 21, the team is just 4.5 games out of the wild card spot and has a majority of its games at home the rest of the way.

How in the world can you fault this deal? The Braves got a PROVEN closer for the sixth-string catcher in the organization. Duh! I mean, come on? Have you been watching this team the past two years? Seriously? Take out Chris Reitsma’s July 2005 and Kyle Farnsworth’s 10-for-10 in the regular season, and the closer’s job has been an ABSOLUTE FREAKING CLUSTER@#$% since Dan Kolb plopped his big butt down at Lake Buena Vista last March.

How is it too late to make this deal? Columnists are entitled to their own opinions — and for those of you not of the journalism ilk, columnists are supposed to say what they think, and they (along with beat writers) aren’t cheerleaders for the hometown team, they’re journalists — but Mark Bradley is very far off base on this one. So what if Wickman doesn’t strike out a bunch of hitters? Look at the stats. His ERA was blown up by a couple of really bad outings, and his defense has stunk behind him. You’re not going to find the second coming of Rollie Fingers/Bruce Sutter/Dennis Eckersley/Mariano Rivera. You’ve got a guy who has cashed in 60 of his past 68 save chances, and after watching Dan Kolb, Chris Reitsma and Jorge Sosa the past 15 months, you want to complain?? Get a grip.

(Sorry to rail. Been an emotional week. But I digress.)

DOB, one more move, I’m guessing? Hoping for another arm, personally. There’s some cash out there to make it happen. Still dreamin’ of D-Train pitching Game 2 of the NL Division Series at San Diego or St. Louis, after Smoltz wins Game 1. Another veteran arm for the pen certainly is more realistic, but a fella can dream, can’t he?

Thanks for the new blog last night. Know you had to be wiped out with the early flight, the late game the night before, the storm (could’ve hid behind Bowman and been OK) and the trade breaking while en route. Thanks again.

Later.

By luke

July 21, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Dave,

Any chance the Braves aquire Juan Pierre of the Cubs? I know Betemit is doing an excellent job of filling in for the injured Giles, but Pierre is a TRUE leadoff hitter with tons of speed.

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: Good mornin’!

I can only think of a couple Braves teams over the years with an offense comparable to this one. I think These Braves have a great chance to fare better with the bats in October than most of the years past (especially with the level of pitching in the NL right now, even amongst the top teams in the league).

I do believe that “Getting hot” has a lot to do with post-season success, but the right kind of great pitching can neutralize the “hot” factor. Look at what Carpenter did against a lineup that was on fire like no other team in 70 years.

The primary reason we only won 1 WS over all these years is because our 1&2 starters for most of them (Maddux/Glavine) couldn’t come anywhere near the same level of dominance (with a few exceptions… Glavine in 95’, etc.)in October that they exhibited throughtout the regular season. But that’s not abnormal for a finesse pitcher. Finesse pitchers can’t step up their game the way power pitchers like a Smoltz or a Schilling can. In fact when a Tom Glavine has more adrenaline pumping, it’s usually a bad thing. He may throw 90 instead of 88, but location and movement are sacrificed in the process, and he’ll get shelled.

Anyway, the numbers bear it out… If we had one less Glavine, and one more Smoltz over the last 14 years, Atlanta would have 4-5 championships right now.

All that to say, I don’t believe the “hot” factor is as much a factor as some (including Bobby Cox) have suggested.

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Luke: Pierre has a .318 on-base percentage (lousy for a leadoff man).

Additionally, Pierre would have to play left field. I keep saying this, but Scott Thorman won’t be flying under the radar much longer. This guy is a phenom and is going to be a 30+ homer-a-year guy in this lineup for many years. We shouldn’t suggest supplanting Thorman in left any more than we would suggest replacing Francoeur in right field with a leadoff hitter.

Unless Bobby decides to bat Renteria first in this lineup, our leadoff hitter is going to have to come from 2nd base… be it Giles, Betemit, or someone else.

By MikeY

July 21, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Dear Grinch,

Pierre is currently hitting .275 with 35 steals and 46 runs scored. I will admit that his walk rate is down from previous years.

MikeY

By Carroll

July 21, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

KC: Agreed. In fact, if the “hot factor” is the reason the Braves have failed so often in October (because they coasted into the playoffs), then how on earth do you explain 1993. There has never been a hotter team going into the playoffs (indeed quite possibly there has never been a better team) than the 1993 Braves and yet they totally blew it against one of the easier/weaker postseason opponents we’ve ever faced (save for those Astros teams that we owned in the late 90’s). The playoffs are all about power pitching, period!

By Jim

July 21, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

If there is one more trade to be made, let it be for a starter — for the price it would cost, Tony Armas Jr. seems the best of the available options.

There were 3 big problems with the bullpen this year: 1. Reitsma! 2. Sosa 3. Overexposure

The first problem is gone. The second problems is also gone. Sosa will either be released, traded, or reduced to mop-up duty (which was alreadythe case at the time of the Wickman trade.)

Problem number 3 is only fixed by adding starter innings. When starters go 7 innings we rarely see the Villareal’s, etc. of the staff.

I am perfectly content with Ray and Yates in big roles and intrigued by what I saw from Stockman. For those citing Wickman’s 1 bad outing as to why his ERA is not under 3, let’s remember that Ray’s ERA IS 2.5x and that except for 2 bad outings (where he gave up 3 runs in less than an inning against SD early in the year and in an 8th inning when he was brought in to get a 2 inning save just after he first became the closer) it would be well under 2.00. He throws strikes, challenges hitters, and usually pitches his inning very efficiently which makes it easier to bring him back the next day. The NL does not have a DH, which makes comparisons between Ray’s and Wickman’s numbers difficult, but let’s not dis Ray (or Yates). Not everyone in the pen has been terrible this year. If Wickman is just what Ray has been so far, I will be very happy.

By Phat Bat Boy

July 21, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Sorry, just not feeling as happy and jolly as many others. I want Scherholtz to prove that he can shore up this closer role for more than a half-season. He has not signed a major free agent in I can’t remember how long. I have no reason to believe that Wickman will re-up with the Braves. I appreciate that prospects serve as currency, but until we keep a player for more than 1 year, it feels like a waste of currency. Drew, 1 year. Farnsworth, half-year. Kolb, bust. Hudson, ?. We dealt away Wainwright, Colon, Cappellan and Meyer for assets that did not stick around, because Scherholtz could not close a deal with an agent. (We have a ton of young shortstops and a good one in Betemit yet dealt one of our very best prospects for Renteria while trusting that Reitsma would do that which he had been unable to do for more than a few weeks. Renteria has been great, but the drop off between Edgar and Wilson is not nearly as impactful to this team’s success as the drop-off between Reitsma and a legit closer). How many more prospects must we lose because of Scherholtz’s inability to negotiate a contract with a free agent? Let’s see him trade for legit bullpen ace (middle reliever or closer) who is signed for longer than a few months. Yes, Wickman is an upgrade, but he is also a band-aid. The illness is our lack of commitment to building a bullpen that is worthy of a World Series contender. I’ll belly-up to the bar and celebrate with a shot when that happens. Until then, I’ll try to appreciate the bandage that is Bob Wickman.

And one more thing, while I’m on a roll. If we fail to make the playoffs this season, consider that the principle reason is because players did not communicate with their HOF manager. Reitsma supposedly was hurt for a while. Pitching with numbness in his hand iustead of telling his manager or pitching coach. Davies forces us to continue to use Sosa/Thomson because he doesn’t tell anyone that his groin is bothering him and then goes out and rips it apart. Their unwillingness to discuss their injuries sent us into that June swoon. Strange that these players did not communicate with a player-friendly manager like Cox (and the new pitching coach). Okay, done now. Go Braves!

By Phil

July 21, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Good move getting Wickman. Only wished we could have thrown in Reitsma and Cox along with the minor league prospect.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 21, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

scribe is wise to the way of journalists. this journalist emulates beat writer dob but sometimes makes commentary, too. this is denoted with commentary in italics at the beginning of the post. journalist often has toe commentary and sometimes wurlitzer commentary. now, journalist bob is billing jimmy smith for damages to his cat! imagine if you will bob’s cat working his way through jimmy smith’s hostas in a bed of ugandan blue worms! this is not possible. no cat would survive the blue worm. journalist is testimony to what can happen when a blue worm is enraged. still, bob is a friend so journalist must explain that such a cat could not survive blue worms and then make the trek to nashville. fast cat, huh? probably the cat has had an encounter with a nashville dog for which jimmy smith can not be responsible. now, wickman - toe health appears to be good. tommy john surgery was successful. let’s see him tonight!

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Jim: you’re right about Ray and Yates.

Also, don’t forget about Chad Paront (2.93 ERA), and the job Macay McBride is doing against left-handed hitters (.173 opposing avg.).

This bullpen is much better than most people realize.

By Chris

July 21, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

DOB, your point on Fanrsworth is a fair one. Not going to reiterate the post again, but giving up TOP young pitching to get free agents with one year left on their contract or flash in the pans like Kolb is not a winning formula and John S. knows that better than anyone, he is forced to make these kind of deals with the $80 m payroll that has so much cash locked up in Chipper, Hampton, Andruw, Huddy

By Chris

July 21, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

DOB, your point on Fanrsworth is a fair one. Not going to reiterate the post again, but giving up TOP young pitching to get free agents with one year left on their contract or flash in the pans like Kolb is not a winning formula and John S. knows that better than anyone, he is forced to make these kind of deals with the $80 m payroll that has so much cash locked up in Chipper, Hampton, Andruw, Huddy

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Phat Bat Boy:

In your many years of nagotiating contracts with major league ballplayers… what in your experience is Shuerholz not doing correctly?

By don

July 21, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Is David O’Brien actually John Schuerholz? He seems to want th gety Ray King-again. As I recall, the Braves traded King, Marquis, and Wainwright for the rental rights to Drew for one year. Is that one of those brilliant JS moves. How about Capuano for Kolb? Or, maybe Miner and Colon for a two month rental of Farnsworth? JS has made some good trades. So have most other GMs. However, his good trades were done when the Braves had a big pocketbook. His performance of late is mediocre. Trading for two month, three month, or one year rentals in order to get to play one round of the playoffs isn’t as impressive as many seem to think.

Using academic terms, since 1991, the Braves have stayed off of probation. However, only once, in 1995, did they earn a 4.0 GPA and most years merely a pittily 2.0 by reaching the first round of the playoffs. At least the Buffalo Bills approve.

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Chris: BINGO!

Shuerholz does what he has to do with the payroll he’s been given. For anyone to suggest that Shuerholz is simply inept is rediculous and ignorant.

Furcal and Farnsworth got more money elsewhere, and chased the almighty greenback.

If you NEED a certain piece to help your team win, you only have 2 currencies you can spend to get it: money and talent. He doesn’t have as much money to spend anymore, so he’s often left with only one choice…

Either give up some talent (to get some in return), or go without. Shuerholz has never been one to pull the trigger on a stupid deal out of a sense of urgency. He will probably deal for one more reliever. When that happens, I think we will see then that JS will not have given up anywhere NEAR as much in return for the bullpen help as the Reds just did.

JS is the best in the biz, period.

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Oops… I misspelled ridiculous. How ridiculous of me.

By TOM

July 21, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

METS SUCK….enough said

By KC

July 21, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

don: We didn’t trade Capuano for Kolb. Get your facts straight.

By T-bone

July 21, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Great trade … but we still need a few more (another starter?, a leadoff hitter, one more for the bullpen).

Now to the topic of JS fleecings. How about the Johnny Estrada for Villareal and Cormier trade? I think that constitutes a fleecing. I didn’t mind trading Estrada (look at what McCann has done this year), but surely we could have gotten a lot more for him.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

KC: good to be back. and if i posted last night sorry. i was in NO condition to operate anything!

if we go afetr a starter who is it and are they wrth it? i think JS would be reluctant to try to get a guy like huddy based on huddy’s ROI right now. i dont think JS would negotiate a long term deal at this point of the season, not knowing the new owners spending plans. we could be locked up in this new guy for so much then the new owners wouldnt be able to afford frenchy and mccann at the league minimum.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

KC-You’re right on about JS. The best thewre’s ever been, no matter what the uninformed multitudes think. Joe Roman-ease up man. I’m not a big country music fan either, but DOB and his fellow fans are quite intense about their music. Nothing at all wrong with that. So am I, I just prefer other tunes. Music is as important as baseball and they are not mutually antagonistic. Besides, a lot of us enjoy the directions we diverge onto here.

By KC

July 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

don: Nothing personal, but anyone who claims JS is a “mediocre” GM, can’t sound very smart.

There are only 2 currencies: money and talent.

If you don’t have as much money, you either have to give up more talent or go without. If he had chosen to go without, you would be criticizing him for not doing anything.

When you give up young talent for proven veteran talent… sometimes those kids you traded won’t amount to anything and you look like a genius. Other times a guy you trade away goes on to do great things, and the GM looks like a goat.

That’s just he way it is. Shuerholz meets with all of his scouts and coaches before making any trade, weighs everything carefully, and makes the best possible decision with the facts in hand. But he’s not Q%@!#$%%$ Ms. Cleo. Sometimes a trade works out really well, and other times you wish you could take a trade back.

I would argue that most of JS’s trades turn out well. Sure, we gave up Wainright to get Drew. The other 2 guys in that trade: King and Marquis were no big losses.

Wainwright for a guy who was one of the best hitters in baseball that year? Doesn’t sound like a terrible trade.

Anyway, enough rambling. If you think your smarter than John Sheurholz… send your resume to Turner Field.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Luke, you’re right, Juan Pierre is a true leadoff hitter _ a truly BAD one. Who throws like my mother.

Chopthis, you’re right _ that was the most beautiful piece of writing that’s been posted on this blog. Dylan on Cash’s death. I’d read that stuff somewhere before, but it was so cool to wake up and read it again this morning, because I put the new Cash CD on when I went to bed last night, the one he recorded in the months before his death. God, what a great album, just so sad and powerful to hear the age and sorry and experience in his voice, all dripping away….

Joe Roman, I’ve ran lyrics of three songs here in three days, one a country song _ Lost Highway. The others were by Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams, not country songs.

The references I made during the conversation with Chopthis at 3 a.m. were to songs by Freda Payne (Band of Gold), “Mr. Big Stuff” (70s pop/R&B), Kiss and Ted Nugent. Uh, not country in the least.

And I’ll stop the references to country music when I’m good and ready, not when you tell me to. In fact, if you want to direct the blog content, write your own. Otherwise, skip over the country stuff, read the Braves stuff, and respond. Or do whatever you want and suggest whatever you want, but it won’t matter.

Jimmy is free to write about blue worms (ugandan or otherwise), and we all can discuss toes, pie, Night Ranger, the Motor City Madman, or exchange recipes and discuss the weather in Alaska or the Outer Banks.

Or, you can confine your discussion to the Braves.

But don’t tell us/me what to write. It reveals your own narrow-mindedness.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Don-His good trades were done when the payroll was large? Dude-What about Edgar Reneria? Not only did he get him for a totally unproven minor league prospect, but he got an all star and had Boston pay 1/3 of his salary, too. What in the world is your problem with that trade? The guys playing Gold Glove shortstop, was the starter in the AllStar Game (he should have been ELECTED to start, too) and is hitting about .310. What more do you want. I find it absolutely incomprehensible that we are even having this discussion. Are you people insane after all JS has done for decades?

By dadgum

July 21, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

” well we’re big rock singers we got golden fingers and we’re loved everywhere we go (sounds like us), we sing about beauty and we sing about truth at ten thousand dollars a show (right), we got all kind of pills to give us all kind of thrills but the thrill we’ve never known is the thrill that’ll get ya when you get your picture on the cover of the rolling stone…….

Been singing that a lot lately (got a few years maybe on DOB)not sure it doesn’t parallel baseball in some form.

Oh yeah…my stance is the Braves will get a wild card with one more addition to the pitching but that addition won’t come as cheap. I feel Maddux would be great for the experience and Willis long term but neither of those will happen for different reasons. I would go after Sean Marshall with the Cubs and then maybe Linebrink.

If the bRaves don’t pull out a playoff berth you might want to write down the words to THE DANCE by Garth…eerie.Later…

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, you are correct: Braves would not get equal value in return for Huddy right now, the way he’s pitched. Can’t trade him right now and get what you’d expect in return, what you’d want.

T-Bone _ good point about Estrada. I’d agree that, right now, looking like a fleecing. Wrote it at the time when the trade was made in Dallas. I was stunned that was all they got. But it also says how much concern there was over Estrada’s neck/back problems.

Turns out, they weren’t debilitating. But at the time, teams feared they might be. And Braves simply had to move him, that or split playing time between him and McCann this season.

And, though I’m not sold on Villarreal and/or Cormier, I’d suggest we probably have to wait a couple years to get true view of the trade. Some believe Cormier has better-than-average talent, a lot better. Bobby told me that. We’ll see. Like I said, I’m not sold on it.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

I think we need another pitcher, also. However, more than anything else, we need our starter to go more than 3,4, or 5 innings. No matter how good your bullpen is, you can’t expect them to go more tham 4 innings every night. It’s just not reasonable. I had a roommate who playeed keyboards and toured with Dr. Hook in the late seventies. He owns a recording studio in Nashville now. I never really cared for that song, but you can’t get it out of your head, for sure. I’ll probably be singing it all day. Guess I better go run and listen to Night Ranger to get it off my mind.

By Jim

July 21, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

A little perspective: Colon for Det. this year — 13 Games, 27.2 IP, 33 hits, 5 HRs, 9 BB, 18 K, 4.55 ERA, 1W, 0L, 1 save, .300 batting ave against.

Miner is 6-2 with a 3.30 ERA and 46 hits + 15 BB in 46.1 IP.

Miner was a year 2000 draftee who probably would not have made the roster this year out of spring training. I would suspect that he might be out of options if he did not, does anyone know for sure? He has had a good 2 months when we needed a 5th starter, but let us wait and see how he fares over a longer haul before judging his value in this trade. He was a very marginal roster prospect at the time of the trade. I say that getting a pennant by renting Farnsworth for 2 months was worth the price we had to pay for it. Isn’t that what many on this blog are asking JS to do for us now? (get into the playoffs without giving up the store!)

By KC

July 21, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

I keep saying this only to hear text equivilant to crickets chirping. So let me say this one more time, and please somebody tell me where I am off base on this one.

(Choppin’ Bob forgive me)

Before we ever get to Wickman, we have:

Ken Ray: 2.47 ERA

Yates: 2.66

Paronto: 2.93

Stockman: 2.25

McBride: left-handed hitters are batting .173 against him.

It would be great if we could land a Linebrink or a Howry, but do we “need”, I mean really NEED another reliever?

All you “good trade, but it’s not enough” people… Where are you coming from? I don’t get it.

By Adam

July 21, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

DOB:

Man, when do you sleep? Great, great blog, and couldn’t agree more that we need one or two more pieces. Any scuttlebutt about Linebrink, or has that died off? How about Scott Williamson? And, I haven’t heard a word about whose roster spot Wick will take - any idea?

Thanks!

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

DOB, i meant it to sound like if we went after a huddy type JS most likely wouldnt spend the money. i’m not saying trade huddy, but so far we havent gotten the huddy from oakland, we got a impersonator. but we do need an established arm, someone with 75-100 wins, and someone that we can rely on. correct me if i’m wrong but i believe the last person that fit that description was maddux.

By 2Parc

July 21, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

Ryan Klesko and Brett Boone

for

Wally Joyner, Quilvio Veras and Reggie Sanders.

Discuss.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Mean to say “sorrow” in the line about Cash, not “sorry.” on my first cup of coffee, so sh*$ _ and typos _ happen.

Dadgum, that song does stick with you, doesn’t it. Damn you, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show!

By the way,in retrospect, I’d take Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show over Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show. But don’t get me on a Neil Diamond tangent. Joe Roman might not like it.

Oh, wait, it’s just country music Mr. Roman doesn’t want discussed any more. He’s had enough of that.

Joe, you should see the huge, framed black-and-white Johnny Cash circa-1965 picture I have framed in my house. Smoking a cig backstage in Europe somewhere, hair in a cool-as$ nearly pompadour-looking thing, wearing a jacket with shirt unbuttoned an extra button down. Looked ready to kick someone’s tail.

The Man in Black.

You know, maybe I should rename this blog The Braves and The Man in Black.

By KC

July 21, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

2parc:

Boone sucked in Atlanta, that simple.

The Braves felt Klesko was too expensive at the time for a guy that had to be platooned for his inability to hit lefties.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Adam: DOB sleeps for 3 hours after he posts an article because the responses are flying faster than a Sosa groover!

KC: I knew it. is your case meerly acceptable numbers for our team or are you comparing them to other teams?

By KC

July 21, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Forgot to add…

At the time we needed a 2nd baseman and a leadoff hitter, so Veras was a fit.

Also, Gallaraga was coming back from cancer treatment that year, and the Braves needed a 1st basemant that could handle some playing time a take some of the load off of the Big Cat (plus they weren’t sure if he wouldn actually be able to pull off a comeback from something like that at his age).

Reggie Sanders had a great year in San Deigo before that trade, and he looked like just what the doctor ordered. Didn’t work out but.. oh well. You win some, you lose some.

By Sam

July 21, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Picking up Bob Wickman was a good trade not a great trade. The Braves can never resign the players they pickup for the next season. The guy I wanted them to get was Mike MacDougal of the Royals. Nothing was mention about him. Remember..Dayton Moore is now the new GM for KC. I am surprised JS never mention speaking to Dayton Moore. I hope the Bravos are not finished. Picking up Wickman is not going to asure them a wildcard berth. They got to get a 7th or 8th inning reliever like a Scott Shields. Please guys I don’t want Williamson.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Adam, as the late, great, Warren Zevon said, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

Bryan, I really hope to see Hank III this time around, but I’ll probably I’ll be covering World Series Oct. 25. (and no, folks, that doesn’t mean I’m predicting a Braves World Series. i might be covering it regardless of who’s playing, like i did last year).

Hey, I’ve got a few days off this weekend, but I’ll be keeping tabs on the blog, maybe answering some questions if I can along the way. It’s a big weekend, Braves can make up a game or two in the wild-card standings, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they made another move.

I do think the Linebrink stuff is over with Braves. Padres are looking for a 3B, and Buster says they’re talking to BoSox about Lowell. Wow, can’t believe Boston would trade him the way he’s playing, but tells you how much teams want pitching and what they’ll have to give up to get it.

And it’s another reminder of how relatively little the Braves gave up to get Wickman, one of the very few accomplished arms available.

By KC

July 21, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Chopping Bob: I know… I relapsed. I needed a drink, what can I say? I couldn’t resist listing those stats one more time.

I don’t really understand your question though. An ERA under 3.00 is a good stat for any pitcher and would compare favorably to anyone else. The Braves have several such ERA’s in their bullpen.

By Greg in TN

July 21, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

KC, I’m with you. If JS doesn’t make another deal I am comfortable with getting Wickman and going after the rest of the NL East.

By Phat Bat Boy

July 21, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

KC, I thought this was a blog. What have we read/heard the past few years during free agency? “I was waiting for his agent to call me back”. “We were prepared to make another offer”. “I couldn’t get in touch with him”. Anyone else remember the time that Scherholtz wanted exclusive negotiating rights for another team’s free agent? Fact is, we have not signed anyone major free agent in I don’t know how long. When a baseball team has an above average payroll budget, yet can’t get a deal done through free agency, it forces things like depending on reclamation projects or unproven youngsters to build a bullpen. Or using prospects as currency to rent someone for a few months. Other contenders get to use the draft, trades AND free agency to build their teams. Over the past 3-4 years, we have effectively had 33% of our options eliminated. The Braves have a world class scouting department and farm system and Scherholtz should get all the credit in the world for building those assets and utilizing them. But if the Baby Braves miracle had not happened last season (and yes, it was a miracle), then his continued inability to sign non-reclamation veterans would have been even more pronounced. If he is spending less than $2M on a closer, exactly who do we think will be closing our games next year? Reitsma, Divine or Boyer? I’d bet you that prior to the Wickman trade, that our bullpen probably represented about 5-8% of the team’s total payroll. As we have seen repeatedly, you get what you pay for.

By Jim

July 21, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Sam, Dayton Moore should be the last GM the Braves would want to deal with. He knows the organization and the organization’s opinion about its own talent better than anyone else outside the organization. He is in the best position to extract the most from the Braves in any deal he makes.

The 7th - 9th innings in the bullpen right now are in better shape than front of the rotation to get them there. The immediate priority is help for the rotation.

By krath

July 21, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Someone last night posed a scenario where the Braves GM and Indians GM might have made a preseason handshake deal that involved Marte going thru Boston and ultimately ending up in Cleveland. The understanding being that if the Indians were out of it, Wickman would be dealt to the Braves.

That seems a bit of a stretch considering that Marte did go thru Boston. But it did make me think about the current trade that brought Wickman to Atlanta.

With teams looking for pitching help in all forms, it still amazes me that we got Wickman for such a small investment. Surely someone out there would have given up more to get Wickman. At least, one would think in this pitching scarce market we see today Wickman’s value would be more. I’m definitely not complaining.

What I was wondering is….. are there handshake deals between GM’s that in essence becomes, “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine?” The Braves had the need and Cleveland had a solution since they were out of it. The Braves may have felt they couldn’t give more without endangering their immediate future success. Might we sometime in the future see the Braves fill a need in Cleveland that seems a bit lop sided toward the Indians? Ultimately “the payback?”

I know Wickman is a free agent at the end of the season and really doesn’t figure into their future, but it still seems his value would be higher than a single “A” prospect who still may be years away from filling a need in Cleveland if ever. Who knows, maybe the Indians are really, really high on this kid?

Maybe DOB might shed some light on this if he knows anything about it.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Seems that Wickman lost part of a finger in a farming accident as a child. He credits the sinking motion on his fastball to the shorter finger. Check this humor…

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/41417

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

KC: a number is only good if you can have a benchmark to judge against.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Krath, no. You’re trying to connect dots that aren’t connectible.

By Smitty

July 21, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB:

As Hank Williams Jr says, “If you don’t like Johnny Cash, you can kiss my a*s!”

A friend of mine once made the remark, “If someone says they don’t like the Beatles or Johnny Cash, they are either lying or have a serious charicter flaw. Either way you don’t want to hang out with a lier or a waco.”

Warren Zevon and Bob Dylan are the best American song writers ever, Zevon jsut dosen’t get the credit Dylan does.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Or connectable, if you prefer the correct spelling.

By JasonInMaine

July 21, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

DOB,

If you had to speculate, would you guess that if the Braves were going to make another move, it would be for a reliever, starter, or leadoff hitter? I guess part of it would depend on when Davies can come back, but late August is an awful long time when you are running AAA pitchers and Thomson out there.

Regards,

Jason

By krath

July 21, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Thanks DOB for the response. I never was very good at puzzles either :)

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Smitty, good stuff. I agree wholeheartedly (though I’d put Zevon in the top 10, not top two. But that’s quibbling).

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Jason, I think it’ll be another reliever.

Smitty, on second thought, I’d put Zevon in top 5. God, he was good.

Now I’m going to go enjoy some Splendid Isolation.

Talk to you later.

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Phat Bat Boy:

The Braves has lost out on a lot of free agents in recent years simply because they went with a higher bidder. You can’t do anything about that. You only have what you have.

You are still trying to make the case that it has been Shuerholz’s supposed incompetence and not the payroll constraints, that have caused the Braves to miss out on free agents.

Again, in your vast General Managerial experience, what exactly is Shuerholz not doing correctly in these nogotiations?

I’ll tell you what he’s doing wrong… he’s not saying “Okay Furcal, here’s 14 million a season. Any chance of getting that batting average up to .270 so I don’t look to bad?”

We do not have an above average payroll. We have an 80 million dollar payroll, which puts us right smack in the middle of the pack.

BTW: The Braves did everything they could to NOT have guys like Drew and Farnsworth be one year rentals. They made very fair offers to both. But in the end, it was all about the money for those guys.

No amount of negotiating skill is going to convince most players or their agents to come to (or stay in) Atlanta for less money. Believe what you want, but that’s reality my friend.

What other GM has managed to put together team every year that are good enough to still be playing in October?

But again, send your resume to Braves front office. I’m sure they would be happy to get that no good, lousy #$%*%&^ bum of GM out of this town for good!

By JasonInMaine

July 21, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

And while we are on the subject of music and some classic rock has been mentioned, where do you rank Led Zeppelin as far as their songwriting, influence, and rank in history?

Regards,

Jason

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

meant to say… “The Braves have missed out…”

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

By David O'Brien

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

Jason, I put Led Zep at the very, very top of the hard rock genre, or the rock genre in general. Put it this way, personally, I listen to more Led Zep than even the Beatles or Stones. I absolutely LOVE Led Zep.

Had to share this, which emphasizes Smitty’s point about Zevon. “Mr. Bad Example,” which Mr. Zevon wrote with assistance from his good friend Jorge Calderon:

(Warren Zevon & Jorge Calderon)

I started as an alter boy, working at the church Learning all my holy moves, doing some research Which led me to a cash box, labeled “Children’s Fund” I’d leave the change, and tuck the bills inside my cummerbund

I got a part-time job at my father’s carpet store Laying tackless stripping, and housewives by the score I loaded up their furniture, and took it to Spokane And auctioned off every last naugahyde divan

I’m very well aquainted with the seven deadly sins I keep a busy schedule trying to fit them in I’m proud to be a glutton, and I don’t have time for sloth I’m greedy, and I’m angry, and I don’t care who I cross

I’m Mr. Bad Example, intruder in the dirt I like to have a good time, and I don’t care who gets hurt I’m Mr. Bad Example, take a look at me I’ll live to be a hundred, and go down in infamy

Of course I went to law school and took a law degree And counseled all my clients to plead insanity Then worked in hair replacement, swindling the bald Where very few are chosen, and fewer still are called

Then on to Monte Carlo to play chemin de fer I threw away the fortune I made transplanting hair I put my last few francs down on a prostitute Who took me up to her room to perform the flag salute

Whereupon I stole her passport and her wig And headed for the airport and the midnight flight, you dig? And fourteen hours later I was down in Adelaide Looking through the want ads sipping Fosters in the shade

I opened up an agency somewhere down the line To hire aboriginals to work the opal mines But I attached their wages and took a whopping cut And whisked away their workman’s comp and pauperized the lot

I’m Mr. Bad Example, intruder in the dirt I like to have a good time, and I don’t care who gets hurt I’m Mr. Bad Example, take a look at me I’ll live to be a hundred and go down in infamy

I bought a first class ticket on Malaysian Air And landed in Sri Lanka none the worse for wear I’m thinking of retiring from all my dirty deals I’ll see you in the next life, wake me up for meals

By Vince

July 21, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Say what you want about Wickman; good or bad. What he brings other than good or bad stats is stability in the pen. All the guys in the pen can now groove into their assigned rolls and not wonder if they’re going to have to come in and be the closer.

By the way MikeY: You pointed out one of Pierre’s stats..35 stolen bases. Well, if you’re familiar with Bobby Cox style of play, that stat doesn’t mean much. We need someone with a decent on-base percentage.

By KC

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

Led Zep???

Come on DOB… baseball, baseball!

By David O'Brien

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

Le’ts try once more, to make it a bit easier to read/sing to:

I started as an alter boy, working at the church

Learning all my holy moves, doing some research

Which led me to a cash box, labeled “Children’s Fund”

I’d leave the change, and tuck the bills inside my cummerbund

I got a part-time job at my father’s carpet store

Laying tackless stripping, and housewives by the score

I loaded up their furniture, and took it to Spokane

And auctioned off every last naugahyde divan

I’m very well aquainted with the seven deadly sins

I keep a busy schedule trying to fit them in

I’m proud to be a glutton, and I don’t have time for sloth

I’m greedy, and I’m angry, and I don’t care who I cross

I’m Mr. Bad Example, intruder in the dirt

I like to have a good time, and I don’t care who gets hurt

I’m Mr. Bad Example, take a look at me

I’ll live to be a hundred, and go down in infamy

Of course I went to law school and took a law degree

And counseled all my clients to plead insanity

Then worked in hair replacement, swindling the bald

Where very few are chosen, and fewer still are called

Then on to Monte Carlo to play chemin de fer

I threw away the fortune I made transplanting hair

I put my last few francs down on a prostitute

Who took me up to her room to perform the flag salute

Whereupon I stole her passport and her wig

And headed for the airport and the midnight flight, you dig?

And fourteen hours later I was down in Adelaide

Looking through the want ads sipping Fosters in the shade

I opened up an agency somewhere down the line

To hire aboriginals to work the opal mines

But I attached their wages and took a whopping cut

And whisked away their workman’s comp and pauperized the lot

I’m Mr. Bad Example, intruder in the dirt

I like to have a good time, and I don’t care who gets hurt

I’m Mr. Bad Example, take a look at me

I’ll live to be a hundred and go down in infamy

I bought a first class ticket on Malaysian Air

And landed in Sri Lanka none the worse for wear

I’m thinking of retiring from all my dirty deals

I’ll see you in the next life, wake me up for meals

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Baseball!!!!!!!!!!!

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

KC, what more do you want me to say about baseball before I take a few days off?

OK, here’s one: Braves win three of four this weekend to finish a resounding 8-2 trip. They’ll be 3-1/2 games out of the wild-card lead when they come home Monday.

Enjoy

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

DOB: I like it.

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

I think the timing for this trade actually worked out quite nicely.

The Braves had a chance to work their way out of their rut without the help of an imported savior. Now when you start adding pieces, the Braves have got to be supremely confident of what they can accomplish the rest of the way.

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

DOB, you truly deserve that Wurlitzer Prize! Your gang appreciates your efforts enormously!

Oh, my! What happened on the ‘overnights’? Looks like a dog got in and threw up all over our blogcarpet. :-))

LOVE the music posts! LOVE the baseball posts! LOVE the interesting people from all over the world (HI, SUDS!). DOB, your blog is widely envied!

Jimmy has recovered his cap, Bob’s cat is well, Suds has checked in, Lew is consious again, the Braves got a good trade, and we’re looking forward to showing the Philly’s what’s what tonight! All is well in DOBland! (Who’s gonna clean up the blogcarpet from last night??)

:-))

By ncscoots

July 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

stolen bases (and other “small ball” items) don’t figure into post-season success very much, if you believe the sabermetricians, anyway (Strikeouts and defense do, according to those same folks, as an aside). When you’ve got the wicked sick thump the Braves have from 6-8, Earl Weaver looks pretty smart. And before any shorts get wadded up, I don’t equate “small ball” with “fundamental ball”. Two different things altogether…moving the runner over, or bunting, or whatever, is dependent on the personnel at the plate and the tactical game situation, and I DO believe in employing those tactics in the proper situation. But, jeez, we had a blogger on here one night who wanted Francoeur to bunt in the third inning, on the road, to tie, just because it would have moved the runner to third with less than two out. That’s more like “small-minded ball” than anything else.

By JasonInMaine

July 21, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Excellent DOB. I just had to make sure people give Zep their due (:

Regards,

Jason

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Kc: how does this sound: 8th ray 7th paronto 6th yates

these guys are in the top 100 of relievers

By ncscoots

July 21, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

guess I should have prefaced that 11:30 post to explain it was re the posts about Pierre, Roberts, even my personal fave, Carl Crawford, et al, as trade possibilities, if the goal in the trade is to get a speedy leadoff hitter. Leadoff is not part of the remaining needs for this team, IMO.

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob:

I think Yates is more likely to get set-inning duty (the 7th inning) than Paronto is, because Bobby often likes to bring Paronto (a sinker baller) in for situations where a ground ball is needed for a double-play.

But yeah, I think those guys will handle the middle-later innings just fine. Their performance up to this point suggests that they will.

Yates in Paronto will probably both be used primarily in 6th/7th innning when the Braves have the lead, or possibly later innings in a close or tied game. Stockman may wind up in a similar role as well. He’ll have to prove himself though… not enough innings under his belt to be trusted too much just yet.

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

I would like to know where some the Braves sub-3.00-ERA relief pitchers rank in ERA among NL and all MLB relievers. I can’t seem to find anyplace to get that information though. No one seems to offer a way of finding just the top relievers ERA’s.

By Jay

July 21, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

This has to be the best blog in all of sports. And the baseball talk is good, too.

By KC

July 21, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

DOB:

You have access to STATS service or Elias or something…

Can you tell us where Ray, Paronto, and Yates rank in ERA among NL relievers?

Pretty please!!

By MGL

July 21, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

KC, go to the sortable player stats on MLB.com (you can get there by selecting stats on the braves hope page) Then on the left, select League, All teams, Pitching stats, and then under splits drop-down, select relievers. Hope this helps.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Try this link

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/stats/sortableplayerstats.jsp?c_id=atl&baseballScope=NL&subScope=teamCode&teamPosCode=all&statType=2&timeSubFrame=2006&sitSplit=grp&venueID=&Submit=Submit&timeFrame=1

By Dr. Jay

July 21, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

MLB.com has up to date stats, I believe.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Phat Bat Boy-Yes our salary is above average, however, the high end salaries out there that are able to sign however they want are in the $200 million range. That is a far cry from the $80 mil we have to spend. Seems to me that JS has done pretty damn well, all things considered. If you want more, become a Mets, Yankees, Red Sox or Blue Jays fan. I still can’t believe we are having a discussion of JS abilities. DOb-The first Zeppelin album did as much to shape my musical background as any album. I t totally destroyed my sensibilities. Of course, “Are You Experienced had a lot to do with it, too. Let’s not forget “Deep Purple In Rock”, either. That may be the most savage hard rock album of it’s time.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/stats/sortableplayerstats.jsp?c_id=atl&section2=2&statSet2=1&sortByStat=ERA&statType=2&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=2006&baseballScope=mlb&prevPage2=1&readBoxes=true&sitSplit=grp&venueID=&subScope=teamCode&teamPosCode=all

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

ray is 80th yates 86 paronto 95

By dc

July 21, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

who else could the braves get for a single-A player

By MGL

July 21, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

There are only 21 NL relievers with less than a 3.o ERA. Ray, Yates, and Paronto are among them.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

dc-It wasn’t a matter of who else could we get for an A player, it is a matter of look at the quality we got for an A player. Look what Cincinnati just gave up for relief pitching and I don’t think they really did any better than JS did. DOB-Out of curiosity, what are the 10 most influential albums in your musical experience? Good Morning Ma’am, or good afternoon as the case may be. Yes, I am currently functional again.

By Bob, journalist

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

Getting Bob Wickman was indeed a good trade … but didn’t Cleveland get a good Class A prospect and $2 million plus for him, not just a suspect.

Grinch, I’m already on probation … twern’t nothin’ but a case of reacting in haste to something and someone that I consider to be contrived … twon’t happen again, at least not for a while.

Not sure about the Inferno, but it’s a bit cooler, at least here in Nashville, … my dryer is indeed broken and I’ll be snookered if it isn’t an old Maytag.

Jimmy, have you noticed how some folks will say just about anything to avoid doing the honorable thing and accepting responsibility for their actions? I must admit to being totally surprised … I’m not sure about Cordele but in Kampala, such nonsense borders on unacceptable behavior.

Yes, Ralph is mighty fast, as he’s some kin to the cheetah but … the truth is, he borrowed my neighbor’s car to make the trip. I just got the bill for that little cleanup job too … Goodness!

By MGL

July 21, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

I should explain that I only counted relievers that had at least 20 innings pitched and a sub 3 ERA. That yeilded 21 in the NL. Our 3, the Mets have 4. That means that the other 14 teams have an ave of 1 each.

By Smitty

July 21, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

I like Led Zep, but a ton of their stuff is rip offs of old blues artist like Robert Johnson.

Zevon dosen’t get some of the credit he should because he wrote and co-wrote a lot of stuff for other people and bands.

By Lew

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

Bob Journalist, the $2mil goes to Wickman in the form of his remaining year’s salary. From what I read, it was a straight up player for player trade. Excuse me all. I’ve gotta go feed the diabetic demon again.

By John Hoar

July 21, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Haven’t had anything to add in a long time. You fellows are saying it all, but I certainly read every word . I think that there must be hundreds, even thousands who do the same thing.

My question has been the same for a couple of months, and I will voice it since a couple of others have already in this blog. DOB, is there any possibility of Dontrelle being acquired, or with the Marlins so close, is that something that would more likely happen off season? It seems like now is the oportune time when there is less money for everyone to throw around and only a few teams would really be in the race. What do you think?

By MGL

July 21, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob - Your stats numbers are both leagues.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

kc: there are only 8 guys in the top 50 with 20+ IP.

By dadgum

July 21, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

I am passionate about a lot of things. Braves baseball is one for sure. Hey I use to see Cracker games in Atlanta prior to the Braves. To coin a phrase I was Braves when Braves wasn’t cool.

To give DOB a boost, not that he needs it, put me on an island scenario with only one single group to listen to and let me tell you there is absolutely no close second here it would be the single greatest group EVER in rock history, Led Zeppelin. Really like DOB music acumen. Oh well really enjoy the blog and the different directions it takes. Hey there is more to life than baseball, right?…right? thought so.

By Glass Half Full

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

Let’s hope all the trade talk concerning Abreau & Burrell has impacted the Phillies, and they lay down for us this weekend.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

MGL: correct. i like to look at the big picture, plus have to see how wickman stacks to the NL, they still have him listed for cleveland.

By Glass Half Full

July 21, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Read somewhere that the Padres have identified Adrian Beltre as their #1 trade target from the Mariners. Crazy.

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Good article DOB, but I think in a way this was a salary dump. Cleveland’s going NOWHERE this year, they are having trouble selling tickets now, and $2mil less in expenses does play a role. Plus this gives Cleveland a chance to tryout a new closer from within their own bullpen before the start of next season. If they can’t find one before the end of this season, they know they’ll have to find one this offseason. So it does make sense for Cleveland IMO, and it certainly makes sense for the Braves… And I also think part of this is Cleveland has seen how many high quality catchers the Braves organization has produced over the years. I mean, right now alone Atlanta’s got McCann, Salty, and Pena. Not to mention past catchers like Javy Lopez and Johnny Estrada. That is why I think this trade is as much a credit to the Braves scouting and player development as it is to JS.

By Smitty

July 21, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t say Led Zeppelin is the greatest rock band ever. They might be your favorite, but objectively they never changed the way people viewed music, the STOLE quite a few of their songs from blues artists.

I like them, and own most of their stuff, but let’s be reasonable.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Scoots, I’m like The Lady was a few days back and my batteries need recharging but must quickly respond in the defense of wee willie advocates … who, by the way, actually do appreciate the value of power hitting when it’s combined with a reasonable level of bat control.

We also find strikeouts acceptable when it’s our pitcher doing the pitchin’ … or when our hitter stinks and is trying to avoid hitting into a double or triple play.

In days of summer and in the heat of passion, it’s easy for us to sometimes forget currentday reality and revert to traditional thinking … like “folks what are playing in the major leagues are reasonably skilled in all facets of the game”.

Double Negatives aside, don’t tell me that the honorable gentleman from North Carolina disagrees with none of that!

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

dadgum, my desert-island group would be The Clash, followed closely by Led Zep, Elvis and the Attractions (circa early 1980s), The Replacements, Husker Du, Allman Brothers, REM and The Smiths, Velvet Underground, and yes, Public Enemy (love those guys’ work in 19990s)

Individuals are too far-ranging, but would definitely include Dylan, Cash, Neil Young, Hank, Springsteen, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Coltrane, Warren Zevon, Billy Bragg, Patsy Cline, Otis Redding, Emmylou Harris (to both listen to and look at; we’re on an island, remember) and George Jones.

But so, so many others, too.

By Lickadyslit

July 21, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

I think that if the Braves brought back Gene Garber back from the trash heap, he would be better than all the other bullpen dwellers put together. This team has found its rightful place in mediocrity. It is time to line up something to do in October for this team because they will be watching the playoffs on TV for a good while to come. Good Luck Losers …

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

David to a trip into the future!

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

oh, and Lucinda Williams. How could I forget Lu? And Hendrix, and John Lennon, and John Hiatt, and the Pixies … see, just way too many. Impossible task for me to narrow it down. Unwieldy list. Zevon, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Who….

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

and Elvis Presley (how could I forget The King?), and U2, and John Lee Hooker…

Head On, apply directly to the forehead… Head On, apply directly to the forehead … Head On, apply directly to the forehead.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Apologies, the batteries are about gone … tt should have been … Looks like David took a trip into the future. Better yet, it should have been … deleted!

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

MGL & Choppin Bob: Thanks for the numbers!

Sufficed to say, these guys (Ray, Yates, Paronto) have been very good.

Again, I say to all those that keep insisting that Wickman is not enough to fix the bullpen and get the Braves to the post-season…

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT????

The bullpen really didn’t need all that much fixing. We just needed a closer. Granted, not having a closer is a pretty big hole, but we’ve filled it now.

So we have Wickman, 3 guys with sub-3.00-ERA’s (not including Phil Stockman), and a great situational lefty. Villareal has done a great job in the long-relief role.

When more do we really NEED in the bullpen?

Sure, it would be wonderful to pick up somebody like Howry or Linebrink (not that they’re available), but at this point I would dare say that it would be a luxury to make a bullpen that’s already giong to be very good, even better.

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

correction: “What more do we really NEED in the bullpen?*

By Smitty

July 21, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

YOu need to go to Memphis and take a tour of Sun Records, you wold love it.

By krath

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

Otis Redding, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, then got into the “Southern Thing” (hate the labels but jeez everyone expects one) the Allman Bros. Sea Level, Dixie Dreggs. I remember performing on the same bill as the Dreggs a million years ago when they were a new band signed to Capricorn Records. I didn’t have a clue who these guys were. Played with them at a jazz and blues festival in Hilton Head Island SC. I remember being totally blown away by the vibe of the band. And the best part was these were all nice guys.

I’m showing my age but does anyone on the blog remember Uncle Sams in Macon and Richard’s in ATL?

By Lew

July 21, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

We need starting pitchers to pitch 7 or 8 innings a night. If they do this, the bullpen is fine as is. DOB-I’m glad you included Otis. I grew up with Motown-soul-r&b-call it what you will. I agree that anyone with a huge music collection would have a hard time whittling it down to even 100. However, in the scheme of things, certain albums have proved influential in my musical life. Included would be Beatles 2nd, Are you Experienced by Hendrix (this really rearranged my thinking), Zep 1, Benefit by Tull, Tarkus by ELP, Turn of the Cards by Renaissance, Dark Side of the Moon, and Leftoverture by Kansas. Oh yeah, can’t forget Queen 2. And Deep Purple in Rock, for I am, of course, a rocker.

By BOB C

July 21, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Not sure what our chief blogger means by Kyle Farnsworth’s immolation (noun - to sacrifice) but if it has another meaning not in Webster such “should have signed him and we wouldn’t be four games out of ANYTHING”, then I must agree.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

No, but how about Grant’s Lounge in Macon?

By krath

July 21, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Funny how memories jog other memories. I remember a lady on the bill at that Hilton Head festival who was a very well known performer of gospel and blues from Savannah. (I won’t use her name here) I remember there were a couple of performer hospitality and staging areas behind the stage. I also remember this lady standing there warming up with her backup singers belting out some of the finest, soul stirring gospel I had ever heard in my life……while pausing occasionally to hit a pipe that had the biggest block of hash I had ever seen in my life!!!! lol

By krath

July 21, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Lew…. never made Grant’s lounge. Was it happening? :)

By Lew

July 21, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

A friend of mine once told me that he didn’t like smoking hash. He said it was too hard to keep the potatoes lit.

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

BOB C:

I have been a Braves fan for 20 years. I’ve never seen Shuerholz more obviously surprised and perplexed by anything more than the fact that Farnsworth didn’t resign.

He was taken aback by Farnsworth’s decision to be setup man in NY for 6 million a year, when he could have been a closer in Atlanta for almost exactly the same money.

Anyway, they tried their best to sign him.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lew, that’s my understanding too … just seemed to me that some folks were missing the point that Wickman wasn’t “discounted” … the Braves actually paid a small “premium” in the technical sense.

It could wind up being a great trade … and Bob could be here for more than one.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Grant’s Lounge was one of the first venues played by Marshall Tucker. It used to be a dive, but when they remodelled it they started bring in good Southern Rock bands.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

is it me or is there not alot of traffic here today? the trade must have calmed everybody down.

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob:

It’s just you. you’ve driven everyone away. Good job!

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

are you sure? it could be that short cut button you got for the relief stats? lol

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

Ken Ray: 2.47

Chad Paronto: 2.93

Tyler Yates: 2.66

Macay McBride: Opposing left-handed hitters batting only .173

By krath

July 21, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m not from that area actually. From -and currently in NC. I did live in ATL for a couple of years in my younger days and have family there. Played some of those places though. Made a lot of music in the area, had lots of fun and damn near starved to death!! :) But my goodness it was a time of freedom. It was back before AIDS and if you could play a kazoo you could get laid every night of the week! lol

I would not have traded the experience for anything but no way would I want to live thru it again. Heck at my age I COULD NOT live thru it again!

I suppose this is OT stuff. I appologize if I’m getting too far out in left field…. or should I say away from left field.

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Interesting… Twice in various posts over the last week I’ve heard Mets fans predict that the Braves would not make the playoffs.

And twice, I asked them if they wanted to put some money on (and assured them that I was serious). Neither of them responded. Show’s ya how confident they really are in their prediction.

By KC

July 21, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION: …asked them if they wanted to put some money on it… sorry.

By Phat Bat Boy

July 21, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

KC, I am no closer to being an MLB GM than these bloggers are to being a world class musician. But it obviously doesn’t stop people from opining about who is great in the world of music (put me down for Etta James). I never said the guy is bad. He is obviously one of the best. Nor am I saying I could do better. I want HIM to do better. I want a long-term answer at the closer position. I guess I must not be a true Braves fan since I recognize a weakness that has plagued this team for most of this 14 year stretch and specifically for the past 2 seasons. I guess I must be a freakin’ alien because I want long-term value for our prospects. And I must be the first blogger in the history of the internet to have an opinion without the 20 years of experience related to the blog topic. Get over yourselves already. This team has not truly competed for a World Series title in years and the bullpen has been a major reason behind that. I’m not saying Scherholtz is incompetent. I just think that his unwillingenss (or inability) to spend in a problem area is a continued issue. The market sets the price for closers, not Scherholtz. And his refusal to pay market prices has led to many years of blown opportunities. Let’s see how he invests Thomson’s $4M salary next year. Hopefully, he won’t wait until the clearance sale before shopping for a quality closer, like he did the past 2 seasons. Again, you get what you pay for and we have been paying for reclamation projects and rookie contracts and the results have been predictably problematic (to use his word from the press conference).

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

be sure to change those numbers after tonights game. wouldnt like to call you out for having inaccurate stats.

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Etta James. Yep. At Last is about as bluesy and soulful as it gets. The Blues Is My Business is a great example of throbbin’ drivin’ blues as you’re gonna hear. She’s actually a pretty nasty lady with a mouth like a sailor. Just my kinda gal! :)

I’m no GM either or paid music critic, but hey, we’re not here to to practice typing. It’s a blog. Blogs are about opinions.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

I was just watching a bit of the British Open … an announcer said about a young competitor … “He at the top of his game and playing some good golf too!”.

Makes one feel sorry for someone … just not sure which; player or announcer.

By Simeon Smashs Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Don O’Brein is an idiot. I thought this was a Braves Blog, not a music blog. I don’t care about your horrible taste in music. I would like to talk about the Braves please.

By Joe Roman

July 21, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

Dave, oh DAVE!! I’m not talking about the lyrics you run. I’m talking about the postings they generate. Blogs drift far enough “off message” as it is. One last thing: I don’t care if Hank III is the incarnation of the real Hank. I’m just sick of relatives exploiting the name of the genuine article. If this kid is so great, let him perform under another name. My stomach still gives me trouble over “Little Al” Unser.

By BB

July 21, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Has anyone heard any comments from Wickman yet about the trade? I would think he is happy about it since he had to ok the deal being a 10-5 guy. Just wondering if he has made any statements yet.

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Who is Don O’Brein?

By Snowball's Chance

July 21, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t think I have seen you mention Joe Ely. Great performer, producer and writer. He doesn’t rock as much as he used to but his music keeps evolving.

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

David O’Brien

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

Ok Simeon you want to talk baseball? I’ll start and you just chime in any time ok?

according to wikipedia:

Baseball is a team sport popular in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and East Asia. The modern game was developed in the United States from early bat-and-ball games played in Britain, and it has become the national sport of the United States. It is a Bat-and-ball game in which a pitcher throws (pitches) a hard, fist-sized ball past the hitting area of a batter. The batter attempts to hit the baseball with a tapered, smooth, cylindrical bat made of wood (as required in professional baseball) or metal. A team scores only when batting, by advancing counter-clockwise past a series of four markers called bases arranged at the corners of a diamond. Each base is 90 feet from the previous base. Baseball is sometimes called hardball to differentiate it from similar games such as softball.

Your turn.

By TennesseePaul

July 21, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Well there are about a trillion posts already on here. I’m not sure I have the time to go through them all… what with the 4pm Blitz and all. But, I will say I’m curious to see what happens next. Wickman not really being the impact player trade, I’m hoping to see one that is just down right incredible. We still have money and some prospects to deal.

DOB: I’m really pleased to see they high rank of Led Zeppelin in your lists. That band is on top for me as well. I love the Beatles, and many others, but there is something about Led Zeppelin. As soon as I hear one single note or beat of any Led Zeppelin song, I stop and listen. It seems every decade since the 60’s there is one band that really really kicks @ss. At least for me. The Beatles in the 60’s, Zeppelin in the 70’s, Pixies in the 80’s… and then the 90’s gets to be a toss up. Radiohead or the Pumpkins. Totally different, but equally important, to me anyway. Now that main stream is letting me down drastically, I’ve been pushed deeper and deeper into the Indy rock scene. And chosing between all those leagions of bands is difficult. Have you ever heard Richard Swift? He used to be based out of Souther California, but recently moved up to Seatle. He’s spectacular. I enjoyed the article. And the musical talk. Good Stuff. Keep up the good work.

GO BRAVES

By MGL

July 21, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Simeon Smashs Vick All Day - You are free to talk about the Braves, but it seems that you are the idiot. It’s David not Don. Also most of us here really appreciate Dave’s dedication to this blog and the extra effort he puts in to keep us informed. I don’t care much for the music info either, but it doesn’t bother me because I know how to scrool past it. Perhaps you could learn to scroll too and quit insulting the host!!

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Braves baseball, smartass.

By RRR

July 21, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but the man who produced Zevon’s biggest album is the greatest American song-writer. The Poet Laureat of Rock and Roll: Jackson Browne.

Simply put, the trade for Wickman was an outright steal, considering what everyone else is paying for pitching help. Sure, Ramirez may someday be ‘all that’, but right now, this was exactly what the Braves needed. The problematic bullpen has been the bane of the Braves ALL year, and it had a devastating effect on all the Braves. Just look at June if you need reminding. If JS pulls another one off, fine, but for now I’m relieved…pun fully intended, as I’m sure the whole team is now that we have someone capable of closing the door at the end of the game. The Mutts are not the goal right now…the WILDCARD is.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

10 bucks says DOB is down on the field right now asking wickman what his favorite music is. nevermind what kind of effect he will think he has or how thrilled he is to be here.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

I sure hope this trade keeps the team running with the high energy level they have shown so far this month and that they just put the last game in St Luie behind them. btw, Barry’s ERA after 10.1 innings was just 2.61. He just got it trashed with that 4 run disaster Wed. night.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Krath, who’s Don O’Brein? He is an idoit … I’m surprised at you for not paying better attention … someone’s explained that before you even asked!

I have it on good authority that Don’s not related to David … maybe a relative of the nice blogger who supplied the information?

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

MGL - How great of you to point out my mistake. I can appreciate his dedication, I just wish it was for Braves baseball. Also, I do scroll pass the CRAP. And EXCUSE me, I didn’t know you guys were family.

By KC

July 21, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: Will do.

Phat Bat Boy: What’s the story behind that name?

Approve, disapprove or whatever… Shuerholz’s Braves have never been the highest bidder for a major free agent. Never. Not even when they had Ted’s resources in hand. We have always made fair offers, but never the highest one. Lately, we haven’t been able to make as many of those offers to as many players, but Shuerholz has always guarded against overpaying players.

“This team has not truly competed for a World Series title in years and the bullpen has been a major reason behind that.”

Not true. The bullpen was quite good until last year when Smoltz headed back to the rotation and Kolb melted down (again, can’t predict the future… this guy had been fantastic in that role for the Brewers for the previous 2 years).

The bigger problem over the years in the post-season has been our rotation. Since 1999 (the last year before Smoltz blew out his elbow, had Tommy John surgery, and then became a closer), the Braves haven’t had the starting pitching they needed to get the job done in October.

Even in 2001 when Maddux and Glavine were excellent in October, they were outmatched by Schilling and Johnson (2 pitchers in the John Smoltz mold). It’s worth noting that they won the World Series that year without having a closer that was worth a damn.

I posted something to this effect earlier, so I don’t want to repeat myseld too much, but…

Finesse pitchers typically don’t fare as well in the post-season as they do in the regular season. Where as players like Smolt and Schilling have another gear in October.

Our 1&2 starters were both finesse pitchers in the truest sense of that term. Because we were built primarily around that kind of pitching, we were unable to accomplish as much as we would have liked all those years in October.

And as soon as Smoltz left the rotation (first for surgery and then for the bullpen), our rotation fell flat on its face every October to a greater degree than ever before.

I say again… If we had one less Maddux or Glavine, and one more Smoltz all these years, Atlanta would have 4 or 5 championships right now.

In the last few years, our rotation has simply lacked the depth of years past. Our big three a couple of years ago was Jaret Wright, Russ Ortiz, and John Thompson. OUCH!!!!!

That’s why (the rotation) we haven’t been able to get out of the first round in a while.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

kc: you left out we didnt score many runs either, that doesnt help our cause.

By Dean

July 21, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

I really thing we ought to go after Maddox, if the price is not too high. If Hudson gets it turned around, we would have the best rotation 1 thru 5 in the NL. You could then (take your pick) send James or Davies to strenghten the pen.

I know Maddox’s numbers are not very good, but I have a feeling, if he could get by to ATL, he would do a good job.

does anybody know if he is in the last year of his contract with the Cubs?

H

By ssiscribe

July 21, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

OK, I’ll chime in. First of all, if you don’t want to talk music, then don’t talk. But, don’t come in here being rude to people. Nuff said.

I’m a little younger than some of you, I can tell. I do like some of the classics (Led Zep, Stones, who I saw in the Dome in 94, Eagles). More closer to my era: REM, Chili Peppers (had Love Rollercoaster, from the Beavis and Butthead movie, playing in my head while in Vegas last week), Def Leopard (don’t laugh; Hysteria, summer of 1988, I was 15, awesome stuff), U2, INXS, GnR, Black Crows, Gin Blossoms (starting to get into my college music here), Pearl Jam, STP.

Also like some hip-hop and rap in there, anything by Snoop (especially the stuff with Dre in the early 1990s), NWA of course, Public Enemy, Dre’s solo stuff, Tupac, Ludacrius, Outkast, 50 Cent.

I also like artists who, for whatever reason, just don’t produce bad songs. Bob Segar, Phil Collins, The Boss. Just about everything they do, I like.

Coolest musical act I saw wasn’t even at a concert: Paul McCartney at halftime of last year’s Super Bowl in Jax. Even the most grizzled, jaded scribe was holding his Super Bowl XXXIX flashlight on Hey Jude. Awesome memory. Charlie Daniels playing “Devil Went Down to Georgia” during pregame that day was cool, too.

Back to packing.

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Sorry Bob the J. I promise to be more attentive in the future. I should have known that Don O’Brein was an idoit as soon as I read the statement :)

I promise now to get back to the subject of trades.

Ya know… I always thought the Beatles should have traded George Harrison to the Rolling Stones for Keith Richards! I mean the guy has/had a nasty right hand and played those neck poppin R&R licks as well as anyone I ever heard!

By geauxbraves2000

July 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

I am excited about this trade. Not only to get an establised closer, which can set up the rest of the pen, but also for the fact that the players see the management trying to improve this team.

As far as the music side of this conversation, I haven’t seen Clapton’s name mentioned.

Geaux Braves!!

By chopthis

July 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Believe me, you do not want Jerry Lee Lewis on a desert island with you.

Isn’t it simply amazing how much better a babe Emmylou Harris has become since she turned gray? So lovely to look at.

I can see so clearly in my mind that Cash photo you mentioned. Man, so skinny and wired! JC looks as if he hasn’t slept in years. It’s a more emphatic anti-drug advertisement than any shot of Keith Richards I can think of.

I mentioned this the other day — maybe you missed it; maybe you just thought it was stupid — but I got the idea while re-reading Roger Kahn’s “The Boys of Summer” (a classic of the “where are they now” genre that details all the changes that retirement and life in general had wrought on the old Brooklyn Dodgers of the 1950s; I know you’ve read it) that maybe you, or someone at the AJC, could track down some of the old Atlanta Braves for a series of articles. You could find one or two souls from the Original Braves of ‘66, a few from the Braves’ first division champions of ‘69 (just brainstorming here), a couple from the waste land of the 70s, and someone (or two) from the brief return to glory in the early ’80s. I would love to know what’s become of Ralph Garr, Rico Carty, Mike Lum, Buzz Capra (‘74 NL ERA leader), Rick Camp, Biff Pocoroba & Co. And I can’t be alone here, like I am in most of my opinions. The fans would eat it up, Dave! You can gravytrain off Roger Kahn’s Khan-cept for an award-winning series. And the papers you’d sell! Imagine the possibilities!

Sell this idea at the next sports department meeting. Your boss will love it.

Just a thought, Dave. Gratis, of course.

I’ve even got the title for you: “The Braves of Noc-A-Homa.”

Speaking of titles, a good JC-realted one for this blog could be “What Is Truth?”

By KC

July 21, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: That’s true, but in many of those cases that was because we were up against a dominant starter, and great pitching beats great hitting.

Wednesday’s game was the greatest case study of that concept in recent memory. When a top-notch pitcher is truly on his game, there’s not much you can do as a hitter.

By Aleem

July 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

KC, I understand that the guys remaining in the bullpen have above average ERA’s (for the most part) — namely the combo of Paronto, Yates, and Ray that you keep copying and pasting over and over again. The problem, however, is that all of these guys have virtually no major league experience beyond this year (and if they do, excepting one good year for Paronto in Cleveland, the stats are simply heinous). We’re talking about assuming that these pitchers are good enough based on ERA’s over 20-40 innings tops (don’t even talk to me about Stockman since he’s pitched 4 total innings for us). Do you honestly think all three of those guys will hold up in a playoff chase in an environment of pressure they have never experienced and in a city that is ready to turn on any bullpen arm that starts struggling (with me being first in line)? At the very least, it’s hard to believe that these three random journeymen are all of a sudden reliable relievers that can be counted on for the rest of the year. In that sense, making another move for a bullpen arm probably needs to happen. It’s very likely that one (or more) of these guys will break down (i’m still pretty leery of Yates with that k-bb ratio of his).

All that being said, I do like Paronto’s sinking pitches for double plays and think that he can serve the role that Gryboski did for a few years. Ray has also done enough work (the most of out of three) to be relatively trusted for now. McBride does get out lefties, but there can also be no doubting his utter failure against righties (.300 avg, 2.00 whip). Basically, I’ll buy that he’s good to get out a couple lefties, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t use another lefty down in there to do what Remlinger couldn’t (Rheal Cormier, for example, would be a nice pickup). There are good things going on in the bullpen, especially now with a defined closer in Wickman, but to argue that we’re set because of this one move is dangerous. Wickman is the only guy in there who’s done it so far.

(Don’t come at me with Villarreal, either. That guy would have to have an insanely bad ERA if we included how many inherited runs he’s let in. He has a 1.48 whip regardless.)

By Dr. Jay

July 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

Thank gawd for Bob Wickman and iTunes.

By KC

July 21, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: Just thinking about some of the pitching we’ve faced since 2001 in October:

Schilling & Johnson

Wood & Prior (both healthy and sharp… amazing!)

Clemens, Oswalt, and Pettitte (twice)

Anyone’s offense would have struggled against that kind of pitching. Many times, you just have to prepared to “out-pitch” the opposition in the post-season.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, I’ll take that bet!! DOB said that he is off for the weekend. Unfortunately, the news will be skimpy from Philly. Maybe Guy is there, but he is a man of few words as we have seen.

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000 Good point about Clapton. Kinda like the ALL STAR game. Always gonna be someone left out.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

kc: the boys get a free pass from me for wednesdays game due to 1. weather conditions killed the batters box and the delay stagnated the mood. 2. they were bound to cool off & its ironic it was against a good pitcher.

By george jr

July 21, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

man im sooo stoned ive been watching the concert for bangladesh bongladesh jammin man

the beatles shouldnt have traded for anybody. keith richards would have killed them all off before the 80s. george kept them grounded. and flowin with the love man

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Ya know I heard that Bobby doesn’t allow music in the clubhouse, at least not boom boxes blaring. Not sure if he does or not.

Think he allows humming?

By Lew

July 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Krath-I know what you mean. Just trying to live the rest of life in one piece is enough of a challenge at our age, without having to go through it again. But it was a wild ride, wasn’t it? Phat Bat Boy-You seem to forget that for a 3 1/2 year period we had arguably the best closer in baseball and STILL didn’t seriously contend for a Series title. Also keep in mind that the Yankees have the best closer in baseball and have not contended seriously for a series title in years. Or the Dodgers and Gagne. Or the Padres with Hoffman. Or the Phillies or Astros with Wagner. Do you get the point yet?

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

I am glad Cox decided to hold Smoltz until tonight. He needs as much rest as he can get, plus it’s a good idea to get off on the right foot and get a win tonight. This is a BIG series for the Braves.

By KC

July 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Aleem: Yeah, I really just keep quoting those bullpen stats now more as a joke than anything else because Choppin Bob keeps teasing me about it. :o)

Yeah, you bring up a good point… they are young and inexperienced. From that perspective, another proven arm would be nice. However, these guys have still shown me enough to instill confidence in me that they can get the job done. With the closers role taken care of, I think the rest of the bullpen can relax a little more, and can start to really click (similar to the way the lineup started to relax and hit once Chipper came out of his funk).

BTW: I’m not hanging my hat on Phil Stockman at all. I know he’s barely pitched at all at this level yet. That’s why every time I mention him, his name is always in parentheses.

And, I’m not “coming at you” with anything about Villareal, other than to say that he’s done a good job in several long-relief outings. He seems comfortable and relatively effective in that role. But he’s not a key player in this bullpen (nor should he be).

Anyway, whether it’s “NEEDED” or not, I would like to see us get one more proven reliever. But if we don’t, I’ll still feel really good about this bullpen.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

George,Jr. I wouldn’t have traded Harrison for Richards either. However, the Beatles broke up in 1970-not the 80’s. Lennon died in ‘80 and Harrison died several years ago. Strangely enough, Keith Richards is not only still alive, but climbing trees. Must be the virginal blood transfusions in Sweden or something. Maybe it’s because he keeps lighting those potatoes.

By krath

July 21, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

george jr. I think I missed something. The Beatles collectively and individually were all musically dead by the 80’s anyway :)

By KC

July 21, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

I should add:

I wasn’t saying that we shouldn’t try to get anymore relief help. I’m simply saying that I disagree with people who say we can’t win the Wild Card unless we get one more arm in the pen. I think we have enough, but it’s always nice to have more.

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Nope. No way are the O’Briens related to the O’Breins! The O’Brians are as fine and upstanding bunch as you’d ever want to meet. But those O’Breins! Pre-madonnas, every one, especially that Don! They were run out of North Carolina looooong ago; don’t know where they finally wound up, but it was nowhere good, I can tell you that!

:-))

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

I sure hope Smoltz gets to pitch against the Mets.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

Ken Ray: 2.47

Chad Paronto: 2.93

Tyler Yates: 2.66

Macay McBride: Opposing left-handed hitters batting only .173

By jr

July 21, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

giles + jurries for crawford

By jr

July 21, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

giles + jurries for crawford

By Epinephrine

July 21, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, what did you think of Kicking Television? Wilco is the truth. They deserve to be on any desert island.

I would much prefer that we add a veteran left arm at this point as opposed to a veteran bat. The offense looks fine as is, even if they aren’t all clicking at once. It would be nice to avoid turning McBride into a headcase, and we could do that by having another left arm out there. We wouldn’t have to throw him into the lion’s den every game-and that would be a good thing, considering how good he looked against the Cards. We will need him confident come October.

Now, if only we could find a selfless leader like the great David Justice…

By Sammy Kershaw

July 21, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

DOB just to comment on Bobby’s Lance Cormier comment. He was at Alabama while i was there and he was an absolute stud. A right handed Tommy Glavine in his prime (at least on the college level). That was our comparison at the time. He was lights out for 9 innings every Friday night.

side note, favorite Zevon song for me woudl have to be Lawyers Guns and Money

By Aleem

July 21, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

KC, seems like we agree for the most part. I guess that I’m just a little less optimistic than you. The guys we have in the pen that are doing well aren’t really young though; they’re just inexperienced pitchers of the quad A variety. We certainly have a shot to win the wild card with what we have, but what we have could collapse at any time.

By Lew

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

jr-We don’t need Crawford. We need pitching and besides, the Rays don’t need Giles, they have Jorge Cantu at 2nd. They don’t need him to DH either, they have Jonny Gomes. Crawford is still cheap. Even if they needed these players you proposed, they wouldn’t be inclined to pick up Giles salary, which with arbitration should hit $5mil next year. Enough with the Crawford deals. I thought that had been laid to rest long ago.

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Simeon: Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Smoltz is going to get that chance. That was probably the biggest reason why I was hoping that Bobby would have granted Smoltz’s request to come back on short rest for Wednesday’s game against the Cards.

Now the way it lines up, the Mets won’t see Smoltz or Ramirez, and those are the 2 guys that have been getting it done lately. Not good.

By krath

July 21, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Good point, Lew.

Keith Richards looks incredible for a 116 year old man.

Lady, glad you made that last post. I had all but forgotten the O’Breins here in NC. We used to have a local dog catcher who was one of the O’Breins (back before the state legislature passed the bill barring O’Breins from holding public office) In fact, I believe he was only one of 8 or 10 O’Breins still living in the state before he was eaten by that shitzu.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

SIMEON, are you going to actually SAY ANTHING about Braves baseball, or just bitch and whine and moan about all the other postings, and call me and others names? Just curious.

Otherwise, leave the blogging to people with something to say. You don’t like the blog? Then go away. It ain’t changing.

Certainly, it’s not changing for you, my bitter friend.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

prediction: smoltz pitches tuesday thus being able to close out sunday vs. mets.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Simeon-Let me throw an analogy in your direction. If you don’t like seafood, don’t go to Red Lobster for dinner.

By Choppin Bob

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

hey DOB: is wickman a hippie or what?

By DonCoburleone

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

I personally like Heavy metal, so: Best metal bands out right now IMO: Tool(more just hard rock than metal), System of a Down(if not metal, what else are they?), Rob Zombie, Shadow’s Fall, Hatebreed. Best old-school Metal Bands: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath. Other mentionables outside of “metal” category: Rage Against the Machine, AFI (before they turned gay), NOFX, Pennywise, Bad Religion, and BOB MARLEY!

By David O'Brien

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

SNOWBALL’s CHANCE: Yeah, Joe Ely’s great. So many I left off, which is the problem with lists like that for big-time music or movie lovers. Too hard to narrow down. I forgot to mention some of my very favorites like Steve Earle, Dave Alvin, X, Marley, Frank Sinatra, and krath mentioned Etta James. Love her and Koko Taylor, Aretha … so, so many.

Anyway, hey SIMEON/VICK, you can’t come up with another dumb name to use when you’re on the baseball blog, at least? Sounds like you should be talking football, fella. Just football, from the tone of your conversation. Nuts and bolts football, nothing more. No outside interests please, SIMEON is a serious man.

I’m off today, folks. So it’ll be up to Guy to talk to our new man Wick.

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah, let’s let the Crawford thing die already!

I’ve said all of this before, but I’ll address the Crawford thing again…

Crawford’s young and cheap, so the D-Back’s aren’t in any hurry to get rid of him. That means a high price tag for any suitors (too high).

His career on-bse percatage is not all that great for a leadoff hitter.

And last but not least…

LEFT FIELD IS TAKEN!!!!!!!!

ITRODUCING SCOTT THORMAN!

With all the offense we’ve had, a lot of you haven’t noticed this kid. He is as good looking a phenom as we have in this organization, either at the major or minor league level. He will be a 30+ Homer-a-year guy in this lineup for years to come. His teammates will tell you so, the coaches will tell you so, and the scouts will tell you so. PLEASE stop trying to replace him with a leadoff hitter in left.

It would be nice to have pure leadoff hitter in the lineup, but unless his first name is Ichiro, I don’t think he’ll be able to make up the kind of offense (in speed) that we’re already going to get (in power) from Thorman.

We shouldn’t think about replacing supplanting Thorman any more than we would think about replacing Franceour with a leadoff hitter.

Again, unless Bobby decides to bat Renteria first, our leadoff hitter will have to come from second base.

By Bryan

July 21, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

Wilco is a great studio band, and kicking TV is great, but I saw them play live and I wish I had left early. It Sucked.

I do like bands that don’t go crazy, I loved seeing Elliot Smith and the like, but the venue sucked and the band sucked, and what made it even more apparent is that I saw Ween at the Tabernacle the next week and got my face melted.

If musicians choose whose on the Island, Ween would be at the top of the list.

Ween lives like bands used to live and rocks live like bands used to rock.

Ween is the best live rock show today, if you have seen them you will understand. If you haven’t, reserve judgement until you see the brownest show on the planet.

Ohh and Hank III is pretty good live (seen um 4 times - once at the Star Bar!), I would skip the Series Dave, unless the Braves are the NL team.

Bryan

By Carolina Lady

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

Hey, Krath! You’re right - I’d forgotten about the dogcatcher thing. That little shitzu sure went through a lot with the decontamination he had to have. Glad he came through it!

Where in this beautiful state are you? I’m on the coast, Scoots is in the Sandhills.

By KC

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

Since we insist on talking music…

Has anyone heard the new MC Hammer album? Is it any good? Just curious.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

DOB-Enjoy your day off. Any chance you might stop by a music store?

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Don: good bands! i think wickman should use a song from the 1st rage album for his entrance.

By David O'Brien

July 21, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

DonC, I love Rage Againt the Machine (and some Audioslave), Metallica and Bad Religion from your list. Good stuff.

I’m off on the motorbike, boys and girls. Back to hear Caray and Co. do the game tonight.

Later. And please, someone talk Braves baseball with Simeon Chases Vick and Both Pound Clueless Fan, or whatever name the guy was using.

By Dean

July 21, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Does anybody else think we ought to look at getting around starter….if the price was right? ie Maddox?

By krath

July 21, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Lady, we officially have the entire state covered! I’m in the western mountains near Asheville!

By MGL

July 21, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, The way the rotation looks now, it will be Thomson, Scholtz, James against the Marlins and Ramirez, Hudson, Thompson against the Mets. Doubt that Bobby will move Shmoltz to Tues on 3 days rest. Also, Pedro is supposed to be back for the Atlanta series.

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

EASY, there Dave. I didn’t mean to hit a nerve. I simply wanted to make a point. That’s all. Then, some people had a problem for some reason. As far as my name, I think it’s classic. I figure its an Atlanta website, theres probably some falcons fans here. Anyway, let’s get back to the point of the blog: Our love for Braves baseball.

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: It would be nice to see Smoltzy in the Mets series, but I serioulsly doubt that Bobby is going to pitch him on Tuesday. If he wouldn’t let him go on 3 days rest against Carpenter with an off day the following day, I don’t see any way he’ll have him do it this week. If anything, it would be more likely for Smoltz to come back on short rest next Sunday for the last game of the Mets series, with an off day on Monday.

But again, not likely.

By shaun

July 21, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

I was visiting a friend this past weekend who had had a seizure the night before. Shortly after he was released from the hospital he received an automated phone call from John Smoltz. I thought my friend was going to have another seizure when he hung up. The call was John Smoltz asking for my friend to vote for Ralph Reed for Lt. Governor of GA.

I think this link speaks for it’s self:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RalphE.Reed_Jr

Ralph Reed represents everything that is wrong with this country. My brain hurts just thinking of all the shady schemes the weasel has been involved with.

For John Smoltz to be associated with this guy is very upsetting. I hope he is moved to the bull pen and is then traded and leaves Atlanta angry and upset. I can no longer root for Smoltz when he pitches.

Glavine and Maddux wouldn’t have pulled this crap!

By Simeon Smashes Vick All Day

July 21, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

What do you think the Devil Rays would want for Crawford?

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Good for you, Krath! Bea-u-ti-ful up there, isn’t it?! Your 2:11 post (wikipedia) was so funny! :-)))

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

bryan: i saw ween a few years ago on halloWEEN. it was one of the sickest shows i’ve ever been too. talk about people dressing up! it was nuts. 2 buddies and I dressed up as the Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot and were called out by a bunch of people.

KC: i am going to try to b—-h slap you through my monitor for the mc hammer remark.

MGL: i think we will forego throwin shiells to get smoltzie in the game sunday. short rest him for florida

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun, you’ve been making that very same post for a while now. Change something next time. Even with all those repeated posts I don’t recall that any one has responded. Would that be a clue??

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

MGL: You are correct about the starters for the Mets series, but I’m not sure that Thompson will be off the DL by then. Here’s how our starters line up:

(for some reason, I was thinking that Ramirez would also miss the Mets series, but it looks like I was wrong.)

Against Phili:

7/21: Smoltz

7/22: James

7/23: Ramirez

7/24: Hudson

Against Fla:

7/25: 5th starter (?)

7/26: Smoltz

7/27: James

Against Mets:

7/28: Ramirez

7/29: Hudson

7/30: 5th starter (unless Bobby lets Smoltz come back on short rest).

7/31 is an off day.

PLEASE BOBBY, LET SMOLTZY PITCH AGAINST THE METS!!!!!

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Shaun, let’s keep politics out of this forum, huh?

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

David O’B, here I am trying to get well and you have to go and lower my expectations … there’s no justice, Choo-Choo or David … but then, any interview might be better than none.

Maybe he’ll tell us that there’s only so much that one man can do … and how he hopes that John didn’t wait too long to come to his senses … and that he should have done something about it during the off-season.

Surely there’s been an interview welcoming Big Bob to Atlanta … even if it is in Philadelphia … but I guessed I missed it ‘cause I haven’t seen one.

My Lady, I agree that the O’Brians are good folks … as are the O’Briens. I don’t know much about the O’Breins; just what I’ve recently read but, though I’m unfamiliar with the Mafia, I’m O so Leary of the Don of any clan, including the Irish ones.

Three brothers from my clan, Scotts they were … got kicked out of the old country for refusing to pay hommage to the Church of England, though members of the family had been the Lord Mayor of the place from whence they came. Their destination … the coast of North Carolina!

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: Lay off the Hammer!!!!!!!

I hope you’re right about Smoltzy pitching the 3rd game of the Mets series. Acutally, that would be perfect because it would mean that our top 3 starters would go against them.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, I’d love to have Schmoltz in the Sunday Met’s game, but we also need him to pitch Wed against Josh Johnson. We need a sweep of the Marlins, and Johnson is the best we will see (no Willis this time) although this rookie Sanchez is doing great.

By JasonInMaine

July 21, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

DonC,

In my previous life, I too was a metal nut. Mostly the bands you mentioned with a few others mixed in. But, I will say out of all of them, I was a TOOL fanatic. Nothing like a TOOL show!

Regards,

Jason

By MGL

July 21, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves site now has JT down for Tuesday under probables.

By KC

July 21, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this

If we could pick up a game or two on the Mets, and then swept them next weekend, we could head into August 7-8 games back in the East.

Sweeping them would be no easy task, but if we can win the first 2 in that series, and Bobby lets Smoltz pitch the final game of that series…

Anyway, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to head into August with a single digit deficit in the East with still (then) 6 games to play against the Mets.

If we can get there… it would be uphill, but definitely possible.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

i say short rest smoltzie for the marlins, bring hin in tuesday so he can get good rest for the mets

By Chop Chop

July 21, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I don’t care for Smoltz’s politics. All I care about is whether Smoltz does the best he can for the baseball team I cheer for. His political beliefs are immaterial.

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bob! Glad you’re doing better today! You caught my error: I mis-typed O’Brian instead of O’Brien…..that left hand just do as it is told! (or something….) :-)) But I think the intent was understood. Potshots taken at our head-of-houseblog are not taken kindly by it’s inmates, uh - DOBbloggers. Or would that be ‘DOBers’?

By KC

July 21, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob: I’m with you, but I just don’t think Bobby will do it.

By bc

July 21, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Three questions. Is anybody else surprised Sosa is still on this team? If we made another move, wouldn’t a second lefty in the pen make sense? Enjoy the music comments but am I the only person reading this stuff who enjoys (or is old enough to enjoy) beach music i.e the Tams, Embers, Intriques, Drifters etc? And yes, I know I am old.

By Chop Chop

July 21, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Lots of talk about good music here.

I have a feeling my “desert island” list for musical artists would be a lot different if the people were physically going to be on the island with me.

For example, who would I rather be on a desert island with: Dylan or Jessica Simpson?

Let’s just hope she brought her Pro-Activ.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

OK, there is a way to get John Smoltz into the game on Sunday. Glavine pitches Tuesday against the Cubs. The Mets have Thursday off, but their rotation has been so screwed up it is difficult to project what they will do. However, if they slot Glavine for Sunday, Smoltzie will be sitting in Bobby’s office until he agrees to let him pitch against Tommy.

KC, you are right on. With nine games against the Mets, If we could sweep them (agreed this is not easy) the Division could be ours. What a ride that would be!!!

By KC

July 21, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

I was just glancing at the Mets schedule and their rotation. It looks like if Pedro M. returns for that series, they’ll have their 1-3 starters going against us. Of course Trachsel’s not going to strike fear in anyone’s heart, but Glavine and Martinez are always hard to beat.

Please Bobby let Smoltz start next Sunday!

And PLEASE LORD, don’t let the Mets get Zito… PLEASE!!!!!!

By Carolina Lady

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

bc, 3 cheers for beach music! Commodores, Embers, et al are among my all-time favorites! Loooove good beach music!

By KC

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

MGL: Yeah it would be pretty cool.

The thing of it is… if we don’t win the division (and do win the wild card), it’s not going to break Braves fans hearts. We’ve won the division 14 times. The novelty’s worn off. But if we pulled off a comeback for the ages and beat the Mets out for the division… it would crush them. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!

Anyway, even if we can’t pull off this comeback for the division, we’ll still have a chance to break the Mets in the post-season.

That would be beautiful… for them to wait 14 years only to have the nuts handed to them once again by the Braves (this time in the post-season)… and just when they think they got the best of us!

Let it be, oh let it be. Let it be, oh let it be….

By KC

July 21, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION, meant to say: “…for them to wait 14 years only to have their nuts handed to them once again by the Braves”

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

havent we beat up glavine since he’s been a met, except for the last time he pitched against us?

By bc

July 21, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

ahh, a kindred spirit in Carolina. Should have known - been married to one great Carolina lady for three plus decades. The best - but then I’m a bit prejudiced! Anyway,found some neat stuff on iTunes lately which I have added to my collection. Had a chance to go to Philly this weekend but it was from a bunch of Phillie fans here on the FL west coast. Would have had to sit on my hands all weekend. More fun cheering in front of the tube.

By MGL

July 21, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob, I think you are correct, but he is a competitor and would not try to get out of doing it. The front office should get behind this idea. If advertized, it’s probably standing room only and ratings boost for TBS.

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Lets go Braves! 3 out of 4 this weekend and onto the homestand.

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Hey JasonInMaine… Best show I ever saw, hands down, was Tool at the Wiltern ampitheatre in L.A.(only 2,000 seats). I was 3rd row from the stage. Awesome show, it was their tour right after Lateralus came out.

By Dr. Jay

July 21, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

I just read something interesting at SI.com… These Phillies we begin to play tonight could be easy pickings, since most of their impact players are rumored to be part of various trades. The phrase used was “fire sale”. Wow. Even if the trades don’t happen, these guys should be quite distracted. Maybe we can make up some additional ground if the Asstros play the Mets tough.

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

if smoltz and glav were to square off next sunday i would drive down from NY to check it. the last game i was at the Ted it was for maddux and schilling. would love to just be in the park

By journalist jimmy smith

July 21, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

dob runs a fine blog. journalist jimmy smith must admit to listening to some dob recommended music over the past few days. pretty good. journalist bought a pickup truck(true) only a few days ago and now journalist is considering the next step … a cowboy hat. but journalist cannot part with the braves cap again - stained from worm mess but still in better shape than a thomson cap. if journalist had an ex-wife and an empty glass of beer (work with journalist on this one)then the circle would be unbroken (hidden message for dob). now, scribe makes the transition from the georgia coast to metropolitan atl (get ‘em up. get ‘em up, get ‘em up). when they say that scribe it is in welcome - unless pointing a gun. 29 links of chain upon jimmy smith’s leg if wickman isn’t the answer. now, bob …jimmy smith will require an affidavit from ralph before any disbursement. go braves!

By journalist PENN

July 21, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

As I read this blog I see haters and lovers, haters of Scheurholz and Cox and lovers of Scheurholz and Cox. And then I see those I call LOGICAL THINKERS. They give credit where credit is due and I must say it is appreciated by those of us who like to place ourselves in the same group.

I’m particularly putting Lew and KC in the logical thinkers group as it applies in this blog anyway. And Bob and Jimmy (absent blue worms :)) surely fit.

I see people on here screaming, “get Mr. XYZ for abc” and every time abc is a LOSER. How the hell can anyone expect another GM to give something for nothing?

It’s not often you can get a Wickman for nothing but and even then the haters still blast Schuerholz for making that trade.

After you point out to the haters that JD Drew made the pennant possible they still b***h about giving up Wainwright. They pay no attention to Wainwright taking two years to get to the point of being useful. And they always ignore the fact that LA offered Drew $55 million to play 5 years for them. Was Scheurholz supposed to know that or was he supposed to put a team on the field that could win?

And the griper who still moans about what we gave up for Farnsworth. Farnsworth put the Braves in the winners circle last year and Slimebrenner offered him the damn moon. But that was the fault of JS, of course. Ignorance again from this board’s haters.

JS and Bobby Cox are the best two man combo in the sport in at least a half century and both are headed for the hall of fame and the haters can’t handle it. I don’t understand you at all. Do you ever have a positive thought?

As for Pierre, the man can’t hit any longer and has not been able to throw for YEARS. His left wing is DEAD, do you hear? DEAD. One other point, no one can steal first and you can’t steal second until you get on first. So get over it. I wouldn’t trade one Thorman for two Pierres.

Now I’m going silent again. Raise hell all you like. DOB, you are a glutton for punishment and I salute you for a good job, once again.

Enjoy Hank III.

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

OH, and back on the band topic, I don’t know how I left these guys out…. Social Distortion. They are awesome!

By Dr. Jay

July 21, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Oh no…I didn’t make journalist PENN’s cool list. Whatever shall I do?

By Tomahawkin

July 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

No No No!

No Greg Maddux, Please… I guess this was the same blog that had Maddux to win 20 after that 5-0 start he had…Wrong, Wrong!

A trade 4 Rodrigo Lopez makes perfect sense, As well as Corey Patterson to play left, That Dude has sick defense, and He has over 2o steals, so he be great leading off

Have Patterson at the Top followed by Renteria and the Joneses, That would be a sick top of the order…

For the Sammy Sosa Rumor, Please, I saw The new Viagra commercial with Rafael Palmeiro in it and he also said he was making a comeback thanks to his new prescription…Lol

Go Figure?

By Tomahawkin

July 21, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Well D.O.B. I’m not feeling much of your band stuff, Give Me Some Old Metallica, or Better Yet some PANTERA, when I’m in a Pi-s-s-ed off mood, Much like when the Blow-Pen blows a lead….

By Mets Stink

July 21, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Great blog PENN.

By DonCoburleone

July 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Bow-wow chick-a Bow-wow; chick-a chick-a chick-a bow-wow chick-a bow-wow; COME WIT’ IT NOW! Little Bulls on Parade action… I alway wonder why the Jordan Bull’s teams didn’t play this after every year they won the title?

By DonCoburleone

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

Oh damn! I can’t believe I left out Pantera on my earlier list… Good call Tomahawkin, those guys friggin kick a$$

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

i think wickman should open with bombtrack

By Tomahawkin

July 21, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Rock on Don!!! And don’t forget Some Slayer either, but back to baseball

3 of 4 should be easy in that bandbox in philly, anything less and I’m gonna be Pi-s-s-ed off…

Go Braves!

By Chop Chop

July 21, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

I’d like for a closer to enter the game to the strains of The Doors’ “The End”.

That would be kinda surreal, wouldn’t it? You wouldn’t know whether the song bodes well or ill, but you’d know something definitive was about to take place.

By Calvin

July 21, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

I just wish we could talk more about baseball and less about music..that would be great.

By Tomahawkin

July 21, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Choppin Bob Ur Right

Bob “Sticky Wickman” As Chris Berman Refers to him should come out with an entrance song, and Not that WACK A-s-s Startrack theme they play at the Ted

Oh yea they need to Bring back the Old Crazy-Train Chipper used to come out to, That version with Trick Daddy, doesn’t sound right after hearing Chipper come out to Ozzy 4 so long

And Andruw’s theme song( That Ridin Dirty pop-tart Shyt by Chamillionaire) needs to go too, I hate that song

Bring him out to Some T.I. ASAP or that What You Know About That or better yet that Kryptonite by Dem Purple Ribbon All-Stars Featuring Bog Boy from Outkast, To represent the “A”

By Tomahawkin

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

In My last post I meant Big Boi from Outkast, I don’t think there will be much talk about baseball til the game actually starts, I already threw in my non-sense, g

Gotta go work at the Depot, Enjoy the game all…I’ll be at the Club tonite, so My narrow a-s-s won’t be on here til Sunday I think, Gotta work all weekend, But I am not looking foward to ESPNS Telecast Sunday Night, I’m glad I thought of that, I need to buy some Beer for Sunday night, Hopefully Dem Braves won’t make me pull a HEADCOACH With my empty beer cans an throw them at the TV, Hopefully dem dayz are long over…

By Bob, journalist

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

Ralph, you started all of this … unless you prefer getting slimmed again, please send Jimmy that affidavit so that I can get paid.

Highly esteemed and most honorable journalist Penn … thanks for the recognition, though it may have been a bit illogical for you to so do. I kinda figure that The Scooter and The Lady qualify too … accept my assurances as a gentleman that for me to so suggest … has nothing to do with the fact that they sometimes agree with my opines and pay me many underserved compliments; which I agree may be considered illogical.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

I may be logical at times but never could spell undeserved.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

For all of you Metal Maniacs-Go back to the basics and break out Deep Purple In Rock. Definitely the forerunner of all of thos great metal bands. You better listen to me, too because I’m one of the logical ones.

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

Good call on the Pantera; I absolutely cried when Dime got gunned down last year. As for being on an island with Jessica Simpson instead of Dylan; one can only do the deed so often. What about when you were tired and sore and felt like talking only she had no mute button? It would soon become hell. Have Dylan around to chill with, and Jessica in one of those “break glass in case of emergency” deals. And before the fine ladies on this blog attack me for being a misogynist, keep in mind the woman I’m reffering to is a vapid airhead who’s made her living posing as a playtoy. I just calls ‘em like I sees ‘em. :-) KC, I agree with you to the extent that Wickman securing the closer spot will settle the rest down and likely make them more effective, but judging them entirely on ERA isn’t really fair to the starters who’s ERA’s have been bloated from all the inherited runners scored. Few of these folks really inspire much confidence when they come jogging out, whether they ultimately get the job done or not. That’s also partly the strter’s fault, too, but still. Not trying to be a naysayer, just playing devil’s advocate. Journalist Bob, what did I post earlier that made you think I was getting on your case? Not my speed! Unless I misunderstood your talking of being on probation…which is possible. The team will be infused with positive spirit tonight and will thrash the philthys, as always…(sound appropriate battle cry according to your tastes/ethnic background/religion here)!

By TennesseePaul

July 21, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

I’m a little surprised no one comes on the field with Korn’s “Are you ready?” Not that it’s the best, or most well written song, but it does have quite the build up which I think would go well for either a slugger or more so for a closer. Plus, most of these songs are only played for the first 15-20 seconds, which is probably the best part of that song.

And, even though I didn’t make the cool list of Journalist PENN, I will agree with him. Pierre is not the answer. Unless the question was: Besides Johnny Damon, what other major league outfielder has a little league arm?

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

TN Paul, you are definitely on the Good Guys list! You write some great posts! :-))

Journalist Bob, you are kind, sir! Merci buckets!

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah, pickin’ theme music has to take into account how brief the snippet of the song is…imagine someone who dug “Changes” by Yes, but thy only played the first 20 seconds. Everyone would be like, what’s this fruit’s obsession with the xzylophone?

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Grinch, good call on the starters’ ERA’s … were you getting on my case? It might have been deserved but I didn’t think that of you … the “probation” was self imposed and the comment was just the ramblings of a tired, “under-the-weather” old wreck thinking of his potential future association with the infernal regions.

One thing about it … If and when I someday find myself in those environs, I would expect to find no shortage of companionship.

By el bravo x

July 21, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

This will be a good Philadelphia Story! Going surfing for an hour. The score will be 5-0 Bravos when I come back! DOB- hope you have an Arli$$ type of agent, cuz you are going nation wide dude.

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Hey! I didn’t make the cool list either; where’s my pity? Oh, yeah…I’m not cool…um, time for a quick change of subject! :-) Early influences; take Sabbath’s “We Sold our Soul for Rock’n’Roll,” put it on repeat and you have little Grinch in the late 70’s.

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Why, Grinch, didn’t you know that you are Recording Secretary of DOBland?! And right there on the Good Guys list! I thought you were the one who put it in alphabetical order! Or was that HK…? No, he made the charts…..hmmmm, can’t remember who that was. Check your notes for me, will ya?

:-))

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Bob: if you’re the only one of us that winds up in the inferno, then the bible has it all wrong. Those who DO desrve it will probably wind up on the falcons blog with people like simian (sic). Coming from a football fanatic, you know it’s bad. Time for a pre-game sandwich.

By Lew

July 21, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Now Now-Let’s not get jealous because you weren’t on the list, I’m sure it was an oversight. Guy Curtright just posted a fresh blog. This one’s getting slow.

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady: Bless you. I guarantee if you saw the state of my home/office, notes, general (mis)organzation, etc., you would not want me being secretary of anything important. I get along almost exclusively on my good looks. :-) Which is one reason I’m eating a sandwich instead of a steak!

By The Grinch

July 21, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Good call, Lew; we have a bogged blog. Fortunately, it’s not a long journey to the next one!

By Carolina Lady

July 21, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

But, Grinch, that fits in perfectly! :-))

By Head Coach

July 21, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Well , ladies and gents I’m strictly a Metallica fan when it comes to metal music. If all it takes to pick up a closer is a minor league catcher that nobody has heard of , then getting a leadoff guy or setup (a lefty) pitcher for the bullpen should be a snap. Corey Patterson comes to mind and might be cheap , his .OBP and .AVG stink but he can run and has a strong arm with some pop in his bat. Damn , this blog is getting slow. It took two minutes for the page too load.

By Bob, journalist

July 21, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, I think that Penn’s list was an abbreviated one and included only those who had posted on certain things on the current blog. He may have been just trying to be nice to some of us that thrive on flattery and need heavy doses to survive.

I agree with The Lady, you are indeed one of the truly good guys … and a cool one too! I myself have noted several times that you’re extremely well reasoned … but it’s also well documented that sometimes your optimism interferes a bit with your logic!

I can understand how that might not help you get on Penn’s Logical list … but I’m sure you’re on his good guy list and your loyality and optimism are appreciated by all.

Interesting watching the TP segment on the Braves Report … couldn’t believe how disconnected some of Chipper’s swings appeared to be … I wonder if that was old video. Terry didn’t seem to really endorse McCann’s setup but I certainly do.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 21, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, gys, I have an idea. I say JS tries to make a trade and get Tony Armas from the Nationals for a couple of minor league prospects. Armas can slip into the rotation as the fifth starter and Thomson once he comes back from the DL can go to the pen only strengthing the pen. The pen could then feature Yates, Paronto, Thomson, McBride, Ray, Wickman, and Villareal. Once Davies comes off the DL he or Armas could then go to the pen and Yates could be optioned back to Richmond. We would then have experience in the pen and our pen would go from totally sorry to very good.

This move could also help for next year. I realize that we would have basically 7 starters on the roster if you include Hampton. But, this could allow us to maybe trade Hudson for either a closer or a leadoff hitter. Perhaps a deal to the Yankees for Canoe and Cabrerra or to the Red Sox for Cocoa Crisp and a couple of those hot prospects in Pawtucket.

We could trade Giles (given he isn’t traded this season) for a couple of really good bullpen arms or a closer. Armas or Horacio could then maybe be traded to the Marlins for Willis. The Marlins could be interested in that deal because either Horacio or Armas would be making half of what Willis will be making.

I think its something to consider. Or am I nuts?

By Choppin Bob

July 21, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

robert: everything but trading huddy for a leadoff guy sounds good to me.

By journalist PENN

July 21, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Actually about half the people who post on here belong on the list. The four I mentioned had either just posted or were posters I had dealings with before. If you belong on the list I’m sure you know it. Tenn Paul certainly belongs on it and do many others.

What I get tired of are those who raise hell all the time regardless of what the Braves do. If every Braves player at each position were equal to Albert Pujols they still wouldn’t be happy.

Well, the Braves blew that one tonight. Had they covered first they would have won 5-4. That disturbs me but I am not going to blame Schuerholz and Cox for that stupid play.

By WASP

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

Why in the hell does the US have to defend Israel? Why are innocent Lebanese CHRISTIANS being slaughtered? Why is the Middle East in constant upheaval?

It is all because of the stolen land in 1948 to establish the nation of Israel. Give it back to the Arabs! Let the Jews move to NYC or Germany! All this turmoil to appease ONE ethic group. Meanwhile, billions of US tax dollars go to Israel (they wouldn’t survive a week without it), thousands die, the world stays on the brink of nuclear disaster, and….oil prices skyrocket!

I’m sick of it.

WASP

By Snowball's Chance

July 22, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

DOB, reading about the musicians you like I figured you liked Ely. He is the one musician I have to see if he is in town. On his website there is a photo of him and the Boss on stage together in Dublin on St. Paddy’s day. Whoa. As I am old enough to have watched “Leave it to Beaver” without reruns,and Led Zeppilin as an unknown opening act for Vanilla Fudge I appreciate any headsup on the next generations coming up.

By Head Coach

July 22, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

WASP , Read your Bible. This Isreali/Arab conflict has been going on for 3,000 years. It all started with Abraham. He had two wives Sarah and Hagar , they each had a son. Sarah gave birth to Isaac who became the father of the Twelve tribes of Israel. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael who is the father of the Arab nations. Its basically a 3,000 year old family blood feud. The Arabs and Isrealis are brothers and this conflict will be going on for as long these two ethnic peoples exist. but please lets try to keep this blog focused on baseball and music, there are plenty of other blogs for politics.

By journalist PENN

July 22, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Hey WASP, is it really fun being an anti-Semite? You are one sick puppy or didn’t you know that already?

The facts:

Jews have lived in Jerusalem over 3,000 years, back to 1,000 BC. The Arab hordes overran them around 636 AD. That land, if awarded based on history, “belongs” to the Jews.

Chew on that one a while and while you’re chewing maybe you should also remember those same Jews have been attacked six times since 1948 and they have won handily each time.

The Arabs have 98% of the people in the Middle East and 99% of the land. The ME overall is as large as the continental USA and Israel is smaller than New Jersey and is only 1% of the ME. Why does greed and hatred afflict so many Arabs and YOU?

You make me sick and for the record, I am a Methodist.

By WASP

July 22, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

“journalist” PENN, (why is it every moron that posts on this blog use “journalist” in their handle?), thanks for your “facts.”

According to your “facts,” the Arabs have occupied Palestine for 1302 years till the present (less the 58 years of forced Jewish occupation). 1302 years of recent occupation qualifies for ownership in my book. I think I have an inkling of why the Arabs are so pissed off about being shoved off their land into refugee camps.

I am outraged by the murdering of Lebanese civilians! GREED??? Try living in a refugee camp your whole life. They are only human beings, like you.

You say, “Chew on that one a while and while you’re chewing maybe you should also remember those same Jews have been attacked six times since 1948 and they have won handily each time.” Chew on what? The Jews won 6 times with US weaponry and support? That has ZERO to do with what I argued.

Aren’t Methodists like a non-religion? Just go with the flow……..don’t upset me……

By WASP

July 22, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, I’ve read the Bible. Leviticus is an interesting book.

Too late to promulgate subjects for this blog, it’s a free-for-all.

By journalist PENN

July 22, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

WASP said, “According to your “facts,” the Arabs have occupied Palestine for 1302 years till the present (less the 58 years of forced Jewish occupation). 1302 years of recent occupation qualifies for ownership in my book. I think I have an inkling of why the Arabs are so pissed off about being shoved off their land into refugee camps.”

PENN says: The Jews controlled that land for 1,636 years BEFORE the Arabs gained control. Based on your logic, since the Jews controlled it longer, then it belongs to the Jews. Or, if you want to base it on who controlled it last being the rightful owner, the Jews win again.

WASP said, “I am outraged by the murdering of Lebanese civilians! GREED??? Try living in a refugee camp your whole life. They are only human beings, like you.”

PENN says, It is apparently fine with you for the Arabs to murder children in school busses in the streets of Israel or to blow up hotels where a wedding party is going on or where a high school prom is being held or blowing up super markets and dozens of other places which were all filled with Jewish civilians.

In other words it’s OK to kill Jewish civilians but it’s not OK for a Lebanese civilian to get killed during a war. War is hell and innocent people get killed. I have yet to read or hear of the Jews deliberately targeting Arab civilian while the Arabs deliberately murder Jewish civilians all the time.

As for Methodists, well you are entitled to your opinion. I am aware that Jesus was a Jew; are you?

Tell me, is it a source of pleasure for you to live a life of hatred, a life of wishing death on other people? You are the victim of a twisted mind and were you and your kind not so dangerous I’d feel sorry for you. As it is I simply detest you. I hope I’m forgiven for that but you make it extremely difficult for anyone to hold you in any kind of esteem.

Look inward angel before it’s too late. You only get one chance with GOD. Don’t blow it by wishing for the death of innocent people, any people. A life of love and understanding is so much more pleasant.

By WASP

July 22, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

PENN, you f-ing idiot, and a liar. Read what I typed, moron.

So you wish Arabs to die, then?

By WASP

July 23, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

WELL PigPENN??? You think it’s okay for Jews to murder Arabs, even if they’re CHRISTIAN Arabs??? What book do I read for that insight???

You f-ing piece of hypocrytical sh*t! Tell me again about what Jesus would do, a@shole!

By Cornholio

July 23, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

In The Bible it says the children of Ishmael (Arabs) will always be subserviant to the children of Isaac (Jews). Of course, Isaac and Ishmael were sons of Abraham.

Islam is a religion based in violence and founded by an illiterate man that married a 6-year old girl. This new religion was Satan’s response to the rise of Christianity, a religion with Jewish roots and one founded by the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder why Islam considers non-Muslims as “Infidels”? I’m sick and tired of the current boob in the White House calling Islam a “peaceful religion”. Of the 19 or so current wars on the planet, all but one involves the practitioners of Islam. We need to wake up as Europe is gradually capitulating to these Satanic hooligans.

By jacob

July 23, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

somebody tell the two above me to shut up personally i think 2 guys we should go after are sacott eyre of the cubs and chris ray of the orioles. both teams are out of the playoffs and will be sellers. eyre shuts down lefties and ray is another young late inning guy. if the price is right, these could be valuable pieces. also, i wonder if a wilson betemit for chone figgins deal could be pulled off. that would fill another hole as much as i hate to trade betemit. its either him or chipper. if we could trade chipper and a mid level prospect for figgins and scott shields. or chipper for fransisco rodriguez straight up. we would save 10 million dollars and be able to buy another bat as a free agent, have an ace closer, and let betemit and his .300 bat and rarely injured 25 year old body play third. sounds like a good deal to me

By jacob

July 23, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this

christianity is the reason that the crusades occured in the middle ages. they killed every non christian in europe. yeah what a peaceful religion………not

By skeetskeet

July 23, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Who else is incredibly annoyed at Mr. Ken Ray. You’ve been playing the game for 20 years of your life, how can you miss covering the bag????

By journalist PENN

July 23, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Poor Jacob, he wants others to shut up.

WASP, do have any idea what normal people think of you? They think of you as the lowest echelon of White Trash. I know that will please you, to be held in such “esteem.”

Now back to baseball.

By Snowball's Chance

July 24, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Not that the sad situation in Lebanon is funny, But most religions are pretty absurd. . Here’s a tune by Terry allen Gimme a Ride to Heaven Boy

Well I was caught up with myself On the highway at night Drivin like a bat outta hell When I beheld an amazing sight It was a lonely apparition By the roadside standing there With his thumb out in the wilderness And a halo in his hair

Chorus: He said “Gimme a ride to heaven boy I’ll Show you paradise Yeah gimme a ride to heaven boy My name is Jesus Christ” So I come screeching to a halt I said “Hop on in” He sais “thanks a lot for the lift I forgive you of your sins Yeah I just come from Jerusalem Where things are going bad Ahhh gimme a ride to heaven boy I need to talk to my dad”

Chorus

Well I didn’t know what to do So I jammed her down in gear Kind a kicked my feet beneath the seat I was trying to hide the beer Ahhh but he just grinned and said “My friend, I know you must think it’s odd But you got nothin to fear about drinkin a beer If you share it with the son of God”

Chorus

Well I saw good news in his baby blues So I stomped it on the floor I said you have to show me how to get there I ain’t been before “Well it’s a hard place to find” he said “But I’ll give you a little clue It ain’t somewhere up in the air Its sittin right here inside with you” Then right in the middle of that perfect smile From his robes he pulled a gun An stuck it up beside my head and said “How’s this for Kingdom Come?” Well I pulled off scared but I heard him say As he left me beneath the stars “The Lord moves in mysterious ways and tonight, my son … He’s gonna use your car” Chorus repeats

Amen

By journalist PENN

July 24, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

Everybody believes as they like and they pay the price or they collect. Neither of us can tell the other whether paying or collecting is in store for you or me.

As my mother said, “I’m not absolutely certain there is a heaven or hell but I have tried to live my life as if there were. Why take the chance?”

By miller

August 1, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

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