AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPhillies close to firesale
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves are very much back in wild-card contention. In fact, they may be the wild-card favorite in the National League right now.
The Phillies, though, are fading and fading fast. There is even talk that a series victory by the Braves in the four-game set beginning Friday night will touch off a firesale in Philadelphia.
Bobby Abreu is already on the market. Numerous players may follow.
If the Phillies give up on the season, the real trade prize may not be Abreu, but rather closer Tom Gordon. There are no closers left on the market after the Braves plucked Bob Wickman from Cleveland. That would make Gordon a prized commodity if the Phillies were to decide to deal him.
Gordon is a lot safer bet than Wickman, but Braves general manager John Schuerholz made a good move to get the Indians closer now. And he did it very cheaply, meaning he has flexibility to make more moves.
Max Ramirez was a marginal prospect who has a strained rotator cuff. That’s not good news for a catcher.
The Braves still need bullpen help. But adding Wickman makes the postseason seem a lot more likely.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have about run out of time on a turnaround. Let the trading begin.
Comments
By Choppin Bob
July 21, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
gordon has decent numbers and he is getting old, not what this fan base needs especially given the trauma we experienced the last several years.
By RW
July 21, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
What does anyone think of picking up AZ Magiul Batista? We have many games where we need a guy for 2-3 innings and he could spot start?
By Head Coach
July 21, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
The Wickman trade is an excellent acquisition , but I believe they still need another veteran setup guy(a lefty) and a true leadoff hitter.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 21, 2006 07:19 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 Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
Now why can’t David O’B be so succinct? David, don’t you dare!
10 Paul, as per usual, I posted on the other blog after this one started. Twas to you … Twern’t nothin’ of import so I didn’t inport it to this one … but it’s there.
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
no inport intended … just two imports.
By AskRobert(David Justice?)
July 21, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
Your nuts. Sorry bob.
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
From one Robert to antother, I’ve been called worse several times this week.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Just don’t call him late for supper! Especially country ham…
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Pardon the prior intrusion … I’m still awake but couldn’t resist the temptation to make the completely irrelevant statment that being on the Logical List doesn’t speak to sanity.
By JasonInMaine
July 21, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny…the Phils could be tied with the Braves if they win tonight, yet everyone is talking about the Braves being the team to beat in the wildcard and the Phils having a fire sale.
Listen, I know we can’t expect 10 runs a night, so don’t even start. But, tonight’s game so far has an eery similarity to the first have of the season…being dominated by a sub-par pitcher with an ERA over 5. Plus, he has already beaten the Braves twice this year so it isn’t like they haven’t seen him. I thought they may come out on fire after the trade and all.
Regards,
Jason
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
Timely as ever Grinch … and looking at my typos, it’s also time to take a break!
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
So let me get this right!
Smoltz hangs a breaking ball to the 8th place hitter with the pitcher on deck?
Not to mention that this “HIGH POWERED” offense can’t score in this ballpark with a pitcher with an ERA around 5.00.
Oh Yeah! Start printing those playoff tickets now! I’ll go get my credit card.
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
No, Journalist Bob, being on the logical list doesn’t make us any completer a fool.
By Stanford
July 21, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
Robert, I won’t say you’re nuts, but I won’t say I agree with your GM moves either; but I just read your lone post on T. Moore’s blog; great points over there, dude!
Jason, absolutely. I guess we’ve got upward momentum and they’ve been slipping, but yeah, if we lose this series, we’re behind the “firesale” Phillies. Scary. Shows how well you have to play when you’re in a hole.
By geauxbraves2000
July 21, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
My fear is coming true. Carpenter whooped that lineup and a couple of stellar plays this game has left the offense cold. The #1 pitcher has thrown over 75 pitches through four, a the defense committed an error. Actually, kind of reminds me of June.
Come on offense, prove me WRONG!
Geaux Braves!!
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist, wtf r u talking about?
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Come on people-It’s only 2-0 in the top of the 5th. Talk about mood swings. Go take some Prozac or smoke some potatoes, or something. You’re starting to sound manic-depressive (that’s bi-polar for you youngun’s).
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
It was way too predictable with all those runs being thrown around for that week, that we would get “shut down” at least 2 or 3 times this week. But we’ll still be “leading the league in runs scored” cuz it all averages out. Kind of like those playoff series where we blow sombody away for one game and then lose three 1 run games. But when the series is over the Braves actually “outscored” the opposition! LOL!
I can handle getting shut down. That offense was not going to continue forever. But COME ON!!!! Corey Lidle???
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Keep your britches on … it ain’t over! Rice, blackeyed peas and country ham with Coca-Cola … smells good mama!
Later!
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Coste went coast-to-coast. Offense, anyone?
By Choppin Bob
July 21, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
finally an article on wickman. sounds like he is delighted to be here, maybe just not short term http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060721&contentid=1568109&vkey=newsmlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
By Head Coach
July 21, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
Question , if they pull off a miracle and make the playoffs and then get thier butts kicked from here to Japan , what was the point ? why ? there is no pennant for winning a wild card and everybody knows the American league will win the World Series , so whats the point in even trying ?
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
Like I said. Tie game. Hell, go smoke them potatoes anyway.
By geauxbraves2000
July 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
WTG Thorman, thank you for proving me wrong!
By Choppin Bob
July 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
way to go scotty!
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
Thorman should be starting everyday lol.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
I knew this team could rip it!!!! LOL!
Just kidding.
Man, how to both pitcher hang breaking balls to the 8th place hitters with the pitcher on deck? Just plain old, bad pitching.
By Gary
July 21, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
If the braves could pull megadeal with Chicago and get Juan Pierre, Greg Maddux, and Scott Williamson, then they’d be set at all of their remaing needs.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
Bob, I’m drinking a coke now, and it isn’t even spiked! Why is it they taste so much better out of these little glass bottles? Unfortunately, I don’t have the country ham and black-eye peas part. Don’t forget the cornbread…
By tyyosh
July 21, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
Head Coach, if your moniker is accurate then you already know the answer to your question, right?
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Head coach, do I detect a note of sarcasm? :-)
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Gary-Juan Pierre hasn’t had a decent year since 2004. He can’t throw to save his life. Speed is absolutely no good if you can’t get on base and our left fielder just hit a 2 run HR.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Gary
Please tell me that you are kidding about Juan Pierre!!!
We’d be better off with Pete Orr as our leadoff hitter. Where is he gonna play? LF? I don’t think so, Thorman’s doing the job. CF? Yeah Right!!! RF? Not in this life time.
Pierre would be at best, OK as a pinch runner. Maddux, probably would help more “just by being here” that he acutally would with his pitching.
The only one that would actually help on a “daily” basis, would be Williamson.
So why trade more than you have to (which JS would have to do to get all three), when the only one we should be after is Williamson?
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
See? I said “offense, anyone?” and Thorman answered. Tell me these Braves aren’t in tune with their fans!
By Stanford
July 21, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Choppin’ Bob. Sounds like Wicky’s a good guy, and Bobby too!
Lew, it’s been two days of unbridled enthusiasm, which of course was Billy Mumphry’s downfall… (if you don’t get the reference, please don’t worry about it!).
I don’t think anyone is ready to tank it or being negative - just talking.
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist, country ham is for breakfast.
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Would someone please respond to “Smilin’Bob” … I just saw his post but have been called to supper.
Smilin’ Bob … certainly brings back fond memories of Zack Mosley’s Smilin’ Jack Martin.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
since we’re talkin about pork, what do canadians call “canadian bacon”? Do they just call it bacon? And if they do, why? Isn’t it just ham.
Sorry, had to throw that out there.
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Stanford-I understand, but it sometimes seems like a lot of you fans are on an emotional seesaw. It wasn’t even half way through the game and you should see how so many people went from AC to DC at the snap of a finger. Level out dude, don’t harsh your mellow. Go smoke some potatoes.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or in his “old age” is Smoltz getting a little crankier with the umpires. He seems to complain about the strike zone at least once or twice a game. At the very least, he’ll throw some negative body language out there after a supposed bad call.
Just pitch John.
By Choppin Bob
July 21, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
i think they call it ham.
tell me this food talk is because meat loaf is in the booth giving his perspective.
By Duracell
July 21, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
The John Smoltz fine whine routine is in high gear tonight. Gawd, I wish he’d grow up.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
Lew, I realize your last comment may or may not be directed at me. But you all should know by now, that I’m fueled by sarcasm. I would imagine it’s pretty obvious to all of you when I’m trying to actually “start reasonable conversation” or just ranting, beacause I’m in the mood to do so.
By Beachcomber
July 21, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, talk about getting squeezed! Meanwhile, we continue our tradition of making Cory Lidle look like Robin Roberts.
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
Living up here in the Great White North (supposedly), I can tell you they call it back bacon. Why, I can only speculate. MMMMM-Back Bacon. Goes good with smoked potatoes.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Lew, what area of Canada are you from?
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Oh ye of little faith. Go Edgar.
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Nathan, shame on you. Smoltzie is the man. Are you a Braves fan, or just a transplant poster?
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
I’m not from Canada. I now live in Vermont, but am an ex Georgia boy and a true southerner at heart.
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
Lew, the only back from a pig that can be ett in the south is fatback. But thanks for the info. Me thought back bacon was maybe a synonim for fatback.
And Bob, seriously, the Lizard’s Thicket will only serve country ham in the a.m..
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
Don’t woory Nathan. I just have an over developed sense of irony. I am also, as Journalist Bob will certainly attest to, an incomplete fool. If I ever get truly p##sed and not merely whimsical, I guarantee you will surely know the difference. I guess I just smoked too many potatoes in my youth.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Smilin’ Bob
Love, love, love John Smoltz!!!
Just don’t like all of the wizzing and moaning. It’s kinda like Randy Moss complaining about defensive pass interference, when he pushes off on every play!
Yelling at the ump, aint gonna do nothing but make him mad and squeeze the zone even more.
Plus when I go to my son’s little league games and see 8-10 year old kids b*tching at the umpires, it makes me wonder if the parents are teaching them to complain. But then you see that on a nightly basis, and you realize where it comes from.
After a pitcher complains about the strike zone, have you ever seen an umpire go “hey, he was right, that last pitch was a strike”
Just pitch John. Leave the whining to Bobby, he’s better at it than you are.
By Beachcomber
July 21, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
This guy Kellogg is incredible. Shades of the late Eric Gregg.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Good question, nathan. Maybe they call bacon “American bacon.” But then what would they call ham? And don’t get me started on sausage. All I know about Canadians is that they talk funny and molson is tasty. Perhaps cold air and excessive molson drinking disturbs their intellects when it comes to butchering piggies. Smilin’ Bob, Journalist Bob like several others of us is often carrying on threads from previous late-night posts that sometimes have little to do with the general subject in question. It can be confusing to people who just pop in. He is neither derranged nor confused, just a bit eccentric. And if breakfast food were only for breakfast, Waffle house and IHOP would’ve been out of buisness a long time ago. :-)
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Gotcha lew, (both on the personality and your location)
Thought I had seen you talk about Vermont before. But you “confused” me with the Great White North remark.
But on the bright side, it did remind me of the McKenzie Brothers! LOL
By Lew
July 21, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
Just what was the general subject, again?
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
Country ham sandwich for lunch, or anytime really.
Country ham with mashed potatoes, okra, baby lima beans?
Country ham with any kind of potato (except smoked)and any kind of good vegetables makes a great supper!
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
That’s how you pitch to the 8th place hitter. Nice job Smoltz.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
I just scrolled up to the top of the blog, because I did actually forget what the “topic” of the night was.
So I’ll ask a question about the topic.
If the Phillies do fire sale off, do we go after Tom Gordon? And if we tried to, would the Phillies move him within the division?
The more arms the better, I say.
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Grinch, point taken. But I’m craving a big pecan waffle with a side of country ham and and a Labatts beer. I’m sure to have high blood sugar or some funky gaseous anomoly brewing in my belly if I indulge. I blame Bob the journalist.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
I got so hungry from all this talk, that I had to go to the fridge and make myself a Canadian Bacon and lettuce sandwhich!! LOL
It was good. :)
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
ka rooka kook roo ka koo
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
So if I would’ve put tomatoe on my sandwhich, would it been a CBLT?
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
Smilin’ Bob, you are doing me in! Hot pecan waffle???????? With ham????? sigh….
You can have my beer, but I’ll sure take a good cup of decaf with it.
Y’all put your shoes back on; we’re going to IHOP……..
By MEB
July 21, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
I think Meatloaf has been smoking some potatoes.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
Looks like Smoltz “blew his own save” tonight. LOL
By Brian
July 21, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
Luke, you’re right, Juan Pierre is a true leadoff hitter _ a truly BAD one. Who throws like my mother.
D. O’Brien from yesterday.
This quote really tickled me. And now I have a Ugandan blue worm loose in my house. Any suggestions? I don’t have a baby seal to club it with.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is still in the game, even with his 110+ pitches because of the crappy bullpen.
By Bob Wickman
July 21, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
In the right situation, I think rollins is going to get beaned. He stands on the plate.
By Stanford
July 21, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
Nathan, hard for me to see us going after another 9th inning guy. And Gordon has a contract guaranteed through ‘08 for big money (12.5 mil). At his age, I doubt JS would go for that. But as we know, you never know.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
journalist is keeping watchful eye out the window awaiting the appearance of the ugandan blue worm. so far, no sightings. instead, journalist has been treated to the rare toro olive-greenbul, gray and yellow longbills, blue-headed crested-flycatcher and brilliant views of black-bellied seedcracker. in the late evening the straw-coloured fruit bat plays near the hosta bed. and now, journalist has spotted “p” player pete orr pinch hitting for smoltz. oh, the humanity!
By Woogidy
July 21, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
This is perhaps the worst umpiring at home plate that I have seen this year. Strike zone extremely inconcistent. It’s pissin’ me off.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks stanford
I forgot that his contract he signed was for that long. I thought it was a 2 year deal.
Good points.
IMO we should find another guy that has closed before. What happens if Wickman falters? Then we’re right back where we were Wednesday. It would be nice to have a “backup” plan.
But then again, if Wickman blows some saves, I guess that would kind of put a damper on the playoff run. Assuming victories won’t come as easy as they did last week.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
what good is fast if you are never on base? we are constantly reminded how fast “p” player orr is. he does have some fast at-bats. over fast. now, will chipper jones put the braves ahead again? will wicky get a save opportunity? will the ball be sticky when handed to wicky? must bobby rub the ball?
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
well, here we go. looks like a good old fasioned 1 run game. Let’s see how the new and improved bullpen handles it.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, here’s where Smilin’ Bob has you; smoking enough potatoes makes that combo (or just about any other combination of sweets and salties) taste devine. The Canadians pour maple syrup on their sausage(FOOD), a habit I’ve taken up myself. Yum! (Not that I ever somoke potatoes; you can tell by my incessant, stodgy, unrelieved, logical frumpiness) And while you’re handin’ out frosty ones…:-) Hey! How did you know my shoes were off? Webcam, or women’s intuition?
By Smilin' Bob
July 21, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady Bob the journalist, I have offended myself. I am a breakfast purist. What was I thinking? Again, I reiterate: Country ham is for the a.m.. And its only three hours till the a.m..
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
I know Bobby wants Ray to be 8th inning guy.
But to “first guess” Bobby, why wouldn’t you start the inning with McBride to face Howard?
By Woogidy
July 21, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, anybody know who was sent down to make the spot for Wickman?
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this
That’s why I guess. Nice job Ray.
Barry was sent down woogidy
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this
Woogidy- Kevin Barry
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
For as hard as he throws and as good as his changeup is, he sure is nibbling a bit too much for my blood pressure! THROW STRIKES. I’d rather see back to back solo homeruns than a couple of walks and then a double.
By justin
July 21, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
if they score game is over
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Uh-OH! Yikes.
well here comes the predictable bobby move. Intentional walk and bring the infield in.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
how do you smoke a potato? pipe?
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
sorry, my bad. I thought Bell’s hit was a double.
By justin
July 21, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
nice job ray
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
closer? we don’t need no stinkin’ closer tonight.
By justin
July 21, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
y in the hell can the braves not beat the phillies? the phillies f******* suck
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ve been exiled to the bedroom with a foodtray and some medicine … so please try to pull the team out of its doldrums and get us a win to show Big Bob that we mean business!
Smilin’ Bob, most of these bloggers know me for the incomplete old fool that I am … an admitted prude … who finds the unnecessary, casual use of the vulgar to be offensive; especially when communicated through abbreviations, misspellings and other clever devices designed to avoid screening detection … and most especially when children and ladies are present.
There are plenty of bloggers, friend and foe alike, who can attest to that!
I can sense by your comments that they’re not ill intended and I assure you that neither are mine. However, I’m on the Blog’s record for strongly and sincerely believing that when we fail to speak out against that which we oppose, we are, in effect, supporting it.
I just thought that it was important for you to know where I stand so that you’ll better understand any of my future comments and inane remarks that may appear herein.
I’m also afraid that some of my comments are thread carryovers that may relate to things longago discussed on the blog.
Goodnight all!
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
I hop JS has 2 or 3 moves left to make. Face it, 7th inning, 8th inning, 9th inning. It doesn’t matter what inning this collection of minor league veterans, and castoffs from other teams pitch in. THEY CAN”T HANDLE PRESSURE.
Last week was SOOOOO deceiving. When we were scoring 10-15 runs a game, the starters were not sharp, and the bullpen had no pressure put on them (other than that 15-12 game against SD & they sure didn’t handle the pressure all that well!)
I’ve said it before. You can cover a turd with chocolate. But no matter what you call it….it’s still chocolate cover crap! LOL
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Mcbride v. Utley??? Bobby S. Cox is magnificent
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
Well. Who didn’t see that coming?
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
Now you bring in McBride??? ARRRRGH
By Beachcomber
July 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
Yo, Bobby. Didn’t we used to have a lefty named McBride in the pen. What the heck are you saving him for!!!!!
By #1 Mets Fan
July 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
hahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaa lolololololllllllllllllllll f******* funny what a sucky bullpen
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
bullpen woes strike again…What good is a closer if you can’t get a lead to him? Speaking of which, the Braves were able to only squeeze out three runs on a guy with an ERA over 5? Reminds me of June when the offense made mediocre pitchers look like Cy Young. Shouldn’t McBride be pitching to the lefty Utley? I guess that makes too much sense…
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
On rare occasions, I’ve smoked a few potatoes when leaving them unattended on the stove too long. Smoked up the whole house come to think of it….. wasn’t pretty and supper was delayed considerably!
(It was about as welcome as the 6-3 score in this game.)
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Freaking great. One batter too late. AAAAAAAAAARGGHHH
By StvMg
July 21, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, Utley has a better average against lefties (.345) than righties (.307) this season. That might partially explain why Ray stayed in to face him, though it doesn’t explain why Ray didn’t go over to cover first on the previous batter.
By Don
July 21, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
The last “ray” of hope just went down in flames on the arm of Ray. Turn off the lights on your way out. Reality has set in. It’s over. Get ready for football.
By Blazer
July 21, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Nice job BC. Why did you wait so long to make a change. Same bull!!!Come on Braves pull it out.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Can someone explain this to me? Why was Thorman replaced by no stick Langerhans in the 7th inning when the Braves didn’t have a lead and Thorman has been hitting the ball great? No sure I quite get that one.
By #1 Mets Fan
July 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
that doesnt matter braves fan your still going to lose
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Oh, my. Well, back to breakfast. Journalist Bob, I defended your sanity as best I could, but when smilin’ Bob decided to blame gastrous anomalies on you, I’m afraid I had nothing to say! One can only defend who’s responsible for those by carefully studying everyone’s face in the room to see who’s purposefully looking innocent, but I’m afraid I can’t do that here. You must defend yourself, sir. I’m sure you’ll keep the foul language to a minimum. Am I the only one that would love to see Bob stub his toe when he thinks nobody’s around and just unleash a horde of expletives that would make Dice Clay blush? :-)
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Nothing’s over yet don. don’t be so fair-weather.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
You are all forgetting the facts.
JS made a move. So Bobby doesn’t have to think anymore. It will all just “take care of itself!”
I loved all the enthusiasm yesterday over Wickman. Yes. He is better than anybody else we’ve used this year. Yes it should help squeeze a couple more victories out of this team. But what everybody that was so pumped at the “slick transaction” JS pulled off forgot, is that unless Wickman can pitch the 7th, 8th and 9th inning EVERYNIGHT. This will continue on a weekly basis. I posted last night somthing to the effect that of the Braves 20 blown saves, roughly half of them were actually in the 9th inning. SAVES CAN BE BLOWN IN THE 7TH & 8TH INNINGS TOO!
So until there is 3 guys who have a track record of not choking to pitch the last 3 innings, the starters go at least 8 innings everytime out, or the offense does what it did last week, we might as well turn around in 9 days and trade Wickman away ourselves.
Stanford……still think we don’t need to go after another “9th inning” guy to use in the 8th inning? I know you didn’t say we don’t “need” one, you said JS is unlikely to go after one. But I’m just trying to laugh about somthing! :)
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
journalist bob, you have not described your malady as far as journalist jimmy smith knows. since mrs. bob has banished you to the bedroom with a plate of sousemeat this journalist suspects bob may need a cure. jimmy smith wonders if you have the shell of a turtle and fruit from a tree -a part of the skin of hedgehog and some soja-beans? this will help bob return to normal - or as normal as bob can return. wash this down with co-cola and stay close to a facility. jimmy smith hopes bob feels better in the morning.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
Then again…….maybe we don’t want Gordon! LOL
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
too bad we don’t get to see Frenchy’s Maids
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
Since I’m so good at 2nd guessing Bobby, I’ll do it again.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have Thorman up here?
By Rip
July 21, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Good point calvin. Don’t you just love BOBBY
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith- i am still awaiting your expertise on my infestation of large, slimy, blue worms. i heard from a close acquaintance that you have much experience in the extermination of such pests.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
I’m sry to say but Bobby lost us that game. For a guy who likes to play the percentages, he didn’t do it on this occasion. Oh well.
By nathan
July 21, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
What do you know? ANOTHER ONE RUN LOSS!!!!!*
Way to leave Ray out there too long Bobby. C’mon, if JS has more moves on the way, a few of these guys won’t be here in a week or two……burn em’ up! USE THEM, WHAT ARE YOU SAVING THEM FOR??????
UGLY LOSS!
By Don
July 21, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
The weather has nothing to do with it, Brian. It is called “reality”.
By krath
July 21, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
A bit late Lady, but yeah it’s beautiful here in the mountains. I love it here.
Well, it was the pen’s first real test in a close game since their numbers have been coming down. They’ve pitched mostly in way ahead or way behind situations the last couple of weeks. The close one’s are the test and frankly tonight they failed :(
You also can’t afford the brainfarts like Ray made on the Rollins ground ball. Looked like Sosa.
I’m not ready to throw in the towel but these guys are going to have to beat the middle of the rotation pitchers, or it’s going to be a long road to the playoffs.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Brian, Journalist Jimmy is a valiant rifleman (a modern Chuck Connors, to be sure), and even he had to negotiate to get his Braves hat back from their leader. They must indeed be a formidable foe.
By Stanford
July 21, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Nathan, I agree with your earlier post about castoffs and minor league veterans. I hope it works, but that’s kinda what we’re counting on… hope, not proven abilities.
Tomorrow’s another day. We MUST take at least 2 of the next 3 or we become sellers, I think.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
OK Don - Don’t forget reality at the end of this winning road trip. One against 2 division leaders and a team tied with the Braves in the standings. The Braves are beating the best the NL has to offer. You can’t win every night. And if you scroll up, you’ll see my view on the managerial mistakes this evening. The talent on this team will trump the lack of in-game managerial talent in the long run. It always has before.
By Beachcomber
July 21, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
A 15-year legacy of mismanaging a bullpen continues. He could have Rivera, Wagner and Hoffman in his pen and still putz it up.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Grinch- All hope is lost. My “rifling” skill is right there with Don Cheney’s!
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
Nathan, the frightening answer to that question might be that JS doesn’t have more moves on the way, though surely that will change after tonight. That was just too winnable for excuses, especially at this point in the season. Have hope, though; this may stimulate more moves more quickly. The fat lady has not sung.
By Greg
July 21, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
This felt like a loss from the first inning. Lidle just wrecked our guys’ timing, and the Phils drew first blood. Just a bad game. Gotta win tomorrow and Sunday, Otherwise, the dream of a wild card will be fading fast. Somebody explain to me why the Phils are throwing in the towel. They have the same record we do and a pretty damn good team. It doesn’t make sense to quit.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
brian, journalist jimmy smith asks forgiveness, jimmy smith missed brian’s earlier post. first, the blue worm is not to be trifled with. the leader is big enough to wear an adult cap. the babies are big as snakes. if they are outside the house you may empty a can of raid on them and they will just laugh (worm laugh is different than normal human laugh - have to listen carefully). if the blue worm is inside the house it is time to move! jimmy smith suffered mightily overnight in a hosta bed when unexpectedly confronted by blue worms. try playing the harmonica close to the worm bed and perhaps they will move to another neighborhood.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
Did you mean to say “Dick Cheney, or “Lon Cheney,” or did you spell it correctly and I missed the reference?
By JasonInMaine
July 21, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
Wow, the Braves looked an awful lot like the team from June tonight. Ace on the mound vs a complete freaking bum…who has an ERA over 5, but half of his wins against the Braves. The Braves will be 5.5 out of the wild card and 13 out in the division. We face the Phillies ace tomorrow. After that, we have to win the last two games of the series to not kill the momentum gained from the first two series.
I just don’t have a good feeling about this series. We can’t seem to beat the Phillies.
What in the flying heck is Langerhans doing hitting in that situation. Right, we wouldn’t want a guy who has already hit a two run homer and who can tie the game with one swing. We want a .240 hitter up.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 21, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
I think tonigt proved that we need another reliever. We need someone for the 8th. Ray would be great in 7th but is not so good in the 8th. It is strange. He almost seems more relaxed when he closing then when he is the set up guy. Interesting?
I’m not worried, though. We will take the next three I predict. Wickman saves two of them. Even if we split these four games with the Phils it would be a 7-3 road trip. And no one can tell me that is not a success.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
Grinch- OOps. Meant to say Dick. Maybe time to switch to water.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
My problem is if I try playing a harmonica my neighbors would move to another neighborhood. Hmmm. Actually, we may be on to something!
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
Brian, who is Don Cheney?
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Never mind - our posts ‘crossed’ in cyberspace!
By Larry
July 21, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Trade Cox…
By elbravox
July 21, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
greed is good…or sell,sell, sell. Baseball is a great humbling game. The stock market is peanuts compare to b-ball, what a great sport! Hanging 20 in s.cali. Peace
By dave
July 21, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Tail end of a hot streak leaves us in 8th place in the wildcard race and you feel we are the favorites?
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
jj smith- i am not certain of the enemy with which i am engaged. i heard my attic door screech down, i ran to see what was happening and saw a large blue tail - about as big around as mark mcgwire’s bicep in 1998 - then the door slammed shut. i have no desire to travel upstairs, kind of like bobby cox feels when it it time to pull a starting pitcher. i have to protect the younglings, but damn if i have any good weapons to take with me. if that analogy makes any sense at all. forgive me.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Robert, I agree; he looked uncommonly nervous, and for a man who has a live fastball he sure was throwing an awful lot of nibbling junk that didn’t much nibble. He really looked confused and scared, as if he was in game 7 of the WS. Brian, Tricky Dick might not have been trying to miss…;-)
By Brian
July 21, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady- honored to be addressed by you - even if it was to just point out my gaff!
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Just hope she doesn’t mail you by accident; it’s gettin’ kind of late! Speaking of which, I gotta get some work done. :-(
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
wicky is wearing paronto’s pants! that’s right, paronto’s pants. now, how does paronto get into the game with no pants? is that why paronto was not useed tonight? journalist jimmy smith says the braves need to buy more than one pair of big pants. no pants is not for television - no pants on paronto is not even for thinking in pleasant company. now, bobby dews … how does he manage a bullpen with both wicky and paronto -and paronto without pants? sorry for this discussion carolina lady but jimmy smith just found out that management took away paronto’s pants. not fair.
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
No, no! Nothing negative, Brian! A big grin, invisible through the keyboard, was in place!
No, we’re not ugly to each other, just a lot of ‘pickin’ and good fun at our fo-pas, etc! :-))
Earlier on the previous post, I was defending our head-of-bloghold in a play on words and mispelled his name in the process. Bob ever-so-gently and with a twinkle in his eye let me know that I’d not gotten away with it. Nobody gets away with much around here, it seems! :-)))
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
jj smith- I don’t think it will be an issue. judging by the tv shot of wickman, i think he ate Paronto-e
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist or Bob Bob? Bob J can be a bit acerbic i’ve noticed while i’ve surveilled this blogiverse.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
big pitchers. the braves have very big pitchers but use the little bitty pitchers. why? is it a shortage of big pants? will new ownership address this pants shortage?
brian, be certain that you are wearing protective pants when confronting the blue worm. no, not depends - pants of canvas. canvas pants are not easily penetrated by the blue worm. teeth, right? chewing not piercing. now, braves training table - will paronto and wicky visit the buffet line? should a man without pants be allowed near the buffet? scribe will be back soon and perhaps will address this concern as a journalist. now, root beer … off to the refrigerator.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Aaarrrrghh! The deer are back at my roses! I’ve been sober tonight; let’s see how they look through the sight of my trusty Crossman at 5 AM. I guarantee one at least won’t be able to sit for a week. Assuming, that is, that deer sit at all. Maybe I should plunk one in the hooves!
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, spray the flower bed with Listerine. It works for everything else!
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
jj smith- i will not confront the worms until i receive a shipment of avian flu from the china correspondent. has anyone heard from him? do you think the af will prove effective against this most vile and challenging prey? if i kill the leader will the rest die? there is so much i need to learn from you, my sensei, before i embark on this, the most epic of battles.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 21, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
that last at-bat chipper ran (or didn’t run)as if chipper has a sore hoof. let’s hope not. cowboy boots may be the culprit. jimmy smith liked it when chipper ran through the base for a time.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady- my tongue was firmly in cheek. sometimes my fingers work faster than my brain. occupational hazard i guess.
By JasonInMaine
July 21, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Can’t sleep tonight. For some reason, I am madder after this loss than any other loss so far. It sucks to start the weekend off with a loss. So much for the positive impact on the players psyches and them all relaxing and going on a tear (something I heard on ESPN). It would be nice to get a win tomorrow and still have a chance to win the series, but Myers is always tough on the Braves.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
jason in maine- the pitcher tonight stinks against the rest of baseball by is 7 and 1 against the bravos now. they just can’t figure him out it seems. a good start tomorrow and the braves can find a way to win. remember, they beat peavy earlier in the week. don’t get down, baseball is all about responding to disappointment.
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
Of course if the Phillies don’t lose, they might not hold that fire sale.
The Braves the wild card favorite in the National League? That’s funny.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
You betting against them Carolina Mike?
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
Pretty much. While I don’t think the Braves were as bad as they played in June, I also don’t think they’re as good as they’ve played in July. Most of the problems haven’t gone away, although it’s funny how they’ve hit better without Giles.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
i keep hearing that giles’ absence has kick-started the offense, but to my memory that just isn’t the case. i think he played in at least half of this torrid july surge. and the hitting won’t stay so hot, but if they continue to score runs and stop blowing saves there is no reason to think this team can’t win the wild card. to repeat a consistent refrain from he who must not be named on his day off, all the teams in front of the braves have serious flaws, and i wouldn’t bank on any of them to run away and hide.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
is anyone else out there of the opinion that daniel day lewis is the finest actor out there since deniro and pacino sold out and paul newman got old? although, gary oldman is pretty good too
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
True, except for the Metropolitans, nobody in the league seems especially good this year. However, three teams in the West (as well as the Reds) are playing over .500, and until the Braves can do that, the Wild Card may prove elusive. It’ll be interesting to see what deals the other teams pull, or if the Braves have any more surprises left.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
one surprise i want to see is langerhans left on the bench. he just can’t hit major league pitching. the rest of the lineup sans the much-maligned p players, is really very solid. not the yanks at full strength, but very solid indeed.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, Brian,
Hate to break it to you, but there’s no such thing as a 45-51 team without serious flaws of its own.
DOB is just teasing you gullible fans to keep your blog interest high.
Face cold reality, Bri. The run is done.
By Bob, journalist
July 21, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
Goodness and Dadgum!! Grinch, those two are for you. I sincerely hope that ole Smilin’ Bob didn’t really take offense, as none was intended … just me being me, I like his blogs. However, he doesn’t seem to appreciate the extreme importance of country ham to those with refined palates … breakfast only, indeed!
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
gullible is not the issue. o’brien does not dictate opinions, merely opens a forum for discourse. was i gullible for watching the braves 3 hrs a day for 162 days last year when the whole team was rookies? in 1991 when a last place team made a run? in 93 when the team was 10 down in the second half? i would be a fool to abandon my team b\c they don’t win every night. .600 gets you in the playoffs every year with the wild card. that means you lose 40% of the time. losses happen, this can still be a very good road trip, followed by a bunch of games against losing teams. and i concede that my beloved braves are one of those teams with a losing record
By ChopTikYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
A bunch of games against losing teams? The 58-38 NEW YORK METS come to the Ted next weekend, Brian. It probably won’t be pretty.
I just don’t want to see you get hurt anymore. But apparently, you’re a masochist.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to play the Mets!! The braves own the Mets!! Promise me you’ll be on this forum after the series. I promise I will either way!
By Head Coach
July 21, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Ray’s performance tonight is fallout from the Wickman trade , he wanted the closer’s job and totally lost his focus tonight. He forget’s to cover first and can’t keep the ball down in the zone and was mentally distracted. It’s a one game brain fart for him , however they cannot keep blowing leads from thier ace pitcher. It’s demoralizing and it’s way too late in the season for this.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
oh and chop- look at the braves’ august schedule.
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
ChopTilYouDropIntoLast,
Did you see that third game between the Mets and the Reds? The Mets’ defense was scary good.
Brian, how do the Braves own the Mets? Most of those Mets guys from before are gone. Seems like the Braves are 4 and 5 against them this year.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
I’d never heard of a girl named Brian until you, Brian.
That’s a really good trick, “owning” a team and still trailing them by THIRTEEN GAMES.
I guess the rest of the NL must own the Braves, then. Even the parade of teams with losing records you’re eager to play.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
You people know that this is a four game series, not three right?
By Don
July 21, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
It’s over, Brian. You won’t dig out of the deep hole by winning series. You better sweep more than one. However, I do agree with you about Cox’s lack of ability when the marbles are really on the table. Cox can’t and the Braves are done. Two sad facts.
By Carolina Lady
July 21, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Let’s see….memory fails me here…How many times have the Mets been good enough to be in post-season play in the last 15 years?
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
I’d never heard of a girl named Brian until you, Brian.
This is what passes for an intelligent argument in Queens. LastChoppy, I wouldn’t dream of making a personal attack on you based on your baseball opinion, but apparently, many years of coming up second to the braves has left you sensitive. I won’t try to change your mind, but there is a lot of baseball to be played. good luck to your team, and we will find out. 162 ganes us a great equalizer, that’s what makes baseball such a great metaphor for life - it’s not about whether you get knocked down b/c you will, it’s whether you are willing to stand up to be knocked down again.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Enough work for the moment! Time for nap. Journalist Bob, unless folks are being downright rude, I only defend the weak or absent. Brian is neither, and everyone is entitled to an opinion, even Mets fans. Though how much weight to give to them is another matter…:-) Time for brief nap; will return shortly before I resume typing. Hold down the fort!
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
Good point, my fellow Carolinian. However, it seems like the Mets also won a pennant more recently.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
jeez, i wish some loyal bravos fans would post here. oh, thank you carolina lady
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
The Mets have been to the World Series more recently than the Braves, I believe. And their prospects for a return in 2006 are certainly much brighter than the team from the South that trails them by 13.
Call your pimp, Carolina Lady. He’s got a trick for you.
By flbravesgirl
July 21, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
That was a pretty disheartening loss. I didn’t expect them to beat Carpenter so that wasn’t as hard to take but this was a very “winnable” game ‘til Ray’s mental lapse. Hopefully they can get back on track tomorrow. Somebody remind Andruw how great he hits in Philly!
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
and who makes a typo in his own name?
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
It’s too bad people like CTYDIL have to ruin it for the rest of the gays in New York by being so ugly to others…no wonder y’all have such a reputation elsewhere and can’t marry each other.
By Brroklyn Braves Brawler
July 21, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Pitching is a need I know, but I would love to have some more offense. As much as I ie Hillebrand’s competitiveness, he’s not a Bobby guy so that won’t happen. The problem with the Braves is that they play it safe alot and that bites them in the a*s. Most of thier best hitters are the streakiest. Edgar & B.Mac are the only ones that could go 3 for 4 consistently. The rest of them are hit and miss. I like Willy B. but he’s not real disciplined and swings at ball under the plate.
LaRouche sucks, period. You have 1 out in the 9th after the guy in front of you just hit a 2-run HR, and you swing at the 1st freakin pitch and pop it up. He’s useless. He is also very overated defensively. To be quite honest he should have been at first on that grounder to Betemit. Ray covering the bag only became an issue when slowfooted Adam took himself out of the play.
Look I like Langerhans but if he is pouting or dosen’t want to hit then he has to go. Baseball is a hitters game amd he is overmatched everytime he steps to the plate.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
Keep quotin’ those Backstreet Boys, Brianne!
Better log off now. It’s past your bedtime.
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Why must this always devolve into name-calling? Carolina Lady, as a Mets fan, I apologize for CTYDIL’s comments.
By CHopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!
I guess languishing far out of the postseason hunt does that to a man.
By Brian
July 21, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
Backstreet Boys? and good job fixing your name, Einstein. ever heard of Voltaire? Maybe Benjamin Franklin? Both wrote/spoke along the lines of what i said. actually, now i am thinking about insulting you personally.
By flbravesgirl
July 21, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
Memo to the AJC: You need a moderator on the blogs with the power to edit out incredibly offensive, totally uncalled-for personal attacks.
By The Grinch
July 21, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
Nobody knows languishing far out of the post-season hunt better than a Mets fan; I’ll take your word for it. Nothing personal, but this is normally a civilized blog and Carolina Lady has never been anything but friendly. Down south we don’t pick on ladies, as a general rule. The rest of us are fair game, though. :-)
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
That’s funny, Brooklyn. From years of watching Bobby Cox, I would say his problem is that there is no such thing as a bad win. He will absolutely fry his bullpen if he thinks there’s any chance of winning a game. IMO, that’s what killed their bullpen in June.
By flbravesgirl
July 21, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
CarolinaMike, thanks for restoring a little faith in human decency for me. Good baseball fans of any team who can actually carry on a civil conversation are always welcome here.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
In 99, the Braves beat the Mets in 6 in the NLCS. In 2000, the Mets loss to the Yanks in the World series in 6. That is extent of the Mets playoff run from the last 15 years.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Yanks beat the Mets in 5 not 5. Sorry about that.
By Calvin
July 21, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this
lol in 5 not 6…jeez
By CarolinaMike
July 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
However, that’s one more than Atlanta won against the Yanks in ‘99. We probably don’t agree on much as Mets and Braves fans, but I’m willing to bet the Yankees would be one thing we do agree on.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 21, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
Don’t pick on the ladies down South? Yawl bettah tell yo’ wife-beatin’ managah that, heah?
By CarolinaMike
July 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, glad I could make the world a better place for one night. :)
By CarolinaMike
July 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, glad I could make the world a better place for one night. :)
By Brroklyn Braves Brawler
July 22, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
I think it’s easier to trade for pitching than game-changing hitters that will come through in the clutch. Big Papi was a fat, bad defensive, always injured DH in Minny. Now he’s regarded as the most clutch hitter in baseball.
In my mind Thorman should be playing first everyday in place of LaRouche. At least I know I am getting my mone’s worth with that guy out there. What I lose defensively (not much) I would make up for with guts and hustle. The Tiger need a lefty bat, trade Adam to Detroit for Rodney or D. Young.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this
This could degenerate into ugliness rather quickly; I’ll divert to the ladies (note: this doesn’t include you, CTYDIL): Should I take the high road and ignore, or would y’all like to teak a break so as to avoid unpleasant language? DOB isn’t here to moderate, so we must take this upon ourselves, one way or the other. I’ll be glad to be spokesman, if so desired.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 22, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this
Save your strength, Mike. It’s past midnight. flbravesgirl has turned into a pumpkin again.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
Now, Now children. It’s not nice to throw your toys out of the sandbox.
By Carolina Lady
July 22, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
Carolina Mike, you’re always welcome here. We all enjoy exchanging ideas, thoughts and civil opinions, especially with wit and good humor. There are some very classy Mets folk who visit here and post and we’re glad to see them. The others, not being house-trained, just mess on the blogcarpet and leave a bad odor.
From whence in our beautiful state, Mike?
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 22, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch
You really are a heel
You’re a tomahawk-chopping moron
With the manners of an eel,
Mr. Griiiiiiinnnnnnnch!
You’re team is hopelessly outclassed by the New York Metropolitans, who are 13 games up and coming into Atlanta this wekend to burn the town like General sherman, and seal the deeeeaaaaalllll!!!
Post those lyrics, Dave!
By CarolinaMike
July 22, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, thanks. I’m from the Triangle area. I’m a Virginia boy originally (the Mets have three Virginians by the way), but my grandfather was from Brooklyn and was a diehard Mets fan. I actually used to pull for the Braves as an alternate team when they were still in the western division, and really was impressed by those early ’90s teams.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
That was actually pretty clever, CTYDIL; I see you’re a fan of my movie! Too bad your mommy’s calling for her computer back to try to find out who your daddy is. Now go take your marbles out onto the highway and play like a good little orphan…
By flbravesgirl
July 22, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I’ve decided that ignoring the annoying people is the best way to go. They’ll just move on to somewhere where their act will be appreciated if they get no response here.
By Carolina Lady
July 22, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
I spent some time in Roanoke many moons ago. Love the Shenandoah Vally area, the mountains.
When I was very young, my grandaddy used to watch the Saturday afternoon games broadcast on that new thing called a ‘television’, especially the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was the time spent with him that I really became involved with baseball. But he’d get aggravated with them, turn off the TV and go cut grass or something. I didn’t get to see the end of many ball games back then! (Sweet memories! He was the grandparent that every child should have. I miss him to this day!)
Getting waaaay past my bedtime, so I’ll sign off in a few minutes. Great talking with you, Mike!
G’night, Florida! Missed you here lately!
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
Oops, FlBravesgirl, wish you’d posted that before my last comment…
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
Oops, FlBravesgirl, wish you’d posted that before my last comment…
By CarolinaMike
July 22, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Funny how baseball and grandfathers seems to go together. Nice talking to you too, CG. Good luck this season!
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Sometime when the blog is more user friendly, remind me to tell you some stories about my grandfather and grass-cutting, C. Lady. It’s rather humerous. I’ll be on good behavior for a while now, since the masses have spoken and I’ve been admonished. :-)
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
CarolinaMike, no offense intended to you whatsoever; I may disagree with Mets fans (it’s the inherant nature of any Braves fan), but I’m always ready to have a civilized discussion with anyone who isn’t a cretin. You just happened to catch me playing defense.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this
Oh, well. Guess everyone’s gone to bed. I could have just logged off 30 minutes ago and saved myself the trouble! :-)
By CarolinaMike
July 22, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I didn’t take it that way, so don’t sweat it. There are a lot of civil Mets fans (I’ve always thought we were the “nice” team from NY, but I guess we lost the lovable persona with the mid-’80s Mets), but since we’re doing well, it brings out a lot of fans who’ve been down for a long time, and are looking for some affirmation.
By flbravesgirl
July 22, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this
Almost everyone, Grinch. Thanks for defending the ladies here (Grinch in shining armor?). We’ll look forward to the grandpa story. Carolina Lady, I’ve been absent due to some computer issues. I checked in last night but there was some unpleasantness on the blog that I wanted to avoid. Tonight I decided that I won’t let the rude people chase me away again. Goodnight y’all!
By Jman
July 22, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
Am I the only person puzzled about the fact that Jorge Sosa is still on this team?
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Y’all; I thought I’d scared everyone away. Carolina Mike, I can understand all that sort of thing, and normally just ignore it, but there’s never a call to jump on women in such an ugly way, especially these women. I lived in New York myself for 9 years, and I really enjoyed the town. Some of the people were some of the best I’ve ever met (pardon the pun), but I never have been able to reconcile the average difference in manners. Oh, well. Once again, I apologize to anyone I offended. I’m really normally very nice, despite what you may have seen in the movie…:-)
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
G’night, Flagirl…don’t be scared to return! Jman, I think even Sosa himself is surprised he’s still here. Why Barry was sent down instead…oh, yeah, he’s out of options. Still…
By Jeremy
July 22, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
Who needs to go more, Sosa or Thomson? Sosa is a useless piece of garbage who can throw 96mph…straight and right down the middle! Thomson meanwhile, is always hurt when it gets time to trade him and then we gotta bring up no-good pitchers like Cormier and Schiel. I can’t wait until Davies is healthy. Also, with the offense clicking the last week with Giles no where to be seen, why not offer him to the Cardinals for Adam Wainwright? Giles would be great as a #2 hitter with St.Louis and they have Looper and Izzy, so they don’t need Wainwright. Wainwright could setup for the Braves this year, then possibly move into the rotation next year when Boyer and Devine are healthy again. Then the Braves could trade either Hampton, Ramirez, or Hudson in the offseason for a leadoff hitter.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
Wishful thinking, Jeremy. I’m exhausted and have to get up REAL early. G’night, all.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I’m sorry that I missed the excitement … I have a special interest in boorish behavior and I see that bile has been spewed in the direction of two special ladies. I can never understand the satisfaction that some seem to recieve from behavior that cannot make either their loveones or themselves proud.
Mama’s calling but shall return. If those insisting on insulting our friends return and persist, you have my blessings in giving them directions to the infernal regions.
By Jimbo
July 22, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this
See what happens when they don’t score 10 runs in a game? 8-3 Wednesday…6-5 Friday. Oh yeah these pitchers are gonna get us a wild card spot. By the way, I have some beautiful land in the Everglades some of you folks might be interested in purchasing.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 03:23 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I just saw your retiring post and while an early wakeup call is not on my agenda, guess I’ll do the same. I see that we generally try to follow the same lead with regard to those we choose to defend but I admit to being far less patient, quite often to my detriment and the dissapointment of others.
Wasn’t it refreshing to see multiple comments from honorable and esteemed supporters of other teams, Mets included! It’s sometimes nice to be pleasntly reminded that we don’t hold a monopoly on good baseball fans.
Also, I strongly agree that Brian can hold his own with the very best and the worst of them! However, I wish that I had been around when he was wishing for some Brave Fan support … thankfully, our gal from Florida was around and brave enough to oblige.
I do posit that the behavior of ChopTilYouDropIntoLast and those of his ilk personify rudeness … that is, if it’s possible for subhuman behavior to assume even the worst of human qualities … and find such behavior unacceptable, inexcusable and certainly despicable.
Grinch I look forward to hearing about grandpa and grass … and make no mistake, methinks you’re a most valiant defender of truth, justice and Diana Shore.
You know, I’m not sure how the Blog evolved or degenerated as it did this evening … it’s rather bemusing … but I hope that my earlier remarks were not a major contributing force.
I’m sure that, upon reading my posts of this evening … any and all can understand why I like it much better when I am laughing at myself and not frowning at others.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this
Jimbo, land is valuable no matter where it might be … the last time I checked, God wasn’t making any more of it! I’m not overly concerned over our last two games but your post does remind me of something concerning our pitchers that is a worry … multiple failures to effectively cover first base.
Seems like that’s been the difference in more than just this one game … actually it seems like “seems like” isn’t quite strong enough.
By ChopTilYouDropIntoLast
July 22, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this
How big’s the Mets’ lead, Mama?
Thirteen games and rising.
How’s big’s the Mets’ lead, Papa?
She said it’s thirteen games and rising.
We finally traded for a closer to save face,
Then Ken Ray neglected to cover first base.
Guess we’re completely out of the race.
Thirteen games and rising.
Well, it’s thirteen games and rising.
Good night, ladies! (Namely, Brianne and Grinch)
By Nikki
July 22, 2006 05:38 AM | Link to this
Phillies close to fire sale, huh?! Well, it looks like our bullpen decided to let the Phillies back in the race.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
It finally looks like braves fans have conceeded the division title. I hear all this wild card talk but I know you guys were secretly eyeing fist place, just waiting for the METS to slip up. So sorry to dissapoint, they are 5-2 since break, 20 game over .500 and their rookies complete games. Next weekend the METROPOLITANS will come to town and personally throw salt on those wounds you guys have been licking since your June Swoon!!!
By BravesFaninRockies
July 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
The fan/blog base clearly is bipolar and needs to take its meds. The division has been the Mutts to lose since the end of June (but if it gets close, how fun would that be?), so keep your eye on the WC and who’s ahead of the Braves. We’re five games out with 66 to play. It’s a long season.
Besides, the entire lot in the WC race is mediocre. Atlanta included. But the Braves’ offense is formidable, and the bench is the best in a long time. Thorman and Diaz can rake. Betemit is the Swiss Army knife of the club and they need to make sure he gets plenty of time the rest of the year even if Marcus stays. IMHO Orr and “Tank” are occupying space (I like the Penas much better), but how many clubs have rosters where every player is a .300 hitter?
Get rid of Sosa, get another arm for the pen and let’s see what happens.
But for crying out loud, don’t jump out of a building just because they lost a couple of games!
By Debby Downer
July 22, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
This team’s attitude will prove to be it’s undoing this season. The laissez-fare, we’ll-get-em-tommorrow attitude of Bobby, Chipper, Andruw, etc will prevent us from attaining and maintaining that fire that we had in 1993. Look at Wednesday night’s game. It’s as if they all had their minds made up that there was no way they could beat Carpenter before the game even started, and that attitude manifested itself in the boxscore. Now that attitude bled over into last ngiht’s game and has killed the momentum that we had finally put together. Now the sloth-like, sloppy Braves are back again. There is absolutely no excuse for us not to beat and utterly dominate and manhandle this pathetic Phillies squad!
By Lew
July 22, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Metro Man-Don’t count those unhatched chickens quite yet. Yes, it’s looking good for theMets and the division. No doubt. However, if you look at recent years, the Mets never could go head to head with the Braves. Even earlier this year when the Braves started badly, the Mets were only able to go 5-4. This is hardly world beater numbers. We’ll see about next weekend. Look out-Larry Larry’s gonna whup your butts still agauin. In case you haven’t noticed, he’s the hottest hiotter in baseball and for some reason he loves bashing your miniscule brains in. As a famous Met’s ex-manager once said “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”. Only smart thing ever to come from the mouth of anyone a*s-ociated with the Mets.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
Oh, the negativity! I happen to agree with most of it, but not to the point of giving up just yet. Catching the Mets is possible, but not very likely. The wild card, however, is quite doable, in which case we’ll have a shot at them in the post-season. The Braves seem to play better on the road, anyway. Cheer up, all! There’s no crying in baseball. Mets fans like Metropolitan man who are just here for a little good-natured competition are one thing, but do we really want neanderthals like that one from last night crawling out from under every manhole cover and crack rock in NYC? Remember, they’ve been waiting there for a long time and have lots of juvenile bitterness stored up to spew on the potentially fallen mighty…
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Mornin’, Lew! Stoppin’ in for a break before I get back to the grind; gotta get done in time to watch the game and celebrate the free evening!
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Lew and Grinch make good comments. Good to see some braves fans can talk baseball, heckle, and still get the point acosss without going 2nd grade. But this weekend will tell how much this two teams dislike each other for the sake of the sport. I will be the loudest METS fan around and trust you guys will do the same. All I can say is a sweep in either direction will kill the teams momentum, the braves more than the METS. We are still looking for the same thing you guys are with the exception of leadoff hitter, who will get the bonifide starter before the trade deadline????
By Lew
July 22, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Hello Grinch-Rock on. Even if the Braves are destinined to come in second to the other NY team (you know the one that rarely wins anything), the Mets need to realize that even teams out of the race can become spoilers. We still have 9 games left with the Mets. Plenty of oppurtunity to humiliate them during their wonderful season. With Chipper The Mets Killer in the best hitting shape since he killed them all by himself in 99, the Mets and their fans are just trying to avoid crying in fear. That’s the reason for their seeming insecurity. I’ve never seen so many fans from another team, so insecure that they need to talk trash to us to convince themselves all is well with the world. It comes from being has beens and runners up for so long. When you spend so much time on the bottom looking up, it’s hard to break the habit. They really deserve pity, not castigation. But they are such jerks, it’s hard to hold back.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
I must add that Metro Dude is not such a jerk, but he should look at the posts earlier from Reality and Reason to see why we hate the flipping Mets even more than ever before. There have been some real jack a## Mets fans looking to get themselves some attention.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
Good question, though I believe we need another bullpen arm before a leadoff man…perhaps our frugal yet astute GM will procure both for us. Met Man, could we interest you in, say, Jorge Sosa? He’s got a live fastball! We’ll take an unopened bucked of David sunflower seeds for him…aw, hell, even an opened one!
By Lew
July 22, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
For that matter, Metro Dude, sweep up the empty shells from the dugout floor and we’ll consider it even for Sosa. Maybe one of your recent pitching acquisitions could teach him the joys of bleached blond hair. Maybe that’s been his problem.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
Ok, ok, Jorge Sosa, two buckets of sunflower seeds, and cab fare. That’s my final offer! Lew, Reality and Reason are morons (though I suspect they are the same person), but ChopTillYouDropIntoLast was just simply a dick. Did you notice him call Carolina Lady a whore right after she had just wished his team good luck the rest of the way? Those are the kind of people that pull the wings off of insects just for fun. Good thing the Hitler Youth isn’t still around…
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Sorry no deals here. Besides I am an a**hole of a METS fan but im enjoying the season to much to let any pro-braves stance ruin it. The METS fan base is loyal, that is all that we all have in common. Now if want rude braves fans, I’ve seen them at Turner field. They get so drunk that its no longer comical but almost criminal. But as long as you root for your team, the opponent will always thing you are scum. So with that said I’m gonna root, root root for the METS and let the braves fall where they may. And we wouldnt take Sosa to even conduct the 7 train to shea!!! He’s your headache, not ours.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
I have a funny feeling, Grinch-Have you noticed that NYFAN has been conspiculously absent this week? He used my mother as an example of his sexual prowess. Happened to do it on the 30th anniversary of her death, too. Course, he didn’t know that, but it was the one time I’ve really lost it online. I offered him my home address for a very short visit. He at least apologized, but I wonder if he has morphed into Reality or Reason. Losing Reyes must have affected the minds of Mets fans.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Ahh, Metro Dude. It could have been one of our own idiots who think we could trade him straight up for Dontrelle Willis. At least Grinch and I offered to give you seeds to take him off our hands. Please, Please take him. We’ll even ride the 7 train if you do. Hell, we’ll even pay for your ride, too.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I certainly wasn’t implying we’re all spotless christian heroes; many a time I’ve been drunk and hollerin’ at the Ted (though more so at the dome, and don’t even get me started about college football); the essential difference is you haven’t seen me on the New York Sewer-Picayune Mets blog insulting nice women. I wer the A$$-hole monniker proudly, but not that proudly.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Nope, Reyes resting has done nothing but give our wonderful bench some playing time. Our bench players have done a heck of a job thats why when 1 player went down, it was unoticed becasue a bench player came in and did the job. With Chavez, Franco, Marrero, Valetin (now full time), Woodward and the rest of the pack holding it down, players like Floyd, Beltran, Reyes can take a week off for injuries and watch the team succeed. Heck, Pedro hasnt thrown since the Boston series but you wouldn’t know it becauase the fill-ins have done their jobs. Kinda like your rookies form last year!!!!
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
True, I don’t recall seing him around…so much the better. I sometimes say ungly things about people’s questionable parentage, but only after they call me out first. Yeah, we have some people on this blog that are remarkeably confident in other GM’s stupidity…”I don’t see why we don’t just trade Thompson, Sosa and Orr to the Red Sox for Pappi and Schilling; they’d be stupid not to dump salary.” Sigh.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Well I cant account for all NYers, but in ever village their is an idiot, some times ther is a whole idiot family. But I know your not letting them get to you??? If we keep insulting each other on a baseball level we are all cool (maybe a lil angry over truth comments), but still cool. When you take baseball out of the conversation what you say is what you get. Besides, violence begats violence!! Keep it baseball and take those lumps, let the personal garbage fall by the waistside.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Metro Dude-Yes, your subs have stepped up. If I were a Mets fan, my worry would be your pitching. Pedro may go up in puff of smoke at anytime. Glavine has always been a favorite of mine, but it took him four years to win in NY and I’m not sure he’s as good as the first half may indicate. Trachsel is an absolute joke. If your offense wasn’t as good as it is, he would have won about 1/3 as many games this year. Beware. One good start from a rookie guarantees nothing. You need two good starters before life is a lock for y’all. Believe me. If there’s anything we Braves fans know, it’s pitching. We’ve seen plenty over the past 15 years. More than anyone.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately we haven’t seen it this year. Oh Yeah, Mike Remlinger is available for relief work.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Yeah, wish we hadn’t got rid of Franco. Y’all, I got to get some work done; I’ll check back in a while. Hold the fort down, Lew!
By Lew
July 22, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
I’m afraid it’s again time to feed the Diabetic Beast before it tramples my head into insensibility. Rock out Grinch. Metro Dude, take care and watch out for those Gators in the NY sewer system. We’ll speak later.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
Thats the differnece this year. You have plenty of youngins coming just as we do. However most of our youg arms have started METS games this year. With Maine, Pelfry, Soler, the future is good. And we both know half a Pedro is better than the braves staff with Smolzt being the exception. But if pitching is what wins, I dont think the METS are that far behind. And dont knock Trachsel, at least he knows how to hold a big lead. His record speaks for itself, besides he hasnt lost a game in about 2 months.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Good advice Met Man; in truth, I don’t let things people say get to me. But I can’t be sure about the insulted ones on my blog, and I look after my own. Braves fans have more in common than just being Braves fans. Well, some of us, anyway. Actually, some of us are morons, but you get that in a big city. I guess I’m proving your point. Anyhoo, later all.
By KC
July 22, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Metropolitan Man:
Yesterday, you said that the Braves weren’t going to make the playoffs. I asked you in a following post if you would like to put some money on that.
You never responded.
So how bout’ it?
By Cornholio
July 22, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
We acquire Bob Wickman so Bobby brings in Ken Ray in the 8th, as a “set up” man. It was a set-up for another loss and another setback for Smoltzie’s pursuit of 200 wins.
Brilliant, Bobby !
When Giles’ thumb is healed please don’t tell me he’ll be back in the lineup & hitting leadoff ????
Bobby, don’t say its so !
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
I got that bet KC, they will miss the playoffs. I stand by that statement now and will stand by it in Oct.
By KC
July 22, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Met. Man:
I’m not a big time better, but shall we say $10? We can communicate by email at the end of the season, and I’ll give you my address so you can send the check. :o)
By KC
July 22, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I’m been in these blogs for a couple of days now saying that I didn’t think the Braves NEEDED any more relief help after Wickman. I thought it would be nice, but that Ray and Co. would do a good job gettting the game to Wickman in the 9th.
I know it was just one game, but after Ray’s performance last night… I’m not so sure anymore.
I would love to see someone like the Cubs’ Howry in a Braves uniform.
Metropolitan Man: I still think Atlanta makes the playoffs, either way. Whether we pick up another reliever or not. If Ray can’t handle setup duties, I think either Yates or Paronto will step up.
By KC
July 22, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
“I’ve been”…sorry
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
Thats a bet. But to keep it honest I’m not coming to your house. For all Iknow Larryyyyyyyyyyy, Krispey Creme Jones and company might be waiting for me. Anyway think of a better way than that. I would like to remain a live METS fan than a “What ever happen to Metropolitan MAN.”
By KC
July 22, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
Met. Man:
You don’t have to come down… USPS will work just fine!
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
I still hope you guys make the playoffs for the sake of the METS playing at Turner filed so I can enjoy it. But other than that it looks real slim for you guys. Those teams in the West are looking for a playoff spot because they can beat on each other in that weak division. But in the competitive NL east, they are so use to selling at the break that it wont be any diffrent this year. The NL east will dump players to all teams trying to make the playoffs, do you think the braves will be 1 of them???
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
You guys have a man name “Phil in Atlanta” posting on the METS forum in the NY Newsday. You better get him before the loyal METS brigade get to him. He’s 1 post away from a Sopranos ending!!
By journalist jimmy smtih
July 22, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
exclusive - pants are being flown in for wicky. paronto may have his pants back by game time. this should solidify the pen.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
Journailist Jim (note spelling)-I thought he just borrowed his pants from his twin brother David Wells. Guess he couldn’t find out which bar Wells was at last night. MetroDude, any Braves’ fan on a Mets blog deserves annhilation. Do with him as you will,he ain’t one of us. I never thought I’d see the day when we didn’t want Giles in the lineup. Did you realize, Cornholio (what a tag. Is it appropriate), that Betemit didn’t have a hit last night? You mean you’re not jumping off his bandwagon like many other fans who rip on players based on daily performance? I can’t understand why you wouldn’t want a player in the lineup, who for 4 years, has given all he has to give and literally left his blood on the field many times. You just prove that your grasp of baseball is minimal at best.
By Brian
July 22, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Agreed Lew, giles had turned the corner when he got hurt. just go back to his career opb, he’s going to be on base for the joneses.
By Brian
July 22, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
and does bob wickman remind anyone of chief wiggum?
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Metro Dude-I doubt that the Braves will dump anyone of any significance. Mayber Giles and less maybe on Hudson. Schuerholz has said numerous times that despite what happens the balance of this season, the Braves have a great shot at next year with the nucleus we now have. Chipper, Andruw and Smoltz are sacrosanct(and 10-5 players). With Hampton and Davies returning next season and Foster, Boyer and (hopefully) Devine mended and ready, he feels we will again be the team to beat. Also, he still has $4 mil left to spend this time around. Expect more pitching deals to come soon.
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Met. Man:
All bravado aside… yes, I really honestly believe the Braves are the best bet for the NL wild card. Here’s why:
THE OFFENSE:
The Braves have one of the two best lineups in the league (along with the Mets), if not THE best… 5 all-stars, followed by 3 guys that are all quite capable of hitting 30+ homers a season (Francoeur, Laroche, Thorman). If fact, if you project all 3 of those guys’ numbers out to 550 at-bats, all 3 are on pace to hit at leat 30-HR’s. Again, that’s after you get past the all-stars in this lineup.
THE ROTATION:
Smoltzy is still as great a big-game pitcher as there is in baseball.
Tim Hudson is still Tim Hudson. He’ll be just fine.
Heracio Ramirez is one the best kept secrets (for a starting pitcher) in all of baseball. The Braves organization has been expecting this guy to blossom for a couple of years now, and now it’s finally happening. This guy is going to be one of the best left-handed starters in baseball. In fact, he’s already becoming that. By the end of the season, everyone will start to take notice.
Chuck James is a great looking young lefty with a lot of potential. He’s still got a ways to go, but he’ll be a serviceable #4 starter for the Braves the rest of the way.
The #5 starter slot has been an issue. When Thompson hasn’t been injured, he’s been wildly inconsistent. But Kyle Davies is due off the DL in a few weeks. And besides… The Braves certainly aren’t the only team with 5th starter issues.
Heracio Ramirez gives the Braves 3 top-of-the-rotation level starters, and they’re the only team in the NL that can say that. That is… if Hudson is on his game. Again, I expect that he’ll be just fine… but he’s the key to everything for this rotation and for the Braves hopes in the 2nd half.
THE BULLPEN
Atlanta fill a big hole the other day, picking up Wickman. No, he’s no Rivera (although his numbers were every bit as good or better than River’s last year), but he’ll get the job done. His save conversion ratio has always been quite good, whether his ERA was 2.40 or 4.00.
And I think Shuerholz is still working on the bullpen. With 9 days left until the trade deadline, there’s a good chance that this bullpen will be improved further by the end of the month. But as I said, even if they don’t make another move, I think someone will step up and do a capable job in the setup role. If not Ray, then Paronto or Yates.
THE DEFENSE
Best in the league. Period.
Metropolitan Man, if Hudson and Wickman come through for the Braves the rest of the way… the Braves are now as good a team as there is in the NL, and their 2nd half record will bear that out. (Again, as long as Hudson and Wickman come through).
I think it’s money well wagered.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks Brian-Giles has brought his avg. up from .236 to .248 since the end of June. His OBP this year is .343 compared to a career .363. This is not that much of a drop off and as a leadoff hitter, it is difficult to raise your average that much in two weeks (remember he just missed a week). Betemit has been an excellent fill in for the Braves for the past two seasons. As good as it can get, in fact. We need to realize, however, he has not played for more than two weeks at a time. Until he puts in a couple of months with this success, I would go with the proven veteran-just like BC will do.
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Lew, agreed.
Giles is the best bet for now at 2B. He’s hit never finished a season below .300. It’ll be hard to keep that streak going this year, but my point is that Giles is a proven hitter.
Both Betemit and Giles have pop in their bats. But Giles is a proven .300 hitter (regardeless of what his average is at the moment).
AND… I’m not sure how many people realize this, but if you project Betemit’s numbers out to 550 at-bats, you’ll have over 150 strike-outs. That’s not really what you’re looking for out of a leadoff guy.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
Ok Lew, I can why you are optimistic. But to put it into perspective, the Nats just gave Cincy some relief piting for some weak bats. They could have easily made the trade with te braves. Point being, who is gonna trade with the braves that will get them that playoff bound team? The Wickamn deal caught me by suprise but for lightning to strike twice this year for you guys would be something. Face it, your GM is good for 1 deal a year that has a positive impact. The rest is just to make changes to keep the braves fan base from abandoning any further. When you guys sure up the pen and get a legit leadoff hitter, them I’ll check my rearview.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
KC-I love your optimism. However-first of all it is HORACIO, not HERACIO. Not one to nitpick, but you need to know. Second of all. Hudson. I know you think he is just one great start away from being a true star. You could be right, but you’ve got to realize that we have yet to see this in any consistent fashion. He’s already lost more games with a 4 run lead than he damn near did in his entire career in Oakland. He won 14 games last year, but was amazingly inconsistent. This year he has border on pure crap numerous times. I have no idea what his problem is-be it mechanical, mental or physical. The fact remains, however, that he is much less than what we thought we were getting. He MUST get better and it damn well better be by his next start. We will go nowhere without significant help from him. SOON.
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
NEED TO CORRECT MYSELF:
Giles hit .291 last season, and I forgot all about his first two years at the big league level (2001, 2002). He hit below .300 those years, but then again, he only had 68 at-bats in each of those 2 seasons.
My facts were incorrect, but the point’s stil valid. Giles is a .300 hitter.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Metro-I’m much less concerned about a leadoff hitter than some fans. We need another starter. Davies is due back by the end of August and let’s hope he comes back as well from his surgery as Nomar did. I am concerned that this won’t be the case. I would love for the Braves to get Dontrelle, but I’m not sure we can offer the Marlins anything to make their eyes light up. You’re absolutely correct about the interdivisional thing. As far as the Cin-Nats deal goes, I don’t see Schuerholz pulling the trigger on a deal that was that foolhardy. The Reds gave up way more than we did for Wickman, who I believe to be a better player than Majewski. At least when JS goes overboard, he gets something much more significant in return. As far as after this season, it is probable that Thomson, Sosa, Reitsma,and Jordan will be long gone at a savings of over $10 million. Not a bad starting point for offseason dealing.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
I never saw what you guys like in Giles. With that uppercut swing for the fences mentality, how can you count on him. All I know is he may not like leading off, but he sure needs to try harder. He doesnt seem like he is pressing to me becasue he is not batting in his desired slot. Somebody needs to light a fire under him and get him motivated. Bobby has given him too much respect too early in the game. But as long as the braves as a team stay where they are, then I’m good.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Metro-You would have to watch Giles on a daily basis for true appreciation. He has alifetime .285 average, but if you knock out his rookie seaso (didn’t play much) and what he has done this year, he is a career .300 hitter. His uppercut swing this year is something new and I think it come from an inadvertant change in his batting stance. When Giles is on, he is a doubles machine to right center, This year his stance has been very open-a pull hitter’s stance. This has led to pop ups to third and grounders to short. Of late he has closed up somewhat and his average and power is on the rise. In the field, you will never find a player who gives the proverbial 110% more than Giles. Give the guy body armor to keep from getting himself hurt and he’s ready to go. He is arguably the best defensive second baseman in the Nl. His uniform is dirty before the first inning ends almost every night. Believe me, there’s not much NOT to like about this kid.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
Lighting a fire under Giles is something no one will ever have to do.
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
Lew: We’ve been over this a million times (I have also used the screen name of “Kent”), but here we go one more time…
Hudson pitched hurt much of last season and still finished with an ERA of 3.50. He had 14 wins that would have easily been 18 or 19 wins with a merely above average bullpen. Hell, you can even leave the “above” part out of that equation. Just some average lead-protection behind him and the guy finishes with 17-18 wins easily.
Despite playing hurt, Hudson did a damn good job for us last year Lew. No, he’ wasn’t throwing at a CY young level, but there still weren’t many pitchers in the league better than him last year, and that’s a fact.
I’m not arguing with you about this season to date. He’s been wildly inconsistent, and overall his numbers are lousy.
I just feel that based on everything he’s done throughout his career (INCLUDING LAST SEASON!!!!!!!), there’s every reason to believe he’ll come around. In fact, I think he already is. He was dominant for 5 innings in St. Louis before wearing down in the 6th. But I think it’s only fair to point out that he was pitching on 3 days rest and in a heat index of 110 degrees. All things considered, I thought his last start was encouraging.
And as far as the spelling… what are you HoRam’s Mom???!!! LOL
By Lew
July 22, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
KC-So, you’re Kent. We have had some good discourse, haven’t we. About HORACIO-I’m an ex English teacher-sue me! As far as Hudson goes, I’ll jump back on the bandwagon after two consecutive GOOD starts. Haven’t seen one in a month at least. I’m sorry, 5 runs in 5 2/3 innings, even with a 12 run lead doesn’t qualify in my book. I’m not a real fan of the “Quality Start” stat, but I will settle for two quality starts in a row. How’s that for fairness?
By Head Coach
July 22, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Beleive it or not the team ERA has been worse since the all-star break. The offense has really picked up the pace. Wickman will help , thats assuming the rest of the bullpen does their job. 66 games left and its an easy schedule. 15 against winners and 51 against losers. Here is the problem , its going to take 90 wins or more to have a legitimate shot at the wildcard. That means they have to and I mean they ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO WIN 45 out 66. Do the math , its a steep mountain to climb. It’s not completely impossible but they cannot keep blowing leads. I would like to see Schuerholz add a veteran lefty and a true leadoff hitter.Go BRAVES !!!!!!
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man:
MARCUS GILES
2003: .316, 21-HR, 69-RBI, 49-Doubles, 101-Runs, 14-SB
2004: hit .311 in 379 at-bats (injured much of the year)
2005: .291, 15-HR, 63-RBI, 45-Doubles, 104-Runs, 16-SB
He’s a great teammate, a hard nosed player, and a good second-baseman.
And you don’t understand what we like about him???
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Giles, Hudson, how many more question marks guys????? When you have discussions like these it means the team is not that good, in decline, or having a bad season. Either way, too many questions and not enough answers. Dont get me wrong, I follow braves games as I watch the METS. So being a METS fan, we know when you have this many talent questions, the boo birds arent far behind. Ask A-Rod, Beltran, Glavine and whoever is supposed to be the best at their craft, that when the pefromance dips (even for a minute), the sky starts falling. Heck, last month werent you guys ready to ship Chipper off…..again!
By KC
July 22, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
LEW, fair enough.
BTW: I’m not on the Hudson bandwagon right now. There hasn’t been much (on the field) to like about him. I’m just optimistic, base on everything he’s done, that he’ll come around very soon.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Oh, by the way Pedro will be back just in time to face the braves. Gotta make sure I have tickets for that one. For some reason he pitches like he’s been involved in this METS-braves feud for years. And as far as Giles goes, I’m glad you guys are content with him becasue he would P* me off if he were in a METS uniform.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
Metro-I never dissed Chipper. He can be streaky and I knew he would come around. This year has been all about pitching, or lack thereof. You must realize, though, we have had 11 pitxchers on the DL this year, including three for the whole season. I know everyone deals with injuries, but this has been outrageous. Hey, if we only have to yell “Wait ‘til next year once every 15 years, I’ll live with it.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Actually, Giles may be a moot point. He is arbitration elible after the season and will be in line for about $5mil. After next year, he is eligible for free agency. While I see him as definitely being the hometeam discount kind of guy, with new ownership and the possible tightening of purse strings, I see him being traded for more puzzle parts. Hate to see him go, but with Bate A Meat and Prado, etc., in the pipeline…..
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
D**, METS are in a delay. All this baseball talk has me ready for another METS win. You may hate the METS but so far they took care of Cincy, now Houston. You guys are gonna owe us a six pack by the end of the weekend for all the help we gave you.
By KC
July 22, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
LEW:
I agree that Giles probably won’t be here next year with his upcoming salary and all the middle infield talent waiting behind him.
However, I seriously doubt that Liberty Media will noticeably tighten the purse strings. This franchise is fairly close to break-even right now (according to JS), and I doubt Liberty will be looking for anything more than break-even. Time Warner made money on the Braves because this franchise appreciated significantly each year they owned it.
Liberty buys it now for 400 mill, and gets a big tax break. In 3-4 years they’ll sell it for close to 500 mill, and it will have been a good investment for them.
If they started significantly reducing payroll, it would likely hurt attendance, meaning that black/red line would be running away from them. So it’s going to be hard to turn a substantial annual profit, even if they cut payroll. The greatest monetary value of this franchise is as an appreciating asset, not as a profit machine. I will be shocked if there’s much of a difference in next year’s payroll either way.
By KC
July 22, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
For 2 weeks now, I keep reading suggestions here that we get a true leadoff hitter in left-field. And my response has been the same every time… LEFT FIELD IS TAKEN!!
I’ve been trying to get everyone to notice Scott Thorman. He’s starting to make me look smart (and that’s hard to do).
Scott Thorman is a stud. We’ve got a good one here folks. This could be a mid-season call-up in the Francoeur/Ryan Howard mold.
By KC
July 22, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Metro Man: Sorry… I missed your last post.
The Brave have no questions about their offense or defense. We’re going to score plenty of runs, and the defense is as good as any in baseball.
Our “?” center around pitching, and fortunately, there really aren’t that many questions there either. There are 2 questions now:
1-Will Huddy be the pitcher we need him to be?
2-Is Ray the answer in the 8th inning? If not, who?
Metro Man: There are NOT “too many” questions here… there are only a couple. If those two questions have a positive answer, the Braves will be going to the post-season.
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Three things here 1. Why is a supposed Mets fan bothering a braves fans blog? I am sure they have their own such blog to relay silly little online retorts. 2. The season is not over. Therefore, no one should be discounting the Braves until the Mets are up 6 with 5 games to play. 3. I have been to Turner Field several times. I have never seen any fan behavior that was as bad as the fans of Shea Stadium. Can’t compare it. Seriously.
By Tweedy
July 22, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Tim Hudson is still Tim Hudson.
That’s what scares me. He SUCKS !
Braves start winning when Giles gets hurt, and Jordan & Reitsma get hurt, & Remdinger is released. Bobby is forced to use other players.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Has sanity and propriety returned to the neighbothood? The use of screen names like “Reality” and “Reason” should ne outlawed … makes it rather difficult to write an intelligible post when too many good words are already being abused.
I know that some revaluate players and teams on every pitch, play or time at bat … and not covering first is hard to accept, but didn’t it seem that the negative reaction to Ken Ray’s poor outing was a bit excessive?
It’s always easy to focus on the weakest link but sometimes the trees make it difficult to properly evaluate woods containing them … seems to me that our bullpen is a bit better than our emotions would indicate, and though Ken stumbled last night … he’s actually doing quite well.
I wounder if John Smoltz himself may have inadvertantly contributed to further undermining the confidence of the arms upon which our fortunes rest … it’s impossible to evaluate the impact of his attitude and public and private statements is having on them. Like Bobby, his tone is somewhat different than in years past
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Man, if Shea fans are the worst, Calvin needs to get out more. Philly and Boston fans are the worst. METS and Yanks fans are second. Braves fans….well it depends on who your talking too. And KC, here is a perfect example of a sports man who cant hold a decnt convo with a fan of the other team. He gives braves fan a bad name.
By KC
July 22, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
Tweedy:
Seriously, look at Huddy’s numbers. The FACTS will prove your statement to be utterly rediculous.
If you had said “Huddy has sucked this season”, I wouldn’t argue with you.
Adn how you can possibly put Giles in the same sentence with the other players you mentioned is beyond me.
FYI… the Braves started winning with Giles in the lineup, and have been able to sustain it despite the loss of an all-star like Giles.
P.S.: PLease scroll up to my earlier post and take a look at what Giles has done for this team over the last few seasons.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Singular verbs with compound subjects … especially with stupid typos shouldn’t be permitted in my posts! Don’t we deserve an editor?
By KC
July 22, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Tweedy: When I say look at Hudson’s numbers, obviously I’m talking career stats.
By KC
July 22, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Metro Man: “here is a perfect example of a sports man who cant hold a decnt convo with a fan of the other team.”
Was that directed at me?
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
You are alright with me KC, even with your braves affiliation. But guys like Calvin are the reason you need mediators when the convo gets heated. I support the METS and follow the braves (keep your enemies close), just like you guys support the braves and follow the METS. Next weekend will prove which team dislikes the other more. Hope to see you fans at the TED, the louder the fans, the better the games!
By KC
July 22, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
I’ll probably be at the TED next weekend. I guess you’ll be the fan (singular) in the Mets jersey?
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Dam El Duque, time for da METS to make another come from behind win. We’ll give you El Duque for th Sosa of 2005.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
An elephant with a reputation for being dangerous killed a handler and injured a trainer Friday at The Elephant Sanctuary in southern Tennessee, authorities said.
Winkie, a female Asian elephant, stepped on or kicked a woman handler who was killed “on the spot,” said Doug Markham, a spokesman for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. A male trainer was injured when he tried to intervene.
was this elephant wearing borrowed pants?
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man,
I don’t follow the Mets, but I’m watching FOX right now and thinking that El Duque is a great addition to the Mets’ rotation. In fact, he’d fit in nicely in the Braves rotation: inconsistent, homer-prone, allows early runs. That’s an awesome combination.
As for “dislike”, I guarantee you that Mets fans dislike the Braves more. The Braves have been winning the NL East for so long that the desire to beat the Braves is much greater among Mets fans than vice versa. As for the actual New York Mets ballclub, most of those guys haven’t been there long enough to feel the sting of all of those seasons, so I’m sure they’re more concerned with taking care of business than with a team that is 13 games out.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there. I’m the same fan at the Ted every year with 2 METS flags, METS jersey, METS hat, METS lincense plate and just METSY all around. I’ll post my seating just before the series to see if braves fan want to really enjoy the game. If your an a-hole, then stay in your seat.
By Carolina Lady
July 22, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Just my 2cents worth - I think most everybody here welcomes FANS of baseball, regardless of the team, as long as it is an honest discussion, not laden with ugliness and/or profanity. The more wit and humor the better! But, as we all know, not everyone who owns a computer should be allowed access to the internet.
I’m just a Braves fan, a rather devoted one, at that. (In time past, I was known to have arranged my entire month’s work schedule around their’s!)
I love baseball. I do not hate anyone else or any other team (and believe me, I’m trying extremely hard to include the Yankees in that!) Would I prefer that the Braves win everything always and forever! YOU BET! Is it gonna happen? Don’t think so! But just because someone prefers a different team than I do, I really don’t think that’s any reason for me to get angry, ugly, vulgar or demeaning. What a waste that would be! We’re all just humans and wouldn’t it be a wonderful world indeed if we would just treat one another kindly!?
Just 2 cents’ worth which isn’t much in today’s world! :-)))
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
So true Chop chop but it works both ways. If your use to beating a certain team and they are on top, you dont despise them more???? braves fans are more vicious this year becasue they cant come back with the usual: Get to .500 then talk. Or, When you guys get into 1st then talk. Or, when you guys win a division title then talk. Well they are talking now and you are gonna have a hard time shutting them up. We both have fans of our team that we wish we could throw back, but hey when guys like Clavin opens his mouth, it all balances out.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
journalist notes that there is now a link to nice toes on the braves page of ajc.com. is this the work of esteemed dob?
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
You guys seen the Braves lineup for today? Orr at 2B, leading off. Betemit at 3B, batting 3rd. And, Langerhans in CF. AJ anc CJ not starting.
What’s up?
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
No, Metropolitan Man. It doesn’t work both ways…for me, anyway. I have enough sense to know that the Braves aren’t going to win divisions ad infinitum and I’m not one of those Braves fans that pulls on his sack and brags about division titles. If the Mets are the team that breaks the streak, congrats to them.
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
In other news, there is some talk that Giles might play today or tommorrow.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Hey, all Mets fans, quit gloating. It is very unattractive. We know you are going to win the division. We know you are going to be responsible for ending the greatest team streak in the history of American sports. We know. We know.
But, don’t let it not be said that if the Braves had just 20 more million dollars to work with, that Billy Wagner and Julio Franco would be Braves. Wagner made it very clear he wanted to pitch in Atlanta. We would also have Carl Crawford or someone of his ilk to leadoff and that lead you covet so much would be a deficit. The Mets would be the team that is 12 games out.
So, by all means enjoy your success. But, when October comes we will see if you will be playing in the WS or if another hot wild card team winds up taking you out in 7 games and advancing.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I’ve never been to Hohenwald but I’m told that it’s less than 70 southwest of Nashville … which I wouldn’t exactly think of as being Southern Tennessee.
Winkie is a girl with a reputation … that is, she is well known for her bad behavior, having injured others in the past.
This reminds me of a true story of when the Sanctuary was processing a newly acquried adult elephant in a holding area adjacent to an area where other elephants were located … a great commotion broke out as one of the resident elephants became increasingly agitated and had to be restrained … order was restored and all was well when the new elephant was finally allowed to join the group.
A review of the records showed that the two ‘derms in question had been good friends some 25 years before!
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Stanford, I just saw the lineup as well and that is indeed true. Ouch.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Well Robert its been all good convo so far, gloating and all. You and Chop Chop sound like braves fans but you cant be too sure. And thank you for the congradulations, we dont need it but thanks anyway. But once again let a fan be ridculed for rooting for his team on a braves blog. You guys could use all the attention you can get right now, its a brave new world. Besides, if it were another team, it would be the same thing so I take eveything with a grain of salt.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Why would Chipper and Andruw be out of the lineup? Its not like they both need a day off. They just had that on Thursday. Sometimes I really don’t understand Bobby’s thinking.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t ridicule anyone for cheering for their team and being happy for their success. What kills me is when I see people like Vinnie constantly bombard this blog with their childish and inane comments so happy about the Braves “supposed” demise. Be happy for your team just be willing to admit some things. I will admit this team is flawed and those flaws have reared their ugly heads in a big way this year. But, I just wish some Mets fans would admit that if they had the same budget as the Braves they couldn’t compete with the Braves at all.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
My Lady, you’ll find that some pennies, like baseball cards, are quite valuable … and your two are priceless!
When all is said and done, methinks that we’ll be there in September … and also be watching our team as we celebrate our birthdays! But, should anything be broken it won’t be the spirit of this team or true fans like you.
By Plate O' Meat
July 22, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
I’m trying to watch the Astros-Mets game. They’ve got Meat Loaf (yes,the singer)in the booth talking about his new record, caterwauling some BS song and trying to get Joe Buck to sing. All this while the game is going on. It’s almost to the point where I cannot watch a FOX baseball broadcast anymore, they just get worse and worse every week. How much longer do they have the MLB Saturday contract, anyone know?
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Granted Robert, it takes money to be succesful but thats not big market teams faults. When big market teams fail its not becasue they pay the most to lose, its the players and field management. You guys have had the same management for a good run while at Shea it was a revolving door. But you made it with your budget 14 times without an excuse, dont start now.
By David
July 22, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
CJ and AJ are have injuries … per Chip on pregame show. Chipper’s leg and ANdruw’s back (locked up on him during BP). Also Smoltz back is stiff!!
By Tweedy
July 22, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
KC,
Regarding Hudson, lets live in the present, not what he did in Oakland.
For a guy that came to ATL with high expectations, he was quite average last years with occasional signs of brilliance.
This season I have not seen much to be thrilled with. It looks like he’s regressing. He’s not worth what the Braves are paying him, and certainly won’t be worth $13 million in 2008.
I’d start taking offers while other teams might think he’ll revert back to the Oakland-era Tim Hudson. A 91 MPH fastball down the middle of the plate doesn’t fool too many hitters.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Nady, another unsung hero. Those METSY are the real deal, but we already knew this. Still, I will give you El Duque for Horacio….straight up trade.
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Actually, the Braves budget has gone down since Ted Turner sold the team several years ago. Turner was always known for being able to go out and spend money to get whatever the Braves needed at the time. Now that TW owns the Braves(not for very long), their payroll has decreased each of the last 5 or six years. I think a lot of the Braves success in the 00’s is the fact that the other teams in the division, quite frankly sucked.
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Unlike Robert, I’m not going to moan about the Braves’ payroll. In my mind, Schuerholz made a major miscalculation coming into this season (the entire bullpen) and it, by all intents and purposes, cost the Braves a chance to win the division again.
If the Mets win today and the Braves lose, the Braves will be 14 games out. If the Reds also win, the Braves will be 6.5 out in the wild-card. In other words, most of the recent good work done by the Braves would be negated by a three-game losing streak. Ouch. Let’s hope Chuck James pitches well today, folks.
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Wonder if the Phillies would entertain an offer of Hudson and another player for Myers. I haven’t seen his name mentioned, and he may be “untouchable” but with the problems he’s had, maybe they’d feel like he’d be better off elsewhere (kind of like the Thrashers did with Dany Heatley).
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man, I agree. No excuses here. The fact is the Mets now have the management to go along with the budget. And now its showing. I’m just saying its easier to win when you can buy the best players at every position. Could the Yankees succeed with only a 70-80 million dollar payroll?
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, now that Chuck James guy is worht prying away form you guys. He’s young but looks like a vet on the mound. You guys better lock him up now because just like Wright and Reyes, when its negoiating time the wallets will open. That is if he stays true to form the rest of the year. Omar is eyeing your talent. With Franco, Glavine , and Marrero giving out kudos to change teams, you guys might be in trouble. Oh, how is M. Derosa doing?????
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
No Robert, you can not buy titles. Ask the Yanks, Marlins, Arizona and a few others. Look at Pavano, R. Johnson. Guys have beens stealing from Steinberger the past 3-5 years. But having scrappy players and management can turn sugar into s*. I think above all its chemisrty becasue if they are in the majors, then they have the enough talent to win.
By David
July 22, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Correction … Chipper’s injury is rib-cage muscle
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man, somewhat true. Don’t get me wrong. I think part of the reason the Braves are in the predicament they are in is because Bobby Cox had Jordan and Langerhans in the lineup when they shouldn’t have obviously been there. I know if LaRoche had been playing all year he would have a good 5 more HRs and 20 more RBIs but I will give credit where credit is due. The Mets have the best team in the NL but at what cost. Ask the Yankees how smart it is to give up all your minor league talent for what amounts to rental players.
I hope for your sake that the Milledge for Abreu deal is just a rumor. That would be a mistake of mammonth proportions.
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
The Braves have had plenty of chemistry over the years. That’s helped them win so many division titles, but you have to have the ability to perform under pressure to win in the postseason. The Braves haven’t shown any aptitude in that area over the last five years. They also don’t go out and add guys who have shown the ability to handle that pressure. That’s the most confusing thing. You’d think Schuerholz and Cox would’ve figured out a formula for success in the postseason, but instead, “it’s just a crapshoot.”
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that Abreau Millege thing was thrown out there. I hope its not true either because with him, the future looks bright. I just hope those stupid GM’s (Phillips) and mangers stay out of the METS organization. I think the minute Cox leaves, he will take a lot of people with him. But keep hope alive baseball fans, tis the time of year to keep rooting for your favorite, but if they are out then pick the next best thing just to stay in the loop. I say things will get interesting the day the braves and METS make a trade during the season.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Jimmy-I don’t know about the elephant wearing pants, but wouldn’t you just hate having an elephant step on your toes. Metro-If we had the Sosa from last year, in all likelihood we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. The Mets would be buried in second.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Besides, since that stupid Scott Kazmir trade, no METS GM will ever let a top prospect go for nothing again. I see us learning the true blueprint from the Braves and the Yanks. Spend big BUT keep the farm.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Metro-You guys (or is it youse guys) should take a lesson from the Braves. It’s the pitching. It’s the pitching. Its bringing your own kids up. It’s the pitching. We’re finding out now that giving up all the kids is bad business, but it does buy you division titles. Up to a point. It’s the pitching-especially not giving up your kids that pitch. You don’t need Abreu.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
I agree 100% Lew. The addition of Abreu wont help. But beleive me, if there was a way for a team to get Willis, or Zito, then yes you have upgraded your team. Both the METS and braves score runs, both have suspect staring pitching, but the bullpen has been the diffrence. Also our spot startes with the exception of Lima held down the fort also. So granted if your bullpen wasnt a work in progress, yes the race might be tighter. To tell you the truth how did you guys have fun with such a big lead in those races. Comfortability is a luxury we all like but with nobody to catch you, the urgency just inst there. A tight race would wake us all up and appreciate the ohter team a lil more.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve been listening to the XM Radio broadcast of the Braves/Phillies in rain delay. Chipper and Andruw have been scratched from the lineup. Chipper with a strained side muscle and Andruw with back spasms. Great. Just what we need.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I’m assuming the game is in a rain delay. I don’t know since the game is not on TBS and I live in Indiana so Fox has decided to show the riveting contest between the Nats and the Cubs.
It sucks living here. Like next week will I get to see the Mets and the Braves. Oh, no. I will have the pleasure of the Cards beating the crap out of the Cubs. Only on FOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By Lew
July 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Yeah, here in Vermont Fox either gives us the Mets Yankees or Red Sox. Today it’s Manny being Manny. If it weren’t for the MLB Extra Innings on digital cable and XM Radio, I would have done myself in long ago. It’s expensive, but the family considers it a better option than suicide. I don’t have much life insurance.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Can you guys use Chris Woodward, his days with the METS are numbered.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this
Let’s pray that the “Baby Braves”: McCann, Francoeur, Betemit, and LaRoche stand up big today and take up the slack of the Jones boys. Lord knows if we have to depend on Orr and Langerhans for defense then we are on a three game losing streak by day’s end.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
No, Metro. The last thing we need are relievers who can’t get outs. We have a team full of those.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Don’t ask me why. But, I have this feeling that Adam LaRoche’s days as a Brave are numbered. I think he could be in a trade. I haven’t heard anything or anything like that. But, when I think about it he is the best trade bait we have other than Giles. The Tigers are desperate for left handed 1B with power and the Giants just want a 1st baseman.
If JS were to trade LaRoche to the Tigers he should demand Zumaya and Young in return.
I’m probably just crazy. I will say this though. I said last week that eithe Wickman or Williamson would be a Brave by this week’s end. And I’m saying now that at least one more addition will be made by the end of next week. The question is who?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
something is going on … and journalist jimmy smith intends to find out what. first, chipper did not run out his last at-bat - not unusual for chipper but unusual for chipper of the past few weeks. this presaged something being wrong. now andruw, with a back injury? could this be from the wrenching swing he now posesses? how does his ankle survive? let us hope that both will return to health soon. these are two big bats out of the lineup. now, what started all this? how would you like to be a player on this team and someone gets your game pants? that’s right … no one’s pants are safe now. every player looks over his shoulder wondering if his pants will be asked for so someone else can suit up. new owners must address this problem and order more pants - enough pants to go around for the whole team. this will build player confidence and make them disregard small health concerns that do not involve toes.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Nah man, Woodward is a utility man, play all positions except pitcher and catcher. But striking out with the bases loaded is something the 06’ METS dont do, we hit slams. But if you want to give up Ray, we’ll take him in a flash. METS just won so you know what you guys have to do today. And that Wagner is not automatic as we think. Us METS fans have found out this year.
By Kin
July 22, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Robert- I don’t have a problem with Orr and Langerhans on defense. I love Langerhans’ glove especially. He flashes the leather all the time.
It’s their offense that causes the worries.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Forget what I said about the Giants needing a first baseman. I guess they just got Hillenbrand.
By Kin
July 22, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Also, I don’t see the Tigers giving up Zumaya for anyone, let alone Zumaya and Young (who sparked the team in their win last night, his first game back off the DL) for La Roche.
Yes, the Tigers may need a left-handed bat, but Young could provide that for them. La Roche is solid trade bait, but you’re not gonna get that kind of return for him.
By Zimo Z.
July 22, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
OK - since there is a delay, there is time to consult the I Ching.
What will be the relationship of Wickman to the Braves?
The resulting hexagram is
CHANGING Changing inspires confidence only after it is accomplished. Then there will be exceptional progress. There is an advantage in correct persistence. Regret disappears…
It will take time and effort to bring all the external elements into accord… but success is definitely assured.
The top line is a changing line: The major objective is reached and only details remain to be adjusted. Although there are limitations in the new condition the Braves must not create disharmony by reaching for perfection - but find satisfaction in what is now possible.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
release sosa, gain a pair of pants.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
I dont know what kind of Zen you are on but Zimo made some serious sense……
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
I just heard Tim Kyurkjian (sp?) of ESPN say that there is a mystery team after Soriano. He has tried for four days to figure out who it is and can’t. Now, I’m just wondering. What if that team is the Braves. Hear me out. Soriano is a free agent and is not going to sign here. However, since his contract would be prorated the Braves could conceivably afford what is left of the contract and especially if the Nats will pick up a part of it. Perhaps a trade involving Marcus Giles. Look, Jose Vidro is getting paid a lot of money to be an okay player. Giles is a much better second baseman and he is still young enough to make as part of a nucleus for a team. What if ol’ Stan Kasten will throw in a minor leaguer with Soriano for Giles.
Giles can be replaced next year with Betemit or Prado. If LaRoche stays a Brave I think Scott Thorman has that left field position nailed down.
So, is that crazy?
Metro, I had a brain lapse please forgive me. I can’t believe I thought Woodward was a pitcher. I know better. I tell you what we’ll give you Ray for Woodward if you are willing to give us Nady or Ramon Castro. I would gladly take Castro over Pratt.
By the way why is Todd Pratt on the team. I always hear he is supposed to be tutoring McCann. I don’t think McCann needs any tutoring from what I have seen.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
WGST reports an approaching weather window of opportunity … perhaps 45 minutes or so.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
Inside information: Chipper is sitting out becasue he is still mourning the passing of the Hooters founder!
By KC
July 22, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that all of the trade rumor stuff from ESPN, Foxsports and others is 99% worthless?
They almost never predict anything that actually comes true, and don’t make a peep about many of the things that do happen before the fact (Wickman to Braves).
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
Woodward for Ray is a done deal for us internet GM’s. But if you guys got Soriano, then that would change the NL east. However, when you guys pitching comes to form, then see what you might really need. I said it before and I will say it agian, you guys should have picked up Piazza. Can you imagine Glavine in a METS uniform pitching to Piazza in a braves uniform with the game on the line.
By Head Coach
July 22, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
Scott Thorman playing out of position in left ? Cox did the same thing with Klesko. Less defense , more offense and Cox loves the longball.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
I think the reason those guys don’t hear about Braves’ trades is because JS keeps everything sooooooo close to the vest. That is why I think a Soriano deal is not so far feteched. What other team would keep themselves as a “mystery” team in the Soriano sweepstakes.
By KC
July 22, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this
Here’s my plan to get the Braves to the World Series:
Marcus Giles, Brian Pena, Travis Smith
To Cubs for:
Bob Howry, Greg Maddux, Phil Nevin
They get an all-star and some more offense in the person of Giles, a fantastic young catcher (Pena), and a young arm with some potential.
We get a solid setup man, the 4th or 5th starter we need to round out the rotation (with the injury trouble of Davies/Thompson), and some right-handed pop off the bench (and a guy that can play either infield corner or the outfield).
Somebody get Shuerholz on the phone!!
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
I think if Thorman proves he can hit at this level, we might see Laroche traded. Probably not until the offseason, though. Or, if we lose 4 of 5 and fall out of the WC race, maybe before the trade deadline.
Looking at our lineup for ‘07, we’re set in rf, cf, 2b (either Giles or Betemit), SS, 3B, catcher; if we want a leadoff hitter next year, it will have to come from LF; so you move thorman to 1B, trade Laroche, and find a lf with leadoff ability.
I don’t see us trading Laroche this year unless we fall out of contention, but in the offseason, maybe.
By KC
July 22, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Robert: You are correct in saying that the Braves are the most secretive organization in baseball when it comes to moves they’re trying to make. JS is a close-to-the-vest kind of guy.
Can’t see the Soriano thing happening though. Fun to think about… but it’ll never happen. He’s gonna want too much money next year and the Braves are overstocked in the infield, and plenty stocked in left-field with Thorman.
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
Rained out. Maybe a good thing with CJ and AJ hurting.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
game cancelled!
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
I think the only two people I actually believe when it comes to possible trades are Peter Gammons and Tim Kurkjian(butchered his name). Everyone else, their sources aren’t very reliable.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
I have never seen GM’s so scared to pull a trade trigger. Everybody is scared of getting burned this year. Maybe the fans have spoken long enough, they dont want to dissapoint anymore than they already are. These stingy GM’s with these sucky teams are killing pitching deficient teams. Play by the rules and be a seller at the deadline and stop holding on to marquee players they wont resign or trade!!!
By MEB
July 22, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
Game will be played as part of a double header on Sept 2.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
No No No. No one for Soriano. He won’t be that big a help. They would owe him $4+ mil for the rest of the year and in 3 months we wouldn’t have a damn thing for Giles. That is sheer insanity. We need pitching. Come on Robert, you’ve got more sense than that. Chipper has a badly strined oblique and Andruw has spasms between his shoulder blades and will be taking muscle relaxers. Expect Chipper to miss days, maybe a week. At least Giles is ready and Betemit can switch to third for a while. Piazza wouldn’t have been happy here. Are you going to play him instead of McCann? Or instead of LaRoche at first? I don’t think so. He wouldn’t have signed for Pratt’s role on the team and that’s what he would have been. The rain just picked up again in Philly. Harry Calas is not optimistic.
By berigan
July 22, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Was the game really rained out??? I saw them break in about 10 minutes ago, showed it was raining hard, but they said the game wasn’t called yet…did they come back on Turner South a few minutes later and call it??
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
I agree that Soriano isn’t going to sign with the Braves in the offseason. However, acquring him now makes an already potent offense even better and maybe the best in all of baseball. It could be a no harm no foul thing. Yes, basically we would get nothing for Giles but we already have adequate replacements for him. Thorman can take over in left or we could get someone via free agency.
I’m not one who thinks trying to outslug teams is a good thing but having Soriano in the offense adds a run a game and minimizes the ill effects of the bullpen. With Soriano our offense is every bit as good as the Mets.
I was just throwing it out there. I have racked my brain what other teams (besides the ones that have been mentioned) could possibly be interested. The only ones I came up with are the Braves and the Cardinals.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
I dont know Lew, Piazza is only making a mil. And yes you said it, platooning with Laroche and Mcann would have fit perfectly for you guys. If you havent notice, he is putting up good numbers for a partime player…..becasue he gets plenty of rest. But hey, you guys missed out on a threat, a big bat, and a steal of a deal. And he brings people to the seat. He generates money one way or the other.
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Soriano makes a ton of sense if you commit to signing him longterm, make it a condition of a trade. Then you solve your leadoff problem, move Giles, let Wilson backup the infield. Money’s a problem, obviously. No way do you trade Giles for him; if you’re gonna trade Giles need more than a 2 month rental in return.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Lew, I agree with you that we would basically be getting nothing in return for Giles. I also greatly argee that pitching is much more of a need than a bat at this point. However, pitching is at a premium and is hard to get this trading season.
And lets face facts. If we do get Williamson from the Cubs what guarntee do we have that he will stay.
Don’t get me wrong I think bullpen help is still needed. But, like I said sometimes you have to get what you can get. I know Soriano would be owed about 4 mil but that is exactly why I wonder if the Braves are that team because we have about 4 mil left to spend.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
berigan,
At first, I was sure that it was rained out … then it was confirmed by ESPN so now I’m not so sure.
Actually, it was … with doubleheader scheduled in early september.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this
Stanford-He made $10 million this year in arbitration. He has had a good year and will command $15 million next year (I mean Furcal got signed for $13 mil) and he can’t field either at second or in left. That would take all of the money we saved by dumping Reitsdma, Sosa, Thomson and Jordan. Come on man we can’t afford him and besides-WE NEED PITCHING!!!!!! As far as Piazza goes, the reason he signed with the Padres was because they promised him 100+ games catching. The Braves would not have done this. Like I said, do you not play McCann?
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Ok internet GM’s. If you cna dump talent and make trades right now, what would you 2007 braves lineup be within reason of your budget? Who stays, who goes, and how much money would you have left when finished. Be reasonable.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
Look guys- If and when we trade Marcus, be it this week or in the offseason, we will be able to get two or three decent prospects for him. Easily. Why trade him now for someone who won’t fill one of our current needs, is way too expensive, and definitely won’t be back? It really makes no long term sense. We’re better off making a deal for some more pitching and using the remaining money for it. There is enough money left to pay TWO good pitchers for the balance of the season. We aren’t going to win games by scoring 8 per game. Not consistently.
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
Lew, I said money would be a problem. I doubt he’ll command $15 mil, but yeah, a lot. If we dumped (er, traded) Giles and Hudson in the offseason, might be doable, but I’m not suggesting it’s likely. He’s a dynamic player and I’d love to see him here, but not for 2 months. Mainly, we should not give up an asset in Giles for a rental, as suggested by some, when we’re so far out of the race.
Oh, and I’m one of those fools who think that we should not resign AJ for $15 mil-plus, so if I’m GM, we can afford Soriano.
I have never advocated Piazza, by the way. Don’t even understand the thought.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
Stanford, Metro asked about Piazza. Metro, to answer your available money question. The contracts of Sosa, Thomson, Reitsma and Brian Jordan are up after this year and they represent approximately $10.5 million. Giles will command about $5 mil in arbitration. Hudson goes from $6 mil next year to $13.5 in ‘08. If we trade Giles and Hudson for good prospects (say five or six), we have all of those new guys plus $21.5 million to spend. Now these would be the two most tradeable players as far as salary and return for them. I’m not saying we should or would do deals for them, either now or in the offseason. But if I can think of this, what about Schuerholz. $21.5 million and 5 prospects. Works for me.
By Lew
July 22, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah. Hampton is back next year. He is almost ready to pitch NOW, but they are holding him back until spring. He WILL be back in full force, which ain’t half bad. Hopefully we will also have Davies, Boyer and Foster ready to go, too. I’m not sure about Devine. I heard his back problems may be career threatening. Don’t know for sure, though.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
Well, whatever is going on something is about to happen. It is eerily quiet. I think Wickman was only the 1st blow in the trade wars. I think that another deal is on the horizon. Lets hope it is the one that puts the Braves back on top.
By the way has Sosa been released. If not, why?
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
Two more days of rain while Giles and the Joneses are on the mend would be kinda like winning the series … a reasonable expectation but not guaranteed.
By Kin
July 22, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this
Sosa hasn’t been release because he can’t be released at this point. He’s out of options right now and must clear waivers first. If you want to understand the concept of MLB transactions better, Rob Neyer has a nice explanation here
By Calvin
July 22, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
So much for the Braves getting Williamson. He got traded to the Pads. Williamson traded to Padres
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
The Pods might now be able to trade Linebrink????
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
I just saw the “Okay With Faith Day” blog topic on the AJC Home Page, found it to be interesting … and posted my comments.
You should be able to find out more about the events under Press Releases on the Braves web site. It’s a contemporary Christian concert series with John Smoltz, Chris Reitsma, and Sid Bream scheduled to be to be guest speakers.
I’m one who agrees that this Blog is an inappropriate forum for religious discourse and debate … but, regardless of your belief system, I’m sure your contributions to the “Faith Day” blog would be welcomed … and for those so inclined, the events themselves should prove both inspirational and entertaining.
My comments to the blog were, as most would probably expect:
“I’m pleased! Hopefully, it will acheive its agenda and have a positive impact on more than just a “choir” audience.
While not expecting the Braves to promote religion … it would be nice for them to actively promote family values since the organization and players are indeed role models for the fans, especially the youth!
It’s as disturbing as it is expected to hear them say they are just in the business of selling tickets.”.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
“If it’s OK, I might play,” said Andruw, who leads the National League with 88 RBIs. “If it’s not OK, I’m probably going to sit out. I don’t want to go out there and mess my swing up. I feel good with my swing right now.”
By journalist jimmy smith
July 22, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
lew, before hampton went down he was pitching really well as this journalist recalls. when you say he’s almost ready now … do they have pants for him? now, if hampton is the hampton of before the rotation will be pretty good - only smoltz will be a year older and the arm will have a little less spring. does anyone think hudson may be ill? only the position players will admit to numbness, not the pitchers. he wears down so easily it has to be of concern. the sinker won’t sink when the pitcher is fatigued.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this
With Williamson going to the Pads we may be out of options. The only other option I see is Gonzales in Pittsburgh. Other than that we may have to go on what we got.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
From Jason Stark’s Chat on ESPN:
“I don’t think the Braves are done. They could add another reliever, another starter, maybe both if things were to really fall right. Bob Wickman isn’t Mariano Rivera. I think everybody is well aware of that. The opponent batting average against him is .271. That’s the highest against any closer with 20 saves except Todd Jones. So it’s going to be fasten your seatbelts from time to time. But John Schuerholz needed to send a message to his players and the league that this season is worth saving. Well, he sure did that.”
The Braves may still get Williamson. The Pads may be willing to move him for a 3rd baseman as reported on Espn. They may rather deal him instead of Linebrink.
Regards,
Jason
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Robert, why would the Pods need Williamson? They’ve said for weeks that they needed a bat, at 3B. I hope they’ve made this move to make Linebrink available. Don’t know, but I had never heard that the Padres were in the market for relief help; they’ve had the best pitching staff in the NL most of the season. We’ll see!
Bob, that’s a slippery slope. I too was disappointed to read:
“We’re in the business of selling tickets, and religious groups, particularly church groups, happen to be an existing part of our business and this is a way of expanding our appeal,” said Derek Schiller, the Braves’ vice president for sales and marketing.
To me, this has all the appeal of a late-night evangelical t.v. show trying to make money. But, if it provides some guidance to some kid, great.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
Some folks might find Guy’s report of the comments made by the Jones boys regarding their injuries … to be interesting. I know that I did!
Chipper said “That’s what happens when you get old” said 34 year Chipper. My teanaged grandson put it into perspective for me “You’re old Granddaddy, Chipper’s not!”.
Andruw added “I tried to kill the ball and it took the breath out of me … I think it will be better in a couple of days”.
The fact that Andruw’s “kill the ball” swing is an accident waiting to happen is apparent to virtually everyone except to Andruw … and perhaps Bobby, TP and a few of the visually and mentally impaired.
His comment may be suggestive of a singular occurrance but such thoughts would be delusional. That current swing has ego written all over it … something I don’t associate with Andruw … and certainly something he doesn’t need for adequate power or effectiveness … quite the opposite!
Is it his way of showing the “Home Run Derby” boys what he can do?
Unlike some, I don’t think that keeping up with either of the Joneses will cause many players much mental strain … but, their insights are as interesting as they delightful.
By Gen. Sherman
July 22, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
Good news, Braves fans! Reds top Brewers, 8-7!
By MEB
July 22, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
I’m planning on being at the games Thursday afternoon and Friday night and I am looking forward to hearing Aaron Shust in person following the game Thursday. His “Anything Worth Saying” CD is outstanding.
The Braves” VP is correct to try and appeal to religious groups as they make up a tremendous part of Turner Field’s annual attendance. If anyone doubt me just count all the church buses in the parking lot. I count it a blessing every year to chaperon youth trips to a Braves game every year.
Bob… I think I will just re-post this under the Faith Day column. I’m not about to argue with anyone on that blog as I’ve learned internet religious arguments bear no fruit.
By KC
July 22, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Did we really want Williamson anyway?? I mean, doesn’t this guy have an ERA of over 5.00?
Now if the Cubs are willing to talk about Howry or Eyre… either one of those guys would certainly be worth dealing for (especially Eyre).
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Stanford, I didn’t read the article on thee Braves Site … just the AJC one that said “The Braves deny they are promoting religion and instead say they are just in the business of selling tickets and trying to be an organization that appeals to everyone”.
I don’t like the notion that they perceive themselves as being “just in the business of selling tickets” … and it’s inane to purport that they are trying to appeal to everyone.
I understand and share similiar concerns as I have no information regarding the agenda but directionally support any activities of men of faith and good will in the hope that they will contribute to ultimately replacing the apathy and amorality of our society and youth with self esteem, hope and solid values.
In partial explanation, I realize that my opines are relatively insignificant in the overall scheme of things … be they on baseball, behavior, mores or folkways … but I continue to voice them, much as the Catholics light solitary candles.
By KC
July 22, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
I would love to see the Braves get a proven, fire-tested setup man before the deadline. I’m still hoping that will happen.
It seems like when Bobby tries to give Ken Ray a set responsibility (closer or setup man), he freaks out. I don’t know… maybe not. Maybe last night was just a coincidental bad outing. Everyone has em’ once in a while. That’s been the story for Ray so far this season. He’ll go a long stretch of outings where he won’t give up a run, and then he’ll have one where he gives up 3-4 runs before ever getting the 2nd out in the inning.
Anyway, even if Ray can’t handle it… We’ve still got Yates and Paronto that we can try in that role. Both have pitching extremely well of late and both have ERA’s under 3.00. Whether Ray excels in this role or not, I think the bullpen will be fine. Stockman’s also due back any day. He hasn’t had a chance to prove anything yet at the major league level, but he seems to have a pretty high ceiling.
We’ll see.
By Bob, journalist
July 22, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
MEB, I only glanced at the writeup on the Braves’ Site after reading the blog lead and posting therein.
Yours is a well written and well reasoned post … and your caution bespeaks wisdom.
While my thoughts were primarily with our youth and the impact that the Braves, individually and collectively, have on them, your post reminds me that Churches and other religious organizations throughout the Southeast also sponsor trips to the games during the season so as to enable infirm and elderly fans to enjoy the games … something of real value and importance to those folks and something they might not otherwise be able to so do.
By Stanford
July 22, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
Bob, MEB: MEB’s response is indeed well-written, and I for one will leave this topic at that! Go Braves, and ‘night all.
By Head Coach
July 22, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
Hellelujah ! Chipper and Andruw are hurt and it rains all day. The braves need all the help they can get , including a minor miracle. Scott Williamson for two minor league pitchers , Bob Wickman for a minor league catcher ? Glad to know relief pitchers are so cheap , lol. Another arm in the bullpen and a natural leadoff hitter should cost no more than two marginal minor league prospects. Notice , I said marginal….. Giles is going back into the leadoff hole and its back to that ugly uppercut homerun swing of his.
By Gen. Sherman
July 23, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
Good news, Braves fans! Reds top the Brewers, 8-7!
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
HeadCoach, you know that I don’t keep up with many players except those who are or have been Braves … and don’t know much about trades.
However, it certainly makes sense to me that picking up minor league prospects while unloading salary is a preferred way to go if you are resolved to preparing for next year.
That being said, I opine that I would much prefer being in the Dakotas than in the Nashville heat at the moment.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this
Is anyone still awake? I am just now coming into my own…
By CalPipken
July 23, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Guy:
Your “favorite” to win the N.L. wild card is so far back, they weren’t even listed on the Fox game of the week wild card standings today.
I don’t know who is the bigger “homer”—you or DOB.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this
Fox is the root of all evil, and their opinions mean not a damn thing here, politics or sports. The Braves will do what the Braves will do, no matter what the talking heads may say, positive or negative. Journalist Bob, do you really not equate Andruw with Ego? You must not have paid attention to the Gold Club trials…:-) Bless you, though; even if you disagree with me. I have no intention of bringing up religeon in here to start an argument, any more so than politics, but it was introduced anyway…I’m neutral, and everyone ought to have their say, but not here. We’re all friends, united by baseball; we should keep it that way! Go Braves, and happy and unfiltered 1st ammendment discourse!
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 05:22 AM | Link to this
Grinch, how do I equate Andruw with Ego? Let me count the ways … I think that remember the Gold Club Trial in Atlanta … some mafia - strip club scandal involving sports’ celebrities. Since we’re discussing our Mr. Jones’ ego, I assumed that he was in someway involved and/or testified.
If you’re calling me out, I do beleive that his current swing bespeaks ego as does his stubborness.
I can see the natural connection that folks may make between my earlier posts and religious testamony or discussion … but believe me, my posture is that an individual’s fundamental belief system is sacred and should not be a subject of discussion or debate in a public forum; especially one with a largely unidentified audience holding a multitude of differing views. I admit to being an incomplete old fool … not a complete one.
I truly respect your views … and with those you’ve expressed, I largely agree … don’t get too used to that!
By Head Coach
July 23, 2006 05:58 AM | Link to this
Bob, its hot here too. we are setting heat records and the AC is getting a workout. I honestly dont agree with the direction that Schuerholz is taking the braves into. I mean , assuming they pull of a miracle and win the wildcard………. then what ? Does anybody think this team can be successful in the playoffs ? The American league is clearly dominant and more than likely to win the World Series. The Mets are a much better team and I think we would have go up against them first in the playoffs. I just dont see any reward at all , no pennant , no division title , nothing. Call me crazy , but ripping the team apart and trading two or three huge contracts makes more sense fiscally for a team with an 80 million budget. They could trade for cheap talent and build from within the farm system and still be competitive. I just dont like the status quo of : get to the playoffs , get beat and call it a successful season. Do what they did in 90 and 91 , build a young talented affordable team through the draft and then trade for veterans as needed.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
The only excuse for my recent mutterings is that I love people and this country of ours … and don’t relish the idea of my generation burdening future ones with an inoperative cancer just because of our failure to provide effective moral leadership and direction for our youth.
You might say that this is my way of cussin’ in public.
The youth of today are indeed the parents and leaders of tomorrow … and without our helpful guidence and direction, the decay we’ve experienced in the moral fabric of our society during our lifetimes will pale in comparison to the cancer that will ravage the future … eat your heart out, Dorothy Porter.
We could stand pat and go with what we’ve got … It’s far more fun to just talk baseball … but stop a minute and think! Maintaining the status quo won’t win many championships … not when you’re trailing badly in the standings and not when folks are being defamed in public forums; leaders are being mocked and children abused; the media routinely creates, rather than reports, the news; eight year olds are carrying loaded weapons to school; illegal drug use is rampant; 16 year old virgins are rare while teenage pregancies are commonplace; raw language and sex is available for viewing on TV; fans boo players for their failures; folks don’t know their neighbors; decency is mocked while boorishness is considered cool and homage is paid to filth; it isn’t safe to talk to strangers and screendoors have to be locked at night.
As the primary role models for most of our youth, our acceptance of the status quo sends them a clear message … ask your kids. It’s no wonder so few are interested in baseball … survival leaves little time for sport.
The way things are now isn’t the way it always was … and it doesn’t have to continue to be … if something is wrong, say that it’s wrong. I assure you that Doc won’t mind if the size of his flock depleted … not if it means winning the championship. Apathy and amorality are the breeding grounds of decay … and best of all, I promise to stop all my foolishness if we can all agree to make an honest effort to work together to put an end to this other nonsense before it’s too late.
By ncscoots
July 23, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
Bob, I would call that as close to a diatribe as I have ever seen you post. Well and passionately put.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
Coach, I don’t think you’re crazy … I think I’m the one who’s crazy … I just wrote the above to satisfy my own frustration over the continuing boorish behaviour of a few mean spirited folks who visit the blog, evidently for the expressed purpose of being vulgar and insulting our friends, especially the Ladies in our neighboorhood. My intent was to later reducing it to two humorous paragraphs for public consumption. The phone rang at 6:00 our time … I jumped, hit the “post” key … and now it’s history!
Egg and country ham all over my face … at least I can be thankful that I didn’t spill the coffee!
Regarding baseball, there’s many ways to skin that cat in order to acheive success … and I wasn’t really speaking to our rationale but rather that of the Indians.
However, I do think that with effective management and coaching, the existing talent would be capable of successfully competing throughout the playoffs. To me, starting pitching rather than leadoff or bullpen issues are the key … and I think the talent is there, just not sure what is needed … other than confidence … to get that part of the machine working as it should. I had thought that we had addressed those issues earlier in the season but now, I’m not so sure.
I could be wrong … I am wrong about 3 times out out of 4 at the track … if you know of anyone who wants to invest in the development of a horse racing projection system, let me know.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this
Thanks Scoots, twern’t nothin’! … Read my post to Coach to get a better understanding of the situation … forgetting any typos, etc.
Maybe it’s just that you haven’t been watching too closely … I can’t seem to wind down and get back to just asking folks to be nice. I think maybe it’s ‘cause the team’s quite aways behind but it might be my id taking over and speaking out ‘cause some folks aren’t as obliging as it thinks they ought to be.
By MEB
July 23, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Bob, your post is worthy of a resounding Amen! As you are keenly aware Amen is a declaration of affirmation found throughout the Bible. Interestingly it is commonly used throughout the Hebrew Bible and in the Quran. Rest assured mine comes with a distinct Southern Baptist Ayyy-men.
Carolina Lady, your post in the Faith Day blog is a rose among many thorns. May God bless you and of this I’m certain He already has.
Now lets focus our energies on whomping the Fighting Phillies. GO BRAVES!!!
By Head Coach
July 23, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
Well spoken Bob . Read the book of Revelation , we are almost there. This old world has gone to hell in a hand basket. Its in our genes to destroy ourselves , we are lost without God. Salvation is the only hope for mankind. The truth is a hard thing to speak much less swallow. There is but one God , one Heaven , one Satan and one hell. And just as sure as logic and the bible states , there is but one salvation. thats it in a nutshell , get a bible , open your mind to the words of a superior being who created us all. Jeesh , I better get back to baseball before I start preaching , lol.
By berigan
July 23, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this
If we could trade Giles for Soriano, the Braves should do that in a New York Minute(If you will pardon the expression!) Speed doesn’t slump, and we all know from the past , we often have hitting slumps in October. But, I doubt the Nationals would do that. They got two young full time major leaders in a trade for 2 relievers and the Nationals have a guy who is going to have close to 50 homers and 100 RBI’s, from the leadoff position! He steals bases,(on pace for 41) and has improved a lot as a left fielder(several assists as well) They can do much better than an injured 2nd baseman Hitting around .260.
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Head Coach: If the Braves do win the wild card they wouldn’t take on the Mets in the 1st round; unlike football, you can’t play a team from your division in the divisional round. They would play the division winner with the 2nd best record (probably the Cardinals) while the Mets would play the winner of the West.
By Anonymous
July 23, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
Silly Braves Fans, you think Burger King Man is gunna be the savior of the bullpen
By Lew
July 23, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
It’s cold in Vermont. Barely hit 60 yesterday. It’s gray and dreary. I could use some good Georgia sunshine. Bob, you nailed it head on. Starting pitching. One of the major problems with our bullpen this season is that they are way overworked. I realize that life has changed since childhood days when Gibby pitched 25 complete games a year, but is 6 to 7 innings from your startewrs really too much to expect? Get the starters (besides Smoltz), earning their pay and the bullpen will straighten itself out. I’m not even going to jump in the religious river here folks, I’m more qualified to talk about music and baseball. Lord knows we argue too much anyway.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
MEB, I grew up thinking that Furman Bisher was a preacher and that “selah” was his Amen … and I was convinced for the longest time that Dr. Louie Newton’s “amen” was just a case of his inappropriate use of the indefinite article “a” with the plural noun “men” … he finally confessed that I had found him out and said that “aman” would be okay by him! I was very proud of myself for about 10 minutes until someone spoiled his joke.
I later learned that “aman” could be very loosely translated as “keep the faith” or the Bard’s “To thine own self be true” … so maybe he wasn’t joking after all.
There’s a lot of good natured license in the above and a lot of truth too. Dr. Newton was a wonderful man who certainly knew and loved his “B”s … Bible, Baptists, Baseball, Bridge, and Buicks.
Regarding baseball, do you think Chuck James would pitch if Ramirez were unable to start or falters early?
By Lew
July 23, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
Do we have to go through this Soriano thing all week like we just did the Carl Crawford thing, ad nauseum? Berigan, there are some bona fide reasons for NOT doing any such insane move as you suggest. Let me enumerate-A. Soriano is owed $5million the rest of the season ansd we only have $4mil B. He is a free agent at the end of the season C. He made $10 mil in arbitration this year and had a good year D.He will command at least Furcal money next year as a free agent E. We will never resign him F.We can’t afford to just give Giles away for a 2 month rental G.WE NEED PITCHING NOT ANYTHING ELSE!!!!!!! You could get 2 or 3 prospects for Giles. How about we propose some trades that would actually benefit the Braves this year and beyond?
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
I didn’t and don’t understand the Soriano trade to the Nats in the first place. They could’ve signed some quality free agents are made “smarter” trades instead of having 1 guy consume $10 million + in payroll.
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
or not are. Hard to type with one-hand holding a coffee cup.
By Lew
July 23, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
No, Anonymous, we don’t think Wickman will be the savior of the bullpen. Do you pitch? Glass, I really think the Nats signed him to put butts in the seats at RFK. The way they are still fighting with MLB about stadium issues, I’m not sure they will end up all that successful in DC. After all, didn’t they already lose teams twice? Add to that, the proximity of Baltimore and you have a typical baseball FUBAR production, destined to blow up in their faces.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Thanks Coach, ET Alia! Strange as it may seem to some, my comments were not religiously motivated … certainly not in the usual sense as I do indeed support the notion that this is not the appropriate platform. Besides, I usually leave such things to God since He knows more about them than I!
However, if this old world hasn’t “gone to hell in a hand basket” as Coach suggests, it certainly is giving a first class imitation … and at the very least, appears headed “lickety-split” in that direction. I just don’t happen to think that it’s too late to apply the breaks and change our course.
That’s not meant to have religious undertones for I posit that it’ll require the concerted efforts of all folks who strongly care about the moral health of our society, regardless of any religious affiliation … if things are to really change.
Coach, you preach and I’ll just rant!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 23, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith - moral decay is a relief pitcher with no pants.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
Now, that Williamson has been traded what options do the Braves have. The Linebrink deal could possibly still be on. At first I thought that there was no way the Padres would do that but now I wonder. By acquiring Williamson it could make Linebrink expendable. However, are the Braves in the position to get him? With Chipper hurting it would be a huge risk to trade Betemit. The Padres definitely need a third baseman and definitely want Betemit but is that a good deal for Atlanta. The only way I would trade Betemit for Linebrink is if the Padres threw in Geoff Blum. Would they do that? I kind of doubt it.
I still say the Cubs could be the best option. Perhaps a deal for Ryan Demptster could be worked out. I hate the idea of Demptster closing but as a setup man he could be pretty darn good. He has excellent stuff; just not the mental makeup to be a closer. The Braves offer Betemit and a minor leaguer for Dempster and Walker. Financially the deal would work out fine. We would only have to spend $2,225,000 for their contracts the remainder of the year. We would have a chance at resigning them both. Walker could definitely fill in at 2nd and 3rd. Would give us that cushion we need for Chipper and his injuries. And we would get a quality reliever in Dempster that could truly make the 7th inning a shutdown game for us. I think its something to look at. Not to mention the Cubs I think would love a guy like Betemit because he could be a cog in the foundation for the future and he is cheap. And Lord knows the Tribune Company loves to save money.
By Snowball's Chance
July 23, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
If the Phillies are ready for a f1resale where does that put Atlanta, since they are about dead even in the standings
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
I meant to say the 7th inning on would be a shutdown game. Have Ray in the 7th, Dempster in the 8th, and Wickman in 9th. The Braves would then be willing to pull the starters a little earlier like Smoltz should have been Friday night.
By Carolina Lady
July 23, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
Bob, thank you for your comments on my 2-cents earlier. You absolutely and perfectly expressed my opinions in your 7:05 post this morning. I simply cannot agree more.
MEB, thank you,sir; you’re most kind. And, yes, I truly am blessed! :-)
Bob, I thought that “Selah” meant ‘pause and reflect on that’; to meditate on the deeper meaning and implications of a statement just made. And “Amen” means ‘So be it.’ An agreement to the words spoken. (There is great import to agreement in Scripture!) Both words are important and powerful when used in proper context in and with Scripture. (But I don’t think I’m saying anything that you don’t already know!) I respect you enormously, sir! :-)
Now, let us pray (sorry, I couldn’t help it!)that Chipper and Andruw get back to tip-top condition and quickly!! :-)) ESPN tonight, huh? Mute button required.
:-))
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
The difference between the Phillies and the Braves is that the Phillies have pretty much the same roster for a 3 or 4 years now and they haven’t done anything. They have a bunch of overpaid players like Abreu and Burrell that just aren’t living up to their contracts. Whereas the Braves are for the most part young and have a good future ahead of them. Not to mention there is a total difference in attitude in the clubhouse and front office of both those teams. The Phillies have a manager that is basically a lame duck manager and GM who can never seem to get it right. Whereas the Braves have a manager that the players love playing for and a GM that acts like he has some sense and definitely knows how to get it right. One problem the Phills have is that there is not a leader on that team. The Braves have Smoltz and Chipper. Smoltz makes sure that this team stays focused and prepared. I think Smoltz is the next manager of the Atlanta Braves. Everyone seems to think it will be TP but I really think Smoltz will be the guy.
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
If the Braves were to get Linebrink, I think it would have to be a 3-way deal involving another team’s prototypical, power-hitting 3rd basemen, which Betemit isn’t.
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
If the Braves were to get Linebrink, I think it would have to be a 3-way deal involving another team’s prototypical, power-hitting 3rd basemen, which Betemit isn’t.
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the double post. Man, I hate that!
By Glass Half Full
July 23, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
The Padres are after Beltre among others. Maybe we could work our way into that deal and acquire Linebrink without having to give up Betemit, who is an outstanding bench guy.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Glass, that would definitely be the optimal deal; however, I like the idea of a trade with the Cubs. Mainly because if we were to get Walker he would basically give us what Betemit is giving us now and we would have another flame thrower down in the pen.
IMHO, the biggest problem with the bullpen is that we don’t have strikeout pitchers. They are contact pitchers.
By Lew
July 23, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
The biggest problem with the bullpen at this point is having to pitch 4-5 innings every night that Smoltz doesn’t pitch. If our starters averaged 6-7 innings, you would be surprised how effective our bullpen would become.
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, you are indeed a humorist of the first order; a keen obeserver and a master of timing as well! My first order is …
On a more serious note, has Ralph’s attorney contacted you yet?
My Lady, you, yourself are an accomplished sharpshooter of vermin. As always, I appreciate the kind words … I just calls ‘em as I sees ‘em but I wouldn’t make a good umpire ‘cause, while I hope my vision is rather clear, my eyesight ain’t too good anymore … on second thought …
Methinks that most, if not all, of the members of this neighboord are good decent folks who share many of those same or similiar concerns; regardless of how they might present or express themselves … though some are more defensive than others.
My honest and sincere hope is that my comments, augmented by the posted support of others, will help some folks realize that we’re all in the same boat … and while it is in serious disrepair, we have the ability to keep it from sinking. We don’t have to hit homeruns with every at bat … but it is important that we step up to the plate, for only then can we make a difference. That was really all I was trying to say … and hopefully some will take the ball and run with it … but that’s another sport!
I saw great cuts of the “39 Steps” classic with Robert Donat … and “The Scarlet Pimpernell” starring Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon a couple of nights ago … two of my all time favorites and three of my favorite performers.
By JMar
July 23, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
“He has excellent stuff; just not the mental makeup to be a closer.”
You understand that Dempster set a Cubs record for most consecutive saves, right? 33 saves, 2 blown last season? He may not be elite, but he’s a heckuva lot better than Wickman. If I’m trading for Dempster, I’m making him my closer and Wickman my setup man. That said, Dempster has been signed for a reasonable price for three years, and it doesn’t make sense for the Cubs to trade him.
By Snowball's Chance
July 23, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
Robert(Justice Is The Best) Nice analysis of tha Braves Vs. Phillies.
Speaking of Justice. He was a winner,but hard to get along with. The Braves and I guess mainly Bobby Cox don’t put up with guys that rock the boat. Unfortunatly these are the guys that come through in the pressure situations. I like all of the Braves veterans but would like to see one Badass veteran. Those guys know how to get top dollar, so they end up in the bigger markets, though.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Morning, all! Lew, good point about the bullpen, and I think it will be validated when Hampton and Davies return to the rotation. Unfortunately, that won’t be right now. Journalist Jimmy, do you think the Braves hijacked Hampton’s pants while he was on the DL? Look to see if anyone else’s pants look a little too short in the near future to find out…perhaps Reitsma and Sosa’s pants should also be confiscated as they are mercifully not contributing to the team, but then we can’t afford to have whoever they’re given to catch the pitching curse. Journalist Bob, I understand and respect what you’re saying to a high degree. I am so horrified with the state of the world and the attitude of the young that I have moved to nowhere and decided to have no children. You’re right; spiritual and moral guidance is needed, but who among us is fit to dispense it? When honorable gentlemen like yourself step up and make such wonderful speaches, three or four people who are doing nothing (like myself) smile and nod their head, and five or six fundamentalists misunderstand you and rear their empty heads in what they think is support. Religious fundamentalism of ANY kind (especially when in conjunction with politics) is the root cause of about 90% of the world’s violence and intolerance. It is simply not possible to have a rational discourse on these subjects; look at the other forum. For every reasonable opinion from any side, there are 6 fruitcakes lighting torches and burning books, some of whom I had been happily discussing baseball with only a few days ago. I feel myself about to go off on a tangent, which would violate my own rules, so I’ll just leave it to caution you not to get your hopes up; for every Journalist Bob there are a dozen “Reason” and “Reality“‘s; who have nothing to do with the former and all to much with the latter.
By MEB
July 23, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
jimmy… Don’t the Braves still have a pair or two of Kyle Farnsworth’s old pants. He used to wear everything 2 sizes too big so they may be a little tight on Paronto or Wickman but may still be serviceable. I believe that a Sunday night game on ESPN will require players to be in pants.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Please, PLEASE let Bobby at least be wearing pants; I’d like to be able to keep my food down tonight! :-)
By Carolina Lady
July 23, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, Grinch! 2:51 - excellent post!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 23, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
meb, all players should wear pants at all times during a baseball game. journalist bob talks about moral decay - and our hometown team removes paronto’s pants for wicky. wicky must obtain pants of his own! journalist reported yesterday that a big pair of pants was being flown to philadelphia for wicky. that will allow paronto to wear his own pants tonight in the bullpen. bobby dews will surely be relieved. now, it appears that only big pants are in short supply. now, carolina lady, what has become of matthew? has he left the blog? we must hear from him soon. now, ralph … jimmy smith will not be intimidated by threats of a frivolus lawsuit. worm injuries are not the fault of this journalist - journalist has suffered blue worm inflicted injuries of journalist’s own. perhaps bob can file an insurance claim? last time bob and jimmy smith talked insurance there was considerable turmoil on the blog as a result. now, baseball … if wicky gets in the game tonight consider if his pants are a good fit. good pants are requisite to good toe health. toes are not to be trifled with.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Thank, you, thank you; I’ll be here all week! :-)
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
So Bobby’s 56-30’s are safe, then?
By Carolina Lady
July 23, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I’m in agreement that apparel definitely should be worn before, during, and after the game! Who was it some years back that slid into first, forgot where he was and dropped his drawers to shake out the dirt? (I can picture his face, but just cannot think of the name!) So funny!
I’m afraid we may have lost Matthew in the terible ugliness that prevaded the blog a little while back. (Had it not been for the wonderful kindness extended to me during the recent hospitalization, I’d probably not be here, either.) I hope and pray that sweet Jennifer is doing well! Matthew, please let us know!
Saw a rerun of “The Rookie” last night. Good movie!
Going out to an informal dinner, be back shortly!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 23, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
it is well known that journlaist bob spends a lot of time in the tub napping. journalist jimmy smith has just learned that bob is aquadextrous (adj.) possessing the ability to turn the bathtub faucet on and off with his toes. this is dangerous and should be discouraged for toe health is to be cherished. now, with respect to the disrespectful bloggers who have been unable to penetrate the bozone layer - bozone (n.) the substance surrounding people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. the bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future. now, hostas … jimmy smith has lost two more hostas! hostas are not inexpensive. something must be done! journalist will be going in at dusk. this time, journalist will be more careful and will not be tricked. uh, blue worms talk like this …
By Bob Wickman's Pants
July 23, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
I just flew in from Cleveland, and boy are my arms tired! (Crickets chirping) …I tell you what else, I almost burned up in the bozone lair during re-entry!…(single person, presumeably the janitor, giving a slow, derisive clap…clap…clap). Uh, (taps microphone), is this thing on?
By The Grinch
July 23, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
That wasn’t aimed at you, Jimmy; I’m just being a moron. :-) Can you tell I haven’t eaten yet? Carolina Lady, I was not aware you were hospitalized; I do hope I see you well now? I am off to dinner myself; I’ll chack back later…
By Matt
July 23, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know if its raining in Philly?
My opinion, I am fired up about Wickman joining our team. But I would like another reliever or two. Linebreaker would be perfect, he’s a great setup man and I would be willing to part with Betemit or Thorman. Thorman also plays 3rd doesn’t he? Dont’ fret too much about Betemit, b/c we still have a few stud infielders in the minors. Campbell, Elvis, Pena, etc. Salty can play infield too. So I wouldn’t worry about trading Betemit, Giles, Orr, but not all 3 at once. Betemit or Giles and keep Orr for backup 2nd/3rd.
By David O'Brien
July 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
New blog is posted, for those finding this one a tad bit sloooooooooowwwwwww
By Bob, journalist
July 23, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I’m in the process of filing an insurance claim to recover damages suffered as a result of the electrical surge that destroyed my computers in Chattanooga … I asked about recovering my expenses as a result of Ralph’s encounter with the Big Blues on your property. They were polite, as most insurance companies are … but said that damage caused by illegal aliens wasn’t covered but that your homeowner’s should so do … they even provided Ralph with a list of attorneys that represent gifted animals.
I think that most all “tub” people are aquadextrous … in fact I’m dual aquadextrous ‘cause I can do it with the toes from either foot … so were all the Tubbs as far as I know, Ernest and Justin for sure.
Get the kid some clothes … with all our infirm players, we may need him tonight. We don’t want any more embarrassing moments … my post has aroused the troups and I can’t be responsible for what they might say or do if they see any evidence of amorality on ESPN tonight … an outside bellyplay to the man from Cordele; haven’t seen that in years.
Moral decay is worse than tooth decay and foot fungus combined!
By rxgary
July 23, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
why not go after this reliever. J.J. Putz Seattle
Age: 29 Ht/Wt: 6-5, 245 Position: P Bats: R Throws: R Born: February 22, 1977 Trenton, Michigan College: Michigan Experience: 3 years
Last 10 Games 0 0 3.00 4 6.0 4 2 0 0 4 Season 1 0 2.33 19 46.1 30 12 1 7 61