Braves

By The Man

July 24, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Start Stafford against Western Kentucky so he’s ready for South Carolina.

By trevor

July 24, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

those were the type of games the Braves were losing earlier this yer. To win yesterday without the Jonses was huge. Tonight’s game is bigger. Hudson needs to cap this road trip off wioth a good outing.

By trevor

July 24, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

we still need another starting pitcher.

By DCBravesFan

July 24, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Wickman’s presence on this staff will make teams realize that getting to the Braves bullpen doesn’t mean automatic runs.

From the games I’ve seen the opposing players were very agressive in their approach against the bullpen. One of the most valuable things to a solid bullpen is making teams press in the final 2-3 innings of a ballgame.

I think a week or two of strong outings by this bullpen will make teams nervous during the stretch run.

Also…Joe Morgan and Ryan Howard’s wedding is going to be October 17, 2006.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Hope it’s not premature but it’s good news to hear that Andruw will be back in the lineup tonight!

Bits and Pices …

All this talk of food on the previous blog … and me with a stomach ache … and with many posts from “KC” … it makes me want good a Porterhouse to go along with the BBQ and boiled shrimp! Was it he that said “I think all the pieces are in place for this wild card run. I’m not saying the team couldn’t be improved upon, but I truly do believe that the Braves have all the pieces they need to be the best team in the NL the rest of the way.” … me too!

Jimmy, I did indeed miss the game but I taped the ESPN coverage … overtaping the British Open … didn’t realize it until a few minutes ago and will watch it a bit later.

Reading the posts, I’ve become convinced that we all have had relations living in the Carolinas … and surely some of them must have made Molassas brick candy … the “Mc” part of my family came there directly from Scotland in the 16th century … and I know that there were Dennises, Hatchetts, and Vaughans there long before Scarlett met Rhett. Of one thing I’m sure, they all knew how to milk cows and slop the hogs.

How refreshing the air can be on the Blog … when folks relax and share things, when confrontations are minimal and civilized. Kuddos to all, especially our host Mr. O’Brien! Don’t know about Guy though … he must be a foreigner cause he never seems to have much to say … a bit better today though … osmosis, maybe?

Good to hear from The Voice of Reason … seems like more than 9 days … welcome back!

Now that we have a wick for our candle, let’s close this thing out and get to the post season … now is a good time to light it and give Philadelphia the hotfoot … better them than us with foot problems.

By Mets Stink

July 24, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Huddy has to get it done tonight. He needs to prove that he’s the ace he’s supposed to be.

By Mitchell

July 24, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Wickman was definitely a breath of fresh air last night. It’s no good when you expect your team to lose when leading in the late innings. Hopefully he can be a boost to the confidence of the whole ‘pen.

By Knockahoma

July 24, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Win or lose it’s good to see the Braves playing “normal” games again. I was happy to hear Joe Morgan and Jon Miller explain the pronnunciation of Betemit’s name last night. According to them, Betemit told them to pronounce it the way they do(BeTeMEET). I have heard so many Atlanta fans hammer ESPN for pronouncing it wrong. Fact is that TBS, Turner South, and Fox announcers have been saying it wrong.

In addition, I wonder if all those wild swings Andruw has been taking since the All Star break contributed to his injury. Hard to believe they didn’t factor in given that Andruw has been swinging so hard he has almost fallen over on occasion.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

journalist guy curtright, please remember that a 34 year old toe is half-way to being a 68 year old toe. same for an oblique. what is an oblique and how is it connected to the toe? deion was once out with turf toe. we have a pitcher named parontoe. bob used to go to movies at the rialtoe. where is bob? long nap today? and where is aaron? amazing giraffe! journalist will soon be back with baseball rules.

By Mets Stink

July 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t catch the game last night, but doesn’t the ESPN guys pronounce Andruw’s name (Ondruw). I think I remember hearing him say several years ago that he prounounces it Andruw. Point being, I don’t exactly trust the guys on ESPN.

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

July 24, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah, all you people ripping the ESPN announcers were wrong. Way to go Bra.

By A*****E

July 24, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

BAY TA MI = BETEMIT

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Knockahoma, you’re in good company with your ponderings over Andruw’s mighty swing … methinks he was just trying to put on a show for the folks who had pined to see him in the Derby!

Maybe he had been studying his old tapes in an effort to perfect something … and accidently watched one of Klesko’s without realizing it.

Hopefully, he’s realized his mistake and fired the projectionist!

By A*****E

July 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

DID NOBODY READ DOB’S ARTICLE THE OTHER DAY? HE TALKED TO WILSON AND WILSON TOLD HIM HES GOT 2 NAMES. HIS USA NAME BETEMIT -THE WAY THE TBS GUYS PRONOUNCE IT. AND THEN WHEN HE GOES HOME HES GOT HIS DOMINICAN NAME. BAY TA MI. HE SAID HIMSELF THE F***** T WAS SILENT SO DONT GIVE ME THAT CRAP ABOUT THE ESPN GUYS PRONOUNCING IT RIGHT. F*** ESPN. THEY NEVER HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THE BRAVES SO I DONT HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THEM. EAT ME

By PA Bravefan

July 24, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

A win tonight may be just what the Phils need to start their fire sale. They could be in 4th place and possibly 7 games out of the wildcard. Several people on this blog thought that it would have been better to play a doubleheader yesterday instead of on Sept. 2nd. If the Phils unload by then, it could be a huge advantage. What does anyone else think? I have to agree with you Mets Stink! Huddy MUST get it done tonight!! It would be great to have a 7-2 roadtrip, which would be our last real ong trip of hte season. If we go home and even go 4-2 or 5-1, the rest of the league will start to sweat!!

LET’S GO BRAVES! Whether we win the wild card or not, this has been fun and definitely gives me great hope that next yer could be awesome!!!

By Chop Chop

July 24, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Quick! If you have access to a TV, turn it over to ESPN! Terence Moore is on “Rome Is Burning”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

from the official rules of baseball: 1.11 (a) (1) All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style, and all players uniforms shall include minimal sixinch numbers on their backs. (2) Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the pitcher may have numbers, letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of the undershirt. (3) No player whose uniform does not conform to that of his teammates shall be permitted to participate in a game. (b) A league may provide that (1) each team shall wear a distinctive uniform at all times, or (2) that each team shall have two sets of uniforms, white for home games and a different color for road games. (c) (1) Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players, but the sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length. (2) No player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves. (d) No player shall attach to his uniform tape or other material of a different color from his uniform. (e) No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the shape of a baseball. (f) Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on a uniform. (g) No player shall attach anything to the heel or toe of his shoe other than the ordinary shoe plate or toe plate. Shoes with pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes shall not be worn. (h) No part of the uniform shall include patches or designs relating to commercial advertisements. (i) A league may provide that the uniforms of its member teams include the names of its players on their backs. Any name other than the last name of the player must be approved by the League President. If adopted, all uniforms for a team must have the names of its players.

commentary will follow.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Knockahoma-Keep in mind that until last night, Jon Miller pronounced It Bate A Meat, so he’s been doing it wrong, too. He also mispronounces FOUR-COLL. I guess all the Braves’ announcers have been mispronouncing his name for going on 6 years. Ya think he might have said something before now? Journalist Jimmy-On your trip to these various eateries, make sure you don’t get toe-maine poisoning, either.

By Knockahoma

July 24, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Mets Stink: I don’t always rely on ESPN but tend to side with them on this one. They mentioned their interview with Betemit twice during the game to ensure nobody missed it. My guess is they have heard the criticism of their pronunciation and wanted to make certain that everyone heard they got it from the source. In addition, Andruw does pronounce his name closer to “O”ndruw versus “A”ndruw.

By nathan

July 24, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I just have to say this about all of the profanity: adgfads*sdf*dsffdfgvhgjr*dnjkkiijhjgdvdshbnkkl*gdssrfhgfh*gf!!!

for the record….there is actually no profanity in my post. But my * Key works! :)

By trevor

July 24, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

wonder what our lineup will be tonight going up against a big lefthander. Doesn’t look good. La Roche and Langerhans can’t hit lefties also McCann. need help from the top of the lineup tonight

Bring back Claudell Washington

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

July 24, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Langerhans can’t hit anybody, Bra.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

commentary - what is this “ordinary toe plate” and who in baseball wears the “ordinary toe plate”? certainly not chipper jones! if there is a toe plate out there why is chipper not wearing it? does pujols wear a toe plate? this journalist thinks probably so. how does one get fitted for a toe plate? how many games will a toe plate last? would a toe plate help “p” player pete orr make contact with the baseball?

now, non-conforming pants … if one’s pants do not conform does one’s pitching performance no longer count? if one’s pants do not conform is there a possibility of forfeiture? who tells the big man he has non-conforming pants? why have pants suddenly become as important as toes?

these are ideas for discussion.

By Dr. Jay

July 24, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

Lefty…righty…who cares. I hate it when we face a guy we haven’t seen before. We always make them look like the second coming of Sandy Koufax. Big game, Hudson. Time to earn your salary.

By Chop Chop

July 24, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

jimmy, you’d think Chipper would wear some sort of steel-toe contraption in his shoes. Maybe DOB can find out if he does or not. That’s a relevant baseball/medical question for a guy with bad feet, right?

By Voice Of Reason

July 24, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Bob - Thanks for the kind words… I had exited the blog for a while prior to vacation due to what seemed like constant sniping and insulting banter. It’s difficult to be reasonable in an unreasonable environment. It appears, however, that the Braves’ current turnaround has also turned the mood on the blog.

A few random thoughts:

I’m curious as to how long the offense will sustain its potency. This has been a very streaky year for the lineup as a whole. Seems like either very hot or very cold. McCann’s presence or absence seems to be a major factor. I believe, also, that Franc is maturing as he enters what is effectively his second ML season. As for the present, I’m inclined to leave the regulars alone and concentrate solely on pitching.

San Diego’s acquisition of Williamson makes sense only as a precursor of another trade. Either he or Linebrink will almost certainly be moved for a 3B, however I personally wouldn’t give up Betemit (pronounce it as you like) for either one. Can Marcus play 3B? Torres from Pitt would be a decent pick-up for 7th/8th inning relief and wouldn’t tap the salary keg dry.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

yes, jimmy smith would love to be there when dob asks. wurlitzer stuff.

By Dr. Jay

July 24, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Bra n. (brah) 1. Hipster doofus slang for “bro”, which in turn is slang for “brother”. Used exclusively by middle-class white boys who drank bong water during their formative years.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Maybe so, but not used by ALL middle class white boys who drank bong water in their formative years, brother. Does it occur to anyone that if we give up Wilson (there-try to mispronounce Wilson) that it shoots our bench to hell and back?

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

July 24, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

It’s Hawaiian, Bra.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

lew, if wilson goes we can call on pratt and pete orr. how long does it take for a clavicle to heal?

By eli

July 24, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

only one week to the deadline…what do yall think JS will do? heard some rumors involving carlos lee…i still think we need at least 2 more bullpen arms…mike gonzalez and joe borowski would be my first 2 choices…i would love to add lee but he would only be a rental and i dont think we should give up much for him, but he will command top tier prospects, so i dont think he is worth mortgaging the future…sosa has to go…giles and langerhans should be traded

By MurphyRules

July 24, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Can we PLEASE quit referring to Hudson as our ace? I don’t care that he started opening day. Hudson at his best never has been as good as Smoltz at his best. Smoltz is our ace. If you want to label Smoltz 1 and Hudson 1A, that’s fine, but I repeat, Hudson never has been nor will he ever be our ace (until Smoltz retires).

By Stanford

July 24, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Chipper and Andruw to NYY for A-Rod and Phillip Hughes, and Giles to SD for Linebrink. Then, Hughes to Tampa for Crawford, to play CF and make up for A-Rod’s salary. Betemit to 2nd.

Oh wait, then Pete Orr would be our only backup infielder. Never mind.

By Stanford

July 24, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

MurphyRules, some manager once said, “there are Opening Day pitchers, and then there are pitchers who pitch on opening day.”

By Chop Chop

July 24, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

Hudson as “1A” is as much of a joke as calling him the “ace”. Hudson is pitching like a #4 or #5 starter this year.

Compare the stats of the Braves’ current top four starters:

Braves’ Top Four

The only two guys in there that you can really compare to each other based on innings pitched are Smoltz and Hudson. It’s pretty obvious who the “ace” is (Smoltz) and who is not pitching very well (Hudson). If you investigate further and look up Hudson’s career stats, you’ll see that this is easily the worst year of Hudson’s career. If he’s not hurt, what the hell is wrong with the guy? Top starters don’t usually drop off so dramatically.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy-To the best of my knowledge it takes about six weeks to heal from a broken clavicle. Of course if the injured person is a real estate developer who used to play professional football and baseball, the prognosis is retirement to prevent extreme embarassment.

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

These Guy posts are like warm, flat beer. You see a new blog, get all excited about the material and then it’s Guy, filling space, struggling not to repeat himself within the 10 sentances he writes.

As for this ESPN was right business… no, they weren’t. They pronounced it Bay ta Meet. Apparently, in the DR, it’s Bay ta Me. But, we aren’t even in the DR. Betemit says, in America, first you pronounce it Bet a mit, then you hit the doubles, then you get the women.

Having a double header would have been nice yesterday only because I could have watched Braves ball all day yesterday. But in truth, I’m glad that wasn’t the case. Scheduling it for September allows the Jones’ to still get to play in that game. It allows them to take the time to get healthy. And it allows the Phillies enough time to get rid of all their players and field a minor league expansion roster in the last month of the season, when the Braves play them 4 times. Not too bad.

GO BRAVES

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

OH and Bob: I’ve become convinced that we all have had relations living in the Carolinas
My experience was in Greenville…. SC. Former home of the GBraves, where Andruw, Chipper, Furcal, Javy, Micheal Jordan, and many others played. So tally me in that group.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob-My wife is also from Greenville, SC. Maybe we all do have a connection. I have good friends in Greensboro, NC, too.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Chipper is not going anywhere, neither is A-Rod for that matter. I honestly think if A-Rod is going to be traded it will be in the offseason cuz the Yanks will have missed the playoffs. And from there, I could see him going to alot of places. Angels, Dodgers, Astros, Cardinals, and yes maybe even the Braves. But I think the most likely team would be the Angels because they have the payroll and the pitching prospects to give the yankees what they want.

By georgia nick

July 24, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

yeah right tenn paul

i would let willie b impregnant my woman if given the opportunity and then raise him like my own. and then become his agent when the $$$ arrives.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Maybe JS can get Rodriguez for two minor league players and have the Yankees pick up $20 million of his salary.

By Chop Chop

July 24, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

To the best of my knowledge, none of my ancestors stayed in North Carolina for any period of time, but some of them ended up in South Carolina. Even so, I still don’t like Carolina barbecue.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

Don-You do realize, of course, that if ARod did end up in Atlanta (which is remote at best), the Braves’ fans would gripe more than the Yankees fans do.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

No way Lew, A-Rod would be a perfect fit in Atlanta. Not nearly as much pressure in ATL compared to NY, plus, Braves fans are already used to under-performance in the playoffs. He’d fit right in!

By Blake

July 24, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Sounds like the ChiSox are very close to getting Soriano for a package built around mCcarthy. That lineup would be sick

By nathan

July 24, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

Lew…..not everybody in Atlanta would gripe about Arod. Just me, online! LOL

I was the one on the other blog who first came up with the notion of making such a bold move. I’m not neccessarily for it, it’s just that if JS really has doubts that he can resign Andruw after next season (and the fact that he has less than a month before he becomes a 10/5 guy), this would be the type of move that JS would make to ensure that we still have a superstar in the lineup. I’m actually for letting Andruw walk after his contract is up. Don’t even bother trading him. Let Francoeur and McCann become the leaders of the team. Then at the end of next year, let him go.

That would free up a whole bunch of salary for 2008. (No Hampton, No Andruw just to name a couple.) That’s a 30 million dollar clearing of payroll. That could buy one helluva bullpen. Heck by that time Smoltz probably will be retired. Hudson hopefully will be long gone. Let’s enjoy these guys while we have them. Then move on.

With Davies, James and HoRam in the rotation, not to mention any other young guys who “develop” by then the rotation should be in good shape. As far as the lineup we still would have a good nucleus of McCann, Francouer, Prado/Pena, Renteria could even be gone by then. With all the payroll cleared, we could actually pull a Toronto Blue Jays and be big spenders in the offseason between 2007 and 2008.

Where does Arod fit into this? He probably doesn’t. It was just a thought.

I don’t see any real reason why if JS plays his cards right, even if the new ownership doesn’t allow the payroll to increase, that we shouldn’t have a REALLY good team in 2008. Stocked with a lot of home grown talent, none the less!

I still think that next year could be troublesome for us in the rotation/bullpen department, if we don’t clear some payroll to buy some “real” help.

Just my opinion. No matter how misguided it happens to be. :)

By Lew

July 24, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this

No, they already complain when Chipper and Andruw are cold. What would happen to someone making double what Andruw makes? It would be constant bit##ing, believe me. The fans would yell for JS to trade him for Scott Williamson or Ray King.

By Lew

July 24, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Uh, Hampton will still be a Brave in 2008. If we clear out Giles and Hudson, we stand to have $21 million next year with our free agents leaving after this year. I bet we can re-sign Andruw. I also think he’s already a 10-5 man. He came up in 96. Even if we can’t, for $21 million extra, I could put together a winning team next year.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Honorable Jimmy, it was refreshing to see you reference the oblique … your being the past master of same, it’s always good to get the skinny from an expert! I see you have a copy of the good book … what are minimal numbers?

Honorable Voice, the recent performance of the Braves did have a positive influence on the Blog … in addition to better attitudes, some of defamers have evidently decided to look for more fertile ground in which to sow their seeds of bile. Nathan still pretends to be a pessimist but even he’s not perfect and his optimism is evident to the third eyes of most. Outside of my cat filing a class action suit against Jimmy for importing Blue Worms and coonsidering a personal one for being a cheapskate, all seems well in the neighboorhood. Methinks this vacation talk is just a ruse on his part to avoid being served.

Chop Chop, I was too late turning on the TV to catch our Mr. Moore; though I’m sure they’ll replay it during primetime for the benefit of all Braves Fans … and there’s bound to be a related series of articles by the mild mannered AJC Journalist … but, give us the skinny, if you will.

By Not-A-Blogger

July 24, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Ahn-druw:

Imagine the frustration Braves fans could avoid if he would just make the slightest effort to hit intelligently. He could easily hit .325 if he made an occasional attempt to go the other way. Yes, he’s improved since widening his stance. But pitchers know he’ll screw himself into the ground trying to pull the pitch that’s 6 inches wide of the plate that he could easily serve into right. Then they tie him up inside. He hits only the mistakes (annihilates them, actually). I wish that kid had half the smarts of McCann or Renteria.

By nathan

July 24, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Lew…..it’s not double what Andruw makes. It’s about the same thing. The Rangers gave the Yankees about a hundred million in cash with the trade, so his anual salary happens to be around 15 million. Very affordable for somebody that’s about the same age as Andruw and is the reigning MVP. That’s what I’m getting at. With Boras as Andruw’s agent, you can assume he’s going to shoot for about 17-20 million a year, AT LEAST! So 15 milliion a year for AROD all of the sudden looks pretty affordable.

Plus not to mention, if I’m remembering correctly, AROD wore #3 in Seattle, because his favorite player was Dale Murphy. Also, if I’m not mistaking, we were the 2nd highest offer for AROD for about 18 million a year. So I’m sure JS wouldn’t have any problem paying him 15 million. And who’s to say that JS couldn’t get the Yankees to throw in MORE cash, if they are truely as desperate to get rid of him as ESPN claims they soon will be?

By Chop Chop

July 24, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Bob,

Terence Moore is a semi-regular guest on “Rome Is Burning”. I rarely pay attention to him while he’s talking (and failed to do so again today), but not because of his AJC exploits. I don’t pay attention to him because Jim Rome will never challenge anything any of his guests have to say. Seems like a bad idea for a TV show that is supposed to be “edgy” or “hip”, doesn’t it?

By nathan

July 24, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Lew…..Andruw came up in Slate August of 1996. ESPN reported last week that he is about a month away from becoming a 10/5 guy.

By Glass Half Full

July 24, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

The topic during the Moore segment on “Rome…” was about trading A-Rod. Both commentators were saving that A-Rod wasn’t a clubhouse guy and he cares too much about his image. Moore managed to praise Barry Bonds for being a favorite in San Fran…surprisingly, he didn’t mention David Justice.

By nathan

July 24, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this

Bob Jornalist…..How dare you question my pessimism!!! LOL!

I’ve been telling you guys for about a month, I’m a “negative optimist”. I like to hope things will turn out in the “best case scenario” but I assume that they won’t. Not to mention, some of you “dreamers” need to be knocked into reality about what this team is capable of. This is still an incredibly YOUNG team, save Chipper, Smoltz and now Wickman. Andruw is far from old. Hudson doesn’t count because I’m trying to ignore the fact that he is still on this team :)

Now this whole AROD deal, maybe I need to be knocked into reality! I don’t actually think JS will do it. There is no way he’d trade Andruw now. But maybe in the off season he’ll take a look at it. For as much as I rip on JS for “waiting too long” to make obvious moves like shipping out Sosa, Reitsma, Kolb etc…..I think his strong suits are thinking oustide of the box. And for whatever reason he seems to fleece other teams when he makes trades with them. Wickman isn’t Mariano Rivera, but you would have to think that the Indians knew we were desperate and would’ve held out for more, not to mention the other 20 or so teams looking for bullpen help. Also, the Renteria move was the cat’s meow, if you ask me. Yeah, we still haven’t found a true leadoff hitter to replace furcal, but I’m not sure anybody could’ve replaced Furcal as good as JS did with the Renteria trade, at a damn good price too, I might add.

Time to go out to eat……type at you all later!

By jay

July 24, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

ESPN SUCKS AND BLOWS AT THE SAME TIME.

By Glass Half Full

July 24, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

White Sox acquire Mike MacDougal from KC for 2 minor league pitchers

By Glass Half Full

July 24, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking if Giles is traded, Prado or Escobar will be promoted this year to at least try-out for the position full-time next year.

By eli

July 24, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

what do yall think JS will do before the deadline…2 bullpen guys, maybe 3 is what i think should be done..linebrink, gonzalez and borowski are my top 3 choices…maybe an upgrade in left but thorman is playing well..i also think we need another SP, but maybe thomson can hold it down until davies gets back…giles and langy should be dealt

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

Andruw will be 10/5 by September.
With the way things are going with this team, we should be able to sign him without trading away every veteran we have. They have options in signing for back loading, front loading, off setting with bonuses and so forth. I’m not too worried about that.
Andruw will command some serious coin, but it will be directed by what Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano sign for in this off season. The days of 20-25 million are done. Plus, Andruw, while I love him to death, is not as offensively capable as A-Rod, who, until Pujols came along, was the best hitter in the major leagues. Pujols, by the way, signed a 7 year $100 deal. Which is smaller than A-Rods deal.
A-Rod would not fit in nicely in ATL. All I can see when I look at A-Rod is him running to first, slapping the glove of the first baseman. Cox doesn’t like Cheaters. I don’t like Cheaters. And I dare say, the city of Atlanta doesn’t like Cheaters.
Andruw is hitting around .280. He’s on pace to have over 40 homers and 120 RBIs. I’d love it if he all-of-the-sudden turned into Pujols, but it isn’t going to happen. As far as Andruw is concerned, he is a good hitter, and an excellent masher. He’s been laying off the low and away a lot more these past two years and it has drastically improved his game.
Andruw is the best center fielder in the majors right now, and maybe the best in history (we’ll see when his career is done). I hope he ends his career in a Braves Uniform. I hope every game he plays is in a Braves Uniform. He’s a Hall of Famer. We need more representation in the Hall. And we certainly could stand to have a few more monuments in the “grove” out front of Turner Field. Hanks getting lonely out there.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Lots of good folks settled in the Carolinas … but I guess the truth is that you can find good folks and good food just about anywhere … if you know where to look. I’ve found that if you’ll smile, talk nice and act a little naive … most folks will invite you in to set a spell or give you directions when you’re lost.

Every place has the other kind of folks too … generally found hiding under rocks.

Chop Chop, there’s Eastern NC BBQ and there’s great Eastern NC BBQ … you have to be careful in making a judgement!

There are as many variations of BBQ as there are religious sects and it’s mighty easy to get folks stirred up about either … passions run high! I’ve had good BBQ in the mountains of Montana, the hills of Wyoming … all over Texas … in Iowa, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Some is better than others but mostly it’s all good!

If you’re in a strange location and are afraid of getting a bum steer from the locals, you can always trust your nose … your nose knows and can locate good BBQ if it’s anywhere in the neighboorhood.

By Chop Chop

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

Bob, I’m not a big fan of the vinegar-based barbecues, but yes, in general, barbecue is mostly all good.

I’ll catch you guys later. Go Braves…and man, I need to eat.

By Calvin

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

What is with the minor league lineup put out by Bobby tonight?

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Thanks! I can’t believe that Moore praised Barry Bonds … imagine that!

The only times I’ve ever seen Jim Rome being confrontational has been during his pontifications but never anything of consequence during his interviews.

I see a lot of trades on the Blog … wonder what if anything Smoltz has told Schuerholz to do.

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

Holey Moley, Giles struck out! Will wonders ever cease?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this

I have to weigh in on this whole A-Rod thing. I think it is sickening the way this guy is getting booed. I mean what do those people want. Here is a guy who won the MVP last year and probably should have won it the year before. They are mad at him because they haven’t won a WS title. Well, lets not forget that he wasn’t on the last two Yankee WS teams that got beat by teams they were obviously better than. A certain someone was though.

Maybe A-Rod is too concerned about his image but so are a lot of other guys including a certain someone on that team. A-Rod is as much team player as anyone else on that team is.

His biggest fault is that he is not Derek Jeter. Don’t get me wrong I like Jeter but somethings are very interesting to me. Why hasn’t Jeter came out and said the fans need to lay off a bit. Why doesn’t he have any interaction with A-Rod on the field or in the dugout? Mussina, Torre, Damon, and Posada have said publicly that the guy needs to be cut some slack. Hell, even their GM, Brian Cashman, vehemently and publicly stated his disgust at the way A-Rod is treated on Mike and Mike. Cashman said it was totally unfair. Only one person seems to be inconspicously quiet, Derek Jeter.

I think the reason why is that he never wanted A-Rod on the team in the first place. He gave the old company line of how happy he was and how it made the team better. But, he was full of crap. The Yankees said Jeter was on board. I say, “bs”! Do you really think Steinbrenner gave crap who wanted A-Rod on the team. Even Jeter? C’mon.

Jeter is somewhat jealous of A-Rod. Why Jeter can do no wrong with the Yankee fans, its A-Rod who is considered the best player. I mean here is A-Rod shifting positions to make Jeter happy. Now, lets be real. Who is the better shortstop both defensively and offensively? All Jeter can say is that everyone gets booed in New York and the even he has gotten booed. Yes, that is true but its a very differnt kind of booing. People come to the “stadium” just to boo A-Rod.

I guarantee you that A-Rod will not be a Yankee when spring training starts in ‘07. Nor should he want to be one. If that is how he will get treated, then he should want to leave. Those same people will miss him when he’s gone when they are stuck with Bubba Phillips at 3rd. And if A-Rod doesn’t leave on his own, I guarantee that Jeter will do what he can to shove him out the door.

To me A-Rod is like Chipper. No one really aprreciates what he does and what he brings, but when he is gone you’ll be saying, “I sure wish Chipper or A-Rod was still here.”

The fans of New York are going to get what they wanted and they are going to be even unhappier than they are now.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

3 Runners on in the first inning and then gets out of it, but still not a good sign if you ask me… HERE WE GO AGAIN FOLKS!!!

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this

LaRoche off a lefty! That’s a damn good sign.

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

WTG LaRoche!!

Didn’t I see somewhere that the Braves have a consecutive game HR streak?

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

WTG Pratt!!

By Lew

July 24, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul-I totally agree with your assesment of Andruw. I think he has already proven that he is his own man when negotiation time comes. He’s already put Boras in his place once. He has also said numerous times that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else or for anyone but BC. He will definitely sign at a hometown discount and still make mega bucks. And deserve them, too. How about LaRoche and Pratt?

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

LaRoche and Pratt back to back… What the f**k?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

more “p” players, please. powerful, “p” player pratt pounded the pitch past the poor phillie person perched in the outfield. now, hudson once more has a lead. will he surrender it this inning? it is almost time for jimmy smith to venture outside to the hostas. no blue worm activity was detected last night, but the blue worm is clever- tonight the worms will party in the hostas believing that jimmy smith is watching the game.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

GeauxBraves its now 23 straight games for the Braves with a home run.

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Thank you Don.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

But Lew, if you’ve noticed, Bobby Cox and JS are only signed through the 2007 season. If BC doesn’t resign, it’s going to be ALL ABOUT the money after next season.

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Nothing like having a corpse leading off! Two K’s for Giles!

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

All about the money for Andruw Jones I mean..

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Leading off??? Why you picking on just Giles? Hamels has 7 strikeouts already through 3 innings? Since when is this guy Sandy Koufax?

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

However I do question BC’s choice to continually trot Giles out there as the lead-off man. He’s not good at it nor does he want to be there!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

giles would be useful to jimmy smith with that swing he is exhibiting. call him the worm killer. why is he swinging like that?

By jason

July 24, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Anyone else wished Rollins would just get plunked at least once a game when he’s batting left-handed. Ump has to give him a shoe-shine to clean off the plate.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

Uh oh… Hudson’s already more than half-way to his 60 pitch limit…

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

I’m picking in Giles because he is hitting .244 and it’s the 98th game of the season. Yet, BC continues to bat him lead off. He’s a corpse.

By Bob, journalist

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

Pull Giles, he’s having a bad influence.

By Carolina Lady

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

Now even the TS guys are saying “Bet a mee”.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Gene Mauch would have started a fight with that pitcher and punched him out! We don’t get TS … is he throwin’ spit balls? Is his stuff as good as it sounds?

By ssiscribe

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

Jimmy: Hope you enjoy the Florida coast. Personally, I like the seafood here on the SSI, but the Carolinas have rockin’ seafood, too.

Being from Atlanta originally, I know what parts of town “get em up” means hey and what parts of town it means hey, gimee your wallet.

Haven’t turned the game on yet, but think I’ll do it now. I’m already tired of packing, but it’ll be worth it for those big games in September at Turner Field I’ll be attending. And DOB, I’m gonna need a primer on where to catch some good music in the ATL. I’ve been gone almost six years, and I imagine some joints have changed or closed in that time.

Later.

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

I check the score after the drive home… some how we are up. But the most dissapointing site greeted me… 4 innings 11 strike outs. What is that!?

By briff

July 24, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Seriously…TS has gotten horrible. “Betemee?” And they kept confusing Hudson with Giles during Hudson’s at bat in the 5th. I guess they didnt learn to read “Hudson” or the number 15 off someone’s jersey back in elementary school…not to mention Huddy’s about two feet taller than Giles. What a farce.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

10 Paul … it’s getting a bit better … only 12 in 5, that’s about average for us isn’t it?

By Heath

July 24, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

Anyone find it interesting pat b. is not in left for the phils tonight?….maybe they are close to sending hime somewhere?

By Stanford

July 24, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

Regarding Wilson: Rathburn reported earlier that he asked Betemit this morning: if you were introducing yourself to someone, how would you pronounce your name? The answer: Bat-e-me’ (or whatever… the T is silent). So, Rathburn said, if that’s his name, that’s what I’m gonna call him.

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Uh oh, Hudson is way over his 60 pitch limit… PULL HIM NOW!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

hudson is throwing at toes! he should be pulled immediately!

By DonCoburleone

July 24, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

ESPN just said that the White Sox are “very close” to getting Soriano from the Nationals… There’s a scary lineup, my god.

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, Jeff Torborg (who caught Sandy Koufax’s perfect game) made a brief comparison of Hamels to Koufax. Torborg liked Hamels curve ball quite a bit. 12K’s in 5 innings…..

By Heath

July 24, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

two nights in a row….giles walks….renteria doubles him in….renteria is as clutch as they come…just think if the braves had someone that could get on base more often…

By Heath

July 24, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

ok, that should end all trade talk for laroche….ya think?

By David

July 24, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

I do believe LaRoache is going NOWHERE! YES, he can hit left-handers … second HR tonight; Braves up 7-1!!!!

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Now, that’s more like it! Dadgum! It took all that time to figure out that young upstart … and then they go pull him.

By Heath

July 24, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

i think the braves have scored 5 runs or more in an inning more than any other team in baseball….can anyone confirm that?

By MurphyRules

July 24, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

You people. If LaRoche goes 0 for 4 tomorrow night, you’ll be hanging him. I agree a lot on Giles, but he sparked the rallies the last two nights by getting on base with a walk. This is why Bobby is one of the best managers around. He doesn’t suffer from knee-jerk reactions like a lot of our “fans” do. (Of course, he may not be able to FEEL his knees.)

Barring a collapse, gotta feel good about “stealing” these last two in Philly without the Joneses. These young Marlins pitchers worry me, though. Where do they keep finding these guys?

Hopefully Chipper “The Mets Killer” will be back for the weekend.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

braves are safely in the lead. jimmy smith will venture outdoors now. can hear munching …

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

St Louis all over again for Hudson.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

JJMB, Thanks … it sounded like he had both a good curve and a change … and, for a change, we solved things before the eighth.

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

don’t count your chickens, boys.

By Del

July 24, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

Did you sat “safely in the lead” ?? Between Hudson and Diaz there’s nothing “safe” !!

By David

July 24, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

Diaz is a good hitter, but we need Langerhans … should boe out 3.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! what is going on? baby seal called journalist back inside to see hudson. does journalist understand correctly that he is suffering from red farhead? torborg must explain. is mcdowell at the park tonight? bobby cox? worms will be dealt with later. pen is rested, right? oh, waiting for them to score a couple more.

By Vol

July 24, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Hud out after 5.2 innings. Man, that is troubling.

McBride looked good last night. Probably just needs to get the one out tonight.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

this red farhead is worse than sore toes. what is this malady jeff torborg describes? well, hudson hit a wall. so did many batted balls. will mcbride show us again that he is ready? oh, the humanity! he has walked a man that was 0-2!

By Vol

July 24, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Not too bright of the Phils to bat 4 lefties in a row.

By Vol

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

That was an interesting appearance by McBride.

What’s the setup for 7-8-9 tonight? Paranto/Yates, Ray, and Wickman?

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

Bentemí!

By Jo-Boo

July 24, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Please trade “Huddy” now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

let’s hope hudson does not sit close to chipper if he really has red farhead. does the bat of diaz look slow suddenly? “p” player pete orr can be credited with getting things started. if giles can push the ball to right why isn’t doing it every night? now, the pen will get some work tonight. what’s up with hudson? it is time for some real concern. ray in the 7th … hmmm ….

By Carolina Lady

July 24, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

“farhead”?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

yes, jimmy smith is sure torborg said farhead.

now, it is a save situation for wicky - or maybe not if the bullpen continues to let them score runs.

three runs enough? maybe not. mccann, chipper, andruw …

journalist has blue worm activity in journalist’s yard but dares not go out.

By Calvin

July 24, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Ray has back to back bad outings..uh oh

By Vol

July 24, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Ray stunk - not good that he’s struggling a little now too. I am assuming Wick isn’t going two. Who is pitching the 8th?

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

With every struggling inning of Ray, I am happier and happier that we have Wickman. Of Course, if this season holds true, Wickman will do well until it counts and then just be awful. I hope not though. I hope he can break the cycle.

GO BRAVES

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

If, IF IF IF IF the bullpen can get through the 8th, maybe the Wick can shut em down in the 9th.

Geaux Braves!!

By Darrin C. Niblack

July 24, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

I could on for yrs about how the Braves have tortured me for what seems like forever. I always felt like something to ado about “confidence” or something along those lines was always missing. The only times I didn’t feel this way was when we had M. Wohlers (before the meltdown), A. Pena, and Fred McGriff. Certain players for some reason or another gives off that air of “I don’t give a @#$%, I’m getting this job done one way or another because I KNOW I can!” type of vibe, a certain macho cowboy-like confidence if you will that secures the rest of the players on a team like a blanket around a baby. It doesn’t always have to be the star either, just the right player at the right position can be just as effective. With all the problems we’ve had in the bullpen, I sincerely believe B. Wickman will be that guy for the Braves. I no longer feel jaded with this team for the first time in a good country minute and I hope to God I’m right about this. Bright things are on the horizon amazingly yet again for these Braves with a major issue addresses with this squad. Just think if we had Wickman at the start of the season, we would be in or nearly in 1st place and Smoltz would have a win-loss record that would draw Cy Young talk. Nice work Scherholtz.

By elbravox

July 24, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Trade for Huddy? If you want someone off your team, do not call him/her by their nickname! It is like honey, can we get divorced?

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

holy Jeebus! what a season…. Torborg cracks me up.

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

so hudson has to go now…and i still think ray and yates are serviceable, but we have to trade for some better bullpen guys…we need 2 starters and 3 bullpen guys…we need to rid ourselves of giles and langy and hudson and sosa and thomson..cant wait for davies and stockman to be back in the big league club, if they are successful, we have 1 starter and 1 bullpen guy…

By Ron Roberts

July 24, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Alright, that’s it… I wanna see a roll call from the “Make Ray The Closer” committee.

Maybe now a few more armchair field managers can understand why Cox & Co. didn’t anoint him the closer and just stay with that?

Don’t get me wrong; using him (and anybody else, other than Reitsma and Sosa) would’ve been an improvement, but logging on here and constantly bashing Cox et al for not going with what many thought was a *”no-brainer” in Ken Ray has proven to be fruitless.

See, that’s why I am sometimes amazed when I read folks who claim to be baseball-knowledgeable fans who can be so knee-jerk with their ideas and propositions, when a good baseball-knowledgeable fan would know that it’s a longggggggg season and nobody knows better than Cox and Schuerholz that knee-jerk moves don’t do squat for clubhouse chemistry.

As I type this, now Tyler Yates has been rung up for a 2-run dinger! Sheesh. Too bad. I like that kid - wish he’d have pitched around Ryan Howard, though. We’d been lucky to avoid getting hurt by him this and the last game, so that was just a matter of time.

Grab Wickman. Let’s let the big guy earn his pay - NOW!!

By krath

July 24, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Can we all say….”set up man?”

By Stanford

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

Huddy went 5 2/3 with 2 ER. The dropped ball killed him. He can’t seem to finish batters off though, so ends up with 100 pitches in 5 innings, and either does lack stamina or Bobby just has a very quick hook with him. The triple and the dropped ball were about he only hard-hit balls all night. I’m not saying do or don’t trade him; to me, depends on what we might get in return, but unless it’s a better starting pitcher (which seems unlikely, given his contract), who’s gonna start in his place?

And, as another HR flies out off our it’s 9-8 now, I think we’d better focus any trades on the bullpen, perhaps.

By MEB

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

This bullpen is adding years to my life. To borrow a phrase from journalist jimmy… Oh the humanity!

By Zimo Z.

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

Now that we have Wickman:

It’s not over until the fat man slings.

By Ron Roberts

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

And I gotta disagree about Hudson.

I think he pitched fairly well, tonight, really. He was locating the first five innings, so I can’t help but wonder if fatigue or focus is somehow a factor. If it’s fatigue, then there’s either an injury or illness involved, and if it’s focus, he and his battery-mate need to get together.

By eli

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

so apparently the consensus is that we finally have the closer we have clamored for, now we got to fix the rest of our pen, starting with the setup guy…like i just said, we need 3 more bullpen arms

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

How about a complete revamping of the entire bullpen, save Wickman. This bullpen situation is getting absolutely ridiculous. At least now I feel a little comfortable knowing the Wick is out there.

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

giles should shut up…he sucks this year, hes not goin to get a call with the way hes playing this year…and if huddy has a fatigue problem, lets put him in the pen

By krath

July 24, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Thank YOU!!!! Insurance run! Give the BigBoy a cushion!

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

now lets here from the guys that want betemit traded for linebrink, and feel that betemit should be traded before giles…giles strikes out and betemit comes through!!!…WTG wilson

By MEB

July 24, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what you call him just as long as you call him out of here. Way to go Wilson B!

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Benemí!!!!

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

got to find wilson a place to play….trade giles for 7th and 8th inning guys….lets pray wickman comes through

By Ron Roberts

July 24, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

…And another thing….

Where’s the LaRoche hater-brigade now?

Some of us (and there weren’t MANY) were chastised for sticking up for him because, again, it’s a long season and ya don’t dump a guy over a slump (or one bone-headed play, for that matter) when he’s proven he’ll provide at the plate eventually over the course of the season.

He’s only on pace to hit…

* .270 with 31 HRs and 93 RBIs.*

You LaRoche-bashers were so right about getting rid of him….

…not.

By Ron Roberts

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

And guys, a win tonight puts us 4.5 games back and in fourth place in the WC all by our lonesome.

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

ya trade betemit…chipper nor many other 3B in the league make that play…wtg betemi!!!! trade giles trade giles trade giles…thats right, im on the trade giles bandwagon

By journalist jimmy smith

July 24, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

betemit is the only third baseman that makes that play … coming up big tonight!

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Benemí²

By eli

July 24, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

we have a closer!!!!!

By Calvin

July 24, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a closer…Thank you..

By journalist jimmy smith

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

buy the man some pants of his own! wicky has faced 6 and retired 6.

betemit was outstanding! will he be in the lineup tomorrow? what say you, bobby?

By Stanford

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

Chipper is very good on that charging play (not so much on the side-to-side stuff), but yeah, that was one OUTSTANDING play by whathisname… second in 2 nights. And Wicky (you could read Adam’s lips after the first out… “come on, Wicky”) made it look so easy.

By geauxbraves2000

July 24, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

I concur, we have a closer! WTG Wickman!!

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

What, me worry? Big Bob … I’ve been called that too, at 5’8” when I standup straight … and 150 all dressed up and in my heaviest overcoat and huntin’ boots on.

I venture to opine that the save was more important than the win!

By Beachcomber

July 24, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Just curious. What is our 2006 season record for consecutive saves by an individual this season? Also there is a guy on this blog who obviously is new to Braves baseball and has never seen Chipper make that barehanded play about a hundred times in his career.

By TennesseePaul

July 24, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

Mets Lose. Braves Win. Braves Closer holds a 2 run lead. Braves have homered in 23 straight games. All good news save the 15 strike outs we tallied. And Hudson’s blah…

By Ron Roberts

July 24, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Another GREAT win for this team…for a number of reasons…

1. Hudson actually pitched well for 5.2 innings. The dropped ball hurt him, but if he’d just gone 6 flat, we’d be feeling good about him going 6 with only 2 ER against a stout lineup in Philly.

2. We scored 10 without Chipper and Andruw, folks.

3. Wickman looked solid!

4. We moved ahead of a batch of teams (pull for San Diego over the Dodgers tonight and we keep our spot all by our lonesome) to put us in fourth, trailing only Cincy, the Giants and Arizona, 4.5 games back of the wild-card.

5. We’re only 4 games under .500 now, with 6 of our next 9 against the Marlins and Pirates, with the Mets in-between. Get the Jones’ boys back and win 6 of 9, and we’ll have a stretch where 15 of 25 are at home to cap the month of August. And that stretch is bottom-feeding….Nationals, Pirates, Nationals (9 games, there), then some key series we can make up some ground in the wild-card chase (Reds, Brewers, Giants).

It’s all setting up nicely if this team stays hot.

By Carolina Lady

July 24, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Yes! (huge grin!)

re: Wilson B - should it now be “Bet on me”?

By krath

July 24, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

I’m not going to suggest that the Braves trade Giles, but I’ve said all along not to trade Betemit. I’ve taken some grief for suggesting Betemit should be in the lineup on a regular basis.

But the question is…..should the Braves decide they would part with Giles…. are there even any takers? I’ve heard rumors about Smoltz, Hudson and many about Betemit, but I don’t think I have heard a single rumor that ANYONE is interested in Giles.

There simply may not be any market for Marcus.

There may be…. I just don’t know.

By supergrass

July 24, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

judging by the box score im sorry i missed that game…hudson sqeaked by again, i wish i can see a dominating performance from him..cole hamel striked out 12 but gave up 7 and philly had no errors, i didnt watch the game so i cant explain it…. cant wait for the game tomorrow

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

Mayor Adam Laroche didn’t do too bad angainst the lefty either … and the Buttermint Babe … he’s a keeper.

I don’t talk trades but with the emergence of Thorman, one involving Giles and Diaz wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

By MEB

July 24, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

I’m wondering the same thing… what will be the Braves lineup tomorrow night? Will it be Wilson B or will it be Giles. If I know Bobby he is going to play Giles. Call it loyalty or being stubborn but Bobby Cox will be loyal to his starters. Hard to argue with his success record.

Have they announced if Chipper will play tomorrow night?

By krath

July 24, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Chipper is gonna be ready before the weekend IF by then. At least what I have been reading has led me to think that.

By Choppin Bob

July 24, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

might as well keep giles in the line up and let chipper heal for a few more days. we all know when chip is ready to come back bobby will keep giles in there, because he is stupid like that. i hope i am wrong and wilson gets the majority of playing time. absolutely stellar play at 3rd tonight to help wicky.

By Carolina Lady

July 24, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

From Mark Bowman on the Braves’ site concerning Chipper: “His status remains doubtful for the Marlins series. But the club is hopeful that he’ll be available for the start of this weekend’s series against the Mets.”

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

We definitely need another reliever. Either a trade has to be made for a solid setup man or perhaps Stockman could do it. Ray is having a bad stretch and he will come out of it but he and Paronto and Yates are 7th inning guys. We need a good setup guy.

How about Wickman? We indeed have a closer! When’s the last time you saw a Braves releiver come out and pitch the 9th like he was throwing toss with his kid. He looks cool and collected.

This offense is great. Frenchy has really got it together and thank goodness he is not letting all the criticism get to him. For being 22 years old he is pretty mature. McCann is just the man! Betemit can’t go. I was advocating trading him for an arm but we can’t let him go. This is the third year in a row he has filled in and torn the cover off the ball. What else does he have to do to prove he can play. I disagree with those who say he can’t play everyday.

Giles is the heart of this team in a lot of ways and I think he could be hard to trade. Thorman looks to be the real deal like Klesko was. Lets just hope Bobby doesn’t mess him up like he did Klesko with that not hitting against lefties crap. And speaking of that how about LaRoche. Where all those people who were calling for him to be released? All along he said if he could play everyday, he would show he can handle it. Well, I think he is showing he can. Another homer off of a lefty. I think LaRoche’s “mind wandering” had a lot to do with being unhappy platooning. Playing everyday has inspired him. What could have been with Klesko.

Anyway, this team is giving me a good feeling. They are so confident that nothing can get them down and that will lead them into the postseason.

Time to come home where they have to win 4 of 6, but 5 of 6 would be better.

By Ron Roberts

July 24, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

“Bet-uh-meat”

It used to annoy me to hear the Braves games on ESPN when Jon Miller would throw inflection on the players’ names, but on this one, he did his homework.

Remember how different Rafael Furcal sounded coming outta his mouth?

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

10 Paul, think about it … no Chipper, no Andruw … 11 strikeouts in 4 spells 10 runs. All that and a closer too!

Many of these kids are from around Atlanta and them that ain’t have realtives from North Carolina, I’m sure of that … bet they all like BBQ too!

Methinks Adam might get more time against lefties!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Krath, the Cardinals were interested in Giles and I think a lot of teams would be interested in Giles. Despite all the criticism heaped upon him on this blog Giles is one of the 2 or 3 best 2B in the National League. I guarantee you the Nats would want him or the Cubs or the Angels. Giles is having an off year with the bat but his glove has been great. I really am not interested in trading Giles but if he brought some more bullpen help or a leadoff hitter I would say go ahead trade him. Mainly because there is no guarantee that he will stay here after 2007 whereas Betemit will still be here and be cheaper.

By supa

July 24, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

I forgot how good it feels to have a closer. I like Wickman’s attitude - go about your business and never let em see you sweat. He seems like a guy Bobby would love.

By krath

July 24, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

No matter what I think, Bobby is gonna do what he’s gonna do. If Wilson goes 10 for 12 with a couple of homers during the Marlins series I still look for Giles to be on 2nd when Chipper comes back. Giles is definitely a better glove at second but I think Wilson would be a serviceable glove there with some experience at the position.

No matter who takes the field when Chipper returns, I’ll be rootin’ for ‘em. (although I may be mumbling under my breath if Wilson isn’t at second)

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Have fun, Mama’s callin’ … night all.

By Carolina Lady

July 24, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

Bob, we have it covered ‘cause Bubba (Jeff Porter) is a good ol’ North Carolina boy.

Jimmy, have you tried sprinkling Listerine around the hostas? I’ve read that Blue worms find it repugnant.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

Well, Bobby loves platoons. Why not play Giles against right handers and Betemit against the lefties. That would definitely work. I also think tomorrow if Chipper doesn’t play then Betemit should leadoff with Renteria batting second; then Thorman batting 3rd with Andruw 4th (if in the lineup, which looks like he will be), McCann 5th, Frenchy 6th, LaRoche 7th and Giles 8th.

Giles has been very patient lately by taking walks but Betemit is swinging a terriic bat.

By krath

July 24, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Robert, I don’t doubt your perspective on who may want Giles. I just haven’t heard much on that front concerning Giles.

Another consideration. IF Giles could be moved for an important piece then perhaps it should happen. On the other hand, I’ve come to expect that Chipper is gonna be sidelined on a semi-regular basis. If Chipper goes down and Giles is traded, I wonder what the 2nd and 3rd situation would look like? Pete Orr is not a solution to play 2nd for a few weeks at a time should injuries dictate.

BTW….. Betemits play in the 9th was the number 2 webgem on baseball tonight. Should have been number 1!

By MEB

July 24, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

It appears to me that Tyler Yates has tons of potential but lacks experience and/or coaching. He looks like the one who could be our setup man for Wickman.

I’m not giving up on Ken Death Ray, but he really needs a good outing.

The Baseball Tonight boneheads just shafted Wilson B out of the number one web gem.

By flbravesgirl

July 24, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Is it a full moon? That was wild! I’m not sure what was better, Wilson’s HR or his awesome play in the 9th! Zimo, loved your “It isn’t over until the fat man slings”.

Jimmy, many people use beer to kill slugs on their hostas. Perhaps it works on blue worms also?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

If the White Sox get Soriano that would make that lineup almost unpitchable but Steve Phillips just brought up a good point (I know hard to believe) that if the deal goes through the White Sox’ defense has a big liability with Soriano in left and Posednik having to move to center and it was pitching and defense that won the title for them last year.

By flbravesgirl

July 24, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, add me to the list of those with Carolina ancestry. My grandmother hailed from Cherryville, NC.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

I also wonder considering the Jones’ injuries how much has to do with Bobby. He seems to be very cautious when it comes to injuries. I’m just wondering if both of them could play. But, I guess its better to make sure they are truly healthy so they will be ready for the Mets. The offense has shown it can score runs and I think they will be okay for a few games with the Jones’ but of course more than that could be a major issue.

By Choppin Bob

July 24, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

robert: how exactly is giles #2 or 3 in the league? he is no where close to the top is offense and his defense maybe puts him at #5.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Giles is having an off year. Aside from Jeff Kent and Chase Utley who is better than Giles? You can’t just say because Giles is having an off year he is horrible. The fact that he is hitting leadoff has a lot to do with how he is playing. But, who else in the National League is better?

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Who would you rather have at 2nd? An old Ray Durham. An overrated Jose Vidro? Aaron Myles?

By Choppin Bob

July 24, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

he is 23rd in BA, 12th in OBP, & 21st in SLG. these numbers do not translate into 1 of the top 3 second baseman. but i dont need to look these numbers up to know that. every time the guy is up he strikes out at 88mph pitches and doesnt walk.

By eli

July 24, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

i would rather have betemit at 2B than giles!!

By Choppin Bob

July 24, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

exactly eli!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

July 24, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

Well, he has also been hurt and asked to do something he is obviously uncomfortable with and this time last year he was hitting .300 and his “heart” was held as what Chipper and Andruw show exhibit. It kills me how people change their minds in mid stream. Just like the same people who boo a MVP a year removed. It just kills me!

By Choppin Bob

July 24, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

if your hurt, dont play. i dont need my losing because he is playing hurt but he has “heart.” see chris reeksma. just because he doesnt like his role on the team is no excuse for under-performing. go play for the devil rays then, but he shouldve never been leadoff anyways, thats bobby’s fault.

By eli

July 24, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

if we are not goin to trade giles, then let betemit move to leadoff, hit giles in the 8 hole…and move one of them to left field, probably giles…this is just another option, but i still feel as though the best option is to trade giles, and let betemit play 2B everyday and thorman play left everyday…unless we could trade for lee to play left everyday…either way, betemit has to be at 2b everyday

By mike

July 24, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Sorry if this has been pointed out, but we just scored 10 runs without Chipper, Andrew, and Brian. That’s the #3, 4, and 5 hitters. Actually, its 3 of the hottest hitters in the league.

By Bob, journalist

July 24, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, I suggest extensive research before effecting the suggestion from that nice young lady from Florida, even if she does have NC ancestry. She’s right about slugs but regular beer just makes Big Blues drunk … they’ll make a mess all over everything and I hear that when they’re drunk, they multiply like crazy. Malt Liquor might work.

By JJMB

July 24, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

Robert, they’re just bb players. You don’t have to marry them.

Giles had two very good full seasons. 3 if you throw in an 102 game 2004 season. Great years.

This year, he is a big part of the Braves losing. Dead meat at the top of the order. That’s a big deal. Lead off sets the tone of the offense. Lead off gets the most at bats. He doesn’t like leadoff. ??? So what!

Maybe he isn’t on the juice now. Maybe this maybe that, who knows? He just is terrible this year.

Benemí is better all around. At 6-3, he gets to balls Giles could never dream of getting to.

I just want the Braves to win. I’m not interested in a “good guys” club, or the most religious grouping of players, or the most loyalty-inspiring team. I just want wins.

By Kentavo

July 24, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Craig Biggio? I’d take him over Giles. Dan Uggla? I’d take him too. Brandon Phillips? Having a better year than Giles.

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

I like a “get dirty” player with a lot of heart and Marcus Giles epitimizes that … other teams like that too so I imagine that he is of significant trade value.

I also like players with level swings and good bat control … and currently, he doesn’t exactly fit that description. His swing is one to be exploited and he’s also accident prone … the downside of his aggressive play.

Wilson should improve defensively and Prado would certainly appears to be ready to serve as our primary utility infielder.

Trading Giles would seem to be rather painless, putting Wilson in the everyday lineup and facilitating Prado’s recall … not to mention near-term salary advantages.

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

One last comment before I go … I’must have done something wrong ‘cause this didn’t get posted but was at the end of the last.

It’s always disturbing to me when I hear that a player gives 110% … you can’t give what you ain’t got! It reminds me of McGovern’s being behind Tom Eagleton 1,000%! As I recall, George quickly realized his error in making such a foolish statement.

100% is all we should expect ‘cause that’s all we’re going to get!

By Lew

July 25, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Are you people totally insane? Move Giles to left field. The guy is the best defensive second baseman in the NL. He’s having an off year with the bat, but he still saves runs with his glove. So does Langerhans. Do you think he would have botched the easy fly to left. Look, we just scored fifteen runs in two nights WITHOUT Chipper and Andruw AND with Giles and Langerhans in the lineup. I know the pitching leaves much to be desired, but you have to have some defense. Betemit plays well at third, but falls all over his feet at second. What’s the matter, have you been listening to the games on radio, or actually watching?

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Benemí is better all around. At 6-3, he gets to balls Giles could never dream of getting to

There is no way this is true. I’ve watched Betemit play 2B and he misses balls that Giles makes in his sleep. Giles is far better at 2B than Betemit. And Giles certainly wouldn’t improve if he was moved to LF. If he hates leading off, how is he going to do learning a new position in the middle of a mind-numbing season at the plate? That’d kill him, and his trade value, and he’d probably get injured.

By geauxbraves2000

July 25, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

I have to listen to the games on the radio, via MLB.com…wait, I do get TBS!! Yea!! Oh yeah, that’s right they hardly do Braves games anymore, so I guess I’m stuck listening to MLB.com.

I’m bitter.

Good games Braves!! Sure was nice to have a worry free 9th, they’ve been few and far between up until yesterday.

Nite all. Geaux Braves!

By geauxbraves2000

July 25, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this

Well, I guess I shouldn’t complain, if it weren’t for MLB.com I couldn’t follow the team at all. I apologize, it’s late, I’m tired, goodnight.

Geaux Braves!!

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

Seein tonite’s game and almost blow-off by the blowpen has convinced me that we Definitly need another reliever, Had we been playing a playoff bound team, we would have lost tonite….

But I ain’t trippin, It was Ugly, but we’ll take it

BTW I can’t remember this many slugfests during this run since the 2003 Squad, as well as the 98 squad, but the difference wit this team is that a different person is doing it a different nite as far with da production, that maybe a good sign..

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 01:50 AM | Link to this

Why da he!! is everyone bashing Giles, I guess he’d da whipping boy now since the Joneses are clowning

As far as LaRoche, Man Has he turned it around since the Atlanta fans started gettin in his A-s-s wit that blowoff defensive play he made, This is the Adam LaRoche, that I’d hope I see…

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

10 Paul, methinks that people see what they want to see but I don’t think many want to see Marcus in the outfield … most likely, he’d last maybe two games before having another season ending collision with either Andruw or de fence.

He’s truly a fine infielder, primarily due to dedication involving a lot of hard work, shades of Eddie Mathews, and the influence of a certain Atlanta coach … but I do think that Wilson’s range is better, at least it should be, and I believe that should become evident as he becomes more skilled in the position and his instincts and initial reaction time improve … and we still have old Mother Hubbard to lend a guiding hand.

All this is a bit premature … but it could very well happen.

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

If the White Sox get Soriano, That lineup will resemble a little bit of the 95 Indians, That lineup is gonna be sick…

I can hear The Hawk and DJ Sying that “You can put it on the board YES” Stuff when Soriano leads off with a homer more and more often, If they get him…

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this

Guy said that Sunday night’s game in Philadelphia was just what the Braves needed … I’d say that it was Monday night!

I want to see Andruw back in there tonight but I sure wish that someone would sit him down and explain, in no uncertain terms, what was expected … 20% strikeouts isn’t exactly what I have in mind, and neither is falling down after every swing, so that he can’t effectively run to first … that’s as painful to watch as it must be on his body.

A $5,000 fine, levied each time he loses his balance, and a $10,000 fine for each ground out to the left side of the infield would quickly stop that “stubborn nonsense” of his. He might smile a little less often but I’ll bet he’d like the results and feel better too. Maybe Hank could come back and show him how to “delay the hit” … now, he’d listen to Mr. Arron.

For those who don’t know, but for some inane reason would like to … “stubborn nonsense” is what Mama, my Mother not my wife, used to call it when I insisted on doing something that I knew was dumb … my wife calls it, and me, something else on such occassions.

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 03:42 AM | Link to this

One thing good about making an “early morning” post … while you still can’t edit out your mistakes, you can point them out before someone does it for you … Now Henry just called and explained things to me … it’s spelled Aaron!!

Have you ever noticed how … when our hitters strikeout or do poorly at the plate, some folks want their heads and demand they be traded.

When our pitchers give up runs, those same folks … well, at least they’re consistent … they want their heads and demand they be traded.

I think I have it figured out … when we hit well, it means that we have a good offense and when they do, it means that we have poor pitching … when we get them out, we have good pitching and defense but when they get us out, our offense is terrible … did I get it right? You can now see why I don’t proffer many opines on baseball stuff, it’s all just too confusing.

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 04:06 AM | Link to this

My last observation before the rub: Don’t you just love an language that has so many words with spelling variants … when you don’t know how to spell a word, just make your best guess … no strong reason to try to be correct. The odds are in your favor that it’s deemed acceptable by some dictionary and nobody will be the wiser.

By Head Coach

July 25, 2006 04:08 AM | Link to this

This is an amazingly resilient team. Injuries and inconsistent pitching has not stopped the offensive onslaught. I cant wait till Davies rejoins the rotation. All you Laroche haters can just shut up , permanently ! Betemit is a starter without a position , what a nice problem to have , lol. Schuerholz just needs to add a leadoff hitter and another veteran arm ( a lefty) in the bullpen and this team will be complete. 4 games under .500 , I see daylight , keep digging guys !! GO BRAVES !!!

By ncscoots

July 25, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

the coffee’s perking, and I’ve finished scanning the blog, so some random thoughts…Voice Of Reason, good to have you back dude. Cogent comments are alway welcome…I don’t begrudge Tyler Yates giving up the homer to Ryan Howard, who has proved to me that he’s stronger than garlic breath…somebody get Cole Hamels out of the division. The kid is simply scary good…if you disliked Hamels’ performance, you’re gonna hate Anibel Sanchez, another wicked sick young pitcher…I see Wilson is being anointed in the blog again. Don’t make me come over there…two bad outings in a row for Ray, but he’s only had three bad outing all season, the rest of the time he’s been money. Let’s not throw him under a bus just yet…Hudson baffles me. And whoever said he was locating in the first five innings wasn’t watching the same game as I. He made some good pitches early, yes, but he was nowhere near consistent with his location…wish hk would do a graph for us that measures “whipping boy index” by week or month over the course of the season. Be interesting to see who was catching the most flak, and when, and see if any of those dire predictions came to fruition…ok, that’s it, I gotta go play capitalist running dog, all hail the blog.

By Bob, journalist

July 25, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

Scoots, I figure that you’ve pulled an Elvis but trust you’ll read this upon your return.

It’s taken me a quite while but I think I’m beginning to get the hang of this trade stuff.

Maybe we can get Cole Hamels straight up for Jorge … Both give up homeruns … Sosa has good stuff, a better ERA and hits with power so he could be used off the bench … and his 3-10 record ain’t much worse than Cole’s 2-5. Besides, Jorge appears to have a bit of an attitude so he could be promoted as being a hometown boy from South Philly.

Then maybe we could trade Giles and Langerhans for D-Train and Sanchez, move Edgar to second and Wilson to short … then I’d stop calling him the “Buttermint Babe” and dub him “scooter” in your honor! I know they don’t need Giles but they could then trade him to San Diego which would make his family real happy.

You can’t force your pitches and expect to be successful, not for very long … even at the Class A level … not if your name is Cy Young and certainly not if it’s Hudson … Dean tried it and he was history.

Yeah, I know that old Diz had a “toe” problem … Tim’s could be above the neck but I suspect something physical is bothering him too.

All hail capitalist running dog!

By doc

July 25, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this

roachy getting his delayed and begrudged due. third on the team in slugging with inly mccann and c. jones ahead and essentially the equal to chipper in many stats but still folks complain right up to the end. now it is giles turn, sad.

can me consider seeing if betemet can do some time in lf?

need to see the mets begin to back up to the field. picked up omly two games in the last 10.

By Matt

July 25, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Don’t know if anyone has posted this yet and I posted this on the other blog.
Assume Wickman played here all year and only blows 3 saves like he did in Cleveland, that gives us 17 more wins. Which puts us at 63 wins, 2nd most in baseball and in 1st place. Closers are sooooo important its not even funny, and I might argue as important as starting pitchers. Which is why many teams payed big bucks for them this offseason, except for the Braves.

By KC

July 25, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this

ncscoots: I was watching that Hudson start against the Cards very closely, and he WAS locating in the first 5 innings.

Problem is, he can’t seem to do it consistently. Puzzling. Troubling.

By Matt

July 25, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Don’t fret Ray, bad things for relievers come in 2 or 3, ask Wickman, Riveria, Hoffman, Cordera. He’ll be fine.
That pitch from Yates to Howard, he crushed a very good pitch, props to Howard, bad luck to Yates. Huddy is getting behind in the count, its killing him and his pitch count. He’ll figure it out. Wickman is going to be our savior, lock him down for 2-3 more years, NOW. Langerhans, start using a tee at bp Diaz, whoops, but thats ok, everybody makes errors every once in a while, ask ARod Laroche, like I said 2 months ago, he is a slow starter and breaks out in the second half. Man he has some power.
In 3 years, Laroche (glove) Pujols (bat) and Howard (power) will be the 3 best 1st basemen in the league.
Does this team have some power this year or what. We might have CJones, AJones, JFranceour and ALaroche all with 30 homeruns. I said MIGHT, nobody freak out.

By Billy

July 25, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

I’ll step up and say that I was not a LaRoach fan…..never bashed him though and thought he defensive prowless is a valuable part of the team. This offensive explosion is just icing on the cake. I dont think he will ever be a true threat against left handed pitching though. Looks like the all the bandwagons left M. Giles side. once he goes on another hitting tear none of you people will speak up about trade giles. Behind AJ giles is me favorie player. However, if we can get a linbrink caliber player WITH a prospect I’d make the deal.

By KC

July 25, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

Yoo hoo… LaRoche haters, where are yooooouuuu??????

Haven’t heard from you guys in a while.

By Matt

July 25, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

With everybody wanting pitching, I think Giles for Linebrink would be all we could get, but then again, the Padres don’t need an 2nd basemen. They need a 3rd basemen.

By MEB

July 25, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

Copied from Journalist Guy Curtwright.

Tim Hudson, who had a four-game losing streak broken with a 14-5 victory at St. Louis on Tuesday, again benefited from a Braves offensive explosion. Hudson lasted 5 2/3 innings despite cramping in his arm and a fingernail problem, with two of the four runs charged to him unearned after left fielder Diaz’s error during the Phillies’ three-run sixth inning.

But what about his inflamed forehead? Inquiring minds want to know.

By KC

July 25, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

BILLY:

I don’t know about the LaRoche-and-lefties thing. That kid for the Phils last night was a lefty and had nasty stuff. Forget about his totals… the wheels came off for him in the 6th or 7th inning (whenever it was), but up until then, he was throwing bee bees.

Anyway, Laroche hit one out on a very tough lefty, and Jeff Torborg (a former manager and a smart baseball guy) commented that LaRoche is starting to look better and better against lefties. He hasn’t been an everyday guy all that long (just since Brian Jordan got hurt), and it certainly makes sense that the more you see them, the better you’ll do.

By Choppin Bob

July 25, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

kc: im not a hater and never said trade him. just stated more dissappointment with him earlier in the year but the bat has steadily improved since BJ got outta here.

By MEB

July 25, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

I should mention for those limited to listening to games (because of the asinine business decisions of TBS) that Hudson had to ice his inflamed forehead between innings possibly due to perspiration. In this observers opinion he was attempting use his psychic powers to keep the ball down in the strike zone. What appeared on camera as an inflammation was in fact an overheated brain.

By KC

July 25, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob:

Yeah, have you noticed how much better the team has steadily gotten since the departures of guys like Brian Jordan, Reitsma, and Remlinger.

It’s kind of like pruning a vine. We cut out the old pieces that weren’t bearing any fruit, and everything else is steadily starting to blossom.

By berigan

July 25, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure someone has mentioned a lineup similiar to this before, but if not, why not try Betemit 1st, Giles 2nd, and Renteria 3rd while Chipper is out? Perhaps Giles could get hot in his old slot, and gain some confidence again. If he still is hitting under .250 in a week, then try him batting 8th.

Also, Giles keeps getting knocked over at second, landing on his hands, which can’t help his sore thumb…or his hitting.

By Mets Stink

July 25, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Hey all you Pete Orr haters, did you catch that pinch hit single last night? Just kidding, he sucks!

By Choppin Bob

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

it your gonna move giles anywhere its to #8 hitter. dont disrupt a good thing of rent at #2.

By Tim

July 25, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Why don’t the Braves consider John Thompson as a middle reliever? He is the best pitcher for 4-5 innings, but no longer seems to have the arm strength to go longer. Something to consider!!

By MEB

July 25, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Why start making order changes, are we having problems scoring runs? Let Giles get healthy and I think he will bounce back to his old numbers which is more than respectable for a lead off hitter. Unfortunately for this team we don’t have the personnel makeup that allows us to have the perfect lead off hitter. So, we play with the cards we’ve been dealt and focus on winning series. I like this team and am reluctant to hastily trade away our talent.

By Goober

July 25, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

No other topic is more important and explains better the demise of our society than the saga of Bob, Journalist. For the sake of review, I believe I have found my calling. My calling is to tell Bob where he can stick it. And just let him try and stop me. In effect, he is locked into his present course of destruction. He does not have the interest or the will to change his fundamentally cankered protests. Let me close by reminding you that the statements I made about Bob, Journalist in this post are in earnest. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse. I will not retreat a single inch. And I will be heard.

By Glass Half Full

July 25, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Tim, I agree with moving Thomson to the bullpen, but we’d need a decent starter to take his place…not the weekly call up from AAA. Davies won’t be back until late August and we don’t really know what he’ll do.

By Hal

July 25, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Im sorry but people who even mention trading or letting Anduw walk have no bussness being called baseball fans !

Does anybody actually watch the games?

Anruw will probably drive in 130 to 140 runs this year PLUS he saves at least 40 to 50 runs over what most center fielders would

For this kind of player some would suggest trading him for A Rod ,a player performing so miserably that the fans in NY are booing him out of town …a player now more suited to DH then third base …a player who is a reportedly poor club house influence and who when playing, plays the same postion as our best player this year

ohhh yea id make that deal in a second lol

By Lew

July 25, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

You know, sometimes I just have to wonder. We score 15 runs in 2 nights without Chipper and Andruw, and all I hear is that Giles, Pete Orr and Langerhans S##k. Are all of you for real (well, most of you anyway)? The pitching last night was God awful still again and all I hear is dump Marcus. Give it up already. It isn’t Giles. It isn’t lack of a leadoff hitter. It isn’t lack of an offensively productive left fielder. IT IS THE PITCHING! It apparently doesn’t matter how many runs we score-everyone wants more. Now, with the quality of the pitching, I know we need lots of runs, but…..KC-are you know convinced that Hudson just ain’t doing it? I no longer want to hear about how he had great stuff, but lost it in the 6th. HE ISN”T DOING IT! He hasn’t had a quality start in almost two months and as far as I’m concerned, the quality start stat is lowered expectations, anyway. All of you Giles detractors, I’m not going to extol his virtues again, but he isn’t the problem.

By baby seal

July 25, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith went outside after the game with a bottle of listerine and plenty of beer. he has not come back.

By MEB

July 25, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Tim… I agree whole heartily that Thomson could be used as a middle reliever and even used in tight situations late in games when we need a tough out.

What to do with Sosa? At the risk of committing blasphemy I would consider giving him a start. I know that I am risking banishment from this blog but I think if he pitches with attitude he can be very effective. I’m uncomfortable with giving Jason Shiell the start Thursday against the Marlins.

By Tony Almeida

July 25, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Giles, Pete Orr and Langerhans SUCK

By MEB

July 25, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

jimmy… Let me guess what happened. The blue worms drank all your beer, soaked their toes in Listerine (worms have toes???)and they gave you some insight into the meaning of life or possibly what to do with Sosa.

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Lew:

I’ve never not been convinced that Hudson was (and is) underperforming. My only argument has been when he’s slammed for last year’s performance, which was actually quite good.

I have expressed confidence that Hudson will snap out of his funk. I still have a hard time picturing him pitching this brand of bad-to-mediocre baseball for the rest of the season, but I will certainly admit that I’m starting to get a little worried.

He only gave up 2 earned runs last night, but he certainly wasn’t sharp, and it’s definitely cause for concern.

On the bright side… HoRam is heading in the opposite direction. His ERA from the time he came off the DL back in May until now is around 3.50. 8 of his last 10 starts have been stellar, and if you take out the 2 that weren’t… his ERA over the past couple of months is about 1.50!

So, the Braves still have a 1-2 punch at the top of this rotation, even without Hudson pitching well. That means, if we can get our middle relief picture stabilized, we will have as good a team as anyone in the NL. I mean, two top-of-the-rotation type pitchers in your rotation is as much as any NL team can claim right now.

But Obviously, Huddy’s still very important. Here’s hoping he can get it turned around.

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

HEY!!!!

Whatever happened to that Mutts fan who laughed at me a couple of weeks ago when I told him how good Atlanta’s offense was???

I believe his words were something to the effect of:

“LOL, Oh my God, I can’t believe you think the Braves lineup is as good as the Mets or Cardinals!!! hahahahahahah”

Where is that guy?

By Mets Stink

July 25, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

There’s been a lot less Muts on this blog during the last couple weeks.

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Let’s see… What to do with Sosa… Hmmm…

How do say “Well sir, why do want to work at Jiffy Lube?” in spanish?

By Lew

July 25, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

Tony-Don’t make me say mean things to you. I’m really a nice guy. Don’t go looking for controversy. KC-I’m a (an?) Horacio fan. I think he will end up as a firstclass starter if he can avoid injury. Hudson needs to go after this season for whatever prospects we can get for him. That’s it. Bottom line. He is not what we were looking for. I don’t really agree with you about his performance last year, either. He wasn’t as bad as this year, but he wasn’t #2 starter material, either. If he has pitched on the Glavine-Madux-Smoltz teams, he would have been #5 starter. He has not proven to be worth what we are paying him. Jettison his salary and go buy someone who would actually do the job. I’m glad you’re convinced he will turn it around. I sure hope so, but have had absolutely no indication. Right now he’s good for long relief.

By Sam

July 25, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

I think it’s entirely possible that Hudson is pitching hurt. Last night’s “finger cramping” aside, it seems he never fully recovered from the side injury he suffered in Oakland. Going five innings and looking pretty good and then having the wheels fall off sounds a lot like a chronic injury that can be coaxed for X number of pitches and then flares up. A side injury, which would inhibit Hudson’s ability to get full torque and spin, certainly would account for his marked decline in movement. Movement was his hallmark in Oakland but it has been notably absent in ATL. He’s enough of an athlete to be mediocre without that extra movement on pitches but he can not be an ace without it. Were we up big in the division it would be Hudson taking a break instead of Pedro.

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

“an” Heracio fan… sorry, I forgot… former english teacher on deck. :o)

By Lew

July 25, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Mets Stink-You know, you’re right. Could be because they lost two in a row and we’ve gained two games on the. KC-How about “DO you want fries with that” in Spanish? WEll all, I go in for eye procedure #7 in an hour. This time a needle in the eye. I may not be able to see enough to post for a while. Wish me luck. Later.

By Choppin Bob

July 25, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

KC: ?Tu’ quiero trabajo en Jiffy Lube, Senor?

By Choppin Bob

July 25, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

KC: ¿Quiere usted fríe con eso?

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Lew:

I’m well aware that you don’t agree with me about Hudson’s performance last season. However statistically, he was one of the top 10 pitchers in the NL last season, so how you can say he wasn’t even a #2 starter last year is beyond me. And he would not have been a #5 starter in *any rotation. He would have been a #4 guy in a classic Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz rotation. But then again, there are a lot of good pitchers who would be the #4 guy behind those three names, aren’t there?

But back to the here and now.

If Hudson doesn’t get it turned around in a very convincing way between now and the end of the season, I will agree with you.

We have 6 starters for 5 slots next year, so some one has to go. If Huddy can’t convince us that he’s going to earn his pay… we should consider shipping him out this winter.

There will be no shortage of pitching desperate, payroll blessed teams that will be willing to gamble on Hudson (even if he never pitches any better than this the rest of the season).

My hope is that he will get the ship righted very quickly and very convincingly. But… yes, I am concerned.

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

LEW:

Take care… hope all goes well. Blessings!

By Michael

July 25, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Where are the meatheads saying trade Chipper and/or Giles? I hope this team wins the World Series the way it is just to spite your negative energy. GO braves! Keep in rollin’!

By Michael

July 25, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Where are the meatheads saying trade Chipper and/or Giles? I hope this team wins the World Series the way it is just to spite your negative energy. GO braves! Keep in rollin’!

By Michael

July 25, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Where are the meatheads saying trade Chipper and/or Giles? I hope this team wins the World Series the way it is just to spite your negative energy. GO braves! Keep in rollin’!

By KC

July 25, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob:

Thanks for looking that up! (Unless of course you speak Spanish and didn’t have to look that up)

By Choppin Bob

July 25, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

i say keep huddy for 1 more year. yes we have 6 maybe 7 starters next year, but someone always gets hurt, and what if huddy is hot the 1st half? plus, besides smoltz he is the only veteran guy. horam is hardly a veteran, and davies and james arent even close.

By Choppin Bob

July 25, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

kc: the 1st one i knew, the 2nd i was trying to showboat!

By Todd A

July 25, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

“It’s not over till the fat man slings.” LOL…..classic.

By dadgum

July 25, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Been off the blog for a bit, something about work and all, hope I am not redundant here but don’t have time to read what I missed but maybe I can add something. I feel the Braves will move Giles given what Betemit has shown this year. Not so much for his offense but for his work at 3rd given Chipper’s health and perhaps future health. Giles is just expendable pure and simple. I like him but he is the easiest to replace. Now that we have Big Wick to close and some in the pen moving to more accustomed roles in middle relief it seems to me that our most glaring need is to get a proven starter.

I would normally say true leadoff guy but not sure we could get what we need in that department for Giles et al. We’ll see soon.

DOB- yes I have eaten at Arthur B’s in KC but help me here—there is another BBQ joint basically on the stateline that is pretty famous but can’t come up with the name, anyway liked that the best when I went to KC.

Oh yeah—-if you ever just happen to be trudging along I64 east of Richmond take the Lightfoot exit which is almost in Williamsburg and pull up a seat at Pierce’s Pit BBQ—-they don’t just put that in Southern Living’s Top Ten for no reason. People drive the 50 miles from Richmond just to eat there at least I do. Worth it just trust me here…….

Just trying to help department…..if traveling through Emporia, VA on I 95 near the NC line the speed limit is 55 ( I know hard to do on 95) if you go over 60 you stand a great chance of receiving an autographed piece of paper indicating your exact speed. You see Emporia doesn’t believe in deficit spending and don’t care for the excuses given by girls in red Jeep Grand Cherokees returning from college. You see I …never mind.

THE OLDER I GET THE BETTER I USED TO BE.

By KC

July 25, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Choppin Bob:

I think next year we can probably start calling HoRam a veteran. He will have pitched several seasons at the big-league level. Certainly not a rookie anymore.

If Huddy gets it turned around in a convincing way, I would very much like to keep him here. But if doesn’t… it’s kind of scary to think about being stuck with his contract after next season.

The best scenario by far is for Huddy to pitch well in Atlanta. He’s only 30. Smoltz is 40. So Huddy could help lead this rotation several years down the road when Smoltz is no longer around to turn to. But the worst possible scenario is to wind up paying 11-12 million a season to a guy with an ERA of over 4.50.

Let’s just hope he gets it turned around… and soon.

By KC

July 25, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

dadgum:

I think the writing’s on the wall. With Betemit already here, and Prado in the pipeline, Giles will be dealt. The only question is, will it be in the next week or so, or this winter?

I would love to see us send Giles to the Cubs for one of their relievers: Howry or Eyre.

By Todd A

July 25, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Count me in as one of those that was bashing Chipper back in June.It was deserved.He was doggin’it.

But,I also came on here a few weeks back and gave him props for his resurgence.Maybe,just maybe…he heard some of the criticism being directed towards him in the media?Something’s certainly gotten into him,and now he’s playing his a**e off.He even beat out a ground ball in San Diego.When’s the last time that happened?

Currently,he’s playing at a level equal to/possibly even better than Sept ‘99,the year he won the National League MVP.Hope he keeps it up.This team is going to need everything he’s got these next 2 months to make the wildcard.But he’s going to have to stay in the lineup.

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Next years rotation is a tough one. With Hudson pitching as poorly as he is, he is the most reasonable pitcher to trade. I’m not sure any team would take Hampton even if he’d agree to a trade. Smoltz isn’t going anywhere either. On top of that, why trade HoRam, James and Davies? They all have the potential to be top of the rotation guys and they are all cheap. Hudson is looking like the odd man out.
Having said all that, one must then consider Cox. He likes veteran presence. And I think he’d be happier with more righties than lefties. If Hudson were traded, we’d have 3 left handers.
Plus, I’d imagine a good left hander would fetch more on the market than a right hander.
But, with all these injuries, trading a starter might not be a good move. As poor as Thomson has been, at the start of the year he was a godsend filling in for all the injuries. Our possible future three have all been injured this year. HoRam with the Hammy. Davies with the groin. And James was on the DL for something I don’t remember. Plus Hampton has been no stranger to the DL either. And Smoltz is getting older and wiser by the game, so it isn’t without concern that he could go down as well. But Hudson really hasn’t proven himself to be the healthy, reliable guy either. We were truly blessed with Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz. Those guys in their prime seemed to make every start.

Even still, I wouldn’t be shocked if Hudson was traded. Especially with the Andruw signing coming up. But Boras wants Andruw in the Free Agency market to drive up the price. That will be a tough one. There is the December dead line which prevents a FA from resigning with their former team, and Boras has a history of dragging every thing out. I think the Braves will be able to sign him, but it’s going to make me sick to my stomach watching it all go down.

By ncscoots

July 25, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

doesn’t really matter if it’s Giles, Betemit, or Prado, this year or next, they’ll all sit or play elsewhere once the Braves decide where they will situate Escobar and Andrus on the diamond. Assuming both guys fulfill their upside, they’ll be half your infield in 2008 or 2009.

By DCBravesFan

July 25, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Getting rid of Hudson would be a major mistake. The theory that we have 6-7 starters next year is flawed. How do we know Hampton will be effective? Davies has really yet to prove to be able to stay healthy. I’m a huge Smoltz fan but when does age catch up with him?

I seriously doubt JS makes a trade involving Giles. Bobby has said often how much Giles work ethic helps the development of the younger players. Has he had a bad year? Yes. However, in the early part of the second half of the season he has seen an increase in every offensive statistic.

This team as it is right now can win the wild card. Why break it up while it’s doing so well?

By DCBravesFan

July 25, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Man I need another cup of coffee.

Davies has yet to prove he can stay healthy

By Snowball's Chance

July 25, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

When Chipper is healthy he is Great. The guy is a gamer and plays through injuries that would sideline other players. When he went down on the first roadtrip I thought it looked like a career ender but he came back. Atlanta needs a healthy Chipper for the Mets series. I think he wants to remind NY who is the best thirdbaseman .

By Head Coach

July 25, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

Lew , nothing personal, but you are an idiot. The whole leadoff concept is way above your IQ. Do us all a favor and learn the game.

By Mets Stink

July 25, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Who’s gonna replace Giles if he’s traded? Chipper won’t be healthy the rest of the year, so Betemit will be playing a lot of 3B. Prado was good when he was called up, but I wouldn’t feel great about him playing on a regular basis yet, especially in a playoff race.

By MGL

July 25, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Last night’s win was huge!! 10 runs without the Jones boys and McCann. Bullpen bobbles and Wicky closes them down. A real confidence builder.

Has anyone noticed that if the Cubbies sweep the Mets (possible even though unlikely) and the Braves sweep the Marlins and the Mets, the Braves will be only 6 games behind the Mets by the end of July. What a rush that would be!!

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Head Coach: Harsh words for a man getting a needle stuck in his eye. He may never see again, he may never see that post…

But his point about the Braves weak link being pitching is correct. Our saff is averaging 5.1 runs a game allowed. We’ve been winning by scoring barely more…5.4 runs. 5.4 runs a game is quite a bit of scoring. It’s the tops in the NL. We’d be cruising right now if the pitchers could pitch. That isn’t to say a better lead-off batter wouldn’t help, but the most immediate need is better pitching. That is of course, if I’m reading your response to his earlier post correctly. I could have missed one in there…

On the pitching note. Cox has realigned the starters completely. He now has the 1,2,3 as Smoltz, Ramirez, Hudson. I’d imagine James and Davies will fill out the rest once Davies is healthy. In the mean time it will be James and Shiell and then James and Thomson.

By jmart

July 25, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

I like the reserve left fielder for the Philles. He played last night (Deluccia?). He is fast, bats left handed, hits for average. He is a good player going to waste on the Phillies bench. It seems that it wouldn’t break the bank to get him. I would trade Giles for another pitcher and move Betimet to 2nd base.

By Tomas

July 25, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Braves are really finding a grew, they’ve won 7 of the last 8 series, hudson has won his last two game the Jones boy’s really hot when healthy, and wilson should be starting 2B by the way he is playing, Laroche has benn awesome, and the ninth inning is not a problem anymore.

By espn ball licker

July 25, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

MLB Rumor Central reports “Relief in sight for the Braves!” and has a picture of Linebrink next to it. maybe things are finally starting to get serious with that trade. trade anybody but betemit and its a good deal.

By DonCoburleone

July 25, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

MetsStink I totally agree with you. We know (as he’s shown the last 3 years) that Chipper is good for (at most) playing 25-30 games out of every 40. So the Braves need Betemit to be a “floating” infielder and play 3b when Chipper’s out. I for one don’t feel comfortable with Prado at 2b for the remainder of the season if we trade Giles. I think we would be much better off waiting to trade Giles in the offseason for some more bullpen help. I believe there will be a much bigger market for Giles in the offseason than there is right now.

By Tomas

July 25, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves need to stick to there infield, do to all the injuries, but put beitemet in the starting lineup instead of giles, and if you do trade him, you need to add a veteran lefty reliever.

By Tomas

July 25, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Braves: The Braves picked up veteran closer Bob Wickman for catcher Max Ramirez to fill one hole, but Atlanta still needs another reliever, preferably a veteran lefty. Aside from that, the Braves would at least like to add a veteran starter.

What the Braves are offering hasn’t piqued much interest around the league. The Braves had made right-hander John Thomson available, but he went on the disabled list and isn’t eligible to come off until July 31. Second baseman Marcus Giles, infielder Wilson Betemit and outfielder Ryan Langerhans are other possibilities.

Wickman was the priority, and now that he’s on board, the Braves believe that they have enough talent to return to the playoffs even if they don’t make another deal.

By none

July 25, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

this text will be bolded

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Does Anyone know why ESPN Fired Harold Reynolds???

He was alright but he was quick to jump on the bandwagons of the winning teams, and he always biased against the braves

By JasonInMaine

July 25, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

From USA Today:

San Diego Padres GM Kevin Towers said Monday they have engaged in talks for Chicago Cubs starter Greg Maddux but will not trade reliever Scott Linebrink to the Atlanta Braves for third baseman Wilson Betemit.

The info can be found here.

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Chuck James going tonite, lets see how this offfense does inside a pitchers park, there will be no more of those 4 homer games from the team 4 the next week so we need to play A-B-C Baseball, especially against the mutts

Coincidently the Team caught fire when Chuck James was put into the rotation…

Nuff respect, To Chucky

By Voice Of Reason

July 25, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to love a post that reads, “…nothing personal, but you are an idiot.”

By scooter

July 25, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine we dont take kindly to your kind around here. the padres will not trade linebrink for betemi(t) because the braves wont let wilson go. but the padres aka whales v****a will trade linebrink for another brave.

By DonCoburleone

July 25, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

I guess DOB is on vacation… Who’s going to step up at the AJC and get a new blog going?

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin: When did they fire Harold Reynolds??? Was it because he wasn’t on the Mets band wagon? Or was it because, unlike Joe Morgan, he doesn’t see everything in terms of race baiting?
I’m going to miss his hand jestures. They were so robotic looking.

By JasonInMaine

July 25, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

The article referenced in ESPN Ball Licker’s post contains this data:

Relief in sight for Braves? Jul 25 - As the Padres continue their search for a third baseman, the possibility that they may ship reliever Scott Linebrink to the Braves for Wilson Betemit remains alive. Jayson Stark says the chances of the Padres acquiring Betemit is far more likely than the Astros’ Morgan Ensberg landing in San Diego.

“I’m still looking at third base,” Padres GM Kevin Towers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “But it has to be somebody you think is a significant upgrade.”

Regards, Jason

By JasonInMaine

July 25, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

Scooter, out of curiousity, what would you suggest “my type” be?

Regards,

Jason

By Tomahawkin

July 25, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

TennPaul It had to be sometime yesterday

I saw it on the philly.com discussion board, there is a link on there citing the imformation

By ncscoots

July 25, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

VOR, plus add add to the personal slur a line like “…learn the game.” Kettle and pot.

By scooter

July 25, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

you people from maine. i know your kind

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

scooter: lol. The translation was lost years ago.

By Voice Of Reason

July 25, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

You can click here for info, or lack thereof, on the firing of Harold Reynolds.

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve read the Padres were interested in Beltre of the Mariners. Towers likes to aqcuire guys with NL West Division experience. Whatever that’s worth. That was the line of reasoning for Chan Ho, Roberts and Piazza.

By The Grinch

July 25, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, Y’all; DOB has a new blog up.

By DonCoburleone

July 25, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

I would not do Betemit for Linebrink right now. That trade would probably hurt the Braves in the long run. I think the team the way it is right now can definately take the WC this year even if they stand pat.

By KC

July 25, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why ESPN fired Harold Reynolds, but we can eliminate a couple of possibilities:

We know he didn’t make a television appearance while intoxicated. That couldn’t be it because Rick Sutcliff did that recently, and he’s still employed by ESPN.

We also know that he didn’t get drunk and urinate on an off-duty police officer from a 2nd story window. That can’t be it because Chris Miller did that and he’s still employed.

Hmmmm… I’m all out of ideas.

By KC

July 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

DonC:

I will second that. The Braves should not trade Betemit unless they get something much more spectacular than Scott Linebrink in return.

I seriously doubt JS would make that trade right now. I think the Linebrink for Betemit stuff is balony (just like 97% of all trade rumors).

By KC

July 25, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

We have all wondered (or at least most of us have) how in the world JS was able to pull off a trade like the one the brought Bob Wickman to Atlanta.

We sent a single-A level minor league catcher to Cleveland to get this guy. Unbelievable!

But as much as I believe in the greatness of John Shuerholz as a GM, I think Wickman gave us the real reason this deal was possible in his first interview as a Brave.

As it turns out, the Braves were very close to signing Wickman over the winter. So close that the Braves were expecting Wickman in Atlanta for a physical. But before he could catch that flight, he was offered a fair one-year offer from his home-team (the Indians), and decided to take it.

Anyway, Wickman is a 10-5 guy (10 years in the league - five of them with his (then) current team), so he had veto power over any trade Cleveland tried to include him in.

According to Wickman, he vetoed a couple of trades this year… but he didn’t veto the deal that sent him to Atlanta. If Bob Wickman didn’t verbally tell the Indians he wanted to go to the Braves, they figured out that it was probably Atlanta or nowhere for Wickman.

In other words, this trade wasn’t made possible by JS’s negotiating skills at the trading table, but rather by Wickman’s respect for Bobby Cox and the chance to get back to the post-season with the Braves.

But whatever the reason… glad he’s here.

By KC

July 25, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

To follow up on my last post…

For all of you who have said:

“The Braves shouldn’t give away any of our best young talent for another player that’s only going to help us *this year, and then be gone!”*

It appears John Shuerholz agrees with you. If Wickman vetoed 2 trades this year before accepting the one that sent him to Atlanta, we obviously know that the Braves offer for Wickman was far from the best one on the table. Ultimately, we sent nothing more than a low-level minor leaguer that probably have the big-league Braves had never even heard of, to get Wickman.

That would indicate to me that Shuerholz was steadfastly opposed to giving away any of the Braves best young talent. So if you hear any rumors about the Braves trading away young Betemit or a top prospect for a reliever… don’t believe it. If he wasn’t willing to do that to get a closer, he’s not going to do it to get a setup man.

By Todd A

July 25, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin’,the rumor on Reynolds is sexual harrassment.ESPN is being tight lipped about it.Apparently,he had been warned before.