AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLaRoche ready for Reds?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At least there were a couple bits of good news for the Braves despite the 3-2 loss at Pittsburg on Thursday.
Adam LaRoche reported that his strained right hamstring feels better and Tim Hudson turned in what is considered a quality start for the first time since June 10.
LaRoche, hurt on Wednesday, insists that he will be available for the important weekend series in Cincinnati, although manager Bobby Cox will likely hold his first baseman out of the lineup for at least one more game.
The Braves need the hot-hitting LaRoche back playing regularly as soon as possible. But they need Hudson pitching like the old Oakland ace even more if they are going to make a playoff run.
Hudson (8-10) bounced back after giving up nine runs against the New York Mets last Saturday, but he was still much less than at the top of his game against the Pirates.
Hudson made it through six innings for the first time since July 8. But still struggled with his command, his pitches not showing the movement they once had.
After the Braves scored in the top of the first, he gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Then he allowed what proved to be the winning run in the sixth, although he was able to end the inning with a bases-loaded double play.
The Braves took two of three from the Pirates, although scoring just nine runs. Expect much high-scoring games in Cincinnati, where the Braves need to also win at least twice.
Comments
By hk
August 3, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
… well, we lost a tough one, but Huddy was OK, which is big …
… earlier in the year, a marked improvement in reliever performance triggered a Brave surge … could it happen a second time ??? … the pattern is there in the ERA and BA curves …
click here for chart
By Howard Wright
August 3, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Braves will win the wild card. Their pitching and their hitting are too inconsistent.
By Alex Stuard
August 3, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
HK, The latest performances (since late June) of our bullpen do remind me at least of the performnace last years pen showed in the 18 inning game in houston
By Greg
August 3, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Hudson making it through six innings was a mistake. As usual, Bobby is a terrible manager of starting pitchers.
By TommyB
August 3, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
HK,
As usual, Great Charting!
As for your closing analysis, one can only hope.
By Comical Carl
August 3, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
This just in… Hudson Sucks! Details at 11.
By alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
greg, terrible manager of starting pitchers??? unless you’ve had any pro ball expirience i don’t think you have any call to say that. Bobby knows alittle more about it than us.
By bobby cox
August 3, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
i dont know nuthin
By Alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
I hope none of us start acting like new york fans
By Tony Almeida
August 3, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Larrrrrrryyyy….Larrrrrrryyyyyy
By alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Greg(Bobby), I didn’t mean that in an offensive way. I don’t ever want to be on bad terms with a fellow braves lover(except Jimmy Carter).
By journalist jimmy smith free at last
August 3, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
whew! that was a close one. no, not the game, though that was a close one, too- another one-run loss. the drop was made and this journalist was blindfolded and transported to hwy 41 near the big chicken where jimmy smith fought the blue worms and escaped. their leader is a huge old worm named norm - last name pratt. pratt attempted to strike this journalist with a bat but could not make contact. over and over again he would swing and miss much like another pratt known to all. journalist would like to thank carolina lady, grinch, and others who sought to raise the ransom for jimmy smith. not so sure about bob who may have been in cahoots with the worms. how did “p” player pete orr do today? those who said betemit was huge coming off the bench were right. not the same asking for “p” players to deliver the big hit. why are the “p” players still here? journalist must go catch up by reading favorite journalists dob and, of course, journalist guy curtright- author of this blog. jimmy smith will not venture out alone among the hostas again. winning 2 of 3 works but it would be better to sweep the lowly pirates. selah.
By Sammy Kershaw
August 3, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Actually Carl you are wrong.
Hudson actually blows. get it right
By alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Tony, Hey don’t make fun of a hurt superstar!!
By Alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Tony, Hey don’t make fun of a hurt superstar!! It’s Mr. Larry when he’s off duty!(lol)
By Greg
August 3, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
OK. I agree that I’ve never managed MLB pitchers. But come on. How many of our biggest losses resulted from Bobby taking a starter a pitch too far. He worships veterans. He lets them make the call. Sometimes, you just have to bring the hook.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
Put Chipper and Hudson on waivers….maybe someone will claim them
By The Grinch
August 3, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Good to see you back, Jimmy; I expect you’ll be getting Vietam-like flashbacks of Joe Morgan now for years to come, where you wake up screaming in a cold sweat while holding a pistol on a frightened loved one. Pie and root beer for you. Journalist Bob has been conspicuously absent lately; I wonder if he’s down at Cheers having a beer with NORM…I bet NORM is hitting on a girl right now and striking out.
By Alex stuard
August 3, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
Greg, I agree to an extent. But it’s not just veterens. Remember Jack Mckean with the marlins letting his pitchers go nine almost every night a year or two ago? If things had gone sour for him the media would have been all over him for taking the gamble. A lot of times when I’m thinking that a pitcher shows the stuff enough to go nine Bobby pulls him. I don’t think we can be so vague as to say that Bobby is a bad manager of starting pitchers. More often than not he isn’t bad.
By Calvin
August 3, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
If anyone hasn’t noticed, the Braves have not scored more than 6 runs since Chipper went on the DL Saturday and that was only once in a blow loss to the Mets last Sunday. Suffice to say that Chipper makes the offense go.
By Carolina Lady
August 3, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, glad you’re finally free. You didn’t say but did Hartebeest and Baby Seal arrive safely?? I assume the groceries….I mean, the ransom was sufficient.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Calvin you shouldn’t have to score six runs to win a baseball game. Chipper had to go on a “tear” just to get up to 15 HR for the year. To many errors, too little range,too little power production, too old, too injury prone and too damn expensive….Chipper gotta go!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 3, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
carolina lady, thank you. yes, seal and beest are here and the reunion has been joyous. the worms escaped with the root beer and pie. that cheese was nothing special - was it from dob? probably ate all the good stuff. baby seal has noticably improved hygiene, thank you. is that cologne? yes, grinch, journalist is fairly certain that norm pratt is striking out wherever he may be tonight - blame it on the oblique (worms have obliques, right?). now, “P” players - orr is now hitting .191, pratt is hitting .207.
aybar obp is .357 - giles is .351. furcal obp is .352 and betemit obp is .351. go figure. mccann for leadoff - obp is .393. ha!
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 3, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
Okay, the Chipper bashing can stop because its uncalled for and childish. Some people on here are starting to sound like Yankee and Mets fans. Chipper does make the offense go, but I believe this offense for a short period of time can score runs without him. The problem with this offense is the same problem I have harped on over and over. This team has no speed and cannot manufacture runs. The entire lineup is filled with “power” hitters and doubles hitters. The reason Giles doesn’t succeed very well in the leadoff spot is because he is a doubles hitter. Other than McCann and Chipper when healthy no one in the offense can just put the bat on the ball and get it through the infield. This is why I advocated the Red Sox trade. Crisp is the type of hitter that puts the bat on the ball. We had 2nd and 3rd with less than two outs twice in the game and could not get a run in. Why? We didn’t have a singles hitter come up in the spot. Yes, this lineup can score runs and lots of them but it goes into funks because its not balanced. This team can’t win unless a homerun is hit. I bet you its been at least a month and a half since this team won a game without hitting a homerun. It wouldn’t surprise me if it wasn’t longer than that.
I expect good things this weekend. Maybe even a sweep. Definitely 2 of 3. But, that’s because we are playing in a hitter’s haven. I admit I am scared what will happen when the team comes home next week.
Whether people want to admit it or not, Chipper anchors this offense. He offsets Andruw and his strikeouts. Yes, Andruw drives in runs and did very well today, but how did he do in the first two games? Francoeur is killing me. But, I have to remember he is 22 and very raw. I compare him to Vlad Guerrero and know that comparison is very accurate and remember how Vlad had to take some hard knocks due to his aggressiveness. But, you know looking at the numbers Frenchy hits well over .300 when he does swing at the first pitch as opposed to deep in the count. And, he is not the only one.
How many times has Andruw flailed at the first pitch? LaRoche? Giles? Lanerhans? Sometimes McCann?
Balance is the word of the day. Wasted effort by Hudson.
By chopthis
August 3, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
Braves fans a SO deep in denial. Only a Braves fan would get swept by the Mets, eke out tow of three against the lowly Pirates, and then boldly expect a sweep of the Reds.
Take the blinders off, choppers. This is a BAD baseball team.
Hudson held the vaunted Buc offense to three runs in six innings? Yeah, he’s back, baby!
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 3, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this
Chopthis, WHAT! Are you a Mets fan? Yeah, looked really good the other night when the Marlins with a payroll of $15 mil beat your Mets with a payroll of what $130 mil. Whatever, dude.
The Mets will go the playoffs with a rotation featuring Pedro (who could be injured at any moment….literally), Glavine (who is starting his second half swoon), El Duque (need I say more), and those other guys. What is Oliver Perez going to be your savior? Please. The Mets may go to the WS but if they get beat in less than 5 games by the American League it would be a miracle. By the way, how are those Yanks doing? So unfair for you guys to be pushed back to the back pages again. Shame.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
Robert not bashing Chipper just looking at reality. It is time to move him and use that salary where it will be of more use. By the way I agree that the Red Sox deal would be great and I would be open to others as well. You are also right that there is no balance. Does anyone remember how this team looked in 91. Top of the order with Nixon (70+ steals), Gant, Pendleton, Justice, Bream, Belliard, Olsen and Lemke. Great defense, lots of switch hitters and Lefty righty combinations. Solid bullpen and great pitching. No one on that team hit 40+ homers. Only a couple hit 30 if I remember right. Cox is partially to blame for this, even though he is a great manager, he likes this type of club over a balanced one. How many of these Braves stole 20+ bases in the minors but almost 0 in Atlanta. Three singles for one run just isn’t going to do it.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
By the way guys while there is no way I would have paid Furcal 13million there is no doubt losing his speed and leadoff ability has hurt the Braves. If it was the 9th inning and a the tying run on first is there anybody on this team that could get to 2nd on their own….no way but Furcal could. The money wasn’t worth it but we really miss his speed in the lineup.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
so AJ was put on waivers….the question is did he clear waivers or not? anyone know?
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 3, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this
Exactly, Shawn. In one sense 13 mil is not worth it. But, the fact was Furcal would have stayed here for 9-10 mil and the Braves wouldn’t budge off of 8 mil. The loss of his speed has really hurt this offense.
By Tony Almeida
August 3, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
Javy’s with the Red Sox now, I think I’ll start rooting for the Sox. Atleast they have a chance.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 3, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! andruw on waivers! thankfully, dob explained this maneuver so journalist is not terribly distressed. still, what if andruw is claimed?
now, journalist bob … did no one wake bob for the game? must journalist jimmy smith always be the one to remind others to wake up bob? jimmy smith has been indisposed for a few days. rip van winklebob may sleep through the series with the reds.
carolina lady, an e-mail is awaiting your kind attention.
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this
Land sakes, would you believe it … Guy’s lead post is 8 paragraphs long, albeit short paragraphs!
Jimmy, it’s good to see that you survived, wit in tact! One simple way to get worms to leave your hostas alone is to plant cabbages in amongst them … worms love cabbages … they can take up residence, have babies, eat all the time without ever leaving home … they become fat and lazy and never bother anything else.
That can be bad if you’re trying to grow cabbages but it sure is good if you like to fish or grow hostas.
My Lady what am I to do with this big watermellon? Nobody up here knows what a Black Diamond is except some diabetic old farmers who can’t eat them … the rest run like crazy when I mention it … not sure why but one lady screamed and warned me against bringing rattlesnakes into her yard.
Grinch, my reference to Norm and Cheers in the same post was purely unintentional, I assure you … what in the world would possess me to do something like that? Goodness! It seems like yesterday but it’s more like 20 years since I’ve enjoyed any of the Chivas family and though I don’t keep count, my best guess is that the total volume of alcoholic beverages … beer, wine, and champagne … consumed by me during the last 10 years has been less than one gallon, festive occassions included. Most recently, following Christmas Dinner last, I enjoyed a Mac and a sniffer of brandy. There’s too much life to be lived, books to be read and flowers to be smelled … dosen’t make too much sense to waste time drinking. Of course, folks are prone to forget about such things, especially when they’ve been drinking.
Yesterday I pondered about today’s game “how many, if any, will be trying a bit too hard?” … the tense has changed but I’m still pondering.
I guess that I was looking at a different game than most … to me, that was one of the most disappointing losses of the season … let’s hope the game doesn’t turn out to be the most important of the year ‘cause victory was there for the taking … my first impression was that Tim just couldn’t hold it for the bullpen. But, I’m not really blaming Hudson too much; we’ve come to expect pretty poor performances from him and he didn’t disappoint … still, his bunt with 2 strikes was a thing of beauty that facilitated the scoring of two runs; enough to win the game … alas and alack, facilitated ain’t the same as effected.
His 6 inning stats … 6 hits, 3 walks and a 4.50 ERA translates to some statistical improvement but I’m making an appointment with my optometrist ‘cause I just didn’t see any real change as some of you did … except maybe in the opposition.
I don’t care if he’s being paid one dollar or 100 million to play … if the expense is fixed, it doesn’t bespeak the current value of the asset … we need wins, not loses, when it’s his turn in the rotation.
I suggest that a strong, two inning reliever be started in his stead … and then let Tim pitch the third through the sixth or seventh innings. That would give him the opportunity to win, having pitched but four or five good innings; eliminate some of the anxiety in the dugout, and make it easier for Bobby to determine how long he should pitch … not to mention that he could pitch on three days rest, should the need arise.
Hudson’s past was not made of wholecloth nor were his successes acheived with mirrors … he’s not a house of cards, but a fine pitcher who may face ruin if we continue to allow him to be subjected to abuse while he seeks to regain that which he lost or left in Oakland.
By shawn
August 3, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
By the way take a look at the payroll on this team and you can see something is out of whack. 1b LaRouche >1 mil 2b Giles 3.5 (next year he is gone and it will be back to >1 mil) SS Renteria 0 (sox pay it) 3b Jones 13 mil C McCann >1 mil lf Langerhan >1 mil Cf Jones 13 mil Rf Francouer >1 mil Jones’s are eating up ALL the cash, there is no flexibility. Remember the Mariners letting go of Griffey, A-Rod, and Randy Johnson and replacing them with more better overall players and depth….who would have though they would be better without them but they were.
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, I’ve been off the Internet doing computer maintenance stuff.
I slept through much of the game … no, that was the team, unfortunately, I was awake … but, why such an early start?
By MEB
August 3, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
shawn… Reality is the quality or state of being actual or true. The facts are Chipper Jones is the Braves third baseman and in reality he will be there until he retires. So please understand this fact.
Chipper’s salary is not keeping the Braves from winning the NL East and more. An unbelievable string of injuries and the failure of key members of our pitching staff to perform too reasonable expectations is responsible for our current state of affairs.
Like the 91 Braves this team has a lot of upside and will I think do great things in the future. So lets get Chipper back in the lineup and win the wild card and sneak into the World Series through the back door.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Calvin
August 3, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Chipper will retire as a Brave. Andruw might if he takes a hometown discount such as 13-15 mil a year. Smoltz will most likely retire a Brave. What I am getting at is that these three players will probably not be traded unless JS is overwhelmed with an offer that he can not refuse, such as Lester, Crisp, Paplebon, etc. I don’t think Hudson, if he continues to be this inconsistent, will make it through the trading deadline next year. Especially since his contract balloons several mil in 08. In closing, people who want Andruw, Chipper, and/or Smoltz traded are just hoping against hope.
By MBATL
August 3, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Question: even if we worked an AJ deal with the Red Sox that included Lester, wouldn’t Lester have to clear waivers, and wouldn’t every team below us jump on that, given that he doesn’t make real money yet? Or am I missing something?
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Perhaps “P Player” is a patronizing pseudonym for players performing pretty poorly … unfortunately, today’s lineup included many such players who weren’t so defamed as a consequence of birth.
By The Grinch
August 3, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Howdy, J. Bob! Actually, I didn’t realize you had already connected Norm and Cheers (I was a bit under the weather last night); it was intentional on my part. As for the Chivas, it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed any myself. However, this is due to a restricted budget more than healthy restraint on my part. In fact, I’m about to go pour a glass of wine and begin preparing some Italian food. Like Trevor Hoffman giving up our home-field advantage; time for the old change-of-pace!
By ILL-logical
August 3, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
Well know you know,JS was up to his BS on the Andruw ‘situation”.He(JS) is setting the stage for we just don’t have the money to sign Andruw.Remember Stan Kasten threatened to trade Andruw if he did’t sign a below market deal back in 2001.Andruw caved and look what it got him. But Chipper,his “fishing buddy” Mike Hampton and their inflated salaries are never mentioned. And it is also the reason why the big media blitz was put on Frenchy- he is being groomed as Andruw’s replacement, irrespective of his performance /ability. The fix is in-JS is trying to cover his anterior position with a bogus move that will haunt this franchise for years.long after he is gone.
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Hey if you want to blame today’s loss on anybody you can blame Francouer, I mean seriously he is in a slump (again). You have runners in scoring position and (again) you swing at the first pitch you see from a brand new pitcher. Man I mean I know baseball very well and quite honestly Jeff does not yet have what it takes to get pithers to throw his pitch. The Braves averaged about 3 runs aginst the worst team in the MLB. Man show me the silver lining…please!
By ncscoots
August 3, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
MBATL is once again the sane voice amidst the mad chaos. While bloggers rend their garments and moan “Oh, no, Andruw is on waivers, he’s bound to be traded, oh woe!”, they ignore the small matter of ANY player involved in a deal must make it through waivers, either claimed by the team you want to trade with, or clear altogether. Young stud pitchers under club control making MLB peanuts don’t clear waivers, people, assuming a team was stupid enough to put them on the list. Jeez, Manny Ramirez has been on waivers so many times, he might as well have a spot reserved every year. So just chill on the Andruw speculation. Sheesh…
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
Braves fans I want you to position yourself for the very real possibility that Andruw’s time is very short with the Braves.
I am really getting tired of watching this mix of Braves players underachieve and when the sale of the team comes to pass I promise you that mandates will be handed down. Maybe not a Marlins fire sale but close.
Think about this one and realy chew on it. Today’s game was very close to a must win. Hudson was on the mound needing a win badly. We give up 3 runs to the very worst team in the NL if not MLB and don’t win. That is very very sad. I am sick and tired of JS putting a positive spin on all of this. Frankly it is a good thing Hudson will miss the Cincy series as he needs a break especially when he pitches good enough to post a win and his team tanks on him against the cellar dwellers.
Now who was it among us that was so damn sure the Braves would win the wild card. We get a quality start against the worst team and don’t win. Watch the waiver trades, watch the waiver trades, watch the waiver trades. Miss Rudolph Miss Rudolph can you tell me what happened to the tarantula….no but if you don’t bring me the starting pitcher you will see him again. OOOOH WAAAH! OOOH WAAAH!
By ncscoots
August 3, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Bob, BTW, I’m going to disagree with you about today being oneof the most disappointing losses of the season. To me, it was just, well, a loss, just like any of the other 60 that any team is gonna lose during the year. My choice for most disappointing loss of the year is take-your-pick of Friday-Saturday-Sunday against the Mets. Frankly, that was just about the worst case of lay-down I’ve seen from a Braves team since the 70s. I’m still spewing bile over it.
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
The rwaiver wire is loaded with good players some will be traded once they clear waivers fo rother players who also must clear waivers. If I was JS I would have put this whole team on waivers. No player is immune from waivers especially this bunch of Braves.
Every one on this blog needs too get familiar with waivers. It has been explained countless times on my earlier posts and also by DOB. Generally the expensive players slip through. We will see.
By MBATL
August 3, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
dadgum, we may very well have put the whole team on waivers (though you can only put 7 players on the list per day). It’s not suppposed to be publicized… the AJ filing was “leaked” because it was of interest.
2 of 3 is good baseball, I don’t care who you’re playing. The best teams win maybe 65 pct., and the worst win 40 pct… add it up, and a 3 game sweep is just not something you can demand, even if it’s only the Pirates. You hope for it, but to expect it, or demand it, is a bit much. Keep winning 2 of 3 from this day forward, and you’re World Series Champs.
We just couldn’t get that big hit today.
And ncscoots, thanks, but it’s well documented I’ve had more than my share of less-than-sane moments here too!
By ncscoots
August 3, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
dadgum, YOU explained waivers in countless posts? ROTFLMAO, you cluelss twit.
By beachcomber
August 3, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Hey, nice pick-up Dodgers. Maddux has a no-no through five aganst the Reds.
By beachcomber
August 3, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Make that six for Maddux.
By MEB
August 3, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
MBATL… thank you for your excellent and very rational post because my head was really beginning to hurt.
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
dude not on this blog though….
you can’t expect to win 2 of 3 in every series. You look at the overall wining %. That being said to lose at anytime to the Pirates puts you at a disadvantage against all the other teams that you are trying to pass. I say we must now sweep Cincy to be back in good graces for a wild card. Say what you want and we are entitled but we just aren’t getting it done.
Trust me that JS is looking to bail on AJ if anything looks great on the waiver clearing. This team needs a good swift kick in the but.
By Sonny
August 3, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
The Dogders are staring Drew, Furcal, Betemit and Maddux tonight…weird.
By berigan
August 3, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
MBATL, as I understand it, almost all players pass thru waivers. I imagine some teams hold back rookies, they are cheap and all. But, if the Sox wanted to trade Lester(And if you think we were fierce with Betemit, imagine how the Red Sox Nation would react to trading a young Stud pitcher, when they are short starters as well)he would be on the list. I am surprised to hear the lists are supposed to be secret, cuz some guy on espn is always hot to mention that some big name has cleared waivers, or mentions a whole list of names….well, back when you didn’t have to pay for the honor of reading espn.com…here is more on the waiver process via a google search…
http://www.oculon.org/blog/?p=86
By MBATL
August 3, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
dadgum, I want to sweep the Reds, I really, really, really do! But if we win the first 2, everybody (well, not everybody, but most people) will be raving about how we’re on track. And then if we lose the 3rd, those same people will be falling on their swords, declaring us dead in the water, or wanting to trade whoever didn’t have a great game 3.
And let’s not kid ourselves; we’ve got an outside shot at this thing, but to EXPECT us to sweep the Reds is simply ignoring the fact that, so far anyway, they’ve been a better baseball team than us.
We play a soft schedule the rest of the way… something like 10 games against teams with winning records (not sure of the exact number). Win series, and unless someone else gets real hot, September could still be interesting.
Beachcomber, wouldn’t that be a perfect addition to the Cubbies’ lore (gore?): to let Maddux get away TWICE and both times have him pitch lights-out. NoNo through 6 now…
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
ncscoots…..dimentia is not a pretty sight. Countless rages of babbling can lead to being taken for somewhat less than a subcultural intellect. If you are a follower of this blog for any period of time you would never have responded in such a juvenile manner and would have remembered the waiver posts. Oh well I will continue to instruct you as needed but in the meantime please pay attention to others on this blog that are distributing great info to the masses. We can’t be responsible for those that can’t read.
By ncscoots
August 3, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
wow, Sonny, guess Rod Serling is the bench coach tonight!
By ncscoots
August 3, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
bubba, you missed the operative word of the joke : “explain”.
By hop on chop
August 3, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
I’m sure all the “soft” teams y’all are looking forward to playing look on their schedule and see the 50-57 Braves as a “soft” opponent, too.
There’s only three teams in the National League with a worse record than the Braves. Can’t get much softer than that, can you?
Rain delay in the 7th in Cincinnati. Maddux still has a no-hitter. 2-0 Dodgers.
A win puts the “soft” Dodgers up 2 1/2 games on the Braves.
By MBATL
August 3, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this
Berigan, thanks for the link. As for the secrecy thing, I got it from today’s AJC article about AJ. quoting JS: “It is all supposed to be confidential, and teams can be reprimanded for making names public,” Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. “I’ve never commented on waivers, and I never will. It is not fair to the teams and the players.”
Anyway, I wasn’t saying I thought a Lester trade was likely; just wondered if in the real world it would even be possible now.
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
MeatBall, I agree that winning 2 of 3 would be good but we are playing averages here. You average out going 2 of 3 against THE PIRATES!!! by sweeping the Reds. Now you are serious about the wild card. If this were earlier in the year I would say OK but not now. Too many teams ahead of us and games are shrinking. We have to play great in the present, tomorrow, and every game.
I had to laugh tonight. Up Here in Richmond they had the Braves playing Durham and it was nationally televised. The Braves were up big but the announced crowd of 2,400 was more like 240. Man on man oh man….that was embarassing. Did I mention JS wa sin attendance. The Richmond Braves are on the move and will not be in Richmond come 2008. Mike Plant of teh braves is just about fed up with everything going on up here. I will spare you the details but it is just ugly.
By MEATBALL (formerly MBATL)
August 3, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Meatball! I like it… Thanks, dadgum!
And regarding winning’em all from here on out, I’m on board. Let’s do it!
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
duh huh…….my bad but I like it too! Actually believe it or not I was not intentionally trying to dis your name of MBATL. Count me as a subcultural intellect LOL!!
By mariner
August 3, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
dadgum, i appreciate your reports on the richmond braves. too bad richmond and the braves can’t work things out. i lived in norfolk/va beach for 11 years, leaving in 2002. the norfolk tides are the mets aaa affiliate there, and they have a first class stadium with great attendance. always a fun night to see the tides play. even though there are few mets fans in the area.
By MBATL
August 3, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
No problem, dadgum. Counted you in that lot a long time ago - LOL back atcha, and Go Braves!
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Scott Boras, Andruw is quoted as saying that he doesn’t even know what it means to be on waivers and then clear waivers. Would you please explain it to him please. Please explain how the Braves can trade him up until he is a 10/5 guy without worrying about you and that he can do nothing about it………..oh you have well you better explain again. I am sure that those dollar signs are a constant reminder to you that August 15th is right around the corner. Oh Scottie, here boy here boy…ha ha
By robdawg06
August 3, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
Braves would have probably won today if Hudson makes contact with runners at 2nd & 3rd instead of striking out. The Braves don’t play fundamentally sound baseball any more. They rely on the 3-run homer too much to win. The Pirates leadoff (Duffy) stole 2 bases then scored in the 1st inning. That’s like a triple. Braves hitters get singles and never steal bases to get into scoring position. Bad managing and player execution.
By robdawg06
August 3, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
Hey Sonny, I agree with you. The Dodgers look like the Braves now. They have a lot of our former stars now. J.D. Drew is hard to figure out. I guess MO Money was worth more than playing for the home state team you are from ? The love of money by these players disgusts me. Where’s the loyalty from players like Cal Ripken Jr.,Mike Schmidt,John Smoltz,Andruw Jones,and Chipper Jones (among others mostly retired) ? I would take $8 million over $10 million to play for my home state team. I take less money to work in my hometown right now !
By robdawg06
August 3, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
Johnny Damon is the epitome of a traitor. He was a rival of the Yankees for the last 5 years with the Red Sox then becomes a Yankee. No loyalty from most of today’s players. For a few dollars more they will come join ya ! Sad.
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
Braves don’t have a lot going for them right now. Uncertain starting picthing besides Smoltz. Poor execution, constant nagging injuries costing many missed games.
I await the Cincy series eagerly. Please ask DOB any questions about baseball as I see him as a very astute baseball man. I will be on vacation for awhile as I go into NC to trace ancestors and dig for relics so I will be unavailable for baseball explanations until my return.
Will the last one left please turn out the lights……….
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
Scoots, probably a case of connotative definitional differences. I know the adage and agree that some games are going to be lost, regardless of effort or circumstance … but, it was highly disappointing to me because they had the chance of staring down old man Adversity and didn’t get the job done … twas a game where needed positive reinforcement was there for the taking … but twern’t took.
Through these dirty, outdated prescription glasses, I saw players overswinging when making solid contact would have sufficed … and others swinging at bad pitches because of an over eagerness to make things happen.
Failing to effectively compete during the Met Series was more disturbing than disappointing because I could point to multiple factors that allowed me to rationalize, including the possibility that we were overmatched … but most disturbing it was.
The little that I saw of the Met Series wasn’t really enough for me to judge if our boys conceded the games before they were played but maybe that’s because I didn’t want to see it. I do know that the crowd noise made me wonder where the games were being played.
By robdawg06
August 3, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
This is Curtright’s column but whatever…
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, Dadgum!
By dadgum
August 3, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
my apologies, good night and god bless the USA!
By robdawg06
August 3, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
If you guys read this by chance, I want to thank you Chipper,Smoltzy,and Andruw for staying loyal Braves players. Although the Yankees,Dodgers,Red Sox,and Phillies can offer you more money you want to win and know the Braves have a great minor league system and get the players they need (by trade or waivers) to compete until recently (Time-Warner shut off the big money). I respect players that are loyal as should all fans.
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
Scoots, please pardon the lack of clarity in my previous posts … I’ve become befuddled and preoccupied trying to understand waivers … do you know anyone who could explain them to me?
By hop on chop
August 3, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Andruw’s finding out right now how much loyalty means to the Braves organization. Criticizing any player for making as much as he can while he can is completely stupid.
By The Grinch
August 3, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bob! Waivers are what you sign when you’re about to do something stupid and the people responsible don’t want you to sue them!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 3, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
yes, bob … journalist will be happy to help you with waivers. as dadgum has explained on countless occasions waivers is an old cowboy sidekick of marshall dillon. chester goode waivers. waivers limps a little on the show. if andruw was put on waivers he would probably limp a lot. andruw is somewhat pudgy this season. anyway, journalist jimmy smith hopes this has been helpful. reporting journalism is jimmy smith’s life. bob may call on jimmy smith anytime bob is befuddled.
By Bob, journalist
August 3, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, Grinch … Thanks!
Both explanations make better sense than the explanation Carol gave me … I told her that JS had put Andruw on waivers and he had to pass them before anything else could be done.
That made perfect sense to her because she said it’s obvious that Andruw needs to go on a diet and until he passes what he eats, there’s nothing anyone can do. However, she was worried because the only time she uses them is in making Banana Pudding and he’s unlikely to lose much weight eating that!
By hop on chop
August 3, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Dodgers 3, Reds 0. Win for Maddux.
L.A.’s got the Reds reeling for you, Braves. See if you can take advantage.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 3, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
banana pudding? also a favorite of jimmy smith. sometimes journalist wavers on whether banana pudding or banana pie is better. pudding usually wins though this journalist is mightily fond of pie.
By hop on chop
August 3, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
You guys jump up and screech in protest any time music is discussed on this blog, then you can’t think of anything better to blather about the banana freaking pudding? Hell, go make some pudding, then, and come back when you’re full and satisfied and ready to talk baseball again.
By MEATBALL
August 3, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
I’ve noticed lots of waivers on pleasure cruise ships, waiving to everyone still on land. Sort of a rich, grownup version of the “bye-bye, bye-bye” routine that babies are incessantly forced to endure.
Maybe Andruw will himself be a waiver when he is shipped out.
best regards, MEATBALL
By journalist jimmy smith
August 3, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
chop, settle down and enjoy some banana pudding. listen to singing cowboy hats and enjoy yourself. here is some baseball for you - batting averages: furcal .282, drew .275, and betemit .284. ex-braves all.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Hop on Chop; unless you’ve been posting under a different name for quite a while let me let you in on a little something. The three of us have probably talked about more baseball on this blog than you ever likely will (that’s why we’ve resorted to talking about bananna pudding). It also so happens, we WERE talking about baseball, but in a subtle, intellectual and enigmatic way that is apparently beyond your comprehension, especially if you’ve just tuned in. It ALSO so happens that this is a free blog and anyone can talk about whatever the hell they please, so scroll down if it bothers you, or jump off a bridge, whichever you prefer. :-)
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
hop on chop, interesting comment … but, it would only be blather if it were nonsensical and there’s nothing nonsensical about banana pudding. My reasons for disliking all forms of music are my own but, while I can’t speak for Jimmy, I promise you that I don’t jump when I screech in protest, it wouldn’t be seemly.
By Jeff
August 4, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
By Sunday night afternnon we will know if got a chance in 06. The loss today really hurt us because it would of put us 4.5 back in the Wild Card. We got Smoltz on Sunday. So if one of the bumbs can some how win a game. Then we got the Phillies at home to start the week. Brave fans go to Church and pray. These next six are big. We need to go 4-2 to stay alive. Everybody lets go Muts this weekend because they are battling the Phillies.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
journalist has only screeched one time in journalist’s life, like a little girl … when accosted by blue worms, abducted, and subjected to broadcast torture … but journalist did not waver - journalist held firm to journalist’s belief that jumping is not to be done while screeching. as bob says, unseemly.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
True, Bob; jumping and screeching sounds more like what Lew and I listen to. Jeff: agree times are hard but the next six starts still don’t determine the season. Slow and steady wins the race; ask the tortoise. The Braves might do ANYTHING in the last 2 months. They looked like doo-doo for most of the season and then matched or set all kinds of records nobody ever dreamed they would in July. Who knows? I’ll be backing them, regardless…
By MBATL
August 4, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
Apparently AJ did clear waivers, which probably doesn’t mean much, except that we COULD trade him if we wanted to.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
Jimmy, did you not waver, or waiver?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
whichaiver
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Jimmy, Et Alia …
I just realized something, it’s possible that poor “hop on chop” never had any good homemade Banana Pudding and it would be nonsensical to him for anybody to discuss whatever it is that he’s had that passes for the real thing … I can live with that.
However, much like today’s game, it was highly disappointing to see that we must now add another to the 2 digit club.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
Meatball, my aunt just went on a cruise and was blissfully unaware of any of the excellent things she was exposed to. I am a hermit, and aware of too many things. Think she’ll trade her lifestyle for mine, as it would be best for both parties involved? No point in taking a pole. Buh-bye, likelyhood (waive, waive)…
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
So, Bob, from this are we to infer that neither Andruw nor Hoppychop can pass waivers when they attempt to enjoy nanner puddin’? My, my, the state of human affairs…
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Jimmy, I bow to your mental adroitness … I faintly remember a time when I could possibly compete … hit .347 in 1950; liked some music back then too.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this
Journalist Bob, your career high easily outshadows mine (I hit for power, but not much in the average dept, especially after having powdered chlorine thrown into my right eye). However, football was my much more my forte. I had many, many tackles. Our defense wasn’t very good, but mainly because of the secondary. T-bone (a VERY lare black kid) at DT and me right behind him at middle linebacker (like a mini-butkus) stuffed the run with much alacrity and adroitness. I actually had a couple of pretty good college offers, but withdrew into my own inner demons instead. I almost started to walk onto Ga. Southern last year at 32 but had my personal life unravel. I suppose I’m a bit of a career underachiever. However, as you know, life ain’t over yet. Hence my faith in the Braves.
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
I personally think that Andruw might well be traded … were it not for the immediate impact on team chemistry and fan perception. The public outcry would be unbelievable, regardless of comparative advantage, and could quite possibly have some impact on the sale of the team … I could happen but I’d certainly want a waiver before I penned such a trade.
By Snowball's Chance
August 4, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
Sorry, have not read the previous blogs, But it is really wierd to see Madux wearing a Dodgers uniform. The Braves -Dodgers rivalry was great-But I am a west coast guy. It never made sense for the Braves to be in the west but I loved it.
By Snowball's Chance
August 4, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this
I was checking stats about a week ago and Andruw had no doubles or triples. He hit two doubles today but if I owed him a ton of money I would be nervous.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
Bob, an adroit observation about fan reaction vs. reality…Snowball, I agree. Don’t look right. Maddux should be ending his career here. BTW, what’s up with my cigars?
By Snowball's Chance
August 4, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Cigars in the mail, which football announcer are you sticking in the rubber room with Walton and Sutcliff?
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this
Grinch, my baseball world came to an effective end when I got hit in the head with a ball … after that, I couldn’t handle an inside curve … but, I wasn’t really no good nohow … guess that means that maybe I was but at least I was never placed on waivers.
Football stopped following a similiar experience … I lost my facemask during a play during practice … a halfback broke free and tried to jump over me to avoid being tackled … he almost made it and I wish he had … one of his knees introduced itself to my left eyesocket, and damaged the nerve so that I saw intense light particles breaking up any time I was exposed to bright or blinking lights. I wasn’t allowed to drive until I was 27 and the condition actually lasted for over 20 years … well, maybe if I could have passed the written test.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
Yowch, Bob; at least you had a facemask. Snow, I’ll admit you have me at a loss there (pardon the pun). Whom are you refferencing? Not the people, but the show…
By Snowball's Chance
August 4, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this
Grinch, It was a few days ago. I wanted to put Hall of fame type players ,who I admired when they were players, But who now drive me crazy as announcers, in a room and have them pontificate at each other until one of their heads explode. I have BB and Baseball covered with Walton and Sutcliff but I need a football announcer of equal stature and ability to exasperate.
By hop on chop
August 4, 2006 02:41 AM | Link to this
It’s not real banana pudding unless it’s topped with meringue.
And wild card hopes are not realistic unless you’re trailing fewer than three-quarters of the teams in the league.
Bob, Grinch and tomahawk-chopping nanner lovers everywhere: Enjoy some banana pudding topped with meringue tomorrow night while the Braves are dominated by the Reds and Harang. Your 58th loss will go down much smoother that way. Then get back on the blog and read my postgame harangue about what losers you are.
And Journalist Jimmy: Thanks a lot for Furcal, Drew, Betemit and — indirectly — Maddux. Have fun watching as the Dodgers’ lead on Atlanta grows thanks in great part to the sizzling finish these ex-Braves will enjoy.
By the way, I can tell you from experience that Upside Aybar’s mediocrity also goes down a lot smoother with some BP topped with meringue.
Fifty wins and 57 defeats. Damn. I suppose I’d avoid talking about baseball, too, if I were you.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 03:32 AM | Link to this
I decided to watch a DVD in my time off; I had little idea Choppy would make a post in the interim. Little boy; tell you what. I’ll do as you say enjoying the Dodger’s great run just as much as I enjoy your mom in the early morning. Oh, my…nanner puddin’ has nothin’ on it. It’s a wonder you were concieved from such a lass; she’s remarkeable! Now, run along and see if you can find a job to support our relaxation…I would’ve been your daddy but I didn’t have change for a five. Get lost, butt-boy. :-)
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 03:36 AM | Link to this
Apologies to decent humans, but fire must b fought with fire, as daddy said…and yes, unlike you I know who my daddy is, choppy…
By Tomahawkin
August 4, 2006 03:50 AM | Link to this
Well, Grinch, Here I’am, Bay, Been at the club all-nite since I got off work, I think we take 2 of 3 from the reds, especially since we have played well at the Great American Smallpark, since it opened in 2003…
The Schill outing will be a loss but other than that if we don’t take 2 of three, I’m gonna be pissed
What Da hell has happened to B-Macc, and Francoeur… thinking, It p-i-s-s-ed off when Francoeur popped up all those first pitches he swung at today…
By Andrew
August 4, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this
On a lighter note, I’d like to inform everyone that the MS Braves are not having the problems that the Richmond team is having. Great attendance and Great Atmosphere GO BRAVES!! p.s. what kind of fan in any kind of sport gives up on their team and calls it quits when they are behind. I wouldnt call that a fan personally
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 03:58 AM | Link to this
Snow, Sean Salisbury or Joe Thiesmann should do the trick…or Mark Schlereth (?) if you so desire. Many football pundits are moronic and illiterate; hence me being on the Braves blog instead of the Falcons. Love ‘em to death, but our fans are barely fit to be humanoids. My goodness, why is the best sport in the world dominated by morons? There are a multitude, Snow; I’ll compile you a worst list. :-)
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:04 AM | Link to this
T’Hawkin’, good to see ya. I’ve been holdin down the fort in spite of a few butt-pirates…nice to have some back-up. Andruw; I am ALWAYS 100% behind my Bravos…
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:09 AM | Link to this
We can smack the Red’s ‘round…they don’t want any of this. All BS aside…
By hop on chop
August 4, 2006 04:10 AM | Link to this
Grinch,
You couldn’t even pull the trigger with Cindy Lou Who, so I know you’re just fantasizing about any experiences with actual women.
I’ll bet you keep that little dog of yours with the antlers REAL satisfied, though, you b*tch, you.
I understand your daddy is that dude from “The Crying Game.” Either the one who gets the big surprise or the one who delivers it, I don’t recall. But then you know all about both sides.
That movie makes an organ besides your heart grow two sizes, doesn’t it?
And, of course, we all know who the Braves’ daddy is — the New York Mets.
Hope you enjoyed your DVD with all the nude gladiators. Sweet dreams.
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:18 AM | Link to this
No sweet dreams for you, b***h-boy…every time an organ of mine grows two sizes it makes your mom cry out…as for Cindy Lou, your little sister fell prey to the same problem…the men in your family can’t seem to live up to my standards…though the men are few and far between. Next time I get a member of your family pregnant (like you do the cat) I’ll think of you…the little f*g boy I never had…
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:21 AM | Link to this
I smoked the last can of Who hash right before I concieved you…
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:28 AM | Link to this
Anyone else tired of Met fans?
By The Grinch
August 4, 2006 04:36 AM | Link to this
Night, all…sorry to have been so crude, but people from New York can explain…what a bunch of complete wastes of flesh…
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
Grinch, there are better ways … stooping to speak soft words of wisdom, encouragement, or comfort to a child or a fallen comrade makes you a tall giant among men but rising to the bait of the Devil and engaging in the harsh and vulgar with uninvited, boorish visitors to the neighboorhood … only allows the poisonous bile of their arrows to penetrate your armor and lowers you to their level … it’s certainly unbecoming and not the fabric of which heroes are made.
Methinks the neighborhood is not in any real danger from those who loudly rattle their swords, for it is they who have announced their fear and anxiety for all to see. I agree that we should hold the childish, boorish behavior of “Hop on Chop” and those of his ilk in utter disdain for such behavior is truly despicable … but we should not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of being hoisted on our own pitard … better to be setting a good example than offering positive reinforcement.
Children grow up wanting to reach that magical age of adulthood when they can use “adult language”, see “adult content”, drink “adult beverages” … and yes, behave like adults. Is it no wonder then that so many abandon the values they learn as children in favor of what they perceive as being expected of them by society? People who come up with politically correct misnomers should be boiled in oil!
Initially, some folks enjoy a satisfying emotional high when they misbehave, especially when it’s behind a cloak of hidden identity … but it’s far more rewarding to make someone else happy than it is to satisfy ones own ego. It takes some longer than others but virtually all ultimately realize that life is far more rewarding when family, friends, and they themselves can take pride in the activities in which they engage.
Grinch, we’re all role models whether we like it or not … and, as an old numbers guy who likes country ham, fried corn and banana pudding, I beseech you to wear your superhero suit 24-7-365.
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Apologies to all … the responsibility for the degradation of the Blog rests squarely on my sholders for having attempted to have a bit of innocent fun with Dadgum’s preoccupation with his having repeatedly explained waivers … by suggesting I was befuddled and asking someone to help explain it to me.
Jimmy, The Grinch, and others responded and the garbage now strewn throughout the neighborhood was the ultimate result.
By BIG METS FAN!
August 4, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
On behalf of all Mets fans, I would like to apologize for our acting like total as^es.
You guys have spanked us 14 years in a row. The fact that we’re winning a division now after all these years means very little. And with our starting pitching, it’s not like we’re going anywhere in October.
By dadgum
August 4, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Dudes…….the times of some of these posts is simply unbelievable. To quote a phrase from Caddyshack…”don’t you people have homes”!
Oh yeah back to baseball, hate to state the obvious here but glancing at the standings we are only 2 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals who are mired in the cellar.
It may be time to sit Francouer for a game. The dude is looking completely lost at the plate to me. Cincy is a crucial series and will be a season-ender if we are swept. Can’t stand to see Francouer swinging at too many more 1st pitches with the game on the line. Chipper constantly goes to the plate looking for 1 pitch to hit and doesn’t go after it until he sees it. Indeed that could be the 1st pitch sometimes but in more cases than not it isn’t and you have to work the pitcher to get that picth. This is what Francouer will do as he matures as a hitter. He has a knack for a timely hit as he ranks #1 in NL with game winning hits after the 7th inning or something like that. The bad thing is that we don’t really have anyone else to put in RF that will be any better. Catch 22.
I don’t think Schiel is pitching the Cincy series as mentioned above. They indicated on the telecast yesterday that the rotation had changed. My guess is that James will stay the starter today, with HoRam going tomorrow, and Smoltz on Sunday. They may flip Smoltz to Saturady. Anyway the Cincy series is a must win 3 game series and a sweep would be nice. If we get swept then we will be 9 games out in the wild card and cooked. Cincy can match us pitcher for pitcher so we are just going to have to put a lot of runs on the board. Don’t invision many low scoring games in that park.
By dadgum
August 4, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Correction………Scheil is going to start on Saturday. Cross your fingers.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Bob, as always, a reasoned and genteel post, and you speak true. And however much I might agree with the sentiments, and try to apply the behavior, you’ll have to pardon me for the occasional snarl at pontificating bloggers with the baseball knowledge of a Russian sleeper agent.
By KC
August 4, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
dadgum:
I’m not so sure I agree that they can match us pitcher for pitcher. Frankly, I think Smoltz and Ramirez is a much better 1-2 combination right now than Aroyo and Harang.
Since the first of July, Aroyo is 0-3 with a 5.54 ERA.
Harang’s July wasn’t quite as solid as the previous 2 months. He ERA for July was over 4.00. Still… Harang VS. James… I think the advantage belongs to Cinci.
IF, Bobby brings Smoltz back on Saturday and Ramirez on Sunday… I feel very good about our ability to win this series. However, is Shiell pitches Saturday… I’m going to be worried (and a little pis*ed).
If Bobby C. had started Smoltz on short rest back in the final game of that St. Louis like he should have… we would have had a chance to sweep the Cards. Then the way the rotation would have set up… Smoltz would have pitched (and won) the final game of the Mets series last weekend, and both he and Ramirez would already be in line to pitch in the Reds series, instead of having to move them up on short rest this weekend (if in fact BC does that).
Everyone makes mistakes, and I think BC’s the best in the business. Maybe it’s arrogant of me to think my plan was better than Bobby’s in that instance… but he should have brought Smoltz back to face Carpenter/Cards and the Mets.
Okay, I’m done with my rant.
By robdawg06
August 4, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
I’m sure Mets fans care nothing about loyalty do they hop as long as they can finally win ? Throwing mo money at other team’s home grown players is a Mets & Yankees TRADITION ! Why build a team when you can buy it, eh hop ? That disgusts me…
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
Guy Curtright, our Joe Friday, gives us the facts … courtsey of Jeff Francoeur.
“It’s frustrating, and the loss starts with me, I had a crappy game. I had an opportunity in the first, and I had an opportunity in the eighth. I keep popping the ball up.
In the eighth inning, I had a great pitch to hit, It was a fastball right down the middle. You can’t ask for more. I’m thinking way too much right now. It affected me. It just wasn’t a good game.”
How can Jeff be thinking way too much when he only spends enough time in the batter’s box to see five pitches in four trips to the plate?
Methinks someone should tell Jeff that the problem isn’t how much he thinks … but rather what and when!
And maybe someone should tell Bobby that there’s a difference between Jeff being aggressive and his being stubbornly stupid. It is possible to be patient, selective and aggressive.
The serious question that Guy or someone might have asked is “Why is Jeff thinking way too much?” … shouldn’t he be utilizing his strengths instead of his weaknesses?
He’s a good kid but this isn’t the first time that he’s blamed his struggles and failures on thinking too much.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
a guy curtright blog with 124 posts- albeit many pudding related- is an indication of new found favor for journalist guy curtright’s blogging efforts. some have castigated the young journalist for brevity and lack of content but journalist jimmy smith is ever aware of the difficulty of providing suitable content in this forum. dob remains master of this blog and of his cat. still, journalist guy curtright is coming into his own with such gems as journalist has produced here. only problem is subject identification as highlighted in the following guy curtright paragraph, “After the Braves scored in the top of the first, he gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Then he allowed what proved to be the winning run in the sixth, although he was able to end the inning with a bases-loaded double play.” this would seem to be quite a player. on our team, right?
By KC
August 4, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
If BC had had brought back Smoltz against St. Louis, he would have pitched that final game against Carpenter in St. Louis, then last Sunday against Glavine/Mets, and tomorrow against the Reds (with Ramirez going in game 3… and no Jason $#%@##@$^$# Shiell pitching a critical series like this one).
The wrong decision was made there and by the end of this weekend, it may have hurt us in THREE key series!
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
Banana pudding does not require meringue. Meringue is good, but not an absolute necessity. The key, of course, is the age of the bananas. If you pass the bananas through waivers, they should be sufficiently ripened at the end of the 47 hours. At that point you are free to make ANY kid of banana dish, unless a claim was made… It gets kinda dicey from there, but I don’t recommend dicing ripened bananas. That gets kinda messy. You can see that the whole process is a bit cumbersome… (But don’t try cucumbers, either…)
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks Scoots! Just the ramblings of an old reprobate in disguise but maybe there’s a message in there somewhere. You’re pardoned, but never forget to tell me when to laugh … hee hee!
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
I hear tell that Mrs. Anthony once attempted to make a banana pie with bananas that were too green. The bunch caught the seam between the counter and the cutting board causing it to kick up on her. Although she reacted quickly to make the snag, she strained her left big toe, severely affecting her backhand range. I speak of this only as a warning to those contemplating the use of under-ripened bananas…
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
Now, Now KC-Don’t think I’ve ever seen you this out of joint, dude. You’re usually the most optimistic human I’ve ever encountered. I mean, do you do resumes? Let’s not come down too hard on the poor kid. He’s been thrown into a situation way over his head. These games are going to happen when you throw a bunch of career minor leaguers at the opposition. There are just no other options anymore. BTW-whatever happened to Cormier? He was at least serviceable as an emergemcy starter.
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
Reasonable Voice, I know that I’ve welcomed you back … but it is a genuine delight to have the pleasure of reading such elegant, yet hard hitting prose … certainly on point and every word true. Full marks!!
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
VOR-You are correct-meringue is optional, however, the Nilla Wafers MUST be there for it to be a real nan puddin
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Goodness, KC’s speaking in tongues again … better hide the soap from Mama.
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Sir Robert the Jargonater. As I attempted to partake in a small slice of the blog this morning, I happened across the banana pudding discussion, and, well, being an old southern boy, it seemed to strike a chord. That chord prompted my chiming in, so, here we are. Unfortunately, however, my time is brief as I must now make a 2 hour drive to do 1 hour worth of research, then make the 2 hour return drive. I hate when real life interferes with my blog life… It almost makes me want to be, well, unreasonable…
By LeTwan Anthony
August 4, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
LeTwan must weigh in on the subject of pudding versus pie. Banana pudding is a favorite of this blogger but LeTwan lives for pie. It is LeTwan’s considered belief that the introduction of meringue makes banana pudding into banana pie - though a somewhat crudely crafted pie. No self respecting banana pudding person covers pudding with meringue. A true banana cream pie will not have a heavy pudding consistency - rather it will be creamy. Therefore, pie is pie and pudding is nigh pie. Raisins, (blogging Raisins - not California raisins) makes a good point about ripeness of bananas used in a proper pudding. LeTwan does not waver on the appropriateness of a properly ripened banana in a pudding or a pie. Did you know that Chef Emeril’s most requested pie recipe is for banana cream pie? We should ask Bobby Dews who has consumed many a pudding in his time if he favors banana pudding or pie. Perhaps DOB will also weigh-in on the subject of pudding versus pie. By the way, the Braves should obtain Felix Pie at the earliest opportunity. Will this Pie be on waivers?
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
We never had meringue on banana pudding when I was growing up … Until I was about 14, I just thought meringue was a dance, not something to eat.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
And we all know that dancing on pudding is simply not done.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
meringue? shortstop in the american league, right?
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
This is true.There is no such thing as banana pudding in the north. I know-unfortunately I grew up there. Imagine the joy of a transplanted Yankee, barely in his seventeenth year, being exposed to such souther delicasies as banana pudding, grits and pimiento cheese. Heaven was attained. It wasn’t until job and economic issues intervened that I moved back north, but I am a good southern boy at heart. I mourn for banan pudding, but I got the grocery store here to carry grits.
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
As I sadly depart for professional reasons, I leave you all with this:
Tonight’s pitching matchup - James vs. Harang
According to Webster’s Dictionary, Harangue - noun, vehement speech; verb, to make a vehement speech; speak vehemently to.
Perhaps tonight our Braves can let their bats do their haranguing?
And afterward, they can enjoy pie with meringue, if they so choose…
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Lew, I bet Carolina Lady has a recipe for banana pudding, and would be willing to share. One must not rely on others to supply the necessities of life, one must aggressively pursue them one’s own self (just not on the first pitch all the time).
By KC
August 4, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
LEW:
I think Cormier is still down there. For whatever reason, BC decided to go with Shiell instead.
I am out of joint because I felt passionately that BC should have let Smoltz some back on short rest in the final game of the Cards series. Smoltz begged him to do so, but BC said no. Not would that have given us a chance to sweep the Cards, but it also would have meant his pitching in the Mets series (He would have gone against Glavine on Sunday, and given the way Glavine was pitching… he almost certainly would have helped ATL avoid the sweep).
Getting swept at home against the Mets was extremely embarrassing and demoralizing. And it could have been avoided! Now it appears that had he made that move (moving Smoltz up in St. Louis) a couple of weeks ago, the rotation wouldn’t be lined up in such a way that the bottom of our rotation (including a minor-league journeyman) will be starting 2 of the 3 games in a critical series.
I know it’s a long season, and I think we need to limit Smoltz’s innings, but that was one situation where we needed to pay attention to match-ups. I suspect BC refused to look at the schedule for the following 2-3 weeks when he made that decisions.
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
BTW - DOB, feel free to use the line, “Braves’ Bats Harangue Harang”
By Voice of Reason
August 4, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
…or Guy…
By LeTwan Anthony
August 4, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
The best pimento cheese sandwich in America is served at the Masters Tournament. Sandwich and drink only $2 or so. Ah, the genteel life! Lew, do you supppose there is a market for pimento cheese pie?
By KC
August 4, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Is it just me, or does Greg Maddux look really strange in a dodgers uniform?
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
KC-No problems with your point of view, I was just surprised. As I said, you are usually so optimistic and have the ability to put the most favorable view on any subject, I was just taken aback. I mean you seem like the best person a friend could have and I really meant you would be the person I chose to write my resume. I was just shocked. I’ve never seen you criticize. I do agree that in the scheme of things they should have let Smoltzie go. You just have to realize, though, that Smoltz would pitch every day if you let him and if his arm fell of, he would either borrow someone elses or learn to be a lefty. Sometimes he has to be held back for his own good. Anyway, the decision was made and it now is what it is. OOOOHHHHMMM.
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
LeTwan-As long as there is a male of whatever species there may be at any given time, there will always be a market for cheese, pie and bacon. Have no fear. This brings to mind quiche; a pie of cheese and bacon. MMMMMM…..bacon.
By TennesseePaul
August 4, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
KC: Maddux doesn’t like right at all.
I wonder if opponents are making new T-Shirts and handing them out to the hitters after games against Hudson
I tamed bodacious in 5
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Tennesse Paul-That should be 5 2/3.
By TennesseePaul
August 4, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Some teams could get away with just 2.
By LeTwan Anthony
August 4, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
DOB really must return to the blog. LeTwan fears DOB has lost control of subject matter. Bet DOB would go for some pimento cheese right now. Lew, tell LeTwan you are not into quiche. Lew knows how the saying goes … real men don’t eat quiche. maybe Lew should just call his quiche PIE. Oh, Lew DID call quiche PIE. Nice save, Lew. Any pie with cheese and bacon works for LeTwan, too.
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Tenn. Paul-True but a degree of standardization is necessary for tee shirts.
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
Scoots, you know from my occassional baseball oriented posts that to strive to do one’s best is really all I ever ask or expect … no more, no less. Bemusing, isn’t it? … how many fans expect more from the players than they do themselves!
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
LeTwan-Yes. You did notice I did not mention eggs or spinach. Eggs are for breakfast, not for pie. And any self respecting southern boy knows one does not use spinach for anything as long as collards or trunip greens are in existence.
By Jimbo
August 4, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
I agree that the Chipper bashing should stop. We need to focus on Fat Andruw and the Midget.
By KC
August 4, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
LEW:
I may lean toward being an optimist, but probably not quite as much as you think. I consider myself an optimistic realist.
The reason I may come across as 99% positive, is that I often feel the need to respond to negative statements that I feel are inaccurate, unfair, or that I just don’t agree with… and those types of statements are pervasive in forums like these.
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
KC-Dude, I still want you writing my resume.
By KC
August 4, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
LEW:
I would be happy to help you with your resume. Apparently I could list “nana puddin’ aficionado” somewhere on it.
By KC
August 4, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this
I was just looking in the “Andruw on Waivers” blog… I can’t believe the way people are freaking out over nothing.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Bob, don’t know that a full sociological discussion of fan transference to athletes is quite right for the blog (!), but I will say that many so inclined expect more from their favorite athletes BECAUSE they expect so little of themselves…and, fearing failure in life, react harshly to failure in their proxies. On the other hand, maybe that’s too subtle…perhaps most of us just, well, get ticked when the home team loses, LOL!
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
Lew, 10 Paul … as the occurrence has become commonplace, player interest has waned and should it continue, the T-Shirt will only have historical value as a collectable curiosity.
By Lew
August 4, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
KC-Actually, I am a self employed artist, but lover of food in general would probably be on the list along with the Braves and Hard Rock music. Man, I appreciate your optimism-I’m not putting it down in the least. I’m just not a particularly optimistic person myself-not just about this year’s Braves, but in general. Just don’t think I’m getting on your case. Such is very far from the truth. Now to the person jumping on Giles’ case, however…….
By Lew
August 4, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Journalist Bob-You mean like the 2 Kudzu Kids t’s I bought a couple of years ago?
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
nscoots and others:
I’m beginning to feel as though I’m not smart enough to hang out in these forums. You’re just way too deep for a simpleton like me.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
KC, please, bro…don’t bring up waivers again :-)!
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
KC, man, no simpleton, you. I don’t always agree with you on stuff, but that makes horse races, eh? I’ll admit that Bob and I sometimes tend to tangent a little in our conversations to each other, but I certainly don’t mean to inflict, merely converse.
By Lew
August 4, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
KC-There is a downside to all the book learnin’ apparent on this site-you have to figure that these people might actually have understood Howard Kosell. Now if that isn’t abberrant, I don’t know what is.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Lew, I’ll admit to this: when listening to Cosell, I may have had understanding, though not comprehension! LOL
By Carolina Lady
August 4, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Y’all are in wonderful, rare form today! I have thoroughly reading the morning posts, even the baseball parts!! (Dear lord, what on earth happened on the overnights??! Bob, thanks for cleaning up the mess from the blogcarpet!)
:-)))
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
LEW:
I didn’t feel you were critical of my optimism in the slightest. (There’s a joke somewhere in that statement I think).
I was more optimistic about this year’s team 2-3 weeks ago than I am right now. Reason being that I felt then, and still feel, that Tim Hudson is the key to everything. The more time that’s gone by without his turning it around, the less hope I have been left with that he will turn it around… at least this year.
I didn’t see Hudson’s start yesterday, just listened on the radio. From the sound of it and the 6 strikeouts, it seems as though he was the Hudson of old after the 1st inning. Those of you who saw the game: How’d he look?
By Lew
August 4, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ Ma’am- Welcome to the loony bin. It’s been interesting this morning for sure. Have you had your banana pudding today?
By Lew
August 4, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
KC- He looked terrible in the first and not great in the sixth. 2-5 he pitched very well. I really didn’t think he would make it out of the sixth with just one run, but he pulled it off. I know it was a quality start, but that is the one stat I feel to be lowered expectations. A 4.5 ERA is hardly quality.
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Lew, you left out mustard greens and while I like collards with peppersauce, so few folks know how to fix them, I wouldn’t dare try them except at home.
Was KC saying that he sometimes feels the need to respond to negative statements with which he agrees but finds to be inaccurate or unfair? Sounds like the kind of guy I’d like to write my resume too.
Scoots, well said but subtle you’re not!
By Carolina Lady
August 4, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Mornin’, Lew! No pudding, but the discussion makes me want to gather the ingredients and get busy!
By Lew
August 4, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
Ma’am-Sounds good to me, but leave out Bob’s mustard greens, please. Save them for the BBQ and sweet potatoes.
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
LEW:
Did he really look bad in the 6th? He did get a double play ball to get out of that inning didn’t he? I know 6 innings, 3 ER isn’t impressive, but maybe something clicked for him after the first inning that he’ll be able to take with him into his next start. I’m not betting any money on Hudson right now, but I’m still hopeful. It seems like it’s a mechanics/arm slot thing. That’s the kind of thing a pitcher can sometimes turn around quite suddenly if they get into a rhythm with the right mechanics. That’s what I’m hoping for with Huddy.
I taped the game, but never watched it since I heard it and it was a loss. I noticed that Don Sutton was working that game for TBS. I’m always interested to hear him comment on a struggling pitcher. As a HOF pitcher himself, he’s obviously the most qualified of all the Braves announcers to comment on exactly what’s been wrong with Huddy. Did anyone watch it on TBS… did Sutton say anything about what he feels has been wrong with Hudson?
BTW: I agree that the “quality start” standard is dumb.
By Carolina Lady
August 4, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
My recipe? You take some bananas, some other stuff, a little of this, a pinch of that, mix it all together, bring it to a bubbly state over low heat (you hafta keep stirring so it doesn’t stick on the bottom of the pan), let it cool a little, then layer it with nilla wafers (waivers??). And there you have it! Works every time! Enjoy! :-))
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
Bob:
No… that would make me a rather conflicted individual, wouldn’t it?… If I agreed but still felt it to be unfair. That would mean that I consider my own beliefs unfair. Hell, I’m confused already. And BTW, I disagree with my last statement.
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Bob, maybe that was a poor choice of words, perhaps should have said something like “that underlying reasoning may be too complex.” :-)
By Carolina Lady
August 4, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Later! There is a long list of projects that must be dealt with….. it would so much more fun to stay here….alas…duty calls! :-)
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Mama’s callin’ me to break the fast. I know that Scoots and Lew have been just puddin’ me on but I do want to make it clear to all concerned that the mustard greens were only being offered as a possible substitute for the meringue, not the bananas.
By ssiscribe
August 4, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Hey folks, haven’t been on in a few days due to the packing of the house, trying to finish one job, wife and kids up in Atlanta today looking at places and so forth. Can’t wait to get home, get settled and get to The Ted!
I really felt like 5-1 on the road trip was what the Braves needed, and it still can happen. I was counting on a sweep in Pittsburgh, but keeping my eyes on the big picture, as long as the Braves keep winning series, they’re going to get there.
Hudson frustrates the dickens out of me, though. No. 2 starter gets handed a lead before taking the hill and gives it right back. He looked better yesterday, but his location, at times, still is just not sharp. He’s lost six of his past eight starts. Gotta have better from the No. 2 starter.
I’ll take two out of three this weekend, then come home. Big, big homestand next week gang, starting with the surging Phils on Monday.
DOB (I’m assuming you’re on point tonight since Guy was in Pittsburgh), just curious if you know how Utley’s fared against the Braves’ projected starters next week. Dude could hit town Monday sitting on 38, which would tie Rollins and be one off Molitor’s for longest hit streak since Rose’s 44 back in 1978 which, by the way, also ended in the ATL.
OK, gotta go cover stuff today and do desk tonight, and keep packing (where does all this stuff come from?!?). Got a steak that’s been marinating all night. All this talk about pudding and pie has made me hungry. Go Braves and have a great weekend!
Later on.
By flbravesgirl
August 4, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Never give away the secret recipes, right, Carolina Lady? Y’all realize we’re all going to have to get banana pudding now or think about it all weekend. And meringue belongs on lemon meringue pie, not pudding.
KC, I only caught bits and pieces of the game so I’m not sure if Don commented on Hudson’s struggles. I’m not sure anyone knows what the problem is.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
today’s blog is making this journalist hungry. ugandan wild chicken pot pie served in a canteen cup with a nice corn chowder would hit the spot. uganda is the second largest banana producer in the world - famous for not only banana pudding (no vanilla waivers- nice corn wafers instead) but also for banana beer. oh, the humanity! “now I’m a ugandan, a lonely ugandan, away from home through no wish of journalist’s own…. that’s why journalist is ugandan, is mr. ugandan … journalist wishes could go back hoooommee - for chicken pot pie. this will be jimmy smith’s last song for the day.
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
I remember when Kevin Millwood was struggling, Don Sutton not only saw what was wrong mechanically, but actually asked BC and Leo Z. if they would mind his mentioning it to Millwood. Sutton actually did work with Millwood a bit on the mechanical issue. If memory serves me correctly… I think it helped.
I’m just interested to hear what Sutton has to say because I know if there is a mechanical issue, he’ll spot it.
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
ALRIGHT, STOP WITH THE PUDDING TALK ALREADY!! I HAVEN’T EATEN YET TODAY!!!!!
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
OK, lunch time, and then on to yard work (shortening my day today as a capitalist running dog). You can guess what I’m having for dessert. And, then, well, I’ll think I’ll just call my Mom :-)!
By ncscoots
August 4, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
well, really, a Southern boy can’t talk this much about banana pudding, and not think about his Mama.
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
I didn’t see the game yesterday… Did Huddy look bad in the 6th, or did he just allow a run (I mean that happens… the other team scored sometimes.)???
If he struggled in the 1st, but settled in and pitched well the rest of the game… I’m encouraged. But if he struggled in the 1st, settled in, but then fell apart again in the 6th… I’m not so encouraged.
So how bout’ it? I know he gave up a run, but how did he look in the 6th???
By KC
August 4, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
CORRECTION: meant to say “(…the other team scores sometimes)”
By journalist jimmy smith
August 4, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
kc, in a nutshell the other team scored three and the braves scored two. giving up three is only okay if your team scores four or more. journalist guy curtright answers your questions rather eloquently in his post above. how anyone could think hudson is “fixed” after the game yesterday is a mystery to this journalist. as scribe said, “gotta have better …”
By Snowball's Chance
August 4, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
KC, He didn’t look good. He got out of a mess with a double play, so you have to give him some credit.
By JasonInMaine
August 4, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
The anti-Brave:
In Bobby Abreu’s first 14 plate appearances for the Yankees, he has seen 76 pitches, a staggering 5.4 per game; the major league average is about 3.76.
Regards,
Jason
By JasonInMaine
August 4, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Of course, I believe Buster Olney meant to blog per at bat and not per game (:
By Carolina Lady
August 4, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
New blog is up!
By Andrew
August 4, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
I dont know if i agree with the complaints about how BC managed the rotation order. Think of it this way… the Braves obviously have a problem closing out a sweep as you can see from what happened yesterday. If they are going to hope to sweep the Reds then Smoltz needs to pitch the last game. Id rather see him finish it than any ot the other starters. Huddy has struggled the most and he is out of the way now. The offense will reawaken tonight and tomorrow because their backs are against the wall. Then John Smoltz will promptly come in on Sunday sweep out the dirt and close the door behind him on what will be a very productive series. Thats what I hope anyways… GO BRAVES!
By ted
August 4, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
Jeff would swing at the first pitch even if Terry had him go to the plate without a bat.
By KC
August 4, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
TED:
I agree. I was shocked yesterday to hear that Jeff lead’s the league in swinging at the first pitch (that’s not the part that surprised me), ripping away at the first pitch 52% of the time. It was the 52% thing that surprised me. I would have sworn it was more like 90% of the time!
By Bob, journalist
August 4, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Pete Van Wieren sounds more and more like an elitist blessing us with his wisdom … I’ve always liked him so why this new perception?
MBATL, it’s difficult to get a solid read of Andruw’s posture in all this … given that he’s had the time to reflect and discuss … the retoric is rather ominous.
If he hasn’t had the opportunity to discuss things with management then it seems out of character for him to be so pointed in his remarks. Prudent management does not go out of its way to upset key players during the season … and Braves’ management does not keep players perceived to have attitude problems.
It belabors the obvious to suggest that Andruw knows that and is aware that you don’t discuss confidential matters with players on the offchance that the information will be leaked and made public. Thus, his remarks suggest that he either knows or strongly suspects more than indicated or that he has a private agenda.