AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHot day at the ballyard … where’s everybody?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Did they have the wrong starting time on tickets today? Hello, anybody here?
While it’s not anywhere near Dolphins Stadium-small, the throng on hand here at Turner Field today isn’t exactly shoe-horned in. Whatever the actual attendance is announced, there’s perhaps 15,000 in their seats at the start of the second inning.
But hey, with the heat and school starting or open-houses or whatever it is they’re doing today (I saw lots of cars in the lot at the high school by my house, so they’re doing something), it’s not too surprising.
I think if I had a choice, I’d probably be sitting at home in the air conditioning, working on a Montecristo and a pot of coffee, listening to Skip and Pete (or Don or Joe or Chip) on the radio.
But anyway…
OK, quick rundown before I get to my other newspaper duties. I swear I’ll keep it brief today, which I’m sure plenty of you will be thankful for, the ones who don’t much appreciate my epic posts.
The news: Lance Cormier won’t start Saturday, but he’ll start Tuesday. Saturday’s starter almost certainly will be Kevin Barry.
How to put this without sounding cynical or sarcastic … Umm, if the Braves could line up the ideal rotation that gives them the best chance to make a late run at this wild card, said rotation would include neither Cormier nor Barry.
There, that was tastefully done.
OK, on to Chipper. “The Kid,” as he once referred to himself (forever gaining my admiration and respect; you guys haven’t lived until you’ve heard Chipper Jones, in that country drawl, refer to himself in the third person as “The Kid.” I mean it, there’s moments in this job that are more entertaining than anything you can see on television). What was I saying? Oh, yeah, Chipper will rehab Friday and Saturday at Ol’ Double-A Miss, and be in the Braves lineup Sunday afternoon against Milwaukee and Tomo Ohka, barring any unforeseen developments.
Chipper reminded us that the last time he came off the DL this season, he also faced Tomo in his first game back _ and took him deep. Chipper smiled when he relayed that bit of info this morning.
And if you folks in the greater Jackson area want his autograph, may I suggest you get thee to the Bass Pro Shop near the ballpark Saturday, because that’s where a certain third baseman intends to spend some time prior to the game.
OK, leadoff. What’s Bobby going to do about leadoff Sunday? I asked him this morning and he said he doesn’t know yet. He seemed sincere. Maybe. Sort of.
If I had to bet, I’d say Giles will be back in the leadoff spot, because he’s so hot now the Braves probably believe it’s worth the gamble that he’ll keep going strong after moving back to leadoff, better than gambling by switching up the order and having Renteria or someone else lead off. But we’ll see.
LaRoche is out of the lineup again today with that sore left forearm. Dr. Gary Lourie, hand specialist, was going to check on Horacio just before the game (we haven’t gotten the report yet, but it shouldn’t be different that yesterday’s diagnosis _ out at least a month, possible the rest of the season) and Lourie also planned to check on LaRoche while here (forearm’s close to the hand, right?).
OK, I really need to get going on my notes for tomorrow’s paper. Chuck James has already thrown 50 pitches and recorded six outs as I write this, but at least there’s no runs on the board.
Oh, and if any of you were here at the game last night, was the country & western theme great, or what? Hank, Patsy Cline and Dwight Yoakum songs on the PA system, and the, uh, Braves’ Tomahawk Team in cowboy hats and cutoff shorts.
I honestly thought it was the greatest night ever at Turner Field … Because of the music, of course.
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Comments
By ChrisinPA
August 9, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Dave - Have you heard whether the Braves will take a run at “any” starting pitcher on waivers, for the rest of the year?
By The Man
August 9, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
DOB - what are the chances of us getting a waiver trade with the Red Sox, picking up Big Papi and Manny Ramirez in exchange for Kevin Barry, Lance Cormier, and Jason Shiell?
By matches
August 9, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
The Man, I heard the Braves won’t do that unless the Sox throw in Beckett. Look for the announcement any day now.
By David O'Brien
August 9, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
The Man, I’d say pretty good.
But not as good as the chances that your standup comedy routine will be playing at The Improv.
By Carolina Lady
August 9, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Hank, Patsy and Dwight. Doesn’t get any better than that!
By 22oz
August 9, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Who are you kidding the Man, thats too much to give up for Big Papi and Manny.
By 22oz
August 9, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Everybody’s at work Dave, although if they’re anything like me, not working very hard while listening to Skip and Don.
By MEB
August 9, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
DOB… what is the red shirt rule? I thought the Braves used the new jerseys for Sunday day games, kinda like their Sunday best. I went to a day game back on 27 July against the Marlins and the Braves wore white.
If its as hot today as it was against the Marlins I’m glad I’m right where I am at.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
well, I know I’ve thrown this afternoon under a bus, as far as productivity goes. Man, I have GOT to stay away from this blog during the daytime!!
By SaltyDog55
August 9, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
First time to blog and if my comment jinxes, it will be my last. So…12 consecutive scoreless innings by Braves starters…when did that happen last? There…I said it; now cross my fingers! SD55
By Vol
August 9, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Sure seems like James gets up A LOT with runners on base.
By Greg
August 9, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Dave: The sparse crowd at the Ted is a glimpse of things to come. Time Warner has killed this franchise. I hope Liberty will treat it better. But I’m not optimistic.
By dylan
August 9, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
I think the braves should have be the starting pitcher night one lucky fan chosen as he or she enters the gates will be taken to the bullpen warmed up and allowed to pitch at least the first 5 innings (no pitch count needed this is just a fan it matters not to the braves if an injury to the fans arm occurs). I believe this is just the idea to get the fans back to the stadium and will give Bobby and John a free look at local “talent”.
By Carolina Lady
August 9, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
Welcome, SD55!
By Vol
August 9, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
I’m not a huge Livan Hernandez fan, but we sure should have put in a waiver claim on him. We probably would have gotten him for almost nothing, and Arizona certainly would not have gotten him at all. Beats calling up minor leaguers on a weekly basis.
If Giles hits anything but #2 Bobby is nuts.
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Geez! 6th inning already! I really need to invest in a portable TV with Dish Network built in. Until then, it’s phone updates in between meetings. Or in this case, ssshhhhh, in meetings.
GO BRAVES
By matches
August 9, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Vol, I don’t think $7 mil for next year qualifies as “almost nothing”. The move probably wouldn’t have cost the team much in terms of personnel, but would hamper any moves this offseason.
And let’s face it - with or without Livan this team is not going to the postseason. No point in mortgaging the future even a little to chase a lost cause. Better to play young guys, let them take their lumps, and evaluate talent for (hopefully) a return to form in 2007.
By SaltyDog55
August 9, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Carolina Lady!
I’m actually from (S)Carolina myself (Charleston…and a Tiger).
Darn…me and my big ‘blog’! There went the streak! Ok, so one run in 13 innings…that’s acceptable! SD55
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
You know Giles will return to leadoff. No matter what the circumstances say, no matter what Giles says, no matter what the numbers say. BC is a great manager, but his stubborness nowawadays to change is getting ridiculous.
CJ gives up a HR, it was just a matter of time. Come on offense, lets go!
Geaux Braves!!
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
What is that now? 13 or 14 HR’s allowed by Chuck James in 56 innings? My God, project that out over a 200+ inning season, and you are looking at 50-60 HR’s allowed in a full season! That would be a record wouldn’t it? But yeah, the comparisons to TOM GLAVINE are justified…
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
Hey, Dog, C-L-E-M, baby, me, too!
By Voice of Reason
August 9, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Hey, if they can wear red on Wednesday, maybe BC can bat Edgar leadoff, right? Yeah, probably not…
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, have you heard anything about Tim Hudson? What happened last night? Is he okay?
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Yes DonC. They are justified. Glavine’s first two season in the majors brought 9 wins and 21 loses. Man project that over a career! Glavine sure sucks. Oh wait, he’s on the cusp of winning 300.
James is a rookie by the way. His first season in the majors. And at least he’s throwing it in the strike zone. He could stand to true up his aim, but he is tossing an otherwise good game.
By elbravox
August 9, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
50 games left, win or loose, enjoy the games.
By BirdMahn
August 9, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Where is everybody? I think you nailed it Dave, with the heat and some schools already in session. I have a problem with weekday daytime games anyway. Baseball is entertainment. How many concerts, plays or other forms of entertainment are scheduled during the middle of the workday? I guess MLB is providing baseball for the umemployed. I’ve never seen a weekday ball game because I have to work for a living!
By SaltyDog55
August 9, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: Too cool! My September wish is an undefeated CU and the Braves smack in the WC hunt. That will be a good month!!! SDog
By Carolina Lady
August 9, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
SD55*, CHS is a beautiful city! I’m up the road in Wilmington. Scoots is in the Sandhills, and a character called Krath is up around Asheville. Don’t know of any SC bloggers, though they may abound. Glad to have you with us!
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Frenchy. We love you. Nice, clutch hit. Maybe if we include you in the trade for Big Papi and Manny, it will go through,
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Can’t Bobby Cox take Pratt out for McCann in these situations? I mean, 6 innings off is enough for McCann isn’t it?
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady: I’d be a SC blogger if I could. I love that state. So beautiful. Miss it very much so. I’ll be there when retirement comes.
GO BRAVES!!
By stuckinuk
August 9, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
James is still really young, and is in and around the zone every at-bat. He will give up less homeruns in the future but when he is on the comparisons to Glavine seems apt. Why isn’t Diaz in the lineup everyday, he hits and he actually hustles on every play. Second, why is Pratt playing? And living in England I love day games, only time I don’t have to stay up all night to watch.
By Ron Roberts
August 9, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Re: The Red Jersey Rule…
I have no idea what the rhyme or reason is, but these jerseys should be burned. Why have those nice navy blue jerseys in spring training, then this loud, tomato-orange/red top during the regular season?
If we have to have an alternate jersey, I’d prefer the navy blues, myself… and not wear ‘em on the hottest damned days of the year, either.
Solid colors are hotter for the players to wear. Comfort might matter in their performance.
Good game, Chuck James! Welcome back, kid.
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Columbia, SC is a hole.
By SaltyDog55
August 9, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
CLady: I mis-stated…Charleston is hometown…now up north of the ATL.
Wilmington and Asheville are two of my favorites…I’d split for either in a heartbeat!
Good job, Frenchy…and a hustlin’ Diaz! Way to go! SDog
By Ted
August 9, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Agree on weekday games - I have to work so I’ve never made one. Hard to use a vacation day for a ball game.
And I have to believe the Braves can find SOME SP on waivers. They have a bad enough record to get first crack at pretty much any in the NL in the last year of their contract. And with a solid farm system, I’d think a decent prospect would at least get one arm who can at least keep the Braves in games as opposed to the gasoline on fire starters like Schiell, Barry and Cormier. As long as there was no major obligation for future seasons (unlike Livan), it would be worth a shot.
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
DOB is much better than Guy Curtright.
By Carolina Lady
August 9, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, TNPaul! You’d be most welcome in our Carolinas! I have a cousin in Anderson; he has a nice place on a river - just beautiful! I’ve always loved Wilmington, but it is now overrun, overbuilt, and overcrowded. Everything is geared toward rich interlopers, therefore it’s all ‘upscale’, ‘luxury’, and ‘exclusive.’ Including the current taxes! If it was possible, I’d be on up the coast a ways out on the Banks.
Did anyone ever find out why the red shirts today?? DOB?
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
What was that? 6 IP with 1 ER… Doesn’t that qualify as a quality start? Not too shabby! Now, we just need these guys to do that every single time they take the mound. Then all our worries will be for naught.
GO BRAVES
By Miranda
August 9, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
got my tickets for Friday and Saturday in Pearl… which aren’t too easy to get obviously right now! I’ve been to almost 40 games and I was going to throw a fit if I couldn’t get em for those two nights!
Hmm… Bass Pro Shops… I always spend some time there before the games when I have spare time! Do you know if Chipper will leave on Thursday or wait until Friday morning to head over to Pearl?
I’m shocked he’s coming to MS …I figured he’d go elsewhere! I’m excited though!
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Glavine/James. The comparison is apt. Apt I tell you. Apt!
Yates on the other hand… Guess he can’t handle that short change between night game and day game.
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Oh boy, here we go again.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Yeah. Let Yates blow this, Bobby. You know you wanna.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
Of course, if Yates gets out of this jam, Bobby is…a genius?
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Yes, Jimmy. It’s time for Parontoe.
By Ted
August 9, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
F’in YATES!!! WTF is Bobby thinking? “Oh, let’s let him walk everyone.” Why in the world did he let him walk in a run? GD!
By Voice of Reason
August 9, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Jefferson, GA, where I hail from, is less than an hour from SC!
RR - I, too despise the red and wonder why that color was chosen over the much more palatable blue. I do usually get used to it after about 5 innings after my eyes stop burning. It’s as if Bob the Tomato were the team mascot…
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, THROW A GOD DAMN STRIKE!!!!
By 22oz
August 9, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
“The bases are loaded, and i sorta wish i was”-Skip Caray
You said it Skip. Is it that hard to tell when a pitcher doesn’t have it? Just curious.
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Why does BC wait so long. It is so obvious when a pitcher just doesn’t have it. Why does BC have to wait until a run or runs are given up. Can anyone tell me why?
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Don, watch you language.
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
22oz and geauxbraves2000: BC’s player loyalty goes a little too far sometimes…
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Is it me, or should we bring in Chad Paronto only when the opponent is offering a pie-eating contest?
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Player loyalty has cost the Braves #15.
By Voice of Reason
August 9, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
aaaaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
What an absolute drag.
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Oy vey
By Voice of Reason
August 9, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Later, all. Real life interferes once again…
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Is it me, or should we bring in Macay McBride only when the rest of the bullpen has contracted Ebola?
By The Man
August 9, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
How the *$^#@& does Utley score from second on an out to the pitcher?!?
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
What can you say? This is on BC, he should have pulled Yates when it was obvious he didn’t have it. The older you get the more set in your ways you get. Like I said, BC is a great manager, but I think he’s starting to loose it a little. Just like Maddux, he is on the way to the Hall, but he’s no where near what he used to be.
By 22oz
August 9, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Well it hot out there, Bobby probably doesn’t want to step out in the sun too much, so he’s spreading out time in between mound visits.
By Chica
August 9, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Just when you started to think things were going well…..
I swear, this team can’t get the starters and the bullpen pitchers on a roll at the same time. Sigh
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
OK! I think we can fairly qualify that inning as putrid…
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Game over ladies and gentlemen! If it’s not the starting pitching f**king things up it’s the Bullpen! Oh for the day’s of reliable pitching…
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 9, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Aaargh. This bullpen is going to drive me to drink. What on earth does Bobby see in Yates. He is a stiff. And he sucks in day games. I think everytime I’ve seen him pitch in a day game he gives up runs.
By SaltyDog55
August 9, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
Putrid! And folks think a Clemson guy has no vocab. Ha…you showed them! :-) SDog
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 9, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
This is unbelievable…………
By Charleston Brave
August 9, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
WTF … D$mn it! Do some managing. Every game from here on out needs to be managed like a game 7. Oh yeah, he manages the same way there too. We need a manager for the day contest. Who ever wins might end up getting a new job.
OK, shrug it off. Let’s get it back.
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Okay, now this is just getting plain ridiculous.
By krath
August 9, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
My this is an ugly turn of events isn’t it?
By mcdwag
August 9, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
people work in Atlanta and the vast majority do not work near the ball park-its one thing to take a half day off but its another to take an entire day off for a ball game-these afternoon games never seem to draw a crowd in atlanta
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 9, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
The Braves may want to think about boycotting day games because they sure suck in them. DOB I would love to hear the actual record and ERA during Braves day games.
By Carolina Lady
August 9, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Oh, well. I’ve got to go start preparation on supper anyway. It’ll be ready at 5. The birdhouses won’t.
By NYFan
August 9, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
As much as I hate the Braves, even I’M embarrassed for them right now. Ouch.
By SRF
August 9, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
This is ridiculous.
Can we get some volunteers from the crowd to try and throw some strikes ?
By Charleston Brave
August 9, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Well, there goes the spare. Now all the wheels are off. How frustrating!
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Tyler Yates ERA just went from 3.33 to 4.61… Hold on for the jump in Paronto’s ERA once this nightmare of an inning is done…
By Grand Slam
August 9, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Oh the horror….do I sense a grand slam to put the icing on this cake?
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Pathetic. I think it all could have been avoided. When your pitcher shows no signs of control, it’s best to remove him. Not leave him in there to set the table for a 7 run inning.
By Brian
August 9, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
What the hell? Why after Yates walks Rollins does he stay in the game? Wow, that is bad, I usually don’t like to post negative stuff, but that is a frickin joke to leave Yates out there. He isn’t that good first of all, he had 1 big K last night. He blew it against the Reds on Saturday and chalk another one up today. He sucks, but he shouldn’t have been out there.
By Grand Slam
August 9, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Paranto’s ERA is going down not up — Aybar’s error prolonged the inning so these runs will all be unearned.
By 2realistic
August 9, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Man, there just aren’t a lot of things I’m willing to sit through 95 degree weather for… and the way the Braves are playing they aren’t one of them. I’ve been watching the Braves since I was a kid in the early 70s… so, of course, I saw plenty of terrible years. Now, I’m sad to have to say it but, “The Braves suck again.” I think we all saw it coming, though. With the ownership changes and the payroll adjustments that follow, it was only a matter of time. How did the old addage go? Wait ‘Til Next Year.
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
I’m embarrassed for BC. He should’ve pulled Yates. Bottom line, he left Yates and his no control in the game, setting off an 8 run inning so far. See what stubborness gets? Another probable loss. I love the Braves, have for years, but this team is making me long for the Braves of the late 80s.
By TennesseePaul
August 9, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
If this game doesn’t inspire a player only meeting, then the season is lost. I don’t care how good a guy anyone is on that team, action must be taken. Words must be said. This cannot be blown off as bad luck and a couple of bad pitches. This turned my wonderful good day into a disaster. So fed up with this crap. All season long we see this. Then hope springs… three starts in a row were gems. Enter the Blowpen.
By BB
August 9, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Turn out the lights, the party’s over.
Game and season.
By Mad as hell and not going to take it anymore
August 9, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Where are they, you ask? We’re saving our hard earned money for that $3-plus per gallon gas. Why waste any more of it on a Double-A caliber bullpen that couldn’t hold a lead if it had handles. Yates sucks. Paranto sucks AND he needs to lose weight. And McBride is the worst of all. Release them all and let my 15-year-old son pitch the 7th. He couldn’t do any worse than those arsonists. The season is over folks. This is a bad ballclub that has no prayer of getting to the postseason. The time has come to start tearing it down and starting all over. Get what you can for Smoltz, Chipper, Andrew and Wickman. And while you’re at it, but old Bobby out to pasture where he belongs. I’ve about had it. Today is the last straw.
By Todd A
August 9, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
8 runs in the 7th inning Dave.There’s your answer.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Mercy… Hall of fame of coach who is past his time
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Dog, you’re new to the blog, so look for Bob and a few other bloggers on here if you want to see vocab at its prime, brother…
By Cub Fan
August 9, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
From a Cubs fan…
1) Things could be worse…
By Jeremy
August 9, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Why would anyone even want this team to make the playoffs??? It would just end in a three game sweep at the hands of some team.
By Grand Slam
August 9, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Well….6 runs down, who is ready for a comeback? C’mon kid, get a hit… I can hear the dugout chatter and I’m not even listening to the game.
By geauxbraves2000
August 9, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Strike one leads to an out, ball one leads to 8 runs. Hmm, amazing what can happen when you throw strikes.
By JasonInMaine
August 9, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
That’s what you like to see…2 pitches and 2 outs!!
By Clint
August 9, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
So the offense shows no heart either….when does college football start…this is killing me!
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
TPaul, maybe that should be a pitchers-only meeting, called by Smoltz.
By Grand Slam
August 9, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
5 pitches for the inning….and Thorman struck out….these guys must all have hot dinner dates
By 22oz
August 9, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Well, in Bobby’s defense, nobody after Yates did much better either. Just an observation.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
The problem is not this game, it is the performance over the entire season. This game is only indicative of the problem. Go braves but this Oct. will be spent at home. Here is for hoping I am wrong
By Mad as hell and not going to take it anymore
August 9, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
OK, then defend Bobby for not getting anyone else up and ready on Monday until Villareal had given up five runs and thrown the game away.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
Speaking of which …. why did bobby pull James?
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
and while we might want the offense to “shake it off” and “battle back”, and blah blah blah, you can’t see that kind of mushroom cloud go up and come right back full of vim and vigor. Not and actually be human…
By Charleston Brave
August 9, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I haven’t seen it yet and I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes but … Hee Haw, Hee Haw Donkey in the dugout! Donkey in the dugout!
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I hope they burn those red shirts. I’m tired of that gimmick.
Also, I’d like to dynamite Tooner Field because of its name.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Maybe they are just upset about Cynthia’s loss last night….Frenchy is not the only undisciplined bat in our line up. Our offense is feast or famine as a result.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
What the heck happened? Got busy, came back to a massacre!
And yeah, why the red/orange/burnt offering jerseys? I’d rather see the powder blue!
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
F*** TYLER YATES. He is a piece of s**t. Git him off the team. Oh yeah, if Mccay Mcbride reads this. You hyave not been worth a s**t recently either. I like you. I think you could be good, but not if you play like this. T YATES…please dont agree to come into the f******* game if you are going to walk three battters and load the bases in the 7th after Chuck James pitched a hell of a game! Just tell the f******* bullpen coach that you dont want to play. I would rather hear you say that s**t then you lose a game because you cant pitch a f******* strike!
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
What’s the over under on the phillies pitch count this inning?
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Did E just try to bunt down by six? Does the coaching staff have money on the game?
By Dawgs2006
August 9, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Wilson Betemit hit another homerun last night and the Dodgers have an eleven game winning streak. Next year, this sorry bunch of losers could really make a run for the worst team in baseball. At least we do not have to suffer through another post season letdown. We can enjoy some good playoff baseball this year. Hello Dodgers! Tommy Lasorda must be proud.
By Paul Hamilton
August 9, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
I think the experiment with Roger Mcdowell is over, can we please hire a pitching coach?
Hey DO, what do you think about signing SP Gil Meche in the offseason, he’s having a solid year on a below average Seattle club.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
“Brooks was here.”
“Red was, too.”
By Dawgs2006
August 9, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop: Are the Braves skipping town and heading for Mexico?
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
haha… yeah im still here. I just cant handle this any more. I love the braves, but im tired of this s**t.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Zihuatanejo is looking mighty fine right about now, ain’t it?
By Greg
August 9, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Dave:
Now do you wonder why attendance was down at this game? This team stinks. I’ve been a fan since 1969. I’ve seen bad Braves teams. This team is rapidly approaching the suckitude of the mid-1980s. I knows we have Smoltz and the Jones. But back then we had Horner and Murph. We still sucked. This team sucks. Maybe we should try to finish last and draft some pitching. This team sucks.
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
haha….yeah im still here. I am one of the biggest braves fans around. I just can not deal with this s**t anymore. At least football is on the way.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox will never be fired and nor should he. I don’t give a dang about winning only one WS ( althought more would have been nice). He has always made the right moves up to this year. My hope is that he make the right move this off-season which is to retire. This team is every bit as talented as other legit playoff teams ( Detroit, LA, and St. Louis stick out the most); however, poor coaching (hitting and pitching especially) have been horid. No consistency = poor coaching. The question is who would coach this team? More importantly, what would it take for a single owner with a love for the Braves to buy this team? Can we get baseball’s version of Mark Cuban?
By Brian
August 9, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
2nd & 3rd no outs & we get 0 Runs, thats hard to do, but some how we found a way to do it.
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
hell yeah greg. I agree, s**t just let our starters throw six good innings and let our bullpen do what it has continued to do all season and i think your wish will come true.
By Dawgs2006
August 9, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Zihuatanejo sounds better than anything right now. Pacific paradise…no sorry Braves baseball!
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Clint, you must not have seen the same 27 years of Bobby Cox I have-always made the right moves?
As for replacement, I believe Joe said the Marlins fired Girardi?
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded and zero outs down by one in the ninth and we get zero runs. No goose egg is too hard for our hitters to achieve.
By krath
August 9, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
I have to admit that I got a goose bump or two right before and after the break when the Braves went on a mini-tear for a couple of weeks. But as I stated even then, everyone should keep in their mind that this was the same team that dropped 20 games in July.
We added two guys for late in the game and thats about it. We’ve had good luck when we’ve managed to get it to those two guys, but if you can’t get to the 8th with a lead, Baez and Wickman ain’t gonna do you any good.
Those teases (like last nights game by Hudson and team) are just that….teases. This is not a team that’s capable of making the playoffs. If this team rips off ten wins in a row they will surely turn around and suck for two consecutive weeks. The losses are not an anomaly. This is the way this team plays baseball this year. It’s August folks, not May. Their performance as a team IS NOT an ugly exception, it’s the rule.
Does this team have more talent than some of the teams who are beating them? Heck yeah! Look at the Phillys! They have traded half their team and they are threatening in the Wild Card so all the talk about Braves injuries really doesn’t cut it in my opinion. Teams who have less than us are performing better than us.
What do you do when teams with less talent are beating you on a regular basis?
I don’t advocate firing a HOF manager. I would never do it. Braves upper management isn’t going to do it. The Braves should never consider firing Cox this season.
That being said, if a team is underachieving as much as the Braves are (don’t wanna hear about the injuries)a normal managers job would be in jeopardy in my opinion.
Either that, or the team is achieving at the real level of their talent and really sucks. Which is it?
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Punch me my plane ticket to Zihuatanejo. I am on the way. Oh by the way Todd Pratt is awful….just wanted to throw that one on the table. throw it back at me if you want, but i doubt anyone is dumb enough to do that.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Not that it matters now, but why not hit McCann for Pratt? L/R would be up Bobby’s alley.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Cheap Shot Moment:
Todd Pratt never saw a pitch he didn’t think he could hit. Unfortunately, he couldn’t.
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
I saw the same Bobby Cox. The one piece I did leave out is Bobby’s undying to devotion to players even when their mistakes cost his team games (Playoffs or otherwise). Lonnie Smith still owes us a gosh darn parade! Our buddy LaRoche cost us the Houston series with poor base running and we haven’t been the same since his lazy play to first earlier in the year.
By Tony C.
August 9, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
So I take it that the rally-killers struck again.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Good God-just saw the Phillies left 18 on base! To go with the 9 they scored! Holy Cow!!!
By Clint
August 9, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Oh well…. I would say wait until next year but that slogan is patented by the South Carolina Gamecocks….
By Andy
August 9, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
I hate hearing chip or the turner south guys when the braves are just sucking—-I know there is alot more important issues with the braves—but when the team is down the older announcers seem to care more—get down, flustrated—I like that. The Chip Carreys and Jef Torrburge, for me, don’t do it. I like that enjoy the last 50 games folks.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
so the garments are rent, the teeth gnashed, and the bile spewed…another day in Braves-land afer a loss.
By Brooks
August 9, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
ohhh tony.. you dont even know! read my first comment.. I think it started with something along the lines as F*** TYLER YATES.
By bobbo
August 9, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Is the some sort of rule that you half to be out of shape and fat to be in our bullpen. I mean between Yates,Paronto,and mcbride there might be 750 pounds. I dont understand but putting a bullpen like this together while the money you have spent doesn’t produce I.E. Tim hudson
Where does all our money go because we have a lot of bargain basement guys out there don’t we la roche,frenchy,langerhans,diaz,aybar/betemit,thorman,orr,yates,mcbride,ramirez,paronto, james,davies(remember him),mcann,pratt,Ray
\I mean none of these guys makes a million dollars 75-90 million should be enough to put out a competitive team if you spend in the right places, which JS hasn’t when do we start pointing the finger at him.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
game-set-match
Strike up Journey-“The party’s over…”
By Tonight on TBS
August 9, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
After the game…
Walk the Line(up) (2005)
Chronicle of middle reliever Tyler “Yikes” Yates (Joaquin Phoenix) from his struggles in the minor leagues to his glory days in Atlanta where he played with fellow “out of control” legends “Elvis” Paronto and “Jerry Lee” McBride. Drama. Joaquin Phoenix does his own pitching.
By Dawgs2006
August 9, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Hey, take it easy on Lonnie Smith. What about Ron Gant and Justice leaving ungodly amounts of runners on base? There was more to that loss than one baserunning error. He probally would have gotten nailed at the plate anyway and everyone would have been on a huff about sending the runner. And Yes!, Todd Pratt is the worst player the Braves have picked up during their run of divison titles. In fact, I have such contempt for this team it is quickly reahcing Atlanta Hawks level.
By Ron Roberts
August 9, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
Sometimes ya have to wonder if all that good karma we enjoyed in regular seasons past is just coming back at us the other way this season.
Man, when the offense is good, the pitching is putrid… when the starters do well, the hitting and bullpen lets ‘em down…. when the bullpen does do well it’s usually in a game where the starter’s already blown it… it just doesn’t all come together for this team, this year.
Shuerholz made the right moves to fix the bullpen, and now it doesn’t matter ‘cause we have two veterans starters and a buncha call-ups, essentially. Chuck James will be a good pitcher, and a consistently good pitcher, but right now he’ll be dazzling at times and dismal at times, fairly equally, I’d think, and God only knows if Hudson is gonna be the Hudson we’d expected or not from this point on….
….either way, if/when we lose Horacio for the season, we’re just guaranteed a Richmond call-up every fifth start, and that already puts us behind the 8-ball.
Before today, though, Tyler Yates had been fairly serviceable, and it sucks that he couldn’t pull it off today. We were one inning away from our Baez/Wickman combination and a 2-out-of-3 series at home.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Yeah-the Liebrandt pitching to Puckett cost us the series!
By krath
August 9, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Maybe a lot of teeth gnashing going on but what the hell you want? Cheers? Last time I checked this was a Braves blog. We talk about the Braves here, good or bad. When they perform well there are positive and negative comments. When they play bad, there are more negative comments.
Whatcha want?? “golly gee those guys just can’t catch a break! With the exception of that inning when Philly scored 8 runs they played great! Things are looking up!” or maybe ” the Braves played badly today so lets talk about chocolate pudding!”
You may not like gnashing of teeth but most people who are blogging still are really Braves fans even when they criticize.
The casual fans left in June when we dropped 20 games.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
TBS-you’re funnier than anything on TBS (except the Braves)
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
yeah, RR, one inning away…and for want of a nail, etc.
By james
August 9, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
BOYCOTT THE BRAVES….. GO DAWGS……..
By mc
August 9, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
NO NEEDS for CLEMENTINE TIGER rednecks on here! Get back on your tractor.
Go COCKS!!
By Louis Vales
August 9, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Toast!!!!!!
By BAMA Brave
August 9, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
I love the Braves. Always have and always will. But honestly compels me to say that the Braves are simply a bad baseball team. Period. Up 3-1 at home against a mediocre team. Fighting for your playoff life and you give up 8 runs. Please.
By Mad as hell and not going to take it anymore
August 9, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
And don’t forget about Charlie Liebrandt pitching to Dave Winfield. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice ….
By Stretcheezy
August 9, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
THANKS KRATH FOR YOU OBSERVATION! IT MAKES SENSE. LOOK AT THE TEAMS THAT ARE PLAYING BETTER THAN US. WE JUST LOOKED GOOD ON PAPER AND ON THE FIELD WHEN WE HAD GREAT PITCHING. BUT NOW WITH AN IFFY OFFENSE AND NOTHING FOR PITCHING, THEY ARE JUST PLAIN AWFUL!!!
AND DONT BLAME INJURIES, CAUSE IN THE BIGS YOU WILL SEE 3 GUYS AT THE PLATE EACH INNING. INJURIES DONT HELP YOU STRIKE OUT 300 TIMES! IM JUST CURIOUS, WHATS OUR HITS WITH RISP COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE LEAGUE???
THIS TEAM IS GOING OUT AND TRYING TO LOOSE GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
Krath, I think that will be Bobby’s quote in the paper tomorrow!
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
jeez, krath, no need to turn your anger on me. Rend, gnash, and spew all you wish, that’s what the blog is for. Feel free to express, redress, and digress, it’s OK by me. And though we don’t agree on a lot, I’ve never doubted your passion, my friend.
By james
August 9, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
THIS YEARS BRAVES’ TEAM IS A TRULY HORRIBLE TEAM. SHOW MANAGEMENT YOUR DISPLEASURE BY BOYCOTTING THE BRAVES.
By Chica
August 9, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
Girardi didn’t get fired, BTW. He just had a falling out with the owner.
By The Man
August 9, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Why can no one on this blog ever spell “lose” correctly? It’s not “loose” as in Paul LoDuca’s 19-year-old mistress.
By Greg
August 9, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
Strecheezy:
If this team was trying to lose, I would have more respect for it.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
dear god will this season please just end…..I know Cox is a laid back players manager but just once I would like to see him walk out to the mound and punch the pitcher in the mouth….bet he would like to!
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe not the pitcher, but his wife may have a black eye?
By Chica
August 9, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Y’all know good and well that Bobby is too old to go punching pitchers in the mouth.
But, I would suggest that he take a bat out to the mound the next time he makes a call to bullpen. I’m just sayin’…..
By shawn
August 9, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
That was cold my friend……besides I bet his wife could at least throw strikes.
By Dawgs2006
August 9, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Charlie Liebrandt had no business pitching out of the bullpen. This is where Bobby Cox makes his stupid mistakes. Charlie Liebrandt pitching in the late innings of the most important games in the history of the franchise? ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bobby Cox is no different now than he was then. He has been blessed with talent. Now the talent is gone and his coaching skills are exposed. If I remember correctly, he sucked his first time as manager without the talent of the early to mid 90’s.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 9, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! where are our pitchers? where are our pitchers? where are our pitchers? … and “p” players - one is hitting .071, another .196, and yet another .202. some bench. some pen. journalist jimmy smith just learned journalist has tickets to see kevin barry pitch on saturday. oh, the humanity! who is kevin barry? does kevin barry have a bobblehead?
By james
August 9, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BOBBY COX FIRE EVERY PITCHER ON THE TEAM EXCEPT SMOLTZ AND HUDSON. FIRE’M ALL. MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF THEM….GET GUYS OUT..KEEP YOUR JOB.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Well I wish he would put his foot up somebody’s a*s. They don’t hustle, they don’t run out balls, they are not playing Bobby’s way. And I have often heard players say they would run through a wall for Bobby. I hope it is made of bricks….
By Chica
August 9, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Bobby will keep his job, I believe, until he chooses to step down. I can’t honestly see the GM giving him the boot. And I doubt the new owners will care enough to do it.
By Rodger
August 9, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Kevin Barry-isn’t he in REM?
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Kevin Barry is a writer, humorist I believe…somehow I don’t expect his pitching to make me laugh
By Chica
August 9, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Well I wish he would put his foot up somebody’s as.*
Heh, reminds me of that Chris Rock routine…it wouldn’t be right for him to hit the guys, but he could “shake ‘em real hard”.
But then, that would just cause more injuries, and Lord knows the team has enough of those already.
By MBATL
August 9, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Kevin Barry IS a bobblehead. Most Braves’ relievers are bobbleheads, so no BobbleHead night needed for them.
I can live with our starters’ struggles this year; injuries, youth, (not sure what Hudson’s excuse is, but I still have hope for him).
But this pen is really comprised of guys who have little business in the majors. Yates has probably the best stuff of the bunch, today notwithstanding. But we just can’t go into ‘07 with this kind of pen. I don’t care WHO we have to trade; losing games like this is just domoralizing. I’d rather sacrifice some scoring, and at least play respectable baseball.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
When Barry gets in trouble we can all have a McBride, otherwise known as a sandich that looks good but always make you sick after you bite into it
By james
August 9, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
WE NEED A NEW OWNER WHO CARES ABOUT THE TEAM. A NEW OWNER THAT WILL LET BOBBY COX CARRY BASEBALL BATS TO THE MOUND TO MAKE PITCHING CHANGES. OOPS, MR UMP I CRANK THIS GUYS SKULL IN, I GOT TO MAKE A CHANGE.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Heck maybe Marc-us down for a loss Giles will be leading off again soon. And is a Chipper just a weak version of a Shredder?
By Chica
August 9, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, I have an idea…why don’t all of us chip in a few bucks and buy the team? I’m sure we could talk Liberty Media into giving it up for a few hundred million bucks.
Put me down for $5!
By David O'Brien
August 9, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
James, thankfully your post was in ALL CAPS. Otherwise, some of us might have glanced over it and been deprived of its compelling content.
I think on the off day Thursday, they might fire the entire pitching staff except for Smoltz and Hudson, as you suggested.
But on a serious note, that was the most embarrassing Braves inning I’ve seen since coming to cover this team. Seriously, putrid stuff.
As Jim Morrison once sang, “When the music’s over, turn out the lights, turn out the lights, turn … out … the … lights.”
By KC
August 9, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
I think the injury to HoRam is the straw that broke the Camel’s back. Braves fans, it’s time to start thinking about next year. That said, I don’t think there’s any need to get overly negative about this year. It was a season when almost nothing went right, and nearly everything went wrong, especially with our pitching.
THE BULLPEN:
It began in the off-season. JS tried numerous avenues to bring in a closer, but nothing worked out. Then Blaine Boyer and John Foster (two important cogs in last years pen) both wound up being lost for the season before it ever began. Then several things that could have gone either way (Reitsma, and young kids in the bullpen) all went completely south. Then, other teams were slow to pull the trigger on anything, and we couldn’t swing the deals we needed until they were too late.
THE ROTATION:
First, we lost Hampton for the season. Then Hudson, for reasons no one can explain, has the worst season of his career. Jorge Sosa went from a very productive starter for us last year to a batting practice pitcher. John Thompson imploded and then got injured. Horacio Ramirez went on the DL twice (this being the second time, and he’ll be gone the rest of the season). Kyle Davies after a torrid spring, struggles and then goes on the DL.
Then as soon as the offense and the Braves as a whole went on a tear, both the Jones’ get hurt, with Chipper having to go on the DL. Really… pretty much everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Health, underperformance, bad luck = a perfect storm.
Mama said there’d be seasons like this. Chalk it up misfortune, misaligned stars, or whatever you please… but it just wasn’t our year.
Everyone keep your head up! There’s a lot to look forward to next season I believe.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
Who in the hell is our left fielder? Who were those guys in the bullpen? What the hell happened to this team. Can we not get more for three dozen balls and a hal dozen bats anymore. Aybar…plenty of upside (.250avg.)….I just want it to end….
By MBATL
August 9, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
The GB Packers are publicly owned. Hey, we could conduct our board meetings via blog.
Really, “ownership” is nothing but a payroll number, and I don’t think payroll is our problem unless it gets slashed.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 9, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
maybe they can take the unused chipper bobbleheads and screw on kevin barry heads. and what of kevin barry’s fingers? good fingers? numb? sore? inflamed? twisted? gnarly? and kevin barry’s toes? ten in total? who the heck is kevin barry? irishman, right? what’s the story, dob? sounds like journalist may see lots of braves pitchers saturday night. oh, the humanity! at least it was not today’s game that journalist attended.
By Chica
August 9, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Hey, we could conduct our board meetings via blog.
Works for me. Just make sure I get good seats for every home game.
By shawn
August 9, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Ho Ram injury is the straw that broke the camels back? Look my friend the back was removed long ago. The proctoligist has been called in for what is left of this team..
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Horrible, horrible, horrible… This team is soooo frustrating to watch… You know one good thing though? (for me anyway). Is I’ve seen the Braves play 4 times this year (2 in LA and 2 in San Diego) and the 2 games in San Diego I saw were the first 2 games of their 7 game winning streak… Back to back offensive orgies, it was great.
By Lew
August 9, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
Shawn with a W-When can we get you to end? How in the name of anything can you possibly blame this on Marcus? I guess as per your usual, you don’t have a flippin’ clue.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Chica, are you a recent addition to the distaff side of our blogosphere?
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
I was on the excersise bike at Gold’s Gym during the 8th. One of the trainers walked up with a remote, got an affirmative nod from the crowd and changed the channel to “General Hospital.” There was a signifigant round of applause. Sad day, indeed. But, them’s the brakes. Welcome to our sun-shiney blog, SaltyDog and Chica! We will soon resort to talking of pudding, I expect.
By Voice of Reason
August 9, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
I believe those powerfully inspiring words of Judge Smails are in order:
“It’s easy to grin when your ship comes in and you’ve got the stock market beat. But the man worthwhile is the man who can smile when his shorts are too tight in the seat.”
By dfree
August 9, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
i don’t get why they would start barry, he got hit pretty hard once the scouting reports got out, give lerew, young guy with mid 90’s fastball, a chance to prove something, what do they have to lose? say barry does allright, what do they get out of it? nothing, he wont be here next year anyway.
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
KC you said: “Then Hudson, for reasons no one can explain, has the worst season of his career.”
I’ve got an explanation, quite simple actually. HE’S A TWEAKER! Guess which substance MLB added to the new drug tests at the start of this year? You guessed it, amphetamines! What do amphetamines do? They make you have more stamina. What has been Hudson’s biggest problem this year? Pitching good for 4-5 innings then just falling apart because he gets worn down and can’t sustain a high level of performance without his SPEED! And come to think of it, he really does look like someone who does speed, 6 feet tall, 155LBS. This year he can’t use it, cuz he’d get busted! TWEAK TWEAK TWEAK
By AZBravoFan
August 9, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
So do we have to go buy a 7th inning pitcher now too? Where’s Phil Stockman? Can we get an inning or two out of LaRoche?
By dustin
August 9, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
First of all…the Braves suck at day games and should only play them on Sundays! second: stop with the red jerseys! we suck in them!!
Go Braves!
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
You may have something there, DonC. I’m not usually a conspiracy theorist, but that explanation fits the bill at least as well as any other I’ve heard yet on Hudson. Though how hed’ve been able to tweak in this weather without suffering a stroke anyway would be beyond me.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
I think the reason they use the red instead of the blue is to avoid looking like the Mets. Though at this point, that might actually help. WHOA! I just ducked a lightning flash…
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
TWEAK TWEAK TWEAK
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
The Braves are 4-5 so far against that “soft” August schedule.
The Dodgers with Betemit are 9-0.
But at least Aybar’s shown a talent for keeping Paronto’s ERA low.
Jimmy the Hack, you’re resorting to the oath “Oh, the humanity!” way too often. You’re a scribe in a rut.
Finally, Dave the Hack, Jim Morrison should never, ever be your lyricist of choice for quoting. Too many WAY BETTER songwriters out there.
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
I just want to know how the Muts are getting away with using all these banned substances (Delgado, Beltran, Valentin). I mean, WTF?
By flbravesgirl
August 9, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
I think debacle is the appropriate word for today’s game. I need to drown my sorrows in chocolate after that waste of an afternoon.
Guys, don’t throw things, I actually like the red jerseys (they don’t look orange on my TV).
By Lew
August 9, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
Chop This- I’m certain that Betemit is the reason the Dodgers have won 9 of their 11 games with him. If he is, then why didn’t we win all of our games with him? Do you think the streak might have a lot of other relevant factors-like Maddux pitching a six inning no hitter? As far as Aybar, he has hit safely in 8 of the 10 games he’s played for us. In one of the others, he was on base with a walk. We may never know what wqe may have achieved with Betemit, but I doubt it would be much more than without him. You need to get over the trade. Your griping and snide remarks won’t bring him back.
By Snowball's Chance
August 9, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
As the late great Rosanne Rosannadanna would say ” Dan, It’s always something “. If it’s not the starters, it’s the middle relief. If it’s not the middle relief it’s the yadda, yadda, yadda. Sorry I am mixing up my classic TV comedy references. Francouer has reinforced the Vlad comparisons with that unbelievable RBI . Talk of Montecristos has opened the door for cigar talk. I buy all mine from JRcigars.com. Even if you are a rich and famous sportswriter do yourself a favor and check out their ” Special of the week “. I am only passing this along because I got my order in already.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 9, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this
Was that awful or what? I agree with DOB. That was the worst single inning I have seen from a Braves’ team since 1986 or 1987. I didn’t get to watch the game. I had to follow it at work on the internet. I could only imagine how bad it looked in person or on television. Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Okay, its now time to pull the plug on this season. I mean, yes, we are still technically in it. If the Cards can hold on tonight we are still only 5 1/2 out. But, lets be real. We might as well be 15 out. Does anyone forsee a huge run? I don’t.
Its time to call up Escobar, Prado, Jurries, and Campbell and see what they can do. For three of the four it can be an early audition for next year.
No one has brought this up, but I will. WE obviously need a somewhat big overhaul. Especially with the bullpen. Now, I think (unless there is a stipulation in the contract) that Renteria should be shopped for a trade. Here is my reasoning. Who else on this roster will bring in some major league ready talent? We need bullpen help and a leadoff hitter and speed. Prado or Escobar, if they show they can play, can take Renteria’s spot. We could trade him for either pitching or hitting. The Reds would listen to a deal that could involve Ryan Freel. I can’t believe that they intend to go with Royce Clayton as their everday shortstop next year. The Rockies may listen to a deal. How about the Angels? His first stint in the AL didn’t go so great but I’m sure the Angels would take the chance. We could even raid the Astros pen and send him there. It is just a suggestion.
The question was asked earlier is this team underachieving or is the talent not as good as we think. I think they are underachieving. But, the truth is we have to have a new left fielder. Pure and simple. I think Giles is showing his worth and honestly Renteria would bring more in a trade and Giles is the cheaper option.
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
It’s OK, Lew. I understand your frustration and your need to lash out. You’re forgiven.
Take my comment to any extreme you please to fit your rant. No, Betemit isn’t the sole reason the Dodgers are so hot, but his game-tying 7th-inning homer last night sure as hell didn’t hurt, didn’t it? How many homers has ol’ Upside Willy hit?
That fielding error and ill-advised dash for second today, coupled with his inability to touch second base Sunday, have really contributed to Atlanta’s free-fall, though.
Doesn’t go much good to hit your way on base if you can’t run the bases, Lew.
Not only that, now the Braves are stuck with Baez, who has settled into his usual routine with his new team of coming out of the bullpen to throw gas on the fire. But at least on this team, he has lots of company and doesn’t stand out so badly in his ineptitude.
One thing I’ll guarantee, you, Lew Baby: I’ll get over the trade a lot sooner than the Braves will. You just keep watching.
And as for the wild card, two words, Lew: Think Blue.
By Paul Hamilton
August 9, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
You know I loved Betemit and was really disappointed to see him go, but he was the only attractive piece we had for many teams. If you compared Betemit at 23 to Aybar, Betemit would have been run off the field. The Braves had to make the trade, plus Bobby Cox let him sit on the bench most of the season. Betemit was of no use to us twiddling his thumbs on the bench for most of this season until Chipper and Giles got hurt. The Braves have MAJOR pitching issues at this point, trading Betemit is the least of our worries.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 9, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
This bullpen has to be dismantled. Its a good thing I’m not the manager because Yates and Paronto would be on their way to Richmond, if not the unemployment line. This team just seems disoriented.
I would never say that Bobby should be fired, because that would be almost herecy, but it might not be so bad if he decided to step down. Apparently, whatever he is dishing up, these guys aren’t eating it. I understand the pitching is bad but its like he just accepts it. I might be wrong. Maybe in the clubhouse he goes straight off. But, I doubt it. Something like that would have been “slipped” by one of the players. I don’t have a problem with being positive and even kieled but Good God, man, get pissed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am by nature a very calm person, but I tell you what, I don’t know what I would have done if I had to sit and watch that crap today. The temperature outside would have felt like Alaska in January compared to how hot I would have been. Bobby just goes, takes the ball, pats them on the back, and says, “its alright, kid. get ‘em next time.” Its not freaking alright! Its horrible. The greatest run in professional sports is not only ending; it is dying a slow horrible death. I think it was Shawn who said earlier why can’t this season just end now. I agree. This is my worst nightmare and thensome.
DOB, I know you can’t divulge too much of what is said inside the clubhouse. But, can you at least tell me if these guys feel bad or some four letter words were used or some equipment was broken? Also, is there any dissention between the position players and the pitchers. I would think the hitters are a little tired of this crap. These A ball pitchers are continuously putting games out of reach. I can’t imagine these guys are walking up to the pitchers and patting them on the back and telling to just keep trying.
Man, this is bad!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By BP
August 9, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
This is just plain embarassing!!!
By DonCoburleone
August 9, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
This offseason is going to be interesting. John Scheurholz has never faced this kind of situation for as long as he’s been with the Braves. Never before has he had to try and improve a team from bad to good. For the last 14 years all he’s had to do is stay good. So many things to address, I wonder if he’ll make any major changes. He may not even be able to trade AJ given his new no trade clause…
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
ChopThis: Where can I go online to read your award winning journalism or song lyrics? :-)
By Bob, journalist
August 9, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
Why didn’t somebody wake me up? In addition to the players having a closed meeting, were I the Skipper, Jeff would have been benched for his little misadventure in going to first … just for meanness, and to get his attention.
Krath, I figure that there are maybe four basic types of fan, defined by their dissatisfaction vent triggers: when the Braves don’t (1) perform the way I the fan thinks they should, (2) do their best under the circumstances, and (3) win.
Some self reflection is good for all of us and upon so doing, I find that I’m a hybrid of all three … maybe we all are and we differ only in the mix.
I took the Scoots Post to which you responded, to be a general observation rather than something directed at either you or your postal positions, and feel, as his later post seems to indicate, that well crafted, impassioned posts like yours are always welcomed, regardless of the views being expressed.
Regarding your post, I don’t even like Chocolate Pudding … but if you would like to talk about that, I’ll listen without objection out of sheer admiration for the deftness with which you moved us in that direction.
What follows isn’t directed at either you, your posts, or that thread … but my thoughts were triggered thereby.
Reading posts discussing Chocolate Pudding certainly would be better than having the Blog permeated with posts continually bemoaning the play of the Braves and defaming both players and management … and, the other extreme ain’t that much more better.
Repeated redundancy might well be used in the classroom as an effective teaching device, but in other environs, it bespeaks the insecurity of the attention seeking poster … who evidently feels that his comments aren’t receiving their due, and that by restating his position, over and over and over again, proper weight will be added to that which he feels everyone everyone should be made aware.
Putrid … did David O’B go to Clemson? Scoots, thanks for the vocab acknowledgment but I don’t use the ole Vocab much anymore, Yellow is much safer and gives better service.
I probably wouldn’t know there was a South Carolina were it not for a gentle giant named Frank … whenever Clemson is mentioned, it is of he that I always think.
By Don
August 9, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
In case anybody doubts just how horrible the National League is this year, follow the link below to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article pounding on Jason Marquis. How bad are things with the pitching staff of division leading St. Louis? Please make sure you’re sitting down before I show you two sentences from the article.
“But La Russa can fix it, just by removing Marquis from the rotation. It’s time to give Jorge Sosa — impressive since coming over from Atlanta on July 31 — a trial as a starter.”
They’re like us with Baez! They haven’t seen how bad he has sucked all year so they think he’s terrific!
Yes, we have a National League division leader which may soon have Jorge Sosa joining Jeff Weaver in the starting rotation.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/berniemiklasz/story/1457C7A64D18EBDD862571C5001448EB?OpenDocument
By Don
August 9, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
I suggest a change in format for this year’s postseason. Seed the teams 1 through 8, let the AL teams wipe out the NL teams in the first round. Then we might have a shot at World Series between two good teams instead of watching the AL team administer another 4 game beatdown to the hapless NL representative just like the last two years.
By Joe Torre
August 9, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
One WS championship in fourteen? Ever thought about a new skipper?
By Jimmy
August 9, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Trading Betemit to essentially rearrange the chairs on the Titanic will come back to haunt the Braves for years to come.
BTW JS…Tyler Yates was a hell of a pick-up.
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
You would be blocked from my journalism and song blogs, Grinch, because your brain is two sizes too small.
Stop being such a mean one, and I’ll hook you up with the lyrics to “Tonight the Bravos Let Me Down.”
Aren’t you late for your evening debauch? Have a couple extra tonight. Maybe you’ll get boozed up enough to believe it’s 1995 again.
By Steve
August 9, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Quit a bullpen JS has assembled for us this year…everyone single person but Kenny Ray has been a complete steaming turd of a pitcher.
Wake me when 07 is here.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Bob, I don’t think you needed any specific educational-institution background for the word “putrid” to immediately spring to mind today! Oh, man…I’m sure there’s a better word than that for what happened today in The Inning, but only Webster knows what it might be. BTW, I think Frank would have liked you (yes, I knew him very peripherally as a young, very young, man)…he put on that aw-shucks play all the time, but, in reality, was a very intelligent man (Phi Beta Kappa), conversant on a lot more than football. Think the two of ya might have been able to chat!
By Lew
August 9, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Chop This-I actually predicted the Dodgers would win their division before the season started. Well before they got Betemit. I can’t believe that the Braves would have given him up if there was as much upside (there’s that damn word again) as some of you think he has. He was a good substitute. No doubt. However, I’m not going to lament his passing from the Braves’ scene anymore than I do Mark DeRosa or Jason Marquis. It was obvious that he was not in the Braves plans and he may not be in the Dodgers’ plans, either, when all of their infielders get back. I’m glad he’s helped the Dodgers. I think Baez has helped the Braves. I doubt the Braves will make the playoffs this year, but who knows? The Dodgers weren’t winning worth a damn when this current streak happened and look where it got them. But if the Braves don’t make it, it certainly won’t be because they traded Betemit.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
My goodness, such acerbity! Actually, I’m not late; just fixed screwdriver number one. 1995 was a good year for the Braves, but not necc. the Grinch; I’d just as soon forget it. Here’s to you, Chopthis; I feel it’s my sworn duty to have an extra good time in honnor of those that can’t.
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
Enjoy, Grinch. I’ll probably catch the Dodgers on the satellite dish so I can see some good baseball before the day is out.
It would take the equivalent of Game 6 in 1975 to erase the bad aftertaste of the eight-run seventh I witnessed today, though.
To paraphrase Lefty Frizzell, how far down can they go?
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I got the Yankees-White Sox on now. I’d truthfully like to see the Dodgers go to the WS instead of the Mets; it’ll almost be like the watching the Braves. That, and I hate the Mets. Maddux could use a shot at the title after playing with the Cubs.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
Don, by all that’s sainted and holy, is that for real??? Some writer thinks Jorge Sosa is due a trial as a starter?!? DOB, there’s your REAL cats-and-dogs-living-together stuff, brother.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
If Jorge goes on to do well this season and heaven forbid, win a playoff game or two, I really WILL get drunk.
By 10-7-4
August 9, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Greetings and salivations to all. New guy here and this blog is outstanding! The collection of talent here seems to far surpass our ball club. On here you get insightful info from folks such as Lew,MBATL,ncscoots and too many more to mention. You get folks just having a good time—Jimmy,Carolina Lady etc. You get sound prose from Bob,the journalist and Grinch,I don’t know what to say about you.One more I would mention-Robert[Justice is the best] you sir receive my plaudits for your comments concerning possible trade of A.Jones.It is most refreshing to hear someone “tell it like it is” in matters that some would be tempted to be PC. There are many more, on here that I look forward to debating the merits of our Beloved Braves with.As Yogi said “it ain’t over till it’s over” but then what the heck did Yogi know???
By shawn
August 9, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
Hey LEWser when you disagree with me I know I am on the right track. Your track record speaks for itself.Keep drinking the Kool Aid….. By the way you gotta job yet?
I wasn’t saying Giles was responsible for this loss only that he has made heroic contributions to the other 50 losses. By the way there has been a team effort at screwing up this year not just Giles.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 9, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith was in a board meeting this afternoon and completely forget about asking someone to awaken bob. is no one going to help jimmy smith with this? journalist is happy raisins prepared a good (and sounds like an eventful) lunch for his daughter today. ham sounds better than what bob would have fixed- sousemeat (gray in color and packs a punch). now, sousemeat bullpen … journalist asked this question earlier but got no repsonse - does bobby dews ever tell bobby cox that the pitcher warming up has nothing? when a pitcher comes in and loses four batters in a row maybe he was not the best choice coming out of the pen. then, (and this is the scary part) maybe he was. now, yankees news - johnny damon has groin stiffness. that is a new one that has yet to appear on the braves team. is there an exercise for prevention of groin stiffness? can this exercise be done in view of the fans or must it be removed to the tunnel? how long will it be before chipper suffers groin stiffness? journalist hopes kevin barry brings his “a” game to the ted saturday night (that may be the problem an a or aa pitcher starting for the braves).
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the feast, 10, 7, 4. As for me, the less said the better. :-) Sorry I failed in my Bob-waking duties, Jimmy. I was at the gym. That, and the dog ate my homework. And really, would watching that massacre have been preferable to sleep? Groin stiffness and a cup; uncomfortable unless you’re a Met.
By ncscoots
August 9, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
jimmy, I’m relatively sure that groin stiffness is caused by some other, toe-related, malady, no?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 9, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
perhaps a poultice would be appropriate for groin stiffness. then again, bob says old fashion remedies are no longer approved in baseball. jimmy smith remembers when braves pitchers would put their fingers in pickle brine - and there were no sissy finger injuries. sure, the player smelled funny for awhile but the finger remained sound. would pickle brine work on toes and how much brine for a player with, say, only two toes per foot (not saying we have a player like that - just saying what if). it is recalled that dob refuted toe shortage reports in the spring - but now we learn that dob is challenged in the counting department - counts like a horse with his hoof - subject to error. now, baseball … these announcers on the yankees/white sox game are talking toes. toes are not to be trifled with.
By 10-7-4
August 9, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, yes there is a prevention—it’s called old age.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
An ounce of prevention…oh, to heck with it. To be continued after the ladies and children retire. Speaking of which, I have some cooking to do. I’ll check back with y’all in a bit.
By David O'Brien
August 9, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Chopthis, obviously there are many, many better songwriters than Morrison, but who cares? You mean to tell me you don’t dig hearing Jim sings “This the end, beautiful friend, the end …”? Come on, man, did you not grow up partying, enjoying Apocalypse Now (great use of the song in that movie), and just digging the hell out of the Doors, at least for a phase? Man, if you didn’t, you really are a music snob, brother. The Doors were cool. Period.
Bob, as for inside the clubhouse, I was just discussing with another writer about how we never see paint-peeling tirades or any anger vented at all, or hear it from the back rooms of the clubhouse that we can’t go in. I mean, when the Marlins would stink when I covered them, I remember three different incidents where Kevin Brown threw a bat through a TV screen, Alex Fernandez destroyed a water fountain outside the manager’s office, and … well, I can’t even tell the other story.
And Leyland … wow. Covering him a couple years was awesome, some of the tirades he’d have. We’d go in his office and a couple of times, there was literally milk running down the wall from where he’d thrown it before we got in there. He’d be stabbing his food with a plastic fork, eating as we asked questions, and then he’d abruptly say, “I’m done,” and the interview would end….
Anyway, not saying I expect Chuck James to destroy a TV (that wouldn’t go over well with the Braves, I have a feeling), but man, some loud cursing or at least a locker stall destroyed might be appropriate. But hey, that’s the way they run things, and it’s worked pretty well, I guess. It won’t change while current management is in place, I can assure you. Bobby’s just not like that, and the players they have, the ones setting the tone, aren’t either.
Hey, by the way, in case anyone’s read my Giles story online. A couple of quotes were screwed up in the original post. I fixed them and it should be correct now. It’ him talking about going back to leadoff, which he expects will be the case. He ain’t happy about it, but won’t complain. He knows they have few options.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 9, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Okay, for the love of God, let the Betemit trade go. The Dodgers winning 10 in a row has nothing to do with Betemit being traded there. Stop it! You guys act like he’s freakin A-Rod or something. They are winning games because their leadoff hitter (Furcal) is doing what he always does and catching fire like Michael Jackson at a Pepsi commerical shoot, getting outstanding pitching, and timely hits. Two of three which the Braves aren’t getting.
I love Wilson to death and was as shocked as anyone when I heard he was traded but if he were still here, the team would be in the same position. He doesn’t pitch. He couldn’t have done anything to stop that fiasco today. Besides, once Sunday comes around he would be back on the bench. He wasn’t going to start over Chipper, Renteria, or Giles and nor should he. You would be crazy to take Giles out of that lineup right now with the way he is hitting. So, quit blaming the trade for this team’s demise. Betemit was here when they lost 10 in a row and played quite a bit. So, what’s your reasoning for that.
Face it! This team is greatly underachieving. The question is why? Part of it is because we have a bullpen full of pitchers, most of which should be pitching in AA at best. Sans Ray, Wickman, and Baez none of these guys would be on anyone else’s roster. I don’t believe this team is THAT bad. I think the chemistry is off. Perhaps the youth is catching up to them. But, this team has enough veterans (I mean players of experience and not old farts like Jordan and Pratt) to balance out the youth. I just think the chemistry is off somehow. I really think that there is a lack of confidence in each other. No way does anyone on that team have any confidence in that bullpen other than Baez, Wickman, and perhaps Franklin. (But, Kevin Berry looked good in his first 3 outings too.) I even think some of the position players don’t have confidence in each other. Nothing like this has leaked out into the publie but I wouldn’t really expect it to in a Cox clubhouse. I have to think Frenchy’s wild swinging is at least irritating to guys like Chipper, Renteria, and even Giles who are so selective in important situations. I’m not wanting to get anything started but I just have a hard time believing that everything is peaches and cream inside that clubhouse. I’m sure every time McCann walks by Roger McDowell he wants to choke his lights out.
I said earlier that I think in the offseason the roster has to be overhauled. IMO the only guys that are fixtures are: Chipper, Andruw (if he agrees to an extension in the offseason), McCann, Francoeur, Hampton, James, and Smoltz. Everyone else has to be seriously evaluated. I think in the end it may be a good idea to trade Renteria only because he can bring so much in return. (I’ll get to that later.) Giles is making it hard to get rid of him. We must obtain a LF. I would prefer to keep LaRoche but if could bring some much needed pitching and/or speed you have to think about handing over the reigns to Thorman. I know DOB thinks I’m stupid, but this team needs speed and pitching. I would rather sacrifice a couple of guys like LaRoche and Renteria if it brings a leadoff hitter and some pitching (both starting and relief). Thorman could possibly put up the type of numbers LaRoche is putting up if he got the chance to play everyday.
I know I will get blasted for suggesting trading Renteria but he would bring so much in return and ultimately keeping Giles at only 5 mil would be the cheaper option. The Angles would be a possible trade partner. We could get Kendrick and any multitude of their young pitching. (Santana and Escobar) The Reds, Rockies, Giants, Twins, Orioles (if Tejada is traded), and even Tigers could be possible suitors and all of them have what we so desperately need. I would call Tampa Bay and offer Horacio, Salty, and a prospect for Crawford. I know you all will say why in the hell would the Rays make that deal. Well, they were ready to deal Crawford and Baez last year for Davies and either Salty or McCann but JS wouldn’t give either of those guys away. The Rays know they won’t be able to keep Crawford in a couple of years and aren’t anywhere near contending, so why not get some quality players for him. It would be worth the shot. See now if Prado or Escobar can play at this level. Don’t wait until spring training and hope they can. Send Orr and Pena down and call both of them up now and get them some playing time. Even if they started just twice a week you would know if they can do this before banking that they can and getting to spring training and finding out that they can’t.
This team is full of talented players but they just don’t seem to mesh very well together. We have the pieces to move to get what is needed to make this team better.
By David O'Brien
August 9, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
Mean to say Jim sing, not sings. But you all knew that.
Still can’t believe Bob didn’t dig The Lizard King at some point?
“There’s danger on the edge of town … ride the highway west, ba-by… The West is the best, get here and we’ll do the rest!”
That’s good stuff. Come on, it ain’t Hank, but it’s a whole different vibe, obviously. And it was cool.
By David O'Brien
August 9, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
Robert, I don’t think you’re stupid for saying this team needs speed and pitching. I agree.
I do, however, think you’re stupid for wanting to sacrifice Renteria.
By 10-7-4
August 9, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Robert[JIB]—don’t believe Tampa would make that trade,of course depending on whom we identify as that ‘prospect’. My sources in that area say new ownership is commited to building a winner, so payrole will have to rise.HoRam seems to have injury problems and Salty showed nothing in Miss.
By ssiscribe
August 9, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Ah, what a day. Atlanta can’t get here soon enough. I’m tired of packing. I’m tired of watching my friends at my current job get screwed. Four, count ‘em, four resignations in a week, with a fifth coming tomorrow. Thank goodness everything worked out last month for me to get the new gig lined up.
“Oh, Atlanta, hear me callin’; I’m coming back to you one fine day.”
Of course, when I get there, the ballclub will be as done as a $2 steak. Today did it, gang. I was at a high school 25 miles away at football practice, and I left as Lieberthal was walked to start the seventh inning.
By the time the inning ended, I was back at the office working on tomorrow’s paper. Absolutely, positively horrible. DOB, putrid is a strong word, but it worked today, bro.
(By the way, the guy who pinch-hit for the Phils in the never-ending seventh, the guy who hit twice … sorry, I can’t recall his name and I’m too busy drinking cold beer to look it up … does he get credit for TWO pinch-hit ABs? Just curious. Not like a PH gets to hit twice in an inning everyday.)
This team just can’t run with the Dodgers or the Reds. This team just can’t put together the 9-of-11 run it would take to get it back into the race. This team just isn’t gonna make it to the postseason.
God, this sucks. The hell with 2007 for now. Just let me wallow in the crap of 2006, of Aug. 9, 2006, the day the music (and the Braves) died.
Ah, watching James Jurries and Joey Devine do their thing … damn, that seems like it was five years ago, not five months. At least I got to meet the esteemed head of this blog. That, in hindsight, may be the highlight of the season.
God, I need another beer.
—30—
By ssiscribe
August 9, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
The last graph should’ve said something along the lines of “Ah, at least at Lake Buena Vista in spring training …” since I was referring to my spring training trip.
Just one of those days. I’m even screwing up on the blog. As the great Furman Bisher would say:
Selah.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 9, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you think Giles is playing his way out a trade? Also, do you think it would be wise for the Braves to go after a guy like Figgins or Kendrick from the Angels?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
10-7-4, that is a different malady altogether. still, your point is well taken. welcome to the blog. dob will have difficulty with your name since it involves numbers. dob will be calling you 10-10-10 or maybe he will just add the numbers and call you 35. dob is surprised the braves don’t punch out the coolers anymore (last cooler death attributed to dan kolb) but it is not their nature. pratt swung a couple times at a cooler but never made contact. francoeur tried to hit the first cooler he saw but it was in the other dugout and could not be reached. that’s when they gave up.
By Ron Roberts
August 9, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
Dave…
You have to give something to get something. That’s how trades usually work, my man.
I like Renteria, too, but I tell ya what… (Chipper being the key ingredient, meaning if he were in our lineup 145 games a year…) I’d trade Renteria for a good starter, myself, too. We have an over-abundance of infield parts, including Yunel Escobar, the phenom shortstop, down in Mississippi. Wes Timmons and Martin Prado (actually, he’s a second baseman) are in Richmond, hitting over .300 as well. And, of course, there’s Willy Aybar and Tony Pena, too.
Point is, if there’s one position on this team we could afford to deal a veteran to get a strong starting pitcher, shortstop’s the spot, and Renteria’s a proven commodity with some worth.
By JJMB
August 9, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, Jim Morrison’s life was a tribute to drug abuse. As a tweaker from El Cajon, he personified the California “live fast and die faster” rocker lifestyle. Can’t say that I miss him much.
By Chop Chop
August 9, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Braves’ ballroom days are over, baby.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
C’mon, Y’all; Morrison was the man. No, he wasn’t the best songwriter ever (though he wasn’t bad). No, he wasn’t particularly stable. No, I wouldn’t let him babysit my kids (if I had any). However, he undeniably had a certain panache that made him one of the greatest frontmen ever. Give the Lizard King his due.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
“Trade all our bull-pen for a…handfull of dimes…”
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 9, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, what would it take for the Braves to get a guy like Carl Crawford?
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the inspiration, Chop Chop. Now I’ve got that song in my head. And maybe a new TV movie idea….
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Your desperation in defending Jim Morrison reminds me of the words of another great poet who wrote, “Methinks he doth protest too much.”
Seriously, the allure of The Doors was always closed to me, but I’m not gonna harsh the mellow of those who like them. But I’ll take the poetry of John Fogerty any day.
As to the Braves, who’ll stop the pain?
And if cherishing the genius of Hank and Lefty and Johnny over the ramblings of Jim be the food of music snobbery, play on!
By Tonight on TBS
August 9, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
“Pitch on Fire.” (2006) True story of newly installed Braves pitching coach Rodger McDowell (Vince Vaughn). Inherits a bunch of cast-offs and misfits from former Braves great Leo Mazzone (Wilford Brimley), only to find out his team’s record title run is in serious jeopardy. Not being able to offer any effective advice, he attempts to alleviate tension by employing his trade-mark “Hot Foot,” only to discover the passion of the team doesn’t extend to busting water coolers, therefore leading to severe burns and toe problems, compounding the season’s woes. The raging fire also ignites the straw intended for the manager’s evening meal, burning down the dugout and much of the surrounding bleachers. Intended initially as a comedy, classified later as a drama by Braves fans. Followed by innumerable episodes of Seinfeld, which fail to bring a smile.
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
“Put me in Coach/I’m ready to play…” Doesn’t sound much like the Braves, though I do like Fogerty.
By chopthis
August 9, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
I see a bad team losin’
I see trouble on the way
I see Mets give us a bruisin’
I see bad times today
Don’t go out tonight
There’s no end in sight
There’s a bad team at The Ted
By The Grinch
August 9, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Chopthis, without meaning offense (really), are you and Hop on Chop the same person? Not trying to be inflammatory, but I find it hard to believe two seperate Mets fans are capable of extemporaneously composing satirical song lyrics in a brief period of time. It goes against all I learned in my nine years in that state. Just curious for scientific and sociological reasons.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Grinch,
You flatter me by comparing my poor attempts at humor with the easy, hysterical flair of hop on chop. But thanks for the compliment.
By the way, I’m a baseball fan. The Mets do nothing for me. I don’t love the playas, I love the game.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
I’ve been watching games on ESPN the past couple days. Yankees /Sox. last night Rivera blew a save ,Sox win in extra innings.Tonight Randy Johnson takes a perfect game into the 7th ,I think. Chicago comes back and almost beats Rivera, AGAIN. Final 7-6 Yankees. oh, yeah Farnsworth gives up 4 in 2/3 of an inning. My point even the best paid baseball mecenaries have a hard time.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
DOB, How would the Tomahack team choreagraph The “ride the snake” section of “the end”.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
Grinch,
No offense taken. In fact, you flatter me immensely comparing my poor attempts at humor with the easy flair of the great hop on chop. That battering he (or she) gave you the other night when y’all both obviously were very drunk was just hysterical! I’d steer clear of him (or her) from now on!
But thanks for the compliment. You made my day.
You also mistake me for a Mets fan. I’m a baseball fan. I don’t love the playas, I love the game.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
Fair enough. As I said, just genuinely curious. And, as a true fan of baseball, the Mets SHOULDN’T do anything for you, wherever you may stand. Though they stand ahead of the Braves this year; alas. Snowball, experts have predicted the falling off of Rivera for years now; if it’s beginning to happen it’s long overdue, not a cause for wonderment. I actually AM running low on cigars, and wish to place an order. Is there any way I can put you in as the salesman who influenced me, so you can get a commission? Seriously.
By MP3
August 10, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
The Grinch needs to get a life. Been on here all night trying to prove that he’s right about crap that doesn’t even matter…Dude…get away from the computer…might do you some good.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
Ron, I know. You’re right, as far as that being a position of strength and one of only two areas _ along with 2B _ where they could trade a guy, get plenty in return, and have a solid kid ready to take over.
So I was too strong with “stupid.” Actually, it could happen. I just think Giles is the more likely to go, but there are teams that would prefer Edgar despite him being a little older, because he’s under contract couple more years and very affordable.
Anyway … sorry. Didn’t mean to call you stupid. But you know that.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
Grinch, I am a no commission shill for Jrcigars. They have saved me a ton of money.Tobacco taxes in the west are prohibative to partaking of cigars.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
Hey; I thought I held my own pretty well…remember, I have to hold up against the strict moral standards outlined by Bob, Journalist and Carolina Lady. The sewer dwellers have no such restrictions. A good soldier always conserves his ammo…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
MP3, the fact that you’ve also been on here all night (else you wouldn’t have noticed) and haven’t contributed anything of any kind until now shows you’re a little bitty dog who doesn’t really want to get bitten. Go change your panties.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this
Chopthis, no one in their right mind would compare the pseudo-intellectuel ramblings of Morrison and the Doors to the beauty of our fair Hank, John Cash, Dylan, Lennon, et al.
Well, maybe some kid who drops flowers on Morrison’s grave in Paris, but none of us here at The Braves and The Man In Black blog.
That wasn’t my point. That was just good music at a phase in most of our lives, I imagine. I mean, I’ll gladly admit I wasn’t mature enough to appreciate the genius of Dylan and Hank Williams at 20. But I loved getting, uh, happy and listening to the Doors back then.
So come on, man. Doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s a reason “The End” works so well in Apocalypse Now. It’s a cool song, ominous and trippy. I doth protest too much, though. Later.
By MP3
August 10, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
It doesnt take much to go thru the log to see how much you have typed, not to mention crap that was pretty stupid to begin with. Sorry my friend, but I dont sit at home all evening dwelling on things that are irrelevant now. Braves are history, quit arguing with people…get a fish tank, make some new friends….just a suggestion…
By Tony Almeida
August 10, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
DOB, have you caught any of the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill shows this summer, or are you a religous old school country fan?
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
OOps…Silly me. Nice try, Chopthis. As you mentioned earlier, I’m debauched. Else I would have noticed you referred twice to Hoppy as someone you emulate, as well as someone whom you thought got the best of the Grinch. This could not be if you’d actually read his posts, especially our little interchange the other night. You are a slick little f$#@%r, though; I’ll give you that.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
Robert, yes, he could be playing himself out of a trade. It’s just gonna depend what the Braves think is the best way to spend that $5 mill, but if they keep him, then they’ll have to get a leadoff guy at another position.
Grinch, who is this MP3, and how dare he come up in this house trashing one of the regulars? We love your contributions, my man. You know that.
JJMB, nobody was endorsing Lizard King’s lifestyle. GEEEEZ. Lighten up. I liked the freakin’ song, alright? Enough. I’m done.
My ballroom days are over … for tonight.
Oh, and sorry you’re a tweaker, dude. Maybe you’ll leave that lifestyle behind some day. Or maybe you should have listened to more Doors a couple decades ago like some of us. It had a mellowing effect, opposite of that frightening tweaker lifestyle.
By Patrick
August 10, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
I think trading or not trading Giles will tell a lot in regards to re-signing Andruw. And with that in mind I’d dump anybody expendale making over 1 mil next year: Giles, Ramirez, Reitsma, Thomson adios…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
OK, Mp3, I’ll make some new friends. How about if I start with your sister? Please go away, and let the adults talk.
By MP3
August 10, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this
That has got to be the best comeback I have EVER heard… You are the MAN…NOT. Just maybe once in a while consider the fact that you might not be right about everything, because apparently you think you’re right about everything…arrogance is very unappealing…now please go get a fish.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the back-up, DOB…I didn’t really know that but it’s certainly nice to hear. Aww…shucks…
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
I have got into situations here from trying to guess posters age from their posts. I should have known better. I saw the doors as a teenager- 1967 when they were first on the scene. Then again in ‘69. In 2 years Morrison was an old man. It was a rock festival .The doors are playing but the crowd is calling for Led Zeppelin , the next act. It was worse than sad. That said,The doors made a number of really good albums. I think they kept running tape until he was able to come through. They made a connection with a couple generations probably because of Coppala and Apocalypse now. I still like them.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
On that note, I’ll be nice for a while and let our new friend slide. After all, it IS a baseball blog, at least a good 40% of the time. I’m not really sure where I forced my baseball opinions on others, but I’ll assume it’s so in light of this new evidence. All others diclaiming me, pile on. I’ll accept it if it comes from more than two people. Otherwise, I’ll just be me. :-)
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
Coppala knows music [ He gave tom Waits a nice shot in the career ] The Doors were a very popular band with the soldiers in Vietnam. Nihilistic. When you were not certain if this was your last day on earth this would have a certain allure. Plus it was good music.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 12:56 AM | Link to this
Dave,
That’s fine. As long as Morrison’s more of a gulity pleasure than a treasure, then we’re cool.
Don’t mean to come off as a snob. I’ll try harder to live by the words of ol’ Hank:
When you get to thinkin’ you’re really smart
There’s somebody smarter than you.
And no matter how much you boast and brag,
You can still learn a thing or two.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Coppola
By flbravesgirl
August 10, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
MP3, I’ve read a lot of the Grinch’s posts and have never gotten the impression that he thinks he knows everything. If anything, he would enjoy tweaking the noses of those who think they know everything. He’s irreverent, humorous, sometimes sarcastic, but I’ve haven’t seen arrogance from him. In fact he’s been very gentlemanly to Carolina Lady and myself.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
Snowball, I’ll be 33 on the 18th of this month (maybe I’m a Leo). Gotta throw in a Purple referrence. I was but a lad when I picked up my dad’s Doors’ “Absolutely Live” double alblum (remember those big, black cd’s)? I was STUNNED by the rawness of the live performance, especially when Robby Kreiger’s guitar sounded like someone strangling a Monitor Lizard during “Break on Through.” I never slowed down, experimenting with many psychadelics when I was but a lad, never losing the thread. My hallucinations continued into this Braves season, when I thought we’d win another division championship. Also see: Sabbath, Purple, Zeppelin, Preist, Maiden, Hank (Sr. and Jr.), Willie, Waylon, Johnny and Chris, Slayer, early Metallica, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. It would be about as hard to list my early musical influences as much as it would my movie influences (hint: not just stuff of my era). Besides, as MP3 has so cogently pointed out, nobody cares. :-)
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
They were good and you could dance to them
By Bob, journalist
August 10, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this
I’ve got the flu, the computer has a virus, missed most of the game and the posting activity … and now I read where Bobby’s too set in his ways ‘cause he’s old … this Bobby’s older than that one and I’m here to tell you that old people can’t afford to set in anything too long, for fear of not being able to get out of whatever it is in which they’re setting.
David O’B, I like the Braves’ even keel, approach and always have … but must admit to frequently feeling that perhaps the magical entheusium that the rookies bring to the dance fades more quickly under those those conditions than in environments where unchecked emotions are the rule.
That is, until I see our pitchers show their appreciation for great defensive support and see team reaction to great pitching, offensive plays, and come from behind wins.
This Bob liked “Light My Fire” and some other early Doors; though you know my know my attitude toward obscenity and I found their behaviour as bad as it was foretelling … knowing that Baseball Bloggers with inquiring minds would like to know, I honestly tried to dig the Desert King … up that is; but the grave was empty and I feel, like that of Mister Twain, “the reports of his death were greatly exaggerated”.
Jimmy, storebought, gray sousemeat is not what I eat or feed to kids … but it does remind me of a true story about a little boy who liked to watch Popeye cartoons … and asked his mother to buy him some spinach … she bought it several times but he always refused to eat it … until one day, his daddy solved the problem when he brought home a color TV.
I imagine that for most of us, our perception of the work ethic of the players and the management of the team is far different than reality … sorta like the little boy that wanted gray spinach “like Popeye eats”.
Scoots, Coach Dodd said that Coach Howard was a good chess player … I never knew if that was to be taken literally or figuratively, maybe both. We all need to learn to appreciate people for what they are … it’s similiar to looking for the “why” rather than the “what” … it can be difficult, but it’s usually worth the effort. Coach Howard seemed like one who made it very easy to so do.
I would have probably just stammered or been speechless, but I would have truly enjoyed just listening to the man! That’s what I did when I had lunch with Dale Robertson years ago … what a voice! He couldn’t sing a lick but golly he tried … appearing in Atlanta in “110 in the shade” sometime in 1964-67.
I’m now well educated or at all like what some folks seem to think … but I am full of good intentions. Mama always cautioned that Hell is full of folks who had good intentions … but, I haven’t heard of any getting into Heaven without them!
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
Flbravesgirl, you are entirely too kind. This constitutes like two posts in the last seven or eight extolling my supposed virtues. I hardly know what to say, other than thank you. Snowball, I own a DVD of Coppola’s “The Outsiders” (1983); Tom Waits plays the guy who opens the door when Pony Boy and Johhny show up at the party after killing the Soc. Yes, I’m a stickler for detail.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
Tom-He da man
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
I just came down to shut off the laptop, and read through some recent posts. fellas, that’s good stuff. made me smile.
Tony Almeida, you didn’t seriously ask if I’ve been to any of the Tim McGraw/Faith Hills shows, did you? Naah, you could not have been serious.
OK, I’m going to go watch the movie “Hotel” on DVD unless I fall asleep first. But since Salma Hayak’s in it, I should be able to stay awake.
Later
By flbravesgirl
August 10, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this
Snowball, I think the difficulty there is that some people’s chronological age does not match their mental age (some more than others). Now, it’s not polite to ask a lady’s age but I will admit to being younger than Chipper and older than McCann (Is that enough of a baseball reference, LOL? )
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, sounds young to me
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this
Bob, “I’m now well educated;” Freudian slip? Love you, my friend; confidence doesn’t escape the unconcious, no matter how humble we try to be…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this
Here’s to Dave not experiencing “Groin stiffness” and going on the DL…Hee-Hee!
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this
Just so it doesn’t last Four hours.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this
Snowball, I apologize for being cryptic about revealing my age…:-) To be sure, it is chronologically far above its acheivements. Flbravesgirl, you have revealed nothing but that you likely don’t have toe problems…:-)
By flbravesgirl
August 10, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
Bob, hope you and your computer both feel better soon. Mine keeps having electronic seizures, which keeps me from posting as often as I’d like.
Grinch, I’m happy to defend you, my friend, but I’m not sure “virtuous” would come to mind when describing you. ;-)
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this
Ya, time for an ambulance…
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this
If toe problems are indicative of age then I am one old cookie.
By Bob, journalist
August 10, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this
See, my stupid is showing … “they’re setting” was supposed to be “they’ve set” … “golly” was supposed to be “by golly” and my memory’s gone too, I probably had lunch with Dale in the summer of 1965.
To have said “I’m now well educated” is as much of a joke as it is an error … it was obviously intended to be “I’m not well educated”.
Well, like the father of our country, Jimmy Rogers said, “It’s too hard to write good – I’d rather write bad” … oops, another error … that was Dorothy Porter.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this
Perhaps I should have said “positive qualities.” I started to say something in response to Snowball’s last comment, not rude in any way, but perhaps obscene despite being moderately clever. I’m learning, I promise…I swear, between Bob, CL, and FLBgirl I am darn near heading toward being a gentleman. Sorry, I tried to say that with a straight face, but it didn’t work…
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:45 AM | Link to this
Grinch, as I am not interrupting any baseball talk ,I know you are a football fan.There is a blog on the Portland Oregonian on the pensions of football players. Jerry Kramer gets something like $400 dollars a month. Wasn’t he a big part of the great Packer teams. The NFL is like american business. The top is obscenely paid ,while the rest is one tackle away from being homeless.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this
Bob, No worries. At this point we must fill in between the lines.
By Snowball's Chance
August 10, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this
Well, I am 3 beers past bedtime. Goodnight.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 01:57 AM | Link to this
Very true, Snowball, but there are many other factors to be considered. Yes, there is a major discrepancy between the top paid players and the lower echelon, and the pensions are not always what they should be, but consider other things. The NFL has both a salary cap and guaranteed revenue sharing, which allows for a level playing field by comparison to most sports. Who’s gonna be great this season? You never really know. The overall salaries and perhaps the pensions (an area I admit to not being knowledgeable in) may not measure up to the MLB and NBA, but everyone is more than well compensated and has to actually play up to their contracts to be properly rewarded, as opposed to NBA contracts which are guaranteed (how many BB players do you see only excell during a contract year), or BB contracts which are dictated by the players union and well over what they deserve for an essentially non-contact sport. I played both; I know. There are players such as you mentioned hung out to dry in every sport; entertainment’s a cut-throat buisness.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
Oops, 1st BB I meant basketball, second, baseball.
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Whud Up, I left to work Rite after Andruw Homered, and when I was just about to get in the door afterwork tonite, I thought To myself, “I bet We lost, Since we only had 1 run after 6, I thought the Blow-pen was going to F——ck it up, and Whollah, I watch the Bottom line and I see the Blowpen let the phils score 8 in one inning, Pitiful….Shyt!
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this
And, for that matter, I meant I played football very well, baseball fairly well, and basketball only when neccessary. Although I suspect I took so long to respond to your question I lost you. Such is my lot. Anyone else still here, or should I go check the listings?
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this
I can’t remember 8 runs being scored in one inning by another team, Since Smoltz’s Letdown way in april 2002 against the Mutts,
Get Rid of Tyler Yates, another Former Mutt Bust gone wild, in the “A”
I guess he’s the latest victim to catch the Kolb…
He like Reeksma Need to be in Kansas City, next year, or Pittsburgh…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this
T’Hawkin’…good to see ya, brah! Yeah, we F$#@%d up today, without doubt. Like I said earlier…ah, to hell with it. Where you been, man?
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this
OMG, I READ THE First post on the Blog and people are bringing back the Dumb fantasy traded rumors again, You Guys need to kill that nonsense, Shyt…This team will look the same on October 1st, Nuff said…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this
I got snowed under by a Met fan earlier; if I wasn’t an alcoholic I’d give up my licence to blog. However, it’s 2:22 and I still feel positive; justified or not. We ain’t gonna pull it out this eason, I don’t think, but I got hopes for next year and they ain’t idle. I got money, for anyone who wants some. 20 bucks says Braves win the division next year (yes, that includes ANYONE who wants some); I’ll give my mailing adress to anyone who’s serious. Buhler? Anyone?
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this
Worked at the Depot all dam day and Nite, caught about half of the game earlier, Chucky Pitched good today, Had Our Hitters been patient early and got 2 or 3 runs we wouldn’t be talkin about a blow-pen swallowing tonite…
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:31 AM | Link to this
Where Da Hell was Headcoach at today? I bet he threw a whole 12 pack of empty beer cans at the TV today…
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:38 AM | Link to this
Bet many Met fans won’t want any; they’re busy grabbing what scraps they can off our table before we spray it down next year. Losers. Career losers. Man, in ‘86 (last time Met’s amounted to anything, for those that are too young to remember), I was still delivering newspapers in Nyack, New York. Y’all were still cowed then, and you always will be. Remember your place, b**; it took an unreplicable act of God to put you where you are now; it won’t last long. If you don’t remember yourselves we’ll remind you after a few adjustments in the off-season. It won’t take much. Hell, I spent more time in this post then your whole team will spend on ESPN the entire next season. B**.
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 02:38 AM | Link to this
When Chipper gets back, Know that he is going to put Giles into the leadoff spot, and watch Giles’s averge drop to about .255, after finally reaching around .270, I would have never thought of that
If Bobby was wise, he’d keep Giles in the 2 slot while he’s hot
I really wouldn’t mind seeing Chipper, and Andruw Drop to 4 and 5 in da order
But much like Bobby’s willingness to stick wit Reeksma, I know that Giles will be back into the leadoff spot come Sunday…
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this
I see our bullpen’s a-blowin’
I know the end is comin’ soon
I fear tempers overflowin’
When I read this blog of rage and ruin
Well, don’t go out tonight
They ain’t worth the ticket price
There’s a bad team at The Ted
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this
By the way, B#$@%^s didn’t have three letters, like the AJC supplanted. T, I’m afraid you’re right; much as I love Bobby he ain’t much for catchin’ on. Giles will be back at leadoff, and only he knows why. Though others have said he “Has little other choice,” How about ANYONE else? He OBVIOUSLY hits better second, and NOBODY else has seriously been tried. Hello? Edgar? He may be better #2 than 1, but not nearly the same discrepancy as Giles. Common sense, which Bobby doesn’t seem to adhere to.
By Bob, journalist
August 10, 2006 02:50 AM | Link to this
Grinch, who is this MP3? With travails of my own, I haven’t had the pleasure of an introduction … be nice, maybe you and Lecter can have him for lunch or you could introduce him to Lord Byron, as they say.
Back when David O’B starting hosting the Blog, registering visitors were given the option of passing an IQ test or paying an $500 annual fee … it worked well but they finally stopped because of so many protests from the SPCA and Met fans.
Say Goodnight Gracie …
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 03:03 AM | Link to this
I would devour MP3 with fava beans and a nice chianti, Bob, but I’m afraid I actually have other things to do (plus, he seems to have dissapeared). I have been roundly checked by Hoppy (shapeshifting as per usual for cowards, especially of the Met variety), and I won’t soon likely swim the hellespont. I will be attending “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Shakespaeare Tavern tommorrow night, for anyone who wishes to join me. Goodnight, all, and to all a good night!
By Bob, journalist
August 10, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
Before actually shutting down, I must comment on the post to Snowball by the nice young lady from south of Georgia.
“… the difficulty there is that some people’s chronological age does not match their mental age (some more than others). Now, it’s not polite to ask a lady’s age but I will admit to being younger than Chipper and older than McCann”.
It’s well past her bedtime; young, yet sensible as she obviously is … but, I can’t help but wonder if she’s suggesting that Larry is of a higher mental age than both McCann and she … HK’s charts maybe?
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this
Whoa, thought it was a nightmare.
Lord, it’s all so true.
They told me, “Don’t turn on the Braves game
‘Cause the bullpen’s on the loose.”
Better run from the TV,
Better run from the TV,
Better run from the TV,
Whoa, don’t look back to see.
This team’s fast a-crumblin’.
Lord, we’ve dropped so far.
Loyal fans pray JS will save us,
But all they get’s Aybar.
Better run from the TV,
Better run from the TV,
Better run from the TV,
Whoa, don’t look back to see.
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this
Before, I check out, I’m just gonna say I’m looking Foward to the Little League World Series, It reminds me of my glory dayz, Now Work, School, and Chicks is all I know…
By Tomahawkin
August 10, 2006 03:16 AM | Link to this
“Hot day at the ballyard … where’s everybody?”
D.O.B. no offense, But when Its Hot as Balls, And school is in session I don’t think that there are many die-hard braves fans left in Atlanta who would want ot go to a Boring Businessman’s special
Hell I’ve been to Minor League, games in Memphis, that have been more exciting. Unless Turner Field is Thick, the games are boring there, They’re just as good on TV, or maybe I just love hearing the TBS Announcers talk…
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 04:23 AM | Link to this
Back in 1991
Braves set out on quite a string
Fourteen straight division titles
But they only grabbed one ring
Now the ’70s are back like disco
Fans chop to a losing tune
Oh, Lord, stuck in Braves hell again
The man from the AJC
Said we were on our way
The trade for Baez and Aybar
Would really improve our play
Things got bad and things got worse
Hell, it wasn’t much worse in June
Oh, Lord, stuck in Braves hell again
If I only had a dollar
For every game they’ve blown
Every day I’ve had to watch
As the wild-card gap has grown
I’d bring back old Noc-a-Homa
A rain dance might postpone our swoon
Oh, Lord, stuck in Braves hell again
Oh, Lord, stuck in Braves hell again
By berigan
August 10, 2006 05:16 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts mentioned earlier on the thread about trading Renteria. And you know, the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. He’s having a great year, but he’s at least 31 years old, and makes a lot of money. If we could get a number 2 or 3 starter for him next year, or a stud prospect, why not? As we all know, we have our best prospects at ss and 2nd base. The Red Sox have a different 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, SS, and 3rd baseman from 2005. And even after a slump, they are 18 games above .500 this year, and have a better chance at getting into the playoffs than we do. The Braves can’t fear change, but I feel J.S. and Bobby do. If we keep Giles and Renteria in 2007, and have the same budget, what chance to we have of competing next year against a division that seems to be getting stronger every day. How could we beat the Mets, or the Marlins next year with these guys?
By Carroll
August 10, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this
I say trade everyone. This whole experience…from the good last 14 years to the horrible current year…it has all taught us that the only thing that really matters in baseball is dominating pitching. I don’t care anymore whether it’s soft tossers like Glavine or flamethrowers….just get pitching. I mean, we won the freaking WS with friggin Rafeal Belliard as our starting shortstop…all because of our dominating pitching.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 10, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
I somewhat agree with you, Carroll. I wouldn’t trade everybody, but as I posted last night I think the only guys who should have a definite position on the roster are: C. Jones, A. Jones (if he agrees to sign an extension in the offseason), Francoeur, McCann, James, Hampton, and Smoltz. Everyone else needs to be evaluated and valued for possbile trades. I think that Renteria should be the guy to go instead of Giles. The only reason I say this is that Giles will be the cheaper option and Renteria would bring more in a trade than Giles would. We need pitching and speed. I also think that LaRoche has to be considered as well. I really don’t want to see him go but he will bring something in retrun. Several teams will be looking for a power hitting 1B who can hit for avg and LaRoche can do that. Honestly, I believe LaRoche would flourish somewhere else just because people in Atlanta (fans) are so hard on him and I think despite what he says it hurts him. Thorman could take over at 1st and put similar numbers to what LaRoche is putting up this year. I think offering LaRoche, Ramirez, and B. Pena or Salty for Crawford could work. I mean think about it. It would solve three problems for the Rays. They need a 1B badly. They need a catcher. Navarrao isn’t getting it done. And they want young pitching and Horacio gives them that. Yes, Crawford is popular and cheap but they would be getting three good players who could immediatedly help them for the price of one.
From the Braves’ perspective Crawford is worth it because he is a superstar in the making. He gives you speed, power, and hitting for avg. He could leadoff and be our Soriano. Horacio is expendable because we will have six starters, so one has to go. LaRoche, as good as he’s been, is replaceable. And Pena or Salty are expendable because McCann is the catcher for this team for a very long time.
By John
August 10, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this
The prices for everything—tickets, parking, concessions are way too high. Taking MARTA is impossible now due to the lengthy forced unnecessary hike through Underground. You can’t get a decent seat because the corporate types buy up everything decent as season tickets and let them sit empty. If you do get there on time, your experience is ruined by “fans” who don’t get there until the third inning, crawl over you while you are trying to watch the game, bother everybody with their artificial noisemakers and repeat the process leaving in the seventh inning. I was much more inclined to buy tickets in the eighties when you could walk up on the day of the game and buy a good lower level ticket along the base line at a much lower price even adjusted for inflation. I attended 10 to 15 homes a year back then. I now am lucky to get to one or two games.
By Shannon
August 10, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
I had 4 tickets to the game yesterday but didn’t go. I thought it would be less traffic, fun for the kids. But it was too hot and with school starting today, I was too busy. Went to the other afternoon game 2 weeks ago, not crowded, fun - but they still lost!!! And with the “BIG” loss yesterday, I guess I didn’t miss much!
By KC
August 10, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
berigan:
It makes no sense to trade Renteria! First of all, while you are correct in saying that he makes a lot of money, the Red Sox are paying half of his salary for the remainder of his contract. Atlanta pays him 5 million a season, which by today’s standards is a bargain for an all-star shortstop. Also, you mention his age (31) as though that’s old or something. Quality players in MLB routinely play into their late 30’s (or longer) before showing any real signs of decline. Baseball doesn’t seem to speed along the aging process as quickly as football or even basketball.
Let’s also keep in mind that Renteria is a proven clutch and post-season performer. If our ultimate goal is to win a World Series (not this year, but soon), then we want Renteria in a Braves uniform.
By KC
August 10, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Carroll:
I agree… pitching is the answer! With both Hampton and Ramirez gone for the year, we have very little hope at this point for this season. However, our pitching looks very good for next year.
Hopefully Tim Hudson’s struggles are behind him… and I believe they are. Most of the people that don’t have any faith at all in Huddy, also seem to think that he’s stunk ever since he arrived in ATL. That’s just absolutely untrue. Despite playing hurt much of the year, he still posted an ERA of 3.52 (that’s the same ERA that Smoltz and C.Zambrano have posted so far this year, and I don’t hearing anybody claiming that those two guys stink). Hudson finished with 14 wins, but with even an average bullpen behind him, that would have easily finished with at least 18 wins. He pitched quite well last season, and in fact was throwing the ball pretty well this year right on up until 8 weeks ago. We’re talking 7 bad weeks VS. 7 great years… and his last start was outstanding.
Anyway, my point is that I think there’s every reason to expect good numbers out of Huddy next season.
Of course, Mike Hampton will be back in the rotation as well. His rehab is already going quite well. Getting him back will be essentially the same as signing a #1-caliber free agent starter over the winter.
HoRam was outstanding in 10 of his 13 starts after coming off the DL back in May. His ERA in those 10 starts was under 2.00. He’ll make one hell of a 4th starter next year. And then we’ve got two good young arms, Chuck James and Kyle Davies, battling it out for the 5 spot in that rotation. 6 starters for 5 slots… nice problem to have.
2 years ago (after getting Hudson and before the injuries to Hampton), Shuerholz said he thought the rotation that year had a chance to be as good as any the Braves ever had. With the return of Hampton, I think that potential is there again. Top to bottom, this rotation has got a chance to be the best in baseball next year.
As far as the bullpen’s concerned… I know there’s talk of Wickman retiring, but I seriously doubt it. My feeling is that he’ll be back in a Braves uniform. Blaine Boyer and John Foster will both be back, and I’m sure JS will make another trade/free-agent signing or two to strengthen the pen. I think JS will refuse to sleep this winter until he’s sure that the bullpen doesn’t suffer the same fate as this bullpen did in ‘06’.
Atlanta already has a potent offense to add to that pitching. Put it all together, and there’s a lot to be excited about for 07! This is not the end… not by a long shot.
By CC Rider
August 10, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
Robert, I agree with your trade proposal for Crawford, but lets go further! Trade Renteria for a young starting pitcher like Chris Sampson from Houston. Trade Andruw to The Dodgers for Matt Kemp(a young power-hitting CF like Andruw) Chad Billingsly and another lower pitching prospect. Sign Julio Lugo to replace Edgar, you now have Lugo, Crawford, Chipper, McCann, Francoeur,Thorman Giles and Kemp. This frees up Enough money sign Zito, Schmidt or Glavine, as well as Keep Wickman. Rotation Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson James Zito Billingsly, Sampson. This gives us depth in case of injury and a lineup with speed. In a perfect world you could substitute Thorman for Laroache in the Tampa Trade(Due to Tampa not wanting to take on a soon to increase salary.
By Train Wrecked Braves
August 10, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
What do you mean “where is everyone?” People are getting Brave fatigue. Going to a Braves game these days has become too expensive, risky at night if you park off field or take Marta, and just is no longer an appreciable experience.
Having a team that seems to lolygag around and not care hasn’t helped either. For the first time in well over a decade, it appears the Braves will not be taking home a pennant. The organization and it’s leadership and management have become outdated. The formula that worked ten years ago does not work today.
The last game I attended was in June, an unusual double-header due to a rain delay, and the Braves lost both. I spent over sixty dollars that could have been better spent in a Taco Mac… for FOUR guys, not just one. That may very well have been my last game.
By KC
August 10, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
OKAY, SLOW DOWN FOLKS!!!
Many of you believe that all hope is gone for this season… and I agree with you. However, now that this season is lost, we’re starting to hear the inevitable cries of “STRIP EM’ DOWN AND REBUILD!” or “FIRE BOBBY COX!”…. but hold your horses people! The reality is that while every Braves fan (and probably every Braves player and coach) is ready to forget the 2006 season ever happened, things are looking very good for a World Series run in 07’!
Our hopes start with what has a chance to be the best rotation in baseball next season.
Smoltzy may be getting old, but it sure ain’t showin’. He is the most prolific post-season pitcher in the history of baseball, and if you have one big game that you need to win, Smoltz is still the guy you want on the mound.
HUDDY… Most of the people that don’t have any faith at all in Huddy seem to think that he’s stunk ever since he arrived in ATL. That’s just absolutely untrue. Despite playing hurt much of the year, he still posted an ERA of 3.52 (that’s the same ERA that Smoltz and C.Zambrano have posted so far this year, and I don’t hearing anybody claiming that those two guys suck). Hudson finished with 14 wins, but with even an average bullpen behind him, that would have easily finished with at least 18 wins. He pitched quite well last season, and in fact was throwing the ball fairly well this year right on up until 8 weeks ago. His last start was outstanding, so we’re talking 7 bad weeks VS. 7 great years. He’s only 30 years old, and his stuff is still as great as ever. Anyway, my point is that I think there’s every reason to expect good numbers out of Huddy next season.
Of course, Mike Hampton will be back in the rotation as well. Come March, he will have had the full recommended 18 month recovery time that doctors say you need to completely recover for Tommy John surgery, and his rehab is already going quite well. Getting him back will be essentially the same as signing a #1-caliber free agent starter over the winter.
HoRam was outstanding in 10 of his 13 starts after coming off the DL back in May. His ERA in those 10 starts was under 2.00. He’ll make one hell of a 4th starter next year. And then we’ve got two good young arms, Chuck James and Kyle Davies, battling it out for the 5 spot in that rotation. 6 starters for 5 slots… nice problem to have.
As far as the bullpen’s concerned… I know there’s talk of Wickman retiring, but I seriously doubt it. My feeling is that he’ll be back in a Braves uniform. Blaine Boyer and John Foster will both return next year, and I’m sure JS will make another trade/free-agent signing or two to strengthen the pen. I think JS will refuse to sleep this winter until he’s sure that the bullpen won’t suffer the same fate as this bullpen did in 06’.
As to the lineup, we’ve already got 5 all-stars, not including LaRoche, Francoeur, and Thorman/Diaz. That’s a potent offense… especially if we can keep Chipper healthy for at least 130 games or so next year.
This ball club has the talent to make a very real World Series run next year. Anyone who thinks we should break this team up… with all due love and respect, YOU’RE NUTS!
By eware
August 10, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
DOB, have you heard the new Ryan Adams song streaming on his website: www.ryan-adams.com? Its pretty catchy. Sounds like the Strokes, minus one big guitar.
Not as good as his more Americana stuff, but I can’t complain when he puts something out.
Also, I need a recommendation for a Merle Haggard album. Again, I’m trying to catch-up to the good music.
By Tony Almeida
August 10, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Come on DOB, expand your horizons, some Tim McGraw would do you some good.
By Sam
August 10, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Hey Guys….let’s come down to earth about the Braves. The whole blame should be put on John Schuerholz. This is his worst year as a GM. I hate to read that lots of fans still think he is a great GM. Hey guys…you rate the GM year by year…not what he has done in the past…one year at a time. The guys he picked up Yates, Paronta & Ray all are no bodys…they all SUCK. I go back when the Bravos were in Boston….this year will rate one of the worst. Forget about it…let’s think about next season.
By Daytona Beach Seabreeze
August 10, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
A pitcher coming off tommy john surgery who is in his mid-30’s is a no.1 caliber player???????
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
August 10, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
Amen, Brah.
By 10-7-4
August 10, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
Robert[JIB]—Now I think are on to something.This mix that you mention would probably be attractive to Tampa.It would be one of those trades that helps both clubs fill needs.
By CRB
August 10, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Its just too expensive to attend the Braves games these days.
I have a relative who works for the Devil Rays. She got us tickets for the Braves / Mets game through a contact. So we took our two year old out for her first baseball game. I spent almost $100 on food and drink despite having free tickets and parking…for just 4 people.
If I’d paid for those tickets and parking the total bill would have been over $300…for a family of four…which is NUTS!
By Moose
August 10, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Attendence is dropping for two reasons:
It’s hot as Hades at day games. Duh.
Getting in/out of Turner Field is a nightmare. If a weekday game ends at 10:15, you’re not on the connector until 11:30 and home at 12:30 if you live OTP. Seriously, how did we get the Olympics without building a train station to our primary venue (now ballpark)?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 10, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
this journalist notes that the blog was quite lively throughout the early morning hours with significant mention of toes. toes are important, right? it is sad that snowball has toe issues. grinch, keep the faith … dob was showing some love. now, carroll has weighed in with the suggestion that “pitching” is the most important ingredient. carroll is wise. maybe the braves can trade for some young arms and build a dynasty with avery-types. avery was a contender (always wanted to be a contend-uh). oh, well, journalist is excited about saturday night’s game and kevin barry on the mound. perhaps he will put on a good show. perhaps he will be travis smith revisited. watch journalist get lew fired up this morning … betemit did not start for the dodgers last night -lugo played third - and the dodgers lost!
By Tony Almeida
August 10, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Hey, we have to pay Chipper some how.
By Cindy
August 10, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Is there somewhere to get two for one tickets for the upcoming weekend games? I’d take my family and possibly another if they were available.
By brent
August 10, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
They charge $7 for a beer, and they make you move if you try to sit anywhere other than where your ticket says. Turner Field security are like Nazis. I used to go to 20-30 a year, but the corporatization of baseball finally pushed me away from being a fan.
By flbravesgirl
August 10, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
That’s not just Turner Field. Every ballpark charges similar prices. We paid a fortune to see the Braves play the Devil Rays (who at least have free parking this year). Any sporting event, concert, etc. is the same. And security personnel seem to get carried away with their “authority” at times.
Bob, I was speaking of my chronological age. Be nice.
By Oh Henry
August 10, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Fans are talking about next year, but have you looked at the Marlins, Mets and the post-trade-deadline Phillies? In other words, why would we assume that we can finish higher than 2nd or 3rd next season in our division? Is there any reason to expect that we will resign either Wickman or Baez given our most recent history with signing free agents? Is there nay reason to believe that Billy Beane didn’t know what he was doing when he dumped Hudson at our door after seeing signs of a mediocre pitcher? Is there any reason to believe that Chipper will ever play 150 games again? Is there nay resaon to believe that our middle relief will be consistent? Is there any reason to believe that we will pay for an everyday left fielder?
Seems to me the answer sits squarely with the ownership situation. If we have financial stability, then maybe JS will offer Wickman more than a 1 year deal (his performance with the Braves is impressing more than just the Braves). As it stands now, most teams will trump our 1 year offer (see Julio Franco). Baez should be signed to at least a 3 year deal. It will take that long to know for sure if Boyer, Devine and/or Stockman can be consistent options at the end of games.
Anyway, I think we are about to enter an era where we will hover 5-10 games under .500 and sell off assets during each summer. Better than the 80’s but not very fun.
By Lew
August 10, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
Now, let’s not get carried away. I know a lot of this is frustration talking. I don’t mind dealing Andruw, but some of the proposals are absolutely absurd. Andruw is a guaranteed 35-50 HR and 120 RBI player, who is arguably the best center fielder of all time, well on the way to winning Gold Glove #9. People, this is a superstar player. He is the type of guy you first try to sign and then if you can’t you get even value for him. So far I have seen people going positively orgasmic over a trade to the Red Sox for an outfielder of questionable durability and a rookie pitcher with no credentials. For that matter, when another more promising pitcher(but with few credentials nonetheless) was mentioned, the Sox backed off. Now CCRider suggests we trade him to the Dodgers for an outfielder who has played in 37 games and hit 7HR and a pitcher who, in 56 innings, has given up 53 hits and walked another 41 and only struck out 35. Don’t we already have pitchers performing like this? Isn’t this part of our problem? There is no equity here. If you want to jettison his salary, keep in mind you’re also dumping his 07 performance (mentioned above) and you’re going to hope these totally unproven players will lead us to a division title next year. Then Rider, you want to trade Renteria, an All Star shortstop, for a pitcher with 4 games under his belt, who has pitched all of 15 innings and given up 16 hits and walked two. Then, as if this wasn’t bad enough, you want to bring in Lugo to replace Renteria. Lugo is due in free agency this offseason to receive a substantial raise over the $5million he is now making. Are you aware that Edgar is only costing us $6 mill with what JS got in cash from the Red Sox. It’s time for a reality check. Just because the Marlins are apparently successful with their current youth movement, doesn’t mean it’s the model the Braves should follow. There are much simpler, more reasonable moves we can make that could almost guarantee a division title next year. These proposed trades are certainly not the way.
By TennesseePaul
August 10, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Giles has played himself out of value. If anything he has played himself into a permenant 2 hole hitter. Any GM that comes asking, would still have to give a nice peice in return for a career .307 hitter in the two hole. I suppose now, Giles has a warning label attached: Do not use in the lead-off spot. Renteria maybe the same way. We have two really, really good second spot hitters. We need a good lead off. Renteria is 1 million more than Giles will be next year. But Giles is younger. I’d like to see some trading this offseason to secure a solid pitching staff. I don’t believe Andruw, Chipper, Smoltz, Hampton, Renteria, Francoeur, McCann, Davies, or James will be traded. But we still have parts to work with. If we can get back to the days of fundamental baseball. Great Fielding. And outstanding pitching, we won’t have to worry so much about the hitting. Over the years we’ve developed some strong bats, but the pitching has gotten weaker and weaker (this would be the case if we’d kept all those pitcher others love. It would have been the case a long time ago had we kept those pitchers).
Several moves not to make… The Braves should not sign Schmidt, Zito or Weaver. Most of the work will be done through trades. It should be an interesting offseason.
This team is merely a 15 game win streak from being in it. But that isn’t going to happen. Not when your second baseman makes it clear that he isn’t happy with his role. Or your bullpen can’t throw a single strike. Or your starters can’t last into the 7th on a regular basis. This season isn’t a result of injury or bad luck. That error Aybar made really sucked. But it wasn’t his fault the pitcher could immediately turn it around. The inning should have been over with Yates getting 3 outs.
And lastly, those on this Blog that think Betemit is a mainstay in Dodger Blue need to look at that team again. He will play this year, but the Dodgers have this kid they absolutely rave about. He is the 3B of the future. His name is LaRoche. Andy LaRoche. Adam’s little brother. He is projected to make a run for the spot next spring. On top of that, they have Betemit, Lugo, Furcal, Nomar and Kent for the infield. Who gets benched? Think they’ll bench Furcal? Nomar? Jeff Kent? Julio Lugo? No, it will be Betemit. If Betemit continues to perform, he will have a shot at keeping the job. But he’ll have to perform better than any other to win it. Andy is supposedly the one. And if Betemit makes his case, the Braves should look at trading for Andy. They could keep him, or flip him for pitching.
I’m also not convienced the Wild Card is in the West. With the way the Reds and Cardinals are playing, I’d imagine it would be from the Central. But the Cards do have more cast-offs in prominate roles so who knows. They have the potential to fall flat on their face.
Who knows. I’m still a little stunned and weary after that disgrace yesterday. It was just down right disgusting. And yes, the Doors are cool. Not the all time greatest thing, gift from God, musicians, but cool never the less.
By Bamabrave
August 10, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
The Mets must be so proud. For two-thirds of one season they have played like the Braves have for the last 15 seasons and for two-thirds of one season the Braves have played like the Mets have for the last 15 seasons. Puff those chests out Mutts fans!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!
By Lew
August 10, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
You know what? A full Spring Training with the entire team in camp instead of showing how great their national pride is, would go a long way towards being in good shape to start a season.
By Pamela
August 10, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
It is way TOO hot to watch a LOSING team play. But you must have gone on an off night because I am reading that attendance is way up this year.
I am just glad I didn’t waste money on season tickets
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
No team’s pitching looks very good for next year when their No. 1 starter will be 40.
Eware, the best intro to Merle Haggard would be “The Best of the Best of Merle Haggard” or the excellent twofer, “Songs I’ll Always Sing.” If you’ve got the cash, then the awesome box set “Down Every Road” is well worth the price.
By MBATL
August 10, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Lew, “equal value” for Andruw can be defined a lot of ways. You’re not likely to get a 40 HR, 120 RBI veteran OF, or a Cy Young winner, for him, unless you pick up a similar salary, which defeats the whole point. Equal value might be picking up a couple of good young players who fill a need, and realizing that you’re saving $100 mil over 5 or 6 years, which can be used to fill other holes. Part of equal value is having someone else pay for AJ.
By Tony Almeida
August 10, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Maybe next spring Bobby Cox will make his players actually work out and get in shape and not spend half the time on golf course. Maybe then Chipper could play everyday without worrying about blowing his nose and throwing his back out.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
T-Hawkin’, you don’t have to go to 2002 to find another incident of 8 runs scored in an inning against Los Bravos. You only have to go back one month to July 27. How quickly we forget: Reds scored 8 runs in second inning of a 10-5 rout at _ no surprise here _ Turner Field.
Remember, Ramirez charged with seven runs and left without recording an out in the second inning?
By The GM
August 10, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
It’s over!!! Give it up!!! I would trade both Hudson and Andruw this offseason and get some good YOUNG guys in here who we’ll have locked up for a few years at less than half of what we pay these two!
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Eware, Chopthis gave you excellent recs (of course, he knows his good music) on Hag CDs. I’ve got that boxed set, which is awesome. Also, his three-CD set (also sold individually) lumped by theme _ CDs are labeled inidividually “Prison,” “Hurtin’,” and “Drinkin’” is outstanding.
But guess what? For a newcomer to Hag, you could be diving in at a better time, because Capitol just rereleased the astounding early Hag CD, remastered with extra songs added, packaged with two original albums on each CD. It’s some of the best stuff I’ve bought this year, and I mean that.
The favorite of the three two-fers I’ve bought so far is “Strangers” and “Swinging Doors and The Bottle Let Me Down” by Merle and the Strangers. It’s some of the best country music every recording, pure drinkin’-to-get-over-lost-love country.
And the two-fer “Mama Tried” and “Pride In What I Am” is also stunning work, as is the two-fer “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” and “Branded Man.”
All of these are Merle as a young rebel, back when he’d just got out of prison and was living the life he sang about. Wonderful, gritty country songs, the likes of which make today’s “country” sound like fey boy bands in cowboy hats by comparison.
Sorry, Chesney fans, but a young Hag would stomp on him and shove him away from the pool table if he came into the barroom singing that cross-over crap and wearing those puki shells. Hell, an old Hag would still stomp him.
By al hott
August 10, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
second guessing is fun but seriously what was Bobby thinking when he continued to watch Yates throw balls??? Usually Bobby senses a problem and reacts….blame Yates for sure but give Bobby some credit for NOT playing the Captain Hook role…..that is HIS job also!!
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
GM, ok, it’s over. We give up. Now can we get past that and discuss without exclamation marks.
MOOSE, the only problem with your reasons why Braves attendance is declining is, well, the fact that it’s not declining.
While there weren’t nearly the 27,000 or so announced crowd actually in their seats yesterday, that many tix were sold and it’s not unusual to have smaller crowds for a hot-as-hades day game against the under-.500 Phils on a Wednesday in August.
I’m not apologizing or sugar-coating or anything else, just telling you, attendance is not down. You might wish it were, and the guy who keeps crying for a boycott surely wishes it were, but it’s just not. Sorry, but it’s up 4-percent this year over last year, when it was up slightly from the year before.
FLbravesgirl is absolutely right _ Braves tix are right in line or lower than many ballparks, and attendance in baseball keeps rising. So while your own opinions for staying away are certainly valid and I don’t disagree, the fact is, plenty of people are going.
By Chris
August 10, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
Speaking of the red jersey’s does anyone know what the Braves’ record is when they were them? thanks
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Eware, meant to say you “couldn’t” be diving in at a better time on Hag. This is it. Time to buy all those two-fers and enjoy them forever.
HOTT, absolutely agree on Bobby. Should have yanked Yates, at least after the second walk. I think Bobby, being stubborn, was convinced he’d work out of the jam. Bobby had just lavished him with praise to us scribes and then again on his pregame show, so he probably felt a bit bad about that, too, and didn’t want to replace him if he didn’t have to.
There is a reason pitchers like Yates have “journeyman” labels.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Damn, you’re all right, man! A Merlefest of information!
As to the Braves, “Are the Good Times Really Over”?
By the way, not to beg for positive reiforcement, but my Fogerty/Braves tribute has gotten no reaction whatsoever. I even gave you your props ny mentioning you in one of the songs.
Sometimes artists aren’t appreciated in their lifetimes, I guess, like Van Gogh, Mel Street, Joe Carson or John Kennedy Toole.
By ncscoots
August 10, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, I didn’t forget the Reds game (although I couldn’t have told you the date, for sure), but, for some reason, that meltdown by HoRam doesn’t seem to have the same, oh, cachet, if you will, of The Inning. HoRam merely stunk that day, but yesterday had an aroma that truly deserves its own, brand-new, unique word.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
How about “Yatesastrophic”?
“Coxocaust”?
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
OH, I agree scoots. Not even close in terms of devastating results. I was just reminding you of the actual last time they gave up 8 in one inning.
CHOPTHIS, I’m honestly in awe of your proficiency and proclivity for songwriting. Very good stuff, my friend. I find myself singing the lyrics to the actual tune. I’ve done it to every one of them.
By will c.
August 10, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks Braves for 14 wonderful years. The re-building process should move forward immediately. Forget about the rest of the season and play the youngsters. They need MLB experience and since we’re not going to the playoffs, let them play. Again thanks for the memories.
http://www.williamcoit.com
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Gee, thanks, Dave. I was especially proud of the correlation between the Braves nadir and the days of disco.
As to the perfect word for yesterday’s meltdown, how about “Jorgecaust”? “Sosastench”?
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
“Smells Like Camp Spirits.”
Nah, that’s not fair. Rick Camp actually was a decent reliever for a time.
By Cletus Snow
August 10, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
This is no longer a baseball town,or maybe not like it used to be.Years ago when we had the Crackers and PDL park it was serious baseball, not many games were played W/O a fight either in the stands or on the field or both sometimes more than one. The players were serious about the game,not the money most of them were paid less than $10000.00 a yr,usually a lot less. I’ve watched many games from the rail road tracks behind Where Home Depot is now, there aren’t any seats that good at the Ted, The last game I attended the guy in front of me must have called 200 people on his cell to inform them of his whereabouts,when he wasn’t talking he was playing games on it.Why do they spend big bucks to do that.Baseball and Nascar are pricing themselves out of the market for most of us,if gas prices continue to increase next season I’ll be on the couch watching,I don’t think I’ll be alone.
By Antonio McNugget
August 10, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
i cannot beleive someone who claims to know about music (chop this) actually critisized Jim Morrison and then spoke fondly of John Fogerty. Wow. you probably like the lyrical stylings of Toby Keith also. Nothing wrong with Fogerty but give me a break.
Every heard of Lennon McCartney?
By geauxbraves2000
August 10, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
There is no equal value for Andruw. None. Period.
By Mets Stink
August 10, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
It’s time to start calling up some young guys to give them some experience. September callups are coming, but why not go ahead and call up some pitchers like Lerew and Startup? We need to focus on next year.
By Susie
August 10, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Where am I? Trying to budget extra money out for school clothes, locker fees, GAS, utilities…you know, silly things.
Maybe if the Braves would lower their ticket prices (making them more “working family” friendly) and actually WIN a few games, people would come.
We both drive small gas-saving cars, but at almost $3 a gallon, that’s a large chunk out of our “entertainment” budget.
By geauxbraves2000
August 10, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Totally agree Susie. Not that I live anywhere near Atlanta, but I am stuck at home most nights because of the oil companies lining their…uh, I mean, because of the high price of gas.
On another note, come on Braves, let’s start a 10 game winning streak.
Geaux Braves!!
By Voice of Reason
August 10, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
“The change, it had to come.
We knew it all along.
We were liberated from the fold, thats all.
And the world looks just the same.
And history ain’t changed.
‘cause the banners, they are flown in the next war.”
Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend
By Lew
August 10, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
MBATL- What you say is true up to a point. However, with what has been offered and proposed as trades for Andruw, I would rather keep that possible MVP season for us and just take what supplemental picks we get if he leaves via free agency. Personally I don’t think it’s going to be that hard to re-sign him. With Smoltz, Chipper and Hampton’s contracts going away wihin the next couple years, it would be easy to back load a contract extension for him. Nonetheless, if all you want is to dump the contract, that will happen in a year. The people mentioned in return for him are not worth it. How many prospects have you seen that bombed. Kemp, Billingsley, Hansen and Lester may look good, but no better than some of our own people in the pipeline. What about the pitchers the Braves’ signed the past two years? Don’t they have a future? We have to realise that last year, we brought up the entire AA team a year or two earlier than normal. We have to give our own system a chance to get back to where it was. It won’t take long.
By ColumbusBuckeye
August 10, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking that a random haiku could cheer us up.
Hey Bobcat Goldwait I’d like an order of fries Large will work, thank you
By 10-7-4
August 10, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Greetings and sanitation to all. Please keep your seats. Another good day on this blog[compared to the Falcons blog].I see many well thought provoking and insightful comments as usual.Enjoy the absence of ‘race baiting’ and bitterness. DOB, my compliments to you for your efforts on this blog. Although journalist Jimmy predicted that you would have trouble with my name[10-7-4] by adding them up and calling me 35,I invite you to call me whatever you like. I can appreciate someone whose taste in music is varied and not stuck in one gear. I make my own tapes of favorites and they include everything from the Platters,to ZZ Top.Again my pleasure to be joining such a unique assemblage.
By ColumbusBuckeye
August 10, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Oops…….the format didn’t turn out well on my masterpiece.
One other random thought. Does anyone else vision KFC getting together with Master P? The collaboration could lead to the fusion of Master P’s 8 piece bucket….masterpiece.
By shawn
August 10, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
DOB I understand that a lot of people are on the fence as to whether to retool for next year or try small improvements and make another run at it. Honestly do you fell the team is in an OVERALL decline and considering we are closer to the bottom than the top would it really be all that bad to make some bold moves. I mean we couldn’t go much lower could we?
By MT
August 10, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
**I can’t get over how stupid some of you are. Going to a game is JUST NOT THAT EXPENSIVE. I can tell you, after traveling to San Francisco this weekend and going to AT&T Park, where the CHEAPEST seat is $25. And it’s not because the cheaper seats were already sold. That’s the cheapest seat they offer. You can go to the game, buy $5 seats (which are still good seats, by the way) bring your own food (which most other ballparks in professional sports don’t allow) and do all of this at one of the best ballparks around. And I say this with the experience of having travelled to most ballparks. Turner Field is quite underrated.
So, I don’t want to hear anyone complain about how it’s too expensive. It’s just not. And CLETUS SNOW, you’re a freaking moron. You say within the same post that this town isn’t a baseball town anymore, and how back in the day, when it was, you could go watch the Atlanta Crackers and see a fight in the stands almost every game. That’s “real” baseball to you. Then you go on to say that nowadays, it’s annoying when someone’s on their cellphone. So, would it be more suitable if those people were fighting, instead of talking on their cellphones? IDIOT.
By shawn
August 10, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
by the way DOB as Hag said Mama tried….
By krath
August 10, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
At times, I would love to be the Braves GM. This is not one of those times.
If you decide to cross your fingers and hope that the pitching is going to be good because you get Davies, Hampton, Devine, Boyer (fill in the blank) back and that they will perform at a high level, then you are simply hoping it works out.
If you decide to cross your fingers and hope that the pitching is going to be good because HoRam is going to learn to be consistently good and Hudson is going to find what he lost when he left Oakland, then you are simply hoping it works out.
If you try to move some of your high priced pieces in the off season to bring back pitching or free up payroll to sign pitching then you are simply hoping it works out.
If you are counting on players to play injury free when their recent history says the injuries are coming, then you are simply hoping it works out.
If you decide to keep the high priced nucleus of team payroll intact because the young and injured players and pitchers are going to come thru next year, then you are simply hoping it works out.
Any way you turn, there are potholes in the road. Kinda damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
This off season could drive Bobby Cox and the General Manager both into retirement!
By 10-7-4
August 10, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
Voice of reason—who did that song that you are quoting from????
By Lew
August 10, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
To those who were putting down The Lizard King- Anyone who has heard the song “People are Strange”,and can’t relate to it-You are disgustingly well adjusted. “People are strange, when you’re a stranger-faces are ugly when you’re alone-Women seem wicked, when you’re unwanted-Streets are rocky when you’re down” Haven’t you ever been there yourselves? Like I said-disgustingly well adjusted.
By Rodger
August 10, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but add the expense & the hassle, and its just no go. To get to a 7:35 game, I have to have my wife meet me at work at 5, leave straight to the game, sit in traffic for hour & half, park in boonies,pass/ignore bums, etc (this creates issues with bringing the kids, which is the real shame), fight traffic back out (another hour & half), go back to pick up the other car, get home 12:30+, then get up for work the next morning? I love the Braves-been with them since ‘66 (65 if you count exhibition), watch, listen & support them all I can, but I’d much rather take the kids to a game in Rome-helluva lot cheaper too!
By krath
August 10, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Since there is not game to whine thru today :), how about a poll?
If you were starting your own major league team, what player who has been active in the last ten years, would you select No. 1 ?
You can consider the players performance
“in their prime” as the backing for your argument.
By 10-7-4
August 10, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Lew—the only well-adjusted people are the badly misinformed.Great lyrics for self reflection.
By Rodger
August 10, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
I take Pujols-hands down
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
Right on, Lew.
35, welcome to our motley assemblage of humanity. All types welcome here (well, all types come whether welcome or not).
Cletus, I absolutely agree with you on one thing: Yuppies making cell phone calls throughout a ballgame is disgusting. And I see it everywhere, not just in Atlanta. Make a call if you must, if you need to check on the kids or have an emergency or need to lie to your wife or husband about why you’ll be home late. Otherwise, pleeeease stop the mindless chatter.
Does this entire new generation of teens and early-20s believe that you must constantly be on the damn phone or text-messaging people? Can they not pay attention to what’s going on around them, talk to the person sitting next to them, maybe actually hear the cars going by or the birds chirping without having the Ipod blasting into their ears 24 hours a day?
OK, that’s my rant. I’m gonna fire up a cigar and see if I can’t produce a new blog for you fine folks while I await a return call from Mr. Schuerholz for a Sunday story I’m doing.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Krath, you sidetracked me with that “poll” question.
If you’re taking players of past 10 years and can include their “in their prime” performances, then obviously you take Barry or Pujols, no one else. And for pitchers, you’d have to take Clemens or Maddux (don’t give me that R.J. or Schill or Pedro talk; check their best 8-10 years and come back to me).
By jj
August 10, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Who does really care? I have ALWAYS known braves fans are fair weathered. I have 4 FREE tickets to sundays game and I cant GIVE them away!
By Chica
August 10, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
I know I’m late to the party, but I strongly disagree with whomever suggested trading Renteria. He’s been one of the few bright spots on the roster this year, even though he’s cooled off at the plate lately. He’s a solid defensive and offensive player, and we were lucky to get him.
Let me also say that while I’ve only been a Braves fan for 5 or so years (I moved here from Ohio, used to be a Tribe fan), I’m not totally giving up on this team. This season may be a wash, but I look forward to what will become of them next season. I think having a losing season will really put things into perspective for the powers that be, and (much needed?) changes will be made.
Besides, I have Ohio State football to look forward to in the off season! (And I’ll punch you in the gut if you mention Maurice Clarett to me)
By journalist jimmy smith
August 10, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
jersies are red, seats are blue, lemke is sweet, not sure about you. all this poetry is making jimmy smith cry. imagine dob with a big ol’ cowboy hat twangin’ and sangin’- this would be good pre-game entertainment or would be good on faith night - only we would call it sangin’ night. the old journalist could play the harmonica - what a mess he would make! now, is baseball expensive? well, it is a matter of perspective - do you pay someone to “watch” (not steal) your car? are you a victim of armed robbery or theft? are all windows still in your car when you return from the game? still have wheels and tires? do you have insurance if assaulted? if not a victim of crime the cost is reduced.
By Antonio McNugget
August 10, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
10-7-4
that would be The Who.
Lew
That song is blatantly about tripping. Not that their is anything wrong with that, especially in the time period it was written.
By Chica
August 10, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Personally, I find that is much cheaper to go to Turner Field than, say, a Falcons game. Of course, I usually go alone, and since I live ITP, I take MARTA. And I bring my own water and snacks.
And DOB, you’re not alone in your ire for public overuse of cell phones. Every game I’ve been to, at least 90% of the 20-something females (seems to be the gals moreso than the guys) is yakking on the phone for most of the game. Maybe they got dragged to the ballpark by their boyfriends, I don’t know, but at least shut up for an inning! And don’t get me started on the number of young ladies that wear stiletto heels and club attire to baseball games. Maybe I’m just fashion-challenged, but I think it’s more appropriate to wear a t-shirt and sneakers when I’m going to be sitting a ballpark for 3 hours….
By ncscoots
August 10, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
jjs ALWAYS has the proper perspective on things! :-)
By Anthony
August 10, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
A Montecristo … Man, that sounds nice …
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Good point, Jimmy.
ChopThis, forgot to ask you earlier, do you have Hag’s “They’re Tearing The Labor Camps Down” on any CD or LP? It might be my favorite of his (though that’s awfully hard to narrow down) and the one place I’ve found it is on a Haggard greatest-hits CD called “Vintage Collections.” I don’t think it’s anywhere in that sprawling box set or the three-CD set I mentioned earlier.
Anyway, what a great damn song.
By Anthony
August 10, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
A Montecristo … Man, that sounds nice …
By Lew
August 10, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Krath-It would have to be a pitcher-Probably Dontrelle or Johan Santana. 35-Welcome from me also. Glad to meet unother mal-adjusted Braves’ fan. Rodger-If you want difficulty getting to a park and having problems with traffic, try Boston. The I75-85 construction is nothing compared to THE BIG DIG, believe me, I’ve sat in traffic both places. I went to see the Braves at Fenway last year and the tickets cost $98 apiece. Food is no cheaper thewre, either. Yet they pack the place every game of the year. Thanks DOB-Of course listening to People are Strange in 69 with states altered by one of the numerous intoxicants du jour might have had something to do with the experience. By the time Apocalyps Now came along, the Doors were a memory.
By TBS Station Manager
August 10, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Obviously, the program notice posted at 11:34 last night was counterfeit.
Stay, tuned, however, for REAL TBS program announcements from time to time.
By Anthony
August 10, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
A Montecristo … Man, that sounds nice …
By Rodger
August 10, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
JJS-that’s certainly part of the story
Chica-not fashion challenged at all-jus a day (or nite) at the ballpark!
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
“People Are Strange” or “Fortunate Son”?
If the choice isn’t obvious to you, then you’re too far gone to reason with.
By Chica
August 10, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
*I went to see the Braves at Fenway last year and the tickets cost $98 apiece. *
Oh, HELL no. I love sports and all, but I refuse to pay that much for a baseball ticket. Playoffs, maybe.
By Lew
August 10, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Yes, Antonio, it was, in part. In fact, that happened to be what I was doing the first time I heard it-and the next 20 times that night.
By krath
August 10, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
I agree with the selection of Clemens as my pitcher. As for a position player I’ll take Derek Jeter circa 1996-2000.
By Mets Stink
August 10, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Puljols and Clemens hands down.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Yeah, I bought that “Vintage Collections” CD for the underrated “I’m Turning Off a Memory,” and “They’re Tearin’ the Labor Camps Down” was an unexpected golden bonus.
Tom Russell covers it on the “Tulare Dust” tribute album, but he’s no Merle, of course.
Speaking of underrated Merle, “The Farmer’s Daughter” will have you in tears every time, whether you’ve got a daughter or not. And the spare, crying-fiddle arrangement only adds to the heartbreak.
God, I love Merle!
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Who started the “Tonight on TBS” thing first, anyway? Not that it really matters; everyone can have as much fun as they please. I don’t use bold print, so mine are obvious; not copies. No playa-hatin’ allowed. I don’t rag on yours. 10-7-4, I’m a radical football fan, but having an IQ above 70 precludes me from being able to stand the Falcons blog. What a bunch of angry neanderthals. Like I said before, it’s like sitting in high-school detention hall. Chica, you actually sound like a cool chick; it’s evident you’re not local! Chopthis, “Confederacy of Dunces” is perhaps the most underrated novel of the 20th century; please don’t tell me you’ve sullied it with your greasy fingers. :-)
By Lew
August 10, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Chica-It was a once in two years thing and since the Expos moved, it was the only way to go to a Braves game at the time. My point was that people in Boston have to pay more than in Atlanta and the commute is much worse in Boston. Despite this, the Red Sox fans sell out every home game and have done so for years, even when they weren’t a powerhouse. Boston also has a smaller population that Atlanta. Antonio-It was, in part about tripping, but tripping just intensified feelings that were already there. The song is about loneliness, desolation and depression. Valid feelings despite any drug references. Besides, what do you think I was doing the first time I heard it? Or the next 20 times I listened to it that night.
By Rodger
August 10, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Of course krath, you assume you have enough payroll available with any of these guys to put another 23-24 players on the team. Do you want Yates & Shiell pitching to Pratt?
By tyyosh
August 10, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
In ATL we have it really good here as far as cost and logistics. As someone mentioned before, you can get good-enough views for the $5 ticket. Also during the week you get two for one most days, drive with not much traffic, park for $10 right next to the stadium (private lots on the 3rd base side), cross one street, go into the gate, take the elevator just to your right, and go sit down. It was never this easy at Atl-Fulton Co Stadium. Wednesday we even found terrace level seats in the shade for $5 each from a guy walking by! It was great until the 7th or so…
By Lew
August 10, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the partial double post. WE’re getting blogged down here. My high speed access is turtle slow. Got to go for a while. I’m educating Grinch about Progressive Rock and need to record him a cd. How about Siberian Khatru by Yes, or Tarkus by ELP? Maybe a little Starcastle and some Rare Bird. Oh, the humanity.
By Tonight on TBS
August 10, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
The Year of Living Nauseously (1982)
Dave O’Brien (Mel Gibson) is a sports journalist in steamy Atlanta. His seemingly humdrum assignment heats up when strongman GM Sheuholz-o cracks down on his people, leading to their worst play in years. Dave tries to cover the story, aided by his photographer, half-Ugandan dwarf Jimmy Smith (Linda Hunt) while beginning an affair with television correspondent Erin Andrews (Sigourney Weaver). Eventually, things get too hot and Dave flees to the safety a job covering the Seattle Mariners.
By Lew
August 10, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, I forgot. Parking, if you can find it, is $30 in Boston. It is the worst city to get around and I’ve lived in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa/St.Pete and Miami.
By Chica
August 10, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
God bless those terrace level seats in the shade. Not a bad deal for $20, not bad at all.
Thanks for the compliment, TheGrinch. I’m actually an enormous nerd, but I come across as pretty damn cool in blogs. Go figure. ;-)
Thanks for clarifying your point Lew. I’d like to visit Fenway myself one of these days.
By The Grinch
August 10, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I got to head out myself; shower then get to the Tavern in time for some cold suds before the play starts. Everyone enjoy their evening…
By krath
August 10, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Rodger
In the world of fantasy, payroll is never an issue :)
By Antonio McNugget
August 10, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Fogerty was such a great writer he went on trial for plagiarizing himself. I dont know what that means but it did happen.
Anyway nothing wrong with Fogerty he wrote some great simple 4 cord songs just like Hank and all the others. But you cant compare his lyrical skills with Jim Morrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bob Dylan etc. you just cant.
By ncscoots
August 10, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
actually, Lew probably clary-ed that point, Chica. On this blog, we try to use former typos in posts as real words as much as possible, in an effort to get them included some day in Webster’s as our contribution to the language. :-)
By Chica
August 10, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Ha, yeah, I saw that “clary” thing the other day. I almost typed that instead.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 10, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
35 it is! dob is sharp and knows that a string of four numbers like that often adds to 35. the crime issue is not new to the stadium area. permit journalist jimmy smith to relate a true story. it was 1968 and dusty baker was making his debut as an atlanta brave. young jimmy smith had tickets to the game and a date with a delta stewardess (okay to say stewardess back then)! as jimmy smith’s car was approaching the blue parking lot … it was blocked off and closed. the lot was full. the police directed a line of cars (jimmy smith was in line) down a neighborhood street to turn around and come back to another lot. at the end of the turnaround street was a neighborhood grocery store with a screen door (colonial is good bread). each car in line got to the end of the street, turned around and headed back toward the stadium. jimmy smith’s car was approaching the turn around when suddenly, the screen door burst open and someone ran from the store! behind him in hot pursuit was a gunman shooting wildly! shots rang out! the gunman was shooting over jimmy smith’s car! journalist was trapped! the stewardess was screaming and trying to get in jimmy smith’s lap (only good thing about the experience). journalist got to watch a gunfight for free. fortunately, jimmy smith and the stewardess were not shot. a shaken jimmy smith and tearful date found a parking place and went to the game. journalist still remembers though. journalist has seen fights, assaults, robberies, vandalism, theft, soliciting, vagrants, guns, knives, and thugs at the ol’ ballgame. once, journalist was almost mugged but jimmy smith was bigger than the mugger who thought better of enraging this ugandan. still, jimmy smith loves baseball and goes to games every season. it is sad that the environment surrounding the ted is not better. contrast that with old pdl ballpark where kids could ride the bus to the game without fear. different times then …
By Antonio McNugget
August 10, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Actually i take that back. You can compare whomever you want to whomever you want. Music is very subjective and different people value different things differently. To each his own. Except Toby Keith.
By chopthis
August 10, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Grinch,
My good friend hop on chop advises me to ignore your hangover-tinged insults.
“A Confederacy of Dunces” would be a fantastic title for this blog!
By krath
August 10, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Fogerty was actually sued by his ex-bandmates and the publishing company for writing Old Man Down The Road. Actually it was an obvious rip off of his own Run Through The Jungle, but the guy wrote that song to. The legal premise had something to do with “intellectual property.” Evidently, the band had a publishing deal they all shared in no matter who wrote the tune. This agreement really isn’t that uncommon but the lawsuit was….considering Fogerty was the primary songwriting talent.
The music business…… ahh what a wonderful topic!
Hunter S. Thompson said it best when he said,
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”
By journalist jimmy smith
August 10, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
confederacy? can say that on an ajc blog? can’t say dix@@ anymore, see? covers dix@@ like the dew. general lee would have something to say about some of these bloggers.
By ncscoots
August 10, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
ahhh, I can’t help it…much as I want to suffer over the Braves’ tribulations, when you get Hunter S. Thompson, Robert E. Lee, and clary all in the same blog? Shoot, bubba, life is good…
By Chica
August 10, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Geez, those are forbidden words on the blog of a Southern newspaper? I don’t get it. But it’s OK to type “Yankee”, right? What about “carpetbagger”?
By Antonio McNugget
August 10, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
hence sued for plagarizing himself
By John the Handsome
August 10, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
I just will go to no more games. I’d pull for the Yankees because at least, the players shave and look clean, but I cannot pull for them. Today’s players look hard down nasty and are no model for my sons.
By krath
August 10, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
(taking quick glance in mirror)
Good thing we don’t have to post pictures with our blog entry, John. I would scare hell outta you and your sons!
By ncscoots
August 10, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
new blog up…
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
Chopthis, how GREAT is that Tulare Dust tribute album. The best, that and the Hank “Timeless” tribute a couple years back.
And Tom Russell _ that dude is really starting to get his due now, and made a couple of crackin’ albums the last three years. Get his last one, “Love and Fear,” you’ll love it. Especially the song “The Pugilist at 59.”
You ever hear his song about Mickey Mantle? That’s off his “Modern Art” album a couple years back. Song called “The Kid From Spavinaw.” Great, tearful stuff. Anyway, man, get that last album, or the one before that, “Hotwalker,” which had a bunch of spoken word stuff about Bukowski and life hopping the trains out west in the 50s and 60s, etc.
Oh, and obviously “Fortunate Son” wins that contest you proposed, hands-down.
OK, folks _ JUST POSTED A NEW BLOG
By Lets Go Mets!
August 10, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
you want to know why there were so few seats? easy. Braves fans are fair weather. plain and simple.
Lets go Mets!!
By John the Handsome
August 10, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
Krath, you are probably a f*g.
By rog
August 10, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave where did you get that 15,000 attendance on Wednesday. The announced attendance was 27,000 and change. Of course that just means that there were more to witness that debacle.
By DT
August 10, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave - Where is everybody? They’ve jumping on the Met’s bandwagon!
You seem to have forgotten what it’s like in Hotlanta when the Braves don’t win. We’re fair weather fans. Hell, people stopped going years ago (look st the downward trend in attendence). Perhaps fans are spoiled; perhaps it’s just not worth $200/day for a family of 4 to see average players lost 55% of the time.
Personally, I left after the last strike and never went back.
By Robert
August 11, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
“Should have yanked Yates, at least after the second walk. I think Bobby, being stubborn, was convinced he’d work out of the jam. Bobby had just lavished him with praise to us scribes and then again on his pregame show, so he probably felt a bit bad about that, too, and didn’t want to replace him if he didn’t have to.”
Stubborn as a mule or donkey, perhaps?