AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTwo days a microcosm of season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is our nation’s capital not close enough to the South — if anyone here claims to live in the South, they’re delusional — for folks to at least know how to make both kinds of tea, the wrong kind and sweetened?
Just got back from walking to get some lunch, and got it to go. I get back to my room and take a sip of my tea and — aaargh! I know I asked her for sweet tea.
Anyway … well, now haven’t we had a perfect two-day microcosm that demonstrates exactly why this season went south and why this team is almost certainly going to be watching the postseason from the first round through the World Series?
(Hey, on a bright note, at least they can’t lose Game 5 at home this year, right? Whatever happens, they can’t lose the last game of a first-round playoff series at Turner Field! Even if they were to somehow rally and win the wild card, the Braves would be on the road for a Game 5 in the first round, which we know can only be good. Turner Field is where other teams traditionally go to clinch playoff series).
But anyway, the microcosm: Team inconsistency demonstrated over two days, particularly with pitching, but also with some hitters. Now, granted, Astacio pitched perhaps the greatest game of his life last night; the old man was flat spot-on with his command. Give the geez credit.
But the Braves did their usual no-patience thing and got behind in counts, which is death against a guy with as good a command as Astacio had when he needed to make a big pitch. The aggressiveness has paid some dividends for the Braves, who lead the majors in first-pitch homers, lead the majors in first-pitch slugging percentage, and rank second in the NL in first-pitch average.
But besides Andruw and Francoeur, who have 21 of the Braves’ 39 first-pitch homers — is that amazing, or what? — the first-pitch ginormous swings aren’t generally as productive as might be taking a pitch or two to gauge a hurler and see what he’s got.
But the real inconsistency, of course, is the pitching. That’s what happens, as we’ve said countless times, when you don’t have the starting pitching depth to cover for injuries (Horacio, J.T., Davies, et al) or underperforming guys (remember that guy Jorge Sosa? J.T. can go in this group, too).
When two- or three-fifths of your rotation at any time is a concession speech (gotta thank an unnamed broadcaster for dropping that line on me; don’t want to get him in trouble) then you really aren’t a contender, regardless of how mediocre the rest of the field is.
Cormier wasn’t terrible last night. He was actually decent. But he needed to be a lot more than that on a night when Astacio was great and the Braves’ fielders had a couple of costly errors (Pena’s was a bad hop, I agreed after seeing the replay).
Tonight you’ll have Smoltz going and probably doing his usual thing, pitching his butt off and leaving it all on the field, being exactly what the Braves wish all their pitchers could be, if not matching his talent then at least approaching his determination. The Braves will probably win.
Then tomorrow you’ll have Vulturreal pitching in the series finale. Oscar Villarreal, first start since 2003.
And if the Braves win tonight and we look at the wild card race and see they’re only five back or whatever, and maybe they’ll pass a team tonight, then tomorrow Villarreal will pitch and probably be mediocre in 4-5 innings, then at least one reliever will have a bad inning and the Braves will lose.
Then tomorrow night we’ll look at the standings and come to our senses again and realize the Braves face an almost impossible task. Then Hudson will pitch Friday, perhaps have another good start like his last two, and we’ll think … well, they’re still just five back … then Chuck might do the same Saturday.
Then the dreaded “undecided” (it’s going to be Cormier) will pitch Sunday and we’re back to reality.
And so it goes. What a year.
Here’s another indication of the Braves’ chances of playing .700 or so ball the rest of the way: They haven’t won even three in a row since their seven-game streak sandwiched around the All-Star break. They’ve had four-game and three-game losing streaks since they last won more than two in a row.
Last night, by the way, was the first time the Braves were shut out on the road since May 20 at Arizona, when they got crushed 13-0. That game was also their previous hits low (four) on the road until they were two-hit by Mr. Astacio last night.
Since that game at Phoenix, the Braves had been 21-16 on the road before last night, and racked up 202 runs and a crazy 73 homers in 37 games.
Just makes you wonder what this team might have been with just two things: A closer like Wickman for the entire season, and a starting rotation with two aces (like they were supposed to have) and three other guys capable of winning 12-15 games (like they were supposed to have).
If they had signed a closer last winter and got what they were supposed to out of their starters, I’ll go out on a limb and say the Braves, who lead the majors with 100 road homers — only other teams with 90 are Red Sox (97) and Tigers (93) — would be in a race to the wire with the Mets for the NL East.
And at worst, they’d be winning the wild-card race by about five games.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda, right?
Pass the sweet tea and the pie, dammit. What? No, I don’t want Equal!
Comments
By Tomahawkin
August 16, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Agreed D.O.B. I Think by Sunday we will find out if this team is done or night…Poor Outings by Villareal, and Hudson could finish us off…
By 22oz
August 16, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Its so frustrating. Yesterday I talked smack in my fantasy league saying that Chipper would beat my opponent by himself.(Yes, i’ve had chipper on my team all year, i’m a homer). Then last night……ugh. Go figure. I’ve since retracted my statement.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Rodger:
A great pitching performance can shut down any offense. Astacio is not a great pitcher… but he was last night. Mediocre pitchers aren’t mediocre because they’re not capable of pitching a great game. They’re mediocre because they seldom do it. But sometimes lightning strikes.
Astacio pitched what might have been the best game of his career last night. Believe me, I was disgusted last night. But in retrospect, you’ve just got a chalk it up as one of those occasional losses that really couldn’t have been prevented.
By Tomahawkin
August 16, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
I meant to say or notin my 3:03 post…
If we do get Finished off, I like to see Orr gone as well as langerhans traded, I love his D.. but he will remain a liability at the plate if he doesn’t learn to go the other way with pitches, and If we do get finished off…Do any of you guys think that Black Jack McDowell will be the pitching coach next year…I’d rather have Don Sutton…
By flbravesgirl
August 16, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should call this “the yo-yo season”.
DOB, Florida is supposed to be in the South too but you can’t get sweet tea in a lot of restaurants here. Most people are from somewhere else (up North or possibly another galaxy, in some cases). We’ve lost a lot of the “Southerness”.
By Rodger
August 16, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Like I said on the other blog-Smoltz wouldn’t have won this game-unless he provided some offense as well. (Did Bobby have him with a bat at any time last night?)
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin:
I think Roger McDowell will be pitching coach next year… as he should be.
By Tomahawkin
August 16, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Cheese whiz, I’m slippin as far as my typos
I meant to say done or not in my 3:03 post
By Bobby Cox
August 16, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
What the heck is a micro cosm?
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for the Red Sox to do nothing.
By Tomahawkin
August 16, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Rodger Definitely if the braves can spot Smoltz 3-4 runs early, we have a good chance, otherwise I dunno whats gonna happen
I miss the old days where if we got 4 runs before the 4th inning it was pretty much an automatic W, that ain’t the case nowadays, anything can happen with this team, and usually its 4 the worse…
By Tonight on HBO
August 16, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Everybody Loves Dave
Episode 3: “Curbing Dave’s Enthusiasm”
In an estrangement rendered all too brief by plummeting ratings for Episode 2 and flbravesgirl’s Puritanical streak (it’s just a role, sweetie!), Debra finds it increasingly difficult to fulfill Dave’s superhuman amorous demands, so she sprinkles something besides sugar on his Flutie Flakes, if you know what we mean, and we think you do. Dave’s artifically lessened desire gives Debra some relaxation and Brother Grinch a much-needed boost of confidence. Features a humorous montage of clips of The Grinch lording his superior virility over a humiliated Dave (you get to stretch your acting boundaries here, Dave) to the strains of Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street.” (TV-MA, for the return of a breathtakingly nude Patrticia Heaton —YES!!)
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
(the Yanks are leading the AL East) uggg!!!
By Rodger
August 16, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Sutton would be a good choice-but I don’t think he wants to put in that kind of time. Of course, he may be unemployed next year…
By Hillbilly John
August 16, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
In Alabama it’s ok to marry your cosm.
By Tomahawkin
August 16, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Just A thought, But if sutton is unemployed next year, I’d think he’d go to Los Angeles, but I think he’s still under contract
This blog is jumpin…its only been up 2o minutes, and already 16 posts….
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Ya know who I think would make a really good pitching coach… Roger McDowell.
By Blog secretary
August 16, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Well, now - aren’t the first 20 or so entries of today a perfect microcosm that demonstrates exactly why this blog went south and why other potential bloggers will be posting responses to Furman Bisher instead.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Will you guys allow me to ask a question that has absolutely nothing to do with baseball, and probably won’t interest anyone here in the slightest?
I keep hearing about Michael Jackson’s financial troubles. Why in the #&$#^ doesn’t that weirdo move to Vegas and sign a big fat contract with one of the casinos there like so many other washed up mega-acts have. Otherwise, he’s going to be a *homeless child molesting freak pretty soon. Vegas is probably the one place in the world where Jacko could still make a good living.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
“aren’t the first 20 or so entries of today a perfect microcosm that demonstrates exactly why this blog went south”
My God… I’m afraid I’ve proven your point! LOL!!!
By ChrisinPA
August 16, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Braves Fans What if I told you that Villareal will be this years Jorge Sosa (going into the starting rotation and winning all his away games)? Would that be something that interested you?
By Gordon Gekko
August 16, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Braves - who cares. The market is up big today.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Woe!!!!!!
We sent down Thorman??? Jeez. That’s a lot of thump we just took off our bench. I realize we’ve got to keep Pena here to keep another warm body of the infile variety on the bench. But why not send down someone who can’t help this team like… oh I don’t know… Kevin freakin’ Barry!!!!!!
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
meant to say… “infield variety”
By TennesseePaul
August 16, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
We should win tonight with Smoltz on the mound. We should win tonight because Smotlz deserves it. If anything, we need to make sure Smoltz gets the W the rest of the way. I’d love to see this team back at .500, but Cox absolutely loves shuffling the line-up and subing in the bench when a 30 year old rookie is on the mound.
And, I know I’m not the first, but I’m sick of this hyper-aggressive hitting. For one, it’s setting a horrible example for Francoeur. Who is running full bore down Rob Deer’s path.
Pedro Astacio. What a joke.
Went to the Dodger game last night. Watched a lot of former Braves. I noticed, if they were playing as they did last night and were on the Braves team, we’d still have lost. Billingsly looks like he’s going to be a good pitcher. Anibal was solid as well. But there are much more talented and seasoned guys on the Dodgers team than on the Marlins team. That team is going to be good for a long time assuming no more fire sales.
By J Lemke, PhD
August 16, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Chris in PA:
An interesting existential question.
Is Jorge Sosa this years’ Jorge Sosa. Or is Jorge Sosa last years’ Jorge Sosa.
Is Jorge Sosa not himself?
Can Jorge Sosa not be Jorge Sosa, or is it that Jorge Sosa can not DO Jorge Sosa?
This is the Jorge Sosa conundrum wherin Jorge Sosa is a microcosm of all humanity.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
If Lance Cormier had pitched a no-hitter last night, would we be talking about how great Cormier was, or how pathetic the National’s offense was?
Come on guys. It was a frustrating game to watch to be sure, but let’s keep in mind that any major league pitcher with enough ability to stick around as long as Astacio has, has the ability to pitch a great game once in a blue moon. Last night, the moon was blue. It had a lot more to do with what Astacio did than anything we didn’t do. Tip your hat to Astacio, and move on.
By Rodger
August 16, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Are Jorge Sosa and Greg Maddux cojoined in the cosm of the cosmos?
Both have gone to new teams and pitched well…
By Billie Jean
August 16, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I just got back from a nice trip to Mexico. We went to cosm el. Bye.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Rodger,
Seems to be a pattern with Jorge Sosa. He goes to a new team and pitches well the first year. Looks like all he has to do is change teams every year, and he might have a nice career. Hell, it’s worked for Regie Sanders and Kenny Lofton! LOL
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
KC, very true about Astacio. He was 4-16 against Braves. I mean, he was waaay past due.
THIS JUST IN: Just got to RFK, and guess what? it’s still a dump.
Later. Going down to clubhouse. Oh, and yes, it’s Cormier on Sunday.
And Jeff Schultz, of course you like unsweetened tea. Because you’re an idiot. But I love ya anyway. Well, love’s a bit strong. I tolerate you.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, I know, I know. I lived in Ft Lauderdale 13 years. Believe me, that’s about as southern as Jersey. There’s a reason South Florida is called the sixth borough.
By Hillbilly John
August 16, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I think DOB made a spelling mistake. He meant POSSUM, not COSM.
By KC
August 16, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Everybody know why Michael Jackson went to K-Mart?
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
DOB: Am I sensing some condescension?
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
…Because he heard boys pants were half-off.
By ChrisinPA
August 16, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
ok - lets try this again
Braves’ Fans
What if I told you that Villareal will be last year’s Jorge Sosa. Would that be something you would be interested in?
A little Entourage love please?
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Okay ChrisinPA… Sounds good to me. Is that what you’re telling us?
By Roger MacDowell
August 16, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Look everyone - get off Jorge Sosa’s case, ok?
He had some problems this year but I take full responsibility - I suggested that he experiment a bit.
Last year, before every game, he drank a big vanilla and root beer float. But this year we had him switch to cherry-vanilla. When that didn’t work, we tried cookie-dough ice cream in mountain dew. No dice.
Sorry.
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
Why in the world would we send Stockman down and keep Barry in ATL?????????
And where’s Phil Stockman? Is he still on the DL?
By elbravox
August 16, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Smoltz will live the game tied with 2 unearned runs, Edgar will be a hero and win the game. Tommorow we will score one unearned run and waste Villareal’s good outing. One can say that with about 90 games played this season, just change characters. Today I am going Bud One. never tried it before…
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Wait… I haven’t been watching for a couple of weeks… John Rocker’s not on the team anymore???
By Rodger
August 16, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
We got Barry (Bonds)?
By Rodger
August 16, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
He must’ve cleared waivers-it was no big deal!
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Just kidding of course. I loved Rocker’s quote after he was released by the Long Island Ducks…
“I have elected to take a step back and re-evaluate the options available to me”
LOL! When you get released by the Long Island Ducks… you don’t have and options!
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
meant to say: “any options”
By Hillbilly John
August 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Did DOB say that that Florida Braves girl has six burros. Burro is a fancy word for donkey, right?
By Lew
August 16, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
KC-According to the Braves’ website, Stockman is on the 15 day DL. His hamstring injury was in a really strange location, babove the knee as opposed to the back of the thigh where it usually happens. I would imagine this has pushed back his recovery time. I wouldn’t count too heavily on Davies when he comes back. A lot of people are banking on him coming back strong, but his rehab starts have been nothing to write home about. I’d bet he wasn’t going to be close to full strength until the spring.
By Harry McCurdy
August 16, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
COSM stands for the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM).
In 1970 the Triological Society suggested the formation of a liaison committee composed of the Secretaries of each of the ORL Societies (AAFPRS, ABEA, ALA, AOS, ASHNS, TRIO) that met together each Spring. The Secretaries agreed to have the American Council of Otolaryngology handle the logistics of this increasingly complex meeting.
By KC
August 16, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
Lew:
Hmmm… maybe he could try some of Barry Bonds “muscle rub”.
By A. Grey
August 16, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM) is a sanctuary in New York City (at 540 West 27th St.) for contemplation and a center for events encouraging the creative spirit. The Sacred Mirrors, on display in the Chapel, are a series of paintings that allow us to see ourselves and each other as reflections of the divine.
So, DOB next time you are in New York for a Mets game - come check us out!
By Chop Chop
August 16, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
I have to give Hillbilly John some credit. His 3:17 post (“In Alabama, it’s ok to marry your cosm.”) induced a chuckle from me.
DOB, the Braves are a very predictable unpredictable team, if that makes any sense. You never know what you’re going to get from one day to the next, but you can be fairly certain that the opposite will occur in the next game. Now that I’m confused, let me just say that Astacio’s two-hit shutout last night has to rank pretty high on the list of worst efforts by the Braves. The guy is a bum. A flat-out bum, dammit.
By 10-7-4
August 16, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Dr. Lemke—informed of your query, Mr. Sosa is beside himself.
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
“Cosm is based on an entirely plausible idea from theoretical physics. The basic theory, as I understand it, is that it is possible an area of “false vacuum” could be created in our “true vacuum” universe, and that this “false vacuum” would be a universe unto itself, connected to this universe by a “neck” of negative energy density.”
Boy, that would explain some of the folks on this blog, wouldn’t it?? :-))))
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
35, perfect!! :-)))))))))
By Tonight on TBS
August 16, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
The Usual Suspects (1995)
After the Braves’ season blows up, Dave O’Brien (Kevin Spacey) an eye-witness and participant tells the story of events leading up to the conflagration. The season goes tolerably well until the influence of the legendary, seemingly omnipotent “Jorge Soze” is felt. Although set in the modern day, it has much of the texture of Braves’ seasons of the eighties with suspense, intrigue (a fairly high body count on the disabled list), and lots of lead changes. Formatted for content.
(Remember: TBS is not affiliated with other networks).
By BigDawg
August 16, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
My God …. Put this dog to sleep already. It is the humaine thing to do at this point.
By 22oz
August 16, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
There’s still hope for the season: Brian Jordan is close to coming back!!!
By Hillbilly John
August 16, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady - I had a false vacuum once. I got it at Sam’s club.
By ncscoots
August 16, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
CL, our true universe will be safe as long as that “neck of negative energy density” isn’t the size of Chad Paronto’s.
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
Hey, Hillbilly John! Hope you kept the warrenty on it! They’ll make it good, you know.
:-))
By 22oz
August 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Why does the Mississippi Braves website have pictures of 3 Atlanta Braves and a Richmond Brave?
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Hey, Scoots! How’s it in the Sandhills today??
By stynes
August 16, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Yeah, from what I saw, Cormier wasn’t that bad last night. Astacio was just that good. And as you pointed out, the Braves hitters helped him out. If Smotlz keeps up his good word, Hudson continues to build on the last couple of good outings that he’s had and James keeps pitching the way he has for the past couple of weeks then I think we still have a reasonable shot. Davis is due back in a couple of weeks and hopefully he’ll improve the starting rotation as well.
The one thing I didn’t understand from yesterday’s game was why with the season really in the balance you sit AJ and Renteria. I know AJ had a banged up knee. He plays with banged up knees all the time, though. I felt especially with Cormier pitching it would have been nice to have as many of the bats in the lineup as possible. I didn’t understand that move. It almost reeked of concession.
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
22, it goes back to that false vacuum that Hillbilly John got at Sam’s Club. It temporarily created another universe in which some players were caught. Guess they haven’t updated their site since Sam’s made good on the warrenty.
By Bippy
August 16, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t like sweetened tea. Serving it is like giving someone a hot dog with ketchup on it. What if they don’t want ketchup?
There’s sugar on the table. Stir up your tea you lazy bum.
By MBATL
August 16, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I wanted to study microcosmetics in night school, but found I just didn’t have the makeup for it. (rim-shot, please).
Went out on a limb last night and predicted a good start from Cormier. He really pitched okay, I thought, but it sure wasn’t our night.
Strange as it seems, we’re still within a 3 or 4 game winning streak of having a chance come September.
As to sitting some guys last night, to me it’s one of 2 things: Either Bobby just didn’t want to win the game, and for the life of me I can’t quite come to grips with that; or, AJ and Edgar really needed the night off. Hard to judge those things without being in the clubhouse.
By Lew
August 16, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
Jorge Soze in the harbor, killing many men. Bippy-Sweet tea is necessary because if you just add sugar it doesn’t dissolve correctly and negates the sweet tea drinking experience. If you have dietary restrictions, ask for unsweet tea, or drink something else.
By Carolina Lady
August 16, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Bippy, honey, if they don’t want sweet tea, you go dig in the back of the kitchen cabinet and dig out that awful stuff that somebody gave you in that gift basket and serve it. If their taste buds are that deficient, they’ll never know. Unsweetened tea, indeed! Now, diabetes is another issue. Always keep Sweet & Low or something like that on hand for those who can’t have sugar! :-))
By TennesseePaul
August 16, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
John Candy was amazing. That guy just cracks me up. “Old melanoma head”
By LeTwan
August 16, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Understand the art of tea:
If you are eatin’ a sandwich then sweet tea is fine.
If you are eatin’ pie (example, sweet potato pie, just like I got now) then you want a unsweet tea. Too much sweets is bad, period.
By bobbo
August 16, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
Is Jeff francouer really as stupid as he looks, he wanders around the field with a big dumb grin on his face acting as if swinging at every pitch and hiting .250 for a mediocre ball club is okay. Last year his free swinging was fun and exciting and he was just happy to be here, we need him to step up and become a major producer for this team not just another player, he is supposed to be our new chipper jones type face of the ballclub.
By LeTwan
August 16, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
Bobbo - what does that have to do with the price of tea?
By billy g
August 16, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
This season is done. If some people need to hang on to hope, that is fine. I prefer to look at our situation straight in the face.
My concern now is the future.
I think that our position players are in good shape. Francouer, Aybar, Andru and McCann look like a solid foundation. The big question lies with our pitching. I don’t have faith in Mike Hampton (never did). John Smoltz has been a rock, but how long can his arm last? That leaves the youngsters. Chuck James looks good and I expect him to be a solid pitcher for years to come. Assuming Smoltz breaks down and Hampton disappoints again, who do we have to count on beyond James?
By Lew
August 16, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
Uh Bobbo-What part of 22 HR and 82 RBI do you feel is non-productive. Yes, it would be nice if Francoeur learned some plate discipline, but he is already productive. The Braves will never pay Francoeur to be Tony Gwynn, but they will pay him to hit HR and knock in runs as long as he is under contract to them.
By MGL
August 16, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
Unsweetened tea plus sugar does not equal sweet tea. Sweet tea should have the sugar added just after brewing, before it cools. Adding sugar to already iced tea creates an entirely different drink.
By MGL
August 16, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
I bet that Hillbilly John’s cosms know how to fix sweet tea.
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this
Howdy, All! Just got off the set. CL, I thought a “False Vacuum” was when someone tells you to vacuum the house while they’re gone, but you don’t feel like it so you spend twice as much effort with various implements to make it LOOK as if you did. Sugar does not dissolve in tea without heat or a GREAT DEAL of vigorous motion as a catalyst.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
Dr. J Lemke (Dr J and Lemmer in one, if you will): Very interesting post on the Conundrum of Jorge (I’m working on a screeplay titled Conundrum of Jorge, by the way). Made me smile.
Then I looked out at the ugly 700-foot advertising signage on the ugly outfield wall here, and stopped smiling.
By dadgum
August 16, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Billy G….you are right on with your observation which is why I think you will see the Braves play their version of Trade Derby during the off season for more than one top line pitcher and say good bye to Giles, Thorman, Salty, Pratt, and numerous pitchers like Reitsma, Thomson, and the like. Major wholesale changes are coming no doubt about it. DOB has the pulse and even he says the off season is going to be wheeling and dealing. We won’t get into the Andruw thing in this discussion.
Frankly I don’t have a lot of faith just yet in any of our pitchers going into next year. Smoltz gets a pass obviously but his age is where many pitchers have to see the twilight and all we can really hope for is that he is effective next year and then someone is ready to take his place as a #1 starter. Maybe he will be like Clemens and hang around for fewer starts. I love Smoltz but something tells me we are in trouble without getting him some relief. Ramirez, James, Davies, Hudson, Hampton are all BIG QUESTION MARKS. The homer in me wants them to be just what we hope they will be. Saviours. We will give them that opportunity but I won’t be laying a lot of money in Vegas on it or I would need high odds. However most teams are saying the same thing we are. It is all conjecture but JS is going to have to even the odds a little this off season and some of the trades may hurt.
Remember when we got Hudson we thought that was the missing link. A trade can look great then down the road ( which is how you judge trades) not look so great. So we can go make the obvious great trade this off season but you never know how it is going to play out. No sure thing which is why the game is so interesting.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
LeTwan, actually I would always drink coffee with pie. But it just worked better on that particular sentence, and I was thinking of Jimmy (have you been introduced to Jimmy? I imagine you have).
And of course, for those offering, we all know that sweet tea is brewed sweet. never with sugar added after the fact. it just sinks to the damn bottom of the glass, or pitcher. ugh. then you have 10 ounces of unsweet tea, and a quarter-ounce of sugar water.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
35, hilarious post on the Jorge conundrum.
BigDawg, if we put this dog to sleep, then do we even play the rest of the games. Or just not talk about them. Just curious what you have in mind. We’re open to suggestions. I’ll take them to Bobby, perhaps.
By Rupert (jest is best)
August 16, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
Ok, here’s my all green lineup:
1- Moe Green (LF, leadoff - a good eye).
2- Seth Green (small, quick - ideal 2ndbaseman).
3- Lorne Green (3B, getting old, injured a lot but the dude is a bonanza at bat).
4- Al Green (CF, Great but may demand more money. Al: please re-sign with the team and let’s stay together).
5- Green Hornet (RF, dude can fly like a bumblebee).
6- Green Day (C, you’d have to be a nimrod not to see this season is the time of his life).
7- Green Bay (SS, hot now but may cool off in September/October).
8- Little Green Apples (1B, when myself is feeling low, i think about his swing and go and ease my mind).
9- Green Mile (P, electric stuff; calls his best pitch ‘Ol Sparky’)
Closer - Soylent Green. Dude has nasty stuff.
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
Mmmmmmm……Pie.
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
What about Green Lantern as manager; he’d be good at giving out signals.
By TennesseePaul
August 16, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
They’d probably pay him a little more if he’d hit .270-.280 instead of .250 and got on base more frequently than 28% of the time he comes to the plate. (For comparison, Chipper and McCann get on base about 12% more of the time.) He has all those high numbers, which are good, because he has the most at bats on the team. Hence more chances of success, but his rate of success isn’t particularly higher than the next guy.
Break in action: Anyone see that Florida Dodger Blues game!?!! Sheeeesh.
Francoeur could be better. I’d like to see him be better. All it would take is some pitch recognition and laying off those low and away sliders. He need look no further than Andruw Jones. Right now, Francoeur is more like Andruw than he is Chipper. Interestingly enough, Francoeur has been hit by a pitch the same amount of times as he drew an unintentional walk. That’s not too common.
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
That’s it! I know what’s ailing the players now! Gangrene! Bless you, Robert (JIB)…
By 10-7-4
August 16, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
10 news: New poll shows nearly 75% of Americans can name the ‘3 Stooges’ but only 42% can name the 3 branches of Govt.—And all this time I thought they were one in the same. Go figure.By gotigers72
August 16, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
I disagree with only one part of your blog/column. Cormier gave up EIGHT HITS and THREE EARNED RUNS in less than 5 innings. That is not decent. I realize some errors were made that cost him, but DECENT to above decent pitchers know how to pitch around that. [See Maddux and Smoltz for reference].
I don’t know if you can get REAL sweet tea, the way it’s supposed to be made, in any state outside of Ga., SC, and NC. Maybe Alabama. Don’t know, never tried it there. But certainly not in Arkansas or Florida, where I have tried it. It is a Southern treat not to be found in any other region, and not even all states in the Southeast. My granny’s was the best ever, but she’s not around to fix it for me anymore. I try, but I’ll never match hers.
By LeTwan Anthony
August 16, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Good observation, DOB. Actually, the LeTwan that has posted today is an impostor - but clever - not ugly like some. The real LeTwan Anthony would likely have coffee or cold milk with a slice of pie - unless it is an icebox pie in which case LeTwan would go with iced water. Pie is something that is, as the journalist would say, not to be trifled with. Sweet tea is brewed sweet and is served by someone who calls you, sugar or sweetie, or honey, or something like that. Sweet tea is a Southern delicacy. Sweet tea and cornbread are always in favor.
This Jimmy Smith you reference … highly intelligent and good looking, too, right? Esteemed?
By elbravox
August 16, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
BUD ONE SUCKS.
By Kissa Yojoki
August 16, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
Drinking green tea can have positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. Medicinal qualities include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function.
Suggest serving Green Tea in Braves’ clubhouse. No sato.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this
Bippy, if you don’t like sweet tea, I hope you don’t live in the South. Actually, I just hope you don’t live in the South, period.
(kidding, kidding).
THIS JUST IN: Andruw scratched from lineup again with same sore knee. Cleanup hitter du jour: Francoeur. (get it, du jour? OK, back to work)
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Oh, and McCann batting-title hopes take another hit: He’s out of lineup. Pratt playing.
“He can’t play every day,” Bobby told me when I asked about McCann.
Bobby wants him to get enough PAs for qualification for the batting title, but doesn’t sound willing to play McCann much more than normal if that’s what it takes to get the PAs
By LeTwan Anthony
August 16, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Accept no substitute! The real LeTwan Anthony is a third person blogger. It may be coincidental that the other third person blogger is Journalist Jimmy Smith. Then again, maybe not a coincidence. Toes? Pie? Pie? Toes? Go figure.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 16, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
I have to say I was very proud to make the TBS movie on the other blog.
DOB and LaTwan, I have to say a good cup of coffee with pie is terrific and a good glass of milk is even better.
Tonight is the night. Tonight’s game is a must win. Unless Andruw can’t walk he has to be in the lineup. Tonight we will see what this team is made of. After last night’s embarrassment they have to show their heart. I have doubted this team’s heart all year. I would like them to prove me wrong and show that more than a couple of guys (Smoltz, Chipper, Giles, James, and McCann) have it.
If Cox and JS are serious about trying to make the playoffs then they need to show it. Stop the Pratt experiment now! Call Pena up and have him be the backup. We need offense every game. You can’t run McCann out there every game, so put your next best option (Pena) on the field. I heard today that Brian Jordan is ready to come back. So what! Keep him off of the field. If he wants to pinch hit, then I’m all for it. LaRoche should be left in the lineup. He has earned it.
Finally, stop the stupid rehab assignments with Davies. He has had 3 already. I know they are important but at this point we need him on the mound. He couldn’t be any worse than the sludge we have seen lately. The truth is this team is one good week away from being in this. This trip is too important. I hope Cox uses more sense tonight than he did last night.
By ncscoots
August 16, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve kinda been in the give-him-time-he’s-young camp on Francoeur this year, but even I have to admit he appears to be the only guy in the ballpark that doesn’t know he’s gonna get a breaking ball outside 3 out every 4 pitches, and especially on the first pitch. Pitchers read scouting reports, too, and know the guy is death if the first pitch is hittable. Yet he seems to swinging more wildly than ever. I didn’t think he was going to make the adjustments to hit .330 in September, or anything, but, good grief, he seems to be regressing instead. I mean, he should be making SOME adjustments, no? and BTW, Carolian Lady, didn’t answer your post earlier cause I was headed out the door at the time. You know I wouldn’t ignore a woman who might thumb me!
By J Lemke, PhD
August 16, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Hmm. A false LeTwan who is impersonating the real LeTwan who is the alter ego of Jimmy Smith who exists only in cyberspace.
Does LeTwan have discourse with Jimmy? If so, then that is a dialogue of self-referential construction.
Does LeTwan represent “figure” and Jimmy “ground”?
Does the figure necessarily contain the same information as its ground?
By MBATL
August 16, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Comparing Jimmy Smith to Letwan? That’s like comparing Jimmy to Carolina Lady. Ridiculous! And where is Bob, Journalist?
Despite some toe soreness in the past, which led to a fowl attitude, I really miss Bob’s wisdom and historical perspective. Touch base when you can, Bob!
gotigers: great sweet tea in NORTH Florida; go to St. John’s Seafood in Jacksonville for a taste, and better seafood than you can find anywhere in “Hotlanta” - for less than the cost of a bleacher seat at the Ted.
By ncscoots
August 16, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
on the batting title thing, doesn’t the actual rule allow for batters without the required 502 appearances to qualify? Adding outs, if I remember correctly, for however many appearances you are short? Absolutely not sure about that, but it’s in my head for some reason…course, that would mean McCann would probably have to hit about .370 in his “real” plate apperances to beat Sanchez (unless Freddie tanks out, of course).
By stynes
August 16, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
DOB - can you clarify something about the whole batting title deal. Is it PA or AB? I’ve heard both tossed around. I think a lot of people don’t realize the difference and think they’re one and the same. For those who may be wondering, AB is a subset of PA. AB does not include walks, sacrifices, HBP, and a few other oddities. A clarification of which stat is used would be appreciated, DOB. Thanks.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
How could anyone named Bobo ask if Francoeur is “stupid?” Come on, you call yourself Bobo. Bobo!
Oh, wait. It was Bobbo.
Nevermind
By sir jimmy smith, gentleman journalist
August 16, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
yes, there is such a thing as a gentleman journalist. dave kindred comes to mind.
now, “p” players for tonight … pratt. will tonight be the night his average slips below .200? we will know after his first at-bat. now, after the prodigious game on saturday night pete orr is hitting .212 almost to the level of brian jordan who remains at .214. poor ‘p” player tony pena is now batting .053. soon, maybe we will call tony pena 35 - .035.
By ncscoots
August 16, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
stynes, it’s 3.1 plate appearances (not just at-bats, a walk is not an at-bat, but is an appearance) for each game the player’s team has completed. 162 x 3.1 = 502 for a season.
By Brad in KY
August 16, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
DOB
I seem to remember Andres Galarraga winning the NL batting title back in 1993 despite having less than the required number of plate appearances. If memory serves, there was a loop-hole that allowed a player’s walks to be factored into the number of plate appearances (since walks don’t count as at-bats). Do you remember this and is it possible that McCann can exploit this rule?
By MBATL
August 16, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
That’s just plain funny, DOB. Bobo indeed.
By Sister Summersisle
August 16, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Stynes - I think sacrifices should count. Don’t you?
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
It’s PAs, not ABs. 3.1 per scheduled team game. So if team plays 162, he’s gotta have 502 PAs.
By TennesseePaul
August 16, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
Walks are part of plate appearances. An at bat is a hit, an out, a reach on error. A plate appearance is every time the guy steps up to the plate. So that includes hits, outs, sac flies, sac bunts, walks and HBP. The player must compile 502 Plate Appearances to qualify, which is 3.1 over 162 games, which at this point still leaves McCann shy. It isn’t a loop hole. It’s the definition of plate appearance.
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
I see that my discovery of the root of the teams’ appendage problems will go unheralded throughout this blog. Fine, then; when my findings are published and I recieve all the credit, I will share none of it with any of you save Robert JIB for giving me the inspiration. “HEY BOB! WAKE UP!” Someone please wake up Bob.
By sir jimmy smith, gentleman journalist
August 16, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
journalist is confused. form follows function, right? leTwan is the smart one. journalist employs the tools of ignorance (pad and pen). if journalist jimmy smith is asked really, really, nicely then journalist will break a story on this very blog tonight! around 7:25 or so …
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this
MBATL, indeed you can get sweet tea in parts of central florida, even, in the backwater towns. but not in Fascisto … er, Orlando.
Plate appearances are everything added up _ at-bats, sacrifices, HBPs, walks, etc. It’s every time you step to the plate.
And thinks for calling. Next on the line is Jake from Valdosta. What’s your question, Jake?
By Michael Franks
August 16, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Grinch - it’s not gangrene, it less severe: popsicle toes.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 16, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Here is the thing with Francoeur. One of two things are taking place. Either Cox and TP are telling him to be more selective and make the pitcher pitch to him and he is simply ignoring the instruction or he is not being told anything and is allowed to continuously go up to the plate and swing like a first year little leaguer. I happen to think its the latter and not the former by the mere fact that Frenchy has starterd every game, played all but about 4 innings this year, and Cox and TP repeatedly say that they don’t want him to lose his aggressiveness. Well, that aggressiveness is more of a killjoy than it is a positive. Puljos is aggressive too but he doesn’t swing at everything. I realize he is only 22 and have made that excuse for him. But, truth be told I have seen NO imporvement from last year to this year. As far as I’m concerned, that lies directly at the feet of his coaching and mentoring (Cox and TP). Remember Klesko. He was much the same way. But, ironically when he was traded to the Padres and under the thumb of Bruce Botchy he got better. Interesting isn’t it?
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
Funny how you have to drive north for a couple hours from South Florida to reach the South.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
But the South doesn’t really begin until you reach North (Florida).
OK, got a game to cover here
By Jake
August 16, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Dave - do you have flbravesgirl’s phone number? Thanks.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 16, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
amber alert again - this is another amber alert for journalist bob. here is what we know of bob - actuary, married to carol. son is a whiz. cat is injured. likes bobby dodd. bobby dodd is dead. voted for adlai stevenson. adlai stevenson is dead. likes sousemeat, watermelon, ice cream, but not country ham. eats eggs with streak o’lean. wise and witty - with good manners. if seen, notify any blogger. game has begun.
By TennesseePaul
August 16, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
Klesko also played for his home team under Botchy. Might ad into the fact. Also, by that time he was much older. Nevertheless, Francoeur could learn his strike zone and pitch recognition. He wants to succeed in the clutch roles, he might as well learn not to swing at crap and force the pitcher to throw a pitch he can hit. Right now, no pitcher has to.
By David O'Brien
August 16, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
Not yet
By The Grinch
August 16, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
M. Franks, “popsicle” doesn’t rhyme with the all green theme, though. Howver, you might be onto something. Game Time.
By ncscoots
August 16, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
OK, here’s the rule, insofar as McCann is concerned (couldn’t get that outs thing out of my head, so looked it up).
“Currently, players need to accrue an average of 3.1 plate appearances for each game their team plays in order to qualify for the batting title. An exception to this qualification rule is that, if a player falls short of the 3.1 plate appearances per game but would still have the highest batting average even if enough hitless at bats were added to reach the 3.1 mark, the player still wins the batting championship. The latest example of this exception being employed occurred in 1996 when Tony Gwynn had 159 hits in 451 at bats for a .353 batting average but had only 498 plate appearances, four short of the 502 nece