AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLaRoche in full road rage
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Over the course of a season, the home/road splits tend to even out for most players, provided they don’t play in an extremely pitcher-friendly or hitter-friendly ballpark.
And then there’s Adam LaRoche.
This has become nearly unbelievable, the difference between the first baseman’s hitting at home and on the road. I’m not exaggerating when I say LaRoche is one of the best road hitters in the major leagues this season.
And at home? Uh, let’s just say he’s not been one of the best.
Here’s what I’m talking about: LaRoche is batting .304 with 20 home runs, 52 RBIs and a 1.093 OPS on the road (.392 OBP, .701 slugging). Those are Pujols-like numbers, people. Seriously.
And at home: LaRoche has hit .238 with five homers, 16 RBIs and a .686 OPS (.293/.393).
That just doesn’t happen very often with such a productive hitter, unless we’re talking about Coors Field (pre-humidor), where Colorado sluggers used to routinely hit over .400 with huge power numbers, then hit in the low-200s on the road.
But Turner Field is not a severe pitcher’s park. It’s a pitchers’ park more than hitters’ park, yes, but not severely so. And in the past, LaRoche hasn’t had anything resembling this year’s disparity. In fact, it leaned the other way.
Before this season, he had a .281 career hitter with 18 homers, 64 RBIs and an .843 OPS in 118 games. On the road, he was a .254 hitter with 15 homers, 59 RBIs and a .751 OPS in 133 games. Not exactly scintillating either way, but solid for a young player who missed time with a separated shoulder.
Anyway, see what all that booing him in the early season did, people? You ruined him.
Kidding, of course. Even LaRoche says that has nothing to do with it. Besides, he’s not getting booed at home anymore, or at least no more than others do if he screws up, etc.
If he can find a way to hit anywhere near as well at home as he has on the road, the man would be putting up absolutely huge numbers. But even with the huge dichotomy, he’s putting up damn fine numbers for a few months now.
Since June 24, he’s hit .329 with 14 homers and 31 RBIs in 42 games, and 38 strikeouts in that span aren’t overly significant when you consider the 1.076 OPS in those 42 games.
He’s probably played himself into being kept by the Braves for next season, if there was ever doubt. Because he still will make less than $2.5 mill next year in first year of arbitration, and that’s not too much for a guy who might hit 35 homers and play way above average defense.
OK, gotta get down to the clubhouse. Talk amongst yourselves.
Oh, and let me know if any serious typos in this; I’ll fix ‘em when I get back upstairs. Don’t even have time to re-read the thing right now.
Thankyouverymuch.
Comments
By Mets Stink
August 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
LaRoche has played himself right into the lineup full time next year. It’s great for the Braves because they don’t have to spend much money on a first baseman and can use what money they do have on some bullpen help and a leadoff hitter.
By Kevin C
August 19, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
The numbers posted by DOB are shocking to say the least. LaRoche probably has another year at least in Atlanta. Offseason priorities are 1. Leadoff who can play left field—a would really consider Diaz here—look at Youkalis for the Red Sox 2. Starting Pitcher—good luck here everyone is in the market, 3. Resign Wickman and Baez—Wickman is a throwback closer, he knows how to get the job done even without overpowering stuff 4. Let Laroche play every day—no matter who is pitching 5. get rid of dead weight—Jordan, Pratt, JT, etc. 6. Ask Andruw what he wants and resign him, try to go around Boras
By Tonight on TBS
August 19, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
After tonight’s game, a rebroadcast, in it’s entirety:
La Roche Nikita (1990)
A diffident, lackadaisical first baseman is transformed into a lethal slugger under the tutelage of a ruthless hitting coach. In French with English subtitles.
By krath
August 19, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
DOB and Tommy
xmas jam info posted on previous blog.
LaRoache is a perfect example of what drives me nuts about this team! He’s not alone in being a streaky hitter. He’s had a great second half, but what can be done about getting him off to this kind of start next year and playing all season like that? Giles is the same, always has been. Andruw used to be that way, but his hot and cold streaks are shorter now. He’s more balanced than he used to be. What I wouldn’t give if these guys played more consistently and less like shooting stars. I would rather see these guys hit a consistent .290 thru the season than to go two months hitting .210 and the next two months hitting .410. Yeah, that might average out to a .310 average, but the damage that is done during that streak when you’re hitting .210 can put you in a hole you can’t dig out of as a team.
By MBATL
August 19, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
Why is Laroche’s longterm status even in question? His numbers (avg., obp, slugging pct) are virtually equal to AJ’s, and he’s getting better all the time. Get him comfortable at home and he’s an allstar slugger with a great glove. He’s locked up through ‘09 with just arbitration raises.
By Shaun Payne
August 19, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Interesting stuff. I just pulled up LaRoche’s 2003-2005 numbers and, over that span, he actually put up much better numbers at home.
.281/.340/.503 at home, 2003-2005 .254/.313/.438 on the road, 2003-2005
It’s really strange. The past seems to indicate that this year is just a fluke season for LaRoche, as far as home/road splits go. One of those unexplainable statistical oddities.
By Uncle Cus
August 19, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Well - there’s another of DOB’s big words. What the heck is a dichotomy?
By Hillbilly John
August 19, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
I believe it’s a type of operation, Uncle Cus. Ain’t it somethin’ that LaRoche is playing so well despite having both his gall bladders removed.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Uncle Cus, Hillbilly John - LOL!
By Lew
August 19, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
We’ve had the Yankees-Red Sox Fox feed all afternoon. The Yankees have now scored 39 runs in the 3 games series. Does anyone still think trading Andruw for Boston pitching is a good idea? Hi Ma’am-How’s Mom today?
By little sammy scott
August 19, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
ha ha ha. sammy laughing. sammy see lady type LOL. yesterday sammy figure out LOL. first sammy think LOL name of singer like LOL Lovett (sammy see lot’s of singers on baseball blog) or baseball guy like LOL Overbay. then sammy think LOL a verb, like when Brave relievers issues too many walks, Chipper LOLs around the infield. then sammy think it means lots of luck (sammy see NYFAN type “Braves win wildcard, LOL”.) then sammy research and figure it out. LOL. ha ha ha.
By David O'Brien
August 19, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
FYI, Giles is out of the lineup again with the sore hand. Hopes to play tomorrow. Orr leading off again.
By elbravox
August 19, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
Today I’m going with Becks. My next to last day of one beer an inning for 7 days. Only pros should try this…The seed of C. James, 8 scoreess for the souh paw.
By MEB
August 19, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Is anyone watching the PGA and Tiger Woods laying the wood to the entire field? This would be a real competitive tournament without the Tiger.
Very similar to the Yankees laying the wood to the Red Sox so far this weekend. Lew, the Red Sox don’t have a pitcher as best I can tell.
Does anyone have a shot against the Yankees this year?
By krath
August 19, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
MEB…not watching the PGA today. When Tiger is on… it’s the Tiger Woods show and everyone else is just supporting cast.
Yankees? Hmmmm. I really think it all boils down to who’s playing the best ball 6 weeks from now. Yanks surely have it all going right now, but I’ve seen teams that good fall on their faces before. Now let me see…… oh yeah… the Yankees have done it!
But yeah…. I know what you mean, MEB. On paper (and maybe on the field) the Yanks look pretty tough.
By MEB
August 19, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
krath you are right, I can think of a few Braves teams that looked like a lock at this point in the season. The Yankees do look like they have all the tools to be a very dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.
McCann is just a great situational hitter. Check that, McCann a great hitter, period.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
krath, that’s not quite correct about LaRoche being “streaky”. He had a horrible April, and for months bloggers ripped him without mercy (it appears those posters didn’t notice the calendar changed). Look back at his numbers after April, and I think you’ll see he’s been pretty good, not just in the second half. I haven’t looked at his monthly splits in a while, and I imagine his June was nothing to brag about (join the club on that one), but his surge isn’t just a recent thing.
By nathan
August 19, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
Chucky J is doing a nice job of damage control so far, but it’s hard to watch (GREAT MCCANN’s HURT!!!) somebody throw walk after walk. YOU CAN’T DEFENSE A WALK!
We got spoiled watching Maddux and Glavine all those years. Maybe this is how the rest of the league has done it for ever. LOL
Anyhow back to my point, there is only so many times you can get away with walking the first two hitters of an inning and not give up runs.
If the Braves are actually trying to get to the Wild Card this year. Bobby has to treat these games like post season and have quick hooks for the starters that are uneffective early in these games. Especially after September 1st when rosters expand.
Another thing walks do, is make you throw more pitches. So even if the pitcher gets out of it, it’s very “taxing” on the bullpen and explains why our starters can’t get past the sixth inning most of the time due to pitch count. But it looks like Chuck will get out of it again……..this time!
By nathan
August 19, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
BTW, In the last post I said that Bobby needs to treat these games like the post season, with the quick hooks for pitchers.
I guess what I should’ve said is that Bobby should treat these games like ANY OTHER MANAGER in MLB would treat a post season game, with quick hooks.
We all know Bobby loves to leave the starters in too long in the playoffs. Let’s hope he doesn’t go with that philosophy!
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
nathan, I’ve mentioned it before…it’s tough living among the little people again (LOL) with one or two good pitchers and the rest average or worse!
By nathan
August 19, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
How correct. Spoiled we’ve become *ncscoots
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Thank you krath for the xmasjam info. One followup question. Since the tickets sell out so quickly, is there a way to be sure to get notified in advance, when they will be going on sale?
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
Fresh! Francoeur drew a walk! Way to go Francoeur!
McCann is awesome. GO BRAVES
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
BTW, nathan, throwing the quick hook with this team is more likely to land you an old tire than a three-pound trout, but I get what you’re saying.
By nathan
August 19, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Oh, I agree with you. Not too many options out there. But that being said, if a guy’s getting hammered out there, I don’t think we can conceed ANY games at this point. We can’t afford to wait and see if a pitcher is going to get out an inning.
But you are dead on. There’s a good chance that you take a struggling starter out of the game only to bring in “the unknown” LOL!
I for one was absolutely SHOCKED that Oscar did that well the other day. Didn’t see that coming at all. Not sure if he can repeat it, but with the lack of options we have. He definitely deserves another shot at it. IMO. Who knows, maybe next year he’s in the rotation and has the “2005 Jorge Sosa” year for us! Because as much as everybody sounds so excited about Hampton, Davies and HoRam coming back next year from injuries. I’m not sold on any of them doing anything special, until they prove otherwise. I have a gut feeling that Hampton will have a good year. But that’s based on the fact that he’s had good seasons before. Davies and HoRam are waaaaay too inconsistant to be able to remotely predict what we’re gonna get out of them.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
it’s funny, I watched Francoeur last night, first two AB, 6 pitches, 6 swings. Next AB, he actually took a strike, actually had a pretty good AB (made out, but no wild swings and looked WAY more selective). I mean, it was night and day. Now, I’m not seeing the game tonight, so don’t know how he looks, but a guy can’t just “get it” from one AB to another, can he??? Somebody MUST have said something to the him, no?
By nathan
August 19, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
You know with Francoeur, I think some drastic measures are neccessary. Like in the movie Major Leage-Back to the Minors (I think it’s the 3rd one?) with the two middle infielders that are brothers and fight over balls that go up the middle. The manager (Scott Bacula) puts stakes in the ground with chains or ropes on them attached to their feet so they can only go so far up the middle. Funny Stuff (actually it’s about the only scene in the movie that is funny.)
Anyhow, I’m not sure if in the rulebooks it states whether you have to come up to the plate with a bat in your hands. If not, that is exactly what they should do with Francoeur for about 2 weeks. He would just get to walk up into the batter’s box and WATCH pitches go by. Walk or Strike Out. (or HBP) would be his only options. While doing this he would have to be “miked up” and verbally say “yeah, I woulda swung at that one” or “I would’ve laid off that one.
I’m not sure it would actually work. But it would be damn funny, that’s for sure.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
well, funny to anyone not named Francoeur, probably!
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
Anybody else want to joing me out on the Pete Orr Limb?
HK, have you run the numbers for the past 7-8 days for Pete? What perked me up was the game last weekend when he started, and since then.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
props to Petey. Maybe what we need is more “p” players…and pie, of course.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah… Dave, Bob Rathbun lifted your tagline. He introduced Laroche in his first at bat as “The Road Warrior Laroche.”
He owes you BIG TIME.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, are you lurking tonight?
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
ncsoots, Do you think —perhaps— he may have figured it out?
I say that because we all indications are otherwise. And if you listen to the soundtrack with what Bobby has to say to him during his ABs (“come ON, Jeffrey!”), what else can we conclude (given his profile).
Hey, that last AB wasn’t bad.
Could we be witnessing a Franky evolution?
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
Chuck James is going to be around for a while. The guy is pretty good. Hopefully we get at least one more good inning. 3 up. 3 down.
It’s possible something clicked in Francoeurs head. I hope so. I hope he realizes that, if the bases are loaded, he doesn’t have to hit the homerun. If the pitcher throws junk, take the walk.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this
Scoots, I just stopped in about 4 minutes ago. Got the grass cut, stopped midway through with typical J Deere troubles, rescued by brother, finished the yard, came in and started supper (beef stew w/onion gravey, mashed taters, green beans, dinner rolls, chocolate ice cream, sweet tea), ate, cleaned up the kitchen, and came to watch the game on mlb.com only to discover that games beginning before 7:00 are blacked out by Major League Baseball. (What a revoltin’ development!) And here I am! :-))
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
Tommy, don’t know. At the risk of repeating myself, I didn’t expect the guy to hit .330 in September or anything, but you would think after 500 AB this year he would be making SOME adjustments. I think Chipper is one of the more intelligent hitters in the game, and he hit .270 or something like that his first year, so you gotta expect some struggles. That step from swinging at pitchers’ stike to swinging at hitters’ strikes is a big one, admittedly. So I don’t know…my point in the previsous post was that he looked so DIFFERENT from one AB to another. That tells me that he CAN have an AB game plan, but…
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
CL: What do you mean blacked out? Are you on MLB.tv?
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
Good Evening CLady,
Your dinner rundown certainly activate the appropriate sensors (and I’ve already had supper).
Do you have DirecTV available where you are? If you do, you can get their package called MLB Extra Innings and get the non-TBS games (including TBS, of course).
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
yeeah, CL, really s-word-ed, doesn’t it? Been so busy with work, this-and-that, and various folderol, haven’t had much chance to blog (obviously one of the miscreants contributing to the low number of recent blog posts, re DOB!) Did see from one of your posts that Bob’s abscence was purely technical in origin, glad to hear that. Your post made my stomach rumble, dinner aside. Hope things are well with ya!
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this
Tommy, I’ve got Extra Innings, but I don’t see the game listed tonight. ARe you seeing something I ought to, dadgum it?
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Sorry CLady, ncsoots, et.al.,
My Bad. I always watch on the other channels, living in the ATL market. I just assumed ALL Braves games were on MLBEI. Just checked 734 and up and it isn’t there.
My apologies.
krath, do you get TS and FSS in Asheville?
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
It’s at mlb.mlb.com. But curiously enough, I just tried it again, and there it is! (Not a clue…..) but honestly, twice I had gotten the screen they post when a game is blacked out. Even dialed their 800 number and got a recorded message stating that all weekend games starting before 7 pm are blacked out due to MLB restrictions.
Who knows?! :-))
I’m doing pretty well, thanks! Tired, but what else is new?? :-)) (Anybody want a used J Deere GX85 real cheap??? I’ve about had it with that thing!)
Ture story: my dear brother has re-engineered just about everything on it to get it to run and keep it running. Can’t tell you how many times I was driven to near-tears with pure aggravation with it. One day, couldn’t get it to crank. No matter what I tried - even spraying ether in the intake. Nada. Finally called just brother, fussing and sputtering, and asked if he would PLEASE come DO something with this …this ……… THING!! Bless him, he came right over, toolbox in hand, only to discover that the gas tank was empty! I can not tell you how small I felt!! Wanted to crawl under the nearest rock! Definitely one of life’s embarrassing moments! :-)))
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Way to go Andruw!
By Glass Half Full
August 19, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
“Snakes on a Plane.” Perhaps the greatest movie title since “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.”
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
McCann!!!! Did I mention I like that guy. He’s so good! Always gettin’ hits!
And there goes Francoeur, swinging at crap.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Darlin’, I wouldn’t sweat the empty-gas-tank thing. I bet there are a bunch of us guys who have done the same thing (though, of course, that’s a non-admittable guy-thing, and I, of course, have never done that).
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
Four balls and a pop out. He could have walked and let the guy behind him knock them in. They are on a team… But whatever. GO BRAVES
By MEB
August 19, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady… I’m sure your brother will never let you forget. I think its great that you tell all of us about your moment.
Dang Marlins keep jumping against the walls and catching our Bravos valiant efforts.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
Pirates have tied it up in the 7th! Cincy could go down again today….
By ernesto
August 19, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
Game is blacked out in non-local markets b/c of the Fox nazis monopoly on Sat. afternoon baseball. They moved the start ofthis one to 6, just so it owuldn’t make the 7 o’clock cut off. I imagine a certain amount of games have to be thrown into the monster’s mouth per contract. Just another reason to luanch an “I Hate Fox.com website”
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
CLady,
I admit to the same thing. Let it slide. I’m sure you have plenty of ammo to use with your brother… should it become necessary. Somehow, I think it won’t.
10Paul,
Thanks for the Reds updates. Please keep ‘em comin’.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Aha! Thanks, Scoots!! NOW I know how he knew to check the tank first!
This afternoon when I called him and he asked what it was doing, I said when I ran over a bumpy spot, it started going “Pocka-pocka, brrrrrrr, putt, pop, etc”. (Hard to put that phonetically!) There was a moment of silence and he said, “All that tells me is that my sister can made strange noises.” :-)))) (There was yet another problem with the fuel feed system. Way to go, J Deere!)
By saltlakedawg
August 19, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
For everyone that’s so worried about Francouer, here’s some stats from some other pretty good hitters in their first full season. Chipper Jones Year1995 Avg. 265 HR 23 RBI 86 Andruw Jones Year1997 Avg. 231 HR 18 RBI 70 Dale Murphy Year1978 Avg. 226 HR 23 RBI 79 Barry Bonds year1986 113gms Avg. 223 HR 16 RBI 48 Looks like Francouer’s right on track to becoming an All Star.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
I think mlb sold the rights to do the games like this. So, as much as it displeases me, I’ll aim my anger at Bud. Can’t blame FOX for a good deal. I can blame Bud for being an @ss
By ernesto
August 19, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Oh by the way, I’m watching this one Gamecast where you see an illustration of the batter with a pitch by ptich sequence. That first pitch Frenchy swung at they had literally on top of the home plate illustration. I imagine they weren’t exaggerating.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
SaltLakeDawg: You should post Rob Deer’s stats as well.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
I sure appreciate the support, guys! Oh, yeah - little brother has given me plenty if I choose to use it. All I have to do is grin at him just so, and he knows it’s locked and loaded! :-)))) He’s a great guy, though. And it’s often a whole lot more fun to laugh at yourself than others! :-))
By Calvin
August 19, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Reds are up by two now on a double by encarnacion.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Cincy with the lead. Come on Paronto!
By krath
August 19, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Actually scoots, “streaky” can be hitless in a week and 12 hits the next. I stand by my statement that LaRoche and some other Braves are streaky. LaRoche has generally been better in the second half and “not as” streaky. In three years of Major League service his highest April batting ave. is .214. He starts slow. He’s been generally good the last half of the season since his arrival, with the exception of hitting .202 last August and .250 in July of 2004. Do I dislike LaRoche? Nahhh. I would like to see him hit from the start of the season like he hits the last half of the season, but then I already said that didn’t I.
It’s like Frenchy. When people get on Frenchy for not being selective at the plate, we hear that he’s aggressive and that he has hit blank homers and has blank rbi and is driving in runs with two outs..yada yada yada.
I’m not slamming Frenchy but I have to ask…… does anyone not actually think that Frenchy wouldn’t be an all star calibre outfielder if he was more selective at the plate? Does anyone think he wouldn’t have more homers, rbi, ave if he was disciplined enough to swing at strikes instead of everything?
Does anyone think Giles wouldn’t be a better hitter if he didn’t have that uppercut swing?
These things don’t make any of these guys bad players…. but in a perfect world…. I would like to see all of them play at their full potential more than they do.
But it ain’t a perfect world is it?
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
CL, the one thing I’m absolutely sure of now is that I’d get along awith your brother. That’s a remark that I might make in a similar situation, had I a sister that could actally MAKE those noises, of course! Give the guy props for me, will ya?
By saltlakedawg
August 19, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
Rob Deer year1986 gms 134 Avg. 232 HR 33 RBI 86
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
That third out seems to be the toughest one for us. We score a lot of 2 out RBIs…. I wonder how many we’ve given up.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Very nice post, krath.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Let’s get that run back Braves!
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
SHEEEESH. Cincy just blew it open. Tied going into the bottom of the 7th (7-7) not it’s 7-14, bottom of the 7th.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
krath, OK, guess it all depends on definition of streaky, huh, LOL? Baseball offensive performance is the classic example of regression to the mean, players are gonna have ups and downs, through weeks, months, seasons, etc., but eventually they play to their skill level. I don’t think we disagree in substance, bro, maybe just in degree.
By ernesto
August 19, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Orr sac. bunt? Renteria makes Bobby look like a genius.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Way to go Renteria!
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
Sweeet! Let’s add a little more to that lead Braves!
By ernesto
August 19, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
I’m starting to feel a lot better about games after the 7th.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
TPaul, 5 PAs for McCann tonight, and Braves didn’t even have to score 10 runs!
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
Come on Wickman!!!
Don’t let this happen the bad way.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: Nice. He’s got a chance. We average over 5 runs a game. And we met that average tonight. So good.
GO BRAVES
By wicky woo
August 19, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this
wickywickywoo wickywickywoo! woo!
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
The Cubs have a AAA player in Iowa by the name of Felix PIE…… :-))
By MEB
August 19, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
I wish they wouldn’t stress me out that way! Well done Braves!
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
Everytime I think of this year’s Braves, I think of Al Pacino in Godfather III…”everytime I think I’m out, the pull me back in”.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it - they’ll always draw us in! Else how would we have survived this year?? :-)
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
CL, unfortunately that player pronounces his name pee-ay. He obviously does not know the benefits of pie as we know it!
By elbravox
August 19, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Is that an elbow I see sticking out of the ground? Get that dirt out of here!
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this
Scoots, we could go the Baitamee-Betimet-etc route with him. Pee-ay at home, Pie here! :-))) No? Ok.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this
ah, dear lady, a rose by any other name, but don’t be mesing with mah pie!
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Gotcha, Scoots! How ‘bout some cobbler! Got a little of that blackberry one left.
By ernesto
August 19, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
Now Cormier pitches the game of his life and we’re on a roll…
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
ship it, babe. I’m a man of strong principles, but weak appetites :-)!
By chucky j (pg13 version)
August 19, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
The marlins be chucky james’ odalisque!
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Pie
OK. I’m not a Pie expert. That’s a given.
There are “pies” I like. But I am not one who consumes it on a regular basis…. at least weekly. My best estimate is quarterly. Certainly no more frequently.
That said. What is everyone’s Top 3?
For me… if I had to get seriosu about it… I’d say :
Chess w/chocolate
Apple
Cherry
What are your Top 3?
By Ron Roberts
August 19, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
I think LaRoche plays better on the road ‘cause he’s seemingly always under scrutiny at home w/the fickle folks @ home.
But BOY am I glad we didn’t heed the clamors of the boneheads who wanted to trade him earlier in the season.
By Guy Curtright
August 19, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Hi DOB, this is Guy reporting, live from the Braves blog and it does appear to be pandemonium here. Folks seem to really be enjoying the Braves’ victory today. And clearly that Braves victory can be attributed to, as one intrepid blogger put it, “wickywickywoo wickywickywoo!”
Back to you, DOB.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
If Cormier steps up up tomorrow, there’ll bne more than an elbow sticking up from the ground. That might qualify for full-blown, Stephen-King-graveyard-resurrection, “it’s alive” stuff.
By KC
August 19, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann is hitting .342 which means he gets a hit in slightly better than one out of every three AB’s… but it seems like he gets a hit two out of every three times.
In contrast, Francoeur gets a hit in one out of every 4 AB’s (.254 AVG)… but it seems like he gets a hit 1 out of every 8 times up.
I like Francoeur a lot. Obviously he’s got a chance to be a truly great player. That said, I’m not comfortable with hitting Francoeur who is a .254 hitter in the 6th slot, while a .347 hitter (Diaz) bats 8th. I would like to see Diaz switch places with Francoeur in the lineup.
Either that or hit Diaz leadoff, Giles 2nd, Renteria 6th, and Francoeur 8th.
By MEB
August 19, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
Possible teammates for Felix PIE: Chet Lemon Darryl Strawberry Damon Berryhill
Top 3: Pumpkin, Apple, Pecan, Chocolate
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
MEB, good mates for Felix, but I see in your top 3, you have taken the DOB accounting course! Somebody call 35 to check your math, LOL…
By J Lemke, PhD
August 19, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
You might be interested to know that PIE also stands for Proto-Indo-European language.
PIE is the hypothetical common ancestor of the Indo-European languages that is believed to have been spoken in the 4th millennium BC in Central Asia (according to the Kurgan hypothesis), or as early as the 7th millennium BC in Anatolia (according to the Anatolian hypothesis). The existence of such a language is generally accepted by linguists, though there has been debate about many specific details.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Lemme see….. my top 3 choices would be: - Apple
- Lemon
- Peach
- Blackberry
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
3 in a row is enough to be called a winning streak, right? Wish I could have watched it (stinkin’Fox!!!). Another great game for McCann. Have I mentioned that I just love him? (I have? Lots of times?) Where does that put him with PAs?
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Uhh. MEB and CLady…
Maybe I should reframe. How ‘bou we say Top FOUR? ? ?
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
FBG, not yet, not yet, on McCann’s PAs. Let’s not be day traders on that, huh, LOL? Suffice to say, 5 is good, plus he raked. If he’s close on September 15, we’ll start a daily count…maybe hk can can chart a projection for us!
By krath
August 19, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
TommyB
I missed your earlier post and then caught it on a re-read. If I’m around the blog….if it’s still going in October….I’ll post the date of the jam and when tickets go on sale.
Realizing that there are some big “ifs” to what I stated above, you’re probably better off just making yourself a note to check the mule website maybe once a week. They generally make a big deal out of it so you probably won’t miss it. I’m not sure if you can sign up for email alerts there or not. I looked, but didn’t see anywhere to do that. There should be at least a couple of weeks notice (probably more)from the time the jam is announced and tickets go on sale.
Wish I could be of more help :(
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
Apple (my grandmother’s, with an incredible crumb topping)
Also like: Key Lime, Peach, French Silk, Banana Cream, Pumpkin, etc.
By MEB
August 19, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
OK… my top FOUR: Pumpkin, Apple, Pecan, Chocolate, Cherry (When dealing with pie one extra is always acceptable)
By elbravox
August 19, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
On Sunday’s game, Cox will ‘rest’Chipper and B-Mac, trust me!
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
TommyB, according to the DOB math, we were absolutely correct with our 3 listings. As loyal followers of DOB, we must emulate him as closely as possiible. Just wanted to clary that.
(Translation: DOB says he has 2 last things to say and lists 3 or more. Adding information to a point already made, he said he just wanted to “clary” it. And “has did” is perfectly acceptable on the DOB blog - again, following his example!) Make sense??? :-)))
By flbravesgirl
August 19, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
OK, scoots. I’m just anxious for him to get close to the required number. I’m sure one of our resident number/stat gurus will come up with something when we get a bit closer to the end of the season.
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
CL, excellent clary-ing for those that may not have been up to speed on such things. I shudder to think what posters new to the blog must think of us sometimes :-). BTW, Sanchez, 3-4 tonight, .355
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Tommy, forgot to mention - that is how 10-7-4 got the nickname 35! :-))
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
Scoots, you’re probably right! They must think we are all residents in a home somewhere. Or should be! LOL
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
well, come the day when I’m old, grey, and senile, I only hope I land in a home with residents like the ones on this blog.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
Where are jimmy smith and Lew tonight??
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
jjs and Lew are most likely researching “odalisque” and Proto-Indo-Eurorpean languages. I mean, can you love this blog or WHAT?
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Best blog on the web.
By TennesseePaul
August 19, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
Totally out of control.
By TommyB
August 19, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
Gnight all,
TB
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
‘Night, TommyB!
I was glad to see Ferry Layne back on duty tonight. Talk about a nasty bruise! That has to be very painful! Glad that’s the worst of it for him.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Oh lordy! Can’t type worth a hoot! Meant to say Jerry Layne. My apologies.
By MEB
August 19, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Did I read that journalist Bob is well and only suffering from computer problems? We definitely need the trio of Bob, jimmy, and Lew to celebrate the Braves fish fry.
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
MEB, someone talked to Bob and then emailed someone else who told me, but I trust both sources. Bob was having some sort of computer difficulty and broadband problems is my understanding. Not having heard from him, I was very concerned; most happy to know he is well! :-))
By ncscoots
August 19, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
much as I hate it, I’m gonna bid the blog a pleasant adieu tonight. Great fun as always. and could it be that I’m beginning to…believe? Nah…certainly not…well, maybe. I once knew a woman kinda like this Braves’ season, always hoped there, too!
By Carolina Lady
August 19, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
‘Night, Scoots! I think I’m going to turn in, as well. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be! :-)))
By ssiscribe
August 19, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
A quick hello from the southside of the ATL. Thankfully, Chucky pitched very well tonight. Great location. Pitched with confidence. Great to see, obviously.
The trio of Big Chad, Baez and Big Bob got it done in the late innings. Funny, how much confidence we have now with a lead going into the eighth inning.
Well, 4.5 back … you know what? We just might play ourselves back into this thing yet, and if we can shave two games off of the lead before Labor Day, I’d almost be willing to wager this team wins the wild card if it’s got four weeks to make up 2.5 games.
It’d be one hell of a miracle, for sure.
Finally, just throwing this out there, but my God, Brian McCann is the best young player in baseball. Dude does it all. He hits like nobody’s business, bad balls and all, he calls a great game and plays great defense. Man, he’s my Braves’ MVP this season, as much as Edgar’s been huge, Mac’s been a step above.
OK, outta here. One more tomorrow … if we can get a winning start outta Villareal, maybe we can get one outta Cormier.
Good night, fellow occupants of the blogosphere. As always, it’s a pleasure to share some cyberspace with all of you, and it’s a pleasure to have DOB spend the extra time he does to facilitate this forum. You da man, bro!
The scribe is out. Later!
By MEB
August 19, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Chucky did pitch a great game and deserves a share of the star player tonight with Brian McCann. Chipper had a good game and Larouche just missed a long home run.
Interesting that Cabrerra had such a great bat against Paronto but against Wickman he looked over matched. Paronto was throwing some wicked sinkers. Overall a good night for the Braves.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
The Braves average 9.4 hits a game. We’ve had 50 games with 10 hits or more. We’ve won 35 of them. That’s a .700 winning percentage in games of 10 hits or more. This team is a pretty good hitting team. We just strike out too much.
DOB: The family gets the AJC, but they don’t read the blog. I just recieved a call and one of them quoted your line. It’s a hit. Once for the scrap books.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
I was gonna weigh in, but it appears all have repaired to their bedrooms, or barrooms, or whatever. So I’ll just say, nice reading the posts and seeing how much all enjoyed the evening’s tilt.
As scoots, said, these Braves keep pushing you away, then pulling you back in. But as I said last night, folks, I really do believe they have decent shot of winning this thing. it won’t surprise me. Nothing will at this point.
A huge step just to win three in a row, something the home 9 hadn’t done since they won seven in a row before and after All-Star break during those heady days of 3-4 homers and 8-12 runs per night.
Now it’s back to a more realistic version of ‘ball, and how ‘bout that big trucker Wickman? Dude’s got the potential to be a huge fan favorite if BRAVES DO THE SMART THING AND SIGN HIM UP FOR NEXT YEAR.
I don’t care what precedent dictates, how John S. has done this stuff in the past or whatever, the failures of the host of closers these past two years, and last winter’s repeated failings to sign any of the guys they went after to replace Flakeworth … er, Farnsworth, necessitates that all efforts be made to sign this big ‘ol hoss ASAP.
How ‘bout Mad Dog tonight. Give him 10 runs or more, pretty good chance he’s gonna win, eh?
I know Javy Lopez has his fans _ hi ladies _ in Atlanta, but did the Sox really think he was the answer when V-tek got hurt? i guess they didn’t have a lot of choices, but Javy is a shell of the player he was in Atlanta….
Last thing _ Philly goes from being sellers before the trade deadline to being buyers a month later? OK, whatever. I guess they saw that no one _ NO ONE _ in this wild-card field looks particularly formidable and that they might as well get back in the race, since they never fell out of it despite dumping payroll.
Welcome back, SSIscribe. Glad you’re back among family and friends.
Peace
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
MEB, you’re right on all accounts. Chuck was damn good, Chipper almost had a third double or triple off that scoreboard, and LaRoche just barely missed a homer to straight center.
TennPaul, one question: What’s wrong with them? They don’t read the blog?! Have they no interest in higher mathematics and pop culture?
Beckett, nine walks. NINE WALKS! Are you kidding me?
I’m going down by the pool to smoke a Cohiba (yes, the real ones. Nice to know folks with connections). From my balcony, I see there is movement down there, lifeforms.
Gonna be a quick turnaround before it’s back to the park in nine hours.
By Ptown Bravo
August 20, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this
This is the best blog in the business. Nice hosting, DOB. How long have you been the Braves beat for the AJC? And, with this forum as a microcosm, how tough was your readership in south florida during some of their re-tooling years compared to your readers here during this entirely antitypical Braves season?
By Ptown Bravo
August 20, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this
And by the way, as long as you’re bringing it up, DOB, it has been a long time gone for the trade/cut/kill Rochy and Chipper crowd. I don’t know how many of their combined 150 RBI’s have come with 2 outs, but Rochy and Frenchy have been a nasty L-R combo for opposing pitchers. And, most of the time, McCann is in scoring postion for them. 150 with 40 still to go…making maybe $3 mil combined? If the Braves had started the year with Wickman, how much more revenue would they be looking at if they were right now putting the finishing touches on #15 and gearing up for a less-than-stellar first round playoff opponent? Ownership, whoever that is or may be, cannot afford to let the big man fly.
By Head Coach
August 20, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this
Yep , they should focus on resigning Wickman. I really dont think Schuerholz has the money to sign both Baez and Wickman. The Braves must offer arbitration to Baez , otherwise he is a free agent. Anybody notice how much more effective the top of the order gets when Giles isnt leading off ? Three in a row ,lol. Here come the heartbreakers again. This team is really going to be a World Series contender in 2007 , thats of course barring major injury to the pitching. Go Bravos !
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this
Ptown, just saw your question as I was coming to turn off the laptop. Regarding S. Fla. readership vis-a-vis the Braves followers in this unusual (for Atlanta) season.
Really difficult to compare for myriad reasons, not the least of which is the vastly expanded opportunities for feedback from all you. Not until the last couple of my seven-plus years covering Marlins did we even have direct e-mai queries from readers, and no blog to speak of, obviously. We didn’t even have our e-mail addresses on our byline, I think, until maybe the last year or two I was at Sun-Sentinel, though it’s hazy now. Can’t remember exactly.
But anyway, only a miniscule amount of feedback from readers because of these reasons, and on talk radio in South Florida is was mind-numbingly redundant and booorrrring talk about who the Dolphins would draft, which linemen they might pursue in free agency, etc. Really a one-horse town for most of my years there. Only when Marlins won it all in 1997 did the team take center stage on the sports scene there, and then only briefly because Huizenga blew it up and gave it no chance to capture the public imagination the following year. I left in 2002, so i wasn’t there in 2003 when they won it again.
Passion for baseball in Atlanta is so much greater, in terms of sheer number of fans. It’s not a small, hard-core audience like the Marlins had in my years there. It’s a huge audience in Atlanta that’s not at all reflected by mere attendance figure. The 30,000 or so who attend the games are only a small percentage of the Atlantans and the fans nationwide who really are devoted to the Braves and live and die with their every loss. I know, because I get the e-mails and see the responses here.
I don’t know if I’ve even answered your question. Tough one to answer because, as I said, it’s night and day. Many younger Braves fans are new to this scratching-and-clawing just to try to get in the playoffs. Fans in South Florida, at least the majority of sports fans there, treated baseball as if it were a dying sport, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their market was an exception to the general rule of baseball thriving in most other markets.
And on that note, I’m falling asleep. Take care. Keep bloggin’.
And try to listen to at least a few of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings CDs, the ones he did with Rick Rubin late in the great Cash’s life. Because they’re important, and in my humble opinion, can have a real impact on our lives.
Or I could just be full of pretentious crap. But I don’t think so.
By 10-7-4
August 20, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
Hello. Hello!! Gosh, sure is quiet in here. If I’m really still, I can hear myself think. AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH
By 10-7-4
August 20, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this
OK fella—I see you. And just who are you?? Why, I’m 35. Who are you. I’m, 10-7-4. Do you have authorization to be in here? 35-look 10-7 whatever, let me be frank with you,well no I’m 35, I can’t be ‘frank’, you be ‘frank,— but if you’re frank you can’t be 10-7-whatever. Oh well nice to meet you, we may meet again, you never know, cause it’s a small world. 10-7-4”aaaaaaaaaggggghhhh”
By MEB
August 20, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
Hey 35… yeah it was strangely quiet without the Grinch, journalist jimmy and bob, Lew, MBATL, nathan, and our other favorites. I would not expect them to be gone for too long.
Did you hear the report on Tom Glavine on ESPN. Tom says he is experiencing “coldness” in a finger on his pitching hand. Doctors are unsure whether Glavine’s problem is related to a blood clot or possibly a “knot” in an artery near his left shoulder. The report even mentions the possibility of an aneurysm. I hate to hear news like that because has always been a favorite of mine and a true professional.
By krath
August 20, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
DOB hit on a subject that does kinda bug me when he said, “I don’t care what precedent dictates, how John S. has done this stuff in the past or whatever, the failures of the host of closers these past two years”
Thank you for saying that!!! Schuerholz has been great, that goes without saying, but my impression is that he is a stubborn guy who is gonna do it the way he has always done it no matter what the outcome. He has made some great moves over the years, but he has also miscalculated numerous times as well. Any time you will let an important piece of the puzzle walk away simply because you “don’t do it that way” you’re failing to grasp the business of baseball as it’s played today.
What if a pitcher refused to adjust his game plan when the opposition comes to the plate sitting on first pitch fastball and knocking him all over the park? How long would he stay in the game?
Schuerholz bemoans the “economics of baseball.” He complains that he can’t compete for talent against the teams with unlimited payroll (although I’ve never actually heard him say he can’t compete for talent he has alluded to that fact)
Well if you can’t compete head to head in a bidding war for your OWN TALENT, then you try to lock that talent up before they hit the open market!! Geez this isn’t rocket science!!
So Schuerholz can continue to cry about baseball economics yet be too stubborn to adjust the way he does things because that’s the way he’s always done it.
I wonder just how many “ex” Braves might have still been here if JS were flexible enough to realize that today’s market DEMANDS flexibility.
By TommyB
August 20, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ to anyone…
I’m having a small issue with the way the Red Sox have been (mis)playing the past several days. I have a —major— (or should that be major?) issue with seeing the Yankees creep back and solidify their lead.
Here’s a Heads Up. Phils Acquire Moyer
From MLBTradeRumors:
*n 25 starts this year, Moyer’s been just about league average. He makes about $6.5MM this year and has been a Mariner since 1996. Last year, Moyer used his no-trade rights to block trades to Houston and Atlanta at the trading deadline.
The changeup artist has remained effective into his early 40s. Here and there, he’s been stricken by home run problems. He’s given up a lot this year while playing half his games in a ballpark that’s neutral for home runs. Safeco does deflate right-handed homers by 12%, though, and Moyer is a southpaw. Citizens Bank Park inflates home runs by 21% overall, 20% for righthanders.
The Phillies are fourth in the wild card standings, 2.5 games behind the Reds.*
With the way they’re behavin’, post-Abreu, they ain’t gonna go quietly.
By TommyB
August 20, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
The Real Test: Can They Do It At HOME?
By TommyB
August 20, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
MEB, Didn’t hear the Glavine story yet and I agree. I’ve always liked him and followed him after he left the Braves. I do hope it gets fixed soon and he’s back in the saddle.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Wait until we get to .500, then I’ll start to get warm and fuzzy. The last three days have been nice, but…..
By KC
August 20, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
I think this whole struggling at home thing has been nothing more than a coincidence (it’s where they happened to be when they weren’t playing good baseball). At least… I think it started out that way. There may be a little bit of a mental block about now after struggling at home for a long enough period of time.
However, if that’s the case, I can’t imagine it will take much to make that mental block go away. They won their last series at home. One more series win in ATL (against the Pirates this week) ought to get them feeling pretty good at home.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Just curious, was that the Energizer Bunny I saw in the Braves dugout? Huh? What?
Midlothian Post 186 now 2-0 at the World Series in Iowa. Had the pleasure of coaching many of those kids along the way. By the way I was down at East Cobb Complex in Marietta a month ago with my son’s team who were competing in the Perfect Game Wood Bat Champ. Outstanding complex and good baseball. Their Field #1 is an ideal field for spectating. If you get the chance take a game in there sometime. You will get a first glimpse of the future. Davies, Kazmir, and others have gone through there.
Pete Orr and Prado in the mix at 2nd. Think the Braves are nervous about trading Giles? Me neither.
Can the streak continue with Cormier? Everyone start praying about 1:00 today. No make that now, Our Father……..
By KC
August 20, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Just in the mood to make predictions. Write em’ down, and remember you heard them here first! lol! Here are my predictions (*barring anymore significant injuries!):
The Braves will reach .500 on Tuesday, September 5th, after going 11-5 over their next 16 games, at which time we will be 1 game out of the Wild Card lead.
We will then go 16-8 over the balance of the remaining games, winning the Wild Card with an 85-77 record (finishing 2 games ahead of the Reds).
Again, these predictions are assuming no further significant injuries to key players. Let’s hear the predictions! Come on… be brave (no pun intended) let’s get em’ on the table. What do you think will happen over the next 40 games?
By KC
August 20, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
dadgum:
Don’t forget about Wilie Aybar. He also plays 2B.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 20, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this
It looks like they may be getting on a roll. Maybe what DOB said about the lockeroom after Wednesday’s game had some effect. Maybe these guys now realize that they have no more time to jack around. They have to get it going now.
I hope they can go out and get a win today. It will be tough against Willis but the last time he pitched against the Braves in Florida they roughed him up pretty good. I also hope that Cox has no qualms about pulling Cormier at the first sign of trouble. At this point in the season every game is a must win and there can be no more of “giving” games away.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
KC….you could certainly be right there. I was thinking about Aybar more as a backup plan for Jones and Renteria on that side of the field. Not sure the Braves got Aybar with 2nd base in mind but indeed it could turn out that way should he be the answer to leadoff. Who knows. I do know that Giles will be dealt especially given his contract/arbitration status. Nothing else makes any sense. At least to me but then again what do I know.
The off season could be very interesting but wait we still have this season to finish. Go Braves!
By KC
August 20, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
dadgum:
Yeah, the Braves wanted Aybar chiefly to replace what they were giving up in the LA trade (a young backup third-baseman with a lot of upside). However, one of the first things Braves officials said about Aybar when he came over is that he is also a good fit at 2B, and is comfortable playing there (Unlike Betemit, who the Braves felt lacked the agility to play that position).
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Prediction Braves final 86 -76. It’ll take a hell of a run to pull that off, but anything’s possible right?
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Predictions huh….OK well I hate taking the math angle because variables will skew it one way or the other. This version takes into account that the Braves will stick with a 5 man rotation(not sure they will)and that the 5 man rotation is the 5 we are using now. Have no idea exactly when Davies will be ready but obviously he will get some starts but will he be any more effective than our #5. Too much to conjecture.
Ok back to the prediction, 40 games left, 5 pitchers=8 starts each: Assuming Smoltz doesn’t have a DC hangover the Braves should win 6 of his 8 given we actually have somebody to close. Hudson- well I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he is going to finish strong and win 6 as well. Let me add it is a shaky 6. Next up James- really like him but I will say he is at best 5 out of 8 but we will stay at that number and hope. Villareal- not sold but will hope for 4 of 8. Finally Cormier (or any other addition from call ups or Davies). Frankly can’t see but 3 wins from this spot. Add them up and we have 24 wins from the 40 left. Seems reasonable but not too optimistic. Total = 82-80. This is about 4-5 wins short of where we need to realistically be to expect a wild card.
Now all this assumes the offense is going to put runs up so we have leads. I think they will continue to hit well. Frankly I feel Bobby will have to go to a 4 man rotation to get the number of wins needed once Sept. gets here. The key will be Davies and if he is effective then a 5 man might work. Folks, the Braves won’t get it done trotting Cormier out every 5th game.
The above wins doesn’t necessarily mean the starters will get the wins only that the Braves will win games when they start. I hope. The 40 games starts today with Cormier. Sure would be nice to get that #5 starter a win.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
I think if I’m GM I think long and hard before giving up Giles. He’s had a rough year, but is a consistent .290’s type hitter with some pop, still only 28 (or 29?), and a fine fielder. I’m not saying he’s the best in the game, but would hate to lose him.
Even if we trade Giles, it doesn’t likely solve the leadoff problem. Aybar can do it, I guess, but I think he’s destined more for a Betemit type role, backing up 2nd and 3rd. (if he’s not CJ’s backup, then who is?)
So who’s at 2nd? Prado? a nice young player but not a leadoff hitter and not much power… so a decent #8 hitter probably.
Frankly, it seems to me that for ‘07 we could sign pretty much everyone back, except Pratt and Orr (replace them with Pena and Escobar); and still have room to sign Wickman. Working on some numbers for that… will get back to you from the payroll dept.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this
As for predictions, I conducted a poll:
Head said: Braves win 60% from here on out, and finish 82-80, and miss the WC by a couple of games;
Heart said: Braves win 65%, and finish 84-78, win a playin game with the Reds, and go into the playoffs tired but on emotional high.
Flipped a coin, and Heart won (it always seems to…) See you in October!
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
MBATL(still look at that and see MeatBall- in a good way)…I like Giles and don’t want to see him go but the Braves will have to move some payroll to get the pitchers they need for next year. First Giles ain’t going to be leadoff and since he hasn’t embraced that role JS knows that he has to get that true leadoff and it will come with a price. Second, well he plays second which is known more for defense than offense so a small drop off from any potential .290 ain’t bad. Giles can get hot but too inconsistent especially when he falls back to the #2 hole. Prado is better than you think and Orr well maybe is morphing into a consistent threat. Who knows?
Outside 2nd base there isn’t a single position the Braves have that the incumbent won’t be back. Simply an outstanding lineup. Diaz most likely will be in LF which is really the only position that is questionable at this point. Someone is thinking what about Andruw? Well that is depending on what Giles will bring them in return. First the Braves main objective is to sign him quickly long term. His agent Boras is telling him to drag it out. Bad situation. I think it is 60/40 Andruw is back so I have him in CF until told otherwise.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
My heart says they win every game!
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
trivia, football right around the corner,…What is the oldest field still in use in Div.1? Quick it is easy! Is anyone out there?
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
(hope tis formats okay…copied it from text editor…and won’t know til I send it…)
I’m trying to get a grip on our payroll for next year. Below is a starting point only, for bringing back the team pretty much as it stands now (with a couple of minor changes noted), WITHOUT signing Wickman or Baez. I’ve put asterisks by guys that are due arbitration raises, and I’m just guessing at numbers for them.
I’M NOT SAYING THIS SHOULD BE OUR TEAM, but trying to get a starting point to see how much we armchair GM’s have to spend on F/A’s. Oh, and
I’ve put all the ML minimum guys at half a mil; this is probably high, but didn’t know the exact numbers so it’s a guess.
Starting 8 (assumes current lineup with raises for Giles and LaRoche): McCann .5 LaRoche 2.5 * Giles 5.0 * Renteria 6.3 C Jones 11 Francoeur .5 A Jones 13.5 Diaz .5
SUBTOTAL: 39.8
Starting Pitching (Switch James and Davies if you want; money’s the same): Smoltz 8.0 Hudson 6.0 Hampton 8.0 Ramirez 4.0 * James .5
SUBTOTAL: 26.5
Relief Pitching (Before signing Wickman, Baez or any other F/A) Davies .5 Villareal 1.0 * Boyer .5 McBride .5 Paronto .5 Devine .5
SUBTOTAL: 3.5
Bench (Assumes Orr and Pratt don’t return): OF Langerhans .5 OF/1B Thorman .5 2B/3B Aybar .5 C Pena .5 SS/3b Escobar .5
SUBTOTAL: 2.5
TOTAL PAYROLL: 72.3 MILLION
I’M SURE THERE ARE MISTAKES OR MISCALCULATIONS: let me know your thoughts.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks for doing the math MBATL on the payroll. Andruw for one won’t come at 13 mil next season. Minimum 15 with a signing bonus of a couple mil. You will have to figure in Wickman because I think the Braves will resign him somewhere in the 4-5 mil range. The Braves should have a couple mil to play with if your numbers are skewed high as mentioned for a few players. Either way Giles at 5 mil simply won’t work if they are to plug the lead off / #2 pitcher type holes they need to fill. The best thing we can do is hope Giles finishes strong so we can trade him for something good in return. No way he is on the Braves at 5 mil next year and the Braves won’t offer him arbitration either. They have enough in the system that we won’t miss him. I mean personally we might miss him but not on the business side.
By knowitall
August 20, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Morning blogmates. Haven’t read all the post but CL, I have a story to equal your post 8:08 pm last night. Just yesterday I changed the blade on my mower. After I was done, I stood there pulling that rope to start the thing for what seems like an eternity. I figure it must be flooded by now so I stopped for a few minutes and then repeated the process all over again. This carried on inadvertently for about 2 hours before I realized that I had disconneted the sparkplug wire to change the blade. Talk about feeling stupid.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Howdy, knowitall! Funny!!! Makes me feel soooo much better! :-)))
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
dadgum, what’s the “#2 pitcher” spot you reference? Do you mean a #2 starter?
By knowitall
August 20, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
I hopg Glavine’s ok. I know he’s been given a lot of crap by the fans since he’s left but I’ve always been a big fan. Besides, the guy did deliver our only WS title.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
Well, I was surprised to hear about Glavine. I don’t find it easy to cheer for the back-stabbing, money-grabbing, union cog, but I wouldn’t wish an injury on him. At the same time, it is a little exciting to see the Mets have problems.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Cormier can’t catch a break. Every time he pitches, it’s against a good pitcher and Pratt and Orr are in the line-up. He’s going to do well today. He must. I think he’s do anyway.
GO BRAVES
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
Why, why, why is Pratt catching today???
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, does McCann’s lingering ankle injury make day games after night games especially tough?
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
MBATL, you may have answered my question!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
MBATL: Playing as a catcher for Bobby Cox makes playing day games after night games difficult. I like Cox, but he’s a “better safe than sorry” type of guy
By Lew
August 20, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Dadgum-Are you aware that Andruw is already signed for $13.5 in 07. He is not eligible for free agency until after the season. Whether or not they can re-sign him is immaterial to next year. MBATL-I wouldn’t expect that Boyer, Devine, Langerhans, Paronto or Davies will make anywhere near a 1/2 million. That’s why things are set up the way they are. They are totally at the mercy of the club until they are arbitration eligible, which none of them are. They will make closer to $350,000 than to 1/2 mil. They may give McCann a heftier raise, but doubtful on the others.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Way to go…d@mn. Pratt is up. Come on Pratt. Try not to hit into an inning ending triple play
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
Todd Pratt is a multiple murderer of rallies.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Wait, make that mass murderer of rallies…how many is that this year?
By elbravox
August 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Finally today is my last day and I will finish my summer experience with a little known beer named Presidente. Pratt and the bases loaded? Is that his last name?
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
Pratt numerically may not be the worst 5th day catcher we’ve ever ahd (though I don’t remember anyone with worse) but what is it with this guy? Why is it his Karma to come up in potentially game changing, pivotal situations again and again this season only to never deliver. Retire already, Tank, you can’t play at this level anymore.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
I asked Bobby about McCann resting, and was actually thinking about how many of you and other fans will be wondering why he rested him again.
It’s day game after night game, but more importantly, McCann is just beat to hell. Some stuff that hasn’t even been divulged by Braves until Bobby mentioned it today. He’s got toe _ yes, TOE _ problems on both feet, got a sore ankle, and you should see his left thigh. It’s black and blue from basicaly knee to upper thigh from being hit by two foul tips last week, and got hit in the hand last night but stayed in the game.
Anyway, that’s why Pratt was in there to ground into yet another double play with bases loaded.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
ML minimum is in the $325-330,00 range. If Orr keeps playing and hitting like he has, I would imagine that Giles’ days are numbered. I also think that Wickman will go for at least $5mil per year for a two year contract.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Or, as Bobby said, “both his toes are [messed] up.”
yes, “both” toes.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
Hey, at least Pratt got the run home. With Cormier on the mound, that might be all we need (insert cute “just kidding” web symbol here).
Thanks Lew; as stated, I knew half a mil wasn’t the right number, so I rounded up, not knowing the actual numbers.
CL, I don’t know if the injury is a factor or not. I’m a hopeless defender of Bobby against the slings and arrows hurled his way, but the Todd Pratt issue really tests my blind loyalty!
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Oh, thanks DOB… I can return to the comfort of assuming that Bobby Knows What He’s Doing!
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB! And a good one you are, too! Both toes, huh? (Who are we to question Bobby?!) Sounds drastic. Just wait til you-know-who checks in and reads that!! (Anybody having a sale on Listerine?? McCann is gonna need it!)
:-))
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! toe problems? toe problems? oh, the humanity! two toes? only two toes on mccann? two toes on both feet? one toe on two feet? this is very confusing. our all-star has bad toes? oh, the humanity! and look who broke the biggest toe story of the year - dob! dob is in touch with toes. dob covers toes like the dew. journalist will place a call to wurlitzer on monday morning.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Note to CL: don’t try to read blog, watch game and post at the same time!
What I meant to write: Thanks, DOB!
(And a fine one you are, MBATL! defender, just to clary that…)
then back to DOB - the remainder.
sigh….. :-))
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
:-)))))) I knew it!!!! :-))))))
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
MBATL: Assuming a 10% increase in all players salaries that are arbitration eligible or not signed to a multi year deal It turns out as below. LaRoche is pulling in less than half a million this year. His arbitration will certainly be more than 10% increase. The list below contains more than 25 players. Figures are in millions.
Position 2007
LaRoche 1B 0.46
Thorman 1B 0.37
Aybar 2B 0.37
Chipper 3B 11.00
Orr 3B 0.37
McCann C 0.37
Pena C 0.36
Andruw OF 13.50
Diaz OF 0.36
Francoeur OF 0.42
Johnson OF 0.37
Langerhans OF 0.38
Boyer RP 0.37
Cormier RP 0.38
Foster RP 0.39
McBride RP 0.37
Paranto RP 0.37
Ray RP 0.37
Stockman RP 0.36
Villarreal RP 0.51
Wickman RP 5.50
Yates RP 0.37
Davies SP 0.37
Hampton SP 8.08
Hudson SP 6.00
James SP 0.36
Ramirez SP 2.42
Smoltz SP 8.00
Renteria SS 6.00
Total: 68.52
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
All those salaries I got from some site someone posted on here a while back. It had all the ML salaries. So I took them all in and entered them into my database and crunched the numbers. Also, Giles isn’t included in that list. But as you can see, it’s up there. Depending on Arbitration values we have anywhere from 5-10 million extra. Wickman is included with a 10% raise.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
dob got a little testy with journalist jimmy smith when jimmy smith pondered in spring training if there might be a two-toed player on the team. admittedly, journalist thought it might be uh, another player - not mccann. learning that mccann has hurt “both” toes means journalist may have been right but wrong - much like all journalists. this also redeems dob who did a toe count for this blog during the spring and noted no toe deficiency on uh, another player. now, has dob seen the toe configuration on our best young player? if not, then all bloggers must join journalist jimmy smith in asking dob to confirm toe numbers after the game. this must be done discreetly to preserve dob’s clubhouse privileges and reputation. flbravesgirl is not going to take this well. imagine - only two toes on her favorite player and both toes are (messed) up. journalist knows mccann is better with two toes than pratt is with ten or eleven.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
Do you think Pratt appologized to Cormier for his double play ball with the bases loaded?
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Cormier is still getting no run support. This is unbelievable. He’s pitching a good game.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
The only place in the state of Florida that looks like Montreal is the baseball stadium. Unless there are a whole lot of people who came to the ballpark disguised as empty seats today.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Too funny!!! Matt Diaz leaving his body print in the left field wall. Great to see teammates getting a laugh over it. :))
Letting the run score is not so funny. :((
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Let’s score some runs! This is retarted. Cormier is throwing a good game and no one hits. I blame Pratt.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Lew….obviously we have him signed for next year but if we plan on keeping him I am referring to the “new” contarct he would sign basically nullifying the first. My guess is that he would sign this in the off season. If Not i doubt we will sign him during the ‘07 season. So either we sign him early or trade him. He should be able to give JS an indication if he is workable on the contract.
My only thought really is that if AJ starts the ‘07 season with Atlanta without a new contract the less likely it wil be that he will stay with Atlanta. Don’t think the Braves aren’t aware of that.
Please pass this on to Bobby and John….Pratt needs to be benched. period….There is a catcher up here in Richmond by the name of Brayan Pena. He can hit, catch, call a good game. Why is he here catching for a team 27 games out of 1st when he could be in Atlanta backing up McCann. To quote Caddyshack Wellll…..we’re waitingggggg. They don’t have to wait until Sept.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
FRENCHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that left the park! Didn’t look like it would.
Way to go FRANCOEUR!!!
GO BRAVES
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
None of your payrolls mention the $1 mill BJ will get when he makes teh team as a non-roster invitee again next year.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Dontrelle could not believe that Francouer hit that pitch out. Unbelievable!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Cormier is throwing real well. Let’s get him a W!
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Was that a driver or a wood Frenchy was using? Man, he’s got his faults, but the guy is clutch.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
ernesto: No. They don’t. It’s safe to assume this is his last year. Even if he wants to come back. LaRoche has proven he doesn’t need to be a platoon player. And we have a plethera of outfielders.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
So what do the Braves do now? Courmier has pitched six solid innings and breezed through the last three batters. Game is still tied and the bottom of their order is due up. I say we let him pitch another inning.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, that was sarcasm, - the only guy more done than BJ is Pratt, but he won’t give it up…at least he walked.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Walking Pratt. That’s gotta be worse than walking the pitcher.
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Nice start, again, for Cormier. He had absolutely no luck vs. Nats (it was Nats, right) last time out, ‘cept the bad variety…bad hop, lousy D, and no bats in the line-up. Looked like he was headed for the same fate until Francouer went deep…how the heck did that ball go out? Granted, not the first time he’s done it, but still…
Funny Diaz moment, too…wish Andruw’s face could be seen…would’ve been classic, but body language said it all. At least no ‘toes’ were hurt!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Yates. Yates! I wanna win. What’s with this move?
By Lew
August 20, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
MBATL-I would like to see them extend AJ in the offseason, too. If they do, I bet next year will cost even less if they can backload things. Welcome back Sir James-Did you enjoy rescuing 35’s ancestor during the French Revolution? It was the best of times-Oh the Humanity.
By elbravox
August 20, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
yikes, it’s Yates!
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 20, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Why is Giles swinging at 2-0 pitch from a pitcher that was obviously having trouble throwing strikes?
By Tonight on TBS
August 20, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
After the game…
National (League) Treasure (2004)
Tim Hudson (nicholas cage) and the bRaves pitchers discOver that the secret to Winning the wild card race iS conTained inside this synopsis, but can they decipheR It in time to overtaKe the other tEamS.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
Yank him. Pull him out now while we still have a shot.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
When Yates walked the first man I would have brought in Paronto. Ticks me off!!!
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 20, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Oh my god….please Yank Yates before is bases load 1 out. No hits.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
I hate this Mets pitcher. Take him out of the game.
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Geeez…..what a huge surprise…….Yates coughs up the game again……
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Hmmmmm, Yates.
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Is cussing allowed, or censored! I’m ready to cut loose with &%_$%!
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
That’s not nearly the hole we’ve come to expect from “Get ‘em on, get ‘em on some more, get ‘em in” Yates. Underachiever!
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
No, no, no, Salty!!! You get demerits! And then you have to clean up the blogcarpet whenever somebody from ‘another’ team comes in and makes a mess on it. Whew! Just in time, huh??
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
SaltyDog55, were you in fact a ‘salty’? Did you ever serve on #55?
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
CLady I knew you’d set me straight…but, oh, it would’ve felt good!
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
CL…nope, ‘fraid not.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Salty Dog… an old Flatt and Scruggs song
Let me be your salty dog Or I won’t be your man at all Honey let me be your salty dog
DOB and our resident music lovers will approve (I think).
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Huge game, Renteria on second, 1 out and Chipper and Andruw can’t get it past the plate. Not good.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Salty, didn’t think you sounded old enough to have served on her, but thought I’d ask since 55 is part of your name. She is now moored here in my hometown.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s go Braves! Time to score.
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna cuss…demerits or not!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
What an absolute drag.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Langerhans… this is your time to shine. PLEASE COME THROUGH!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
now, journalist bob. journalist jimmy smith has learned on good authority (e-mail from carrier pigeon who carried message from person who had phone conversation with friend of vet who helped ralph after bite of blue worm that sickened bob’s cat) that bob is suffering from gigabyte. journalist is not sure where the giga bit bob but journalist’s imagination is running wild on the subject. did this bite occur in the bathtub? or the bed? most of bob’s time is spent asleep in the bathtub or bed so how was the giga introduced to the scene? do gigas swim? if not swimmers, bathtub bite could be eliminated. if it was a bite in bed is this the origin of “don’t let the bed bugs bite?” is a giga a bug? a bird? what kind of creature? maybe the odious blogger is a giga. in fact, he shall be considered a giga henceforth and from hereon. gigas are a pain in the (journalist must not be graphic here) … a pain in the area of the bite. let us hope bob applies a salve and stays off the good furniture until the giga bite heals. whew! good to be back.
By SaltyDog55
August 20, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Why bunt…even if a DP, likely to the right side and the runner’s on third! Sheesh!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing the harm that comes when Pratt and Yates are in the Game. That amounted to at least 3 runs. 1 by Yates, and two by Pratt.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
I’m glad whoever that clown was who kept up the Donkeyin teh clubhouse song is gone, the only thing worse than losing like that was hearing from that incredibly unfunny idiot afterwards. I understand the logic, guys on 2nd and 3rd with only 1 out would be sweet, but…ouch!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Braves average 2 runs a game for Cormier. It’s retarded. In games Cormier starts, the runs allowed is lower than any other starter. Yet we are 0-4 in those games. I believe Pratt has caught all of them. We need to win for a while. Cincy is winning. Every team is winning. We’re back to 5.5 and 10 teams. Stinkin’ Pratt. We have a position player batting below the Mendoza line. He’s been here the whole season. After a whole season he’s still stinking up the place.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
You know that feeling when you have the breath knocked out. Well this feels like that or worse. I don’t like the strategy when we are talking about a hitter that is never called on to sacrifice bunt. With Larouche up and McCann on deck I keep the bats in their hands. DANG!!!
By The Man
August 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
DOB - did notice that LaRoche did the following:
Watched the bunt instead of busting butt from the start.
Pulled up instead of running through the base.
If you didn’t see this, watch the replay. I don’t care about this guy’s hitting; his work ethic is disgraceful. He should be traded immediately. What are your thoughts on his consistent lack of going all out?
By opposite of nyfan
August 20, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Headline says “Fragile Mets may lose Glavine for season.”
Fragile? Yes!
By Del
August 20, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Another Pratt start ==== another Braves loss!!!
By The Man
August 20, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
You can’t blame this one on Cox. 2nd and 3rd with one out should get the run home. Langerhans out would have done it. Blame LaRoche for doing his usual lollygagging. He should be traded immediately to KC.
By Pops
August 20, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
This is all on Cox. What a moron!!! As the lead article says LaRoche has been pounding the ball on the road. He never bunts. Why take the bat out of his hands? Even if he gets it down ok, they are going to walk our other good hitter, McCann. I can’t believe this. Why should we pay any attention to this team? If the game doesn’t go according to his script, Cox is lost. This reminds me of the playoffs every year. The man manages beautifully with three Cy Youngs, an eighth inning man and a top closer against bad teams.
Once again, unf*g believable.
By drmondo
August 20, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
I know this is off topic but here goes…with there being talk of Glavine being forced to retire because of injury, does he go into the Hall of Fame as a Brave or Met? I’ll always think of him as a Brave but does he? How about the league?
By what would DOB say
August 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
The Man: while this may not have been LaRoche’s best moment, you cannot condemn him based on 1 play. Bunting was actually not a bad idea. The execution was the problem. And the dude is slow - we know that. There were a lot of other things that the Braves did or did not do to lose this game. So don’t put it all on LaRoche, my man.
By The Man
August 20, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Pops - LaRoche also strikes out a ton. Can’t take a chance with that. Of course, that would have been better than the BS he did anyway. LaRoche sucks.
By The Man
August 20, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
what would DOB say: I’m not blaming him for the bunting, I’m blaming him for the execution. The complete opposite of Francoeur, who busted a$$ from moment one to get a double. That idiot LaRoche looks at the bunt, then pulls up before the bag, and not doing either one would have gotten him to the bag first.
By what would DOB say
August 20, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Pops: the bunt may have been LaRoche’s idea, not Cox. I’ll find out after I go to the lockerroom. Did you see Cox after the play. He looked surprised, or maybe exasperated.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
big sigh…..great disappointment.
Tempered by return of journalist jimmy smith!!!! :-)))
It has been said that gigas and all of their kind are instantly wiped out by Listerine. Also excellent for toes. And pesky ailments that ‘arise’ on the patooie - as attested by a fellow blogger!
By what would DOB say
August 20, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
There are three reasons the Braves lost today: Tyler Yates lack of control and some bad luck on some Braves well-hit balls that were caught.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
maybe it was gas.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
I knew the Larouche bashers would be quick to show up. This was a tough loss but Adam Larouche is a big part of the Braves this year and for the future. Yeah it hurts that he hit into a double play, at an inopportune time, but Pratt and Giles did virtually the same thing. I did not like the strategy but lets shake this one off and win tomorrow.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
journalist was on hiatus. the blog is an amusement and not so much fun with the vulgarities and such. jimmy smith is not one to be lewd and vulgar and certainly would never disparage the ladies who blog here. bloggers can be assured jimmy smith did not author those posts. one thing - bloggers can choose with whom they wish to blog … and journalist does not choose to blog with the vulgar person assuming many of our identities. now, baseball … this team has gone from tiny pitchers to big pitchers to very big pitchers. very big pitchers seem to work best. and now, pie … sweet potatoe pie is mentioned as no one’s favorite? not even in the top three? oh, the humanity! let’s feed wickman lots of sweet potatoe pie. carolina lady is good with a loon so maybe carolina lady can make wickman some bigger uniform pants. see, one problem solved first day back on the blog. now, yates … buy him some richmond pants.
By Balthazar
August 20, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
The Man,
A strikeout would’ve been fine, because McCann gets to swing. Instead our senile putz of a mananger takes the bat out of both LaRoche’s AND McCann’s hands. Not to mention we just hand Borowski, who couldn’t find the strike zone, two outs!
Even if LaRoche does get the bunt down, they walk McCann to pitch to Langerhans with Orr on deck.
LaRoche and McCann don’t get to swing but Langerhans and Orr do. Does that seem smart to you?
By The Man
August 20, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
what would DOB say - what’s the 3rd reason.
Journalist jimmy smith: he couldn’t have had gas twice, though the way he avoided the base, I think he did have gas on the second one.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Francouer’s homer was worthy of comparison to Vladimir. It’s a shame to waste one of Francouer’s best and most patient day of the season.
If Bobby is going to play Pratt have him leadoff where he can’t hit into as many double plays. Other than his veteran status I see no reason to play him. Bobby lives and often dies with his old vets. The only thing I have seen watching Pratt is he must be a funny guy.He cracks up his teammates. It’s not funny to watch him bat or try to throw.
By what would DOB say
August 20, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Amazing that everyone seems to be blaming Cox for one play that, in fact, he may not have orchestrated.
By Balthazar
August 20, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
LaRoche has a 1.148 OPS since the break. Hello? Bueller? Bueller? You gotta be out of your mind if you think bunting with him is a smart move.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
TheMan, an explanatory post from last night:
“(Translation: DOB says he has 2 last things to say and lists 3 or more. Adding information to a point already made, he said he just wanted to “clary” it. And “has did” is perfectly acceptable on the DOB blog - again, following his example!) Make sense??? :-)))”
I think maybe jimmy was referring to Bobby’s pained expression….
:-)
By little sammy scott
August 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
ha ha ha. the what would DOB say guy makes a funny DOB joke. and “the man” doesn’t see. must not be regular blogger. sammy read blog and figure out joke. sammy can count: one, two, three. maybe DOB can’t count. ha ha ha.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Watching Bobby I don’t think he called for that bunt.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
yes, the lady knows jimmy smith best. journalist was indeed troubled by bobby’s painful expression in the dugout and considered with all others huddle together at the opposite end of the dugout that gas could be a good explanation. hard to keep clean and fresh in the dugout with bobbycox. there are no tissues in baseball. that is not pomade in bobby’s hair.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Hey, Sammy! Thank you for so gently telling me of Soriano’s good points. I did some research and I find that I owe him an apology for being misinformed. He seems to be well-regarded by teammates. You are wise for one so young! :-)
By h. ramirez
August 20, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
If there are no tissues in baseball, what would explain the epidemic of soft tissue injuries among Braves pitchers?
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
no Listerine.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
That loss was one of many nails in the coffin. It’s nice to see the fellow blogger’s sense of humor is intact.
By h. ramirez
August 20, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
little sammy back on blog now. sammy’s mommy restore sammy’s “innernet privlitches”. Sammy naughty yesterday. pour milk on sammy’s cat, andruw. when andruw play, andruw’s eyes get real big and move from side to side. sammy also have dog name chipper. sammy’s daddy say chipper “long in tooth”. chipper won’t fetch. chipper only sleep. bad chipper! sammy think chipper problem is because of teeth, not toes.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Fragile? Yes. But I like Close To The Edge better. This team does not know how to bunt. Snowball-When I was at Mercer, In Macon years ago, Jackson Browne did a show with just him and David Linely. At least until an extremely state altered Greg Allman decided to come up on stage. He forgot the chords to Sweet Melissa four times. It was embarrassing and a terrible end to what was a good show up to that point.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
journalist out.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
This season is completely over. We have seen something in the past few days that is very promissing. Great starts from 2 through 4. Smoltz is Smoltz, so you know you’re going to get a good start from him next time. But seeing Villarreal and Cormier pitch solid games is such a relief. Seeing James and Hudson pitch much better is a relief. We need to keep up this good pitching. We need to keep Pratt and Yates out of the game, unless we’re winning by ten. We’re 3 of 4 right now. That kind of pace isn’t a bad thing. Now, we just need to only lose once a week from here on out. I’m hoping for 5 to 6 wins a week. It’s a lot. But… you wanna make it in this business or what?
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
I’m not that upset they lost the game because with Dontrelle on the mound I figured it would be a loss anyway. However, I’m a little ticked at the way they lost it. Cox just confuses me. Why did he bring in Yates into a tie game instead of Berry or Paronto? Also, I like small ball but sometimes you don’t use it, such as runners on 1st and 2nd and no one out with your hottest power hitter at the plate and your best pure hitter following him. I can’t be too upset with LaRoche because he doesn’t bunt. The worst thing that could have happened with LaRoche swinging away is that he would have hit into a double play with Francoeur at 3rd. If that would have been the case, the Marlins probably would have not walked McCann and pitched to him.
They need to shake this loss off and get back home and sweep the Pirates.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Whatever. I’m out, too.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
Sounds as if somebody is drunk. Must be a mean drunk. Must not regularly follow the blog, either, and has no sense of humor. No way to redeem intentional ugliness and meaness.
Carolina Lady out.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Lew ,I never got to see Lindley and Jackson. Jackson can write but he would never have rocked without Mr.Dave. Gregg Allman is either up or down. Sorry he messed up that gig for you. A friend just gave me a download of Lindley’s band El Rayo X. It’s a live show fom about ‘86. Really good.
By Glass Half Full
August 20, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
Wanna see grown mean slobbering? Watch Baseball Tonight since its Yanks/Red Sox after the show. 45 minutes of discussion of Big Papi and his clutch hits, “Manny being Manny,” A-Rod and the boo birds…then 15 minutes for the rest of MLB, touch ‘em all, and web gems. Did I miss anything?
By Glass Half Full
August 20, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
men not mean
By Glass Half Full
August 20, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
Prediction: if Glavine is done for the year, the Mets won’t make it out of the divisional round Braves-style.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Very scary story from today’s ajconline:
“Police arrested the 18-year-old Leli Friday night at Shea just before the start of the New York Mets-Colorado Rockies game and charged him with impersonating a journalist, the Queens District Attorney announced Saturday.”
Some of our resident journalists have reported being impersonated; hope this horrifying story acts as a deterrent.
By 10-7-4
August 20, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Greetings ‘Glass Half Full’—I concur on ESPN, they have become a shadow of their former selves. Also Mets do have some serious problems [pitching], bet there is so little competition.
By Ptown Bravo
August 20, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
Rochy broke my heart with that bunt DP. Was he improvising? I doubt it, but the camera didn’t lie when it caught him like a deer-in-headlights at home plate watching Frenchy get forced at third. If he breaks out of the box, he’s safe. Anger for a terrible bunt alone should’ve got him down the line before the Marlins can go 2-5-3 around the diamond. If there’s one thing Adam should spend the winter practicing it is putting his head down and running full-speed to 1st. Over and over and over and over. And over.
DOB - Went and got me the American V album to soothe my pain. The Man in Black keeps it all in perspective for me. I’ll wear out V and then pick up IV. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
(I wonder if maybe some of these begging-for-attention posts go away once public school starts back up? From the tone of some of these young, bruised egos here today, summer might be stretching out a little long. Anyone got a date on that? Can’t come soon enough.)
By 10-7-4
August 20, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
MBATL—perhaps this explains absence of ‘journalist Bob’. Maybe he is in lock-up.
By Glass Half Full
August 20, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
In south Georgia the kids have been back 2 weeks and we teachers have been back 3 weeks already.
By Glass Half Full
August 20, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
I take teaching in stride though. Each week is one closer to football.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
I don’t know who called for the bunt, but (without the benefit of hindsight) it was a genius call, IMO. You’ve got the infield back at DP depth, and a slugger at the plate. And in theory, it keeps you OUT of the double play.
Course, there is always the matter of EXECUTION, which didn’t quite pan out.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Bet you’re right, 35. Do they have internet access in the Queens jail system? Should we start a fund for his bail? Can Bob handle himself in that environment? (uh-oh, I’m on the verge of impersonating a journalist myself…)
Anyway, back to the bunt call: if the sacrifice is successful, you have men on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. Bat Langerhans instead of McCann; if they want to walk someone, it’s Langy. Still got McCann with 2 out, 2 on, if they pitch to Langy and get him out.
If the SAC is not successful, then you’ve got McCann and Langy with 2 on; decent odds.
Just can’t count on a DP on a sacrifice bunt.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Sheesh… I just re-read my post… typo of typo. Not even Steve would have caught that. Meant to say This season isn’t completely over.
We can sweep these Pirates. Get them in the cross hairs and take them down.
By Journalist Police
August 20, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this
The biggest journalist imposter on this blog is DOB!!
By MEB
August 20, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
MBATL… I agree that you can’t figure a DP into the equation in that situation. It was absolutely the worst thing that could have happened. I would have preferred keeping the bat in both Larouche and McCann’s hands. Very disappointing loss but the fact that the Braves gave themselves an opportunity to win is commendable. I don’t see any sign of quit in this team.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Well, I would have bunted in that situation and been wrong, too. My main question is do these guys ever practice fundamental baseball? This is not the first time this season someone couldn’t get a bunt down. I swear the WBC this spring threw everyone down the rabbit hole. Basic stuff just has been gone from the entire season. However, Cormier turned in a credible performance. I am greatly heartened by the improvement in pitching this wee (Smoltzie’s performance was an abberration). With the pitiful level of competition for the WC, we may just stand a chance. Maybe. Snowball-Allman had just gotten divorced from Cher about that time, which was known to be a time of massive heroin use. It showed that night. Bill Maher once said that he wouldn’t reccommend that anyone ever do heroin, but that it hadn’t seemed to hurt his music collection. He must not have many live albums.
By TennesseePaul
August 20, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure, this late into the season, that it’s the WBC’s fault. This team is really young. Younger than in seasons past. Plust it has Pratt on it. But they do need to work on the fundamentals
By MEB
August 20, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
Having just read Mark Bowman’s article it was Larouche’s decision to try and lay down the bunt. Unbelivable!!! Bobby can’t believe it, neither can Chipper. I’m afraid we gave one away today boys and girls.
By Lew
August 20, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-What I really meant was that if you spend spring training dealing with fundamentals, it becomes ingrained throughout the season. There has been a distinct lack of fundamentals exhibited throught the entire season. Too many players missed too much time this spring. It is important learning how to play with your teammates and if they are off stroking their supposed national pride (which is fine that they do, but not at the expense of becoming comfortable with your own team), then they would have been more polished throught the year. It definitely affected Francoeur’s start and the infield defense has also suffered. Renteria was new and Chipper, Giles and LaRoche needed time to acclimate to his style of play. Half the pitching staff was off somewhere else and I bet it affected them as well. I, for one, hope that we don’t see that tournament again, at least not in the spring. It takes too many players away from bunting practice.
By dadgum
August 20, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
Brayan Pena needs to be on the next flight to Atlanta. I understand that Bobby can’t just quit on Pratt out of respect I guess but come on. “Double Play” Pratt is just killing us. Quit talking about the Larouche bunt. We had a huge chance to go up big early for our #5 starter and he hits into a double play. That by the way doesn’t even count as an RBI. Every play during a game has a bearing on it not just the late ones. We did give this one away pure and simple. We actually gave it away more than once.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
MEB, wow! I can’t believe (a) that Adam took it upon himself to do that; and (b) that Bobby and Chipper were so candid (critical) about it. I thought the bunt made sense, but not without the runners knowing it was coming, and not without Bobby’s blessing.
This is not good, I fear. We don’t need Adam in the doghouse, but he may have earned his way there.
By Adam LaRoche
August 20, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Hey don’t blame me, I got that A D D D D D D D D D D D D D D something or other.
By Journalist Police
August 20, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
The entire Braves team should be locked up for impersonating MLB players!
By tyyosh
August 20, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
The team began this slide the day before Yates appeared in his first game. The team is something like 10-24 in games in which he has appeared (not all 24 losses are his fault, I know…) Is it possible that some players for whatever reason just attract losing? Of course, Pratt sure seems like another one in that category.
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with dadgum, whether LaRoche should have bunted or not (not in hindsight), at least he won’t bunt next time. Given the next opportunity to end a promising bases loaded, no one out situation Pratt will be on it like DOB on an esoteric music reference. when was the last time we won a game Pratt played in? could Pena be any worse than mind-numbingly, remote hurlingingly, horrible ala Pratt? hang ‘em up big boy, every thing you’ve ever done was yesterday.
By MBATL
August 20, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure I read that Pena is hurt and not available for callup (not that we’d call him anyway, I guess).
By Journalist Police Has A Small Wee Wee
August 20, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Psychologist have shown that people who make outrageous statements trying to belittle others on a blog have small wee wees’
Hear that Journalist Police?
By saltlakedawg
August 20, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
The bunt made perfect sense if Otis Nixon, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux or John Smoltz were at the plate. Not living in Atlanta anymore I don’t get to see the Braves everyday, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen LaRoche attempt a bunt, which makes this totally mind boggling.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
okay, journalist will try again … it is interesting that dob features a player in the blog and the player figures prominently in the day’s game - sometimes good and sometimes bad. this has happened several times. this is another reason the letter will go out to the wurlitzer people tomorrow. now, adam laroche … his hunting buddy has disparaged him in the paper! if uh, chipper thinks you aren’t smart you probably aren’t. and what of the toe revelation today? both toes on brian mccann are injured at the same time! let’s see … if a player is in the game would he realize that his bunt would take the bat from nl batting leader mccann’s hands? some others said that laroche stayed in the box too long and slowed at the bag. this journalist agrees that laroche did not run through the bag and does not understand why. still, he is hitting really well at this time and bobbycox will accept responsiblity for the miscue before morning. the fact that the bench is so weak is attributable to manager’s preference. oh yes, isn’t paronto the ground ball specialist? why was he not summoned today? the team cannot continue breaking down like today. when will pratt catch again? 5 days? or will toes turn the tide?
By ernesto
August 20, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
it’s going to take an incredible tear, and Villareal and Cormier ptiching like they did in their last 2 starts for us to have any chance at all…and of course, we need the good Huddy. Still, I look at that Cinci team and I could see them losing 6 straight…everyone else is gonna do what they’re gonna do.
By Head Coach
August 20, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Adam Bunting ? Not a bad idea if he could actually execute and get it down. Of course he didnt and Cox is probably going to bench him , I would. The team is getting just a little testy and thats a good thing , this season is starting to wear on them and they are realizing just how desperate the situation is getting. Cox bringing Yates in to pitch the seventh ? What was he thinking , lol. Yates has probably pitched his way out of a job. Inspite of the fact that this team has gone nowhere in the wildcard or standings I really believe they are improving. The starting pitching is getting quality starts from Smoltz , Hudson and James. Davies is on the mend and will further improve things. Marcus Giles looks like he could be out of a job , everybody else who has been at second has outplayed him . The Pirates are coming , we could sweep them. No , wait I forgot…. we are at home , lol.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy… it has become apparent that our beloved DOB does indeed have a nose for news. This is truly a gift and one that should not go unrecognized. While certainly a Wurlitzer is merited in what field of journalism should he be nominated? Is it possible that a journalist could possibly be nominated and receive more than one? My extensive research in Wikipedia has located two possible categories:
Explanatory Reporting — for a distinguished example of explanatory reporting that illuminates a significant and complex subject, demonstrating mastery of the subject, lucid writing, and clear presentation. Beat Reporting — for a distinguished example of beat reporting characterized by sustained and knowledgeable coverage of a particular subject or activity.
A double Wurlitzer does appear to be in order.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
well, meb has a point. journalist has nominated dob for beat reporting because dob describes dob as a “beat writer”. still, one could also reason that dob might qualify for explanatory reporting - except that the toe explanations offered by dob have become very confusing to this journalist. still, this was breaking news and a scoop for dob. if this nomination secures the beat reporting wurlitzer then bloggers can bid on the pulitzer won by luckovich that is now on e-bay. dob’s own bloggers can obtain the second prize for dob! imagine dob with three awards - a wurlitzer and a pulitzer!
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
jimmy, you have to handle those pulitzers carefully! They can be quite cantankerous and will peck the daylights out of you if you don’t watch it!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
keep them with the looms, carolina lady and they will behave themselves.
By krath
August 20, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
I actually think it’s kind of refreshing that Cox and Chipper are calling people out. Maybe the press isn’t the ideal place to do that in most cases, but sometimes it can serve a purpose….. as long as it’s not overused as a motivational method.
I agree with an earlier post in that at least maybe this is a sign that the “its ok we’ll get ‘em tomorrow” attitude isn’t the feeling in the clubhouse.
It’s been said that before people can be cured of an illness like alcoholism, they must first acknowledge publicly and to themselves that a problem exists. Not to equate a game with a serious problem like alcoholism, but the Braves have to admit flat out that they are not playing very well and aren’t playing smart or with a proper level of dedication and determination. Only then, can they address just how badly they have performed this season and attempt to remedy the situation.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
You are brilliant, journalist jimmy! I never would have thought of that! :-))
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, I am suffering from both chronic and acute toe disfunctions. Do you have any connections or references in the great NW?
LaRoache is worth keeping next year But don’t give him a long term contract. He might get better but people don’t get smarter.
google encarta.com then to the dictionary and look up Prat. He is a joke.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
Thought provoking post, Krath. It (comments to press) is certainly a change of pace, isn’t it?? Wouldn’t I love to be a fly on the wall at times!!
How’s it in the beautiful mountains tonight?
By MEB
August 20, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
krath… Excellent post! I can’t wait to see how the Braves react to this loss. At home with Smoltz on the mound this team needs to really turn the heat up and win big.
Does anyone really think Bobby would sit Larouche?
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
MEB, I don’t know if Bobby will do that, but I’d bet a nickel to a doughnut that Adam gets/has gotten his ears singed! :-)
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this
journalist’s trip to the seashore was delayed by the untimely disappearance of four of journalist’s favorite people: baby seal and hartebeest - and now journalist bob. all but one are now accounted for - so, soon journalist will begin trek to the coast to find the best seafood restaurants recommended by the various bloggers. would everyone please repeat your recommendations?
two toes are not that unusual. seals have two toes. if snoball’s chance needs toe attention in the nw, journalist would recommend calling a toe truck. this mobile toe doctor can address both chronic and acute toe issues for snowball’s chance.
and what of the banner of st. george? carolina lady is being surprisingly reticent in this matter. carolina ladY?
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
Gonna watch Entourage before I post, but I’ll just say, the LaRoche decision was totally wrong, period, and he and everyone knew it. No excuses. Just a dumb play.
Dude who posted at 4:24 p.m. using my name, you’re pathetic. Do you even know what acumen is? Are you a tough guy? Why don’t you e-mail with your real name at my AJC address. It’s on my byline (or do you know what a byline is? Or read the paper? Or read?
Hide behind that fake name. You’re gutless and have nothing to offer here. Give us some info, or something witty, or shut up. You’re beneath the folks on this blog, dude. IQs over 90 here.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
I would love to get journalist bob’s take on all of this. We need to prepare for quite the post when he overcomes his giga-bytes.
I think the Yankees are going to knock down the Green Monster.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
90? jimmy smith suspected as much. now, journalist bob (amber alert still out) speaks fondly of three-digits and here we are with only four!
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
Hey, Dave! Can’t wait to read your comments! (I’ve just written 5 different questions, then realized “Dummy! He’ll answer them in his post!”) :-)))
By TommyB
August 20, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
Hello everyone,
Just briefly checking in before closing the laptop down. All day I’ve been moving files off an old computer to a new one (kids machine) and all the sidetracks that can bring. Fried my iPod in the process. It was all ongoing throughout the game this afternoon and when that wound up the way it did, things were nice and snowbally.
Just finished the project and watched OldBoy.
DANG! ! !
That is one hell of a MOVIE!
The story is incredible. The execution of it in celluloid is, too. It is NOT “a kung fu movie.” WAY Beyond that. We used the dubbed version and it really wasn’t intolerable. Actually the dubbed vocals weren’t bad (as dubbed vocals go), but I’m sure what Dave was referring to was the lack of sync with the mouths of the actors.
(Dave, thanks for recommending it. The wife did actually watch. I think she liked it. She did bail right towards the end… You can guess the scene. I’m heading to deepdiscountdvd.com to get a copy.)
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
Well, I just discovered that Littlejohn (grey tabby) likes chocolate pudding! Opened a small cup, put it here on the desk, went in another room to get something, came back to find him happily lapping up my snack. :-)) (Once had a cat who liked cucumbers!)
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 20, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
All I can say about LaRoche is the intention was honarable but the thinking was moronic. I don’t understand him when he says that they would walk McCann and load the bases with one out. So, what? What? Did he think Langerhans would save the day? I hope this bonehead mistake doesn’t come back to haunt this team!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
meb is right! journalist bob is going to have some kind of long, long, long, blog when journalist bob returns. jimmysmiththinks that bob may set a blog record and tax the capacity of the ajc server. maybe bob was acumen when the giga bit. journalist was told by baby seal that a giga bite is like a billion bites. bob is going to be pretty sore.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
Oh! The banner! Well, it IS coming along … Who knew there were so many threads!? I’ve been working on it while sitting in doctor’s waiting rooms with mother. That has worked well with the exception of the incident with the cleaning lady’s vacuum in one office. Did you know that a vacuum can be taken apart with a nail file? Yep! Anyhow, that took most of the time for that visit, but I’ll catch up this week: appointments Mon-Tue-Wed-Thur-Fri. Should be in the mail Sat.!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
carolina lady has did it now! quick! retract your post to dob! soon dob will return to the blog and see “dummy, he will answer them in his post.” trust jimmy smith when jimmy smith tells you that carolina lady must not call dob a dummy while the wurlitzer people are monitoring this blog.
oh, the humanity! tightening in the groin again in the yankees game! will this groin tightening never end? due to giga bite, perhaps?
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
No, no, jimmy! I was addressing myself! I esteem DOB highly. Am not like some who have sullied our blog!
It’s very good to have you back! :-))
By DOB
August 20, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
DOB FUCKOFFQUEE*R! tuf guy
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
Well, by now I assume you’ve all learned that Bobby was totally surprised that LaRoche bunted. He did it completely of his own accord, and his explanation left us scratching our heads. I don’t think even LaRoche was buying his own explanation.
Good dude, streaking hitter, but dumb mistake. Unlike the error back in May, in which one could argue that John Thomson should have been able to stop the bleeding before 1,2, 3, 4 … how many unearned runs scored? Unlike that day, today the loss really was directly caused by LaRoche’s play. By that I mean, if he just hits a fly ball to deep right field or center, he’s going to at least move the runner to third base. And the way he’s hitting, there’s a good chance he hits a gapper or maybe even hits one out.
Worse-case scenario, he strikes out _ I don’t think LaRoche grounds into a double play there if he’s trying to get the ball in the air _ and McCann comes up with runners on first and second and they’re not going to intentionally walk him without first base open.
Anyway, just a play that made very little sense. But hey, it’s over. And no, Bobby would not bench him for that. At least I’d be shocked if he did.
But Bobby’s postgame comments were about as close as he comes to condemning a player’s decision-making. For Bobby, that was about as close to throwing a guy under the bus as he ever gets. The quote from Bobby, by the way, was “I don’t know what the f he’s doing” [on the play]. Couldn’t get that in the paper, of course.
By flbravesgirl
August 20, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
CL, chocolate can be poisonous to cats!!!! I had a cat who liked choc. chip cookies and then found out it can damage their livers ( I think it was livers, this was several years ago). She also liked potato chips, particularly BBQ-flavored, and peas.
journalist jimmy, I appreciate your concern over my reaction to the “both toes” comment. However I think Bobby just must not have expressed himself clearly. Toes are important to balance. I don’t think Mac could squat and stay balanced with only 2 toes.
By MEB
August 20, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Quite a few of the Yankees and Red Sox appear to have tightening in the groin based on the size of their mid-sections. Manny, Big Papi, Abreu, Giambi, Schilling all appear to have trouble keeping their shirts tucked in. Funny that the fit appearing pitcher Mussina has to leave the game with the dreaded groin tightening.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this
Hey, good post at 10:59 _ who IS this comedian? Welcome to the blog, man. We need more funny guys. Although, just a tip _ please don’t take this personally _ most of us are out of high school and the ‘ol “queer” humor just, well, it’s a bit weak.
But keep trying. You’ve been a busy little boy today, posting several times under several funny names. Kudos, kid. I might not even ask them to block your little computer address, that way we’ll allow you to keep entertaining us. Please, more gay lines. Those are the best.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
Wow, flbravesgirl! I didn’t know that! As far as I know that’s the only chocolate he’s gotten into and I appreciate the warning!!
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
TommyB, just noticed your review of Oldboy. Outstanding. Glad you dug it, man. I thought you would. pretty wild and intense, huh? How ‘bout the squid scene? And the, uh, tongue? Yikes! That would had me squirming, man.
Great acting. I liked with the subtitles, but glad to hear the dubbed stuff was good, too. If you buy, you should definitely try it with subtitles and let me know which is best.
(for our new blogger, subtitles refers to the english translatin, or french or spanish translation or any other languate other than what the actors in the movie are actually speaking. They run along the bottom of the screen, so you can read along if you’re not able to speak the language fluently _ like you with English, apparently, judging from your monosyllabic posts).
By Calvin
August 20, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, What’s the latest on John Thompson’s shoulder woes?
By flbravesgirl
August 20, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
Glad you saw that quick, CL. I was going to post it again bolded to make sure. We had to watch Tink ‘cause she really liked chocolate. Strange tastes for cats must have run in the family because her daughter loved that peppermint ice cream that is only available at Christmastime.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Dave, I read that BJordan is about to come off the DL. Any conversations on him recently? (Please tell me that he will not be in the lineup again this year…)
By Calvin
August 20, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t see how Bobby can take LaRoche out of the lineup, today’s mistake notwithstanding, when BJ comes back. He has hit left handers a lot better than Jordan has this year.
By krath
August 20, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady,
It’s rainy in the mountains tonight. Has been all day. But as Scarlett O’hara once said…. “tomara……. is anotha day!”
Good night…. and pleasant dreams….
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
TommyB, A few nights ago someone,[cough, chop this]was posting under my name. That’s not cool. But you have used me as a adverb or some other english form,i.e. snowbally.. I am flattered. DOB, I wager that you majored or minored in English. What the hey is snowbally?
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this
Nothing new. And frustrating for everyone. It’s almost as if they’ve just shrugged their shoulders at this point and said, hey, whatever. That’s the impression I get. Nobody’s counting on him to be back this year.
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Dob. Did you get back to ATL already or gotta go in the am? I don’t envy you the airports and travel these days!
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
I have been critical of Laroache tonight, But I would not take him out of the lineup.If he would have told Bobby he was gonig to bunt I would have loved to be a fly on the wall.
Yo, Coach, I think I should bunt.
What the f++k, You can’t bunt. and if you could, I would have to give the baserunners a head’s up.
Duh, really
Yeah, Reaaaly. Just go hit.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, BJ is being activated Sept. 1 because rosters can be expanded and there’s no reason not to activate him. But don’t worry, he will only get limited playing time, I’m sure. Probably pinch-hit, maybe get a token start or two in what will likely be his swan song.
Calvin, you’re right _ LaRoche has been raking against lefties. Actually has a higher average now vs. them than righties, or least did before today.
Snowbally? I don’t know. If I wrote that, it was a typo. I can’t clary its use for you. I don’t remember the incident in question, my man.
Majored in journalism, not English. Which is why I can use words such as clary without feeling guilty.
(Oh, for our new friend: A “major” is the particularly area of emphasis for your studies in college. Like political science, or biology, or business. Suffice to say, something you probably won’t have to worry about. But just in case, that’s what it is.)
By Carolina Lady
August 20, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Git him, DOB! :-)))
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
Make that “particular” not “particularly” _ although it doesn’t much matter, since the person it was directed at probably stopped about two syllables before the “ly” anyway.
Snowball, I like that dialogue.
Carolina Lady, go back tomorrow. Not looking forward to Monday morning crush at the airport, but at least Ft Laud is much less a mess than Hartsfield on a Monday.
Couldn’t really schedule a flight tonight because you just never know when you’re going to have a long rain delay at a Florida game.
By Snowball's Chance
August 20, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, You didn’t use snowbally, Tommy b did and he probably doesn’t know what I am talking about and neither did you.Just being my parochial school smartass.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 20, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, how about a chocolate-eating seal? and, as to the toes and balance … if the toes are webbed does that increase balance? jimmy smith is conducting tests with baby seal (two toes) to see if baby seal can squat and stay balanced with only two toes. journalist will report findings to flbravesgirl as soon as available. carolina lady, watermelon would probably flush out littlejohn - works with bob.
By Carolina Lady
August 21, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this
Y’all have a great night! Time to turn in. See ya tomorrow sometime! :-))
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
Is Jimmy Smith any relation to THEE Jimmy Smith, the master of the B-3 organ. I know, toes might be an organ.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
sadly, that jimmy smith has passed. this jimmy smith cannot play the b3 organ but is quite accomplished with the kalimba thumb piano with resonator made of kiaat wood and tines of high quality spring steel. of course, samite is the ultimate kalimba player. does snowball’s chance play the kalimba? journalist is listening to joe morgan right now and it is like the screeching of owls to jimmy smith.
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this
jimmy, I don’t know of any chocolate-related problems for seals. If baby seal eats ballpark food then he can probably digest anything.
And I seriously doubt that Mac has webbed toes.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
Damn, I thought Jimmy Smith could just write. Jimmy smith knows his s**t. I do have a kalimba, made from a gourd. I have tried to play with my toes but the results were better with my fingers.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
yes, flbravesgirl, but there is strong evidence of a web-toed player on the uh, team. does flbravesgirl recognize how many toe issues this team has faced already this season? it all began with the mis-alignment of john thomson’s toes early in the year and now we have mccann with both toes hurting. dob does a masterful job of reporting on these toe issues (one blog almost entirely devoted to toes - a memorable blog worthy of a wurlitzer) but these reports leave journalist jimmy smith somewhat confused. both means two, right? oh, the humanity!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
time for journalist to go.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith I have a friend that I always give a heads up when someone we should see comes to town. We were too slow and missed Jimmy Smith’s last show here. He was the man. The first time I heard a Kalimba was Taj Majal in ‘69 or ‘70. he is a playing ethnomusicologist. Whoa, That is more syllables than microcosm.
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
There has been a great number of toe problems this season. Perhaps they need a team podiatrist, team pedicurist and team reflexologist? jimmy smith is familiar with reflexology, I’m sure. The practitioners of it believe that different areas of the feet and toes correspond to organs of the body and that massage and manipulation of the feet can improve the health and function of the organs.
By Calvin
August 21, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien, I am to assume that paragraph about nothing new to report is about Thomson?
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
can’t hurt.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 12:51 AM | Link to this
Webbed toes. The Humanity indeed.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Lew, what’s up.
I did notice that my Lab had webbed feet, but it was the 60’s and there were many nubile unclothed girls in the creek, too.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this
Evening Snowball-Been downstairs listening to Electric by The Cult, letting the blood pressure med kick in.
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
You never know what you’ll read about next here, right Lew? Snowball, if you mean the reflexology can’t hurt… I wouldn’t turn down a foot massage, even if I thought their theory was a load of hooey, would you?
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
Blood pressure meds sounds serious.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, Reflexology is legitamate.Even if I can’t spell it.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
My blood pressures not too bad, but they give it to me so the diabetes doesn’t total out my kidneys. I take so much prscription stuff you’d think I was back in the 60’s and doing drugs. Keeps me going though. That and Rock and Roll.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this
FlBravesGirl-Nothing surprises me any more after listening to some of what Sir Jimmy comes up with. After Hartebeests and beer drinking, cheese munching Ugandan Blue Worms, Reflexology sounds pretty reasonable to me.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this
as anyone over 55 I have a myriad of problems but I feel for you, Lew
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
I questioned Jimmy about his namesake and he came back strong. He is a funny guy that knows his music and his baseball.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:16 AM | Link to this
Appreciate the sentiments. I hit 55 this June-it comes with the territory. Not quite time for them to carry me away kicking and screaming. FlBraves Girl-Do you ever go to any of the Rays games?
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
flbravesgirl, You brought up Vinnie Castillo a while ago. Has to be the best player thrown into the expansion draft.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this
Well, the stuff kicked in. Time to go to bed. Talk to everyone later.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
Lew, The good stuff makes you stay up.
By Head Coach
August 21, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this
Howdy , just thought I’d chime in a word of encouragement. Did you know the Braves are actually 24-19 since July 1st ? In July they went 14-10 and so far in August they are 10-9 . Who knows they could actually have two months in a row with a winning record. At 58-65 they are still eight games under .500 , so maybe with Smoltz , Hudson and James pitching well and Davies coming back they could see .500 by the middle of September. God forbid , they could finish with a winning record. I said could , but not likely since September’s schedule is a whole lot tougher than August’s is.
By Tomahawkin
August 21, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this
Where da he!! is Da Grinch….? I just got back from a frat party… I thought that when I got on here that the Grinch Would be holding it down…
And D.O.B. I gonna listen to some old R. Kelly His first CD 12 Play is a classic
Oh yea, D.O.B. Can U tell Me why Tyler Yates is still on da team… He Su….Oh i’m not even gonna go there…
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
Head Coach , It ain’t over till it’s over. The NL is so weak the Braves could be in it till the end.
By Tomahawkin
August 21, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this
Gotta go pass out, Got class 2morrow, I cna’t wait to see all da new broads on campus, Thats the only reason to go to school…
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 03:13 AM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, Are you still with us, I bow before your ability to type a state of mind.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2006 05:43 AM | Link to this
Lew, hope you had that Cult “Electric” turned waaay up.
How ‘bout “Love” album from a couple years earlier? Man, I wore that thing out my junior year of college. “Sanctuary”…
…yeah the fire in your eyes keeps me alive/ the fire in your eyes keeps me alive
I’m sure in her you’ll find the sanctuary/I’m sure in her you’ll find the sanctuary…
OK, the lyrics weren’t exactly Dylan-esque. But man, did that song rock and stick to your brain pan, or what?
By ssiscribe
August 21, 2006 06:59 AM | Link to this
Top of da morning to everybody! Actually, I just got up, which is quite nice. Throw out two years at an AM paper, and I’ve been rolling out between 4:30 and 5:30 every morning since, oh, high school.
Not anymore. Going in early for day one on the new gig, and I still slept until 6:15 or so. Man, I can get used to this!
Totally dumb play by LaRoche yesterday. One of the hottest hitters in baseball since the Break, and he bunts?? Love that dude to death, but his actions boggle the mind sometimes.
Time to come home and make some hay against the Pirates and Nats this week. Absolutely have to play well at home, starting right now. Stumble through the next seven days, and any hopes fostered the previous week could be dashed for good. Play well this week, and the hometown nine’s still gotta shot at this.
Thanks, all, for the kind words about me and the family moving back home. It’s been great, as you can imagine. Hopefully, the Braves will feel the same way, starting tonight.
—30—
By dadgum
August 21, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
I will go out on a limb here and say the Braves have to win every game on this homestand to get the wild card. After yesterday’s giveaway there will be more losses so a hot streak, at home to boot, would right the ship for awhile. I think we play Pittsburgh, Washington, San Fran. Very doable win streak.
Of course, we can win the wild card without the streak but it is going to take something along the order of a 9 game win streak to get it done. About time it started at home.
I mentioned earlier in some posts about Pena being called up but one of our esteemed bloggers mentioned he was hurt. Dax Norris caught yesterday’s game at Richmond and Pena is day to day as I understand. My bad for not knowing what was going on in my backyard. Nevertheless they are almost 30 games out. Can you blame me?
Why is it that Pratt always comes up in the worst possible times? Never fails! His at bat, in my opinion, was as bad as LaRouche. 2nd inning, bases loaded, no outs, no rbi’s. Incredible. Yeah we scored one run(not an rbi) when 2 should have been minimum. Pratt perhaps should have bunted like Larouche.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 21, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
The Braves have to go 7-2 on this homestand. That would mean they would have to sweep someone. I think the Pirates or the Giants next week could be the best candidates.
LaRoche made a stupid play, but I hope he gets past it quickly.
By dadgum
August 21, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
Gotta run, things to do people to see thing. Why is it the only Braves games televised this week are the weekend Wash. games? All Wash. games home or away are blacked out within 150 miles of DC( a concession from MLB to the Oriole’s owner) so no Braves telecasts this week for me. I know you guys have my back so I will check the blog for the “real” scoop.
DOB you are the REAL scoop of course….the rest of the blogscribes are the “real” scoop. Got it…great. Also good idea to block some of these young Neanderthal-brained posts that add nothing to the blog except to remind us that there really are weirdos in this world even on blogs. Don’t they have better things to do in New York?
Busy week….gotta get after it. Food for thought….Try to do something on this earth that will make life happier for someone after you are gone. You will have a richer life while you are here.
By TommyB
August 21, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
Dave,
It was the “tongue” scene that sent the wife running to the kitchen… never to return. That made me start laughing and unable to stop for a few minutes. Just that image of her backside in sort of a semi-sprint, headed to the kitchen.
The squid scene was INCREDIBLE. I bet that was a one-taker!
BTW, DeepDiscountDVD has it for $18.61 (new).
By TommyB
August 21, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
Snowball’s Chance,
Got this from Burgin’s Universal Dictionary, 3rd Edition:
Snowbally
Sorta, kinda like a snowball.
Hope that clary’s it for ya.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
Dadgum, agreed on Pratt. We all were sitting there in amazement when he came up with bases loaded in second inning, because before the game in our talk with Bobby, the subject had come up. It was something about how with Pratt in the lineup, he’d surely come up with bases loaded in the second inning. And then he did.
Makes you long for the days when Eddie Perez could be counted on to deliver an occasional big hit, I tell you that.
As for the children posting yesterday _ I agree, it’d be nice to block it, but it’s too difficult. Our AJC.com people are swamped and understaffed as it is, and they do a hell of a job organizing this whole thing (if you knew how few people they have doing it full time, and how much copy they handle every day, you’d understand what I mean).
Best they can do, if the seventh-hour detention kids decide to post the eighth-grade-level bile, is to remove it afterward. Some of it gets through the filter, as you saw yesterday.
Now, I will say, if the same person uses the same computer to post a bunch of that garbage, our tech folks can easily block out that computer IP address (or something like that; I’m not tech-savvy) and make it impossible for that person to post on that computer.
And I might just add, if your life reaches the point where your comments are so repulsive as to get you blocked from a blog … well, god help you, because you’ve got some iissues to deal with.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
Flight to catch. G’day to all
By TommyB
August 21, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
Yates
OK. I know Bobby was thinking “He’s on the squad and he has to get it worked out. We’ll need him fully operational pretty (starts with an f)ing soon.”
I wonder if he’s now past that and on to the “Does he have any options left?” mindset.
Does anyone know the answer to that one?
By KC
August 21, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
The good news:
Another solid start for Cormier (he actually pitched even better in his previous start than the box score would indicate).
Cormier gave up the bomb in the 6th, but overall he stood toe to toe with D-Train, and did pretty well. He kept the team in the game, and what more can you ask of a AAA call-up?
So far, we’ve had 3 starts from this Cormier/Villareal combination, and all three have been good starts. That is definitely encouraging. If we can keep getting quality starts out of these guys, we’re gonna win more of their starts than we lose, and that will help our cause a great deal.
Other good news…. The Pirates are in town.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Morning All-DOB, You better believe I played it loud. I’ve got acoustical tile on the basement ceiling and you can’t hear a thing upstairs. Sonic Temple is also a good Cult album. Kc-You’re absolutely right about the pitching. If we had this level of starting pitching throughout the season, who knows how close to the Mets we would be. Well, maybe it’s not too late, but we have to win games like yesterday’s.
By KC
August 21, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
Lew:
Yeah, yesterday’s loss was awfully disappointing. But… again, the Pirates are in town. A little 6-out-of-7 winning stretch would be nice. Let’s get to work boys!
By TommyB
August 21, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Glavine
From MLBTradeRumors.com: “Tom Glavine’s got a possible blood clot, which could mean season or career-ending surgery. At least his life is not in danger. The news first appeared on an ESPN message board from a man said to be Glavine’s brother-in-law. Back when Glavine appeared healthy, the same source indicated that the southpaw would finish his career with the Braves, at any salary.”
By KC
August 21, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
TommyB:
This sort of thing may certainly be season ending, especially this late in the season… but I’m assuming it would be in no way career threatening?
I don’t know if there would be room in Atlanta’s rotation next year regardless of how little money he’s willing to play for. We’ve already got 6 guys for 5 slots next year.
By geauxbraves2000
August 21, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
I, again, haven’t read the entire blog, and again, maybe this has been said so I apologize if so, and again, maybe it’s old news and we need to move on, but I still want to say it: What kind of moronic senile move was that yesteday w/giving LaRoche the bunt sign, one of the best road hitters in the game. Is BC so stuck on “by the book” that it doesn’t matter who is batting and what their numbers are. I swear, he probably have Babe Ruth bunt in that situation. Of all of BC’s bonehead moves, that was the worst.
Oh yeah, bring in a picther w/an August era of 15.45 in a tie game in the 7th, yeah, that’s a good move. Made me feel secure. This was the automatic loss game for the Braves in which they actually had a chance to win, so this loss is on BC totally.
Okay, I’ve vented. It’s a new day, tonight is a new game, the Braves still have a chance, so:
Geaux Braves!!
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
LaRoche. Can’t believe it. Oh well. We should win every game the rest of the week.
The Braves should have two goals against the Pirates. Beat them. And hold Sanchez hitless. I’d like to see Sanchez go up there 12 times in this series and go 0fer12. At the same time, I’d like to see McCann go something like 15 of 20 PA a couple of grand slams (show Pratt how to do it).
By Carolina Lady
August 21, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Geaux, Bobby didn’t call it - Adam did it on his own.
By KC
August 21, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Yeah, not only did Bobby not call it, but he was fairly p*ssed about it.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000: That moronic call came straight from LaRoche. He did it on his own and solicited a curse from the mouth of Bobby.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
KC-We may have 6 pitchers for 5 slots, but Tom Glavine as a fifth starter at any salary would be a worthwhile deal (health, notwithstanding). It’s about damn time one of our pitchers won 300 IN ATLANTA! Niekro didn’t. Maddux didn’t. I sure wouldn’t turn down a pitcher who would lead to at least 10 more wins. Although I think Hampton will come back strong, Davies and Horacio may not be up to speed. A Glavine on the back end of the rotation could help a lot.
By geauxbraves2000
August 21, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me! If he was Juan Pierre or Jose Reyes maybe I could see the logic, but he is not a bunter, what in the world was he thinking? Maybe he needs a day or two off to think about it. Wow.
I humbly apologize to BC for I assumed he had called it, I stand corrected, I was wrong. I haven’t read any of the in game notes, I was so irritated about that play. Thanks for informing me.
Okay, let’s sweep the homestand!
Geaux Braves!!
By Lew
August 21, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t sit LaRoche, especially with his bat as hot as it is, but I would have the whole team take bunting practice for a week strsaight. I can’t beginto count how many times this year we haven’t been able to get a bunt down or advance runners. At least Diaz was trying to get Francoeur over when he got hit by the pitch.
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
10Paul, I love your 10:45 post. That sounds perfect!
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
10Paul, I love your 10:45 post. That sounds perfect!
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
That it does flbravesgirl.
If Glavine really is as hurt as they speculate, now would be the time to absolutely plunder the Mets system. I don’t know if they have any good players left though. But they’ll be in deep for a quality starter. Times like this I wish Thomson was still servicable. He’d be vastly over priced. If only he’d lasted this long, then we could have traded him at which point he could then he get hurt.
By KC
August 21, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
Lew:
Which two starters (we’re already going to have to bump one) do you bump to make room for Glavine?
We already know with more than 100% certainty that Smoltz and Hampton are going to be in this rotation next year.
Hudson is not going anywhere. With his struggles behind him, he’s far too valuable to trade. If he has a relapse (which I seriously doubt), he’ll be difficult to trade. So that’s 3 starters firmly in place.
Kyle Davies would be the obvious guy you leave out right now. As it is, he’ll probably already be left out of next year’s rotation unless he can come back and seriously impress in the final 5 weeks or so of the season.
But you would still have to bump either HoRam or C.James to make room for Glavine.
HoRam had 3 bad starts that really marred his ERA. In his other 11 starts, he had an EAR of well under 3.00 and, with the help of R.McDowell, solved his long-ball problems. If HoRam can stay healthy, I think he’ll prove to be a top-of-the-rotation kind of guy. And to remove him from the rotation would mean trading him. If the Braves are going to trade HoRam… I desperately want them to wait and give him a chance to prove what he can do when healthy, so his trade value will be at the appropriate level.
Certainly, if C.James keeps pitching the way he is, you don’t want to pull him out of the mix.
There’s no room at the Inn Lew! Who would you bump?
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the double post.
Lew, I just missed your question last night. I go to the Rays games occasionally. This year I’ve only been to the Braves series. Usually we go a bit more often but it just hasn’t worked out this year. I’ve got the MLBExtraInnings package so I get to see all but a few Braves games and I’d rather watch the Braves on TV than the Rays live.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
You can’t bump anyone. As wonderful as it would be to see Glavine back in a Braves uni, it would do more harm to the long term plan then it’d be worth.
We have 3 quality young arms right now and 3 solid veterans. If anything, I could see Hudson traded, he’s cheap next year and has a high upside. Hampton is untradeable. He has a no-trade clause and he’s coming off an injury. HoRam could be traded as well, but his value certainly isn’t as high as it could be. Plus, the other draw back is, we already have to choose between 3 lefties and 3 righties. Bringing Glavine back puts the potential for 4 Lefties in the rotation, and that just isn’t going to happen.
By geauxbraves2000
August 21, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
I would seriously doubt the Braves have any intention of bringing Glavine back. He had a chance to stay and chose not to. Now he’s what, 4 years older, and was in a little decline when he left the Braves.
I think CJ is going to be a very good pitcher for years to come, Smoltz is just dominant, and if Huddy’s problems are indeed behind him and Hampton does come back strong, then the Braves’ rotation next year would have to be considered the best.
Geaux Braves!!
By ncscoots
August 21, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Lew, I understand your ire re your request for the team to take bunting practice for a week, but…players such as Chipper, AJ, LaRoche, etc. are unlikely to be asked to bunt in ANY siutation. They’re paid to get ‘em in, not leave ‘em for somebody else. So, taking a portion of batting practice for bunting is pretty much a waste of time for those guys. Hey, most teams don’t even take infield any more!
By KC
August 21, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
TennPaul:
As you pointed out… HoRam’s trade value isn’t all that high right now, and as such, I would be very upset if we traded him this winter. Even if it means leaving Davies at AAA for a couple of months, we need to give HoRam a chance to show what he can do and bump his trade value up before we consider dealing him. Personally, I doubt he’ll be going anywhere though.
The only scenario I could see (and it’s HIGHLY unlikely) to make room for Glavine would be for the Braves to give Davies one more year at AAA, and temporarily move C.James back to the bullpen, where he’s already proven he can pitch effectively. It would give the Braves one more lefty in the pen, and one that can get right-handed hitters out as well. It might help the team by strengthening the bullpen while not losing anything in the rotation, but Glavine would have to sign for peanuts (relatively speaking of course).
But in the end… it’s never gonna happen.
By Snowball's Chance
August 21, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
It looked like La roache changed his mind just as a bunted the ball. He stood there like he was wondering why he ever thought of bunting. Every few months the criticism of him dies down because of his obvious physical skills, Then we get another LaRoache Moment.
TommyB you got me thinking. Maybe a theme park-Snowballywood.
By hk
August 21, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
jimmy, Carolina Lady, all …
… just got an email from Bob, here’s the message in totem:
“Thanks for your kind interest and prayers!
I’m better thanks … however, the folks working on my computer corrupted 2 hard drives, including the drive with the operating system and SQLServer … and I lost over 150,000 file segments … I have backups for most of my programs but because of the problems I have with the computer in Chattanooga … fried mamaboard and 2 drives, I had moved my backup computer to Chattanooga … so all the recent/current work was lost, including my SQLServer databases.
I haven’t had Internet access for over a week, including the time that the broadband modem was inoperative and was up all night reinstalling the operating system … just now got my emails … 40 concerned folks plus many pieces of junk.
It looks like another couple of days before I’ll really know what all I’ve lost … and I doubt that I’ll get on the internet until I have tested the installation and security … maybe Wednesday … so you can let them know I’m okay and that I gave my flu to the computer … seriously, I have no problem with your telling them exactly what happened … I appreciate your email for another reason … I lost my address book.”
By Carolina Lady
August 21, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Thanks, HK! Talk about worst case scenario. Wow! It’ll be good to have him back with us! :-)
By flbravesgirl
August 21, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
What a mess. Poor Bob. Thanks for passing the message on, hk.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Bummer for Bob. At least he’s still kicking.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Scoots-And it shows, doesn’t it? It’s time to get back to basics. Yes, they should be forced to bunt several times a day in batting practice. For a major league minimum of $325,000+, I have absolutely no problem with the whole bunch of them bunting. Whether or not they actually use it in a game is immaterial. They should practice it. It won’t hurt them and you never know if you might need it. The pitchers have botched quite a number of bunts, too. They definitely should practice on a daily basis. KC-Don’t count it out. I also have concerns about Davies and Horacio coming back strong. Davies’ was a bad injury, and as you may have noticed, Thomson has not been the same since his fingerinjury. Horacio has already had surgery at least once and has chronic hamstring problems. This is two years straight we have had severe injuries to our rotation. I think having Glavine at a resonable price would be an excellent move. You’re an extremely optimistic type, KC. I’m somewhat more pessimistic and I think we need all of the pitching we can get our hands on. Glavine would be a great addition, providing his injury is not career threatening and the price is right. Ther’s no guarantee that Hampton will be ok, either. I’m pretty sure he will, but…. Also, don’t discount the benefit of having Glavine around to mentor Chuck James.
By Jim
August 21, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Paronto and Baez were available to pitch today. That is why we saw Yates in the 7th. Maybe the bad move was not the one Bobby made yesterday in bringing in Yates to pitch the 7th, but the one he made on Thursday afternoon to not use Yates in the 7th inning in a 5-0 game instead of using Baez for 2 innings then. (And also having Wickman close out three 5-run leads in the last 4 days.)
By ncscoots
August 21, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
Lew, I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree, my friend. I can see no useful purpose served by allocating a portion of batting practice to developing a skill you’ll never use, when it’s tough enough to keep a swing in sync in the first place. I think Bobby’s reaction to LaRoche’s attempt kinda says the thought of that particular guy bunting isn’t going to occur to him anytime soon!
BTW, if he DOES get the bunt down, it’s unlikely that McCann would have batted with first base open. I think he would have been pulled back in favor of Langerhans, putting the decision to the Marlins: pitch to RL and give him a chance to tie, or load the bases to put the DP in order and pitch to McCann. Either way, a not-so-good scenario for the Fish. So, while I agree that Laroche bunting was bonehead, I can see the logic of his thought process (such as it was).
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
Yates may not be the answer to anything right now, but keep in mind that he is just coming off of surgery. He also pitched real well in July. I think he definitely has an upside and may well prove helpful next year. I blame yesterday’s loss more on inept hitters rather than on Yates. Dontrelle could have been touched up for more than he was. We had a runner on second with no one out and couldn’t get him in. Not Yates’ fault.
By Antonio McNugget
August 21, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Yates has been terrible for at least a month and a half. Period.
By Antonio McNugget
August 21, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
How can a journeyman pitcher (Yates) and upside be used in the same sentence?
Yea that Todd Pratt sure has a lot of upside.
By 10-7-4
August 21, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Greetings all, this just in to #10 News. The Braves, in anticipation of possible declining attendance,[ should the club be eliminated from playoff contention],has been entertaining a ‘special event’ for the home crowds. It seems they will have a race. However unlike the ‘sausage’ or Presidents’ race currently done in some other locales this race, will not be between costumed characters.It will be done using former Braves players. Preliminary trials however have been quite disappointing as the race always ends the same— Sid Bream, slides home ‘the winner’—Lonnie Smith, goes wandering out near 2nd base— Bob Horner, pulls up lame,—and Bruce Benedict, whom former Dodger skipper, Tommy LaSorda, claimed would “finish last in a race with a pregnant woman”—always finishes last. I thought maybe some of our great minds from this blog,could offer some possible assistance, by suggesting some other candidates and their probable outcome.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
McNugget-What everyone seems to neglect in relation to the bullpen being terrible (Yates in particular)-They are overused. In our orgasmic glee over having starters that actually look like Braves starters, we have forgotten that there still has only been one complete game since God knows when. You can’t keep the bullpen out there for two to four innings on a daily basis and expect good results. This may be a team that has more relief innings than starters innings.
By Adam
August 21, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
What happened to the days when relievers pitched more than one inning. Yates pitched 2 innnings, but I don’t think he was the right guy to pitch 2 innings. Why not have Baez pitch 2 innings? He’s not a closer and even if he is, the Braves are not in a posiiton to play by the new book of baseball. 5 1/2 out with all those teams to jump over means they need to try and win EVERY close game. No more Rentaria taking a day off. Unless the player is injured, get out there and play. You can rest or get better in the off season. If McCann isn’t going to catch every day, then he should have a bat in his hand ready to hit from the 4th inning on. Often times that is when the game is won and lost. He has been very consistant the entire year and the Braves need as many at bats as they can give him regardless if he has a chance to win the batting title or not.
Those holes in the bullpen aren’t going to shut. They haven’t for a stretch at any point during the year. So if Baez can throw 2 innings, then throw 2 innings or even Wickman for that matter. Try and win every game. No days off.
By KC
August 21, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
Lew:
Maybe I am optimistic… I don’t know. To tell you the truth, I really don’t believe I lean as far in that direction as you think. You never heard my take a couple years ago on those Braves teams that had J.Wright and Russ Ortiz as our 1,2 starters. You wanna talk about the antithesis of an optimist… buddy that was me. I didn’t believe in that team at all. I was shocked they ever even made it to the post-season. I just call it the way I see it, and it so happens that I have felt all year, and still believe, that the 2006 Braves have what it takes to make it to the post-season. I also believe that next year’s rotation and team as a whole is in excellent shape (on paper of course… can’t predict the future). If that makes me an optimist, so be it. But I hope you don’t think of me as deluded. I am fully aware of the potential concerns in regard to both this years’ team and next year’s as well.
I too am concerned about HoRam’s ability to stay healthy. I’m also aware that we’ll have a 40 year old ace, and a guy coming back from Tommy John surgery. That’s why I argue with anyone that suggests we should trade one of our starter for a lead-off man this winter because we’ve got 6 starters. You know, I know, and JS knows that the Braves need depth in their pitching staff. The thing is… I think they’ve got it. They have 6 starters for 5 positions, and should two starters get hurt, I don’t think it would be too hard to find a serviceable solution for your 5th starter. Heck, at the moment, we’ve got two stop-gap guys in our rotation, and so far so good. I don’t think the Braves are going to hurt for starting pitching next year unless 3 or more starters all go on the DL at the same time.
Picking up Glavine would either necessitate our bumping Chuck James (and I’m not convinced that Glavine can outperform C.James anymore) or trading HoRam, which I think would be a big mistake. If we’re going to trade him, we should wait for his stock to rise. I think we could get a top-notch prospect(s) for HoRam if we wait until he’s healthy and has had a chance to show what he can do.
Anyway, I would love to see Glavine finish his career in Atlanta. I just don’t see it happening.
By Antonio McNugget
August 21, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
I completely agree with the last post. But this fact doesnt make yates for example a better more proven pitcher.
Can Baez not go more than 1 inning?
By Lew
August 21, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Adam-Yes, there were days when players did more than they do now. But, guess what? Gas used to be .25 a gallon and a coke cost .05. Not anymore. You can’t ask players to do what they haven’t trained for. Yes, Baez could go out there and pitch two innings on two consecutive days, but how effective would he be? As far as Yates goes, McNugget. Personally, I don’t care if Yates is back next year, or surfing on his home beaches of Hawaii. Doesn’t make any difference to me. However, you call him a journeyman and he’s not. He was a rookie with the Mets in 04 and missed all of 05 with surgery. This is barely over a year since the surgery. Overall, he has been much better that others have been. He does have an upside. So he gave up a run yesterday. Big deal, we should have gotten it back, but boneheaded our way to a loss. How many of our relief corps had surgery within the last year or so? Several at least. What do you expect? Who would you have put in instead? Would they have done better? Would it have made a difference with what LaRoche did?
By Antonio McNugget
August 21, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
I was refering to a comment i thought i saw DOB make calling him a journeyman when he came up, could be wrong though.
On Baez i was actually thinking of the Sunday afternoon game vs the Brewers in Atlanta when Bobby brought in Yates in the 7th with 1 maybe 2 outs and he blew the lead.
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
August 21, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Lew, Lew, Lew,
Paronto should have been in there. Case Closed. No more arguing.
By KC
August 21, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Paronto leads all Braves relievers in innings pitched. You can’t pitch him every day. There comes a time when you have to ask someone other than Wickman, Baez, or Paronto to get some outs for you.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
amber alert is now canceled. hk has found journalist bob and bob is among the living. all bloggers are grateful for that. journalist jimmy smith thanks hk for letting all know that bob will be back soon. hk, don’t tell bob journalist said he had giga bites. bob may be still be sore about his computer.
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
August 21, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Paronto should have been in there. END OF STORY.
By KC
August 21, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant to say… Paronto leads all Braves relievers in innings pitched this month.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
yes, it has been revealed by adam laroche that he is often “thinkin’ huntin’” when playing baseball for the atlanta braves. journalist wonders if laroche was *thinkin’ huntin’ when he was buntin’? *
By knowitall
August 21, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
KC, I was going to make the exact point that you made in 1:40 post. While I don’t think for a minute that Glavine will be back in Atlanta next year, I agree 100% with your reasoning for suggesting it. After going through this season, how could anyone suggest that we have too many starting pitchers. Remember during spring training this year when we though we had the same problem? Now here we are in a critical point in the season and we are reduced to depending on Barry, Comier, and Villreal for consistant quality starts. The truth of the matter is that of the potential starters we have for next year, the ALL have a history of injury problems.
By KC
August 21, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Adam is more prone to mental mistakes than most. I just hate that it’s often misconstrued for laziness and a lack of caring or desire to win. No one can make any excuses when they make a bone-headed play. That said, he’s a darn good first-baseman and we’re lucky to have him.
By MBATL
August 21, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Yates has good stuff, was terrific in June and July; and has had a couple of rough outings in August. Like KC said, sometimes you have to trust the guys on your team to do the job.
Kinda funny that Cormier gets kudos for giving up 3 runs in 6 innings, and Yates gets pummelled for giving up 1 run in 2; seems like about the same performance.
Plus, the damage came on an opposite field triple by a dead pull hitter. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way.
By MBATL
August 21, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
As to LaRoche, this was not an “a.d.d.” play. If anything, he was overthinking the situation, not thinking about hunting.
By ernesto
August 21, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
MBATL- I don’t think the dog pile on Yates is b/c he gave up that triple, it’s b/c he walked the first guy he faced - just as he’s done a lot this year. Those walks are going to come around and bite you. I think I saw some stat like he has 23 (now 24) walks to 26 k’s. That ain’t gonna get it done.
By KC
August 21, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
knowitall:
Actually, I think Lew was the one who suggested it. I would love to see Glavine back in Atlanta for sentimental reasons, but I’m not sure it would be a plus for this team unless he’s willing to sign for 1-2 million. Previous experience tells me he won’t do that.
while I do absolutely believe in the need for pitching depth, the point I was trying to make is that I think we already have it next year. We are only in the situation we’re in (having to rely on guys like Kevin Barry and Lance Cormier, because we have not one, not two, not three, but FOUR starters on the DL right now. I don’t think you can really prepare for that kind of %$&%&*#% luck, and it’s highly unlikely that it’ll happen again.
I actually think that 6 starters for 5 positions is pretty darned good depth considering many teams don’t even have 3 or 4 quality starters for 5 positions.
Now if we could afford to go after Jason Schmidt, I’d be all for that! He’s the kind of big-time power pitcher that tends to succeed in October, so I say offer him whatever we can, and if he says yes… make room, however that has to happen. Aside from Schmidt, I don’t think we need to look at any outside help in the starting pitching dept. this winter.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Now, I wouldn’t be opposed to trading a starter. But I’d only listen. I’d get serious if it was going to obtain something of great value AND another pitcher in return. OR, I had another deal which would bring in pitchers. We have 6 major league ready starters. Our hole is that we don’t have the super depth in the minors now. That’s mainly due to the fact that three of our starters are young, two are rookies (one being injured). Promotions to the bigs have depleated our depth in the minors. And for that, trading one starter for two high level minor league pitchers wouldn’t be a bad move. We’d still have 5 starters and then 2 extra’s to use in the event of an injury. Or, if a trade of one starter got us an uber-LF lead-off hitter, and a seperate trade returned 2 high level minor leaguers, I wouldn’t mind so much.
If we’re going to bring in a veteran such as Glavine, then I’d rather see a veteran traded. But, that leaves only Hudson as trade bait. If it’s a young guy, I’d rather keep James and Davies than HoRam. In a perfect world, I’d keep them all and still be able to get a guy like Crawford for a bag of balls and some pine tar.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
I can’t see Glavine signing for anything less than someone’s first born.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
For a blog by DOB, or at least half a blog, I’d like to see the infirmary report. We have Hampton, Thomson, HoRam, Davies, Eddie Perez, Aybar, Jordan and probably more that I’d like to hear how they each are doing and what the status of return looks like.
Also, speaking of pitching trade, that Estrada deal is looking more valuable. Aside from the fact that I’d rather have Estrada than Pratt… we’ve needed these pitchers. If Villarreal gets 10 more starts, he could finish the season with 20 wins and one loss. I wonder if they’d consider him for the Cy Young or if all those blown saves would factor against him ;-)
By knowitall
August 21, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Well, if we’ve learned anything about JS in recent years, it’s that if he does trade for starting pitching, it will probably be someone any of us has even considered. You know he’s going to be looking for someone serviceable yet cheap. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he made some deals to rebuild the minor league depth.
By basketball coach
August 21, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
You need to keep in mind that we’ll have Lerew next year. He was lights out in his last start in Richmond (a game which I attended), and he could very well compete for a spot in the rotation next year.
If Lerew is ready next year, we will have 7 starters. HoRam would be much more expensive than CJ, Davies, or Lerew, which would make him the most expendable.
Of course, an injury-prone pitcher who is at best a #3 in a decent rotation probably would not fetch us much in return. But if he is packaged with Thorman, that would be a very attactive package to many teams.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Dog-Buddy, I agree with you. That, however, was not the discussion. We were talking about whether or not there was an upside to Yates. I think he will be a worthwhile part of the bullpen after he is further along the road to recovery from his surgery. It tends to take 18 months, though pitchers tend to come back after a year. Another point on the Glavine situation-If he does return to Atlanta to win his 300th and close out his HOF career, think of the attendance boost. This may influence whoever buys the Braves to boost payroll. Never can tell.
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
August 21, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Lew, you have reached your posting limit for the day. Put your hands up and step away from the keyboard. Thanks Brah.
By MBATL
August 21, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
ernesto, point taken on Yates; I do like him because he’s got strikeout stuff, something our entire staff needs more of, but yeah, a walk an inning (almost) will kill you.
On Glavine, I don’t really think it’s the kind of move we need to make, but I’m gonna sit the sidelines on this one, cause I didn’t think bringing Maddux in this year was a good idea, and he’s got a 2.08 in 4 starts with L.A.
By KC
August 21, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
The only deal Shuerholz might be make for pitching this winter would be for another pre-9th inning veteran reliever to replace Baez if we don’t resign him. Shuerholz doesn’t need to do much with the pitching for next year except make sure Wickman returns, and do the best he can to keep Baez or replace him. The Braves might offer Baez a 2 year deal in the 5-6 million range, but he’s likely to get a more substantial offer elsewhere.
With Hampton, HoRam, Blaine Boyer, and John foster all due back from the DL next spring… it’s like signing 4 free agent pitchers. Add to that the fact the Atlanta has no key players (Apart from Wickman and Baez) eligible for free agency, and JS’s job should be a relatively easy one this winter.
As I see it, Wickman’s already a done deal. He is very open to pitching at least another year. He likes Atlanta and Turner Field, and loves Bobby Cox, and the quality of the Braves clubhouse. The Braves will re-sign him for something very close to the contract Wickman signed this year (1 year, 5 million).
There will be a decision to make on Marcus Giles this winter. It looks like the Braves have the money to keep him next year, but with Aybar, Orr, and Prado all being candidates to take over at 2B (perhaps in a platoon) next season, they might decide to save 5 million on next year’s payroll or spend it elsewhere. Also JS will probably keep an eye open for a true leadoff hitter, but where would you put him? Do you discard or trade Matt Diaz, a .300-plus hitter?? When is Scott Thorman going to get his shot? We’re pretty well manned… more than pretty well manned in LF. Ideally, it would be great to find a true leadoff hitter that we could plug in at 2B. A deal with Baltimore involving Giles in exchange for Brain Roberts sounds pretty good, but I don’t think they’re anxious to part with him.
There will be a couple of things to watch this winter, but nothing major. More than anything, the up coming off-season will be about getting this team healthy and ready for a World Series run in 07.
By basketball coach
August 21, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
With all the talk of trading for a leadoff hitter to play LF, is anyone considering Kelly Johnson?
Will he be ready to play by spring training, and if so, is he a possible solution to our leadoff dilemma?
Furthermore, could Prado or Escobar be our leadoff man next year?
That would allow us to trade our depth for prospects, thereby bolstering our somewhat depleated minor league system.
By Lew
August 21, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
No Dog- I’ve just reached my limit of taking you seriously in any way, shape or form. You no longer exist. You are and always have been, a non-entity. Be gone.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, doesn’t take a blog or half a blog:
Hampton _ progressing well, no reason he won’t be competely recovered for spring training. If Braves needed him to pitch in, say, December, he could have. But he’s just now throwing fastballs off mound, not breaking balls yet. And had some tendinitis, which is normal for this point in recovery (11 months).
Thomson _ Frustration. Team tired of setbacks and not counting on him for rest of year. If he pitches, it’s a bonus. hasn’t begun minor league rehab.
Horacio _ will have follow-up exam today or tomorrow with hand specialist, to determine if he’s ready to start applying pressure with the injured finger. So far, just began throwing sessions last week using pressure from thumb and index finger, just to keep arm in shape. Doesn’t know if he’ll need minor league rehab; they hadn’t discussed it with him yet.
Davies _ has at least one more minor league rehab start (tonight), and could rejoin Braves by next weekend, unless they decide he needs one more minor league start. I’d bet he’s with Braves next weekend.
Eddie Perez _ coaching, not playing, at Double-A Miss. Shoulder never fully recovered after surgery. Will not play for Braves this season, and probably will announce retirement.
Aybar _ making progress, was with team on trip, doing rehab every day on his hand, should be ready to come off DL on 27th, first day eligible. Or they could give him a few more days to rehab his hand, and wait and activate him on Sept. 1 since rosters can be expanded that day.
B.J. _ should be begin rehab assignment this week, to be activated after rosters expanded Sept. 1. Probably a backup/pinch-hitter in September, maybe a start or two in OF or 1B against a pitcher he’s done well against or LaRoche has struggled against, something like that. But not a platoon anymore.
That’s it. Hope that answers your question. Only guys on here who are factors, really, for September are Horacio and Aybar.
By Dog the Bounty Hunter
August 21, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Awww Lew, big guy…does “non-entity” mean you think i’m a really cool guy? Don’t be angry, life’s too short, come on now, gimme a hug!
By Lew
August 21, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Basketball Coach. Do you or anyone have an idea of Kelly Johnson’s rehab status. I seem to remember him as more of a power type hitter and can’t remember how fast he is. I did notice that he walks somewhat frequently (40 in 87 games), but his OBP is just ok (.338). Any idea if he will be able to throw well enough to make him likely as a full time outfielder?
By basketball coach
August 21, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
KC,
I liked your last post. We will effectively pick up a great free agent when Hampton comes back. We will also effectively sign two solid relievers when Foster and Boyer come back.
However, even if everything goes perfectly (such as the aforementioned pitchers fully returning to form, Hudson pitching solidly and consistently, and Wickman re-signing), do you believe that the Braves will contend for the World Series next year?
I do believe that the Braves will be quite solid next year, and that 2007 will be a far better year than 2006. But we will still be relying on an increasingly brittle Chipper Jones, we will still only have one all-star callibre starter (and he will be 40), and we will be relying heavily on several players returning from serious injuries.
If the Braves are to contend with the elite teams in baseball next year, they will have to make some changes and take some chances. Giles will have to be let go so that money can be spent on a solid leadoff hitter. I would like to see HoRam packaged with prospects like Thorman or Salty to bring in an all-star callibre starter.
For as they are currently constructed, I do not see the 2007 Braves contending for a World Series. They will, however, be very solid and could contend for the NL East.
By The Grinch
August 21, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Hey, Y’all. Guess there’s no point in mentioning Bob’s ok? My computer’s down too; I’m at a library now trying to catch up on all the work Comcast has cost me over the last two days (and counting). I’ll be back when I have the time and technology…ciao!
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Bball coach: Kelly Johnson will be ready for spring. It’ll be interesting to see what they have in mind for him. But can’t pencil him in as a regular and certainly not as leadoff guy until they see how his elbow holds up following surgery, etc. He will have missed an entire season, remember. And only has a half-season, or slightly more, in majors. But he’s potentially a factor next season, at some spot. Maybe a fourth OF, if they were to throw Langerhans into a trade. However, Langerhans is their only real backup CF right now, unless they move Francoeur over there when they need someone to fill in for Andruw.
Diaz and Kelly are NOT CFs, tha’s for sure.
By therese
August 21, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
i got sucked into yankees- red sox and boy has javy lopez lost it. he sure does suck. he was doing more dhing than catching in bmore and i can see why. balls were just skipping by him throughout the 5 game series. he aint much at the plate either. i think hes batting .000 with boston since his arrival. they miss varitek bad. kinda appreciate todd pratt a little more after watching javy lopez for 5 games.
By basketball coach
August 21, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I know that Kelly Johnson was still trying to play for the first few weeks/months of the season, which would seem to imply that he would not be ready for spring training, as Tommy John surgery usually requires at least 12 months of rehab. But, that is the norm for pitchers. Perhaps a LF could get by with only 9-10 months of rehab.
Maybe DOB has some insight.
I know that Cox used him at leadoff last year, as he said that Johnson had a great eye and was a good contact hitter. I recall Cox sticking with him even though he started off 1 for 20, or something like that.
I simply haven’t heard anything about him since he got hurt.
By ernesto
August 21, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Therese how is javvy’s .000 better than Pratt’s .000, as amatter of fact, I think I’d take Javvy wiffing mightily than Tank tanking into yet another inning-ending, soul-crushing dp.
By TommyB
August 21, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Dave,
You weren’t at the Ted sitting just inside the main gate around 12:45 today, were you?
I was down there picking up some tickets and as I was walking out there were a group of guys I guessed to be scribes, all sitting there with laptop cases, chewing the fat in the shade just inside the gate.
For some reason, I didn’t think you were one of them since they all were dressed Preppy.
By Therese
August 21, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
im telling you ernesto, ive watched almost every game javy played in since boston acquired him javy lopez is a worst catcher defensively than todd pratt and he maybe marginally better than pratt at the plate- in the end, they both should be announcing their retirement soon.
By ernesto
August 21, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
Therese - agreed. But I’ll have some good memories of Javy.
By therese
August 21, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
javy was excellent in his last year as a brave. 2003 he had 100+ rbis, 40+ hr and batted over .300. he was great
By MBATL
August 21, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Pratt did make a couple of really good stops, on wide sliders in the dirt with a man on third, yesterday. He may not be able to hit, but his D is pretty respectable.
By ernesto
August 21, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
MBATL- Come on you don’t think there are other catchers who could have made those plays…those weren’t super D plays. Pratt = 2 pitchers in the line up.
By MBATL
August 21, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
ernesto, I didn’t say he was the only catcher who could’ve made those plays; just gave him a little credit for making a couple of good stops.
I agree, he can’t hit any more.
Lots of negative posts about him though, and I’m just giving him props for what he did well. No big deal.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for the updates. Much appreciated. I don’t know… it could have been half a blogg. Add in some song lyrics, and a few pot shots at annoying bloggers…