Braves

By Ted

August 21, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

They need to stop focusing on “we need to win 5 out 7 or better” and just start focusing on each game.

You can’t hit a 5 run homer or get to .500 in one game, yet the focus right now seems to be long-term and not short term.

Rather, they simply need to take advantage of Smoltz starting tonight against a young pitcher with an ERA near 5.

If they can keep the game to game focus against the three bottom dwellers at home, then maybe 9 games from now they can look up and reasses where they are. But the moment they focus on 7-2 or 8-1 and they lose a game, I think it just shoots their morale. Focus on tonight and worry about tomorrow’s game tomorrow.

By AJK

August 21, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

That’s two losses this year laid directly at the feet of Adam LaRoche. If we had ‘em both back we’d be within striking distance of the WC. Given what these players make, ADD is just not an acceptible excuse.

By JeremyL

August 21, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Did anyone notice on the replay that LaRoche conceded the double play? It was very obvious he wasn’t running all out and slowed up as he neared first.

He needs to talk to Francoeur about hustle!

By Hillbilly John

August 21, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Hmm. Looks like ol’ O’Brien doesn’t have anything to say today. What do you make of that cousin Cicero?

By Cousin Cicero

August 21, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Vir sapit qui pauca loquitur.

By Jeremy

August 21, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

If they go 7-2 on the homestand vs the Pirates, Nats, and Giants (doable) then they’ll be 65-67. That would put them right back in the thick of things in the dreadful NL.

By TH

August 21, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

AJK - You don’t have a clue what you are talking. I have kids with ADHD and I now for a fact that it IS an acceptable excuse. I know Laroche has laid a couple of eggs this year and both times, it was exactly the type of mistake someone with ADD would make. I guess my point is unless you can go out and hit 30 homers, drive in 100 rund and hit .270 or higher and playy 100% errorless ball, then layoff!

By Sun Tzu

August 21, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this

The great general consolodates his gains in order to achieve ultimate victory.

By Justin

August 21, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

My prediction for the game is Braves 5 Pirates 2

Smoltz will give us 8 good innings and wickman will shut it down in the 9th and adam laroche will a three run homer

what do you guys think

By Rutuger

August 21, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

What do I think?

I think I was happy that the Falcons were approaching so I could shift my focus away from this embarrassing Braves season… until I watched those same Falcons bumble around on Saturday against the worst Packers team in 15 years. Could be a long 06-07 for us ATL faithful.

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Rutuger, there’s always the Atlanta Haw … oh god, I can’t even say it.

Smoltz better pitch well tonight (and he probably will). With Villareal a starter for now and Yates going 2 innings yesterday, we don’t have a very deep bullpen.

By Dave

August 21, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Does ADD make you forget to run through the bag at first as fast as you can?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 21, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

the wurlitzer people will be reading today and there is no sign of dob - only journalist guy curtright. jimmysmiththinks dob may be after a toe story that will make dob a legend at the ajc and win for dob the coveted prize. ajc wurlitzers were won in 1931, 1959, 1960, 1967, 1988, 1995, and 2005 - the last 3 for cartoons! it’s been a long, dry spell for real journalists at the ajc. will dob be a wurlitzer recipient in 2006? better post something quick, dob.

By Braves20

August 21, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

This just in - major marijuana bust. Arresting officers get clue for arrests from Braves blog.

By hk

August 21, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

… here’s the hitter’s ‘MVP’ through last night, including Betemit’s numbers (starting most of the time) … so far with LA,18-70, 6 Runs, 4 HR’s, 10 RBI, .257 avg, .321 obp …

Year End..Runs..Homers..RBI’s..MVP..Last

Andruw…..96…..38…..133…267…274

Frenchy….87…..30…..112…229…228

LaRoche….84…..33……90…207…202

Chipper….92…..24……88…204…192

Renteria..108…..14……66…188…188

Giles……95…..12……59…166…166

McCann…..57…..21……82…159…156

Betemit….47…..17……51…116…119

Langy……45……8……29….82….82

Total Team…………………176…176

click here for chart

By MurphyRules

August 21, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

Not only have the Braves demoted Lance Cormier and called up Martin Prado, but Prado is starting at 2B tonight and leading off.

How serious is this Giles injury? Also, Orr’s been hitting pretty well lately. Why isn’t he starting again?

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Prado starting at 2B tonight, per mlb.com. That’ll be interesting to see.

By basketball coach

August 21, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I am one of those who believe that the Braves are still a solid team, and that their bad season is due largely to a terrible bullpen to start the season and very bad luck with the starting pitching to end the season. So I also believe that the Braves will be very solid next year.

But, when we talk about the Braves being “good” and “solid” next year, are we talking about the Braves winning the wildcard, or will the Braves be in a position to legitimately contend for a World Series?

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 not think they will.

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 caliber 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 risks. 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 caliber player (leadoff hitter or starting pitcher).

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.

I’d love to know what you think.

By Sun Tzu

August 21, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Know one’s self and one’s enemy and become invincible.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this

They should be able to contend for a WS next year. Assuming the starting pitching doesn’t get injured, we’ve already fixed most of this years issues. With a healthy starting staff, the pen is not over used or over exposed (something Ken Ray would have benefited from this year). The hitting is fabulous. It’s our pitching. The whole year we have averaged 5.04 runs a game given up by our staff. But we are scoring 5.15. If our staff can stay healthy and pitch as they have shown they can in the past, our runs allowed will be lower. Our hitting will be about the same, and possibly better. If our pitching was along the lines of 3.8 to 4.2 runs a game, we’d be running with the Mets right now.

The other plus is as follows. We will not have Sosa, Thomson, Jordan, Reitsma, Remlinger, Mondesi, or Pratt (I pray). That alone could factor in very positively.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 21, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

three “p” players now in the infield: pratt, pete orr, tony pena, and prado. bobbycox likes his “p” players. perhaps bobbycox should have called wilson “petemit” -then he could have kept thorman coming off the bench rather than pena who is hitting .050. this is quite a pilemma. what “p” player to play second base when three “p” players play the position? who backs up at first base? why, that is “p” player “presence”. many, many, “p” players on this team.

By supergrass

August 21, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

any particular reason why Prado is starting at 2B tonight? orr wasnt doing too bad

By journalist jimmy smith

August 21, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

soon, journalist bob will be back regaling us with stories of sousemeat, black diamonds, and country ham. perhaps hk could prepare a welcoming graph for bob … not sure what that graph might measure but bob would like it. journalist is preparing a fitting tribute to bob but is not at liberty to discuss this in detail. journalist must now go find a shipping container that will stand up to the blue worm. back later.

By noel malone

August 21, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Re Braves getting to .500. Yes, its also possible that the sun will rise in the west tomorrow morning!! One game at a time, folks, and pray for pitching.

Is LaRoache just plain stupid?? The tortoise could have beaten the throw on the double play. Cox needs to keep his foot way up this guys rear end. His nonchalant routine irks me.

Next year? Smoltz older, other pitching questionable. Chipper older, and will be coming off his third year of missing a substantial number of games. I don’t know, I don’t know….

By 10-7-4

August 21, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

supergrass—he’s appeared in 78 games with 113 ab’s. He’s probably real tired. Or maybe, he has a toe problem.

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

35, please tell me I’m not reading bloggers CALLING FOR Pete Orr. I tried to defend him as a decent ph and backup infielder a couple of weeks ago and was smirked off the site (well, I refused to leave, but you get the point).

By nathan

August 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

supergrass

I choose to say this:

With how well Prado has played at Richmond and the fact that he hasn’t embarassed himself when up here (including his 2 RBI double tonight), I ask just the opposite.

WHY IS PETE ORR EVEN ON THE 25 MAN ROSTER ANYMORE?

I’ll take it one step further…..WHY IS GILES STILL ON THIS ROSTER?

We are stocked with SO MANY good middle infielders, I just don’t understand the logic behind NOT trading Giles.

Oh well, I guess that’s why I’m not the Braves GM. LOL

By supergrass

August 21, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

i have no problems with prado- just strangely asking about orr. its strange because i agree with you nathan- i think he shouldnt be on the roster anymore.

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Nathan, sounds good if you say it fast… but Prado at Richmond has a .319 obp; is that acceptable to you at the major league level, much less AAA? At AA Mississippi it was .333.

And 2 HR’s between the 2. OPS at both minor league levels is below 700.

Giles in a bad year is all over that, hitting major league pitching.

By supergrass

August 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

like noel said, laroache didnt hustle on that bunt play, prado gets thrown out at home tonight, i think diaz+aj got thrown out in fl strecthing out a single. i think it was 2 other plays in the FL series alone.does it feel like its been alot of poor base running this week.

By Son-ny Corleone

August 21, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

You’ve gotta get up close like this and bada-bing! you blow their brains all over your nice Ivy League suit.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 21, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the Giles bashing that goes on this blog. Yes, Giles has had an off year but has been terrific the second half of the season. I think Prado deserves a shot but to make it sound like Giles is dead weight and should be sent packing is ludicrous. I bet most baseball people would tell you that when healthy Giles is one of the best 2 or 3 2B in the NL.

By LT

August 21, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Does anyone have the low down on Davies return?

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

As to Orr: I may be wrong, but I think he’s our 3rd option at catcher, and has played 1B, 2B, SS, and 3B. And has good speed, and a pretty good record as a PH.

I’m not saying he’s the key to winning a WS title - he’s definitely not - but just don’t get the criticism. He’s a pretty valuable utility player.

By Hillbilly John

August 21, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

I’ll be darned if tonight’s game isn’t the quickest one I’ve seen in a while. What do you think cousin Cicero?

By Cousin Cicero

August 21, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Tempus volat hora fugit!

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Time does fly, but Smoltz just keeps on ticking. Wow, what a huge performance.

By nathan

August 21, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

MBATL

Giles is 28 years old and makes 3.8 million dollars. And even with his “down” season, that salary is likely to go up with arbitration! Only in America can you underachieve and STILL get a raise!

Here is a link to ESPN’s stats page on Marcus Giles:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4602

You’ll see that in his rookie year his OPS was .338 and in his second year it went DOWN to .315!! He was 23 and 24 years old during those two seasons. It wasn’t until his 3rd season at age 25 that his OPS went up to .391

See what I’m getting at? We could use the money from Giles on pitching and get reasonibly close to the same production out of a younger, faster, CHEAPER player. Happens all the time in the big leagues. I’m sure the Phillies would’ve loved to had both Thome and Howard’s bat in the lineup at the same time. But even though Thome’s tearing it up again, I still say they made the right choice. The same if not BETTER production at a fraction of the cost.

Baseball economics 101.

By nathan

August 21, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add in my last post that prado won’t be 23 until after the season. That was kind of my point. He’s much younger, and seemingly ahead of where Giles was at the same age. Maybe not power wise. But I’m tired of guys who think they are power hitters, anyhow.

By supergrass

August 21, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Smoltz 109 pitches-75 strikes.10k’s= the mans on fire

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Nathan, I understand it may make sense to trade Marcus. Personally, I hope not, but it’s okay. But to rave about how Giles and Orr shouldn’t be on the roster when we’ve got Martin Prado is a bit over the top, to me.

I really hope Prado is the next Joe Morgan (at least he can replace him in the booth).

If you look at Giles’ MINOR league numbers, he always had some pop in his bat, from day one. I don’t see that with Prado, but I’ll sure cheer for him when and if he’s on the field for us.

By Wicky Woo

August 21, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

It’s not over ‘til the fat man slings!

By Calvin

August 21, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Another great game by Smoltz.

By nathan

August 21, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this

I know he doesn’t walk nearly as much as Andruw, but has anybody noticed that Francoeur is hitting .260 and Andruw is only at .268?

It kind of goes with the above posts with Giles. I’m not saying that Francoeur could replace Andruw. But he is probably as good of a RF as Andruw is in CF. And last time I checked their Offensive numbers are pretty close. Andruw leads in RBI, but that can be attributed to where he hits in the order. Besides Francoeur’s average with RISP kicks Andruw’s up and down.

Oh, and what do you know? Andruw makes about 15 million more than Francoeur! Still think that there are players that aren’t “replaceable”?

Anybody can be replaced. And it usually can be done for less money. Not saying we should, but I think this team could trim payroll and actually be better next year. With the “right” situational hitters inserted into this lineup.

People can knock on Francoeur all they want. I agree. The guy won’t take a walk. But it’s hard to argue with a .297 average with RISP. Image how many RBI Andruw would’ve had last year if he had hit that well with RISP. But like every other Brave, that fact just floats right over their heads.

By Lew

August 21, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this

Nathan-You may get a cheaper player, but it’s doubtful you’ll get one anywhere near as good as Giles. Even with his down season he’s better than most. Not to mention he gets to balls no one else can. There was one play tonight that Prado just missed that Marcus would have made the play. He’s also hit about .350 since May. You may find that the Braves make an effort to keep him despite the increase in arbitration because he is as good as he is. He is also a major source of team chemistry and enthusiasm. His clubhouse presence is probably worth a couple of bucks to the Braves. What the Braves need to do in the offseason is LOCK UP WICKMAN. What’s that now, 9 of 9?

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Can I get a Hot D@mn!?

GO BRAVES

Just got into the house, checked out the score and saw Sdanchez go ohfer 4! 10 Ks by Smoltz. I victory for the Braves. Hot D@mn!

Now I gotta hit the showers and catch up with the posts…

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Now on this one we can do business, Nathan. What I find interesting is comparing AJ to Laroche… except for # of abs and maybe where they hit in the order, they’re practically identical.

By Dirt Meter

August 21, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

The hand is clearly visible but it appears that the elbow is still beneath the ground.

By nathan

August 21, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

MBATL

I’m not trying to argue with you. I know you understand my points.

I’m not saying Giles isn’t good at what he does. But IMO, we have plenty of “hackers” and not enough contact hitters that don’t swing for the fenses. Hell, even Furcal thought he was a power hitter.

If this team had a couple less “Ryan Klesko” type hitters and a couple of more “Mark Lemke/Terry Pendelton” type hitters this lineup would be REALLY scary. I’m so bored with Home Runs. I’ve said it before, I’d take 9 Ichiros in the lineup over 9 Ryan Howards any day of the week and twice on Sunday!

I realize you need some POP in the lineup, I just don’t think it’s neccessary to have 8 of them, like Bobby seems to.

Giles would fill a nice roll for some team out there. But if he is going to be our leadoff hitter, then he needs to act like a leadoff hitter. And if he doesn’t want to be a leadoff hitter, you’d think that he would ask for a trade. Even though I’m sure that’s not his style. But JS should obviously find us a true leadoff hitter, instead of trying to put a square peg into a round hole.

By Voice of Reality

August 21, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

That might have been the most pathetic collection of Triple A hitters I have ever seen in the major leagues.

How would you like to be a Pirates fan? This bunch of stiffs is now 15 and 48 on the road.

So let’s not get too carried away with a 3-0 win. Even if Bob “I know who’s signing my checks” Rathbun is ready to see the Braves in the World Series now.

By Beachcomber

August 21, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Amen to your comments Lew. We let a 10 for 10 closer get away last year. Wickman will easily exceed that. Sign him now! Not sure if Marcus would have had the first hit but you can bet the Lemmer would have.

By MurphyRules

August 21, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Astros! Let’s go Astros!

Smoltz is the man. How much to re-sign Wickman for next year? I’d say he’s one of the best 6-7 closers in the game. (Papelbon, Rivera, Hoffman, Ryan, Nathan, Saito, who else?)

Is Andruw ever going to hit another homer? We REALLY need him to get going.

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Nathan, thanks… enjoy the debate, and that’s all it is.

I don’t think Giles should be our leadoff hitter next year either. I think we need to find a way to get a LF who can fill that need - probably trade HoRam and/or some prospects (or trade AJ to fill it with money to spare). Diaz is a great 4th outfielder, but not a starter, IMO.

If we do trade Giles, it should be for either a LF or a 2B who can hit leadoff.

By nathan

August 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

lew and mbatl

I will clarify that I wouldn’t have a problem in keeping Giles at 2B next year. He just seems to be the “logical” choice of “salary dump” (if we need to dump - not sure what new ownership will let JS do.) to get more bullpen help. WE NEED MORE BULLPEN HELP!

If I hear JS or Bobby say one more time that with all of the injured players coming back “It’s like adding a whole bunch of free agents” one more time I’m gonna puke! All of the injured players that are supposedly coming back next year other that Hampton have ZERO track record of success at this level. And Hampton is coming off of major surgery, so who really knows with him? I suspect he’ll have a decent year, but how do you reall know. I just hate to have another season go down the tubes because JS gambled by NOT making any moves. I realize that sometimes the best moves are ones you don’t make. But I think it was extremely obvious to everybody but JS, Bobby, and Smoltz that Reitsma was NOT the answer.

But back to Giles. Like I said, if he stays, I’m cool with that. I like his fire. I think he overswings sometimes, but that’s because he has a Manager and a Hitting Coach that not only don’t teach him (and others) not to do that, THEY ENCOURAGE IT! So, IMO he shouldn’t be our leadoff hitter next year if he is still here.

Who (what position) does that leave to fill the leadoff role? My guess is LF. Do we go outside of the organization? I’m not sure. I almost think Matt Diaz has made a case to play LF everyday, and he wouldn’t be a bad choice for a leadoff hitter. He does all the things you expect a leadoff hitter to do. Other than have blazing speed and steal bases. Add to that that he is probably above average at best in the outfield. Is that enough to NOT give him a shot? The speed doesn’t really bother me. Bobby hardly runs anyhow. So I’d be happy with a guy that took pitches, took the ball the other way and just flat out found ways to get on base. Not hacked for the fenses to no avail with tons of warning track fly balls and 15 or so “success” stories that actually made it over the fense. If Giles wants to hack, let him do it in the 8-hole. Renteria is a better “hitter” than him anyhow.

So there, just thought I’d show y’all I’m not a Giles basher. Just trying to think of what “options” JS will have in the offseason. There are many ways to go that would satisfy me as a fan. The only one that wouldn’t would be if he chose to “stand pat”.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

Only in America can you underachieve and STILL get a raise!

Nathan… Only in a UNION can you under achieve and get a raise. If this wasn’t a union, if the stakes were changed, he’d be fired, or demoted. I live and work in America.. I can testify that if you suck at your job and you aren’t in a union, you get canned.

By Bill

August 21, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Nathan —

I see your overall point about production vs. salary but I think you are stretching it when you say that Francoeur’s RISP #’s “kick Andruw’s up and down.” (at least this year). Here is the comparison: JF: .297 BA, .338 OBP and .449 SLG with RISP; AJ: .286 BA, .357 OBP, and .500 SLG. Each has had about 140 ABs with RISP so the difference in BA is a little more than one hit (plus AJ has more power and better discipline in those situations). Not terribly different … which is good enough to make your point.

I suppose you can bring up Andruw’s career numbers but the flipside to that is that if I was putting together a team, I would want to mix some more experienced players with the young guys. Andruw is just hitting the age where he really seems to bring some maturity and perspective to the team. The good news is that the Braves have (and can continue to have) both AJ & JF if they play their cards right.

By Moe

August 21, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

T-Paul, other possible exceptions: CEOs of large companies and toadies to the CEO.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Ah… caught up. Interesting debate on the Giles Files. I like Giles. I only see him as gone because he is a tradable component. Much like Estrada was this past off season. We were stocked at catcher, and we could get two pitchers for him, so we took ‘em. It wouldn’t surprise me if that happened this year as well.

As to the 8 power hitters, or wannabe power hitters, I’d have to say we are blessed in a way. RF, CF, 1B, 2B, 3B, and Catcher are all home grown. LF is depending on the day of the week. We really haven’t developed a great contact hitter recently. Having said that, I would like to introduce exhibit A. Brian McCann is probably the best hitter since Chipper that we’ve brougth up. And, as to the power hitters all through the line up, Renteria isn’t the type of guy that looks to hit the home run all the time. Giles I don’t see that either, I think he’s aiming for the double at all times. But we certainly haven’t developed a fast running singles hitter. That’s what would set the table. That type of player would be good in either LF or 2B. Both positions could alway use guys with quick feet.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Stinkin Chad Qualls! Cincy just got up a run in a meltdown 8th inning. It’s like watching the First Half 2006 Braves. So glad that’s behind us. Wickman has a zero ERA with the Bravos. If that doesn’t merit a contract, then I don’t know what does.

By MBATL

August 21, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

I think it was KC who put out a pretty good post on the last blog, saying there’s really not too much for JS to do this offseason. I love the debate, but really, get Hampton, Ramirez, Foster, Boyer healthy, adjust a few utility spots, and I wouldn’t mind seeing this team give it another shot in ‘07.

Course, that overlooks the issue of signing or trading AJ, but other than that, I’m pretty comfortable going into ‘07.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Welp. THere it is. Cincy came back and won it with a 4 run eigth inning. Braves still 5.5 back. But have the chance to hop over about 3 or 4 teams… Hopefully everyone else will lose tonight. Is there any scenario where the D-Backs and Giants can both lose in the same game? Could we just say the Giants lose because they’re older than dirt?

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

MBATL: No, this team doesn’t need to much tinkering. But a few more provens would be nice. I like the idea that we get back Boyer and Foster, but honestly, neither of those guys has really proven to be outstanding. They have “stuff” but, in the case of Boyer, they are young and are coming back from injury and missing a whole season. So getting a few good bullpen arms would be nice. And maybe trading for some solid minor league pitching prospects. But Hampton should be a marked improvement over entering a season with Sosa and Thomson.

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Hello?

By TennesseePaul

August 21, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

This place is dead anyway. I guess I can practice my singing voice

mememememe. lalalalala. doe ray me.
Soooooo tell me what you want, what you really really want. I wanna ha, I wanna ha, I wanna ha…

By Natasha

August 21, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Ooooh, you sexy man you!

By Buddy Hackett

August 21, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

doe ray me?

That reminds me of a joke. Three guys walk into a bar, John Doe, Kenny Ray, and Tennessee Paul…

By Buddy Hackett

August 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

No. Seriously. Here’s a better joke:

Three vampires went into a bar and sat down. The barmaid came over to take their orders. “And what would you, er, gentlemen like tonight?”

The first vampire said, “I’ll have a mug of blood.”

The second vampire said, “I’ll have a mug of blood.”

The third vampire shook his head at his companions and said, “I will have a glass of plasma.”

The barmaid wrote down each order, went to the bar and called to the bartender, “Two bloods and a blood light.”

By Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley

August 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Only three things come from Tennessee: Steers, and Queers!

By Buddy Hackett

August 21, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

OK.

Two piggies walk into a bar, get drunk and ask, “Where’s the bathroom?” The bartender points to the door and they rush in.

Two more piggies walk into a bar. They soon get drunk and they ask, “Where’s the bathroom?” The bartender points to the door and they rush in.

One piggy walks into a bar. He gets drunk out of his mind and then heads for the exit. “Hey, buddy! Do you wanna know where the bathroom is?” says the bartender.

“No thanks,” the piggy slurs, “I always go WEEWEEWEE all the way home!”

By Loretta Webb-Lynn

August 21, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

Stop growlin’ doo; you sound like an ol’ grizzly bear.

By Buddy Hackett

August 21, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

OK. Last one…

A seaman meets a pirate in a bar. The two men take turns boasting of their adventures on the high seas.

The seaman notes that the pirate has a peg-leg, hook, and an eyepatch. He asks, “So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?”

The pirate replies, “We were in a storm at sea, and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as my men were pulling me out a shark bit my leg off.”

“Wow!” said the seaman. “What about your hook”?

“Well,” replied the pirate, “while my men and I were plundering in the middle east, I was caught stealing from a merchant. I was arrested and my hand was cut off.”

“Incredible!” remarked the seaman. “How did you get the eyepatch?”

“A sea gull dropping fell into my eye,” replied the pirate.

“You lost your eye to a sea gull dropping?” the sailor asked incredulously.

“Well,” said the pirate, “it was my first day with the hook…”

By Groucho Marx

August 21, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this

One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know.

By flbravesgirl

August 22, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Slow night on the ol’ blog?

Outstanding game for Smoltz. People keep talking about him getting old; he sure doesn’t pitch like an old guy.

By MEB

August 22, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

flbravesgirl… I just got home from work and am catching up on everything. Smoltz is amazing and with his talent and work ethic will be strong again next year.

It is getting late and without the Grinch and journalist bob it can get quiet around this time. Will certainly sleep better tonight with the shutout. See ya!

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

A .500 record is a realistic goal for the Braves , but the playoffs are something we can refer to in 2007. Smoltz pitched a beauty didn’t he ? I agree the National League is a joke when compared to the American League and It’s not funny anymore. The DH is the only difference between the two leagues and if the fans can’t figure out that it is the direct cause of the American Leagues dominance then all hope is lost for the N.L. until the DH comes to both leagues.

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 02:14 AM | Link to this

Did you guys see the box score for the Richmond game ? Davies was great. Seven innings , three hits and one run. Gregor Blanco three for four , two singles and a double , a walk and a stolen base with an RBI to boot. Now thats a leadoff hitter. All this guy has done his entire minor league career is hit , play defense , steal bases and do every little thing right. A .293 batting average this season with an OBP of .395 , 29 stolen bases and the defensive player of the year for the Braves. Bobby Cox , are you seeing your future leadoff hitter ??

By Andy

August 22, 2006 03:49 AM | Link to this

The starting pitching is coming around—Bul pen good(for an atlantan bull pen)—getting good run support(mostly all year)—-The braves roll off 10 in a row and guess what—were in the lead in the wild card—I know it is alot to ask—but it can be done—IF—Andruw gets it together and now—and edgar gets some rest or something—AJ is the key though. He is a streaky hitter. He needs to get really hot for at least three weeks. go braves

By Andy

August 22, 2006 03:56 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah and who would want to bet me Smotlz would be the #1 in the voting for cy young—if the pen did not give away 6 wins. He would be something crazy like 17-6. If the braves make the post season I wish he could still be considered—he has pitched his heart out this year.

By berigan

August 22, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

Head Coach , you say the DH is the only difference in the leagues, but how come the AL beat up the NL even in the NL parks??? I think the big difference is that teams like the White Sox, Yankees,and the Red Sox are very, very patient at the plate. Catch any of the many Yanks-Sox games over the week-end? The Yankees hitters would be in a 0-2 hole, foul off a few pitches, then work a walk off the Sox pitcher, then there’d be a double, or home run. IF Bobby Cox had any sense, he’d have Frency, LaRoche, heck everyone what the whole 5 game series to see what you need to do to really compete in the Majors. Almost a guarantee the W.S. winner will be the Yankees, or the White Sox because of their approach at the plate.

By berigan

August 22, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

That, and the AL players have better steroids.

By Mark

August 22, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

I think and have thought for a good while now the Braves best bet is to finish .500 this season They lack so bad in starting and middle relief pitching > Its really too bad that Wickman didn’t start the year with the team.The future of the Braves looks dim though to to a few ageing stars, manager, GM and and they are not loved by their owner.Good Day, Mark

By MEB

August 22, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

Good morning all… Did y’all see the ruckus on the mound with the Blue Jays. Poor Ted Lilly didn’t think he should come out of the game in the third inning because he only allowed 7 runs on 8 hits in 2.1 innings. Lilly refused to give the ball to manager John Gibbons and then they get into a verbal argument and apparently in the dugout somehow Gibbons ends up with a bloody nose. I know there are different management styles but this is going a bit far. There must have been something brewing in that clubhouse for this to occur.

Finally watched all of last nights game and my what a masterpiece by Smoltz.

By Jeff

August 22, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

.500 is within reach…Braves need to go 22-17 after last night’s win against the Pirates. Could .500 win the wildcard? Its hard to imagine that every team ahead of the Braves will play less than .500 ball. At least one of those teams will turn on the after-burners in September.

Schuerholz has a real challenge this winter: overhauling the pitching staff. He’s got a few promising young arms (James, Davies), vets who are iffy (Hudson and Hampton), a 37 year old closer who may take his arm elsewhere (Wickman) and a bona fide ace (Smoltz, though, as we all know, he’s long in the tooth and his arm could blow again).

Pitching wins titles. That’s where this club needs to start.

By dadgum

August 22, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

I would like to challenge everyone to go over to www.lynyrdskynyrd.com and read about what is being planned for Oct. 7th in Atlanta. Big doings. It is a memorial fund raiser for the 173rd airborne at Fort Benning. Plan to go or mention it to someone. Going to the site is quite a history lesson anyway and refreshing to know that amidst the “what can you do for me” world some people still care about those that died for our freedom and world freedom.

Go Braves and God bless the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band!

By Lew

August 22, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Berigan-A couple things on the Yankees-Red Sox. First, neither team has pitching, which leads to doubles and HR-Not patience at the plate. Second, if the Braves had the payroll of either team, they would dominate both. If you want the disparity to end, a salary cap must be instituted and the Dh done away with (just because it shouldn’t be there). Pitching will never be dominant again until the DH goes and the mound is raised again. Every change in baseball since the 1960’s has been to add offense-I guess because chicks dig the long ball or something else equally stupid. The new ballparks are jokes for most pitchers.

By 10-7-4

August 22, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

MEB-good post! Reminds me of a similar story. Late in the career of HOFer Hack Wilson,[ he was known as a heavy drinker,] and because he didn’t hardly ever play he would show up at the park ‘under the weather’ quite often. Well one extremely hot and humid day in Chicago{NL} he had to play CF due to an injury. Their pitcher, a fiery Latino guy, was getting blasted left and right. The manager comes out to the mound for a pitching change and ole Hack goes over and leans against the cf wall, huffing and puffing after just having chased down two long drives. The pitcher, in a fit of rage, wheels around and just flings the ball, rather than hand it to the manager. The ball goes out toward cf, and ole Hack, who had not witnessed any of the going’s on and heard the crowd suddenly roar and saw the ball rolling near him, in a state of sheer panic darts after the ball and throws a perfect strike to second base. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

I think the majority of the disparrity between the two leagues comes from the age. Aside from the Giants, the majority of the NL is young. Real young. The Yankees, White Sox, Red Sox, Angeles, all of these teams have more veterans than youguns. But come to the NL and you have the Braves, the majority of the team is 3 years or less in the majors. The Marlins, almost every one on that team is a rookie. The D-Backs, the Rockies, the Brewers, etc. There are more teams in the NL and a lot more youth in the NL. So I speculate that the AL won’t be the stronger of the two forever. Teams have their stars for 6 years before free agency… So we will see some changes in that time. Thome isn’t going to last forever. Sheffield is already down and out. Giambi is hitting .250. There is more quality veteran pitching in the AL right now. But the NL will shine again. Hamels, Davies, James, Duke, the Marlins, Billingsly, Sheets, Peavy, and the list goes on of talented young pitchers that are going to be difference makers. All that and, it appears more teams in the NL are taking the Braves approach of building from within as opposed to signing the free agents. So, if they do it right, this should lead to a more sustained level of play in the NL.

Smoltz is amazing. Now, we just need a steller performance from Villarreal again. I wanna see it Oscar!

GO BRAVES

By 22oz

August 22, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Report: ESPN to announce formation of new network, ESPN SY, a channel solely dedicated to the Yankees and the Red Sox. A spokesman for ESPN explained “We at ESPN just don’t feel that we offer enough coverage of this historic rivalry, and this will finally achieve our dream”. Also coming soon: ESPN T.O.

By Sammy Kershaw

August 22, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

No Fruit sucks like a Big Orange!

wait am i too late for the Tennessee joke party?

By BravesFaninRockies

August 22, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

LEW,

Why the obsession with the salary cap? I can buy raising the mound and scrapping the DH (though the MLBPA would never go for that unless you added an extra player to the rosters). Demanding that umpires call strikes the way the rules state would help A LOT, too.

But I’ve said this before: a salary cap would be impossible to implement in baseball and would ruin the game. It is a BAD idea.

How do you deal with injuries to your top-dollar players? Does that mean that a team could not make deadline star-for-prospect deals because the salaries don’t match?

If MLB forces large-market teams to share more TV revenues and also requires small-market teams to spend their rev-sharing on players (rather than line the owners’ pockets, as apparently happened in Kansas City and perhaps Pittsburgh), baseball will be fine.

After all, big payrolls don’t guarantee world championships. Ask the folks in Texas and Baltimore and Chavez Ravine.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

A new, boring @ss blog has been posted by Guy…

By MEB

August 22, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

35… Thanks and that is a great story. With the media scrutiny nowadays I don’t think we’ll ever see the characters they use to have in baseball. Players today are in many way indistinguishable from each other. I will say the Braves do have an interesting mix of personalities which really makes them entertaining.

Almost through reading “Ted Williams” by Leigh Montville and I highly recommend it if you want to read about one of baseball’s biggest characters. The author calls it “The biography of an American Hero.” I’m not so sure about the “hero” tag but he sure was loved by millions.

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

new blog is up…such as it is…

By Head coach

August 22, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Berigan , thats just about the dumbest thing Ive ever read.

By jim

August 22, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

I almost wish the braves would not make it in this year. They truly have had a bad year, one can only wonder if we had a reliever to start the year, it is no secret we needed one coming in, Rietsma had problems in closing situations last year. You could automatically add 12 to 15 games to the win side, which would put us 6 to 9 games over 500 and in first in the WC. I hope we get rid of Giles, HorRam, and Hudson and try to gain a solid number 2 or 3 starter and another lights out relief person. With Giles and maybe a throw in a good lead off hitter with speed and a good 300 hitter, not too much to ask for right?

By dean

August 22, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

the braves suck and will for a long time. all they have is 1 pitcher and not much else.

By David

August 23, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

I concur with Jim: I almost wish the braves weren’t going to win the whole thing this year—it is their destiny to win the world series and in spite of an absolutely horrendous start, the braves will finish strong, sneak into the playoffs as a wild card participant and roll all the way to the world series. I see absolutely nothing standing in their way. They have their new closer (Wickman); they’ve dispatched (Betemit) for the Betterment of the team; and when all of their starting pitchers come off of the DL, I see absolutely no reason why the Braves shouldn’t win the world series this year. Remember, the penant races start on September 1st, so the Braves have a few more games to get ready for the stretch run—then as I heard Bobby Cox say this morning, all they have to do is string about 10 wins in a row and the Braves should be in position to seize the wild card berth and roll all the way throughout the playoffs and into the World Series. Thanks, Atlanta for another great playoff year!!!

By Disappointed Braves Fan

August 26, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Get back to .500? PUH-LEEZE!!! Ain’t gonna happen. This team isn’t good enough to finish less than 10 games UNDER .500, and I bet that is exactly what will happen. I’m now rooting for McCann, Frenchy, LaRoche, and every other player I like to finish this season with respectable stats.