Braves

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

Short and to the point Guy. As always. Nothing really to get people talking. So what’s the over/under on Villarreal tonight?

By Shaun Payne

August 22, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Prado’s minor league numbers look pretty good. Looks like a suitable replacement if they trade Giles. I think this offseason would be a good time move Giles and LaRoche and move Prado/Aybar and Saltalamacchia into the lineup.

By The Man

August 22, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

DOB - to beat a dead horse, I’m still ticked about LaRoche lollygagging out of the box on that bunt and then not running full speed through 1B. I think he’s receiving unfair criticism about the decision to bunt. However, he needs to be grilled for his poor execution in terms of being lazy, like that play at 1B against the Nats. What are your thoughts on this guy’s constant lack of hustle and continual brain farts? There’s no place for that in the Major Leagues. That game could be a killer at the end of the year.

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Aren’t we glad that DOB enjoys doing the blog??!! Don’t we appreciate to the max his participation in the posts? YOU BET!!!

By TennesseePaul

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

Shaun: I’m not sure it’s time to move Saltalamacchia up to the majors. He just now figured out how to hit AA pitching. He wasn’t too impressive in Spring Training either. if anything, they should move him to first to get him some practice there before he comes to tha majors. We still have Thorman available as well. I say keep LaRoche and milk him for all he’s worth. He has really stepped up this year and for that I congratulate him. I didn’t think he had it in him. But, as soon as he starts and stops thinking, problems abound. He started thinking and bunted when he should have swung. Then stopped thinking and didn’t hussel down the line when it was needed more than ever.

Prado on the other hand looks capable. But I don’t see him as a big time second baseman. I’d like him to prove me wrong, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. He looks more like a defensive sub type guy than an all-star.

Moving Giles this winter will be key to acquiring a substantial piece for next season. But, there is a draw back. A healthy Estrada fetches more than an unhealthy Estrada. Not that Giles is unhealthy… but Estrada was in a “down season” when we traded him. Same with Giles. Both are all stars though. I wouldn’t be surprised if we kept him one more season. But I think I would be a little disappointed. Giles is going to command some coin on the open market. He and AJ both will be on the market at the same time (I’m pretty sure Giles is a FA after next season). I’d rather have our focus be on AJ and not split between the two. Especially since we are stocked at middle infield and fairly thin on the superstar outfielders.

By Judy

August 22, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

LaRoche overplayed his hand with the bunt. I’m convinced he’s on the take to throw games. The “I’m stupid” excuse doesn’e ring true anymore. Look at the mental and physical errors he’s made and at what times of the game he’s made them this season. The pressure to botch has obviously been off for a while and he’s hitting a ton. When the fix is on he’ll find a way to make that one mistake that will extend an inning for the opposing team or kill a rally for our team. I hope Selig looks into this; I hope I’m wrong. However my “bet” is that he’s dirty.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Judy: That is is probably the dumbest thing I’ve read.

By Alex

August 22, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Trade Giles and save your money…let some of the younger guys in the organization, like M. Prado…and T. Pena jr. have a shot. Work with Salty at first base, and see if he could switch positions before it’s too late. If he remains a catcher, he’s not going to unseat McCann and will have to be traded, or be his backup. I say keep Adam one more year, and let him play all time, including against left handed pitchers. If he has another solid offensive year, his trading value increases, and if Salty switches to first base for an entire year in the minors…you could possibly bring him up to the majors as a first baseman in two years, while freeing up the position with a trade for Adam.

Either way, free up some cash to offer A. Jones 15-17 million per year in a 5 year contract.

Plus, if you save let’s say, 5-10 million next year by trading Giles, you could use that money to sign up Bob Wickman for one more year as the closer. The guy’s been steady and stablizied the bullpen along with Baez.

As bad as the Braves were at times this season, I think when healthy this is still a contending team in the NL in 2007.

By Voice of Reason

August 22, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Greetings to all. I actually attended the game last night; what a treat to see Smoltz toss a gem. I rarely miss a game, but I usually enjoy watching from the comfort of my home (even if I have to put up with Rathburn and Torborg.) Yeah, I’m one of those folks who detests venturing inside the perimeter and truly enjoys staying in my little slice of NE Georgia. That being said, I really enjoyed being at the Ted, even if it was a sparsely attended tilt. The atmosphere of being in the ballpark can’t be experienced at home… Nice game, Martin. Welcome back. I’m looking forward to Davies making it back to actually giveBC 4 major league starters to work with. Now if he can just dig up a 5th. (Actually, after the cards he’s been dealt this year, he might be digging up a fifth more often than not…)

By dadgum

August 22, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

The Man…. no sense criticizing LaRouche for lack of hustle unless you do the same to Andruw. Andruw will non-chalant throws into the infield while the runner is taking second on what should have been a routine single. Also half the team lollygags to first. Make that half of every team in both leagues. Say what you will about Adam but he ain’t going anywhere anytime soon. Too good defensively and really hitting too. Granted we may have to put up with a brain fart now and again but I am willing to do that to have him around the other 99% of the time.

It should now be totally apparent, even to the casual observer, that Giles will be traded this off season. Being 22 and darn good should keep Prado at 2nd for quite a while plus he comes cheap especially the next couple of years. With Aybar to back up 3rd and SS plus possibly play 2nd ,Giles is simply the odd man out not to mention his contract. This is audition time and Prado looks like a keeper and not just because of last night. He has been doing it his whole career. The question remains however will the Braves see him as their leadoff answer? My guess is yes if they can get that #2 rotation pitcher. Instead of going after a proven true leadoff guy they will use Prado and keep the extra money earmarked for a veteran leadoff (which is hard to find) to sign Wickman and hopefully Andruw Jones soon.

By MEB

August 22, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Judy, Judy, Judy, that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever read.

You know Red Sox fans have been long suffering, but getting swept in five by the Yankees has to be one of the cruelest blows in their history. OUCH!!!

By 10-7-4

August 22, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Greetings all,—C.Lady, you and Mom Ok today? Hope so. Well—#10 news is reporting that a new Danish study from Aarhus Univ. will show that Greenland’s glaciers have been shrinking for the last 100 yrs. Glaciologist Jacob Clement Yde proclaims this study to be “the most comprehensive study ever done”. Also reports from Geophysical Research Letters, another scientific group, says their research indicates that the world’s oceanic temperature actually declined during period 2003-2005. And furthermore a European study announced that ‘one of the most significant causes of ‘greenhouse gases’ is flatulence from ‘cows’ and ‘sheep’. While they produce methane, kangaroos release harmless acetate like vapor. Apparently a gene in the stomach of the kangaroos is responsible, and they want to possibly ‘transplant’ this gene to cows and sheep and solve a serious problem. Wonder what Al will say????

By Voice of Reason

August 22, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

My opinion on Giles and 2B:

The Braves are very deep at middle infield prospects with Aybar and Prado already up, and Escobar not far behind. Giles is expendable given his value and salary potential. As has been argued on this blog time and time again, the Braves everyday lineup has NOT been the problem this year, pitching has. That being said, the Braves farm system is relatively stocked with position players: 1B - Scott Thorman, Kala Kaaihue; 2B - Martin Prado, Yunel Escobar; SS - Yunel Escobar, Elvis Andrus; 3B - Eric Campbell, Van Pope; OF - Gregor Blanco, Brandon Jones. What they lack is upper level pitching prospects. Their best prospect is Jo Jo Reyes, who’s still at Myrtle Beach (A). I could see Giles being traded for bona fide pitching prospects. Gotta keep the pipeline working, ya know.

By 22oz

August 22, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

I just don’t have a good feeling tonight about the game for 3 reasons:

1) The new Braves killer Shawn Chacon 2) I think we got lucky last week with Villareal. There’s a reason he fell out of favor with management. 3) We won last night.

But i’ll still watch and hope i’m wrong. Stuck with em this long, why give up now?

By 22oz

August 22, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna miss Gilly, but he’s as good as gone.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Maybe Giles and Hudson for a younger, more reliable starter and a minor league pitcher. Those two combined could fetch quite a sum. They’ll make about the same next year as well. If we are goint to trade for a top of the order guy, then we have to find room for him. We have Davies and James. HoRam and Hampton. And Smoltz should stick around for a while. He is less than 300 strike outs away from 3000. Another year or two and he’s got it. Plus, the man is throwing it right now. He’s a power arm and power arms have the ability to last quite a while (see Clemens and Ryan). So maybe we can get 3 more years out of Smoltz. If he’s going to produce like this, I would have no problems with it. He could get up to 220 wins 3,000+ Ks and a few more post season victories to go along with his Cy Young and 150+ saves. Hall. Of. Fame. If he hangs around for ever like Ryan, he’d be around for another 6 or 7 years. That’d put him closer to 300 wins (around 270) and 4000 Ks. But maybe that’s too much to ask.

By ernesto

August 22, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

I’ve been thinking about Andruw a lot lately. He’s obviously a huge part of this team, and a huge part of what the club is all about. But 15 million a year is a ton to tie up in one player if we’re going to be operating around the 80 million mark in the future. I know he’s got big time numbers, and I know he’s arguabley the best CF to ever play the position…but to tie up nearly 20% of your availabe budget into one player…I just don’t know that that makes sense. I would hate to see him go, but at what point does he become unaffordable given the Braves current financial parameters? And if he does go does taht leave us with an OF of Diaz, Frenchy, Langerhans, Johnson for next year? There is a big Defensive dropoff from ‘Druw in CF to Frenchy but is that off set by having a lot more money to spend in the ‘pen, and on pitching?

By Carolina Lady

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

Judy - blonde, right??

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

I, too, think Giles is a candidate to be traded, that said though, I sure hate to see him go. He may not be having his best offensive year, but he has hustle and is one of the best 2nd baseman in the game.

If indeed Giles does get traded, I sure hope it is for pitching, and not prospects, proven ML pitching. I sure hope they don’t just give him away.

OTOH, I thought JS gave Millwood away, that turned out to be a great trade, and I thought JS gave Estrada away, and maybe the Diamondbacks got the better end of the deal, it’s not to awful bad for the Braves.

Alright, game 1 in the books, a dominant Smoltz and Wickman. An uneventful 9th inning, I could spoiled to that.

Geaux Braves!!

By Jeffrey

August 22, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

I like Prado alot. Kind of reminds me of the Braves leadoff man from years ago, Felix Millan. Prado is definitely more cut out than Giles to be a leadoff man. He works substantially cheaper too. I excpect Prado will be the opening day secondbaseman in 2007.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

AJ’s case is interesting. I’d be happy with him signing a longer term deal at lower cost. Say 8-10 years at 10 to 11 million a year. AJ, even at an old age, should still make a servicable player/left fielder/1B. Just keep him. The other thing to note about signing AJ is, the structure of the contract. If we resign him this winter and front load the contract, we can pay the bulk of it while McCann, Francoeur, James and Davies are all still cheap. Then it can pan out so that by the time those guys command the coin, it wouldn’t kill us. Or maybe just offer a massive deferred signing bonus. And if none of that works, go find those highway snipers and have them pick off Boras (aka Killer of Teams)

But, as I’ve said many times, AJ is not out of our price range yet. Not until Boras butts in. But I still see no reason to trade him. He’s a great player. If he wants to turn his back on the team and fans for money, then let him do it. But don’t pre-emptively kill the relationship with a trade. Don’t let the back stabbing be from the teams side.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

We should win tonight. Chacon was lucky last time. Luckier than Villarreal. I expect to see a solid outing by Villarreal tonight and McCann to go 5 for 5. Sanchez should be held hitless again.

By Shaun Payne

August 22, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Saltalamacchia’s AA numbers look pretty good. I don’t think he has much more to prove in the minors, but a little more seasoning can’t hurt and would likely help. I agree, LaRoche is fine. He provides as much bang for the buck as any first-sacker in the game. You can’t really go wrong with either, although Salty has the potential to be a superstar. If at all possible, it may be a good idea to look at Salty in leftfield.

By dadgum

August 22, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Andruw is at that point now where he is going to get a lot of money from any team he is traded to… if he is traded. The Braves know that and there is no escaping from that fact. The Braves will have to be real close to what Andruw expects or there won’t be any hint of a hometown discount. If I was GM (not even remotely qualified)I would need a solid assurance from talking with Andruw/Boras that some deal can be worked out that would defer money or at least make it easier in the short term.

My guess is that if JS doesn’t receive more than a “gut feeling” he can be resigned by the winter meetings then I fully expect Andruw to be traded at or right after those meetings. The very last thing JS will do is watch Andruw suit up as a Brave in ‘07 knowing in his “gut” that there is little chance to resign him and he could possibly sail off to another team and we get nothing. That is exactly why I feel that signing Andruw early will keep him as a bRave until say 2010 if not then I think he is traded at the very worst case prior to spring training only if nothing surfaces at the winter meetings. Another plausible reason to trade him after this season is that he is still marketable and having a good year. No guarantees he doesn’t get hurt next year and then you get less in return.

No where on this post mind you have I said I wanted him traded. Quite the contrary. I feel he is the very best CF I have ever seen and with him in the lineup we have too many bats to pitch around. Take him out and you can pitch around somebody or obviously weaken the lineup. Look what happened in Washington with him out!

Giles is gone..guaranteed. Yeah…I will miss him too but that is MLB for ya. The real excitement will center around signing Andruw. Stay tuned…….

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

I hear Salty is unbearably slow. I’m not sure LF would be a good idea. I just picture McCann in the outfield… Catcher speed is catcher speed. Firstbase seems the best place for slow runners. Salty’s numbers are just now coming around. He started the first half hitting below mendozza and striking out a ton. We was a .300+ hitter at rookie level. I’d like to see him keep that up. That and not strike out so much. Minor league pitching is, well, good hitters shouldn’t K that much against it.

By beachcomber

August 22, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

We probably would be wise to take a page out of the Mut’s book and tie up Mccann and Francoeur for about 5-7 years each. It seems they have little else to prove that they are good long term investments.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see Andruw being traded even if he were to say “I’m in it only for the money”. Furcal was that way. He didn’t say it outright, but every team member who talked to him knew it. No way JS didn’t know it. But he didn’t trade him for anything. He let him walk and, in the end, we had 5 extra draft picks from all the guys we let walk. It’s not like we get nothing. We just have to wait longer to see the return. David Justice is the only guy I can think of that was traded and was a star. Plus, JS builds to win… We have a better shot winning with AJ than without. Another note might be the new owner. If the new owner is convinced that AJ is needed to keep this team winning and keep people in the seats, they might find a means to work a deal. Be assured Boras is going to press that button as hard as he can. The Yankees will offer the most. But they already have Damon, Abrue and Matsui signed for another 3 years, so they don’t really have anywhere to play Andruw. That leaves the Mets. LF and/or RF for the Mets is open in a few years, and they like to splash the cash. And that to me would be the most revulting, appauling, awful sight in the history of the game if Andruw were to take the Money and play for the Mets. I’d hate him for that. So here’s to hoping loyalty is more valuable than than money.

By 22oz

August 22, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Only tie Francouer up longterm if he agrees to a “take a pitch” clause in his contract.

By Shaun Payne

August 22, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Yeah. Who knows how Salty would do in left? It looks like he’s ready or close to being ready. And I don’t think McCann is going anywhere. I think a LaRoche trade would be a good move to clear some room but I don’t think we should just move him for the sake of moving him. We should get equal value.

By Bill

August 22, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Shaun —

Hmmm… “Saltalamacchia’s AA numbers look good”? His batting average is .230 and his slugging percentage is .380. Granted, he has picked it up lately but I would say that he has been a big disappointment this year. Hopefully, it is just one bad year and he’ll bounce back (see, e.g., Betemit’s surge after 3 underachieving years in Richmond). However, I would not start pencilling him into the 2007 Atlanta lineup — 2008 might be more reasonable. I think he needs to prove that he can have good numbers above A-level ball for a full season before getting to the majors.

Thorman is a better bet for LF / 1B / bench duty next year.

By beachcomber

August 22, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

22oz - re: “take one” - goes without saying.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

beachcomber: We already have those two locked up for 5 more years. They aren’t free agents until 2012 or so. They are arbitration eligible around 2009 or 2010. That’s why I think front loading AJ’s contract would be wise. While all these younguns are making 500,000, we could pile on the cash to AJ, and then have it be thinner when the younguns start commanding a lot more money.

Of couse, locking them up now would solidify them at a set pay the entire time and make budgeting simpler. But either way, we have them under control for a while.

The Mets made a bold move. Now, I hope both those two pull a Gange or JD and sit on the DL the whole time obsorbing money and not producing. … I hate the Mets.

GO BRAVES

By ernesto

August 22, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

LaRoche is waaaay affordable and putting up decent numbers. Solid productivity out of 1st, and a pretty good glove, for less than a mil. Deal!

By Shaun Payne

August 22, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Bill,

You’re right; though batting average isn’t everything. He has an okay K/BB ratio and a good on-base percentage. He does need to improve his power/extra-base numbers. If he’s a catcher, he’s ready but probably not as a firstbaseman.

By beachcomber

August 22, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Tenn Paul - I’m with you in your “love” for the Mets. Hate it when Glavine pithes against us. Hard to forget the years he gave us (putting the union activities etc.) aside - our house rule is to hope he has a good six or seven then we rip their pen.

By Shaun Payne

August 22, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Bill,

Also, you’d like to see a potential superstar hit at least .280-.300 in the minors. So I agree, now that I think about it.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Salty is still ranked high, but he certainly does have to turn it up. He went on a tear at the begginning of the second half. I think, if you look at his second half numbers, you’d see the Salty of rookie ball. His first half was atrocious. He’s at least a year away, maybe more. I hope he can turn it around and mash ‘em next year. If he does, then we’ll talk about what needs to happen. He needs to cut down on the K’s though.

I’m interested to see what Eric Campbell has to offer. Guy’s weekend minor league reports always have good things about him. Lerew seems to have found his footing again. We might need to be a little more cautious with him, but he could turn out really good. And, if Devine can maintain his recent work… I just fear those guys could totally Ankiel themselves out of baseball.

Braves farm system is still solid. We’ll probably hear a lot about it in the offseason as ESPN stirs up rumors that every position player is being traded because the Braves only have a dollar budget.

By Chop Chop

August 22, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

I think Will Startup may be in the Braves’ pen in ‘07. He struggled some when he got to Richmond, but he seems to have turned it around. Since he can strike guys out and he’s a lefty, it seems to me that he would certainly be a favorite to be in there.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

I won’t start my “don’t trade Giles” campaign again. If it happens, it happens, and Prado did look good last night… only one game, but a good one.

Seems to me that if we trade Giles the object would be a left fielder who can bat leadoff (and who can slide over to center if AJ is hurt or out of the lineup). Might have to throw in a prospect or two, or Langerhans, etc, but I don’t know who might be available, so hard to say. I think Diaz will still be a backup OF, along with Thorman, if we obtain a LF with some speed. Then you can move Prado down the lineup and not put him in the same position we put Giles this year.

By Ron Roberts

August 22, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

The Man….

You’re right. You’re beating a dead horse. Enjoy the 30-homer season LaRoche is gonna put up, for the chump change he’s making, okay? And when Guy writes the blog, maybe you’d get more reaction from the writer when you didn’t refer to him as DOB.

Oh, and while we’re at it, the replay of LaRoche’s run to 1st base show it was a bang-bang play. How many beat writers have to tell you your perspective from a barcalounger doesn’t give you proper perspective to judge such stuff? LaRoche was the only guy in the stadium who knew he was gonna bunt, so, uh, I kinda think he knew he’d need to leg it out.

By Ted

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

Instead of Villareal, maybe the Braves should see what the Jays want for Lilly right now. He’d be a free agent after the year (no long term obligation), he’s got decent numbers (despite playing in the AL East), Toronto is going nowhere this year (and Lilly likely to leave after last night’s episode), and he may be available after last night’s fun with his manager. Just a thought.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think he knew he’d bunt so poorly. It was practically bunted into the throwing hand of Olivo. It couldn’t have gone any worse. Needless to say, I don’t think we’ll ever see that again.

By SaltyDog55

August 22, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Ted: You have to wonder if ‘there’s smoke, there’s fire’ with the Jays’ manager. The guy looks wound a bit tight. Obviously something was said to trip Lilly’s trigger on the mound, but judging from his actions in the dugout, he seemed remarkably calm; then Gibbons followed him down the tunnel. Who was the grown up? I bet Hillenbrand is smirking about now.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

I first thought the bunt call came from the benched and I really bashed BC for an idiotic call, then I was corrected and was told the bunt came from LaRoche, so the first thing I do is bash LaRoche. Anyhow, apologizes to LaRoche, true it was a bonehead play, but bottom line it was a mistake. How many of us have never made a mistake at our job. LaRoche is solid defensively and offensively, and his offensive numbers more than make up for a couple of mental lapses. But, that’s a dead horse now, just wanted to say that.

Geaux Braves!!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

Hillenbrand has had his issues in the past. But I think more of the matter is the Jays are under-performing. They were supposed to knock around the Yankees and Red Sox this year. They’ve 100 million on 2 guys, and only one of them is performing. I bet there is a lot of frustration in that dugout. And, under-acheiving is answered by the Manager. Good managers can manage the bad and the good… bad ones, well I think they have a bad one. That compounds the under-acheiving and frustration. Maybe they’ll fire him and take Terry off our hands so we can hire a hitting coach that doesn’t clap when you swing at balls in the dirt… “Ata boy! Way to be aggressive.”

By TommyB

August 22, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Hi All…

Haven’t had any time to catch up on posts but the grumbling is spilling over and it caught my attention.

Here’s something to wrangle over. Actually it’s a development from yesterday on the Glavine story. In case you haven’t heard yet, it looks like he’s going to be OK and avoid surgery.

I wonder if there’s anything to the brother-in-law story and his coming back here… ?

“NEW YORK — Tom Glavine does not need surgery on his troublesome left shoulder and could soon rejoin the New York Mets’ rotation, a person familiar with the pitcher’s situation said Tuesday.

Glavine felt coldness in his left ring finger after a start last week, triggering fears that a blood clot might have developed that could end his season — or possibly, his career.

An angiogram Monday showed that no invasive procedure is needed, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Mets had not made an official announcement.

According to the person, no timetable was set for Glavine’s return. But the lefty was not expected to go on the disabled list, meaning he could be back for the series that starts Sept. 1 at Houston.”

By SaltyDog55

August 22, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Not a TP fan, huh? :-)

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

I liked him as a player the first go through. The second time through was a bit of a let down. And I have not been impressed with his coaching abilities. Maybe he’d be a better manager than hitting coach. But the strike outs seem to have gone up every year he’s been in charge of hitting.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

hk once did a graph marking the intelligence of the atlanta braves ballplayers. in that graph, chippper was proved to be the smartest uh, atlanta brave. now, new evidence may lead one to believe that laroche is smarter, and new players have now appeared on the roster that were not previously factored in. so, hk, could we please see another intelligence graph? thanks from journalist jimmy smith.

By Voice of Reason

August 22, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

How much influence does a hitting coach have on major league hitters, anyway? I certainly am not defending TP, whom I don’t believe is helping anything, but hitters have to be willing to listen and willing to learn. I’m not so sure most major league hitters are either. I’d really prefer Francouer take some notes from his roommate, Mr. McCann…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

music to introduce tom glavine as he enters the game should be - cold-finger … now that it is not deemed serious injury we must revel in the coldness of a mets’ finger. appropriate song? you determine:

Coldfinger.

He’s the man, the man with the midas touch.

A spider’s touch.

Such a cold finger.

Beckons you to enter his web of sin

But don’t go in.

Golden words he will pour in your ear,

But his lies can’t disguise what you fear,

For a golden girl knows when he’s kissed her,

It’s the kiss of death from

Mister Goldfinger.

Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold

This heart is cold.

Golden words he will pour in your ear,

But his lies can’t disguise what you fear,

For a golden girl knows when he’s kissed her,

It’s the kiss of death from

Mister Goldfinger.

Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold

**This heart is cold.

He loves only gold,

Only gold.

He loves gold.

He loves only gold,

Only gold.

He loves gold.**

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

Off topic, but did any of you guys happen to catch the ‘cursing and slapping’ incident in the Little League World Series? I haven’t watched much of it but happened to catch that moment. Absolutely priceless to hear this 12-year-old in the dugout shout “one more f#(*&#ing run!” Among all the noise coming from the dugout with the mic on, it jumped out like it was the only sound in the stadium. I didn’t really see the coach slap the kid, but did hear him yell at him … “Come On!”.

Apparently, all is smoothed over (no criminal charges or lawsuits, thank God), and ESPN is now putting a 5 second delay on the games.

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

I think Giles will be traded, but it more than likely ain’t going to be for a quality major league pitcher. I honestly don’t think (after this bad season) that Giles is worth a #3 starter. I think that a solid pitching prospect and a quality reliever is what the Braves should shoot for. If not that, then a top pitching prospect and some kind of throw-in (avg. prospect). But then again, the more I think about it, the more I start to think; Who really needs a second baseman enough to give up pitching? (prospects or major leaguers). We will get less than equal value for Giles, mark my words…

By 22oz

August 22, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Just read on ESPN that David Wells cleared waivers. Let the speculation begin!

By KC

August 22, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

A question was posed to me yesterday (in a previous blog) but I didn’t have time to respond until now. Yesterday Basketball Coach wrote: “…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?”

Yes. I think exactly that. I understand many Braves’ fans have questions/concerns, but I’ll explain why I don’t share their concern over next year’s team.

• “John Smoltz will be 40 next year”: True, but if he’s slowing down you’ll have to point out what I should be looking for… cause I’m not seeing it. He can’t do it at this level forever, but no reason to believe he won’t do it at least one more year.

• “Tim Hudson has been inconsistent… can we count on him?”: Tim Hudson has been quite good since coming to Atlanta with the exception of one recent awful 7 week stretch. For whatever reason, Hudson developed some mechanical flaws that took a while to iron out… but he has. He’s been the Tim Hudson of old in each of his last 5 starts. Last year, he finished with a 3.52 ERA and 14 wins, which should have easily been at least 18 wins with even so much as an average bullpen behind him. This year he was pitching well before that 7 week stretch, and has been excellent since snapping out of it. He’s got 7 years of excellence on his resume VS. 7 bad weeks. It’s only reasonable to chalk that up as a fluke. Tim Hudson is the 2nd winningest pitcher in baseball over the last 7 years for a reason. He’s only 30, and his stuff’s as good as ever. Don’t worry about Huddy.

• “Mike Hampton is coming off Tommy John Surgery… we don’t know what we’re gonna get from him.”: Most of the hindrances pitchers experience in their first year back is a result of returning after only 12 months. All of the doctors that perform this procedure insist that it takes a full 18 months to completely recover. Hampton will have had the full 18 month recovery period, and reports are that his rehab is already going quite well.

• “Horacio Ramirez is injury prone.”: That may be true. However, with 6 starters for 5 positions next year, we’ve got the depth to absorb one or even 2 of our starters being on the DL for a while.

• “Wickman might not be back”: Wickman will be back. He’s already pretty much indicated that he would like to return for another year with the Braves, and he should fit quite well into the payroll scheme of this team. He’ll be back.

With or without a true leadoff hitter, when healthy, the Braves offense is as good as any in the NL. The bullpen will remain solid with Wickman at the helm, and Boyer & Foster coming back healthy. A [Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Ramirez, James/Davies] rotation has a chance to remind us of those 1990’s Braves’ rotations. If this team can remain reasonably healthy, they will have a great chance to make some noise next October.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

DonC, I would bet that trading Giles will be similar to trading Estrada last year. The circumstances are fairly similar; Giles is a little more proven, but still will probably bring a couple of young arms with potential (but not top-notch prospects), or an OF with some skills, but not an allstar or a proven starter. Hopefully, we’ll get someone who can help us somewhere down the road, but the main purpose of trading him will be to dump his salary. That’s why I think we should do it ONLY if the money saved allows us to sign a F/A pitcher like Baez or Wickman.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Judy, have you taken too many punches?

By In the News

August 22, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

Record Met bust in Georgia Town

Federal officials have made a “record-breaking seizure” of Met paraphernalia buried in the back yard of a rural home in Buford, GA, that they say was used by disturbed Met fans.

Special agents found 187 1/2 pounds of suspected met paraphernalia and about 90 cans of suspected Pepsi cola during a search last week, said special agent Suzy Strange. Pepsi is banned at Turner field.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Pepsi banned? But it’s a P player!

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

jocular journalist jimmy, I think you’ve found the best intro song. In the event Shirley Bassey balks (pun intended) at this use of her song, only alternative I can think of is:

You’re as cold as ice, you’re willing to sacrifice our love; You never take advice, someday you’ll pay the price, I know;

Ive seen it before, it happens all the time; You’re closing the door, you leave the world behind. You’re digging for gold, you’re throwing away a fortune in feelings, but someday you’ll pay!

By Voice of Reason

August 22, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

When is the Pepsi Band playing at Turner Field?

By Basketball Coach

August 22, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

If we tried to trade Giles by himself, we probably wouldn’t get too much in return. The Estrada deal would be quite comparable.

But, a package of Giles-Ramirez-Thorman would be very attractive. We might not get a bonafide all-star pitcher or leadoff hitter, but it would be pretty close.

Now suppose we include Salty instead of Thorman. At either 1B or C, Salty would not play in Atlanta for a few more years. A package of Giles-Ramirez-Salty could very well fetch us an all-star starting pitcher or leadoff hitter. Such a move would give the Braves a very, very impressive lineup for 2007.

By Basketball Coach

August 22, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Our ability to trade Giles and/or HoRam is obviously predicated on the assumption that Lerew, Prado, and Aybar become solid regulars.

By SaltyDog55

August 22, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Don’t give up on HoRam…very bad move. He’s just hitting his prime and while he’s had injuries, he’s far from shot. No, no, no…please!

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Giles greates value might actually be at the trading deadline next July. He’ll have an ‘expiring contract’ and teams looking for some pop, and who are in the playoff hunt, might be inclined to give up top prospects in exchange for his services. Of course, if we’re in the playoff hunt, it would be hard to trade him unless we had a lot of confidence in his replacement. Just a thought…

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

SaltyDog55:

I’m with you. HoRam showed us a lot this year. Between DL stints, he was fantastic in 11 of his 14 starts, posting an ERA of well under 3.00 in those 11 games. The other 3 starts were rough, and that really marred his 06’ numbers. But despite a little inconsistency, R.McDowell helped him work out his problems with the longball, and HoRam showed the ability to be a dominant starter.

If we feel we must trade him, we definitely at least need to wait until he’s had more of a chance to prove what he can do and bring that trade value way up. Personally, I’d like to keep him.

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

Basketball Coach:

I didn’t have a chance to respond to your question yesterday… but yes, I absolutely think the Braves have what it takes to compete for a World Series next year. My 3:24 post here was actually in response to your question.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this

The Estrada deal hasn’t been all that bad. we got two young arms for a catcher coming of a frightful injury. Had Estrada been healthy we would have been able to package him with Sosa. Instead we got to major league experience young arms that aren’t even arbitration eligible. That’s not a bad deal. The bad part was we had to keep Sosa. Had we been able to start the season without that @ssclown, we would be much better today. We won only 3 of the 13 games he started. I venture to say we could have done better with Cormier in Sosa’s place to start the season. Had we won just half of Sosa’s Starts we’d be right at the top of the Wild Card.

By SaltyDog55

August 22, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

KC: You really vindicated McDowell with your remarks, and in light of the strides James has made as well. He straightened both out in a big way.

Fact is, Roger’s probably just now getting the kudos he deserves, ‘cause he sure as heck hasn’t had the crew we all thought he’d have this season.

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: I agree. We took the best offer on the table for Estrada at the time. His trade value was very much diminished after recovering from a back injury that was the equivalent to what many people experience after a severe car crash. It was not a bad move, and Villareal and/or Cormier may still wind up being significant contributors to this team. Villareal’s chance will come tonight.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

10Paul, I wasn’t criticizing the Estrada trade; we got what we could get, and Villareal was and is a good prospect. I was just commenting that we’d probably get something similar for Giles, straight-up.

By Head coach

August 22, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Horacio Ramirez , Chuck James and Kyle Davies are untouchable. They are young , cheap and most of all…….. affordable pitchers. Yea, Giles is history as in ancient. OK , Davies can be taken of the DL at any time. Hypothetical situation : Villareal , Hudson , James and Smoltz are scheduled to start through saturday. Lets say the Braves win all four games and are on a five game win streak and have won eight out of nine , Does Cox call up Davies and try to keep the Streak going or does he basically concede the season ? Remember , its all hypothetical and food for thought.

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Roger McDowell is getting great (and unsolicited) reviews from seemingly everyone in the Braves organization. Personally, I would still like to see him set someone’s shoes on fire, but he appears to be an excellent pitching coach.

By ncscoots

August 22, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

there are just too many variations for possible off-season plans to even have a clue as to which way the Braves will go. Trade Hudson/Ramirez/Davies/pick a name? Giles traded for a salary dump? AJ traded because he can’t be re-signed? Trade for pitching, or trade for offense? Bullpen or starters? LF or 2B or both? Man…boggling for sure. And since any scenario acted upon will have further ramifications and cause even MORE permutations and possibilities, I’ve just decided to be clueless about the winter until at least ONE thing happens!

By Basketball Coach

August 22, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Ramirez isn’t very cheap any more. He’ll make around 3 million next year.

By SaltyDog55

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

ncscoots You’re funny…and right on the mark.

Andruw Jones loyalty to ATL is all about Bobby Cox, as it likely is for many vets on the roster. If AJ perceives BC will be around in some principal capacity, then ‘hometown’ discount of some magnitude plays. If BC isn’t in the forseeable future, then the rest of MLB’s GM’s gets to play with Mr. Boras…IMO.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

KC: Your run down of next year seems logical. Up until you point to Boyer and Foster. I liked those two, but they are coming off of surgery. I know, I know. I read your post on Hampton. The difference is, Hampton has been in the pro’s a while and proven to be a solid pitcher at that level. Boyer has not. So I’m not ready to think Boyer is going to be a marked improvement over what we have. I hope he will, but he has to prove it first. I thought he would this season but… As for Foster. That’s a tough one. This is his second arm injury. Do we still have him by the way? I know he was in our system, then traded. Made it to the bigs for a bit. Then sent down. Then injured. Then self re-hab. A good showing last year after a walk on try-out. And then an arm injury. He tried out for the team last year, so I don’t know what his contract status is. He may not be back… Just curious on that one.

Giles could fetch good stuff. Who plays second for the Angeles? Kennedy? They have their issues with that guy. Giles would like to play on the West coast and be close to SD. The Giants will need a position player at every spot (talk about turn over!). There will be takers for a solid .300 hitting 2B that can produce about 50 doubles out of the 2 hole. I don’t think he’ll be as undervalued as Estrada. Everyone watching this season can see he isn’t a lead-off hitter. They can also see he really went on a tear in the 2nd spot. Any injuries he has are typically “Hustel Injuries” which are better than mr. glass type injuries. And he can play through most of them. He could still return a lot. He’s a really good 2B.

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

The Braves are going to have to play at least .650-680 baseball in their remaining 38 games to win the Wild Card. I think they’re very capable of doing that. It’s not going to be easy but the Braves certainly have the talent to pull it off.

And if they don’t, that’s ok. To say next year looks promising is an understatement. With the starting pitching and offense we’ll have next year… I’m still excited to be a Braves fan, even if they fall short this season.

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

To be a little more specific, we’ll have to go at least 25-13 the rest of the way to have a chance.

By ncscoots

August 22, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

unless you think HoRam is ever going to be more than a #3-#4 starter, then he’s certainly not untouchable. He’s not that much cheaper than most 4th starters in the NL, and a replacement (even in a trade) wouldn’t be that hard to find. If, on the other hand, you think he’s going to be a top-of-the-rotation guy (at a relatively low price), then you don’t let him go at any trade price. Just depends on your evaluation of his future.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

MBATL: Sorry bout that… didn’t mean it to come across as a rebuke or anything.

By ncscoots

August 22, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Dog, that happens to be one reason I think AJ will NOT sign an extension this winter. New ownership, JS and BC both signed only thru 2007. If AJ has any intention of taking a Bobby discount, he’s gonna want to see if BC is actually going to be here while that new contract runs, don’t you think?

By KC

August 22, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

TennPaul:

I’m not predicting greatness for Boyer. Actually, I’m not predicting anything for him. I just think there’s a good chance that one or both of them (Boyer and Foster) could make a significant contribution to the pen next year.

If not, we’ve still got some other promising young arms. Phil Stockman still hasn’t really had a chance to show what he can do. Joey Devine’s comeback seems to be going quite well, and there are a couple of other guys down on the farm worth looking at as well.

Either way, I’m not terribly worried about our middle relief. Other than what to do with Giles and the leadoff situation, the middle relief is the only thing JS really even has to pay attention to this winter. If JS needs to make a move for a middle reliever… I’m sure he will.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

No problem, 10Paul; thanks. BTW, you’re a good salesman; we can’t wait to run Giles out of town, but you sure dressed him up for LAA!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

KC: That’s for sure. Nothings impossible, just incredibly hard. It’s the hole they dug though. I’m hoping for just 1 loss a week from this week forward. They’ve already lost this week, so they need to win the rest. They can only do that by focusing on the game at hand. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Win tonight. Man I hope Villarreal can show up like he did last time.

In a span of 5 games we’ve had 2 shutouts. That’s the first time all season we’ve done that. Our average RA over those 5 games is the best this entire season (1.6 runs allowed per game over 5 games). We need to keep this up. And if the pitching doesn’t hold tonight, the Bats better thunder!

GO BRAVES

By ncscoots

August 22, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

middle relief is like speed dating, you just rip thru the possibilities until you find some that work. I mean, if middle relief were the biggest concern for this team, you could start printing WS 2007 tickets today. There might be 15 guys in spring training with a chance for those spots, surely Braves can find four out of that group worth keeping.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

KC: Yeah, I agree, next year should be good. I replied to that question on the other blog, whenever that was. But my main points were addition by subtraction. We should be better 1) if we are healthy and 2) we start the season without BJ, Reistma, Remmer, Sosa, Thomson, and so on and so forth. That alone improves our chances.

By ernesto

August 22, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Think Reitsma will be back? He’s got one more year right? Back to set up man?

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Reitsma’s under contract for next year, ernesto. Pretty sure he was on a 1-year deal.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL: Ha! Funny too. I wasn’t so sure until I started writing that post. The more I typed the higher the level of prospects I could see in return (like dollar signs flipping through Bugs Bunny’s eyes). I started off the Blog with the Estrada comparisons, now I think that might be a little unfair to both those players. Oh well. It’s baseball. It’s what I like.

By KC

August 22, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

TennPaul:

With the starting pitching we’ve been getting and the bats we have in the lineup… we have an excellent chance nearly every night of taking a lead into the late innings. When that happens now-a-days, it’s called a “W”. Kinda nice isn’t it? I mean… I know the late innings were more exciting in the Reitsma, Sosa, Ray days, but somehow… I just like this better.

If we keep getting this kind of starting pitching, there’s no reason we can’t play .700 baseball for 38 games. And that would probably be enough to get it done. We’re not dead yet. Not at all.

nscoots:

I agree. Middle relief is not a big issue. There are a world of possibilities both within the organization and by way of trade or free agency to fill the needed middle relief roles. That’s not a concern.

I just hope we can keep Baez. I think we’ll try, but I think there’s no better than a 50/50 chance of him returning.

By KC

August 22, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

BTW: I was at the game last night. I really thought there for a while that I was going to witness a no-hitter. Bummer. Oh well, a Braves shutout was still nice.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

1995 World Series Game 6, Glavine vs that vaunted Cleveland lineup, Wohlers closes the game, Braves win 1-0 to win the WS.

That was a pretty good day.

By dfree

August 22, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this

random thought here… why has prado been down in the minors? he did well in April, i mean i know tony pena’s dad was a major leaguer and that makes everyone like the kid, but he CANT hit, seriously, didnt hit in the minors, and definitely NOT hitting in the majors, why keep him on the roster and leave prado down in the minors? Oh and if davies is ready why the hell give cormier (mr. i give up 3 to 5 runs guranteed) another start, hopefully they wont.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Good analogy, scoots. I think we can get through the 6th and 7th with what we’ve got; and PROBABLY through the 8th with Villareal or Devine (or Boyer, Gunderson??), but that’s a bit of a reach I guess. Sign Wickman, and I really think our ‘pen will be fine. Baez would be whipped cream on the pie.

By ernesto

August 22, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

I remember spring training blogging when there were nothing but doubters on here - people who thought that bringing back BJ was a bad idea, people who thought Reitsma as closer was a terrible idea, people who thought we needed a proven lead off guy, people who thougth this bullpen was goign to hurt us…people who, wait I forgot my point. Oh no I didn’t…patched up rotation and all I think this is a better team than started the year…so if we catch fire, who knows?

By SaltyDog55

August 22, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

NCScoots Re: AJ, yep, agreed…we’re on the same page. So…maybe next year’s roster isn’t the first priority…need to aim a tad higher first? It’s a game of dominos, in some respects.

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

It is hard to put a finger on the reason why the AL is so dominant over the NL (at least over the last decade, but especially in the last 2-3 years). I do think the DH plays a small part, but it’s certainly not the only reason. It gives AL teams more quality at-bats per game, but at the same time it gives the pitchers less easy-outs in games, so I think it cancels itself out. You can chalk the Yankees and Red Sox good players up to $$$$$, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. The Yankees and Red Sox can buy that big free agent when they need to AND they can KEEP the young talent when it comes up from the minors. As far as the rest of the AL vs. the NL I think it is just a cyclical thing. The NL has just been out-drafted and out-traded over the last decade or so, giving them more quality players… I mean, Detroit, Oakland, Minnesota, Anaheim(LA) have obviously drafted extrememly well over the years (better than say the Brewers, Pirates, Cubs, Nationals, Rockies, etc…). Not to mention trades (ie Kazmir for Zambrano, Liriano and Nathan for AJ Pierzynski,etc..) that have gone in the AL’s favor. So, in closing, I think the AL dominance is more of a cyclical thing than any kind of deeper reasoning… But the Yankees and Red Sox will always be a viable WS contender…

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

The only thing for sure in 2007 is that they will have a ton of pitching , six positions are nailed down. Left field and second base will be up for grabs and Wickman is priority number 1# too resign.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

DonC, I think the DH is huge in head to head competition.

If the Braves played the White Sox in the WS, our DH would probably be Langerhans or Thorman, while there’s would be Thome. Tell me that’s fair.

They’re paying a guy who can’t play defense any more 13 mil a year to hit, but we’d be idiots to do that. That’s a huge advantage in at least three, probably four, games of a 7 game series.

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Do , you have no idea what you are talking about. The A.L. has won 15 of the last 22 World Series played. they have swept the last two. Won 3 of the last 5 , 7 out of 10 and so on and so forth . All because of the D.H. The DH equals more offense which equals the need for more power pitchers who throw more fastballs/sliders which means more homeruns , more offense and better baseball all around. Which is why the American league is dominant and it all started with the advent of the DH in 1973. Of course I seem to be the only one in this blog who can figure out this simple logic.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Well, if the DH is that big of difference maker, then the AL would suffer on NL parks. Thome can’t play defense anymore, so you either field a guy who can’t touch his toes or you bench a slugger making 13 million. It should work the NL’s favor in NL parks for that reason. I think it’s a matter of age. The AL has spent like mad to get the free agents lately. The NL has not (save the Mets). But, there are a ton of young guys in the NL. More so than the AL. It’ll even out in the long run. But if it were mainly the DH, the AL should have been dominating for longer than the last 5 years or so. Besides… the NL still has the Wild Card winners in the Marlins and the D-Backs. When the NL pitchers really come into their own, the AL won’t be as powerful. Good pitching beats good hitting.

DonC does point out that the GMs have faired better. Case in point the Astros. They spend spend spend, but can’t hit the ball. It’s poor spending and trading. But that will change over time. The Yankees can’t keep this up forever. Sooner or later they’ll have massive contracts at all positions with guys too old to perform or trade. The Free Agents will be there, but the Yankees will have no where to put them. They could buy them out, or trade them with massive amounts of cash, but eventually even the Yankees will have to mind their spending. (See Beltran vs Damon: Beltran was much better than Damon but they had Bernie out there already)

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

The last five years ??? Hey Paul , the A.L has been dominant for the last 20 years. Where have you been ?

By MBATL

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

10Paul, they don’t suffer because they’ve already got Konerko at 1B (making $12 mil a year). So yeah, for those NL-park games they have to play by NL rules, but they’ve also got Thome lurking on the bench if needed; and starting when we’re in AL parks.

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

And Pitching , yea the A.L. has pitching , more so than the N.L.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Head Coach, when Interleague started, the NL was winning. That’s been within the last 10 years. This year is the first year it flipped so lopsided. As for the 80’s… I think it was the mustache that really did it.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

MBATL: That doesn’t explain why the Royals won. They don’t have crap. I still say it’s because the NL has younger players than the AL. Throw out the Giants and you have an age difference of more than 5 years. There are fewer AL teams than NL teams as well. That means a greater percentage of AL teams our in high revenue markets. There are more NL teams in low revenue markets. Expos, Brewers, and basically your Quad-A teams which signed away the Free Agents. It’s more money than the DH. By the way, the DH has been around longer than 20 years.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

10Paul, I really don’t disagree with you on that. I agree that the AL is just “up” right now in terms of playing talent, and those things are indeed cyclical.

I just hate the DH, and especially hate having two leagues playing by different rules, but competing with each other as though they were the same.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Sheeesh… that should have been are, not our. Where is my mind… oh yeah, at work.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be surprised if the parks factored in as well. How many bandboxes are in the AL compared to the NL? The Phillies, Reds, Astros, D-Backs, and so on have small parks. That would benefit fly ball teams like the AL has.

It’ll pan out in due time though. These young pitchers will come into their own and it will show. There’s a new bargaining agreement which is to occur soon… Bud could really f-it up but there is still hope.

By Head Coach

August 22, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Look at the last two N.L world Series winners. The Marlins in 2003 , Josh Beckett is now in Boston. Arizona is 2001 , Schilling is also in Boston , Randy Johnson is in New York. The migration of power pitchers to the A.L. is continuous because of all the offense in the A.L.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 22, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves should seriously think about getting a solid 3 or 4 starter next year and trading Horacio. They could then put Davies or James into the pen as insurance especially for Hampton and Smoltz. It would be nice if Diaz or Prado could use these last six weeks to emerge as a solid leadoff guy. It would free up that much more free agency money that could go toward the bullpen. It would be nice if Prado could show that he is ready to play because I firmly believe Giles could bring a starter or a leadoff hitter for LF. Putting James or Davies in the bullpen only strengthens the pen and along with Boyer and Foster coming back makes the bullpen actually decent. It would be nice to sign both Baez and Wickman but with relief pitching being the premium it is I think someone will be willing to overspend for either Baez or Wickman and unfortunately I think Baez would take the money.

We also have to remember that Kelly Johnson will be back and could also be a leadoff possibility but I think it would be wiser to already have that leadoff hitter in place instead of waiting until spring training and then finding out that K. Johnson can’t do it and being stuck.

I have a hard time believing that anyone except Baez, Wickman, and Paronto have guaranteed jobs in the pen next year. Two weeks ago I would have put Ray in there but he has fallen apart. Yates has the stuff but maybe not the makeup. Berry could be a good pitcher. But, I envision the bullpen will consist of: Boyer, Foster, Wickman and/or Baez, Stockman, James and/or Davies, Paronto, and a pickup through free agency or trade. Again, the chances of signing both Baez and Wickman are 50/50 at best and more like 35/65.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

RJIB, please give me an example of a ‘solid 3 or 4’ starter who would be better and cheaper than Ramirez, and what we’d have to give up to get him.

Seems to me that HoRam IS a 3 or 4 starter, making pretty modest money.

(a serious question… not disagreeing with your post).

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 22, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I don’t know, MBATL. I was suggesting trading Horacio simply because he will bring something of quality in return. This team needs relief pitching, speed, and depth in the field. Not to mention Horacio hasn’t really showed the ability to pitch a full season and can be erratic. Now, if we could get the Horacio that we saw in May and June, then by all means he should stay but if we get the Horacio of July and August then we could possibly do better.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Sounds like the Mets have traded for Shawn Green.

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

We have to keep Wickman next year. We NEED that sure thing in the 9th inning for a WHOLE season…. I think it would be the best move to trade Giles cuz we could (hopefully) replace him with someone much cheaper. I also think the continued production of McCann and Renteria along with the increased production from Francoeur and LaRoche are crucial for next season… Barring any major improvements from a bunch of teams in the NL, I see no reason why the Braves wouldn’t be a legitimate WS contender next year…

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

god, if we could just put together a little win streak now, we’d be a WS contender this year.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

no trades should be made. no signings should take place. nothing should be undertaken until the relative toe health of the club is determined. two of the best players on this team have bad toes (not sure how many) and at least two pitchers are suffering with bad toes. toes are everything in baseball. toes are not to be trifled with.

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Headcoach, — “Look at the last two N.L world Series winners. The Marlins in 2003 , Josh Beckett is now in Boston. Arizona is 2001 , Schilling is also in Boston , Randy Johnson is in New York. The migration of power pitchers to the A.L. is continuous because of all the offense in the A.L.“… Which 2 teams are involved there??? Yep, the Yankees and BoSox… apparrantly you didn’t read my entire post about the NL vs. the AL

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

and what if it had been cold toe instead of cold finger that struck down glavine? how many of us have suffered from cold toe and known the misery of cold-toe numbness? imagine running the bases with cold toe. consider hitting the bag with cold toe. what about a fowl ball off a cold toe?! oh, the humanity! which injury is worse- cold toe or cold finger? shall we take a pole?

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

The Yankees and Red Sox will ALWAYS be World Series contenders cuz they can throw money at whatever problems they have… But teams like the ChiSox, Tigers, Twins, A’s, Angels have simply out-drafted and out-traded the national league teams for the past decade or so… and that is where the current AL dominance lies… MORE TALENT ON THE FIELD THANKS TO SUPERIOR MANAGEMENT AND SUPERIOR ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS…

Or it could just be that the American league GM’s have been getting lucky drafting and trading for players over the last decade.

By DonCoburleone

August 22, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

And, I didn’t say the DH had nothing to do with the AL dominance over the NL, but it is not the only reason or even the primary reason… it’s just a small factor that contributes to the problem.

By MBATL

August 22, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

DonC, are you really that big a fan of the Twins, Tigers, A’s, Angels, or White Sox organizations?

A couple of these teams have had some success (notably the Chisox last year of course), but for the most part they’ve been losers or runners-up for the last decade or two.

Those organizations may be having good years, good for them, but they are no better than the Braves over any period of time you might choose.

By JJMB

August 22, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

Guess what Smoltz drives. I saw him today as I was driving to the gym.

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

TommyB, brother-in-law story??

JJMB, what?

By TommyB

August 22, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

My nineteen cents worth on why the AL is so much better than the NL…

Granted it ain’t much and I’m without a doubt No Expert.

But it seems like it happened something like this. First, in the AL, the DH increased the offense (hits, walks, and runs) and thereby suppressed the pitching. In succeeding years, the onus was upon AL GMs to make their acquisitions and their training better than before and they did (generally speaking). In order to compete with each other this became an upward spiral which continues through today.

Better pitching to counter the better hitting… better hitting to counter that newly improved pitching… and so on. A rising AL tide.

NL GMs have had their eyes on the “NL ball,” if you will. They build their teams to do combat with other NL teams just as their AL counterparts do with other AL teams.

What the upward spiral has produced on the AL side of the fence, is obviously better hitting and better pitching and this was all done systematically, year by year. It’s come from free agent signings, trades, and nurturing (minor and major league coaching).

It’s only logical and natural for there to be a higher proportion of seasoned proven veterans (older guys)… in both hitting and pitching… in the AL.

The AL has just been significantly hungrier for acquiring talent through all means, than has the NL, and it has been consistently so for quite some time. But it all began with the DH. That was the itch that gave rise to the greater scratch.

But what in the heck do I know…?

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

Don Sutton is a knowledgeable baseball man, he’s a HOFamer, he had a good career. But man, no excitement at all, I can’t tell if the Braves hit a homerun or if they made an out. A little emotion would be nice. Especially for us out of the market folk who listen on gameday.

Geaux Braves!!

By JJMB

August 22, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie’s ride

By TommyB

August 22, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

CLady,

I posted something from MLBTradeRumors.com yesterday on the last blog in which it was reported that Glavine’s brother-in-law indicated Glavine would be back with the Braves “for any amount of money” (or something sort of like that). I just checked the site (scroll down a couple of stories) and he reportedly said “at any salary.” How are things with Mom today?

Journalist Jimmy S: A High Five on “Coldfinger.” But I was expecting you to replace the “G”s with “C”s throughout the lyrics, but it still sort of worked.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

The migration of power pitchers to the A.L. is continuous because of all the offense in the A.L.

This could also work the other way. The collection of power pitchers increases the slugging percentages of the hitters. The ball goes further off of power pitchers. It’s hard to drive an ephus pitch 500 feet. But whatever. I think over time it will pan out. Maybe Steinbrenner will be put back on a life time ban and then Yankees will go through a crapspell again.

Let’s do this Villarreal! GO BRAVES

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Hey, Tommy! Yep, I remember that now! Interesting, huh? Pretty good day today: had a good session at Physical Therapy. Flooding rains here today. There are 2 ways to get into my area and both are prone to flooding. When we left at 2:45 it was completely open. When we returned at 4:15 one direction was badly flooded and the other was marginal, but I eased through it slowly and made it. I had visions of trying to get Mother out of a flooded car and the rest of the way to the house. Not a pretty picture!! Wondered if I could somehow mount pontoons on her walker?? :-)))

By Tonight on TBS

August 22, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Toe to Toe (2006)

Toe to Toe is a light-hearted comedy about the hardships of being a newcomer to the Braves blog midway through the baseball season. New blogger “ChopLiver” finds himself in a different world divided by various sub-groups or ”cliques”. Chop learns that in order to “exist” on this blog, he must join a clique. With the help of quirky blog counselor jimmy smith and his infamous ”book of cliques”, Chop attempts to connect with a diverse variety of cliques including Carolina Lady’s Cobbler Klatch, Late Night Music Freaks, Verbose Whiners and Crazy Met Fans. One night, Chop finds himself alone on the blog with journalist Dave O’Brien who challenges Chucky to post intelligibly about baseball, music and Asian extreme cinema. Knowing that his response will be forever searchable on the internet - does Chop have what it takes to go Toe to Toe with Dave? (90 minutes).

By TommyB

August 22, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Glad today was a good one CLady. That’s really what it is about — good days — isn’t it?

By hk

August 22, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

… announcers stretching it a bit on McCann’s chances at the batting title … started with 318 at bats tonight, has averaged 3.53 AB per game in those which he has started … assuming he starts 32 of the remaining 38 games, he ends up with 431 AB, say 435 with a few pinch hit appearances … 502 is the minimum to qualify … if you boosted his at bats to 502, and assume his present .346 at season end, his average would drop to .295 …

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

Come on offense, it seems like the higher the ERA on the opposing pitcher the worse the offense does.

Reds up 12-0 in the 3rd, Braves need a win tonight.

Geaux Braves!!!

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

You are so right, Tommy! These days get us through those ‘other’ ones! (Thanks!)

By beachcomber

August 22, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Geaux Braves - I imagine you listen to other broadcasts (like nights when we’re forced to listen to the other team’s announcers on MLB Extra Innings). I’ll take the relaxed, Southern style of Mr. Sutton compared to people like Sterling, Harrelson or the assorted whiners in other markets. TBS has spoiled us over the years. Sadly, that appears to be coming to an end.

By TommyB

August 22, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr in August:

.423 (OBP) .600 (SLG) .400 (AVG)

By JJMB

August 22, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

If you want to see the rapist/murderer than killed the 22yo Kenesaw State U coed, here’s the link. The local Atlanta news refuses to put his photo up (as normal here). He also raped a 12 yo Japanese girl.

Kendrick Ledet

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Beachcomber, I listen to MLB Gameday Audio, so the only annoucers I hear are Sutton, Skip, Pete, Joe & Chip, (I work at a radion station every other Saturday and we do Cub’s games, so I’ve heard Pat Hughes & Ron Santo (excellent duo, very entertaing game with those two)) so I can’t comment on other announcers, . If I did I’m sure I would agree with you. I am a very emotional baseball fan and love it with the announcers are as excited as I am, that’s all.

Come on offense, let’s score some runs!!

Geaux Braves!!

By tyyosh

August 22, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

hk, you have to add walks, sacs, sac flies, and hbp to the AB to get total plate appearances, which is the criteron. That has to add to 502 at the end of the season.

By beachcomber

August 22, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

GB - Good points. Santo is terrific. So is Kalas in Philly (like you, in my misspent youth worked in radio - our station carried the Phils and Kalas and Andy Musser were terrific) I’m with you tonight working late and listening to MLB Audio - what a wonderful innovation - particularly for those of us outside of Atlanta who can no longer DX WSB.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

Alright Pena, WTG, congrats on your 1st HR!

A “p” player comes through :)

Geaux Braves!!

By hk

August 22, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

tyyosh, ahh so, thank you ….

… let’s see, walks so far 30, figure 35-40 total with the sacs, etc …. that does make it alot closer !

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

not so fast … “p” player pete orr is now at second base. bring in pratt now to drive in the run and it will be a “P”erfect night.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Quick bases juiced, put in Pratt!

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

I guess I just don’t understand this game anymore. CJ walks, AJ walks on 4 straight, the pitcher is in trouble with contol, why do you swing at the first pitch?

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this

jimmy, you’re right: the announcer does say ‘farhead’. :-))

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Yates is up, come on offense let’s go.

Geaux Braves!!

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this

Is it just me who sees the aggressive swing at the 1st pitch style is not working? Back in my day we didn’t have bases, we had rocks. :)

Geaux Braves!!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

FRESH! Yates got 3 outs! Sweet. Let’s get ‘em Braves

By Alex

August 22, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

Bullpen is doing the job…let’s go offense!

I don’t want Tommy G back…he betrayed us and there is no redemption. Plus, the starting rotation is going to be good next year. Smoltz, Hudson, HoRam, Hampton, James or Davis. See, we don’t need him. Unless he wants to come out of the bullpen, we could use a Mike Stanton like situational lefty.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

I’m watching on Gameday. Yates has a bald spot right in the middle of his chin. It looks like a hair doughnut on his chin. It’s not good.

Way to lead off GILES!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Come on Chipper!

By songwriter jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith is embarking on a new career - songwriter. that’s right - songwriter. having read the favorite lyrics of esteemed dob, journalist jimmy smith thinks songwriter jimmy smith has something to offer. imagine dob singing this beautiful song:

“if the phone don’t riinnng, you’ll know it’s me - your lo-vin’ d-o-b. if the bell don’t chime, this song won’t rhyme and you may for-get meee …”

“if the blog don’t load, when on the road, it brings me to my kneees, if the song won’t play on my m-p-3, at -least- i -haaave- myyy -cheeessee.”

thankyoverymuch. dob has left the building.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Make ‘em pay Andruw!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe “free pass” Yates got thru an inning!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

YES

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this

Alright McCann. Show ‘em how it’s done!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Can you believe all the bats Andruw has broken lately-and still drives in runs!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe Chacon walked allowed 8 baserunners and we only scored once on a homer. It seems every time our pitching fires up, our hitting goes to sleep.

Wake ‘em up McCann!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Moe

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

How about this idea - trade Horacio Ramirez to the Orioles (reunite him with Mazzone) for Nick Markakis (and maybe a minor league pitcher)? He could play LF and bat leadoff (.301 hitter in minors, .301 in majors and .365 obp).

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

I’m so stoked on Villarreal. That’s two starts in a row! And he only threw 58 in 5! That’s good pitching. He could probably last longer if Cox would let him. Too bad he won’t get the W. I’d like to see that guy finish the season with 15+ wins.

Let’s Hold ‘em Bravos!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

a titanium necklace? a necklace on a fierce ballplayer? a necklace of titanium? sissy? is this bling? perhaps bling bling? or if the hitting stops is this a collar? much to be discussed on tonight’s blog.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

I sure do feel better with a one run lead now than I did a couple of months ago. The pen may or may not hold ‘em, I don’t know, but at least now that have a chance.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

correction, “at least now they have a chance” sorry for the typo.

Geaux Baez!!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

For crying out loud! That guy is hitting .206 I think it’s safe to pitch to him.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

boy, youve got that right geaux! You had to ask how they would give it away.Baez sure likes to make it interesting tho…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

please explain why braves relievers always walk the first batter when the braves have just taken a one-run lead. pondering this makes journalist scratch journalist’s farhead.

oh, the humanity! can he not throw strikes?

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

AAAAAHHHHHH! Take him out. I saw this last time with Yates. Don’t wanna see it any more. Walk two guys, get yanked. It’s that easy

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

NO!!! Not Death Ray :-(

By Psst... Baez

August 22, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

t-h-r-o-w s-t-r-i-k-e-s!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

NO!!! Not Death Ray :-(

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

This is garbage. Absolute garbage

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

He’s making this a little interesting, isn’t he?

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Throw freakin STIKES!!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

sorry for the double-blogs being weird.

Why are we struggling so hard against th PIRATES?

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Can’t take him out yet, he hasn’t given up 5 runs yet.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

bobbycox never moved. did anyone not know what would happen?

By Carolina Lady

August 22, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

The announcers said that Wickman had been “stretching out” in the bullpen. That’s a little hard to visualize….. :-))

By nathan

August 22, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

You would think that at least one of these worthless relievers could go more than 1 inning! Especially with September callups coming in about a week or so.

COME ON BOBBY….GET OFF YOUR ARSE AND DO SOMETHING!!!!!!

HEEE HAWWW!!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

Lets revisit-I feel better in the 9th with a 1 run lead.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

We’re not gonna lose to the Pirates are we?

By Moe

August 22, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Pitt: 8 free passes (6 W, 2 HBP) = 1 run ATL: 2 free passes (+more? ) = 2 runs.

Season in a nutshell.

By bravedav

August 22, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

Wow! I can’t believe we gave up WB for this guy. Freakin’ Sosa Jr.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

CL, I think that means he was eating a hot dog.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

In case you haven’t heard: Duckett to the Redskins, Skins draft picks to Denver, Ashlie Lelie (sp?) to Falcons.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Well, same story, different game. Can Wickman be brought in when the starter comes out?

By nathan

August 22, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Oh GREAT!

Ken “I can’t feel my arm anymore” Ray!

Game over. What the hell is Bobby trying to do gettin 4 one-inning performances? OK 3, Wickman is about as close to guaranteed as we’ve got!

GO WITH THE FRICKING HOT HAND FOR A COUPLE OF INNINGS!

GAWD DOES KEN RAY SUCK! He’s pitching like an independant leaguer with a lot of minor league experience. Oh, what’s that? Oh, now it makes sense!

Bobby’s a frickin’ MORON!!!!!!!

Thankx for the bullpen help JS!

Anybody else still think that Baez was the “prize” in the Betemit trade? What a worthless POS.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Assuming Wickman is back next year, could Paronto be the 8th inning guy?

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

My gosh-when these guys finally find the plate, they find all of it!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

now we will see pratt. first, let’s load the bases.

oh, the humanity! they have scored again! oh, no! now, again. error on andruw? oh, the humanity! 5-2.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

Just unbelievable. Un-real how they just melt like that. What the hell just happened.

It’s not all the pitcher’s fault. We’ve had runners everywhere and the hitters haven’t come through. McCann really pratted tonight which is a drag.

Let’s get ‘em back Braves. Come On!

By supa

August 22, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

The bullpen implodes again. Let’s see if the offense can overcome this deficit.

This lack of consistency is just killin us.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Man that stinks about Duckett! He can probably catch passes as well as Lele!

By krath

August 22, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Of course Baez didn’t hold and the inning isn’t over yet….. but I think you gotta lay this at the feet of the offense.

I cringe when the Braves are gonna face a pitcher with an ERA over 5.00. This team simply does not generally hit these pitchers. I’m not talkin out my arse here…. go back and look at what the Braves do against these guys with the high ERA’s. They make them look like a bunch of Cy Youngs’.

Chacon’s ERA was over 7 when the game began and look what he’s done to the Braves twice in the last month.

Oh well…. I’ve just come to expect the unexpected from these guys.

By Glass Half Full

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

LaRoche infield hit. Crazy, man. Crazy.

By Rodger

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

Man that stinks about Duckett! He can probably catch passes as well as Lele!

By geauxbraves2000

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

When the pen struggles, it’s never just give up a run, when they struggle they just about put the game out of reach.

Come on offense, 5 more outs to play with.

Geaux Braves!!

By Rodger

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

Man that stinks about Duckett! He can probably catch passes as well as Lele!

By krath

August 22, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

They didn’t need to go to the 8th having scored only 2 against this team.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Lele’s a deep threat, though and gives the Falcons some WR depth.

By nathan

August 22, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

I’M FOAMING AT THE MOUTH. PLEASE SOMEONE SHOOT ME! ARRRGH!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Roachy remembered to run-f’n awesome

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

This probably could have been avoided had Bobby let Villarreal pitch more than 5 innings. Oscar only threw 58 pitches! No way he’s tired. These relievers used to throw that many just to get one out.

By MurphyRules

August 22, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah, 90 percent of you wanted to sign Baez back next year.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

bobbycox has been out-managed tonight. pratt is all that is left. maybe “p” player pratt will get a hit … but bobbycox has been out-done again having only pratt to call on.

By supa

August 22, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Why Pratt over Scotty T?

By nathan

August 22, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Anybody remember a few years back when that kid got “caned” over in Thailand (or wherever it was) WAY TO HACK AT THE 2nd PITCH JEFF!!!! Good Lord! Take a FRICKIN PITCH!

Anyhow back to the caning. Bobby should have a cane in the dugout. And when a reliever comes in and walks either of the first two batters that aren’t named Bonds or Pujols, Bobby should come out of the dugout - Yeah, I know, that require him to get off of his fat a*! - and walk out to the mound and just start woopin’ some a* with his cane. Hell, let’s keep it in the baseball theme. Let him use an aluminum bat.

Baez should’ve been PULLED the second he walked the 2nd batter - if not the 1st!

I guess that’s how BELOW AVERAGE teams with a BELOW .500 record are supposed to play, huh? I’m just trying to hang on to the hope that we can say that the Braves will come around because it’s still “early” or “this is just a bad slump” LOL!

NOPE, it’s pretty obvious that this is a pretty HORRIBLE team with a few great players (Smoltz, McCann, Francoer - besides the lack of walks, he is exciting, Andruw and Chipper - even if he can’t stay healthy to save his life - he’s still great.)

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

“P” player pratt should be changed to an “f” player!

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

I really enjoy the way Andruw hustles to 1st base on every hit. Man, that guy is bustin’ it down the line like it’s Game 7…uh, wait a minute.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think I’m in that 90%. I have hunch that about 25% of that 90% was really the same guy.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Look at Roachy run!!! I think McDowell finally gave someone the hotfoot!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Prado is making a case for him.

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Braves actually had a rally? I mean an inning where they scored a bunch of runs on a bunch of base hits?

Alright, one of them back, two more to go.

Geaux Braves!!

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Well, Baez hasn’t been great since the trade, but he hasn’t been awful. Lest we forget Kolb, Reitsma, and Sosa…Baez probably wouldn’t be resigned anyway because of salary constraints.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

himself.

We gotta get this game back. We’re about out of pitcher though. Bad hitting and Cox pulling Villarreal after 5. Without those two we’re killin’!

By journalist jimmy smith

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

yes, bobbycox was out-managed. 2 men lob. no bench left. pratt is now hitting .190. anyone rather see pena and thorman than pratt and pordan? pordan will be back soon.

By nathan

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

I’M FOAMING AT THE MOUTH AGAIN! PLEASE SOMEONE PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY! ARRRGH! I’M PULLING MY TEETH OUT WITH A HAMMER!

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

Mets win….Mets win….Mets win…..Mets win….Ok here’s the update on the Mets. They traded for Shawn Greene. Glavine will be just fine and pitching next week. Oh and did I mention that the Mets won!!

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Man… even Barry’s Gameday photo looks terrified. Hold ‘em Barry.

GB: I don’t recall the last time the Braves rallied from behind and just kept putting up hits. It’s always a swing and miss or a home run.

By Nola

August 22, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

I told you Cox has no urgency. First he leaves in Baez in until he has lost the lead, when he could have brought in Wickman in the 8th and 9th. Maybe somebody needs to explain to Cox that there is nothing in the rules that says a releiver can only pitch one inning.

By espn

August 22, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Although Pratt is only hitting .190, his is the most impressive .190 ever recorded.

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Out number 3. It’s a tough one for our pitchers. Quite easy for our hitters though.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

nathan, i hope that’s a claw hammer-a ball peen would be as futile as expecting to back up a good Smoltz performance with a win.

Thought for a minute Barry was doing well-went right after guys at least!

No “p” footing around ya know.

Lets get some damn runs!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

this is very hurtful. journalist is going to write some country music while hurtin’. may sit in journalist’s pickup while writin’.

“one more shot for the braves and they have the big guns coming up … ”

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

Come on Chipper. Andruw. McCann. That should be a lock. They should all get on base. They better. Time to put your bat where your mouth is Chipper!

By geauxbraves2000

August 22, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith, although LaRoche is proving he can handles lefties, 5 will get you ten BC will start the platoon again when “p”ordan comes back.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Perhaps McCann won’t need a “mentor” next season and Pratt will be far, far away from the Ted.

By HG

August 22, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

ok. I’m building a time machine so that I can go back and warn Bobby to let Yates keep pitching.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

Watching this game it’s easy to see why the Pirates are the best team in the league.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

will the new titanium device work for chipper? oh, the humanity! strikeout! throw that thing away chipper!

andruw is now at the plate … will he deliver tonight? oh, the humanity! strikeout!

can pratt bat again?

By TennesseePaul

August 22, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

I’m just so disgusted. I’m out of here. Night all.

By Glass Half Full

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

Totally gay…Lost another game in the WC standings.

By geauxbraves2000

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

Once again the bullpen snatches defeat from the jaws of victory.

Guess which “p” I am now?

Oh well, I’m sure I’ll feel better tomorrow, g’nite all.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Maybe Chipper’s necklace was a gift from Bobby Valentine-it just got lost in the mail.

Oh sorry NLCHAMPS(?). Bring back bad memories?

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

Three up Three down. Drive home safely buffalo brave fans.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 22, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! journalist out.

By Goat Horns

August 22, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

One each to Bobby amd BMac.

By otto

August 22, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Braves have become tiresome. I will now paint a picture to express my feelings. I shall only use black paint.

By Don

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

Same Old, Same Old !!!

By supa

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

as soon as they get our hopes up, we lose 2 games and 3 days in the standings.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

whenever we get a chance to get in the race some bs like this just lets the air out-except windbags like NLCHUMPS

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hey, GHF, no need to leave yet…I’m back and totally juiced on the Lelie trade. Duckett is a much better guy and probably as talented overall, but not fitted to our system and Lelie is as least as good as our #1 and 2 receivers (so far). We have a deep threat, finally. Now, if we just had a NT, a couple of OLM and a backup safety or two, we’d be in buisness!

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

We can all rest in the knowledge that no NL team will win the World Series this year

By Rodger

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

Wher oh where is DOB when we need him?

By NLCHAMPS

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

How far back down memory lane do you want to stroll Rodger? Should we talk about the glory years of the braves in the 70’s and 80’s ??

By Arriba Clemente!

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

Put away those brooms, Braves fans!

With all your bold talk of a sweep of the Pirates, you’d think it was 1995 again.

Well, it’s 2006 and your record now stands at 59-66.

Maybe you can at least eke out a series win tomorrow. But I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you. After all, the Bucs have won 16 times on the road now.

By Don

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

To the poster above saying Baez won’t be re-signed due to salary constraints, man, that makes me relieved, now all I can think is that we gave up Betemit for Aybar. Aye! Aye! Aye! That smarts.

By otto

August 22, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

The falcons are tiresome. The season has not yet started and already i am bored.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

I like the Duckett trade, too. Jenkins and White will continue to develop, but having another guy with some catches on the roster is a good thing. Norwood could be impressive behind Dunn.

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Yes, lets! Or maybe the 60’s even! But I think the last 18 years should do.

By Don

August 22, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Blown Save # 592, or something like that.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

37 game winning streak begins tomorrow…Lord, I apologize for that one…

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

You can’t go too far back since Atlanta didn’t have a team. Oh wait, the way things are going you don’t have one now either.

By JJMB

August 22, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

I see the Met maggots are all chirpy now after the Glavine news. Pathetic.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Glavine? Remember all the world titles he helped us win when he wasn’t 53 years old? Yeah, me neither.

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Duckett will go on to have an excellent career, and I’m glad for it. He wouldn’t have had it here in this system. Norwood, if he stays healthy and learns how to block, will be electrifying. He was the fastest man at the combine. Talk about team speed: Vick(beyond measurement), Norwood(4.33) Jenkins(4.38), Hall(4.28), White(4.37), Williams(4.36), Lelie(I forget, but it’s mighty fast), etc. I do think we need to adress depth and a little size before I’m real comfortable, though. And in this division, one can never be too comfortable. Truthfully, I think it’ll come down to Dallas and Carolina for the NFC. The Falcons will be better than most think, though. And I’m sure you all really want to hear about them…

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

Plus, shouldn’t Glavine be organizing the next players strike for 2007? Baseball players just don’t make enough money.

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

At least Glavine helped you win “one” world series. Thats a lot more than any pitcher on the braves staff is going to win you.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Maybe Dallas can win the NFC, but they’re just one incomplete pass away from a busted season. The “T.O. Ratio” must be adhered to by all quarterbacks…Damn, I’m glad we didn’t trade for that scumbag!

By Rodger

August 22, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Its also more than he’ll help you win!

Back to the 60’s tho-you count setting the record for losses having a team?

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

We had two World Titles before he ever got here.

By Glass Half Full

August 22, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

Time for bed. Gotta recharge to teach the “future of our country” about the American Revolution tomorrow. No child left behind. Woo hoo!

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I was so disgusted with Glavine after he left us (after 16 years of something special) to go to the f#@$%*& Mets for essentially 33 million instead of 30 million, that I laughed and rejoiced when he got his front teeth knocked out in that car wreck. Car-mah, indeed. But I don’t wish a blood clot on the fellow.

By NLCHAMPS

August 22, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

We can go round and round but in the end Title are all that counts. We have two and the “atlanta” braves have one. And I’m sure you don’t want to discuss those dominating years of the 70’s and 80’s for the braves.

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Man, you gotta teach the “Future of the Country” tommorrow? Better do some creative lying if you don’t want a riot!

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Sorry; misunderstood. The revolution was a fine thing, indeed. I’ll have a Sam Adams in its honnor. Now, if only the Falcons had a Sam Adams at NT…

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

NLCHAMPS, no more than you likely want to discuss the two teams since then…

By Drummerdad

August 22, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, I have a prediction. The Braves season will end on Oct.1. That’s the last regular season game.
Last weekend DOB said that everytime he threw another shovel full of dirt on the grave he saw a hand pop up from underneath. This gave him cause to think this may not be over yet. Tonight I saw the hand come up from the grave (Tony Pena Jr.) only to see the other hand pop up and pull the first hand back down into the grave. JS liked the looks of Danys Baez when he was with Tampa. Tonight Baez looked like Len Barker and Wilson Betemit is looking like Brett Butler. I’m still a fan. Who else do I pull for, the Nets?

By The Grinch

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

I think they’re probably done for the season, but I never count them out until they’re mathematically eliminated. However, I see some really bright spots that give me much hope for next season. I think they’ll surprise everyone, and I also think most of y’all will still be b*** and saying it should’ve happened sooner. Trust me, we’re blessed, compared to many sports towns.

By Lew

August 22, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

And the Falcons will still get their a##es handed to them by the Bucs, who own Vick.

By NYFan

August 22, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

JJMB - It’s not just the Glavine news that’s making Mets fans all “chirpy”—it’s also how we just came back from a 7-1 deficit to win a game while the pathetic Braves lose to the Pirates. Man, that feels good. Oh, and let’s not forget how our GM went out there tonight and immediately plugged a hole in our outfield by acquiring Shawn Green for almost no money and a low-level prospect (unlike your GM, who waited until your team was buried to go add two has-beens to the never-wases in your bullpen). Yup….feeling pretty chirpy about now.

By The Grinch

August 22, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

I’ve been off at a different site. Nobody asked your opinion, Lew. :-) Yes, the Bucs always handle the Falcons, but the Falcons have a pass rush now and the Bucs are quarterbacked by Bambi. Abraham’s gonna eat venison for lunch. I’ve got a hardcore bet going with a friend of mine from Tampa, so the Falcons MUST win at least 1 of the two meetings this year, or I’ll be forced to do something I’d rather not discuss. The rashness of an alcoholic? Perhaps, but I think the birds will be better than most think, barring further injuries.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Well, I rectum I’m in an empty room. Using a borrowed computer, so I may not be here tommorrow or the next day. I’ll check back shortly and then sack out if it’s still this dead.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Two words-Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

Lew (besides that being four words), two words: F$#@ and Y%$. Just kidding. Yeah, Gruden’s all the coach, Brooks and Barber I’d take on my team any day, KIffin knows his defense (provided the players are perfectly suited for it, which they happen to be at this moment), Cadillac can run, etc. However, the defence is built on speed and is a year older, the o-line is questionable at best, and Bambi’s gonna get creamed. The Falcons seem to have the same problem with the Bucs as the Dawgs do with the Gators, but that won’t last forever. I expect a war this season, followed by Tampa gracefully bowing out…

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Remember, Rich McKay drafted all those great defensive players, and he’s here now…age out and see what happens, coach or no…

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Alright, time to put a song in your heads that won’t leave for a few days….How ‘bout “Big Country” by Big Country? YOU KNOW: “Da-doo-da-DEE-do/do-de-oo-doo-doo/Shock!!!! Ha! Mess with ME, you who would not be on the blog late, and suffer the consequences!

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

B***.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

By the way, since those of the AJC apparently spell even worse than I do, that had seven letters. Night, all; ‘specially since everyone apparently hit the pillow a couple of hours ago.

By Head Coach

August 23, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this

the 2007 spring training grape fruit league starts September 1st. I’ll officialy put up the headstone and say R.I.P. 2006 Atlanta Braves.

By Bob, journalist

August 23, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this

Grinch, et alia

I too am on a “borrowed” computer awaiting a serial ATA Cable and the return of some software that is missing because I failed to heed Polonius.

The cable is due in tomorrow and hope to have the software returned and installed no later than thursday. I will be back on line at that time.

Hope all are doing okay … I posit that the things we miss the most are those taken for granted things that are suddenly no longer available … like freedom, Division Titles, functioning computers and Internet access.

Take care and be nice!

By dadgum

August 23, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

Again this week most of us aren’t getting any Braves games on tv. I have to trust you bloggers to give me the scoop.

From what I have read above and I apologize if this was mentioned but why in the hell did Bobby remove Villareal after only 5 innings and the box score indicated he only allowed 1 hit and run? Even if the bases were loaded and the pitcher up I would never lift my effective starter and give it to Yates or whomever it was knowing that my pen would have to pitch 3 innings just to get to the closer. Folks, Bobby Cox is hamstringing this team with these sorts of decisions.

We have now played the last 5 games against Pittsburgh and in only 1 of those games did we score more than 3 runs. Pittsburgh has good pitching but last I checked they were dead last. OUCH!!!

I am quickly losing faith in Bobby Cox as our feared leader. His roster decisions alone have cost us games in Wash. and I assume from what I am reading last night as well. Until I hear more definitive reports, I will give Bobby the benefit of the doubt. Did Villareal get hurt? Was there a long delay(15-20 min.)in the 5th/6th? Outside those type of things when was the last time you ever saw a manager replace a starter who had only allowed 1 hit, 1 run, throw only 58 pitches. Playing at home no less. Please somebody make sense of this. Bobby is acting like we have a 20 game lead on everyone. Help!!!!!!!!!

By Rodger

August 23, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

dadgum-better check those standings. The way we play, I thought they were division leaders!

Cox must have pulled vulture cause he’s a reliever, and you know they can’t pitch more than 1 inning!

By dadgum

August 23, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Once the Braves are done my allegiance switches to the Carolina Panthers(season ticket holder since day 1). Sorry Falcon fans. Still like the Falcons somewhat but they have so many gaps in talent to fill or gain experience that this most likely will be a real tough year for you guys. It won’t help that you play us in Charlotte to start the year. Realistically you guys go 5-11 with perhaps a chance at 7-9. Atlanta has fallen to the bottom rung of the division with New Orleans getting stronger. Mora may be out after this year. Trust me I would love to see the Panthers and Falcons get playoff games this year. Panthers should go 11-5 or 12-4 and win the division and have a chance to secure home field. If they do that they will be in the super bowl.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Dadgum-I saw the game on MLB Extra Innings and I think BC pulled him because he had only wanted him going 5 innings. I coyldn’t see anything wrong with Villarreal. He had been pitching well, but gave up the one run and was gone for a pitch hitter to lead off (I think) the bottom of the 5th. Maybe BC saw him tiring or something. The 5th did go on for a bit. The funny thing to me is the other day everyone was b@@tching and moaning about leaving Yates in the game. Last night someone was b##tching and moaning that BC didn.t leave him in. You just can’t win. I think the writing is on the wall for the playoffs. This team is just not going to have enough sustained success to be anything more than a mediocre team. I hate to say it, but winning series is just not going to be enough and I haven’t seen any indication of a sustained winning streak. Guess it’s wait until next year. Can’t agree with you about the Panthers, though. I’m a Bucs fan.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

journlaist bob has posted! or someone posing as journalist bob … but the post was made at 2:48 am so it could be bob - only whose computer do you borrow at 2:48 am? this makes journalist suspicious of the authenticity of the post even though polonius is referenced. and what of laertes? not bob’s style to mention polonius and not laertes. also, no mention of food or sleep - again not the style of journalist bob. and whose bathtub was bob in while using this borrowed computer? suspicions continue to arise. journalist is scratching farhead and wondering. now, songwriting … while hurtin’ from the braves loss last night this journalist composed another country song for dob. journalist has commissioned a well-known country music singer to perform this song at the wurlitzer ceremonies. nothing too good for dob.

. . . journalist guy curtright, you out there? want to compete for some journalism awards like the wurlitzer? must lengthen your blogs and talk music and pie. toes, too. there is football on this blog! this does not happen when dob is blogmaster.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Esteemed Journalist Sir James-Guy Curtwright does not talk to us like DOB does. Maybe he thinks we are not worthy of comment. Maybe his toes hurt and make it difficult for him to spend much time with us. Maybe he does not know how welcome he would be. Has anyone ever offered him pie? Maybe, like Marie Antoinette, the esteemed ancestor of 35, he prefers cake. Enquiring minds want to know.

By LeTwan Anthony

August 23, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

LeTwan can get Mama to make half-a-pie for Guy Curtright if Guy will bring us some baseball news. Guy Curtright’s blogs are brief so he should not get a full pie. Maybe a fried pie in a wrapper would be appropriate and he can work his way up to a full pie. What does Lew think?

By Lew

August 23, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

I think that we should offer him a whole pie. A fried pie or even half a pie might not make Journalist Guy Curtright feel appreciated enough to respond to We, The People of the Blog. After all, he does post fresh blogs on a regular basis when DOB is on hiatus. This is a kind act on his part, saving us untold hours of waiting for our cutting edge responses to post quicker. We should do him the honor of offering a whole pie. He does provide a well-needed service, after all. Like the Godfather, we should not be ashamed to show our friendship first. We can always call the favor in later.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Just when I think I’m out, they pull me right back in…

By LeTwan Anthony

August 23, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

A whole pie it shall be! Fresh blogs deserve fresh pie. LeTwan will request a pie for Guy Curtright when Mama returns from the grocery store. Cold milk. Guy Curtright should make sure he has lots of cold milk. Soon, Guy Curtright will be blogging on and on and on …

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

I must leave this computer shortly…Dadgum, you may be right about Mora. I like the guy, but making Vick try to run the WCO is perhaps the stupidest waste of talent going on in proffessional sports today. If they’d just let him play street ball like Reeves did his rookie year (and coincidentally, his only good one) the Falcons would be unstoppable. Alas…ok no more football. I sense I am offending Jimmy Smith. Although, JJS, football is ahead of baseball by actually having a DL condition known as “Turf Toe.” Deion Sanders was known for it. He also played for the Braves and was our last good leadoff hitter…coincidence? Also, what of John Madden being the Tinactin spokesman? Toes are not to be trifled with, though it is not necessary to draw a circle around them with a light pen as Madden would.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

I though I’d be able to sleep that one off. It’s still disgusting to me. I don’t get how these pitchers can’t get outs. I don’t understand how Cox could let Baez stay in after he walked two guys. We saw what happens a week ago when two guys are walked. And Why is Villarreal being pulled after 5 innings and 58 pitches? This game was an easy one to win. It was right there. McCann choked, I hate to say it, but the guy came up with the bases loaded and totally pratted it out. We could have scored on a number of occassions. That game was so disgusting. Absolutely awful. No excuse for it. Pitcher, hitter, manager. They all failed yesterday. The hitting coach has been failing the whole season… steady as a rock he is.

And what’s with the Mets fans? What, the haven’t won in 20 years and they’re proud of it? Talk about the 80’s as if the Braves were awful the whole decade? We had Murphy (back to back MVP). We made it to the post season a couple of times in the 80’s. The 70’s were terrible. But nothing will ever match or surpass the complete ineptitude of the Mets. Most of the Mets records begin with the following phrase: Worst team ever to… So bad they managed to drive the Doc and Strawberry into heavy drug abuse. Not to mention the “twists” and “turns” they put into Billy Bean’s life. So pathetic they had to take their team colors from the two teams smart enough to evecuate a sinking ship. Which only serves as a constant reminder of what New York lost instead of what it gained. The Mets. Meet the Mets. They only show up to play, when they know there’s no competition. The glory of this regular season will be lost and forgotten when they fail to win the World Series, so they say anyway (apparently if you’re not first, you’re last). They’ll probably roll over for the Yankees again.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Not only do the Bucs own the Falcons, but we even spotted you our GM. It is time for the email we spoke of the other night. Will post the results over the weekend. Sir James, check your email. RSVP.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Morning, all! I’m thinking that GC has spent his required :10 on the blog, and, that out of the way, he has returned to his “real” job. (And, yes! How we would welcome his Presence and participation but I get the impression that there is no interest.) Long live DOB!

By Lew

August 23, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

Morning Ma’am-How are you and Mom this morning. Hopefully you won’t have to swim home. We have offered pie to the esteemed Guy Curtright. We have even named him Esteemed Journalist. If this is not enough to get him to speak to We The People, then I don’t know what else can be done. We will have to settle for fresh blogs when DOB is away. The humanity!

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Lew, should I just send my comment to you via e-mail, or what? I’ll have this computer about another 30 minutes or so.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

August 23, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

I sell cars for a living. We traded for a Honda last night and this morning I found a pie in the trunk. I will send this pie to you for Guy Curtright if you like. Let me know.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Yes-To lewhartman@adelphia.net Tennessee Paul-e mail me at this address also.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Morning, Lew! We’re pretty well this morning. I think I could use at least an additional 4 hours sleep, but I’m up and functioning…..sort of…. :-))) Those storms dumped close to 4” of rain in a couple of hours yesterday - cars were flooded up to their roofs in some places in the the county. (Not surprising since “developers” have built over so many wetlands and cut down all the trees, I guess. Line those pockets!!)

Reading between the lines of one of your previous posts, I can’t wait!! Very exciting! :-))

Wasn’t last night’s game a bummer??! What can you say after something like that??? I sure hope the pieces fit better next year! I’m not necessarily an aggressive person, but I want a Braves ‘boot’ firmly on the back of ‘someone’s’ neck!

:-))

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Ralph, you mean to trade Guy for the pie? An extra pie is always nice, but we would lose much needed depth at blogmaster. Throw in a quart of milk and another half-pie to be named later and we’ll talk.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

by all means, please send the pie. this will take little effort on our part to provide a suitable pie. heck, we can handle this in less than 10 minutes. what goes around …

now, dob … is he by the pool today? riding his motorcycle? grooming his cat? perhaps he will check in with us today?

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. Last night’s game sure sucked, especially since I gave the pen a vote of confidence. Just when you though it was safe to go back in the water…

Oh well, what can you do? I guess the only thing is to forget about the game, and focus on this evening. A series win at home would be a welcome sight considering how the team has been playing at home.

It’s getting tougher, but it’s still not over.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

August 23, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Yes Ma’am-Your reading skills are exemplary as usual. Check email in a bit. I would like to see boots applied to areas somewhat further south than the neck, however. Consistency is something rarely appreciated until it disappears in the mist.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Done. Is that more or less suitable, do you think?

By Jimbo

August 23, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

How is it that McCann and Frenchy are about the seame age and one hits like a seasoned pro and the other hits like a clown?

By Lew

August 23, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy-Trunk Pie? Spare Tire Pie? And from the trunk of a Honda? Foreign Trunk Pie, no less. Are you sure of this? Is this a fitting offering to Guy Curtright? There is quite a difference between one of LeTwan’s Mama’s pies and Foreign Trunk Pie, indeed. The Humanity!

By Jimbo

August 23, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

I’m waiting for the day when Frenchy the Clown strikes out 5 times in one game…..on 15 pitches.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Consistency in the mist…wasn’t that a movie with Sigourney Weaver? Good morning, C. Lady; would you could send some of that rain for my various crops…my poor pond is almost dried up. My fish are feeling like sardines. But they still taste like bass and catfish. :-)

By Lew

August 23, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Jimbo-Different Fathers.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Quite suitable, indeed. BTW-Does Sigourney ever act with humans. Her co-stars are always apes, aliens, Winona Ryder, or Mel Gibson. Makes one wonder.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Jimbo, I think Delta jinxed Frenchy with that commercial they’ve been playing 5 times a game all season. Though I’d love to meet that little Danish kid’s hot blonde mom…check her out in the doorway next time she sends him out to play. Don’t worry, if you miss it they’ll play it again.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch! Sure will! Consider it done! Uh, where do you want it???

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Good point Lew; though W. Rider is cute I wouldn’t trust her around my wardrobe. And the less said about Mad Mel, the better. What a fruit. Speaking of fruit, what are the odds this mysterious foreign trunk pie is actually more akin to a rice pudding? Japan is not known for its pie.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Winona is one hot fellon.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Thank you, C. Lady. Over my yard would be nice, silly! Unless you’re just shipping it in a very large container, in which case I’ll need to give you my street adress. Can’t do that here for obvious reasons, but feel free to get my e-mail from Lew and I’ll tell the truck/helicopter how to get here. Perhaps we can talk of bathouses, as well. :-)

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Maybe those are the only co-stars they get to work with her. Maybe?

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Grinch. What STATE???????????? We’ve got a lot of water, but not enough for the whole US!

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, 10Paul, it would be nice to judge her case and decide her punishment…BUT, it’s A.M. blog time and I must be decent for the time being.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Ma’am; slightly southwest of Atlanta would do just fine. Keep forgetting how little we all really know about each other (which is probably a good thing in most cases).

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Lew, thought I’d offer my acting skills, limited (or non-existent) as they might be, for any role opposite Sigourney Weaver or Winona Ryder. Or, preferably, both.

Well, gonna try to hack out a blog here. Oh, and TennPaul, I finally made it to the office and picked up my CDs. Listening to the 88 right now. Good stuff. You must love World Party if you dig these guys. There’s some common ground there, for sure.

Had multiple Hobex CDs (good stuff, can’t believe I never heard them) and The 88 waiting for me in my mail box at the office. Nice to stop by there for first time in a great while. Much thanks to you two kind gents for burning me these discs, and for the apparently new copy of The 88.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Right, Grinch! I’m sorta keeping an eye on ‘Debbie’ out in the Atlantic. There’s a possibility there will be plenty of water for everyone in a week or so, huh? We’re about 10” below normal this year, but I’ve had enough of hurricanes to last me a lifetime! No more, please!!

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Cool DOB. Glad you got ‘em. I tossed in Richard Swift as well. He’s a little more mellow, but a great song writer.

By materialguy

August 23, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Tenn, get your nose out of the air. The Mets are just a baseball team like the Braves or any other team. Don’t forget that the team you “love” is the same team that bailed out on TWO cities for more money and greener pastures. Ineptitude is a big part of the Braves history, just as much as the 14 straight. The Mets just replaced what two greedy owners took from New York. They showed class by incorporating all three of the previous team uni’s into their own uniform scheme. Your “hatred” for a baseball team tends to cloud your judgement.

By Tonight on Skinemax

August 23, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Journalist in the Mist (2006) A struggling journalist (Dave O’Brien) gets caught up in a love triangle with a single mom (Sigourney Weaver) and her ill-behaved young daughter (Winnona Ryder), which leads to….sorry, AM blog. Grrr.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Okay, CL, I shall grant your wish. I will not send any more hurricanes this year toward your state. Now, as for any other water gods and what they may do, I cannot vouch for…

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Grinch, you is just plain good, I don’t care what the others say!!! :-)))

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Struck a chord with that clown. I believe the Braves bailed on Milwaukee when they canceled the BYOB. Don’t really blame the either. But no, unfortunately my judgement isn’t clowded. If it were, I wouldn’t be able to see that blight on baseball named the Mets. But I’ll leave it with this… A hundred and thirty years of beautiful tradition, from Tommy Bond to John Smoltz, you’re godd@mn right I’m living in the past!

By In the News

August 23, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Paramount, Cruise to Sever Toes

Sumner Redstone, chairman of Viacom Inc., which owns Paramount Pictures, said Tuesday the studio would sever the toes of Tom Cruise. Redstone told the Wall Street Journal that Cruise’s “recent conduct has not been acceptable to Paramount.”

“As much as we like him personally,” Redstone is quoted as saying, “we thought it was wrong for him to jump up and down on Oprah Winfrey’s couch while proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes. This should prevent him from doing that in the future.”

A spokesperson for Cruise has confirmed his agreement to the procedure but said that he steadfastly opposes the use of any medication. “For us, this is a very new and exciting direction. We look forward to it.”

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

August 23, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

My earlier offer was misunderstood in some quarters - while I barter for a living I am a generous soul - I have a pie that was found in a trade-in that I am willing to provide to you for guy curtright’s consumption (no, not that guy curtright is stricken with consumption). You get a perfectly nice pie with no strings attached. No one here at the lot will eat this pie and we don’t want it to go to waste. Let me know if you want the pie before anything else starts nibbling on it. We are keeping it outside for now.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

My God-Seething inter-city rivalries, Journalists In The Mist, hurricanes and Foreign Trunk Pies. Where is it all going? Will it ever end? Enquiring minds want to know. The Humanity!

By TommyB

August 23, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Nathan (re: your 10:26pm post last night),

Looks like you’ve been watching Oldboy.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Lew, check email.

By oldboy

August 23, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

Severed toes. Oh, Dae-su!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith says we should take ralph peepers up on this pie. ralph peepers is new to this blog, right? anything scurrilous going on here or is this a legitimate offer of pie for a journalist who needs pie? hate to see a good pie go to waste (why would someone leave a good pie in the trunk of a trade-in?). oh, well, not to worry. ralph, please forward the pie to guy curtright at the ajc on mariettta street and attach an appropriate note from the blog family. caution: we must not let this pie fall into the hands of the old journalist. he will make a mess and there will be no pie for young curtright.

By sonny corleone

August 23, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

If jimmy smith doesn’t shut up with the pies already, he may find HIMSELF in the back of a trunk. Capice?

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Sonny, now go have a nice cold glass of sweet tea, honey. I think the heat is getting to you.

Jimmy, is this by chance some nefarious plot by the Blue Worms?? Be sure to have the pie checked before sending! Never hurts to be careful!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

journalist does not wish to be in the trunk of a caprice. journalist drives a luxury car and would expect no less. sonny corleone can afford no better?

By Lew

August 23, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Badda-bing

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

It is a luxury to have a car.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Lew, check email!

By Lew

August 23, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-I just did-on both addresses-There was only the email from earlier. Nothing new. Sorry.

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

Gotta go make myself presentable; about time to go to appointment du jour….

Later!

By Rodger

August 23, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

materialguy, its not necessarily the mets we hate (although thats part of it) but the obnoxious, stuck up, forget that we kicked your @$$s for the last 10 years, jackoffs that troll our blog to sound off!

By Carolina Lady

August 23, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Lew, hmmmm. OK, I’ll try again when I get back. GOTTA go for sure or we’ll be late! :-))

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

lew has mail.

By Rick Roberts

August 23, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Most fan comments have a common theme—we need upper level pitching prospects; more major league depth at both SP and BP; and we just cannot afford a ton of money tied up in AJ. It really is time to re-make the Braves: a. Trade LaRoche while his value is high—play Thorman. Salty won’t be ready until ‘08. The Pirates want a LH 1B and we could use one of their LH BP guys. b. Trade Giles. We need a leadoff hitter and the team needs more speed. Prado is our guy for next year. c. Trade AJ. Revisit the Red Sox for Lester, Hansen, and Crisp. Or, tap into the Angels’ system—they’re loaded. d. Sign Wickman and keep Baez. e. Keep Renteria for another year. f. Hampton will be back. Thomson will be gone. Davies will be healthy. We don’t need Reitsma. g. Villareal just might be a SP—keep starting him. h. Chipper is the question mark—he is always pulling a muscle. Aybar might be the 3B and Chipper to 1B. Or, trade him to Texas—hate to not show loyalty, but he is fragile and makes a lot of money.

Summary: Looks like a lot of changes, but really isn’t. Management knows a lot needs to be done. This team needs a shakeup as I think there is too much favoritism for certain players.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Hey again. Just spent a half hour on the phone with Comcast. Damn them all; they can’t even make an appointment for someone to come out and fix my problem because there’s another unrelated problem in my area that has the whole schedule blocked. So, no internet for me. I get credit on my bill for lost time, but no credit for lost work. Thanks for the compliment earlier, CL; glad I don’t have to make myself presentable, it might take all day. Jimmy, I think Sonny just made you a capricious offer you can’t refuse…some people just don’t get enough pie, I suppose.

By The Grinch

August 23, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Anyhoo, got to give this computer back. I’ll see y’all some time in the indeterminate future. Cheers!

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

just posted new blog. pie for ALL!

By mark

August 23, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

I sure will miss Giles. JS really screwed him this year! He’s no leadoff hitter and he really struggled this year with making that adjustment. It’s no secret that we need another reliable starter and some bullpen help. This team needs to get back to what got them here and that’s dependable pitching to get the job done. A veteran bat certainly would’t hurt at all….someone other than Brian Jordan that is!!

By Gota love em

August 29, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

LaRoche needs a full year to prove his worth. Dump him now and we will be sorry. Hes a golden glove and a future all star. He just needs to be an every day player. Hes got the talent and is very very good. I love the people who jump over a mistake. Hes only human.

As for Giles I agree with most. Trade him and let the rookie in. Giles is on and off and his injury list is getting up there. They are also the kind of injuries that seem to pop up over and over. We need stability in our lineup and although injuries do happen, the injury bug has bitten the braves all to often with the same players over and over.

Chipper also needs to be replaced. Another injury sucking up the large salary. Chipper is just a waist of good playing space now. He cant play 2 weeks in a row without leaving the lineup for some boo boo. Save the money and sign some pen help. We need that more then we need a mouthy, selfish, always on the bench Chipper.