Braves

By 22oz

August 23, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

The only thing that was surprising about last night’s game was that Villareal didn’t collapse. Other than that, the lack of clutch hitting, poor bullpen, Francouer swinging at everything, was all too predictable. Not to mention the fact that they won the night before, you knew this was going in the L column. When you rely on Todd Pratt for your clutch hitting, you’re screwed. Is it a crime to carry a good backup. At least Brayan Pena can hit, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind being a backup for a season or two. He’d be in “just happy to be here” mode.

By Stick a fork in me

August 23, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

I’m done.

By Rodger

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

Another Kristoferson (mis)quote:

Bullpen’s just another word for another game to lose…

Me, me, me and Bobby C.

By Mac

August 23, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

This team was poorly constructed coming out of spring and has been mended with masking tape ever since. The management has been penny wise and pound foolish for the last couple of year highlighted by this crap. Instead of investing the money for legitmate players to fill the holes they have chose time and time again to go the cheap route of castoffs or players well past the prime of their careers. The end result is just what we have now, a pretty poor team that’s record probably is an accurate reflection of it’s talent level. Unless the new ownership decides to invest some money into this team I’m really not too optimistic this management team will have a competitve team for a world championship again.

By Chop Chop

August 23, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

This team has been toast for a month. The only consistent thing about it is its inconsistency.

By Jeremy

August 23, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

The Braves are just way to inconsistent to make a run. I’ve been hoping and praying all year thinking they could eventually turn it around but as time runs out, I just don’t see it. From the starters to the pen to the lineup to the bench, inconsistency is running rampant through the Braves clubhouse and that inconsistency will put an end to a historic division championship run in a hurry!

By Lew

August 23, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Consistency In The Mist-It appears to be the prevailing theme.

By Oliver Stone

August 23, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

DOB - some random thoughts about the braves:

Regarding our chances of winning the Wild Card: the DOORS are still open. Let’s not give up yet.

The Braves need to stop PLATOONing left fielders and find one who can bat leadoff.

My all-time favorite Brave was Otis NIXON. My least favorite was Doyle ALEXANDER.

I agree with the bloggers who regret that the Braves let Vinny Castilla go. Did you know that he was BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY? He really was.

I hate the garish red uniforms that the Braves can be found wearing on ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.

The Braves need to find pitching prospects wherever they may be. Let’s get some scouts down to El SALVADOR.

Wickman has really impressed me. He has the makeup of a closer: A NATURAL BORN KILLER.

Finally, I don’t know how much we can count on Chipper in the future. He is hurt more often than Jeff Friggin’ Kent.

By Oliver Stone

August 23, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Oh, and the WALL STREET types who now own this team need to start spending more money on players.

By ernesto

August 23, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Hey, in our defense, we were facing the mighty Shawn Chacon, who if he could pitch against the Braves every 5th day would be a 30 game winner.

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

The rest of the way, every game, Smoltz through 8 and Wickman for the 9th. Get rid of the rest of the staff. Okay, just kidding. Then again…

Tonight’s a new night, the Braves are down, but they are not out. Not yet.

Geaux Braves!!

By never give up hope!!!

August 23, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

i give up.

By Calvin

August 23, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

There is something odd about the Braves when you go against three teams that are not really all that good; Washington, Florida, and Pittsburgh. In the 9 games they have played against them in the past week and a half, they are only 5-4. That is not a great sign when you can’t beat up on the lesser teams.

By Shaun

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

Well, said Dave, about Betemit. Good player, but really no where to play here and not likely to become a star.

Not that this would help, but I think the Braves should consider a 4-man rotation. We’ve got to increase the innings out of Smoltz and Hudson (yikes!) and decrease the innings of the fringe and young pitchers.

By Bob in SF

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

The numbers don’t lie; The Braves would need Cincy to play at best .500 ball the rest of the way and they would have to play at about a .600 clip the rest of the way to make up the current deficit. Thats not taking into account the log jam of teams ahead of them. I love the Bravos but it’s not going to happen. Do the call-ups on the 1st and a play the pups the rest of the way. I would even shut Smoltzy down to save the wear and tear on his arm and see what some of the young guys can do in the rotation the rest of the way. Then we will see how Mike Hampton looks next year and if Huddy can get the consistency back he has lost since coming south.

By Rodger

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

Yes, I’m afraid they are out. Just like the postseasons past, there’s no urgency, we gotta have this one. We keep playing like there’s all season for it to even out, because by God, we’re the Braves. Not this time, I’m afraid.

By Shaun

August 23, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Obviously the Braves need a big winning streak and it’s just not coming. We keep waiting for it, but time is running out fast. How’s this for bold: Get Francouer out of the lineup, but Diaz in RF and use Langerhans and Thorman in LF. Francouer has made an out in almost 72 percent of his plate appearances. As I’ve said many times, I think he’s going to be a star in the near future, but he’s costing us precious outs.

By Snowball's Chance

August 23, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I’m melting, melting,meltiiiinng. Oh, the humanity.

By Robert

August 23, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

It aint the bullpen. It’s the guy deciding who pitches and when.

This year’s team just isnt playoff caliber. That aside, every Braves team from 1991 thru 2005 was playoff caliber. At least eight of those, the Braves hyad the best roster in baseball. They had a rotation that started off with at least two if not three HOFers every year thru 2003. In that time, our highly respected and oft honored manager managed to procure ONE World Series title. (which came when his pitching staff ran the table three times running and when he faced a fellow cretin for all the marbles)

Folks, that is total failure.

John Smoltz has been with the team since 1989. He has done more than his share. He is a warrior.

Leo Mazzone was here until 2005. Funny how now that he is gone, the Braves are contenders no longer. But of course, Leo wasnt anything because Baltimore’s staff isnt lighting things up.

The X-factor, the poison in the soup, the donkey in the dugout - Bobby Cox - get rid of him, and this team can hope to win a World Series again some day

By steve

August 23, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Even if these Braves made the playoffs via the wild card they certainly wouldn’t get past the first round. It’s as obvious as the nose on your face that local management needs for the money bag owners to dig deep in their pockets to rebuild the pitching staff from starters to middle relief to late relief. Baez was and never will be the answer. Idiotic trade. I guess the GM is entitled to a mistake here and there, but man, Baez?? The Braves sure bought a pig in a poke in that trade.

By Rupert

August 23, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

Let’s see - who is stupider, Bobby Cox or Robert? Hmm. I pick Robert.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 23, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for the heads-up on Todd Snider. I have one of his album’s (East Nashville Skyline) and have been wondering here recently if any of his other albums were as good as it is. Its almost to the point where I read these blogs for the music discussions more than the Braves discussions. Gotta give thumbs up to Oscar V. and Cormier, though. Recently they’ve pitched about as well as you can expect a spot starter to pitch, with little or nothing to show for it.
“Diamonds and dogs, boys and girls, living together in two separate worlds, following leaders of mountains of shame….looking for someone to BLAME!!!!”

By btoy

August 23, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

I remember after the World Baseball Classic the Braves signed back Damian Moss, what has happend with him? I assume he was released? Because I could not find him on any of the minor league rosters.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

August 23, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

The pie is in the mail. It should arrive at Marietta Street in just a few days. It was mostly intact when I boxed it - only a little of the crust was missing. A few sprays of WD-40 on the bottom liner of the box and the pie did not stick. I wonder what kind of pie that was? I’m guessing blueberry. Oh, well, we will probably hear from Guy Curtright. Strange how that pie appeared - something didn’t seem right …

By krath

August 23, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Said it last night but it bears repeating…. Whats up with the Braves hitters making everyone they face with an ERA over 5 look like Cy Young?

That’s twice in the last month that Chacon and his heady ERA of over 7 has made the Braves bats look impotent.

I’ll venture to say that if someone would look at the stats over the summer of how the Braves have handled pitchers with ERA’s over 5, they’ll find that there is a pattern.

I actually ran those numbers to satisfy my own curiosity in late June when the Braves were mired in “the streak.” ( you do those kinds of things when the scum of the league is beating up on you with regularity like they were in June) The results I found confirmed what I’m saying here.

Basically….. we stink against pitchers who stink. If everyone else is lighting them up then we ain’t gonna.

Sure the pen failed last night, but ask any of those guys… it’s a bit easier to pitch with a 2 or 3 run lead in your pocket than trying to protect a single run. Of course earlier in the year even a 3 run lead wasn’t safe going into the 8th or 9th, but that seemed to be changing recently.

By Scott

August 23, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

It’s not like it wasn’t going to happen. Really. The Braves have been losing a player here and a player there since their WS win against the equally clueless Indians. Rather than build on their success and fashion themselves as a team players will go to even for a BIT less $$$, they have sliced, diced and julianed the payroll year in and year out and now it has finally culminated into what we see today. This is a team that greatly benefited from playing in the weakest division of the weakest league. Pretty much the entire NL has been weak as of the last several years. Aside from strong efforts from my Cardinals in 2004 and a fluke WS win here and there by the D’backs and Marlins, who bought a single-shot WS win then dimantled the team entirely, the AL has mopped up on the NL.
The All Star game used to be just a joke but it more and more is becoming a true reflection of the sad state of the NL.

By Snowball's Chance

August 23, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

I am soothing my soul with Tony Joe White’s “Heroines”. Recommended by 35, I think. Duets with Emmy Lou, Lucinda, Shelby Lynne, and one with his daughter, Michelle. She is a nice surprise. You can here cuts off her own cd at cdbaby.com I hope I am giving credit to the right blogger.

By dfree

August 23, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

the braves will win tonight, take two out of three, probably do the same against washington, that is just not going to get it done, if they had been doing that all year….things would look a lot different…DOB anyway you could use the braves records in all the months combined, take out june, replace it with an average of the other months (lol lot of work) the point is that i think they would be in pretty good position atleast in the wildcard if they hadnt had such a horrendous june. That is the difference in this team and the 14 previous, each have had the struggles at some point, this one was too young/inexperienced/bargain basement to stop the bleeding until it was too late, starting to look like they just cant overcome that one month….

By Travis

August 23, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Dave,

I help run a radio station in San Francisco that I think you’d LOVE. When you get a momnet, stream www.kpig.com — the very first radio station on the planet to stream online

Keep up the great blogs!!

By Sam

August 23, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Fans, I have been a Braves fan since they were in Boston. Well, it’s time to hang it up and start playing the rookies. JS…you did a lousy job this past off season and 125% of the blame is on you. I think you wasted time with all the signing of your lousy book. Next time please pay attention to the Atlanta Braves instead of your book. From a scale of 1 to 10…I will rate you a 2.

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Too many 1st pitch outs, that’s why the hitters make these pitchers look like Cy Young. The 1st pitch is usually the pitchers pitch, sometimes it may be a hanger or a very hittable fast ball, but when you keep making out after out on the 1st pitch, the opposing pitcher knows that so he’s not going to give you anything to hit. It’s not rocket science. The key to hitting a pitcher with a high era, IMO, take a pitch or two, make him work, there is a reason why the era is high.

Let’s get a win tonight!!

Geaux Braves!!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 23, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

We’ve got two more chances coming up at a season series sweep for ‘06. Cubs and Rockies. Both are four game series. What are the chances?

By monty

August 23, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Look at the Braves record in one run games. It tells the story. THey are 10 or 11 games under .500 in them. Switch that figure around and you are 10-11 games over.500 and leading in the Wildcard. Winning close games sometimes has as much to do with desire as it does talent.In close games everything is magnified : timely hitting, defense, coaching decisions etc. Needless to say for whatever reason we haven’t clutched up. A misplayed ball here , a failure to advance a runner with a productive out there, waiting one batter too late to yank a pitcher, I think you get the point.

By dap

August 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Our GM and owners have let our Braves starve to death. They have poorly constructed the team for the past couple of years and this year it caught up with them. This team was poorly constructed coming into this year. Why was such obvious shortcomings not addressed. I hope that a reporter will one day ask the obvious question of John S. because his “we are doing everything we can to help this team” answer is obviously not accurate.

By All that's left

August 23, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Well, after last nights showing, the best we can hope for is a .500 record. I’d hate to see the Braves end a season under .500. It’s the last mark of the streak. Sure, they aren’t taking the division. There was hope of getting to the playoffs anyway. Keeping a playoff streak alive. Now that is running away from us. Don’t let the team finish below .500. That would take all the previous 15 years worth of playing and toss it in the toilet so we can slap each other on the back and say “way to be aggressive!”. Swinging at the first pitch after a guy proves he has no control. Not taking walks. Bunting the ball into the catchers hand for a double play. No hustel. Can’t throw strikes. Swinging at balls in the dirt. And doing everything within your power to prove that it is possible to have a bad 30HR 100RBI season. And the pitching. The pitching is the absolutely horrible. It’s a stain on a great franchise. To go from 3 Cy’s in a rotation to 4 sighs of resignation. What happened?

Finish this season on a good note. Don’t let this team drive into a sub .500 season.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Let’s get ‘em tonight guys!

GO BRAVES

By Braves20

August 23, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Oliver Stone - how nice to see you on our blog. Perhaps your next movie could be loosely based on the lady from yesterday who swore Adam LaRoche was intentionally throwing games. Working title ADD Man Out.

By CharlotteDave

August 23, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Good column DOB, but I think maybe you’re being a little too hard on Baez. That was only his second bad outing with the Braves and he has certainly helped the team quite a bit since he arrived.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Snowball-I knew you’d like it.

By Snowball's Chance

August 23, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

Sorry,Lew. I wanted to give proper credit. I really like it. The only duet I left off was Jesi Colter. One I would have liked to have heard- Hope I don’t lose my street cred with the younger bloggers- is Dolly. She is a great musician.

By Rutuger

August 23, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Oldboy is the shnit.

This season ended months ago and we all knew it. Hopefully after the third straight year, this lesson will hit home in the offseason…

YOU CANNOT WIN IN THE MAJORS WITH A BULLPEN OF MINOR LEAGUERS AND PROFESSIONAL FAILURES.

At least I don’t have to waste playoff ticket money to find that out the more painful way again this year.

GO FALCONS!!!!

By Snowball's Chance

August 23, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

The good news from last night is that Villareal may be a good starter when he can stretch out his innings.

By hal

August 23, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

It is finally over. No playoffs.

By Kentavo

August 23, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with the urgency thing. Cox manages like it’s still April. That’s the real reason there aren’t more WS banners hanging at Turner Field. It’s his strength and his weakness.

By elbravox

August 23, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

I plea the fith. Win or whatever, enjoy the last month guys.

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Travis, thanks for the heads-up on the station in SF. I’ll try it later.

Giles out of lineup until Friday, but Cox says he’ll be in there Friday.

Langerhans is about to be scratched, probably, because he’s sick. They were waiting until after BP to decide. Diaz will be in left if that’s the case.

Robert, probably wouldn’t be the time to tell you Sports Illustrated has the results of its player survey on best/worst managers in this week’s issue.

Of the 470 major league players surveyed, choice for worst manager, with 17 percent of the vote, was Frank Robinson. Second was Buck Showalter (16 percent).

Choice for best manager, with 30 percent of the vote, was Bobby Cox. Second, with 18 percent, was Jim Leyland. Third was Joe Torre (12 percent).

Just thought I’d give you the results. No comment from me at all. Make of it what you will. Oh, and Cox won it last year with 37 percent of the vote.

By the way, players can’t vote for their own manager.

By Jamie

August 23, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Is there a reason why LaRoche continues to get a pass for his goofy onfield behavior? I’ve got to believe there are a lot of guys on the team who would have sat the game after his boneheaded bunt attempt on Sunday…and if that wasnt bad enough, it sure looked like he pulled up about 2 steps before he hit the bag. Not exactly booking it down there, even for him.

By doc

August 23, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

bob in sf. thanks for the reasonable assessment of where this team needs to go this season. i gave up on them when they couldnt get er done at home after the road win streak to pump folks up. they were ready for jam then, by now the bread is too soggy to hold anything from the tears spent on this rendidition of the braves.

urgency? come on that was needed to be seen somewhere about july 23rd not august. the dodgers did what the braves had to do follow the losing streak with a similar streak to offset it. there ar a lot of reasons why it happened but the sad thing is without an interested owner with some money it is mediocrity lookin at ya.

dob you are still the best dude. keep callin em like it is.

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

Rodger, and other ‘urgency’ advocates: what exactly do you do to urgently try to win baseball games?

By Chop Chop

August 23, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’d venture to say that any player would love Bobby Cox. He treats guys with respect in and out of the clubhouse. In my opinion (screw acronyms), Bobby Cox has been a great manager for a long time, but he’s never been a great in-game strategist. Fortunately, being a good manager of men counts for a lot in baseball. Bobby’s as good at that as any manager who has ever sat in a dugout. When he’s in the Hall, all Braves fans will appreciate that aspect of him.

By The Man

August 23, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

DOB - I have been posting since Sunday on all the blogs. I’m still really PO’s about the LaRoche play. Not the fact he did the bunt, but the horrific execution. He lazily got out of the box and didn’t run through 1B. I highly value your opinion and wonder if you agree that his attitude and work ethic should dictate a trade.

By Greg

August 23, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

Turn off the lights the party is over!

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

MBATL: You go to the dug-out with small paper bags. Use these to off set the hyperventilation. Once that has calmed down, toss some equipment around. After that. Bench all the players and put in the AA team. At which point you tour the pros for a week, then trade off all your top prospects for quick fixes. Then, when the season is lost post haste, spend the off season trading away all the veteran talent for unproven minor leaguers. With the saved money, go out on the free agency market and try not to get r@pped by Boras while attempting to sign an above average, but not hall of fame material, player which will most certainly be a step back from the players you traded midway through the season.

By stew

August 23, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

Never say die!

By Head Coach

August 23, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

This is what happens when a team ties up 70 percent of its payroll in six players and none of them are relief pitchers. they started the season without a closer or leadoff hitter(they stil dont have one) and a one dimensional three run bomb offense. 44 stolen bases with 30 caught stealing is just a brutal stat. Top all that with the eight pitchers currently on the DL and an inconsistent season and we have the perfect recipe for disaster. R.I.P. 2006 Atlanta Braves we hardly knew thee !

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Villarreal’s arm could be streched out an inning at a time. The guy has been masterful in his two starts. Better than Sosa was in any of his starts ever. Let the man pitch the 6th, even the 7th. And if he still looks good, let ‘em go to the 8th. Then bring in the Wicky Man and close out the win. It’ll be appreciated all the way through. Otherwise, you leave the entire team to question every step they took. That ain’t good.

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

10Paul, thanks - about what I thought.

Regarding Oscar, I guess we need him as a starter for now, but I see him in relief next year anyway. Do you disagree?

The Braves have been behind the 8-ball for quite a while, but if we win 2 of every 3 games, we’ve got a shot. We did that in Florida, need to win tonight to do it for this series. Keep Hope Alive!

By krath

August 23, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

I thought it was kinda ironic this past inning hearing Torborg speaking of Pendleton and Andruw deciding to straighten Andruw’s stance up a bit. He went on to talk about how Andruw had been falling down on many of the swings he took.

It’s good to know that Pendleton and Andruw caught this problem with Druw’s approach to hitting….. he’s only been falling down for the past 6 weeks which has been repeatedly addressed by the amateurs on this blog!! lol

By krath

August 23, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Frency is coming along to I see. He now recognizes when he starts his swing that he is swinging at a ball a foot off the plate and in the dirt for strike 3….. so he drops his head and stares at his feet in disgust before he even finishes the swing. lol

By Lew

August 23, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Krath-He still hasn’t figured out that Giles can’t hit to right center with an open stance yet, either.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

I know you’re losing again brave fans but I got more bad news…..The Mets are kicking the cardinals butts 10-2. I’ll check back with you later if circumstances change….10-4 good buddy!!

By David O'Brien

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

The Man, no, I don’t agree with your opinion whatsoever on LaRoche’s “work ethic” and attitude, etc. He made a boneheaded decision, nothing to do with attitude or anything else. The error in May was lazy, but again, a mental thing more than anything else _ if he thought he needed to run a bit quicker to first that day, he would’ve. Stupid to turn his back on the runner and assume he wasn’t going to beat it out.

Sunday, he just read the situation one way and everyone else another. And afterward, he acknowledged he shouldn’t have bunted.

I think his reaction was caused by, a., his shock over how awful his bunt was; he watched the catcher basically take a step forward and field it, and b. He wasn’t trying to bunt for a base hit, but just to move the two guys over. So, like most guys trying to advance a runner, he didn’t go busting it out of the box the way he should have, and the way he probably would’ve if he thought there was any chance, when he bunted, that there would be such a close play at first.

Dude, it’s over. They’re not going to trade him for that mistake. And once again, the “take” that many fans like yourself have over it is just so entirely different than his teammates and manager. Bobby was upset, perplexed that he’d made the decision. But at the same time, he wasn’t upset over Adam’s attitude or anthing else. Just that he made the decision. All his teammates, same way. All said wrong decision, but none saw it as a sign of any character issue or lack of hustle, etc.

Sorry, but he’s one of the most popular 2-3 guys on the team if you ask all his teammates. They all love him, and Cox does, too. And fans’ opinions aren’t going to change that, because they’re with Adam every day, every flight, every bus ride from airport to hotel, 10-14 hours a day, ever day, for nine months. They know him better than your or me.

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Oh, and three seconds after I hit send on that post, he homered. Which is another very big reason why he’s not going to be traded _ because he’s good. With a ton of power and top five defensively in the NL, if not top 3. And he’s cheap.

So deal with it. He’s your first baseman next season.

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, “fans” are a lot different than “bloggers”.

By Lew

August 23, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL-We The People of The Blog are a special breed, are we not?

By brian

August 23, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

i have been on LaRoche’s case a lot this year especially early in the year but have been silent for at least the last 6 weeks if not 2 months. LaRoche has been solid - offensively and on defense. He has been one of our most solid starters. We used to have to fill LF, leadoff, RP, 1B. Scratch 1B off that list please(may have to add SP though)

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 09:06 PM | Link to this

No doubt about that, Lew! And I’m one of you (us?).

What I meant was, when you go to a game, you don’t hear fans talking about plays that happened weeks or months ago, or picking apart every decision made by the manager for the totality of his career.

Nothing wrong with doing that… it’s fun, if you’re into it, but I don’t think the views on this blog represent those of “Braves fans” as a group.

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

MBATL, very good point. And correct.

I salute those in this particular corner of the blogosphere.

“There’s a tear in my beer….”

By Puddin

August 23, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

14 years is a heck of a run. Now really, couldn’t all of us just see this type of year coming? Face it, it’s finally over. I wonder what the owners will do when things go back to the 80’s - miniscule attendance at a very over-priced venue. They are going to get what they deserve. It will be interesting to see what kind of team shows up next year. Adios, Braves. It’s been fun.

By bravesfansince1966

August 23, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Can anyone remember a more inept Braves bullpen… EVER?

By nathan

August 23, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

DOB

Correct me if I’m wrong. But without looking up the stats I’m going to assume that LaRoche’s numbers are far superior to Andruw’s since the beginning of May.

Last time I checked, Adam was making significantly less money than Andruw. Maybe it’s time to appreciate the good hitters we have on this team, instead of the Hack-n-Jackers.

Also on a side note. It’s nice to see Hudson jumped off that “turn his season and quite possibliy career around train” to allow about a run an inning to the FRICKIN PIRATES! Good GAWD! Go back to Oakland…..yeah right, like Billy Beane would want him back. My guess is everytime Billy is in his luxury box and he sees highlights of Hudson pitching (I use the word pitching very loosely), that he giggles hysterically for about an hour.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

AMAZING! WAY TO GO JEFF! What an at bat! That’s what I wanna see. Keep it up. Ata Boy

By Diane L.

August 23, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

I am trying to reach a writer for the newspaper there in Atlanta. Could someone help put me in touch with Jimmy Smith of the AJC?

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

YEAH!!!! Four straight from the reliever. Man that’s more effecient than Baez is at blowing a lead. Baez mixes in a few strikes here and there.

I come home from a terrible commute. I see the Braves down and McCann had just singled in a run. Then, on the GameDay screen, I see 3 low and away pitches to Francoeur which he took for 3 straight balls. He drew the walk! LaRoche came up, and forced them in with another great at bat. I love it!

GO BRAVES

Now to catch up on the posts.

By nathan

August 23, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this

I just thought of somthing that all of the blind “we’re really a better team than this fans” probably haven’t actually thought of.

We keep reading and hearing how the Braves can get right back in the wild card race because we are facing a bunch of teams that are under .500.

Well has anybody actually put the thought through their heads that maybe all of these other teams are licking their chops when the look at the schedule and see the Braves are coming to town for a 3 game series?

It’s time to call this team for what it is. CRAP. Now does that mean that each individual “part” is crap? No. Many of the offensive players are adequate. But this has to be the WORST pitching staff overall that we’ve had since the mid-80’s!

I’m not jumping ship, or saying with some better fortune, that it couldn’t be turned around next year. I’m actually quite certain it will. Confident, rather than certain…..nothing is certain with this team.

But let’s stop acting as fans like this is a good team with bad luck. Luck comes into play in a game, or a short post season series. I actually believe you make your own luck. Especially over 120 games of the season. This is NOT an unlucky stretch. If it is, man, what a ridiculously LONG string of luck. I suppose those same people are just sitting around “waiting” for the Tigers luck to run out! LOL Keep waiting. They actually have good players that play good TEAM baseball.

JS got exactly what he deserved with this bullpen. Unfortunately the fans didn’t do anything to deserve this.

I’ll stop now.

By Balthazar

August 23, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Nathan, I’m guessing Billy Beane doesn’t laugh long considering the garbage he got in return for Hudson. He was a good pitcher when Beane dealt him and he got virtually nothing.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Where’s that Mets fan. He was supposed to check in when the score changed. It’s 6-10 Mets. That lead is shrinking fast. Oh well. Not everyone can completely thrash the Cards like the Braves. ATL 4, STL 2. ATL RS 55, STL RS 29. ATL 78 hits and 16 homers on the series.

By hoo rah

August 23, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Francoeur walked!!

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Could JS swing a trade with the eventual wild card winner for their playoff spot in return for the ever-popular “prospects?”

By Skuttle

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

I’ve read this blog for some time now. Never commented. But the true fans are easy to find. That nathan guy is probably one of the worst. Never anything positive. Not one positive comment ever posted. Yet he calls himself a fan. A fan of the Mets more like it. If he’d look at the 120 games of bad luck, he’d see all the trips to the DL. Thanks nathan. You’ve really added to every conversation on this blog.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

oh, the humanity! paronto has caught the sickness. if that was a sinker, it had no sink.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Well, maybe I can actually enjoy the entire playoffs this year without the usual bitter taste of bile in my mouth left over from the obligatory 1st round exit by the Braves.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Braves en espanol: “Orr es en fuego.”

By supergrass

August 23, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

nathan, very thoughtful post (again) when will ajc hire you

By nathan

August 23, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Balthazar

It was called a salary dump, for an aging player, who in his last season in Oakland was already in decline.

Last time I checked they are doing better without Hudson, than we are with him.

Hmmmmmm, any reason for that? I couldn’t possibliy be that every 5th day the A’s DON’T have Hudson giving up 5 or 6 runs by the 5th inning like we do? Could it!

Beane did what we did with Millwood, except JS got LUCKY that a career .260 minor league hitter, hit .300 for two seasons in Atlanta.

Way better to give up on a player one season too early, even if you don’t get anything in return, than to sign an “on the way down” veteran to a long term deal - especially one that will pay him 12 and 13 million dollars in the last two seasons.

93 pitches through 6 “laboring” innings. Yeah, that’s ACE material.

So I’ll say it again, only this time I really mean it.

BILLY BEANE IS LAUGHING HIS A$$ OFF AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Frickin pen. At least it’s only one run. But to Sanchez? That’s not good at all. The goal is to keep that guy hitless. Not boost his power numbers.

MBATL: Yes, Villarreal will more than likely be in the pen. We already have 6 starters lined up for next year. But it’s nice to know that he’s down there and able to come out and throw solid innings on the board. Just wish we’d used him earlier in the season. Just think if we’d skipped over Smith, Shiell and Barry and gone with Villarreal…

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Of course it’s not luck, Nathan, that this team is where it is.

This was a marginal, flawed team from the start, maybe a playoff contender but no one thought a championship team.

I think JS made an effort to sign some ‘pen help, but maybe wasn’t willing or able to spend the money that was required. Everybody knew we needed a closer, but that didn’t work out.

Then we lose Foster, Devine, Boyer, Thomsan, Davies for most of the year; Sosa doesnt’ come close to duplicating what he did last year. Frenchy, Giles and Laroche start the year in slumps. Chipper gets hurt the first week. McCann gets hurt for a while. Hudson doesn’t perform as planned.

Yeah, everybody has to deal with injuries and poor performance, but ours’ were more than we could overcome. So we’re probably not gonna make the playoffs this year.

Cox was deservedly the NL manager of the year in ‘05, when we played 18 (?) rookies. That was our rebuilding year, but here we are with Paronto, Ray, and the rest of the traveling troup in the bullpen.

The magic didn’t work this year. I’ll still take this team in ‘07. Glad you’re not jumping ship, though!

By knowitall

August 23, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

You can’t be too mad at Paronto. At least he was throwing strikes and didn’t compound the issue by walking people ahead of the homerun. Plus he came right back to get the next guy and keep the game within reach. With any of the other relievers expect for Wicky, it would have been a 2 or 3 run inning.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Paronto is one of the few positives in the pen and is likely to return in 2007.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

How ugly will the Tech game vs. Notre Dame be?

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

I knew eventually the run would have to come to an end, but I sure hate to see it end this way. The end was supposed to be a fight for the title, come up a game or two short but still take the wildcard.

The wildcard possibity is quicking fading, but it is still within sight (barely) but there’ll be no fighting for the division title.

Bummer.

Come on offense, time to shine.

Geaux Braves!!

By Glass Half Full

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

Yates is a total mystery. Either he strikes out the side or walks 14 in a row before BC yanks him…wait, that sounds vulgar.

By nathan

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

Skuttle

Who on the DL at any moment this year would actually have helped this bullpen out with their incredible track record for doing so?

As far as my recent memory of negativity takes me back, Hampton is a STARTER, THOMSON is a STARTER, HoRAM is a STARTER, DAVIES aint nothin but a pimple on the late great Robert Johnson’s A*. (Name the movie DOB)

Foster, Boyer, Devine, Reitsma?????

Wow, that’s a bullben that would scare the living hell out of opposing hitters in the late innings of close games, aren’t they.

Listen, I’m not saying that the injury bug hasn’t hit us hard. It has. But of all the guys mentioned, none of them would make much differnce. JS FAILED TO IMPROVE THIS BULLPEN LAST OFFSEASON. EVEN HAD NONE OF THESE GUYS GOTTEN HURT, WE’D BE HAVING THE SAME CONVERSATION.

If I wasn’t a FAN, I’d be on here LAUGHING at how horrible this team is. Believe me I’m not laughing, the last thing that this team is to watch is FUNNY.

What I do find funny, is on the night that DOB posts on the bullpen woes, and happens to mention Paronto as the most reliable (I guess I should say the one with the lowest ERA - that doesn’t neccessarily mean he’s reliable), he blows it with one pitch. THAT’S FUNNY!

Don’t mistake my negativity for not being a fan. I’m way more passionate than you could ever DREAM of being.

Besides, have you actually noticed that we are about to lose 2 of 3 to the PIRATES. They from Pittsburg. They who haven’t sniffed post season since Barry Bonds threw the 17 hopper to the plate to try and get Bream! I’ll repeat that. WE ARE ABOUT TO LOSE 2 of 3 TO THE PIRATES! If that’s not something to be negative about, you let me know when I’m allowed to b***.

Also, other than Giles, I believe we actually had a pretty healthy lineup in this series, haven’t we? Wasn’t our ACE on the mound tonight?

Yeah, that’s what I’d thought you’d say!

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

No need to rush, Jack Wilson. That’s Andruw Jones running down the line.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

There is no way Bean is laughing his @ss off about that trade. It’s just impossible. Everything he got in return flopped. Everything. “Yeah, we sure got ‘em. We missed the playoffs last year when Hudson won 14 and the return we got went to the minors and never performed again. Hell, I don’t even know where all those guys are now. But we sure stuck it to those Braves and their 14th straight playoff appearance! Suckers.”

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Rathbun: “Francoeur would be next.” With one out and no one on, of course he would be next!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

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

bobby just looked down the bench and told pratt to get a bat and be ready. just need somebody on base …

By Skuttle

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

Nathan: If you were on the DL this year, the team would be doing better.

Chipper not on the DL. Edgar not on the DL. McCann not on the DL. Boyer not on the DL. Hampton not on the DL. just to name a few.

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

This is unbelievable.

By Glass Half Full

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

The Braves should try a promotion where the lucky fan in seat # __ gets to pinch hit or come in for an inning of relief.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

It would be like when Hulk Hogan “discovered” Hillbilly Jim back in the ’80s.

By Samuel Gore

August 23, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

The search for a lead-off man is proving to be more difficult than I thought. Maybe Bobby Cox could explain to me why finding a lead-off man has proven to so hard but until he does then I am left to wonder.

How is it that a player who can, see the ball, hit the ball, throw the ball and run the bases probably faster than anyone on the team can be left sitting on the bench, even after he has proven that he can succeed as a lead-off batter. Pete Orr has been used only as a last resort but has been able to consistently be the best that he can be at what ever job he is given. I don’t see him trotting down the first base line on a ground ball to the infield, he runs it out, not like some on the team.

There must be something wrong with Orr to keep him on the bench. I am left wondering just what it could be.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Saint Louis has battled back. 8 to 10 now. What a crazy game that is.

Sheesh Mulder is terrible. What was in the water in Oakland?

By MBATL

August 23, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Nathan, without getting into too much detail, just what moves SHOULD JS have taken last year? I can see the need for a closer… we all knew that. But you seem pretty down on the whole team (though, I know, you’re a FAN). I’ll give you a head start; we sign Wickman; what else would you have suggested coming into this year?

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Can’t do that glass, they lucky winner may actually get someone out. Wouldn’t want that to happen.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this

Come on Ray. Gitem

By nathan

August 23, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

I still say it was a salary dump. I think every A.L. team wanted NO part of Hudson. Quite honestly if Meyers, Cruz and Chuck Thomas werr ALL he could get for the supposedly HOF bound Hudson, than Beane is a worse GM than most think he is.

Tell me that you honestly thought that the 3 of them were actually going to ammount to anything. To my knowledge, Meyers actually was pitching well in their system before getting hurt.

IF HUDSON WAS SO DAMN GOOD, WHY DIDN’T THEY KEEP HIM? Oh, that’s right, they couldn’t AFFORD him. Believe me, if he was THAT good, they wouldve found a way to keep him, or get more for him.

(nice rally killing double play, btw)

I’ll ask you this. Ten years ago, if JS would’ve been order to dump payroll by Turner, so you think he would’ve started that salary dump with his ALL STAR pitchers? No, the position players would’ve went first. UNLESS HE THOUGH HE HAD SOMEBODY TO REPLACE THEM! Like Beane thought he did. Name another team that could lose pitchers like Hudson and Mulder (supposedly in their prime - unlike the Braves when they lost again Maddux and Glavine), and miss the playoffs for ONLY one year! Especially since he got NOTHING in the Hudson deal according to you.

Like I said before, he didn’t get “nothing” in those trades. He got what he wanted, salary relief for the future. Something JS knows nothing about. You just watch how this “low budget” (which I don’t think 80 million in payroll is), team looks in the next couple of years. We will all be wondering how it’s possible with such great players like Tim Hudson, Chipper Jones, and Andruw Jones on the roster (at about 1/3 of the payroll) we can’t win. “How come this bullpen sucks?” everybody will say.

Two words. Remember them well:

SALARY RELIEF.

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

No on the promotion? How about a reality TV show where a series of marginally talented pitchers and several no-talents compete for a shot in the Braves pen?

By geauxbraves2000

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

GHF, that’s not what happened this year?

By Glass Half Full

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

Other than possibly re-signing Wickman, I don’t see a drastic overhaul in the pen until JS sees what a healthy Boyer, Foster, and maybe Devine can do next season. So the burning question, will Giles be traded for a lead-off hitting outfielder, a starting pitcher, or some minor leaguers?

By Glass Half Full

August 23, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Oh, yeah. Well, maybe the ratings will improve for season 2 of “So You Think You Can Pitch?”

By geauxbraves2000

August 23, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

I thought this was supposed to be the “easy” stretch for the Braves.

Movie time, good night all.

By krath

August 23, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

Lost 2 of 3 to the Pirates. Wonder what the Vegas odds would be if we played “The Wiggles” and Capt. Feathersword the Pirate? They got Dorothy the Dinosaur behind the plate and Henry the Octopus on the mound. I think we could take 2 outta 3 from them…… maybe….. if we bring our “A” game.

By nathan

August 23, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

MBATL

I’m not down on the whole team. Just the pitching staff. Forgive me if I’m underestimating the value of Davies, HoRam, Thomson, Foster, Boyer, Devine, etc….

I’ve never been “sold” on HoRam or Davies, poor man’s Maddux and Glavine with about 20 percent of the control and consistancy. Last time I watched a game 88-91 MPH fastballs that aren’t located well end up somewher about 35 rows back. This isn’t fair to Davies in his second season, so I’ll focus this next comment on HoRam. No matter how good he is, he can’t stay on the field. So what good does he do us. Just when you think he’s healthy and turned the corner, he get’s hurt again. Give me ONE GOOD REASON why this won’t happen next year. Because like all of the other optimists, JS will assume he’ll be an anchor in the rotation and not aquire anybody else, so when he get’s hurt again (which he will) we’ll be right where we are right now. Same thing could be said for Thomson.

As far as the moves I would’ve made. I would’ve moved Betemit, Giles or any combination of the two for an established reliever not named Kolb or Reitsma! LOL

Infact, I would’ve probably not made the move for Renteria. Just give the damn SS job to betemit (save Marte for trades for pitching or better yet for us in a few years). Not that the Renteria trade didn’t work out well. But has anybody noticed that that average is “dipping” considerably. He’s dangerously close to dipping below the “Giles Line”. That’s a joke people! RELAX! I realize Giles has been doin’ pretty good lately. In fact I posted somthing similar to this earlier this week. Ask youself this question. If Giles ends up batting about 10 points less or more than Renteria, who, just off of the top of your head would you say had the better year? Most would say Renteria because of the HOT start and Giles COLD start. But scarily their numbers are pretty damn close to eachothers. YIKES for Renteria in the second half.

I as a FAN, actually wanted Todd Jones, not Wickman. But, what I’m trying to say is, that we have PLENTY of OFFENSE! Trade some of it for pitching, pitching, pitching. Even in the form of prospects. We would live with a couple of no-hit, slick fielding players in the line up, if we actually had the pitching that gave up hits that could be defensed.(not HR’s and Walks)

But I’m right there with you, I think this team will be fine next year. But I also think the Mets have a lot of young talent that will only get better as well. So those that think that just adding the injured players back on the roster will make us catch the Mets. I think you are all crazy. Hampton might help. And if Pedro and Glavine fall off a bit, that should help. But damn, that Mets line up is STACKED, and not just with HACKERS they can all HIT.

Again, for the sake of insanity. I’ll stop…….for now.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 23, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

laroche was swinging to hit a homerun. with two stikes and nowhere close to making contact he took that last swing - oh, the humanity! diaz did the same thing! two strikeouts on 6 pitches. now, giles … oh, the humanity! can no one hit the ball? the series is lost! first time since 1997 for the pirates! journalist is hurtin’ right now and will go work on new country music song journalist is writing for dob’s wurlitzer ceremony. too bad journalist doesn’t have an old dog to sit with journalist while journalist writes. what? oh, yes - baby seal. this may be a different kind of country music song. journalist at least has no ex-wife to sing about.

By TennesseePaul

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

nathan: I don’t doubt the move was based on Salary. Had Bean the money to keep his players, he’d keep them. I was responding to the laughing at the trade as if Bean made out like a bandit.

the position players would’ve went first
Like Giambi and Tejada. He didn’t have any mega star position players left that were one year from free agency and about to command a fortune on the open market. Hudson was at his peak value. Same with Mulder. As for what JS would do… He’d trade in a similar fashion, but with better return. JS trusts scouts more than Bean does.

By NYFan

August 23, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul - i LOVE how you tried to make the fact that the Mets were only winning 10-6 into some kind of failure on the Mets’ part. What a pathetic attempt to try to have something to crow about. You just lost two in a row to THE PIRATES. Your team could not possibly suck any more. And, oh—the Mets just won, 10-8. Gee, I know it’s only by two runs, but you know what? We’ll take the W anyway. Now go discuss how your season’s not over yet, you’re going to make a run, blah blah blah.

By nathan

August 23, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

I know I said I was done before, but I forgot to add this in my last post when I was talking about HoRam’s injuries. I think he’s got talent and would be a very serviceable number 3 or maybe on a good day number 2 starter, when healthy.

He’s nowhere as dominating as Wood or Prior, but I think he’s worth comparing to them. He’s been up for a few years, had a VERY GOOD rookie year (12 wins?). Then the injuries kicked in. Here’s where it gets tricky.

Do any of you think he has as much “talent” as Wood and Prior? If you do, then yes we should be patient for a couple of more years, and see if he can have an injury free season. But if you don’t. Then what exactly are we counting on him every off season for? At what point do we cut our losses. Do you see my point? JS just has to be smart. Sure he can “gamble” a little. But not like he could 10 years ago. With Ted in charge, Ted would’ve said “go get another frontline starter, and if HoRam comes back, we’ll deal with having too many pitchers then”. But with the budget restraints, he can’t do that. So he has to make the RIGHT DECISIONS. Granted, you can’t predict injuries, but some guys are just “injury proned”, aren’t they. My guess is that at some point next year these players will have some sort of injury that causes them to lose significant time on the DL:

Chipper Jones, Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Gary Sheffield, Marcus Giles, Pedro Martinez, etc……

It’s not too hard to find any number of guys that EVERY year end up with some sort of injury, is it?

It’s this type of thinking that causes me to not “expect” a damn bit of anything other than hopes and heartbreak from the likes of HoRam.

Oh well, call me Mr. Negative-anti Braves Fan

By TennesseePaul

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

You’re welcome NYFan. Sniff sniff, NYFan, you stink.

The Mets are kicking the cardinals butts 10-2. I’ll check back with you later if circumstances change

Real pounding you guys handed out there with that 10-8 win. Just commenting on how, when circumstances changed, no Mets fan showed up to keep us up to date. I know, I know. You were nervous, that’s why you waited until it was over and you were certain of victory. Congratulations. You hung on by the skin of your teeth.

I’ll save you time. The Braves lost to the Pirates. We were watching that as well.

By Norm made some eggs

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

Boy, HeeHaw was good last night. They had Johnny Cash, Boots Randolph, and some other famous guys (not a big follower of country music, but some of it is exquisite). Good stuff. My favorite is Roy Orbison.

The Braves. Over-analyzed and under funded.

By JJMB

August 23, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

NY FAN, do you live in Atlanta?

By NYFan

August 23, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul - I know you must be confused by watching so much of the Braves this year, but the one real goal of the game is to score MORE runs than the other team. The Mets scored 10. The Cardinals scored 8. And by the way, two runs is not “skin of the teeth.” That might be a one-run game—you know, the kind you keep losing, over and over again?

As for Mets fans not checking in to update you, do you know why that might be? They were all busy watching a GOOD baseball game between two excellent teams, not the kind of three-hour choke-fest the Braves put on every night. Talk about nervous—you must be peeing your pants every night by 7:30.

By TennesseePaul

August 23, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

nathan: I don’t know what to expect for the longevity of HoRam’s career. But, trading him now would certainly return less than if we waited for a full season of play. Who knows what he can do. I’d like to find out. He was on a roll two years ago before he was hurt. He stunk last year with the long ball, but has really gotten that under control this year. So we’ll see what he has.

I read all this wailing and gnashing of teeth on here for the loss of Schmidt from 12 years ago… Maybe we should hold out another year or so and see if HoRam can turn out alright. Schmidt was injured a lot in his career. Players made of Glass are common place now-a-days. But Chipper wasn’t always like this. He played for a good 8 or 9 years with little to no injury. Wood and Prior on the other hand…

By nathan

August 23, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

Nice points on Giambi and Tejada. You are also right about JS trusting scouts a lot more. But to some extent that’s my point. If the Braves have such good scouting and such a rich minor league system, there has to be somebody that can play 2B so we can exchange Giles for some pitching. Like I’ve said the last few days, Giles can stay as far as I’m concerned. He plays hard, he plays hurt. He’s got fire, emotion, whatever you want to call it. It’s not about that. HE IS OUR MOST TRADEABLE COMODITY. He is due a raise, AND we have middle infielders galore just waiting for more playing time,(Aybar, Prado, Pena Jr.).

Who knows, maybe Boyer and Foster solidify this bullpen next year. If were up to me, and I relize it’s not up to the fans to decide, (besides - I’m not a fand anyhow, remember? LOL), buy NO WAY IN HELL does Baez stay. He is the epitomy of what this bullpen is this year…..DOMINANT STUFF BUT SO DAMN INCONSISTANT, THAT HE’S ACTUALLY HORRIBLE! Jorge Sosa ring a bell?

But getting back to Beane and JS. I’d rather JS went into each season with a nice mix of veterans and youngsters (who cost less), and leave a little room for adding players once the season starts. I think it would be a hell of a lot easier to evaluate your young talent 30 games into the sason, then to try and do it in January. But I suppose the problem with that theory is that, if you aren’t close to the deadline, most teams won’t trade until they know they are out of it. Then you are forced to “overpay” at the deadline, which may be too late, like it was this year. So, who knows? I guess JS does, and not me.

I just hope somebody STEPS UP in spring training and the early weeks of next season to take charge out there. I’d keep Wickman too, btw. He seems like a good role model for the younger guys out there.

But if the bullpen doesn’t get FIXED bigtime, next season could be worse than this one. Who knows what we’ll get out of Smoltz next year. Eventually he’s got to slow down.

By Goat Horns

August 23, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

One each for Andruw and Diaz.

By !arriba clemente!

August 23, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Me can’t help but noteece dat when Senor Smoltz no pitch, los Bravos preety much bite de beeg one.

By nathan

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

tennesseePaul

I hear you about Schmidt. I posted his career stats from the ESPN website about 2 or 3 weeks ago, when everybody was crying over him. He’s actually had about 3 really good full seasons in his career. Now granted they were DOMINATING seasons. But if I recall, none (or maybe the 1st one) of those good seasons came in Pittsburg. And if the 1st one was there it was in year 5 that he was there. So Pittsburg didn’t even get any return on the Denny Neagle deal. Again, based on Schmidt’s early numbers in Atlanta and Neagle’s salary, it’s a classic case of salary dump with the possibility of a young player panning out.

I had ZERO problem with letting Schimdt go in 1997. We got 2 1/2 really good years out of Denny Neagle. Which is better than hanging on to Schimdt for 10 more seasons and getting about the same thing out of him.

I like HoRam, he seems like he has a clue and he’s get’s pretty down on himself, that shows me he CARES. But like I said before, I’m not sure with our budget, we can afford to wait to find out what he’s got.

I gotta go to bed before my keyboard explodes.

Hey football starts in a couple of weeks. I’ll have to go to my favorite team’s (KC Chiefs btw) message boards and let the other bloggers know that I’m not a FAN! LOL

By Calvin

August 23, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

The mets fan have their own blog right? Oh ok.

Can’t wait til Sept 1.

By dadgum

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

Hey guys….it is now officially over. The Braves can set their sights on the off season and next year. I have remained optomistic and hoped but the reality is now here. The fork has been inserted we are done. Glad football is here. Go Jackets and Panthers. Sorry Bravos…maybe next year. Also don’t anyone tell me that there is a chance. Take another hit of Bourbon and come to your senses.

By NLCHAMPS

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

Three words brave fans…LETS GO METS!!!! what da you think? Hey look on the bright side. They’ll be no early exit from the playoff this year.

By REality Finally Sets In On This Blog

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

chirp… chirp… chirp… chirp… chirp

By dadgum

August 23, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

When we are witnessing(actually I didn’t witness it thankfully) the Braves lose two to the Pirates you can bet your bottom dollar that the trades will now come fast and furious. There is really no need to play Giles anymore except to hope his trade value increases. No need to play Pratt anymore he adds nothing to the Braves and won’t be back next year. Say adios to Jordan as he won’t be back so no sense playing him. Give Davies limited starts no sense risking injury for a lost cause. Ditto Horacio. Go ahead and start resting Smoltz so he doesn’t risk injury. Sept. is audition time folks. Let Prado start at 2nd, let Pena fill in when needed at catcher. You name it just let the auditions begin. Fold the tent the circus has left town.

By dadgum

August 23, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

I think Rocker may have been right.

By TennesseePaul

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

nathan: I think JS did come into this season with a good mix of vets and rooks with extra money to spend at the deadline. The injuries didn’t help. And a few of the Vets didn’t pan out at all. Next year should be a good year. Francoeur had an amazing at bat tonight. If he can keep that level of patience and strike-zone awareness up over a whole season, he’ll kick so much @ss it won’t be funny.

I think they need to make some moves in the offseason, but the core is good. It’s the pitching that blows. I just hope they don’t do as the Cubs did this year. Cubs spent so much on middle relief in the off season that they really couldn’t cover all the offense they were losing. Jones and Pierre are not complements to anything.

I love watching Giles play. His hustel and all those doubles he piles up when healthy are great. But, trading him free’s up money. And, considering the amount of depth we have at 2B, trading Giles could return quite a bit in the form of a good LF. But on that same note, I’d like to see Thorman in LF for a season. His numbers were similar to Francoeurs for the time he was up here. I think he could really contribute. We’ll see though. It’s the pitching that we need. Better bullpen, better starting.

By David O'Brien

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

Losing two of three to the Bucs, the worst road team in all the majors and vying with KC for worst TEAM in all the majors.

Here’s a number for you guys: 307. That’s how many games over .500 the Braves were at home from 1991 through 2005. They were 40-41 at home in 2001, the only non-winning home record in that stretch.

They are 26-33 at home this year, including 14-27 in their past 41. That, my friends, is pathetic.

Hey, anybody going to see X with Rollins Band opening tomorrow night at Tabernacle? Should be cool as all get-out, with John Doe and the boys cranking it up right into the latter stages of middle age.

By David O'Brien

August 23, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

And I’ve got to think Carolina Lady in advance for sending me a mystery CD she says I’ll love. I eagerly await its arrival What could it possibly be? Hummmmm….

Later, all. I’m packing the laptop and driving home.

By flbravesgirl

August 24, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

I’m pleased to see Francoeur actually taking some pitches, hopefully he’s trying to be a bit more selective. Unfortunately, that’s about the only positive comment I can come up with for tonight’s game.

Every time they win a couple of games, hope springs up like a little flower… and then they stomp it to death.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

The current 12 pitchers on the staff, minus all the other crap that’s been there this year, hold a combined ERA of 4.03. The Padres are leading the NL with an ERA of 4.03. There have been at least 25 pitchers on this club which have pitched. The 12 on there now are the best 12. The other 13 combined for 5.72 ERA. Smoltz has given up the most long balls this year with 19 now that Sosa is gone. I’ll attribute that to throwing strikes and pitching in the most innings.

Next year has to be better. I can’t fathom Hampton being any worse than what we’ve seen this season. I’m certain he’ll be better than Thomson, Sosa, Shiell, Smith, Cormier and Barry. Those guys combined to go 7-24 with a 5.53 ERA and 39 HR! Hampton has to be better than that!

By Tony Almeida

August 24, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

NOW…would you people finally throw in the towel?? The Braves are done. The offense doesn’t show up half the time, the bullpen blew most of our games this season, and the starting pitching has been inconsistent. As much as Bobby Cox deserved manager of the year for the past winning seasons, he deserves the blame for this season as well. I’ve seen too many mistakes made on his part this season. I dont think Terry Pendleton has talked to Franceour once this season. He is young, but someone HAS to talk to him and obviously TP is NOT doing that. He is definately an MVP candidate in future years, but he needs a coach to tell him what he needs to work on. The coaching staff this year has obviously NOT DONE THAT. If a real hitting coach had taken him under his wing, I would have no doubt that he would have MVP numbers right now. And all these pansies having little baby girl injuries is starting to get annoying. How many other teams have had so many finger and toe injuries. WORK OUT IN THE OFF SEASON, STAY IN SHAPE…Geez. I’m done Ranting….NFL SEASON TIME….WOO HOOOOOO

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

flbravesgirl: Agreed. Francoeurs at bat in the 6th inning was what I’ve been wanting to see out of him the whole season. It was perfect. He laid off that low and away and fouled off the crap he couldn’t drive. That pitcher was left with only throwing him meat, or walking him. And low and behold, LaRoche comes right up and pushes a run across. Cuddos to Francoeur. Best at-bat of the season.

By TennesseePaul

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

Exhausted. I’ll be back tomorrow. Night all.

By Tonight on TBS

August 24, 2006 12:42 AM | Link to this

TBS hopes you enjoyed the Oliver Stone marathon earlier today.

Next, a rebroadcast:

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 Chop 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 Snowball's Chance

August 24, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

The Party’s Over [Craig & Nelson]

Turn out the lights, The party’s over.

They say that all good things must end.

Call it a night, the party’s over

and tomorrow starts the same old thing again.

By nathan

August 24, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this

Tonight on TBS

I’m not sure whether to discourage you or encourage you. But I do have to say, I look forward to what’s gonna be on TBS tomorrow.

Your posts make me smile.

So while according to some blogger, I’m not a FAN of the Atlanta Braves, I do happen to be a FAN of your posts.

Good Night.

By nathan

August 24, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB, remember when the Marlins would cover up the upper deck with tarps (or whatever) due to the fact that those seats never got used other than Dolphins games?

I think as punishment to all Florida Marlins fans, they should do the opposite. Cover up all of the lower level and field level seats, and only sell tickets for the uppper, upper decks! Wouldn’t that be weird? All of those foul balls and non-upperdeck homerun balls just sitting on the concrete by empty seats!

Sorry, it’s getting late. My happy pills are kicking in. Just kidding btw. (about it being late…..the night is still young!)

By nathan

August 24, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Of course now that I read my previous post, and realized that those lower level seats would be “covered” up, the balls wouldn’t be laying on the concrete, would they? Nope. They’d just “roll” off of the tarp, right back onto the field!

Oh, btw….it was the happy pills that I was kidding about.

By Head Coach

August 24, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

Well , the fat lady has been singing merrily along for almost three months now. I think its time to shut her down. Losing two out of three to the lowly Pirates ??? somebody pinch me and wake me up….. this is one hell of a nightmare.

By Snowball's Chance

August 24, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

We all feel bad. How about Chipper, Smoltz and Andruw who have never failed to make the postseason? Or, the new guard of McCann, Francouer, LaRoche, et al, who have the burden of making the team, seeing the postseason once and wondering if they could have done more to prolong the streak. You’ll be back. Go,Braves.

By Ptown Bravo

August 24, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Thinking back on all the great moments the past 15 years that I’ve shared with one champion Braves team after another, it’s only fitting we close out this series - indeed, this season - with The Man in Black, from the American V album, singing “Love’s Been Good To Me.”

DOB - Good to have you on board for the next run of banners. Thanks for the blog. Keep the music reviews coming. As long as it’s Smoltzy and, well, pray for rain, The Man in Black is all we really got.

And quirky denizens of the American South: I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about half the time and it is a pain trying to read this blog with a southern gentleman drawl, but y’all have good baseball sense and a sharp wit.

Enjoy the off day, folks.

I’m officially parking the bandwagon - I’ll leave the keys in the bullpen if anyone wants them.

By Tomahawkin

August 24, 2006 03:47 AM | Link to this

Man D.O.B. Were done dude…But I better see a 3 hour tribute on da last day of da season celebrating our run, especially all da players who have contributed…otherwise I’m gonna be p** off…

Oh yea D.O.B. I have been listening to a lot of old Brian McKnight (R&B) but I not sure if you know about That….?

Holla Back…

And BTW I can’t Believe you don’t like no Mariah Carey, Her old stuff go hard…but her new stuff is to Pop Tart, and both of us don’t care 4 dat pop tart crap…

And Uggh School is going so In between Classes, Working 40 hours at da Home Depot, and Partying wit da Sorostitutes, I have no time to watch da games or blog More/less, so I do what I do….

Grinch hold it down 4 Meh Baby….

By Tom A. Hawk

August 24, 2006 04:49 AM | Link to this

Uh… DOB, 59 wins and 67 losses is EIGHT games under .500. Might wanna fix that in your story.

I wish we had that Pirates bullpen. They were pretty damn impressive in this series. Reminded me of the days of Grant Jackson and Kent Tekulve. Of course, the Braves weren’t very good back then, either.

By The Last Pirates Fan

August 24, 2006 05:02 AM | Link to this

Hey!

Where is everybody?

NLCHAMPS turned me on to this blog. Said I could have some fun here. Said there’s a lot of never-say-die dreamers here all day and all night!

How about that Mike Gonzalez, huh? Wickman only WISHES he was as good a closer!

11 pitches; three Ks, GAME OVER!

Come ooooonnnnnn! Braves fans are the only ones Pirates fans can ridicule.

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Damn. I guess you all have finally given up.

Oh, well. Welcome to our second-division world. No Jim Leyritzes or Kirby Pucketts to torment you here!

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Am I the first to check in since 5:02? Oh man, I think we must have had a mass exodus of some sort. Come on guys, (and gals,) does this debacle really catch anyone off guard? This is the same crap we’ve seen all year. The Braves’ only consistency this year has been their inconsistency. There is much work to be done, but not for this year. Honestly, when the Bravos couldn’t do better than 3-3 against the Reds and Phils earlier this month, this year was done. The fact is, though, we all knew it from June but most of us couldn’t quite admit it. This should in no way be construed as “Braves bashing” or anti-fan dialogue. This is simply reality. Hey, anyone who will listen to Rathbum and Boreborg as often as I do has to love the Braves. At this point, however, I’m just enjoying the small pleasures. I like Martin Prado. I enjoy watching BMc work at the plate. I got a kick out of Francouer - flippin’ Francouer - working the count and drawing a walk. And I love watching Wicky cruise out to the mound, throw strikes, and dare the hitters to hit ‘em. Maybe this year we’ll get to see some of the young guys in September. I know, it’s not quite the playoffs, but I guess I’ll take what I can get. What else can I do?

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

The reason we have so few comments here right now is that the blog can’t be accessed from the front Brave page as it is down for some reason. I had to get to teh DOB blog here through the back door so to speak. Can’t even remember how I did it. Maybe it is just my computer but don’t think so.

I hate to alert everyone here but middle relief ain’t the problem. As a starter you have to be counted on to get 7 innings unless you are Villareal who is mysteriously pulled after 58 pitches through 5 and 1 hit ball. Stupid Cox.

DOB…don’t have all the stats obviously but I would venture to say we had very few starts where our pitchers made it through 7 innings. Would be intersting to know the starts through 7 ratios. If you have one of teh worst bullpens your starters must get through 7 or you will end up with….well what we have now for instance.

By Rodger

August 24, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

From what I read, Hudson had “flu-like symptoms”. But, and I guess it may be just me, if your pitcher is getting beat up, TAKE HIM OUT! You know they would in Toronto!

I guess this is the official confirmation its over.

A couple of pitching points-to those who feel Davies & HoRam haven’t proven enough yet, remember it took Glavine about 3 seasons to put it together. And Snowball, Smoltz hasn’t been to the postseason every year either.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

This year’s bullpen is like a kick in the gut. Absolutely painful. Granted, Huddy didn’t have his best stuff last night, but he at least kept us in it for 6. I can’t even watch the 7th inning anymore. In Chicago, they sing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” In Atlanta, we sing “Take Me Out At The Knees.” Can we officially rename Atlanta’s bullpen to hogpen, given the slop they’ve been slingin’?

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Three Braves almost certain to be traded in the off season: Giles, Salty, Thorman. No spot anywhere in Atlanta for these guys and they all should bring good players in return. I would be schocked to see any of them remain in Atlanta.

I think Aybar will remain in Atlanta at least until Escobar is ready. Prado will be the starting 2nd baseman next year. LaRouche has really impressed this year(granted a few brain farts) and he is entrenched at first for next year with no more platooning worries. He gives you everything you need in a 1st baseman, great defense and power numbers. To those that may think he is a liability…he ain’t going nowhere dudes.

The following players will not be retained for obvious reasons: Jordan, Pratt, Thomson, Baez, Reitsma. I think all their contracts are up and I can’t see any chance of the Braves renewing them. If their contracts aren’t up they will be traded.

I think your starting OF next year will be Diaz, JOnes(maybe), Francouer. McCann will be backed up by Pena. Orr may continue on the team as a backup along with Aybar. The Braves will need to trade a lot of players per above to attain the #2 type starter along with some decent middle relief. If that is done and assuming Hampton, Davies, Ramirez perform well after injuries, Smoltz doesn’t finally wear down and Hudson can somehow regain some consistency worthy of his salary then we could be fine pitching wise. Throw in Villareal in middle relief and some others with Wickman to close. Could be great folks. Oh yeah…still assuming of course we can resign Wickman not to mention the dude in CF named Jones.

Oh yeah….don’t be shocked if the Braves ownership decides to fire Bobby Cox. I along with very very many others are of the mindset that he has cost us many games lately. Also I just don’t buy that recent best manager poll. I agree that the slam dunk worst is Robinson in DC. But the players voting is fine but I realy don’t feel ballplayers as a group are students of the game. They play but don’t study. I have a hard time using their judgment on managerial talent. As far as popular managers, yeah, I think that they view Cox as great to play for. All I am saying is that sometimes you need a big shakeup and with new ownership coming on, regardless of what they may have said previously, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a managerial change especially if the Braves continue their FIRST TO WORST FREEFALL. Just watch what will happen if we end up with a worse record than Florida, Pittsburgh, Washington. Hey we can’t catch KC can we? The more I write this the more I feel Cox may be gone. We’ll see with each mounting loss.

Just heard a remake of Zeppelin’s ROCK & ROLL with Jerry Lee Lewis/Jimmy Page on XM Radio channel 40. Check it out. INteresting……..

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Morning folks. I see that Pirate fan shows up at 5am and says Wickman wishes he was a Pirate? With the Braves, Wickman has a zero (0.00) ERA. I’m not sure it can get any better than that. I’d much rather have a closer with a zero ERA than a closer with a lot of K’s. Crash Davis: Quit trying to strike everyone out, it’s fascist.

I’m still amazed by Francoeur’s 6th inning at bat. I hope he remembers it. I’d love to see him do that the rest of his career. That was incredible. Very McCann of him.

This simple August schedule has turned into a burial with brass. We’re at .500 on this Month so far. Not too good. This team better finish the season at .500. Not doing that is more depressing than an early post season exit. I guess our draft picks will be higher up next summer though, so that’s cool.

By Sonny

August 24, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

It didn’t have to be like this…if JS didn’t give Cox the worst Braves bullpen in the last 20 years to work with, we might of had a shot. I also think losing Furcal was big. Although Renteria is better defensively, we never replaced our leadoff hitter, and the offense never clicked except for two weeks all year. Starting pitching has been hit hard by injuries, but Hudson on the other hand has been pathetic as an “ace” for this staff. Thank god for at least having Smoltzie.

Oh well, here’s hoping we can get a leadoff hitter, trade Hudson for someone who can pitch, shore up the bullpen big time and get some value for Giles in the offseason. Also, SIGN BOB WICKMAN!!!

By knowitall

August 24, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

dadgum,

The entire next to last paragraph in your post is completel illogical. Who’s going to fire Cox? One losing season in the last 15 years. Come on man. When Cox and JS leave, it will be on their own. Deal with it. How can you not value the opinions of the players? They have way more insite into what really goes on than you and I will ever have. Just because people here rush to judge Cox everytime something goes wrong does not mean that it’s true. I mean I agree that Cox could have had a quicker hook with some of the relievers who were struggling but to discount the players opinion is just insane.

Some of you need to accept the fact that a team just can not win every year. No matter how bad you want it to happen, it can’t. Braves fans are still some of the luckiest fans in all of professional sports. Even in this year, the team has still given us hope until the last month of the season. Would you rather be a Pirate’s fan? They haven’t had hope since about ‘93. Most teams have to rebuild every four or five years from the ground up. This team has managed to stay on top for 14 years. Even though that has come to an end, the team at least was still competitive this year and we have the pieces in place to improve and be in the hunt next year. As a true fan all that you can really ask for is that most years your team has a chance to win it all. I think the Braves have done an excellent job of that.

Ok, I’m done venting now.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

dadgum: Cox isn’t gone. For one thing, he has a contract year left. For another, JS would be the guy firing him since corporate shareholders really don’t get a say. On top of that, JS has another year left on his contract. No way in the world he spends is last year under contract without Cox. And lastly, I know you brushed it off, but Liberty Media has said they want to retain all management. That would mean JS and Cox. Of course, all that is to assume that you have wittnessed the last 15 years of winning baseball. Cox has an impressive resume, and there really isn’t a better replacement available. Also, I’d like to point out that Baseball is a game of tradition. The Braves are of the old-school mentality. Cox will more than likely retire as a Brave.

As for the starters, I don’t know if we will trade for one. James and HoRam are ready to be mainstays. Davies might need a bit of work considering the injury and inconsistancy he has. Hudson, Smoltz and Hampton are under contract and two of those guys can’t be traded and one of them has already said he doesn’t want to go back to the pen. So the starting rotation is crowded already. I think any trade for pitching would mean one of our pitchers is traded. If not that, it’ll be for pitching prospects and relief.

AJ is staying. He won’t be traded. He may be resigned to an extension, but not traded. He’s 10-5 now, so it’d be near impossible to trade him. He likes the Braves because of Cox. Because it’s the only team he’s played for. And because his home is right down the street. Not to mention that a lot of fans love him.

They’re will be a few trades this summer, no doubt. Giles would be the prime candidate. Especially considering we just traded a SS for a back up 2B/3B. I think there will be a lot more speed on our team next year. Next year will be good. They’re left with pretty much no place to go but up.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Sonny: Our offense has scored, on average, over 5 runs a game. That’s exceptionally good. It’d be nice to have a wiz at the top of the line-up, but we didn’t really suffer for it. We’ve set some amazing offensive records this season. The first game of the season we scored 11 runs. This years down fall has been the pitching. That was affected by injuries and an already weak pen being over exposed. We’re surrendering over 5 runs a game. Years past it was something like 3. Look at it this way. If the Braves Pitching averaged 3 runs allowed a game We’d be at or near a 78-48 record.

By Alex

August 24, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Pirates fan Braves fans are here, it just took a while, to do the research necessary and bring the breaking news to you! Your own Pirates haven’t had a winning season in 14 years! Put that in your pipe and smoke it, you dreamer! 14 big years of sub .500 baseball, you must be getting pretty good at celebrating a lowly regular season series win against a NL powerhouse like the Braves.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

DADGUM, you wrote: “Oh yeah….don’t be shocked if the Braves ownership decides to fire Bobby Cox. I along with very very many others are of the mindset that he has cost us many games lately. Also I just don’t buy that recent best manager poll. I agree that the slam dunk worst is Robinson in DC. But the players voting is fine but I realy don’t feel ballplayers as a group are students of the game. They play but don’t study. I have a hard time using their judgment on managerial talent.”

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Who, exactly, are the “students” of the game who are the best judge of managerial talent?

Because if you’ll recall, Cox got won the NL Manager of the Year for 2005, when he got 28 of 32 first-place votes and became the first in either league to win consecutive awards from the Baseball Writers Association of America. This was after the Braves won 90 games with a roster that included 18 rookies last season.

(And by the way, AJC writers can’t vote; so the two votes from Atlanta area came from others, and the other 30 voters were from the other 15 NL cities).

He was also named Manager of the Year by Sporting News in a poll conducted among major league managers, his peers. It was the foruth straight time he won that award, seventh time with the Braves, and his eighth overall. No other manager has won more than three Sporting News awards.

And so…. let’s see. That’s players, managers, and media.

If if the players themselves aren’t good judges, and the writers from every city who cover baseball year-around aren’t good judges, and other managers aren’t good judges, then who? Who’s opinion do you “buy,” dadgum? I’m just asking. Curious as to your logic.

Since all of those people _ opposing managers, opposing players, writers from every city _ aren’t the ones who are best capable of judging what it takes to be a good manager, then who? Is it the impartial, objective fans and/or bloggers likes yourself, the students of the game?

If so, please explain what makes you a better judge than the writers from the other NL cities, or the players, or the other managers who do the job for a living?

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I’m waiting for your post, dadgum. And please, try to be calm and logical and reasoned, rather than firing off a missive about each mounting loss and how many games Cox has cost the Braves this season, etc. Because the firing of a Hall of Fame manager is not going to be based on one season, I can assure you of that.

So please, just answer my question regarding who is a better judge of what makes the best manager if not the players (from other teams, remember; his own players couldn’t vote in the SI poll), other managers and beat writers from every NL city. And if it’s you, then please explain why you’re a better student of the game that all of the above individuals who are paid to play, manage or writer about the game.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

or “write” about it, as it were. me, I like to “writer” about it.

TennPaul, did you say you have the Rosanne Cash album, “Black Cadillac?” Playing it right now, why I ask. It’s so good in the a.m…..

Looking forward to seeing John Doe, Billy Zoom, D.J. Bonebrake and Exena tonight _ X at the Tabernacle! Yes.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

My opinion, for what it’s worth:

On BC, he is not the incompetent boob that many of you think he is. Managing baseball is more than making out a lineup card and pulling pitchers. It’s also keeping all 25 guys fresh, tuned in, and ready for an entire 162 game season. If BC pulled a pitcher every time he ran into a jam (which has been mucho often this season,) he’d runout of arms by August. BC and JS both have 1 year remaining on their respective contracts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them both retire together after next year, after the new ownership is established.

On the regular lineup, I, along with many other of you, believe Marcus is gone. Let’s face it though, the offense has not been the issue this year. Through last night’s game, ATL is 2nd in the league in runs scored and slg.%, 3rd in BA, HR, RBI and total bases. The leadoff thing is overrated. Prado or Aybar will most likely leadoff next year, anyway. And although LF is probably Diaz’ to lose, don’t be surprised if he’s the next in a long line of one year LF surprises to be traded. He has value right now, reminding me of Charles Thomas… The only way AJ is traded, and I believe he would accept a trade to a contender, would be for the type of return JS asked from Boston. It would have to knock JS’s argyle socks off. Also, AJ already bypassed Boras and gave the Braves one hometown discount; precedent indicates that he could do the same again.

On pitching, well, gotta resign Wicky… Gotta resign Wicky! The rotation is most likely Smoltz, Huddy, Hampton, James and Davies. I believe HoRam is a goner. He’s shown alot of potential and is left-handed. If healthy, he has trade value. Plus, Hampton and James already give you 2 lefties. Any combination of HoRam, Marcus and Diaz can potentially bring back reliable ‘pen help. The ‘pen will probably consist of Villarreal, Boyer, McBride, and hopefully Wicky. That leaves 3 spots to fill with something more than retreads and retards. Also, Will Startup might be ready.

Next year brings renewed hope. This year… well, the constant sting not withstanding, I still love ‘em…

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Just don’t be surprised if Cox is gone that is all I am saying. If this team finishes close to dead last and among the 2-3 worst teams in MLB then, yeah, I think Liberty will look at making serious changes. Do I think he will be gone?….no. But……

I definitely think Hudson, Smoltz, Hampton will be in the starting 5. James, HoRam, Davies will be in the mix but seriously after what we have seen with injuries and ineffectiveness this year does anyone honestly think we can go through the off season with out trading for what woudl appear on paper to be a solid #2-3 starter in the rotation. Pitching crew is too shaky not to get some starting help. Nothing wrong with James and Davies coming on in middle relief. Another key spot we need help anyway. So yeah I definitely think the Braves will trade for someone along the lines of a Willis or something similar.

TennesseePaul. You are incorrect on AJ. He can be traded if he doesn’t exercise his veto power. Trust me my friend….if he doesn’t give JS an early indication that it can be worked out then I think JS will definitely trade him. I only give him a 60% chance of remaining a Brave. Sure a lot of fans love him and they would love him on other teams too. Obviously he would like to stay a Brave but only if the price is right and he sees a chance to play for a World Series. I can’t see BC or JS staying around past their contracts. NOt sure if a future contract for AJ still holds the Bobby factor. Dodger West could be adding a new member we just will have to wait it out and speculate.

Just curious…did Cox ever give an explanation for pulling Villareal after 58 pitches, 1 hit, 1 run allowed? just curious about that aren’t you? Someone opined that it was because he was a reliever not a true starter. Wasn’t that the same Villareal that picthed 5 days earlier for the win in DC was it? Yeah that was a brilliant Cox move alright. Not one manager, not one period, would have pulled Villareal at that point. Nobody. Somebody tell me that he was hurt or something like that? Never heard an explanation or at least one that made sense. To wit.. another stupid move. Cox hamstrings his lineup by giving McCann a day off in DC after scratching Andruw due to the knee. I can understand Andruw but he just decided to rest McCann “giving him the option of sitting one of the games”. You don’t do that. McCann should have been playing then rest him when he wouldn’t have two of the best bats in the NL out at the same time. Hey, I know McCann is hurting so is every catcher this time of the year but give him a rest when your team isn’t already reeling from the loss of a bat in the lineup. Result of course was a loss when “Double Play” Pratt played and Smoltz on the mound to boot.

Look if we are going to rip Pratt, LaRouche, Andruw or any player for being subpar or making dumb plays then hell yeah I am going to rip Cox for making stupid moves. Just the way it is just like you ripping me for my stances. That’s cool I can take it. I respect all opinions even if I don’t agree with them. We can all still be friends…..right? Cool!

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Did I say retards? Man, that was insensitive. Oh, well…

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Well, at least Baez has a reason for his painful performance Tuesday _ the man was probably in PAIN. He had an appendectomy after Wednesday’s game, Braves just announced.

They’ll make a roster move before Friday game. Don’t know what it’ll be yet. And the hits keep coming….

Voice of Reason, very astute points regarding next year’s roster, A.J., pitching rotation, etc. I can’t disagree with anything you said. I, too, believe Horacio is probably the most likely gone, because of salary and frustrating performance. But at same time, i think Braves need to add a veteran starter _ a PROVEN veteran. They can’t get caught short-handed again next year.

DADGUM, don’t mean to condescend or anything, but your posts are just all over the place, and based on emotions more than anything else. You never did offer an explanation as to why you are more a student of the game than the players, GMs and writers, but I’ll assume that’s because you really don’t have one and were just firing from the hip, as usual.

Regarding Villarreal, I didn’t cover his most recent start, but the reason Cox removed him after five innings was BECAUSE HE WAS GASSED, MAN. HE WAS TIRED. FATIGUED. He hasn’t started a game since 2003 before going five innings last week. What’d he do, build up arm strength with one freakin’ start, so now they’re supposed to leave him in for seven innings?

It’s not just about pitch counts _ although that itself was high for a guy who hasn’t been a starter for four years _ but also about how many inning changes, how many times they warm up for new inning, how much exertion they use on pitches to get specific hitters out, etc. This is a guy who had arm surgery, remember. So if he’s tired (and he was), why push him and risk another arm injury? That’s what the bullpen is for. Unfortunately, the bullpen has stunk at times. But you can’t risk the health of a guy making an emergency start (two starts) and who’s had arm surgery and all sorts of problems since he was overused as a reliever in his rookie season with Arizona.

So no, the move wasn’t “stupid,” as you say. Perhaps condemning it without knowing the details or whether the player told the manager he was tired, perhaps that was a bit, uh, illogical (I don’t like to use as strong a word as you used).

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Pluto is no longer a planet. All I was taught growing up is unfolding into a pile of rubish. These are the dark ages.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

And yes, we can all still be friends. In a group of friends, there’s always one who’s wrong about most things, right?

Cool.

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

DOB….the poll I am refering to listed the players choice as best manager. No Atl players could vote, that I know. Also I used the term “group” meaning certainly not all players. Of course we have many players that are true students. Also I am highly aware that BC won numerous awards from peers and writers. He is highly credentialed and a certain HOF candidate in the future.

You were implying that I said players, coaches, writers weren’t the “students of the game”. Some are some aren’t. Players that is. Certainly writers and coaches other peers etc. have given BC awards and to those awards I lend great credence. Nowhere did I say writers, peers, etc. weren’t the students of the game, they are as are many players. Myself, hell yeah, I am a student of the game. Watch games, coach games, think along with the manager, care about the history of the sport, love the off season, the hot stove, the minor leagues, grapefruit leagues, USA Baseball, AAU baseball, Little league. All I am saying is don’t think I am not a student of the game.

Also no where above did I mention that Cox wasn’t a great manager or if I had had a vote that i wouldn’t have voted for him. I would have. BUt for the question of “students” I again don’t put a lot of credence behind a player’s award for manager above a peers award. Just so taht we are clear I also never said that I was a better student of the game over writers or anyone. I will assure you that I am an astute follower of the game and have been around it for quite awhile.

So at least I replied to your post as requested. Can’t be blamed for dodging….also if I struck a nerve…sorry. No really, truly, mean it. Can we still discuss music and maybe leave the “student thing” alone. Great…..no mas.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Wow, and to think, we’re all alarmed at the Braves’ lack of a post-season. Pluto lost planet status. Now that’s harsh. Does this mean that Mickey Mouse has to rename his dog? And why is the dog stuck on all fours, anyway. All the others, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofey (what the heck is Goofey, anyway?) get to walk on two feet and wear clothes. Of course Donald doesn’t wear pants, but that’s a different discussion for a different blog…

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

dadgum: How am I incorrect on AJ? He has a no trade clause. He was born a Brave. Played his whole career here. Loves Bobby. Lives in Atlanta. These are all correct facts. VOR made the astute observation that AJ has before taken a “discount” to stay with the Braves. He pointed out that AJ held Boras back while negotiating. There is precedence for a “discount”. On top of all these things, to trade AJ, JS is going to desire a helluva lot in return. We’ll lose our Clean Up hitter AND the best CF in the game. So, yes, it will be near impossible to trade him.

And I’m still bummed about Pluto. Is there no justice?

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Crazy about Baez. But still, if Reitsma couldn’t use the lack of feeling in his arm, I’ll be d@mned if Baez gets to use appendicitis. Just Kidding. Hope the guy gets better. They offer morphine during, and after, that procedure…mmmmm… So it ain’t all bad.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

What’s next, Uranus?

By Beavis

August 24, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

heh heh. He said anus.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

fellas, yes, the loss of Pluto is discouraging, but let’s face it…the guy was never gonna get a shot at 3rd or SS, and was, at best, a utility planet.

BTW, I don’t know which is more shocking, the loss of planet status for Pluto, or dadgum’s self-assessment as “astute”. Both may be signs that the apocalyse is near.

By Butthead

August 24, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

yeah. anus

By Rachel Green

August 24, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

DOB - I’m soooo glad that we can all be friends!

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

DOB……..My posts were hitting after your posts so I didn’t read yours obviously prior to mine posting. I think I responded to all your queries. Just to clarify, I don’t intend to shoot from the hip(definitely not “as usual”) and if it comes across that way I certainly apologize. If I do appear as shooting from the hip many on the blog must be firing cannonns.

Also most of my posts are facts or friendly banter with the bloggers and not as much emotion based as you may think or occasionally it may appear. Granted given the season we have endured emotions can get out of kilter and away from fact based posts. I will keep that in mind. Also I am aware that as “keeper of the Blog” you have to maintain decorum and credibility so I am not offended by your posts rather I have noticed numerous times where you ahve come to the forefront on uneven thoughts posted within the blogosphere. I think I have expalined my position and I respect yours.

That song keeps entering my head “can we still be friends, can we still be friends, etc.” Can’t even remember who it was by. WAR I think.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight… Pluto going on the DL with appendicitis?

By AZBravoFan

August 24, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

It still amazes me how many people want to jump all over BC and Francouer and LaRoche for the Braves woes this season. While baseball is certainly a team game and this year has indeed been a team failure, the primary culprit this season BY FAR is pitching. The Braves don’t have it. It’s no coincidence that during that crazy stretch before and after the All-Star break the OFFENSE went nuts. 10, 12,13 runs a game. They didn’t need good pitching. And if you look, they didn’t really get it then either. That was when Chuck James was getting wins giving up 5 runs in 5 innings. As was Hudson. The offense outslugged it’s own bullpen, often winning the game 2 or 3 times within one game. That, as we’ve seen, can’t go on indefinitely. It takes it’s toll on the hitters. Makes them press. How many stirring Francouer or LaRoche-led comebacks have been squandered away the very next inning? That’s so demoralizing. Andruw gets another great 2-out, late-inning, lead producing RBI the other night (remember how we railed on him last year for his putrid average with RISP?) and no one’s talking about it because the lead was gone and the game out of reach not 10 minutes later. For me, the defining moment of this season was the ESPN Sunday night game against the Red Sox. Frenchy hit that dramatic game-turning, and potentially season-turning homerun in the 7th. He, the team, the crowd, the announcers, everyone’s going crazy. Then the very next inning it’s all gone and they’re trailing by 6 or 7 runs. Coulda been a nice season with just a couple more reliable arms. Oh well, I expect there will be some upgrades next season. And I expect continued dramatic flare from Frenchy and Rochy. Love Wickman, I agree they should do whatever it takes to secure that guy. Can’t believe I’m saying Wait ‘til next year in August! It’s just so strange…

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

This just in:

Dan Patrick is reporting that Pluto was demoted to AA. Possibly could be DFA’d.

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

Tenn Paul….you mentioned he couldn’t be traded because he was 10/5 guy. He can be the subject of a trade and he has the veto power though unlikely he would veto any trade that would give him a better opportunity. As I mentioned many times, of course, the Braves want him back and are looking to resign him. I know I want to see him back and I think the odds are he will be back.

By knowitall

August 24, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this

Dagum, you are a walking contradiction. You say you coach games. I’m sure every move your’ve ever made has worked out exactly as you planned it right? Riiiight?

I’m tired of the McCann issue as well. I want him to win the batting title as much as anyone but he’s a catcher. Heathly catchers don’t play everyday. Rememeber when Piazza was breaking every record know to catchers? Guess what, he didn’t play everyday. McCann is far from healthy. Do you see how many times he gets hit with a foul ball everynight? Plus the guy is playing with a boot on his ankle. Do you know how it feels to have to constantly squat down on a bad ankle? Didn’t think so.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

Career stats on Pluto can be found by clicking here.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Scouting report on Pluto: “no pop in his bat (too small); gets stuck in long cold streaks; no speed, takes years to orbit the bases; pitch him up and away (VERY away).”

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

OK, here’s the knock on PLuto:

“Pluto has an eccentric orbit that is highly inclined with respect to the planets and takes it closer to the Sun than Neptune during a portion of its orbit. It is smaller than several moons.”

…and it can’t hit the curve.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

maybe Pluto can catch on as a pinch-hitting planet with another solar system. The kid still has some game left, you know.

By knowitall

August 24, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

Not to mention Pluto has a habit of running out of the baseline and into the path of others.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

…maybe the Astros…

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

knowitall…dude, great monicker. If you will read very carefully my post it would help. also you are getting flagged 15 yards for piling on. you the man!

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Knowitall, very good, reasoned post. If people knew how much pain McCann is playing in, has played in all season, they’d be that much more impressed with what this kid’s doing. Remarkable season, reason.

Keep in mind, Minnesota’s young gun Joe Mauer has two advantages over McCann: Plays home games indoors, in nice, cool weather, and can DH some games, which he’s done.

Not to diminish what Twins catcher has done, because it’s simply outstanding. But McCann is right there with him, in my opinion.

Oh, and DADGUM, no offense taken. All’s cool.

You got the band right, War. “Why can’t we be friends, why can’t we be friends, why can’t we be friends….” is how it went. Great band. “Low Rider” was their zenith, for me (as Cox would say. “For me….”)

And just so we’re clear, you’d have voted for him for best manager, but you’d also fire him? Or you think Liberty Media will, and you wouldn’t be surprised? I’m confused.

Anyway, no biggie. Moving on….

For those who discussed band World Party here, I learned from my bud Don at Ella Guru records in Toco Hill Shopping Center (go there, tell the owner with the scraggly goatee I sent you) that their last album was released overseas in 2001 and only recently was released here. That’s why the single was on the Paste magazine sampler.

Anyway, the album is “Dumbing Up” and it’s a good one, with a two-hour (yes, two-hour) bonus DVD about them, with cool footage of concerts, recording sessions, etc.

Well worth the price. Much better than their last couple of US releases, and not far off the quality of their first three albums, Private Revolution, Goodbye Jumbo and Thank You World, which were all phenomenal.

By knowitall

August 24, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Dadgum,

I agree, I did pile on. Sorry for that. Most days I read the blog and don’t say a word. Feeling agitated for some reason today. I guess it was a build up of a lot of things that I’ve read on the blog over the past few months. I just don’t think that a lot of the fans(not directed at you in particular) realize how good they have it. Once BC and JS are gone, they are gone. There will be no second coming. Never again will there be 14 in a row. We have witnessed history that will never be duplicated and sadly it seems that a lot of people just don’t appreciate it.

Where’s LeTwan? Maybe pie would put me in a better mood.

By TommyB

August 24, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Afternoon everyone,

I’m slowly catching up on things. Went to the game last night… and while I certainly haven’t been expecting… or even —hoping— the Braves would make the playoffs (since Mets were here last), it still isn’t easy watching things like last night happen… and the day before. Losing 2 out of 3 to the worst road team in MLB… well, there really isn’t any way to make that palatable. Yecch.

On the drive home, I heard Hudson being interviewed on the radio. He said he caught a bug (called it “probably the flu”) last Sunday and said he’s afraid he’s the one who spread it to the team. (Langerhans scratched because of it.) He went on to say that there are several others in the clubhouse who have it.

Before the game, I heard Bobby Cox say that when he went to get the ball from Baez the night before, that it was literally dripping wet. He went on to say that McCann chimed in saying that ever pitch that came in was like that. They both said they had never seen anything like it before, “ever.”

Just speculating, but chances are that Baez has it, also. It certainly doesn’t account for performances before this week, but could certainly be a factor in both Baez’s and Hudson’s performances this week. Don’t know who else has it (or had it).

Maybe Dave knows…

Anyway, I’ll still be going to the ballpark for the rest of the season, and enjoying what there will be to enjoy.

Two good things from last night:

1- (And this one is unbelievable) I saw Francouer come up to bat and take three straight pitches. ! ! !

2- Orr did it again.

Back to work…

One last thing: Dave and anyone else who has any thoughts on the matter — what, in your opinion, is the best route back to the Connector Northbound from the ballpark? I park in the Green lot (right across the street from the gates). Best way I’ve found so far is to either (a) head south (forget the name of the street) beside the west side of the stadium down several blocks and get on at University or (b) if the cops won’t allow it (like last night) cross under the connector on Capitol then head south to University. Know of anything better?

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

but, DOB, how say you re Pluto? Elite planet or mere journeyman planet-wanna-be?

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Anybody notice my line “remarkable season, reason?” interesting. can anyone explain why I’d write “reason” instead of “really” there? is there a doctor in the house? dyslexia? dementia? i’m open for suggestions.

don’t look for anything shocking with the callup to replace Baez. Probably will just be Cormier, who was to come back next week to start anyway.

They’re going to let Devine keep regaining his confidence, etc. He’s pitched very well at Mississippi, by the way _ seven innings, two hits, one homer, one run, three walks, 14 K (yes, 14 strikeouts).

By Rodger

August 24, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Just saw an upcoming concert for a name I hadn’t heard in like 20 years-Frank Marino & Mahogony Rush! This guy was at one time considered Hendrix reincarnated. Saw a concert film from an outdoor show, with him (them?) once, had Van Halen, spaz, I mean Joe Cocker, and I think maybe Aerosmith when their shows were awful. Oh well, now I’m rambling…

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Pluto’s erratic orbit takes it farthest from the Sun yet closer than Neptune at times. I would say that is the epitome of “hot and cold” although more cold than hot. Kinda like Tyler Yates…

By geauxbraves2000

August 24, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Maybe Pluto had bad toes.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

That would be Plutoe…

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

dadgum: All’s fair, but I did say: He’s 10-5 now, so it’d be near impossible to trade him.
Next time I’ll Italicize the words I mean to emphasize. I realize it can come across mechanized sometimes, but otherwise it’s all good.

For Pluto. I now live in a solar system with only 8 planets. In a galaxy far, far away, there is a creature laughing as he cirlces his star with 9 planets.

By Voice of Reason

August 24, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Real life calls, all— later<<<

By Rodger

August 24, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

Pluto is a valuable “p” player-should not be removed from the lineup

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

That wasn’t a ploy DOB? Sheesh. I just wrote an entire entry with the season/reason in mind. I had no idea what it meant, but the rhyme and rhthym were solid.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

jeez, if Baez was getting ready to blow his appendix, no wonder the ball was dripping wet. He was probably fevered up something awful, darn surprising he was able to even get to the mound, let alone pitch. OK, so “pitch” might be a misnomer, but still…

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

Got it Steve… cirlces -> circles

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Rodger, thanks for pointing out the “p” factor. In the midst of all the fan outrage, I had completely missed that. It is now obvious that Plutoe cannot run with the big dogs (being a “p” player), and probably deserves to be stripped of planet status. Bring Me The Head Of Plutoe!

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

OK, we all love the Braves and any cyber discussions on the subject are well just that. We banter back and forth about speculations and emit weird responses from time to time. I mean I still don’t understand Journalist Jimmy. Guess I can’t read between the lines real well. Maybe my IQ will improve. Who knows. All in all we mean well and you guys/gals are pretty cool.

For the record (and record books) Cox is a great manager. I don’t think he will be fired. I wouldn’t fire him. He is a great student of the game! Yes I am fully aware of how hurt McCann is. Still didn’t like the DC thing but that’s just me. I apologize for speculating he could be fired. Didn’t mean to ruffle feathers there.

Don’t understand teh Pluto thing. DOB not sure if you are dyslexic or not but I can’t seem to get my fingers to type “the” instead of “teh”. Happens all the time. What does it mean! I don’t know!

By Billy (TBFNB)

August 24, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, at what point do you think the braves will start playing for next year? I think when September roll’s around the Braves should get long look at the near ML ready propects they have. It could also boost some of their value for a potential off season move.

As loyal fan as I am I have to admit this ones probably over. Our team has talent but is too inconsitant to properly utilize that talent. I think our first priorty oddly enough should be to get a premier cy young caliber starting pitcher. (I know tht will be tough but based on what we have leared this year we cannt win with a good offence and mediocre piching) I think the bullpen will be fine next year. It took too long to fix it this year thus IMO destroying the pyhce (sp?) of the BP.

Im just rambling now so i’ll end it. I’d love to see a bunch of young guys light it up in September.

By geauxbraves2000

August 24, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

How about if we make a trade with the Andromeda Galaxy. We give them Pluto and Kapteyn’s star and they give us a couple of planets that orbit Upsilon Andromedae to be named later.

Sorry.

Geaux Braves!!

By The GM

August 24, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

Well since it’s officially time to start looking to next year. Here’s what I’d like to see happen.

Let Horacio go. He’s just not lived up to expectations. Not even close.

Let go of Paronto, Reitsma, Thomson, Jordan, Pratt, and Baez. I like Baez but we dont need him and Wick. This drops about 10.5 million off of the current payroll.

Trade Marcus Giles for solid setup guy and a young prospect. That drops another 3.85 million depending on who we get in return and how much they make.

Sign Wickman!!! This guy is lights out! Sign him for a year at about 4.5 million.

Leaves us around 9 mil.

We also will get Boyer, and hopefully Devine will be back.

Bring Matt Diaz back if for nothing more than pinch hit duties.

Sign Tom Glavine to come finish his career in a Braves uniform and get to 300 wins. Sign him for about 6 mil.

Trade Andruw Jones!!!

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Wickman makes 5 million this year. So, we are to go out on the free agent market and try to resign a good closer for less than he makes now after he joined the team and compiled, so far, 11-11 saves with a 0.00 ERA. That sure would be nice! I think Wicky will take about 5-6 million to keep, maybe more if we get in a bidding war, which we’d lose.

By Big Poppa

August 24, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Time to sit down McCann. Don’t worry about a stupid batting title, let’s make sure this guy’s ankle doesn’t become detached from his leg. Now that LaRoche is establishing himself as a legit power hitter and top-notch glovesman, let’s trade him. Seriously, there is no reason to go into next season with LaRoche and Thorman and no dependable lead-off hitter. The young middle infielders may have great gloves, but they do not look like solid batsmen (yet). Why must we continue to have projects at key positions while being overloaded at other spots? Trade Thorman or LaRoche. Let Giles go and invest Thomson’s $4M salary into a 2-year deal for Wickman. Reitsma in ‘06…$700k. Yates in ‘06…$500k. Ray in ‘06…$400k. Wickman… Priceless! (Salaries are illustrative). Offer that guy more than 1 freakin’ year and let’s cross that particular home improvement project off our list of things to do.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

“Now that LaRoche is establishing himself as a legit power hitter and top-notch glovesman, let’s trade him.” Huh? I must have missed class the day they taught THAT one at GM school.

By Phillip

August 24, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Here’s my roster for next year- SP:Smoltz,Glavine,Hampton,James,Davies RP:Wickman,Paronto,Yates,Mcbride,Boyer, Devine,Foster C:McCann,Pena 1B:Laroche 2B:Prado,Aybar 3B:Chipper SS:Renteria OF:Andruw,Franceour,Diaz

The last two roster spots could be filled with guys in our minor leagues…or we could go out and try to get a top-notch LF, which would put Diaz on the bench; or a better starting 2B. If we can’t resign Andruw, then he could be traded for these pieces, or good prospects, etc….

Giles,Hudson,Ray,Langerhans,Jordan,Pratt, Reitsma,plus anyone else not listed could be traded or released to help the club.

After 2007 Smoltz & Glavine will probably retire, and Hampton could be moved to someone else. This would free up some major $$, and we could totally retool the SP staff. Nice to see Glavine get his 300 wins as a Brave. I don’t have anything against him…I’m not trying to be his friend.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

AJ is already signed for next year.

Glavine will more then likely retire after next year. But Smoltz I think might be able to hang on for a while. If he goes out next year and does well and feels good, he’ll probably start a string of one year deals with options to stay with the Braves until he flat out can’t do it. Besides, If he can go out there and post a 3.50 ERA and keep this team in the game for at least 24 of his 30 starts, he might as well stay.

Noticed you traded Hudson… Hudson and Giles would certainly return a stellar 2B and/or LF. The Angeles. That’s the team to talk to. They have a great farm, great young pitching. The need a 2B and could use Hudson (though they don’t need him, they could use him).

By SaltyDog55

August 24, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

I still don’t get the logic in trading HoRam…help me, please, somebody help me! Don’t suggest it’s $3MM better spent elsewhere.

By jim

August 24, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Todd Snider was a perfect pick for this blog. His classic song “Beer Run” is exactly what I do every time Bobby makes a call to the pen. B - double E - double R - U - N. Beer Run!

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this

SaltyDog55: I’m not sure it’s a money matter. It isn’t for me. I’d rather hang on to him, but if some one wants him and Giles for say, Jarred Weaver and some other player, I’d do it. I wouldn’t let it be a hang up. I think HoRam is going to really come out on fire next year. At least I hope. That finger injury has probably killed any trade value he has.

By berigan

August 24, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Guys(And Gals)is it just me, or is the braves front page missing DOB blog’s, Chop Chicks, etc??? Am I crazy???

By TommyB

August 24, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

berigan,

What blog is that? I’ve yet to see it. If it isn’t on the listing on the left, where did you see it?

By journalist jimmy smith

August 24, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

and where is the new blog? reading this one is like having an appendix removed with a hammer. dob is right on topic once again - only he missed the body part - not a tooth- an appendix. **if bobbycox hands you a baseball and you hand it back nastier than when he gave it to you - you are a sick puppy.”“

By berigan

August 24, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

TommyB, so you see all of Dave’s old blogs on the Braves Index page here? I just see the Mark Bradley one. I thought perhaps it was a problem on my end(visually, or browser wise)But it seems like no one is posting, 4 posts in the middle of the day is nothing here. Only time this happens usually is a new blog. And the only reason I found this one was I remembered that if you typed in ajc.com/blogs/content, etc you see the last several blogs in your address bar…there has to be a reason, season!

By Big Poppa

August 24, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

NCScoots, a few months ago, people wanted to trade laRoche when he was only worth a few bats and a bag of balls. Now that he has established market value, he needs to be dealt. Too many GMs wait too long to trade someone and they allow the players value to decrease. Kind of like Beane was able to get over on us with the Hudson deal. He didn’t wait until the world discovered that he is at best a number 3 starter. he dealt him when people thought he could still be a number 1. Before we see LaRoche bunt his way into a rut, let’s get him out of here. Or, trade Thorman. But please, let’s not go into next season without a lead-off hitter AND two left-handed first basemen with comparable power or 17 middle infielders with great gloves and single A bats.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Try this… Blog Links

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/

By journalist jimmy smith

August 24, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! how will bob find his way back?

By Braveheart

August 24, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, do you think Devine wil get a September callup? I believe with the way he has been pitching at AA he deserves to be called up. It may be just what he needs to regain his confidence by pitching in Atlanta with the Braves having very little chance for a playoff spot.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Big Poppa, how in the world car you compare Thorman to LaRoche at this stage? That’s preposterous. Based on what Thorman did during his brief time with the major league team?

He’s not even in the same galaxy as LaRoche defensively, and while he may project to have good power, you’re comparing him to a guy who’s already hit 26 homers with 36 games left in the season. Come on, man. Not even comparable. Thorman is a serviceable defensive first baseman with good power.

He hit .255 with nine doubles, four homers and 11 RBIs in 102 at-bats over 40 games with the Braves before he was sent back to Richmond to open a roster spot just over a week ago, with almost all of his production coming in a flurry in July. He hit .341 with all four of his homers in 44 at-bats in July.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

And how is he going to “bunt himself into a rut?” He bunted one time last week and got roundly (and rightfully) bashed for it. He won’t be bunting again anytime soon, unless he’s given the bunt sign, I can assure you.

Bunt himself into a rut? By bunting once?

By tyyosh

August 24, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

But DOB, You gotta admit that it is an issue when both your serviceable first basemen are left-handed. There have been some key times that Laroche came up with 2 outs and runners on, the opposition summoned a power lefty, and…

That, plus probably some great clubhouse chemistry and wisdom, is why I really miss Julio Franco.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

Besides, I’d frankly rather have Thorman get some AB in LF, rather than trade him. As far as I’m concerned, you can’t have too much crush in the lineup. I know nathan will love this, I’d rather have 8 Ryan Howards than 8 Ichiros any day. In today’s offensive environment, anyway. Unless you come up with the next incarnation of four number one starters on a staff (Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz/Avery, etc.), you best be able to score runs in bunches, considering what passes for a “quality start” these days.

By ncscoots

August 24, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

tyyosh, LaRoche vs lefties, .270, vs righties, .274, for the season. Don’t have the post-all-star numbers, but I know they’re even better.

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

The blog is crippled you have to go into the braves archive page then click on braves to get back to the current blog. It isn’t your computer.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

tyyosh, have you seen what LaRoche has done against lefties since he finally got to play against them? at least until a few days ago, he was hitting for a higher average against lefties than righties, and had five homers against them, including homers against a few lefties who’ve given up only one or two homers against any other lefty hitters this season, like Ron Villone at Yankee Stadium and Cole Hamels of the Phils.

Besides, what does having two lefty first basemen have to do with trading LaRoche? Because you’ve got two, one of them largely unproven and merely serviceable defensively, you’re going to trade the one who’s on his way to a 30-homer season and plays very strong defense? Huh? Explain that one to me, TY.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

ncscoots: nathan will have a field day with that. But at least you picked Howard. Howard hits .290ish and has a good OBP. If you’d said Rob Deer, then there’d be problems. Having 8 guys in the line up hitting around .290 with 55 homers and 140 RBI’s each would something. They’d all be hitting way better than .290 though. If Pujols could protect Pujols all the way through the line up, Pujols would be batting .500 in the 3 hole. All the pitchers in the league would have mental break downs. It’d be devestating.

On the other hand, I do enjoy watching a really fast guy get on base a lot and steal all over the place. And on that note, I’d like to have maybe 7 Howards and then put Rickie Henderson at the top spot. Rickie was the best leadoff hitter ever. 1400+ stolen bases! 81 career leadoff game home runs. Career .300+ hitter. Just ridiculous. Also just as ridiculous in his latter years when he couldn’t do much but insisted on playing. I watched his final professional game. His team won the Golden Baseball League Title. He stole a few bases. It was just fun seeing a guy talk to himself in the third person.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

TYYOSH, LaRoche has hit .270 (20-for-74) with four doubles, five homers and a .527 slugging percentage against lefties, the second-highest slugging percentage on the team vs. lefties, behind Francoeur’s .585

(Francoeur’s numbers vs. righties are way, way below his work vs. lefties; LaRoche hits them both almost equally).

Thorman, in his limited chances, went 5-for-27 (.185) with three doubles and a .296 slugging percentage against lefties.

Andruw Jones, by the way, has hit .216 (19-for-88) with two doubles, five homers and a .409 slugging percentage vs. lefties.

So, only Francoeur (eight) has hit more homers than LaRoche against lefties, and you’re telling me that LaRoche struggles against “power lefties.” Please explain again, and tell me why you’d keep Thorman and trade LaRoche.

OH, AND BY THE WAY: Julio Franco has hit .272 with one homer and a .368 slugging percentage in 114 at-bats this season for the Mets, including .234 (11-for-47) with no homers against lefties.

Next time, do some research before you try to make a point.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

DOB: So, I hadn’t ever listened to World Party. Took lunch and picked up one of their albums. I got the first one Bang. Not bad so far. They’ve re-released all the albums apparently. They have all been digitally remastered and now the CDs have that extra sticky seal on it so if you don’t get it all off in one quick motion, you’re stuck with this adhesive crap on the top edge. I hate that stuff. Luckily it’s a small area. I hear peanut butter gets it off… how someone found that out, I don’t know.

By David O'Brien

August 24, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, Bang is real good, but “Private Revolution” even better.

I, too, hate that sticky shyte. Know what I use, because I like my CDs in pristine condition, no sticky crap: I use a little furniture polish on a cotton rag of any kind. Just rub it and the stuff comes off COMPLETELY. I have no residue on any cases.

Gonna go see X and Rollins Band now. Talk to you later.

By Carolina Lady

August 24, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Y’all can’t navigate on the AJC site???? sigh….. a guy thing, right?

OK. Go the the AJC Sports Page

While on that page, click on My Favorites and add the sports page to your Baseball Folder. You DO have one, don’t you? The one where all the baseball links are kept???

Now. On the Sports Page, scroll down about halfway to the AJCSportsTalk section which includes a link to the current DOB blog.

:-)))))))))

Now, the Braves’ budget next year:
trade everyone and divvy up all the money.

:-))

By Georgetown Kid

August 24, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

I read this blog almost every day in between classes, but I’ve never posted anything.

There seems to be general consensus amongst the bloggers here that the Braves will be very solid next year. Many have argued that the Braves will be World Series contenders. With the addition of Hampton, the re-signing of Wickman, the depth in the rotation, etc.

However, the Braves are a sub-.500 team in a very weak league. The 2nd place team in the NL this year will probably be the worst 2nd place team in the history of baseball (got that from ESPN today). So not only are the Braves a mediocre team, but they are mediocre even when compared to other mediocre teams.

How will the Braves catapult from such mediocrity to title contention merely by adding Hamption (a #3 starter), Davies (a #5 starter), and a few middle relievers?

I hope that I am wrong, for I am a HUGE Braves fan. My grandfather actually played for the Boston Braves in the 20s.

So I hope I am being overly pessimistic.

And by the way, I don’t think RFK is that bad. But then, I haven’t seen that many ML parks.

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Don’t know how many times we have to go over the Larouche thing. Man that guy is solid defensively and offensively and a lefty to boot. Kind of hard to improve on that as a 1st baseman. Actually I don’t see any changes with position players for ‘07 with the exception of Prado/Aybar for Giles. Unless a trade brings someone else in LF I can’t see Diaz moving from there. Also teh Andruw thing may play out weird who knows. Won’t get into the pitching as there are too many scenarios with trades etc.

By MEB

August 24, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy… Man you crack me up sometimes, no… make that all the time. You know I was fortunate to catch a foul ball at a Marlins game back in July. Lucky for me it was hit by Hermida of the Marlins. No telling what malady I might be suffering from right now if a Brave handled the ball. I don’t believe that an appendix should be trifled with.

By tyyosh

August 24, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, Peace man, not trying to start a war with you. I really enjoy your blog and appreciate your extra work because I am guessing it is optional on your part to do as much as you do. I was not trying to say trade Laroche, I was just making the point that having 2 lefty 1st basemen is not ideal. I think maybe since I responded to your response about someone saying to trade him, you must have assumed I was saying the same thing.

They would do better with a right-handed 1st baseman also, would they not? I personally really like Laroche and do NOT want him traded. I defended him on this blog when he made the infamous “play”. I have seen his avg climb lately against lefties and am very excited to see this.

I still miss Julio though. Do you have access to his late-and-close stats this year vs. LH, not just his overall? How many times last two years did we see a 6-7 or more pitch AB in the 7th, 8th, or 9th followed by a rocket to right field in a key situation? The kind of veteran, clutch AB that we dearly want now?

Remember the day game against the Mets? If I recall, 3 times, Adam came up with 2 outs and runners on, 3 times they went to a lefty, and 3 times they got him. Then the other day, Pirates (or someone else) went to a power lefty and got him as well. It just seems like in key situations, this happens, and I believe it will continue to happen. NO, I do not believe Thorman would do any better. AGAIN, I am NOT saying trade Laroche. Peace?

By tyyosh

August 24, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Also, I work in computing, and so DOB if you or someone else can point me to where to get good raw data, as detailed as it can get - for example, every player’s AB with # of pitches, pitcher, pitch count of pitcher, inning, day vs. night game, and even count and result of every pitch (strike, ball, foul, etc.) for last 10-15 years, in a form that can be consumed into a database, then I will synthesize some numerical research that is more than what the average website gives, if that is what is required for better “cred” here.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

DOB: got through the whole CD. It’s pretty good. I’m interested in the next. Picked up the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well. So far so good on that album. That band pulls me in for some reason. I like ‘em. Can’t put my finger on exactly why, but I do. I’ll give that floor polish a try. The Peanut Butter would just drive my dog crazy. I’d get home and see my collection destroyed and my dog wagging her tail. I used to buy replacement cases for these things cause I couldn’t take it. Drove me nuts.

By AZBravoFan

August 24, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Nice observation, tyyosh. LaRoche is hitting .171 in “late and close” situations (41 at bats) while Julio Franco is hitting .313 (16 at bats). Keep in mind, however that those numbers include 4 HR and 6 RBI for LaRoche and 0 HR and 0 RBI for Franco. That’s from MLB.com.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

tyyosh: I believe that level of detail is on a pay basis only from STATS Inc or, if you can break some arms and legs, MLB. Otherwise, you have to keep up with it yourself. There is a lot of data on MLB.com. But getting it into a database is a little hairy. I’ve built all these macros and procedures, but even still it’s time consuming and doesn’t include pitches per at bat.

By TennesseePaul

August 24, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan: So, LaRoche has 7 hits in 41 at bats in those situations and 4 of them are home runs? That’s not bad.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 24, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

“It’s all cyclical,” third baseman Chipper Jones said. “You have years where you play outstanding at home and terrible on the road. This year, it just happens to be one of those years where we play pretty good on the road, and we stink at home.”

uh, you cycle in, and you cycle out, and you cycle in, and you shake it all about. uh, you do the hokey-pokey, and cycle once again, that’s what it’s all about.

some people should not say, uh, cyclical.

By Snowball's Chance

August 25, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

It took me all day to figure how to get on the blog. And now I don’t know how I did it. I thought I killed the blog with the Party’s Over. I never knew that Willie is a co-author of that song. We have lost many football fans already. Dandy Don introduced most of America to that song. Dandy Don was the Dizzy Dean of Monday Night Football. Someone had to even out Cosell.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

too bad the blog is killed. journalist bob will return at a most inopportune time. blogs are cyclical. you have your good blogs, then you have your bad blogs, then your blog is killed. journalist jimmy smith can think of only two things to do at this late hour, blog some more, go to bed, or fix a snack. journalist got some bad cheese earlier and is feeling somewhat cyclical right now.

By Snowball's Chance

August 25, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith, Sorry to hear that you are feeling cyclical. Are you feeling unicyclical or bicyclical. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Lew has not broken the code. I would tell him how but I don’t remember.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

TY, no problem, man. Didn’t mean to be so terse with you. Just a bit tired of wrong-headed criticism of LaRoche. If people don’t like the way he looks or acts or whatever, or don’t think he hustles (personally, I think he does as much as the vast majority of players do), then that’s one thing. Fine. Certainly understandable. But just don’t try to make it about “can’t hit lefties” or “doesn’t have enough power” when those are simply incorrect and refuted by simple stats.

anyway, hey, no worries, as they say in the islands, brah.

GEORGETOWN KID, welcome and thanks for posting. I think the reason many bloggers and myself believe Braves should be significantly improved next year isn’t based simply on return of Hampton and certainly not on Davies (he hasn’t done enough yet to warrant such confidence in his ability to have a strong season), but rather on the likelihood that the team will have a far more normal season in terms of injuries (they’ve already had almost twice as many games missed to DL stints than they had all of last season, and half of the projected opening day bullpen has missed all or most of the season).

Also, unless you believe Hudson’s career is going to be in steady decline, it would seem there’s a good chance he’ll have a far better season next year. And you gotta think Schuerholz has learned he simply can’t go into the season without a solid closer and leadoff man, and that he’ll take care of those two areas this winter.

Granted, a lot of it is based on what we think SHOULD happen, rather than what can be counted on. And also, we just assume _ and it’s dangerous to assume _ that Smoltz will keep it up at rate he’s had the last two years, even though he’ll be 40 next season. Gotta cross your fingers on that one.

You’re right. They might not be so good. (There, see, you already changed my mind the first time you’ve ever posted. You rich college kids p*&% me off. Stop manipulating me.)

By the way, it’s good your Hoyas don’t play my Jayhawks in hoops. We’d put a whoopin’ on your Big East butts.

TENNPAUL (and TommyB, all other rockers), I just got back from the MOST AMAZING SHOW, blistering, straight-ahead rock and punk from middle-agers who just ran circles around the Ryan Adams show I saw at the same venue a couple of weeks earlier.

I speak of ROLLINS BAND and X, who put on a phenomenal, ear-ringing, blistering three hours of stellar rock-and-roll. Rollins prowled the stage like an animal, covered in tattoos, wearing only a pair of black shorts, and built like a damn linebacker even though he’s gotta be in his mid-40s by now. Just staggering power with a killer band behind him.

Then … X. The L.A. punk band that was the West Coast answer to Ramones at the end of the ’70s. The original lineup _ D.J. Bonebrake on drums, Billy Zoom on guitar, Xene on lead vocals, and the mighty John Doe on bass. What a band. What a freakin’ band.

They sound as good, tight and locomotive-strong now as they did 20 years ago. Every bit as good, seriously. Anybody who gets a chance to see these guys, you owe it to yourself. It’ll be the best hard-rock/punk show you can see this year.

Most of these bands made up of kids half their age can’t hold a candle to these pioneering giants, and because they have been there, done that, and lived through it, they don’t act obnoxious or try to be cool onstage. They just are.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this

oh, and TENNPAUL, it’s furniture polish, not floor polish (I don’t know, that might work, too, but I can’t recommend that with any knowledge).

I use Old English furniture polish, and it works like a charm. Just scrub with a little dab on it, even works with a paper towel if you don’t have a rag. It won’t do anything at first, but after scrubbing one spot for a few seconds, it’ll start coming off. You can get it as clean as you want to by continuing to rub. You can’t even tell there was every any of that residue on my cases, and some were a mess after initially pulling that annoying damn thing off.

By Head Coach

August 25, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

DOB , what is going on at the AJC ? I could only find this blog in the archives , it doesnt show up on the braves AJC page ?

By berigan

August 25, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, it looks like they finally fixed it, and the links are on the main Braves page again….

By TommyB

August 25, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Glad you had a blast, Dave OB. I thought about going but couldn’t work it in this week.

I remember X well from living in LA in early eighties. Just figured I’d prefer remembering them from that era but it sounds like that may have been a faulty conclusion. I don’t really know much about Rollins though.

You just can’t really say who ages well and who doesn’t. there are so many who’s voices just turn to crap (Paul Simon, James Taylor, come to mind) and others hold their own (Chrissie Hynde, Costello — both who had great Tabernacle shows last year, btw).

Say — re: my yesterday query for best escape routes from The Ted heading north on Connector… what’s your take?

By Rodger

August 25, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

You gotta figure a lot of the older bands have cleaned up, and can now focus a little better, therefore chances are good they sound as good or better than the old days! (or maybe just more consistent?)

By KC

August 25, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

Well, Momma told me there’d be seasons like this. You can’t win em’ all. But as for next year, there’s much cause for optimism, with most of it centering around what promises to once again be one of the best starting rotations in baseball in 2007.

Smoltzy isn’t showing any signs of slowing whatsoever, and he’s not going to suddenly wash up over the course of one winter? Besides, take a look at other great power pitchers in recent years: Randy Johnson posted a 2.60 ERA with 290 strikeouts at age 40. Schilling still looks solid at 40, and Roger Clemens… well he’s 67 years old and still getting hitters out. Smoltz will still be our ace, at least for one more year.

Mike Hampton’s rehab is going quite well. He’s already throwing fastballs, and March will mark the 18 month mark since his surgery, which is the period of time that doctors insist it takes to fully recover from Tommy John surgery. The vast majority of hindrances and setbacks pitchers encounter when returning from this surgery, occur between the 12-18 month mark (from the time of the surgery). After 18 months, most pitchers show no ill effects from the procedure at all. BTW, does anyone remember how great he looked from the mid-way point of the 2004 season until he went on the DL last year? He was in CY young form… plain and simple. Getting him back could very well be the equivalent to signing someone like Barry Zito over the winter.

As for Tim Hudson, I’ve said this many times before but if you look at the period of time he really struggled… we’re talking 7 bad weeks VS. 7 years of excellence. His ERA before that 7 week tailspin was good, and his ERA over his last 6 starts is outstanding. And keep in mind that he’s only 30, and his stuff has been there the whole time. His problem was a mechanical flaw that was affecting his control. Yes, I know he didn’t look good in his last start, but all pitchers have days like that. If he strings together 3 bad outings again, then I’ll worry. But right now, I see no reason to believe that he won’t be a tough pitcher both for the remainder of this year, and next season as well. If you’re laying odds, I don’t see how you could bet money on anything other than Huddy bouncing back with a solid season next year.

Also, Horacio Ramirez made a lot of headway this year. R.McDowell helped him iron out his problems with the longball that plagued him last year. And while his ERA and other numbers this year are marred by 3 terrible outings, Ramirez was looked dominate in 11 of 14 starts between DL stints. If he’s healthy next season, he has a chance to establish himself as one of the better left-handed starters in the league.

Chuck James has a chance to be a truly great pitcher, and already looks quite good.

And while there may be no room for him in next year’s rotation, Kyle Davies certainly seems to have a world of potential.

Put that rotation together with a very good offense, and what should be a solid bullpen with Wickman returning (and he will), and you’ve got yourself a team that will likely help us forget 2006 ever happened. Heck, I’m already anxious to forget it ever happened… and it’s still happening! Viva 2007!

By Lew

August 25, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Morning All-There’s something made speciffically for sticky stuff. It’s called Goo Gone you can buy it at that place that sells all of those Chinese imports. Cost a buck or two and lasts for years. What happened to the blog yesterday. I couldn’t find it at all.

By geauxbraves2000

August 25, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. So, what’s the prognosis for this evening. Is Soriano going to put a whoopin’ on the Braves or will the staff keep him at bay? Will tonight’s game be game one of a 15 game winning streak? These questions and more answered on Baseball Tonight, late edition.

Have a nice day all, see you in black and white tonight. Then again, I actually get to watch a game! It’s on TBS!! Cool, that’ll be two this week. Wow, two whole games!!

I’m still a little peeved at the TBS decision.

Geaux Braves!!

By Drummerdad

August 25, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Seems like most of us feel that the season ended the other night with the loss to the Pirates. Ironic that “THE RUN” began with a playoff win over Pittsburg and for all practical purposes it’s ending with a loss to them. They were 2 teams heading in opposite directions back then, and at least for this season, they’re heading in opposite directions now. This Braves team plays like it has concentration problems. Must be distracted. I would say that some of the “Baby Braves” either don’t have what it takes to play in the Major Leagues on an everyday basis or they’re just maturing. But this crew is so inconsistent that it just strikes me that they’re distracted.

Also, the chances of winning have to diminish greatly with all the injuries. It has been almost daily that somebody has gone down. For all the knuckleheads that want to criticize Bobby Cox, he is amazingly patient if nothing else. Most of us would have tried suicide or been badmouthing players by now. History will show that he is a great manager.

By Voice of Reason

August 25, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Good morning all<<<

Yes the Braves are incredibly inconsistent, but they are also a pretty young team. LaRoche, Francouer, Diaz, McCann (although he doesn’t play like it) are all very young players that comprise half of the everyday lineup. Inconsistency is simply a byproduct of inexperience. As these guys get older and more experienced, that inconsistency will fade. As to young, unproven talent in key positions (I think that was a reference to 2B/leadoff in 2007,) remember that Furcal was a young, unproven talent in his rookie campaign. He was pretty key that year, as I recall. Gotta start somewhere…

By geauxbraves2000

August 25, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

KC, I too am pumped about next year, for the team does have the makings of dominance, barring any injuries. I truly think this teams rests on Chipper’s shoulders, if he can stay injury free. The rest of the lineup is solid, but I think Chipper is the glue, or the Goo Gone that Lew mentioned. Just my opinion though.

Geaux Braves!!

By KC

August 25, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Yeah, the Braves have a lot of kids in the mix, and a lot of inconsistency to go with it. But I really like the make up of this team next year.

We’ve got a lot of young talent, anchored by some solid veterans. That’s the formula we started this run with isn’t it? Maybe the Braves can use the same formula to start a new run next year. I think they can.

By KC

August 25, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000:

I agree… Chipper is the key to this offense. I think he’s the difference between this being a merely above average lineup or a great lineup. Having said that, if the pitching remains healthy and performs I think it will be capable of performing, when (not if) Chipper goes on the DL, we shouldn’t go into a tailspin. If you have great pitching, then “above average” offense will be enough to get it done for a couple weeks at a time with Chipper out of the lineup. The thing I’m thankful for with Chipper, is that he doesn’t have Ken Griffey Jr.’s penchant for making sure that every injury is a season-ending one. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, and don’t let him drink from the same water cooler as Griffey! If the pitching is stable, we should be able to deal with chipper missing 20-40 games.

By Lew

August 25, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

GeauxBraves-If you want to see all of the Braves games, try MLB ExtraInnings. You have to have digital cable and it costs $160 a year, but there have only been six games not televised this year and four have been because of that stupid Fox Saturday deal. It’s expensive, but the only real option if you live out of state. The other games you have to get on XM Radio. DrummerDad-I think this season ended in June, not the other day. We never really recovered from that 20 loss month. The Pirates series just added an exclamation point to it all and maybe just convinced the last of the optimists.

By kirknjboro

August 25, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Just to add an interesting tidbit to the comments about Hudson and whether or not he is on the decline, yesterday on ESPN Rob Neyer did a profile on Zito,Mulder, and Hudson. According to his analysis of the pitcher’s statistics, both Mulder and Hudson peaked in their second and third seasons. He basically said that only Zito projects to continue to pitch at a relatively high level.

I don’t buy into everything that is said on ESPN, so just food for thought.

By Bravessuck

August 25, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Now that I’ve had my dose of the stated obvious-“Braves suck”-and my recommendations for a few cheapa$s redneck CD’s, and my fill of “How great I art!” from Dickhead OBrien—I shall retire to the parlor and attempt to purge my constitution—DOB you affirm my belief that even a lowly orangutan could make it as journalist with AJC!….Oh a reminder to all you dimestore Braves fans—I do remember reading last year in the AJC how that all those “baby” Braves were going to be so potent and feared of an offense that the team would be a contender for years to come—and how that the pitching rotation of Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, Ramirez, and Thomson was the “best in all of baseball!”—What a joke!—so what are you telling each other this year?….Adios losers!

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

ESPN is always looking for some crap to make a big story out of. Usually it’s something completely made up on a whim.

Next year should be real good. But, I’d like to see this team get back to .500 this season. They’ve got a few weeks left. They need to get back to .500. I’d really like to see them go on a 25 game win streak, but that isn’t going to happen. According to my figures, they took a good chance and squandered it into a .500 level of play. They need to get back in this thing so they can end at or above .500.

DOB: Sounds like a cool show. I gotta say, I’ve listened to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album about 5 times now. It’s so good. Loud, noisy, fun. Something about that sound I just like.

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Glad that guys gone. He didn’t even have any constructive critism.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

I’m going to get a new blog out shortly, folks.

Rodger, I was saying the same thing to the girl I was with at last night’s show. She and I are from the same era, and we were talking about how some of these older bands _ you mentioned two I love, Elvis Costello and Chrissie/Pretenders _ are so far beyond their experimenting and drug-hazed days, that they’re able to both benefit from the stuff they went through, the experiences a lot of us had, while now being cleaned up and professional enough to put on tight, concise shows, the opposite of what I saw from Ryan Adams a few weeks back (and I should say, I really, really like Adams and especialy Whiskeytown, his old band; it’s just that he treats live shows, at least the three I’ve seen, as if he’s on vacation and it’s time to screw off and have a party, instead of giving the fans a great show).

Anyway, Pixies are another that comes to mind. Saw them at Midtown year-and-half ago and they were awesome, sounded as good as ever despite being overweight and looking their age. The music was outstanding.

Rollins … you’re not familiar with ol’ Henry, former lead singer of Black Flag, host of late-night talk show on one of those cable channels, etc? Hell of a showman.

TENNPAUL, can’t help with routes north, because I just get on 85 when I leave ballpark around 11:30-12:30 each night, no traffic. And if there’s construction or whatever, I go back the same route I take to park in afternoon, which is down Briarcliff, thorugh Highlands, briefly on Freedom Parkway to either 85 or to Boulevard, and if the latter then I snake back through backstreets to the stadium.

I live well inside perimeter, so I don’t have to deal, thankfully, with all that northern ‘burbs traffic.

By Hahaha

August 25, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

DSOB was with a “girl”?

By Adam Worth

August 25, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, Thanks for letting us know that the Braves suck. I wasn’t sure about it before I read your post, but now I am. Yes, the Braves suck. And I still think that Aybar and Baez don’t equal Betemit. And that Brian Jordan will be invited to spring training. And that John Schuerholz will still not have a closer next year. (Wickman will retire or resign with the Injuns.) And, oh, yeah, the Braves suck. And Jeff Francoueree will never see a pitch he doesn’t like. And the Marlins and Mets will win it all again before the Braves sniff the playoffs. And Dale Murphy will never be elected to the HOF because he was always way over-rated. And I don’t need nothing but this ash tray. And this lamp. I don’t need nothing but this astray, this lamp, and this lighter. And the Braves suck.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Lew, I have no idea why blog got dropped from Braves page yesterday. I didn’t check, but should have.

Just so you know, it was still posted on main front of sports page, down there with all the other beat blogs. Kinda strange, I know, that it was there but not on the Braves page. But whatever. It was there, on the front.

TENNPAUL, forgot to mention, I love that Yeah Yeah Yeahs CD. Maybe even more than the first one they put out a year or two ago.

Couldn’t help but smile about that previous twit whining about “redneck CDs.” Is the Yeah Yeah Yeahs about as far from redneck as one could possible get, or what.

And oh, yeah, I’m having a visual of that twee blogger calling Henry Rollins a redneck, and the aftermath of said comment. One would be a bloody mess, and it wouldn’t be the one affectionately known as “Half Animal, Half Machine.”

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

But I am he stopped by for a dose of “How Great I Art.” It’s always good when anyone raises the number of hits to this blog. Bonus money, baby!

By the way, “How Great I Art” would be a pretty cool name for a band. Or a CD. Preferably a redneck CD, like we like. Or rather, like we art.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

But I am glad he stopped by for a dose of “How Great I Art.” It’s always good when anyone raises the number of hits to this blog. Bonus money, baby!

By the way, “How Great I Art” would be a pretty cool name for a band. Or a CD. Preferably a redneck CD, like we like. Or rather, like we art.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post. I thought I caught the first one before it went out, and posted again because I left out word “glad,” as in, glad our friend stopped by for dose of art.

I art still waking up. Typos happen.

By TennesseePaul

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

That’s good news about the traffic. I think TommyB was asking about it all though. I’m still about 3500 miles out of the perimeter. But I did used to live off the 85. Way, way north on the 85. All the way in another state.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

That’s right, TommyB. Sorry for the confusion.

Oh, and this Richard Swift CD that you sent me is outstanding. Never even heard of the guy, to be honest. Great songwriter. I’ve got it on now.

BTW, the unfortunate byproduct of Braves slippage is the arrival of all the, uh, well, rather limited-subject posters like we see above. I mean, dudes, when the majority of posts in any given stretch come from stay-at-home twerps who split time evenly between video games and anonymous posts attacking a freakin’ blog writer, well, that’s time for yours truly to take a break and just fire off some mindless, brief blogs and be done with it.

I miss the ol’ crowd, the intellectuels, pseudo-intellectuels (like myself), the music freaks and barbecue zealots, those who’ve seen a movie other than “Scary Movie 4” recently.

Oh, well…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

repetitive posts seem to be cyclical, dob. journalist just listened to the old man johnny cash singing about being lonely and now journalist is in a funk. sad, sad, from the esteemed old singer. also sang about 309. formula, right? like fantastic. now, about goo gone - this is a secret of the folks at turner field who must use gallons of goo gone in the braves dugout each year. remember, when at turner field never touch the dugout rail!

By TommyB

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

Yo Davie…

Somehow I get the feeling the party from last night spills over into today.

Your 12:45pm referencing my 9:02am calls me by two different names… neither of which, apply to me (at least in this dimensional universe).

I know. It IS the weekend. I’m heading towards a visit to PartyLand myself as today’s my burfday. Watch out 755 Club!

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Don’t give up, DOB! Lew was locked out yesterday, Bob is temporarily MIA, and the others are still around! Be on the lookout for that CD!! Can’t wait to hear your response!! :-))

By TommyB

August 25, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah… THAT Rolliins. OK. YEAH. It comes back to me now.

Dang.

By geauxbraves2000

August 25, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Please DOB, don’t turn your blogs into what Guy gives us. Little effort and less care. Keep up the good work. I especially enjoy reading your comments after someone rips you, you tell like it is, that’s great.

Come on Braves, let’s start a major winning streak tonight.

Geaux Braves!!

By TommyB

August 25, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

OK. I’m caught up now and see 10Paul claried it all up.

Getting ready to head to The Ted and be there when the gates open. Regarding the game, we just might have decent shot. Looks like —possibly— a good time to be playing the Nats. Shamelessly lifted from an AP story: “(Chuck James) will be opposed by Ramon Ortiz (9-11, 5.31), who has struggled in August, pitching to an 8.53 ERA in four starts. He has not made it past the fifth inning in either of his last two outings.

The 33-year-old righthander had his worst start of the season on Saturday, when he gave up eight runs in a season-low 1 2/3 innings of an 11-2 defeat at Philadelphia.

Washington enters the game on a five-game losing streak after being swept by Florida in a three-game set. The Nationals are 1-5 on their current nine-game road trip.”

By TennesseePaul

August 25, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

DOB: Glad you like Mr. Swift. He used to be out in LA, but has since moved to Seattle. He’s a really good show live. I’d recommend purchasing the album. It’s a double album. I’m under the impression you like the liner notes as much as I do. Even though it’s redneck music and all. It’s amazing watching him play the banjo with the one tooth left in his mouth.

By Georgetown Kid

August 25, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

We’re facing a mediocre journeyman pitcher with a high ERA. We might be in trouble tonight!!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

pan flute. that’s right - pan flute. carolina lady has sent dob a pan flute cd. zamfir, pan flute virtuoso. such favories as pan pipe dreams, leave a pan out in the rain, unchained melody, big man needs a new pan, and romance of the panflute. that’s right - the whole thing is cyclical - sometimes it’s country music and sometimes it’s zamfir. baby seal says carolina lady plays this all the time and it keeps the cat awake. good luck with this one, dob. hold the cheese.

By BB

August 25, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

I have a question for anyone who may know about injured player’s salaries. I assume Kelly Johnson has been on the DL all year. So does that mean he is getting a major league salary, I assume it does. If this is the case, I am glad the Braves are doing it that way. But I want to know if there is some kind of advantage to this. The injury occurred before the season, and there was competition for his job. Why wouldn’t he be put on the DL in the minors to save money? I know it isn’t a lot of money, and it certainly means much more to him than the Braves, I was just wondering if anyone knows how this works. Maybe insurance pays it?

By tyyosh

August 25, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

TommyB,

To get to 85 North from green lot you can also go back out onto Hank Aaron drive (left out of lot, east side) and then here are the options we choose in order:

1. If northbound traffic is bad, we go right onto I-20 east, turn around at 1st exit (u-turn) to go I-20 west, then onto 75/85 (we would never have thought of this but they played a commercial about this on the big screen when we were there)

2. The last game we went to had a small crowd, because I do not recall seeing this option available always, but turning right onto Memorial drive appears next, and it gets you to an on-ramp pretty quick.

3. Staying on the road (becomes Capitol then Piedmont) you get two other choices - a) Edgewood Ave. This was really crowded and bad when we tried it, so never again, but then there is b) Ellis Ave a few blocks down. Fairly short distance to on-ramp.

4. If you can somehow snake over to the blue lot, the north exit from there is right next to a 75/85 on-ramp - almost instantly you are on the highway.

By Carolina Lady

August 25, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

Jimmy. you never fail to make me laugh! You are undoubtedly one of my favories! (And I love the Pan Flute.)

By Lew

August 25, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

Or even We Like Art.

By TommyB

August 25, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU, TYYOSH…

By Lew

August 25, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

DOB-I’ve heard that pan flute cd and man is it good! Zamfir must be God’s musician. He likes art, too.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

if dob will close his eyes while listening to zamfir it will be like riding the elevator with the old journalist.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

Ah, refreshing to see I’m not just talking to myself and ‘roid-rage teens who apparently are exploring the mind-bending effects of light beer.

Thank God.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

snowball’s, journalist was feeling cyclical last night but seems to be cycling out of the cyclical feeling. journalist is wearing a new titanium necklace that is reputed to reduce cycling. before, journalist was cycling like an old maytag. sure hope chipper stops feeling cyclical. imagine feeling cyclical at third base in front of all those people! as chipper says, “uh, it’s all cyclical.”

By Lew

August 25, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Yes, We The People Of The Blog are here. What once was lost now is found.Peace, Love and Zmafir for all.

By David O'Brien

August 25, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, hilarious post about the one-tooth picker.

You know, I think what we need to do is git ourselves some of that sophisticated tough-guy music them boys in the ‘burbs are listening to. Maybe some Kid Rock!

Actually, the dude who posted earlier, the tuff guy who hates “redneck” CDs, probably watches American Idol and downloads tunes by Clay Aiken. In fact, I’m certain of it.

By Chop Chop

August 25, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

I remember watching NWA “Power Hour” on TBS when I was a kid (late ’80s, I guess). That was back when they used to show the “Zamfir” commercials on TBS. Around that time, there was a pink-wearing masked wrestler named Zan Panzer who would appear on the shows. James E. Cornette (he of the rhinestone-embossed covered tennis racquet) used to refer to Panzer as “Zamfir Pan Flute”.

Ahhhhh, the good ol’ days.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith had a phone call from willard wurlitzer. unfortunately, jimmy smith was away when the call came in. thankfully, baby seal was here to speak with the eminent one. if jimmy smith understands correctly, the wurlitzer prize has been awarded! baby seal was excited and did not ask who won. some things we all take for granted. still, there were other nominees. nothing is certain - everything is cyclical. now, who will be the recipient of the wurlitzer this year? in addition, an organ-music cd accompanies prize. skinny lady in red dress with big pipe organ. this has potential to degenerate into something ugly so jimmy smith will take leave now. remember, willard wurlitzer himself called. such a call is not to be trifled with.

By TommyB

August 25, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

You are not alone, my friend. (Or maybe you are… your ladyfriend from the RollinsX adventure, I mean.)

I see you mentioned beer. Hmmm. Not a bad idea. One can have one a little early on one’s birthday, eh?

Speaking of which with regard to The Ted, to find something beyond the Buds, Miller Light, and Icehouse, here are the only choices I know of. Are there any others?

• 755 Club

• Chop House

• Tomahawk Taverns (220 and 237)

• The patio area

Am I missing anything? I/we usually sit in 207-219 area (Terrace) so I try not to have such long hikes.

You know… I miss the days when the girls from the Gold Club would be paradin’ all through The Ted’s hallways, passing out free passes (and catching a few passes in return).

Aahh. Oh well. Back to the remainder of the “work day.”

By Lew

August 25, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

Yes, Cyclical-What goes around, comes around. Such has it ever been and such shall it always be. Especially with Wurlitzers and Zamfir. Selah and Amen (key the bobbleheads).

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

well, I know I art slack when it comes to recent postings, so mea culpa. Cyclical is as cyclical does, ya know. However, I feel I must draw the line at mixing pie and pan flute…well known to be bad for the toes.

By Snowball's Chance

August 25, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

Here are a few ways to shorten the posts of our unhappy bloggers.

From a list of “Web Acronyms We’d Like to see” by topfive.com IAARWIDLWMP: In an alternate reality where I don’t live with my parents.

GGMHWTV: Gotta go, Mom’s here with the vacuum.

By ncscoots

August 25, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

jjs, I know Pulitzer said journalism was there to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable”, and I’m wondering is wurlitzer has some equally pithy words of wisdom for us? I know you might be the only one to have the inside skinny on that…

By Snowball's Chance

August 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Haven’t been able to post much. Mrs. Snowball has been monopolizing the computer. She has taught aerobics for 20+ years and is loading her music library into an ipod so she can use it in class. Not a lot of redneck music there. I helped load some tunes-all my favs like disco, hiphop,electronica,manilow.The things we do for love.

By SaltyDog55

August 25, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

The things we do for love…10CC…who remembers them?

By Lew

August 25, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

But what if it’s a Pie Pan Flute? It could make a difference.

By ncscoots

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

new blog, BTW…

By journalist jimmy smith

August 25, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

scoots, the only wisdom journalist has on the wurlitzer is contained in the following lyrics, “they oughta give me the wurlitzer prize for all the silver I let slide down the slot . . .” now, this is not pretty, but it is country. the life of a journalist on the road is a life filled with wurlitzer selections, cheese sandwiches, root beer, and loneliness. it will be fitting if the wurlitzer goes to dob and he is able to play wurlitzers all over the country without a coin. yes, that’s right - the wurlitzer prize comes with wurlitzer jukebox tokens - so many that dob will never spend another dime on songs from the jukebox. all manilow all the time. zamfir is in the american league, right?

By Adam Worth

August 25, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Light Beer Rules!!!