AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz, Schuerholz hash things out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves Nation can rest easy, for J.S. and J.S. have had their summit meeting and both the pitcher and the GM (aka “Homeboy”) came away smiling.
I know Tuesday’s almost gone with the wind here, blog’s a bit late, but I wanted to wait to post it after heard from Johns Smoltz and Schuerholz regarding the infamous “Homeboy” reference the pitcher made to the 65-year-old GM in Jeff Schultz’s column in Monday’s AJC.
Anyway, brief synopsis (sorry, but I don’t have much time): Schuerholz called Smoltz today, had him come up to his office this afternoon for a meeting, and things are swell now. Or, swell enough not to interfere with business.
Smoltz told a few of us reporters after the meeting that he shouldn’t have said “Homeboy,” that he wasn’t expecting that to be in the column, but otherwise what he said was accurate, all the stuff he told Jeff about how he felt slighted and didn’t understand why the Braves would make him wait until after the season to exercise his $8 million option for 2007.
Smoltz wouldn’t say if Schuerholz gave him any assurances in the meeting, and Smoltz said only that he agreed he wouldn’t talk anymore about his contract publicly because he understands the Braves do everything privately and he should respect that and blah blah blah.
An hour or so later, we talked to the GM and he said it was a “very good” meeting and that he’s always respected John’s commitment to winning and intensity and blah blah blah, and that nothing has changed.
Asked if he’d spit up his coffee when he saw the “Homeboy upstairs” reference from Smoltz in the Schultz column, Schuerholz smiled and said, “I don’t drink coffee.”
When someone said, “So you weren’t offended?” Schuerholz smiled and said, “I didn’t say that.”
I asked John (GM … the actual GM … this gets confusing, doesn’t it?) why the Braves wouldn’t just tell Smoltz that they’re going to exercise his very reasonable option, whether the ownership change had anything to do with it, etc, and GM John told me that’s just the way they’ve always done things and that the ownership situation has “zero” to do with anything.
Folks, the Braves are surely going to pick up the option. And John Smoltz, by the way, when I asked him directly if he cared to answer to any of those fans _ i.e. certain bloggers _ wondering whether he might be angling for a trade or trying to get out of here, said he absolutely isn’t angling for anything, that he wants to win, that there’s time left this season to win if they get going, and that he wants to finish his career as a Brave.
He didn’t roll his eyes, smile, make any kind of signal to indicate he was being anything less than sincere when he said it.
OK, gotta get going. But first, I had to share the highlight of the day with you. Came during interview with Schuerholz on the dugout steps. He does have quite a sense of humor, hard as it is for some of you to believe.
I asked him if we should still call him John, or Mr. Schuerholz. He smiled, knowing what I meant, and said, “You can call me HB. I’ll know what you mean.”
I smiled and said to him, “Word.” And as he walked up the stairs, he smiled and _ I kid you not _ pounded his left breast with his right hand and said, “Word.”
I would not make something like that up. Several bystanders just about fell down laughing.
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Comments
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
I always thought Scheurholz looked alot like my Grandpa, and I guess he has pretty close to the same personality too…
By Beachcomber
August 29, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
OK, That’s out of the way. Now, Mr. Hudson it’s your turn. They don’t get much bigger nor important than tonight’s contest and that is no cupcake throwing for the other side. Time to step up Tim.
By Cornholio
August 29, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You are confident Smoltzie will be back in 2007.
Aren’t you the same guy in June that said the Braves had no interest in the Dodgers’ Danys Baez, because of his salary & record at the time ???
By Cornholio
August 29, 2006 06:50 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You are confident Smoltzie will be back in 2007.
Aren’t you the same guy in June that said the Braves had no interest in the Dodgers’ Danys Baez, because of his salary & record at the time ???
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
DOB you are right, there is NO WAY the Braves don’t pick up Smoltz’s option for next year. They would be saving $3 million dollars from this year to next! The guy will be in the top 5 voting for Cy Young in the NL this year, how can you beat $8 mil for a Cy-Young caliber pitcher??? Smoltz’s contract situation is really not a concern to me, I’m much more concerned with Wickman’s contract status. We absolutely, positively must resign him for next year. We can’t afford to have our bullpen costing us wins early in the year and hurting our starter’s confidence. I am also concerned with the lack of SPEED in this lineup, and whether or not Hampton can return to the pitcher he was for the first 6 weeks of the ‘05 season. And whether or not Hudson can return to the pitcher he was with Oakland. Not to mention whether or not Giles, AJ, and even Renteria are going to be traded… I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this offseason is going to be very interesting.
By Ptown Bravo
August 29, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
HB happy. HD happy. Ptown happy.
Nice reporting, DOB - from the clubhouse steps to my IP steps and all before tonight’s 1st pitch.
…and the Dude still finds time to abide. Amazing.
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, indeed worthy of a recipient of a prized Wurlitzer! Excellent post! :-)) And it delights me no end that ‘HB’ has such an excellent sense of humor! Well done.
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
WTF? Beachcomber, you’re still holding out hope??? God Bless you man…
By MikeHunt
August 29, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
I knew Smoltz would p*** out again!!!…
By Beachcomber
August 29, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
CD - The eternal optimist, I guess. More than that, this is why we paid Hudson the big bucks to thrown games against guys like Schmidt and give us seven or more solid.
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks. I love it. Best thing I’ve read all day. I really appreciate both these characters. I’m glad they got it smoothed out. From JS to js and back from SP to HB. Word.
GO BRAVES!!
By BravesfaninTN
August 29, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Titans vs Jets - opening day. Who do you pick? (Baseball is dead to me, now.)
By WorkinMan
August 29, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is what’s known in a working man’s world as a “company man”…a “brown-noser”…a
“kiss-a$s”!…and a “yes man” for sure!…I have no respect for people who make statements and then when called out on it they back down, or say it didn’t mean the way it sounded…”out of context” is the popular excuse used most frequently these days…pathetic, just keep your mouth shut from now on Smoltz, you’ll look less pathetic that way!
By Dexterdawg
August 29, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this
When will athletes realize that they are role models? Smoltz lives a good clean life as far as we know. He and every athlete who makes thier financial business public, would do well and keep thier mouths closed. Teach the children respect for authority! Talk to Schuerholz in private, and don’t disrespect him…. little kids are watching:)
By BoogerInMyBeer
August 29, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Wow!…These Braves certainly seem to be a sensitive lot!
By 3trees
August 29, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
Geez! I’m always late to the party. Didn’t get to cast my vote for which “Monday” song in time. Still, I’d go with Boomtown Rats tune although that tune doesn’t hold a candle to “Boomtown” by The Blasters. That was a great band.
Glad the JSs got things ironed out. Now lets put the iron to the Giants, kick, claw and inch our way back to .500! Go Braves.
Word indeed!
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
I hope the Braves win as many games as they can to close out the season. But I, like many others, stuck a fork in this team after the humiliating sweep at the hands of the Muts a few weeks ago. I am now rooting for the Dodgers to fall apart and not make the playoffs, along with the Red Sox to keep it up and not make the playoffs either. I also need the Braves to make sure they end the season with a better record than the Cubs or else I owe my friend $50. But, the big one is that if the Dodger’s do make the playoffs, they MUST lose in the first round, otherwise if they get to the NLCS I owe my brother $100! How could this happen?!?!?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
it is revealed by journalist patty rasmussen that the name of chipper jones’ ranch is uh, double dime. two dimes. 10 & 10. twenty cents. why double dime? why not dime? what is the significance of double dime? double dime would be thorman, right? thorman has no ranch! someone please explain. someone with a wurlitzer probably knows the answer to these questions.
By elbravox
August 29, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
we just need to win all games, that’s all.
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Ahh, .500, such a distant memory…
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! this is not good.
By Braves20
August 29, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
So much for Timmy “stepping up.”
By Ptown Bravo
August 29, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
I’m not a violent or hateful person, but I really believe the only place to pitch Bonds with two outs and the bases empty is right between the 2 and the 5.
By MEB
August 29, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this
What self-respecting parent would allow their child to touch Barry’s bat. Barry attempting kind public relations with Atlanta Braves fans… oh, the humanity!
By Calvin
August 29, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien, what’s the latest on Aybar and his hand injury?
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this
Mmmmmmhhhh, Hudson, YOU SUCK!
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
San Fran is HOT guys, we are going to get steam-rolled…. again… I’m depressed now…
By DonCoburleone
August 29, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
Come on Hudson, keep trying! You can get your ERA back over 5 if you just put your mind to it!!!
By MEB
August 29, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Why must the Braves always spot visiting teams a couple of runs seemingly every home game? Is it southern hospitality or what? Two runs is all a pitcher like Schmidt needs for a win.
By parks
August 29, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
Relax Hudson will settle …we will get a least 3 on Schmidt
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Herb Morrison ever imagined that his famous words would become so widely used? :-)))
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
herb morrison? herb morrison! who is this herb morrison?
By tyyosh
August 29, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
Man, guys, it’s only the first inning. They were down on Sunday too. Let’s wait and see, as you never know…
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
6 May 1937, WSL Radio Chicago, Hindenburg
By Chop Chop
August 29, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
HB, what’s the word?
Word up.
By Braves20
August 29, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
It just isn’t the SEC - is it Timmy?
By beachcomber
August 29, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
Or was it WLS, Carolina Lady? Either way, a classic broadcast.
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
Can’t remember, beachcomber. It’s one of the two, though! :-)) You aren’t in the path of Ernesto, are you??
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
how did carolina lady know that? kitty hawk, right? yes, journalist did abscond with herb morrison’s “oh, the humanity!” fits for more than dirigible distress. also fitting for baseball distress. did carolina lady see barry bonds rob francoeur of that homerun? oh, the humanity!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
two tubs. journalist will not be out of butter pecan again for some time - unless virginia madsen returns. lovely as she is virginia madsen can put away the ice cream! but journalist has taken precautions should she return by buying two tubs of ice cream. now, tub of goo - surely terry forster could make this team.
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
I did, indeed, jjs. Don’t like Bonds. At all! (A cheat is a cheat and there is nothing but contempt for him.)
By beachcomber
August 29, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady - looks like it’s going to swing to the east of us - I’m on the west coast. Come on Tim - hold that lead!
By supergrass
August 29, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
holy crap- any1 watching mcneroe in the us open rain delay- unbearable, the guy was soo interesting as a player and now so icky as a commentator. nothing is worse than rain delay banter, especially tennis. and whos the guy next to him, that guy is trying to have a serious conversation and mac is having his own playful conversation.
starbucks coffee vs dunkin donuts coffee ?
By Snowball's Chance
August 29, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Hudson singles. This is bad news. When he gets on base he falls apart the next inning.
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
jjs, “how did carolina lady know that?” Now. Why does jjs think that CL wouldn’t know?? Hmmmmmmmmm??? (tap-tap-tap-tap-tap)
By beachcomber
August 29, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
DOB - The guys on radio got my attention talking about this weekend’s call-ups. They mentioned Davies for the twin-bill. What do you hear about other names? Way to go Chipper!!!
By MEB
August 29, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Ernesto is not a very good name for a hurricane. Sounds a little wimpy to me, which is hopefully a good thing. Hurricanes should have ladies names, in my humble opinion.
The owner of the Double Dime just his a 3 run dinger. GO BRAVES!!!
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
I think Columbus North last night just might have provided a little inspiration for Chipper and the boys.
By Braves20
August 29, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
All right!! This ain’t no National’s pitcher we’re banging around tonight. Now if Hudson and the pen can just hold up their end.
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Game On In HD On DirecTV Channel 96
In case you’re watching on 631. I think you have to have MLB Extra Innings package though.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
now, carolina lady … this jounalist is sure carolina lady is much too young to know about herb morrison. and look where the reference to kitty hawk got this journalist just a few weeks earlier! journalists must be careful what journalists suggest, right?
meb, how about bunny names for future hurricanes?
yes, the owner of the double dime has made us all proud. torborg has noted that andruw has a new stance? has he mentioned it yet? any talk of farheads?
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
MEB, I hope and pray Ernesto and all of it’s kind will forever be wimpy!! Have had enough for a lifetime! The weather people are telling us here in southeastern NC that it will probably come in below us somewhere between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, and we’re to expect about 10” of rain. The beaches will get eaten up since we’ll be in the right-hand quadrant, and if the rain total does become fact, we’ll have a lot of flooding. Alot!
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
MLBTradeRumors.com Surveys the 2007 Free Agent Closer Market
Wickman and Baez are of course featured, with Wicky the Prime Candidate…
By The Grinch
August 29, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
Hey, CL, did your commidities come out both tasty and nutritious? :-) My lower back is in agony; fixing to go stand under a hot shower and see if that does any good. Feel free to direct Ernesto this way, I’m getting mighty tired of standing out in the sun watering.
By MEB
August 29, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady… praying that Ernesto loses strength and becomes a rain event for the Atlantic Ocean. The terrible damage that hurricanes cause with beach erosion takes many years to recover. I know that Opal and Ivan have done major damage to our beautiful beaches around Panama City. Some of them will never be the same.
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this
Hope everyone in Ernesto’s path is well. Batten down the hatches men and women, I grew up in Southern Louisiana and am very familiar with Hurricanes, they may look tame at times, but don’t be fooled. Take care and be safe!!
Nice game Braves, way to swing the bats. Huddy doesn’t appear to be fooling anyone but he’s getting them out and that’s what matters.
Geaux Braves!!
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
jjs, this lady was definitely not around at the time of the event. However, CL reads well! :-)) Kitty Hawk reference is but a dim memory and jjs was forgiven.
A hurricane named Flopsy????
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
It is the 6th inning.
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this
Dang it, Huddy… We’re supposed to be preventing Bonds from getting closer to Hank.
Come ON.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
a tub of butter pecan is missing … and virginia madsen is nowhere to be found. oh, the humanity! it was baby seal! babt seal ate the ice cream! and journalist has thrown away the perfect woman! oh, the humanity! grinch, we must talk.
lots of homeruns tonight. oh, the humanity! another barry bonds homerun. why do they pitch to him?
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
Two bombs for Bonds…unbelievable.
Someone asked about Aybar _ he’s begun rehab assignment with Richmond, will be up after Sept. 1 (probably this weekend)
Besides Davies, aren’t going to be a lot of callups. Nothing major, since so many young guys here. Salty’s in Cuba playing in that olympic qualifier until Sept. 5 or so. Could be up after that. Bobby says they haven’t talked about it much.
By conyers
August 29, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
double dime ranch. chipper wore #10, so did chipper’s daddy. double dime.
By Calvin
August 29, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
I asked about Aybar. Thanks for the reply. Will Thomson be shut down this season since it appears he hasn’t made much progress on his shoulder?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith thanks conyers for the double dime explanation. must have been a small jail.
By conyers
August 29, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
wears. chipper wears #10.
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, Grinch! Tell ya what! Those commidities were so good that I may not go back to nutritive commodities! Mmmmmm!!
MEB, most of our beaches now have almost-permanent 8’-10’ vertical drops from erosion. Hurricanes, tropical storms, northeasters have all take an enormous toll. Dredging is done periodically to pump sand up on the shore, but it doesn’t last long. I just pray that everyone is safe. And the power stays on. I’m so far out in the sticks that it takes forever to get back on the grid. No power = no computer + no a/c = very grumpy CL! :-))))
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
carolina lady, buy plenty of ice cream so you can stay cool in case the power goes out. good thinking, huh? journalist hopes it is not bad for carolina lady and the other bloggers. the storm has weakened.
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Bonds is only hitting .251 this year, down from .286 last year. Something got him going tonight…
Like a couple of fat ones on a silver platter.
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
The last two batters sum up the entire season for the Braves. McBride stikes out the first batter and walks the next batter on four straight.
Come on pen, hold ‘em right here.
Geaux Braves!!
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Hang in there, CLady. It really doesn’t look too bad other than being a real soaker.
I’m set to fly out of ATL Thursday… back Sunday. I really hope it follows the projected track and goes toward the Great Lakes. It does look like it could go back to hurricane strength though as it hits you guys.
Let’s hope not.
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Oh yea!! WTG Paronto.
Geaux Braves!!
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
You’re right, TommyB; I think it’ll be mostly a lot of rain (which we can really use, to be honest). That I can deal with, no problem. I was just reading the info posted on the NWS site and they say they are “puzzeled” as to why it hasn’t strengthened as expected. :-))) I know who to thank for it! :-)))
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Dave… Anyone…?
I’m sure you’ve noticed the number 42 on the inner panels of The Ted. It’s the only number with no corresponding photo and name. All the others are *Braves * HOF’ers (not MLB).
So, in digging around, I’ve discovered that it’s for Jackie Robinson (who spent his entire career of course with Brooklyn).
One can of course surmise why it’s there but the real question is why isn’t explained? Maybe in one of the inner hallways it is… Anyone know?
By MurphyRules
August 29, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hey guys. Western Kentucky alum here heading to Athens for Saturday’s football game. Any indications of how the hurricane might affect the game?
Still not giving up on the Braves this season. Only three back in the loss column? That’s very attainable if we can go on that ever-elusive run.
Thanks in advance for any weekend weather updates!
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
MurphyRules,
The current projected track looks to be bypassing Athens. Have a look here.
By TrueDrunkBravesFan
August 29, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
I knew it. I have a chance to enjoy the Yates drinking game again. So far nobody out and bases loaded thanks to Yates…..I mean Yikes…(*&@#@!&
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
I left the room and came back to the bases loaded and no one out. Same old crap from Yates huh?
Can even the Braves pen squander a 7 run lead? Let’s hope not. Details at 11.
Geaux Braves!!
By TrueDrunkBravesFan
August 29, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
Now Ray….He who used to be known as Death Ray …..now known as Ray of Sunshine….as in Light me Up…Now Giles forgets how to pull a ball out of the glove and there goes the DP
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
Yates is a real Jekyll and Hyde scenario. Last Wednesday, he mowed down 3 in a row. After that, it’s been Mr. Hyde.
I really hope a little more time to recover from the surgery kisses Hyde bye-bye.
By MurphyRules
August 29, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Nice job Ray!!!
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Murphy,
sorry but I don’t think ernesto is the storm to worry about-at least I hope not!
By Oh,TheHumanity
August 29, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity, Oh, the humanity………….Oh, is that enough for you jimmy smith?
By journalist jimmy smith
August 29, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
not blocked yet, huh?
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
Great-TP works with AJ’s footwork at the plate, now he can’t reach first base?
What was the tape on that one tho?
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Andruw. That made my day.
Best laughing fit I’ve had in several days….
By MurphyRules
August 29, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Roger,
If you’re referring to the beating your Dawgs are going to give my Hilltoppers, I have no problem with that. Just make sure that $400,000 check clears so we can buy uniforms for the next 10 years. (Oh, and make sure the co-eds are out and about. Me and six buddies are heading down for my bachelor party!)
By Carolina Lady
August 29, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
I sure hope y’all saw the shots of the dugout (Bubba and TP) when Andruw tripped! Side-splitting funny! How does Andruw, as graceful a centerfielder as there ever was, trip in the grass??? He’ll be hearing about that for a loooooong time, I’m sure! :-)))
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Congrats, Murphy!
Hopefully a good time to be had!
By Ptown Bravo
August 29, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
He’ll never forget #1,000.
And some here would trade that away for — what, again?
By supergrass
August 29, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
how did ken ray look batting?
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
I know this is a little late, but WTG Kenny Ray. Now that was impressive.
One more half inning, let’s close this one out. Speaking of out, that’s what I am, out.
Nite all.
Be safe all of those in the path of Ernesto.
Geaux Braves!!
By TommyB
August 29, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
I’m over-and-outting, but before I do… Dave, here’s another movie you need to add to your list.
I ran across something today that made me remember it. This would be on my Top 20 All Time. Maybe Top 10.
It’s “Diva”. I bet I saw this thing at least 7-8 times (all on first dates) when it first came out (1982). I was living in LA at the time and there, it was a fairly major splash.
Here’s Ebert’s take.
This is One COOL Movie… Even if it is 24 years old.
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Can I get a Hot D@mn!?
Come back home, turn on the tube, see Baseball Tonight and it’s right at the Braves highlights. Check the computer. Nothing but goodness all the way.
Ken Ray was batting. Up 13 to 5, I’ll let it slide.
DOB: I wanna hear what Ken Ray things of that at bat.
Now to catch up with the posts…
GO BRAVES
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Thinks.
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
He must be thinking “the guys I face make this look so easy”
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
Ooooooh the Cubs. Leading in extra innings. Turn a routine double play into a game tying reach on error. Only they can lose with such efficiency.
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Man…it ain’t over til its over. The Blondie in the background was interesting-is that Wicky’s theme?
By Calvin
August 29, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Looks like Ray is trying his best to let the Giants win.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
Do you really want to hear what Kenny Ray thinks about ANYTHING at this point? Wow, has he declined quicker than Counting Crows, or what?
Folks, FOUR GAMES. They are going to be a mere four games behind San Diego if the Padres win tonight and take the wild-card lead from the Reds, who are losing by a few runs early.
Holy homeboys….
By Jman
August 29, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, since tomorrow is the deadline for postseason rosters to be set; Do you know if the Braves are pursuing anyone of interest? Looks like they may be shaping up for a possible September run and I would think Homeboy wouldnt have already given up on the season. So is anything brewing?
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
One stinking pitch! Talk about effecient.
By Calvin
August 29, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Four games huh? Keeps scoring 10 a game and maybe..just maybe…
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Please HB JS GM-SIGN WICKMAN!!!!!!!!!
By dadgum
August 29, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
First let me say Barry Bonds SUCKS…Ok got that out of the way. Tomorrow I will tell you how I really feel. The dude just doesn’t do it for me. Among the very worst defensive players in baseball(Sosa and Bonds should hold a contest). Holding on only to break Aaron’s record and his (if he does break it) will be broken as well. Except for a few San Fran freaks and some “remember you when” Pittsburgh fans not many are pulling for the guy. Bonds could easily break Hank’s record and not make the HOF. What a joke that guy is to baseball. While we are at it let’s throw McGuire in there with him. The two of them can sit at the old folks home and “remember when”. And to think the baseball world was captivated when McGuire and Sosa went head to head for the homerun crown a few years back. Man…how the shine is off that apple huh! Pass the steroids please and hold the applause…..but he hasn’t been convicted yet you say? Well……..about that swamp land.
By Rodger
August 29, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
The greatest thing in the world would be if we could sneak into this thing, and somehow knock off the Mets. Reminds me of a line from one of my favorite movies “Dune” (with Virginia Madsen, of course!)-Paul, MaudDib, tells the Mother Superior of the Bene Geseret
“look into that place inside you that you dare not look-you will find me there laughing at you!”
Wishful thinking maybe…
By Calvin
August 29, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Worst OF I have ever seen is/was Roger Cedeno. I laughed a lot at him and is inabilities to catch a popup.
By dadgum
August 29, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
Guys I went to a sports bar tonight and they trie dto get the braves game but couldn’t. Wasn’t there to see the game though. Glad the Braves squeaked by so to speak. You never know with our pen. Just want to say good job Braves and keep it up. Still on record to say they have no chance but hoping. At least I don’t flip flop every week.
Can’t remember from a prior blog who thought Tull was washed up. Not sure that is how it was put but man the group is so underrated. Still love that guitar solo in Aqualung. Farm On The Freeway is sort of a cult following. So many others that I can’t take up the blog mentioning them all. Living In The Past is kind of our theme song…. right.
Right now I live in the past musically, actually if I have the box set from Zeppelin I am a happy camper, but I am happy to say that I have been turned on by DOB to World Party. I believe…I believe.
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this
Dadgum: Same here with World Party. I haven’t gotten too deep into them, but I’ve still got a few more discs to purchase. I have to go in order of release. I can’t function otherwise. No frame of reference, like a child that wonders into the middle of a movie…
DOB: Yes, Mr. Ray has certainly dropped off. But nevertheless, he has quite a story going this year, and it would be fascinating to hear what he thought of the at bat.
Boy, after watching Schmidt tonight I’ll be totally disappointed if we don’t spend all our free cash, trade all our veterans and sale out the farm to land Schmidt this off-season! He was… oh wait. He was what he was for the good majority of his career… hype.
I’ve watched the higlights on ESPNY tonight and I must say, Andruw hasn’t looked that good swinging the bat in a long, long time. Now we just need to work on his base running skills. What a game. Glad to see the Jones’ swinging like the good ‘ol days. Hudson provided another 6.1 meeting his average per game. And we are now victorious in 18 of the 29 games he’s started. Not too shabby. GO BRAVES
By dadgum
August 29, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Good night all…..keep up the banter. Pull hard for the Bravos, you never know.
I feel the Braves will sign Andruw to a new contract between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1st. If they don’t I feel he will be traded during the winter meetings regardless of his veto status. That will give JS plenty of time to gauge Andruw’s sincerity. If he is traded I think either the Yankees or Dodgers will be the players. Andruw is the Braves major pawn. They can’t afford to let him go too long and be a bRave in ‘07 and not lock him up to a contract. We’ll see.
By JJMB
August 29, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
oo, Dune. What a book, and movie.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
They announced on Baseball Tonight that Daivd Wells has been made available by the Red Sox. Hello, JS, did you hear that? Get him now before the Padres or Dodgers do. The Sox can’t be asking for much. I realize Wells hasn’t been the greatest this year, but he is a grizzled veteran pitcher who thrives in situations like the Braves are in. He could bring some stability to the rotation. His reamining salary can’t be that much and I think he would be worth the one month rental for a couple of mid level prospects if it gets the Braves into the playoffs.
I can’t believe there has been no waiver deal struck yet.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you know who will be starting the other game of the doubleheader Saturday if Davies is starting one of them.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout LaRoche, who was hitting about .200 at home before this homestand. He’s 11-for-23 with two homers and a bunch of RBIs in seven games on this ‘stand.
Andruw said tonight that LaRoche has been the biggest thing to keep Braves going, how he’s killing teams from low in the batting order, etc.
Paronto had a helluva strikeout on Hillenbrand, which will get overlooked. But it was big, with bases loaded and Hillenbrand 3-for-3 with a homer to that point.
WEIRD STAT: Bonds’ first two-homer game since exactly two years ago at…Turner Field. Off Russ Ortiz. Hadn’t had a multi-homer game in the interim.
TennPaul, yes, I know. I was just kidding about Ray, because he was wrapping up putrid appearance as I typed. I’ll ask him tomorrow. Had to get upstairs before he came out tonight.
remind me in morning, by the way.
Did you get “Private Revolution” by World Party? If you’re going in order of release, I guess you did. Great stuff.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
I hope the Braves call up quite a few guys for the Sept. 1 call up. They need all the bodies they can get. I see no reason Salty, Devine, Thorman, Escobar, Stockman, Startup, and Lerew shouldn’t be in Philly on Friday. Why not call all the pitchers they can? Lord knows with that bullpen they need all the help they can get. Maybe some of those guys will get on the ball knowing that if they fail to get one guy out there are enough arms down in the pen for them to be pulled immediatedly.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
If they’re on the 40-man roster and can help, they’ll be here. But they’re not going to just bring guys up they don’t need, because this year more than years past, the Braves can’t give playing time to kids for evaluation, etc. And Bobby doesn’t want a dugout full of kids who aren’t going to play.
And they’re not going to waste starting the option clock on anyone not on the 40-man roster.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
TommyB, Jackie Robinson’s name is retired throughout baseball and 42 is displayed at every park, at least every park I can think of. That was an MLB thing several years ago. You don’t remember all that?
OK, gotta drive home. Selah.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Just checked LaRoche’s stats. Man. I’ll admit. I was not to high on this feltcher the last two seasons. But he has really made a case for himself. I love it. It’s good on so many levels. He’s turning into a great player AND he is freeing up bench room so we don’t have to secure a platoon player. The performance of LaRoche and McCann have pretty much obliterated the Platooning and that is a good thing. .283 with 27 HR and 77 RBIs. Solid, solid performance. It seems his Ks have decreased as well. Or I should say, the rate at which he Ks. But put up numbers like that, and a bunch of Ks aren’t that bad.
DOB: Not yet. I have to pick that up this week. Wanted to today for new release Tuesday but got so busy I couldn’t make it to the store.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
DOB, what about Wells? Wouldn’t he be a nice fit here? A veteran pitcher who thrives pitching in pressure situations. I think he is someone the Braves need to pursue.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
This offense could have 4 guys with 30 HR and 100+RBI (Chipper, Andruw, Francoeur, and LaRoche). And, also, a catcher who could win the batting title. Who would’ve ever thought the Atlanta Braves would have an offense like this. Let’s hope the pitcing can match the offense over the next 32 games.
By Lew
August 30, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
Now if we could just get people out. Do you really think Wells is the answer? We already have two large pitchers. I guess one more wouldn’t hurt. Good night everyone.
By Head Coach
August 30, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
Yup , longball offense . No middle relief , no leadoff hitter. So what else is new ? Hey if they win tomorrow or thursday they will have finished with a winning record two months in a row , woo woo ! I’m all excited , lol. Hey only six games under .500 , Wow thats the closest they have got in two months. This calls for a celebration ! My sarcasm is just briming over tonight , lol.
By flbravesgirl
August 30, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
Greetings, fellow bloggers. I’ve had to go out of state and am on a borrowed laptop now. At least I can get the non-TBS games on radio here. DOB, your conversation with “HB” was priceless! 3 wins in a row seems like a major tear at this point. Keep it going boys!
By The Grinch
August 30, 2006 03:31 AM | Link to this
A gentle thunderstorm is accentuating my early morning foray into the potatoe patch. Soft rain, distant thunder, Braves win…all is quiet and peaceful on the SW Atlanta front. Tempting to post some Death Metal lyrics in all caps to shatter the accompanying blog silence, but tonight the Grinch shall abide…pleasant dreams to all.
By ed
August 30, 2006 04:27 AM | Link to this
A gentle thunderstorm is accentuating my early morning foray into the potatoe patch.
Is The Grinch, in reality, Dan Quayle?
Hmmm….
By Greg
August 30, 2006 05:26 AM | Link to this
In honor of Hank Aaron, every Braves pitcher should dust off Bonds every time he comes to bat. It’s obscene to watch Mr. Steroid, Mr. Body Armor, smiling in our park. Dust the bastard off. Aim for his knees. They aren’t armored.
I know they won’t do this. But it’s how I feel. I will vomit if this a**hole breaks Aaron’s record.
Wouldn’t it be nice if it was a classy, good guy like Griffey going for the record instead of this human asterisk?
By Head Coach
August 30, 2006 06:10 AM | Link to this
I have one name for Barry Bonds , A-Rod. Alex Rodriguez , assuming he avoids major injury will eventually surpass Bonds , Ruth and Aaron. A-Rod and 800 homeruns is not out of the question , its just a matter of when.
By Head Coach
August 30, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this
I should add this , if A-Rod keeps up his current pace we will be looking at a new homerun champion sometime during one of the 2014 or 2015 season’s.
By Mark
August 30, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
Maybe The Braves will win rest of their games and win wildcard then playoffs then world series then be know as the World Champion Homeboys! What is a homeboy…Just a thought, Good Day!
By Voice of Reason
August 30, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Just when I accept the idea that Los Bravos will be spending this October away from the playoffs, they go and reel me right back in. You know, my stress levels have been way down lately, and I really had come to grips qith it. But, no, not now. They’ve gone and sucked me right back into the believer category again. Next thing you know, I’ll be throwing things at the TV again. I’ll be crying out, scaring my kids out of their beds. I’ll be buying more Mylanta. I’ll miss the season premier of “House.” Oh, well, it’ll all be worth it when my beloved Braves win the Wild Card and roll into the playoffs playing the best baseball in the National League! Oh, man, 4 games out… only 3 in the loss column… Davies back on Saturday… Andruw’s got his groove back… Homeboy’s happy… Home Depot Boy’s happy… It’s all good…
“No one’s at the door
You suggest a ghost
perhaps a phantom
I agree with this in part
Something is with us
I can’t put my finger on —
is Thumbelina size 10
on a Wednesday —”
Tori Amos
Word…
By Zimmerman
August 30, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
You stumble on the field
Your team’s out of the race.
When every other year of your career
You’ve been in first place.
You’ve got the most bewildered
Look on your face.
And you say, “Impossible!”
While the press throws you bones.
And you know something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is,
Do you, Chipper Jones?
By Madison
August 30, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this
DOB, I know you are fast asleep but the Richmond Manager(Snitker) said on his radio show yesterday,that he expected B.Pena,Thorman and Anthony Lerew to be called up on Sept 1. I would also expect the aforementioned Davies,Aybar and Jordan to be activated from the DL.Any other names DOB?
By Torre!Torre!Torre!
August 30, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
Braves rallying cry for September:
Homeboy up!
By Remember Jerry Willard
August 30, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
What the hell.
Let’s go 30-4 and win this thing.
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this
Dave OB,
Thanks for the Number 42 background. I blame my oblivion on… what else? Beer.
Re: Ken Ray — If you plan to chat with him today, you might relay that Torborg last night said he saw something in his mechanics that he’s been doing lately that should be fixed.
By Shaun Payne
August 30, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
I understand the dislike for Bonds, but does anyone really think records mean that much. I guess it depends on who you ask, but the truth is you must consider context when looking at records. Babe Ruth is still the greatest player of all-time, even though many of his records have been broken. (He contributed more wins to his teams than anyone in baseball history, if you trust the context and statistics that matter.) The open-minded, skeptical and intelligent historians/analysts will take steroids into account when judging players of this era. And I’m sure they will consider the fact that Bonds used steroids and that many players were using steroids. Bonds will still be considered one of the top 10 or so players of all-time, but probably will not be considered one of the top two or three as his numbers suggest.
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
Ed,
I’m with you. Dust him or walk him. But do NOT let him ding one.
By Rodger
August 30, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
But what was Ruth’s OBP?
just kidding!
By Voice of Reason
August 30, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
I think it’s amazing that Barroid can hit a ball that far considering that his head is so large that it has its own gravitational pull.
By Shaun Payne
August 30, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Walking Bonds
Walking Bonds, in most cases, would only increase the chances that the Giants score. The Braves shouldn’t walk him just because they want to keep him from breaking some record. The Braves concern should be winning.
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Free Tickets to Tonight’s Game
I have (2) and can’t use them as I have to catch a plane in the AM and have too much to get done… at least enough that I can’t see getting it done if I don’t get home before midnight.
They are GREAT seats. Section 211, row 16 (under the overhang so you won’t get wet should it rain).
If you’re interested let me know ASAP and provide an email address.
Tickets are in Roswell/Alpharetta and you’d have to come get them.
By Voice of Reason
August 30, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Barroid is batting .255 for goodness sake. Why would you walk him? He’s batting .255 with 19 HR; heck, Ty Wigginton is batting .267 with 18 HR. You gonna walk Ty Wiggington? Why is Bonds so feared? Ty flippin’ Wigginton!
Word…
By KC
August 30, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
Great game! First of all, I thought Tim Hudson pitched better than the box score would indicate. The performance of the bullpen just confirmed what I already felt:
1-It’s time to send Yates back to Richmond. He’s got a chance to be a good major league pitcher, but he’s got to work out his control issues first.
2-Ken Ray’s fairytale season is over.
3-Chad Paronto is a solid middle reliever.
4-Macay McBride is lights out against lefties, but very “iffy” against right-handed hitters.
Bottome line, we are 3 deep in the bullpen right now, with one of them being a lefty-only specialist. When Baez comes back, we’ll be 4 deep in the pen (no, I haven’t lost confidence in him).
Assuming Hudson and C.James can keep up the good work, we’re at least 3-deep in the rotation (which is more than most teams in the NL can say), and it would certainly be a huge lift if Kyle Davies could come back and pitch well. Our offense is as good as any in the league, as is our defense. In short, I feel good about this team every other respect… it’s just our middle relief that scares me right now. I hope JS is working on a waiver-wire deal, because we will need at least one more solid middle reliever, and the sooner the better. A couple of years ago, JS picked up Kent Merker through the waiver wire (back when he was still as solid pitcher). Let’s hope he can pull it off again.
By Shaun Payne
August 30, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
VOR,
You’re exactly right.
No player is worth walking as much as teams walk Bonds. Even the best hitters have a 60 percent chance of making an out (the out percentage is .600 for a player whose on-base percentage is .400).
Unless a great hitter is hitting in front of Rey Ordonez or Neifi Perez or the pitcher, there is no point in intentionally walking anybody.
By KC
August 30, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
Another big game tonight (I know… they’re all big at this point). We got past what figured to be the toughest hurdle in this series by getting the W over Schmidt. Now we cannot afford to waste a golden opportunity to win a big series. It would be outstanding to see the Bravos pull this one out tonight, and have a chance to go for the sweep tomorrow. A sweep would be just what the doctor ordered. If we could pull it off, we would pass the Giants and possibly 2-3 other teams heading into the weekend.
And don’t look now, but the Astros have won 4 in a row. They are tied with us in the standings and have Clemens on the mound tonight. Just another reason why we need this win tonight.
I’ve gotta say though that I’m a little worried about the series up in Phili. We’re going to have to start both Villareal and Cormier in that series. Davies starts on Sunday… keep your fingers crossed. If he could come back and pitch the way he did when they first brought him up last year (extremely well), there would be no words to describe how big that could be for the Braves. They may be a lot to hope for, I don’t know, but hope I will.
It’s an uphill climb to say the least, but if our middle relief shortage doesn’t undo us… we’ve got just about as good a shot at the Wild Card as anybody right now.
By tfbrave
August 30, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
JS should seriously consider signing Rudy Seanez for the remainder of the season. Once Baez comes back having Seanez, Baez, and Wickman for the 7-9 innings could go a long way toward winning the WC.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Zimmerman, 8:23 a.m. post. WILL BE TOUGH TO BEAT TODAY, BOYS AND GIRLS. Priceless.
And the day after Mr. Zimmerman released a new LP. Gotta go purchase that today….
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
tfbrave:
You’re absolutely right. I didn’t even realize Seanez was available until you said that, and I checked into it.
Unfortunately, there must be some reason why the Red Sox felt he could no longer help their team… but it’s worth a try. Give him a shot. A change of scenery may do him good. Worse case scenario… he turns out to be just as bad as Yates or Ray. We have nothing to lose. I sincerely hope JS inks him.
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
Yes, But does he like Jethro Tull? Enquiring minds want to know. Rodger, You asked earlier about Babe Ruth’s OBP-It was .474 for his 22 year career. He had 5 seasons of over .500 OBP. Bonds career stats are much better than I would have thought. His career OBP for 20 season is .442. Now the “steroid years”, 2000-04 defintiely showed a marked increase in his production, but I think he had put together a career by that point that would have put him in the HOF. However, he would not have broken the single season HR record and he never would have hit .370 (his BA those five years was between .308-.370-much higher than before.) I guess we will never know for sure.
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
I would comment on Barry Bonds, but I’m not interested in wasting any more mental energy on that ———.
Seanez was released by the BoSox back on the 19th. Anyone know why nobody’s snatched him up by now? Is there a health issue?
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Seanez has a 4.82 ERA for the year and in August, teams are hitting .304 against him and his Aug. ERA is 11.82 in 4 games. Draw your own conclusions.
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
DOB What do you have inside info or maybe just a sense of whether or not the Braves are looking to sign Seanez and/or do something over the waiver wire to strengthen out middle relief situation??
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
KC-Do you think that there is really anyone of worthwhile value being offered on the waiver wire? Or are we just willing to grab at anything that MIGHT help? The Red Sox are dying for pitching help. Do you think if there was an upside to Seanez or Wells that maybe they would keep them?
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Lew, true enough. But I was looking at some of his numbers… He allowed 4 runs in his last outing for the Sox, 2 runs in his next to last appearance, and 1 run in the appearance before that. However, prior to those final 3 games with Boston, he reeled off 7 consecutive games without allowing a run, and had only allowed 1 run in 9 appearances.
It’s also worth noting that he pitched considerably better on the road than he did at Fenway. He wouldn’t be the first player that just didn’t respond well to Fenway, would he? We’ve got an all-star on our team right now of that variety.
Anyway… again, I don’t see that we have much to lose here.
By Zimmerman
August 30, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
You walk into the clubhouse,
Your bat in your hand.
You see somebody naked,
And you say, “Who is that man?”
Then he turns around
And you see it’s Brian McCann.
And his bat’s much younger and stronger than your own.
And you know something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is,
Do you, Chipper Jones?
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
Lew:
I wouldn’t bet on Seanez being a savior. And of course I know that if the Red Sox thought Seanez could help, they wouldn’t have let him go. My point is that while he might not be of benefit to the Red Sox, he could possibly still benefit someone else.
Sometimes a change of scenery (especially when you’re in a high pressure hitter’s park like Fenway) can make a huge difference for a player (please see Eddie Guardado). What do we have to loose? Would you feel better about Yates or Ray being on the mound in a close game than Seanez?
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
KC-After last night’s latest BP showing, I guess you’re right. If we don’t get some kind of decent pitching-oh, whatever, we’ve been through the same old over and over. I’m really looking forward to next year. Maybe now that Andruw figured out what people have been talking about for the last two months and Chipper seems to be Chipper yet again and LaRoche has decided to be all world, maybe we can pull an AL and get by scoring 12 runs a game. Might work until we get to Houston’s pitching.
By Voice of Reason
August 30, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Let’s see… The Braves throw Smoltz and James to finish the SanFran series. Gotta like that. Then go to Philly where they’ll throw Villarreal, Davies, Cormier and TBA. I’d say out of those 4 games, I’ve got the most confidence in TBA. (Well, I’m hopeful for Davies…)
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Lew:
I’m personally just hoping that we can keep the offense hot for at least another week to 10 days (long enough to get Baez back).
I don’t know what the deal was with Baez in his last game, but all indications are that the health issue he was dealing with was affecting him. For one thing, he was sweating so profusely that he was having difficulty gripping the ball.
Anyway, I still have confidence in Baez, and when we get him back we’ll be 4 deep in the pen (Wickman, Baez, Paronto, McBride). That’s not exactly a deep bullpen, but if the starting pitching and offense are going well, it might be enough.
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
KC-Ray 4.22 , Yates 4.67 , Villarreal 4.17 , McBride 3.76 , Paronto 3.22. Rudy Seanez 4.82. Why bother?
By ncscoots
August 30, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
the question, actually, is would you feel better with Rudy Seanez or David Wells (PLEASE!) on the mound instead of someone already on the roster. Pitchers waived by teams desperately searching for pitching don’t exactly inspire confidence, ya know? Spare me the indignity of grasping at a straw the caliber of THESE two.
By KC
August 30, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
VOR:
Yeah, I’m a little worried about the Phili series myself, but you did leave out Tim Hudson who is slated to start against the Phillies in one of the Sunday games.
By Voice of Reason
August 30, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Dang, Lew… About the time I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy about my Braves again, you go and show us the bullpen ERA’s. It’s kinda like the stuff you find in your naval… You know it’s there, but you really don’t want to think about it.
By T.C.
August 30, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
The new Dylan album is very good, DOB. I’ve listened to it a couple times through already. Very solid … you won’t be disappointed. “Nettie Moore” and “The Levee’s Gonna Break” are the two standouts for me so far.
By Lew
August 30, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Scoots-Buddy-Thank You! KC-Absolutely agree with you on Baez. I think his last outing was directly related to health issues. Talking to LA fans, apparently this has been building up all season long. I have no idea how inflamed appendices work, but if so, he may be the pitcher we really thought he was. We have so many pitching problems right now (Hudson still did not look very good last night-he’s got to go later in games!), that one piece is not going to be enough, short of bringing in Oswalt or Dontrelle or someone of that status. I love this offense, but we have got to have consistent pitching. It just has not been there consistently.
By The Grinch
August 30, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Morning, All. TommyB, I’d love to have those tickets, but you happened to pick a day where my lower back’s killing me to the point where I can’t sit for more than a few minutes at a time. I’m gonna try to make it to the gym in a bit and see if the sauna will cure it; if they’re still available in the early-mid afternoon I’ll probably take you up on it.
By Rodger
August 30, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Wells would be no help-he’s been washed up for a couple years. I’d say he has as much chance of getting out of a bar without a fight as getting out of a game with less than 4-5 runs (probably no chance). Seanez too has reached the end of the line. With a progression of getting worse each appearance, he could just as easily be Yates-yikes!
Cox probably should have left Paronto in last night. Why would Ray be more likely to span more than one inning that Paronto? Hasn’t shown that to me.
By Zimmerman
August 30, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
You have many contacts
Among the sporting hacks
Who’ve got your back
When someone attacks
Your declining station.
But, hell, it’s hard enough,
What with old age and stuff,
Just to keep calling their bluff
Without resorting to heavy steroidization.
You run with Hooters girls
And they all like your looks.
And for spurts of a week or two,
Your play still really cooks.
But most athletes your age,
They’re retired, writing books.
And that disabled list
Feels more and more like home.
And you know something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is,
Do you, Chipper Jones?
(moans)
(harsh, dirge-like piano outro)
By KC
August 30, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
Lew: Yeah, Hudson wasn’t at his best last night, and we do need him to go deeper into games.
That said, I thought he pitched better last night than the box score would indicate. He did a nice job of settling in and limiting the Giants after those 2 solo-shots in the 1st. It’s probably also worth noting that Bond’s 2nd homer might have been directly attributable to the score at that time. I don’t think Hudson would have been coming right at bonds the way he did if the score were tighter. Anyway, I think it goes without saying that we need Hudson to be sharp the rest of the way to have any chance.
A perfect world…
• Kyle Davies comes back in a big way and provides a tremendous lift for this pitching staff.
• JS swings a deal for a decent middle reliever (our losing record may help us pull off a waiver-wire deal since there aren’t that many contending teams that can stop us).
• Baez comes back strong and healthy when his stint on the 15 day DL is over.
By KC
August 30, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Rodger:
Seanez’s progression of getting worse with each appearance was only 3 appearances!! Those 3 outings were preceded by 7 consecutive appearances in which he didn’t allow a run.
If the Braves don’t seriously consider signing him, it will probably have more to do with what the scouts are saying than what the recent box scores said.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
VOR: Ah yes, the Phillies series will be interesting. Hopefully our offense will be fully awake and locked and loaded to absolutely destroy them. But what I like even better is, We go to the Mets and have Hudson, James and Smoltz right? I’d love to kick their @ss as well just for a good showing. We have 6 games left against them. I’d like to take them all. It won’t mean much on the division, but it’d be nice to bash them all over the place.
DOB: It’s tomorrow. So here’s the reminder… what’s Ray got to Say about the batting?
Andruw looked incredible last night with his swing. Did he work on it with Terry? If so then I’ll give Terry his props. It’d be the first major improvement he’s had his hands on. Now if he could tune those skills and focus on Langerhans and the pitchers…
GO BRAVES
By KC
August 30, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
TennPaul:
I wish that were true… but actually, Hudson will pitch on Sunday against the Phils and will miss the Mets series. Our rotation for the Mets series will probably be C.James, Smoltz, and Villareal. But at least one win is virtually guaranteed in that Mets series. Smoltz is going to be ready to kick some —- and dish out some payback on the Mets.
By Carolina Lady
August 30, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
TNPaul, it was said on TV during the game last night that Andruw went to TP and asked for help. They studied some tapes of Andruw and TP suggested that he close his stance a little, which AJ did. Sure looked good, didn’t he? Hitting, that is….. Now, running to first….who is the running coach?
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
The Grinch: That’s a bummer about the back. But this is a Braves game. You should be standing and cheering…
GO BRAVES
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this
CL: Thanks. I don’t get the TV feed out here. Props to Terry. I’m glad he has done more than encourage Francoeur to keep swinging at balls in the dirt.
KC: Nevertheless. Villarreal has done well in two of his 3 starts. Hopefully he and McDowell are huddling around some tapes as well, figuring out what the difference is. After which McDowell can huddle with Ray. Then Yates. Then well… you get the idea. McDowell has a lot of work. James and Smoltz is promissing. Smoltz will bring his A game. It’d be fresh for him to get his first no-no against the Mets. Especially if it was a perfect game. I’d take a holiday if that happened.
By KC
August 30, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
This game is HUGE tonight, because if we can pull out another win tonight, we’ll have an excellent chance at a series sweep tomorrow with Smotlzy on the mound. I’m sure there’s no need to mention how huge a series sweep would be… but I will anyway.
A sweep would put us on a 5 game winning streak, get us past the Giants and probably another team or two in the standings, and pull us within 4 games of .500.
HUGE game tonight! Let’s all channel our positive energy to C.James. All together now… Hmmmmm, Hmmmmm…
By KC
August 30, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
TennPaul:
Agreed, Villareal looked very good in his first two starts, so hopefully he can channel that again starting this weekend in Phili.
My only concern is that it seems to be a pattern with Villareal when you look at his long-relief outings. He was either lights-out or just plain awful. No in between. Let’s hope he can give us more of the former than the latter.
By BravesFan
August 30, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
TommyB are those tickets still available? I would love to get my hands on them. email address is stowers14us@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, sorry, man. Forgot when I said that that tonight’s the one game I have off this week. I’ve gotta cover that game tomorrow night, get home at12:30-1 a.m. from the ballpark, then be at airport by 6 or 6:30 a.m. Friday. So I’m not looking forward to that. Schedule snafu, where we had to switch games, etc.
Anyway … gonna go get the new Dylan CD. Zimmerman’s great posts here this morning have only fueled my desire to get my butt going and get to the store.
Grinch, you gotta stretch that back, bro. I threw mine out at spring training and thought I needed back surgery, ‘cause it was first time for me. Turns out all I needed was to get it calmed down with meds, then do regular stretching. And Alleve is the one over-the-counter medication that’s got NAPROXEN in it, and that stuff is absolutely the best crap you can buy for a backache. The best. Take four of those (I know the dosage guide says two, but that’s BS. Provided you don’t have a bad liver, four is the way to go).
Now, you may know this, but in case you don’t: Lay on your back, lock you hands under your knees and slowly pull them back as far as you can toward your face. You won’t want to do this in front of anyone who’s not close to you, for it might look a bit strange. But it works. Hold it a while, do it again. And also do it single-leg at a time, keeping the other leg flat and the knee you’re bending straight up and down, not letting the foot flail in or whatever.
OK, doc’s out.
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Tickets No Longer Available
Sorry, Grinch and BravesFan… After no takers in the morning, I phoned the school and reactivated my youngest for an early pickup from school. He’d be crushed if I pulled the rug out from under him again. I just decided, since no one had spoken for them in several hours, that we’d go and just plan to leave before the end of the game so we don’t get caught in traffic. Whether that actually happens or not, who knows… I may just not go to bed tonight.
By Tom A. Hawk
August 30, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
TommyB, you’re nothing but a ticket tease.
By Head Coach
August 30, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
It’s like the Al Pacino line in the Godfather : Everytime I try to get out , they pull me back in ! These Braves are nothing but a bad tease.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
KC: True. True. I hope these guys are just focusing on tonights game. They can’t get a five game win streak in one night. They can only get one win. Play for it. Take it. And build on it. Baby steps. Focus on the game at hand and worry about yesterday after the season and tomorrow, tomorrow.
I have faith tonight will be a good game. It’s Chuck James B!tch.
By The Grinch
August 30, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Man…I just came back feeling better and looking forward to some tickets! I didn’t really still expect them to be there, though. Yeah, Dave, although I’ve had back problems off and on for years, I thought this was the big one. I’ve been slugging down alleve, stretching and walking up and down my driveway and now I feel a heck of a lot better. Still rough, though. One thing I miss about not being in South Ga anymore is my chiropractor and my pain pill connection (not the same person). As for my liver, there are few mightier livers than The Grinch’s…:-)
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Grinchy,
Wife just phoned to say my youngest can’t make it as he has to write a paper.
I have (1) ticket available. If you want it email me right away at tommyb@mindspring.com. I’ll wait until 4:05pm before heading down to ballpark.
By ncscoots
August 30, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
folks, folks…maybe we should actually SEE a 5-game winning streak before we start talking the if’s thereafter. Still a long pull for the wild card from where the Braves sit.
By TommyB
August 30, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Waited a little longer. Am heading out as I have a couple of stops to make along the way. Sorry, dude. I wish I had a way to reach you.
By Snowball's Chance
August 30, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
Grinch, I have used a great product called Biofreeze available at chiropractor’s offices.
By Head Coach
August 31, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this
It’s official , 14-10 in July and 15-12 in August with one game left in the month. Two winning months in a row , I think I’m gonna faint……lol.