Braves

By Mike

September 13, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

There are some Atlanta bases golf centers overwhelmed with request for tee times for the first week of October. It seems everyone in the Atlanta Braves organizarion don’t know what do in October no that braves missed the play off. so while they think about it they will play golf

By Rodger

September 13, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Yeh, have to grugingly give Roachie props. Prior to last year, I thought he would produce. Even gave him benefit of the doubt in playoff goof-after all, he IS slow. But after his bonehead lazy play at first, I was ready to crucify him Good for him that he hung in and is having an excellent season. Hope Booby remembers that in the future when he wants to platoon.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Props LaRoche. You earned. Now you have to keep earning them. Don’t you go dyin’ on me. I’d love to see this level of production over a full season. He’d have over 40 homers and a .350 average… Historical in terms of the Atlanta Braves. But he must do it first.

To a double header sweep! Actually, are they already playing? I can’t see anything from here.

GO BRAVES

By Kenny

September 13, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

If LaRoche and his crazy bunting, non-hustling, and overall lack of baseball sense—don’t forget that grounder in the blown Wickman save—are the highlight of this year, then no wonder the Braves stink. He’s a decent player with some pop in his bat but he is not a winner and not someone to build a franchise around. The Braves are headed for years of mediocrity.

By geauxbraves2000

September 13, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Wow, a starting 8 with a comb avg of .264, Wolf should be shaking in his boots.

Nonetheless, Geaux Braves!! Come on lineup, prove me wrong.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

per Stinky’s last post I talk to ‘someone’ regularly. Now I’m talking to you. Whether you are in the middle of the ‘sja vs journalist Jimmy tiff’ is of no concern to me. I’m simply trying to ‘get’ your motive here. I believe that some people upon realization that they cannot get the attention they crave by being the best dog in town, then they will get it by being the worst. It’s much easier to be the bad boy than to get acclamation by achieving something worthwhile. What say you?

By worst dog in town

September 13, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Well put Ricky Bobby, i mean Richard Cory.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Kenny-Where did you hear that the Braves were building their team around LaRoche? I kind of thought they were building it around Francoeur, McCann and James. How in the world can you base not only someone’s season, but someone’s career on three misplays? So what if the guy has a condition and is taking medication? Believe me, there’s plenty of people right here on this blog that need more serious medication than Roachy. I think that overall he’s put up great numbers both offensively and defensively. The guy’s making $400,000 this year. Just how bad a deal do the Braves have with him in the lineup?

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Stinky— there you go again!!! Why not answer my question, instead of sitting in the middle of the aisle crying and screaming?? Me thinks most of the blog denizens know.

By Rodger

September 13, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

RC-welcome to our nightmare…

By Carlos Amato

September 13, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe this! Francoeur got the walk after being up 0-2? It’s the end of the world as we know it…

By Carlos Amato

September 13, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

My god, it’a really a strange day. Kyle Davies homers.

By Calvin

September 13, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Holy crap!

Davies homers..wow.

By The Grinch

September 13, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun Payne, is there a way to prove Davies is a better hitter than Howard now usig a newfangled number system? Or would he actually have scored more runs if he had walked? :-)

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

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

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By Carson

September 13, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

I find it a little odd that this johnny-come-lately Richard Cory is so familiar with what has been going on with the blogs and the people who are trying to destroy them. Richard Cory’s style sounds way too familiar, maybe he is the guy causing all this trouble? If this isn’t the troublemaker, then it sure looks like he’s here trying to start his own streak.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 13, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

LaRoche is a very good first baseman, with sufficient offensive skills, no changes needed at first in ‘07—Braves will need good defensive players if they want to return to being a team based on great pitching. Changes are needed elsewhere tho.

By The Grinch

September 13, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Cutty, if you’re as repetitive with your coaching methods as you are with the “Post” button, I bet you’re real fun to play for.

By beachcomber

September 13, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Wow - add three more to Andruw’s RBI or RS (Runs Saved) column. That guy is worth easily 50 to 75 runs a year he saves us. Davies is scary since returning from his injury. Let’s hope Oscar can qwell the riot.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

cutty, we get the point. NO need to post it 15 times.

So what is the score in the game?

Francoeur came back from down 0-2!?!?! So happy now. that’s at least twice in about two weeks that he’s done that. Very impressed. I’m glad to see that the 0-2 count on him isn’t a sure fire out any more.

GO BRAVES

By Lew

September 13, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Eleven copies of the same post-Gee, you think it was an accident? Who says Andruw is no longer the best? Maybe not as good as Otis Nixon’s catch, but it works for me. At least BC got Davies out of there while he still had the lead. I have a feeling the bullpen will get lots of work today.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Carson-ok I’ll play along. I’ve been an observer of this blog for a while. I witnessed stinky’s hassle of Grinch, and have seen stinky hassle journalist Jimmy and post many times using phony monickers such as Carson. We hear you Stinky. You got our attention, now aren’t you fulfilled??

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

I’m dyin over here… What’s the update on the game?
Stinkin’ work web-sense. Ruins a perfectly good day of baseball.

By Carson

September 13, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Well said Richard Cory!

By MEB

September 13, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

cutty… I think you have set a new multi-post record (9)!

By Lew

September 13, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Braves are up 5-3 in the bottom half of the 3rd.

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

The Grinch,

I know you were joking but you don’t find ways to prove things with numbers. You ask questions and the numbers along with common sense are the best way to get the answer.

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

People that misuse statistics are the ones that use the numbers to prove their points. Intelligent people are the ones that use statistics and common sense to arrive at an answer. I think that’s what Lew(?) was getting at yesterday when he said his wife told him you can’t get in an argument with a statistician because they’ll always come up with a stat to prove your point.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

ShaunP-I may not agree with the depth of your love of statistics, Dude, but at least you are an intelligent person who goes to great pains(no pun intended) to back up your theories. Wish we could say the same for some others here, though.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

ShaunP-Now, that being said. We had been discussing whether or not Howard’s season had been historic. Here’s a stat that Torborg threw out before the game which may put Howard’s career in an historic perspective. He has more HR for his first 1,000 AB than ANY player in baseball history. This may not mean much, but he only has 870 AB. That, to me, is historic.

By Thomas

September 13, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

What happened to Davies.

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I don’t love statistics. I just love the truth and statistics combined with common sense are the best ways to discover the truth about baseball player performance.

I trust finding the answers myself through statistics and common sense or through listening to/reading someone who uses statistics and common sense rather than relying on Don Sutton or Joe Morgan or whoever to give me insight into the game. Not that their insight is not useful, but I trust evidence more.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lew.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Villarreal is looking good again. I think we may end up being happy with the trade for he and Cormier. Two more cases of surgery taking a year and a half to recover from. Maybe that looks good for Hampton’s case, too. If Hampton comes back strong, I’ll feel a lot better for next year’s chances.

By cutty

September 13, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By Thomas

September 13, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Is Davies injured or what?

By cutty

September 13, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

Am a high school coach in N.C.who has read but never responded to ajc-grew up in Cobb, played in college,dad in pro ball. All that to say this- LaRoche leaves much to be desired as a first baseman.Lack of hustle and speed well documented, often out of position as cutoff man,stretches out for throw from fielders before the throw is made contributes to many errors.The last thing the Braves need is another “laid back” starter to reinforce what Andrew and Chipper present. He,like most Braves,strikes out way too often-get rid of Terry P. and find some guys with a little speed who at least look like they enjoy the wonderful game they play and hustle.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Thomas-Davies pitched great for two innings-even hit a HR. He started getting his butt kicked in the third, giving up 3 runs. It could have been much worse, though, Andruw went over the wall to rob Howard of a grand slam. BC took Davies out while he still had the lead. I don’t think he was hurt.

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I know I’m going to get killed for this, but at the risk of everyone thinking I’m out to get Howard, here goes:

Certainly Howard looks like one of the best hitters in the game and I don’t want to take anything away from what he’s doing at all: he should be the MVP. He came to the big leagues during his peak years—his late 20’s—so you would reasonable expect him to be an above average rookie or sophomore. He probably wouldn’t have put up such impressive numbers in his first couple of years had he came up at the age of 22 or 23. That said, it’s still rare for someone to put up these kindof numbers. Also, his homeruns are very impressive, I’m not denying that, but when you put his homeruns in historical perspective you must keep in mind (say it with me) context. He’s still playing in a higher-homer era than maybe some other rookies did when they hit less homers.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

cutty you may have never posted before, but you don’t have to make up for 6 years worth in one evening. That’s all esteemed journalist has for now. pie anyone?

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way, for the record if I’m a Phillies fan I don’t care so much about the historical perspective of Ryan Howard’s season. I just care that he’s the best hitter in the league and he’s helping us win games…I’m not going to boo him.

The only reason I care about the historical perspective of Howard’s season is as a baseball history buff.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 13, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

sicko alert. sda can’t keep up with his identities. that was a two-shoestring gaffe and probably resulted in another soiling. this journalist doesn’t want to let the sda win (a lot of bloggers are leaving) but this journalist doesn’t want to blog with the sda either. oh, well … the bullpen will be wasted before the night is over. oh, the humnaity! pratt has been hit in the toe!

By Thomas

September 13, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

thanks Lew.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

Payne: Quick question, this high homer era, does it over lap the roid era?
In context of that framework, hitting 60 is still incredible, but not too uncommon. However, if the context is, post-roid era, drug free (so they claim) baseball, no cloud of suspecion looming over the player or sport, then what Howard is doing is very impressive. And under that context it hasn’t been accomplished since Marris and Ruth.

But props Payne. Initially you weren’t convinced of the MVP caliber season. But that has since come about.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

ShaunP-I know what you mean about him coming up at a later age. It probably did make adifference. As far as the historical perspective, considering that the all time leader in HR in the first 1,00 AB is Cecil Fielder…..Anyway, the kid deserves the MVP and will probably win it, too. I’m just happy he’s on my fantasy team. Thomas and Ten Paul-you’re welcome.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

There are a lot of factors that help Howard. He’s genetic make up, skill, length of time developing, and desire to break out with a vengence. But coming up at the age of 26 helps all the other teams in his division more than it does him. I say this because, we only have to work around him for 10 years instead of 20. HA!

But seriously, the shallow depth of pitching from the expansion of the leagues also helped. The fact that he is coming up after the roid era when all the roid pitchers are coming back with less power and more meat also helps.

Payne: I don’t know if there is a stat somewhere, but if you could dig it up I’d appreciate it. I’m looking for the average speed of fastballs (sliders, cutters, the whole shabang) on a division, league, season level. I just recall more hard throwers a while back than there are now. There seems to be more guys in the 90-94 range that throw right down the middle. But maybe I just can’t get this seasons Braves pitching staff out of my mind.

What’s the score now?

By Tyler

September 13, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

I can’t help but cringe every time my eyes fall upon the most pitfully conceived ad campaign in recent memory…the M.C. Hammer/Atlanta Brave song medley.

Don’t you think the Braves are getting laughed at enough this year during the game? Do they really need to be humiliated between innings as well? I’m sure the man behind these ads feel he has really added some sort of cool factor to the game, but he is horribly mistaken. I can see him now- a middle aged ad executive wearing parachute pants sitting behind his desk with a chubby…but please stop the suffing for the sake of us all. (and no…vanilla ice wouldn’t have been a better choice!)

By Lew

September 13, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-5-4 in the top of the 8th with one out and a runner on first. OK, two outs. Just read on the Braves’ website that Smoltz is p** about Guy Curtright’s blog yesterday claiming he was old. “As The Braves Turn”- new idea for a soap.

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

Tyler: It’s not as bad as the NLF Replay commercial. That thing is just horrid. I can’t believe anyone in the NFL would agree to lipsincing for that commercial… shudder.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

6-5 Phillies heading into the bottom of the 8th. Two run error for Diaz on a routine fly ball. That’s why he doesn’t get to play full time. We had a 5-0 lead in the second.

By Calvin

September 13, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Hey look, the bullpen blows another lead…stop me if you have heard that before.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Attention all 6:29 post was not me. You can know I will not criticize anyone on this blog. EVER!! I will however seek to understand the motives of Stinky.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

This wasn’t completely the bullpen-Diaz dropped the third out and two unearned runs scored. The Braves have not had a hit since the second inning.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 13, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

So John Smoltz says he is pi$sed off by Curtright’s comment about age creeping up on him—oh well, just give ol’ Smoltz a couple days and he will be back in the news recanting and saying he really didn’t mean what he said about being upset, and that his every word was just taken out of “context”—company man all the way!

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

However, the 6:29 post is mine.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Stinky—now cut that out.

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

First of all, I think anyone who believes the game is clean is naive. There will always be steroids as long as there is something out there no one can detect. No one can detect HGH, even in blood.

Still, this is a high-homer era and I think it’s because of more than just steroids, although they may help. Since 1998, homers have remained pretty consistent and at record levels. I’ve actually heard that it aluminum bats in high school and college could contribute to high homer totals. Hitters can crowd the plate and hit homers the other way with aluminum and then they discovered you could do the same thing with wood.

Anyway, I think we should assume Ryan Howard is clean because we have no reason to suspect him. But because homers are as common as ever before, 60 homers now is not the same as 60 homers in Babe Ruth’s day.

Also, as I said yesterday, homeruns aren’t everything. They are the best offensive weapon, but someone who hits 5 homers in 10 plate appearances and makes 5 outs in the other ones isn’t creating as many runs as someone who hits 5 doubles, 2 homers and walks twice in 10 plate appearances. I know that’s an extreme example, but you get the idea. You can make up for hitting homeruns by doing other things well. Sure if someone hits a lot of homeruns, other players have to do other things extremely well to make up for that production, but it can happen.

That’s my argument against a historic season by Howard. Other players have done other things better and have essentially made up for the homerun difference (they didn’t actually do anything, but you know what I mean). Also other players played in eras where getting on base, getting a double, getting a homer, was harder than it is in 2006. You have to consider that fact, too.

Oh, one thing about “historical perspective” and comparing players from different eras:

It’s pretty obvious that human beings have gotten stronger, have learned how to filter out baseball talent better and have learned how to play the game better. So you can make a very valid argument that whoever the best player is in the most recent major league season is actually the best baseball player of all-time. When I say historical, what I mean basically is the hitters that contributed the most runs to their teams’ total runs scored.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

You know Stinky, it’s really ok, cause if you’re spending time hassling me, then you’re not hassling someone else—and it doesn’t bother me in the least. I really believe you to be quite clever. You have a sense of humor, and your IQ is probably above average.[sorry folks, but this is no dummy]. I think your problems are not intellectual,but rather emotional. There seems to be an inferiority complex or possibly insecurity issues. This is most common in children pitching a crying fit.

By Calvin

September 13, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Aye Lew, I didn’t notice that Diaz dropped the ball, literately. Just a microcosm of the whole season really. 5-0 lead, lose 6-5.

By Matt Yoder

September 13, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

I’m Depressed!@!!!!! ;-(

By Stinky

September 13, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

My mommy didn’t hug me enough. :(

By Shaun Payne

September 13, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

But seriously, the shallow depth of pitching from the expansion of the leagues also helped. The fact that he is coming up after the roid era when all the roid pitchers are coming back with less power and more meat also helps.

Expansion does have a temporary effect on talent (both hitters and pitchers), but it doesn’t stay that way. The outliers perform much higher and lower above or below the mean, but the mean doesn’t change during expansion.

Everything I’ve seen about expansion suggests that things normalize quickly. The last expansion was ‘98, so things should be pretty normal now. There is enough talent, it’s just a matter of it being distributed somewhat evenly. Expansion screws up the distribution of talent, but things eventually go back to “normal.”

And I don’t buy the ‘roid theory. Like I said, HGH is still non-detectable in every way. I would guess the percentage of pitchers using steroids hasn’t changed much. Maybe a little, but probably not enough to significantly increase a homerun total.

By unclepeepot

September 13, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Southern Jackass why you keep running from uncle peepot,you have p** off my nephew,Adam the Gayblade and my cousins the 2 homo boys,why you keep picking on them,they are good guys who may be different from everyone but they are good guys,i am 89 yrs old and if you keep picking on them i am gonna come to America and kick your a$$.Also SJA just want you to know that Journalist jhimmy Smith is the best journalist of all time,stop picking on him too.uncle pee pot ha spoken and my advice to you Southern jackass is to respect your elders,i am one mean dude.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 13, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!!!…

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

It’s ok now- we all noticed you.

By MetsFan

September 13, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

How pathetic are these Braves? A 5-run lead and they can’t even win a game. Why don’t they just forfeit all the rest? Wow…this kind of stink is going to last all the way through 2007.

By JJMB

September 13, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

My god, Francoeur is screwing up! Whitney Houston has just become available!

Seriously, he is screwing up bigtime.

By Carson

September 13, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Cory/journalist jimmy/stinky/unclepeepot/letwan/ is in the house—everyone please acknowledge the esteemed jimmy smith/cory—he craves attention-we see you cory-now go away before you have a nervous breakdow-everyone knows you’re the best thing since sliced bread.

By Beachcomber

September 13, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

I said this in a blog a week ago but it bears repeating,a team that is strong offensively at every position like the Braves should look at least one position where they are very weak defensively and trade some offense for defense at that position. It would seem that Langerhans’ rather weak bat (not enough ABs?) and superior glove might more than balance Diaz’ murderous job in left field. Diaz might bring some help from the AL in the off season.

By JJMB

September 13, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this

Give me a break about Diaz. He got turned around on that one. Sure, it cost them the game, but the damn season is over anyway. I’ve seen him make very good plays in LF. I’ve also seen AJ drop a few.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

Not very good Carson-Stinky. I’ve come to expect better efforts from you. Maybe if you hold your breath—nah, cause then you can’t cry and scream.

By Green Jacket

September 13, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun Payne, You said you were a Phillies fan. You won’t need an understanding of econometrics to see the value of the pitching of the Lakewood Blue Claws of South Atlantic League (low A). They took the first two games on the road in a best of five championship series , giving up 2 runs in 22 innings. The team they beat, the GreenJackets (Giants affilliate), was 92-47 in the regular season and had swept the Rome Braves in the first round. The Phillies will have to have at least a couple of guys from this squad in the bigs in a couple or three years.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Yeah-Whitney is divorcing Bobby Brown. I guess he quit dealing.

By Todd A

September 13, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

That should make Bin Laden happy.

By Carson

September 13, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Richard Cory, or “Dick”, can I call you “Dick”?, Why don’t you scurry on down to McDonalds and apply for a job? Maybe John Rocker can get you on there?

By Lew

September 13, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this

Well, The Twins Liriano got shut down for the rest of the year. He had been out with a strained ligament and heard something pop in his first start in a month. Now you know why everyone is looking for good young pitching. It’s hard to keep them healthy even when you’re lucky enough to find them.

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Very clever Carson-Stinky—you sure got me. Yeah, you ruined my day, by insulting me on a blog. I’m so upset, I don’t know just what I will do. Course MS. Gump said-“sticks and stones” oh well you know the rest. Yeah, you can call me Dick, or whatever you like cause as you know I can’t stop you. On the other hand, what you call me is of no importance either. You are not really relevant. Isn’t it neat—being able to hide here in cyber space??

By SAL

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

Anybody else see the similarities between Kyle Davies and Jorge Sosa? Both have ridiculously huge ERAs and are fortunate to reach the 100 pitch count in a game (of course when this rare feat happens, it is in the 4th or 5th inning). Both also hit HRs for Braves this year. The only difference is Davies is younger.

Good to see Hudson get rocked again tonight. He has been a total bust as a Brave. I hope he is wearing another uniform next spring.

By Bob

September 13, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

1.Chipper Jones’ Injury is not as bad as he is making it out to be he just doesn’t want to play for a team that won’t make the playoffs.

1. John Smoltz is always saying how the young guys need to pay attention to veterans so they can learn from their mistakes. Meanwhile Smoltz has gotten killed in his past three games.

By dadgum

September 13, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Look guys, forget bashing Diaz because he made an error. Forget saying we need defense in LF. Diaz plays adequate defense in LF. No way I give up offense for defense in any outfield position. Besides the outfield is steady for the Braves. Look we blow a 5 run lead it ain’t due to Diaz making an error. It was sorry pitching as well. Total team loss. Oh, we are also losing big in game 2. Gee wonder why.

If Smoltz was p** at Guy’s article that doesn’t surprise me. All these players have egos like you and I. Man, crticism hurts even if it is the truth. The Braves are 100% done for this year. If I was BC I would sit Smoltz. He can prove nothing and the extra time will let him get a head start on the off season. Ditto McCann. I like Smoltz and think he is a great pitcher but the smart move is to give him more rest. He won’t like it nor should he.

By dadgum

September 13, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this

The Braves have been trying to shop Hudson but with that contract who will take him. That is the problem. They better trade Andruw before he is untradeable. He of the .258 average and 13 mil payroll soon to be more. Giles will make more in arbitration etc. so I know the Braves will unload him.

Everyone can talk about tweaking but I see major overhauls baby. The Braves teh last few years have been outpitched when they made the playoffs. Even with what they have coming back next year they project to be outpitched again. We need starters and of course Wick signed. It is going to take major personnel moves. Just get ready and hold on. The more the Braves lose to finish the season the worse it will taste.

By The Grinch

September 13, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

Hey, Y’all…check out the headline on the sports page. Tech has invented the solar-powered outhouse! NOW I’m finally able to grasp what those higher SAT requirements are all about. Didn’t the old timers use to call that “Leaving the door open?”

By Richard Cory

September 13, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Well Stinky— guess I’ll leave the blog for this evening.[my evening shift at McDonald’s starts soon]. Have fun crying and screaming here in your blogworld.BYE-bye

By The Grinch

September 13, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

I just went over to the Tech blog to mention the outhouse, and they’ve got a stinky/SDA of their own, only apparently worse. I wonder if it’s the same guy, and he hangs out on the Thrashers blog, Hawks, etc. It would be like at the end of “Predator” when Ah-nuld finally kills the Predator and finds out it was one of a whole race. D’OH!

By Carson

September 13, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Give it about 15 minutes then notice who shows up now that “Richard Cory” is gone.

By Lew

September 13, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

Grinch-He was on the Bradley Blog earlier, too. Don’t you wish you had that much time on your hands? Bob-Chipper may be getting older and more prone to injury, but your statement is one of the stupidest I’ve seen in a long time. Are you for real?

By Rip

September 13, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Adam LaRoche should win his 1st “GOLD GLOVE” this year. He has saved alot of players from getting errors and made some great plays. No one was better on defense at 1st base in NL. (CUTTY GO HOME TO COACH HARVEY COCHRAN)

By TennesseePaul

September 13, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Payne: Who ever said Homeruns are everything?
Things sure don’t appear normal now. First of all, the Braves should be on top of the division. Secondly, they should be on top of the majors in ERA. And thirdly, the fielding is supposed to be better. What are they doing out there? Sometimes it’s just baffling. I come home, read the results and it’s the most ridiculous outcomes I could dream of. They gotta get back to .500.

I’ll join the drum beat of those calling for a Hudson trade this offseason. Even if they get nothing back, just get him out of here. I think Davies needs more time in the minors. James is ready, Smoltz will be good next year when he’s fully recovered from the aches and pains. (He’ll probably be lights out in his next start, but the rest couldn’t hurt.) With those two and Hampton you can start looking for options in trades or free agency. This offseason will probably be pretty busy. It’s going to be interesting. In the mean time…

GO BRAVES

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 13, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Well, I will warn you now this will be a little long. But, this is what I think must happen this offseason for the Braves to contend next season.

The starting rotation as it stands now can or will include: Hudson, Hampton, Smoltz, Davies, Ramirez, Cormier, and James. I think that two of these guys should be traded. Hudson definitely has to go. Trade him to Boston for some prospects, or Lester, or Wily Mo Pena, or even Matt Clement. The guy has to go. He just can’t get it done here and I think like Renteria is a NL player Hudson may be a AL pitcher. I think Horacio should be the other guy to go. He is too injury prone and he has the chance to establish himself and just hasn’t done it.

Next, the following guys have to be on the trade block: Giles, Renteria, Thorman, Salty/B. Pena, Langerhans, and T. Pena. All of these guys can bring some quality value in return. In particular Giles, Renteria, and Salty/B. Pena. This offense needs a true leadoff hitter and 2B and LF/CF are the positions that player must play. I think Diaz will probably not be resigned. He showed tonight that while his offense is good he is huge liability defensively.

The bullpen has to be restructured. Paronto, Wickman, McBride, Yates, and Villereal should have spots next year. That leaves two spots to fill, which could be filled through the trading some of the players above. Cormier or Davies could even take a spot. I believe that another starter should be sought. Perhaps Ted Lilly through free agency or someone else through trade.

Lastly, Andruw should be traded. Folks, please listen to logic. One of two things will happen next year. Andruw will have a typical “walk” year and tear the cover off the ball driving up his price where the Braves would have no chance of signing him. That hometown discount crap isn’t going to happen. The other thing that could happen is that Andruw has a good year but not great thus making him affordable for the Braves but he will wind up staying hurt because of all the wear and tear and then the Braves will be stuck with a unmovable contract and a guy who is injury proned. Much like everyone says Chipper is now. I say trade Andruw, preferably to an AL team. That way Andruw could play the field but also DH some and that would save on the wear and tear on his body. Plenty of teams would be interested. Now, a couple of NL teams could be options. The Astros and Dodgers I think would be interested. It was reported the Astros are the team the claimed Andruw off waivers. Trading Andruw to the Astros for Willy Tavares and Brandon Backe or Wandy Rodriguez sounds good to me. Maybe even throw in Russ Springer or one of their other relievers. Trading Hudson to the Astros would be an option as well since the Astros will be looking to replace the Rocket, whom I doubt will come back next season. As for the AL teams I think would be interested the list includes: Toronto, Anaheim, Boston, Baltimore, Texas, and Seattle.

Look, I love Andruw and don’t want him gone but this is what is best for the team. Believing Andruw will give another hometown discount is naive at best. Letting him go without getting anything in return would be just stupid. And that is exactly what will happen if he doesn’t get traded. Not to mention if he were traded lets say to Toronto for Wells the Braves would be getting equal value and honestly Wells is a little bit better player. Even if Andruw was traded for prospects, it would free up money to go after a free agent like Soriano, Carlos Lee, or Matt Holiday.

This team needs an overhaul and its needs have to be addressed. Relief pitching, solid starting pitching, and speed is needed and currently not here now. Look at the teams that are in the playoff hunt. They all have that.

Giles, Andruw, Renteria, and Hudson should be centerpieces in any deal with Thorman, T. Pena, Salty/B.Pena, Langerhans, and Horacio as dressing. These deals will be painful but they must be done to make this team better not only next season but in the future. This team has a solid young base with McCann, Francoeur, James, LaRoche, and Prado. They can build around those guys and add that one huge guy (Soriano, Wells, Holiday, or Lee)that would bring it all together.

Get Chipper on a exercise program that will make him more durable next season and get the pitchers on the same program. Get Francoeur in a batting cage and make him understand that taking walks isn’t such a bad thing and that swinging at anything and everything is.

Someone earlier suggested that the coaching staff is old and should be shaken up to relate more to the younger guys. I totally agree. Cox has to stop surrounding himself with the introductory class of the AARP. Get some younger guys in there who will not coddle these boys but get in their arses!

No one can tell me that these moves can’t be made. Really. Do you think that Andruw Jones is going to turn down huge money from the Red Sox, Orioles, or Blue Jays to take what in essence will be pocket change from the Braves. Not to mention the possiblity of playing less in the field thus easing the stress on his knees and still getting to hit isn’t going to be attractive to him. Please. The man has already established himself as one of the best, if not the best, centerfielders to ever play the game. Why is he going to continue crashing into walls? C’mon.

I’ll be honest about Smoltz. I’m not opposed to a sign and trade with Smoltz. Exercise the option and then move him. What do you think the Yankees or Red Sox would give to get him at $8 mil a year? Baseball is a sport but its also a buisness and good buisness people look at the bottom line. The bottom line in sports is winning. If the Packers had a set, they would trade Favre now. Is it the popular thing? No. Is it the thing that will make them better? Yes. Yes, these guys are the faces of the franchise but every franchise goes through changes and the Braves are at that crossroads. They have new faces. Its now time to give them the tools to win.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 13, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Shaun, dude do get some kind of residuals for that book “Baseball by The Numbers” or whatever its called. You have been pushing that book all summer. And you are straight up wrong about about RBI not being an important stat. Runs scored is a very important number but guess what, genius, you can’t score a run unless someone knocks you in. They go hand in hand.

By Proper Perspective

September 14, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

“I’d much rather take a Wild Card and win the World Series than win a division and not win the World Series.”

You might think it was a Marlin who said this, Braves fans, but no — it was Atlanta’s own Brian McCann. He seems to have a much better perspective on how meaningless division titles are than most of his fans.

The 1995 title is the only one that means squat, because a world title followed.

When the Yankees join you in five years as winners of 14 straight, ask their players how much the titles in years they didn’t win it all mean to them. They’re winners who don’t have to fall back on meaningless division titles for their solace. They have enough rings to know different.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

RJIB: Epic post. It was extrodinarily long.
I agree on some of it, but I would like to point out that Roger McDowell and Terry Pendelton aren’t that old. But I could still stand to see Terry move into a majors spot somewhere else. Maybe he’ll be the Nats manager, or the Marlins. Who knows, but a new hitting coach would be great.

I think, in addition to your list of Offensive qualities needed I’d add discipline. Chipper is pretty disciplined as a hitter. He never Ks more than 100 times in a year, draws a lot of walks. McCann’s a good one as well. We get a few more disciplined hitters on this team, then we’d have something. We already have 3 guys with 100+ Ks and we could in the season with 5 or 6.

I do have a question, How much do you think Andruw will command per season, per year? Min and Max, assuming great walk year or horrid walk year.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

manager’s not majors.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this

end not in.
This is ridiculous, I was waay off.

By berigan

September 14, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

Robert(Justice is the Best)Brandon Backe had Tommy John surgery on the 8th, so we are better off with Ramirez. I do agree with most of what you say though. Even with a real closer from April on while we might have gotten in via the W.C., we all know we wouldn’t beat the Mets with this starting pitching(Not that their starters are great, but come on, Tim Hudson in the first or 2nd game of a 5 game series?) And making Andruw play on a bad knee for the past few weeks was stupid for oh so many reasons. Now his numbers will be down, and it might make it harder to trade him. We have plenty of outfielders, lets try to get some HARD throwing young pitchers!!! If the Angels can bare to part with any of their 146 blue chip prospects, that might just be a trade that would make sense for both teams. The Angels would be the team to beat next year.

By berigan

September 14, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

I meant to say the Angels would be the team to beat in the A.L. West next year, not for all of baseball. In some ways, it must be even harder on Angels fans this year. They wouldn’t trade any of their prospects for the help they needed(Mainly offense) and now they will watch the A’s once again get the division, and get knocked out in the first round.

By Head Coach

September 14, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Robert , you need to find another sport. You know very little about baseball. Hudson is a winner and a bargain at 8 million , he has never won less than 11 games in a season in 8 major league Campaigns and you conveniently forget he won 14 games last season in the N.L. The Braves have used ten starting pitchers this season and last season. A playoff caliber baseball team is going to need six quality starters over the course of a 162 game marathon. Smoltz is the biggest and best postseason pitcher in major league history…… do I need to say anything more ? Edgar Renteria is an all-Star caliber SS with two gold gloves , four silver slugger awards and four all-star nominations and your going to replace him with who ??? Chipper is a Braves icon with bad wheels and a huge contract , nothing can be done to improve the situation. Trade Andruw Jones ? He is a 10 and 5 player and cant be traded without his consent and he wants to stay in Atlanta. He will either sign a contract extension or he will be a free agent after 2007 and if he walks the Braves will get two compensation picks. About the only thing you got right was trading Giles , the Braves have a surplus of cheap talented infielders. and yes they have a leadoff hitter , his name is Gregor Blanco and you will see him in spring training. BUSINESS is the correct spelling for the word , have you ever heard of spell check ?

By The Mound and the Fury

September 14, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Head Coach —

John Smoltz and all other postseason pitchers take a back seat to the great Bob Gibson. No one, EVER was a tougher pitcher in big games.

By The Grinch

September 14, 2006 03:17 AM | Link to this

Head Coach, Hudson won 12 games this year but also lost 11 (so far). Yes, he’s had a good career to this point if you factor in what he did in Oakland. He’s been given more, far more than enough time for an uninjured player to “regain” his form, and he hasn’t. He’s a #4 starter at this point, and since all teams need a #4 starter his pitching would be worth retaining for the Braves at about half of what he’s making (especially further down the road). In the old days, we could afford to overpay, but these aren’t the old days. Since he isn’t likely to give us a discount, and he obviously isn’t comf